Part seven: Of compassion, and pity
Soujiro is determined to know who he really was, despite that others recall his memories for him. He wondered why this Makamachi Misao suddenly came into his life, if she was a former enemy. He tried to make out a caricature of her from his vague recollection, and roaming around the town asking for her and where she lives, but they weren't giving him direct answers. Osei was right on one thing, people recognized him as a wanderer and they don't avoid him for what he appears: A young man carrying a sword, asking details about a current leader of a clan! He stops by an inn, which seems to have a strong sense of déjà vu in it, for he was greeted by the helpers, "Oi! You are back!! So how's the travel young man?" one of them said in a playful chatter, and instantly the female servants are swarming him. He didn't know how to respond, if he told them he lost his memory. Obviously they all took a liking on him, being accursed with youthful boyish looks. He gave them a small smile, and made his order as he sits down near one of the smaller tables.
"I'm looking for a Makamachi Misao," he paused, "have you people known of her?"
One of the servants gave him a warm laugh, "You don't remember? You met her just about last week! She is a resident of this parts..you help her disband an annoying group in here."
"I happen to have a little problem with my memory." he scratches his head. " I recall only a little, so where can I find her?"
The female servant suddenly became silent and solemn, "I think it's not the right time to look for her. I heard she have a rough time."
"How bad?"
"Very bad." The woman replied curtly, as she gives her serving of tea. "Don't you hear the news?"
"I was.at the distant part of the forest, so I think I don't hear anything quite much."
"Very well," the woman sighed, "Rumors has it, that almost exactly a week before.Misao is going home in the afternoon, but she never came back until that very late night. She was founded, limping back home badly wounded into the arms of her guardian Shinomori Aoshi.she was." her voice trailed off, Soujiro noticed that the woman's face was contorted into a disgust that she can barely utter what she wants to say, and tried to keep it into a low voice, ".she was, disgraced."
Soujiro felt like a tight painful knot churned into his stomach, poor Misao.he can't bare the thought of such wild, care-free lady being taken advantage of. The woman continued and said the event happened sometime around last week, by the forests.and also happens the exact week where he was found, lost of memory. The only fragments he managed to recall, is seeing Misao in the inn.seeing her screaming in the forest.
Could there be a link? It sounds quite eerie to be a coincidence.
"Are you alright? You seem rather pale.." The woman asked, taking note that Soujiro's face has lost its color.
"Umm.it's nothing, my head just hurts.please continue," he muttered, "please continue on what happened."
"After that event, everyone in the town noticed that she has changed.." The woman continued, ".she was never seen often to the streets again, if she was.she is always seen accompanied by Aoshi."
Aoshi.the name kind of ring a bell to Soujiro, before he left, Osei and Yuri managed to give him the documents that they requested in a nearby district, of the people that relates to his forgotten past.be it enemy or not. Shinomori Aoshi is among the top of the list. He is a former Oniwabanshu leader, of the original deceased members he is the only one who survived. He joined Shi-Shi-o's group for the sole purpose to avenge their deaths. Now he has somehow retired on duty, he spends his days secluded at the temple.and his adoptive daughter, Misao, have taken over his position. He acts as her legal guardian, along with the much respected elder of the group, Okina.
".is she from by anyway, changed?"
"Very much indeed." The woman said, "The young spunky lady you once met is taken away, she changed dramatically.she cut off her hair short, she wears different and much conservative clothing. Most of the time, she hardly smiles and say anything, often, she is seen weeping and arguing with her guardian. The personality she has been known for is gone forever."
".Gone forever.I feel sorry for her, who ever have done this to her deserves a punishment." Soujiro said, ".don't they have any clue on who possibly could do this?"
"That is the controversial part," the woman whispered, ".it is rumored that whoever done this knows a great deal of Aoshi and of her. For the assailant speaks of their names with intended disgust.that is what she remembers,"
"Does he know how she looks like?"
"No, the attacker is wise. He took advantage her at the dark night in the forest, she never got to see his face." The woman resumed, ".it is said, that she told Aoshi of this, but he never ever try to do anything about it.he wants her to swear on silence,"
".for he knew of the attacker,"
"Yes, but with some unexplained reasons, he don't want to let her know who. It is like a dark secret or something.poor Misao, the man had carried the secret down to his grave."
Soujiro's ears pricked up at the last statement, "You mean, he is already DEAD?!"
The woman hushed him down, "Hai.the news has it that he died in food poisoning.but rumors are spreading that he committed suicide."
"This couldn't possibly be happening!"
"It is true," a man by the next table, can't help but comment while listening to the conversation. "The dead man just had his burial rites, this early morning.accompanied by some small group of friends, I think one of them is a ronin with red hair."
"That must be Kenshin Himura," the woman gasped, "but what is he doing here?'"
".Heard that they came here to pay Aoshi and Misao for a friendly visit, after a few days.well, they are surprised to see the former Oniwabanshu leader dead.and to think, Okina just come home today from a short trip."
"Okina.it would be hard to him to bear the news," the woman agreed, then she noticed that Soujiro is standing up. "H-Hey, where are you going?"
He wants to see it for himself, the young lady that could link him at those last few moments of his elapsed past, the tragedy that have befallen her.if it's anyway connected to his lost of memory. He didn't care if they are of former enemies anymore.
"I left the bill already at the counter," he said, gathering up his things. "I have to see what is happening I.it's too hard to believe it myself."
Meanwhile,
Okina was more than morose upon receiving the news, he became very silent. His heart poured out to Misao, who have changed a lot ever since he left. She remained as motionless and blank as she lay curled to his lap like a cat, and he was hushing her, stroking her head. Through Kenshin's soft and well-spoken words, he slowly explained that Aoshi committed suicide.and the reason WHY he committed suicide. Okina muttered he could never forgive the one who did it to Misao, and he remarkably remained calm throughout the conversation.with the composure and respect of a man of his stature and age. But there is an obvious angry flame in his blurry eyes.
"Misao.she is still in shock, she never spoke a word ever since his death." Kaoru added, sitting beside Kenshin. "It's good that you are back Okina, it is so sad that you have to go home and receive this news."
"I thank you, and everyone else in trying to help Misao.but I cannot forgive yet forget the sole perpetrator of this event."
It was that early morning, he is full of enthusiasm arriving home carrying a lot of goods to surprise her and the whole household. He knows how Misao like European goods and how her scandalous squeals of delight will be music to his hears.the warm welcome of everyone back home. Aoshi would be then following on tow, keeping a close eye to his ward, and the oni's will be waiting by his step. But what greeted him is total silence, no one approached as he announced his arrival, and saw few garbed monks situated by a tree near his place, there is a burial going on. He saw the familiar faces, the red haired hitokiri with his group are there. There is absolute denial in their faces that they want to cry. The oniwabanshu's stood there in silence, greeting Okina but with something they can't say.and Misao, he barely recognized her. He was in shock to see she have dramatically changed, and she didn't even flinch when he cried out her name. Misao was staring blankly at the ground, and when he followed her gaze.he saw the dead body laying down the ground to be of that of Aoshi.
Even immaculately garbed in a way he shall draw respect as one of the clan's best leaders, Okina immediately noticed a hideous raw abrasion to the neck. After the burial ceremony proper was finished, the Kenshin-gumi tried their very best to break the news very slowly.
Like Sanosuke, Okina is wary of Aoshi's sudden suicide. Even with a signed note, they wonder if there is a possible set up involved. The autopsy done tells its suicide, even though they said that the neck wound is "viciously wringed tight, unusually so" for someone who is going to hang himself. Kenshin tried to put Sanosuke's insight of Aoshi being killed before he was hanged by some lethal acupuncture technique, but the coroner's report said that the neck suffered severe abrasions to the 2nd degree that it's next to impossible to find a pin-prick there. There are no signs of struggle nor are there poisonous intakes in his body, leaving even the observant Kenshin stumped and removing the possibility of a killer.
"We are all in dead end," Kenshin sighed; they were supposed to leave that very afternoon, even with the unsuspected dilemma that sets in. Everyone longed to stay there, to help solve the mystery, but they don't have much time and there is some business to be taken care back home. "Okina, if there is anything we could do."
"I and the remaining Oniwabanshus would find a way to have Misao and Aoshi's death rightfully avenged." Okina couldn't shake the thought that there is a string that tied between the chains of events, that the one responsible in disgracing Misao is also the one who killed Aoshi. But there is no substantial proof. Misao will never be the same again, she will be never being the care free tomboy who breeze at the outdoors with the devil- may-care attitude. She is reduced to a shaking, lifeless doll that can't walk outdoors without someone accompanying her. Even if they find the merciless mad man, they could not bring everything that has been lost.back.
"You can keep the note," Sanosuke said, handing over the suicide note to Okina. There might be some clue he overlook, and being the only person in the room that agrees with his suspicions, he trusted Okina with it. He approached Misao, who remained tacit through the whole event, and squeezed her hands firmly, he don't want to say goodbye, not now. "I would do my best to find who did this to you, Misao." he whispered, and it aches to see her say nothing giving him a blank cow like stare. Misao have suffered a great deal already, clinging on any possible hope to the people she knew as her friends, but with situation growing worse, even their attempts are already futile. The catastrophe that shrouds everyone in the household came tumbling like a growing snow ball running down the slope, it gets bigger and bigger. She ran out grief and tears for all that happened already, from the past week to the present and what was left within her is vast emptiness, numbed with no more sense of emotion. Sanosuke gave her a tight hug, much to everyone's surprise. Still there is no reaction from her, "Take care of yourself, stay always by their side." is what he could all say.
"If there are any leads, you people would be first to know.." And with the last statement, both men stood up and bowed, before the group finally took their leave. Misao sat up in a moment of silence, and waits after everyone have taken their leave.
"Misao, if there is anything you want to tell me don't hesitate.." Okina said mildly, ".you can cry all you want, and I swear that I and the Oniwabanshu's will never fail you, ever." But Misao wasn't listening, she felt a sudden wave of nausea passing to her head, the same sensation she has when she fainted at the sight of Aoshi, she gagged her mouth.
"Misao! Are you okay?" they demanded,
She forces a small nod to say yes, but she can't control the urge anymore. She quickly ran to the bathroom and starts throwing up. She swore that these past few days, she ate only little and spend the rest of the week sleeping or practicing, and there is no way why she would throw up this much. Then came a knock on the door, and Okina's voice was calling out asking if she is alright. "Yes, I'm fine.just a little sick that's all.I feel better if I throw up." she halted, to start throwing up again.
With her face splotchy and a little sore, she blearily reached to clean herself with a basinful of water. Beside it was the monthly calendar, which she sometimes uses to check her "visitor" days.
"It's already one week.it seems a little rather late," and she felt her stomach churn, as if there would another wave of nausea coming again, then it dawns on her.
"O-Oh my, n-no. it's the symptoms of morning sickness. I'm already late.I'm."
"It's not a good idea to pay them a visit today, young lad." A passer by said, Soujiro is determined to reach Okina's stronghold.even how perilous it might be. He posed no threat to them now, and with what the few servants in the inn said, he met and talked with Misao once. She would eventually recognize him immediately, unsure if she already knows who he truly is.
"I know.about the death of her guardian, I'm paying my respect as an old friend to Shinomori Aoshi." He fumbled an excuse, the best he could offer when the passer by noticed he is carrying a sword. The man snorted, and somehow believes him. "Take that street and turn by the left."
"Hai."
It took him a few minutes walk, and the man was telling the truth that he was on the right track, for he saw the distinctive group approaching from the opposite direction. The faces somehow sends some recognition to his senses, as he stop dead stiff on upon setting a gaze to the one heading the group, the man has a small frame like he has and they both have the same style of get up to indicate he is also a ronin, he also have a long bright red hair and cross-scar marked on his cheek. Osei-san told him before about a man with a cross-scar mark, known as Kenshin Himura.
The man that set him free, the man he was used to believe as an enemy.but he felt nothing, only wonder.for everything and reason escapes him. Kenshin looked up and recognized him immediately, and also slowed down to his tracks. Sanosuke and Yahiko exchange wary glances, and quickly distanced themselves. The women looked about and whispered to each other, "No way. that's Seta Soujiro? He looks.so deceiving!" "What brings you here.Soujiro?" Kenshin spoke; there is something complacent tone in his voice that makes Soujiro quickly at ease.
"I'm paying my respects.on Aoshi's death." He finds himself replying, ".and also to look up on Misao."
Sanosuke nodded to Kenshin as if to say that the kid is telling the truth, Misao spoke of meeting Soujiro before, and that the latter looks lust-free when she met him. It's obvious that he look clueless, wandering and deciding of the sheer intimidation his presence would bring. But something caught Sano's ear, "Hey, hold on a minute.how do you know Aoshi's dead?"
"Rumors are spreading in the town already, especially in inns and taverns.the people I met, they told me everything."
"So you knew of what happened to Misao." Kenshin said,
"Hai." Soujiro nodded, Kenshin starts to wonder something strange on the air around the youth. The way he speaks of the situation is like, he heard and known everybody the first time. He didn't flinch when he recognized Kenshin, nor at the sight of every body else. He stared to them in awe, as his converse with them. "It's so sad on what happened, and when I met her at the inn a week ago.I just can't imagine." his voice reduce to a low murmur. can't imagine what? He is speaking mechanically what others recalled for him, but the only proof he have known of her is the pieces of flashback that are parts of a yet bigger jigsaw puzzle. He is there to know how she is doing, and possibly.the only one who could put piece by piece some recollections of what really happened last week.
"I understood how you feel; we all feel the same for her." Kenshin finally concluded, "Well we must get going now, take care of yourself and good luck."
"Ja!" he waved to say farewell, and what he received is queasy looks from the rest of them. And it's not his imagination when he saw Yahiko scampered away quickly to Kenshin's side, and the women not returning his smile. Maybe he really was a bad person before, and he pities that identity of his. It gave him mixed feelings, about the interest of his past.
After around 20 minutes of walking, he is nearing the residence now, and he could feel that everything in his surrounding somehow muted and all he could hear is the errant pound of his heartbeat. He have a strong perception of the place.this could be the Oniwabanshu's stronghold. A small sign by the tree and a small stone erected at the ground indicated that a burial ceremony has taken place already, and the silence is deafening. "Aoshi."
Where would he start? Shall he look up Misao first, or shall he talk with Okina? But they might grill him with questions that he shall have no answer, for he lost them all.
"Matte! Come back, Misao!!" the screen door suddenly bolt open, and Soujiro didn't know what was coming. It is a young lady with short black hair; wearing long clothes.she was running hastily not looking around that she nearly knocked him down the ground. It took him a minute to recognize who she was, "M-Misao?"
A couple of people donning the colors of the oniwabanshu tried to stop her, seeing Soujiro baffled in surprise, but not recognizing who he was. "Please stop her! She has gone mad..she is going to commit suicide!!"
Soujiro look at his kimono, for Misao brushed at him when she passed. There are crimson stains and hand imprints on it. "She must have tried to cut herself." without any second thought, he quickly ran after her. The way he looks at it, Misao is going to flung herself over.probably over a rocky cliff or a deep ravaging river. The steps he was taking where starting to get into higher ground, and much steeper. "She is going to throw herself by the cliff!" he gasped,
Why me. why not someone else?
The string of events that happened, she could no longer bare it all. The rape, Aoshi's sudden suicide.Grandpa Okina very heartbroken indeed.everything is plunging to chaos, all leading to pain and suffering, if she finishes herself.it would spare more of seeing her love ones getting hurt because of her. She has firmly decided to end it now, she tried cutting her wrists again but some of the Oniwabanshu's have seen her.so in total desperation, she is going to throw herself to the cliff. It is the best for the fruit of the tribulation are starting to show .
She is with child.
Very sure of it, the signs are so obvious and she is smart enough to listen about Megumi's knowledge on mid-wifery: the unusual sleeping habits, fainting and throwing up not to mention she was late. She could not doubt about it, for something DID happen last week.the event that started it all. The mysterious assailant has firmly planted his seed to her womb, and she is carrying what she doesn't want to acknowledge as her own. The one would be born, and she will watch it grow and hate every minute of it, for it reminds her of the past she wants to forget. The faceless attacker that ravished her that one fateful night.
She neared the tip of the cliff, her steps a shy away from the jagged edge. The bottom is a tumult of crashing rocks and swift white cascading waters, that anyone who plummet down there would not only drown but crushed him/her to death. It's a painful way to die, but it left her no choice.
"Sayonara, my unborn one.sayonara, my friends.family, I shall end it all.I'm sorry" and she shut her eyes, taking one deep breath and she plunged herself to the abyss.
"NO!!! Misao!!! "
A familiar voice, she heard someone starts calling her name and it came from that of a young man. It couldn't be any of the Kenshin-gumi, and it's too soft to come from any of the Onis. But she knows from the back of her head that she met whoever he is. What came in an instant, she felt a firm hand clutching her grip.just as she was already several feet down the jagged rocks and whirling madness of water below. She tried to open her eyes, and she can see the shadow of a figure, holding her one arm tight and leaning at the cliff's edge.
The young man has the most incandescent indigo eyes she has ever seen
It took her a few minutes when the sunlight streaked the youth's features then does she eventually recognized him, "S-Soujiro?! You are Seta Soujiro!"
"Misao, I would not have us as enemies." He spoke, knowing from other's recollection to which he created his own impression. "I came here to save you, it's never too late."
He is like a savior that appeared out from nowhere, and is now saving her life...twice. But Misao could not try on the possibility of his words, her friends tried to help her.she didn't know what this young ronin knew if he learns why she is at the brink of ending her life.
"What do you know?! You don't know anything!"
I knew everything, he wants to say. That's why I'm here to help. But before he could argue more, the ground beneath him gave way, and in front of him is Misao's face with her mouth gaping wide, as she incidentally lets go of his grip and starts to fall backwards as he managed to stabilized himself by a situated solid support a feet below, "Misao!!!"
It's like the time has stopped to Misao, everything seems to be in slow motion. She fall backwards, awaiting the sudden swashing sounds of clashing rocks and wild water to wipe her body away.and there is nothing that Soujiro could do to stop it. He tried his best, and she.willed that this has to happen. "You don't know anything.anything."
But another miracle occurred, just she was nearing the jaws of death, she feels a surge of warmth wrapping around her, catching her like a falling feather. The smell of dewy earth and wind enveloping to her nostrils, and a warm heaving breath by her forehead as she feels some strange force starts to soar her upwards, saving her from the perilous depths that waits below.
Warm heaving breathes.? She opened one eye, and what greeted her is the color of light blue sleeve of a kimono and when she looks up is the familiar face of Soujiro. He catches her with the use of his cat like reflexes, and is starting to hop a few steps up to the top. His light and quick steps make her feel like she was flying in graceful speed of the wind. And so peaceful it is that she fell asleep in his arms.
"We are near your home now,"
The soft warm voice seems awakened her from a slumber, and Misao has a wonderful dream that she never have in weeks. She dreamt that just as she was falling to the deep waters, Soujiro.the young ronin she met at the inn last time, came to save her and gliding swiftly like the wind catches her in his arms. She rubbed her eyes, wondering why she felt like she was being lifted and turned to the sound of the voice.
"Soujiro?!" she said in a surprised tone, Soujiro is happy to see that a spark in her once more upon coming into her senses. That is what he recalls in his vague memory.Misao, a young ninja with a strong care-free spirit. Misao wondered on seeing the bemused yet relieved face looking DOWN at her and then she noticed that she was being carried in his arms. So, everything is not a dream after all! She blushed, keeping her head bowed, as she recalled everything that happened. Soujiro saved her from trying to commit suicide, and she fainted along the way that he has to carry her back home. It's so embarrassing, that she get him involved with her problems.
As if reading her reaction he somehow understood, he bent his head and gave her a soft pressed kiss at the forehead. It somehow surprised and electrified her that she suddenly jerked from his grip.
"I hope that would make you feel better," Soujiro whispered. "I heard everything Misao.about what happened, I know."
"It's okay" she murmured, ".you shouldn't have bother.it's my fault anyway, I shouldn't have come home late." her voice fades off, Soujiro is looking at her intently as she speaks and she is caught with warm comforting glow in his face, the expression of compassion for her. It is the way he is silently telling her that everything is going to be alright, and thus making her at ease. She starts to slowly tell everything, from the day she was attacked, to the strain of relationship with Aoshi...and until his abrupt death. To Soujiro, he tries to sense the logic of how it is connected to his blank past.but he could find nothing. He tried to purge the image of his head, when Misao's image flashed in his mind when he was under Yuri's care.but it wouldn't return back. He finds himself looking too intently close to her, his face already dangerously near to her own, as he also strain to hear her voice as she whispered about the events that happened in her life. He is getting strangely drawn with his feelings of compassion and pity, he wants to comfort her the only way he know. Misao finds herself slowly stopping the conversation, until everything ceased to silence.finding herself haplessly looking to the young unmarred face of the person who saved her twice in a row, feeling the urgency of someone to hold in the time of need. Looking to each other's eyes, they felt a mutual consent passed between them. He bent his head lower to brush his lips to hers, and was surprised that she eagerly responded, and could feel the tease of her tongue to coax them apart. He opened his mouth lightly in reply, pressing it firmer and harder, thrusting his own wet tongue to engage in a soft duel with hers.he felt giddy, and lightheaded.he never knew such sensation before, maybe because he never got to kiss someone in his whole life. It went in minutes, and when Misao feels she is starting to run out of air, and realized what is going on.Soujiro quickly tear off his mouth from hers. His face has a baffled expression as she has, and both are panting heavily.
"G-Gomen!" he stammered, at loss of what he is going to say. He was so shocked on how silly he responded, Misao in his arms.very much in need of someone to listen to her cries, that he took advantage of it. He didn't know what to do, that he immediately deposited her to the ground like a hot potato in his hands. She whimpered not because she was hurt at the fall.there is a longing look in her gaze. That moment, he realized she was not angry. She needs him.
"It's my fault Soujiro.I- I got carried away."
Soujiro knelt down, and hushed her. He starts to threat her arm wounds, when he saw the stains on his kimono. "No can blame you Misao," he tendered, reaching down the ground as he took some big fallen leaves, and tried wrapping it to her arms to prevent more bleeding. ".it's just.maybe you need someone to hold on too, when everything is at loss.it is natural to be attached to someone, especially now that what you are into."
She sniffed, and noticed that how calm and well disposed the young ronin handled the sensitive situation. He is now tending to her wounds, since there is nothing much less to do.rather than the thought of her having her again carried to the way home. They might be tempted again. And to think, what will Okina say when he sees a former enemy who disappeared into oblivion for nearly a year ago, carrying her like a bride to be whisked to her bed chamber? She quickly collared the errant thoughts. She tried distracting herself as she talks to Soujiro
"You seem to know a lot.your parents must have thought you well." she remarked,
"I am a child out of wed lock; I never get to know them." he said in a pleasant manner that astounded her. "When my father died, I was set to be taken care of his first family.but they look to me as nothing but a bastard son.I never recall a day I was not beaten."
"I am so sorry to hear that, you." she paused, as if seeing the reason what made him before as a cold blood assassin. The truth is, yet again, Soujiro does not recall ACTUALLY anything. He is armed with a research based by others, and that is what he is narrating right now. It would be much complex to explain, to Misao.that he actually lost his memory. He spoke of his "childhood days" as if it is someone else, some being that he could pitied on, that he despise to what it became.
"Somehow, Shi-shi-o saved me.from that point on, I became his loyal servant." he said flatly, "But all that is of the past, I'm not going to do the same mistake again."
"I think you are missing something." Misao said, "How Shi-shi-o did convinced you to join? And how do you managed to explain your initial reflex to SMILE all the time?" Soujiro also wondered about that, the way he smiles. It became a reflex in almost anything, but it gave him the shivers when he smiled at the night he killed Yuri's attackers. He tried his best.not to smile much from that point on. He can't answer Misao's question about it, "I-I don't remember, I think Kenshin-san hit me so hard then.that I can't recall anything." He replied, in half-truth.
"Misao! Misao!"
She could hear a ripe, croaky voice calling her again.and it sounds very near, and it's accompanied by several more voices. "It's Okina, they came back looking for me!" her green eyes widened, "He won't be happy on seeing you with me.You must leave now!"
But Soujiro didn't budge, to state the obvious; Okina has it reasons on to be protective of his ward, now that Aoshi is gone. His identity, his past.it haunts them like a plague.
"No, I won't leave!" he said firmly, holding her both arms re-assuring tight. "I won't leave until they have you safe and sound."
"Soujiro."
"Misao, there you are! You got us all worried!!" Okina cried out in relief, "Omasu told me you attempted to cut your arm.."
But he never get to finish his sentence, for his gaze fixed on the familiar figure of a boy in blue holding Misao in a slight possessive manner by the arms. Soujiro is looking to him at surprise, not knowing what to say. Okina's sudden silence caught the attention of the other oni's, and they hastily approached to that direction.
"G'andpa, I think you heard of Soujiro." Misao spoke, and the ronin nodded his greeting.
"I know who he is, one of the jupon gatana escapees." Okina replied grimly, "Misao.get behind me quick before he does something else.NOW."
"G'andpa!!" she said in a strong voice of indignation, that it caught everyone with surprise.
"Soujiro didn't do anything! He saved me! He saved my life!!"
Soujiro is determined to know who he really was, despite that others recall his memories for him. He wondered why this Makamachi Misao suddenly came into his life, if she was a former enemy. He tried to make out a caricature of her from his vague recollection, and roaming around the town asking for her and where she lives, but they weren't giving him direct answers. Osei was right on one thing, people recognized him as a wanderer and they don't avoid him for what he appears: A young man carrying a sword, asking details about a current leader of a clan! He stops by an inn, which seems to have a strong sense of déjà vu in it, for he was greeted by the helpers, "Oi! You are back!! So how's the travel young man?" one of them said in a playful chatter, and instantly the female servants are swarming him. He didn't know how to respond, if he told them he lost his memory. Obviously they all took a liking on him, being accursed with youthful boyish looks. He gave them a small smile, and made his order as he sits down near one of the smaller tables.
"I'm looking for a Makamachi Misao," he paused, "have you people known of her?"
One of the servants gave him a warm laugh, "You don't remember? You met her just about last week! She is a resident of this parts..you help her disband an annoying group in here."
"I happen to have a little problem with my memory." he scratches his head. " I recall only a little, so where can I find her?"
The female servant suddenly became silent and solemn, "I think it's not the right time to look for her. I heard she have a rough time."
"How bad?"
"Very bad." The woman replied curtly, as she gives her serving of tea. "Don't you hear the news?"
"I was.at the distant part of the forest, so I think I don't hear anything quite much."
"Very well," the woman sighed, "Rumors has it, that almost exactly a week before.Misao is going home in the afternoon, but she never came back until that very late night. She was founded, limping back home badly wounded into the arms of her guardian Shinomori Aoshi.she was." her voice trailed off, Soujiro noticed that the woman's face was contorted into a disgust that she can barely utter what she wants to say, and tried to keep it into a low voice, ".she was, disgraced."
Soujiro felt like a tight painful knot churned into his stomach, poor Misao.he can't bare the thought of such wild, care-free lady being taken advantage of. The woman continued and said the event happened sometime around last week, by the forests.and also happens the exact week where he was found, lost of memory. The only fragments he managed to recall, is seeing Misao in the inn.seeing her screaming in the forest.
Could there be a link? It sounds quite eerie to be a coincidence.
"Are you alright? You seem rather pale.." The woman asked, taking note that Soujiro's face has lost its color.
"Umm.it's nothing, my head just hurts.please continue," he muttered, "please continue on what happened."
"After that event, everyone in the town noticed that she has changed.." The woman continued, ".she was never seen often to the streets again, if she was.she is always seen accompanied by Aoshi."
Aoshi.the name kind of ring a bell to Soujiro, before he left, Osei and Yuri managed to give him the documents that they requested in a nearby district, of the people that relates to his forgotten past.be it enemy or not. Shinomori Aoshi is among the top of the list. He is a former Oniwabanshu leader, of the original deceased members he is the only one who survived. He joined Shi-Shi-o's group for the sole purpose to avenge their deaths. Now he has somehow retired on duty, he spends his days secluded at the temple.and his adoptive daughter, Misao, have taken over his position. He acts as her legal guardian, along with the much respected elder of the group, Okina.
".is she from by anyway, changed?"
"Very much indeed." The woman said, "The young spunky lady you once met is taken away, she changed dramatically.she cut off her hair short, she wears different and much conservative clothing. Most of the time, she hardly smiles and say anything, often, she is seen weeping and arguing with her guardian. The personality she has been known for is gone forever."
".Gone forever.I feel sorry for her, who ever have done this to her deserves a punishment." Soujiro said, ".don't they have any clue on who possibly could do this?"
"That is the controversial part," the woman whispered, ".it is rumored that whoever done this knows a great deal of Aoshi and of her. For the assailant speaks of their names with intended disgust.that is what she remembers,"
"Does he know how she looks like?"
"No, the attacker is wise. He took advantage her at the dark night in the forest, she never got to see his face." The woman resumed, ".it is said, that she told Aoshi of this, but he never ever try to do anything about it.he wants her to swear on silence,"
".for he knew of the attacker,"
"Yes, but with some unexplained reasons, he don't want to let her know who. It is like a dark secret or something.poor Misao, the man had carried the secret down to his grave."
Soujiro's ears pricked up at the last statement, "You mean, he is already DEAD?!"
The woman hushed him down, "Hai.the news has it that he died in food poisoning.but rumors are spreading that he committed suicide."
"This couldn't possibly be happening!"
"It is true," a man by the next table, can't help but comment while listening to the conversation. "The dead man just had his burial rites, this early morning.accompanied by some small group of friends, I think one of them is a ronin with red hair."
"That must be Kenshin Himura," the woman gasped, "but what is he doing here?'"
".Heard that they came here to pay Aoshi and Misao for a friendly visit, after a few days.well, they are surprised to see the former Oniwabanshu leader dead.and to think, Okina just come home today from a short trip."
"Okina.it would be hard to him to bear the news," the woman agreed, then she noticed that Soujiro is standing up. "H-Hey, where are you going?"
He wants to see it for himself, the young lady that could link him at those last few moments of his elapsed past, the tragedy that have befallen her.if it's anyway connected to his lost of memory. He didn't care if they are of former enemies anymore.
"I left the bill already at the counter," he said, gathering up his things. "I have to see what is happening I.it's too hard to believe it myself."
Meanwhile,
Okina was more than morose upon receiving the news, he became very silent. His heart poured out to Misao, who have changed a lot ever since he left. She remained as motionless and blank as she lay curled to his lap like a cat, and he was hushing her, stroking her head. Through Kenshin's soft and well-spoken words, he slowly explained that Aoshi committed suicide.and the reason WHY he committed suicide. Okina muttered he could never forgive the one who did it to Misao, and he remarkably remained calm throughout the conversation.with the composure and respect of a man of his stature and age. But there is an obvious angry flame in his blurry eyes.
"Misao.she is still in shock, she never spoke a word ever since his death." Kaoru added, sitting beside Kenshin. "It's good that you are back Okina, it is so sad that you have to go home and receive this news."
"I thank you, and everyone else in trying to help Misao.but I cannot forgive yet forget the sole perpetrator of this event."
It was that early morning, he is full of enthusiasm arriving home carrying a lot of goods to surprise her and the whole household. He knows how Misao like European goods and how her scandalous squeals of delight will be music to his hears.the warm welcome of everyone back home. Aoshi would be then following on tow, keeping a close eye to his ward, and the oni's will be waiting by his step. But what greeted him is total silence, no one approached as he announced his arrival, and saw few garbed monks situated by a tree near his place, there is a burial going on. He saw the familiar faces, the red haired hitokiri with his group are there. There is absolute denial in their faces that they want to cry. The oniwabanshu's stood there in silence, greeting Okina but with something they can't say.and Misao, he barely recognized her. He was in shock to see she have dramatically changed, and she didn't even flinch when he cried out her name. Misao was staring blankly at the ground, and when he followed her gaze.he saw the dead body laying down the ground to be of that of Aoshi.
Even immaculately garbed in a way he shall draw respect as one of the clan's best leaders, Okina immediately noticed a hideous raw abrasion to the neck. After the burial ceremony proper was finished, the Kenshin-gumi tried their very best to break the news very slowly.
Like Sanosuke, Okina is wary of Aoshi's sudden suicide. Even with a signed note, they wonder if there is a possible set up involved. The autopsy done tells its suicide, even though they said that the neck wound is "viciously wringed tight, unusually so" for someone who is going to hang himself. Kenshin tried to put Sanosuke's insight of Aoshi being killed before he was hanged by some lethal acupuncture technique, but the coroner's report said that the neck suffered severe abrasions to the 2nd degree that it's next to impossible to find a pin-prick there. There are no signs of struggle nor are there poisonous intakes in his body, leaving even the observant Kenshin stumped and removing the possibility of a killer.
"We are all in dead end," Kenshin sighed; they were supposed to leave that very afternoon, even with the unsuspected dilemma that sets in. Everyone longed to stay there, to help solve the mystery, but they don't have much time and there is some business to be taken care back home. "Okina, if there is anything we could do."
"I and the remaining Oniwabanshus would find a way to have Misao and Aoshi's death rightfully avenged." Okina couldn't shake the thought that there is a string that tied between the chains of events, that the one responsible in disgracing Misao is also the one who killed Aoshi. But there is no substantial proof. Misao will never be the same again, she will be never being the care free tomboy who breeze at the outdoors with the devil- may-care attitude. She is reduced to a shaking, lifeless doll that can't walk outdoors without someone accompanying her. Even if they find the merciless mad man, they could not bring everything that has been lost.back.
"You can keep the note," Sanosuke said, handing over the suicide note to Okina. There might be some clue he overlook, and being the only person in the room that agrees with his suspicions, he trusted Okina with it. He approached Misao, who remained tacit through the whole event, and squeezed her hands firmly, he don't want to say goodbye, not now. "I would do my best to find who did this to you, Misao." he whispered, and it aches to see her say nothing giving him a blank cow like stare. Misao have suffered a great deal already, clinging on any possible hope to the people she knew as her friends, but with situation growing worse, even their attempts are already futile. The catastrophe that shrouds everyone in the household came tumbling like a growing snow ball running down the slope, it gets bigger and bigger. She ran out grief and tears for all that happened already, from the past week to the present and what was left within her is vast emptiness, numbed with no more sense of emotion. Sanosuke gave her a tight hug, much to everyone's surprise. Still there is no reaction from her, "Take care of yourself, stay always by their side." is what he could all say.
"If there are any leads, you people would be first to know.." And with the last statement, both men stood up and bowed, before the group finally took their leave. Misao sat up in a moment of silence, and waits after everyone have taken their leave.
"Misao, if there is anything you want to tell me don't hesitate.." Okina said mildly, ".you can cry all you want, and I swear that I and the Oniwabanshu's will never fail you, ever." But Misao wasn't listening, she felt a sudden wave of nausea passing to her head, the same sensation she has when she fainted at the sight of Aoshi, she gagged her mouth.
"Misao! Are you okay?" they demanded,
She forces a small nod to say yes, but she can't control the urge anymore. She quickly ran to the bathroom and starts throwing up. She swore that these past few days, she ate only little and spend the rest of the week sleeping or practicing, and there is no way why she would throw up this much. Then came a knock on the door, and Okina's voice was calling out asking if she is alright. "Yes, I'm fine.just a little sick that's all.I feel better if I throw up." she halted, to start throwing up again.
With her face splotchy and a little sore, she blearily reached to clean herself with a basinful of water. Beside it was the monthly calendar, which she sometimes uses to check her "visitor" days.
"It's already one week.it seems a little rather late," and she felt her stomach churn, as if there would another wave of nausea coming again, then it dawns on her.
"O-Oh my, n-no. it's the symptoms of morning sickness. I'm already late.I'm."
"It's not a good idea to pay them a visit today, young lad." A passer by said, Soujiro is determined to reach Okina's stronghold.even how perilous it might be. He posed no threat to them now, and with what the few servants in the inn said, he met and talked with Misao once. She would eventually recognize him immediately, unsure if she already knows who he truly is.
"I know.about the death of her guardian, I'm paying my respect as an old friend to Shinomori Aoshi." He fumbled an excuse, the best he could offer when the passer by noticed he is carrying a sword. The man snorted, and somehow believes him. "Take that street and turn by the left."
"Hai."
It took him a few minutes walk, and the man was telling the truth that he was on the right track, for he saw the distinctive group approaching from the opposite direction. The faces somehow sends some recognition to his senses, as he stop dead stiff on upon setting a gaze to the one heading the group, the man has a small frame like he has and they both have the same style of get up to indicate he is also a ronin, he also have a long bright red hair and cross-scar marked on his cheek. Osei-san told him before about a man with a cross-scar mark, known as Kenshin Himura.
The man that set him free, the man he was used to believe as an enemy.but he felt nothing, only wonder.for everything and reason escapes him. Kenshin looked up and recognized him immediately, and also slowed down to his tracks. Sanosuke and Yahiko exchange wary glances, and quickly distanced themselves. The women looked about and whispered to each other, "No way. that's Seta Soujiro? He looks.so deceiving!" "What brings you here.Soujiro?" Kenshin spoke; there is something complacent tone in his voice that makes Soujiro quickly at ease.
"I'm paying my respects.on Aoshi's death." He finds himself replying, ".and also to look up on Misao."
Sanosuke nodded to Kenshin as if to say that the kid is telling the truth, Misao spoke of meeting Soujiro before, and that the latter looks lust-free when she met him. It's obvious that he look clueless, wandering and deciding of the sheer intimidation his presence would bring. But something caught Sano's ear, "Hey, hold on a minute.how do you know Aoshi's dead?"
"Rumors are spreading in the town already, especially in inns and taverns.the people I met, they told me everything."
"So you knew of what happened to Misao." Kenshin said,
"Hai." Soujiro nodded, Kenshin starts to wonder something strange on the air around the youth. The way he speaks of the situation is like, he heard and known everybody the first time. He didn't flinch when he recognized Kenshin, nor at the sight of every body else. He stared to them in awe, as his converse with them. "It's so sad on what happened, and when I met her at the inn a week ago.I just can't imagine." his voice reduce to a low murmur. can't imagine what? He is speaking mechanically what others recalled for him, but the only proof he have known of her is the pieces of flashback that are parts of a yet bigger jigsaw puzzle. He is there to know how she is doing, and possibly.the only one who could put piece by piece some recollections of what really happened last week.
"I understood how you feel; we all feel the same for her." Kenshin finally concluded, "Well we must get going now, take care of yourself and good luck."
"Ja!" he waved to say farewell, and what he received is queasy looks from the rest of them. And it's not his imagination when he saw Yahiko scampered away quickly to Kenshin's side, and the women not returning his smile. Maybe he really was a bad person before, and he pities that identity of his. It gave him mixed feelings, about the interest of his past.
After around 20 minutes of walking, he is nearing the residence now, and he could feel that everything in his surrounding somehow muted and all he could hear is the errant pound of his heartbeat. He have a strong perception of the place.this could be the Oniwabanshu's stronghold. A small sign by the tree and a small stone erected at the ground indicated that a burial ceremony has taken place already, and the silence is deafening. "Aoshi."
Where would he start? Shall he look up Misao first, or shall he talk with Okina? But they might grill him with questions that he shall have no answer, for he lost them all.
"Matte! Come back, Misao!!" the screen door suddenly bolt open, and Soujiro didn't know what was coming. It is a young lady with short black hair; wearing long clothes.she was running hastily not looking around that she nearly knocked him down the ground. It took him a minute to recognize who she was, "M-Misao?"
A couple of people donning the colors of the oniwabanshu tried to stop her, seeing Soujiro baffled in surprise, but not recognizing who he was. "Please stop her! She has gone mad..she is going to commit suicide!!"
Soujiro look at his kimono, for Misao brushed at him when she passed. There are crimson stains and hand imprints on it. "She must have tried to cut herself." without any second thought, he quickly ran after her. The way he looks at it, Misao is going to flung herself over.probably over a rocky cliff or a deep ravaging river. The steps he was taking where starting to get into higher ground, and much steeper. "She is going to throw herself by the cliff!" he gasped,
Why me. why not someone else?
The string of events that happened, she could no longer bare it all. The rape, Aoshi's sudden suicide.Grandpa Okina very heartbroken indeed.everything is plunging to chaos, all leading to pain and suffering, if she finishes herself.it would spare more of seeing her love ones getting hurt because of her. She has firmly decided to end it now, she tried cutting her wrists again but some of the Oniwabanshu's have seen her.so in total desperation, she is going to throw herself to the cliff. It is the best for the fruit of the tribulation are starting to show .
She is with child.
Very sure of it, the signs are so obvious and she is smart enough to listen about Megumi's knowledge on mid-wifery: the unusual sleeping habits, fainting and throwing up not to mention she was late. She could not doubt about it, for something DID happen last week.the event that started it all. The mysterious assailant has firmly planted his seed to her womb, and she is carrying what she doesn't want to acknowledge as her own. The one would be born, and she will watch it grow and hate every minute of it, for it reminds her of the past she wants to forget. The faceless attacker that ravished her that one fateful night.
She neared the tip of the cliff, her steps a shy away from the jagged edge. The bottom is a tumult of crashing rocks and swift white cascading waters, that anyone who plummet down there would not only drown but crushed him/her to death. It's a painful way to die, but it left her no choice.
"Sayonara, my unborn one.sayonara, my friends.family, I shall end it all.I'm sorry" and she shut her eyes, taking one deep breath and she plunged herself to the abyss.
"NO!!! Misao!!! "
A familiar voice, she heard someone starts calling her name and it came from that of a young man. It couldn't be any of the Kenshin-gumi, and it's too soft to come from any of the Onis. But she knows from the back of her head that she met whoever he is. What came in an instant, she felt a firm hand clutching her grip.just as she was already several feet down the jagged rocks and whirling madness of water below. She tried to open her eyes, and she can see the shadow of a figure, holding her one arm tight and leaning at the cliff's edge.
The young man has the most incandescent indigo eyes she has ever seen
It took her a few minutes when the sunlight streaked the youth's features then does she eventually recognized him, "S-Soujiro?! You are Seta Soujiro!"
"Misao, I would not have us as enemies." He spoke, knowing from other's recollection to which he created his own impression. "I came here to save you, it's never too late."
He is like a savior that appeared out from nowhere, and is now saving her life...twice. But Misao could not try on the possibility of his words, her friends tried to help her.she didn't know what this young ronin knew if he learns why she is at the brink of ending her life.
"What do you know?! You don't know anything!"
I knew everything, he wants to say. That's why I'm here to help. But before he could argue more, the ground beneath him gave way, and in front of him is Misao's face with her mouth gaping wide, as she incidentally lets go of his grip and starts to fall backwards as he managed to stabilized himself by a situated solid support a feet below, "Misao!!!"
It's like the time has stopped to Misao, everything seems to be in slow motion. She fall backwards, awaiting the sudden swashing sounds of clashing rocks and wild water to wipe her body away.and there is nothing that Soujiro could do to stop it. He tried his best, and she.willed that this has to happen. "You don't know anything.anything."
But another miracle occurred, just she was nearing the jaws of death, she feels a surge of warmth wrapping around her, catching her like a falling feather. The smell of dewy earth and wind enveloping to her nostrils, and a warm heaving breath by her forehead as she feels some strange force starts to soar her upwards, saving her from the perilous depths that waits below.
Warm heaving breathes.? She opened one eye, and what greeted her is the color of light blue sleeve of a kimono and when she looks up is the familiar face of Soujiro. He catches her with the use of his cat like reflexes, and is starting to hop a few steps up to the top. His light and quick steps make her feel like she was flying in graceful speed of the wind. And so peaceful it is that she fell asleep in his arms.
"We are near your home now,"
The soft warm voice seems awakened her from a slumber, and Misao has a wonderful dream that she never have in weeks. She dreamt that just as she was falling to the deep waters, Soujiro.the young ronin she met at the inn last time, came to save her and gliding swiftly like the wind catches her in his arms. She rubbed her eyes, wondering why she felt like she was being lifted and turned to the sound of the voice.
"Soujiro?!" she said in a surprised tone, Soujiro is happy to see that a spark in her once more upon coming into her senses. That is what he recalls in his vague memory.Misao, a young ninja with a strong care-free spirit. Misao wondered on seeing the bemused yet relieved face looking DOWN at her and then she noticed that she was being carried in his arms. So, everything is not a dream after all! She blushed, keeping her head bowed, as she recalled everything that happened. Soujiro saved her from trying to commit suicide, and she fainted along the way that he has to carry her back home. It's so embarrassing, that she get him involved with her problems.
As if reading her reaction he somehow understood, he bent his head and gave her a soft pressed kiss at the forehead. It somehow surprised and electrified her that she suddenly jerked from his grip.
"I hope that would make you feel better," Soujiro whispered. "I heard everything Misao.about what happened, I know."
"It's okay" she murmured, ".you shouldn't have bother.it's my fault anyway, I shouldn't have come home late." her voice fades off, Soujiro is looking at her intently as she speaks and she is caught with warm comforting glow in his face, the expression of compassion for her. It is the way he is silently telling her that everything is going to be alright, and thus making her at ease. She starts to slowly tell everything, from the day she was attacked, to the strain of relationship with Aoshi...and until his abrupt death. To Soujiro, he tries to sense the logic of how it is connected to his blank past.but he could find nothing. He tried to purge the image of his head, when Misao's image flashed in his mind when he was under Yuri's care.but it wouldn't return back. He finds himself looking too intently close to her, his face already dangerously near to her own, as he also strain to hear her voice as she whispered about the events that happened in her life. He is getting strangely drawn with his feelings of compassion and pity, he wants to comfort her the only way he know. Misao finds herself slowly stopping the conversation, until everything ceased to silence.finding herself haplessly looking to the young unmarred face of the person who saved her twice in a row, feeling the urgency of someone to hold in the time of need. Looking to each other's eyes, they felt a mutual consent passed between them. He bent his head lower to brush his lips to hers, and was surprised that she eagerly responded, and could feel the tease of her tongue to coax them apart. He opened his mouth lightly in reply, pressing it firmer and harder, thrusting his own wet tongue to engage in a soft duel with hers.he felt giddy, and lightheaded.he never knew such sensation before, maybe because he never got to kiss someone in his whole life. It went in minutes, and when Misao feels she is starting to run out of air, and realized what is going on.Soujiro quickly tear off his mouth from hers. His face has a baffled expression as she has, and both are panting heavily.
"G-Gomen!" he stammered, at loss of what he is going to say. He was so shocked on how silly he responded, Misao in his arms.very much in need of someone to listen to her cries, that he took advantage of it. He didn't know what to do, that he immediately deposited her to the ground like a hot potato in his hands. She whimpered not because she was hurt at the fall.there is a longing look in her gaze. That moment, he realized she was not angry. She needs him.
"It's my fault Soujiro.I- I got carried away."
Soujiro knelt down, and hushed her. He starts to threat her arm wounds, when he saw the stains on his kimono. "No can blame you Misao," he tendered, reaching down the ground as he took some big fallen leaves, and tried wrapping it to her arms to prevent more bleeding. ".it's just.maybe you need someone to hold on too, when everything is at loss.it is natural to be attached to someone, especially now that what you are into."
She sniffed, and noticed that how calm and well disposed the young ronin handled the sensitive situation. He is now tending to her wounds, since there is nothing much less to do.rather than the thought of her having her again carried to the way home. They might be tempted again. And to think, what will Okina say when he sees a former enemy who disappeared into oblivion for nearly a year ago, carrying her like a bride to be whisked to her bed chamber? She quickly collared the errant thoughts. She tried distracting herself as she talks to Soujiro
"You seem to know a lot.your parents must have thought you well." she remarked,
"I am a child out of wed lock; I never get to know them." he said in a pleasant manner that astounded her. "When my father died, I was set to be taken care of his first family.but they look to me as nothing but a bastard son.I never recall a day I was not beaten."
"I am so sorry to hear that, you." she paused, as if seeing the reason what made him before as a cold blood assassin. The truth is, yet again, Soujiro does not recall ACTUALLY anything. He is armed with a research based by others, and that is what he is narrating right now. It would be much complex to explain, to Misao.that he actually lost his memory. He spoke of his "childhood days" as if it is someone else, some being that he could pitied on, that he despise to what it became.
"Somehow, Shi-shi-o saved me.from that point on, I became his loyal servant." he said flatly, "But all that is of the past, I'm not going to do the same mistake again."
"I think you are missing something." Misao said, "How Shi-shi-o did convinced you to join? And how do you managed to explain your initial reflex to SMILE all the time?" Soujiro also wondered about that, the way he smiles. It became a reflex in almost anything, but it gave him the shivers when he smiled at the night he killed Yuri's attackers. He tried his best.not to smile much from that point on. He can't answer Misao's question about it, "I-I don't remember, I think Kenshin-san hit me so hard then.that I can't recall anything." He replied, in half-truth.
"Misao! Misao!"
She could hear a ripe, croaky voice calling her again.and it sounds very near, and it's accompanied by several more voices. "It's Okina, they came back looking for me!" her green eyes widened, "He won't be happy on seeing you with me.You must leave now!"
But Soujiro didn't budge, to state the obvious; Okina has it reasons on to be protective of his ward, now that Aoshi is gone. His identity, his past.it haunts them like a plague.
"No, I won't leave!" he said firmly, holding her both arms re-assuring tight. "I won't leave until they have you safe and sound."
"Soujiro."
"Misao, there you are! You got us all worried!!" Okina cried out in relief, "Omasu told me you attempted to cut your arm.."
But he never get to finish his sentence, for his gaze fixed on the familiar figure of a boy in blue holding Misao in a slight possessive manner by the arms. Soujiro is looking to him at surprise, not knowing what to say. Okina's sudden silence caught the attention of the other oni's, and they hastily approached to that direction.
"G'andpa, I think you heard of Soujiro." Misao spoke, and the ronin nodded his greeting.
"I know who he is, one of the jupon gatana escapees." Okina replied grimly, "Misao.get behind me quick before he does something else.NOW."
"G'andpa!!" she said in a strong voice of indignation, that it caught everyone with surprise.
"Soujiro didn't do anything! He saved me! He saved my life!!"