If Only You Smile 4
Geta = wooden shoes, clogs
****
"We're here!" Misao cheered and threw her arms into the air to emphasize further ecstasy as she stopped to the entrance of her hometown. "Whoa didn't think we could get here in less than an hour. Must be a new record for me." While displaying her cheery undertone in front of the local people, the braided girl didn't realise that Makoto was panting hard on her knees as she tried to catch her breath. It had been a while since she had run that fast in a long time. This wasn't meant to be a chase from death. So why was she out of breath already? Well the answer was simple, wasn't it?
It was all thanks to Misao. She was the one who dragged Makoto by the arm to get to this destination and witnessing how agile and fast this ninja could be made it a little hard for the struggling brunette to catch up with her. What made her tiring more evident was the fact that she was in a pair of Geta. Misao never really gave her a chance to rest her feet from the aches during the journey to Kyoto since she was so eager to get back home. Sure Makoto could run fast if she wanted to but that was at training where her feet were either barefooted or bandaged protectively. Usually she did the latter to prevent any painful pricks to her bare soles.
Misao frowned slightly as she noticed her sprinting partner rub her feet and exhale loudly on her knees. "Are you okay?"
"You should have let me rest for at least one minute on the way," Makoto said in a breathless voice. "My feet hurt."
"Why didn't you take off your Geta before we left?" Misao suggested logically. "I thought you were a trained fighter in martial arts like me."
"I am a trained fighter. I just didn't get a chance to get my Geta off since you simply dragged me by the arm and led me here," The older auburn girl complained, albeit not furiously. "Oh it doesn't matter. We're here anyway and that's what important." Rubbing off the silly complaint, she then decided to take off her Geta to give her aching soles some comfort, even though she knew her socks were going to get dirty from the soil on the ground. Besides she often trained without shoes so there really was no need to make a fuss, was there? Makoto had to keep reminding this to herself.
As Makoto followed Misao through the town, she noticed how Kyoto was much busier than Osaka. Everyone was moving in all directions and Makoto felt like a tourist visiting another country. She hadn't been here for many years and it had changed since her brief visit here a decade ago. The population of this town had grown. Last time she came here it was quieter and smaller. Misao gestured to Makoto excitedly when they approached a building with the sign Aoiya at the top. What was this place? The tall brunette stared at the sign and the size of the building in surprise as though she was a statue. Misao slid the door to the Aoiya open and shouted a loud 'Hello I'm back' when she walked inside.
Sudden cries of 'Hi Misao-chan' rang into Makoto's eardrums, dissolving her dazed trance from standing outside. Who could those voices be? Was it Misao's family? An unexpected feeling of shyness crept into her body. Even if she was a grown up, she somehow felt like a little girl making a visit to a friend's house for the first time to meet her family members. What were Misao's family members like? Makoto's hesitation to walk in was growing – until Misao reappeared outside.
"What are you doing standing outside? Come on in. I want you to meet the others." The ebony haired ninja took her arm to guide her in. Second thoughts were going into Makoto's head while she travelled into the new building. Maybe this wasn't a good idea. She should be at Osaka, helping Ayane make some food for the guests in the inn or the customers at her teahouse rather than pay a visit to someone's place. Straightening her kimono robes, Makoto came face to face with five figures, who stood at different corners of the room doing various chores. Seemed like the Aoiya was a restaurant from the looks of things. They had identical cutlery and tools to Ayane's teahouse. Two women and two men smiled at her and Makoto smiled back to return the gesture.
"Misao, where have you been?" A deep voice echoed in a furious intonation.
Misao laughed nervously as she turned to the dining table. "Hey Jiya, sorry I was in a rush…"
"You should have told us where you going before…is that Kino Makoto?" An old man stood up, his hands behind his back and his eyes staring at the new guest. Makoto stared at him in shock, speechless. How did he know her name? That was the first thing that came to mind. Memories of the past abruptly interfered with reality as she looked at this wise person. He did look familiar all right. But who was he? The face was recognisable though the name was obviously blank in Makoto's memories. "You are Kino Makoto, aren't you?" The guest told him he was indeed correct. "Hmm…I remember your father very well."
Makoto carefully sat down by the table. "How do you know me? And my father?"
"I always see you standing beside your father when he comes to visit us at the old Oniwabanshu headquarters. A very noble man he was. Always showed that he cared about you as his daughter and called you Mako-chan a lot." The old man's smile caused Makoto to lower her head into the table. She didn't want to show that she was embarrassed by this kind appreciation towards her parents. It had been so long since she had heard anyone speak highly of them – until she saw Aoshi four months ago.
"This is my Jiya," Misao added. "His codename in the Oniwabanshu days was Okina."
"Oh Okina! Yes that definitely rings a bell," Makoto said. Indeed her father did mention his name a few times back in the old days. It was strange how some of these past faces were starting to resurface into the present day automatically and Makoto wasn't even trying to remember people's names or attempt to recall any past events. It all just came back to her like magic. The old man continued to reminisce on the past.
"You've grown much taller since the last time I saw you, Makoto," Okina pointed out to the brunette girl. "You have your mother's face and your father's powerful eyes."
Powerful? Makoto couldn't believe this old man was complimenting her parents' features here. Now she was more embarrassed over this complimenting moment. She never ever thought of her father's eyes to be described as…powerful. That definitely was a first for her. Apart from the previous Oniwabanshu Okashira, Okina was one of her parents' closest comrades in the past, which would explain his loyal words towards Makoto herself. Looking at his eyes, she was certain this was no ordinary old man. She knew he was a fighter in the Oniwabanshu and from what she could recall as a child the members' training was just as intense as her own.
Alongside everyone else who was listening to the conversation between Okina and Makoto, Misao seemed to become more surprised with the new facts being released. Okina noticed how attentive the braided girl appeared as she sat next to Makoto and asked, "Misao, did you know Makoto's parents were one of many successors in Shotokan Karate?"
The younger girl shook her head innocently. "I heard that you were good friends with them."
"I haven't told her everything about my family or myself, Okina-san," Makoto clarified. She and Misao were too busy discussing something else to talk about themselves. After all their main subject consisted of a tall man who never spoke a lot and that seemed to be more important than getting to know one another.
The old man nodded understandably and decided to do the explaining for her in order to give Misao more facts to put into her mind. "Well Makoto's father was one of the well-respected Shotokan Karate masters in the past and one of the closest allies to the Oniwabanshu." His eyes lowered into a graver sign when he diverted his gaze back to Makoto. "I'm sorry for what happened to your parents back then, Makoto. It was unexpected."
"Oh…I appreciate your kind words towards my parents," Makoto bowed her head slightly. She knew exactly what he was referring to although Misao wasn't exactly sure what her grandfather meant. Of she was a little shocked by what sounded like tragic news but from sensing the silence around the table she guessed that Makoto's parents had been deceased for a long time, which would explain why Makoto never said a word about them at the beginning. Okina was referring to the night her parents were murdered – by Imperialist soldiers. Her parents' screams echoed all around Makoto when she closed her eyes to remember the horror she had witnessed and suffered as a twelve-year old.
The shock of seeing her own parents die in her arms was so strong that she wasn't able to get her revenge. Makoto bit her lip hard at the memory of seeing her parents die and the murderer being dealt with by reinforcements. Looked like she didn't have to do the revenge herself. If she did she would easily become a Hitokiri, wouldn't she? And that would mean she had broken her mother's promise to only injure the enemy rather than kill. Although her parents weren't here Makoto was still carrying the family's respect towards the Oniwabanshu till this day. She owed them for helping her deal with her parents' murderer after all.
Okina changed the subject to a much lighter level to ease the depressing silence among the table. "So…what brings you to Kyoto? You haven't visited this town for a long time, have you? Oh thanks, Omasu." The girl with a bun in her hair came with a tray of tea and nodded to the old man before leaving the three figures alone. Makoto did her best to push the memory of her dead parents out in order to answer his question. While she was successful at pulling off an encouraging smile to the veteran Oniwabanshu member, she then discovered how rather embarrassing it was to explain the real reason to her arrival in this town. The long haired auburn girl pivoted her jade eyes to meet with Misao's gaze, expecting an answer from the main host herself. But Misao wasn't sure how to explain this in front of her grandfather.
Okina chuckled while sipping his tea as he watched the older female gesture to his granddaughter with only her eyes. He knew they were up to something. "Misao? Why don't you tell me the reason to bringing Ryouji's daughter to the Aoiya, hmm? It's not that awkward to say, is it?"
"Jiya, it's got something to do with uh…" Misao twiddled with her fingers anxiously, her emerald irises looking at the wooden surface of the table. She moved her gaze back to Makoto. "Why don't *you* tell him?" It looked like the brown-haired Karateka had no choice but to say it, seeing as Misao was just as embarrassed as her.
"Misao-chan came to visit me in Osaka," Makoto summarised briefly. "She told me about Shinomori Aoshi-san, explaining how uneasy he is these past days since the previous battle. We both agree that I may be able to help him. You see, he and I uh have met before…" This caused the rest of the guys in the Aoiya to turn their heads round and watch the guest talk. Makoto hated it when lots of eyes were on her. It intimidated her. If this was a fight she *always* ignored the staring faces without any problems - in order to focus on her opponent's moves. But this scenario was something else. This reminded her of how her normal everyday life was at Osaka. People stared at her as though she was a foreigner. The treatment here was almost similar although these guys seemed to be curious to hear her talk about Aoshi. Why else did they forget their work to listen in on the discussion of the Oniwabanshu Okashira?
"Did you meet him when you were young?" Okina questioned. "I never saw you two talk when you and Ryouji came to visit."
"Aoshi-san and I didn't exactly have the chance to talk properly but we exchanged quick hellos," Makoto replied. "Also, four months ago he saved my life when I was down in a fight and it surprised me how much he still remembered about my parents...and me." A small gasp spread among the four co-workers in the Aoiya and they immediately silenced to not bring themselves more attention and discomfort for the guest. Okina eyed Omasu, Shiro, Okan and Koru with a warning bell, telling them to not intimidate Makoto while she sat in nervousness and embarrassment. This guest turned out to be quite extraordinary. Not only was she the daughter of a deceased Karate master but she was also someone who had met their cold Oniwabanshu Okashira. How well did she know him anyway?
"Something tells me that you admire him just as much as Misao does," Okina said, smirking. "I hear it in your voice. The both of you want the best for Aoshi." Makoto couldn't help smiling at this comment and neither could Misao herself. The former wasn't grinning merely because he was correct on his statement but because she was impressed with how perceptive he was to picking up the reason for her presence. It almost reminded her of herself whenever she spoke to anyone. This was something both her parents taught her about helping friends in need.
"Jiya, I think Mako-chan might stand a better chance at I do at making him smile and be more open. I've tried enough times," The sadness in the braided girl's voice loomed back from before. Makoto honestly couldn't blame the girl for feeling so down. Being rejected by someone you had strong feelings for was something hard to get used to and it always left you experiencing severe depression…if not worse. However, it seemed that Misao didn't look like she was about to commit suicide for being unsuccessful in opening Aoshi's heart. Instead, she looked confident, especially when she looked at Makoto with those huge green orbs of hers. And along with those wide eyes she gave her a hopeful smile. It was like she was counting on Makoto to do something for her.
"Misao, why don't you take Makoto to the temple? Aoshi may have said his time at that place is over for today but you can never be sure whether he means it or not," Okina uttered. "Chances are that he's there right now."
"Okay then," She became her joyful self again and helped Makoto to her feet, growing excited by the minute. "Aoshi-sama spends most of his days at the temple meditating. I'm sure he'll be shocked to see you in Kyoto."
"Uh, Misao-chan?" Makoto said, interrupting Misao's bubbly speech. The ninja zipped her lips briefly to wait what her friend was about to say. "Do you have a place where I can wash my feet?" Holding her Geta in one hand, Makoto pointed down to the dirty parts of her socks. She laughed timidly.
"Oh you can wash your feet outside," Omasu added as she approached the guest, whose face still looked a little embarrassed as she searched for any marks on the floor. "Hey you didn't make a mess on the floor or anything. Everywhere is clean from what I can see."
"Well Misao sometimes runs into the Aoiya with dirty feet," Okina laughed and noticed Misao's face turn red with anger.
"Jiya, I never have dirty feet!" She shrieked, appearing as though she had steam rising from her head. Makoto was a little stunned to see this friendly ninja give off a lot of hot air for the first time but realised this was all part of a family atmosphere. She remembered how her father sometimes made jokes about her, which were obviously not true in real life. Those words he said were merely something to make her smile and laugh. That was all. And Makoto guessed it was the same thing between Okina and Misao. She knew Okina loved his granddaughter even when he joked around and received a Gecho Geri to his cheek.
As Makoto followed Omasu outside to the garden, Misao appeared behind her after managing to put Okina in a land of twinkling stars, thanks to her special kick.
"Misao-chan, are you sure about doing this?" Omasu asked as she left Makoto by the well to fetch some water in a bucket. "I mean, we all know how you feel about Aoshi-sama…"
"Omasu-san I told you already. I'm fine with all this. Really," Misao insisted strongly. "Mako-chan seems like the kind of person who will reach into Aoshi-sama's heart. She has that look, you know?" Omasu nodded understandably while she listened to the young ninja and watched the female guest clean herself quickly from a distance. Misao was right about her. She did have a special aura around her. Even though she was a Shotokan Karate student she had a gentle look in her eyes. A look of deep care and concern towards other people.
"Hey, Mako-chan?" The ebony haired ninja beckoned to the tall brunette who tilted her head to the right to see Misao and Omasu waiting by the door to the Aoiya. "Why don't we make a nice snack for Aoshi-sama? Sounds kinda cool, don't you think?" After all he only ate one bowl of rice. He just wanted to leave us quickly
Makoto pondered for a brief minute about this suggestion as she put her socks and Geta back on. Making food for Sempai, huh? That sounded worthwhile. Cooking for someone you liked was always nice. Especially if it was Shinomori Aoshi. "That does sound cool. I may an idea on what to make."
"Really? That's great. Omasu-san, can you get some tea leaves?"
"Sure thing," Omasu replied, agreeing to assist in this little dinner preparation and walked back inside the Aoiya alongside Misao. Makoto wasn't sure how any of this turned up. Misao must have been preparing this all in her mind while Makoto was cleaning her feet by the well. Why didn't she even think about making nice food for Aoshi in the first place? Oh of course. She was too busy thinking about her parents when they died in her arms. That was the main thought in her mind during her conversation with Okina. Better start cooking something Makoto thought and went indoors.
****
Misao had been turning her head round constantly as they walked up the steps leading to the temple. Was Aoshi coming or not? Or was he already inside? Before leaving the Aoiya, Makoto and Misao had to plan out a way of not being caught by surprise by the Oniwabanshu Okashira's sudden appearance. If Makoto was to keep her food tray steady in her hands, she was also to keep an eye on whether Aoshi would come out of the temple door. Misao, on the other hand would be using her eyes to check behind and see if Aoshi-sama would be coming up the steps rather than coming down (that was Makoto's job).
So far, the area of the temple was quiet. Only Makoto and Misao were the ones walking up the steps. This was good so far. No sign of Aoshi *yet*. If he did appear out of nowhere then it was goodbye to the delightful food Makoto had made in thirty minutes. When the two girls reached the temple entrance, the Oniwabanshu ninja opened the door to observe the meditating hall. Normally she would see Aoshi sitting in front of a statue and closing his eyes to demonstrate a deep trance. But it didn't look like he was here. Maybe he was outside on the grass like before, looking at the flowers.
"I gotta go now," Misao whispered to Makoto who had placed the tray of food onto the small table a few feet away from a large statue of a religious figure.
"I thought you were staying," Makoto whispered back.
"Are you kidding? I'd ruin your privacy with Aoshi-sama. Besides…" The ninja patted Makoto's shoulder. "You're the one he's interested in, right?" She grinned. The brunette smiled uncertainly at the comment that had been given to her. She wasn't sure if this was agreeable. Was she really one of the few people Aoshi was interested in? Well…she had to find out herself when he came in person, wouldn't she? "Just wait until he shows up, ok? Good luck." Misao then ran out of the temple in light strides, leaving a very nervous Makoto to sit alone by the table and a statue of Buddha in front of her.
****
She'll be fine. I just know it Misao thought encouragingly. Her running down the steps had begun to speed up so quickly that she didn't notice a familiar figure walking in the opposite direction. As she went down further and further Misao instantly recognised every single feature of the person. It *was* HIM no doubt. Who else had fine ebony hair that covered his ice-blue eyes to display a sombre look? Aoshi-sama was here! Could this timing be any good? Misao couldn't stop giggling in her throat. Aoshi's face ascended when he saw Misao running down speedily and what appeared to be a small (if not unclear) smile of greeting came to view.
"Hello, Misao," He said in a quiet tone.
"Hi, Aoshi-sama," Misao replied. "Just put some food in the temple for you."
"Food? Misao, I…"
"Sorry gotta go now. Jiya needs me to help him with some errands." She waved behind her back as she ran down the steps like a fast-moving rat. Aoshi was surprised with how much of a rush she was in today. That wasn't like her at all. Of course he knew how excited she always grew whenever she greeted him. That was understandable. But there seemed to be an indication that she was up to something. He could tell she had a mischievous side somewhere. Misao just didn't like to show it in front of him.
When he reached the entrance door of the temple, Aoshi spotted a pair of Geta sitting outside, snuggling against one another. Whose shoes were they? He wondered. Nobody ever really came to visit this temple except everyone else at the Aoiya. Maybe one of them was inside to pray for a while. He slid the door open to see who it was that had come to meditate silently but was a little stunned to see that it wasn't anyone he knew from the Aoiya. In fact it was somebody else. Someone who wasn't a member of the Oniwabanshu clan. Aoshi's cerulean orbs enlarged in amazement as he took in the new figure (whose back was facing him as she knelt down).
The curly strands of rich brown moved across her shoulders as she turned her head round to look at him. Those sharp emerald eyes had never changed from before. Could this really be HER? Was she here, in the flesh? Surely this was a dream. If it was then Aoshi would sense he was going to wake up any time. But he wasn't waking up at all. This was real.
"It's been a long time…Aoshi-Sempai," Makoto greeted, smiling warmly to him.
"Makoto?" He could only say in response.
TBC
