Summary: Aoshi and Misao are happily married? That should've been the case, but Misao realizes that she was just deluded by that fantasy. Oh, they were married all right, but not happily. What happened? That's what she is going to figure out. A/M.
Happily Ever After? Hardly.
By Tesuka- chan
Chapter 3
In Cometh Ye Fairy Godmother
I heard that people back home called me foolish and rash. Some even said that I was an unfaithful wife for leaving that "poor husband" of mine. Well, I just shrugged them off, not really caring. Besides, they don't even know the half of it. I'd bet all my life savings that they will do the same if it happened to them. Well, not that my life savings were much, really. The little stuff on my back is everything that I have right now.
I've traveled a long road. I guess for me, it's not just an escape from him or a need to get away – although that is also true. Part of it is also self-discovery. I'm confused a whole lot right now and I needed to figure things out without the influence of my family around me. I'm afraid that if I stayed there, I would've been swayed by their ideas, considering my vulnerable state. So I had to leave them too.
There was no moon that night… the night I left.
I really had no destination in mind. I knew I couldn't go to my friends in Tokyo, and definitely not to the other branches of the Oniwabanshuu. I knew I had to do this on my own, much like that time when I looked for Aoshi. But I don't really want to remember that now. Well, I decided that all I had to do was vanish. As easy as that.
Not.
I realized that girls don't usually travel without companions these days. People tend to get suspicious of BEAUTIFUL, young women going around alone. Also, I certainly could not use my name or he might track me down (which I highly doubt but it isn't a sin to take precaution). So, I simply cut off my braid, tied my hair in a simple bun, changed my clothes, and called myself…
… Sao the Wanderer!
Hahaha! I am brilliant, as usual.
Turning myself into a boy is probably the last thing that the folks back at home would think I'd do. I remembered all those times that I vehemently protested (not to mention beat up) anyone who called me a boy. Due to this, transforming into something I've loathed would be unexpected. And just like that, Makimachi Misao vanished and a wanderer with no past appeared.
Come to think of it, being a boy is not that bad. True, people would call me "forever young Sao" because I am much too small for a "boy" my age. Still, there were no leering lechers, no prohibitions when it came to drinking, and (ooh, the best part!) no KIMONOS! I was pretty much left alone. Besides, there were lots of wandering orphans around as a result of the recent war. People were used to "us".
Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months. I traveled a long way and I've learned many things, sought many truths. In my journey, I became wiser and more mature, in more ways than one. I was what they call a late bloomer. And it became quite more difficult for me to hide my feminine side, but some loose clothes did the trick.
Oh, and did I mention that I went back to my training?
I aimed to strengthen myself not only mentally but also physically. I picked up lots of fighting techniques along the way, and it made me use all my abilities. But I noticed that the growing popular code now is "fighting to protect" not to kill like before. I guess it was good, but it wasn't any fun. But then again, I wasn't much of the bloody assassin type so it was okay.
So I guess you can say I've come a long way, which I certainly have. But I still haven't found that complete state of peace. The betrayal is still there. It really is difficult to forget. But I really…
…
…
…
Hey, are you listening?
…
ACK! THAT'S MY SHARE OF THE FISH!!!! GET YOUR BLOODY HANDS OFF IT!!!!
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I am absolutely steaming! Here I am, practically spilling my life story here when this freaky smiley- boy began eating my fish!!! What the hell? Is there no decent guy out there? All I'm asking is a listening ear and fish!!! Is that too much to ask?
I guess I looked pretty scary (I could feel my face going red and the steam coming out of my ears). Proof of that is the frozen, pale face of smiley- boy in front of me. Oh, he'd BETTER be scared all right! I quickly grabbed the fish from his chopsticks and gobbled it whole. I almost gagged actually, but I wouldn't let HIM know that. I had to show him that I am a perfectly mature, wise, wo –
"Ah, gomen ne, Misao- san," freaky smiley- boy answered with a scratch on the back of his head. "I thought that you weren't going to eat that."
"Well I was! I hadn't eaten for a day, you know!" I retorted, snickering.
He just smiled that freaky smile of his.
Irritated double time – one for the fish and one for interrupting my monologue – I finished my water and fixed my stuff. I looked towards my companion and realized that I didn't know his name. "Hey there, smiley- boy!"
He looked up, confused for some reason. "Anou… smiley- boy?"
"Yeah. What's your name?"
He smiled (yet again) and said, "Seta Soujiro."
I nodded. "Okay then, I'll call you Sou- kun."
"Are?" Smile.
"What, you want 'smiley- boy'?"
"Iiye, Misao-san… Sou- kun is fine." Smile.
"All right then. Call me Sao-kun from now on… You might blow my cover."
"Hai." Smile.
I narrowed my eyes. That smile is really giving me the creeps – not to mention that it was freakily familiar. Where did I see him before? Now where would one see a smiling, pathetic, weak boy without manners? That smile… then it struck me.
I stood back in surprise and frantically pointed at him with an outstretched arm and a straight finger, shouting, "Hey! You're that guy who fought Kenshin!!!"
He squirmed uncomfortably, still smiling perpetually. "Well, I'm not that man, Sao- kun."
I narrowed my eyes further until they became slits. I doubted that answer. "I'm pretty sure you're him." I cautiously went back to my side of the fire that we built earlier. The night sky was growing dark, as well as my suspicions. "I'd recognize that smile anywhere!"
He laughed and smiled (surprise, surprise) saying, "Ah! I am caught. I was him… but not anymore," seeing my confused looked, he explained further. "I vowed to change to peaceful ways through my travels. No much unlike your motive, Sao- kun."
I was silent for a moment. Well, if he didn't look threatening before, he definitely does not look threatening now. I have to admit, that killing aura from before was almost gone. Well, everybody deserves another chance, I suppose. I shrugged and announced, "Okay then! I believe you." I then smiled at him. Normally of course.
He did this little bow then leaned back against his pack. I did the same, preparing to sleep under the velvet sky. There were stars tonight, but no moon. I looked around and decided that the forest that we were in wasn't that dangerous. I sighed and pondered about the strange smiley- boy.
I actually met Soujiro on the forest pathway. He was lying on it, actually. Worried that that strange boy might actually be dead, I poked him in the chest. He suddenly stood up – scaring the crap out of me – blinked, and smiled. Then he asked if I had anything to eat because he hadn't eaten for days. Being the kind person that I am, I shared my fresh fish, which I caught earlier, with him. And now, we're here on a clearing, resting for the night.
Ah, everything's so peaceful and quiet. Really nice… there's something about clearings and forests that –
"Anou, Sao- kun?"
Argh. He ruined my trail of thought again.
"Hai?" I said, grumbling.
"Do you still love him?"
I didn't answer for a minute. Then knowing that I couldn't tell him anything but the truth, I answered, "Yes. I still do."
"Then there's still hope." I swear… I can practically sense him smiling.
I rolled my eyes and didn't reply this time. I thought about what he said. Hope? For whom? Me? I don't think so. There wasn't any hope there in the first place. And I wasn't going to let him hurt me again. Besides, I'm not going back. Yet.
I sighed yet again and faced Soujiro across the bonfire. He was already sleeping peacefully. I wondered when I will be able to sleep as peacefully as him. Since that evening a few months ago, I was lucky if I were able to sleep at all. I faced the sky again. I guess this is going to be one of those sleepless nights.
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Soujiro and I became traveling companions for the following months.
I hate to admit it, but having someone to go tramping around Japan with is better than being alone. I guess I can attribute that to my sparkling personality and my natural sociable instinct… then again, it also helped somehow that he was a total stranger. Well, almost. At least he wasn't a significant part of my past before. He didn't judge me or anything of that matter. He was a pretty good guy behind that freaky smile. Surprisingly, we get along well together. I'm glad that he's here. The journey was never boring.
Maybe it was also because of his mischievous nature.
I swear though, for a retired assassin, he's a pretty weird guy. The endless jokes, pranks and schemes! I never would have guessed that he was that kind of person. There was the one time that he told me to go somewhere with him... unknowingly, I followed him right inside a MEN'S BATH HOUSE!! I was mortified for a week. Then there was the spider trick. He blindfolded me when I was sleeping and when I woke up, I couldn't see a thing. Then I heard him scream, "SPIDERS!" and I suddenly felt some hairy things all over me. Screaming like a banshee, I ripped off the blindfold and saw the chicken feathers. Of course, I didn't let that one pass and made a come back of my own. Two can play at this game – and I never really back down at ANY kind of fight. Let's just say that it was SOU- KUN'S turn to be mortified for a week.
MWAHAHAHA.
There were some times when I knew I should've let it rest, but hey, I'm Misao! What can one expect? I certainly couldn't just sit there and accept the onslaught of horrible pranks! It's like letting an opponent win against you in a war! Hell, I will always fight back! I will always face any kind of challenge that comes upon me!
Always!
I guess the next prank should have been an exception.
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Author's notes: Hohoho… I hope you didn't mind the bit of humor up there. *grins* Isn't it just sooo Misao to narrate her whole life story to a stranger? Hardyharhar… :D A little surprise for the next chapter! *cackles evilly* Anyway, thanks a bunch for all the readers and following reviewers! Ya'll cool! ^_^
Shin-no-shibo: Hallo Noa! I'm flattered that you reviewed! ^_^ Now that you mentioned it, I suppose I am into drama; but it comes and goes. :D Hai… I am evil, aren't I? *grins evilly* It wouldn't be fun otherwise. :D
Sonia: Let's just say that he has his reasons… Ohohoho! And he will realize that money isn't everything. Oops… gave something away. ;p Well, thanks!
Bizcochia U-u: I'm glad that my words touched you… :D And I'm sorry, but I really can't make Aoshi gay. O.o That's like… sacrilege! He's too manly a man for it. Hohoho… :P Well, thanks so much! ^_^
Spirit Demon: Well, you're welcome. :D And thanks for reading!
Hitokiri- miao miao: Yeah, I know… let's just say that she loved him too much to do anything else. ;p Although that slave idea is interesting… *evil grin* Well, I'm working on M:F! Got Writer's block on that one. *sweatdrop*
Kakashi-fan: I know. It isn't him, ne? But ah! The twist shall come! Mwahahaha! :D
Shiomei: Hmmm… Tokyo is not really her destination. She doesn't have any destination at all, just wandering around. ^_^ We shall see what happens to their fateful meeting! Of course, since I'm the writer, it wouldn't be normal. Hahaha!
Kenta Divina: Thanks! Yep, Aoshi is as cold as ever! I wonder why… *wiggles eyebrows* He's too cold to notice anybody else other than himself. But we'll see about that. :D
Oyuki: I'm very happy you liked it. *cheers* Next chapter will still have humor but will gradually subside to drama… harharhar. I love playing with emotions… of characters, not real people! :3
loyanini: You think so? Hoho… thanks m'dear! And yeah, I get that reaction a lot. Should've kicked him where it hurts most, eh? *evil grin* But poor Aoshi is already going through such a hard time… I'm a softie. ^_^ And I totally agree… too hot to die!
gaby (hyatt: Well, that's a first. ;p I'd personally kill him if he had. *brings out kodachi*
Luli451: Unngggghh… *sighs* I need coke too… @_@ Well, I'm glad you liked it! Things will turn out fine, trust me! :) Thanks a bunch!
Yue's Lady: Anou… *dodges broken glass* Ahehehe… I hope this was soon enough. *brings out anti-glass umbrella just in case* Ahehehe. ^_^ And thanks so much!
Len: But ah! That's the multi-million dollar question! *cackles evilly* His honor is intact, I assure you. He was just… confused. ;p Shall be explained in future chapters. ^_^ Well, thanks!
Rk-kitty0149: Hallo Woot-being! ^_^ Thanks for reading my fic… am glad you liked it. :D Hope you update yours too. *raises eyebrow*
Leila Jenkins: Arigatou! Bejenin review! ;p Interesting word… hoho! Well, thanks for that! ^_^
KYAA! Thanks minna-san for the lovely review! A little mischief coming up next… hohoho! And I'm turning into a lady Santa Claus. ~_~' (Megumi comes to mind) Well, please read and review, minna! Ja! ^_^