Rurouni Misao
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Disclaimer: Once again, I own none of these characters! They all belong to Nobuhiro Watsuki! So with that in mind, don't sue me. I'm dead broke so you wouldn't get much anyway
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A/N: Hey! I actually got the next chapter up pretty fast!
I wouldn't get used to it thoughI'm really very lazy.
Oh yeah, I want to thank bee, Sharai Darekin, Celtic Oak and Kurtain for reviewing. It was very encouraging! I hope you all continue to review ^_^.
And just so you know, I never said she would just be wandering aimlessly around. She might just bump into Hiko Seijuro among others while travelling. Wouldn't want Misao to be lonely, right? ^_~
Eeks! And I just realized that I had the "Do not accept anonymous reviews" box checked.
I thought that I'd changed it beforebut I guess I forgot.
I'm really, really sorry if this stopped anyone from reviewing! *bows apologetically*
You can review now though! I'm pretty sure I changed it this time!
So please read and review!
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Chapter 1: Letting You Go
Aoshi sat peacefully meditating in the temple.
Silence filled the air as he waited for Misao to come in and break it, as it was the regular morning ritual.
But the day dragged on and still there was no sign of Misao's stomping footsteps or her voice ringing in the air.
Aoshi was thinking about getting up and finding out if something was wrong, when the sounds of soft footsteps could be heard approaching the temple.
Soft footsteps.
In other words, not Misao.
It was Okina.
Now Aoshi was sure there was something wrong.
*Okina wouldn't come himself unless this was either very important, or*
Okina burst through the door in the most reckless way he could manage.
"Aoshi! It's Misao! She'sgone."
Misaogone.
The words echoed through his head repeatedly as visions of Beshimi, Hyottoko, Shikijo and Hannya flashed through his mind.
All of them were gonesacrificed for his worthless life. And now Okina was saying that Misao was
"Aoshi? Are you listening to me?"
Said Okina, breaking Aoshi's train of thought.
Aoshi stared blankly up at him and Okina sighed as he pulled out a piece of paper.
"Here. You better read this."
Aoshi opened the paper to find a splotchy note in Misao's handwriting.
*What is this? Herwill?*
Expecting the worse, he began to read.
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Dear Jiya
As you've probably already figured out, I am no longer in the Aoiya. In fact by the time you read this letter I should (hopefully) be out of Kyoto altogether ^_^.
You're probably really angry with me right now butplease let me explain.
Because of"recent events" I've finally come to realize how weak I am.
I am currently so weak, I endanger the rest of the Oniwabanshuu and am not yet worthy to be Okashira.
SoI've decided to go on a journey to train and become stronger both mentally and physically.
It's my decision, so please don't come after me.
If you are worried about what the Oniwabanshuu will do without it's Okashira; it's all right.
I was never officially named "Okashira" so technically, Aoshi still is.
See? You guys don't really need me there right now anyway!
But keep in mind, when I get back, I intend to challenge Aoshi and take the title for real this time.
I'm sorry if I'm worrying everyone but this is something that I have to do.
Love Always,
Misao
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Aoshi sat staring at the letter unmoving, unblinking and seemingly unbreathing. If Okina hadn't known any better, he might have thought Aoshi had gone into a state of shock.
What it was, was a mixture of relief at finding out Misao was, in fact alive and complete and utter confusion.
*Misaowhat do you mean? II do need you hereand what "recent events?"*
Okina, realizing that Aoshi was spacing out, cleared his throat to get his attention.
"So what should we doOkashira?"
*What should we do? Bring her back! What else would we do?*
His instincts screamed for him to track her down and show her how foolish she was being.
*That Misao really doesn't think about things enough! It's dangerous out there! She could get hurtI really wish she would grow up-*
Aoshi froze. That isif he could get any stiffer then he already was at the moment. ^_~
*Grow upmaybe that's what she's trying to do. *
For some strange reason, the fact Misao was trying to grow up hurt more then Misao just being childish and impulsive.
*Misaowhy couldn't you just grow here? You didn't have toleave me.*
There it was. It was all about him.
How had Misao felt when she had woken up to find him gone?
Suddenly, he felt very tired. As if he'd lost all the energy he'd ever had.
But then againhadn't he?
"Aoshi?"
Questioned Okina.
"Let her go." He said, his throat feeling strangely tight.
Okina's eyes widened.
"But Aoshi-"
He raised a hand to cut him off. "Just let her go."
"Are youare you sure it's ok?" Asked Okina.
"Yes, it's something she has to do andI won't stop her."
He stood up and pretended to study the scrolls on the wall, so he wouldn't have to look at Okina, the man who knew him better then anyone else. "When she's readyshe will return."
Okina bowed. "Alright, I'll go to inform the others of your decision, Okashira."
And only after Okina left, did Aoshi allowed himself to slump down to his knees.
"Misao"
He whispered letting all his anguish flow into that one single word.
*I trust youso come back soon.*
*I'll be waitingright here.*
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Out side the temple, Okina stood amidst the falling autumn leaves.
"Aoshiyou did the right thing. She will be back."
He turned his head to stare up at the sky. "Just be ready"
"Because when she gets back, she won't be Misao-chan anymore."
*She'll be Makimachi Misao, Okashira of the Oniwabanshuu.*
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Tsuzukeru
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A/N: I had a really hard time writing this chapter! It's mostly from Aoshi's POV so I was trying to think like him O_O.
Anyway, the next chapter goes back to Misao's POV! So please look forward to it!
(and don't forget to review ^_^)
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-furin
