Chapter 2.
" Donashiro-sama."
The young man sat up from his futon, brushing his light coloured hair out of his face as he looked up to the bowing ninja.
" State your business."
" His report Donashiro-sama. He has returned from the Aoiya."
Donashiro took the scroll from the ninja's hand and waved him away, his face pulling into a frown as he read the contents of the spy report.
" Wait."
The ninja, now hanging from the ceiling looked down at Donashiro. Landing softly on the floor, the ninja bowed down again.
" Hai Donashiro-sama."
Donashiro gripped the scroll tightly, crumpling it in his hand. His face flushed red as anger veins appeared on his forehead.
" Have Kashiwazaki Nenji killed."
" But...Donashiro-sama. That's your wife's-"
" I did not ask for your opinion."
" He was recommended for okashira before...he may not be so easy to kill."
" I said do it!"
The ninja bowed, eager to escape his master's wrath. Donashiro unclenched his fist, smoothing the scroll of paper, which had told him his worst fear.
_________
Misao stepped out of the carriage again, the unfamiliar air of the place made her blood run cold. She could never call this compound home, not matter how long she had lived there. She walked slowly and cautiously towards the main entrance where once again, her husband's favourite ninja stood waiting for her. Without a word, she understood his order, wordlessly following him once again through the endless, identical corridors. Even her ninja senses were not enough to keep her from losing her way without a guide. She hated going to her husband's study. It was in the deepest part of the compound, far away from where she liked to stay; the front where the sun shone through the big glass European windows. This was the thing she liked most about the European house. Going to her husbands room meant being blindfolded for secrecy's sake. She hated the feeling of having no orientation, and she couldn't bring herself to trust her husband's bodyguard either.
Her shoes landed softly on the wood panel floor, despite the friction of the wood of her shoes and the floor. Each step was a step into the unknown, her right hand feeling the walls around her in an attempt to orientate herself as the ninja led her along at a fast pace. Suddenly, the pressure on her hand eased and she quickly moved her hand, letting it fall to her side rather in the cool clammy hands of the ninja. She heard a heavy door being shifted open, a door being closed behind her. The blindfold was removed in one fluid motion, the scrap of cloth falling to the floor. The bright light from the candles hurt her eyes after a lengthy time in the darkness and fear. As her blue eyes adjusted to the new lighting, she could make out the blurry outline of her husband, seated with his back to her. Cold fear clenched her heard as she noticed that the ninja who had accompanied her retreated. Though she was uncomfortable around the ninja, she would give anything not to remain alone with Donashiro. His demeanour had changed dramatically. The warm loving aura he used to emit had become a cold, accusing glare, always directed at her. She stepped forward slightly, reaching out with a hand to squeeze her husband's shoulders in an attempt to make peace.
After all, he was still her husband.
He brushed her off, slapping her hand away before she could touch him.
" I told you not to betray me."
Misao took a step back, surprised at his condemning tone and his refusal to turn around to face her. Her surprise quickly turned to anger as his words sank in.
" Not this again! I told you that I did NOT betray you!"
Donashiro got to his feet in a quick movement, his right hand slapping harshly across Misao's left cheek. Misao, not ready for such a fast attack, fell to the floor from the impact, cradling her cheek in her hand, tears wetting her reddening cheek.
" Why must you hit me! I did not betray you!"
Donashiro towered over her. It was then that Misao noticed the crumpled scroll in her hands. Donashiro spat in her face, throwing the scroll down to her. Misao shakingly picked it up in one hand, her eyes widening as she read its contents. She gripped the scroll tightly in her hand, staring up defiantly at Donashiro.
" I can't believe you spied on me."
" You have no right to talk! You have disgraced me and my family name-"
" You've disgraced yourself!"
Donashiro slapped her again, repeatedly across both cheeks before hooking a hand behind her neck and pulling her close to him, face to face, eye to eye, nose to nose.
" I told you not to betray me. I warned you to obey me...you did neither."
She stared into his light coloured eyes, filled with a maddening glint she had never noticed before. Misao pulled his hand from behind her neck, clamping down on it with her teeth, making him back away.
" What are you going to do about it?"
Donashiro snorted, wiping the blood from his hands onto a hand towel from the table.
" You are my wife. I own you and I can do whatever I want with you. You and the Oniwabanshuu."
It was Misao's turn to let out a derisive laugh. She stood up, spitting the blood from her mouth and rearranging her clothes to wrap more tightly around herself.
" That's where you're wrong. Before I married you, I signed a contract. A contract declaring Shinomori Aoshi as the new Okashira."
Donashiro was about to move to attack her again when he noticed Misao's bloated midsection. His angry demeanour become cool, calm and collected once more.
" That's ok. When the child is born, I can control the heir."
Misao let out a gasp of shock, her hands automatically moving to touch her midsection, her pregnancy apparent.
" You will not visit the Aoiya again. You will never see Shinomori Aoshi. Ever."
" How can you stop me?"
Suddenly, the door to the room opened, revealing a ninja. Donashiro smiled evilly as he read the message that the ninja had brought. An uneasy feeling settled in Misao's stomach as she took in her husband's reaction to the message.
" I can stop you alright. Kashiwazaki Nenji is dead."
" You're lying."
Misao hand shook as she reached out for the letter. Her eyes filled with tears as she recognised Okon's familiar handwriting.
" No...It...it just can't be...Jiya..."
Misao sank onto the floor once more, letting the letter slip from her hands. Donashiro walked over to her, stepping on the letter in the process, and bent down to whisper in her ear.
" I told you not to betray me...this is the consequence. Disobey me again and..."
Misao's entire body shook with fear, her skin taking on an unhealthy pallor. Donashiro lovingly caressed her cheeks, brushing her hair from her face before kissing her on the cheek, leaving her sitting still in the room alone. His words still lingered in her head as she fully grasped her situation.
" Disobey me again...and I'll kill your 'Aoshi-sama' as well."
Misao swallows, a morose and scared expression on her face. Her heart began to beat faster, breaking out in a cold sweat as she nodded. His fingers roughly cupped her chin, making him face her.
" I...I won't."
Donashiro let her go, satisfied with her answer and walked out of the room, leaving Misao sitting frozen in disbelief.
" ...I wont see them again..."
______
The sun shone brightly in the sky, not a wisp of cloud marring the clear blue. A long procession occupied the streets of Kyoto. Many of the residents had turned out to pay tribute to a man who had played a part in transforming Kyoto and the lives of the people in the city. The good weather did not fit the mood of the procession, rather created the atmosphere, which he would have loved. Aoshi kept his eyes to the front, bending slightly to keep the wooden tub level as he lifted one of the handles. He had been his mentor...he could even claim him to be a life long friend. Members of the Oniwabanshuu, Shiro, Kuro, Omasu, Okon. They were all present, all looking sullen. The sudden death of the beloved and respected old man, Nenji, lovingly referred to as Okina had been a shock to them all. It had been a mysterious death, the doctor had ruled out a murder though Aoshi had not been too sure. Okina had been in perfect health before hand.
Though they had not said anything, he knew that a certain person's presence was sorely missed. Misao loved her Jiya and it was uncharacteristic of her not to come. He stares blankly as he dug into the ground with a shovel along with the other Oniwabanshuu. The wooden tub was lowered gently, along with the body of Okina. He shut out the weeping sounds of the people around him, the people who he had once betrayed but had come to accept him again.
He had tried to kill Okina before. When the news had come through, he had closed his eyes, almost feeling already the accusing glares rest upon him once more. But they never came. The Oniwabanshuu stuck together through tough times. Even though he had turned against them, they had welcomed him back. Reluctant at first, but over time...because of one girl's tireless efforts he had been accepted, as if he had never left. But he had changed, and deep down he knew that he didn't fit in. Perhaps it was time to leave them, to relieve them of the pain. But as he looked around, he knew that he couldn't.
Shinomori was not so emotionless afterall. He had his loyalty. He, though he had once lost it, had his pride. He did however, lost something important to him, because he had left. He would not make the same mistake twice.
He dropped the shovel, watching Shiro and Kuro smooth the disturbed earth as he took a step back. His body stiffened as he felt Omasu cling to his side and cry. What could he do? He had experienced this pain long before, at the death of his comrades. The burning pain and the red-hot anger afterwards. One person had helped him overcome his grief then. As he awkwardly patted Omasu's back, he knew that that person would be the only one to help the Oniwabanshuu through these times.
But she was no longer theirs.
_______
Okon walked gracefully along the pavement, despite being heavily laden with food. Walking beside her, Shiro was not doing much better. The faint sour scent tingled as she breathed in the smell wafting from the basket in the gentle breeze.
" Do you think Misao will be like she usually is?"
Shiro peered over the packages he held in his hands to look at Okon who smiled reassuringly.
" I'm sure she's the same old Misao. Just very pregnant that's all."
" I'm just wondering why she hasn't gotten in contact with us yet. It's been awhile."
" Well...since we're delivering all this stuff, we can ask why. A pregnant woman should definitely be pampered. If I can't do it myself, someone else had better feed this to her."
Shiro nodded in agreement, not wanting to set Okon off on another of her tirades. The hour and a half long walk had given Okon a decent amount of time, too much time in Shiro's opinion, for her to unleash her feelings about almost everything under the sun to him. As much as he respected Okon, he really wished she would leave him be for just a little while.
" Look Shiro! There it is!"
A Victorian style manor came into view, surrounded by stone walls and wrought iron gates. A large compound was visible to the pair, even though they were standing from a considerable distance away. When they reached the gates, a man dressed in a foreign suit greeted them, politely refusing their entry.
" We've come to see Donashiro Misao."
" I'm sorry. No one is allowed to enter."
" Please? She's pregnant. We want to give this food to her."
The man looked like he was considering it before he bowed.
" Please wait. I must consult with my master."
Shiro and Okon groaned, agitated that even after their long walk, they had been refused admission. Okon looked warily at the packages and baskets she held as she could feel her arm muscles loosen as she tired.
" I really need to train more often. I'm getting tired."
Shiro smiled at her, agreeing.
" I guess this whole Aoiya business is making us soft. Haven't seen much action lately...not that I want to. Oh you know what I mean."
Okon agreed wholeheartedly. It was hard these days, in the Meiji period. They, trained in the Oniwabanshuu, was too used to using their ninja skills in anyway they could. Though they had turned their skills to running the Aoiya, she knew that everyone, deep down, still missed the action and adventure they used to have back in the days of the Bakumatsu.
" Donashiro-san has asked that you leave. She has given you a letter and many thanks for the kindness you have shown her."
Okon and Shiro looked up with a snap of their necks as they watched the suited man walk down the sidewalk towards them.
" What? Why won't she see us? What about all this food?"
" I thank you on my mistress' behalf. You may leave the packages with me."
" Can't we at least talk to her?"
" She asked that I may give you this letter."
Okon and Shiro stood awestruck as the man efficiently opened the gate. took all the packages from them, shoving a envelope in Okon's hands before appearing behind the now closed gate again. The pair both looked down at the envelope in Okon's hands, Misao's handwriting, messily written in haste, stared up at them.
" Can't you just let us see her for just one-"
Okon stopped speaking as she noticed that the man who had greeted them had disappeared. She sighed, tucking the letter in her pocket before facing Shiro.
" At least we got a letter. Lets head home."
____
Misao sat silently in the dining hall. Once she had found the Victorian style house beautiful. Now it filled her with nothing but contempt and longing for the Aoiya. The long mahogany table gleamed, despite the lack of sunlight shielded by the heavy deep purple velvet curtains. The tools of her sadness sat in front of her. Ink, a thin brush and parchment. Long and slender fingers reached to take her stamp away from her. She had sealed her fate when she had stamped her name down on that parchment.
" Good girl."
Misao stiffened, sitting high in her chair as she stared emotionlessly ahead. Donashiro began to caress her cheeks with tender fingers and using his hot breath to nuzzle her neck. However, despite the physical contact between husband and wife, Misao still felt uncomfortable. The man touching her was a stranger. Misao remained unresponsive as Donashiro began to nibble on her lips, trying to gently pry them open.
" What is wrong with you woman!?"
Donashiro pulled away and slapped her a few times, repeatedly across each cheek He grabbed her roughly by the chin and forced her mouth open, placing his on hers once more.
" Donashiro-sama. The packages."
A man in a suit appeared at the doorway, his hands heavily laden with baskets and packages. A familiar scent enveloped her, bringing her comfort. This scent was distinctly from the Aoiya. Donashiro straightened again, pulling his lips away from Misao's unresponsive ones and waved the man away.
" Throw them in the trash."
Misao gripped Donashiro's wrist tightly with both hands, staring up at him pleadingly.
" Please. I've done what you want. Let me keep it."
Donashiro's cold demeanour waned for a second as his eyes softened.
" Beg for it."
Misao sank to the floor from her chair and wrapped her arms around Donashiro's legs.
" Please. I'll do anything."
" Anything...You'll do anything."
Misao's hands automatically moved to protect her very pregnant stomach. Donashiro pried Misao's arms off, bending down to whisper in her ear.
" No my darling. Not that."
Misao bit her lip, fearing what he would do to her this time.
" Leave us!"
" The packages?"
" Leave them on the floor and close the door. I want no one to enter this room until I give permission. No one is to disturb us."
" Hai Donashiro-sama."
Donashiro's eyes looked upon her with a predatory gleam as he picked her up and threw her roughly on the table. Afraid he would do something to hurt her baby, she endured the grunting and the pushing against her. His hands roamed all over her body, making her stomach lurch. She looked straight up at the ceiling, her eyes vacant as her soul disappeared.
She had no more pride. No more dreams.
She had nothing. Almost nothing.
She would protect the baby, no matter what.
_________
Okon sank down onto the floor, laying her head on the table as she heard the loud thud of Shiro plunking down next to her.
" Here. Drink some tea. Honestly I didn't expect you two to be back so soon."
Omasu slid open the door and walked in with a tray of hot tea. She knelt down at the table, gracefully and accurately pouring the hot tea into the cups before handing them to a tired, but gracious Okon and Shiro.
" How did Misao take it? I'm sure Okina's death hit her pretty hard. It was hard on all of us...but...she loved him more than anyone."
The trio looked downcast for a moment before Okon spoke up again.
" You won't believe it. They wouldn't even let us in."
Omasu looked genuinely shocked, her hand covering her open mouth. Shiro nodded, eager to voice his opinion.
" All we got was a cold rebuff and this letter. We didn't even get to see her."
Okon took the letter out of her pocket and smoothed it out on the table before handing it to Omasu.
" Thank you for your visit...please do not trouble yourself again...love Misao. What? This doesn't seem like our Misao-chan at all."
" I know. The Misao we know would have loved the attention...or at least the company. That place looked desolate."
Shiro sighed, looking up as he heard the approaching footsteps of Aoshi.
" Okashira! We're in here."
Aoshi appeared at the doorway, his eyes instantly focusing on Misao's shaky handwriting on the parchment. Omasu smiled at him.
" We were just discussing Misao's letter. Would you like to read it?"
" Aaa."
Aoshi stepped forward to take the letter from Omasu's hands and sit in the corner of the room. He vaguely listened to the conversations of the others as he read the letter over and over.
" Did she at least accept all the food and presents we got for her?"
" Of course Omasu. I don't think they would have turned down anything for free. That guard really creeped me out."
Omasu looked at Shiro for confirmation.
" She's right. He looked so eager to take everything and kick us out. He disappeared even before we could say another word."
" The place was so empty and quiet. Do you think they're taking care of Misao properly?"
" Maybe. I'm not too sure. By the looks of her handwriting she was pretty shaky."
" Of course, Misao-chan has always had bad handwriting."
All three began to laugh heartily, reliving some of the happy memories of Misao in their minds. However, Omasu's expression turned serious as she stole a glance at the stoic Aoshi.
" But I still feel a bit worried. I really want one of us to talk to her personally. To tell you the truth, I don't really trust the people taking care of Misao."
" I feel the same way." Okon said, agreeing. " Okashira."
Aoshi looked startled. The present Oniwabanshuu exchanged looks.
" Maybe you should go and check on her...you know. By sneaking in."
Aoshi set the letter down and looked Okon in the eye, his own blue eyes blazing.
" I don't think that is a good idea."
" We're all worried about Misao. I think it would be good for our peace of mind if you could see her and tell us how she is. You are the only one skilled enough to enter the Seiibanshuu compound."
Aoshi could not deny that Okon had good points. However, could he handle seeing Misao again?
" Please? If not for your rank in the Oniiwabanshuu, then for us...your family? For Misao?"
Omasu joined in the pleading, back up by Shiro and Kuro. Aoshi looked resigned as he stood up and left the room. Shiro and Kuro high-five each other as Okon wore an incredulous expression.
" Well, one thing about our Okashira. If he needs to do something, he does it fast."
Omasu laughed softly, getting to her feet while holding a tea tray.
" Oh shush Okon. You know how hard it is for him to go see her again. We all know."
_____
Misao lowered herself carefully onto a large comfy chair in the sitting room of the house. For once, the heavy velvet drapes had been pulled aside to allow the light from the setting sun to illuminate the room.
Footsteps. Clinking of ceramics.
She had been attended to by a well known doctor that morning. The real motive behind it was evident. Misao knew him well. Putting up a good front while under suspicion was smart.
" Here you are. I've brought food for you, you must be quite hungry after seeing the doctor."
Donashiro entered the room, followed by his usual entourage and a maid balancing a tray of food in her hands. He strode over to her, giving her a light kiss and whispered in her ear as the maid set down the food on a nearby table.
" Smile for the lady."
Misao forced a smile as her husband kissed her on the cheek. She continued to smile blankly as the maid left the room. Donashiro waved his entourage away, lifting up the bowl of rice porridge and holding a spoonful out to her.
" It's yummy and it's good for the baby." Donashiro coaxed as he held the spoon to her lips.
Misao began to shake with fear from close contact with the man, refusing to open her mouth.
" Come on Misao...be good. Eat it."
Her mouth remained stubbornly closed as she stared at him, her eyes wide with fear.
" What the hell is wrong with you?!"
Donashiro snapped, throwing the bowl onto the floor, allowing the sludgy liquid to slosh out all over the wooden floor. Misao ignored the steaming liquid on her own hands as she was confronted with a mad man. Donashiro leaned close, eye to eye as he screamed in her face.
" I'm feeding you like a loving husband! Why must you be so damned difficult? What the hell do you want from me? I have the power to ki-"
Donashiro stopped mid sentence, pulling back. He rearranged his clothing and smoothed back his hair.
" I'm going on a trip. I won't be back for a few days."
Without another word and without finishing off his threat, Donashiro left the room. Misao's hands gripped the armrests of the chair, her knuckles turning white. She closed her eyes, letting the silence sooth her. So silent that she could almost hear her own heart beating. She placed a hand on her stomach, feeling the baby kick vigorously.
She would do anything to protect this baby.
She looked down, smiling gently as tears began to fall.
Misao looked around the empty room.
Tears cascaded down her cheeks and she made no effort to wipe them away.
" Gomen ne...Jiya."
She continued to sit there in silence, save the sounds of her regular breathing and the constant pitter patter of the rain now falling outside. She remained motionless as she looked out the window, watching the rain hit the window panes.
Misao bit her lip, struggling not to begin to sob and to allow her mind to go down that path again.
" Misao."
A soft, deep voice called to her, just like in her dreams. He wasn't really there. It was just her mind playing tricks on her, trying to cheer herself up. But even if he was there, she knew she would find no comfort.
Suddenly she was aware of shadows moving across the floor.
He couldn't really be there. Just her imagination. Right?
The voice whispered her name again, this time sounding choked and questioning.
Misao didn't dare to turn around, lest her dream would end with the realisation that no one was there. Her heart quickened as she saw a shadow fall over her.
A very familiar shadow.
______
" Donashiro-sama."
The young man sat up from his futon, brushing his light coloured hair out of his face as he looked up to the bowing ninja.
" State your business."
" His report Donashiro-sama. He has returned from the Aoiya."
Donashiro took the scroll from the ninja's hand and waved him away, his face pulling into a frown as he read the contents of the spy report.
" Wait."
The ninja, now hanging from the ceiling looked down at Donashiro. Landing softly on the floor, the ninja bowed down again.
" Hai Donashiro-sama."
Donashiro gripped the scroll tightly, crumpling it in his hand. His face flushed red as anger veins appeared on his forehead.
" Have Kashiwazaki Nenji killed."
" But...Donashiro-sama. That's your wife's-"
" I did not ask for your opinion."
" He was recommended for okashira before...he may not be so easy to kill."
" I said do it!"
The ninja bowed, eager to escape his master's wrath. Donashiro unclenched his fist, smoothing the scroll of paper, which had told him his worst fear.
_________
Misao stepped out of the carriage again, the unfamiliar air of the place made her blood run cold. She could never call this compound home, not matter how long she had lived there. She walked slowly and cautiously towards the main entrance where once again, her husband's favourite ninja stood waiting for her. Without a word, she understood his order, wordlessly following him once again through the endless, identical corridors. Even her ninja senses were not enough to keep her from losing her way without a guide. She hated going to her husband's study. It was in the deepest part of the compound, far away from where she liked to stay; the front where the sun shone through the big glass European windows. This was the thing she liked most about the European house. Going to her husbands room meant being blindfolded for secrecy's sake. She hated the feeling of having no orientation, and she couldn't bring herself to trust her husband's bodyguard either.
Her shoes landed softly on the wood panel floor, despite the friction of the wood of her shoes and the floor. Each step was a step into the unknown, her right hand feeling the walls around her in an attempt to orientate herself as the ninja led her along at a fast pace. Suddenly, the pressure on her hand eased and she quickly moved her hand, letting it fall to her side rather in the cool clammy hands of the ninja. She heard a heavy door being shifted open, a door being closed behind her. The blindfold was removed in one fluid motion, the scrap of cloth falling to the floor. The bright light from the candles hurt her eyes after a lengthy time in the darkness and fear. As her blue eyes adjusted to the new lighting, she could make out the blurry outline of her husband, seated with his back to her. Cold fear clenched her heard as she noticed that the ninja who had accompanied her retreated. Though she was uncomfortable around the ninja, she would give anything not to remain alone with Donashiro. His demeanour had changed dramatically. The warm loving aura he used to emit had become a cold, accusing glare, always directed at her. She stepped forward slightly, reaching out with a hand to squeeze her husband's shoulders in an attempt to make peace.
After all, he was still her husband.
He brushed her off, slapping her hand away before she could touch him.
" I told you not to betray me."
Misao took a step back, surprised at his condemning tone and his refusal to turn around to face her. Her surprise quickly turned to anger as his words sank in.
" Not this again! I told you that I did NOT betray you!"
Donashiro got to his feet in a quick movement, his right hand slapping harshly across Misao's left cheek. Misao, not ready for such a fast attack, fell to the floor from the impact, cradling her cheek in her hand, tears wetting her reddening cheek.
" Why must you hit me! I did not betray you!"
Donashiro towered over her. It was then that Misao noticed the crumpled scroll in her hands. Donashiro spat in her face, throwing the scroll down to her. Misao shakingly picked it up in one hand, her eyes widening as she read its contents. She gripped the scroll tightly in her hand, staring up defiantly at Donashiro.
" I can't believe you spied on me."
" You have no right to talk! You have disgraced me and my family name-"
" You've disgraced yourself!"
Donashiro slapped her again, repeatedly across both cheeks before hooking a hand behind her neck and pulling her close to him, face to face, eye to eye, nose to nose.
" I told you not to betray me. I warned you to obey me...you did neither."
She stared into his light coloured eyes, filled with a maddening glint she had never noticed before. Misao pulled his hand from behind her neck, clamping down on it with her teeth, making him back away.
" What are you going to do about it?"
Donashiro snorted, wiping the blood from his hands onto a hand towel from the table.
" You are my wife. I own you and I can do whatever I want with you. You and the Oniwabanshuu."
It was Misao's turn to let out a derisive laugh. She stood up, spitting the blood from her mouth and rearranging her clothes to wrap more tightly around herself.
" That's where you're wrong. Before I married you, I signed a contract. A contract declaring Shinomori Aoshi as the new Okashira."
Donashiro was about to move to attack her again when he noticed Misao's bloated midsection. His angry demeanour become cool, calm and collected once more.
" That's ok. When the child is born, I can control the heir."
Misao let out a gasp of shock, her hands automatically moving to touch her midsection, her pregnancy apparent.
" You will not visit the Aoiya again. You will never see Shinomori Aoshi. Ever."
" How can you stop me?"
Suddenly, the door to the room opened, revealing a ninja. Donashiro smiled evilly as he read the message that the ninja had brought. An uneasy feeling settled in Misao's stomach as she took in her husband's reaction to the message.
" I can stop you alright. Kashiwazaki Nenji is dead."
" You're lying."
Misao hand shook as she reached out for the letter. Her eyes filled with tears as she recognised Okon's familiar handwriting.
" No...It...it just can't be...Jiya..."
Misao sank onto the floor once more, letting the letter slip from her hands. Donashiro walked over to her, stepping on the letter in the process, and bent down to whisper in her ear.
" I told you not to betray me...this is the consequence. Disobey me again and..."
Misao's entire body shook with fear, her skin taking on an unhealthy pallor. Donashiro lovingly caressed her cheeks, brushing her hair from her face before kissing her on the cheek, leaving her sitting still in the room alone. His words still lingered in her head as she fully grasped her situation.
" Disobey me again...and I'll kill your 'Aoshi-sama' as well."
Misao swallows, a morose and scared expression on her face. Her heart began to beat faster, breaking out in a cold sweat as she nodded. His fingers roughly cupped her chin, making him face her.
" I...I won't."
Donashiro let her go, satisfied with her answer and walked out of the room, leaving Misao sitting frozen in disbelief.
" ...I wont see them again..."
______
The sun shone brightly in the sky, not a wisp of cloud marring the clear blue. A long procession occupied the streets of Kyoto. Many of the residents had turned out to pay tribute to a man who had played a part in transforming Kyoto and the lives of the people in the city. The good weather did not fit the mood of the procession, rather created the atmosphere, which he would have loved. Aoshi kept his eyes to the front, bending slightly to keep the wooden tub level as he lifted one of the handles. He had been his mentor...he could even claim him to be a life long friend. Members of the Oniwabanshuu, Shiro, Kuro, Omasu, Okon. They were all present, all looking sullen. The sudden death of the beloved and respected old man, Nenji, lovingly referred to as Okina had been a shock to them all. It had been a mysterious death, the doctor had ruled out a murder though Aoshi had not been too sure. Okina had been in perfect health before hand.
Though they had not said anything, he knew that a certain person's presence was sorely missed. Misao loved her Jiya and it was uncharacteristic of her not to come. He stares blankly as he dug into the ground with a shovel along with the other Oniwabanshuu. The wooden tub was lowered gently, along with the body of Okina. He shut out the weeping sounds of the people around him, the people who he had once betrayed but had come to accept him again.
He had tried to kill Okina before. When the news had come through, he had closed his eyes, almost feeling already the accusing glares rest upon him once more. But they never came. The Oniwabanshuu stuck together through tough times. Even though he had turned against them, they had welcomed him back. Reluctant at first, but over time...because of one girl's tireless efforts he had been accepted, as if he had never left. But he had changed, and deep down he knew that he didn't fit in. Perhaps it was time to leave them, to relieve them of the pain. But as he looked around, he knew that he couldn't.
Shinomori was not so emotionless afterall. He had his loyalty. He, though he had once lost it, had his pride. He did however, lost something important to him, because he had left. He would not make the same mistake twice.
He dropped the shovel, watching Shiro and Kuro smooth the disturbed earth as he took a step back. His body stiffened as he felt Omasu cling to his side and cry. What could he do? He had experienced this pain long before, at the death of his comrades. The burning pain and the red-hot anger afterwards. One person had helped him overcome his grief then. As he awkwardly patted Omasu's back, he knew that that person would be the only one to help the Oniwabanshuu through these times.
But she was no longer theirs.
_______
Okon walked gracefully along the pavement, despite being heavily laden with food. Walking beside her, Shiro was not doing much better. The faint sour scent tingled as she breathed in the smell wafting from the basket in the gentle breeze.
" Do you think Misao will be like she usually is?"
Shiro peered over the packages he held in his hands to look at Okon who smiled reassuringly.
" I'm sure she's the same old Misao. Just very pregnant that's all."
" I'm just wondering why she hasn't gotten in contact with us yet. It's been awhile."
" Well...since we're delivering all this stuff, we can ask why. A pregnant woman should definitely be pampered. If I can't do it myself, someone else had better feed this to her."
Shiro nodded in agreement, not wanting to set Okon off on another of her tirades. The hour and a half long walk had given Okon a decent amount of time, too much time in Shiro's opinion, for her to unleash her feelings about almost everything under the sun to him. As much as he respected Okon, he really wished she would leave him be for just a little while.
" Look Shiro! There it is!"
A Victorian style manor came into view, surrounded by stone walls and wrought iron gates. A large compound was visible to the pair, even though they were standing from a considerable distance away. When they reached the gates, a man dressed in a foreign suit greeted them, politely refusing their entry.
" We've come to see Donashiro Misao."
" I'm sorry. No one is allowed to enter."
" Please? She's pregnant. We want to give this food to her."
The man looked like he was considering it before he bowed.
" Please wait. I must consult with my master."
Shiro and Okon groaned, agitated that even after their long walk, they had been refused admission. Okon looked warily at the packages and baskets she held as she could feel her arm muscles loosen as she tired.
" I really need to train more often. I'm getting tired."
Shiro smiled at her, agreeing.
" I guess this whole Aoiya business is making us soft. Haven't seen much action lately...not that I want to. Oh you know what I mean."
Okon agreed wholeheartedly. It was hard these days, in the Meiji period. They, trained in the Oniwabanshuu, was too used to using their ninja skills in anyway they could. Though they had turned their skills to running the Aoiya, she knew that everyone, deep down, still missed the action and adventure they used to have back in the days of the Bakumatsu.
" Donashiro-san has asked that you leave. She has given you a letter and many thanks for the kindness you have shown her."
Okon and Shiro looked up with a snap of their necks as they watched the suited man walk down the sidewalk towards them.
" What? Why won't she see us? What about all this food?"
" I thank you on my mistress' behalf. You may leave the packages with me."
" Can't we at least talk to her?"
" She asked that I may give you this letter."
Okon and Shiro stood awestruck as the man efficiently opened the gate. took all the packages from them, shoving a envelope in Okon's hands before appearing behind the now closed gate again. The pair both looked down at the envelope in Okon's hands, Misao's handwriting, messily written in haste, stared up at them.
" Can't you just let us see her for just one-"
Okon stopped speaking as she noticed that the man who had greeted them had disappeared. She sighed, tucking the letter in her pocket before facing Shiro.
" At least we got a letter. Lets head home."
____
Misao sat silently in the dining hall. Once she had found the Victorian style house beautiful. Now it filled her with nothing but contempt and longing for the Aoiya. The long mahogany table gleamed, despite the lack of sunlight shielded by the heavy deep purple velvet curtains. The tools of her sadness sat in front of her. Ink, a thin brush and parchment. Long and slender fingers reached to take her stamp away from her. She had sealed her fate when she had stamped her name down on that parchment.
" Good girl."
Misao stiffened, sitting high in her chair as she stared emotionlessly ahead. Donashiro began to caress her cheeks with tender fingers and using his hot breath to nuzzle her neck. However, despite the physical contact between husband and wife, Misao still felt uncomfortable. The man touching her was a stranger. Misao remained unresponsive as Donashiro began to nibble on her lips, trying to gently pry them open.
" What is wrong with you woman!?"
Donashiro pulled away and slapped her a few times, repeatedly across each cheek He grabbed her roughly by the chin and forced her mouth open, placing his on hers once more.
" Donashiro-sama. The packages."
A man in a suit appeared at the doorway, his hands heavily laden with baskets and packages. A familiar scent enveloped her, bringing her comfort. This scent was distinctly from the Aoiya. Donashiro straightened again, pulling his lips away from Misao's unresponsive ones and waved the man away.
" Throw them in the trash."
Misao gripped Donashiro's wrist tightly with both hands, staring up at him pleadingly.
" Please. I've done what you want. Let me keep it."
Donashiro's cold demeanour waned for a second as his eyes softened.
" Beg for it."
Misao sank to the floor from her chair and wrapped her arms around Donashiro's legs.
" Please. I'll do anything."
" Anything...You'll do anything."
Misao's hands automatically moved to protect her very pregnant stomach. Donashiro pried Misao's arms off, bending down to whisper in her ear.
" No my darling. Not that."
Misao bit her lip, fearing what he would do to her this time.
" Leave us!"
" The packages?"
" Leave them on the floor and close the door. I want no one to enter this room until I give permission. No one is to disturb us."
" Hai Donashiro-sama."
Donashiro's eyes looked upon her with a predatory gleam as he picked her up and threw her roughly on the table. Afraid he would do something to hurt her baby, she endured the grunting and the pushing against her. His hands roamed all over her body, making her stomach lurch. She looked straight up at the ceiling, her eyes vacant as her soul disappeared.
She had no more pride. No more dreams.
She had nothing. Almost nothing.
She would protect the baby, no matter what.
_________
Okon sank down onto the floor, laying her head on the table as she heard the loud thud of Shiro plunking down next to her.
" Here. Drink some tea. Honestly I didn't expect you two to be back so soon."
Omasu slid open the door and walked in with a tray of hot tea. She knelt down at the table, gracefully and accurately pouring the hot tea into the cups before handing them to a tired, but gracious Okon and Shiro.
" How did Misao take it? I'm sure Okina's death hit her pretty hard. It was hard on all of us...but...she loved him more than anyone."
The trio looked downcast for a moment before Okon spoke up again.
" You won't believe it. They wouldn't even let us in."
Omasu looked genuinely shocked, her hand covering her open mouth. Shiro nodded, eager to voice his opinion.
" All we got was a cold rebuff and this letter. We didn't even get to see her."
Okon took the letter out of her pocket and smoothed it out on the table before handing it to Omasu.
" Thank you for your visit...please do not trouble yourself again...love Misao. What? This doesn't seem like our Misao-chan at all."
" I know. The Misao we know would have loved the attention...or at least the company. That place looked desolate."
Shiro sighed, looking up as he heard the approaching footsteps of Aoshi.
" Okashira! We're in here."
Aoshi appeared at the doorway, his eyes instantly focusing on Misao's shaky handwriting on the parchment. Omasu smiled at him.
" We were just discussing Misao's letter. Would you like to read it?"
" Aaa."
Aoshi stepped forward to take the letter from Omasu's hands and sit in the corner of the room. He vaguely listened to the conversations of the others as he read the letter over and over.
" Did she at least accept all the food and presents we got for her?"
" Of course Omasu. I don't think they would have turned down anything for free. That guard really creeped me out."
Omasu looked at Shiro for confirmation.
" She's right. He looked so eager to take everything and kick us out. He disappeared even before we could say another word."
" The place was so empty and quiet. Do you think they're taking care of Misao properly?"
" Maybe. I'm not too sure. By the looks of her handwriting she was pretty shaky."
" Of course, Misao-chan has always had bad handwriting."
All three began to laugh heartily, reliving some of the happy memories of Misao in their minds. However, Omasu's expression turned serious as she stole a glance at the stoic Aoshi.
" But I still feel a bit worried. I really want one of us to talk to her personally. To tell you the truth, I don't really trust the people taking care of Misao."
" I feel the same way." Okon said, agreeing. " Okashira."
Aoshi looked startled. The present Oniwabanshuu exchanged looks.
" Maybe you should go and check on her...you know. By sneaking in."
Aoshi set the letter down and looked Okon in the eye, his own blue eyes blazing.
" I don't think that is a good idea."
" We're all worried about Misao. I think it would be good for our peace of mind if you could see her and tell us how she is. You are the only one skilled enough to enter the Seiibanshuu compound."
Aoshi could not deny that Okon had good points. However, could he handle seeing Misao again?
" Please? If not for your rank in the Oniiwabanshuu, then for us...your family? For Misao?"
Omasu joined in the pleading, back up by Shiro and Kuro. Aoshi looked resigned as he stood up and left the room. Shiro and Kuro high-five each other as Okon wore an incredulous expression.
" Well, one thing about our Okashira. If he needs to do something, he does it fast."
Omasu laughed softly, getting to her feet while holding a tea tray.
" Oh shush Okon. You know how hard it is for him to go see her again. We all know."
_____
Misao lowered herself carefully onto a large comfy chair in the sitting room of the house. For once, the heavy velvet drapes had been pulled aside to allow the light from the setting sun to illuminate the room.
Footsteps. Clinking of ceramics.
She had been attended to by a well known doctor that morning. The real motive behind it was evident. Misao knew him well. Putting up a good front while under suspicion was smart.
" Here you are. I've brought food for you, you must be quite hungry after seeing the doctor."
Donashiro entered the room, followed by his usual entourage and a maid balancing a tray of food in her hands. He strode over to her, giving her a light kiss and whispered in her ear as the maid set down the food on a nearby table.
" Smile for the lady."
Misao forced a smile as her husband kissed her on the cheek. She continued to smile blankly as the maid left the room. Donashiro waved his entourage away, lifting up the bowl of rice porridge and holding a spoonful out to her.
" It's yummy and it's good for the baby." Donashiro coaxed as he held the spoon to her lips.
Misao began to shake with fear from close contact with the man, refusing to open her mouth.
" Come on Misao...be good. Eat it."
Her mouth remained stubbornly closed as she stared at him, her eyes wide with fear.
" What the hell is wrong with you?!"
Donashiro snapped, throwing the bowl onto the floor, allowing the sludgy liquid to slosh out all over the wooden floor. Misao ignored the steaming liquid on her own hands as she was confronted with a mad man. Donashiro leaned close, eye to eye as he screamed in her face.
" I'm feeding you like a loving husband! Why must you be so damned difficult? What the hell do you want from me? I have the power to ki-"
Donashiro stopped mid sentence, pulling back. He rearranged his clothing and smoothed back his hair.
" I'm going on a trip. I won't be back for a few days."
Without another word and without finishing off his threat, Donashiro left the room. Misao's hands gripped the armrests of the chair, her knuckles turning white. She closed her eyes, letting the silence sooth her. So silent that she could almost hear her own heart beating. She placed a hand on her stomach, feeling the baby kick vigorously.
She would do anything to protect this baby.
She looked down, smiling gently as tears began to fall.
Misao looked around the empty room.
Tears cascaded down her cheeks and she made no effort to wipe them away.
" Gomen ne...Jiya."
She continued to sit there in silence, save the sounds of her regular breathing and the constant pitter patter of the rain now falling outside. She remained motionless as she looked out the window, watching the rain hit the window panes.
Misao bit her lip, struggling not to begin to sob and to allow her mind to go down that path again.
" Misao."
A soft, deep voice called to her, just like in her dreams. He wasn't really there. It was just her mind playing tricks on her, trying to cheer herself up. But even if he was there, she knew she would find no comfort.
Suddenly she was aware of shadows moving across the floor.
He couldn't really be there. Just her imagination. Right?
The voice whispered her name again, this time sounding choked and questioning.
Misao didn't dare to turn around, lest her dream would end with the realisation that no one was there. Her heart quickened as she saw a shadow fall over her.
A very familiar shadow.
______