Chapter 5: Pondering thoughts
Misao turned in her bed. She has been shifting and turning in her futon for the thousand times already and still she can't sleep. It seems sleep has eluded her and she is failing in finding it. She turned again to her right side facing the window. She finally gave up and opened her eyes, and focused them at the night sky through the open window.
Very soon, morning would come and a lack of sleep can be a problem, Misao thought. Okina is a rigid taskmaster and this means she could be punished more than she should be. But Misao smirked on this idea. "It's not that I haven't eluded Okina's punishment before. And besides, Aoshi is there sometimes to bail me out." At the mention of Aoshi's name, Misao' thoughts shifted to the event that occurred moments ago.
They were happily celebrating her birthday when the sudden commotion and attack occurred. In a flash, the mood was changed from merriment to a silent battlefield. Tension was prickling at an all time high especially when Aoshi opened the missive. Misao was puzzled at Aoshi's actions. His eye contact to Okina and the short conversation between them said more than words. There was something going on and she couldn't help but wonder if it involves the Oni gang especially her.
Misao shifted again in her bed and faced the ceiling. Her gut instinct is telling her that she is involved. 'But how come Okina and Aoshi excluded her from the meeting that occurred after the event, Misao contemplated. Why was Kenshin involved? I am still the Okashira, right? I should be involved.'
But as Misao deliberated more on the situation, she can't help think that though she is the Okashira, times like this where critical matters arise and wise decisions are needed, Aoshi usually take charge. His experience and skills in handling matters comes out naturally when grave business is at hand. He is a master at this business.
Misao's thoughts moved from Aoshi to the symbol that was written in the missive. She has seen it before, a long time ago, but she can't place it on where she has seen the symbol. She even remembered that she even made fun of that symbol when she was a child and was constantly admonished by Aoshi and Hanya for her mischievous ways and actions. But she can't place the name and significance of the symbol.
As Misao pondered on the importance of the symbol, the sudden rustling of leaves grabbed her attention. She immediately rose from her bed and crept silently to the open window, kunai's in her hands. But the shadows in the trees turned out to be Shiro's and Kuro's, who were home from tonight's watch. She could see the fatigue and lack of sleep in their eyes, as they made their way silently to the house. But what surprised Misao was when Aoshi emerged from the shadows of the house. He personally met them before they could enter the house and silently hear their reports. But Aoshi was not dressed in his kimono but in his Oni uniform! How come, she thought? Misao's eyes widened as she realized that Aoshi was guarding the whole house itself!
As the wind blew gently, the sides of Aoshi's trench coat was swept and it revealed the menacing kodachi's that he is hiding. "So he is also up all night to guard us, but why?" Misao thought. "The situation must be worse if Aoshi personally see to the security of the house."
Misao crept back to her bed on which she settled once again in her pondering thoughts. This is so far the worst situation that the Oniwabanshu has faced since the Shishiyo's planned take over. She could feel the seriousness of the situation and though Aoshi is acting cool, she knows that he is worried.
Misao yawned. "Finally, sleep has come and now I can really rest." Misao said. But before, she could be swept away to dream land; she has come to a decision.
After hearing Shiro and Kuro's reports, Aoshi allowed them to get some rest. The young Oni's were dead tired from the preparation and work all day not to mention from the additional work that he has set upon them.
He waited until Shiro and Kuro have entered the house. Until he is sure that they were abed, he continued to stand at the openness of Okina's garden. When he was sure that they were in their rooms and probably humming in their sleep, only then he shifted his gaze at Misao's window. He knows that Misao saw them in the garden and she knows what is going on. But she does not know the gravity of the situation. "Poor Misao." he thought as he started to walk back into the house. " She does not know the situation she is going to be involved. Her dreams will be shattered and that will all be because of him."
Aoshi started up the steps of the dojo, but he looked back at the silver moon. "It was like this night when the bloody murder was done. Blood shed were everywhere as we were attacked. What a treachery.and what a catastrophe it brought. It even brought trouble for Misao. But what about you Aoshi? Have you protected her?" After the bloody massacre, Aoshi swore to protect Misao, yet he only brought her trouble. Pain in leaving her, grief in his temporarily loss and suffering for his deeds. But there is still a chance of retribution, and Misao could count on that. "I will be here for you Misao and I will be here to protect you, no matter what.." Aoshi silently said as he sat down in front of the shoji doors of the dojo.
Okina could not sleep. He is disturbed by the events and the unexpectancy of it. He never thought that the Shijutsu clan was active these days. He thought they perished at the last stand of Edo castle and totally disbanded after the Bakamatsu. 'Why are they here now and what are they up to? What do they want with Misao? Why would they insist the pact that was thought to be over a long time ago?'
Okina looked at the dark sky, illuminated by the moon. The stars are out tonight and they were sparkling brightly. He looked at them with tender in his eyes as he remembered his good old days with his departed friends. How they like to dream under the night sky, tell one's future and how are they going to be together forever. Yet, I am alone, Okina sighed. "Even Takano has deserted me." HE smirked as he remembered Misao's grandfather. "Okashira you may be, but you are one of the craziest person I ever know."
His thoughts shifted to Misao. Takano's granddaughter has certainly showed the strength and the wise ness that Takano has, though its just needs time to harness the skills. Misao is a very promising student; it just needs time to develop her weapons. Okina once again looked at the stars. "Takano- san, where ever you are now, am sure you are proud of your grand daughter, though not as much as proud for the Oniwabanshu. Times are hard and we are struggling to survive. This is a very different Japan, but much peaceful compared to our times." Okina then wistfully looked at his garden, "and hope we can overcome this latest test on our organization."
He went back to his futon. He could sense Aoshi asleep at the door of the dojo, protecting it from harm. Though he is asleep, he knows that Aoshi could sense anything for miles, from the rustling of the leaves to the tiny sound emitted by the small insects. He could not help but think of their conversation moments ago.
Flashback....
Okina closed the shoji doors silently and sat at the far side of the room. He slipped his hands in his kimono and looked at Aoshi. He could sense the tension building up inside Aoshi and he is trying hard to contain it. The incidents at the living room were not supposed to happen but it did. No one expected it.no one for 15 years.
Okina looked again at Aoshi. His back was turned to him and was silent. He was assessing the situation. Okina waited patiently for him to speak. Everyone is already in their rooms, trying to get some rest and erase the memory that had happened moments ago. Everyone is uneasy especially Misao, who went to her room, seeming to be in a trance. For once, the loud-mouthed Sanosuke was silent and assisted the ladies to their rooms.
"I have sent Shiro and Kiro out for patrols tonight. I shall join them shortly and relieve them of their post." Aoshi quietly said.
Okina kept silent but after a moment he spoke. "That is not what you came to talk to me."
Aoshi was silent. Okina could sense that he is biding his time, seeming to wait for someone, but he was not expecting when the shoji doors open and Kenshin walks in. Kenshin silently sat on the other side of the room, opposite of Okina. Kenshin was silent for a moment, and then he broke the silence.
"I don't why you wanted me here Aoshi. I know this purely Oniwabanshu business and I am not supposed to be here. But if you need my help, I'll certainly be here."
"Thanks Kenshin." Aoshi answered solemnly. "But the reason I want you to be here is that I want to ask you on how much do you know about the Shijutsu clan."
Kenshin raised his head and looked straight at Aoshi's back. "I have known the Shijutsu clan long before I became a slasher. They are one of the most prominent ninja groups in Nagoya and even for the whole of Japan. They are one of the starch supporters of the shogun too and that means my enemy. I have few dalliances with them but I have bad incidents with them too. Why do you ask?"
"Kenshin, I know that you know that the Shijutsu clan are not stupids. They do their job very well. I know for the fact that they now know that Battoussai is inside this dojo and is friends with the Oniwabanshu. I just want you to be careful and on guard. I just want you to protect Kaoru and Yoshi if things comes to worst. I also hope that you could make Sanosuke understand this one."
"I have already assumed that. But tell me this Aoshi, what has this recent events have got to do with Misao? I know that she is involved in this."
"It's not yet the time Kenshin. I'll tell you in due time."
"If that's the case, I accept your decision. If you don't mind, I will be staying here for a while. Not only to help you but also to lend my self in this matter. Do not worry about Kaoru and the others, I can take care of them."
With that, Kenshin stood up and step out of the room. The room was silent for a moment until Okina shattered the deafening silence.
"Aoshi when do you plan to tell Misao? She has the right to know."
"Not now. I have to think of a proper time."
"It's your decision Aoshi. But if you ask me, I would move quickly for I fear that time is running out."
With that Okina stepped out of the room and went to bed.
---------END OF FLASHBACK----------------------
Okina looked at the ceiling. "Things are not looking good.."
Author's Notes:
HI minna-san! Sorry for the long update. My computer crashed down and it has to be replaced. I lost all my data and already made chapters thus I have to revised and rewrite everything. I have to wait also for my father to buy me a new computer to replace my old one. I hope you can understand.
I have written this long chapter to appease that and rest assured that the story will be constantly updated from now on. Thank you.
Misao turned in her bed. She has been shifting and turning in her futon for the thousand times already and still she can't sleep. It seems sleep has eluded her and she is failing in finding it. She turned again to her right side facing the window. She finally gave up and opened her eyes, and focused them at the night sky through the open window.
Very soon, morning would come and a lack of sleep can be a problem, Misao thought. Okina is a rigid taskmaster and this means she could be punished more than she should be. But Misao smirked on this idea. "It's not that I haven't eluded Okina's punishment before. And besides, Aoshi is there sometimes to bail me out." At the mention of Aoshi's name, Misao' thoughts shifted to the event that occurred moments ago.
They were happily celebrating her birthday when the sudden commotion and attack occurred. In a flash, the mood was changed from merriment to a silent battlefield. Tension was prickling at an all time high especially when Aoshi opened the missive. Misao was puzzled at Aoshi's actions. His eye contact to Okina and the short conversation between them said more than words. There was something going on and she couldn't help but wonder if it involves the Oni gang especially her.
Misao shifted again in her bed and faced the ceiling. Her gut instinct is telling her that she is involved. 'But how come Okina and Aoshi excluded her from the meeting that occurred after the event, Misao contemplated. Why was Kenshin involved? I am still the Okashira, right? I should be involved.'
But as Misao deliberated more on the situation, she can't help think that though she is the Okashira, times like this where critical matters arise and wise decisions are needed, Aoshi usually take charge. His experience and skills in handling matters comes out naturally when grave business is at hand. He is a master at this business.
Misao's thoughts moved from Aoshi to the symbol that was written in the missive. She has seen it before, a long time ago, but she can't place it on where she has seen the symbol. She even remembered that she even made fun of that symbol when she was a child and was constantly admonished by Aoshi and Hanya for her mischievous ways and actions. But she can't place the name and significance of the symbol.
As Misao pondered on the importance of the symbol, the sudden rustling of leaves grabbed her attention. She immediately rose from her bed and crept silently to the open window, kunai's in her hands. But the shadows in the trees turned out to be Shiro's and Kuro's, who were home from tonight's watch. She could see the fatigue and lack of sleep in their eyes, as they made their way silently to the house. But what surprised Misao was when Aoshi emerged from the shadows of the house. He personally met them before they could enter the house and silently hear their reports. But Aoshi was not dressed in his kimono but in his Oni uniform! How come, she thought? Misao's eyes widened as she realized that Aoshi was guarding the whole house itself!
As the wind blew gently, the sides of Aoshi's trench coat was swept and it revealed the menacing kodachi's that he is hiding. "So he is also up all night to guard us, but why?" Misao thought. "The situation must be worse if Aoshi personally see to the security of the house."
Misao crept back to her bed on which she settled once again in her pondering thoughts. This is so far the worst situation that the Oniwabanshu has faced since the Shishiyo's planned take over. She could feel the seriousness of the situation and though Aoshi is acting cool, she knows that he is worried.
Misao yawned. "Finally, sleep has come and now I can really rest." Misao said. But before, she could be swept away to dream land; she has come to a decision.
After hearing Shiro and Kuro's reports, Aoshi allowed them to get some rest. The young Oni's were dead tired from the preparation and work all day not to mention from the additional work that he has set upon them.
He waited until Shiro and Kuro have entered the house. Until he is sure that they were abed, he continued to stand at the openness of Okina's garden. When he was sure that they were in their rooms and probably humming in their sleep, only then he shifted his gaze at Misao's window. He knows that Misao saw them in the garden and she knows what is going on. But she does not know the gravity of the situation. "Poor Misao." he thought as he started to walk back into the house. " She does not know the situation she is going to be involved. Her dreams will be shattered and that will all be because of him."
Aoshi started up the steps of the dojo, but he looked back at the silver moon. "It was like this night when the bloody murder was done. Blood shed were everywhere as we were attacked. What a treachery.and what a catastrophe it brought. It even brought trouble for Misao. But what about you Aoshi? Have you protected her?" After the bloody massacre, Aoshi swore to protect Misao, yet he only brought her trouble. Pain in leaving her, grief in his temporarily loss and suffering for his deeds. But there is still a chance of retribution, and Misao could count on that. "I will be here for you Misao and I will be here to protect you, no matter what.." Aoshi silently said as he sat down in front of the shoji doors of the dojo.
Okina could not sleep. He is disturbed by the events and the unexpectancy of it. He never thought that the Shijutsu clan was active these days. He thought they perished at the last stand of Edo castle and totally disbanded after the Bakamatsu. 'Why are they here now and what are they up to? What do they want with Misao? Why would they insist the pact that was thought to be over a long time ago?'
Okina looked at the dark sky, illuminated by the moon. The stars are out tonight and they were sparkling brightly. He looked at them with tender in his eyes as he remembered his good old days with his departed friends. How they like to dream under the night sky, tell one's future and how are they going to be together forever. Yet, I am alone, Okina sighed. "Even Takano has deserted me." HE smirked as he remembered Misao's grandfather. "Okashira you may be, but you are one of the craziest person I ever know."
His thoughts shifted to Misao. Takano's granddaughter has certainly showed the strength and the wise ness that Takano has, though its just needs time to harness the skills. Misao is a very promising student; it just needs time to develop her weapons. Okina once again looked at the stars. "Takano- san, where ever you are now, am sure you are proud of your grand daughter, though not as much as proud for the Oniwabanshu. Times are hard and we are struggling to survive. This is a very different Japan, but much peaceful compared to our times." Okina then wistfully looked at his garden, "and hope we can overcome this latest test on our organization."
He went back to his futon. He could sense Aoshi asleep at the door of the dojo, protecting it from harm. Though he is asleep, he knows that Aoshi could sense anything for miles, from the rustling of the leaves to the tiny sound emitted by the small insects. He could not help but think of their conversation moments ago.
Flashback....
Okina closed the shoji doors silently and sat at the far side of the room. He slipped his hands in his kimono and looked at Aoshi. He could sense the tension building up inside Aoshi and he is trying hard to contain it. The incidents at the living room were not supposed to happen but it did. No one expected it.no one for 15 years.
Okina looked again at Aoshi. His back was turned to him and was silent. He was assessing the situation. Okina waited patiently for him to speak. Everyone is already in their rooms, trying to get some rest and erase the memory that had happened moments ago. Everyone is uneasy especially Misao, who went to her room, seeming to be in a trance. For once, the loud-mouthed Sanosuke was silent and assisted the ladies to their rooms.
"I have sent Shiro and Kiro out for patrols tonight. I shall join them shortly and relieve them of their post." Aoshi quietly said.
Okina kept silent but after a moment he spoke. "That is not what you came to talk to me."
Aoshi was silent. Okina could sense that he is biding his time, seeming to wait for someone, but he was not expecting when the shoji doors open and Kenshin walks in. Kenshin silently sat on the other side of the room, opposite of Okina. Kenshin was silent for a moment, and then he broke the silence.
"I don't why you wanted me here Aoshi. I know this purely Oniwabanshu business and I am not supposed to be here. But if you need my help, I'll certainly be here."
"Thanks Kenshin." Aoshi answered solemnly. "But the reason I want you to be here is that I want to ask you on how much do you know about the Shijutsu clan."
Kenshin raised his head and looked straight at Aoshi's back. "I have known the Shijutsu clan long before I became a slasher. They are one of the most prominent ninja groups in Nagoya and even for the whole of Japan. They are one of the starch supporters of the shogun too and that means my enemy. I have few dalliances with them but I have bad incidents with them too. Why do you ask?"
"Kenshin, I know that you know that the Shijutsu clan are not stupids. They do their job very well. I know for the fact that they now know that Battoussai is inside this dojo and is friends with the Oniwabanshu. I just want you to be careful and on guard. I just want you to protect Kaoru and Yoshi if things comes to worst. I also hope that you could make Sanosuke understand this one."
"I have already assumed that. But tell me this Aoshi, what has this recent events have got to do with Misao? I know that she is involved in this."
"It's not yet the time Kenshin. I'll tell you in due time."
"If that's the case, I accept your decision. If you don't mind, I will be staying here for a while. Not only to help you but also to lend my self in this matter. Do not worry about Kaoru and the others, I can take care of them."
With that, Kenshin stood up and step out of the room. The room was silent for a moment until Okina shattered the deafening silence.
"Aoshi when do you plan to tell Misao? She has the right to know."
"Not now. I have to think of a proper time."
"It's your decision Aoshi. But if you ask me, I would move quickly for I fear that time is running out."
With that Okina stepped out of the room and went to bed.
---------END OF FLASHBACK----------------------
Okina looked at the ceiling. "Things are not looking good.."
Author's Notes:
HI minna-san! Sorry for the long update. My computer crashed down and it has to be replaced. I lost all my data and already made chapters thus I have to revised and rewrite everything. I have to wait also for my father to buy me a new computer to replace my old one. I hope you can understand.
I have written this long chapter to appease that and rest assured that the story will be constantly updated from now on. Thank you.