The Night Life – Round 18
In the darkness of the empty dojo, Misao lay sprawled on the floor. She was exhausted and bit back a moan when she moved to put her arm across her eyes.
Her lessons began the next morning. Unfortunately for Misao, she had been sampling the drinks Tokio had mixed the night before and had awaken to a massive headache and a rolling stomach. It also didn't help that the lessons began way before dawn and that she had only slept a total of three hours.
The day began with some strong black coffee and a large muffin. Fortunately, her first lesson was with Aoshi. But even though they were lovers and she knew her kempo, he still was tough on her, criticizing and correcting her movements. After two hours with him, which Misao found to be full of work and no play, it was Sanosuke's turn and they spent most of the time arguing and insulting each other. Then, after a break that seemed too short, Misao's next lesson was with Megumi. By then, Misao was wide awake, too wide awake for the doctor's tastes. By the time their lesson was over, it was Megumi who was worn out rather than Misao, who, to Megumi's horror, was eager for the next time they would meet. Kenshin, Misao found, was a patient teacher, teaching her the basics and making the lesson of finding ki surprisingly simple. Her lips came up in a smirk. Maybe she could use that in her advantage whenever she wanted to ambush Aoshi. She snickered evilly. She was having fun with those lessons before the teachers of horror arrived.
Misao groaned again, covering her face with her hands. She loved Kaoru and knew that she could be demanding but never in her mind did she think that she would be so horrible and so bossy. And Saitou. Misao groaned even louder. He was just evil. Their ruthless teaching techniques were enough to have her flinch every time they barked an order.
Misao sighed. Who would've thought becoming the one who would destroy Tomoe would be so hard? All she wanted was a normal life with the man she loved and now the only way she could get that happiness is by destroying that woman. Damn Enishi and his sister complex.
She frowned, remembering the conversation she had with Kaoru earlier.
XxxxX
"Hey, Kaoru," Misao said thoughtfully, swinging her kendo stick in a head strike. "That night, did you know that I would be the one in the prophecy? Is that why we were at that club?"
Kaoru stared at Misao, a bit surprised at her questions. "You think that-"
"No!" Misao stopped her swing and faced her friend. "Well, maybe. Everything seems so coincidental. But not that I'm complaining about the whole change," she said hastily. "In fact, everything's been so exciting. I get to fall in love, and soon, I get to kick some woman's a-"
Misao's blabbering stopped when Kaoru placed her hands on her shoulders. "That night, yes you were set up. At least to meet some guys because you were always lonely whenever Megumi or me would go out with our boyfriends. I didn't expect Aoshi-san to show up that night. To be honest, I never thought you to be the 'one'."
Misao gripped one of Kaoru's hands and opened her mouth but Kaoru shook her head and continued. "We all had regained our memories but we weren't going to rush you. We knew that in time you would get them back. But then, Enishi began looking for you and I guess, Aoshi-san rushed to find you."
"Kaoru, you know I don't regret everything's that happened," Misao said softly, smiling. Kaoru smiled back, understanding. "With everything suddenly happening, I just wanted to kn-"
Thwack, thwack Thump.
"Oww!" Misao exclaimed, rubbing her head and her backside. She looked up and was face to face with a shinai.
"Use that energy for talking by swinging your kendo stick. There will be time to discuss things when you finish off Tomoe," Saito said, sternly.
But Misao didn't hear a word he said.
"What was that for, you psycho!? Knocking me down like that while I was talking to Kaoru. I'll show you how be more polite . . .!!"
XxxxX
Someone was brushing away the strands of her hair that covered her forehead. Opening her eyes, she met the tender cool eyes of the man she loved.
"You missed dinner," he stated quietly.
"I did?" She groaned. "I'm too tired to get up and my body is screaming in pain right now."
Aoshi settled himself down beside her, caressing her hairline. "Saito and Kaoru were tough, were they?"
"Yeah," Misao murmured. She sniffed herself. "Ugh, I stink." She smiled up at him, her face brightening. "But you know something, Aoshi? Of all the teachers I had today, you're my favorite."
"Is that so?"
"Yup."
He bent down to kiss her softly on her lips. Then Misao found herself up in the air, held in his arms.
"Oh, are you taking me somewhere, Aoshi-sama?"
"Hmm," he answered, turning towards the dojo doors and up a set of stairs.
Misao wound her arms around his neck. "Then how about you join me in the bath? 'Cause I need someone to help me wash my back."
"Hmm."
Later, Misao ended up falling asleep in the bath, skipping her dinner. Aoshi helped her settle into his bed, tucking her underneath the sheets. He kissed her softly on the forehead and she murmured in her sleep, a soft smile on her lips.
"Sleep well, my love."
XxxxX
Outside, miles away from the dojo, Tomoe sniffed the air, sensing the presence of the one who would kill her.
A dark smile slowly appeared on her lips.
"Enjoy what you have now, my dear, because I'm taking everything you hold dear."
Xxxxxxxx IrisKitsune – Your Turn xxxxxxxX