Disclaimer: Usual apply.
Well here it is ppl, a spur of the moment fic.
'....' thoughts
"..." dialogue
*..* actions. such as *sweatdrop* or *bonk on head*
.::..::..::..::..::..::..::..::..::..::..::..::..::..::..::..::.
.::~*~||A Drop Of Hope||~*~::.
Even when the whole world turns their back on you,
You will always have a drop of Hope.
Chapter 6: Inquiring (Shamon)
"I guess I was foolish. I was foolish from the very beginning. To think that I could get rid of such a strong, boundless
feeling. One can not get rid of such a feeling such as love that easily. I changed, that I do admit. My heart? I thought
it could be changed, but *sigh* it couldn't. I haven suspicions, not out of jealousy, but pure curiosity. How did Midori
mange to do the impossible?? melt the icicle. How is it that they have only seen each other for a mere month or so?
and decided to get married? I do admit I know a little about Shinomori Aoshi, to know that he doesn't go rushing into
marriage. Hell, he said to me that he doesn't want any love. If it is not love they are marrying for, what is it? People
only marry for 2 reasons that I can think of right now, love and obligation. Obligation for an arranged marriage, or to
unite two great families. Neither of which apply to Aoshi. So because of that I do have to wonder...what _are_ his
intentions?"
-Misao
PART A (of chap 6): Misfortune (Shounan)
The scene had somehow constantly been replaying in her head...
"Midori and me are getting married..."
After she had come back from the river, her eyes were back to normal and her face calm. She had somehow found a
way to comfort herself after the thought that her love hasn't given up. She would fight for Aoshi. She had to. Anyhow,
after she came back from the river she saw something, and heard something she really didn't want to hear...
"So Aoshi-kun what should we do about the location?" Midori's light voice could be heard still in the dinning room.
Apparently they both stuck around for awhile. Then she heard Aoshi gruff voice,
"Wherever you want. It's fine with me."
Misao slowly approached the couple and saw them closely near each other. 'Practically all over each other' Misao
noted in disgust. She had nothing against Midori but she seriously wasn't going to give up this easily. She walked in as
if it didn't bother her one bit. Midori was the first one to notice her presence, "Ah Misao-chan. I need your advice on
something, could you help me out?"
Misao walked over and making sure that Aoshi made no eye contact with her, but she could have sworn she had seen
him tense up at the mention of her name. Midori asked, "Where in your opinion would be the best place for the
wedding? In Tokyo with my family and a large wedding, or here in Kyoto maybe as a small wedding?"
Misao thought awhile before coming out with her answer, she was going to make Aoshi feel guilty as hell,
"How about here? Personally, I've always wanted a small wedding. You know just family, friends, that sort of thing. Of
course I can't get anywhere with out a groom ^^. Hmm, now that I think about it the one guy I loved just broke my
heart. Something about me being too young for him, immature, or it was a crush, something like that. Oh well I still
love him, I always will. Even if he himself got married. 'Guess it ain't that easy to get rid of love, even though I tried."
It wasn't her imagination anymore, Aoshi was seriously tense as a tree. 'Guess it worked' Misao said to herself as a
grin crept onto her face. She locked onto his gaze finally and saw the loose strand in the tapestry. A VERY brief
moment of weakness. Before she could analyze it it disappeared, almost as if it wasn't there. After what seemed to be
like a lifetime to her Midori answered, "I guess you're right. You will have to tell me of this man who broke your heart,
and yet you love him so."
Misao broke her gaze and looked at Midori and placed that mask on again, "Sure, I'll tell you about it sometime.
Anyway, I'm really tired. After that walk I really need some good rest. oyasumi Midori-san, Aoshi-sama."
As she walked back to her room, a triumphant grin stole her face. "1:0 Misao" she muttered softly to herself.
(a.n: 1:0 meaning 1 point to her for getting Aoshi to feel real guilty)
|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|
*chirp, chirp*
Misao moaned in her room at the sudden disturbance of her peaceful sleep. After the birds kept chirping, annoyance
got the best out of Misao as she got up and got ready for the day. All the while, cursing at the birds,
"Damn those birds. Mental note: get cotton balls for ear plugs."
She marched out towards the training hall for morning practice before breakfast. Targets were already set up for her
and surprisingly no Aoshi in sight. " -_- He is probably busy planning the wedding with Midori to have time for lessons.
*sigh* no problem. I can do this." Misao seemed highly confident of her self.
She grabbed a real sword, after all, she was on her own. How would Aoshi know that she was practicing with a sword
even when he told her she wasn't ready? She took the starting stance and did a few warm-up exercises before she
felt she was ready and prepared to use the new attack Aoshi was teaching her. She brought the sword up so that it
was level with her right shoulder, and holding it in the right hand, prepared to attack.
*wind blows as a cherry blossom nearby hits the ground*
At that moment Misao rushes forward. She performs the attack flawless but forgets the extra weight of the sword as it
swings around and cuts her, leaving a large deep cut going from her shoulder to stomach. Whining at the pain she
feels her world blanking out. Right before she blacks out she sees a tall man with a trench coat running in her direction.
"A..Aoshi-s.sama" she croaked out before she collapsed on the floor.
|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|
PART B (of chap 6) : Inquiring (Shamon)
Misao awoke to hear people talking...
"Is she going to be ok?" 'okon' Misao noted in her head because she only recongnized from the voice, she couldn't
open her eyes yet.
"Hai. Demo she needs to be careful. The wound could reopen. Also no more training for about 3-4 weeks. I'll come by in
3 days to see how she is doing." 'Must be the doctor' Misao noted again.
"She looks so fragile. What happened in there, Aoshi-kun?" 'Midori-san. That must mean that Aoshi-sama is here. Oh
yeah, he was the last person I saw before I blacked out.'
"I'm not exactly sure." 'Figures, a typical Aoshi answer. no more than 5 words said at the same time.'
After Misao finished musing to herself she felt the room empty, but _he_ stayed behind. Misao wondered why he stuck
around. Using the energy she had left, she managed to open her eyes, very slowly. She glanced about her room and
found Aoshi staring down at her. She closed her eyes, sighed, and opened them again,
"I'm sorry Aoshi-sama. You told me not to use the swords yet, but I did. And this is what happened."
"Why did you Misao?" his grim cold voice was unwavering. Yet his voice held concern.
Misao glanced at Aoshi and merely replied,
"I thought I was ready. Why didn't you want me using it yet?" Firing back with her own question she was shocked at
the truth of his reply,
"You're not ready yet. In order to wield a sword your emotions are key. They need to be kept under wraps. You
seem troubled and your emotions are too visible, thus making you vulnerable."
'What the hell? Am I that transparent? Have my feelings been getting the best of me lately? I guess so, otherwise I
should have been able to use that move.' Misao thought to herself as Aoshi began to walk out. Once she noticed him
leaving she sighed and said sorry one more time before resting once more.
About a week past and Misao was already up and moving doing everything she once did except training. After getting
an update on the date of the wedding she found herself deeply troubled. The wedding was in 2 weeks and counting.
Whatever she was going to do to win back Aoshi needed to be done quickly, or not done. Which was not an option to
her. 'Hmm it's time to inquire. Objectives: Intentions of Aoshi. Status on Love relations.' Misao planned out her
objectives and wasted no time once she saw Midori in the garden.
She walked over to Midori and started asking basic questions about the marriage. Finally she came the question she
personally wanted answered,
"Do you love Aoshi-sama?"
"Love? Hai, I believe I do." Midori's voice actually was kind of sad which caused Misao to wonder what was going on,
"Why so sad?"
"Well, I'm not so sure, but I don't think Aoshi-kun loves me. Hey! Can you ask him for me? You know, friend to
friend?" Midori's request didn't seem like that much of a deal, but Misao gathered hope from it,
"Hmm sure. I will. Friend to friend" Misao spoke the last part which most sadness, thought that went unnoticed by
Midori.
Misao walked over to the training hall after that to find none other than Aoshi practicing. Seizing the moment she went
up to Aoshi and asked him,"Ne, Aoshi-sama? Can I ask you a question?"
Aoshi placed his sword down after realizing Misao's presence. He looked at her, puzzlement not showing on his face
and said,"Hai"
Misao smiled and asked," Do you love Midori-san?" Just as she had expected he was caught off guard. He seemed to
tense up slightly. "I like her." His answer left many unaswered questions rising in her. Out of them she finally asked,"
Then why are you marrying her, Aoshi-sama?"
This time she wasn't sure how he would react, would he get angry and send her away, or might he actually tell her? It
was neither, "I have my reasons." That was it. Misao knew that this conversation was over. She just nodded
absentmindedly and excused herself from his gaze.
She walked back to the Inn in a mix of thoughts, 'What _are_ his intentions? Midori-san loves him. He likes Midori-san.
Like but not love. This is really driving me crazy.'
As she walked back to her room she didn't notice a ninja come in and Midori slip something to him.
__________________
At A secluded area...2 ppl are talking...
"What's the news on that woman Midori? Has she built the relations yet?"
"Yes, she has established the relation with Shinomori Aoshi."
"Shinomori Aoshi?" The figure walked out of the shadow, down his face a large scar crossing his left eye, "That cursed
man that gave me this scar. Hmm things are turning out to be very interesting." Turning to the man he was talking to
he ordered, "Find out more details. *grin* it's time to finally get my revenge. Not only for this cursed scar but for the
life of my dear little brother he killed."
"Yes, Sir!"
.::..::..::..::..::..::..::..::..::..::..::..::..::..::..::..::.
(a.n: ooook. in all honesty, i have nooo idea where that came from, she was just suppose to practice. her getting hurt
was not originally the plan. oops ^^; well that's what happens when you write, sooo many possible outcomes.
also i apologize about the _way_ she got hurt. ^^ i am not a pro swordsman, i hope you managed somehow to
imagine her getting cut that way...)
(a.n: I know they didn't have cotton balls, but bare with me. You ppl need a little comic relief, after all in a drama,
comedy is a must need so that the readers aren't all tense all the time.)
um odd? yes if you are thinking that, don't be worried. I wrote it and i'm thinking that too. ^^ well i figured it out, how
Misao's injury is going to play a part. Thank god, i thought i made up that scene for no reason relating to the plot.
Well i have also gone off the original idea for this story, now apparently some major action and suspense is coming
in, not to mention I made Midori turn evil. ooops. oh well.
Preview for Chapter 7: Revelation (Bakuro)
The journey for the truth behind the marriage begins to piece together after Misao discovers a letter,
"...what's this letter?....*drops letter*..oh my god!..."
And by this information an enemy within is revealed,
"...it's you! I can't believe this. You came in looking so nice..."
Well here it is ppl, a spur of the moment fic.
'....' thoughts
"..." dialogue
*..* actions. such as *sweatdrop* or *bonk on head*
.::..::..::..::..::..::..::..::..::..::..::..::..::..::..::..::.
.::~*~||A Drop Of Hope||~*~::.
Even when the whole world turns their back on you,
You will always have a drop of Hope.
Chapter 6: Inquiring (Shamon)
"I guess I was foolish. I was foolish from the very beginning. To think that I could get rid of such a strong, boundless
feeling. One can not get rid of such a feeling such as love that easily. I changed, that I do admit. My heart? I thought
it could be changed, but *sigh* it couldn't. I haven suspicions, not out of jealousy, but pure curiosity. How did Midori
mange to do the impossible?? melt the icicle. How is it that they have only seen each other for a mere month or so?
and decided to get married? I do admit I know a little about Shinomori Aoshi, to know that he doesn't go rushing into
marriage. Hell, he said to me that he doesn't want any love. If it is not love they are marrying for, what is it? People
only marry for 2 reasons that I can think of right now, love and obligation. Obligation for an arranged marriage, or to
unite two great families. Neither of which apply to Aoshi. So because of that I do have to wonder...what _are_ his
intentions?"
-Misao
PART A (of chap 6): Misfortune (Shounan)
The scene had somehow constantly been replaying in her head...
"Midori and me are getting married..."
After she had come back from the river, her eyes were back to normal and her face calm. She had somehow found a
way to comfort herself after the thought that her love hasn't given up. She would fight for Aoshi. She had to. Anyhow,
after she came back from the river she saw something, and heard something she really didn't want to hear...
"So Aoshi-kun what should we do about the location?" Midori's light voice could be heard still in the dinning room.
Apparently they both stuck around for awhile. Then she heard Aoshi gruff voice,
"Wherever you want. It's fine with me."
Misao slowly approached the couple and saw them closely near each other. 'Practically all over each other' Misao
noted in disgust. She had nothing against Midori but she seriously wasn't going to give up this easily. She walked in as
if it didn't bother her one bit. Midori was the first one to notice her presence, "Ah Misao-chan. I need your advice on
something, could you help me out?"
Misao walked over and making sure that Aoshi made no eye contact with her, but she could have sworn she had seen
him tense up at the mention of her name. Midori asked, "Where in your opinion would be the best place for the
wedding? In Tokyo with my family and a large wedding, or here in Kyoto maybe as a small wedding?"
Misao thought awhile before coming out with her answer, she was going to make Aoshi feel guilty as hell,
"How about here? Personally, I've always wanted a small wedding. You know just family, friends, that sort of thing. Of
course I can't get anywhere with out a groom ^^. Hmm, now that I think about it the one guy I loved just broke my
heart. Something about me being too young for him, immature, or it was a crush, something like that. Oh well I still
love him, I always will. Even if he himself got married. 'Guess it ain't that easy to get rid of love, even though I tried."
It wasn't her imagination anymore, Aoshi was seriously tense as a tree. 'Guess it worked' Misao said to herself as a
grin crept onto her face. She locked onto his gaze finally and saw the loose strand in the tapestry. A VERY brief
moment of weakness. Before she could analyze it it disappeared, almost as if it wasn't there. After what seemed to be
like a lifetime to her Midori answered, "I guess you're right. You will have to tell me of this man who broke your heart,
and yet you love him so."
Misao broke her gaze and looked at Midori and placed that mask on again, "Sure, I'll tell you about it sometime.
Anyway, I'm really tired. After that walk I really need some good rest. oyasumi Midori-san, Aoshi-sama."
As she walked back to her room, a triumphant grin stole her face. "1:0 Misao" she muttered softly to herself.
(a.n: 1:0 meaning 1 point to her for getting Aoshi to feel real guilty)
|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|
*chirp, chirp*
Misao moaned in her room at the sudden disturbance of her peaceful sleep. After the birds kept chirping, annoyance
got the best out of Misao as she got up and got ready for the day. All the while, cursing at the birds,
"Damn those birds. Mental note: get cotton balls for ear plugs."
She marched out towards the training hall for morning practice before breakfast. Targets were already set up for her
and surprisingly no Aoshi in sight. " -_- He is probably busy planning the wedding with Midori to have time for lessons.
*sigh* no problem. I can do this." Misao seemed highly confident of her self.
She grabbed a real sword, after all, she was on her own. How would Aoshi know that she was practicing with a sword
even when he told her she wasn't ready? She took the starting stance and did a few warm-up exercises before she
felt she was ready and prepared to use the new attack Aoshi was teaching her. She brought the sword up so that it
was level with her right shoulder, and holding it in the right hand, prepared to attack.
*wind blows as a cherry blossom nearby hits the ground*
At that moment Misao rushes forward. She performs the attack flawless but forgets the extra weight of the sword as it
swings around and cuts her, leaving a large deep cut going from her shoulder to stomach. Whining at the pain she
feels her world blanking out. Right before she blacks out she sees a tall man with a trench coat running in her direction.
"A..Aoshi-s.sama" she croaked out before she collapsed on the floor.
|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|
PART B (of chap 6) : Inquiring (Shamon)
Misao awoke to hear people talking...
"Is she going to be ok?" 'okon' Misao noted in her head because she only recongnized from the voice, she couldn't
open her eyes yet.
"Hai. Demo she needs to be careful. The wound could reopen. Also no more training for about 3-4 weeks. I'll come by in
3 days to see how she is doing." 'Must be the doctor' Misao noted again.
"She looks so fragile. What happened in there, Aoshi-kun?" 'Midori-san. That must mean that Aoshi-sama is here. Oh
yeah, he was the last person I saw before I blacked out.'
"I'm not exactly sure." 'Figures, a typical Aoshi answer. no more than 5 words said at the same time.'
After Misao finished musing to herself she felt the room empty, but _he_ stayed behind. Misao wondered why he stuck
around. Using the energy she had left, she managed to open her eyes, very slowly. She glanced about her room and
found Aoshi staring down at her. She closed her eyes, sighed, and opened them again,
"I'm sorry Aoshi-sama. You told me not to use the swords yet, but I did. And this is what happened."
"Why did you Misao?" his grim cold voice was unwavering. Yet his voice held concern.
Misao glanced at Aoshi and merely replied,
"I thought I was ready. Why didn't you want me using it yet?" Firing back with her own question she was shocked at
the truth of his reply,
"You're not ready yet. In order to wield a sword your emotions are key. They need to be kept under wraps. You
seem troubled and your emotions are too visible, thus making you vulnerable."
'What the hell? Am I that transparent? Have my feelings been getting the best of me lately? I guess so, otherwise I
should have been able to use that move.' Misao thought to herself as Aoshi began to walk out. Once she noticed him
leaving she sighed and said sorry one more time before resting once more.
About a week past and Misao was already up and moving doing everything she once did except training. After getting
an update on the date of the wedding she found herself deeply troubled. The wedding was in 2 weeks and counting.
Whatever she was going to do to win back Aoshi needed to be done quickly, or not done. Which was not an option to
her. 'Hmm it's time to inquire. Objectives: Intentions of Aoshi. Status on Love relations.' Misao planned out her
objectives and wasted no time once she saw Midori in the garden.
She walked over to Midori and started asking basic questions about the marriage. Finally she came the question she
personally wanted answered,
"Do you love Aoshi-sama?"
"Love? Hai, I believe I do." Midori's voice actually was kind of sad which caused Misao to wonder what was going on,
"Why so sad?"
"Well, I'm not so sure, but I don't think Aoshi-kun loves me. Hey! Can you ask him for me? You know, friend to
friend?" Midori's request didn't seem like that much of a deal, but Misao gathered hope from it,
"Hmm sure. I will. Friend to friend" Misao spoke the last part which most sadness, thought that went unnoticed by
Midori.
Misao walked over to the training hall after that to find none other than Aoshi practicing. Seizing the moment she went
up to Aoshi and asked him,"Ne, Aoshi-sama? Can I ask you a question?"
Aoshi placed his sword down after realizing Misao's presence. He looked at her, puzzlement not showing on his face
and said,"Hai"
Misao smiled and asked," Do you love Midori-san?" Just as she had expected he was caught off guard. He seemed to
tense up slightly. "I like her." His answer left many unaswered questions rising in her. Out of them she finally asked,"
Then why are you marrying her, Aoshi-sama?"
This time she wasn't sure how he would react, would he get angry and send her away, or might he actually tell her? It
was neither, "I have my reasons." That was it. Misao knew that this conversation was over. She just nodded
absentmindedly and excused herself from his gaze.
She walked back to the Inn in a mix of thoughts, 'What _are_ his intentions? Midori-san loves him. He likes Midori-san.
Like but not love. This is really driving me crazy.'
As she walked back to her room she didn't notice a ninja come in and Midori slip something to him.
__________________
At A secluded area...2 ppl are talking...
"What's the news on that woman Midori? Has she built the relations yet?"
"Yes, she has established the relation with Shinomori Aoshi."
"Shinomori Aoshi?" The figure walked out of the shadow, down his face a large scar crossing his left eye, "That cursed
man that gave me this scar. Hmm things are turning out to be very interesting." Turning to the man he was talking to
he ordered, "Find out more details. *grin* it's time to finally get my revenge. Not only for this cursed scar but for the
life of my dear little brother he killed."
"Yes, Sir!"
.::..::..::..::..::..::..::..::..::..::..::..::..::..::..::..::.
(a.n: ooook. in all honesty, i have nooo idea where that came from, she was just suppose to practice. her getting hurt
was not originally the plan. oops ^^; well that's what happens when you write, sooo many possible outcomes.
also i apologize about the _way_ she got hurt. ^^ i am not a pro swordsman, i hope you managed somehow to
imagine her getting cut that way...)
(a.n: I know they didn't have cotton balls, but bare with me. You ppl need a little comic relief, after all in a drama,
comedy is a must need so that the readers aren't all tense all the time.)
um odd? yes if you are thinking that, don't be worried. I wrote it and i'm thinking that too. ^^ well i figured it out, how
Misao's injury is going to play a part. Thank god, i thought i made up that scene for no reason relating to the plot.
Well i have also gone off the original idea for this story, now apparently some major action and suspense is coming
in, not to mention I made Midori turn evil. ooops. oh well.
Preview for Chapter 7: Revelation (Bakuro)
The journey for the truth behind the marriage begins to piece together after Misao discovers a letter,
"...what's this letter?....*drops letter*..oh my god!..."
And by this information an enemy within is revealed,
"...it's you! I can't believe this. You came in looking so nice..."