Disclaimer: RK ain't mine. But this story is.
Don't hold your breath waiting for next chapter. Well, it is half done so it won't take long time to finish it,
but the fourth chapter... That'll take a long time.
You have been warned.
Chapter 2. Reason to live and to leave
The sun rose slowly over the horizon and the dew glimmered in the light. The air was cool and silence filled
the air. The village of Suzu was quiet. No one was up yet, except one girl. Misao sat on a pillow on grass
and meditated. People, who knew Misao from before, would have laughed at the idea. Misao, that girl with
sparkling blue eyes always up to something, didn't have patience for something like meditating. The mere
thought was ridiculous! She would fidget for some time and then give up. She was a lively person who just
couldn't merely sit down.
That had indeed been true before, but the person Misao was now was very different from that girl. So many
things had changed. She had been forced to go through so many events that she had had to change to be able
to cope with everything that had happened to her. So that she could still go on living.
Misao opened her eyes. She missed those simple days in the past. She had always been sheltered from the evil
in the world, she had been able to live carefree for so long. So innocent, so very innocent. She had thought
that she understood the hardships people like Aoshi had had to go through, but she had been wrong. Everyone
had known this, but had done nothing to make her truly understand. They had allowed her to live in her dream
world that not even the fight against Juppongatana and Shishio had been able to break.
It had finally broken with her eyes. Sometimes...
Sometimes she pitied herself.
Sometimes she burned with anger towards Shimabara.
Sometimes she was frustrated.
Sometimes... she was just empty.
Nothing left, everything stolen from her. Alone in this world.
But no matter how much Misao had changed, some things had not changed. She was alive and she would stay
alive. Will to live burned inside of her and she knew her own worth. Now better than ever. She may have been
blinded but she was strong, stronger than ever before. The senses she had left were now her messengers, they
told her everything she had to know about the world. Little by little she had learned to accept the loss of
her eyes. There were still times when she hoped she could have them back, but she would no longer allow it
to make her angry.
She had not given up and she never would. She was a fighter, a ninja, and she would fight till the end of
her days!
After half an hour Misao rose. A new day had arrived and she was alive to greet it.
She took her pillow and walked towards her small house, not a home just a house. No matter how cosy the
place was, Misao just could not feel at home there, if anywhere anymore. But she didn't allow herself to
feel down, she sure had done so too many times and too long times in the past. Yoko had been so bored
watching her mope all around her place that she had kicked her ass couple of times to get her fighting
spirit up.
She had had luck. Meeting Yoko was one of the best things ever happened to her. She had been miserable and
so had been Keita. He had not helped Misao when her eyes were ruined and he thought himself worthless
because of it.
They had run into Yoko, Ishimaru Yoko, in some village which name Misao never heard. She had no idea of
exactly what had been going on Yoko's brains when she had sat in their table and started talking, but
the results were excellent. Yoko had a spirit of fire, and patience of a monk. Well... maybe not.
She was an orphan, her parents and her older brother had died in a fire when she had been 6 years old. The
couple that had took care of her, had taught her to fight. They hadn't children of their own, so Yoko came
one for them. Unlike Misao's, Yoko's training had been finished. When she had seen Misao walk in, she had
immediately seen the potential in her. The fact that Misao was blind didn't bother her. She knew that Misao
could become strong. What she didn't know was that Misao could also teach things to her.
So she rudely sat into the table of the strangers, ignoring Keita. He was of no importance to her. The woman
was the one she was interested in. After a long talk, she somehow managed to persuade the woman into
following her. She had been a pitiful sight, her spirit was down and badly depressed. All because of
losing her eyes. Sure it must have been painful, but hey! Life goes on!
Keita had refused to allow Misao to follow Yoko alone, so he left with them. Yoko took them to her home, a
small house far away from the village, it took them two days to get there. Keita had complained about
everything all the time during the walk, Misao and Yoko had been quiet. When they arrived, Keita started to
complain all over again.
"The house is too small!"
"It is too dirty!"
"There is no food!"
"There is no water!"
"Everything is old!"
At that point Yoko's patience ended and she ended his complains with one kick, to his groins. His complains
ended there and then. And Misao smiled for the first time after losing her eyes. Even in pain, Keita noticed
this and it made him happy. Shimabara had not succeeded in killing this woman. She indeed was strong. Some
of the burden that Keita carried disappeared.
That night Misao and Yoko had talked for a long time. Misao told her what had happened to her as she cleaned
her eyes, which had started to suppurate under the bandage. They were far from well. In the end it took over
two months before her eyes were completely healed. Yoko had some knowledge about medicines and wounds and so
she was the one to take care of Misao. Keita started to feel more and more like an outsider and in the end he
moved to the village. He still visited them once or twice a week bringing them food and other necessities.
Living with Yoko really raised Misao's spirit. Keita had been almost as depressed as she and so being around
someone more cheery helped Misao to understand that her live had not ended with her eyes. After Misao had
recovered somewhat, Yoko started to retrain her. It was hard, for both of them. But in the end they were
both happy.
Misao had learned to read ki, to rely on her hearing and her memory. And more importantly, she had learned
her own worth. Some of her spirit had been restored. She would never again be as cheery as she had been
before, but she had found stability between her old and her new self. She still wasn't sure exactly who she
was, but that was not for Yoko to teach, it was for her to find out on her on.
Yoko had learned something important too, besides new moves and techniques, she had learned about feelings.
Misao's suffering, her stories about people like Battousai/Kenshin, Kaoru, Yahiko and others had taught her
about struggles some people had to go through to find happiness.
Keita also taught Yoko something. Misao noticed how close those two became over time and it was no surprise
to her. Keita was a man of strong feelings and Yoko was a woman of strong spirit. They were different, but
still they were fit for each other.
That was a painful reminder of Aoshi. The person Misao missed the most. Her childish thoughts were gone,
but her love refused to leave with them. She truly loved him, but she didn't want to see him or others. It
would be painful, way too painful. Not only for her, but for them also. So she would not return there. After
lots of thinking Misao decided to just leave. Yoko was sad, they had became good friends during the four
years Misao had stayed with her. Keita was sad also, he did offer Misao that he could leave with her, but
Misao refused his offer. She would not take him away from Yoko.
As a parting gift Yoko gave Misao a wooden walking cane she had made herself, a bottle full of ointment for
her eyes and weapons. A pair of steel fans Misao had trained with and a pair of short swords.
Keita gave her food, some cloths and money.
So after four hard year Misao left her only friends to find out who she was and where her home was.
She sun shone on her face and the road was long. The day was warm and she felt hopeful. Maybe, just maybe
the future would be brighter than the past or the present. Maybe...
"MEI-SAN!"
The voice woke Misao from her reminiscence and she automatically searched for ki. It was familiar and Misao relaxed.
"Himiko-san. You're up early."
The woman run to Misao bubbling with joy and cheerfulness. She breathing heavily as she arrived. After
gathering enough air she spoke.
"A postman woke me up. How can they have the energy to deliver post to people at this early hours. Anyway,
I just received a letter from my sister who lives in Kyoto. I have told to you about her, right? She had her
first child just few days ago and she wants me to go to a visit. A proud mother always wants to show their
little ones. I didn't want to wake up my husband at this hour, so I came to you. I guessed you'd be up already.
I just had to tell to someone! You see, my sister has been married for four years already and this is her first
one! And I have already two and third is probably coming." Himiko stopped to get some air, but the happy smile
never faded.
Few things had gotten Misao's attention. First was the word Kyoto, next was four years and the last one was
'and third is probably coming'. With a teasing voice Misao asked if Himiko's husband knew about the third
one yet.
Himiko turned red. "No, he doesn't. No one does! Except for you now. You must not tell them! I want to tell
myself when I am sure!"
"I wouldn't dream of telling anyone about it against your wishes. Would you like to come in?" Misao pointed
at the door. "I was just about to make some tea."
"Mmm..Tea. Who could refuse? Show me in." Himiko smiled, she had never been at Misao's home and she was
quite curious as to what it was like inside.
Misao just nodded and showed her inside. In the middle of the room there was a small fireplace and next to
it was small table, on it was black kettle and tea ingredients. The fire had already almost burned out, but
the live coals were still hot. Misao moved around her small house without hesitation, she knew what was
where. The kettle was full of water and Misao placed it over the dying fire all the time watching out for
her sleeves. Then she got two cup from her small closet.
Himiko looked around the place and noted how there was nothing unnecessary. The only light came from the
fireplace, every window was shut. *Of course. To her it doesn't matter if here is dark, every place is a
dark place for her.*
"You can open a window if you want to. It must be kind of dark here." Misao spoke absent mindedly.
*It was like Mei could have read my mind!* Himiko thought as she rose to open one window and allowed light
to enter the house it rarely entered. Then she returned to the table. Misao had already returned there and
was now taking the kettle making sure she didn't touch it with bare hands.
She lifted it to the table. Then she took two little cup-like strainers, placed another one over one of the
cups, filled it with tea ingredients and poured hot water through the strainer. She did the same with the
another cup and Himiko couldn't but wonder how she knew where the cup was, when it was full. For a while
she left the strainers into the cups, then she removed them and emptied them into a small cup. Then she
handed another cup for Himiko, who was speechless. No matter how many times she saw Misao doing things like
this, she never understood just how she did it. She could not see, so how did she know where each cup was.
It went beyond her understanding.
"So you're going to Kyoto to visit your sister?" Misao's voice startled Himiko before she remembered why she
was here.
"Yes, I mean I am her only relative. Our parents are dead and she has no other siblings. What about you
Mei-san?"
"Huh?"
"What kind of family do you have?"
Himiko could not know how her question hurt Misao. She was quiet. *I don't want to lie anymore, but...*
Himiko was just about to ask if something was wrong when Misao spoke.
"I was the first child and very young when my parents died. I can't even remember them. I don't have sisters
or brothers. My grandfather took care of me until he died when I was five. After that my grandfathers
friends looked after me. He and his friends. And I can tell you that he has many friends, young and old. He
and his friends formed a little groups where everyone took care of each others. They were like a family.
Only one I have ever known. I love each and everyone of them. You know, they also live in Kyoto." Misao
smiled, she could feel Himiko's sadness in her ki.
"Don't worry, Himiko-san. I had a very happy childhood with these people. The friend of my grandfather is
now my grandfather and I have many sisters and brothers. So don't worry." Misao smiled, hoping to erase
Himiko's worry.
"Well then you must be anxious to create a family of your own, Mei-san." Himiko smiled sipping her tea.
"What?" Would Misao had eyes she certainly would have blinked. *Was that it? Was that the reason behind my
hurry to get Aoshi? Did I want to have a family?*
"So have you found a suitable man yet, my dear friend?" Himiko had a wicked look.
Without another thought Misao answered. "Not really--"
"Then you just must come to Kyoto with me! There should be enough people for you to find the love of your
life! And you could meet this 'family' of yours too! This is perfect! Now I have someone I can talk to
during the journey!" Himiko's excitement shone in her eyes.
Misao was in shock. Himiko wanted her to go to Kyoto? *No way! I am not ready yet! ...If ever.*
"Himiko-san. I don't want to leave. Travelling is hard for me." *And facing my past even harder* she added in
her thoughts.
"No, no, no! You won't just stay here! You'll come! I just decided so. How long has it been since you went
to see your family last time? Way too long if you ask me! No buts! We'll leave, let's see, now is Tuesday
so...Let's say Friday that way we'll be in Kyoto either Sunday or Monday! Yes, that way you have time to get
everything done." Himiko rose to her feet and drunk the rest of her tea in one gulp.
"Thanks for the tea! Bye! Let's see at work!"
And before Misao could say a word, Himiko had already disappeared.
*She sure wasn't in a hurry to leave. Now what will I do? How can I make her understand that I don't want to
leave?*
******
During the next days Misao did everything to change Himiko's mind. She came up with all kind of excuses,
and the more desperate she became, more exotic were her reasons for staying.
Nothing worked and Friday morning Misao found herself in a carriage going to Kyoto. *How did I allow this to
happen?*
But it was too late now, the carriage was already moving. Slowly but surely Makimachi Misao was heading
towards Kyoto, against her will.
Himiko talked all the time. Her husband was sound asleep, her children next to him, so only person to talk
to was Misao, who only wished to be back in her nice little house. Isolated from the world outside.
"Hey, cheer up! It is going to be fun."
Misao just sighed, knowing it would be anything but fun. *Yeah, right.*
"I am sure you didn't send any message to your family?"
Misao shook her head. She was miserable.
"Well, no worry! I know this inn in Kyoto. People are nice and rent is cheap. It's called Aoiya. Ever heard
of it? Well I already sent them a message that you're coming. Don't worry about the money, my husband
promised to pay for the room."
Misao was close to a heart attack. *Aoiya?! Of all inns in Kyoto she just had to choose Aoiya? The one place
I wanted to avoid... This 'vacation' will be hellish, I just know it!*
"Mei-san? Are you all right? You look a bit unwell."
*Unwell? Oh, really. I wouldn't have guessed...* Out aloud she just said she was fine. Himiko seemed to
doubt her words but said nothing.
***
The rest of the journey was the same. Himiko talked, Misao listened trying to forget where she was going.
Unfortunately Kyoto was the only thing in Himiko's mind. That and children.
It took them two days to reach Otsu. Himiko would have wanted to continue to Kyoto, but the carriage rider
said that the horses were too tired, so they slept there.
*We're almost there.* that thought was enough to make sure that Misao couldn't sleep at night.
The next day was Sunday and after having a delicious breakfast in the inn in Otsu Misao suggested that
Himiko and others should look around a bit. Himiko was a bit hesitant but agreed. So they didn't leave
for Kyoto immediately and that gave Misao some time to prepare herself. During the time others were
looking around Otsu, Misao meditated.
Her little 'trick' bought her very little time. After having dinner Himiko wanted to leave and Misao
knew that nothing could stop her and so she followed her to the carriage and stepped in.
They journeyed a bit faster than before and reached the outer parts of Kyoto in no time.
Misao sat stiff in her seat and listened to the voices of people talking and felt a bit sick.
She had arrived in Kyoto.
End of chapter 2.
TBC
~Tiian~
Don't hold your breath waiting for next chapter. Well, it is half done so it won't take long time to finish it,
but the fourth chapter... That'll take a long time.
You have been warned.
Chapter 2. Reason to live and to leave
The sun rose slowly over the horizon and the dew glimmered in the light. The air was cool and silence filled
the air. The village of Suzu was quiet. No one was up yet, except one girl. Misao sat on a pillow on grass
and meditated. People, who knew Misao from before, would have laughed at the idea. Misao, that girl with
sparkling blue eyes always up to something, didn't have patience for something like meditating. The mere
thought was ridiculous! She would fidget for some time and then give up. She was a lively person who just
couldn't merely sit down.
That had indeed been true before, but the person Misao was now was very different from that girl. So many
things had changed. She had been forced to go through so many events that she had had to change to be able
to cope with everything that had happened to her. So that she could still go on living.
Misao opened her eyes. She missed those simple days in the past. She had always been sheltered from the evil
in the world, she had been able to live carefree for so long. So innocent, so very innocent. She had thought
that she understood the hardships people like Aoshi had had to go through, but she had been wrong. Everyone
had known this, but had done nothing to make her truly understand. They had allowed her to live in her dream
world that not even the fight against Juppongatana and Shishio had been able to break.
It had finally broken with her eyes. Sometimes...
Sometimes she pitied herself.
Sometimes she burned with anger towards Shimabara.
Sometimes she was frustrated.
Sometimes... she was just empty.
Nothing left, everything stolen from her. Alone in this world.
But no matter how much Misao had changed, some things had not changed. She was alive and she would stay
alive. Will to live burned inside of her and she knew her own worth. Now better than ever. She may have been
blinded but she was strong, stronger than ever before. The senses she had left were now her messengers, they
told her everything she had to know about the world. Little by little she had learned to accept the loss of
her eyes. There were still times when she hoped she could have them back, but she would no longer allow it
to make her angry.
She had not given up and she never would. She was a fighter, a ninja, and she would fight till the end of
her days!
After half an hour Misao rose. A new day had arrived and she was alive to greet it.
She took her pillow and walked towards her small house, not a home just a house. No matter how cosy the
place was, Misao just could not feel at home there, if anywhere anymore. But she didn't allow herself to
feel down, she sure had done so too many times and too long times in the past. Yoko had been so bored
watching her mope all around her place that she had kicked her ass couple of times to get her fighting
spirit up.
She had had luck. Meeting Yoko was one of the best things ever happened to her. She had been miserable and
so had been Keita. He had not helped Misao when her eyes were ruined and he thought himself worthless
because of it.
They had run into Yoko, Ishimaru Yoko, in some village which name Misao never heard. She had no idea of
exactly what had been going on Yoko's brains when she had sat in their table and started talking, but
the results were excellent. Yoko had a spirit of fire, and patience of a monk. Well... maybe not.
She was an orphan, her parents and her older brother had died in a fire when she had been 6 years old. The
couple that had took care of her, had taught her to fight. They hadn't children of their own, so Yoko came
one for them. Unlike Misao's, Yoko's training had been finished. When she had seen Misao walk in, she had
immediately seen the potential in her. The fact that Misao was blind didn't bother her. She knew that Misao
could become strong. What she didn't know was that Misao could also teach things to her.
So she rudely sat into the table of the strangers, ignoring Keita. He was of no importance to her. The woman
was the one she was interested in. After a long talk, she somehow managed to persuade the woman into
following her. She had been a pitiful sight, her spirit was down and badly depressed. All because of
losing her eyes. Sure it must have been painful, but hey! Life goes on!
Keita had refused to allow Misao to follow Yoko alone, so he left with them. Yoko took them to her home, a
small house far away from the village, it took them two days to get there. Keita had complained about
everything all the time during the walk, Misao and Yoko had been quiet. When they arrived, Keita started to
complain all over again.
"The house is too small!"
"It is too dirty!"
"There is no food!"
"There is no water!"
"Everything is old!"
At that point Yoko's patience ended and she ended his complains with one kick, to his groins. His complains
ended there and then. And Misao smiled for the first time after losing her eyes. Even in pain, Keita noticed
this and it made him happy. Shimabara had not succeeded in killing this woman. She indeed was strong. Some
of the burden that Keita carried disappeared.
That night Misao and Yoko had talked for a long time. Misao told her what had happened to her as she cleaned
her eyes, which had started to suppurate under the bandage. They were far from well. In the end it took over
two months before her eyes were completely healed. Yoko had some knowledge about medicines and wounds and so
she was the one to take care of Misao. Keita started to feel more and more like an outsider and in the end he
moved to the village. He still visited them once or twice a week bringing them food and other necessities.
Living with Yoko really raised Misao's spirit. Keita had been almost as depressed as she and so being around
someone more cheery helped Misao to understand that her live had not ended with her eyes. After Misao had
recovered somewhat, Yoko started to retrain her. It was hard, for both of them. But in the end they were
both happy.
Misao had learned to read ki, to rely on her hearing and her memory. And more importantly, she had learned
her own worth. Some of her spirit had been restored. She would never again be as cheery as she had been
before, but she had found stability between her old and her new self. She still wasn't sure exactly who she
was, but that was not for Yoko to teach, it was for her to find out on her on.
Yoko had learned something important too, besides new moves and techniques, she had learned about feelings.
Misao's suffering, her stories about people like Battousai/Kenshin, Kaoru, Yahiko and others had taught her
about struggles some people had to go through to find happiness.
Keita also taught Yoko something. Misao noticed how close those two became over time and it was no surprise
to her. Keita was a man of strong feelings and Yoko was a woman of strong spirit. They were different, but
still they were fit for each other.
That was a painful reminder of Aoshi. The person Misao missed the most. Her childish thoughts were gone,
but her love refused to leave with them. She truly loved him, but she didn't want to see him or others. It
would be painful, way too painful. Not only for her, but for them also. So she would not return there. After
lots of thinking Misao decided to just leave. Yoko was sad, they had became good friends during the four
years Misao had stayed with her. Keita was sad also, he did offer Misao that he could leave with her, but
Misao refused his offer. She would not take him away from Yoko.
As a parting gift Yoko gave Misao a wooden walking cane she had made herself, a bottle full of ointment for
her eyes and weapons. A pair of steel fans Misao had trained with and a pair of short swords.
Keita gave her food, some cloths and money.
So after four hard year Misao left her only friends to find out who she was and where her home was.
She sun shone on her face and the road was long. The day was warm and she felt hopeful. Maybe, just maybe
the future would be brighter than the past or the present. Maybe...
"MEI-SAN!"
The voice woke Misao from her reminiscence and she automatically searched for ki. It was familiar and Misao relaxed.
"Himiko-san. You're up early."
The woman run to Misao bubbling with joy and cheerfulness. She breathing heavily as she arrived. After
gathering enough air she spoke.
"A postman woke me up. How can they have the energy to deliver post to people at this early hours. Anyway,
I just received a letter from my sister who lives in Kyoto. I have told to you about her, right? She had her
first child just few days ago and she wants me to go to a visit. A proud mother always wants to show their
little ones. I didn't want to wake up my husband at this hour, so I came to you. I guessed you'd be up already.
I just had to tell to someone! You see, my sister has been married for four years already and this is her first
one! And I have already two and third is probably coming." Himiko stopped to get some air, but the happy smile
never faded.
Few things had gotten Misao's attention. First was the word Kyoto, next was four years and the last one was
'and third is probably coming'. With a teasing voice Misao asked if Himiko's husband knew about the third
one yet.
Himiko turned red. "No, he doesn't. No one does! Except for you now. You must not tell them! I want to tell
myself when I am sure!"
"I wouldn't dream of telling anyone about it against your wishes. Would you like to come in?" Misao pointed
at the door. "I was just about to make some tea."
"Mmm..Tea. Who could refuse? Show me in." Himiko smiled, she had never been at Misao's home and she was
quite curious as to what it was like inside.
Misao just nodded and showed her inside. In the middle of the room there was a small fireplace and next to
it was small table, on it was black kettle and tea ingredients. The fire had already almost burned out, but
the live coals were still hot. Misao moved around her small house without hesitation, she knew what was
where. The kettle was full of water and Misao placed it over the dying fire all the time watching out for
her sleeves. Then she got two cup from her small closet.
Himiko looked around the place and noted how there was nothing unnecessary. The only light came from the
fireplace, every window was shut. *Of course. To her it doesn't matter if here is dark, every place is a
dark place for her.*
"You can open a window if you want to. It must be kind of dark here." Misao spoke absent mindedly.
*It was like Mei could have read my mind!* Himiko thought as she rose to open one window and allowed light
to enter the house it rarely entered. Then she returned to the table. Misao had already returned there and
was now taking the kettle making sure she didn't touch it with bare hands.
She lifted it to the table. Then she took two little cup-like strainers, placed another one over one of the
cups, filled it with tea ingredients and poured hot water through the strainer. She did the same with the
another cup and Himiko couldn't but wonder how she knew where the cup was, when it was full. For a while
she left the strainers into the cups, then she removed them and emptied them into a small cup. Then she
handed another cup for Himiko, who was speechless. No matter how many times she saw Misao doing things like
this, she never understood just how she did it. She could not see, so how did she know where each cup was.
It went beyond her understanding.
"So you're going to Kyoto to visit your sister?" Misao's voice startled Himiko before she remembered why she
was here.
"Yes, I mean I am her only relative. Our parents are dead and she has no other siblings. What about you
Mei-san?"
"Huh?"
"What kind of family do you have?"
Himiko could not know how her question hurt Misao. She was quiet. *I don't want to lie anymore, but...*
Himiko was just about to ask if something was wrong when Misao spoke.
"I was the first child and very young when my parents died. I can't even remember them. I don't have sisters
or brothers. My grandfather took care of me until he died when I was five. After that my grandfathers
friends looked after me. He and his friends. And I can tell you that he has many friends, young and old. He
and his friends formed a little groups where everyone took care of each others. They were like a family.
Only one I have ever known. I love each and everyone of them. You know, they also live in Kyoto." Misao
smiled, she could feel Himiko's sadness in her ki.
"Don't worry, Himiko-san. I had a very happy childhood with these people. The friend of my grandfather is
now my grandfather and I have many sisters and brothers. So don't worry." Misao smiled, hoping to erase
Himiko's worry.
"Well then you must be anxious to create a family of your own, Mei-san." Himiko smiled sipping her tea.
"What?" Would Misao had eyes she certainly would have blinked. *Was that it? Was that the reason behind my
hurry to get Aoshi? Did I want to have a family?*
"So have you found a suitable man yet, my dear friend?" Himiko had a wicked look.
Without another thought Misao answered. "Not really--"
"Then you just must come to Kyoto with me! There should be enough people for you to find the love of your
life! And you could meet this 'family' of yours too! This is perfect! Now I have someone I can talk to
during the journey!" Himiko's excitement shone in her eyes.
Misao was in shock. Himiko wanted her to go to Kyoto? *No way! I am not ready yet! ...If ever.*
"Himiko-san. I don't want to leave. Travelling is hard for me." *And facing my past even harder* she added in
her thoughts.
"No, no, no! You won't just stay here! You'll come! I just decided so. How long has it been since you went
to see your family last time? Way too long if you ask me! No buts! We'll leave, let's see, now is Tuesday
so...Let's say Friday that way we'll be in Kyoto either Sunday or Monday! Yes, that way you have time to get
everything done." Himiko rose to her feet and drunk the rest of her tea in one gulp.
"Thanks for the tea! Bye! Let's see at work!"
And before Misao could say a word, Himiko had already disappeared.
*She sure wasn't in a hurry to leave. Now what will I do? How can I make her understand that I don't want to
leave?*
******
During the next days Misao did everything to change Himiko's mind. She came up with all kind of excuses,
and the more desperate she became, more exotic were her reasons for staying.
Nothing worked and Friday morning Misao found herself in a carriage going to Kyoto. *How did I allow this to
happen?*
But it was too late now, the carriage was already moving. Slowly but surely Makimachi Misao was heading
towards Kyoto, against her will.
Himiko talked all the time. Her husband was sound asleep, her children next to him, so only person to talk
to was Misao, who only wished to be back in her nice little house. Isolated from the world outside.
"Hey, cheer up! It is going to be fun."
Misao just sighed, knowing it would be anything but fun. *Yeah, right.*
"I am sure you didn't send any message to your family?"
Misao shook her head. She was miserable.
"Well, no worry! I know this inn in Kyoto. People are nice and rent is cheap. It's called Aoiya. Ever heard
of it? Well I already sent them a message that you're coming. Don't worry about the money, my husband
promised to pay for the room."
Misao was close to a heart attack. *Aoiya?! Of all inns in Kyoto she just had to choose Aoiya? The one place
I wanted to avoid... This 'vacation' will be hellish, I just know it!*
"Mei-san? Are you all right? You look a bit unwell."
*Unwell? Oh, really. I wouldn't have guessed...* Out aloud she just said she was fine. Himiko seemed to
doubt her words but said nothing.
***
The rest of the journey was the same. Himiko talked, Misao listened trying to forget where she was going.
Unfortunately Kyoto was the only thing in Himiko's mind. That and children.
It took them two days to reach Otsu. Himiko would have wanted to continue to Kyoto, but the carriage rider
said that the horses were too tired, so they slept there.
*We're almost there.* that thought was enough to make sure that Misao couldn't sleep at night.
The next day was Sunday and after having a delicious breakfast in the inn in Otsu Misao suggested that
Himiko and others should look around a bit. Himiko was a bit hesitant but agreed. So they didn't leave
for Kyoto immediately and that gave Misao some time to prepare herself. During the time others were
looking around Otsu, Misao meditated.
Her little 'trick' bought her very little time. After having dinner Himiko wanted to leave and Misao
knew that nothing could stop her and so she followed her to the carriage and stepped in.
They journeyed a bit faster than before and reached the outer parts of Kyoto in no time.
Misao sat stiff in her seat and listened to the voices of people talking and felt a bit sick.
She had arrived in Kyoto.
End of chapter 2.
TBC
~Tiian~