A/N: Wooo, so many fics, so little time and i'd get a lot more done if everyone would keep the TV off!! (now you know why i refuse to a TV, any console systems or a VCR in my room .)
Oi and since i've got so many stories, if you want to be alerted when updates arrive, just let me know. Rook gave me the idea when reviewing "To Make a Difference." I have two more I'd like to post, but I'm gonna wait until I get a few more updates on these fics. ^^;
Disclaimer: If I owned it, there wouldda been a spin off called something like Rurouni Soujiro, Tales of a Meiji Boy. ...man that sounds corny.
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Mezamete-yuku Tamashii :: Awakening Spirits
Chapter 3 :: Keeping Tabs
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"I want to be stronger, Soujiro-kun. Like you. Teach me to be stronger? Onegai?"
Soujiro squeezed tighter as he thought hard. 'Like me? If only she knew...she wouldn't want to be like me. She wouldn't even be around me. However...'
"Alright, Misao-san. If that is what you want."
'If it will get me the love and respect I want...' Misao thought, closing her eyes tightly. "It is..."
Soujiro didn't reply. He just pondered, still embracing the young ninja.
'Perhaps in helping her, I will find the answers I seek...'
----------
They ate in silence. Soujiro went into town shortly after their fight and did a few short tasks to earn a bit of money. Misao stayed mostly in his shadow, lost in her own thoughts. Now the two sat in a small restaurant, quiet and in deep thought. Misao was wondering what Soujiro was planning and Soujiro was, of course, planning.
Soujiro finally broke the silence. "We'll need a place to stay."
Misao looked up, "Huh?"
"It's not easy to train on the move. I think we should find a secluded place where you can train without distractions." Soujiro stated, sipping his tea.
Misao nodded, "Anything else?"
"You should learn a new weapon. Yes, I think you should learn kenjutsu," Soujiro added.
"Like you?"
Soujiro paused. "Aa, like me." But deep down he thought, 'I'll try to keep you as unlike me as I can...'
---A few days later---
"MOU! We've done enough work to make enough money to last all winter, Sou-kun! I mean really, we were even REWARDED by that rich lady for saving her kid! What more do we gotta do?!"
Soujiro continued walking on, amused by Misao's annoyance. The corners of his mouth continued to stay curved up in a smile, especially when she used his new nickname. "But Misao-san, we need some supplies and I need to find you a training nihontou."
"But we don't even have a place to STAY yet. I think you don't want to teach me! You don't do you? You don't think I'm worth the time!" Tears swelled up in Misao's eyes as she put her fists up to her chin. Soujiro turned and his eyes widen. 'Oh Kami-sama please don't make her cry.'
"No no no, Misao-san! I'm just taking precautions. And as a matter of fact, I do have a place for us to stay. Shishio-san always had hideouts across the country. There's one on a nearby mountain. I even went to check it out last night while you were sleeping!"
Misao paused, studying his face. Of course, with that smile it was hard to tell whether or not the boy was telling the truth. "All right Sou-kun. I believe you."
Soujiro's smile widened. "Good! Now lets get you some new clothes."
Misao's mouth dropped. "New clothes?! And what's wrong with my clothing? I happen to LIKE my clothes!"
Soujiro sweatdropped. 'Here we go again...' "I told you, Misao-san. Winter's coming soon. I can't expect you to wear that all winter long! I really suggest you purchase a gi and hakama. You don't seem like the type to wear a kimono anyway and I wouldn't know but I bet those are hard to train in. I certainly never saw Yumi-san sparring in one." he added, putting a finger to his chin in thought.
Misao slapped her forehead. "I never wear a kimono because you CAN'T fight in them. Kimonos aren't fighting clothes!"
Soujiro nodded. "I see, I see. That's what I thought."
Misao slunked and trailed after Soujiro. "It's gonna be a looonng day..."
---------
Soujiro stepped into the clothing store. Misao followed right behind him. "I'm not getting anything unless YOU get a new outfit as well. Your clothes are so faded they don't even look blue anymore."
"Ara?" Soujiro looked down. Okay so maybe the blue did look a little gray...and maybe the fact that it was threadbare was the reason he shivered at night, but it wasn't that bad, was it? "Alright, if you'll quit complaining..."
Misao struggled not to smack him. She then turned her attention to the shop owner who walked over to them. "Welcome, young ones. How may I help you?"
"We need some new clothes." Misao stated rather bluntly. "Something like what he's got on now," She pointed to Soujiro who just smiled.
"Very well, come this way, Sir. Madam, my wife will attend to you." And the owner pulled Soujiro deeper into the shop.
Unbeknownst to them, someone from the shadows was trailing their every move.
"Wow! So many..." Misao stated as the wife of the owner smiled. "Yes, we have one of the largest varieties around. How about this one?" The wife pulled out a pink haori with red hakama. Misao scrunched up her nose. "Maybe something a little less feminine?" Misao asked, twiddling her thumbs. "Oh, I know just the thing!" The lady proceeded to pull out a dark green gi with gray hakama. "This will bring out that lovely emerald in your eyes. Misao couldn't help but blush. "Arigato.."
The woman waved it off. "Here, try it on!"
A few minutes later, Misao emerged from the changing room in the outfit, that fitted her well. "I like it," She commented, spinning around. She then heard voices as she turned to see Soujiro step out with the owner. Misao felt her breath catch. The boy was now clad in a navy blue gi with the same shade of hakama. He turned to see Misao and also found himself staring.
'The green definitely brings out her eyes. Baka! Haha, she's going to think something's wrong if you keep staring at her.' "Is that the one you want, Misao-san?"
"Yup!" Misao nodded, glad to have the momentary silence broken. She was handed her and Soujiro's old clothes as Soujiro paid the shop owner. The two left with a wave.
"Now we need to get you a nihonto and maybe a few supplies. Hmm, lesse we need some food and maybe I should get some..."
As Soujiro continued to ramble on, Misao looked down at her uniform in her hands. 'It's almost like I'm giving up my Oniwabanshuu heritage...No, Misao. You're just taking on a new task. To become strong enough to whack some sense into your beloved Aoshi-sama.'
Misao hadn't realized that Soujiro had bought up a few supplies and was further downt he market. She blinked and ran to catch up with him. "OI! You plan on leaving me?"
Soujiro just grinned. "Well, you were having such an intimate moment with your uniform I decided to let you be."
Misao blushed furiously as Soujiro continued to walk on. "BAKA!"
Soujiro braced himself with a smirk as his clothes hit him upside the head. He then found himself in front of a blacksmith's shop. "Ah! Here we go!" Soujiro was careful to hide his nihonto earlier so no one would be suspicious. "Hmm.." He observed the weapons on display. The blacksmith looked up from his work. "Oi! Can I help you with anything, son?"
Soujiro smiled sweetly. "Aa, I'm interested in purchasing a nihonto. Something particularly light-weight but durable? Yes, that would be good."
The man nodded. "I think I can help you with that. Is it for you?" He raised a brow at the short young man.
Soujiro shook his head. "Haha, no no. It is for a friend of mine. Uhm, she..." Soujiro trailed off for a good explanation. "She needs it for a local festival in her home town." 'BAKA! Is that the best you can come up with?'
"Oh, alright. Let's see here. What do I have..."
Soujiro looked to grab Misao's attention but failed to see her anywhere. 'Ara..lost her again. I need a leash on that girl...'
Misao frowned. 'I know someone is following me.' She wasn't trained to read ki but she just had that creepy feeling. 'I should let Sou-kun kno..ARGH! Where did that baka go?'
Misao started searching for her companion only to be roughly jerked into an alley. "HEY!"
---------
Soujiro mentally frowned. He'd sense for the past two days now, a presense following them. It had kept its distance but now with Misao missing, he was starting to get a bit more concerned. He tested out the sword the blacksmith picked out and after being satisfied, he paid and turned around to see if he could find Misao.
He sensed a flare of ki from an alley and stepped up his pace.
"What do you want?" Misao hissed, as three shadowed figures held her in the alley. She caught a glimpse of the symbol on the sleeve of one's uniform. "That ensignia...I recognize it. The Oniwabanshuu hired you to find me, didn't they?"
One of the figured nodded. "You are to return with us."
Misao smirked. "Uh huh. Who sent you? Jiya? Omasu? Okon?"
The one that held her shook his head. "Shinomori Aoshi hired us to retrieve you, Makimachi-san."
Misao's eyes widened. "Aoshi-sama?" She then remembered her pact. "Oh, I see. Well you can tell him this: I'm not coming back! Not 'till I'm damned good and ready!" Misao ended her message with a clean kick to the leader's jaw. He stepped back. "That is not an option, Makimachi-san."
"I believe it is."
All turned to see the Ex-Tenken standing in the alley. He held a new nihonto, sheathed in his hand. "I believe you should let her go. I really am interested in seeing how well this new piece of weaponry works and you're just tempting me to use it."
"Tenken no Soujiro. This is not your concern. Leave."
Soujiro's smile turned cold. "Release Misao-san."
Misao frowned, 'I don't ever remembering his smile every conveying emotions. Especially anything resembling anger.'
"If you know who I am, then you should know that I will win. I am, indeed, the former Tenken." Soujiro stated, his arrogance returning.
Misao frowned. 'Men. All the same. I'm gonna be the strongest! I AM the strongest! I'll kick your ass. I mean really, do they care about anything but power?' "Ahem! Excuse me. I'd like to be let go now!" With that, Misao elbowed one figure and rammed her knee into another. They recovered quickly and Misao resorted to grabbing for her kunai. She mentally kicked herself. They were with her other set of clothes.
Fortunately, Soujiro stepped into action. Taking the sheathed nihonto, he butted the end into the leader's stomach. Before the leader could register pain, Soujiro had hit the back of his neck, causing him to slump in unconsciousness. "Leave."
The other ninja nodded, taking their unconscious leader and stepping back into the shadows. 'So Shinomori-san is looking for Misao-san. Hmm...'
Soujiro turned to Misao who was sulking. He wasn't clueless enough to not know why. "Ah, Misao-san. You were doing fine. Please do not be upset."
Misao smiled, "Thanks, Sou-kun. But I know I'm weak. It's why I'm getting one of the strongest to train me."
Soujiro held back a sigh. "Aa. Sou ka. Well, here is your nihonto. I don't think it will be too heavy. No, it shouldn't."
Misao took the weapon out of his hand and examined it. "Wow, I like! Sou-kun, this must have cost a lot!"
Soujiro rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "Not too much, Misao-san. Now if we don't hurry, we won't reach the retreat before sun down."
Misao nodded as Soujiro lead the way out into the wilderness. Not much was said. Misao hated the quietness and finally broke the silence.
"Ano..Sou-kun?"
"Yes?"
"Why do you always smile?"
Soujiro closed his eyes, still smiling. "Habit."
Misao sensed he wasn't ready to tell her so she ended the conversation. "Well, it's gotta grow tiring. Maybe one day you'll let it down for a while."
"Maybe."
As the sun set, Misao and Soujiro came to a clearing at the base of a mountain. Here, beside a large stream was a beautiful log cabin.
"Here we are."
Misao blinked. "Wow! This place is gorgeous! Who'da thought Shishio had a place like this for a retreat."
Soujiro chuckled. "Aa. It was made before the JupponGatana were actually formed. I actually spent some of my time training here with Shishio."
Misao looked at Soujiro. "Does it bring back any bad memories? Cuz we can find another place..."
Soujiro shook his head. "Huh? Haha, no. It's alright. Come on, it's getting a little cool. Let's get settled in before the night sets."
Misao followed Soujiro into the cabin, heart set on learning to be one of the strongest women in Nippon.
----------
Back in Kyoto...
"Shinomori-san."
Aoshi inclined his head as the three ninja stood before him. "We are sorry."
"What happened?"
"Makimachi-san escaped us."
"On her own? You three are much more stronger than her." (A/N: ARGH! AOSHI?! *SMACK*)
"No. She had help."
Aoshi nodded.
"There is something else..."
Aoshi raised his eyes from his tea.
"The person who helped her...it was Tenken no Soujiro."
Aoshi paused and looked up at the three. He pressed his lips together. "I see. You are dismissed."
The three bowed and left.
'Tenken...if you harm Misao, I will have your head.'
A giggle from behind him pulled him from his thoughts. "I knew they wouldn't have caught her. Even without Seta's help."
"You knew, didn't you?"
"Yes, I did."
"How?"
"Oh, Shinomori. The Oniwabanshuu aren't the only ones with their sources. Now, do I have the job or not?"
"Aa. Don't fail me."
"I don't plan on it."
Tsuzukeru....
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A/N: I look at all the other authors and sou/misao fics out there and all I can say is this...MAN, I suck. *sighs* Yeah, Phoe-chan's lacking her self esteem. Not that I ever had it to begin with. *shrugs* At least I've got a plot for this story. I can look back at my fics and just laugh. *shakes head* I better stick with slapstick comedy. At least it's supposed to be stupid -_-;
Anywho, I've still got two *new* fics I'm working on. Depending on how the reviews are on these will determine whether or not I decide to post them. One of them isn't just sou/misao, it's also got K & K and Sano/Meg and a few other pairings. ^^; I will try to post an update on a story twice a week. Which means..uhh two or more updates a week if we're lucky...Yeah. Haha.
I couldn't announce it, since my laptop was messed up and refused to let me update my summaries on my stories, but the Blanket Scenario fic IS complete. I finished the Epilogue and posted. Just thought I'd let ya'll know.
ewunia: Yes, they make such a lovely couple! ^_^ here's the next piece for you!
kyouhi: I look forward to your review in all my fics. You always give me the best critical comments. *bows* domo! I hope this chapter pleases you!
Nikka: *scoffs* Who says we need patience? Here's that next chapter for ya ;D
Aki no Sou-kun: I like fast too! Here's the next piece!
K-chan: Glad you like!
Crystal: I know, Men..we should whack some sense into them, ne? *hands you a spare bokken* C'mon, any minute now, Oro-boy'll be coming around this corner...*waits*
Rook: I love seeing your review, too. When I got your review for the Blanket Scenario's middle part I couldn't help but laugh. *pictures rook peeking through hands* kawaii!! Gee when it gets intimate in this fic i can't wait to see your reaction!
Chibi-ken14: cute cute cute! Who cares if you say it alot? Your review really boosted my self esteem and i needed it. Thanks! I promise more mush soon. I hope ^^;
red: Ya gotta have a little sadness in. here's chappie 3 for you!
Max: My fic is wonderful? Aww! And I agree, I LOVE sou/misao pairings!
sheena: *does a dance* i have a nice writing style? WOOWEE! ^__^ Thanks for your compliments!
Nameless person camped out in front of Phoe-chan's place: O_o;; It's supposed to get below freezing tonight. You better have a blanket!!
Soju: I am a goddess? of what? typos? :P I loved your profile and update your fic SOON!
Chaos: Midaoru (AND ME!) want you to finish editing her chappie :D (hey i get to be tactless too!) Here's some more for those who are sou/misao deprived like you *gives you a treat* Actually the idea for sou to train misao came AFTER i started the fic. i had no plot for the fic it was more of a "hey i found this cool intro thing. what if i put it in sou's perspective?" and then added a bunch of stuff to it in a spur. haha, oh well, it seems to be the most popular of all my sou/misao fics to date. ^^; Personally, I wanna see a sou/misao fic written by YOU! ^_^
Midaoru: Too short? ACK! I commited THAT crime? I'll try to make 'em longer! I PROMISE! I can't wait for your updates too!! YES! MORE SOU/MISAO! YES YES YES!
And to everyone else: THANKS FOR READING!
Now be really sweet and boost Phoe-chan's low esteem by leaving her a review. You don't know how happy it makes me. ^__^
**Ignore the grammar, I do**
Phoe-chan
Oi and since i've got so many stories, if you want to be alerted when updates arrive, just let me know. Rook gave me the idea when reviewing "To Make a Difference." I have two more I'd like to post, but I'm gonna wait until I get a few more updates on these fics. ^^;
Disclaimer: If I owned it, there wouldda been a spin off called something like Rurouni Soujiro, Tales of a Meiji Boy. ...man that sounds corny.
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Mezamete-yuku Tamashii :: Awakening Spirits
Chapter 3 :: Keeping Tabs
----------
"I want to be stronger, Soujiro-kun. Like you. Teach me to be stronger? Onegai?"
Soujiro squeezed tighter as he thought hard. 'Like me? If only she knew...she wouldn't want to be like me. She wouldn't even be around me. However...'
"Alright, Misao-san. If that is what you want."
'If it will get me the love and respect I want...' Misao thought, closing her eyes tightly. "It is..."
Soujiro didn't reply. He just pondered, still embracing the young ninja.
'Perhaps in helping her, I will find the answers I seek...'
----------
They ate in silence. Soujiro went into town shortly after their fight and did a few short tasks to earn a bit of money. Misao stayed mostly in his shadow, lost in her own thoughts. Now the two sat in a small restaurant, quiet and in deep thought. Misao was wondering what Soujiro was planning and Soujiro was, of course, planning.
Soujiro finally broke the silence. "We'll need a place to stay."
Misao looked up, "Huh?"
"It's not easy to train on the move. I think we should find a secluded place where you can train without distractions." Soujiro stated, sipping his tea.
Misao nodded, "Anything else?"
"You should learn a new weapon. Yes, I think you should learn kenjutsu," Soujiro added.
"Like you?"
Soujiro paused. "Aa, like me." But deep down he thought, 'I'll try to keep you as unlike me as I can...'
---A few days later---
"MOU! We've done enough work to make enough money to last all winter, Sou-kun! I mean really, we were even REWARDED by that rich lady for saving her kid! What more do we gotta do?!"
Soujiro continued walking on, amused by Misao's annoyance. The corners of his mouth continued to stay curved up in a smile, especially when she used his new nickname. "But Misao-san, we need some supplies and I need to find you a training nihontou."
"But we don't even have a place to STAY yet. I think you don't want to teach me! You don't do you? You don't think I'm worth the time!" Tears swelled up in Misao's eyes as she put her fists up to her chin. Soujiro turned and his eyes widen. 'Oh Kami-sama please don't make her cry.'
"No no no, Misao-san! I'm just taking precautions. And as a matter of fact, I do have a place for us to stay. Shishio-san always had hideouts across the country. There's one on a nearby mountain. I even went to check it out last night while you were sleeping!"
Misao paused, studying his face. Of course, with that smile it was hard to tell whether or not the boy was telling the truth. "All right Sou-kun. I believe you."
Soujiro's smile widened. "Good! Now lets get you some new clothes."
Misao's mouth dropped. "New clothes?! And what's wrong with my clothing? I happen to LIKE my clothes!"
Soujiro sweatdropped. 'Here we go again...' "I told you, Misao-san. Winter's coming soon. I can't expect you to wear that all winter long! I really suggest you purchase a gi and hakama. You don't seem like the type to wear a kimono anyway and I wouldn't know but I bet those are hard to train in. I certainly never saw Yumi-san sparring in one." he added, putting a finger to his chin in thought.
Misao slapped her forehead. "I never wear a kimono because you CAN'T fight in them. Kimonos aren't fighting clothes!"
Soujiro nodded. "I see, I see. That's what I thought."
Misao slunked and trailed after Soujiro. "It's gonna be a looonng day..."
---------
Soujiro stepped into the clothing store. Misao followed right behind him. "I'm not getting anything unless YOU get a new outfit as well. Your clothes are so faded they don't even look blue anymore."
"Ara?" Soujiro looked down. Okay so maybe the blue did look a little gray...and maybe the fact that it was threadbare was the reason he shivered at night, but it wasn't that bad, was it? "Alright, if you'll quit complaining..."
Misao struggled not to smack him. She then turned her attention to the shop owner who walked over to them. "Welcome, young ones. How may I help you?"
"We need some new clothes." Misao stated rather bluntly. "Something like what he's got on now," She pointed to Soujiro who just smiled.
"Very well, come this way, Sir. Madam, my wife will attend to you." And the owner pulled Soujiro deeper into the shop.
Unbeknownst to them, someone from the shadows was trailing their every move.
"Wow! So many..." Misao stated as the wife of the owner smiled. "Yes, we have one of the largest varieties around. How about this one?" The wife pulled out a pink haori with red hakama. Misao scrunched up her nose. "Maybe something a little less feminine?" Misao asked, twiddling her thumbs. "Oh, I know just the thing!" The lady proceeded to pull out a dark green gi with gray hakama. "This will bring out that lovely emerald in your eyes. Misao couldn't help but blush. "Arigato.."
The woman waved it off. "Here, try it on!"
A few minutes later, Misao emerged from the changing room in the outfit, that fitted her well. "I like it," She commented, spinning around. She then heard voices as she turned to see Soujiro step out with the owner. Misao felt her breath catch. The boy was now clad in a navy blue gi with the same shade of hakama. He turned to see Misao and also found himself staring.
'The green definitely brings out her eyes. Baka! Haha, she's going to think something's wrong if you keep staring at her.' "Is that the one you want, Misao-san?"
"Yup!" Misao nodded, glad to have the momentary silence broken. She was handed her and Soujiro's old clothes as Soujiro paid the shop owner. The two left with a wave.
"Now we need to get you a nihonto and maybe a few supplies. Hmm, lesse we need some food and maybe I should get some..."
As Soujiro continued to ramble on, Misao looked down at her uniform in her hands. 'It's almost like I'm giving up my Oniwabanshuu heritage...No, Misao. You're just taking on a new task. To become strong enough to whack some sense into your beloved Aoshi-sama.'
Misao hadn't realized that Soujiro had bought up a few supplies and was further downt he market. She blinked and ran to catch up with him. "OI! You plan on leaving me?"
Soujiro just grinned. "Well, you were having such an intimate moment with your uniform I decided to let you be."
Misao blushed furiously as Soujiro continued to walk on. "BAKA!"
Soujiro braced himself with a smirk as his clothes hit him upside the head. He then found himself in front of a blacksmith's shop. "Ah! Here we go!" Soujiro was careful to hide his nihonto earlier so no one would be suspicious. "Hmm.." He observed the weapons on display. The blacksmith looked up from his work. "Oi! Can I help you with anything, son?"
Soujiro smiled sweetly. "Aa, I'm interested in purchasing a nihonto. Something particularly light-weight but durable? Yes, that would be good."
The man nodded. "I think I can help you with that. Is it for you?" He raised a brow at the short young man.
Soujiro shook his head. "Haha, no no. It is for a friend of mine. Uhm, she..." Soujiro trailed off for a good explanation. "She needs it for a local festival in her home town." 'BAKA! Is that the best you can come up with?'
"Oh, alright. Let's see here. What do I have..."
Soujiro looked to grab Misao's attention but failed to see her anywhere. 'Ara..lost her again. I need a leash on that girl...'
Misao frowned. 'I know someone is following me.' She wasn't trained to read ki but she just had that creepy feeling. 'I should let Sou-kun kno..ARGH! Where did that baka go?'
Misao started searching for her companion only to be roughly jerked into an alley. "HEY!"
---------
Soujiro mentally frowned. He'd sense for the past two days now, a presense following them. It had kept its distance but now with Misao missing, he was starting to get a bit more concerned. He tested out the sword the blacksmith picked out and after being satisfied, he paid and turned around to see if he could find Misao.
He sensed a flare of ki from an alley and stepped up his pace.
"What do you want?" Misao hissed, as three shadowed figures held her in the alley. She caught a glimpse of the symbol on the sleeve of one's uniform. "That ensignia...I recognize it. The Oniwabanshuu hired you to find me, didn't they?"
One of the figured nodded. "You are to return with us."
Misao smirked. "Uh huh. Who sent you? Jiya? Omasu? Okon?"
The one that held her shook his head. "Shinomori Aoshi hired us to retrieve you, Makimachi-san."
Misao's eyes widened. "Aoshi-sama?" She then remembered her pact. "Oh, I see. Well you can tell him this: I'm not coming back! Not 'till I'm damned good and ready!" Misao ended her message with a clean kick to the leader's jaw. He stepped back. "That is not an option, Makimachi-san."
"I believe it is."
All turned to see the Ex-Tenken standing in the alley. He held a new nihonto, sheathed in his hand. "I believe you should let her go. I really am interested in seeing how well this new piece of weaponry works and you're just tempting me to use it."
"Tenken no Soujiro. This is not your concern. Leave."
Soujiro's smile turned cold. "Release Misao-san."
Misao frowned, 'I don't ever remembering his smile every conveying emotions. Especially anything resembling anger.'
"If you know who I am, then you should know that I will win. I am, indeed, the former Tenken." Soujiro stated, his arrogance returning.
Misao frowned. 'Men. All the same. I'm gonna be the strongest! I AM the strongest! I'll kick your ass. I mean really, do they care about anything but power?' "Ahem! Excuse me. I'd like to be let go now!" With that, Misao elbowed one figure and rammed her knee into another. They recovered quickly and Misao resorted to grabbing for her kunai. She mentally kicked herself. They were with her other set of clothes.
Fortunately, Soujiro stepped into action. Taking the sheathed nihonto, he butted the end into the leader's stomach. Before the leader could register pain, Soujiro had hit the back of his neck, causing him to slump in unconsciousness. "Leave."
The other ninja nodded, taking their unconscious leader and stepping back into the shadows. 'So Shinomori-san is looking for Misao-san. Hmm...'
Soujiro turned to Misao who was sulking. He wasn't clueless enough to not know why. "Ah, Misao-san. You were doing fine. Please do not be upset."
Misao smiled, "Thanks, Sou-kun. But I know I'm weak. It's why I'm getting one of the strongest to train me."
Soujiro held back a sigh. "Aa. Sou ka. Well, here is your nihonto. I don't think it will be too heavy. No, it shouldn't."
Misao took the weapon out of his hand and examined it. "Wow, I like! Sou-kun, this must have cost a lot!"
Soujiro rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "Not too much, Misao-san. Now if we don't hurry, we won't reach the retreat before sun down."
Misao nodded as Soujiro lead the way out into the wilderness. Not much was said. Misao hated the quietness and finally broke the silence.
"Ano..Sou-kun?"
"Yes?"
"Why do you always smile?"
Soujiro closed his eyes, still smiling. "Habit."
Misao sensed he wasn't ready to tell her so she ended the conversation. "Well, it's gotta grow tiring. Maybe one day you'll let it down for a while."
"Maybe."
As the sun set, Misao and Soujiro came to a clearing at the base of a mountain. Here, beside a large stream was a beautiful log cabin.
"Here we are."
Misao blinked. "Wow! This place is gorgeous! Who'da thought Shishio had a place like this for a retreat."
Soujiro chuckled. "Aa. It was made before the JupponGatana were actually formed. I actually spent some of my time training here with Shishio."
Misao looked at Soujiro. "Does it bring back any bad memories? Cuz we can find another place..."
Soujiro shook his head. "Huh? Haha, no. It's alright. Come on, it's getting a little cool. Let's get settled in before the night sets."
Misao followed Soujiro into the cabin, heart set on learning to be one of the strongest women in Nippon.
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Back in Kyoto...
"Shinomori-san."
Aoshi inclined his head as the three ninja stood before him. "We are sorry."
"What happened?"
"Makimachi-san escaped us."
"On her own? You three are much more stronger than her." (A/N: ARGH! AOSHI?! *SMACK*)
"No. She had help."
Aoshi nodded.
"There is something else..."
Aoshi raised his eyes from his tea.
"The person who helped her...it was Tenken no Soujiro."
Aoshi paused and looked up at the three. He pressed his lips together. "I see. You are dismissed."
The three bowed and left.
'Tenken...if you harm Misao, I will have your head.'
A giggle from behind him pulled him from his thoughts. "I knew they wouldn't have caught her. Even without Seta's help."
"You knew, didn't you?"
"Yes, I did."
"How?"
"Oh, Shinomori. The Oniwabanshuu aren't the only ones with their sources. Now, do I have the job or not?"
"Aa. Don't fail me."
"I don't plan on it."
Tsuzukeru....
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A/N: I look at all the other authors and sou/misao fics out there and all I can say is this...MAN, I suck. *sighs* Yeah, Phoe-chan's lacking her self esteem. Not that I ever had it to begin with. *shrugs* At least I've got a plot for this story. I can look back at my fics and just laugh. *shakes head* I better stick with slapstick comedy. At least it's supposed to be stupid -_-;
Anywho, I've still got two *new* fics I'm working on. Depending on how the reviews are on these will determine whether or not I decide to post them. One of them isn't just sou/misao, it's also got K & K and Sano/Meg and a few other pairings. ^^; I will try to post an update on a story twice a week. Which means..uhh two or more updates a week if we're lucky...Yeah. Haha.
I couldn't announce it, since my laptop was messed up and refused to let me update my summaries on my stories, but the Blanket Scenario fic IS complete. I finished the Epilogue and posted. Just thought I'd let ya'll know.
ewunia: Yes, they make such a lovely couple! ^_^ here's the next piece for you!
kyouhi: I look forward to your review in all my fics. You always give me the best critical comments. *bows* domo! I hope this chapter pleases you!
Nikka: *scoffs* Who says we need patience? Here's that next chapter for ya ;D
Aki no Sou-kun: I like fast too! Here's the next piece!
K-chan: Glad you like!
Crystal: I know, Men..we should whack some sense into them, ne? *hands you a spare bokken* C'mon, any minute now, Oro-boy'll be coming around this corner...*waits*
Rook: I love seeing your review, too. When I got your review for the Blanket Scenario's middle part I couldn't help but laugh. *pictures rook peeking through hands* kawaii!! Gee when it gets intimate in this fic i can't wait to see your reaction!
Chibi-ken14: cute cute cute! Who cares if you say it alot? Your review really boosted my self esteem and i needed it. Thanks! I promise more mush soon. I hope ^^;
red: Ya gotta have a little sadness in. here's chappie 3 for you!
Max: My fic is wonderful? Aww! And I agree, I LOVE sou/misao pairings!
sheena: *does a dance* i have a nice writing style? WOOWEE! ^__^ Thanks for your compliments!
Nameless person camped out in front of Phoe-chan's place: O_o;; It's supposed to get below freezing tonight. You better have a blanket!!
Soju: I am a goddess? of what? typos? :P I loved your profile and update your fic SOON!
Chaos: Midaoru (AND ME!) want you to finish editing her chappie :D (hey i get to be tactless too!) Here's some more for those who are sou/misao deprived like you *gives you a treat* Actually the idea for sou to train misao came AFTER i started the fic. i had no plot for the fic it was more of a "hey i found this cool intro thing. what if i put it in sou's perspective?" and then added a bunch of stuff to it in a spur. haha, oh well, it seems to be the most popular of all my sou/misao fics to date. ^^; Personally, I wanna see a sou/misao fic written by YOU! ^_^
Midaoru: Too short? ACK! I commited THAT crime? I'll try to make 'em longer! I PROMISE! I can't wait for your updates too!! YES! MORE SOU/MISAO! YES YES YES!
And to everyone else: THANKS FOR READING!
Now be really sweet and boost Phoe-chan's low esteem by leaving her a review. You don't know how happy it makes me. ^__^
**Ignore the grammar, I do**
Phoe-chan