Part nine: The force that binds
As months passes by.
It's good that even with Okina's precautions, nothing happened. Like an aftermath of a storm, days peacefully passed by went to weeks, and then months. Soujiro came to live with them as a family, for Misao have grown on to like him ever since.and is now a source of her happiness. He have to agree, Soujiro and Misao were almost of rather the same age.and yet they both lived contrasting lives, even their behavior where opposites. Misao raged easily and could get a little stubborn and Soujiro has a much more mature and calm disposition. Maybe that is what makes them attract to each other. Probably, also Soujiro's amnesia could have helped.even though he can't help but think if the memory loss and Misao's accident is just merely a coincidence. And if Soujiro remembers, would it help them resolve their problems?
"Young one's indeed, it's so amusing to see them fall in love." one of the oni's sighed, carrying a basketful of fruits into the residence. True enough, what Okina dismissed as a desperate notion of Misao seems more than that.she developed a blooming relationship with the young ronin that saved her life, twice. What seems to start as a casual get-to-know each other slowly develops to a mutual relationship, and Okina could see it into their eyes the unusual glow that sparked every time their eyes would meet. He has to admit, the relationship is even adding color to Misao's cheeks.
"They are starting to get a little too close already," he tartly remarked, Soujiro and Misao where resting underneath by a cherry blossom tree.and now its nearing winter, it is beautiful to watch the pale pinkish white petals fall down the ground. Soujiro, having only worn one item when he went to their household, is now wearing a teal gray kimono and making him look mature of age. He was wistfully braiding on Misao's hair, on which is already starting to grow back and is now below her shoulders. She is meanwhile, restricted now to wear a much traditional longer kimono.since her stomach has considerable swelled, now at least almost 6 months. Okina felt a rush of steam come out of his ears, as he hears Misao's soft giggle as Soujiro place an ear and strokes down her stomach with one hand, and giving it a soft kiss.
"You know master.that child is going to need an Otousan, I think it's good that."
"Bah! He does not even recall his own memories, how could he do justice as a father?" It's obvious that the old man is growing jealous, and although he have grown a liking for the boy amid some suspicions he have no proof of, he is afraid to let go of Misao.not to mention for what happened. Her growing stomach is an indication of WHAT happened that past few months, a painful reminder.and it would be hard for him to consent another man in Misao's life.
The oni lift an eyebrow at Okina's statement, "Because it WOULDN'T be a good idea for her to know the real father was?" bending over and giving the old man some tea, she continued. ".besides, master.even with or without Soujiro's loss of memory, I don't see any possible threat now. Then why did Kenshin let him escape some year ago? Because he believed the lad could change." "I think you are right there." he sighed warily; Misao didn't know that Soujiro did lose some memory. It would confuse her again. ".but for the love of Buddha! What they are doing in the front lawn could make anyone squirm!"
"They are not doing it in public, master. Besides, it's natural for lovers."
Okina took himself another serving of tea
"Well, I'm here now.I wonder what the rush.is"
Sanosuke mumbled, he finally reached Kyoto at last.and by foot. He finds it hard to believe that his money quickly ran out at the so many stopovers in the eateries these past few days. Ignoring Kaoru's advice to take a train, to which he TOTALLY dislikes even though it's much cheaper and.the fact he could reach his destination in less than an hour.
A few days ago, Okina send one of the messengers to Tokyo (formerly Edo) to deliver an urgent message to him, and to report on the "shocking discovery". It stunned everyone at first, for Okina would usually send reports to Kenshin, and suddenly he trusted the much single-minded, bumbling comrade instead. What they don't know is, Sanosuke have the same line of suspicion Okina has on the incident that involved Misao and Aoshi, thus for the two to cooperate. Yahiko objected that the letter must be addressed to the wrong person, and Megumi wondered if the old man has finally lost its wits, but whatever it is they think of.Okina requested strictly that Sanosuke has to come ALONE.
"What you will see and learn might shock you, although some things have changed for the better and that Misao have learned to move on.there are event's you couldn't find hard to believe and I quickly anticipate your presence immediately." The more Sanosuke read the note, the more it leaves him scratching his head. Okina could have send Kenshin instead, being the much logical one. But as far as he knows, even Kenshin wouldn't believe about the mysterious circumstances of Aoshi's death...so leaving him the next man to do the job.
"I wonder if he means it would be bad news or good news?" he said, scratching his head again. He is just a few meters away from the place and he could spot the crowning cherry blossoms already. The cold air starts to be obvious around him, and he almost forgot how time passes by quickly. "Winter time is near already." he muttered, not knowing if he'll smile or not as he takes to inhale of air. "Oh great, I also need a bath, I'm starting to smell."
Sanosuke don't have to wait to know the good or bad news is, as he made his way to the entrance, he accidentally knocked down on a small figure rushing to the other direction. He quickly eyed the small woman, which seems a little round in the middle and could not stand up. "Hey lady, you need to lose weight or something so you can stand up."
"I'm not FAT!!!" came the burst of the sudden screechy similar voice, he inspects closer at the small stumbled figure who awkwardly to her feet, dusting her kimono. She has a familiar black hair, "I am pregnant! Can't you see?" her face lifted up and he saw the spark of those emerald green eyes. Sanosuke gaped, his mouth dropped and his eyes bulged like saucers on the recognition.
"MISAO?" he sputtered,
Misao looked up upon surprise hearing her name being called, "Sanosuke?!" she also gaped, "Sano, it's you!"
It seems Misao is eager to impart and to talk about the old times, but Sanosuke is as still as a stone and his eyes are affixed at the inflated belly as just he was attentive to listen to about anything. As if knowing those look from his eyes, Misao readily replied. "I know it's a surprise.I don't even see it coming."
Sanosuke, who can't still find the words to speak, tries to make hand symbols instead.and is pointing to her stomach. ".it's from him, from that night I wish to forget."
Sanosuke remembered how enraged he was to the despicable deed that have befallen on her several months ago, and to make it worse that deed is hatching its fruit. He quickly managed to get over his shock, to be replaced by a heated anger to who did it.so furious he feels, that he could smack the first live male to fawn on Misao right now. He managed to blurt out some words. ".you don't have any idea on who the father could possibly be?"
Before she could answer, approached a grey garbed figure, it is Soujiro. There is sweetness in him, which could make her heart melt. For some reason, he became even more caring and attentive of Misao during her early stages of pregnancy. She tried to cheer her up if she gets depressed or she has those moody tantrums, and if she has food cravings, he quickly appeases it without question. He starts to become more than a friend, and the feeling became increasingly more mutual. He will make a great father to her growing unborn child.
"Ne, Misao!" he called out, and Sanosuke who is already seeing red automatically greeted the youth who has a friendly smile, with a smack at the jaw.
"Sano!!" Misao shouted, as the shocked Soujiro fall down to the ground. "What the hell do you do that for?!" and she quickly rushed to Soujiro's aid, taking a look if he is okay.to which he nodded in reply. "No broken jaw," Soujiro squeaked, trying to dismiss everything is going to be okay. But Misao is less complacent, that she slaps Sanosuke across the face. "What are you thinking?!" she demanded,
Sanosuke was even surprised why he did that. Is it because the need to protect her? That the lad that seems to be so sweet is a former enemy he couldn't trust to, like a wolf in sheep's clothing? He has many reasons. And he bet, he wasn't just being jealous.
"He isn't the father of the child, okay? It is not what you think it is!"
"But why him? What is he doing here?" he asked, "I know you met him only for once, but that does."
"We met twice, and twice he saved my life! I owe Soujiro a lot more than what you think!" Misao said, her face is starting to grow a little red and Soujiro does not like it.
"Misao, it's not good for you to get a."
"Hey! What about me, I was there! Don't you think I also tried to help you too before? You pleaded to me too remember? To help you out? " Sanosuke argued, and it somehow silenced Misao.not knowing it's a good or bad sign.
".So are you saying that you are jealous?"
"I am NOT jealous! I just don't trust at the mere sight of him!" the argument could have went on further, but Misao felt a twist and a kick at her stomach that leaved her stopping abruptly and swallowing some air. "M- Misao! Are you okay?"
"It's not good for her to get upset easily," Soujiro replied, "it might lead her to an early premature labor." And carefully he starts to assist her inside. Sanosuke marveled that how Soujiro ignored his brash attitude and look to the situation as if nothing happened.as if he recalls nothing. Wasn't he even intimidated at the sight of a former enemy?
"Come, Master Okina is waiting for you inside."
"The truth is, he didn't recall anything."
"What?!"
Okina can understand why Sanosuke is being very overwhelmed with the current situation, and he can't blame him. Seeing Misao pregnant, then seeing her being intimately close with Soujiro, then hearing Soujiro having lost his memory. He gave him a very long talk, to explain everything.hoping that he somehow will understood.
"So what does these have to get about the latest development to track the bastard down?" Sanosuke asked eagerly, he knows he might have missed something.but he pay attentively to notice that Okina didn't left any detail. Maybe he is sparing him to some more shocking news.
"I think that bastard even lived in our house."
Sanosuke gave him a quizzical look, "Yes I know, and why did I even agreed to have him live here." Okina replied, ".like Misao said, she owed the young man a lot. Their first encounter is a good one.even with the loss of memory, that fragment of the past is what Soujiro still recalls.BUT..."
"But what?" "I think I have made some discoveries that will doubt his credibility." the old man brought out the same old evidence, the tattered sleeve and the suicide note to which he promised to keep. "Sanosuke, when you learn on what happened to Misao.when was that night she told you that happened?"
"I think it's around Monday night, half a year ago almost."
"Okay," the old man nodded, "I asked Soujiro how he lost his memory, and I think it is more than of a coincidence." he signaled Sanosuke to move closer so the others won't hear what they are saying. "Soujiro said that he woke up lost of memory in the same week, Tuesday morning.he had no recollection of Monday night.or any day before that either."
"And what are we getting here?" Sanosuke whispered, "I cannot see your point!"
Okina looked around before turning back to him, ".he found himself within the forest where Misao have been that night. When he first came here he was wearing that blue kimono."
"Of course he does, that is the only thing he used to wear!"
"But with a torn sleeve, by the right." He spoke, and Sanosuke's face became pallid as if the conclusion hits him right on the spot. "I tried to link the piece with his sleeve, and it's almost the exact match," Okina continued, "I even confronted him about that matter, but to be honest.he does not recall anything.or even doing of such a thing.and I can see he is telling the truth."
"It is so near and yet so far," Sanosuke said coldly, ".if he did finally get his memories back, maybe we will know the answer."
"Yes and only time would tell."
Okina proceeds to tell even the mystery of the supposedly suicide note, and that they have initially concluded that their hunches is right. Not knowing if this is the doing of the same person, or if this is another distraction, Sanosuke suggested warily that it would be better if they have more security within the household. That they are dealing with a very clever, systematic enemy. But it's been half a year already and there seems no more signs of possible attack. It seemed to have mysteriously ceased, as it have come.
"We could never know when the devil would strike back, but I suggested that we should be much careful watch on Misao."
"She has Soujiro to do that, as of now." Okina noted, indeed the two were so inseparable. Maybe if Soujiro didn't come that fateful day, Misao could have lost all hope and kill herself.or that even if she lives she would be bitter carrying the child, but the young ronin came and have influenced her greatly even though he didn't speak much. His consistent presence shows, occasionally speaking few yet poignant statements.attending to her needs. Maybe it's better off without much of his memory.
"Sanosuke, you wouldn't mind staying for a few months time.would you? Just to observe? "
"I hope it's going to be a boy."
"No, I want it to be a girl! Boys have much more trouble than little girls!"
Misao and Soujiro are playfully bantering by the small bedroom, she was relaxing inside after getting strained with a short argument with Sanosuke, and Soujiro is lazily lying down beside her idly stroking her belly. It is quite a difficult pregnancy to go with, and her first few months are terrible, she was very weepy and throws a lot of tantrums which are natural for the mothers-to-be.aside from the reason she get pregnant because of the rape. She has grown to accept the terms already.
"It's not the child's fault, Misao. Whoever did this is HIS fault. The baby has nothing to do with this." She recalled Soujiro saying it repeatedly to her time and time, when there are moments she was so unsure of herself. "You don't want to whoever did this, win, won't you?"
"Of course, I won't let him!" she objected, "But.the child, he will never have a father!"
"Then I will be a father for that child, I will the best father he would ever have."
"Soujiro."
His care, his utterly devotion.she felt in love with him that in an instant, his compassion for her grew.that is probably the night they ended their friendship, to start a new relationship.
"Don't you think its better that we get married?"
Misao popped out of her reverie when Soujiro brought up the question, he was looking above her with those eyes, waiting. "I know it's all of a sudden.but it's also best, for the baby's future,"
".and our future?"
"Yeah, I think so too."
".I think Grandpa wouldn't easily agree with it." She said, and she tries to sit up. she find it more and more difficult to move now she's in her 6th term. "No, I don't think it has something to do with who you are before.because all of that is in the past, ne?"
"Yes, all of them are the past." he whispered, even though he didn't recall much of what his past really is. When he was find nameless in the forest one day, he is intrigued on who he really is and knowing who he was. But when a few pieces of his memory is awakened, of the skills he never knew he was good at.he have his doubt. He felt that if he go back and learn his past, nothing will fill him but dread. When the kindly mother, Osei, managed to get some of his files.his dread became a reality. He does not want to live that past anymore, its better not to remember anything and have a new life. It seems a blessing in disguise, even though he was intrigued what caused it. Does his loss of memory is due to an attack? An accident? The only thing he recalls, aside from his skills is the image of Misao. She is the only link, and yearns him to recall some of the past.maybe the moment how they met.and WHY they met. Right now, he clings to the only person that is a piece left of his memory.and learned how to cherish her.
"It's the baby, Soujiro.Grandpa have a talk with a doctor, it is not going to be an easy pregnancy for me." she is somehow right, Misao is suffering to occasional pain pangs that are too little early to show, so maybe it's better to look for her well-being besides that thought of marriage. " We know this is my first time, and my body is not that used to it and..a little upset situation could lead to a premature labor."
"Okay, I understand." he said soothingly, and that's what Misao liked in him. Soujiro could easily accept thing without a grudge, and he has been treating her like a queen. Besides, next to Okina.Soujiro is the most regular presence she sees around her. "How about a good night kiss, to help you feel a little better?"
Misao softly chuckled and lightly threw one of the cushioned pillows to his face, "Sou-chan no baka, it's not even night time yet.."
Soujiro planted a small kiss to her forehead, on which she returned a soft giggle, feeling a little ticklish on the sensation.her girlish laughs are like music to his ears. This is my life, he said to himself. This is what I would like it to be, to have a family.
Sanosuke's ears pricked up at the sound of sweet murmurs and giggling emanating at the room across the corner, while he was unpacking his things. His body is dead tired from the travel, and what seems a few days stay would be much longer. Not that he does not like it, for he would get a lot of free food and relaxation that he didn't have much back in Kaoru's place in Tokyo. Having only solely to his mind right now is to rest, he can't help but get a slight chill on the spine when he hear the ticklish sounds, and it seems to come from Misao's room.
Curious, Sanosuke crawled silently to the floor to the room across. He never hears Misao giggle before, not that last time he saw her. And it seems she is not alone in the room. He saw two shadows at the screen door, and one figure is creeping close to the top of her. He covers his mouth to restrain in making any shocked gasp, as he learned who the other person is.
"That tickles, Sou-chan! Stop it!"
Sanosuke could feel the hair on the back of his neck prickle, as he heard the small wet chu sounds. He force his eyes to look at screen 100 percent as if it got an x-ray vision, and he could make out that Soujiro is kissing Misao lightly and slowly.to the forehead, and slowly down teasingly to her lips. He could hear small soft eager and much more passionate returning of kisses, and feel a shot of rush to his face when he could hear one of them murmur, "mmmm."
"STOP THAT!" he yelled, finally not able to contain himself, he barged the screen door wide open. He glared at stunned Soujiro who tumbled down the floor, "You there! What do you think you are doing?"
Soujiro looked to Misao, and both lovers look like nothing much happened.only a bit disappointed by Sanosuke's sudden interruption. "Ummm.nothing much, Sanosuke.why do you ask?"
The escalating noise has now caught almost everyone else attention inside the house to hear, "Nothing much? NOTHING MUCH? You are in a prelude in making out that would make even Aoshi turn from his grave!"
"You where listening?" Misao eyed him; surely no one knows what they would be doing. The screen door was closed, and they tried to be discreet.besides, Okina told her that he does not agree seeing them sweet in public.
Sanosuke feels his face turn red; he is poor in excuses as he was in his control of his temperament. "NO! I'm not listening.I heard it across the room." but Misao has the undeniable stare, "Alright! So I was listening! I can't help it.hearing you together.doing it gives me the creeps! "
"We can't do it Sanosuke, she's pregnant." Soujiro said, reasoning out.
"Oh yeah! But kissing is already close to making out!" he grunted, grabbing the boy's collar. Everyone now in the household seems to be near, watching in curiosity as Sanosuke starts to pour out some steam, and with the breath of murder in his eyes as he looked at the wide- eyed Soujiro in front of him. Misao is patiently scolding him to let Soujiro down, since she can't budge much herself. When he saw that most of the oni's seemed to have gathered, Sanosuke finally talked.
"Do you permit them to do this? Do you guys know what is going on?"
"Yeah, it's a natural event that goes everyday," one of them quipped, and returned to the chore. Others agreed, and shrugged and also moved back about their business. "H-hey! Don't you see it?!"
"Soujiro is like family now, Sanosuke.he has been here for half a year, and nothing happened." One of them managed to reply, before taking a leave. " And he did a lot for Misao's happiness."
Oh great, the whole household knows about it and they seemed to have grown accustomed to Soujiro's presence, making it seemingly okay. When he reported it to Okina, the old man seems to have a mixture of a torn expression not knowing which to side on. He explained to Sanosuke that he will grow to like the idea, especially if he himself was there during those 6 months. To him, the happiness of his little angel is very much important right now.even though he has his share of his suspicions. He even feels uncomfortable of Soujiro being too close, sometimes taking him longer in Misao's room rather than his own. As if reading Sanosuke's mind, he lightly suggested that he could sleep in Misao's room if he wants to be really sure. On which Sanosuke really did.
"Ohayo, Okina-san.I'm going to go out and get some groceries." Soujiro greeted, taking one of the routine tasks the oni's usually does in mornings. Okina greeted him with his usual dour expression and a grunt then silently nodded. At least the boy willingly let himself do some manual tasks around the house, unlike Sanosuke who is supposed to be awake by now.
"Where is Sanosuke? I tasked him to do that errand." He said curtly, giving Soujiro a probing look.
"I'm afraid he is still fast asleep, he haven't a wink ever since of last night."
Okina imagined why, and try to conjure a vivid image of Sanosuke with his eyes forced open like a vulture waiting for it's prey to fall as Soujiro slept in the room with Misao. Even though there are three separate cots, and Soujiro a few feet await from her. He can imagine now that Sanosuke is dead tired from all that.
"Okay, just be back shortly before noon."
"Hai."
Soujiro took a stop first to some stalls before going to the market to buy some goods, thinking of the things Misao would be needing for the baby. That's why he volunteered to do the groceries, so he could surprise her. "What she needs is some one to look after her, to go through the rough times." he said to himself, as he absentmindedly looked upon some goods near the alley.
"Who, Misao? Glad to hear it, now wonder I haven't heard from you for months." A voice coming from behind alarmed him, and he quickly turned around. The figure is that of a young lanky man, dressed the similar style that he has, and is leaning casually by the wall. He couldn't recall meeting him, who happens to sport a short and sharp gray hair and has brown eyes. The face does not seem to ring a bell,
"Pardon me, but do I know you?"
The man let out a small laugh, seemingly a bit gentle to sound like that of a woman. He eyed Soujiro head to toe, noting that the different color of the material he is wearing seems so impressive. "I can't believe you forgot! Do you know that I have to change the way I look so I can keep up with my duty as of some spy? You still recognize me even with this get up, Soujiro!"
He sounds like an old friend, and Soujiro cannot explain that he lost his memory. He tried to picture the stranger in front of him at the many presented faces shown in his file. "K-Kamatari? Hojoun Kamatari?"
"Glad that you still remember! I thought you have amnesia or something." he gave him a mock punch by the shoulder as a friendly gesture. "So, what took you so long.it has been months! You haven't paid the amount you promised in exchange of what I do to Aoshi."
It's like listening to another language, "Anou.what do you mean, of Aoshi? He is dead."
Kamatari lifted an eyebrow, and looked around. He didn't know if Soujiro is playing dumb or it sounds like he does not know anything. So he dragged him lightly to the corner of the alley, "Hey! What is going on?"
"What's wrong with you, Soujiro?" he hissed, ".are you playing dumb? You told me that in return to faking Aoshi's suicide, I'll get some hefty sum from you! So where is it?"
Soujiro felt like his head would spin, suddenly this person in his past came about and telling him he is linked to a crime, to which he didn't really remember.he can't even recall why would he kill Aoshi.
" I- I don't know what you are talking about,"
"Screw that shit!" Kamatari snarled, pinning the boy to the wall, "You planned this all out and you didn't remember anything? Who conjured up your idea of that fake suicide note, and having him hanged to look it as suicide? It was me! You have Misao already! "
"How do you know of Misao?" he replied indignantly, shoving off Kamatari's one firm hand off his shoulder.
"You told me how you liked her very much, and how desperate you are to have her." Kamatari replied, "Look, I don't know why the HECK you don't remember anything, but I'm in the business now. so I'll be back again for you in my spare time."
"I DO like her, I'm with her family now.she's happy with me."
Kamatari gaped at surprise, and a wicked smile curved his lips ".you devious little devil you, it go figure that she didn't see you in the dark! You probably showed up your ass when she is so feeling traumatized and miserable.added to that is Aoshi's death! It's natural for her to fawn to the next man to show her attention.and whaddya know? If life ain't grand, you found yourself a family.even the old wrinkle of a man called Okina got to trust you. It's a very clever trick you got in your sleeve there."
Soujiro feels rage boiling from within him, what is this man talking about? It is true he showed up the moment Misao needed someone to hang on to. But he made it sound malicious, as if he orchestrated the whole event, "I don't know what you are talking about, If you do anything to Misao and the baby she is carrying I would."
His blood run cold as there is glint of sinister delight to Kamatari's brown eyes, then there was a sudden rush of commotion from outside before both could speak. "Shimatta, it's back to business.the enemies are after me again." and he turns back to Soujiro, " I don't know you even got to sire that squeaky bitch, Soujiro.congratulations!" he added with a wink, and quickly disappeared to run to the streets and merging with the swift moving crowd.
He stood there in the alley, with his mouth still open with shock and his eye's staring into puzzled blankness.something about all those words said to him is taking an effect. His breathing became shallow and quick, and his body starts to be shaking.and everything seems to be in vertigo. He is starting to feel that dread again, and any minute now.he might even faint.
".I-I'm the father?"
And the light white icy particles starts to fell as the cold crisp wind answers in a long mournful howling, going akin to Soujiro's sudden confusion on his plight. The autumn is finally over, it is winter.
As months passes by.
It's good that even with Okina's precautions, nothing happened. Like an aftermath of a storm, days peacefully passed by went to weeks, and then months. Soujiro came to live with them as a family, for Misao have grown on to like him ever since.and is now a source of her happiness. He have to agree, Soujiro and Misao were almost of rather the same age.and yet they both lived contrasting lives, even their behavior where opposites. Misao raged easily and could get a little stubborn and Soujiro has a much more mature and calm disposition. Maybe that is what makes them attract to each other. Probably, also Soujiro's amnesia could have helped.even though he can't help but think if the memory loss and Misao's accident is just merely a coincidence. And if Soujiro remembers, would it help them resolve their problems?
"Young one's indeed, it's so amusing to see them fall in love." one of the oni's sighed, carrying a basketful of fruits into the residence. True enough, what Okina dismissed as a desperate notion of Misao seems more than that.she developed a blooming relationship with the young ronin that saved her life, twice. What seems to start as a casual get-to-know each other slowly develops to a mutual relationship, and Okina could see it into their eyes the unusual glow that sparked every time their eyes would meet. He has to admit, the relationship is even adding color to Misao's cheeks.
"They are starting to get a little too close already," he tartly remarked, Soujiro and Misao where resting underneath by a cherry blossom tree.and now its nearing winter, it is beautiful to watch the pale pinkish white petals fall down the ground. Soujiro, having only worn one item when he went to their household, is now wearing a teal gray kimono and making him look mature of age. He was wistfully braiding on Misao's hair, on which is already starting to grow back and is now below her shoulders. She is meanwhile, restricted now to wear a much traditional longer kimono.since her stomach has considerable swelled, now at least almost 6 months. Okina felt a rush of steam come out of his ears, as he hears Misao's soft giggle as Soujiro place an ear and strokes down her stomach with one hand, and giving it a soft kiss.
"You know master.that child is going to need an Otousan, I think it's good that."
"Bah! He does not even recall his own memories, how could he do justice as a father?" It's obvious that the old man is growing jealous, and although he have grown a liking for the boy amid some suspicions he have no proof of, he is afraid to let go of Misao.not to mention for what happened. Her growing stomach is an indication of WHAT happened that past few months, a painful reminder.and it would be hard for him to consent another man in Misao's life.
The oni lift an eyebrow at Okina's statement, "Because it WOULDN'T be a good idea for her to know the real father was?" bending over and giving the old man some tea, she continued. ".besides, master.even with or without Soujiro's loss of memory, I don't see any possible threat now. Then why did Kenshin let him escape some year ago? Because he believed the lad could change." "I think you are right there." he sighed warily; Misao didn't know that Soujiro did lose some memory. It would confuse her again. ".but for the love of Buddha! What they are doing in the front lawn could make anyone squirm!"
"They are not doing it in public, master. Besides, it's natural for lovers."
Okina took himself another serving of tea
"Well, I'm here now.I wonder what the rush.is"
Sanosuke mumbled, he finally reached Kyoto at last.and by foot. He finds it hard to believe that his money quickly ran out at the so many stopovers in the eateries these past few days. Ignoring Kaoru's advice to take a train, to which he TOTALLY dislikes even though it's much cheaper and.the fact he could reach his destination in less than an hour.
A few days ago, Okina send one of the messengers to Tokyo (formerly Edo) to deliver an urgent message to him, and to report on the "shocking discovery". It stunned everyone at first, for Okina would usually send reports to Kenshin, and suddenly he trusted the much single-minded, bumbling comrade instead. What they don't know is, Sanosuke have the same line of suspicion Okina has on the incident that involved Misao and Aoshi, thus for the two to cooperate. Yahiko objected that the letter must be addressed to the wrong person, and Megumi wondered if the old man has finally lost its wits, but whatever it is they think of.Okina requested strictly that Sanosuke has to come ALONE.
"What you will see and learn might shock you, although some things have changed for the better and that Misao have learned to move on.there are event's you couldn't find hard to believe and I quickly anticipate your presence immediately." The more Sanosuke read the note, the more it leaves him scratching his head. Okina could have send Kenshin instead, being the much logical one. But as far as he knows, even Kenshin wouldn't believe about the mysterious circumstances of Aoshi's death...so leaving him the next man to do the job.
"I wonder if he means it would be bad news or good news?" he said, scratching his head again. He is just a few meters away from the place and he could spot the crowning cherry blossoms already. The cold air starts to be obvious around him, and he almost forgot how time passes by quickly. "Winter time is near already." he muttered, not knowing if he'll smile or not as he takes to inhale of air. "Oh great, I also need a bath, I'm starting to smell."
Sanosuke don't have to wait to know the good or bad news is, as he made his way to the entrance, he accidentally knocked down on a small figure rushing to the other direction. He quickly eyed the small woman, which seems a little round in the middle and could not stand up. "Hey lady, you need to lose weight or something so you can stand up."
"I'm not FAT!!!" came the burst of the sudden screechy similar voice, he inspects closer at the small stumbled figure who awkwardly to her feet, dusting her kimono. She has a familiar black hair, "I am pregnant! Can't you see?" her face lifted up and he saw the spark of those emerald green eyes. Sanosuke gaped, his mouth dropped and his eyes bulged like saucers on the recognition.
"MISAO?" he sputtered,
Misao looked up upon surprise hearing her name being called, "Sanosuke?!" she also gaped, "Sano, it's you!"
It seems Misao is eager to impart and to talk about the old times, but Sanosuke is as still as a stone and his eyes are affixed at the inflated belly as just he was attentive to listen to about anything. As if knowing those look from his eyes, Misao readily replied. "I know it's a surprise.I don't even see it coming."
Sanosuke, who can't still find the words to speak, tries to make hand symbols instead.and is pointing to her stomach. ".it's from him, from that night I wish to forget."
Sanosuke remembered how enraged he was to the despicable deed that have befallen on her several months ago, and to make it worse that deed is hatching its fruit. He quickly managed to get over his shock, to be replaced by a heated anger to who did it.so furious he feels, that he could smack the first live male to fawn on Misao right now. He managed to blurt out some words. ".you don't have any idea on who the father could possibly be?"
Before she could answer, approached a grey garbed figure, it is Soujiro. There is sweetness in him, which could make her heart melt. For some reason, he became even more caring and attentive of Misao during her early stages of pregnancy. She tried to cheer her up if she gets depressed or she has those moody tantrums, and if she has food cravings, he quickly appeases it without question. He starts to become more than a friend, and the feeling became increasingly more mutual. He will make a great father to her growing unborn child.
"Ne, Misao!" he called out, and Sanosuke who is already seeing red automatically greeted the youth who has a friendly smile, with a smack at the jaw.
"Sano!!" Misao shouted, as the shocked Soujiro fall down to the ground. "What the hell do you do that for?!" and she quickly rushed to Soujiro's aid, taking a look if he is okay.to which he nodded in reply. "No broken jaw," Soujiro squeaked, trying to dismiss everything is going to be okay. But Misao is less complacent, that she slaps Sanosuke across the face. "What are you thinking?!" she demanded,
Sanosuke was even surprised why he did that. Is it because the need to protect her? That the lad that seems to be so sweet is a former enemy he couldn't trust to, like a wolf in sheep's clothing? He has many reasons. And he bet, he wasn't just being jealous.
"He isn't the father of the child, okay? It is not what you think it is!"
"But why him? What is he doing here?" he asked, "I know you met him only for once, but that does."
"We met twice, and twice he saved my life! I owe Soujiro a lot more than what you think!" Misao said, her face is starting to grow a little red and Soujiro does not like it.
"Misao, it's not good for you to get a."
"Hey! What about me, I was there! Don't you think I also tried to help you too before? You pleaded to me too remember? To help you out? " Sanosuke argued, and it somehow silenced Misao.not knowing it's a good or bad sign.
".So are you saying that you are jealous?"
"I am NOT jealous! I just don't trust at the mere sight of him!" the argument could have went on further, but Misao felt a twist and a kick at her stomach that leaved her stopping abruptly and swallowing some air. "M- Misao! Are you okay?"
"It's not good for her to get upset easily," Soujiro replied, "it might lead her to an early premature labor." And carefully he starts to assist her inside. Sanosuke marveled that how Soujiro ignored his brash attitude and look to the situation as if nothing happened.as if he recalls nothing. Wasn't he even intimidated at the sight of a former enemy?
"Come, Master Okina is waiting for you inside."
"The truth is, he didn't recall anything."
"What?!"
Okina can understand why Sanosuke is being very overwhelmed with the current situation, and he can't blame him. Seeing Misao pregnant, then seeing her being intimately close with Soujiro, then hearing Soujiro having lost his memory. He gave him a very long talk, to explain everything.hoping that he somehow will understood.
"So what does these have to get about the latest development to track the bastard down?" Sanosuke asked eagerly, he knows he might have missed something.but he pay attentively to notice that Okina didn't left any detail. Maybe he is sparing him to some more shocking news.
"I think that bastard even lived in our house."
Sanosuke gave him a quizzical look, "Yes I know, and why did I even agreed to have him live here." Okina replied, ".like Misao said, she owed the young man a lot. Their first encounter is a good one.even with the loss of memory, that fragment of the past is what Soujiro still recalls.BUT..."
"But what?" "I think I have made some discoveries that will doubt his credibility." the old man brought out the same old evidence, the tattered sleeve and the suicide note to which he promised to keep. "Sanosuke, when you learn on what happened to Misao.when was that night she told you that happened?"
"I think it's around Monday night, half a year ago almost."
"Okay," the old man nodded, "I asked Soujiro how he lost his memory, and I think it is more than of a coincidence." he signaled Sanosuke to move closer so the others won't hear what they are saying. "Soujiro said that he woke up lost of memory in the same week, Tuesday morning.he had no recollection of Monday night.or any day before that either."
"And what are we getting here?" Sanosuke whispered, "I cannot see your point!"
Okina looked around before turning back to him, ".he found himself within the forest where Misao have been that night. When he first came here he was wearing that blue kimono."
"Of course he does, that is the only thing he used to wear!"
"But with a torn sleeve, by the right." He spoke, and Sanosuke's face became pallid as if the conclusion hits him right on the spot. "I tried to link the piece with his sleeve, and it's almost the exact match," Okina continued, "I even confronted him about that matter, but to be honest.he does not recall anything.or even doing of such a thing.and I can see he is telling the truth."
"It is so near and yet so far," Sanosuke said coldly, ".if he did finally get his memories back, maybe we will know the answer."
"Yes and only time would tell."
Okina proceeds to tell even the mystery of the supposedly suicide note, and that they have initially concluded that their hunches is right. Not knowing if this is the doing of the same person, or if this is another distraction, Sanosuke suggested warily that it would be better if they have more security within the household. That they are dealing with a very clever, systematic enemy. But it's been half a year already and there seems no more signs of possible attack. It seemed to have mysteriously ceased, as it have come.
"We could never know when the devil would strike back, but I suggested that we should be much careful watch on Misao."
"She has Soujiro to do that, as of now." Okina noted, indeed the two were so inseparable. Maybe if Soujiro didn't come that fateful day, Misao could have lost all hope and kill herself.or that even if she lives she would be bitter carrying the child, but the young ronin came and have influenced her greatly even though he didn't speak much. His consistent presence shows, occasionally speaking few yet poignant statements.attending to her needs. Maybe it's better off without much of his memory.
"Sanosuke, you wouldn't mind staying for a few months time.would you? Just to observe? "
"I hope it's going to be a boy."
"No, I want it to be a girl! Boys have much more trouble than little girls!"
Misao and Soujiro are playfully bantering by the small bedroom, she was relaxing inside after getting strained with a short argument with Sanosuke, and Soujiro is lazily lying down beside her idly stroking her belly. It is quite a difficult pregnancy to go with, and her first few months are terrible, she was very weepy and throws a lot of tantrums which are natural for the mothers-to-be.aside from the reason she get pregnant because of the rape. She has grown to accept the terms already.
"It's not the child's fault, Misao. Whoever did this is HIS fault. The baby has nothing to do with this." She recalled Soujiro saying it repeatedly to her time and time, when there are moments she was so unsure of herself. "You don't want to whoever did this, win, won't you?"
"Of course, I won't let him!" she objected, "But.the child, he will never have a father!"
"Then I will be a father for that child, I will the best father he would ever have."
"Soujiro."
His care, his utterly devotion.she felt in love with him that in an instant, his compassion for her grew.that is probably the night they ended their friendship, to start a new relationship.
"Don't you think its better that we get married?"
Misao popped out of her reverie when Soujiro brought up the question, he was looking above her with those eyes, waiting. "I know it's all of a sudden.but it's also best, for the baby's future,"
".and our future?"
"Yeah, I think so too."
".I think Grandpa wouldn't easily agree with it." She said, and she tries to sit up. she find it more and more difficult to move now she's in her 6th term. "No, I don't think it has something to do with who you are before.because all of that is in the past, ne?"
"Yes, all of them are the past." he whispered, even though he didn't recall much of what his past really is. When he was find nameless in the forest one day, he is intrigued on who he really is and knowing who he was. But when a few pieces of his memory is awakened, of the skills he never knew he was good at.he have his doubt. He felt that if he go back and learn his past, nothing will fill him but dread. When the kindly mother, Osei, managed to get some of his files.his dread became a reality. He does not want to live that past anymore, its better not to remember anything and have a new life. It seems a blessing in disguise, even though he was intrigued what caused it. Does his loss of memory is due to an attack? An accident? The only thing he recalls, aside from his skills is the image of Misao. She is the only link, and yearns him to recall some of the past.maybe the moment how they met.and WHY they met. Right now, he clings to the only person that is a piece left of his memory.and learned how to cherish her.
"It's the baby, Soujiro.Grandpa have a talk with a doctor, it is not going to be an easy pregnancy for me." she is somehow right, Misao is suffering to occasional pain pangs that are too little early to show, so maybe it's better to look for her well-being besides that thought of marriage. " We know this is my first time, and my body is not that used to it and..a little upset situation could lead to a premature labor."
"Okay, I understand." he said soothingly, and that's what Misao liked in him. Soujiro could easily accept thing without a grudge, and he has been treating her like a queen. Besides, next to Okina.Soujiro is the most regular presence she sees around her. "How about a good night kiss, to help you feel a little better?"
Misao softly chuckled and lightly threw one of the cushioned pillows to his face, "Sou-chan no baka, it's not even night time yet.."
Soujiro planted a small kiss to her forehead, on which she returned a soft giggle, feeling a little ticklish on the sensation.her girlish laughs are like music to his ears. This is my life, he said to himself. This is what I would like it to be, to have a family.
Sanosuke's ears pricked up at the sound of sweet murmurs and giggling emanating at the room across the corner, while he was unpacking his things. His body is dead tired from the travel, and what seems a few days stay would be much longer. Not that he does not like it, for he would get a lot of free food and relaxation that he didn't have much back in Kaoru's place in Tokyo. Having only solely to his mind right now is to rest, he can't help but get a slight chill on the spine when he hear the ticklish sounds, and it seems to come from Misao's room.
Curious, Sanosuke crawled silently to the floor to the room across. He never hears Misao giggle before, not that last time he saw her. And it seems she is not alone in the room. He saw two shadows at the screen door, and one figure is creeping close to the top of her. He covers his mouth to restrain in making any shocked gasp, as he learned who the other person is.
"That tickles, Sou-chan! Stop it!"
Sanosuke could feel the hair on the back of his neck prickle, as he heard the small wet chu sounds. He force his eyes to look at screen 100 percent as if it got an x-ray vision, and he could make out that Soujiro is kissing Misao lightly and slowly.to the forehead, and slowly down teasingly to her lips. He could hear small soft eager and much more passionate returning of kisses, and feel a shot of rush to his face when he could hear one of them murmur, "mmmm."
"STOP THAT!" he yelled, finally not able to contain himself, he barged the screen door wide open. He glared at stunned Soujiro who tumbled down the floor, "You there! What do you think you are doing?"
Soujiro looked to Misao, and both lovers look like nothing much happened.only a bit disappointed by Sanosuke's sudden interruption. "Ummm.nothing much, Sanosuke.why do you ask?"
The escalating noise has now caught almost everyone else attention inside the house to hear, "Nothing much? NOTHING MUCH? You are in a prelude in making out that would make even Aoshi turn from his grave!"
"You where listening?" Misao eyed him; surely no one knows what they would be doing. The screen door was closed, and they tried to be discreet.besides, Okina told her that he does not agree seeing them sweet in public.
Sanosuke feels his face turn red; he is poor in excuses as he was in his control of his temperament. "NO! I'm not listening.I heard it across the room." but Misao has the undeniable stare, "Alright! So I was listening! I can't help it.hearing you together.doing it gives me the creeps! "
"We can't do it Sanosuke, she's pregnant." Soujiro said, reasoning out.
"Oh yeah! But kissing is already close to making out!" he grunted, grabbing the boy's collar. Everyone now in the household seems to be near, watching in curiosity as Sanosuke starts to pour out some steam, and with the breath of murder in his eyes as he looked at the wide- eyed Soujiro in front of him. Misao is patiently scolding him to let Soujiro down, since she can't budge much herself. When he saw that most of the oni's seemed to have gathered, Sanosuke finally talked.
"Do you permit them to do this? Do you guys know what is going on?"
"Yeah, it's a natural event that goes everyday," one of them quipped, and returned to the chore. Others agreed, and shrugged and also moved back about their business. "H-hey! Don't you see it?!"
"Soujiro is like family now, Sanosuke.he has been here for half a year, and nothing happened." One of them managed to reply, before taking a leave. " And he did a lot for Misao's happiness."
Oh great, the whole household knows about it and they seemed to have grown accustomed to Soujiro's presence, making it seemingly okay. When he reported it to Okina, the old man seems to have a mixture of a torn expression not knowing which to side on. He explained to Sanosuke that he will grow to like the idea, especially if he himself was there during those 6 months. To him, the happiness of his little angel is very much important right now.even though he has his share of his suspicions. He even feels uncomfortable of Soujiro being too close, sometimes taking him longer in Misao's room rather than his own. As if reading Sanosuke's mind, he lightly suggested that he could sleep in Misao's room if he wants to be really sure. On which Sanosuke really did.
"Ohayo, Okina-san.I'm going to go out and get some groceries." Soujiro greeted, taking one of the routine tasks the oni's usually does in mornings. Okina greeted him with his usual dour expression and a grunt then silently nodded. At least the boy willingly let himself do some manual tasks around the house, unlike Sanosuke who is supposed to be awake by now.
"Where is Sanosuke? I tasked him to do that errand." He said curtly, giving Soujiro a probing look.
"I'm afraid he is still fast asleep, he haven't a wink ever since of last night."
Okina imagined why, and try to conjure a vivid image of Sanosuke with his eyes forced open like a vulture waiting for it's prey to fall as Soujiro slept in the room with Misao. Even though there are three separate cots, and Soujiro a few feet await from her. He can imagine now that Sanosuke is dead tired from all that.
"Okay, just be back shortly before noon."
"Hai."
Soujiro took a stop first to some stalls before going to the market to buy some goods, thinking of the things Misao would be needing for the baby. That's why he volunteered to do the groceries, so he could surprise her. "What she needs is some one to look after her, to go through the rough times." he said to himself, as he absentmindedly looked upon some goods near the alley.
"Who, Misao? Glad to hear it, now wonder I haven't heard from you for months." A voice coming from behind alarmed him, and he quickly turned around. The figure is that of a young lanky man, dressed the similar style that he has, and is leaning casually by the wall. He couldn't recall meeting him, who happens to sport a short and sharp gray hair and has brown eyes. The face does not seem to ring a bell,
"Pardon me, but do I know you?"
The man let out a small laugh, seemingly a bit gentle to sound like that of a woman. He eyed Soujiro head to toe, noting that the different color of the material he is wearing seems so impressive. "I can't believe you forgot! Do you know that I have to change the way I look so I can keep up with my duty as of some spy? You still recognize me even with this get up, Soujiro!"
He sounds like an old friend, and Soujiro cannot explain that he lost his memory. He tried to picture the stranger in front of him at the many presented faces shown in his file. "K-Kamatari? Hojoun Kamatari?"
"Glad that you still remember! I thought you have amnesia or something." he gave him a mock punch by the shoulder as a friendly gesture. "So, what took you so long.it has been months! You haven't paid the amount you promised in exchange of what I do to Aoshi."
It's like listening to another language, "Anou.what do you mean, of Aoshi? He is dead."
Kamatari lifted an eyebrow, and looked around. He didn't know if Soujiro is playing dumb or it sounds like he does not know anything. So he dragged him lightly to the corner of the alley, "Hey! What is going on?"
"What's wrong with you, Soujiro?" he hissed, ".are you playing dumb? You told me that in return to faking Aoshi's suicide, I'll get some hefty sum from you! So where is it?"
Soujiro felt like his head would spin, suddenly this person in his past came about and telling him he is linked to a crime, to which he didn't really remember.he can't even recall why would he kill Aoshi.
" I- I don't know what you are talking about,"
"Screw that shit!" Kamatari snarled, pinning the boy to the wall, "You planned this all out and you didn't remember anything? Who conjured up your idea of that fake suicide note, and having him hanged to look it as suicide? It was me! You have Misao already! "
"How do you know of Misao?" he replied indignantly, shoving off Kamatari's one firm hand off his shoulder.
"You told me how you liked her very much, and how desperate you are to have her." Kamatari replied, "Look, I don't know why the HECK you don't remember anything, but I'm in the business now. so I'll be back again for you in my spare time."
"I DO like her, I'm with her family now.she's happy with me."
Kamatari gaped at surprise, and a wicked smile curved his lips ".you devious little devil you, it go figure that she didn't see you in the dark! You probably showed up your ass when she is so feeling traumatized and miserable.added to that is Aoshi's death! It's natural for her to fawn to the next man to show her attention.and whaddya know? If life ain't grand, you found yourself a family.even the old wrinkle of a man called Okina got to trust you. It's a very clever trick you got in your sleeve there."
Soujiro feels rage boiling from within him, what is this man talking about? It is true he showed up the moment Misao needed someone to hang on to. But he made it sound malicious, as if he orchestrated the whole event, "I don't know what you are talking about, If you do anything to Misao and the baby she is carrying I would."
His blood run cold as there is glint of sinister delight to Kamatari's brown eyes, then there was a sudden rush of commotion from outside before both could speak. "Shimatta, it's back to business.the enemies are after me again." and he turns back to Soujiro, " I don't know you even got to sire that squeaky bitch, Soujiro.congratulations!" he added with a wink, and quickly disappeared to run to the streets and merging with the swift moving crowd.
He stood there in the alley, with his mouth still open with shock and his eye's staring into puzzled blankness.something about all those words said to him is taking an effect. His breathing became shallow and quick, and his body starts to be shaking.and everything seems to be in vertigo. He is starting to feel that dread again, and any minute now.he might even faint.
".I-I'm the father?"
And the light white icy particles starts to fell as the cold crisp wind answers in a long mournful howling, going akin to Soujiro's sudden confusion on his plight. The autumn is finally over, it is winter.