Chapter 24 Misao's Anger
Kaoru swept the floor of the Akabeko absently, staring at the small calendar that Tae had put in the back for her. March seventh.
'The challenge is tonight…not to mention I have less than a month to find Tsubame…'
Yahiko called to her. "Hey Busu. You realize that you have been sweeping the same spot for like ten minutes straight, don't you? What's wrong with you? You seem to be somewhere else today. All though, that's typical for you, I guess…" He said the last part more to himself.
She snapped her attention to him, lifting the broom menacingly. "What was that Yahiko-CHAN?" She challenged. He set down his knife and grabbed another broom that was near him in the corner, adopting a fighting stance.
He grinned. "So, you wanna fight?"
She fell back in her stance, smirking. "Are you prepared, little boy?" She taunted.
"Come on then!" He countered.
Kaoru didn't need a second invitation as she charged forward with a yell, thrusting her broom at him. Yahiko was ready, parrying with his own broom.
He let out a cry as he attacked. "Behold! My fiercest attack ever! The flying handle!" He shoved his broom handle towards her side, and she easily counteracted his move.
"Oh yeah? Well here's mine! The Dragon's Sweep!" Kaoru made a dramatic sweep at his feet, which he jumped over.
They continued their battle for a bit, laughing noisly at each other's attacks.
"The straw blast!"
"Here's the wooden thunder strike!"
Kenshin stood leaning on the doorframe, laughter bubbling within him. The two were so engaged in their fight that they hadn't noticed him yet.
Kaoru sprang towards Yahiko, yelling, "Kamiya Kasshin Ryu final attack! The dance of a thousand sweeps!" She proceeded to strike Yahiko in all of the spots that she would strike using the Jigoku no Odori, bringing him to his knees in a daze.
"Hey! No fair using your super speed, Busu!"
Kaoru just winked as she brought the broom over one shoulder, her other hand on her hip.
"Don't hate me because I'm your master and you can't beat me still!"
Kenshin couldn't hold it any longer. He burst out laughing, holding his sides as he guffawed. Kaoru and Yahiko looked quickly to him, both turning red.
"How long have you been here, Kenshin?" She asked.
In between his laughter, he answered, "Only the whole time! Hahahaha!"
Kaoru buried her head in her arms for a moment, trying to get over her embarrassment. She watched as Kenshin laughed on and felt her own laughter begin to take hold. The sound was infectious and soon, all three were laughing.
"That was the funniest thing I think I have seen in quite a long time. Thanks for the show." Kenshin wiped tears from his face as Kaoru curtsied.
"We will be here all week, ladies and gentleman."
When their amusement had subsided, Kenshin asked, "So, is my favorite waitress going to seat me, or do I have to do it myself?" He asked, a twinkle in his eyes.
She smiled as she brushed passed him, entering the front. "Of course, sir. Right this way, sir." She said playfully. Kenshin smiled wider has he followed her to his usual spot. Seating himself, he folded his hands, looking at her expectantly.
Kaoru stared at him, eyes narrowing. "Ok. I see teriyaki in your future…"
He nodded and she laughed, saying, "Ok, good, because that was a total guess. White rice or fried?"
"Fried."
She nodded and went to place his order, her steps light and bouncy. She returned bearing his tea and sat across from him. Kenshin took a sip of the hot green liquid before he blinked at her as she continued to stare at him, a small smile in place.
"What? Is there something on my face?" He finally asked.
Her smile broadened as she shook her head. "No. I'm just thinking. Tomorrow is our 'anniversary'. She said. "And I was still wondering what you are going to do for me, that's all."
He nodded in understanding, a sly smile appearing on his face. "I see. Well, I'm still not going to tell you. You'll just have to wait."
She snapped her fingers. "Dang. I thought I would catch you off guard or something." He chuckled lightly, responding, "Me? Off guard? I don't think so…"
She smiled, but it faltered when she saw Misao and Sanosuke come walking up to the table. 'I forgot momentarily about tonight…' She thought as the familiar pang of worry struck her. She pasted on a smile, trying to keep her feelings at bay.
"Hello you guys! Sit down!" She stood, offering them her seat. They smiled and nodded, sitting across from Kenshin.
"Hey you two lovebirds, what's up?" Sanosuke winked at them and Misao spoke.
"Hello."
Kaoru shook her head. "Not much is up today, just getting his highness his food, like usual." She smiled in mischief as she indicated to Kenshin.
The Hitokiri straightened, holding his chin higher. "Why, I'm glad that you finally recognize this, dear."
She patted him on the head heavily, messing up his hair. "Yeah yeah, whatever you say honey." Kenshin feigned an irritated look as he smoothed his red locks back down, but couldn't help the smile that spread across his face.
He turned to Sanosuke and Misao, asking, " What are you two doing here?"
"We just both had the day off today and decided to visit." Misao chirped cheerfully. Kaoru smiled at her, noticing that Misao was trying hard to be happy. "It's always good to see you guys. Thank you. Can I get you something to drink?"
"Tea." They said in unison. Kaoru smiled and nodded, running to grab two more cups. She returned, pouring the hot liquid from the kettle she already had on Kenshin's table.
"I saw Aoshi-sama today." Misao piped up. Kaoru jerked and Sano nearly spit out his tea, immediately locking eyes with Kaoru. Unlike Kenshin and Misao, he knew of Kaoru's predicament.
Kaoru clapped her hands together, smiling as she asked, "Did you now? That's nice! Did you speak?"
Misao shook her head sadly, setting her chin upon her hands, elbows to the table. "I saw him in town. He was sort of far away, so I didn't try to say anything. He looked busy anyways…"
The other three felt a wave of pity wash over them as they stared at her forlorn face. Kaoru racked her brain for ideas on how to cheer Misao, hating to see the young girl be so down. She bit her bottom lip in thought.
"Say, Misao? Have you ever thought of teaching your skills to others?" Kaoru blurted out. The three looked puzzled and Kaoru's face reddened.
"What do you mean?" Misao asked in curiosity.
"I mean, you are very skilled at Kempo and ninja techniques. What about opening your own school?" Kaoru asked.
Misao put her hand to her chin in contemplation. "I never thought of that idea before…" Kaoru leaned in closer to her, her face a bright smile. "Well, I just thought that it was something you could do. You are great with people and you have patience. I mean, that is, unless you have other plans for your future …" Kaoru trailed off.
Misao blinked at her. "Plans?" She asked out loud. 'To tell the truth, I have no idea what I am doing…I am just living one day at a time, now…I have no ambitions, no dreams. Not anymore…'
Misao smiled brilliantly at Kaoru. "That is a great idea! I will have to look into it! I mean, I'm not really doing anything right now…just working to earn my keep, I guess."
Sano patted her on the shoulder. "I could help you look into it. I might have some connections with some people who could help you get started. It will cost money, though. To find a suitable dojo and not to mention any equipment you might need."
Misao nodded eagerly, liking the idea more and more as it began to take root in her mind. "Oh, I know that. I already have all the money I've earned saved. I'll just keep saving!" Kenshin smiled, but it waned when he noticed the far away look on Kaoru's face. Although she looked genuinely happy for the younger girl, he could still see the veiled sadness and longing in her eyes.
'That's her dream, too…' He thought.
His determination steeled further as he reinforced his silent vow to set her free.
'I will do it, Kaoru. Just watch. One day, you and I can build your dream together…'
Kaoru leaned forward, kissing Kenshin as he left the restaurant.
"I'll see you tomorrow, Kao-chan. Don't forget our engagement, now." He winked. She smiled as she called after him. "Don't worry. I have been thinking about this forever now. And besides, it's a date. And I never forget our dates, remember?"
He chuckled as he shook his head. "I can't say that you ever have. Good night."
"Night." She watched him go, her heart sinking slightly as she allowed her hidden anxieties to surface, remembering what she was faced with tonight.
'This is so hard…I want to be able to tell him things like this…I feel so alone in this without his support…' She thought miserably. She shook her head, clearing her mind of those thoughts. "That's not true, Kaoru. You have Megumi and Sano on your side for this one."
She turned to see Tae coming up behind her, a smile in place. "Are you going now?"
Kaoru nodded. "Yeah, I had better get going. Hey! Yahiko! Let's get a move on!" She called over Tae's shoulder.
The boy came bounding around the corner, saying, "Ok, ok! I'm coming! It's not every night that we actually walk home together, you know. Usually you're with Kenshin and I go alone." He drawled with a sly smile.
Kaoru's face reddened. "Ok, brat, move it."
Tae chuckled as Kaoru shooed him out the door. The older woman waved to them as they left, calling, "Be safe! See you tomorrow!" They waved to her and she watched them until they were out of site before turning back into the restaurant.
Yahiko and Kaoru walked in silence. They were walking slower than normal and Yahiko looked at her, as she seemed to be deep in thought.
"Hey. How's your leg?"
He broke the silence and she stared at him a moment. "Oh, it's feeling a lot better. Why?"
Yahiko looked down. 'I don't know if I should pry, but…' "Kaoru? Can I ask you something?" She blinked at him and then nodded.
He continued to stare at his feet as they walked. "Why did Kenshin hurt your leg? And why are you hiding it from him?"
Kaoru's eyes widened, surprise clear on her face. Why was he asking this now? "Uh…well, it's kind of complicated." She finally said.
He sighed. "Look, I know that I'm not an adult, but I'm not stupid. I just worry about you, that's all."
She smiled softly. "Thank you, Yahiko. That means a lot."
He blushed slightly. "Yeah, well, you're the closest thing to family that I have ever known. It's natural, right?" He asked.
She nodded, still smiling. "Ok. I can't explain the whole situation, but I will tell you so you won't worry for me. Kenshin still doesn't know that I am Sakura."
Yahiko looked at her in astonishment. "How can he not? He is the Hitokiri Battosai! He is so tuned to things it's scary."
Kaoru laughed a bit. "I think love changes people…" She said softly, more so to herself.
She then felt the common disgust well up in her as she thought about the lies and secrets she had to keep from Kenshin. "He didn't know it was me. And I just can't tell him who I am. Not yet. So please, remember to keep it secret." She looked at him, their eyes locking.
He nodded. "Ok. I will, Kaoru. But just know that he will figure it out eventually." She felt a shock go through her at the truth in his statement.
"I know." She said in a small voice. "But I want to be the one to tell him, when the time is right."
He nodded, falling back into silence as they reached the mansion doors. Yahiko opened one and stopped to look at Kaoru. She was staring at her feet. "Are you coming?" He asked. She flinched a bit and it unnerved him. He was unused to seeing the vulnerable sides of his otherwise strong instructor.
"Yes." She answered in a monotone voice. She brushed passed him, looking up momentarily to lock eyes with Kanryu, who was standing at the top of the stairs.
"I trust you are ready, my pet?" He asked.
Kaoru cringed. His voice never failed to irritate her every time she heard it.
She looked down, answering quickly. "I will be."
And she made her way down the stairs, Yahiko following closely behind.
"What does he mean, Kaoru?" He asked. She stopped as she found Megumi sitting on her cot, her ninja outfit and sword on her lap.
Yahiko stared at Megumi, understanding lighting his features. "You have a mission tonight? I didn't know that…"
Kaoru shook her head as she went to her sister, grabbing her clothes form her. "No. It's not a mission. It's a challenge."
Yahiko's eyes widened. "You haven't had one of those in a while. Who's it from?"
Kaoru looked at Megumi, who had a concerned look on her face. "It's from someone who I have no desire to fight." She stated.
Yahiko left it alone at that, the finality in her voice telling him he had asked enough.
"Turn around please, boys." She called out. Everyone else in the room jolted a bit as her command echoed through the cold basement. Ginta, Yahiko and Yutaro complied, not arguing with her tone. Kaoru quickly stripped, staring a moment at her leg.
Yumi stepped forward hesitantly, asking, "Are you sure about this, Kaoru-chan? I mean, your leg…"
Kaoru looked up at the plum haired girl, smiling. "Don't worry, Yumi-san. It doesn't hurt anymore. It's nearly healed."
Yumi just nodded as Kasumi spoke up. "Is there anything we can do for you?" She asked kindly.
Kaoru shook her head. "No, I don't think so. But thank you…" She trailed off as she put her mask on. She proceeded to smear the black cream around her eyes. When done, she grabbed her katana and put it at its place by her waist.
"Can we turn around now?" Yutaro called out timidly.
Kaoru laughed a bit. "Sorry, you guys, yes, I am done now." The three turned around, staring at Kaoru in her full Hitokiri clothes. She turned and headed to the base of the stairs, stopping when she had one foot on the first stair.
She looked forward a moment, then turned her face to the others. "Thank you all for your support. Don't worry for me. Whatever is supposed to happen will." She leapt fluidly up the stairs, leaving them behind.
Kaoru felt her nervousness slam into her full force now. She didn't have a plan. She had wracked her brain for an idea, but not one had come. All she knew was that she didn't want either one of them to die.
But would Aoshi listen to what she had to say? Most likely not.
She slid open the door to the courtyard. Kanryu and Sojiro were already there. She grimaced when she saw them. 'I really hate those two.' She thought off handedly.
She looked around at the otherwise empty courtyard. The sky was clouded over, blocking any light that the stars might have had to offer. There were torches lining the courtyard, providing enough light for them to see.
Kaoru stood silent for a while, the only sound being the rustling of the leaves in the wind as it danced through the yard, the iciness chilling her ears and nose. Her foot tapped as she felt her impatience grow and put her hands on her hips. "Where is this guy? He told me nine pm, and here it is one minute after already." She said in annoyance.
Out of nowhere, a kodachi came thrusting at her head. She barely had time to dodge it as she leapt quickly to her right. It flashed in the torchlight as it sped by her, embedding itself in the tree trunk not far behind her with a thunk.
She called out, "Not very gentlemanly of you to throw knives at women." She taunted into the air. Her eyes flitted to and fro, looking for him.
Aoshi appeared out of the shadows at the top of the courtyard wall, leaping to the stone floor. He landed gracefully, walking slowly towards her. Her heart began to beat faster, but she squelched her panic quickly, knowing it would hinder her if she didn't. She took in his form, noting the other kodachi on his back.
"So, you are Shinomori Aoshi."
The man nodded, never breaking his stride. When he was about ten feet away, he stopped to stare at her. He drew his other sword, and the familiar slide of steel reaching Kaoru's ears.
"Hitokiri Sakura." He stated as he pointed his blade in her direction.
She smirked. "You waste no time do you?" She fell into a stance, sliding her own blade from its sheath. "Don't you want your other kodachi?" She said a little sarcastically.
Her eyes began to change. She didn't need to see her reflection to know it. She could feel the transformation take over her completely.
Aoshi's dark eyes glinted in the firelight. His reply was cold. "I have no need of it."
He struck so fast that Kaoru didn't even see him move. But she countered easily.
He leapt passed her, skidding to a stop. "You are more skilled than I knew." He said in a monotone voice.
"I have fought the Hitokiri Battosai three times and survived. Your speed is nothing compared to his." She bit out as she stared close at his eyes. A glimmer of anger flashed in them, but was gone as quickly as it came.
She glared, smirking. "Did I hit a nerve?"
Aoshi wasted no time in attacking again. Kaoru dodged as he thrust towards her again and again.
'Right thrust, left thrust, right thrust, upper swing…' Her mind was rapidly predicting his motions. She flipped away from him only to cry out as she attacked him in return. He flipped over her head, bringing his blade crashing down towards her. She held her own katana up, blocking as sparks flew at the contact.
"Why don't you just use the Jigoku no Odori and be done with it?' Kanryu called out, his irritating voice echoing across the yard.
Kaoru grit her teeth in annoyance as she dodged Aoshi's blade and thrust back at him. "Why don't you shut up and stay out of this." She barked as her blade made contact with Aoshi's. Their faces came close together, Kaoru's in a grimace and his showing no visible feeling.
She pushed back from him with a heave, saying, "You know, I am really tired of fighting men who have problems showing their emotions." Aoshi still didn't respond as he fell back into a fighting stance.
Kaoru pointed her sword at him. "What's wrong? Getting tired already? You look a little winded." She tried to taunt him. He brought his arm behind him, as if he was going to fling his kodachi.
"What's with you and throwing your swords away? Don't you need them to fight me?" She asked with sarcasm.
He seemed unfazed as he threw it anyway and it headed straight for her. She smirked as she leapt out of the way with ease. However, her eyes widened as he followed it, his speed matching his weapons. He caught it and then proceeded to pull his second kodachi from the tree it was imbedded in.
Kaoru shook her head. "So you were trying to get me out of the way so you could retrieve your other sword, huh? You could of just asked for it back." She raised her katana and flew at him. Aoshi brought both swords up so they formed an 'X' as he blocked, sliding them forcefully apart to deflect her blade.
It was a powerful maneuver that would have knocked her down, but she regained her footing as she flipped backwards and away from him. He came at her full force, swinging both blades with ease. Now Kaoru was working double time to deflect his attacks.
'Left, left, right, under, left, over…' The moves fired off quickly in her mind as her body moved automatically to repel his blows. "Why are you doing this?" She ground out. He continued his onslaught, not responding.
"I didn't kill the Oniwabanshuu, Aoshi!" She yelled out as he continued to strike over and over. His eyes narrowed. She saw it and thought, 'I need to get him away from here…so I can try talking to him.'
Kaoru flipped away from him, stopping his attacks, and leapt to the outer wall of the courtyard, yelling, "If you want to continue this, you'll have to catch me first!" She leapt to the roof and took off. He jumped up after her and she was a bit surprised by how quickly he caught up with her.
"You are running away?" He said behind her.
"Not from you." She threw back over her shoulder.
'Where do I go? Hmmm... The lake…' The thought came to her instantly. Aoshi tried to engage her in battle again, but she responded by leaping away.
Sprinting off through the large expanse of land that made up the courtyard, she called to him. "I won't fight again until we are away from here." She sped along the trail, Aoshi easily keeping up with her. When they reached the town, she leapt onto the rooftops, moving quickly and quietly from one to the next.
Finally, she spotted the lake and sighed in relief. "There. That's where we will continue." She jumped down and took off towards the water, skidding to a halt and turning just in time to parry Aoshi's next blow. She cried out as she returned it, bringing her katana crashing towards his chest.
When he blocked it, she yelled, "We really need to just talk about this!"
He grunted but didn't reply as he drove his kodachis at her simultaneously. She quickly brought her sword under them and pushed up with strength, knocking them away from her.
"I'm serious, you idiot! Why is it that people can't just speak about what's bothering them, huh?" She was getting fed up with him. "You stupid men, always just rushing into these fights, trying to be all noble! Well, I'm sick of it!"
She drove her sword towards him with all of her might. He dodged, but just barely. The result was a very thin slice on his right shoulder.
His eyes narrowed as he spoke. "I have a very good reason to be doing this, Sakura." He said, a trace amount of anger in his voice.
She snorted. "Oh, I'm sure. That's what they all say. And you know what happens to all of the men who fight me with that attitude? They die."
He smiled, no humor in his eyes. "If that is to be my fate, then so be it."
Misao walked along the lake edge alone, lost in her thoughts.
"I'm so glad I have Kaoru and everyone else. They are so good to me." She smiled as she voiced her feelings allowed. Her attention was directed to the people ahead of her. It was dark, so she couldn't really make them out.
Only a few torches were lit along the path that followed the lake edge, most already extinguished.
It sounded like whoever they were, they were fighting.
She continued until she could make them out. Her eyes widened. She hid behind a nearby tree as she watched the scene in front of her with horror. "What are they doing?"
Kaoru took a step forward as she spat, "Screw your fate! Is that what you think about? Yourself?"
Aoshi was beginning to falter, his otherwise cold demeanor disappearing quickly. Misao's eyes widened. 'He looks very angry…'
The young man stepped forward, clenching his fists. "Myself? What exactly do you mean by that?"
Kaoru took another step to him. "I happen to know someone who cares very deeply for you! And you have no regard for her, or anyone else, only yourself and your 'fate'." She emphasized the last word with disgust.
Aoshi stood wide-eyed as she continued. "Well, what about her fate? It's intertwined with yours. And you don't seem to give a damn!"
His eyes narrowed. "I don't know what you are talking about, but I have heard enough! Now, you will die so that the Oniwabanshu can be avenged, Sakura!" He cried out as he brought his kodachi slamming into her katana, pushing her back forcefully.
Misao dug her fingers into the tree bark, biting her lip to keep from crying out. 'What? He thinks that Kaoru killed them?"
It was all Kaoru could do to fend him off. He was angry, and it seemed that his power had grown tenfold.
Her brow began to perspire as she thrust left and right, parrying him. "I know you know what I am talking about! You know it's Misao that I speak of, don't play dumb!"
Misao's breath hitched as she watched.
Aoshi gained a pained look, mixed with his anger. "You shouldn't get involved in matters that you know nothing about! It doesn't concern you!" He yelled as he continued to attack.
Kaoru let out a frustrated grunt. "Then maybe you should concern YOURSELF with them! And just for the record, I didn't kill your friends! It was Kanryu, with his gattling gun! Maybe you should go kill him! You would do us all a favor if you did!" She yelled.
She observed his eyes. His resolve was faltering, she could tell. But so was her energy supply. It was all she could do to block him now, and her stamina was fast fading. She began to panic when he didn't let up. 'He's going to kill you, and you're going to allow it because your damned stamina is failing!' She thought frantically.
She backed up and stopped in her tracks. His kodachi was to her throat, her back to the sakura tree. Aoshi held a glimmer of regret in his eyes, but that did not stop him from raising his sword to deliver the final blow. She shut her eyes, waiting for it. But he hesitated.
'He is NOT going to get the best of you! You can't die here! You have loved ones who are counting on you, Kaoru!'
Although his hesitation was but for a moment, it was enough. She threw a kick to his knee, using her Kempo skills. He grunted in pain as she knocked his sword away with lightning speed, rounding behind him, bringing her sword across his throat. It touched flesh and she stopped, holding it there. He was stiff, eyes shut.
Kaoru paused and he opened his eyes. "Do it, Sakura. If you do not, I will come after you again and again until you or your loved ones are dead."
The Hitokiri's eyes narrowed as her temper flared. Her eyes glowed green as her anger pulsed from her. "It's one thing to threaten my life. But the lives of my loved ones are a completely different story! If you will not listen to reason, then I guess I will have to explain things with my sword!" She moved her arm, ready to slice his throat wide open.
"NO! Stop it Kaoru!"
Kaoru's blade was stilled at the last moment. Both she and Aoshi snapped their attention to Misao, who stepped out from behind a tree, a pained expression upon her face. She was crying, her tears running freely down her cheeks. Kaoru immediately felt a jolt of panic and guilt as her eyes began to return to their original blue hue.
"Misao…" Kaoru was surprised to hear Aoshi speak, his tone soft with wonder. Kaoru took her blade away, sheathing it.
She stood and looked at the sixteen-year-old, shame written on her features. "Misao, I…" Kaoru began.
The ninja clenched her fists, glaring from one to the other. "I don't know what is going on here, but I want it to stop! I won't see anyone else who is dear to me die!" Those words pierced both Kaoru and Aoshi, their eyes widening.
Misao was crying full force now as she faced her childhood friend. "Aoshi. I know you have your reasons for doing things, but do me a favor and don't let me watch you get killed. I already had to see all of those whom I loved die. I don't want you, or Kaoru, to end up like that."
Aoshi opened his mouth to speak but snapped it shut as Misao cut him off. "I'm not done yet! I have been waiting for you for six years! Six years! And instead of a friendly greeting, all I received was a cold shoulder!"
Kaoru watched in fascination as Misao let him have it, allowing all of her pain and sadness to pour from her.
"I have always known you to be a little selfish. Cocky, to say the least. But since when were you stupid?" He blinked at her, clearly taken aback by her tirade.
"Don't you listen to anything anybody says? She told you she didn't kill them! I know she didn't kill them! She is my trusted friend!"
She was sobbing harder now as Aoshi stood. He towered over her, but she didn't back down, staring defiantly up at him.
He had quiet sadness in his eyes as he spoke, his voice low and soft. "I have been so alone, Misao. With out them…I have done nothing but train for this moment for the past year…trying to seek revenge for the Oniwabanshuu…"
Misao clenched her fists as she bit out, "You think that YOU have been alone? You? Do you have any idea what I had to go through to get here to Kyoto! To look for you!" Kaoru felt her tears well up, trying to choke down her emotions as she watched her friend's misery manifest itself fully. "You aren't the only one who suffered when they died, you know! Kaoru was very close to Hannya, and she grieved as well! And how do you think I felt when I came here and found out that they had been dead a year?" Aoshi's eyes widened further.
"I came here for you, Aoshi! You were my hero! My family…my only family left…" She said with great difficulty.
He hesitantly reached out for her, but she knocked his hand away. "And when I do find you, you tell me to go home! Well, where is that! I don't have one to go back to! And if it's not here with you…then where is it?" She cried, barely able to speak at this point due to the sobs wracking her.
Aoshi stood hesitant for a moment, watching the girl grit her teeth, eyes shut as tears burned their way down her face. Finally, dropping his kodachi, he reached both arms forward, crushing her to him. Misao fought at first, trying to struggle from him, her emotions getting the best of her. When he wouldn't let go, she leaned into him, letting her tears take over.
"I'm sorry, Misao. I didn't know I had caused you so much pain…" He glanced at Kaoru, who stood there silent. He didn't need to say anything. She understood the silent message he conveyed in his eyes.
The man was clearly regretful of his actions, utter defeat hanging about his features. And she accepted it.
She backed away from the two, turning to jump to the roofs, knowing that they would need time alone. She turned and gave them one last look before she took off for the mansion.
"I'm glad that I didn't have to kill him…" She said as she ran, a smile spreading across her face. "Maybe now Misao can be happy…"