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 7: Revelations (Bakura)
"Ok, let me see if I get this: Aoshi-sama likes Midori, and Midori LOVES Aoshi-sama. Everything is getting more confusing.
The wedding is getting closer, and me solving this mystery is becoming all the more urgent. My injury is almost better, but
right now for the next week I am in the critical area of recovery. If I train or fight, my wound will open again, and this time,
they might not be able to save me. So I'm being extra careful. I will not give up on Aoshi-sama, I---can't, when one loves
so, it is hard to not feel that way anymore"
--Misao
'One, two three,' Misao hand was about to knock, but fell to her side again. She was standing outside Aoshi's room, with
a tray of tea in hand, wondering whether to enter or not. 'He most likely knows I am standing out here already *sweatdrop*'
With determination Misao lifted her hand again to knock, but was suprised when it opened. Aoshi came rushing out with
a look of--dare she say--fear all over his face. He recomposed his face immediately, but not before almost knocking Misao
down. Luckily--or thankfully-- for her, Aoshi grabbed her when she began to fall away from him.
Now in the corridors of the Aoiya, Aoshi stood with his hands on Misao's waist, and Misao with her tray in hand looking purely
shocked. Their suggestive positions suddenly became aware, and they broke off. Misao bowed ceremoniously and said,
"Your tea is ready Aoshi-sama." A quick and curt response from Aoshi put Misao off, "I'm going to talk with Okina." With that,
he dismissed himself, from her presence and walked to Okina's room. 'What the hell?! He holds me, and then walks out with
a stupid look on his face. Not to mention he almost ran me over on his way out, which come to think of it. Why was he so
fearful when he left his room?'
Unable to deny her curiosity, she ventured in Aoshi's room. Glancing around Misao saw that everything seemed to be fairly
simple. Deciding that nothing of great amazement was here, she turned to leave the room. But as Misao turned towards
Aoshi's desk a few letters sticking out of a book caught her growing curiosity, "What's this?"
Putting down the tray on the desk, Misao reached, and pulled out, the letters in the book. Intrigued, Misao began reading
the first one. This one was dated only 3 days after Misao left,
Shinomori-
If we back off from the Owinabanshu, in exchange you must marry the woman we send you.
-Sekihei Clan
"What the hell?!" Realizing quickly that she was speaking out loud, Misao quieted her voice and kept reading. Aoshi had
made a copy of his replies,
Sekihei Clan-
If it will make your clan back off, I will...comply with your demands.
-Shinomori
"HUH!?" The shock was clearly evident in her, already lowered, voice.
Shinomori-
Come to the market place tomorrow at 3 and our woman will meet you.
-Sekihei Clan
There wasn't any reply to that letter so Misao assumed that Aoshi-sama met with the woman, who she was guessing is
Midori.
Shinomori-
Good, you have done everything we have asked. We will send all other notices via Kusabe Midori.
-Sekihei Clan
"I can't believe it, Midori is a member of the Sekihei Clan," Misao's voice hid her surprise and shock very well. The Sekihei
Clan was one of the government's renegade groups that handled assignations and invasions. It was rumored that about
a year ago, the group left the government and was now the group for hire by anyone. About 4 months ago they went
on a killing spree in Tokyo but were stopped by a anonmous somebody. Supposedly the helper also killed the Sekihei's leader's
little brother. Finally a month ago it was rumored that the clan was floating about Kyoto looking for the one that killed
their leader's brother. 'This just doesn't add up!' Misao's frustration got the best of her, as she stuffed the letters back in the
book and grabbing the tray and leaving.
On the walk to the kitchen it was unavoidable to pass Okina's room. Already since she left Aoshi's room, Misao had been
walking very softly, and the likelyhood that anyone knew she was walking was slim. Not helping overhearing, Misao listened
to the heated conversation between Okina and Aoshi,
"Aoshi, I do wish you had told me from the very beginning," Okina's scolding voice was all well known to Misao.
"The fact of the matter is, regardless of the fact I gave into their demands, they are still threatening us," for Aoshi to say so
much in one sentence, led Misao to the fact that this was very important.
"We will just have to wait awhile, the Sekihei Clan is not to be taken lightly, if they say they will attack us in 3 days we have to
prepare," as soon as this was spoken Misao felt a burst of anger towards Midori. Feeling the need to direct her anger physically
Misao walked away quietly heading to the garden, where Midori is sure to be folding clothes.
After Misao walked away, Okina spoke again, "What about Misao?"
"..." Aoshi remained phase less.
"Do you have any idea how much you have hurt her?" Okina's voice was slowly rising with the added concern of his dear
granddaughter.
Aoshi got up and walked to the door and tossed Okina one last sorrow word, "Yes." It would seem that from the tone of his
voice, great torment and guiltiness was washing over him.
---------------------------------------------------
*Slice* Misao was right on target. A snippet of Midori's hair fell to the ground. Misao had thrown a kunai at Midori, who was indeed
washing clothes in the garden. Misao walked with murderous eyes towards Midori," It's you! I can't believe this. You came in
looking so nice!"
"What are you talking about?" Midori's innocent voice could have fooled all that did not know her for who she really was.
"You! You're a member of the Sekihei Clan! The one that has been threatening us!" Misao seemed really dangerous.
Midori's face all of a sudden portrayed great sadness, which immediately threw Misao off, "I am. I am not proud of it, but I am
am member of the Sekihei Clan," Midori broke off and continued in shame, "I am their bait woman. My father served them
through no knowledge of mine. When he died in battle, he left a great pile of debts behind, I was ordered to repay them by
offering myself to them, thus releasing my family from duty."
Misao battled internally to the punishment she should give this- traitor. After hearing her story, Misao could not avoid pitying
the woman, who has practically sold her soul to the devil. Deciding that she would not hurt Midori she left, heading towards
the training hall. Misao still wanted to burn off the excess anger the only way she knew how, by training.
-------------------------------------------------
Knowing that the meeting with Okina did not go exactly like had liked, Aoshi walked slowly towards the training hall. He
heard noise and kunai hitting the wall. Slightly surprised for a second, Aoshi slowly crept into the training hall. Misao was
doing target practice with her kunai, even after the doctor told her not to do any training.
*Swish, hit*
'I don't care; screw the doctor for all I care! Stupid Sekihei Clan!
*Swish, hit*
How can I be so stupid and not catch on to this earlier!
*Swish, hit*
No wonder Aoshi all of a sudden was going out with Midori when I returned.
*Swish, hit*
No wonder he went and proposed to her!'
*Swish, hit*
Misao stopped short of throwing another one, and fell silent. Gathering 5 in her hand, Misao hit off the ground with her
feet and threw all of the kunai.
*Swish, hit* *swish, hit* *swish, hit* *swish, hit* *swish, hit*
Hitting the floor, Misao groaned slightly, 'I almost opened the wound. Ha! sure, why not, won't matter anyway.' With her hand
going to the last kunai, she raised her hand and started to bring it forward. Half way over her head her hand stopped.
Before she realized what was happening, the kunai was removed from her hand, and flung into the shadows. She turned
around in shock, looking for the one that had interrupted her...but once she laid eyes on him a whole new wave of anger
took place, "GO away Aoshi-sama!"
"No," a simple but prompt answer came out of the icicle.
Misao groaned in frustration, as she attempted to overcome the lock Aoshi had on her wrists.
"Why did you practice when you know the doctor told you not to," the question finally popped out of Aoshi's mouth.
Struggling more Misao responded heatedly, "Because I don't care anymore, ok!"
Apparently that was not the answer Aoshi was looking for, he increased his hold on Misao by taking her into his arms.
This action caused Misao to blush, regardless of how mad she was at Aoshi-sama. One does not complain if they are in their
loved one's arms. Misao simply enjoyed the feeling and listened to what Aoshi said next, "It matters, don't do that again."
Misao nodded dumbly and reluctantly let go as she felt Aoshi-sama pull away. In a moment of great boldness on Misao's
part, Misao lifted her head and gave a light kiss on the cheek to Aoshi,
"Arigatou. For caring," and with that Misao left the hall with a rare smile actually on her face at a time like this.
.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.
I sure hope you liked this chapter. A whole lot of information was given out, so those who don't quite get something,
leave a review and i'll answer your question in the next chapter.
Also there is more A/M interaction. I hope everyone enjoyed the romantic relief from the plot line.
I also would like to apologize for the delay of this chapter, and sincerely hope it was worth the wait. My anniversary that I joined
the site is on 12/8 I am planning to finish writing all my stories by then, and put new chapters up each week. ;)
look forward to it.
Thank u all reviewers! Plz continue reviewing :)
Preview of Chapter 8: Compulsion (Kyousei)
With the discovery and knowledge Misao sets out to confront the Sekihei Clan,
"...I will be the one to put a stop to this..."
Along the way the romantic atmosphere increases between Aoshi and Misao,
"...Aoshi-sama what-..."
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 7: Revelations (Bakura)
"Ok, let me see if I get this: Aoshi-sama likes Midori, and Midori LOVES Aoshi-sama. Everything is getting more confusing.
The wedding is getting closer, and me solving this mystery is becoming all the more urgent. My injury is almost better, but
right now for the next week I am in the critical area of recovery. If I train or fight, my wound will open again, and this time,
they might not be able to save me. So I'm being extra careful. I will not give up on Aoshi-sama, I---can't, when one loves
so, it is hard to not feel that way anymore"
--Misao
'One, two three,' Misao hand was about to knock, but fell to her side again. She was standing outside Aoshi's room, with
a tray of tea in hand, wondering whether to enter or not. 'He most likely knows I am standing out here already *sweatdrop*'
With determination Misao lifted her hand again to knock, but was suprised when it opened. Aoshi came rushing out with
a look of--dare she say--fear all over his face. He recomposed his face immediately, but not before almost knocking Misao
down. Luckily--or thankfully-- for her, Aoshi grabbed her when she began to fall away from him.
Now in the corridors of the Aoiya, Aoshi stood with his hands on Misao's waist, and Misao with her tray in hand looking purely
shocked. Their suggestive positions suddenly became aware, and they broke off. Misao bowed ceremoniously and said,
"Your tea is ready Aoshi-sama." A quick and curt response from Aoshi put Misao off, "I'm going to talk with Okina." With that,
he dismissed himself, from her presence and walked to Okina's room. 'What the hell?! He holds me, and then walks out with
a stupid look on his face. Not to mention he almost ran me over on his way out, which come to think of it. Why was he so
fearful when he left his room?'
Unable to deny her curiosity, she ventured in Aoshi's room. Glancing around Misao saw that everything seemed to be fairly
simple. Deciding that nothing of great amazement was here, she turned to leave the room. But as Misao turned towards
Aoshi's desk a few letters sticking out of a book caught her growing curiosity, "What's this?"
Putting down the tray on the desk, Misao reached, and pulled out, the letters in the book. Intrigued, Misao began reading
the first one. This one was dated only 3 days after Misao left,
Shinomori-
If we back off from the Owinabanshu, in exchange you must marry the woman we send you.
-Sekihei Clan
"What the hell?!" Realizing quickly that she was speaking out loud, Misao quieted her voice and kept reading. Aoshi had
made a copy of his replies,
Sekihei Clan-
If it will make your clan back off, I will...comply with your demands.
-Shinomori
"HUH!?" The shock was clearly evident in her, already lowered, voice.
Shinomori-
Come to the market place tomorrow at 3 and our woman will meet you.
-Sekihei Clan
There wasn't any reply to that letter so Misao assumed that Aoshi-sama met with the woman, who she was guessing is
Midori.
Shinomori-
Good, you have done everything we have asked. We will send all other notices via Kusabe Midori.
-Sekihei Clan
"I can't believe it, Midori is a member of the Sekihei Clan," Misao's voice hid her surprise and shock very well. The Sekihei
Clan was one of the government's renegade groups that handled assignations and invasions. It was rumored that about
a year ago, the group left the government and was now the group for hire by anyone. About 4 months ago they went
on a killing spree in Tokyo but were stopped by a anonmous somebody. Supposedly the helper also killed the Sekihei's leader's
little brother. Finally a month ago it was rumored that the clan was floating about Kyoto looking for the one that killed
their leader's brother. 'This just doesn't add up!' Misao's frustration got the best of her, as she stuffed the letters back in the
book and grabbing the tray and leaving.
On the walk to the kitchen it was unavoidable to pass Okina's room. Already since she left Aoshi's room, Misao had been
walking very softly, and the likelyhood that anyone knew she was walking was slim. Not helping overhearing, Misao listened
to the heated conversation between Okina and Aoshi,
"Aoshi, I do wish you had told me from the very beginning," Okina's scolding voice was all well known to Misao.
"The fact of the matter is, regardless of the fact I gave into their demands, they are still threatening us," for Aoshi to say so
much in one sentence, led Misao to the fact that this was very important.
"We will just have to wait awhile, the Sekihei Clan is not to be taken lightly, if they say they will attack us in 3 days we have to
prepare," as soon as this was spoken Misao felt a burst of anger towards Midori. Feeling the need to direct her anger physically
Misao walked away quietly heading to the garden, where Midori is sure to be folding clothes.
After Misao walked away, Okina spoke again, "What about Misao?"
"..." Aoshi remained phase less.
"Do you have any idea how much you have hurt her?" Okina's voice was slowly rising with the added concern of his dear
granddaughter.
Aoshi got up and walked to the door and tossed Okina one last sorrow word, "Yes." It would seem that from the tone of his
voice, great torment and guiltiness was washing over him.
---------------------------------------------------
*Slice* Misao was right on target. A snippet of Midori's hair fell to the ground. Misao had thrown a kunai at Midori, who was indeed
washing clothes in the garden. Misao walked with murderous eyes towards Midori," It's you! I can't believe this. You came in
looking so nice!"
"What are you talking about?" Midori's innocent voice could have fooled all that did not know her for who she really was.
"You! You're a member of the Sekihei Clan! The one that has been threatening us!" Misao seemed really dangerous.
Midori's face all of a sudden portrayed great sadness, which immediately threw Misao off, "I am. I am not proud of it, but I am
am member of the Sekihei Clan," Midori broke off and continued in shame, "I am their bait woman. My father served them
through no knowledge of mine. When he died in battle, he left a great pile of debts behind, I was ordered to repay them by
offering myself to them, thus releasing my family from duty."
Misao battled internally to the punishment she should give this- traitor. After hearing her story, Misao could not avoid pitying
the woman, who has practically sold her soul to the devil. Deciding that she would not hurt Midori she left, heading towards
the training hall. Misao still wanted to burn off the excess anger the only way she knew how, by training.
-------------------------------------------------
Knowing that the meeting with Okina did not go exactly like had liked, Aoshi walked slowly towards the training hall. He
heard noise and kunai hitting the wall. Slightly surprised for a second, Aoshi slowly crept into the training hall. Misao was
doing target practice with her kunai, even after the doctor told her not to do any training.
*Swish, hit*
'I don't care; screw the doctor for all I care! Stupid Sekihei Clan!
*Swish, hit*
How can I be so stupid and not catch on to this earlier!
*Swish, hit*
No wonder Aoshi all of a sudden was going out with Midori when I returned.
*Swish, hit*
No wonder he went and proposed to her!'
*Swish, hit*
Misao stopped short of throwing another one, and fell silent. Gathering 5 in her hand, Misao hit off the ground with her
feet and threw all of the kunai.
*Swish, hit* *swish, hit* *swish, hit* *swish, hit* *swish, hit*
Hitting the floor, Misao groaned slightly, 'I almost opened the wound. Ha! sure, why not, won't matter anyway.' With her hand
going to the last kunai, she raised her hand and started to bring it forward. Half way over her head her hand stopped.
Before she realized what was happening, the kunai was removed from her hand, and flung into the shadows. She turned
around in shock, looking for the one that had interrupted her...but once she laid eyes on him a whole new wave of anger
took place, "GO away Aoshi-sama!"
"No," a simple but prompt answer came out of the icicle.
Misao groaned in frustration, as she attempted to overcome the lock Aoshi had on her wrists.
"Why did you practice when you know the doctor told you not to," the question finally popped out of Aoshi's mouth.
Struggling more Misao responded heatedly, "Because I don't care anymore, ok!"
Apparently that was not the answer Aoshi was looking for, he increased his hold on Misao by taking her into his arms.
This action caused Misao to blush, regardless of how mad she was at Aoshi-sama. One does not complain if they are in their
loved one's arms. Misao simply enjoyed the feeling and listened to what Aoshi said next, "It matters, don't do that again."
Misao nodded dumbly and reluctantly let go as she felt Aoshi-sama pull away. In a moment of great boldness on Misao's
part, Misao lifted her head and gave a light kiss on the cheek to Aoshi,
"Arigatou. For caring," and with that Misao left the hall with a rare smile actually on her face at a time like this.
.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.
I sure hope you liked this chapter. A whole lot of information was given out, so those who don't quite get something,
leave a review and i'll answer your question in the next chapter.
Also there is more A/M interaction. I hope everyone enjoyed the romantic relief from the plot line.
I also would like to apologize for the delay of this chapter, and sincerely hope it was worth the wait. My anniversary that I joined
the site is on 12/8 I am planning to finish writing all my stories by then, and put new chapters up each week. ;)
look forward to it.
Thank u all reviewers! Plz continue reviewing :)
Preview of Chapter 8: Compulsion (Kyousei)
With the discovery and knowledge Misao sets out to confront the Sekihei Clan,
"...I will be the one to put a stop to this..."
Along the way the romantic atmosphere increases between Aoshi and Misao,
"...Aoshi-sama what-..."