All For Love

Disclaimers apply. No offence is intended to anyone. Italicized words in quotation marks and asterisks are spoken in Japanese.

Misao: Cao, or Xiao Cao
Omasu: Zeng/Ah Zeng
Okon: Jin/Ah Jin
Okina: Lao Die (Old Father)
Shiro: Ah Bai
Kuro: Ah Hei
Megumi: Hui/ Xiao Hui
Kaoru: Xiao Xun/ Xun
Kenshin: Jian Xin
Tsubame: Yan-er
Kanryuu: Guan Liu
Yu Ting Ban Zong: Oniwabanshuu(!)

Chapter 5: Revelations

Her eyes flew open, and she sat up with a start, realising that she was in an unfamiliar place. Heart pounding so hard in her chest that it seemed like her entire body pulsed together with it, she looked down and nearly screamed out loud in horror, having discovered that someone had changed her clothes for her. She now wore a black t-shirt that was so big, it reached her knees.

Looking around the room for any clue to the identity of its owner, the first thing she noticed was that it was very neat, although small. There was a table in the corner, on which there were a few books and papers, stacked together tidily. A long sword rested in the corner next to the futon she was lying on.

Her heart skipped a beat in shock as her eyes darted to the wall on the other side, where a Japanese military flag hung. A soldier...her fear intensified as she thought of all that had nearly happened to her...and the fact that whoever it was had probably seen her body while changing her clothes for her...or even done something worse. If he hadn't, if he came back he could--And then, another sight calmed her down. The dark green uniform jacket of an officer lay on her lap, having fallen from her torso, which it had originally covered, when she sat up suddenly.

"Aoshi..." she felt a hot flush rise to her cheeks again as she recalled what had happened. So it was him who saved me and brought me here when I fainted in the streets...him, as always. She did not even want to think about what could have happened if it had not been Aoshi but someone else. She knew that Aoshi wouldn't have done anything to her.

She could trust him. She was extremely sure of it.

Footsteps. He walked into the room, wearing a black undershirt and his uniform trousers. Those intense eyes seemed to smile when he saw that she was awake, although the rest of his face stayed passive. Kneeling down next to her, he placed a hand on her forehead.

"Good, no fever." His eyes were soft as he looked at her, concerned. "Why were you out without shelter in such a heavy storm anyway?" He seemed rather curious now.

"I...I uh..."She blushed bright red. There was no way she could tell him the truth! Even if...even though he had...she turned redder, thinking about the fact that he had probably seen what he wasn't supposed to.

"Did you...did you see...?" She turned her head away, too shy to go on. He smiled another faint smile, guessing what she was probably thinking about.

He gestured behind her toward the rope that hung across the room, near the closed window, where her clothes were hanging. "I wouldn't have been able to change you out of those wet clothes if I hadn't."

The confirmation just made her feel shyer with him. If this had taken place just a decade or two ago, he would have been obliged to marry her, as soon as possible! In fact, if Lao Die found out about this....

She didn't dare to look at him.

Her sudden shyness made him smile again. Funny, he had found himself smiling quite often, be it inwardly or outwardly, ever since he had met her. But he hadn't seen such innocence and spirit for a long time. It made him think of the childhood he had lost.

Before he even knew what he was doing, he had placed his hand on her chin, turning her face toward him. She still didn't dare to look up and so kept her eyes downcast.

Almost like a bashful bride on her wedding day, he couldn't help but think. Strange, but an image of a wedding day came into his mind. She was his bride, bashful and blushing, just like now...and he was the groom, swearing to love and protect her forever...

But it'll never happen. His practicality smashed that pleasing vision into pieces. Even if she did reciprocate his feelings, a marriage would be near impossible. He knew what many of the locals felt toward their rulers--or rather, invaders. A marriage would definitely meet with strong objection.

And even thinking about marriage was too presumptuous. He didn't even know if she felt the same for him. They didn't even know each other well enough. Besides...it would only hurt her if they got too close. He had seen the scorn with which the locals had treated a local woman who had married a Japanese businessman, and did not want the same to happen to Cao.

He met her eyes again, and she was stunned to see the emotions that ran in them with such intensity--something she could not quite make out, then strength, then fear, and then resolution. Sometimes he seems so impassive, but he does feel after all, only he doesn't show it...

He removed his hand from her chin and looked away. "I'll take you home when the rain stops. I've sent someone to inform your family."

Cao realised that night had fallen. Lao Die and everyone else must be so worried. They'd be even more worried if they knew I was with a Japanese soldier though. And poor Xiao Xun...she must be feeling so guilty. She sighed. Her friend had meant well, but she would never be able to understand how she felt. She had, admittedly, been quite surprised when Xiao Xun had told her to stay away from Aoshi. After all, as Xiao Xun had always been the type to fight for what she wanted, Cao had thought that she, of all people, would understand.

Suddenly, she felt so lonely.

Her best friend was getting married in less than a week, so they probably would not spend as much time together as before. And her own family was also planning to marry her off.

She snuggled into the futon, seeking more warmth from the blanket. It smelt of him, and this somehow comforted her. Hugging her knees to her chest, she stared at his back, which she had, by now, become so familiar with.

There was nothing but the sound of raindrops and the whistle of the wind as they both stared out of the window at the rainy night.

Finally, Aoshi broke the silence. "It doesn't look like the rain is going to stop anytime soon. I think you'd better stay here overnight."

"But...but..."she lowered her eyes again. He smiled and walked toward her.

"No buts. You're staying whether you like it or not. I'll take you home tomorrow." His tone softened. "You seem tired...just sleep."

"But what about you?"

He just smiled. "Just rest." He turned off the lamp that had been giving the room light. Then, Cao heard the door open and shut. And all was silent once more.

She rested her head on the pillow and stared at the ceiling, just thinking, and slowly drifting into sleep.

***

*"Aoshi-sama, are you sure that you're doing the right thing...about the girl?"* Hannya asked him. The five of them were gathered in Hannya's room, chatting.

Aoshi nodded, not saying a word.

*"But it might not be so good for your reputation. You don't know what Yamada has been saying..."*

Aoshi looked at him questioningly. For a while, Hannya seemed to be afraid to tell him.

*"Don't get angry, Okashira...the moment he found out that you took the girl into the room, he's been going around complaining about you being hypocritical...about you stopping him from taking pleasure of the local girls, but doing the same yourself. He's also been saying that you've been abusing your power to protect the locals and forgotten your race."*

Aoshi's eyes glinted. *"He can say all he wants. No one but his cronies will believe him anyway."*

Shikijou sighed. *"But you must be careful, Okashira. They say that women often bring trouble. You can't forget who you are. And...and socialising with a local girl might not be that good for your reputation. She's so young..."*

*"I know. But somehow, I feel as if I must protect her, no matter what."*

For a while, his four friends were silent.

*"I don't know if I should say this but...but..."* Beshimi faltered.

Aoshi arched an eyebrow at him. *"You know I've always trusted the four of you. If there's anything, just say it."*

*"Okashira, have you ever considered the fact that you might be in love with the girl?"*

Aoshi looked at his friends inquiringly. "What makes you think so?"

*"When...when she fainted , you looked so worried. And you've been telling us alot about her...the look in your eyes when you talk about her..."*

*"Still, it doesn't have to mean that I love her, right?"* Aoshi defended himself.

*"True. But you never know, Okashira. Sometimes, one can never be certain about one's feelings until something important happens,"* Hannya advised.

*"I'll keep your words in mind. For now, I think I'll retire for the night. Oyasumi."* Aoshi got up on his feet and opened the door, walking out.

His four friends looked at each other when he was gone.

*"You don't really think that do you, Beshimi?"* Hyottoko asked him.

*"I do. I've never seen Okashira like this before. He used to be completely cold, but it seems like he's been lightening up ever since that girl showed up."*

*"I noticed it too,"* Hannya added. "Aoshi-sama seems to care alot about the girl, although he'll probably never admit it."

*"True. It's in his eyes. But he keeps all his emotions to himself so it's really hard to tell."*

The four of them stared at the closed door which Aoshi had just left through.

*"Let's hope he finds his true feelings soon."*


Aoshi opened the door gently, trying his best not to wake Cao up--if she was asleep. He smiled to himself when he realised that she was--sprawled under the blanket, mouth open, being the most loveable sight he had ever seen. Unable to control himself, he bent down beside her, savouring her presence. If what Beshimi said was true...but it can't be, right?

He stayed by her side for a while more, watching her sleep. Then, unable to control himself anymore, he leaned over and kissed her softly on the cheek, before finally walking over to his desk. She barely stirred, and he smiled again at that. Then, settling himself in the chair, he laid his head on the table and closed his eyes.

***

Cao's eyes suddenly flew open, and for the second time that day, she sat up with a start, rapidly recalling where she was and what had happened, and of course, the dream she had just woken up from. I don't believe I dreamt that he kissed me!

Outside, the sky was pitch black, and she guessed that it was around midnight--or one in the morning, going by Tokyo time, which had been used ever since the Japanese had taken over.

She heard the steady breathing of another person in the room, and immediately looked over in the direction where it came from; and then smiled when she saw Aoshi's lean, muscular figure sprawled at his desk, head resting on his arm.

He must be cold...it was cooler than usual after the rain, and the wind was rather strong at night. Not being able to rest until she was sure he was warm, she got out of the futon as silently as possible, reached for the uniform jacket he had covered her with earlier on, and tiptoed over to him. She then placed the jacket over his back.

As she was about to return to bed, he suddenly murmured something in Japanese. Turning back, she was shocked to see how tormented his face was.

*"Ore ga hanarerarenaide yo!"* (Note: I don't know if this is correct way to say it :[Don't leave me!]) Unable to understand what he was saying, she could only stay by his side and whisper, softly, "Don't worry, I'm here..." To her surprise, his expression relaxed into one of peace after that.

He looked so innocent and so...young when he was asleep. If she did not know beforehand, she would never have guessed that this man was an officer--one who had seen much bloodshed and who had probably caused much bloodshed as well. For now, he just looked like an innocent boy who had never seen the harshness of the world.

She thought about her dream again. It's definitely a dream, he can't have really kissed me right? But she decided that regardless of whether that kiss was real or not, she would return it. But will he wake up? Not wanting to take the risk of doing so, she gently placed a kiss on his hair, where he was less likely to feel it and therefore be woken up.

"Sweet dreams, Aoshi, and goodnight," she whispered to him, before adding under her breath, "Thank you...and I love you." Contented, she walked back to the futon, lay down and pulled the blanket over herself.

***

The first rays of sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm glow over Cao's face. Aoshi, who had been awake long before that as usual, could not help but notice how that golden glow on her sleeping face made her look almost immortal--like a fairy bathed in sunlight.

As he watched, her eyes slowly fluttered open and awareness returned to her pupils.

"Good morning, Cao."

She stood up and stretched, greeting him back at the same time. "Good morning Aoshi." Turning to him, she noticed that he was already in full uniform. He handed her her clothes, which were already dry by then. "Get yourself ready. We'll be leaving soon." With that, he walked out of the room to give her privacy.

Cao rummaged in her trouser pockets until she found the small comb and mirror which she always brought with her. Changing her clothes quickly, she brushed her hair and rebraided it. Then, she opened the door of the room.

Aoshi was talking to someone--no, four people, all in the khaki colored uniform of lower-rank soldiers. One of them wore a mask, another was unusually small sized. The third was huge and muscular, while the fourth and last one was also quite big sized and a bit on the plump side. They all turned toward her.

"Cao, I'd like you to meet my friends. Hannya, Beshimi, Shikijou and Hyottoko." He introduced them one by one. They all bowed politely. Cao smiled at them. "Hi, nice to meet you."

"Our leader tells us about you often," Beshimi started. Aoshi shot him a warning glance, which Cao was too busy blushing to notice.

"You must be hungry, Cao. Let's get some breakfast before we take you home." Aoshi changed the subject before his four friends could 'inevitably' reveal more than what he wanted her to know.

She nodded shyly, and they went off.

While they walked and even as they ate, Cao got to know Aoshi's four friends better. She noticed that Aoshi was more or less the undisputed leader of their gang, and his friends seldom argues with him. Why, she guessed that it was perhaps because he was older, or that his rank was higher. But in no time, the four proved to be good company, injecting humor (and sometimes lewd jokes) to conversations and offsetting Aoshi's seriousness and aloofness. They were like kindred spirits, and Cao found herself learning more about the culture and lives of the people who had invaded and taken over her country barely two months before. She was astonished to learn that not all of the soldiers had joined the military willingly, and that there were quite a number of young men, barely out of their childhood, who had been brainwashed into joining the Japanese military by their teachers.

The more she learnt, the more she realized that she and her fellow citizens were not the only victims of war. But at the same time, she was also impressed by Aoshi and his friends' patriotism. She realised that they would do anything for their country and emperor--but all the same, she sensed their displeasure at the way so many of their fellow soldiers treated the local people.

Then, it was all over and Aoshi was escorting her up the stairs of the shophouse, while the other four stayed in the car as a large group of soldiers with a young girl would definitely attract alot of unwanted attention.

Lao Die flung open the door just after one knock, and was stunned, but nonetheless relieved to see his adopted granddaughter safe though a little worse for wear.

"Xiao Cao! You're back! We were so worried, especially when a soldier dropped by and told us you were at the military barracks. We nearly thought you had been kidnapped and taken away by..." It was then that he noticed Aoshi. Bowing once, perhaps more out of fear than anything else, he spoke to Aoshi

"Are you Major Shinomori who saved my granddaughter on the streets and took care of her?" There was only politeness, and nothing else. By then, Jin and Zeng had also come to the door.

When Aoshi replied affirmatively, Lao Die continued. "Thank you then, I'm sorry if she has been any trouble."

"She hasn't been any trouble at all."

"We still owe you something in return. I can sense that you're a good man. If you ever need any help, you can come to us and we'll try our best to help you," Lao Die replied.

"I'll keep that in mind." He turned to leave, but stopped and turned back again.

"I'll be more than willing to help you too if you ever need it." Somehow, Cao sensed that these words were directed to her, and she blushed again, thinking about how Aoshi had told her to tell any other soldier who caused trouble for her that she was his woman.

"Xiao Cao, we're so glad that you're home," Zeng and Jin hugged her so tightly she nearly couldn't breathe.

"He didn't do anything to you did he?" Cao shook her head.

"You know, it seems as if you're quite friendly with him. Didn't he escort you home too the other day?" Jin asked, suddenly remembering.

"Yes but..."

"Cao, I know he probably doesn't mean any harm, but maybe you shouldn't be hanging around with him so often. Tongues are going to wag...besides, nobody will want to marry a girl who has been linked to a soldier."

"I don't intend to marry anyway. If he really loved me he wouldn't care who I hung around with."

"That's not the point. I'm advising you as your older sister--the less you're seen with him, the better. Quite a few people have been taken away by soldiers to God knows where in the past few days, and they haven't been heard from again. Many people are saying that of those taken away, the majority were members of the underground resistance or just anti-Japanese. They say that there is a spy or informer at work--don't let them think it is you, or any of us."

"I didn't tell Aoshi anything!"

Jin placed a hand on her soldier. "Tell me truthfully, Cao, what is your relationship with this...this Aoshi?"

"We're just friends...acquaintances."

"Cao, I watched you grow up, and I can tell that your feelings for him are more than that."

Not knowing what to say, Cao lowered her head.

"I wouldn't mind if he was anyone else but...but a soldier! No matter how good he is, it still won't be good in the long run. Stay away from him as much as possible."

"Why do you and Xiao Xun keep telling me the same thing? There's nothing between he and I now, but if we were meant to be together we will be, and nothing's going to stop us!"

"We tell you this because we care, Xiao Cao. And Xiao Xun was pretty upset when she came over just now, she thinks its her fault that you ran out of the clinic. I think you'd better go over and see her as soon as possible," Zeng replied.

Without warning, the door suddenly flew open, and all four occupants looked up, stunned, as Xiao Xun burst in.

"Xiao Cao, you've got to help," Xiao Xun sobbed uncontrollably. "Just now, some soldiers just burst into the clinic and took Dr. Hui away!"

tbc...

Thanks to Ume no Hana for providing the information about teachers brainwashing kids into wanting to join the military.
I hope everything I wrote here was accurate!
Well, it's back to school this coming wk :( But rest assured, I'll try to update this fic regularly (say, once a week?)
Till the next chapter, Happy New Year!
P.S: I can't help telling you this little so-called 'spoiler'-- Cao's name isn't going to stay 'Cao' for long in this fic, sooner or later it's going to revert to Misao...stay tuned to find out why