Part three: A silent masquerade and within a puppet's strings
Nobody dared to question the arising unspoken conflict between Aoshi and Misao. It's been a few days now, and either any one of them is in verge of denial. Aoshi casually dismissed the "accident" on something that made her hysterical and it is her usual rages for him being not quite being that attentive father when the latter is growing up. Misao somehow lost her liveliness and each day she had a pained expression, as if the same similar air around Aoshi.
She gradually focuses her attention instead in honing her martial arts skills rather than enjoy walking out the great outdoors like she normally do. The people at the household noted she does not have the same desire and energy within her anymore. Misao worked on her moves in a more, reckless and angry way.and she only comes out to eat. It as same as Aoshi spent his isolation meditating at the temple.and it worries each of the oniwabanshu members each day. There are too just many intriguing questions, and suspicious changes. Misao for instance, had finally ditched the feminine clothing few days later and changed to a training garb, and a long one which mostly wear for actual martial arts. She usually wear those short hakamas, for she feels comfortable moving in them.but now she bitterly requested to threw them away. Aside from the change of clothing, she defiantly.and to the shock of everyone else, chopped off her long braided hair. Everyone could remember that day, it is one of those moments where Aoshi and Misao are arguing again and she threatened him not to approach any nearer. She took one of his swords and sliced it through her locks. Aoshi then stood dumbfounded, but as always.he does not go after her.
"This is too much for me to take," one of them confessed, "Something very bad have happened to Misao, and Aoshi knows it."
"But they won't tell us what it is," one female oni objected, "how should we know?"
"Asking them just won't help, Misao seem afraid to say something.and that is what I think is making her even more hurt and angry each day." said the wiser among the four, and they all exchange sad glances. "Whatever it is, it took our old Misao away from us.and we have to get her back."
"She has to open up, but certainly.it won't be just us."
"Probably a trusting comrade she could rely on." one of the noted, and clapped his hands. "Why don't we let Kenshin-san and his group take a visit? Besides, it has been sometime they have been here in Kyoto."
"I can't agree less. They are like family; they might help her open up also."
So the rest of the oniwabanshu's decides to take action, half of them informed Kenshin and the group to go and visit, telling them to pretend "they just happen to stop by." The rest involved bringing about the topic to Master Aoshi about bringing some few good friends, since it's lonely with just a few of them to guard the house. "That will be pleasant." Is all Aoshi could say, but nonetheless he agreed. In few days time, Kenshin conceded to the oniwabanshu's to try helping Misao out, and the rest will play along the game. There would be Kaoru, and Megumi coming by, and their playful banter is natural to keep the mood light and amusing; there is also Sanosuke and Yahiko.they would be one noisy yet happy group, but they are not prepared on what they will see.
At early noon, Omasu saw a figure with tell-tale long red hair, accompanied by a small noisy group. "Kenshin-san!" he called out, and the rest of the oni's reacted in greeting the hitokiri and with the friends with him. They all look robust and eager to see Misao and all were planning to give her the friendly tease about her body or about her usual tomboyish ways. Sanosuke is the first to insist on surprising her.
"She is at the back of the porch, she took a break from training." Is all what Omasu could say,
"Really?! Then there's nothing wrong with her. It's better that she trained herself to be better." Sanosuke remarked, nibbling on the piece of grass in his mouth, he intended to cheer the oni's but he only saw lonesome expression on their faces. Kenshin nudged him, and shook his head as if trying to say "Not now, Sano."
"She never came out of the practicing hall, only to eat and sleep." One of the oni's added. "And oh, also to bathe of course."
"So what made her this withdrawn?" Kenshin insisted, and the next thing Sanosuke knows is Kenshin has done it again.interviewing the household in interrogating like questions. It will gradually bore him to death to join everyone and listen, so he resolved to go to the back porch and see it for himself.
"N-Nani?! She cut her hair off?!" he can hear Kaoru gasped in disbelief, ".why would she do that?"
"She said, it's her show of audacity against Aoshi. Besides that, nothing more she wants to tell us."
"We are sorry to hear it. We would try the best to cheer her up."
".and she never dressed like any one of us, this Misao.she's different from what we knew."
Sanosuke listened well as he made his way at the back of the porch, it seemed a serious matter.and by means the description said what he will expect is a different looking Misao from now on. He took a short cut, which resulted for him to come out of the entrance of the practice hall, which in some considerable distance there would be a porch. At around the right side, he could see what seems someone dressed in long practicing clothes.the hair is cut short just about the chin, and yet unmistakably he knew it was her.
"They were right, she had changed herself." He murmured, and thinks of surprising her from the back. Misao didn't know that they are planning to stop by and visit. When he tiptoed near enough, he extended his long hands to grab her around the small torso.
It was greeted by a hostile reaction being scarred by past trauma, Misao's memory recalled the stranger's grasp in order to take her down and ravish her.so when Sano's grasp came suddenly about, she defensively screamed and grabbed him from behind, hauling the 6 ft guy and sending him crashing to her left direction. What she saw is a shocked reaction on a friend's face when she finally came in terms of herself.
"Sanosuke!!" she called out, "G-Gomen, I don't know that."
"Hey! Don't take it one me!! Take it easy, will ya?!" he snarled, obviously upset with Misao's response. "For crying out loud Misao, I'm just trying to surprise you!!" he added, but his upset tone took a change when he noticed that Misao is starting and seemingly trying to hold a cry. Now, what did he do?
"Don't surprise me like that, ever again!! Ever!! " she spat, and furiously phased inside the practice hall. Intrigued by her sudden change of attitude, Sanosuke followed her inside. The old Misao don't just break and cry in front of him for nothing, and he can sense something is terribly wrong. She finally took some few deep breaths, trying to ease herself.not knowing where to start. How is she going to explain to Sanosuke her sudden violent reaction? He can't confide in him, nor can she? As long as Aoshi is not around.maybe she could tell somebody what really happened. But can she trust him?
She is facing her back on him as he approached, and Sanosuke could hear what sounded like restrained weeping. "Geez, I'm sorry already.so are you alright?"
She sniffed, "I'm okay.it's just a shame that.I have to do that."
"Misao, you are not okay. The Misao I knew won't just cry on about anything unless it's really trouble." He said, re-assuring her. "If there is anything you need, we are always there to help you."
Misao turned around, "Y-You mean, you are not alone?"
"Of course, I won't be here unless Kenshin-san is with me, and so is the rest of everybody else," he said proudly, and then he noted that Misao had strange yellowish brown patches on her skin and his smile faded. Those are tell-tale signs of healing bruises, also at her arms, even how she tried hard to concealed it have the same yet bigger marks, and healing reddish welts which indicated she have healing abrasions. When she noticed that Sanosuke noticed the healing injuries, she tried to coil her arm away. But he nonetheless reached for it, and inspect closely at her arm.
"Where did you get this?!" he demanded, but Misao won't look at him at the face. "Did Aoshi know abo.."
"He knows about it well," she whispered, "He knows about everything.that." she glanced up at him, which disturbed Sanosuke even more. She had this helpless look in her emerald green eyes, and same time a tingle of fear that someone might be listening. "Sanosuke, swear that you'll listen to me.you must help..." she whispered, pleading as she gripped firmly to his arms.
".help me find him."
"What?" he whispered, and he noticed that Misao's face took a paler look.she is watching from behind her, as it seemed a clothed figure noticed that they are in the hall. "Who Misao? Find who? I'm not getting it."
The door behind her open, and her blood ran cold at the sight of the white cloth in sight. "I don't have time to explain, Sanosuke! Aoshi is here already." and indeed she was right, Sanosuke never saw Misao so frightened before, as Aoshi revealed himself to the entrance of the hall.she starts trembling as he approaches. Misao gave Sanosuke one desperate look, "H-help me find him, who.."
" Here you are Misao, I see you have seen Sanosuke," Aoshi tried to fake a casual charm, but he is actually there for he noticed that his adoptive daughter is just about to going to tell something and he won't let it happen. He approached nearer, "Everyone is waiting for you at the guest room, and Kenshin is also with them."
"Sano.t-tasukete kudasai," she pleaded, her time is running out. She froze as she felt Aoshi's hand placed at her shoulder. Sanosuke looked at Aoshi, then at Misao. His face torn for the compassion of a tormented friend, but he was deeply bothered by Misao's reaction with Aoshi. Why is she suddenly fearful of him?
"Misao, come with me." He said curtly, stroking her by the head. Misao repulsed the notion, and she tried to avoid his touch. Aoshi then glanced up at Sanosuke, and silently nodded, "My apologies, Misao is under medication for her injuries. She hasn't been at herself lately." Sanosuke noticed that Aoshi lightly hold Misao on both shoulders, but the latter felt like she was going to be crushed by the grip. "She will listen to me, for it's for her own good.right, Misao?" he tried to put a tenderness in his voice, but Sanosuke sensed that it is like he is telling an order. Aoshi locked his silent gaze on Misao, as if trying to convince her to say yes.
"N-No!" she snapped, to his surprise. Misao turned to Sanosuke, "Sanosuke!! Find who did this to me.onegai! "
Sanosuke was about to ask, who.or what happened. Who did what? What did this person have done to her? Who is this person? But Aoshi countered it quick, he grabbed Misao's arm and tried to drag her away from the room, "For your own good, Misao.don't do this to me!" he commanded, but Misao is very stubborn in not wanting to go. Sanosuke can't take it anymore that he quickly rushed to her rescue, but Aoshi halted him with his sharp icy gaze.
"Look what have you done." he hissed,
"I've done nothing!" Sanosuke protested, why.he could hit Aoshi right now, but he knows well how deadly Aoshi is even if he was reformed already. He is restraining Misao to tell some dark secret, and he knows it. "What's wrong with you Aoshi? Let Misao speak for herself!"
Aoshi didn't return his look, he didn't want to challenge this rough youth into a debate. He gave Misao one forceful shove, until she stumbled out of the room. She tried to reach back at Sanosuke, but Aoshi held her tight and his mouth forming the soundless "No."
"Sanosuke, if you know what's better for you.I recommend that you and the rest don't meddle with our problems. I'm going to deal with this on my own, you hear me?" he finally spoke, and then as if formally closing the conversation, closed the door.
"Kenshin must know about this," Sanosuke swore tersely. "He must know before it's too late for her."
Misao pretend to show to everyone that nothing is wrong with her, placing a façade to mask her anguish and pain inside. She tried to put out a bright smile when she greeted Kenshin; she teased Kaoru and then flares at Megumi's mild jokes. They were all a bit surprised how Misao looked right now, a far cry from before. The oniwabanshu's told them that she was very depressed and sober these past few days, but she was there entertaining everybody as if nothing happened. For her sake, the oniwabanshu's tried to act happy as well.even though they know that she is doing this because Aoshi would want her to do so. He was there, sitting at a far corner in the room with Kenshin, casually observing them. They took pity on her, for she is now but a moving puppet. Maybe Aoshi have guessed their plan, in why they invite the whole group over. Instead of meditating by the temple, he closely guarded watched over Misao, whether she goes. Kenshin have also a slight hint that something must be going on. Even if everyone tried to be happy, it's unavoidable when you look at there eyes.what he see is sadness. Kaoru, Megumi and Yahiko didn't notice this uneasy air around them. But where is Sano?
"Have anyone seen Sano? "He asked,
"Oh, He is at the back of the porch," Misao paused.she was to say something more, but she halted when her eyes meet with Aoshi. Kenshin quickly noticed it, "Is there anything wrong Misao?"
"Oh No, nothing is wrong!!" she casually dismissed, "I just think I forgot something, so anyone wants to eat right now?"
"It depends if you are the one who cooked it!" Yahiko snorted, "I don't want to be down by food poisoning!"
Misao and Yahiko casually bantered, its natural for them to do so. But when Kenshin noticed, that for the first time, Misao seem to be faking something.she is avoiding a conversation with him if he tried to ask if there is anything wrong. She gingerly got up, and asks Kaoru to help her get some of the dishes so they could eat.
"She is strong; she managed to recover from it." Aoshi commented, as if answering the hitokiri's thoughts. "It is a slight accident, she nearly gets beat up by some ruffians.but she has come in terms with that eventually."
Misao entered back the room along with Kaoru, carrying the plateful of dishes. Yahiko took a deep inhale and complimented that he never smell anything so wonderful, with Megumi side-commenting that probably Misao didn't cook it. They are all in a seemingly euphoric mood right now and Aoshi didn't want to interrupt it.
"Misao could counter a group of ruffians," kenshin commented.
"They are the more professional type. Her attempts have been futile." Aoshi countered defensively, "but she managed to come home safely, beaten up here and there.but she survived."
Kenshin shook his head, "Are you sure that is what happened Aoshi?"
His statement instantly was suddenly disrupted by a tumulus crash of dishes from behind; Misao have dropped the dishes to the floor. "Are you alright, Misao?" Kaoru gasped,
"Y-Yes, I'm alright.it just slipped."
"Well then, let me help you clean it."
"Awwww!!! I hate to see a good food go to waste!!" Yahiko whined, "If Sanosuke have been right now, he would even eat it!" Misao shook her head to Kaoru's offer of help and decided to clean the mess herself. Now it confirmed Kenshin's suspicions, for his guess is that it's not rather a pure coincidence that Misao "tripped" and dropped the dishes. She steals a couple of quick glances to Aoshi, who has straight unwavering gaze in front of her.
"I'm sure of what happened. She told me." He finally spoke,
After the late lunch was finished, Kaoru and Megumi insisted to do some chatting.unmindful of Aoshi's looming presence. Kenshin told them he and Yahiko will take a short stroll at the yard, wondering where Sanosuke have gone. It's not like him to miss lunch. Aoshi however told them to take one of the oni's will accompany them, even if they refused. He have to keep in track, that no one.no one will learn what really happened to Misao.
"Why do you have to go with us?" Yahiko interjected, "it's not that we are going to be lost or anything."
"Master Aoshi orders me to do so," the female oni replied, "I have to follow what he says,"
"So what's the big deal about it? Is he paranoid or anything?" Yahiko's boyish curiosity is starting to sound a little tactless, that Kenshin has to hush him. He asked on why Aoshi is acting a little strange lately, and when they reached a little far from the dojo. the oni member doesn't know where to start.
"You have to help Misao, Kenshin-san! It's hurting as more and more that they are not talking to each other!!" she pleaded, "They won't tell us what it is, and we think that YOU are only way to resolve this matter!"
"For one, Misao dressed so strangely.not to mention she cut her hair." Kenshin observed, "I do sense a tension between them and Aoshi, as if he is not letting her out of his sight."
"Kenshin-san, he is hiding something.something about Misao, that's why he never let Misao, speaks with us, he."
"She seems perfectly normal to me." Yahiko quipped, then crinkling his nose. "Well, except the part she crashed the dishes."
"She is deathly afraid of Aoshi, for some particular reason." Kenshin spoke, "Yahiko, when I calmly asked Aoshi to tell me what really happened.it is not a coincidence that Misao crashed her dishes..."
"What do you mean?"
"I saw it in their eyes." He replied, ".she is looking at Aoshi.when it happened and he, looking at her. I can see she fears something.and despite that we see her as her usual self this day, I think she is only acting like that because Aoshi never left her side."
"That's what I'm trying to tell." The oni said, "They are hiding something from us, we know Misao needed someone to tell whatever it is.but he just won't let her."
"She is desperate Kenshin, we need to help her." comes out a sudden serious concerned voice, out from nowhere, Sanosuke jumped off the tree branch on where the tree where the three where talking. He is taking a nap above the tree, and happens to listen at the conversation.
"What are you doing up there?! You missed lunch already!!" Yahiko exclaimed,
"I got sleepy, and took a nap you little squirt!" But Yahiko and Kenshin won't believe him, it's an understatement for Sanosuke to miss lunch for it's the sole purpose why he joined them to Edo at the first place. "Alright, alright! I didn't just sleep up there!!!" he cautiously then looked around, "Is Aoshi with anyone of you?"
"No, he is staying in the residence with the rest." Kenshin said with an inquiring look, "Why? Are you hiding from him?"
Sanosuke can see Yahiko grin ear to ear, "I'm NOT hiding from him!! I'm trying to avoid him!" he explained, "I managed to try to talk to Misao, but he came and threatens me not to try to talk to her again."
"You get to talk with Misao, alone?" The oni gasped,
"Yeah, almost." he muttered, then looking at Kenshin. "You are right Kenshin; Misao is not what she seemed right now. When I tried to talk to her she was." there is an aching expression in Sanosuke's face, "...very much in a pitiful state, she is trembling and shaking..begging for me to help her. I swore she is starting to cry by then."
"It is true," the oni nodded, ".she is trying to tell something, but Aoshi would always appear shortly to stop her. When he comes approaching, she freezes.and she starts to tremble. As far as we know, Master Aoshi did not do anything physical to her but."
"She told me, to help her find him on who did it to her." Sanosuke added, "Whoever that "him" is.and whatever he "did".."
"You didn't get to ask her completely?" Kenshin asked,
"No." Sanosuke said, "I was about to, but Aoshi appeared from behind her.and casually trying to dismiss the talk. But I swear, she wants to be away from him, she is trying to pry off his grasp.she wants to tell me something, and she told me that he knows."
"Knows what?"
Sano's face constricted, as if knowing the moment of conclusion, "I got it.Misao has those strange injuries in her arms, she is asking me to find who did it to her.and that Aoshi knows who did it. and didn't want to be told who."
"..and he doesn't want us to know." Kenshin added seriously, "but why would she be so depressed in trying to find the one who beat her up? Aoshi said it's done by a rough band of ruffians, and Misao will never give in to rogues even if she got beat up badly. She has dignity."
"I think it's not only dignity that was lost," Sanosuke assumed, his voice sounding quite dark, unusually so. Kenshin and Yahiko traded disturbed looks to Sanosuke's change of mood. "I'm determined to find out why.."
***Translations: "Tasukete kudasai" = "please help me; "Onegai" = "please"
Nobody dared to question the arising unspoken conflict between Aoshi and Misao. It's been a few days now, and either any one of them is in verge of denial. Aoshi casually dismissed the "accident" on something that made her hysterical and it is her usual rages for him being not quite being that attentive father when the latter is growing up. Misao somehow lost her liveliness and each day she had a pained expression, as if the same similar air around Aoshi.
She gradually focuses her attention instead in honing her martial arts skills rather than enjoy walking out the great outdoors like she normally do. The people at the household noted she does not have the same desire and energy within her anymore. Misao worked on her moves in a more, reckless and angry way.and she only comes out to eat. It as same as Aoshi spent his isolation meditating at the temple.and it worries each of the oniwabanshu members each day. There are too just many intriguing questions, and suspicious changes. Misao for instance, had finally ditched the feminine clothing few days later and changed to a training garb, and a long one which mostly wear for actual martial arts. She usually wear those short hakamas, for she feels comfortable moving in them.but now she bitterly requested to threw them away. Aside from the change of clothing, she defiantly.and to the shock of everyone else, chopped off her long braided hair. Everyone could remember that day, it is one of those moments where Aoshi and Misao are arguing again and she threatened him not to approach any nearer. She took one of his swords and sliced it through her locks. Aoshi then stood dumbfounded, but as always.he does not go after her.
"This is too much for me to take," one of them confessed, "Something very bad have happened to Misao, and Aoshi knows it."
"But they won't tell us what it is," one female oni objected, "how should we know?"
"Asking them just won't help, Misao seem afraid to say something.and that is what I think is making her even more hurt and angry each day." said the wiser among the four, and they all exchange sad glances. "Whatever it is, it took our old Misao away from us.and we have to get her back."
"She has to open up, but certainly.it won't be just us."
"Probably a trusting comrade she could rely on." one of the noted, and clapped his hands. "Why don't we let Kenshin-san and his group take a visit? Besides, it has been sometime they have been here in Kyoto."
"I can't agree less. They are like family; they might help her open up also."
So the rest of the oniwabanshu's decides to take action, half of them informed Kenshin and the group to go and visit, telling them to pretend "they just happen to stop by." The rest involved bringing about the topic to Master Aoshi about bringing some few good friends, since it's lonely with just a few of them to guard the house. "That will be pleasant." Is all Aoshi could say, but nonetheless he agreed. In few days time, Kenshin conceded to the oniwabanshu's to try helping Misao out, and the rest will play along the game. There would be Kaoru, and Megumi coming by, and their playful banter is natural to keep the mood light and amusing; there is also Sanosuke and Yahiko.they would be one noisy yet happy group, but they are not prepared on what they will see.
At early noon, Omasu saw a figure with tell-tale long red hair, accompanied by a small noisy group. "Kenshin-san!" he called out, and the rest of the oni's reacted in greeting the hitokiri and with the friends with him. They all look robust and eager to see Misao and all were planning to give her the friendly tease about her body or about her usual tomboyish ways. Sanosuke is the first to insist on surprising her.
"She is at the back of the porch, she took a break from training." Is all what Omasu could say,
"Really?! Then there's nothing wrong with her. It's better that she trained herself to be better." Sanosuke remarked, nibbling on the piece of grass in his mouth, he intended to cheer the oni's but he only saw lonesome expression on their faces. Kenshin nudged him, and shook his head as if trying to say "Not now, Sano."
"She never came out of the practicing hall, only to eat and sleep." One of the oni's added. "And oh, also to bathe of course."
"So what made her this withdrawn?" Kenshin insisted, and the next thing Sanosuke knows is Kenshin has done it again.interviewing the household in interrogating like questions. It will gradually bore him to death to join everyone and listen, so he resolved to go to the back porch and see it for himself.
"N-Nani?! She cut her hair off?!" he can hear Kaoru gasped in disbelief, ".why would she do that?"
"She said, it's her show of audacity against Aoshi. Besides that, nothing more she wants to tell us."
"We are sorry to hear it. We would try the best to cheer her up."
".and she never dressed like any one of us, this Misao.she's different from what we knew."
Sanosuke listened well as he made his way at the back of the porch, it seemed a serious matter.and by means the description said what he will expect is a different looking Misao from now on. He took a short cut, which resulted for him to come out of the entrance of the practice hall, which in some considerable distance there would be a porch. At around the right side, he could see what seems someone dressed in long practicing clothes.the hair is cut short just about the chin, and yet unmistakably he knew it was her.
"They were right, she had changed herself." He murmured, and thinks of surprising her from the back. Misao didn't know that they are planning to stop by and visit. When he tiptoed near enough, he extended his long hands to grab her around the small torso.
It was greeted by a hostile reaction being scarred by past trauma, Misao's memory recalled the stranger's grasp in order to take her down and ravish her.so when Sano's grasp came suddenly about, she defensively screamed and grabbed him from behind, hauling the 6 ft guy and sending him crashing to her left direction. What she saw is a shocked reaction on a friend's face when she finally came in terms of herself.
"Sanosuke!!" she called out, "G-Gomen, I don't know that."
"Hey! Don't take it one me!! Take it easy, will ya?!" he snarled, obviously upset with Misao's response. "For crying out loud Misao, I'm just trying to surprise you!!" he added, but his upset tone took a change when he noticed that Misao is starting and seemingly trying to hold a cry. Now, what did he do?
"Don't surprise me like that, ever again!! Ever!! " she spat, and furiously phased inside the practice hall. Intrigued by her sudden change of attitude, Sanosuke followed her inside. The old Misao don't just break and cry in front of him for nothing, and he can sense something is terribly wrong. She finally took some few deep breaths, trying to ease herself.not knowing where to start. How is she going to explain to Sanosuke her sudden violent reaction? He can't confide in him, nor can she? As long as Aoshi is not around.maybe she could tell somebody what really happened. But can she trust him?
She is facing her back on him as he approached, and Sanosuke could hear what sounded like restrained weeping. "Geez, I'm sorry already.so are you alright?"
She sniffed, "I'm okay.it's just a shame that.I have to do that."
"Misao, you are not okay. The Misao I knew won't just cry on about anything unless it's really trouble." He said, re-assuring her. "If there is anything you need, we are always there to help you."
Misao turned around, "Y-You mean, you are not alone?"
"Of course, I won't be here unless Kenshin-san is with me, and so is the rest of everybody else," he said proudly, and then he noted that Misao had strange yellowish brown patches on her skin and his smile faded. Those are tell-tale signs of healing bruises, also at her arms, even how she tried hard to concealed it have the same yet bigger marks, and healing reddish welts which indicated she have healing abrasions. When she noticed that Sanosuke noticed the healing injuries, she tried to coil her arm away. But he nonetheless reached for it, and inspect closely at her arm.
"Where did you get this?!" he demanded, but Misao won't look at him at the face. "Did Aoshi know abo.."
"He knows about it well," she whispered, "He knows about everything.that." she glanced up at him, which disturbed Sanosuke even more. She had this helpless look in her emerald green eyes, and same time a tingle of fear that someone might be listening. "Sanosuke, swear that you'll listen to me.you must help..." she whispered, pleading as she gripped firmly to his arms.
".help me find him."
"What?" he whispered, and he noticed that Misao's face took a paler look.she is watching from behind her, as it seemed a clothed figure noticed that they are in the hall. "Who Misao? Find who? I'm not getting it."
The door behind her open, and her blood ran cold at the sight of the white cloth in sight. "I don't have time to explain, Sanosuke! Aoshi is here already." and indeed she was right, Sanosuke never saw Misao so frightened before, as Aoshi revealed himself to the entrance of the hall.she starts trembling as he approaches. Misao gave Sanosuke one desperate look, "H-help me find him, who.."
" Here you are Misao, I see you have seen Sanosuke," Aoshi tried to fake a casual charm, but he is actually there for he noticed that his adoptive daughter is just about to going to tell something and he won't let it happen. He approached nearer, "Everyone is waiting for you at the guest room, and Kenshin is also with them."
"Sano.t-tasukete kudasai," she pleaded, her time is running out. She froze as she felt Aoshi's hand placed at her shoulder. Sanosuke looked at Aoshi, then at Misao. His face torn for the compassion of a tormented friend, but he was deeply bothered by Misao's reaction with Aoshi. Why is she suddenly fearful of him?
"Misao, come with me." He said curtly, stroking her by the head. Misao repulsed the notion, and she tried to avoid his touch. Aoshi then glanced up at Sanosuke, and silently nodded, "My apologies, Misao is under medication for her injuries. She hasn't been at herself lately." Sanosuke noticed that Aoshi lightly hold Misao on both shoulders, but the latter felt like she was going to be crushed by the grip. "She will listen to me, for it's for her own good.right, Misao?" he tried to put a tenderness in his voice, but Sanosuke sensed that it is like he is telling an order. Aoshi locked his silent gaze on Misao, as if trying to convince her to say yes.
"N-No!" she snapped, to his surprise. Misao turned to Sanosuke, "Sanosuke!! Find who did this to me.onegai! "
Sanosuke was about to ask, who.or what happened. Who did what? What did this person have done to her? Who is this person? But Aoshi countered it quick, he grabbed Misao's arm and tried to drag her away from the room, "For your own good, Misao.don't do this to me!" he commanded, but Misao is very stubborn in not wanting to go. Sanosuke can't take it anymore that he quickly rushed to her rescue, but Aoshi halted him with his sharp icy gaze.
"Look what have you done." he hissed,
"I've done nothing!" Sanosuke protested, why.he could hit Aoshi right now, but he knows well how deadly Aoshi is even if he was reformed already. He is restraining Misao to tell some dark secret, and he knows it. "What's wrong with you Aoshi? Let Misao speak for herself!"
Aoshi didn't return his look, he didn't want to challenge this rough youth into a debate. He gave Misao one forceful shove, until she stumbled out of the room. She tried to reach back at Sanosuke, but Aoshi held her tight and his mouth forming the soundless "No."
"Sanosuke, if you know what's better for you.I recommend that you and the rest don't meddle with our problems. I'm going to deal with this on my own, you hear me?" he finally spoke, and then as if formally closing the conversation, closed the door.
"Kenshin must know about this," Sanosuke swore tersely. "He must know before it's too late for her."
Misao pretend to show to everyone that nothing is wrong with her, placing a façade to mask her anguish and pain inside. She tried to put out a bright smile when she greeted Kenshin; she teased Kaoru and then flares at Megumi's mild jokes. They were all a bit surprised how Misao looked right now, a far cry from before. The oniwabanshu's told them that she was very depressed and sober these past few days, but she was there entertaining everybody as if nothing happened. For her sake, the oniwabanshu's tried to act happy as well.even though they know that she is doing this because Aoshi would want her to do so. He was there, sitting at a far corner in the room with Kenshin, casually observing them. They took pity on her, for she is now but a moving puppet. Maybe Aoshi have guessed their plan, in why they invite the whole group over. Instead of meditating by the temple, he closely guarded watched over Misao, whether she goes. Kenshin have also a slight hint that something must be going on. Even if everyone tried to be happy, it's unavoidable when you look at there eyes.what he see is sadness. Kaoru, Megumi and Yahiko didn't notice this uneasy air around them. But where is Sano?
"Have anyone seen Sano? "He asked,
"Oh, He is at the back of the porch," Misao paused.she was to say something more, but she halted when her eyes meet with Aoshi. Kenshin quickly noticed it, "Is there anything wrong Misao?"
"Oh No, nothing is wrong!!" she casually dismissed, "I just think I forgot something, so anyone wants to eat right now?"
"It depends if you are the one who cooked it!" Yahiko snorted, "I don't want to be down by food poisoning!"
Misao and Yahiko casually bantered, its natural for them to do so. But when Kenshin noticed, that for the first time, Misao seem to be faking something.she is avoiding a conversation with him if he tried to ask if there is anything wrong. She gingerly got up, and asks Kaoru to help her get some of the dishes so they could eat.
"She is strong; she managed to recover from it." Aoshi commented, as if answering the hitokiri's thoughts. "It is a slight accident, she nearly gets beat up by some ruffians.but she has come in terms with that eventually."
Misao entered back the room along with Kaoru, carrying the plateful of dishes. Yahiko took a deep inhale and complimented that he never smell anything so wonderful, with Megumi side-commenting that probably Misao didn't cook it. They are all in a seemingly euphoric mood right now and Aoshi didn't want to interrupt it.
"Misao could counter a group of ruffians," kenshin commented.
"They are the more professional type. Her attempts have been futile." Aoshi countered defensively, "but she managed to come home safely, beaten up here and there.but she survived."
Kenshin shook his head, "Are you sure that is what happened Aoshi?"
His statement instantly was suddenly disrupted by a tumulus crash of dishes from behind; Misao have dropped the dishes to the floor. "Are you alright, Misao?" Kaoru gasped,
"Y-Yes, I'm alright.it just slipped."
"Well then, let me help you clean it."
"Awwww!!! I hate to see a good food go to waste!!" Yahiko whined, "If Sanosuke have been right now, he would even eat it!" Misao shook her head to Kaoru's offer of help and decided to clean the mess herself. Now it confirmed Kenshin's suspicions, for his guess is that it's not rather a pure coincidence that Misao "tripped" and dropped the dishes. She steals a couple of quick glances to Aoshi, who has straight unwavering gaze in front of her.
"I'm sure of what happened. She told me." He finally spoke,
After the late lunch was finished, Kaoru and Megumi insisted to do some chatting.unmindful of Aoshi's looming presence. Kenshin told them he and Yahiko will take a short stroll at the yard, wondering where Sanosuke have gone. It's not like him to miss lunch. Aoshi however told them to take one of the oni's will accompany them, even if they refused. He have to keep in track, that no one.no one will learn what really happened to Misao.
"Why do you have to go with us?" Yahiko interjected, "it's not that we are going to be lost or anything."
"Master Aoshi orders me to do so," the female oni replied, "I have to follow what he says,"
"So what's the big deal about it? Is he paranoid or anything?" Yahiko's boyish curiosity is starting to sound a little tactless, that Kenshin has to hush him. He asked on why Aoshi is acting a little strange lately, and when they reached a little far from the dojo. the oni member doesn't know where to start.
"You have to help Misao, Kenshin-san! It's hurting as more and more that they are not talking to each other!!" she pleaded, "They won't tell us what it is, and we think that YOU are only way to resolve this matter!"
"For one, Misao dressed so strangely.not to mention she cut her hair." Kenshin observed, "I do sense a tension between them and Aoshi, as if he is not letting her out of his sight."
"Kenshin-san, he is hiding something.something about Misao, that's why he never let Misao, speaks with us, he."
"She seems perfectly normal to me." Yahiko quipped, then crinkling his nose. "Well, except the part she crashed the dishes."
"She is deathly afraid of Aoshi, for some particular reason." Kenshin spoke, "Yahiko, when I calmly asked Aoshi to tell me what really happened.it is not a coincidence that Misao crashed her dishes..."
"What do you mean?"
"I saw it in their eyes." He replied, ".she is looking at Aoshi.when it happened and he, looking at her. I can see she fears something.and despite that we see her as her usual self this day, I think she is only acting like that because Aoshi never left her side."
"That's what I'm trying to tell." The oni said, "They are hiding something from us, we know Misao needed someone to tell whatever it is.but he just won't let her."
"She is desperate Kenshin, we need to help her." comes out a sudden serious concerned voice, out from nowhere, Sanosuke jumped off the tree branch on where the tree where the three where talking. He is taking a nap above the tree, and happens to listen at the conversation.
"What are you doing up there?! You missed lunch already!!" Yahiko exclaimed,
"I got sleepy, and took a nap you little squirt!" But Yahiko and Kenshin won't believe him, it's an understatement for Sanosuke to miss lunch for it's the sole purpose why he joined them to Edo at the first place. "Alright, alright! I didn't just sleep up there!!!" he cautiously then looked around, "Is Aoshi with anyone of you?"
"No, he is staying in the residence with the rest." Kenshin said with an inquiring look, "Why? Are you hiding from him?"
Sanosuke can see Yahiko grin ear to ear, "I'm NOT hiding from him!! I'm trying to avoid him!" he explained, "I managed to try to talk to Misao, but he came and threatens me not to try to talk to her again."
"You get to talk with Misao, alone?" The oni gasped,
"Yeah, almost." he muttered, then looking at Kenshin. "You are right Kenshin; Misao is not what she seemed right now. When I tried to talk to her she was." there is an aching expression in Sanosuke's face, "...very much in a pitiful state, she is trembling and shaking..begging for me to help her. I swore she is starting to cry by then."
"It is true," the oni nodded, ".she is trying to tell something, but Aoshi would always appear shortly to stop her. When he comes approaching, she freezes.and she starts to tremble. As far as we know, Master Aoshi did not do anything physical to her but."
"She told me, to help her find him on who did it to her." Sanosuke added, "Whoever that "him" is.and whatever he "did".."
"You didn't get to ask her completely?" Kenshin asked,
"No." Sanosuke said, "I was about to, but Aoshi appeared from behind her.and casually trying to dismiss the talk. But I swear, she wants to be away from him, she is trying to pry off his grasp.she wants to tell me something, and she told me that he knows."
"Knows what?"
Sano's face constricted, as if knowing the moment of conclusion, "I got it.Misao has those strange injuries in her arms, she is asking me to find who did it to her.and that Aoshi knows who did it. and didn't want to be told who."
"..and he doesn't want us to know." Kenshin added seriously, "but why would she be so depressed in trying to find the one who beat her up? Aoshi said it's done by a rough band of ruffians, and Misao will never give in to rogues even if she got beat up badly. She has dignity."
"I think it's not only dignity that was lost," Sanosuke assumed, his voice sounding quite dark, unusually so. Kenshin and Yahiko traded disturbed looks to Sanosuke's change of mood. "I'm determined to find out why.."
***Translations: "Tasukete kudasai" = "please help me; "Onegai" = "please"