Under the Cherry Tree
(Tokyo - Himura Residence)
"Have you heard anything more on what is going on in Kyoto?" Kaoru asked as she walked back into the lounge room where Kenshin just turned off the television. He shook his head moving towards the couch and sat down patting the vacant side wanting his wife to sit beside him.
"Its all the same, just looking at different areas that have been demolished by the earthquake and the emergency services running out of resources and waiting for the neighbouring cities to come and help."
"It's so devastating…I do hope Saitou, Misao and their families are fairing well. I can't say much about other families, it is so unfortunate that people have to die such horrible deaths…" Kaoru cut herself off grabbing a tissue and patting her eyes as Kenshin flicked the television back on scanning through the channels looking for updated news. Kaoru gasped looking at new footage of body bags, small and large of victims that had been pulled from various fallen buildings.
"Kenshin, do you think what Aoshi said is true? About something happening to one of Misao's family members?"
"Hai…I believe what he said is true Kaoru." Kaoru snuggled into her husband, watching with tears falling down her cheeks at the number of injured people standing around waiting for assistance and the infinite amount of body bags, police officers standing around trying to identify the poor unfortunate victims.
* * * *
(Kyoto - Central Hospital)
Misao sat in the hallway outside the room Omasu and Kuro where still in. She had gone in to make sure they were all right but found them sleeping and didn't wish to disturb them.
"Ms Makimachi I presume?" A gentleman spoke looking down at Misao. At the mention of her last name Misao stood up facing the policeman and he spoke to her once more.
"We have located your family in a shelter a few blocks away from here. Detective Shinomori sent me to collect you and take you to them." Misao nodded her head following the policeman out of the crowded hospital and towards the passenger side of the police car.
* * * *
(The Shelter - Safe House)
Misao thanked the police officer and headed straight for the entrance. She could see Saitou directing emergency personnel, officers and of course people of where to go and what to do. He was acting professional as usual and not caring about himself in a dangerous situation such as this. Misao shook her head knowing she needed to make sure her family was all right before having a serious word with Saitou.
Misao stared wide-eyed at the amount of people huddled in the shelter. Many mothers where trying to calm down their crying children, but where unsuccessful as a small tremor made its way through Kyoto once more, a small after shock of the earthquake. It wasn't big to be overly scared or panicky but that's exactly what people were doing. There were some professionals trying to calm people down and after several minutes did exactly that and began explaining about after shock smaller earthquakes would ripple there way through Kyoto for the rest of the day and into the night.
Misao began pushing her way through the crowd knowing if her family was smart, which they were thanks to her dad, they would be huddled somewhere in a corner not wanting to be squashed together with other families. After several minutes of pushing, shoving and apologising Misao finally made out a very familiar voice that belonged to her father and practically tore her way through the other strangers resting in the safe house.
"Father!" Misao yelled loudly watching as the older man stood up, his face turning to look into the crowd of people and watched a petite young woman come through a gap, her bright blue eyes glowing with happiness at seeing the rest of her family was safe.
"Misao-chan!" Mr Makimachi yelled and raced over wrapping his youngest daughter in a bear hug. The rest of the Makimachi family, plus Yahiko stood up smiling happily to see her. Misao hugged each one of them and kissed her nephew who was probably the only child sleeping at a time like this. He was snuggled in a light blue blanket in his mothers arms and sucking his thumb…a little too calm for Misao's liking. Mother Nature was playing up and he wasn't complaining one bit. Misao guessed it was because he was in Okon's arms and she'd "cooed" to him every now and them if he became slightly restless even for a second.
"Misao sweetie, what are you doing in Kyoto?" Mrs Makimachi spoke guiding her daughter towards the small area they occupied in the shelter. Misao sat down with her father on one side and her mother on the other.
"I came with Saitou to make sure you were okay. He's here for the investigation and directing the emergency services and police officers around. Tokio-chan's family is on holidays and Saitou brought me here to make sure you were all okay.
"We are fine Misao, you shouldn't worry so much." Misao finally realised that they had no idea about Kuro and Omasu.
"Mama, I saw Omasu…in Kyoto Central Hospital." Misao began slowly and watched her mother and father tense up hearing something was wrong with their daughter. Okon placed Kentaro into Yahiko's arms and moved closer wanting to find out the news about Omasu.
"Something's happened to her?" Mrs Makimachi spoke softly her eyes tearing up as Misao bowed her head nodding it lightly.
"Mama…she had an operation…internal bleeding and Omasu…she lost the baby!" Misao blurted out watching everyone in their small circle and other strangers around them gasp in shock as they overheard the small conversation.
"Oh my sweetie…my poor young daughter…I must go see her…" Mrs Makimachi began to shuffle around ready to get up but Misao placed her hands on her shoulders making sure she was unable to stand up.
"Mama, you can't…its too dangerous to go outside and…Omasu and Kuro need to be alone…to sort things out about how they shall handle this tragedy."
"Misao-chan is right koibito." Mr Makimachi spoke softly and inched closer wrapping his arms around his weeping wife.
"Your mother was looking forward to spoiling the new grand children rotten." Misao and Okon's father spoke and they nodded their heads both feeling sadness at not being aunties to a baby Kuro and Omasu wanted so much.
Misao watched with wide eyes as people began screaming and huddling together as another severe after shock earthquake was making its way through Kyoto. Misao watched her family huddle together, Yahiko's arms wrapping protectively around Okon and Kentaro.
Misao stood up racing through the tiny gaps of others, ignoring the yelling of her family to come back. She raced to the exit watching concrete from half-collapsed buildings grumble to the ground once more and create huge dust clouds as they hit the ground. Trees began uprooting themselves once more, branches falling off nearby trees, other Kyoto residents running and screaming for cover. Misao watched from the doorway, being pushed out of the way and into the open as Saitou wasn't caring about his safety and kept directing others into nearby shelters across the "street" with the help of other brave police officers.
Misao noticed a few tilting trees where Saitou was standing and began to worry that one would fall on him and he wouldn't even realise until it was too late. Misao began racing towards him at top speed dreading something was going to happen and screamed watching a large branch snap off the tree above Saitou and fall rapidly towards him.
"SAIOTU!"
* * * *
(Fugishita Studio Warehouse)
Aoshi was painting on the rooftop of the warehouse, this being the only thing that was taking his mind off of not knowing what was happening in Kyoto. His last phone call from Saitou was when they were nearly there but for obvious reasons he had not rung again, Aoshi knowing full well Saitou would be swarmed with different jobs to do.
Flashes of lightning flickered through the darkened sky. A loud clap of thunder soon followed and it even scared Aoshi as he dropped his paintbrush looking off into the distance. His hand moved up crossing over his heart…something was definitely wrong…something had happened in Kyoto.
"SAITOU! MISAO!" Aoshi yelled to no one and raced towards the door, forgetting about his artwork and pounded down the stairs heading for Anika's office, not caring about the strange looks he was receiving from other artists who were trying to keep their minds off of the tragedy in Kyoto. Aoshi burst through the door and picked up the phone dialling Saitou's number…nothing…
After the fifth time Aoshi finally gave up and sat down in the chair defeated. Anika moved around knowing he was trying to get in contact with Saitou but was unsuccessful. The sheer desperation was definitely spread all over his face but now it was…defeated and bowed in sadness.
"Aoshi, everything will be fine…" Anika tried saying positively but watched as Aoshi stood up rushing out of the room and down the rest of the stairs heading somewhere else.
* * * *
(Kyoto - The Shelter)
"SAITOU GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Misao yelled frantically and with brute strength she didn't know existed in her she pushed herself into Saitou moving him out of the way watching as he actually fell to the ground, a look of surprise crossed his facial features at being hit like that. Misao screamed and fell to the ground, the branch connecting with her side and crushing her left leg making Misao fall on her back trapped under the branch and bleeding heavily. Misao opened her groggy eyes to see angry gold ones looking down at her.
"Weasel what the hell did you do that for?" Saitou spoke angrily trying to move the branch but he couldn't, he needed more help. Misao could faintly hear him yelling for more assistance.
"Why weasel…I could have handled it!" Saitou spoke through clenched teeth and listened to Misao's soft reply as she was falling unconscious…drifting into the darkness…willingly letting it take her far away.
"I promised…promised Tokio-chan she'd be happy. Promised she'd be alright because she would finally have you…finally she'd be happy cause you'd…protect her like she dreamed…like she hoped for… Tokio-chan cried…so much…for so long…but now…now she can be happy…because now she finally as you…Okami-san…"
"Misao-chan…" Saitou mumbled softly his hand moving to caress her temple and then his eyes narrowed angrily as he grabbed the large branch and began yelling to Misao.
"Don't you go anywhere you stubborn weasel girl! If Tokio-chan wants happiness then I sure as hell know you do as well and I ain't going to be murdered for not taking care of you by my stupid brother!" Police officers watched wide eyed as Detective Shinomori began rambling on and on about stubborn weasel's and a stupid brother. They finally moved closer helping him and the branch was removed, Saitou picking up a lifeless Misao and racing towards the entrance of the shelter while yelling his orders for the officers to take refuge.
* * * *
(Three Days pass - Tokyo Private Hospital)
Misao lies in a hospital bed, machines beeping around her and she begins to move slightly, her eyes blinking open to stare up at a very unfamiliar ceiling. Misao turned her head to the left, a small smile crossing her lips at seeing the one person she had been seeing flashes of in the blackness she had been surrounded in…Aoshi.
Those small flashbacks brought Misao out of her unconscious state. Misao sat up slightly but gasped softly and lay back down fully understanding her body wasn't ready for something like that yet.
Aoshi was slumped uncomfortably in a hospital chair near the bed, his long bangs falling over his eyes, as he was fast asleep. Misao blushed lightly as Aoshi's hand tightened around hers as she finally realised he was holding onto it so lovingly. Misao turned her hand over; her fingers lacing with Aoshi's but he still hadn't woken up. The small creaking sound of the room door alerted Misao to someone else coming into the room and turned her head to see who it was.
"Okami-san…you are okay…" Misao smiled happily but tiredly over at him as he stepped further into the dully-lit room and spoke moving over towards the bed.
"Better then you weasel girl…and my phone…" Saitou pulled out the crushed mobile phone and threw it into Misao lap. Misao let out a small giggle knowing Saitou wouldn't be too happy about that and the fact she had 'sacrificed' her safety to make sure he came out perfectly fine.
"Do you want me to get someone?" Saitou spoke once more and Misao shook her head, her eyes closing, as she wanted to rest more. Saitou left the room moving into the hallway to tell everyone that Misao was finally awake but wanted some more sleep.
"AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH." Saitou, Tokio, Kenshin, Kaoru, Misao's family, Megumi and Sano burst into the room after hearing Misao's scream. Aoshi was crouched besides Misao helping her stand back up and lifted her back onto the bed, placing her left leg back onto the pillows elevating it once more. Misao stared wide-eyed down at her left leg. It had no cast on it and so she thought she'd be able to walk on it but was totally wrong. As Misao wriggled her toes thinking she'd feel something…she didn't feel a single thing. It was as though, her leg wasn't even there.
"Why? Why can't I feel my leg?" Misao yelled alarmingly at her family members and friends, her eyes tearing up. She reached for the buzzer and pressed it numerous times wanting answers but Aoshi pried it out of her hands and sat on the side of the bed hugging a now sobbing Misao into his chest.
A doctor and a nurse burst into the room thinking it was a major emergency but relaxed slightly seeing Misao was up. The nurse began ushering the family and friends out of the room, they already knew what had happened to Misao but felt it right that she heard it from the doctor himself. Misao finally let go of Aoshi watching, as he too had to leave the room leaving her with the doctor sitting on the right side of the bed and holding a chart of her injuries.
"Tell me what is wrong with my leg Dr Takani?" Misao spoke her eyes wide in fear at wanting to hear the exact truth at what had happened to her. Misao began preparing herself for the worst but knew once she was told that she'd break down again.
"Due to the extensive damage that the branch caused within you Ms Makimachi we just don't know whether you'll be able to use your leg properly again. Bones, muscles and nerves have been damaged, broken or crushed. That is why you may feel like your leg is not there at all." Misao nodded her head, tears spilling down her cheeks as she continued to listen to what Dr Takani said.
"The wound on your side is healing nicely, most of the tree branch actually landed on your leg damaging it considerably. We shall place you on anti depressant tablets to try and help you deal with the worst."
"The worst?" Misao mumbled wanting to know what he meant by that.
"That you may never walk on it again." Misao gasped her hand flying to her mouth. This couldn't be happening to her. She wanted to do so many things, had so many dreams to fulfil all which required her entire body. Misao wanted to run along the beach, she wanted to enter martial art competitions, wanted to train with Aoshi…wanted so many things but now…now her hopes and dreams were shattered to pieces.
"You'll have to schedule yourself into seeing a physiotherapist and hopefully with his or her help you'll be able to exercise and hopefully your nerves and muscles will repair themselves making your brain remember that you actually have a left leg."
"I want you to find me the best therapist…I don't care if he or she is new and up coming I want the best…I want my life back." Misao spoke angrily and rather determined. Dr Takani nodded his head leaving the room, leaving Misao to her own thoughts.
Misao sat staring up at the ceiling and glanced her eyes over to the door as it opened, Aoshi walking inside and closing it with a soft click. Misao tried sucking back her tears but was unsuccessful at doing so. Aoshi sat on the edge of the bed looking down at Misao, his right hand clasping her right one tightly and his left tucked some loose strands behind her ear as well as wiping her cheeks clean of tears.
"You'll be all right Misao…I know you will."
"How can you be so sure?" Misao mumbled softly, turning her face away feeling ashamed. Aoshi clenched his jaw; his hand unclasping Misao's as he cupped her face bringing it back to facing his own.
"Makimachi Misao is strong and she'll fight for anything that she truly wants. This is a minor step into your true life of happiness. I know you can get through this because…I'll help you every step of the way Misao…I'm not going to dessert you…do you hear me?" Misao nodded her head and placed a forced lob-sided grin on her lips as Aoshi pressed his forehead to hers as he spoke once more, his blue-green eyes never leaving Misao puffy ocean blue ones.
"I'll be your support Misao. You may take your anger and frustration out on me. You may cry, shout and even scream in my arms. I am here to listen…to comfort you every hour of the day."
"What about minutes and seconds?" Misao mumbled softly her head moving up so she could brush her lips over Aoshi's forehead in silent thanks for being in the room with her and for being Aoshi…her best friend…her soul mate and companion through everything…
"Those too Misao-chan…those too…" Aoshi mumbled into her ear and rested his head on her shoulder slouching over her petite form. He felt a small sob escape Misao throat, her hands fisting on his shoulders, grabbing handfuls of his shirt then letting go to move around to clasp him around the neck holding him tightly to her as she wept brokenly into his neck. Aoshi 'shhhed' into her ear, his right hand brushing through Misao's hair and pulled slightly away hearing Misao hiccup lightly and noticed her eyes were closed as she cried herself to sleep. Aoshi got up leaving the room and stepped into the hallway instantly being bombarded with questions on how Misao was handling the news.
"What do you think? She's not happy, it's understandable." Aoshi answered them. They stepped back away from him and sat back down on the hospital benches waiting for the next time Misao would wake up so they could encourage her to get better.
"Do you think she'll get through this Aoshi?" Saitou asked, his hands in his pockets as he stood near a sitting Tokio who was looking up at him.
"With professional help, and the encouragement of everyone here I believe so. She has great strength and motivation to get through this but all of you need to give her compliments telling her she looks better everyday. She'll hate them and maybe even you for saying that on the outside but on the inside they will go very far."
"And what about you little brother? What are YOU going to do for her?" Saitou questioned once more, all eyes moved over to Saitou and then back to Aoshi waiting for his answer.
"No matter what happens, whether her leg functions again or not, I'll be by her side…Misao is Misao and nothing will ever change my opinion of her…especially not something as small as a non functional leg. She'll get through this…I'll make damn sure of it." Aoshi turned swiftly around heading back into the room to wait in silence for Misao to awaken wanting to speak with her some more.
"Aa…so you do love her little brother…" Saitou mumbled to himself as no one was paying any attention to him. He headed for the elevator wanting to go outside to have a cigarette. Perhaps in some way, this terrible incident would bring Aoshi closer to telling Misao what he really thinks of her as.
* * * *
To be continued…
* * * *
Authors Notes: Minna-san! You have no idea how hard it I getting to write these days! My brain had drawn a complete blank until 1:30am Monday night…but I just had to find time and energy to write it up.
Mara-san…it wasn't really something dramatic for Saitou, just it could have been…anted to get you interested…were you interested Mara-san? This is another dramatic moment in the series…poor Misao-chan *sobs* Demo…hats not all though…I know I know…way to much drama right well…too bad! *evil chuckle*
Wait for the next chappie for more on Omasu's situation as well as Misao's promise, her determination and of course her first day with…her male physiotherapist…
Ja Ne…must get on with 'Hiker…' and of course 'Lonely Widow…' right Mara-san? J