Author's notes: Damn. This chapter was half done by the middle of November but I got stuck in one part and didn't get to finish it in a month. Gomen nasai! *starts bowing then bumps forehead on the floor* OW!

Minnie me: *smirks* that isn't even HALF the suffering you deserve!

Me: but… OW!... I have a totally good reason this time… OW!

Minnie me: Yeah, yeah… they all say that – before they are discovered dead the next day, strangled on mistletoe. *evil grin*

Me: NOOOOO!!!! *runs then transformed into a Jedi apprentice, holding up a… huge candy cane* BWAHAHAHA!!! You shall suffer from sugar attacks!! YAAAHH!!!

Minnie me: But… I am your father…. *takes off mask*

Me: *blinks* no you're not. You're an elf thing.

Minnie me: I know. I have to be an elf to marry Legolas, right? *sighs*

Me: *in a blind rage, attacks minnie me* NOOOOOO!!! LEGOLAS IS MINE!!!

--- battle ensues--- *BAP BAP BAP*

Disclaimer: Ah, I don't own RK!!!!!!!! *strikes disclaimer boy in the head with the candy cane* MWAHAHAHA!! (Minnie me: ooohh, that's gotta hurt. *rubs own head*)

Mission: Frustration!

By Tesuka- chan

Chapter 16

The Seemingly Insignificant, Pestiferous Key

"Aoshi- sama!!!"

"Aa.."

"Will you try this? I cooked it just for you," the young Misao blushed as she held out the plate of questionable rice balls to the slightly older okashira of the gang, oblivious to the knowing smiles and the snickers that went around the gathered members. She worked the whole afternoon just to make it perfect for him. The butterflies in her stomach came to life as what usually happens whenever she came near him. She hoped in her heart of hearts that he would like it.

Aoshi took one glance, a bit annoyed that the important meeting was interrupted because of stupid rice balls. He waved his hand towards his side and said, "just put it there, Misao."

Her spirits fell as she took note of his off- handed manner. She tried again.

"Umm… it's really delicious… why don't you try one now?"

Not looking at her, he replied in a cold, slightly irritated voice, "because we're in a middle of a meeting here regarding our rival gang, the Sibe Tiger gang, and I cannot be interrupted."

Misao struggled not to cry. She DID know that the meeting was quite serious and important… that's why she made the rice balls, to lighten things up a bit. She swallowed the huge lump on her throat and gave a wavering smile, struggling to get back her cheerful self. "Well… okay! Just tell me if you liked it, okay?"

He didn't answer.

Embarrassed, she hastily moved back to the door and started to walk slowly back to the kitchen to clean up her mess when she heard the other members talk inside.

"Hey, lighten up, Aoshi! You gotta give that kid some slack," said the voice of her friend Hannya.

"Yeah. You know she has a crush on you," Beshimi added, his voice having a tinge of humor.

Misao heard a few chuckles and snickers, but they all stopped after a few moments.

"It's just a phase. She'll get over it." The oh-so- familiar cold voice said. The conversation turned to the business at hand.

That's what he feels about me. He doesn't care at all. Watery blue eyes shut tightly as Misao covered her mouth to muffle the sobs. She has to get out of here. He must not know that she heard. Quickly yet silently, she ran to her room, forgetting all about the mess in the kitchen.

The okashira tilted his head towards the door as he heard the tiny running steps. He forced himself to concentrate on the meeting, banishing the thoughts of a heartbroken Misao.

The next day, Misao did not make anymore rice balls.

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"MISAO!!!"

*squeeze*

"Sano… Unggghh… *choke*… I can't breathe… *choke*"

"AH! Admit it! I came just in time to save you, eh?"

"Heh… *cough*"

"Judging by the size of that niche you were in, you couldn't have lasted a few more minutes or so," Sano grinned haughtily, patting Misao on the back after almost choking her to death with his bear hug.

"If you keep on doing that, I just might be dead after a few more minutes," she grumbled.

"Eh… sorry weasel. I sometimes forget that you're *small*"

"WHAT?!"

"Um. Nothing… nothing," he grinned and winked. "You know I love ya, weasel."

"Ha.ha." She smiled at his easy mannerisms and loose words. She was thankful for having a good friend like him in times like these. After a machine drilled a huge enough hole that they can fit into, she was practically bullied into relaxing and resting by the big oaf. When she insisted that she'd work on the golden temple, he pried the thing from her hands and declared that he would work on it himself. Which is more than you can say for him. Well, he IS Sano. Most of the time, he just thinks about himself… but sometimes he acts all weird and starts looking out for people close to him.

But sometimes I wished he wouldn't just barge in and interrupt – she blinked. What the hell was she thinking? Stop! STOP thinking!!! She shook her head vehemently, then suddenly sneezed. She tightened the blanket around her shoulders. There was a prickly sensation at the back of her head as if someone was looking at her. She glanced around.

She saw Aoshi within hearing distance, a blanket also wrapped around his broad shoulders, staring at her in his usual cold way.

Embarrassed for no reason at all, her face reddened and her eyes riveted somewhere else. She hadn't talked to him since they got out.

"Makimachi- san, are you feeling well?"

"I'm fine, thank – " Misao looked up and saw a pale- haired man with dark glasses approached her. Green eyes widened in recognition as she further perused the formal suit and the business- like aura. "Y-Yukishiro- san! What are you doing here?"

Sano, who was apparently still beside her, quickly explained, "Ah! I met this guy here when I arrived at the site. I told him all about you being trapped and he helped me, with all of his men and machines. Pretty decent guy, if you ask me," he grunted, reluctantly acknowledging the businessman's level- headedness.

"Oh," Misao quickly stood up, the blanket falling off her shoulders, and reached out her hand. "In that case, thank you, Yukishiro- san. I suppose if it weren't for you, we'd be dead and rotting in there."

He took her hand and shook it, saying, "please, just call me Enishi. And it's not really a problem… I am just doing my job."

"And you may call me Misao." Misao grinned at him, feeling relieved and thankful. I remember when he saved me from before and treated me out. Now he saved me again.. I owe him a lot now. She looked down and to her chagrin, she suddenly realized that her hand was dirty. And so was the rest of her body. To the man's surprise, she let go of his hand and wiped hers on her pants. Then thinking that he might take it the wrong way, she smiled impishly and explained, "Sorry… my hand is dirty."

Enishi smiled and replied, "It's quite all right. I didn't really notice it."

"I suppose we should be going back to the site then, so we can freshen up and discuss the matter at hand." The low, cold voice of Aoshi drifted towards the pair.

You'd think that he'd WANT to rest after all we'd been through. Misao rolled her eyes.

Well, he has a point. I'm so dirty, a hippo can bathe in the dirt I've accumulated. Gross. She made a face. "I second the notion! I need a shower. Badly."

"Yeah, you don't only look like a weasel, you SMELL like one too," Sano snickered while working on the golden temple.

*THUNK*

"Well, at least I don't stink all the time like SOMEONE I know!"

"Hey, that's what you call 'masculinity'. A guy has to smell like sweat all the time, or he's not a guy at all!"

"Oh please… you believe in that crap? No wonder you don't last in a relationship… all the girls you've dated die from the stink!"

"HEY! That's just low, ya know?"

While the bickering went on, Enishi told Aoshi, "Well, it isn't necessary for you to go back to the site. There are trailers over there, where all your possessions were placed. You can freshen up and rest for a while before we discuss the situation."

A finely arched eyebrow shot up. "We're not returning to the site?"

"I've made… certain arrangements. Something to explain why both of you disappeared in the middle of an excavation. It was quite sudden, and nobody knew where you were."

"Sou ka." Aoshi said, lost in his own thoughts.

The bickering behind them stopped as Misao listened to every word said by Enishi. I hadn't thought of that. I suppose I was caught up with the whole sword and all, I didn't really cover up why I "disappeared". Damn… I should be more careful next time. She sighed.

"Well, I shall leave you for a while. I have to attend to some matters. Feel free to ask anything." Enishi called a man near him and said, "Keiji, direct them to their trailers and see to their needs."

"Hai."

Enishi turned to them, bowed, and left.

Sano, acting like a boy with a new toy, said excitedly, "I'll bring THIS little baby back to some temporary lab here," he patted the golden temple. "I'll open it whatever happens!" And he was gone.

"Shinomori- san, your trailer is the one on the left. Makimachi-san, your trailer is the one next to it and you will be sharing with Sanosuke- san," the man called Keiji said politely, pointing out the trailers.

"Keiji! You have a call!" someone shouted.

"Anou… please just ask anyone if you need anything. Please excuse me." He suddenly retreated and went to answer his call.

Aoshi and Misao were left standing by themselves.

Awkward silence ensues.

"Well I – "

"I suppose I – "

Both stopped, refusing to look at the other. Misao clenched her fists in annoyance. Well, say something, idiot! Anything! "Well. Umm… it's not like anything happened in that niche, right?"

Oh geesh. Anything EXCEPT that. She wanted to pound her head against the ground. Her stupid habit of saying the first thing that comes in to mind should really be controlled. She stood there, frozen, looking everywhere but at him. And just when she thought he didn't hear her, his hand shot up and moved her chin up to look at his eyes.

Those dark, stormy eyes.

"Listen to me," his voice was deceptively calm, "I am not going to pretend that nothing happened in there. Just because you keep denying it does not mean that it is the truth. Deep inside, you know it. You know it happened… along with a lot of other things. But you just can't accept it so you hide inside like a little girl." He leaned in to whisper on her ear, "just the same little girl." He let go of her chin. She watched, her emotions a chaotic jumble, as his he turned and walked calmly away.

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I am not going to pretend that nothing happened in there…

… just the same little girl.

Misao turned the knob of the shower angrily and reached for her towel. Looks like the cold water didn't even made a dent in her train of thought. She was so angry with herself… so angry at him. She should've shouted after him, or cursed him to seven hells. But she just stood there after he left, dumb as a mouse. She's just so confused, what does he think he's doing? Why was he saying all of that? And why was she responding so oddly?

She slammed the bathroom door behind her and changed into a fresh black t- shirt and denim shorts. Since her training days, she had gotten quite used to comfortable training shorts. She still preferred them over pants. She sighed as she brushed her long hair, wincing when she came across knots. She scowled, remembering the time in her little adventure with no shampoo. And that thought led to him. Again. She gave up and plopped on the bed.

Augh! Why the hell is he haunting me? He's the past, and I want nothing to do with the past. If it wasn't for the money, I would've ran all the way to Hawaii if I even glimpsed on his face a mile away!

What? You're running away again?

Damn it. Misao buried her head under a pillow. He's right. I AM just a little girl running away from my past. Even though I usually take things head on, conquering the world and stuff, I still run away. From myself. From him.

She moaned. "GAAHHH!!! What do you want me to do, then?!!"

*cough*

"Anou, Misao- san, your presence is requested on a meeting in the main tent," the trembling voice of Keiji reached her ears. She muffled something incoherent. The assistant took this as a reply, bowed and moved away. He had heard nasty rumors about this girl. Even though she looks petite, she's a viper, they say. He wouldn't want to find out for himself.

Okay, Misao, you're finally going to get the money. After this, just get away from him. Then that will be that. She determinedly nodded and stood up, braiding her hair quickly. She headed straight to the main tent.

She opened the flap and went inside. Sano and Enishi were there, discussing something. Aoshi, the bastard, sad calmly on one side of a table, sipping tea. Well, that's all he drinks, anyway. She sauntered inside, looking like she doesn't care a fig about anything. "So, what's up? Opened the box yet?"

Enishi sat up as she approached the table. "Good afternoon, Misao- san. You had a good rest?"

She gave him her usual grin. "Yeah, thanks." Both sat down at the same time. My, my… isn't he the gentleman? "No one answered my question yet."

"I think we're having problems, M'sao," Sano said as he typed something on his tiny laptop.

"Eh? What now?"

"Can't open the darned thing. It's like the box has this protection spell or something… we can't pick the lock, can't destroy any part of it, can't even dent it! Hell," his eyes widened and his body became taut, "it might be cursed!"

Misao bit her tongue to keep from laughing out loud. A few people knew he was afraid of those "supernatural crap", as he stated. Imagine, a huge man like him scared of a black cat that crossed the road. Hilarious. Her laugh became a snort.

"Did you pass it through an x-ray machine?" Enishi asked, quite oblivious to Sano's predicament.

"Yeah… Well, it wouldn't work anyway because the box is made of pure gold. Metal. The rays just bounce off it." The tecchie explained.

"Hey, wait a sec, are you sure it's the box containing the sword?" Misao asked. Hell, if this isn't it, all my efforts were for nothing!

Sano rolled his eyes. "No, weasel, it's NOT it especially it has the same symbol stamped on its side as the medallion. I'm sure it's NOT it."

"Okay, geesh, spare me the sarcasm, " she mumbled.

"So how does one open it? Have you figured it out yet?" the businessman asked.

"Well… I do think there is something. A key." Sano gave Misao a weird look. Misao blinked, what? Oh. OHHH. Misao's eyes widened as she realized what her friend was about to say.

"Well, the temple is in perfect condition, to say the least. The only flaw in the structure is a small chink in on of its corners. It's really small, almost invisible to the human eye. I looked into it and I saw that it might actually be a keyhole. It goes deep inside the box. But I don't think just any kind of key fits in. I mean, heck, I've duplicated the shape that could fit inside it, but it wouldn't accept it. I think it only accepts a key made from the same substance as the box.

"The thing is, the gold that the box is made of is not just any gold. It was one of those early kind of gold that was mined in this area. But there's not chance in getting that gold these days – "

"Why not?" Misao couldn't help asking. She was intrigued, to say the least.

"Well, I'm getting to that, weasel. It's because the gold was all mined out… oh, about roughly a thousand years ago."

Well. That IS a problem.

"Now I figure, the key is found in the medallion. So I examined it and, what do you know, there's a chink on it the same size as the one in the box. The key WAS probably there. But SOMEONE got careless and it probably feel out, for some reason."

Everybody turned to Misao.

Oh crap.

"Hey, I really took care of it, you know. I even wrapped it in tissue paper, for a time! It might be here somewhere…" Misao said, unsure and feeling a bit guilty. If that box is not opened, it's going to be all my fault!

"Hey weasel," Sano's face was thoughtful – for once! – as he tried to recall something. "Remember that picture of the medallion you sent me? When did you take it?"

"Uh… before I went to the caves. Why?"

"Well, I noticed that it already had a chink there… do you recall any accident that happened to the medallion before you went there?"

"Anou… " Hmmm… let's see, nothing really. I just dropped it a few times I suppose… but… THAT'S IT!!! "Yeah… yeah I remember! I had to wrestle it away from under my bad in my previous trailer! It got stuck under and the stupid bed won't move so I had to pull with all my might and – "

"Yeesh, okay, I get the pic, weasel! So if we're in luck, it might still be in that trailer!" Sano was getting excited. "Hey, Yukishiro, is that the same trailer that we're in now?"

Enishi thought for a moment and replied, "No. That was for the use in the excavation site. I think it's still there though."

"Well. No problemo. Makimachi can check it tonight."

Eh… why is it always me?! She sighed. "Fine."

Enishi nodded. "Good. All's well then."

Misao nodded. She stood up, thinking of preparing for her task, when she glanced upon Aoshi who was still sitting quietly. He didn't say anything at all during the meeting. She frowned, wondering what he was up to. Hmph. I don't care anyway.

She turned her head towards Sano to ask something, just as Aoshi's gaze turned to her, the dark depths of his eyes showing nothing at all.

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Misao's lithe form dropped off the look out tree like a cat once she was sure that the trailer was empty. There was something awfully familiar about that woman who came out… she was pretty tall and had red hair. She shrugged and proceeded to pick the lock. After a few seconds, she succeeded and opened the door.

Same old, same old. This was where Aoshi and I stayed for a while… aw, Misao! Would ya STOP thinking of the guy? She shook her head and went to work. She looked around. Boy, this place sure does look like a mess!

Clothes were thrown all around, as well as numerous pairs of shoes. It looked like a hurricane went through the place. Misao sighed and headed straight to her previous bed. She bent down and tried to remember where the medallion got stuck. I think it was somewhere around… here!

Something glittered in the dark.

Excitement filled her body. Her gloved hands took out a small kit containing a pair of tweezers and a small knife. She reached in with her tools and tried to pry out the object.

Okay, just wiggle it a bit… poke… and PULL!!!

*POP*

I got it! Well, that was easy. Grinning madly, she looked at the object on her palm. Her grin died down and turned into a scowl. Ah shit.

It was only a piece of rhinestone.

"Damn."

*ZZZTTTT* "Oi, weasel, did ya get it?"

She forgot all about the hidden microphone and speakers… not to mention Sano. Drat. "Not yet."

"Well, hurry it up, will ya?"

A blood vessel ticked off in Misao's temple. "What's the rush? Got a date?" she smirked.

"Nah. I canceled it for you."

"Ha. Ha. Hey, wait a sec, " Misao's tone was mischievous as she turned on her mini flashlight to look for any signs of the key, "what happened to that date, by the way?"

"I don't want to talk about it, weasel."

"Oh? Got busted again? Serves you right." She snickered as she stood up, finding nothing. She decided to look on the bed.

"Just shut up and do your job."

"Heh." Poor Sano… that's the sixth one this month. She shook her head. Suddenly, she heard a couple of voices just outside the door of the trailer. Damn… they weren't supposed to come in until later! She quickly hid her small form under the bed and prayed that they wouldn't notice her.

The door opened.

"Sorry, I forgot my phone." Sounds familiar.

"It's okay. So you're into the t.v. business? Interesting." A lower, feminine voice asked. Alright, two females. No problem. Now just get the phone and go away.

"Okay I got it! Let's go!" Gogogogogogogo!!!

"Hey, wait a second… what's this?" Uhoh. I didn't leave anything behind, did I?

"Oh, it's just my pendant. I found it somewhere here and I thought it was pretty cute. Oops!"

An object fell into Misao's line of vision. A chain… with a tiny golden key. Oh, kami- sama! That's it! She has it! Damn…

A hand picked it up. "Sorry, I'm quite clumsy sometimes."

"Oh, now I know why you looked so familiar! You were that reporter who stumbled on t.v.! I laughed so hard at that… HOHOHOHO!!!" Reporter… stumbled… no. NOOOO.

"Well, " now come to think of it, the voice IS the same! "it was just a mistake. Hehehe."

"Don't worry, Kaoru- san. It probably made anyone's day. Ohohoho!"

"Well, I'm glad I did, Takani- san," The voice grumbled, "shall we go?"

"Right." The door slammed.

Misao crawled out under the bed as the truth smacked her in the face. Kaoru is here. And she has the key! But… WHAT IN BLAZES IS SHE DOING HERE??

"Sano. I think we have a problem. Kaoru's here and she has the key. She's also with this weird laughing lady."

A silent line.

"Shit. She's with Megumi."

Huh? Who's she? "What?"

"Megumi Takani. My wife."

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a/n: MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! So it all comes together… teeheehee… How about that little twist there? Interesting enough? *grins evilly* Boy, I sure do like surprises and cliffies. Interesting chapter up next! ^_^

Hmm. Nothing much to explain… so THANK YOU VERY MUCH, READERS AND REVIEWERS!!! (wah… I am so touched… *sob sob*)

Unique-starfish: Well, yeah, isn't that cute? LOLZ! ^_^ I'm glad you liked the chapter! I hope you liked this one too! ^_^

oO-Innocent Dreamer-Oo: Well, they're not really the KEY CHARACTERS of this story. ;p Kaoru was here, and I hope that satisfies your bloodlust, at least. :P

moonstorm: Thanks for that! Really cheered me up! ^_^

Seychella: Wow, a new reader! Thanks bunch! I hope you don't get tired… it's already a long story. ;p

Babyg2988: Yeah, I do believe Sano is a big idiot. Even now, after this quite interesting chapter. Hehe. Hmmm… coffee doesn't stunt your growth! Believe you me, I don't drink coffee but I'm still small! *huff huff*

Nekonomiko: I can use the same excuse for not updating soon… I do have something else in my life. ;p Orals, projects, tests, and Christmas shopping galore! 'tis a difficult task to balance everything… *sigh* ;p Thanks! Sorry if this one was sort of late… hehe.

MoonPheonix: Yeah, why does that stupid Sano have to do that? (Sano: You made me like that, baka writer!) Hey, no insulting the author! ;p He is annoying, isn't he? *grins*

MyREEN 'n RAAYneer: Wow, thanks! I'm glad you liked my story! *smiles and waves*

SLL: Yeah, well… seems like everyone's angry at Sano right now. And he's cowering on the corner now, poor thing. ;p thanks for reviewing!

Purpo kitee katx: Actually, cliffies make me WANT to write more.. ;p Haha! Well, I can't tell the ending from here yet… and I don't want to spoil it for you. It's still a long way, dahling. I hope your patience is intact. Thanks!

Misao Mei Mei: Well, you saw her reaction here. If she didn't really hit him (much) it's because she's still sort of dazed and confused about the whole thing. Poor girl… anyway, I'm glad you liked it! I think I'mg gonna add some jelly next time. :P

Kitty-jinx: Wow, thanks! I love being evil, don't you? 'tis an expression of my eviller side. Wehehehe… hope you keep on reading! ^_^

Moondemon: Sorry, m'dear! But don't you think it's more exciting to have cliffies? *insert evil laughter* Yeah, it's roosterhead. *hands moondemon a candy cane* Here, you can borrow it if you want. *grins sweetly*

Mistress-eos14: Glad you liked it! Thanks for reviewing! ^_^

NatsuNoAme: I totally know what you feel. I had my exams and loads of projects before Christmas break that's why I didn't have time to update this. *sigh* School sucks big time. ;p Well, sorry for the cliffhanger again. I think I'm sort of obsessed with them these days… too bad! *grins* I hope this chapter explained more stuff… its sort of fusing everything. ^_^ Well, thanks for reviewing! :D

SoT'n'Kenshin: glad you liked the sputtering part! Lolz… it's so much fun to do things to Aoshi that you'd never thought he'd do. Wahahaha. Thanks!

Dusk-angel: Gomen ne!!! You can throttle and kill Sano now. *Sano runs away, screaming his head off*

JadOo: Hey! Long time no see! ^_^ I'm glad you finally reviewed! Thanks bunch for the greeting… I try my best with Aoshi, I really do. ;p And Kaoru? Well, you know how it goes. Thanks so muvh for your review! *grins*

Crasyducky: Nah… I'm just glad I make a lot of people happy because of my story. ^_^ Thanks so much!

Arigatou Gozaimasu for the lovely, lovely reviews! Damn, two more days before Christmas… consider this as a present, everyone! MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR! Thanks!

(minnie me: a review would be a great Christmas present from you… teeheehee…

me: *shoves up the candy cane on minnie me's ass* Merry Christmas!!! *waves*)