Disclaimer: Rurouni Kenshin is copyright of it's own respected owners. I am merely a fan.
The Fire within Ice
Chapter 5: Passionate Danger
Two days had passed and it seemed he had seen very little of Misao. The day before Okon had brought his tea at the temple and left. Yet today Misao came, knocking modestly at the temple door. When she had brought his tea, her head had been down the most of the time. It seemed like it was this great space of silence between both of them. He didn't know what to say to her. He felt confused and he despised the feeling. His emotions felt unsure, and he felt silence was his best option. She had just came in, giving him a smile, pretending she was alright. But the pain in her eyes were so clear. Then shortly after, she had bowed and left.
Now it was late afternoon and finally the weather was clear. It had been raining for a long time. It had only stopped recently, bringing the reward of a clear blue sky. He could feel the breeze for the tree leafs seemed to dance while the cherry blossoms calmly flew by in the air. Standing outside, he just stared, leaning on the tree branch behind him, listening to the serene sound of nature. His thoughts moved to Misao again. He wanted to see her. He wanted to talk to her. And just like someone had answered his hopes, he saw Misao, just like two days ago, heading inside the forest. This time he decided to follow.
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Misao headed for hot springs once again. Her last attempt didn't work out too well for it started raining as soon as she had arrived, making her turn back and leave. The day before she had asked Okon to bring Aoshi his tea for she couldn't bare seeing him. And today she had told herself to be brave, forced herself to smile while looking up at him. He hadn't said one word to her…not one. And when she had left, she had stood outside the temple for what seemed like hours crying. And now she was tired and the hot springs sounded extremely tempting.
She had a feeling that she should forget about the hot springs. But nothing could happen; for the hot spring was only known to the Oniwaban group and she had already told everyone in the Aoi-Ya that she would be gone for a few hours. She walked quickly to her destination, trying to save time before it was dark, completely unaware of her former Okashira following her. Within a short time, she reached the area, feeling the steam from the hot water. It was quiet and peaceful; and just what she needed to relax. Maybe it would help relax the pain of him…
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Aoshi followed Misao as she reach the hot spring. Standing close by he watched as she pulled the sash on burgundy kimono. And in that very second the sash opened, he realized her purpose. He thought it indecent to watch her, turning immediately to head back. Taking one step his senses picked up a rustle in the branches. He looked far to the side noticing someone was in the tree. But before he could head for it he heard Misao give out a scream, making him head for her as fast as he could. Taking out his twin kodachi's he quickly killed the first man he saw, then second, running to Misao's figure on the ground. She had her kimono around her and seemed to be bleeding. He went on his knees, putting her on his lab as he noticed her shoulder had been stabbed. Next to her lay a man in similar outfit as the man had been killed. Misao had improved in battle.
"A-Aoshi…" Misao whispered, noticing his figure holding her. He took his hand and brushed a stand of hair out of her eyes as she went unconscious. He took her in his arms, returning as fast as he could. He had been so lost in her that he forgot his senses and didn't notice the approaching enemy. Who was this enemy and what did they want? How could have they possible found the Oniwaban layer, especially when it was guarded so well with their spies. It was almost impossible.
The blood from Misao's shoulder was staining his coat. Her long hair waved behind her, some of its strands still wet. Her skin seemed more pale than usual. He had to find out what was happening, he would have to talk with Okina. If this enemy could get past their spies without any trace, they had to worry. Usually he liked a challenge, but having Misao's life at stake changed the whole situation. He would not loose her...not like his comrades that died by Kanryu's hand. In a second he suddenly stopped, remembering there had been three of those intruders…and they had killed three. But he had seen someone on a tree. He was sure of it. Damn. One had escaped.
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Jin Mazawa sat on the high tree branch in thought. He had sent three of his men to check the surroundings. They had most unexpectedly come across a young woman and none other than Aoshi Shinimori. "But how could the mighty Aoshi not notice my men till the last second?" Then he realized it. It was that girl. "Aoshi was distracted by the girl. How could that be? A warrior like him…but those were some of my best fighters and he killed them in seconds. But that girl. I wonder who she is. She even managed to kill one of my men." He effortlessly jumped off and heading back to camp. He had some information to review.
"Sir, you have a letter from Master Osada." One of his men said as soon as he returned.
He quickly read the contents of the message, giving out a small laugh. Osada had nicely informed him that Aoshi Shinimori was alive. "That must be new information." His voice changed from sarcasm to anger as he saw Osada mention Youji. He had no right. "I will kill you Aoshi. Then I will flower your grave with the blood of your men." For nothing will satisfy me more.
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"How is she?" Aoshi asked.
"She is fine. She is just a little tired right now. Some rest will her do her good. She lost a lot of blood for that is a big wound. The ones who attacked her…I need to have a talk to you about them." Okina explained, his old features looking tense.
"Alright. I want to know about them. Our men took their bodies from near the hot spring, I want to know if any information was found out."
"I understand Aoshi. We all are more than a little curious. We still do not know how they got past our spies. But we did find out one interesting piece of information. All of the men had a black mark on their wrist. The mark belongs to all the men who work for Ginta Osada. He is one of the very rich men of Japan. Apparantly he enjoyed making vast investments in opium."
"Why would he want to attack us? And where would he have the resources to get past our men?" Aoshi had heard of Osada, but not much. All he knew was that he was one of the wealthy pigs living in Tokyo.
"We don't have any information on why or how. But the men that attacked were not taking orders from him. It would be impossible. There has to be some other person behind this as well."
"You mean someone that knows information on us." Aoshi said. "Osada has hired someone intelligent in that manner."
"Indeed it could be. We could always send men to kill Osada, but I think patience will reward us with more information. We need to find out more about Osada's motives and what he and his men are planning. Omatsu says that Osada is still in Tokyo, which means we will keep track of any messages passed between Tokyo and Kyoto. For now, we will be careful and watch out." Okina finished, putting his hand on Aoshi's shoulder. "You can visit Misao if you want."
"I will." Aoshi replied, seeing Okina walk away.
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Misao woke up with a slight headache and a chill. Realizing she was back in her room, she tried to get up from her futon but felt a stabbing pain in her shoulder. Quickly the past events rushed back to her head. Aoshi had saved her. But how did he know I am in danger? She suddenly blushed, knowing he must have seen her at the hot springs. Well at least she never took of her kimono. Only a little amount of the binding of her chest could have been seen. But that was still…Aoshi…She turned more red knowing he had carried her back. Who were those men- Her thoughts were cut off as she heard a light knock on her door and the sound of Aoshi's voice.
"Misao."
She mentally panicked, not sure what to do. Closing her eyes, she pretended she was still asleep as he entered her room. She heard him walk towards her and kneel down. She didn't want to open her eyes for she was scared to face him just as much as she was embarrassed.
Aoshi looked down on her face, surrounded by her open hair that was usually braided. Her face seemed to have some color now and her wound was tended to. He was happy she was alright.
"Misao." She could hear the sound of his clam breathing; making her want to open her eyes and look at his handsome face. But she kept her eyes closed, not moving a bit. He continued talking to her. "I'm sorry I didn't protect you well… and for the pain."
Her thoughts swirled. Does he mean the pain in my shoulder or- Before she could complete yet another thought, she felt his lips on hers in what was a soft and gentle kiss. She was shocked to say the least. Aoshi got up, after looking at her one last time for what seemed like the longest time, he left the room. And in that moment Misao opened her eyes, putting her fingers on lips, completely shocked. She sat on her futon trying understand the action. He had just kissed her, and she knew, at that time, she had been in passionate danger.
Aoshi walked to his room, knowing Misao had been awake, for when his lips met hers, he had felt her move.
****I made this chapter longer than my usual ones to make you guys happy. The story will take more depth, so I hope you all will keep with. Thank you to everyone who reviews; you're the best. I really appreciate all the great support. So keep reviewing and I'll try to get the next chapter up as soon as I can. ~Lia (lostheart)