Watsuki owns them
I just borrow for a while
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Firuze Khanume, rurouni,dementedchris, tiian, L. Sith & Naomi!
When She Smiles
Chapter 15: Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places
It was raining and Enishi and Oibore had completed their Tai Chi exercises inside the dojo. Their breakfast was complete, and they had discussed a few pressing business matters. Enishi decided to extend his morning workout to go over some of his more complex techniques. It was not as easy to practice when he was traveling. He was comfortable and focused in his own dojo.
The dojo felt very much like home now. His meeting with Himura had dissipated all of the lingering anxiety he felt when he considered a dojo for his home. This place felt like home to him. Oibore was here. Tomoe's journal was here. His personal belongings, such as they were, and his hopes for a brighter future were here.
He began with his customary series of exercises culminating in the Shouha Tousei. He liked to begin with the slashing techniques. These were bound to be adequate for any defensive fighting he might need to do in defense of Oibore. He progressed to the leaping technique of the Chouten Tousei. He had to control his height due to the "low" ceiling in the dojo, but he was satisfied with the results. Since his battle with Himura was at an end, he wondered if there was anyone else alive to challenge his expertise in the air.
Slowly, he flipped his sword, gripping it such that the blade was running parallel to the floor along the back of his neck. He extended his other arm, and assumed his beginning stance. He performed the Zetsugi Kofuku Zettousei, sliding into a low stance. Following it with the Shikku Tousei and the Watoujutsu Senran Tousei, the series of blows he had used to counter the Hiten Mitsurugi School with Himura.
He felt good about his abilities. He had regained his strength and stamina. The freedom of concentrating on the defense of himself and his father, rather than on attack moves, had helped him to strengthen his defensive moves and become a more balanced fighter. He hoped that would mirror his life, as a more balanced man.
Why had he precipitated this latest challenge in his life? Why had he given a gift he knew might be inappropriate to a woman who was a friend to his father and therefore ultimately a friend to their family? The clarity of his fighting style led to clarity of thinking. He had brought about this crisis intentionally. It was clear to him that he was more interested in Misao than he had been willing to admit. This was his way of seeing if he could spark her interest.
"I had hoped to turn her attentions to me." Enishi said this aloud to himself, and suddenly realized that he was not alone in the dojo.
Shinomori stood in the doorway. "Her attentions are not on you just yet, Yukishiro, and I am here to see that they never turn in your direction."
Enishi turned at once to face Shinomori. "Your ki is even stronger when you are inside my dojo, Shinomori. Usually I feel your presence just beyond our walls. To what do I owe this visit, Okashira?"
"Good news travels fast, I see. You have created a disturbance in my family, Yukishiro, and placed one of mine in personal danger. I am here to educate you on the consequences. Defend yourself!"
Enishi flipped his sword, gripping it upside down such that the blade was running along the back of his arm. "I have no desire to fight you, Okashira. I came in good faith to propose amends to the Oniwabanshuu. I have no wish to harm you further."
"Your amends have been accepted by the former Okashira. We may yet call upon your resources. This, Enishi, is personal."
"You have the advantage. You are well aware of my capabilities from witnessing my last battle with Himura. I had hoped that would be my last battle and I have promised Himura as part of my amends to him that I will only use my sword in defense of myself and my family. I would again ask you to desist, Okashira."
"You should have used words with Misao, Enishi, and not the acts that placed her in danger. Your motives are clear to me, if not to her. I will protect her."
"And what are you to Misao? You are now her Okashira, and entitled to protect her. But you know I do not intend her harm. You know that my intentions are, dare I say it? They are honorable. Are yours?"
"I did not come here to talk!" Aoshi lined up his kodachis thrusting one forward to propel the other through the air. Oniwaban-shiki Kodachi Nitou-ryuu Onmyou Hasshi!
Enishi leapt up, placing his foot on the hilt of his sword and using it to push himself into the air. Watoujutsu Chouten Tousei! Both of Aoshi's swords come to rest in the dojo wall behind where Enishi had been standing, with Aoshi following to retrieve them. Enishi's flip landed him nearly exactly where Aoshi had been. The two swordsmen were now facing each other in exactly reversed positions.
"Are you her husband that you defend a gift to her with violence?" Enishi taunted Aoshi as he fell into his Tiger gone to ground stance. "Are you her lover? Are you even her boyfriend, Aoshi? Would you wish her a life of loneliness rather than see her with me? "
Aoshi took his stance, holding the kodachis backhanded. He was going for the Kaiten Kenbu Rokuren. Six deadly swift attacks beginning from either the left or the right.
"You'll never see her again, Yukishiro!"
Enishi met Aoshi's Kaiten Kenbu Rokuren with his Shikku Tousei and each of the six attacks was quickly deflected. But he did not answer with his Senran Tousei, his own multiple attack technique. Resuming his low Tiger gone to ground stance, Enishi continued to try to goad Aoshi with words. "Have you asked Misao about this? I think we could resolve this matter by simply explaining the situation to Misao. I give her more credit than you do, Aoshi – perhaps I love her more, ne?"
Aoshi was livid. But even as he moved into position for the essence of the Oniwabanshuu, the Kaiten Kenbu, he could hear Himura in his mind asking him to look at Misao through Enishi's eyes. What would Misao say? He slowly began his Kenbu sword dance when he sensed another ki, a very familiar one.
"Stop! Aoshi-sama! Yukishiro! Why are you fighting?"
Both fighters turned to see Misao and Oibore at the doorway of the dojo.
Oibore asked Misao to stay to the side and he entered the dojo, approaching Shinomori. "Okashira, when Enishi returned home yesterday I told him of the potential problem our gift could pose to Misao. He immediately suggested that we be forthright with Misao and tell her about the sapphire and its value. Misao came here today for lunch and I had just informed her when we heard you and Enishi fighting in the dojo."
"Aoshi-sama, Oibore and I have agreed that I will only wear the sapphire when I am in the Aoiya and safely surrounded by my family. We settled the matter over a cup of tea. Have you and Enishi found a better solution? If so, I would like to hear it."
"That is acceptable to me, Misao, unless you would prefer to return the gift." Aoshi regretted those words as soon as they had left his lips. The look on Misao's face was more than easy to read. She was extremely hurt that he had suggested it.
"I will return it if you wish, Okashira." Her voice was a whisper filled with pain. Did Aoshi think so little of her that he would request her to return the only piece of jewelry she had ever been given? Did he think she was so undeserving of such a valuable gem?
"No, that is not necessary, Misao. Keep it if you wish." This visit was fast turning into a disaster. What else could go wrong?
"Thank you, Okashira," turning to Enishi, Misao continued, "I do have one more question, however. Why would you choose such a gift for Oibore to give me, Enishi?"
"It reminded me of how beautiful you are, Misao-dono, please forgive me for causing you this trouble. I only meant to honor you for your friendship to my family." Enishi bowed to Misao to emphasize his apology.
"I believe there was no harm intended, so let us put this matter behind us. Okashira, I would like to return to the Aoiya now, if you will permit it." Without waiting for a response, Misao managed a small smile and turned to Oibore to walk her out. Unfortunately for Aoshi, her smile had been for Enishi.
Chapter 16: A Meeting of the Minds
Aoshi spent the next morning in deep meditation. He was unsettled by his combat with Enishi. As he examined the behavior of all concerned surrounding Misao's sapphire; he recognized an easy pattern. Oibore and Okina had both reacted like overprotective parents. And so had he. Only Enishi had seen fit to treat Misao like an adult capable of making an informed decision. It was hard for him to accept that her "parents" had been mistaken, but it was the only rational conclusion.
And his own reactions to Misao's meetings with Enishi were extreme. Reacting with violence when Enishi had dared to give Misao something of value had been an emotional outburst. He had been meditating now for over two years in his attempt to find peace. Now he was returning to his Okashira duties and reacting with violence. What was he missing in his contemplation?
His meditations brought him peace. And understanding followed. He knew he had made the correct choice in returning to his duties as Okashira. He had recovered from his obsession with Himura. He had recovered from the loss of his companions. He had made peace with their sacrifice to save him, at last. It was time to return to his life. And his life, the only path he had ever known or would ever want was the Oniwabanshuu. Meditation was a means, not an end.
Aoshi was working in his study when he saw Misao through the open shoji door.
"Misao. Do you have a moment?"
"Of course, Okashira. How may I serve?" Misao was formal in her response. She was still upset about their encounter at the Yukishiro dojo. Her face was composed and unreadable. Her ki, on the other hand, was turbulent.
"Please sit down. You had asked to speak with me. Why?"
Misao hesitated; this was not the time she would have chosen to discuss her lack of assignments. She was too preoccupied with the aftermath of the confrontation with Yukishiro and its possible implications.
"I merely wished to ask you if you had any assignments for me, Okashira. And to invite you to practice with me." Misao was sure this meeting was about to end. Aoshi-sama wouldn't have anything for her, and had never agreed to practice with her, no matter how many times she asked in the past.
It was Aoshi's turn to hesitate. He looked at Misao carefully. Through the eyes of Enishi. Yes, she was gorgeous. The sapphire would match those eyes perfectly. And she was no longer the young lady he envisioned when he thought of her. She was an adult. And she was meeting his gaze without flinching or comment. She was waiting for the direction of her Okashira. He wanted to observe her further, to look at her with his own eyes in a new way.
"I do not have any assignment for you at the moment, Misao. But I would like to practice with you. Shall we go?"
Misao was stunned. She and Aoshi walked to the surrounding woods where she liked to practice in near silence. She was so shocked that he would agree to accompany her that she wasn't enjoying his presence at all. She was too busy trying to figure out what was going on with him. First he attacks Yukishiro, then he insults her, and now he wants to practice with her? She had always thought that practicing with Aoshi would be fantastic. He would be with her, she would be thrilled, they would spend time together, what could be better?
Well, this wasn't better. She was scowling trying to figure it out. Aoshi was silent, but seemed to be watching her. Now she felt uncomfortable. She had felt a lot of emotions regarding Aoshi over the years, but never discomfort. Being with him had been her overriding goal.
Then it struck her, she was with Aoshi. She had his attention. His complete attention. So what did she care if this was unexpected? He was with her.
"Aoshi-sama," she said, turning her usual bright smile on him, "I usually practice my kunai in the clearing just over this way. Will that do? Or is there another place you would rather go? Can you practice your kodachi in this space?"
"That will be fine, Misao. To begin, I want to watch you do your usual practice. It's been quite a while since I saw you wield your kunai. Please go ahead."
"Oh, I thought we could practice together," her face fell slightly, but she recovered quickly. "Here's a good place, I'll be aiming in multiple directions, so please be careful to stay out of my sight lines."
"Not to worry, Misao"
She looked around, and Aoshi was nowhere to be seen. She chuckled to herself and began. Centering breaths were the beginning of her daily practice. She was self-conscious; knowing that Aoshi was watching her, even if she couldn't see him. Then she increased her concentration and it became just another practice day for her. She began her exercises, progressing through her stretches, fluid movements, kempo leaps, attack poses and defensive postures. Her practice culminated in the sudden release of her kunai in a whirling attack movement. The knives appeared into her hands as if by magic and burst into their targets, hitting eight trees circling the clearing at exactly the height of an attacker's heart.
Aoshi watched her prepare, execute and attack. Her movements were fluid, graceful and her technique was excellent. Hanya had taught her well, and she had perfected her moves over the intervening years. Her beauty and expertise left him breathless. She was obviously well able to defend herself against all but the most formidable adversaries. How had he ever thought that she could leave the Oniwabanshuu? She was the epitome of their talent and ideals. Her expertise was so well hidden in her everyday demeanor that even her Okashira didn't see it. She was, he had to admit, the perfect spy.
When she finished, Aoshi stepped back into the clearing.
"Hanya taught you well, Misao."
"Thank you, Okashira."
"I think it's time I completed your training. You have grown as much as you are likely to, so it's time to refine your attacks as an adult. Let's work to increase your range and attack speed. Show me your first stance and we'll begin."
Misao was delighted. Not only had he admitted she was an adult, he was going to help her perfect her techniques. She and Aoshi worked on her stance forms, then her footwork, and finally her kunai technique. By the time they finished her practice, it was nearly sundown.
As she walked back to the Aoiya, Misao's body was exhausted but her heart was light. This was better than practicing with Aoshi. He was actually training her. She had given up all hope that her Okashira would actually spend any of his time to train her. And he had trained Hanya! She couldn't think of anything that would make her happier – well almost. Aoshi had finally accepted that she was an adult. That had taken years. How long would it take for him to think of her as a woman?
Aoshi was exhilarated. Helping Misao perfect her techniques was fun. And gave him plenty of time to observe her. He was enjoying watching her with fresh eyes. Himura was smarter than he looked.
As they reached the Aoiya, Aoshi spoke. "Let's continue your training tomorrow afternoon, Misao. I want to watch your progress and help you correct any minor flaws at once."
"As you wish, Okashira." Misao stated with a bright smile and a respectful bow. She knew that Aoshi would feel her ki and know just how happy she was.
Aoshi and Misao's practices continued for the next month. Aoshi found that meditating in the morning and then tending to any pressing Okashira business left him free to spend the afternoons with Misao. She was a very quick learner and mastered the improved footwork easily to increase her range. Her attacks became more exact, more deadly as her speed and accuracy peaked. He helped her increase her kempo skills as well. She would never have weight on her side, but she could increase her defensive skills and master some of the advanced attack modes that Hanya had not lived to teach her.
Misao had never been happier in her entire life. She was spending much of every single day with Aoshi. It was heaven. Even if she was so exhausted that she fell into bed every night. He was working her to her limit, proof that he recognized her adulthood and full membership in the Oniwabanshuu. She even dreamed about her kunai and kempo stances, hearing his voice correcting the minute positions of her body to maximize her strength and speed. The only thing she feared was waking up to find his attention at an end. Eventually, she knew, he would retreat back to his Okashira study, away from her.
She rearranged her life around her training schedule with Aoshi. Nothing would interfere with it on her side. She continued to see Oibore regularly, she would meet him in the morning while Aoshi was meditating. By tacit agreement, she and Oibore did not discuss the clash between Enishi and Aoshi. What was there to say? When she went to their dojo, Enishi would occasionally join them for tea, but more often, he was abroad on business.
On rare occasions Aoshi would be forced to cancel a session with Misao due to Okashira business, but she would practice by herself, anxious to show him improvement at their next session. He was impressed with her skills, her expertise and her dedication. He began to see the strength she had brought to the Okashira position and the knowledge she had gained from holding it. She might be frivolous, cute and silly within the Aoiya, but when she was working she was pure Oniwabanshuu, fully focused and committed. He was proud of her. He began to appreciate her accomplishment at holding together the Kyoto Oniwabanshuu during his long absence and abdication. He had thought it was Okina's doing. Now his eyes were fully open. He owed Himura, and begrudgingly, even Enishi, a debt of thanks.
Finally, Aoshi felt he had given her all of the improvements and expertise he could to enhance her ability to protect herself and serve the Oniwabanshuu. He knew that he must give her an assignment, and a test.