Disclaimer: It's the last chapter n I still don't own rk… (sniff sniff)
"The First Mission" chapter 8
Misao's POV
It feels good to be back home again. What? I've been gone for two weeks now?! But it felt like more than that…
Sigh. Maybe it's because so many things that have happened since then. I can still remember the time when Okina called for me and handed me his title. Initially, I couldn't believe I could do the job myself. But everyone else assured me that I will do fine.
I've got to show all that I had and learned when I was assigned my first mission. At first, I was scared. I mean, who wouldn't be? It was supposed to be the mission that will prove to others that I am capable of being their leader.
I still can't believe that rescuing Okina and saving Japan will be my first mission though. Talk about high risks. If I had screwed up even the least bit, then I wouldn't have known what to do. I think being Okashira, you face these kinds of troubles every time. Good thing I have my friends to help me.
There was Taka, the mastermind in how we can infiltrate the village. If you look at him, you would think that he isn't the thinking type. Maybe because of the way he talks and not to mention his ego. But still, he is a good friend. I think he was promoted for doing a good job in this mission. He was probably sent to some remote place again. I bet Taka would love that. You see, he likes adventures. I will miss that guy. And I hope we could work together again.
Li is another good friend. Shura and Aya now live with her. Shura was only shot in the shoulder and will recover anytime soon. Thanks to Li's herbal medicine of course. I wonder what sort of plants and roots she got in there… It did cure Aoshi's snake bite, if you know what I mean. Aya was also feeling better after Li and I explained everything to her. I still remember the time when Li-san tearfully thanked us for bringing back her family. I told her, I never break a promise. It's good to meet people like that. You really learn a lot from them.
Then there was Satoshi. He was rightfully put in jail for the Kyoto bombings in the past and his association with the DHT. Shura and Aya were also subject to imprisonment. They still were part of the DHT remember? However, Okina and Kazuma didn't press charges and explained what really happen to the authority. So, Shura and his sister were acquitted of their crimes and are now, as I've told you, living happily with Li.
Aoshi also has been a great help to me. He went back to the Aoiya as soon as we had accomplished our mission. You see, me and Okina stayed in Osaka with Kazuma. I had to attend this formal ceremony where all the Oniwabanshuu elders attended. It was really tough. I can feel the pressure inside the room where the ceremony was held. I mean I have the greatest leaders and past heroes of Japan with me and wishing me luck.
I am still disappointed that my friends can't attend the ceremony. It's something about tradition or something that only past leaders can attend. Aoshi, on the other hand, well, he has been the Okashira before but as Okina told me, the other elders still didn't want to see him. I know it's because of Aoshi's 'betrayal' in the past.. Jeez.. Why can't they just forget and forgive the man? He is suffering so much already.
So anyways, after that Okina forced me to stay in Osaka for a couple of days more to familiarize myself with what my real duties are. It is not as hard as I initially thought. Aside from some major missions, probably some saving-Japan type again, I only need to have certain talks with other group leaders around Japan.
This first mission has been a really good experience for me. I learned a lot from myself and about youknowwho. I kinda miss him.. Well, actually I know I miss him.. I wonder if he misses me too..
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"Misao!" said Okon an Omasu in unison as they saw their Okashira walking towards the Aoiya
"Oh hi! I miss you guys so much! Its' so sad that you didn't get to attend the ceremony.." trailed off Misao
"Don't worry about it, and besides you explained everything in the letter you've sent us right?" said Okon
"So where is Okina? Wasn't he suppose to come back with you..?" asked Omasu
"Did you two really miss me..?" said a familiar old voice.
Both Omasu's and Okon's faces turned a slight shade of hue as Okina's hugged them. Then his fingers started to wander again…
POW!!
Okina found himself flying with the birdies ala Okon-Omasu combo-fist express.
As soon as Okina had finished his 'flight', the four Oniwabanshuu members then went inside the Aoiya.
After unpacking her things and giving a more detailed story-telling about her first mission to the others, Misao remembered something.
"Is Aoshi here? Didn't he know that today was the day me and Okina are supposed to arrive?"
"Yes, we told him that you are going to arrive today. But I still saw him going to the temple this morning. Actually when he came back, the first thing he did is to go to that temple." answered Okon
"He doesn't even go back here for food or anything. He just stays there the whole day.." added Omasu
"If I recalled…the same day you received the letter from Kazuma, Aoshi seemed like he wanted to tell you something. I forgot to tell you all about it because I was preoccupied with your orders to gather all Oniwabanshuu's members" said Okon
"Misao, maybe it's time for you to settle whatever misunderstandings you have with Aoshi. I also didn't forget that before that incident, I heard you crying in your room." advised the older woman
"I guess you are right.. I will go see him then.."
"Misao-chan! Wait! Here take this…" said Okina as he tossed an object towards Misao
"Thanks Jiya.. I'll be back later ok?"
Misao's POV (again)
Okon and Omasu are really good friends. If it weren't for them, I don't think I have the strength to confront Aoshi again after that last temple incident. Thinking about it still makes me sad.
I shook my head. No, I will not let something like that get into my goal today.
My goal… My goal is to be with Aoshi forever. I told myself that maybe he just needed more time and that he wanted to forgive and trust him self first before he could love somebody else everyday for the last two weeks, I hope that this was the case. Yes, I know they are lies. Lies… that I made up to make me feel good. Maybe I was selfish and didn't think about him when I told him everything that day.
But, I can't keep it to myself any longer. I want to love and to be loved back as any other normal girl. Well, being Okashira is not entirely normal but I'm still a girl… If being selfish means I get to say what I feel.. Then I guess I'm guilty. Guilty that I have loved such a man…
O great now it's raining. Good thing Okina tossed me this umbrella before I left. Or else.. can you imagine me asking Aoshi the most important question of my life all drenched in water? I don't think so.. right?
Aoshi's POV
"Aoshi I love you. It's not infatuation as you might say, I really do love you. I just keep it all these years because I fear that you will reject me. Now, I know the things you did in the past. But I don't care. I don't care about anything else. I only care about you Aoshi."
Those exact words kept on going over and over in my mind. And her face that day, I can't seem to get rid myself of it. What does it all mean?
Even though I constantly stopped myself and avoided the subject, I knew I love her. I love my Misao. I knew it ever since the first time I laid my eyes upon her. And look at how she grew up. She is now mature and beautiful. I wish I could just.. at least once say those words to her.
Today is the day she arrives. I don't know why I chose to go here when I could be with her. I am being worse than the man I used to be. This is not me! I can't let her suffer more. I need to see her now and tell her all.. All the things that I have been keeping away from her but mostly from myself..
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So Admist all the rain, the tall man went outside and started to run going towards to the one he loves.
"Aoshi?" asked a confuse Misao as she saw a familiar figure running towards her.
Aoshi however, also saw her and didn't say anything. He kept running until…
(Thump) The sound Misao's umbrella made as it fell and rolled in the side.
Aoshi was now hugging Misao tight. His grip was fueled by his passion and love he wanted to let her feel. He didn't know how to tell Misao all the things he wanted to tell her. Maybe its because of the lack of words.. or maybe that words are not enough to describe what he felt. Aoshi hoped that this embraced would tell Misao about his feelings. And of course it did.
"Aoshi I love you.." these words are the only ones Misao could speak for she was still overwhelmed but mostly fulfilled at what Aoshi did.
"I love you too my Misao"
And if Misao thought that embracing her is the boldest thing that Aoshi did, she was more surprised at what he did next.
His lips now met hers. It was the moment the two finally let go of their doubts about each other's feelings.
"We should go back now ne? I mean Jiya might be worried" said Misao
Aoshi then nodded and took Misao's hand and the two walked together completely oblivious of the rain and their drenched clothes.
The fallen umbrella continued to stay still on the ground, forgotten.
The End
A/N: Woot! Woot! I finished my first fic already! (beams smile)
Thank you so much for everybody that reviewed like Larissa Hyuga; Exquisite Cherry; Spirit Demon; Oniwabanshu; jazzywolf; little-sango88; and gaby (hyatt.
legolasEstelstar: Yea, its gud that you pointed out that last update was an all-cast chp.. cuz I personally didn't plan it to be.. lol! I'm glad my explanation helped you in any way possible..
erica6060: thank you for constantly reviewing my fic!
Amon's Angel of the Darkness: um, why do my fic get so few reviews..? well, that's one of the mysteries mankind will never figure out… seriously tho, idk either.. BUT im happy that still a few find my fic good enuf for them to leave a review.
Toorikosu: U've guessed it. I hope this chp satisfy ur AxM waffy cravings :P
White Ninja Spy: I don't think my powers can let me write a lemon anytime soon. So don't worry there will be no lemon for this fic and my second fic.
Speaking of which, nice segway e.., I hope my reviewers will still review my second fic entitled " Planning for Trouble". First chapter has already been posted.
Fawn of the woods: um, I cant make Taka a bad guy.. I luv him sooo much! :P Im glad you liked my fic tho!
Ok, enuf of my shameless plugs. Thanks again to all!!
Lastly to Dan, words are not enuf to say my gratitude for helping me evolve as an author.
Love and Peace guys!!!!