A/N: Eheheh..sorry bout the wait for an update all...this moronic one got sidetracked. Let's just say I was listening to how a certain other fic I'm interested in will turn out and it kept me from working on mine! Not to mention after seeing TTT (yes it took me forever to see it, i was so upset that i had to wait almost a month) I started reading LotR fics...
In case you're wondering, I DO plan on dishing out a couple more Sou/Mi fics, but you wont see them for a while, seeing that I have so many running around without completion at the moment.
Note: Someone commented on Soujiro being arrogant. I don't know about the series, for I've not seen the kyoto arc, sadly...but in the manga, Soujiro is VERY confident in himself. "Oh, I have no doubts I could beat him with Shukuchi...etc" Note, ALL of RK's men are arrogant. Kenshin sure is, he doesn't flaunt his stuff but I mean you don't see him going "well, i'm not sure if i can beat you *twiddles thumbs*" They stand proud with their sword bladida. So I mean, *shrugs* there are going to be times when a man's ego stands out, but most of the time I won't let it get in the way like sometimes Yahiko's ego or Sano's does. Or Aoshis...man that guy is obsessive about strength...:P
Disclaimer: My ideas are my own (for the most part) but the characters are not mine. Nope, don't own 'em. Sorry.
----------
Mezamete-yuku Tamashii :: Awakening Spirits
Chapter 4 :: 'Master' and His 'Student'
----------
"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."
----------
Misao yawned, slowly opened her heavy eyes. She glanced around the room she was in. It was dusty; cluttered from being unused, but still it was extravagant. It was more in the western style than traditional Japanese, which struck Misao odd. Well, Shishio was against the goverment, the same that allowed Western influence into Japan.
Waving the thought off, she continued to gaze around the room, now more visible in the early morning sun. She sat up on the western-style bed, a decorative pattern of a swan glinted from the reflection of the sun, lighting up the quilt's surface. It was high off the ground but Misao marvelled at it's softness.
As she was enjoying the calm morning, Soujiro stepped into the room, greeting her brightly. "Ohayo, Misao-san!!"
"ACK!" Misao yelled, as the boy gave no warning to his greeting. Her sudden jump caused her to lose her balance and topple off the bed, landing on the floor. "Itai.."
Soujiro scratched the back of his head, "Gomen nasai, Misao-san. I didn't mean to scare you..."
Misao glared, sitting in the floor with her arms across her chest. "You didn't *scare* me, just...caught me off guard. Now what do you want?"
Soujiro just grinned. "Time to begin your first day of training, remember? Come on, Misao-san! I have your bath prepared!"
Misao groaned and pulled herself to her feet, readjusting her yukata. She followed Soujiro to the bathhouse. Soujiro turned to her. "There is a clean towel and fresh yukata in there. It should be warm enough. I will begin on breakfast. Enjoy your bath, Misao-san!"
Misao grunted, obviously not a morning person. She shut the door after stepping inside and proceeded to remove her yukata, breathing in the steam from the hot water.
With a soft splash, she got into the bath, relaxing into the heat of the water.
----------
Soujiro hummed to himself, starting up a fire in the fireplace. Not once did it cross his mind to invade Misao's privacy. He just didn't think like that.
'Ohh, need more firewood. Shishio-san, I'm disappointed in you. I would have thought you'd have wood already chopped. Yare, yare...' Soujiro grabbed an axe in the corner of the room and stepped outside.
It was a cool morning, the sun glistened in the morning sky, surrounded by a few clouds. Soujiro glanced around the retreat. It was at the base of a mountain, a few miles from any roads or nearby towns. A small meadow laid out in front of the retreat, a stream to the right, running down from the mountain behind. The place itself was closed in by trees. The mountain was thick with foliage, beyond the stream was a dense forest and the meadow ended at the wood that spread out around the retreat, offering privacy.
Soujiro stepped down off the covered porch and walked the short distance left, until he reached the edge of the woods. 'Ah, let's see, firewood...'
----------
Misao stepped out of the slowly cooling water and wrapped the clean towel around her body. She dried her limbs off, breathing in the sweet scent of sandalwood. She then realized it was she that smelled so lovely. The soaps she used must have been scented. She smiled and wrapped the yukata around her body, securing the belt before stepping out of the bathhouse.
The cool morning air sent chills through her but she smiled and breathed in the fresh air. She skipped across the stone path up to the house and stepped in. Upon not seeing Soujiro, she darted down the hall to her room, wanting to be dressed before he came back. She ran into her room, shutting the door and pulling the curtains to, so no certain tenkens could peek in, even though she believed that he would not be so immature to try something such as that.
She sat on her bed, grabbing a comb and attacking her long hair. 'Stupid tangles...' She combed through her hair, hastily braiding it into its typical braid and tossed it behind her, reaching for her new set of clothes. Within minutes she was dressed and ready for action. ...Well, she was dressed at least. Misao bounded back down the hallway and steps, hopping into the main room. "Sou-kun?" She frowned at getting no reply. "SOU-KUN!!"
Soujiro stepped inside, an armload of fire wood. "Good morning, Misao-san! Did you enjoy your bath?"
Misao nodded, watching him set down the axe then the pile of wood, keeping a few pieces for the fire. "That's good. I will have breakfast ready shortly."
"Anything I can help with?"
Soujiro thought for a moment. "I don't think so, Misao-san...just set the table, please."
Misao nodded, and began to help immediately.
----------
"What will you need?" Aoshi sipped his tea, regarding the figure before him.
"Money, of course. And I'll need a new weapon. As a spy, I'm not required to have one, but on this job I will be. And I don't want your lackeys on my back. I work on my own schedule, alone."
Aoshi nodded. "Done. Now tell me of how you will disable the Tenken."
"You don't work with a guy without knowing some of his strengths and weaknesses. The hard part will be tracking them down. I am sure by now, they are far away from that town."
"That would be the logical assumption."
"Duh. I'll get you back your precious weasel-girl, unharmed."
"And I will pay you handsomely."
"Of course you will, Shinomori. I wouldn't expect anything less."
"Tell me, why did you take this assignment? You highly dislike the Oniwabanshuu."
"Yeah, I do. But I have my own benefits from this assignment."
"I won't ask."
----------
"Sou-kun! You're an amazing fighter AND cook!"
Soujiro grinned as Misao devoured her share of the meal. He ate slower than her, often drifting off in thought, while Misao remained focused on the food in front of her.
Misao set her bowl and chopsticks down, a satisfied smile on her face. "Hurry up Sou-kun! We've got training to start!"
Soujiro smirked and hurried to finish his food. He turned to see Misao sitting on the floor, stretching her legs. "What are you doing?"
"Stretching my muscles, silly! You don't train without warming up first!"
Soujiro chuckled. "Sou desu ka..."
"Yeah! Now get down here and stretch, baka! I'm not gonna have my sensei hurt something teaching me!"
Soujiro's smile turned into an evil grin. "So I'm your sensei, huh? Then I suggest you call me sensei!"
Misao gaped at him. "I will not!"
"No? Why not? Sensei Soujiro...I think it has a ring to it!"
"The only ring is the one you'll be hearing in your ears after I knock you upside the head! Now cut that out! I will NOT call you sensei!"
Soujiro turned and grabbed his and Misao's nihontos from where they were resting on another table. "Catch, my student."
Misao caught it, but the look in her eyes was deadly. "What. Did. You. Say?"
Soujiro grinned. "Ah, you heard me."
"Take it back! I am not YOUR student! You're just...teaching me!" Misao swung the sheathed sword at him as he ducked and ran out the door.
"Come back here you coward! I'll chop your legs off!" Misao chased after him, swing the sheathed blade around.
Somehow, she managed to work lose the scabbard, and it flung off the sword, nailing Soujiro in between the eyes. "Are...."
"ACK! SOU-KUN! DAIJOBU?!" Misao ran over to where the swirly-eyed rurouni sat.
"Define okay..."
Misao grinned. "Maybe I should be teaching you."
Soujiro snapped out of a daze and his smile grew. "I don't believe I need to learn how to attack innocent civilians, Misao-san."
"HEY! IT'S NOT MY FAULT YOU DIDN'T DUCK! AND WHO ARE YOU FOOLING?! YOU'RE NO INNOCENT CIV--" Misao clamped her hands over her mouth as she said it. Soujiro looked up at her, with his smile but with those sad eyes. "It's alright, Misao-san. You only speak truth."
"I didn't mean it like that, Soujiro."
Soujiro stood up, dusting himself off, failing to note the lack of formality. "Yare, yare. I cannot change the past. But, I'll just have to be extra hard on your first day."
Misao's jaw dropped, "HEY!"
She swung her sword again at him as he laughed and took off into the field. "Come, my student! You have much to learn!"
"I'm NOT your student!!!"
----------
Aoshi watched the figure leave as he placed his tea cup down. "You can come out now."
Okina stepped out of the shadows. "What do you think you are doing?"
"Bringing Misao back to her family."
"First of all, it is Misao's choice if she wants to come back, not yours. Second of all, you're sending an ex-enemy to retrieve her?"
"He will not fail."
"I'm not worried about his efficiency! I'm worried about the safety of my Misao!"
"She is with the Tenken."
Okina frowned. "Seta Soujiro?"
"Hai." Aoshi picked up his cup of tea and took another sip.
"She's not going to want to come back. She apparently had a good reason for leaving. And whatever it is, she's certainly mad at you. You really think she will accept your offer?"
"It isn't an offer. It is already set in place."
"She won't take kindly to you taking control of her future."
"She needs to take on the life of a normal woman. Not of a ninja."
"I still believe that is Misao-chan's decision and not yours," Okina commented. He turned stiffly and left Aoshi.
'I am just protecting her.' Aoshi replied in his mind, his thoughts drifting back to Misao. 'She's not strong enough to survive on her own.'
Okina frowned, almost as if he was hearing Aoshi's thoughts. 'This is not the way...'
----------
Misao sneezed. She rubbed her nose and looked back up at Soujiro, who was grinning at her. He held his nihonto, the blunt end of the blade resting on his shoulder. He regarded Misao with a quick lookover. Her bangs messily stuck to her face and sweat dripped down her neck. She was hunched over slightly, in a stance, both hands grasping her sword. Basically, Soujiro had just decided to see what she could do, before teaching her anything.
"Not bad, Misao. Yes, yes. Your speed is not a problem. We will need to work up your strength. I can see you've watched Shinomori and Himura fight, you tend to mimic their styles by memory, right?"
Misao nodded, wiping her hand across her head. "Yeah. I'm going by ear here. Since my grand "master" hasn't shown me a damned thing."
Soujiro grinned sheepishly. "All in due time, I'm still debating on how to teach you."
"You mean you don't know?!"
"I've never taught anyone before!"
Misao groaned. "How do you propose I build up my strength?"
Soujiro pondered. "Shishio used to make me fight against him in water demo, it is setting into autumn and soon to be winter. That would not be wise..."
Misao rolled her eyes, "Gee, really?"
"Yare, yare...I'll think of something."
Misao was afraid to find out what 'something' would be. "Right."
Tsuzukeru...
----------
A/N: Yeah, gee it took me long enough to finish this chapter, had to think of why Aoshi wanted Misao to come back. Now at least..i've got a reason. If you've figured out what exactly he has planned for Misao once she returns, good for you! If not, you're probably like me and have to have things pointed out to you. Not to worry! Soon I will reveal all! XD
I should apologize about my self-pity a/n last chapter. *rolls eyes* I get into these flunks..and I can just look back on it now and laugh. But thanks for your encouraging comments! I loved them all!!!!
To the reviewers:
Rook: Ehh, Aoshi will eventually face Misao, but for now, the third party will be the mysterious character. (Kudos to those who know who it is already) Sou-kun's just hesitant to fight because of his bloody past. Don't worry, he'll get back into his kick-butt mode soon enough :D
Crystal: Well, this just more proof that Sou IS a man :P But yeah, especially in the fight with kenshin, Sou's confidence flares up as his annoyance for Kenshin arises. Also, in Kalus's "I am Tenken no Soujiro, I am Seta Soujiro" He is portrayed as arrogant and well, it suites him well, I think. And yes, Ken's arrogant. *takes the bokken and hits him again* ARROGANT!
Kyouhi: Finally got a reason for WHY Aoshi wants Misao back, (dunno if its a GOOD reason) but it'll do :P As for the ninjas..just a fellow clan that helps the Oni out, I guess...they'll be making another appearance, most likely. Maybe by then I'll have some info on them :P
chibi-ken14: *bows head* Okay okay! I don't suck! Yeah, Aoshi's a jerk...I hate making him a jerk, but I can't help it! WILL SOMEONE MELT THE ICE ON THAT GUY?!
K-chan: Here is the next chappie :P
Nikka: Guy? Girl? Who knows XD
Millie Akhilliades: I know! It doesn't get more perfect than this when it comes to pairings!!
Angelmoxie: I'm like your mentor? *feels your forehead* You don't SEEM to be running a fever... And low self esteem is a like a given for most authors. :P (Maybe the self pity thing gives us more reviews ;D)
Misao Seta: Oh I HATE it when I have to retype something, like a review! Yup, Misao's gonna be a kick butt swordsgirl..I hope ^^; As for the spelling of Soujiro? It can go almost any way. If you were to go completely romanized (english-fied if you will) It would be "Sojiro." But a lot of people who don't speak japanese can be confused as how the vowels are pronounced, thus we add in characters to make pronounciations easier. If you add in all the characters like most of the modified Romanji does you would spell it "Soujirou." Personally, I just take off the ending "u" cuz I don't think it's needed. So you get my spelling, "Soujiro" because i think its the easiest to pronounce. And I just dislike the spelling that adds the 'h'. Sohjiro. I keep trying to add an 'h' when i say it... Sohhhhhhhhhhjiro. -_-;
A thanks to those who read, too!
Now be ever so kind and leave me a review!
**ignore the grammar, i do**
Phoe-chan
In case you're wondering, I DO plan on dishing out a couple more Sou/Mi fics, but you wont see them for a while, seeing that I have so many running around without completion at the moment.
Note: Someone commented on Soujiro being arrogant. I don't know about the series, for I've not seen the kyoto arc, sadly...but in the manga, Soujiro is VERY confident in himself. "Oh, I have no doubts I could beat him with Shukuchi...etc" Note, ALL of RK's men are arrogant. Kenshin sure is, he doesn't flaunt his stuff but I mean you don't see him going "well, i'm not sure if i can beat you *twiddles thumbs*" They stand proud with their sword bladida. So I mean, *shrugs* there are going to be times when a man's ego stands out, but most of the time I won't let it get in the way like sometimes Yahiko's ego or Sano's does. Or Aoshis...man that guy is obsessive about strength...:P
Disclaimer: My ideas are my own (for the most part) but the characters are not mine. Nope, don't own 'em. Sorry.
----------
Mezamete-yuku Tamashii :: Awakening Spirits
Chapter 4 :: 'Master' and His 'Student'
----------
"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."
----------
Misao yawned, slowly opened her heavy eyes. She glanced around the room she was in. It was dusty; cluttered from being unused, but still it was extravagant. It was more in the western style than traditional Japanese, which struck Misao odd. Well, Shishio was against the goverment, the same that allowed Western influence into Japan.
Waving the thought off, she continued to gaze around the room, now more visible in the early morning sun. She sat up on the western-style bed, a decorative pattern of a swan glinted from the reflection of the sun, lighting up the quilt's surface. It was high off the ground but Misao marvelled at it's softness.
As she was enjoying the calm morning, Soujiro stepped into the room, greeting her brightly. "Ohayo, Misao-san!!"
"ACK!" Misao yelled, as the boy gave no warning to his greeting. Her sudden jump caused her to lose her balance and topple off the bed, landing on the floor. "Itai.."
Soujiro scratched the back of his head, "Gomen nasai, Misao-san. I didn't mean to scare you..."
Misao glared, sitting in the floor with her arms across her chest. "You didn't *scare* me, just...caught me off guard. Now what do you want?"
Soujiro just grinned. "Time to begin your first day of training, remember? Come on, Misao-san! I have your bath prepared!"
Misao groaned and pulled herself to her feet, readjusting her yukata. She followed Soujiro to the bathhouse. Soujiro turned to her. "There is a clean towel and fresh yukata in there. It should be warm enough. I will begin on breakfast. Enjoy your bath, Misao-san!"
Misao grunted, obviously not a morning person. She shut the door after stepping inside and proceeded to remove her yukata, breathing in the steam from the hot water.
With a soft splash, she got into the bath, relaxing into the heat of the water.
----------
Soujiro hummed to himself, starting up a fire in the fireplace. Not once did it cross his mind to invade Misao's privacy. He just didn't think like that.
'Ohh, need more firewood. Shishio-san, I'm disappointed in you. I would have thought you'd have wood already chopped. Yare, yare...' Soujiro grabbed an axe in the corner of the room and stepped outside.
It was a cool morning, the sun glistened in the morning sky, surrounded by a few clouds. Soujiro glanced around the retreat. It was at the base of a mountain, a few miles from any roads or nearby towns. A small meadow laid out in front of the retreat, a stream to the right, running down from the mountain behind. The place itself was closed in by trees. The mountain was thick with foliage, beyond the stream was a dense forest and the meadow ended at the wood that spread out around the retreat, offering privacy.
Soujiro stepped down off the covered porch and walked the short distance left, until he reached the edge of the woods. 'Ah, let's see, firewood...'
----------
Misao stepped out of the slowly cooling water and wrapped the clean towel around her body. She dried her limbs off, breathing in the sweet scent of sandalwood. She then realized it was she that smelled so lovely. The soaps she used must have been scented. She smiled and wrapped the yukata around her body, securing the belt before stepping out of the bathhouse.
The cool morning air sent chills through her but she smiled and breathed in the fresh air. She skipped across the stone path up to the house and stepped in. Upon not seeing Soujiro, she darted down the hall to her room, wanting to be dressed before he came back. She ran into her room, shutting the door and pulling the curtains to, so no certain tenkens could peek in, even though she believed that he would not be so immature to try something such as that.
She sat on her bed, grabbing a comb and attacking her long hair. 'Stupid tangles...' She combed through her hair, hastily braiding it into its typical braid and tossed it behind her, reaching for her new set of clothes. Within minutes she was dressed and ready for action. ...Well, she was dressed at least. Misao bounded back down the hallway and steps, hopping into the main room. "Sou-kun?" She frowned at getting no reply. "SOU-KUN!!"
Soujiro stepped inside, an armload of fire wood. "Good morning, Misao-san! Did you enjoy your bath?"
Misao nodded, watching him set down the axe then the pile of wood, keeping a few pieces for the fire. "That's good. I will have breakfast ready shortly."
"Anything I can help with?"
Soujiro thought for a moment. "I don't think so, Misao-san...just set the table, please."
Misao nodded, and began to help immediately.
----------
"What will you need?" Aoshi sipped his tea, regarding the figure before him.
"Money, of course. And I'll need a new weapon. As a spy, I'm not required to have one, but on this job I will be. And I don't want your lackeys on my back. I work on my own schedule, alone."
Aoshi nodded. "Done. Now tell me of how you will disable the Tenken."
"You don't work with a guy without knowing some of his strengths and weaknesses. The hard part will be tracking them down. I am sure by now, they are far away from that town."
"That would be the logical assumption."
"Duh. I'll get you back your precious weasel-girl, unharmed."
"And I will pay you handsomely."
"Of course you will, Shinomori. I wouldn't expect anything less."
"Tell me, why did you take this assignment? You highly dislike the Oniwabanshuu."
"Yeah, I do. But I have my own benefits from this assignment."
"I won't ask."
----------
"Sou-kun! You're an amazing fighter AND cook!"
Soujiro grinned as Misao devoured her share of the meal. He ate slower than her, often drifting off in thought, while Misao remained focused on the food in front of her.
Misao set her bowl and chopsticks down, a satisfied smile on her face. "Hurry up Sou-kun! We've got training to start!"
Soujiro smirked and hurried to finish his food. He turned to see Misao sitting on the floor, stretching her legs. "What are you doing?"
"Stretching my muscles, silly! You don't train without warming up first!"
Soujiro chuckled. "Sou desu ka..."
"Yeah! Now get down here and stretch, baka! I'm not gonna have my sensei hurt something teaching me!"
Soujiro's smile turned into an evil grin. "So I'm your sensei, huh? Then I suggest you call me sensei!"
Misao gaped at him. "I will not!"
"No? Why not? Sensei Soujiro...I think it has a ring to it!"
"The only ring is the one you'll be hearing in your ears after I knock you upside the head! Now cut that out! I will NOT call you sensei!"
Soujiro turned and grabbed his and Misao's nihontos from where they were resting on another table. "Catch, my student."
Misao caught it, but the look in her eyes was deadly. "What. Did. You. Say?"
Soujiro grinned. "Ah, you heard me."
"Take it back! I am not YOUR student! You're just...teaching me!" Misao swung the sheathed sword at him as he ducked and ran out the door.
"Come back here you coward! I'll chop your legs off!" Misao chased after him, swing the sheathed blade around.
Somehow, she managed to work lose the scabbard, and it flung off the sword, nailing Soujiro in between the eyes. "Are...."
"ACK! SOU-KUN! DAIJOBU?!" Misao ran over to where the swirly-eyed rurouni sat.
"Define okay..."
Misao grinned. "Maybe I should be teaching you."
Soujiro snapped out of a daze and his smile grew. "I don't believe I need to learn how to attack innocent civilians, Misao-san."
"HEY! IT'S NOT MY FAULT YOU DIDN'T DUCK! AND WHO ARE YOU FOOLING?! YOU'RE NO INNOCENT CIV--" Misao clamped her hands over her mouth as she said it. Soujiro looked up at her, with his smile but with those sad eyes. "It's alright, Misao-san. You only speak truth."
"I didn't mean it like that, Soujiro."
Soujiro stood up, dusting himself off, failing to note the lack of formality. "Yare, yare. I cannot change the past. But, I'll just have to be extra hard on your first day."
Misao's jaw dropped, "HEY!"
She swung her sword again at him as he laughed and took off into the field. "Come, my student! You have much to learn!"
"I'm NOT your student!!!"
----------
Aoshi watched the figure leave as he placed his tea cup down. "You can come out now."
Okina stepped out of the shadows. "What do you think you are doing?"
"Bringing Misao back to her family."
"First of all, it is Misao's choice if she wants to come back, not yours. Second of all, you're sending an ex-enemy to retrieve her?"
"He will not fail."
"I'm not worried about his efficiency! I'm worried about the safety of my Misao!"
"She is with the Tenken."
Okina frowned. "Seta Soujiro?"
"Hai." Aoshi picked up his cup of tea and took another sip.
"She's not going to want to come back. She apparently had a good reason for leaving. And whatever it is, she's certainly mad at you. You really think she will accept your offer?"
"It isn't an offer. It is already set in place."
"She won't take kindly to you taking control of her future."
"She needs to take on the life of a normal woman. Not of a ninja."
"I still believe that is Misao-chan's decision and not yours," Okina commented. He turned stiffly and left Aoshi.
'I am just protecting her.' Aoshi replied in his mind, his thoughts drifting back to Misao. 'She's not strong enough to survive on her own.'
Okina frowned, almost as if he was hearing Aoshi's thoughts. 'This is not the way...'
----------
Misao sneezed. She rubbed her nose and looked back up at Soujiro, who was grinning at her. He held his nihonto, the blunt end of the blade resting on his shoulder. He regarded Misao with a quick lookover. Her bangs messily stuck to her face and sweat dripped down her neck. She was hunched over slightly, in a stance, both hands grasping her sword. Basically, Soujiro had just decided to see what she could do, before teaching her anything.
"Not bad, Misao. Yes, yes. Your speed is not a problem. We will need to work up your strength. I can see you've watched Shinomori and Himura fight, you tend to mimic their styles by memory, right?"
Misao nodded, wiping her hand across her head. "Yeah. I'm going by ear here. Since my grand "master" hasn't shown me a damned thing."
Soujiro grinned sheepishly. "All in due time, I'm still debating on how to teach you."
"You mean you don't know?!"
"I've never taught anyone before!"
Misao groaned. "How do you propose I build up my strength?"
Soujiro pondered. "Shishio used to make me fight against him in water demo, it is setting into autumn and soon to be winter. That would not be wise..."
Misao rolled her eyes, "Gee, really?"
"Yare, yare...I'll think of something."
Misao was afraid to find out what 'something' would be. "Right."
Tsuzukeru...
----------
A/N: Yeah, gee it took me long enough to finish this chapter, had to think of why Aoshi wanted Misao to come back. Now at least..i've got a reason. If you've figured out what exactly he has planned for Misao once she returns, good for you! If not, you're probably like me and have to have things pointed out to you. Not to worry! Soon I will reveal all! XD
I should apologize about my self-pity a/n last chapter. *rolls eyes* I get into these flunks..and I can just look back on it now and laugh. But thanks for your encouraging comments! I loved them all!!!!
To the reviewers:
Rook: Ehh, Aoshi will eventually face Misao, but for now, the third party will be the mysterious character. (Kudos to those who know who it is already) Sou-kun's just hesitant to fight because of his bloody past. Don't worry, he'll get back into his kick-butt mode soon enough :D
Crystal: Well, this just more proof that Sou IS a man :P But yeah, especially in the fight with kenshin, Sou's confidence flares up as his annoyance for Kenshin arises. Also, in Kalus's "I am Tenken no Soujiro, I am Seta Soujiro" He is portrayed as arrogant and well, it suites him well, I think. And yes, Ken's arrogant. *takes the bokken and hits him again* ARROGANT!
Kyouhi: Finally got a reason for WHY Aoshi wants Misao back, (dunno if its a GOOD reason) but it'll do :P As for the ninjas..just a fellow clan that helps the Oni out, I guess...they'll be making another appearance, most likely. Maybe by then I'll have some info on them :P
chibi-ken14: *bows head* Okay okay! I don't suck! Yeah, Aoshi's a jerk...I hate making him a jerk, but I can't help it! WILL SOMEONE MELT THE ICE ON THAT GUY?!
K-chan: Here is the next chappie :P
Nikka: Guy? Girl? Who knows XD
Millie Akhilliades: I know! It doesn't get more perfect than this when it comes to pairings!!
Angelmoxie: I'm like your mentor? *feels your forehead* You don't SEEM to be running a fever... And low self esteem is a like a given for most authors. :P (Maybe the self pity thing gives us more reviews ;D)
Misao Seta: Oh I HATE it when I have to retype something, like a review! Yup, Misao's gonna be a kick butt swordsgirl..I hope ^^; As for the spelling of Soujiro? It can go almost any way. If you were to go completely romanized (english-fied if you will) It would be "Sojiro." But a lot of people who don't speak japanese can be confused as how the vowels are pronounced, thus we add in characters to make pronounciations easier. If you add in all the characters like most of the modified Romanji does you would spell it "Soujirou." Personally, I just take off the ending "u" cuz I don't think it's needed. So you get my spelling, "Soujiro" because i think its the easiest to pronounce. And I just dislike the spelling that adds the 'h'. Sohjiro. I keep trying to add an 'h' when i say it... Sohhhhhhhhhhjiro. -_-;
A thanks to those who read, too!
Now be ever so kind and leave me a review!
**ignore the grammar, i do**
Phoe-chan