Under the Cherry Tree

(2 years pass…)

Misao has now grown taller and her dark blue-black hair is longer now falling to her waist. She still wasn't any taller then Aoshi. It seemed that everytime she grew he grew as well, always making sure she was a head shorter then him. She still lived in Kyoto and was still going to the same school Aoshi, Hannya and the others were but her house was further away from school now. Her parents thought it would be a nice change to move and Misao didn't mind at all because this house was bigger, it had a training hall and the backyard was really huge. It was a bit of a pain however because now Misao had to get up earlier to walk to the school. She did have one advantage and that was she walked to school everyday with 12 year Hannya. He lived a few blocks away and always came to pick her up. They'd always leave straight away, as Hannya hated hanging around when Misao's sisters where around, but Misao didn't mind as they would walk through the park on the way to school and go through a small training routine they made up. It was pretty easy for Hannya, as he was more experienced in kempo and balance then Misao. He would teach her little things and he was the one who showed her balance techniques. They'd end up walking across the monkey bars, Hannya always behind Misao ready to catch her if she was about to fall but she never did. It was as though balance came to her naturally. He openly smiled, which was rare for him when Misao got overly excited about going through their whole routine without tripping over or losing her balance or forgetting certain things.

One day she got so joyous she ran all the way to school without Hannya and ran into Aoshi telling him how her training in the morning was going. She wasn't even buffed out either. Being energetic and always running was rather easy for Misao and it didn't tire her out whatsoever. Aoshi had a confused expression covering his face and had asked Misao about the training she did in the morning. Before she answered another voice had spoken up saying it was a Hannya and Misao secret. Aoshi's eyes had narrowed not liking the fact he was being kept in the dark and secrets were made without him being involved. Misao had poked her tongue out at him and raced off laughing. Seconds later Aoshi was after her as well, Hannya close behind getting in on their 'chasing' routine that happened every morning at school. They'd jump over chairs and tables, other students legs or students all together who sat down in the grass talking to their own friends. They seemed unfazed by all of this because before Misao was at the school Aoshi, Hannya and the others did this all the time.

The friendship between Aoshi and Misao had grown considerable and they were practically inseparable. She hated the fact that they departed at night but then she'd always smile remembering that when she woke up she'd see him at school. Sure they weren't in the same classes but if they saw each other down the hallway they'd stop and chat about what happened in their classes. Sometimes they got in trouble for being late to their next classes but it never went on record because it was very rare. Misao was getting used to the fact that maybe she should start easing up in class and make a friend her own age. After all she discovered that Aoshi and the others were two years older then her and would leave school quicker, then were would she be. The thought of not seeing them at school made her heart ache but then that was ages away anyway. They weren't in high school yet so Misao could relax slightly.

They'd been camping heaps of times and Misao even showed them where her father and her would go camping. They loved all the hideouts Misao showed them, especially the caves and the cave behind the waterfall at the river. They thought it was so cool they all trudged through the water getting completely soaking wet and had to go back to Misao's since they got everything wet. She had even stayed over at their places too, liking the fact they invited her to join them in whatever they did that weekend. She wasn't too fond with the scary movies they watched and would always pout at them and they finally gave up turning it off and played computer games instead. She liked that better. Misao and her father hardly went camping anymore, as he was busy at work. Although Misao was saddened about this she did realise he was working hard to give her and her older sisters a happy life.

Misao had found her father in his study stewing over some papers and fuming about something and she came in, sat on the table and said I love you daddy, for everything you do for us! It seemed to work as her dad would relax and soften loving to hear he as appreciated. After that night Misao came in every night before bed to ask her daddy how his day was and after she hugged and kissed him good night she'd say that sentence to him again. It was their small ritual they did every night.

Misao had accidentally stumbled into a conversation her mother was having with Okon and Omasu about "puberty" and boys and growing up, the changing of women and men and what happens to them. Her mother had stopped and told her that she was too young for puberty just yet but she could stay and listen if she wanted too. Misao declined wanting to go play outside and left.

* * * *

"TAKE THAT!" Misao had yelled throwing some knives at a wooden doll. She was wearing a tan training uniform and a red sash holding the top closed. Her mother was a bit apprehensive about Misao handling sharp objects but her mum and dad watched amazed at how well Misao held them and controlled them. After much discussion and pleading on Misao's part they had finally let her train with them. She started when she was nine and was up to 6 kunai's. Her dad had said to take it slow and work your way up to improve your skills immensely even if it was only with one kunai. Misao on the other hand controlled them well and was up to six. Her and Hannya trained together sometimes in the hall, but he was usually practicing at the training hall in the city. Misao thought it was a bit unfair because she wasn't allowed to join until she was 12 years old. She sulked when Hannya, Shijuksho, Sano, Beshimi, Hyotokko and Aoshi talked about their training. Aoshi would persuade Misao out of her sulking mood, as he would offer to buy her ice cream or help her with training especially when Hannya was unable to attend. He knew exactly what her favourite things were and knew the right ways to get her out of a bad mood.

Every year they'd celebrate Hanami with their families and Hannya's as well as all the others. While the celebrations continued into the night Aoshi and Misao would sneak off undetected and went to "their" tree as Aoshi said it was theirs and no one but them were to know about this place.

"You're getting better."

"AAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!" Misao had whirled around staring at Aoshi who was leaning against the shoji doorframe. Her small hand was placed at her pounding heart and she watched 12 year old Aoshi take his sneakers off, dump his bag near the doorway and begin walking towards her.

"Mou Aoshi! You'll give me a heart attack before I'm 11 if you keep doing that! You do remember it's my birthday soon right Aoshi?"

"Hai, Hai…" He had spoken back. How could he forget when she had been reminding him for at least two weeks now. He walked past her and grabbed the kunai's from the wooden doll. She was due for another doll and Hannya had already got one to replace this one which was on the verge of falling to pieces. Hannya had placed in his own money, along with Shijuksho, Beshimi, Sano and Hyotokko. Wooden dolls were not cheap and as much as Sano complained about spending that much money on the weasel girl he really did want her to have a great birthday. They convinced their parents this is what Misao wanted. Even if she only got one present this is what she wanted most. So they too had chipped in trusting their sons. Aoshi hadn't told the others what he was getting Misao so they let it be, knowing they'd never pry any information out of their stubborn friend.

"You're growing it longer Aoshi?" Misao had spoken lifting her hand up to brush it through Aoshi's ponytail. He hadn't placed it up any higher on his head yet but it fell to the bottom of his shoulder blades.

"Yeah I thought I would. I really couldn't be bothered getting it cut either." Misao had nodded her head and Aoshi soon spoke again turning around to look down at her.

"You know I think its about time you started learning my presence. Come sit down on the floor with me." Misao complied with his wishes and she sat down in front of her best friend and he placed his hands on her shoulders and spoke again.

"Close your eyes and relax. You can relax can't you Misao?"

"Hmm, what about when I'm sleeping?" Aoshi chuckled lightly and soon spoke instructions to Misao on what she must do.

* * * *

Half an hour had passed and another frustrated yell had escaped Misao's lips. She opened her eyes throwing her hands in the air and soon spoke.

"I give up!'

"Don't say that you just need more time." Aoshi had spoken trying to encourage her to try again. She had glanced her eyes accusingly at him and spoke again.

"Mou! You're just making it too hard for me!"

"Your not trying hard enough!' Aoshi's voice had rose nearly to yelling point. He watched Misao's eyes water slightly as she'd never heard him speak to her this way. Her bottom lip stuck out, trembling slightly and on the inside Aoshi was freaking out thinking Misao was going to cry. He was a little shocked when Misao fisted her hands and spoke.

"FINE! I'LL TRY HARDER! I'LL MAKE YOU PROUD OF ME!" A side of Aoshi's mouth quirked up and he untied Misao sash around her waist, the gi top falling open to reveal her small white tank top underneath. Misao seemed a little confused and Aoshi stood up taking Misao with him and turned her around and placed the sash over her eyes.

"We'll try it this way. See if you can relax and concentrate, try and find where I'm moving or standing and see if you can follow me and strike me once." Misao nodded her head silently and stood in the middle of the room, the training hall was completely silent. She could faintly hear a few birds in the trees outside chirping away. No Misao! Concentrate on what's inside the hall! A small voice inside of her spoke. There is nothing but silence! She had spoken but then a rustling sound was heard to her left. Don't move! Don't let him know he's to your left, just follow him with your eyes, that's what Aoshi would do! Misao had spoken happily inside her head figuring she must stay still, must relax and concentrate and follow with her eyes. After all he couldn't see them.

* * * *

Aoshi was now standing in front of Misao's prone form. She was just standing there not moving around, and not moving her head. Couldn't she concentrate at all? Maybe he should just stop for the day. If he weren't so rude to her about an hour ago this wouldn't be happening. 'FINE! I'LL TRY HARDER! I'LL MAKE YOU PROUD OF ME!' Misao's words floated through his mind. He smiled hearing her say that and moved closer towards her. Perhaps, she was playing him, luring him into her trap but before he could do anything his eyes widened when the back of Misao's left hand connected with his stomach.

"GOTCHA AOSHI!" Misao had yelled turning to face him taking off the sash. Misao giggled and laughed happily at what just happened. It must be late afternoon as she had stood there for a long time, probably an hour or so. She jumped around the hall at tricking Aoshi by not displaying anything.

"Tell me how you did it?" Aoshi voice broke through her celebration dance and she turned to face him a bright smile on her face.

"I thought of you Aoshi and what you would do. You wouldn't show anything, so I stayed completely still and concentrated real hard. I died out all other sounds except for what was happening in the dojo and only followed you with my eyes. I didn't wanna move my head cause I know you wouldn't have done that either. That would be a give away sign. Was that right Aoshi?" Misao had spoken waiting for a yes and she jumped around again when he nodded silently at her.

"I DID IT! I DID IT! I DID IT! I DID IT!" Misao was chanting but was soon interrupted when she felt two hands cup her shoulders. She stopped and watched as Aoshi crouched down slightly wanting to be at her level and he soon spoke, a small smile etched on his lips.

"I'm real proud of you Misao-chan." Misao beamed at him and she pressed her lips lightly to his, quickly kissing him then running off to grab her kunai's so she could back them away, never thinking about that moment as Aoshi was. He stood stunned, standing to his normal height as the first kiss he ever received was from the little "weasel girl', his best friend.

"AOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHIIIIIIIIIIII!" Misao had yelled snapping him out of his thoughts and he turned to face her noticing she had wrapped her gi top around her tiny waist and she soon spoke.

"You didn't answer my question? Do you wanna get some ice cream my treat!" Aoshi placed a small smile on his face, his long bangs had grown longer hiding the happy sparkle in his eyes as he looked over at Misao.

"Okay lets go." As they walked out of the training hall Misao's small voice could be heard asking Aoshi why he taught her to sense a presence. Aoshi's only reply was that he was the hardest out of all of the guys, but even though she'll get better at it and sense him more quickly with more practice it was going to be way easier for her to detect Hannya, Sano and the other guys. With every other person, like her parents or her sisters it would be a piece of cake. The last sound that could be heard was Misao yelling to Aoshi that if he wanted ice cream he'd have to catch her first. What every person could hear as they walked down the street was the happy laughter of one Misao Makimachi being chased by her best friend Aoshi Shinomori.

* * * *

"Hey Aoshi?" Misao had spoken as her and Aoshi lay in the grass in her backyard looking up at the stars.

"What?"

"What do you wanna do when you grow up?"

"Why do you wanna know Misao?" Aoshi had spoken curiosity coming out in him as he turned his head to see Misao was still looked up at the sky.

"I just wanted to know what you were going to do when you finish school and leave Kyoto."

"What makes you think I'm going to leave?" Aoshi's voice had dropped to its usual low tone. Misao had turned her head towards him and then rolled onto her stomach looking into the darkened yard, her head resting in her crossed arms lying in the lush cool grass.

"Well I heard mummy speaking to Okon and Omasu about growing up and puberty and stuff and I realised your growing up too cause your Omasu's age. You're older than I am and you'll leave school quicker then me too. I just realised that I'm not always going to see you and one day you'll probably realise that I'm too young to be around and that there is nothing in Kyoto for you so you'll just up and leave one day." Aoshi stared at Misao as he was now leaning on his right side, head propped up in his hand and facing her. She was only 10 years old and yet she was so smart for her age. She talked so deeply showing her heart and her feelings openly to anyone who wanted to see them. She understood things clearly even if they were only explained to her once. It was probably from hanging around with him and the guys so much.

"Misao if I ever left Kyoto, I'd never forget you, ever." Aoshi had spoken trying to bring back the happy and energetic Misao he knew. He observed as Misao lifted her head and turned it to face him, her bright eyes sparkling happily and a big smile was on her face hearing him say that. Aoshi had reached out his hand cupping Misao's chin and drew his fingers over her lips and spoke softly at her.

"Now that's my Misao." Misao had giggled hearing him say that and Aoshi dropped his hand away when the back door to Misao's home opened up and a voice spoke impatiently to Aoshi.

"Come on Aoshi-CHAN! Mum and dad are becoming restless with you not being home yet. You owe me big for coming to get you!"

"Don't be such a grouch Saitou-okami." Misao had spoken standing up and following Aoshi back over to the house.

"Hey weasel girl I wasn't speaking to you. Now lets move Aoshi-chan." Aoshi was silently seething, as his brother just LOVED calling him that.

"Hey you be nice okami! I'm 11 tomorrow!" Misao spoke back. Saitou had turned around walking back into the house and heading towards the front door.

"Do you think I care?" Saitou spoke not looking back at Aoshi or Misao.

"Yes you do, cause I'm the little pain in the butt sister you don't have." Saitou turned around hearing this, a ghost of a smile forming on his usually emotionless face and he soon spoke once more and then walked out the front door with Aoshi following close behind.

"I'll get you back for that weasel." Misao had run to the door hearing that and smiling proudly at cracking the usual stony expression on Saitou's face.

"OYASUMI NASAI AOSHI AND OKAMI-SAN!" Misao giggled, as she knew how much Saitou hated her saying that but he actually put up with it. Misao soon closed the door locking it and raced towards her father's office to do their nightly ritual.

* * * *

(Misao's birthday - 6am)

"Misao-chan? Misao-chan wake up." Misao groaned hearing her mother's voice and buried her head deeper into her pillows.

"Misao-chan quick! The training hall is on fire!" Misao bolted out of her sleep, out of her bed and ran downstairs out into the backyard, her mum running close behind, well trying to catch up with her daughter. Misao thought it strange that no smoke was coming from the hall and when she opened the shoji door the lights flicked on slightly blinding her view and then all she heard was a huge yell of…

"SURPRISE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY MISAO!" Misao eyes were wide in shock as she stepped into the hall noticing all the balloons and streamers hanging from the roof. A cake was placed on a table and presents sat beside it. A big smile was placed on her face as her dad wrapped her in a big bear hug and she looked at the others who were smiling happily, but looking a little tired at her. Her family where in the hall along with Aoshi's mum and dad, Aoshi, Hannya, Beshimi, Hyotokko, Sano and Shijuksho and their parents were here as well. They all parted and Misao stared at a new wooden doll, a bigger one at that.

"FOR ME?" Misao had yelled excitedly and Hannya soon came over wrapping her up in his own version of a bear hug. She giggled happily as she was passed to Sano, Beshimi, Hyotokko and Shijuksho. Misao was soon placed back on her feet but jumped and screamed when a hand lay on her shoulder. She turned around and stared silently at Saitou, her mouth wide open in shock.

"Told you I'd get you back weasel girl." He spoke a smug smile breaking out on his face. Misao was about to retort her little hand fisted but she was stopped as she stared at the flower that was thrust into her face. Her blue eyes travelled up the arm and found it was attached to Saitou. He actually brought her a gift. Aha… He does care about me! Misao spoke inside herself. She smiled up at him taking to white flower wordlessly not wanting to press the difficult subject with Saitou. They moved closer into the hall and Misao moved over to open her presents and hopefully eat some cake too.

* * * *

It was now 7am, the sun had risen, but other neighbours would still be resting in bed, as it was Sunday. Everyone had left wishing Misao a happy birthday as they all went back to their respected homes to sleep for a little longer. Two figures however were still in the training hall, slumped lazily against the far wall, the one covered in shadows.

"You haven't opened my present yet Misao." Aoshi had spoken getting up and walking back over to the table. He grabbed the only parcel left sitting unwrapped on the table. It had dark purple wrapping and Aoshi walked back over placing it in Misao hands while sitting in front of her. Misao looked up finally noticing that Aoshi was not wearing his usual clothing. She stared silently at him and he soon spoke confirming her silent question.

"This is a ninja outfit Misao so I can be real sneaky during the night and hide amongst the shadows. I found it in this store and well…open your present." Misao looked at Aoshi a few more moments as he was wearing dark black and purple pants and shirt, which was long-sleeved that tied all the way up to his neck but she could see a black shirt lying underneath the outer top. Misao ripped open her present excitedly and gasped happily looking up at Aoshi with bright eyes and brought out some new kunai's, six to be exact and a ninja outfit just like his but in her size.

"I thought you could keep improving on your skills adding to your collection of kunai and when we go on our adventures we can be…hmm…stealthy creatures of the night." Aoshi had spoken up and Misao soon dropped the stuff and wrapped her arms around his neck hugging him tightly.

"This is the best birthday I've ever had! Misao will never forget this, never forget you wherever you go Aoshi." Aoshi had pulled away hearing Misao say this and spoke looking into her eyes.

"Why do you talk like that Misao?"

"Because if Aoshi ever leaves Misao wants him to know that she'll never forget him because he'll always be apart of Misao and he'll always be in her heart and in her mind." She was 10 and felt so much love for him. After all he was her first ever friend and she'd never forget that, ever. Aoshi wrapped his best friend in a hug once more and soon spoke softly in her ear.

"If I ever leave Misao, we'll never be apart cause I know somehow we'll always be connected together."

Silence filled the area but it was soon taken away by a loud yawn coming from Misao. Aoshi soon stood up taking Misao with him and spoke looking down at her.

"Now you birthday girl get some more sleep. I'm sure your mum and dad have got a big day planned for you." Misao nodded her head placing her hand over her mouth covering up another yawn and then Aoshi watched as Misao, clad in her dark blue pyjamas with silver stars and moons on them and walked out of the hall and back towards the door which was left ajar for her. She stopped at the door not going in and turned around to see Aoshi was standing at the open shoji door watching her. She smiled waving at him and he gave her a small wave back and once she was satisfied with that she walked inside closing the door behind her and trudged back upstairs to her awaiting bed.

* * * *

To be continued…

* * * *