Disclaimer: Rurouni Kenshin is copyright of it's own respected owners. I am merely a fan.
The Fire within Ice
Chapter 4: Mild Information
Her body felt tired, but she didn't want to sleep. Her eyes were red, and her cheeks damp from all the tears. She stood alone in her room at the Aoi-ya, staring at the ground, her eyes open, yet not seeing anything but the thoughts in her mind. Every thought was of him. He never stopped plaguing her did he? She fell down to her knees letting fresh tears escape her eyes.
"Aoshi..." She said his name as though it was the first time leaving her mouth, or maybe as though it was too painful to say. She wiped the tears with her fists, raising her head slowly, looking outside her window. It was going to get dark within a few hours. She felt tense and needed to relax. Raising her voice as to convince herself, she got up and undid her braided her.
"I have to get myself together. All I need is a good bath and I'll be fine."
Opening her door, she headed for the hot springs close by, hoping to let the water give her relaxation. She started walking towards the trees, heading for her destination, completely unaware of her Aoshi-sama watching her every move from a short distance away.
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Ginta Osada took of the coat of his foreign suit, laying it beside him as he sat down ready to write a letter. His features were rigid, and his eyes were slightly half lidded. He was planning on writting a letter to Jin who was already on his way to Kyoto by now. He always liked that boy. "So skilled, and so easy to manipulate." Brushing his hand through his dark brown hair, the though of his brother came up. "yes, Kanryu, you were a big fool weren't you? Even if you are my half brother, I owe you a favor, and so I will get rid of the Oniwaban and later the Battousai. All in good time."
He stretched out his hands, ready to start his short letter. Jin would follow every order. He always did, and always would. Giving a low chuckle, he began his orders:
Jin Mazawa,
I wanted to tell you that I have a little extra information on the Oniwaban. Aoshi Shinimori is very much alive...I'm sure that makes you very happy now, correct? He is no fool when it comes to a fight. I am sure you already know that though. I would think he is the main challenge after all. I still can't believe their current leader is some little girl. Tell you what, if you found any of the women intriguing enough, bring them back. I always like a woman who can bite. Oh and please keep your head straight. I don't expect any failures. Remember what I have told you. Remember Youji, remember the betrayal.
Even with their current leader, the Oniwban probably still have fire. Even the government knows them well. If the Oniwabanshu had helped the Tokugawa Government fight in the Bakumatsu no Douran, the Meiji Era would have never happened, so have I heard. This is an unnecessary era. I liked it so much better when I there was more action. But nonetheless, as long as I have my money and amusement, I am satisfied.
Ginta Osada
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Aoshi stood near a tree near the temple when he noticed Misao come into his field of vision. She was heading somewhere and her her hair was unbraided. It was going to get dark in a short time, where was she going? A part of him wanted to go after her, make sure she was safe. That part of him wanted to make everything clear to her, make her understand his feelings. But he started the walking away, for he needed some time himself to clear his thoughts. He was always lifeless, cold, and cruel. It was what made his the perfect warrior. So then why was love mixing it self in? He didn't need it- didn't want it! But he couldn't help it.
Looking up at the sky, he closed his eyes, silently hoping for something he didn't know. It was strange, and yet so assure. He opened his eyes, watching the clouds form. It was going to rain that night, not that he would mind. He liked the rain. It was one the few things in the world he considered pure, just like her. How the rain cleansed him, how it washed the blood of his hands, even if the stain always remained. The stain would always remain, for it was a part of him, but he hoped to cover it a little, even if it was with petals of a flower, or droplets of the rain. He had failed at becoming the strongest, but he knew he hadn't failed at flowering his comrades graves. Hannya, Beshimi, Hyotoko and Shikijou...The flowers on their grave now were peace. Peace he hoped he could have himself. The rain made him feel more peaceful just like when she smiled at him. Her smile was peaceful, beautiful, and cleansing.
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"Youji... I will not fail you young brother." Jin whispered almost inaudibly to himself.
"What was that Sir Mazawa?" The fighter near him asked.
"What? Nothing. Keep going"
"Sorry Sir." The man replied.
"Now do me a favor. Try not to bother me anymore." Jin's voice sounded sharp and irritated. The man nodded and left while Jin's eyes were misted, in his own thoughts. A thousand lives have made me colder, and it's time life stops playing with my patience. I will not fail. Taking out a small knife, he threw it to his side, directly at the tree nearby as he continued walking. Within moments it was raining hard, making him curse aloud.
"It's getting dark and the rain will slow us down. We will camp for a short while near the trees over there, but only until early morning tomorrow. We head out then, even if the rain hasn't stopped." He pointed his finger at spot that would make their camp for the night as his men gave their nod of understanding. They were all tired and would be glad for the rest. After all they had an unfinished mission ahead of them.
****I updated really quick this time though it's a really small chapter. But I promise this story is going to get more interesting. it still has a long way to go, but I'll get there. Oh and for any of you people wondering: This fic is rated 'R' because of language, adult content, and later sexual situations. Anyway I love all of you who review. Thank you!!!! ~Lia (lostheart)