Standard disclaimers apply...
Author's note: ...This chapter ready for the flies :)...
...And the Search Begins:
Chapter 3:
Six years later:
Misao came out of the training room as she wanted some fresh air. 'I had a nice workout.' She thought.
Misao has been training in there, ever since Aoshi-sama and some of their friends had left Kyoto. Since she couldn't look for them, she was stuck with other members of the Oniwabanshu.
'I want Aoshi-sama to see me as a stronger person...' she thought to herself, as she slowly picked up her kunais that were laying around on the floor.
It is now the Meiji's 6th year. The summer has long passed and Misao longed for Aoshi-sama's return to Kyoto. It is now the beginning of winter in Kyoto, Japan. The pedals from the Sakura trees were dried, but still lingering on the grounds. As each day passes, the days become shorter as the nights become longer.
"Misao-chan," Okon called, "Dinner is almost ready... you should wash yourself up."
"Hai!" Misao took her kunais and walked out into the bath house, to get herself refreshed after long hours of training.
After about a half an hour, Misao stepped out feeling much more comfortable.
Misao joined in at the dining room; where everyone was already gathered for dinner.
"...Misao-chan," Omasu began, "..you're birthday is coming in just a few days..."
"HAI!" answered Misao, who was filled with excitement. "I will be 12 years old soon."
"What do you want for your birthday?" Shiro asked curiously.
Misao paused to think about the things she wanted. "Well... There's nothing I want in particular," she finally answered. The only thing she really wanted was to see Aoshi-sama again. 'Ahh...Nothing will be any better than that.' she thought dreamily to herself.
"Let's throw a party..." Okina advised.
"Ahh… Sure, but I really don't mind." Misao replied; still in her dreamy mood.
"A party it is then," Okon commented joyfully as she already has something planned in the back of her mind. "After all, it's only once that a little girl will turn 12, you know..."
"That's right," Okina added, "I'm sure you'll be leaving us very soon..." he commented sadly, trying to tease Misao, as well as giving her a hint.
"Jiya, I'm not going anywhere, yet... or at least I don't think so..." Misao responded. "Wait.. am I going somewhere??? ..Can I go somewhere??"
Omasu couldn't help but let out a giggle. "Misao-chan, you'll find out in a few days..." she commented joyfully as she placed her dinner in front of her.
To Be continued...