Chapter 8
A brisk, cold wind blew on the mountain plateau, chilling Misao to the very core. The door to Hiko's house was still open, the look of the fire burning warmly inside making her want to head back in. She steeled herself, making her legs take another step out into the virtual unknown.
" You'd better get a move on. The sun will be up in about an hour or so."
Hiko appeared at the doorway, busy securing his sword in place. Misao nodded, looking up at the sky. The stars were beginning to dim, a sure sign of the coming sun which would signal the new day. She tightened the bow of her outfit before turning to say good bye.
" Thanks Hiko-san. For everything."
" Why so formal weasel?"
Misao let her inhibitions go and raced to hug the man before stepping back teary eyed.
" I've got to go now...I'll see you when I do I guess."
Suddenly, her heart stopped. Her ninja senses were screaming at her, warning her of an approaching person. Hiko smirked knowingly at her before she ran off, heading for the now familiar mountain path, which would take her far from Kyoto.
________
Aoshi jumped from tree to tree, finding it saved time trying to navigate through the tangle of roots and vegetation which littered the forest floor. He looked up, looking at the clearing of trees after what seemed like an eternity of never ending trees. He would soon reach his journey's end, a decision would have to be made.
" You've made your decision already. You do what you are ordered to."
Aoshi tightened his fists, hating the empty feeling within him. It wasn't often that he was confused about anything. Something inside wanted him to stop, to turn back. He knew that if he found Misao, he would follow his orders...but something inside called to him to turn back. If he didn't see, then he couldn't carry out any order.
" I never compromise orders. So why do I feel this way now?"
A sense of calm descended upon him as he stopped in his tracks. He could hear the sounds of something of relatively light weight thumping along the ground. Something...someone was running from him. Acting on instinct, he rushed towards the clearing, resisting the urge to scream when he saw nothing but a small, somewhat shabby building with a man standing in his way.
" I suppose your Shinomori Aoshi."
Aoshi's body tensed as he pulled out his kodachi, ready to defend from an attack.
" You think I'd waste my time hurting you? Don't make me laugh."
" You are Hiko Seijuro."
The taller man nodded, throwing his manto behind him, revealing the long sword secured to his belt.
" That's correct. I suppose you think I have what you're looking for."
Aoshi straightened, coming out of his defensive position. He had no wish to fight the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuu master if there was no need.
" Where is she?"
To Aoshi's surprised, the man laughed, pointing to the path of which Misao had taken.
" Long gone. You know she doesn't want to go back."
" That is not your concern."
" Maybe not. But here's the funny thing Shinomori. She doesn't want to go back...but she wants you to find her."
Aoshi's mouth twitched with agitation. He hated the feeling of confusion and Hiko was not helping.
" I'll find her. I'll take her back."
Hiko was well aware of Aoshi's watchful eyes as he bent down to pick up a nearby jug of sake.
" I'll tell you now Shinomori. With your mind in conflict like that, I'm surprised you even sensed she was here. If you don't clear that head of yours up, I'm afraid your going to have a very hard time finding her."
Flashes of metal glinted in the rising sun. Aoshi blinked in surprise as he found himself being shoved backward with Hiko blocking his sword and giving him a hard shove. Grasping his twin kodachi in both hands, he stared at the man in front of him, his sword still held up to his chest in protection.
" Shinomori...seems you're a little touchy today."
Aoshi looked down at his left hand, gripping the shorter kodachi. Why did he attack?
" Get a move on. You won't find her if you delay any longer."
Hiko sat down on a wooden log in front of his makeshift kiln, taking a large swig of his sake. He watched as Aoshi rushed towards the path of which Misao had gone down not too long ago. He savoured the flavor of the sake as it ran down his throat, not one drop spilling. Finally satisfied, he set the jug down carefully before standing tall, drawing his sword once again.
" OI! You short man! Get out here and be a man, men don't hide in trees."
Hiko stared at a small shadowy figure crouched in the tree. He knocked away several kunai before he spoke again.
" You've got a worse throwing technique than that weasel girl! Now get out here."
Hiko sighed, putting his hand on the hilt of the sword and stood the sword, the sharp tip just touching the floor.
" no more chances."
Hiko used his left hand to knock the sword into the air before he grabbed it, slamming it to the floor. The impact sent a shockwave of ki energy, completely leveling 5 metres of the forest in front of him. The figure was forced to jump, landing directly behind him.
" So you've revealed yourself. Who are you?"
The little man said nothing, dangling several kunai from his fingertips ready for battle.
" I asked you a question little man. Tell me why you're following Shinomori."
Before the opponent could prepare his attack, Hiko rushed forward, grabbing the man by the collar and lifting him up into the air.
" Now tell me what I want to know before I kick your ass."
_________
Misao panted lightly, jumping from tree to tree. To her surprise, unlike her time coming up the mountain, she found herself not as winded as she had been then. Smiling, she sent a thank you to Hiko in her mind. Her body tensed as her ears picked up another person's footsteps.
" Shimatta...they're here already."
She looked back over her shoulder to see a tall figure emerging from the trees.
" Aoshi-sama...why is he here? Is he here to..."
Misao moved to run but found herself rooted to the ground as she watched the man approach her. She had not seen him since that fateful day when he had told her to marry another.
" Misao. Let's go back to the Aoiya."
So it was true. Everyone was against her, wanted to get rid of her, to turn her over to another clan where they wouldn't have to deal with her. Inside, her blood boiled, rage filling her senses as her mind raced.
" I'm not going back. Never. I'm never going to go back! I don't want to be sold off!"
Her desperation and anger reached fever pitch, adrenaline rushing through her. She felt as though she was on auto pilot, her legs moving rapidly as she began to run. She was well aware of Aoshi following behind her. She dug unto her clothing, pulling out several concealed kunai. She stopped in her tracks, taking a deep breath before hurling them at the person she loved most without a second thought. The motion seemed almost routine, the practice she had endured during the week had tweaked her technique, making it so surprising to the one that had seen her learn the technique.
Aoshi's eyes widened as he moved to the left to avoid the attack. The kunai came so hard and fast, it seemed that it was a different attacker, not Misao. He heard several loud cracks as several of the kunai embedded themselves deep into the trunk of the tree. He quickly counted the kunai on the tree. He was so sure Misao had thrown one more. The all familiar tinge of pain washed over him, answering his question. He moved his right arm to pull out the now bloody kunai which was embedded into his left shoulder. He stared at the kunai, wet with his blood, in the palm of his hands. Misao had caught him off guard, a rare moment. Her improvement seemed to pay its dividend as he winced as he held his hand over the wound, sitting on the earth floor.
Misao stared at the injured Aoshi, then at her hands. The hands, which had thrown the kunai, the kunai which had hurt the one she loved, and love still. Her hands. Her body shook with disbelief as it registered in her mind. She had succeeded in hindering Shinomori Aoshi. This was her chance...she could run now. But as always, her heart held her back, he eyes brimming with concern for his well being.
" Daijoubu? Aoshi-sama..."
She dropped down from the branch she had been standing on to join the injured man on the forest floor. Hesitantly, she reached down to move his hand away to inspect the wound.
" ...Come back to the Aoiya. Everything will be fine."
Aoshi's bloody hand gripped her arm. She jerked back immediately, trying to free herself from his grip.
" Let me go! Hanashite!"
Aoshi stayed silent as he struggled to get up, picking up his sword and using it to support himself as he tried to drag Misao away.
Misao's mind raced. She knew it was physically impossible for her to overpower him. The only thing she could do was use the surprise element, to shock him into letting go. But her heart constricted at the thought of again hurting him.
" I have no choice. I can't go back...I won't."
Misao twisted around, using the hand in Aoshi's grip to grab his neck. Her other hand grapple for a kunai and held it close to Aoshi's neck.
" Please Aoshi-sama...I don't want to hurt you. Please...let me go."
Aoshi's mouth fell slightly open with surprise. It was very uncharacteristic of Misao to fight him...much less threaten to end his life. He could sense the tension within Misao's body as he could feel her hands holding the small knife shake uncontrollably.
" ...you won't do it."
" ...I will."
" Your hand is shaking."
Misao bit her lip hard, resisting the urge to let Aoshi out of her grip and stop the bleeding on his left shoulder. She knew that this was the end, that she couldn't escape. Perhaps this was her fate, to live a miserable life.
" Come back to the Aoiya."
" You don't understand. You could never understand."
The moment Aoshi loosened his grip, Misao jumped back. She quickly took a few steps backward, never taking her eyes off Aoshi.
" You couldn't understand. Going back would mean having to marry that man. I would lose my freedom...I'd lose everything."
" You're running away from your responsibility."
" In a way, I guess I am. But for just a little while longer, let me have my freedom. Please for my sake. I know we haven't been really close lately...but for our past. Can't you remember the times we shared all those years ago? I felt so free...please give me that chance to live that feeling again. If you cared...just a little bit..."
" ....You know I can't do that."
Misao dragged a hand across her eyes, wiping away her tears before moving to leave.
" I'm asking you to try."
___________
Aoshi watched the petite girl run away. She had told him to let her go, to give her that one last glimmer of hope. He couldn't deny that he cared for her. But letting her go would mean disobeying direct orders. It would mean he would probably never see her again. He couldn't let it happen...even...
Even if it was Misao.
Using all his will power, he forced himself to stand and raced after her. He gritted his teeth, trying to keep himself from thinking of the pain. Her words came back to him as she came into view, her pink sash flying behind her as she moved quickly through the forest. By the way she moved, he could tell she had a strong sense of knowledge about the forest, as her actions didn't leave time for mind to think about which step to take next. This was the first time he would have to analyse her as a real opponent. When her step slowed, he knew that he had been sensed. Several flying kunai came at him and he did not hesitate to unsheath his sword this time. He threw the sheath to block the kunai and ran forward quickly. When he came close enough, he tensed his legs to jump over Misao stop her progress.
Misao could sense that Aoshi was behind her.
" This is it. I either stop him or I get caught. He won't listen to me."
She jumped up, surprised to see her opponent had also jumped. She bounced off the branch of the tree, using it as a base to propel herself forward faster. It was all or nothing now. She would either be hit by his swing or she would get at him first. She threw a round of kunai, forcing him to block while she pulled out a hidden blade, one she carried around in case she ran out of kunai. She tightened her arms to swing, avoiding her own kunai which had been defended and coming back at her.
" I've lost."
Her eyes, trained to see faster from watching Hiko, saw Aoshi move behind her with a chop, aiming to knock her unconscious.
Aoshi watched, panting from exertion, as the unconscious girl slumped on the floor. His mission was complete, a surprising 3 hours of chasing later. He could now take her back without trouble. But a shadow of guilt and sadness haunted him, more so than usual. He shook it off, picking up Misao and slinging her over his good shoulder before heading back the forest path, heading for Kyoto.
_______
Hiko sighed with relief, shoving his pot inside his kiln before sealing it closed. He stood, hearing footsteps, turning in time to see a tall man emerge from the forest with a girl slung over his shoulder.
" I guess it's too bad weasel. You didn't get away."
Hiko kept his eyes trained on Aoshi, watching a trail of blood drip from his shoulder. A smirk appeared on his face. He was proud that Misao had at least succeeded in wounding him.
" Hey Shinomori."
Aoshi stopped in front of Hiko, one hand holding Misao on his shoulder, the other gripping his sword. He could not fight with such a severe handicap.
" Before you go, I have something to say to you."
Aoshi did not move to leave, something of which Hiko took as a sign of willingness to listen.
" Once in everyone's lives, one must make a choice. To go down a path chosen for them or to forge a new one. Don't live life in other people's shadows, don't let anyone control you. The inability to choose for yourself will cause you and the people around you great unhappiness. Choose for yourself."
Hiko looked for any sort of reaction as Aoshi began to walk away again.
"Think before you take her back, do you want her to be miserable for the rest of her life?"
" Iie."
Hiko caught the last glimpse of Aoshi and Misao before staring up at the blue sky, squinting in the afternoon sun.
_________
Jyan limped slowly, navigating through the last few metres of vegetation before stepping onto the road. It had been a slow journey but at least he know had information for his master. He moved quickly, hoping to make it to the nearest Yoshimura post, where he could send a report to his master.
" Hurry. I need to report to the Okashira."
Jyan watched the middle aged man hurry to fulfill his request, recognizing him as a symbol of authority. Quickly, he sat down at the desk where a fresh sheet of paper and ink were laid out before him. He wrote quickly, telling of the end of the search for his okashira's bride and the interference of the man who lived on the mountain.
__________
Hiko spread his futon on the floor, grateful to have his bed back that night. However, he had to admit, it was a lot quieter than before. The silence reminded him of the time his baka deshi had left for the first time. He had grown used to Misao. A knock on his door interrupted his reverie.
" What do you want?" he said menacingly, swinging the door open.
He scanned the clearing. No one was there. He was about to close the door when he saw a piece of paper tacked to the door. He read it quickly.
" Weasel is marrying in 2 days...I guess I'll have to go down tomorrow. It's a good opportunity to have as much sake as possible."
Hiko sat back on his futon, smiling at his memory of the events of the past week. He wondered how quickly he had come to respect the girl.
________
Aoshi slid open the door to the sitting room, where Okina was seated patiently. Since coming back to the Aoiya, a doctor had treated him, bandaging his wounds. Upon entering the building, Misao had been taken away, to be watched he supposed.
" Okina."
He sat opposite the old man who now seemed a lot happier than before thanks to Misao's safe return.
" Did Misao do that to you?"
" Hai."
Okina stroked his beard thoughtfully. Aoshi eyed Okina's other hand, gripping a scroll.
" I need you to do something for me Aoshi. You must so it properly as it is very important to the Oniwabanshuu."
" Hai."
" I want you to watch Misao until the wedding the day after tomorrow."
" So soon?"
" Yes. Yoshimura is impatient and the guests are starting to get rowdy. Will you do it?"
" ...yes."
Okina let out a breath of relief to have someone so reliable to do the job. However he was a little worried about appointing Aoshi. Though he knew Aoshi would never compromise on duty, he knew that Aoshi cared very much about Misao...perhaps a touch more than everyone else did.
" MISAO! COME BACK!"
Aoshi stood quickly, opening the door to find Misao running along the hallway, her hair flying behind her as she raced top speed for the exit.
" Please! Don't keep me here...let me go!"
Misao stopped in her tracks as Aoshi stood to blood her way.
" Please...Aoshi-sama. Move out of the way."
She trembled as Aoshi approached her. She couldn't go back the way she came as Okon had been chasing her. She was trapped. Her attempt to escape had failed...she was sure now they would post guard on her. Warm arms encircled her waist, though not in the way she would have hoped. She struggled valiantly as Aoshi lifted her off the floor and proceeded to carry her to her room. She was dumped unceremoniously on her own futon.
" Don't try to escape. The window is locked from the outside."
Aoshi's cold reprimand sent her into shock. In the dim light, she could see Aoshi's silhouette through the paper of the door frame. He sat down, directly in front of her door.
" They really are keeping me prisoner..."
She never imagined that her beloved Aoshi-sama would be the one who would bring her back into her nightmare, to force her to marry Yoshimura. Not only this, but she couldn't believe that fate would be so cruel. To make Aoshi keep her imprisoned. Her room, a once private sanctuary from the world, had now turned into a jail cell. She no longer had any freedom or rights. She had nothing to live for.
" If my dreams can't come true...then I won't dream anymore."
She slumped onto her futon, dejectedly pulling her blanket over her head, crying herself to sleep.
*********
Author's notes: And so ends chapter 8 and the long stint where Misao stayed with Hiko. Phew! What a long one. For the next few chapters, Hiko will not be written about so much because I'm going to be concentrating on the events at the Aoiya...and not Hiko's lovely journey down to Misao's wedding. Hehe how's that for plot development! I've been struggling to get the time moving for the last few chapters.
Well the action scene sure didn't happen the way I planned! But what the hey! It works ^^. Am I being a little cruel to Misao here? Be sure to tell me :D until the next chapter
-Tomoe
I worked faster this time...just don't threaten me with swinging Kodachi next time ok Seranida? Or I'll use chibi-Hiko on you!
Chibi-Hiko: You ain't the boss of me *swigs sake*
Tomoe: *evil eyes* I am if I'm supplying the sake!
Chibi-Hiko: *watery eyes*
A brisk, cold wind blew on the mountain plateau, chilling Misao to the very core. The door to Hiko's house was still open, the look of the fire burning warmly inside making her want to head back in. She steeled herself, making her legs take another step out into the virtual unknown.
" You'd better get a move on. The sun will be up in about an hour or so."
Hiko appeared at the doorway, busy securing his sword in place. Misao nodded, looking up at the sky. The stars were beginning to dim, a sure sign of the coming sun which would signal the new day. She tightened the bow of her outfit before turning to say good bye.
" Thanks Hiko-san. For everything."
" Why so formal weasel?"
Misao let her inhibitions go and raced to hug the man before stepping back teary eyed.
" I've got to go now...I'll see you when I do I guess."
Suddenly, her heart stopped. Her ninja senses were screaming at her, warning her of an approaching person. Hiko smirked knowingly at her before she ran off, heading for the now familiar mountain path, which would take her far from Kyoto.
________
Aoshi jumped from tree to tree, finding it saved time trying to navigate through the tangle of roots and vegetation which littered the forest floor. He looked up, looking at the clearing of trees after what seemed like an eternity of never ending trees. He would soon reach his journey's end, a decision would have to be made.
" You've made your decision already. You do what you are ordered to."
Aoshi tightened his fists, hating the empty feeling within him. It wasn't often that he was confused about anything. Something inside wanted him to stop, to turn back. He knew that if he found Misao, he would follow his orders...but something inside called to him to turn back. If he didn't see, then he couldn't carry out any order.
" I never compromise orders. So why do I feel this way now?"
A sense of calm descended upon him as he stopped in his tracks. He could hear the sounds of something of relatively light weight thumping along the ground. Something...someone was running from him. Acting on instinct, he rushed towards the clearing, resisting the urge to scream when he saw nothing but a small, somewhat shabby building with a man standing in his way.
" I suppose your Shinomori Aoshi."
Aoshi's body tensed as he pulled out his kodachi, ready to defend from an attack.
" You think I'd waste my time hurting you? Don't make me laugh."
" You are Hiko Seijuro."
The taller man nodded, throwing his manto behind him, revealing the long sword secured to his belt.
" That's correct. I suppose you think I have what you're looking for."
Aoshi straightened, coming out of his defensive position. He had no wish to fight the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuu master if there was no need.
" Where is she?"
To Aoshi's surprised, the man laughed, pointing to the path of which Misao had taken.
" Long gone. You know she doesn't want to go back."
" That is not your concern."
" Maybe not. But here's the funny thing Shinomori. She doesn't want to go back...but she wants you to find her."
Aoshi's mouth twitched with agitation. He hated the feeling of confusion and Hiko was not helping.
" I'll find her. I'll take her back."
Hiko was well aware of Aoshi's watchful eyes as he bent down to pick up a nearby jug of sake.
" I'll tell you now Shinomori. With your mind in conflict like that, I'm surprised you even sensed she was here. If you don't clear that head of yours up, I'm afraid your going to have a very hard time finding her."
Flashes of metal glinted in the rising sun. Aoshi blinked in surprise as he found himself being shoved backward with Hiko blocking his sword and giving him a hard shove. Grasping his twin kodachi in both hands, he stared at the man in front of him, his sword still held up to his chest in protection.
" Shinomori...seems you're a little touchy today."
Aoshi looked down at his left hand, gripping the shorter kodachi. Why did he attack?
" Get a move on. You won't find her if you delay any longer."
Hiko sat down on a wooden log in front of his makeshift kiln, taking a large swig of his sake. He watched as Aoshi rushed towards the path of which Misao had gone down not too long ago. He savoured the flavor of the sake as it ran down his throat, not one drop spilling. Finally satisfied, he set the jug down carefully before standing tall, drawing his sword once again.
" OI! You short man! Get out here and be a man, men don't hide in trees."
Hiko stared at a small shadowy figure crouched in the tree. He knocked away several kunai before he spoke again.
" You've got a worse throwing technique than that weasel girl! Now get out here."
Hiko sighed, putting his hand on the hilt of the sword and stood the sword, the sharp tip just touching the floor.
" no more chances."
Hiko used his left hand to knock the sword into the air before he grabbed it, slamming it to the floor. The impact sent a shockwave of ki energy, completely leveling 5 metres of the forest in front of him. The figure was forced to jump, landing directly behind him.
" So you've revealed yourself. Who are you?"
The little man said nothing, dangling several kunai from his fingertips ready for battle.
" I asked you a question little man. Tell me why you're following Shinomori."
Before the opponent could prepare his attack, Hiko rushed forward, grabbing the man by the collar and lifting him up into the air.
" Now tell me what I want to know before I kick your ass."
_________
Misao panted lightly, jumping from tree to tree. To her surprise, unlike her time coming up the mountain, she found herself not as winded as she had been then. Smiling, she sent a thank you to Hiko in her mind. Her body tensed as her ears picked up another person's footsteps.
" Shimatta...they're here already."
She looked back over her shoulder to see a tall figure emerging from the trees.
" Aoshi-sama...why is he here? Is he here to..."
Misao moved to run but found herself rooted to the ground as she watched the man approach her. She had not seen him since that fateful day when he had told her to marry another.
" Misao. Let's go back to the Aoiya."
So it was true. Everyone was against her, wanted to get rid of her, to turn her over to another clan where they wouldn't have to deal with her. Inside, her blood boiled, rage filling her senses as her mind raced.
" I'm not going back. Never. I'm never going to go back! I don't want to be sold off!"
Her desperation and anger reached fever pitch, adrenaline rushing through her. She felt as though she was on auto pilot, her legs moving rapidly as she began to run. She was well aware of Aoshi following behind her. She dug unto her clothing, pulling out several concealed kunai. She stopped in her tracks, taking a deep breath before hurling them at the person she loved most without a second thought. The motion seemed almost routine, the practice she had endured during the week had tweaked her technique, making it so surprising to the one that had seen her learn the technique.
Aoshi's eyes widened as he moved to the left to avoid the attack. The kunai came so hard and fast, it seemed that it was a different attacker, not Misao. He heard several loud cracks as several of the kunai embedded themselves deep into the trunk of the tree. He quickly counted the kunai on the tree. He was so sure Misao had thrown one more. The all familiar tinge of pain washed over him, answering his question. He moved his right arm to pull out the now bloody kunai which was embedded into his left shoulder. He stared at the kunai, wet with his blood, in the palm of his hands. Misao had caught him off guard, a rare moment. Her improvement seemed to pay its dividend as he winced as he held his hand over the wound, sitting on the earth floor.
Misao stared at the injured Aoshi, then at her hands. The hands, which had thrown the kunai, the kunai which had hurt the one she loved, and love still. Her hands. Her body shook with disbelief as it registered in her mind. She had succeeded in hindering Shinomori Aoshi. This was her chance...she could run now. But as always, her heart held her back, he eyes brimming with concern for his well being.
" Daijoubu? Aoshi-sama..."
She dropped down from the branch she had been standing on to join the injured man on the forest floor. Hesitantly, she reached down to move his hand away to inspect the wound.
" ...Come back to the Aoiya. Everything will be fine."
Aoshi's bloody hand gripped her arm. She jerked back immediately, trying to free herself from his grip.
" Let me go! Hanashite!"
Aoshi stayed silent as he struggled to get up, picking up his sword and using it to support himself as he tried to drag Misao away.
Misao's mind raced. She knew it was physically impossible for her to overpower him. The only thing she could do was use the surprise element, to shock him into letting go. But her heart constricted at the thought of again hurting him.
" I have no choice. I can't go back...I won't."
Misao twisted around, using the hand in Aoshi's grip to grab his neck. Her other hand grapple for a kunai and held it close to Aoshi's neck.
" Please Aoshi-sama...I don't want to hurt you. Please...let me go."
Aoshi's mouth fell slightly open with surprise. It was very uncharacteristic of Misao to fight him...much less threaten to end his life. He could sense the tension within Misao's body as he could feel her hands holding the small knife shake uncontrollably.
" ...you won't do it."
" ...I will."
" Your hand is shaking."
Misao bit her lip hard, resisting the urge to let Aoshi out of her grip and stop the bleeding on his left shoulder. She knew that this was the end, that she couldn't escape. Perhaps this was her fate, to live a miserable life.
" Come back to the Aoiya."
" You don't understand. You could never understand."
The moment Aoshi loosened his grip, Misao jumped back. She quickly took a few steps backward, never taking her eyes off Aoshi.
" You couldn't understand. Going back would mean having to marry that man. I would lose my freedom...I'd lose everything."
" You're running away from your responsibility."
" In a way, I guess I am. But for just a little while longer, let me have my freedom. Please for my sake. I know we haven't been really close lately...but for our past. Can't you remember the times we shared all those years ago? I felt so free...please give me that chance to live that feeling again. If you cared...just a little bit..."
" ....You know I can't do that."
Misao dragged a hand across her eyes, wiping away her tears before moving to leave.
" I'm asking you to try."
___________
Aoshi watched the petite girl run away. She had told him to let her go, to give her that one last glimmer of hope. He couldn't deny that he cared for her. But letting her go would mean disobeying direct orders. It would mean he would probably never see her again. He couldn't let it happen...even...
Even if it was Misao.
Using all his will power, he forced himself to stand and raced after her. He gritted his teeth, trying to keep himself from thinking of the pain. Her words came back to him as she came into view, her pink sash flying behind her as she moved quickly through the forest. By the way she moved, he could tell she had a strong sense of knowledge about the forest, as her actions didn't leave time for mind to think about which step to take next. This was the first time he would have to analyse her as a real opponent. When her step slowed, he knew that he had been sensed. Several flying kunai came at him and he did not hesitate to unsheath his sword this time. He threw the sheath to block the kunai and ran forward quickly. When he came close enough, he tensed his legs to jump over Misao stop her progress.
Misao could sense that Aoshi was behind her.
" This is it. I either stop him or I get caught. He won't listen to me."
She jumped up, surprised to see her opponent had also jumped. She bounced off the branch of the tree, using it as a base to propel herself forward faster. It was all or nothing now. She would either be hit by his swing or she would get at him first. She threw a round of kunai, forcing him to block while she pulled out a hidden blade, one she carried around in case she ran out of kunai. She tightened her arms to swing, avoiding her own kunai which had been defended and coming back at her.
" I've lost."
Her eyes, trained to see faster from watching Hiko, saw Aoshi move behind her with a chop, aiming to knock her unconscious.
Aoshi watched, panting from exertion, as the unconscious girl slumped on the floor. His mission was complete, a surprising 3 hours of chasing later. He could now take her back without trouble. But a shadow of guilt and sadness haunted him, more so than usual. He shook it off, picking up Misao and slinging her over his good shoulder before heading back the forest path, heading for Kyoto.
_______
Hiko sighed with relief, shoving his pot inside his kiln before sealing it closed. He stood, hearing footsteps, turning in time to see a tall man emerge from the forest with a girl slung over his shoulder.
" I guess it's too bad weasel. You didn't get away."
Hiko kept his eyes trained on Aoshi, watching a trail of blood drip from his shoulder. A smirk appeared on his face. He was proud that Misao had at least succeeded in wounding him.
" Hey Shinomori."
Aoshi stopped in front of Hiko, one hand holding Misao on his shoulder, the other gripping his sword. He could not fight with such a severe handicap.
" Before you go, I have something to say to you."
Aoshi did not move to leave, something of which Hiko took as a sign of willingness to listen.
" Once in everyone's lives, one must make a choice. To go down a path chosen for them or to forge a new one. Don't live life in other people's shadows, don't let anyone control you. The inability to choose for yourself will cause you and the people around you great unhappiness. Choose for yourself."
Hiko looked for any sort of reaction as Aoshi began to walk away again.
"Think before you take her back, do you want her to be miserable for the rest of her life?"
" Iie."
Hiko caught the last glimpse of Aoshi and Misao before staring up at the blue sky, squinting in the afternoon sun.
_________
Jyan limped slowly, navigating through the last few metres of vegetation before stepping onto the road. It had been a slow journey but at least he know had information for his master. He moved quickly, hoping to make it to the nearest Yoshimura post, where he could send a report to his master.
" Hurry. I need to report to the Okashira."
Jyan watched the middle aged man hurry to fulfill his request, recognizing him as a symbol of authority. Quickly, he sat down at the desk where a fresh sheet of paper and ink were laid out before him. He wrote quickly, telling of the end of the search for his okashira's bride and the interference of the man who lived on the mountain.
__________
Hiko spread his futon on the floor, grateful to have his bed back that night. However, he had to admit, it was a lot quieter than before. The silence reminded him of the time his baka deshi had left for the first time. He had grown used to Misao. A knock on his door interrupted his reverie.
" What do you want?" he said menacingly, swinging the door open.
He scanned the clearing. No one was there. He was about to close the door when he saw a piece of paper tacked to the door. He read it quickly.
" Weasel is marrying in 2 days...I guess I'll have to go down tomorrow. It's a good opportunity to have as much sake as possible."
Hiko sat back on his futon, smiling at his memory of the events of the past week. He wondered how quickly he had come to respect the girl.
________
Aoshi slid open the door to the sitting room, where Okina was seated patiently. Since coming back to the Aoiya, a doctor had treated him, bandaging his wounds. Upon entering the building, Misao had been taken away, to be watched he supposed.
" Okina."
He sat opposite the old man who now seemed a lot happier than before thanks to Misao's safe return.
" Did Misao do that to you?"
" Hai."
Okina stroked his beard thoughtfully. Aoshi eyed Okina's other hand, gripping a scroll.
" I need you to do something for me Aoshi. You must so it properly as it is very important to the Oniwabanshuu."
" Hai."
" I want you to watch Misao until the wedding the day after tomorrow."
" So soon?"
" Yes. Yoshimura is impatient and the guests are starting to get rowdy. Will you do it?"
" ...yes."
Okina let out a breath of relief to have someone so reliable to do the job. However he was a little worried about appointing Aoshi. Though he knew Aoshi would never compromise on duty, he knew that Aoshi cared very much about Misao...perhaps a touch more than everyone else did.
" MISAO! COME BACK!"
Aoshi stood quickly, opening the door to find Misao running along the hallway, her hair flying behind her as she raced top speed for the exit.
" Please! Don't keep me here...let me go!"
Misao stopped in her tracks as Aoshi stood to blood her way.
" Please...Aoshi-sama. Move out of the way."
She trembled as Aoshi approached her. She couldn't go back the way she came as Okon had been chasing her. She was trapped. Her attempt to escape had failed...she was sure now they would post guard on her. Warm arms encircled her waist, though not in the way she would have hoped. She struggled valiantly as Aoshi lifted her off the floor and proceeded to carry her to her room. She was dumped unceremoniously on her own futon.
" Don't try to escape. The window is locked from the outside."
Aoshi's cold reprimand sent her into shock. In the dim light, she could see Aoshi's silhouette through the paper of the door frame. He sat down, directly in front of her door.
" They really are keeping me prisoner..."
She never imagined that her beloved Aoshi-sama would be the one who would bring her back into her nightmare, to force her to marry Yoshimura. Not only this, but she couldn't believe that fate would be so cruel. To make Aoshi keep her imprisoned. Her room, a once private sanctuary from the world, had now turned into a jail cell. She no longer had any freedom or rights. She had nothing to live for.
" If my dreams can't come true...then I won't dream anymore."
She slumped onto her futon, dejectedly pulling her blanket over her head, crying herself to sleep.
*********
Author's notes: And so ends chapter 8 and the long stint where Misao stayed with Hiko. Phew! What a long one. For the next few chapters, Hiko will not be written about so much because I'm going to be concentrating on the events at the Aoiya...and not Hiko's lovely journey down to Misao's wedding. Hehe how's that for plot development! I've been struggling to get the time moving for the last few chapters.
Well the action scene sure didn't happen the way I planned! But what the hey! It works ^^. Am I being a little cruel to Misao here? Be sure to tell me :D until the next chapter
-Tomoe
I worked faster this time...just don't threaten me with swinging Kodachi next time ok Seranida? Or I'll use chibi-Hiko on you!
Chibi-Hiko: You ain't the boss of me *swigs sake*
Tomoe: *evil eyes* I am if I'm supplying the sake!
Chibi-Hiko: *watery eyes*