Oh, boy! Oh, boy! Oh, boy! I might actually finish this one! I have so many unfinished stories sitting
around here. I want to get my little ones done and then concentrate on my big, whopping story. I love that
one and can't get the ending right. I'll figure it out eventually. Anyway, on to the next chapter! Yes, I'm
getting close to the end. I think. Oh yeah, my secondary category was romance. Crud. Don't know how
I'll work it in, but I will. I absolutely adore Aoshi and Misao and it just isn't a good fic unless there's a
touch of romance. Hopefully, you're still reading. If so, review! Please be kind!
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MISAO'S APPEARANCE
Part 3
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Misao carefully stepped around and over the guards hoping she didn't trip. She made it to the door and
gasped in surprise at the huge entryway. She had no idea where to go and just went with her instincts.
'Aoshi-sama and the others are here. If I concentrate on them, I can find them.' Misao closed her eyes for
a second and breathed deeply. She opened her eyes, smoothed her hair and dress and went up the stairs. 'I
can feel them just beyond this door.' She opened it and found the Kenshin-gumi standing inside.
"Is everyone all right?"
"Misao! I'm so glad you're here. Kenshin just fought Aoshi and barely won. Sano fought Shikijo and
managed to win. Kenshin fought Hannya and saw through the illusion caused by his stripes. And now, we
are standing here catching our breath before going up to find Megumi."
Misao's heart felt like it was being ripped in two. 'I'm too late. It's all over.' She patted her obi making
sure she still had her kunai in there and pulled the hood of her pale pink cloak over her head. "Guys, if we
run into the Oniwabanshuu again, don't say my name."
Everyone gave her a puzzled look, but nodded in agreement. Just then, the door opened and they all turned
to see the Oniwabanshuu. All five were standing there and Misao felt elated. It took all her willpower to
not throw off her cloak and run over to hug them. She noticed the Oniwabanshuu eyeing her suspiciously,
cautious of the new arrival. 'This could be fun.'
She sauntered closer and kept her head low to hide all of her face except her mouth, which she turned up
into a small smile. She lowered her voice to the breathy whisper she used as a bandit. "So, we meet again.
Do you remember me?"
The Oniwabanshuu looked back blankly at her. "Oh, Hannya-kun. You can't tell me you've forgotten
about me." They all looked at Hannya who shrugged.
"Your ki is familiar, but I can't place it."
Misao turned her attention to Beshimi. "I always loved watching you throw your darts." Beshimi
blushed, being a bit taken with the small frame and seductive voice.
"Th-thank you, miss."
'I'm loving this!' "Hyottoko, you're fire breath was so amazing to me." His eyes started to glow with
recognition, but it quickly faded. His mind raced. 'It can't be her.'
"Shikijo, I remember demanding that you put me on your shoulders so I could be big and see over
everybody else. I was such a brat." 'No doubt, it has to be her.'
She turned her attention to Aoshi. "And Aoshi-sama. I was so devastated when you left. I've traveled the
country for two years trying to find you. And finally, I have."
Aoshi's eyes widened the slightest with recognition and then he forced them back into their usual size.
The rest of the Oniwabanshuu quickly finished putting the pieces together. Hannya was the one to speak.
"Lady Misao?"
She allowed her smile to grow just a bit and gently pushed the hood off her head without looking up. She
untied the cloak and threw it away from her. She raised her head and looked at the shocked expressions of
her family. "So, you do remember me."
Beshimi stepped forward. "Misao? You're all grown up! You look wonderful."
Hyottoko chimed in. "Yes, very beautiful."
Shikijo stepped forward and looked her up and down. "Quite nice."
She noticed his gaze resting at her chest and smacked his arm. "Hentai."
He blushed and looked away. "You just don't look like the little girl we used to know."
"That's because I'm not a little girl. I've grown up. Too quickly. Jiya's been trying to marry me off to a
bunch of old perverted men who never look at my face. The three he has tried have gotten out of hand and
had to be dragged away by Shiro and Kuro. I owe my life to those two. If they hadn't been so
overprotective my honor would have been gone long ago." She allowed a sad smile to cross her face and
then waved it away when she noticed the anger on her friends' faces. "Hey, it didn't happen! I'm still able
to marry, if Jiya ever finds a decent man." She smiled brighter at them and they smiled back.
She then remembered Aoshi hadn't said anything and looked over at him. He was just standing there
looking at her and she felt her heart beat faster. 'Eight years and finally I see him. He's gotten even more
beautiful.' She made her way towards him. "Aoshi-sama. I have missed you."
She wrapped her arms around him and he returned the embrace. "Misao, you have changed."
She glanced at him to see if it was a good change or a bad one. He read her expression. "Good change,
Misao."
She blushed and tightened the embrace. Just then the door on the other side of the room burst open and
Kanryu was standing behind his gattling gun.
Kaoru's eyes widened remembering stories of new western weapons coming in to the country. "No, it
can't be…"
"Oh, but it is pretty one. This little invention is going to kill all of you." Kanryu smirked evilly at Kaoru
and turned his attention to the Oniwabanshuu and noticed Misao standing in front of them. "Well, well,
well, you weren't here earlier, lovely."
Misao got an idea and turned to grin and wink at her family and then at her new friends. She lowered her
voice again and turned back to Kanryu. "Well, I just got here Kanryu Takeda. I've been looking for you."
She smiled a small smile at him and began to walk slowly towards him. Kenshin was about to stop her but
noticed the looks on the faces of the Oniwabanshuu. They wanted desperately to grab her and pull her
back, but knew she was in control.
"So, Kanryu, what do you plan on using this great big gun for?" She wound her hand up in his tie as she
spoke and Kanryu could feel his face flame up.
"Well, my little vixen, I plan on killing all these people. Does that make you happy?"
"I've never approved of violence." She pulled him closer so his face was an inch from hers. "I don't think
you should kill them. But, then again" She released his tie, "I'm just a woman. What do I know?"
She gave him a coy smile and he replied to her. "Well, my pet if you let me finish work, I promise you a
good time."
"I will let you do as you wish then." She bowed deeply and began to walk back towards everyone. They
watched as she reached into her obi and pulled out her kunai, stunning the Kenshin-gumi while the
Oniwabanshuu had to keep themselves from smiling. "Oh, Kanryu, one more thing."
"Yes, my dear?"
She spun around and flung her kunai pinning both his arms and his legs to the wall. "Now, Himura!"
Kenshin raced across the room flipping his sword and cutting off the gun's handle. Misao smiled and
walked back to Kanryu. "Oh and there's something else. I am not your pet, vixen, dear or your lovely. Do
I make myself clear? I want nothing to do with a slimy creature such as yourself and should you even dare
to lay a finger on me I will promise a fate worse than death." She gave him a sinister glare and turned her
back to him walking away. "I'm sure castration is painful when you're fully awake." She grinned at her
family as all of them pushed their legs together and pulled in air through their teeth. She looked over to her
other friends and noticed Sano, Yahiko and Kenshin in the same state and rolled her eyes.
Sano looked at Misao. "Oi, Misao. You may be a very pretty lady, but you sure are evil."
She smiled brightly. "Thanks, Sanosuke. I appreciate both comments."
Misao turned back to the Oniwabanshuu and walked over to them. "Please stop fighting. Himura and the
others helped me find you. I know what's been going on with Megumi. You guys are in the wrong. You
can't force her to stay and make opium. Where's the honor in that?"
Aoshi and the others looked down in shame like children being scolded. Misao giggled when she noticed
that Hyottoko had clasped his hands behind his back and was moving one of his feet side to side. They all
looked up when she started to laugh. "Oh, Hyottoko! I could never stay mad at you."
She hugged each of them and then turned to Aoshi. "Aoshi-sama, please stop this nonsense."
"Misao, I gave my word." She hated to turn this on him, but she had to do it.
"Do you remember when you told my father you would always look after me and make me happy?"
Aoshi knew where this was going. Misao continued. "You left me, took the ones that I cared for most, and
broke my heart. You didn't keep your word then, but you're willing to keep your word to a dishonest
criminal?" She felt the tears stinging her eyes. "You aren't the man I fell in love with." Her hands flew to
her mouth and everyone looked on shocked.
Misao lowered her gaze to the floor and tried to mumble quietly but everyone heard it. "Can't take it back
now. Dummy, dummy, dummy."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Aoshi stood outside the dojo with the rest of his group including Misao who had donned her regular ninja
gear again. "Thank you, Himura. If you hadn't helped Misao who knows what might have happened back
there. I appreciate it." He bowed deeply and Kenshin returned the gesture.
"I would like you all to come visit again. We had a lot of fun getting to know Misao-dono."
Kaoru grabbed Misao in a hug. "You better come back to visit. It was nice having another girl around."
"You and Himura should come to Kyoto, Kaoru. You could see our restaurant and all the sights. I'd love
it!"
"I just might take you up on the offer." Kaoru smiled brightly and they waved as Misao and the
Oniwabanshuu walked off.
Megumi turned to Sanosuke. "I guess I don't have to worry anymore. They're gone and Kanryu is in jail."
Dr. Genzai strolled up with his granddaughters. "This must be my new apprentice." He smiled warmly at
Megumi and she smiled back.
'Life is going to be good from now on.' She walked away with Dr. Genzai and the two little girls.
around here. I want to get my little ones done and then concentrate on my big, whopping story. I love that
one and can't get the ending right. I'll figure it out eventually. Anyway, on to the next chapter! Yes, I'm
getting close to the end. I think. Oh yeah, my secondary category was romance. Crud. Don't know how
I'll work it in, but I will. I absolutely adore Aoshi and Misao and it just isn't a good fic unless there's a
touch of romance. Hopefully, you're still reading. If so, review! Please be kind!
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
MISAO'S APPEARANCE
Part 3
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Misao carefully stepped around and over the guards hoping she didn't trip. She made it to the door and
gasped in surprise at the huge entryway. She had no idea where to go and just went with her instincts.
'Aoshi-sama and the others are here. If I concentrate on them, I can find them.' Misao closed her eyes for
a second and breathed deeply. She opened her eyes, smoothed her hair and dress and went up the stairs. 'I
can feel them just beyond this door.' She opened it and found the Kenshin-gumi standing inside.
"Is everyone all right?"
"Misao! I'm so glad you're here. Kenshin just fought Aoshi and barely won. Sano fought Shikijo and
managed to win. Kenshin fought Hannya and saw through the illusion caused by his stripes. And now, we
are standing here catching our breath before going up to find Megumi."
Misao's heart felt like it was being ripped in two. 'I'm too late. It's all over.' She patted her obi making
sure she still had her kunai in there and pulled the hood of her pale pink cloak over her head. "Guys, if we
run into the Oniwabanshuu again, don't say my name."
Everyone gave her a puzzled look, but nodded in agreement. Just then, the door opened and they all turned
to see the Oniwabanshuu. All five were standing there and Misao felt elated. It took all her willpower to
not throw off her cloak and run over to hug them. She noticed the Oniwabanshuu eyeing her suspiciously,
cautious of the new arrival. 'This could be fun.'
She sauntered closer and kept her head low to hide all of her face except her mouth, which she turned up
into a small smile. She lowered her voice to the breathy whisper she used as a bandit. "So, we meet again.
Do you remember me?"
The Oniwabanshuu looked back blankly at her. "Oh, Hannya-kun. You can't tell me you've forgotten
about me." They all looked at Hannya who shrugged.
"Your ki is familiar, but I can't place it."
Misao turned her attention to Beshimi. "I always loved watching you throw your darts." Beshimi
blushed, being a bit taken with the small frame and seductive voice.
"Th-thank you, miss."
'I'm loving this!' "Hyottoko, you're fire breath was so amazing to me." His eyes started to glow with
recognition, but it quickly faded. His mind raced. 'It can't be her.'
"Shikijo, I remember demanding that you put me on your shoulders so I could be big and see over
everybody else. I was such a brat." 'No doubt, it has to be her.'
She turned her attention to Aoshi. "And Aoshi-sama. I was so devastated when you left. I've traveled the
country for two years trying to find you. And finally, I have."
Aoshi's eyes widened the slightest with recognition and then he forced them back into their usual size.
The rest of the Oniwabanshuu quickly finished putting the pieces together. Hannya was the one to speak.
"Lady Misao?"
She allowed her smile to grow just a bit and gently pushed the hood off her head without looking up. She
untied the cloak and threw it away from her. She raised her head and looked at the shocked expressions of
her family. "So, you do remember me."
Beshimi stepped forward. "Misao? You're all grown up! You look wonderful."
Hyottoko chimed in. "Yes, very beautiful."
Shikijo stepped forward and looked her up and down. "Quite nice."
She noticed his gaze resting at her chest and smacked his arm. "Hentai."
He blushed and looked away. "You just don't look like the little girl we used to know."
"That's because I'm not a little girl. I've grown up. Too quickly. Jiya's been trying to marry me off to a
bunch of old perverted men who never look at my face. The three he has tried have gotten out of hand and
had to be dragged away by Shiro and Kuro. I owe my life to those two. If they hadn't been so
overprotective my honor would have been gone long ago." She allowed a sad smile to cross her face and
then waved it away when she noticed the anger on her friends' faces. "Hey, it didn't happen! I'm still able
to marry, if Jiya ever finds a decent man." She smiled brighter at them and they smiled back.
She then remembered Aoshi hadn't said anything and looked over at him. He was just standing there
looking at her and she felt her heart beat faster. 'Eight years and finally I see him. He's gotten even more
beautiful.' She made her way towards him. "Aoshi-sama. I have missed you."
She wrapped her arms around him and he returned the embrace. "Misao, you have changed."
She glanced at him to see if it was a good change or a bad one. He read her expression. "Good change,
Misao."
She blushed and tightened the embrace. Just then the door on the other side of the room burst open and
Kanryu was standing behind his gattling gun.
Kaoru's eyes widened remembering stories of new western weapons coming in to the country. "No, it
can't be…"
"Oh, but it is pretty one. This little invention is going to kill all of you." Kanryu smirked evilly at Kaoru
and turned his attention to the Oniwabanshuu and noticed Misao standing in front of them. "Well, well,
well, you weren't here earlier, lovely."
Misao got an idea and turned to grin and wink at her family and then at her new friends. She lowered her
voice again and turned back to Kanryu. "Well, I just got here Kanryu Takeda. I've been looking for you."
She smiled a small smile at him and began to walk slowly towards him. Kenshin was about to stop her but
noticed the looks on the faces of the Oniwabanshuu. They wanted desperately to grab her and pull her
back, but knew she was in control.
"So, Kanryu, what do you plan on using this great big gun for?" She wound her hand up in his tie as she
spoke and Kanryu could feel his face flame up.
"Well, my little vixen, I plan on killing all these people. Does that make you happy?"
"I've never approved of violence." She pulled him closer so his face was an inch from hers. "I don't think
you should kill them. But, then again" She released his tie, "I'm just a woman. What do I know?"
She gave him a coy smile and he replied to her. "Well, my pet if you let me finish work, I promise you a
good time."
"I will let you do as you wish then." She bowed deeply and began to walk back towards everyone. They
watched as she reached into her obi and pulled out her kunai, stunning the Kenshin-gumi while the
Oniwabanshuu had to keep themselves from smiling. "Oh, Kanryu, one more thing."
"Yes, my dear?"
She spun around and flung her kunai pinning both his arms and his legs to the wall. "Now, Himura!"
Kenshin raced across the room flipping his sword and cutting off the gun's handle. Misao smiled and
walked back to Kanryu. "Oh and there's something else. I am not your pet, vixen, dear or your lovely. Do
I make myself clear? I want nothing to do with a slimy creature such as yourself and should you even dare
to lay a finger on me I will promise a fate worse than death." She gave him a sinister glare and turned her
back to him walking away. "I'm sure castration is painful when you're fully awake." She grinned at her
family as all of them pushed their legs together and pulled in air through their teeth. She looked over to her
other friends and noticed Sano, Yahiko and Kenshin in the same state and rolled her eyes.
Sano looked at Misao. "Oi, Misao. You may be a very pretty lady, but you sure are evil."
She smiled brightly. "Thanks, Sanosuke. I appreciate both comments."
Misao turned back to the Oniwabanshuu and walked over to them. "Please stop fighting. Himura and the
others helped me find you. I know what's been going on with Megumi. You guys are in the wrong. You
can't force her to stay and make opium. Where's the honor in that?"
Aoshi and the others looked down in shame like children being scolded. Misao giggled when she noticed
that Hyottoko had clasped his hands behind his back and was moving one of his feet side to side. They all
looked up when she started to laugh. "Oh, Hyottoko! I could never stay mad at you."
She hugged each of them and then turned to Aoshi. "Aoshi-sama, please stop this nonsense."
"Misao, I gave my word." She hated to turn this on him, but she had to do it.
"Do you remember when you told my father you would always look after me and make me happy?"
Aoshi knew where this was going. Misao continued. "You left me, took the ones that I cared for most, and
broke my heart. You didn't keep your word then, but you're willing to keep your word to a dishonest
criminal?" She felt the tears stinging her eyes. "You aren't the man I fell in love with." Her hands flew to
her mouth and everyone looked on shocked.
Misao lowered her gaze to the floor and tried to mumble quietly but everyone heard it. "Can't take it back
now. Dummy, dummy, dummy."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Aoshi stood outside the dojo with the rest of his group including Misao who had donned her regular ninja
gear again. "Thank you, Himura. If you hadn't helped Misao who knows what might have happened back
there. I appreciate it." He bowed deeply and Kenshin returned the gesture.
"I would like you all to come visit again. We had a lot of fun getting to know Misao-dono."
Kaoru grabbed Misao in a hug. "You better come back to visit. It was nice having another girl around."
"You and Himura should come to Kyoto, Kaoru. You could see our restaurant and all the sights. I'd love
it!"
"I just might take you up on the offer." Kaoru smiled brightly and they waved as Misao and the
Oniwabanshuu walked off.
Megumi turned to Sanosuke. "I guess I don't have to worry anymore. They're gone and Kanryu is in jail."
Dr. Genzai strolled up with his granddaughters. "This must be my new apprentice." He smiled warmly at
Megumi and she smiled back.
'Life is going to be good from now on.' She walked away with Dr. Genzai and the two little girls.