I opened the door to the unit and saw Misao resting on her stomach lying on my bed doing homework, while still dressed in her uniform, minus the tights. I placed the shopping bags on the ground and walked closer to her.
"Where'd you run off to?" Misao had spoken while still writing.
"I just went to get some stuff for when we go camping with the others."
"I could have helped." Misao was still working away while saying this to me.
"It's alright I got everything we need."
"I still could have come to keep you company at least." I frowned as Misao voice saddened and I sat on the floor in front of her and tilted her chin upwards to see those blue eyes shining with unshed tears. I watched as one of the tears escaped her eyes and she brushed it away while sitting up and running to her room. I ran to the bedroom and stopped the door before it could slam shut. She was sitting on the bed facing me and I stood in the entrance talking to her.
"I'm sorry Misao. I just wanted to get everything done quicker and I thought you'd want to talk to Kaoru and Megumi about some things. I don't know, girl talk or something." I soon heard her cute giggling and relaxed.
"Aoshi, the next time you go somewhere, will you promise to ask me to come with you?" I looked at Misao sitting on the bed fidgeting with her braid in her hands and lightly blushing. I nodded affirmatively and soon waved her to come closer so I could embrace her. She got up off the bed smiling brightly and relaxed into my embrace as I snaked my arms around her small body.
"I'm sorry for being so silly" Misao spoke softly at me.
"No, you have a right to be Misao. I don't tell you were I am going because I forget you might worry. You just need to trust me that I am going to be okay." She left my embrace and opened her mouth to speak but I placed my fingers on them and spoke before her.
"I know you say you do trust me Misao, but do you really feel it in here." I pointed to her heart indicating what I meant. I watched as Misao bit her lip nervously and so I changed the subject for her.
"Do you want to see what I bought, for when we go camping Misao?" She sighed in relief and so I walked into the main room and got out everything I bought.
* * * *
The week when quite fast and we all were walking to the campsite Kenshin and the others had been to before. We soon arrived and I observed the area to find the ground covered in lush green grass. Trees protected the area surrounding it completely while the flowing of a nearby stream could be heard. It had taken most of the morning to get here and so we began unpacking our equipment while the girls went to collect some fresh water from the stream.
We sat down on some logs and rummaged around for tins of food. Something wasn't right though. I could feel it. I soon stopped and grabbed my sheathed weapons, which I had brought just in case anything happened. Sano and Kenshin finally realised that something was wrong and were soon preparing for any action as well. I unsheathed my kodachi's as kenshin brought out his sword, while Sano cracked his knuckles. I eyed Kenshin silently and then to Sano and they knew exactly what I was thinking. We jumped into a tree each and were hidden by the branches of leaves waiting for something to happen. My eyes widened when I saw Misao, Kaoru and Megumi come back into view. All of a sudden three huge bandits grabbed one of the girls each. As if that was our confirmation we jumped down onto the ground to make our presence known. They were shocked that they had company and so loosened their grip slightly on the girls. Kaoru was able to get away and run behind Kenshin who held a hand out to hold her to him while pointing his sword at the bandit who grabbed her. Megumi wasn't as lucky so she stomped on the bandit's foot and elbowed him in the ribs, but to no avail. He soon replied by slapping her across the face and she whimpered brokenly as he threw her to the ground. Sano went nuts at seeing this and kicked the shit out of the bandit until he lay unconscious on the forest floor. He raced over to Megumi and hugged her while she cried into his chest. Misao on the other hand was unable to free herself. The bandit began running off with Misao over his shoulder. Her hand was stretched out yelling to me and the only thing I could do was throw a kunai at her, which she caught easily, and stabbed the guy in the back. He yelled painfully, but ran faster and disappeared into the forest.
"Kenshin?" I had asked making sure he could handle this one guy and I didn't need any confirmation, as violence and vengeance was vivid in those eyes now.
"MISAO!" I yelled at the top of my lungs. I sheathed my small kodachi and hid it inside my trenchcoat while carrying the larger one clutched in my right hand. I grabbed a shirt lying on the log fearing the worst and raced to the edge of the trees. I felt like I had been running for ages following the blood trail and soon could her some faint screaming. I picked up the pace and entered a small area to find, another three bandits and the one that had taken Misao, getting ready to beat her up even more as she only stood clad in her underwear as they wanted her to feel all of the pain.
"STOP!" I yelled at the top of my lungs. They turned to see me standing there, kodachi in hand, ready for a fight. Misao too looked up in disbelief hoping that I wasn't a figment of her imagination.
"You touch her and I kill you! You want someone to beat up on, well I'm right here!" I couldn't let this happen to her, not again.
"Me for the girl" I replied with utter hatred edged in my voice. They soon threw Misao forward who fell on the ground. She picked herself up and raced into my outstretched arm while the other held the kodachi tightly in front of us. She cried into my chest but soon let go and wrapped her arms around her naked breasts. I handed her the shirt and pointed with my kodachi the way to race back to the camp to tell Kenshin what was happening. Tears were in her eyes but she soon left the sight. One of the bandits tried to go after her but he went down in a flash fatally wounded in the stomach. Next thing I knew I was jumped on by the other bandits who began beating the shit out of me. So much pain, I could feel some of my ribs snapping as well as my right wrist as it was snapped to get rid of kodachi and was done successfully. I was slashed by my own sword numerous times but finally got a hold of it and killed another bandit with it. I was soon beaten more and I knew they thought I was unconscious. I could feel the presence of the bandits as one stayed in the area waiting for Kenshin while the other dragged me through the forest by my feet. Blood dripped out of my wounds and my head pounded as though it were ready to explode. I could here the faint yelling of Misao's voice frantically calling out my name. I inwardly sighed, as she was alive, well and safe. Kenshin and the others would take care of her. As for myself I wasn't sure how much more I could take. I soon felt the brushing of a handle against my swollen ribs and realised what it was. My kodachi! I opened my eyes to see the bandit dragging me far away from the others not knowing to him that I was still conscious. I brought my hand to the inside of my coat and gritted my teeth to stifle the groan at how much pain I was in. I unsheathed my small kodachi ready for action.
"Never turn your back on me" I hissed with venom in my voice. The bandit dropped my feet and I came to a halt. He turned around fumbling for his weapon but I soon threw my kodachi straight at his heart with all the energy I had left. The blade pieced through his skin and etched into his heart. Blood splurged from his mouth as he fell backwards dead. I sat on the ground heaving breathlessly and then let the darkness take me away.
* * * *
Pain, so much pain. Too much pain. I startled awake to find that I was still lying on the forest floor, looking up at the cloudy sky. My body screamed in pain as I took my kodachi and wiped it clean of blood and placed it back inside my trenchcoat. I swayed around the forest trying to find my friends and our campsite. My breathing had become shallow as I was loosing more and more blood. I needed help. I faintly heard the flowing of the stream and walked towards it. Maybe this would help me to find civilisation quicker. The water was cool to the touch and I fell gratefully in and let the strong currant take me downstream.
I came to a sudden halt as I could feel the pressure of many hands lifting me out of the water. I opened my blurry eyes to see a few unfamiliar faces starring down at me talking but I couldn't hear anything of what they were saying. Darkness came again.
* * * *
I groaned awake and tried to sit up but was stopped by a pair of hands holding me down.
"You really should be resting son, your body has not healed yet." I gazed my eyes to the owner of that voice and found and elderly man looking down at me. Although my body insisted I rest, I could not as Misao and the others would be worried sick. I sat up slowly then and gathered my strength to stand on my feet. I found a mirror over the other side of the room and began walking towards it. Nearly loosing my footing a couple of times, I managed to make it to the mirror and place my good hand against the glass to steady myself. These people had found me at the stream and cleaned my body of blood and placed me back into my black pants.
"How long have I been asleep" I asked the older man.
"About 2 days and yet your body still hasn't healed. We have run out of medical supplies and could only bathe your body to clean the blood away." I nodded my head at what he said.
"I thank you for saving my life but I must go. Please, tell me which way it is to Kyoto." He shook his head at how stubborn I was being but soon took my arm and led me out of the house.
"My son Neil shall take you to town. Oh, we found this on you and so I believe it must belong to you?" He held my sheathed smaller kodachi up to me and I took it in my good hand. I walked with him and was helped into the car by his son.
"Thank you for saving me…" I closed my eyes and fell asleep.
* * * *
"Young man? Would you like me to take you to the hospital?" I could hear him but didn't open my eyes. Rain was pouring down from the skies indicating a new spring was coming.
"The park, maybe she'll be there…" I was speaking to myself but knew Neil could hear me.
"Who son, who?"
"Misao…It's the park near the Washida Training Hall, a vendor stall is always nearby. I wish to go there." I looked over at him now with my eyes open pleading for him to take me to the park. He silently nodded and began driving. He obviously knew where to go. I was only wearing my loose pants as the bandits' had shred all my other clothing. Neil stopped the car and waited for me to get out.
"Thank you for doing this."
"Young man, you really should see a doctor soon." I nodded my head and exited the car and walked in the pouring rain to the cool wet grass that I could feel under my bare feet. Neil had left soon after. I could feel a familiar presence surround me. She was here. My walking speed increased no matter how much pain my body was in. I came to the familiar tree and saw a lone figure sitting under it holding an umbrella over her head.
"Misao?" I had sunk to my knees and felt the wetness of the grass dampen my pants. My eyes were becoming blurry but I knew it was she. She had snapped her head up when she heard my voice and ran towards me totally forgetting about the umbrella. She too sank to her knees and cried brokenly while holding me for dear life. I groaned as this hurt but I was so happy she was alive and I could see her again.
"Help me…" And at that the darkness was taking me again and all I heard was Misao's faint screaming and then nothing.
* * * *
"Aoshi? Aoshi please! Are you ever going to wake up?" Misao's soft voice was coaxing my away from the darkness. I slowly opened my eyes and looked around noticing I must be in hospital. I could hear the sound of a machine beeping away. I registered that Misao was sitting beside me holding my good hand. I squeezed her hand to indicate I was back and she soon shed tears of joy while placing her head down on my chest lightly.
"How long?" My voice was really croaky at not being used for a long time.
"About 5 days…" Misao had spoken softly at me. So overall I had been out for an entire week. A whole week without Misao. My heart clenched as Misao was still sobbing quietly and so I placed my sore hand on top of her head to brush my fingers through her hair.
"Misao?" I wanted to see those beautiful eyes. She raised her head to look up at me and I tapped my fingers on my lips indicating that I wanted to be kissed by her. She lightly blushed but her lips caressed mine softly as not to hurt my bruised features. She broke off and I sighed tiredly.
"Rest Aoshi, you'll be able to come home soon if your body keeps healing like this." I nodded my head and soon closed my eyes to take a light nap knowing that when I wake Misao will be there waiting for me.
* * * *
Misao had bought me some clean clothes and I was dressing in my pants in the bathroom I had to myself. Misao was talking to the doctor about my injuries in the next room. I had finally gotten my pants on and was dead tired. These drugs were damn strong. I walked wobbly out of the bathroom to find Misao sitting on the bed, swinging her legs aimlessly, and waiting for me. She saw that I had emerged from the bathroom and jumped off the bed to walk towards me carrying my shirt. She placed my limp arms into the shirtsleeves and began doing up the buttons. I grabbed her hands; winced at the pain I caused my right one, but didn't let go. She stopped and looked up at me confused. I gave her a crooked smile and brushed my fingertips over one of her cheeks silently thanking her. She grabbed that hand and kissed the inside of my palm and then placed it back against her cheek. She soon let go and finished doing up my buttons. She took a hold of my hand and led me to the door's entrance while carrying a backpack.
We finally signed me out of the hospital, thanked the nurses and doctors and jumped in the taxi that was called for us minutes ago. I was beginning to fall asleep but Misao was talking to me about Kenshin and the others and about school. She told the principal I was in hospital with an illness and that's it. Kenshin and the others had been to the hospital to see me but I was still unconscious.
* * * *
Misao opened the door to our unit and lead me to the bedroom to rest. I halted a moment but she soon got me walking again as she was now giving me the bedroom and she was going to sleep on the foldout couch.
"You must rest Aoshi and when you wake up you'll have to eat and I'll need to change your bandages." I looked at Misao who had spoken this determinedly while taking my shirt off so I could be comfortable. I smiled exhausted at her and nodded my thanks. She guided me onto the bed, placed a hand under my head and placed it against the pillows and lightly brushed her fingers over my forehead and then down to my cheek. I soon felt the pressure of her lips kissing me gently on the forehead and then her turning away to walk back into the main room. I spoke softly before falling asleep once more.
"Please leave the door open Misao."
* * * *
I awoke to the faint sound of several voices coming from the main room.
"He's still sleeping." Misao had spoken.
"That's all right, I just wanted to come over to see how you were holding up Misao. You've taken this past week pretty ruff." It was Megumi who was in the house with Misao.
"Well I think you'd be the same if something happened to Sano."
"Well I-" In my mind I could just see Megumi blushing profusely. Misao and Megumi both giggled and then silence followed as Megumi found her voice again.
"Misao how are you really doing?" Megumi's voice turned serious.
"You have no idea how scared I was. I felt like it was going to happen again, the rape and all. But then Aoshi turned up, I thought he was just a hallucination, but then he offered himself to them and in return he wanted me. I ran straight for him and into his arms and that's when I knew he saved me. I knew he wanted me to run away and get Kenshin so I did while placing the shirt on he had brought for me. I don't know what happened to him during then but when I saw him at the park it was so horrifying. All those cuts and bruises, he even had a twisted wrist and broken ribs, it must have really hurt. I prayed the whole time he was gone and then when he was in hospital I prayed more. The amount of tears I cried I think I could have made an ocean." Misao had laughed at her last part. She cried for me. My being hurt has hurt her What do I say to her when I really wake up and go out there? My thoughts were cut off when Megumi spoke.
"You ran to Aoshi naked! What do you think he thought about your-" I was shocked about what Megumi was saying. I knew exactly what she was going to say but Misao cut her off.
"Megumi! He's in the next room for crying out loud! Besides I couldn't help it you know. There were 4 bandits. I bet Sano has already seen yours too and it wouldn't have been in the battle either!" I chuckled lightly at what Misao was saying.
"So what if he has…I'm not afraid to show him ALL of me!" I was sipping some water when I heard that and it spewed from my mouth. Boy this was turning into a conversational war about the four of us and sex.
"So you think I am afraid to show Aoshi all of me?" Oh shit! I thought to myself.
"I didn't say that Misao. A lot of stuff has happened to you and I think one day you might actually leave it in the past. I just want you to be honest with him and yourself."
"What the hell does that mean?" Misao was becoming frustrated by the changes in her voice.
"Have you left your past in the past Misao? Yes it was eventful and horrifying but what you must think about is, if you do not let go of this you shall never have happiness at all. Are you being totally truthful to him Misao? Does he know how much he effects your emotions? Are you ever going to tell him anything?" Megumi was speaking quite loudly and if I were still asleep I would have woken up to that. I held my breath and waited for Misao's answer. Minutes went by and Misao had said nothing.
"I can't believe you Misao! After all this time you still aren't telling him anything! He's opened up to you and for what? He's getting nothing back. You're not talking to him! He's given you a home, kindness, care, protection, help and most of all his heart. I can't believe you could be this selfish." My hands were fisted as this was all true but I knew Misao had feelings for me. They just weren't ready to come out yet. She's too afraid that she'll be hurt again. I began to get up slowly as not to make my presence known just yet. My body ached but this conversation needed to stop before it went to far.
"I'm ashamed of you Misao! You have this gorgeous guy who wants to take care of you forever and all you can do is run away. If you are so scarred that he's going to hurt you then you really are stupid! He traded himself for you because he'd rather have been beaten up, maybe even killed if it saved you from going through all of that pain again. Look-"
"STOP!" I was now leaning heavily against the door looking at the two of them. It was apparent they had been swimming over at Megumi's as both were dressed in swimsuits and each had a sarong tied around their waist. They both wore bikinis with Misao's being a black and blue one while Megumi's was dark red. Their hair lay wet and freely cascading down their backs. They both jumped at hearing my voice.
"Please stop before you both say something you'll regret later." I pleaded with them. I knew Megumi wasn't going to say sorry because she was right about everything and Misao knew it. I watched Megumi pick up her sandshoes and walk out the door closing it behind her. I sighed as the room was once again peaceful and walked back to the bed and flopped down on it with absolutely no energy. Yes that had hurt my body but not as much as getting up did. I felt Misao's presence in the room but didn't turn over to face her.
"Aoshi, did you hear everything we talked about?" I groaned to indicate a yes and moved my head trying to nod affirmatively.
"Oh…" I opened one eye to see Misao sitting on the floor just across from me. I lifted up my hand to brush over her soft cheek so she would look up at me. He head snapped up and I gave her a croaked smile while tracing my fingers over her soft lips. My eyes saddened when Misao brushed my fingers away and placed my hand on the bed.
"Fine…" I felt rejected once again and so I turned my head away from her and tightly closed my eyes. I gathered my courage to speak with no emotion etched in my voice.
"I was going to go to the park if you wish to join me." Please Misao! I silently screamed in my mind.
"No…" I guess that was the end of the conversation so I began to get up onto my hands and knees first. I saw Misao stand up as if ready to help me but I didn't let her.
"I don't want charity Misao." I spoke angrily at her and she bowed her head. It was as though she wasn't going to cry or get angry, as she seemed to think she deserved it. I grabbed a shirt from the closet to hide my injuries, slipped my feet into my sneakers and walked slowly but determinedly out the door.
* * * *
I was coming closer to the park as I had just come from the training hall. I told Mr Washida what happened and he showed genuine sympathy for my friends and myself. I said I'd come and watch the children train but I was unable to teach them myself. I walked slowly to the park with my sore right wrist hugging my stomach area while my left fingers absently caressed a scar on the side of my throat. I received strange glances from people walking past me but I knew that when I got to the park the mothers' would have found out from Misao.
I was now in the park walking towards the mothers as they had waved me over. I received comforting hugs from them and wishing me good health. I nodded in kind and thanked them while moving on my usual sitting place. I soon found it occupied by little Stevie. I bent down on my knees as she raced to hug me with tears streaming down her face.
"Aoshi I missed you soooooooooooo much! Misao said something bad happened to you but she always promised me you were going to come back. I-" I stopped the small child from talking and spoke quietly into her ear.
"Stevie its okay. I'm here aren't I so you should be happy now because I can still tell you stories and you can sit in my lap and fall asleep." I was trying to stop her crying and it worked when she brushed her small hands over her face to wipe them away. Stevie put a bright smile on her face and so took my hand tugging it to follow her over to the tree so we could sit down. I suppressed a groan from standing up again but couldn't help it when one slipped past my lips as I leaned against the tree trunk. Stevie stood in front of me concern etched all over her face and she soon spoke to me while patting my chest lightly.
"Do you hurt here Aoshi?" I smiled at her as she had such a huge heart for a small girl.
"Yes, but I am okay Stevie. You can sit down." I picked her up and layed her back against my chest and wrapped my arms around her small form and closed my eyes.
"I missed this Stevie, I'm going to have to make up for not being her for an entire week." I said to her with my eyes closed smiling lightly. She giggled happily and brushed my bandaged wrist soothingly.
"Did you miss anything else while you weren't here?" I snapped my eyes open to see Misao standing in front of us. She was still wearing her bathing gear and I could see many young men watching her. I opened my mouth but was cut of by little Stevie piping up, speaking for me.
"Aoshi would have missed you heaps Misao" I diverted my eyes away from her and from the corner of them I saw Misao holding some money and begin talking to Stevie.
"Hey Stevie why don't you go buy yourself an ice-cream."
"Oh Boy!" She had run off to the vendor stall after grabbing the money from Misao.
"Bribing a small child Misao? Shame on you." I said jokingly to her. She blushed lightly and sat down in front of me.
"Aoshi about what was said in the unit between Megumi and I-"
"Misao its alright, don't worry, she'll calm down and apologise when we go back to school."
"But she's right!" Misao shouted desperately at me. Her ocean-blue eyes glistened with unshed tears. She was a little embarrassed by her outburst and hugged her knees to her chest and blushed.
"Look Aoshi I-" She was interrupted by Stevie coming back at that exact moment.
"Aoshi look what I got!" I smiled out how excited she was over ice cream.
"What flavours did you get Ste-" I stopped when I heard Stevie's mum call her and she soon began walking over towards us. Although Stevie pouted cutely she ended up going to her mother and waving goodbye. I stood up and began speaking to Misao.
"We should be going…" She silently nodded and rose to her feet and we started walking home in silence.
* * * *
We arrived home and I began heading to the bathroom while Misao went to the kitchen. I closed the door behind me and sat on the edge of the bath and turned the taps on. Once he bath was to my liking I stripped off and climbed in. The heat relaxed my injuries and I closed my eyes and sighed out loud.
Minutes went by and I still hadn't left the bathroom. The water was now lukewarm and so I decided I'd better get out now. I wrapped a towel around my waste and drained the bath of water. I had left my clothes in the bedroom and open the door and walked into the main room. The bedroom door was slightly ajar and I didn't even give it a second thought as I walked in to find Misao only wearing a pair of underwear. She had looked up at the exact same time I had walked in and we stood frozen just staring at each other. I snapped out of the trance first and diverted my eyes while apologising.
"Misao I'm sorry." From the corner of my eye I could see that Misao had placed one arm over her breasts while fumbling for her robe. She finally found it and quickly placed it on and walked straight past me and back into the main room to the kitchen. That moment had been déjà vu for me as it was exactly like our camping trip. I soon snapped out of it and walked to the closet to get dressed. I walked back in to find Misao sitting on the couch eating some soup. I cleared my throat and spoke softly to Misao while sitting down on the small table in front of her.
"Misao I've decided that I'm going to move back home when school holidays begin." She had a look of surprise on her face but soon nodded her head. I guess our relationship wasn't meant to be. I realised she wasn't going to say anything so I stood up and spoke again.
"Good night Misao" I turned around and walked to the room and closed the door distancing myself from the one person I wished to have but couldn't.
* * * *
I woke to find Misao had already left the unit and gone to school. She had packed my bag, ironed my entire uniform, made my lunch and tied my tie for me. My shoes lay near the door with a pair of socks on them as well. I had been that tired that I didn't even hear her enter the room.
I dressed as quickly as I could, grabbed my things and headed out the door and walked to school.
I arrived about 40 minutes later and realised I was early as the school bell hadn't gone yet. Students stopped there talking to stare at me as I walked around to find Kenshin and the others. I soon found them walking over to me smiling brightly. I breathed deeply and smiled in return. I noticed that Misao wasn't with them. Kaoru and Megumi hugged me kindly while Sano and Kenshin patted my back lightly welcoming me back. I stood there and told them that I was leaving. Their face expression saddened but I told them I'd always come and visit and they were most welcome back in my hometown. Megumi's expression was different from everyone else's, as she knew that Misao hadn't spoken to me at all. We began walking into the school with Kaoru talking away to Kenshin and Sano while Megumi and I walked silently behind them.
"Aoshi?" I turned to look at Megumi, who was just about to ask me about Misao but I shook my head sadly. Megumi hugged me soothingly and I soon returned the gesture. In a matter of seconds Sano piped up talking jokingly to us while standing at the main doors with Kenshin and Kaoru.
"Hey Shinomori get your own woman, the fox is mine." Megumi and I laughed together and she soon let go to wrap her arm around my waist while I placed mine over her shoulder and we walked up the steps towards the others. Sano held out his hand for Megumi to take when we got to the doors and she took it happily, as did Kaoru when Kenshin did the same. I smiled out how happy they all were and didn't care about myself, at this point and time.
* * * *