Rival Claims
Disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni kenshin. I am just borrowing the characters from Watsuki Nobuhiro and Sony, for the pleasure of creating my own fanfiction.
Chapter 1: In the Beginning
The crashing of plates woke Misao up. This was followed by a scream of voices that were arguably fighting over the mess. "Oh, wait till Omasu saw these all up, she will be on the roofs." Misao thought. "What has OKina done this time?"
Rolling on her futon, Misao tries desperately to go back to sleep. But the growing voices arguing in the kitchen is disturbing her concentration. Just then a shrill scream ripped the air.
"OOOKKKINNNAAAA!!!!!!!!!" Omasu yelled. "You are going to get it this time old man! What have you done?"
"Oh great! Omasu had seen the mess. I can't go back to sleep with all the gibbering that they are going to make. Might as well join the fun, ne?" Misao thought.
She sat up and stripped off her sleeping yukata. She changed into her Oni uniform and cleaned up her futon. She trudged down the stairs happily and with a big smile on her face, opened the door to the kitchen.
"Ohayo Gozaimasu minna-san!!!!" Misao yelled, beaming. Then her expression changed as she saw the mess in the kitchen. The plates, which were broken, were scattered all over the kitchen floor. Not to mention the vegetables and the meat that Okon had bought in the market early in the morning.
"My, did a storm passed by? Who did this?" Misao asked.
Okina smiled sheepishly at her and tried to look innocent. Kuro and Shiro were staring daggers at him, since they know that they will be the one to clean up the mess.
"My pretty Misao-chan" Okina beamed. "How are you this morning? Did you sleep well?"
"I am fine Jiya but I don't know about you. What have you done this time? Chase a girl to the kitchen?' Misao countered.
"I am innocent. I swear the cat got in the way and it was the one who made the mess." Okina innocently defended himself.
"Really OKINA!" Omasu fumed. "We don't have a cat around here! And for the years I have lived here, I haven't seen a cat lurking around here. Now tell me, how did you make all these mess?"
"I tell you what he did!" Kiro countered. "He was calmly taking his tea at the table and enjoying the scent of my cooking. But when he heard the giggles of the girls living down the street, he was up and running like a monster tramping everything in his path. I swear he was even worse than that giant Juppon gatana!"
"Well Okina. What have you to say for yourself?" Okon glared at him.
"I am innocent?" Okina said sheepishly. "Uhh- huh..."
Misao could see Okon and Omasu seething that they were literally turning red. But before she could be dragged into the mess, she decided to get away.
"I'll be going now. I'll bring Aoshi-sama his tea. Bye!!!" Misao said as she was slowly sliding to the door to exit. But before she could make it, she was stopped by a remark from Omasu.
"Misao! What are you wearing?"
"Uh.clothes?" She said plainly.
"I see that Misao but I have been telling you for months now that you have to stop wearing those clothes. Misao you are turning 18 next week and you must start wearing a Kimono."
"I don't like wearing a kimono. They are for adults. And besides you have said to me that I should start wearing kimono when I am 18. Guess what! That's still next week and that means I can still wear my uniform." Misao exclaimed triumphantly.
Omasu know that she was at loss and that once again Misao had fought her way out in wearing a kimono. But she know she still hold the upper card. "Ok MIsao .I'll let you go this time, but I am warning you that by next week, you should wear a kimono." Omasu warned.
"Yare, yare. I'll wear it. Don't worry my dear Omasu." But as she turned her back she added, "Yeah right, in your dreams Omasu. No one can make Makimachi Misao wear a kimono. Hehehe" she grinned evilly.
She trudged along the path to the temple happily not that she is going to see Aoshi-sama, but she is just plainly happy these days. Her Oni friends may not believe it but she has long ago given up her romantic illusions about Aoshi. Its not that something bad had made her change her mind, but she just woke up one morning and felt that her romantic illusions have left her in the night.
Right now she just considered Aoshi as her friend and respected leader, though she was still the Okashira of the Oni gang. She considered Aoshi as the strongest among them and the one with the skills to defeat an army. She is just happy to serve Aoshi as she can, and with no romantic illusion attached to it. She wants to help Aoshi with the problem he is carrying but she knows that the one thing that could really help Aoshi a lot is himself.
As she rounded a corner, she can't help to think what had happened the last year. Peace has reigned all over Japan and that everything is settled down. Her thoughts wandered to the Kenshin-gumi in Tokyo. This year, kenshin and Kaoru have become engaged and that Sano is living now in the Kamiya dojo (though not doing his share of work). Megumi has transferred to Dr. Gensai's house because he is ill but she constantly travels back home to Aizu. Saito, the Mibu wolf, has assumed his alias as Goro Fujita and though Misao had hated him, he is in constant contact with the Oniwabanshu.
But most of all in the Aoiya, they are enjoying life as they can be. Omasu and Okon have been content in running the restaurant. Shiro and Kuro are satisfied with the way things are. And Okina, oh okina, still the same old man. Pervert as ever, Misao reflected and laughed to herself. He still chases girls around town thinking as he is the most handsome man in the world. But what about Aoshi-sama? He has been withdrawn ever since he came back from the fortress of Shishio but at least he is talking to them, though not a lot. He talks only when he needs too. But still that's an improvement. Oh well, at least we are all happy .or are we.
As she made the last step to the stairs that led to the temple, she can't help wonder what her future will be. She will be turning 18 next week and then what? Will she take a husband? Will Aoshi mind? She was still pondering these questions when she opened the door of the temple and began searching the rooms for Aoshi.
++++++++=======++++++++
Aoshi has sensed Misao from the time she started the steps up to the temple. He can't help wonder on her puzzled ki. It seems that her mind is occupied.
Well, it's not only her mind who's occupied, Aoshi thought. Lately Aoshi has been plagued with thoughts about Misao. He is starting to see her in a new light. Ever since he came back from the fortress of Shishio, he was withdrawn to everyone especially to Misao. But she kept invading his thoughts and pestering his concentration.
Misao has definitely grown to a beautiful woman, he admits. An ugly duckling into a graceful swan, but still with the sweet sense of innocence and simplicity around her that he loves. She has also improved her ninja skills. Aoshi has definitely noticed Misao to the extent that he does not know how to act when she is around. All the best he can do is to stay the cold and aloof Aoshi.
Aoshi is also aware that Misao harbors no romantic illusions about him anymore. Maybe she has realized that waiting for him may not be such a good idea. Has she grown up?
Next week she is turning 18. Aoshi has something special for her. He bought her a barrette with ocean blue stones that matched her eyes. But one thing is bothering him. Now that she is 18, she is in the age of choosing her husband, her mate for life. Will she start seeing boys and pick a husband? Will she marry within the year? Will she be parading her boyfriends around? WILL HE MIND?
As that big question hit him, the shoji doors opened and Misao walked in.
"Ohayoo Gozaimasu, Aoshi-sama" Misao beamed. "I have brought your tea."
"Thank you Misao. I really appreciate that." Aoshi replied.
As Misao prepared his tea, Aoshi's thoughts wandered back to his question again. Will he mind if Misao has a boyfriend or even marry? Somehow the thought of it triggers an unwanted feeling that hurts inside.
"Here you go Aoshi-sama, enjoy your tea" "Arigato Misao"
Silence invaded the room as Aoshi quietly sipped his tea. But it was Misao who interrupted that.
"I must warn you to stay away from the Aoiya today. Okina has done something bad and Omasu is seething to the roofs. It's not a pretty scene." she chuckled.
Instead of replying, Aoshi simply grunted. Misao was about to speak when Aoshi spoke.
"Next week is your birthday Misao, what shall you intend to do?" "If you ask me, I would just like to settle for a simple party. But you know Okon and Omasu, they wouldn't accept that. They have planned everything, to the extent of inviting the whole Kenshin-gumi for themselves." Misao fumed.
"And what is your plan afterwards?"
Misao was dumbfounded. It s not that Aoshi has just spoken to her more than 2 sentences but he is the type of person that does not ask for her plans.
"What do you mean afterwards?" Misao hesitated. "Your plans for the future? What shall you do once you are 18?" "I don't have a clue. All I know is that I'll still be here at the Aoiya, the Okashira of the Oniwabanshu and as for the rest, I'll leave it all up to Kami-sama." "How about marrying or even trying to find your mate?"
Now Misao is shocked. Aoshi concern for her future husband? Cannot be. right?
*************++++++++++++++++++++*****************
At the edge of town, a man stealthily removed itself from the shadows and into the interior of a dilapidated and abandoned house. He opened the broken doors silently and knelt in front of an imposing figure.
"Okashira, I have found her. She still resides within her brethren."
"Are there hindrances?" the voice said cautiously.
"Her kin may pose encumbrances but its not that we can't handle." The man said proudly.
"We must not be impulsive; we cannot under estimate their strength. Caution is needed. We have to plan this discreetly for failure is not an option."
"Hai, Okashira. I'll watch her for the time being and report any problems."
"Do that and alert the others."
As the figure silently disappeared, the imposing man returned to his tea and starts to assess the situation. Their position is not that good since it has been awhile since the tradition is observed. But since he is now the Okashira, modernization cannot stand in the way of tradition. He is a man of honor, and honor will he upheld.
He smiled. He was surprised of the girl's beauty considering she was a brat the last time he saw her. 'Always hiding behind her Aoshi-sama. But in due time,' he thought, 'Makimachi Misao you will be mine'.
Disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni kenshin. I am just borrowing the characters from Watsuki Nobuhiro and Sony, for the pleasure of creating my own fanfiction.
Chapter 1: In the Beginning
The crashing of plates woke Misao up. This was followed by a scream of voices that were arguably fighting over the mess. "Oh, wait till Omasu saw these all up, she will be on the roofs." Misao thought. "What has OKina done this time?"
Rolling on her futon, Misao tries desperately to go back to sleep. But the growing voices arguing in the kitchen is disturbing her concentration. Just then a shrill scream ripped the air.
"OOOKKKINNNAAAA!!!!!!!!!" Omasu yelled. "You are going to get it this time old man! What have you done?"
"Oh great! Omasu had seen the mess. I can't go back to sleep with all the gibbering that they are going to make. Might as well join the fun, ne?" Misao thought.
She sat up and stripped off her sleeping yukata. She changed into her Oni uniform and cleaned up her futon. She trudged down the stairs happily and with a big smile on her face, opened the door to the kitchen.
"Ohayo Gozaimasu minna-san!!!!" Misao yelled, beaming. Then her expression changed as she saw the mess in the kitchen. The plates, which were broken, were scattered all over the kitchen floor. Not to mention the vegetables and the meat that Okon had bought in the market early in the morning.
"My, did a storm passed by? Who did this?" Misao asked.
Okina smiled sheepishly at her and tried to look innocent. Kuro and Shiro were staring daggers at him, since they know that they will be the one to clean up the mess.
"My pretty Misao-chan" Okina beamed. "How are you this morning? Did you sleep well?"
"I am fine Jiya but I don't know about you. What have you done this time? Chase a girl to the kitchen?' Misao countered.
"I am innocent. I swear the cat got in the way and it was the one who made the mess." Okina innocently defended himself.
"Really OKINA!" Omasu fumed. "We don't have a cat around here! And for the years I have lived here, I haven't seen a cat lurking around here. Now tell me, how did you make all these mess?"
"I tell you what he did!" Kiro countered. "He was calmly taking his tea at the table and enjoying the scent of my cooking. But when he heard the giggles of the girls living down the street, he was up and running like a monster tramping everything in his path. I swear he was even worse than that giant Juppon gatana!"
"Well Okina. What have you to say for yourself?" Okon glared at him.
"I am innocent?" Okina said sheepishly. "Uhh- huh..."
Misao could see Okon and Omasu seething that they were literally turning red. But before she could be dragged into the mess, she decided to get away.
"I'll be going now. I'll bring Aoshi-sama his tea. Bye!!!" Misao said as she was slowly sliding to the door to exit. But before she could make it, she was stopped by a remark from Omasu.
"Misao! What are you wearing?"
"Uh.clothes?" She said plainly.
"I see that Misao but I have been telling you for months now that you have to stop wearing those clothes. Misao you are turning 18 next week and you must start wearing a Kimono."
"I don't like wearing a kimono. They are for adults. And besides you have said to me that I should start wearing kimono when I am 18. Guess what! That's still next week and that means I can still wear my uniform." Misao exclaimed triumphantly.
Omasu know that she was at loss and that once again Misao had fought her way out in wearing a kimono. But she know she still hold the upper card. "Ok MIsao .I'll let you go this time, but I am warning you that by next week, you should wear a kimono." Omasu warned.
"Yare, yare. I'll wear it. Don't worry my dear Omasu." But as she turned her back she added, "Yeah right, in your dreams Omasu. No one can make Makimachi Misao wear a kimono. Hehehe" she grinned evilly.
She trudged along the path to the temple happily not that she is going to see Aoshi-sama, but she is just plainly happy these days. Her Oni friends may not believe it but she has long ago given up her romantic illusions about Aoshi. Its not that something bad had made her change her mind, but she just woke up one morning and felt that her romantic illusions have left her in the night.
Right now she just considered Aoshi as her friend and respected leader, though she was still the Okashira of the Oni gang. She considered Aoshi as the strongest among them and the one with the skills to defeat an army. She is just happy to serve Aoshi as she can, and with no romantic illusion attached to it. She wants to help Aoshi with the problem he is carrying but she knows that the one thing that could really help Aoshi a lot is himself.
As she rounded a corner, she can't help to think what had happened the last year. Peace has reigned all over Japan and that everything is settled down. Her thoughts wandered to the Kenshin-gumi in Tokyo. This year, kenshin and Kaoru have become engaged and that Sano is living now in the Kamiya dojo (though not doing his share of work). Megumi has transferred to Dr. Gensai's house because he is ill but she constantly travels back home to Aizu. Saito, the Mibu wolf, has assumed his alias as Goro Fujita and though Misao had hated him, he is in constant contact with the Oniwabanshu.
But most of all in the Aoiya, they are enjoying life as they can be. Omasu and Okon have been content in running the restaurant. Shiro and Kuro are satisfied with the way things are. And Okina, oh okina, still the same old man. Pervert as ever, Misao reflected and laughed to herself. He still chases girls around town thinking as he is the most handsome man in the world. But what about Aoshi-sama? He has been withdrawn ever since he came back from the fortress of Shishio but at least he is talking to them, though not a lot. He talks only when he needs too. But still that's an improvement. Oh well, at least we are all happy .or are we.
As she made the last step to the stairs that led to the temple, she can't help wonder what her future will be. She will be turning 18 next week and then what? Will she take a husband? Will Aoshi mind? She was still pondering these questions when she opened the door of the temple and began searching the rooms for Aoshi.
++++++++=======++++++++
Aoshi has sensed Misao from the time she started the steps up to the temple. He can't help wonder on her puzzled ki. It seems that her mind is occupied.
Well, it's not only her mind who's occupied, Aoshi thought. Lately Aoshi has been plagued with thoughts about Misao. He is starting to see her in a new light. Ever since he came back from the fortress of Shishio, he was withdrawn to everyone especially to Misao. But she kept invading his thoughts and pestering his concentration.
Misao has definitely grown to a beautiful woman, he admits. An ugly duckling into a graceful swan, but still with the sweet sense of innocence and simplicity around her that he loves. She has also improved her ninja skills. Aoshi has definitely noticed Misao to the extent that he does not know how to act when she is around. All the best he can do is to stay the cold and aloof Aoshi.
Aoshi is also aware that Misao harbors no romantic illusions about him anymore. Maybe she has realized that waiting for him may not be such a good idea. Has she grown up?
Next week she is turning 18. Aoshi has something special for her. He bought her a barrette with ocean blue stones that matched her eyes. But one thing is bothering him. Now that she is 18, she is in the age of choosing her husband, her mate for life. Will she start seeing boys and pick a husband? Will she marry within the year? Will she be parading her boyfriends around? WILL HE MIND?
As that big question hit him, the shoji doors opened and Misao walked in.
"Ohayoo Gozaimasu, Aoshi-sama" Misao beamed. "I have brought your tea."
"Thank you Misao. I really appreciate that." Aoshi replied.
As Misao prepared his tea, Aoshi's thoughts wandered back to his question again. Will he mind if Misao has a boyfriend or even marry? Somehow the thought of it triggers an unwanted feeling that hurts inside.
"Here you go Aoshi-sama, enjoy your tea" "Arigato Misao"
Silence invaded the room as Aoshi quietly sipped his tea. But it was Misao who interrupted that.
"I must warn you to stay away from the Aoiya today. Okina has done something bad and Omasu is seething to the roofs. It's not a pretty scene." she chuckled.
Instead of replying, Aoshi simply grunted. Misao was about to speak when Aoshi spoke.
"Next week is your birthday Misao, what shall you intend to do?" "If you ask me, I would just like to settle for a simple party. But you know Okon and Omasu, they wouldn't accept that. They have planned everything, to the extent of inviting the whole Kenshin-gumi for themselves." Misao fumed.
"And what is your plan afterwards?"
Misao was dumbfounded. It s not that Aoshi has just spoken to her more than 2 sentences but he is the type of person that does not ask for her plans.
"What do you mean afterwards?" Misao hesitated. "Your plans for the future? What shall you do once you are 18?" "I don't have a clue. All I know is that I'll still be here at the Aoiya, the Okashira of the Oniwabanshu and as for the rest, I'll leave it all up to Kami-sama." "How about marrying or even trying to find your mate?"
Now Misao is shocked. Aoshi concern for her future husband? Cannot be. right?
*************++++++++++++++++++++*****************
At the edge of town, a man stealthily removed itself from the shadows and into the interior of a dilapidated and abandoned house. He opened the broken doors silently and knelt in front of an imposing figure.
"Okashira, I have found her. She still resides within her brethren."
"Are there hindrances?" the voice said cautiously.
"Her kin may pose encumbrances but its not that we can't handle." The man said proudly.
"We must not be impulsive; we cannot under estimate their strength. Caution is needed. We have to plan this discreetly for failure is not an option."
"Hai, Okashira. I'll watch her for the time being and report any problems."
"Do that and alert the others."
As the figure silently disappeared, the imposing man returned to his tea and starts to assess the situation. Their position is not that good since it has been awhile since the tradition is observed. But since he is now the Okashira, modernization cannot stand in the way of tradition. He is a man of honor, and honor will he upheld.
He smiled. He was surprised of the girl's beauty considering she was a brat the last time he saw her. 'Always hiding behind her Aoshi-sama. But in due time,' he thought, 'Makimachi Misao you will be mine'.