Author's Note: Today is a very sad day. My goldfish, Goldie XVII, has died. Yes…this is very sad…ANYways…on to things that actually HAPPENED (Goldie XVII is actually fine and swimming around the tank doing absolutely NOTHING) Really, when I was a kid, I remember that I was DEVASTATED when Goldie I and Goldie II died…sad childhood memories… Oh…on to the disclaimer!

Disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin, but I DO own Goldie XVII!!! (he's my seventeenth goldfish!—what, can't you tell?)

Chapter 4

Light is a necessity

To those who have only darkness

Aoshi felt the need to meditate, so, in feeling the need to, he had gone the temple. In some ways, he found solace in the quiet of the temple, with only his thoughts for company. Other than that, it was all perfectly solitary and silent. There was, perhaps, the occasional sound made by a monk, though those sounds were barely audible.

What had happened earlier that afternoon…well…Aoshi didn't think that it was all bad…

The warm bulk of Misao in his arms almost seemed…right. Maybe…comfortable…

Aoshi shook his head, as if doing so would shake all these thoughts out of his head. He felt comfortable with just himself and his thoughts. Or did he?

Because, he sure felt comfortable with Misao, but without his thoughts.

Aoshi shook his head again. These thoughts were almost to the point of being…inappropriate…

I should concentrate on more appropriate things, such as…such as…Aoshi waited for something more appropriate to come to him. Nothing did. For some reason, Aoshi had forgotten what was 'appropriate.' Instead, his mind began to wander.

And he thought things he never knew he could think.

Some people say that without hope, a human could not live. Then why am I alive? Perhaps I have a hidden hope…and…light—the only thing able to penetrate darkness—is a symbol of hope. How much remains? None…except…maybe…Misao. She is the only light that I see…and perhaps…the only light that I need…the only light that can penetrate my darkness.

Misao leaned against a chair in the kitchen. When Aoshi's strong arms had encircled her waist, she felt…safe. Even though it was just an accident, it somehow felt more than that. It felt as if this was meant to happen. Misao shook her head.

Great. Now I'm getting all sappy…

But the idea of it being 'fate' just seemed so appealing, that she could not let go of it. So instead, she embraced it.

Oh…Aoshi-sama…why are you so b—

Misao was so deep in thought, that she never felt the chair she was leaning on begin to slide. It toppled over, causing Misao to fall right along with it. She just fell so very gracefully onto her—let's not bee too formal—ass.

Smooth move…now my ass feels just GREAT…I've always wanted a big bruise on it…(A/N: this is obviously sarcasm, peoples…)

Misao cursed loudly. She decided just to sit there on her aching backside, since she seemingly couldn't move anyways. Jeez…that didn't feel too good…at least Jiya isn't here…he would just give me a hard time…

"Misao? What are you doing on the floor?" Okina asked, as he walked into the kitchen.

Misao looked up. So much for Okina not being here…Misao heaved a sigh. "I fell." Misao expected Okina to laugh, or even to step on her, but not do what he did next.

Okina leaned toward Misao. "Do you need a butt-massage?"

Misao didn't realize that Okina was just joking, so instinctively, Misao slammed her foot into Okina's stomach, causing him to stumble backwards. "WHAT THE HELL DID YOU JUST SAY??!"

Looking surprised, Okina said, "Misao-chan, that was a JOKE…you know the kind where you're supposed to LAUGH?"

Misao turned red. "Oh…well…it was your own fault…um…sorry Jiya…"

Okina nodded, and then he fled, not exactly wanting to risk the little ribs that Misao had left unbroken.

Nakago closed his eyes. Shinomori…you stole my happiness and my hope…now…I will steal yours. I have decided. Who cares about morals and honor? You seem to have given that up. So…that girl you care so much about will go first.

It is said that humans can't live without hope. Nakago narrowed his eyes. So I've decided to take yours.

"Nakago-sama?" Keiichi bowed low.

Nakago looked up sharply. "Yes?"

"Have you decided when to attack?"

"Perhaps." Nakago said carefully.

"When is it?"

"I'll tell you on the day it will take place. I do not need any more of my men blabbing out our plans so Shinomori."

"Oh…"

"Keiichi?"

"Yes?"

Silence.

Keiichi asked again. "Yes?" he said a little louder. Perhaps Nakago hadn't heard my answer.

Nakago shook his head. "Nothing…" Nakago decided that it was best not to say anything, since he didn't know exactly what he was going to say.

He felt almost…confused at the moment.

"May I leave, Nakago-sama?" Keiichi asked. He was itching to go. He suddenly began to feel uncomfortable.

"Aa…" came the reply.

And Keiichi fled.

After Keiichi left, Nakago looked up into the starry night. Not only did he betray me…he also failed to protect Hannya, Beshimi, Hyottoko, and Shikijo. I knew them…they were good men…and now, they are dead. They died, but of course, Shinomori's worthless life was somehow spared…

Nakago looked into the sky, as if it had the answers. Then he stood up, as if he had decided something. Do not worry…Hannya…Beshimi…Hyottoko…Shikijo…I will avenge your deaths.

He turned to watch Keiichi's retreating back. There's something about Keiichi…something I don't trust.

Misao tapped Okon's shoulder. "Okon?"

Abruptly, Okon spun around. "Yes?"

"Um…did we happen to get any more pastries?"

"No…"

Misao hung her head. "Oh…well…the next time you or Jiya goes to the market, would either of mind getting some? For some reason, I seem to be craving them right now…"

Okon nodded, and then looked at the clock. "It's nearly dinnertime…would you mind taking Aoshi his dinner?"

"No…"

"GREAT! I've already gotten the tray ready. Here." Okon handed Misao the tray.

Misao looked at Omasu strangely. What is she planning?

"Aoshi-sama?" Misao walked timidly into the temple.

"…" Aoshi calmly opened his eyes.

"Okon said it was near dinnertime, so I brought you some food."

"…"

"I suppose I should leave now…" Misao said sadly, turning to leave. Well, she was going to, until Aoshi's voice stopped her.

"No."

Misao spun around. "W-What?"

"Stay with me."

"R-Really?"

"Aa…" Aoshi said simply. I think I've been alone for a little too long…the only way to survive is to hold onto whatever light I have left…

Author's Note: Argh…I know, I know…this chapter sucked…review and tell me it did anyways! (If you thought it did, that is…) Nothing much happened in this chapter, mainly because I didn't know exactly what to PUT in it…(that would kind of be a problem, wouldn't it?) Anywho…just REVIEW and tell me what you peoples think!!!!

I promise that the next chapter will be a little more eventful!!! And…I promise that in the next chapter, there will be more character development for Nakago! (so as not to make him seem like a gullible, stupid fool as he has been called )

Thanks to all who reviewed!!!!