Author's Note: Well…I'm back!!! IT'S ALMOST CHRISTMAS BREAK!!!! YAY!!! Don't expect a million updates or anything…I may get lazy! :o) I'll probably update at my normal pace which is normally every 3 – 7 days. Or maybe not. It all depends on what I feel like doing!!! Yeah…um…I have my Spanish finals in about half an hour…

Disclaimer: I hate finals (or midterms…whatever you call it). It's stupid. It's annoying. I hate studying. BUT, it's going to be over by Thursday!!! And I don't own Rurouni Kenshin.

Chapter 9

Light and darkness

Have one similarity:

If you have too much of either

You will be blinded.

"OUCH!!! THAT FREAKING HURT!!!!" Misao yelled—or tried to yell. Having tiny little pebbles pressed into one's back was not exactly a lovely feeling. And the thing that made is worse was that her words couldn't be understood either…not with the gag on anyways.

Keiichi's head shot up, he having been stopped in mid-snore. He groggily looked around for awhile before he noticed a very grumpy looking Misao glaring at him in utter hatred. He returned her glare with what he thought was a look of 'high authority.'

He stood up, brushing the leaves and dirt off his knees. "What exactly are you yelling about?" Keiichi asked in his best 'I am better than YOU' voice.

Misao glared at him again. After all the hours I've spent with him, he STILL hasn't figured out that I can't answer with this freaking gag on. If only men were smart. Then, life would be MUCH easier for us poor women here…

Once Keiichi figured out his mistake (AGAIN), he turned red. He looked away from Misao, feeling very stupid.

Keiichi sat back down, deciding that silently complaining about his little task involving this weasel would be a more wise idea. It was true that Misao WAS gagged (GASP HE FINALLY FIGURED OUT THAT SHE'S GAGGED!!! YAY!!!), though he didn't think he would enjoy being bitten by her.

The fact was, he didn't know exactly how sharp women's teeth were, which meant that he couldn't be entirely sure that Misao wouldn't bite her way through the gag to get to his arm. He shivered at the very thought of having someone's teeth sinking into his skin.

Think about power, Keiichi! Think about power…

And then are loud, freaky sound broke the silence. What was that? Looking warily around him, Keiichi searched for the culprit.

It sounded like…some type of growling. From a large animal maybe. After realizing this, Keiichi was even more apprehensive. The thought of getting torn up into pieces was not particularly appealing. He believed that he would actually rather be bitten in the arm by the weasel he was guarding.

He looked at Misao, and then shivered. Then again…maybe not…

Keiichi fearfully looked around, expecting some large beast to come running out of the forest and jumping at his throat. Then, he realized it was Misao's stomach. And the more he heard her stomach growling, the more he felt that he really would enjoy being eaten by a large best more than he would enjoy being bitten by her.

Instead of looking at Keiichi, Misao was staring intently at a large rock in front of her, willing it to become a large platter of something so scrumptiously delicious. Don't they feed their prisoners? I mean, isn't there a rule where the captors HAVE to feed their prisoners or something?

Misao seriously contemplated on eating the rock.

Right on time, Nakago came striding toward them, carrying something.

He stared at Misao for a moment, and then said loudly, "Are you hungry?"

All he received was a look of annoyance laced with hatred.

"I suppose you are," Nakago said, almost smiling. Misao looked almost hopefully at the bag Nakago was carrying over his shoulder.

It was then that Nakago actually smiled. Without another word, he dropped the bag at Keiichi's feet.

Misao looked questioningly at it.

"Don't worry. It's food," Nakago said.

Misao still glared at him, though her look was considerably kinder than it had been before.

Nakago turned toward Keiichi. "You feed her." And with that, Nakago fled, almost laughing to himself with joy. Feeding Misao would have been a very dangerous task—especially if you were her enemy. "Oh, and watch for her teeth!" he yelled over his shoulder.

Dreading what was to come, Keiichi removed Misao's gag.

And a scream of pain echoed through the forest, along with the sound of Misao's laughter.

Omasu timidly slid the door to the training room open. "Aoshi-san? Lunch is ready…"

Wiping his forehead, Aoshi turned toward her. "Thank you, Omasu."

Omasu nodded, smiling, before she quietly shut the door.

Aoshi listened to Omasu's footsteps as they died away. Then, he heaved a sigh of guilt. He had kept so much from them. They knew nothing of where Misao was, or even if she was okay. He had reassured them that she was alive, though he feared that if he said more…well…

He looked guiltily over at the closed door, wondering if he had done right. He had not told Okina and the others about the note that Nakago had left. In fact, he hadn't even said anything to them about Nakago himself.

I don't want them interfering…it's not safe…

He slid his kodachis back into the sheath.

Is Misao okay right now? Is Nakago feeding her? Then, a little thought hit Aoshi, making him feel better. Knowing Misao, she probably isn't cooperating with her captors at all. She's probably over there giving them all the trouble she can manage to give them—which is quite a bit…

Aoshi almost smiled.

I wonder if she's bitten anyone yet…

And with that thought in mind, he headed off to lunch.

Okina stared at Aoshi throughout the entirety of the meal. What is that stupid, stubborn boy hiding from me now? He stroked his beard.

Aoshi could feel his gaze on him, though he chose to ignore it. Ignoring it was not easy, however. Wouldn't you feel just a teeny bit uncomfortable if an old man with a pink bow on his beard was staring at you with a critical and intent look on his face?

It was silent at the table, except for the normal noises of eating. Kuro, who had chugged his soup down at an amazing speed, rubbed his belly happily and then belched loudly in a satisfied manner. Okon stared at him, her facial expression was that of a person who was highly disgusted and horrified.

Kuro looked innocently up at Okon's face. "What?"

All Okon did was continue to stare.

And even through the episode with Kuro burping, Okina's gaze did not leave Aoshi's face. Finally, Aoshi couldn't take the staring anymore. "What exactly are you staring at, Okina?" he snapped in a very annoyed tone.

The group, as a collective, stared. Had Aoshi, the guy who had always had his emotions so carefully hidden away, just show a look of annoyance on his face?

Aoshi looked around uncomfortably, his right eyebrow shooting up. "What?"

Okina was the first to speak. "Is there something you want to tell me, Aoshi?"

Aoshi glared at Okina, and then said defiantly, "No. Is there something you want to tell ME?" Aoshi knew that the last sentence he had said was tinged with attitude, which meant that it was also childish. What the hell is wrong with me?

Okina looked at him for a moment longer before turning back to his meal. "Okay then…"

Keiichi was glaring at Misao while he nursed his arm. "What did you do THAT for?" he asked irritably. Oh yeah…she can't answer me…she has a gag on. He had almost forgotten. Well, at least he was learning…

Afraid of getting more 'injuries', Keiichi had almost immediately tied the gag back on when Misao had bitten him.

Of course, he had to let her eat, which resulted in a few more holes punctured in his arm.

Damn women and their sharp teeth…

Keiichi had never been a hit with the ladies. Sure, women enjoyed hurting and torturing him, but it was not the kind of attention that people like Nakago and Aoshi got. Keiichi couldn't understand WHY. He didn't think that he was that bad-looking.

"In fact, I'm pretty handsome!" Keiichi said, thinking out loud.

Misao stared at him, before she almost burst out into a fit of laughter. Oh, PLEASE. How pathetic. This guy here is trying to convince himself that he's a hottie or something—which he isn't. I've seen many hotties and he is definitely not one of them. Of course…the best looking guy is right where I live: the Aoiya. GO AOSHI-SAMA!!!!

Keiichi glared at Misao. "What are you laughing at?" Then, he realized how stupid his words sounded. She wasn't laughing. She had ALMOST laughed, but he could tell.

It would have sounded even stupider if I had said, "What are you almost laughing at?". Keiichi glared at Misao.

I hate girls.

Aoshi stared at the clock in the hallway. It was mid-afternoon.

Why wouldn't that stupid clock hurry up? Normally, he was very patient, but now? There wasn't any time for patience.

I wonder exactly what time Nakago meant by tonight… The time window could be from seven to twelve. What if I arrive too late, with Misao already gone? But no, I can't allow that to happen. I have to get there early. Better early than late…

A voice broke into Aoshi's thoughts.

"Aoshi?"

It was Okina.

"Yes?"

"What are you doing out here?"

"Must I tell you everything?"

Okina took a step backwards. "Last night…you said that you would find Misao. Why is it that you aren't out looking for her? Or is it that you know something that you are not telling us? Aoshi? Tell me!! Why are you not answering me?"

Aoshi glared at Okina. "Again, I ask, must I tell you everything?"

Okina's hand dropped to his side. "Aoshi…"

"What?"

"Are you sure you know what you are doing?"

"What do you mean?"

Okina followed Aoshi's gaze to the clock. "I want to know is if you can handle this yourself. You are strong, Aoshi, but you do have your weaknesses. I am sure you know what they are. If you are doing this alone…well…"

"I'll be fine."

Okina looked at Aoshi with concern. "Doing things by yourself is not good all the time. If there is no one there with you to help you pick up the pieces that drop along the way, then…" Okina felt that he did not need to finish his sentence.

"Again, I ask you what you mean," Aoshi said.

"I'm just asking if you need any help."

"I do not."

Okina glared at Aoshi. "Why won't you tell us what is going on? Do you think we can't take the truth? What is it that you know? Is Misao dead? Or what is it? Why won't you tell us…or…why won't you at least tell ME? Do you think I will interfere? Perhaps I will, but only because I think it best to do so."

Aoshi looked coldly down at Okina. "Misao is fine."

"But—"

"This is my battle. You have no need to interfere."

"Aoshi…just tell me this. Do you happen to know who kidnapped her?" Okina asked, with a pleading look on his face.

"Aa…" And with that, Aoshi turned to leave.

"Aren't you going to at least stay for dinner?"

Aoshi didn't turn around. "There isn't time…"

"Where are you going?" Okina asked.

Aoshi stopped. "To my room to prepare…"

"Prepare for what?"

The reply did not come.

Keiichi stormed through the forest, toward Nakago's lone figure.

"Do I have to be the one to feed that weasel?" Keiichi asked angrily. He didn't like the feeling at all. And the thing that made it seem so horrible was the fact that his arm felt like it was full of holes—and that wasn't even far from the truth.

Misao had bitten him so much that his arm was nearly unrecognizable. Then, Keiichi had wrapped it with way too many bandages. This caused his arm to lose circulation so he had to peel it off, and retie it.

Nakago smirked. "Well, it's better that you get bitten rather than me, right? Anyways, the purpose of the leader's men is to protect the leader, correct?"

Keiichi glared at him for a moment, before storming back toward the clearing where Misao was held, mumbling something about 'unfair leaders.'

Misao watched curiously as Keiichi stomped back to his normal spot against a tree. She only needed to look at his arm, to realize that he was angry at both her and Nakago.

"What are you looking at?" Keiichi snapped.

Misao rolled her eyes. How long does it take for guys to learn something?

Nakago stared as the last rays of the dying sun sink below the horizon.

How long had he been waiting for this time to come? I have been waiting way too long. Tonight will be my chance to finish Shinomori.

Tonight is going to be my night…

He couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt when he looked in Misao's direction. No matter what, she was going to end up hurt, either physically or emotionally.

It doesn't take a genius to know how much she loves Shinomori. But why the hell would she love a traitor like that? No only did he abandon me, but he also allowed his comrades die at the hands of that bastard Kanryu. Shinomori is a coward, a traitor, and a dumbass. The complete opposite of the man I once thought he was.

Is this Keiichi guy the same way?

Nakago looked back up into the sky. All was dark. The sun had already set, and night had come upon them.

It is nearly time…

I have waited so long for this…

And a voice broke into his thoughts.

It was a chilling, icy-cold voice that sounded very familiar.

"Nakago."

Nakago turned to see a tall black-haired, blue-eyed man standing at the foot of the forest. He smirked, knowing that at last, the time had come.

"Shinomori…it's been a long time…"

Author's Note: Yup…that's the end of the chapter…and I am SO screwed…I have NO idea what to do next…sad, isn't it? Anyways…I'd better get going, and hurry up and thank you people, right? I have to do some last minute cramming.

Oh yeah…did you notice that this is the longest chapter I have ever done in my life? No? Well…it IS. Just be happy!!!

Thanks to all who reviewed!!!

NOTE: And here's some good news: My cold is all better!!! Isn't that great? (ahem…yeah, right…) oO

Okey dokey…I've got to go cram for exams!!! AND THAT RHYMES!!! I am SO smart!!! coughs

Now…what are you peoples waiting for? REVIEW!!!

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