Misao's Magic Lamp

~* Jo-chan

Disclaimers: Standard RK disclaimers apply. Some of the scenes were taken from Disney's Aladdin and concepts are the by-product of various fairy tales and the "Arabian Nights".

Author's Notes: The timeline is pretty hazy but it is in the medieval period. So, I hope you enjoy this fic even though the fairy tale has little add-ons never included in any of the other versions. Happy readings!

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Part 1

The busy streets of Edo is bustling with more activity it seems. The emperor's only son and heir, Prince Aoshi is about to choose a wife! The emperor Jiya had been dithering as of late and he has decreed that the prince must have a bride! Nobles held exorbitant parades as they flaunted their daughters. Only one person remained impervious to the festivities.

Okay, she was exactly impervious. Actually, Misao was gleefully welcoming each parade because it afforded her the opportunity to steal more purses.

Misao was a street rat as some arrogant people dubbed her. She got abandoned as a child and she grew up pretty tough because she was alone in the world. The only other people she trusted was her gang mates Sanosuke and Yahiko. (the sort of Abu here k? ) They were as skilled in survival as she was. Sano was good in gambling while Yahiko was quite a pickpocket too.

Today the powerful daimyo's daughter, Megumi as she was called is summoned to the opulent and imposing palace of the emperor. The parade was the grandest by far and Misao, Sano and Yahiko watched it with gleaming eyes.

The daughter was sitting atop a lavishly decorated elephant, a strange thing surely but then again, in the past four months, nobles have begun competing in a bid to capture the Prince Aoshi's attention.

She rolled her eyes as the unnecessary display. When she looked back to give a joke about the elephant, she found Yahiko and Sano both with jaws hanging open.

She gave them an irritated look and a push. "Che! Oi, roosterhead, Yahiko-chan, stop gaping at those bluebloods and start surveying our target!" said Misao as she turned back to the crowd.

Sano swore but didn't take his eyes off Megumi. "Chikusho weasel, you wouldn't understand 'coz you don't know a thing about beauty," said Sano as he leaned closer to the edge, trying to catch a better glimpse.

Yahiko nodded as he gazed at Tsubame, the shy sister of Megumi. "Aa. We're now looking at the most excellent example of beauty unlike our Misao here," said Yahiko as he nudged Sano.

Misao gave a little furious scream and sent her kunais flying. When Sano and Yahiko were pinned against the wall, cursing her, she gave them both a smug smile. "This is what real beauty is" she informed them archly, flexing a muscle after she knocked them silly.

Whistling, her humor much improved, she leapt out of their dingy house and began leaping from rooftop to rooftop trying to see the unlucky victim. The air was whipping her long black braid but she didn't care. You know what, the fun thing about being a street rat is that you have your freedom. You make your own decisions and unfortunately face the consequences of each.

As Misao rested a bit, her eyes still scanning the crowd it was then when she noticed him. Of course it was a him, he stood six feet tall or perhaps even taller!

Misao couldn't help herself but she stared at him. He was tall, but his dark woolen cloak and hood hid his features from her. Somehow she couldn't tear her gaze away from him. As she drew nearer, oblivious to the fact that she was on a shop's roof she accidentally stepped on a loose board and fell down.

She could have sworn she heard another grunt of pain as she fell down. Hey, lucky, she didn't hurt that much as she gingerly opened one eye.

Oops, the guy she was staring at earlier, well, suffice to say that she was on top of him. She jumped from her compromising position and smiled at him as he slowly stood up, pushing his hood back from his face.

Misao's smile froze on her face. Kawaii! He had short black hair, his bangs concealing his eyes and when he did fix his gaze on her, it took everything in Misao not to fling her arms and legs around him and beg him to marry her! That was silly of course, she was only 18 and the guys looked to be one of those stern, serious types as his full kissable lips were pulled back in a scowl. Misao self-consciously tucked a bang behind her ear and gave him a tentative smile.

The man looked at her for a moment and the scowl was replaced by a look of shock, amusement and stupefaction. The girl that stood in front of him had such a beautiful smile. Her face was covered with dirt true but her eyes, a unique mix of blue and green, ocean eyes he decided were filled with such warmth and joy. She was petite, barely reaching his shoulder but he was thoroughly enchanted by her. She was a dirty urchin but there was something compelling about her.

They stood in an alleyway, ignored because the spectacle of the parade drew much attention. Despite the clanging drums and cymbals, it felt like they were the only people in the world as they gazed at each other.

Misao blushed, her dirty cheeks turning a shade of pink and she bowed as she apologized. "Gomen nasai. The roof top had a loose board." She said her dimples appearing.

The man nodded and when a group of palace guards appeared near the alleyway, he looked at them apprehensively, a scowl creasing his perfect brows. When he looked back at the young kid, she nodded, interpreting correctly that he wanted to elude those guards. He was surprised when the girl placed a finger on her lips indicating silence and began to lead him through a maze of alleys and back streets. She seemed to know her way around he thought as she then led him over a few rooftops, making him jump at least a dozen times. She finally led him to a house, small and dingy above the other dingy houses. She opened the door and gestured for him to come in as she bustled about inside.

"I'm Misao Mikimachi. Why were you running from those guards, you stole something from them didn't you?" she asked casually as she placed her packet of kunais on the table.

The man smirked and removed his cloak. He stood straight as he introduced himself. "I am Aoshi," he said volunteering no more information. He looked in curiosity around the house. Never had he managed to stay out of the palace for so long. He looked speculatively at the girl, she was no ordinary thief if she managed to even confuse him with the number of turns they made.

Aoshi was already going crazy. His lecherous grandfather Jiya, the emperor of Japan was dead set on finding him a bride. He cursed his father, Hiko Seijuro for abdicating his position as the next in line. His father said he didn't want to handle the paperwork involved in being the head of an empire. Besides, he was already the general of the imperial army, what would he do with a crown? He had sufficient power as it is. And so he handed the title of being next in line to his son, Aoshi Shinomori.

Misao watched the play of emotions on his handsome face. She could tell it was rare that he reveal his feelings and she doubted he was even aware she was watching him. 'Aoshi', goodness, even his name was beautiful. But he had the look of a rich guy. The way his broad shoulders would straighten even at a simple introduction. She sighed. Suddenly, she wished she is a rich blue-blood. Maybe Aoshi would notice her then. His eyes then fixed on her and she couldn't fathom his gaze as he looked at her.

Her face was lovely even with the layers of dirt liberally smeared on it. She then walked over to a huge window and lifted a ragged curtain. He was surprised to see a majestic view of his palace. His heart sank as he felt his obligations calling out to him again. He turned to look at Misao again and saw a wistful look in her face.

"You know Aoshi-sama, I've always dreamed of living in a palace like that. To have everything handed out to me in a silver platter and not to have to fight for my survival. You're rich aren't you? I can tell by the way you look. Do you live in a house as grand as that?" Misao asked as he sat at the widow sill, lightly swinging her legs.

Aoshi got a little sidetracked when he gazed at those long and shapely legs. He answered but it was more of a lie, "Iie. Why would you want to be in that place? Don't you know that you can never be free if you are in that place?"

She shook her head at him, "Ah but to live in a gilded cage! All the more fun because you have the challenge of trying to escape from it from time to time. Aoshi-sama, I think that a life like that is better than being a street weasel like me with no knowledge of my roots," answered Misao as she gazed at the palace once again.

Aoshi kept silent for awhile. Grudgingly, he answered, "Perhaps." And kept silent after that. Their silence was companionable before Misao began filling it in with stories about her antics over the past 18 years of her life. Aoshi listened raptly, fascinated by the fact that a girl like her could survive in a life as hard as this. He was even more surprised when she revealed she knows kenpo. She could read too and she confessed her talent for being a quick learner. They grew silent once more, this time the silence was charged with an odd tension.

Aoshi looked at her warmly and Misao's heart began beating like a wild thing. He leaned closer to her and she found herself leaning in too, their faces drawing close. His lips were inches away from hers when suddenly the palace guards swept in, headed by the emperor's vizier, Kanryuu Takeda, a man whom Aoshi loathed.

Misao jumped in surprise. Oh no, she's in for it now! She recognized Takeda being the man she stole from only two days ago. She emptied both his pockets and he even chased her when he realized he has been robbed.

Takeda eyes widened when he recognized her but obviously, he wasn't there for her but for someone else. Aoshi.

"Prince Aoshi, what are you doing with a street weasel like her? She is disreputable, why she has robbed me of my purse two days ago. Come now, your grandfather grows weary of chasing after you each time an heiress is presented," said Takeda oblivious to Aoshi's grim expression and Misao's dumfounded face.

"Aoshi-- you're a prince?" Misao asked feeling very weak all of a sudden. She felt like bursting into tears when Aoshi looked at her and gave a tight nod. He then began walking away with the rest of the guards but he gave her a backward look, his eyes dark and unreadable.

"Sayonara Misao," he said before he left. He was talking with Takeda, obviously about her. She saw him contradict whatever Takeda was saying and nodded when he finally agreed.

When Aoshi had left, Misao sank wearily on the cold stone floor of their house. Aoshi was a prince! Then he must be Aoshi Shinomori, the heir of the emperor of Japan. She was such a fool!

She looked up when she saw Takeda wearing an evil grin, lurking above her. He smiled cruelly and in a mocking tone, "Oh, the little street weasel has fallen for the heir of the Emperor of Japan. How tragic. Maybe if you were rich Prince Aoshi would consider having you for a bride." He said with a sneer.

Misao snarled angrily and whipped out her kunais. She jumped and moved so quickly, dispersing her kunais with quick flicks of her wrists that Takeda was down and pinned on the tatami, a kunai held above his nose. Sweat broke out over the man's forehead.

He swallowed a lump of humiliation and instead focused on his objectives. This street rat was the only one who can descend the cave of the forty thieves. Her face was shown in the magic of his looking glass. Only Kami-sama could know why it was her of all people but it was she who was foretold with the power to touch and retrieve the treasure he has been seeking all his life. " All right, I give up street weasel. The reason why I returned is that I can offer you a solution to your problems," he said in a wheedling tone.

"The only problem I see is you," said Misao not moving one inch from her attack stance. The man was wily as a snake. His cold eyes were constantly watching for weaknesses and errors.

"Sumen. I am a little unused to such an aggressive demeanor from the ladies, I was hoping we could come to an understanding," said Takeda. Damn, she was smart, he better make things sound better.

Warily, Misao looked at him and lowered her kunai a bit. She hopped up and left Takeda pinned on her floor and sat down. She began swinging her legs as she said, "Look you slimy snake, I wouldn't betray anyone for you! I steal to eat but I'll never steal for the benefit of crooked politicians like you."

Takeda nodded as if he understood but he was actually seething. "Iie, iie. Gomen. I wanted you to just retrieve something for me."

Misao peered suspiciously at his face and asked, "Nani?"

"In the burial chamber of my ancestor, in a cave south of Edo a lamp stands on a precarious ledge. If you get that lamp for me, you can take anything you want from the cave," he promised. When Misao continued to look at him suspiciously, he desperately promised, "All right! I'll pay you too in addition to the privilege of letting you loot that burial! I won't arrest you or any of your street rat friends. You know, that roosterhead and the kid."

Misao looked contemplative. She scratched her neck thoughtfully and said, "What if I get in trouble with that cave? Maybe you're just sending me in because it'll surely kill me."

"Iie, iie. I think you're the swiftest and most fleet-footed young lady I've ever seen. You're very skilled too. Onegai?" he said, managing to look pathetic.

Misao was always a sucker for compliments and she beamed even as she agreed, "Oh hai, I am definitely better than anybody now that I think about it. Aa, I'll do it. But of course I have to bring along my troop. I need all the back-up I can get."

Everything suddenly fell in Kanryuu's palm. He barely restrained himself from laughing aloud in glee. He nodded and tried to look meek and grateful. "Arigatou gozaimasu. Can you please let me up now? Let's start talking about this business," said Kanryuu as he gestured at the kunais pinning him.

Soon he shall have the lamp and nothing is going to stand in the way of his plans, not even the damned Prince Aoshi.

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When Aoshi strode into the throne room, Okina was very displeased with him. Hiko stood by his father's side, wearing that arrogant grin. The royal messenger Soujiro stood nearby, ready to dispatch a decree or an announcement. Megumi Takani, another bride prospect of Okina's was seated nearby, looking almost as bored with him as he was with the stupid royal decorum.

Okina stroked a hand over his beard as he began his tirade, "Chikusho Aoshi! You can't just walk out of the palace when you feel like it! You have responsibilities young man!" he thundered.

Hiko added his own stinging reprimands albeit a bit smugly, "That's right Aoshi, you're the next in line to Japan's emperor! You have your obligations here. You can't just walk away! You even left your lovely bride here."

Megumi snorted at that and Aoshi was startled and turned to look at her. She didn't back down submissively, in fact she stared steadily back at him and then at Hiko. Her father squirmed uncomfortably at that look and Megumi then spoke her voice clear and distinct in the hallway.

"Your majesty, I'm afraid you're overlooking one very important detail in this arrangement. Two actually since it seems that Prince Aoshi seems to have the same sentiment in this engagement. I don't want this! I'd rather be in my clinic and work to death than just sit here and twiddle my thumbs!" said Megumi her voice forceful yet dignified. Megumi's father promptly fainted, Tsubame turned pale, Okina looked stupefied and Hiko was grinning widely.

At that, Aoshi gave Megumi an admiring look. She gave him a haughty nod and looked away, trying to revive her father. He then walked out of the shocked throne room, smirking. He was remembering Misao's outrageous bravado.

Her beautiful ocean-blue eyes seared his mind and suddenly he had visions of abdicating and becoming an ordinary man. Just for her. But then he sighed. He knew that if Japan is left on Hiko's hands, Japan would become a feudal nation. Hiko has too little patience and is too arrogant to care for an entire nation. Hiko knew that too which is why his son, Aoshi was the one carefully trained to rule Japan. Aoshi knew he could shoulder the problems of Japan aptly. He was a warrior at heart but he can be patient the most patient man in the country.

He cannot abandon the nation just for the most beautiful eyes in the whole world. Somehow he cannot let idiotic visions of love intrude in his destiny. Only a miracle can give him his heart's desire but then again, Prince Aoshi Shinomori didn't believe in miracles.

TBC

Part 2