Author's Note: Okay, I know I'm moving really fast. But whatever, this is my story. I'm proud of it so far. Don't worry everyone, I WILL NOT let this story die. I HATE people who do that! On Monday I made an outline for the whole story. I'm really excited! There will be about 15 to 20 chapters. Maybe. Oh, and thank you all for the reviews!
The-eater-of-words: Thank you! I love you! For serious!
The Hellsfury Gumi: Thanks! Oh, and thanks for the thing about the 'ara'. I knew about it, I just felt like throwing some OOC stuffs in there!
Tenken's Lover: YAY! Isn't Soujiro just adorable?
anithene: Yes, I know I made it all kind of fast. But since this takes place two years after Shishio was defeated, he is starting to heal a bit. He likes her already, but even if he did, he can't recognize what he's feeling yet. Anyway, I'll work with it. Thanks for the review!
Buttknee: BJ! I can't believe you reviewed! I love you! Hey, see you Wednesday baby!
Somnus: Yeah, that first scene was TOTALLY a spoiler. Sort of. More like a sneak-peak. You'll see!
Thank you everybody! XOXO
Disclaimer: I don't own RK. I suppose I'll have to make do with this fic instead.
-Misao-
Soujiro and I had been walking for a while now, about half an hour. The thick trees kept us from going very fast. Aw man… and we still had like, a whole hour to go!
"Soujiro! I'm bored!"
Soujiro smiled expressionlessly. Ugh man, that was creepy. "What would you like to do then, Misao-dono?" asked the stupid bum.
"Hmmm…" I drummed the tips of fingers. "Hey! Let's sing a song!"
"Maa, Maa, go ahead, Misao-dono. I'm afraid I don't know any songs."
"You're kidding! No wonder you're a bum! Can't even sing for your supper!"
"Ano, Misao-dono?" asked the rurouni. "Sing for your supper? Why would I do that?"
I sighed. What an idiot. "Never mind. It's only an expression."
We walked in silence for a few minutes. I began to fidget. I was sooo bored! I glanced over at Soujiro. Baka rurouni! He was just smiling…
"I've tried to peer into your soul
But you never have the answers for me.
And I think:
What does it matter?
As I watch the blossoms drift to the ground
Falling from the many pink-laced trees
I watched you go.
Will you ever return?
And I think:
What does it matter…?" (1)
Soujiro finished singing in a whisper, looking almost… embarrassed? Nah… But where did he learn that song?
"Oh, Sou, that was so pretty! Did you make that up?"
He shook his head, looking almost… sad. "Yumi… she used to sing it to Shishio-sama, almost every night."
Oh Sou… why are you so sad?
His smile returned, and he looked forward with all traces of emotion gone. "Yumi… she was weak. Her feelings, they made her weak. Shishio-sama… he was strong."
I was shocked. No, no… that's not right! Oh Sou… how can you say that? I shivered, moving away from him. He felt so cold… wrong, wrong, WRONG.
We walked in silence as the cool fingers of twilight descended all around us.
Finally after, like forever, we reached the clearing that signified the end of the forest, and only ten minutes to the Aoiya. It was getting cold out, and I shivered slightly. Oh no, I hope Sou didn't see me shiver. He'll think I'm weak…
"Misao-dono?" Soujiro startled me with speaking. "It is getting dark out. Your friends will be worried. Do you wish to hurry?"
"Hey, don't worry about it. We have plenty of time!" I glanced at the sky. What! Stars were coming out ALREADY? "On second thought, we'd better get going. I don't want Aosh- anybody to worry." I blushed and smiled expectantly at the thought of seeing my Aoshi-sama again. Grabbing Sou's hand, I sped up.
"Misao-dono?"
"Yes, Sou? What is it?"
WOOSH!
Ahh! We were going so fast! I opened my eyes, realizing I'd clamped them shut.
Nani!
I was in Soujiro's arms, going faster than I thought possible. Was this the famous Shukuchi Himura had told her about? Wait a minute… I was in Sou's arms! It was strange… how could one so cold feel so warm? I could feel his heart beating softly and clutched him tighter… Misao no baka! Enough of that! This was the Tenken! Well, ex-Tenken.
Before I knew it, we were at the Aoiya. Soujiro set me gently on the ground. It had taken less than a minute to get here!
I gasped, out of breath. Sh… shu… shu… shuk…?
That baka just smiled and turned his back to me.
"Six steps short of the Shukuchi."
Misao falls over anime style, twitching
Sou turned back to me and looked me in the eyes. His stare… so emotionless! "Shouldn't we tell yours friends you've arrived, Misao-dono?"
Of course! How could I have forgotten my dear Aoshi-sama? But I had company, too. I'd go check in with Jiya before I found Aoshi.
"Jiya! Jiya, I'm home! Omasu! Okon!"
Okina, the old leader of the Oniwabanshuu, came out to meet me, beckoning us to come inside. "Misao! Where were you? Can't you see how dark it is?" He noticed Soujiro. "Eh-heheheheh! So this is what you were doing. It's not every day my Misao brings home a cute young Tenken."
I blushed madly. "Hey gramps, I just thought Soujiro could use a place to stay! Ya know, the Oniwaban hospitality and all that! There's nothing between me and him, so get over it, old man!"
-Soujiro-
Misao… she was strange. I watched as she and the old man fought each other madly. She could hold her own, that was for sure.
Hm? An aura… there was definitely a battle aura coming from outside. A familiar aura… who could it be? I turned to face the door and walked to it slowly, placing my hand on the hilt of my nihontou.
"Sou…? Where are you…"
"Be quiet, Misao-dono. There is someone out there." Before I could stop her, Misao-dono ran to the door and flung it open. "Wait!"
Misao grinned. "Perfect timing! Relax Sou, it's just Aoshi-sama."
Aoshi's eyes held hate. "Tenken. So we meet again. For the last time!" Uh, he was so cliché. "I will not let you live, knowing all the things you have done. Draw your sword, Seta Soujiro."
Shinomori and I stared at each other, not moving, testing each other's strength with our eyes. He would be no match for me. Without a sound, I disappeared. Aoshi shot forward to attack.
-Misao-
I gasped in horror. "No Aoshi, Soujiro is a wanderer now! A rurouni! Stop it, both of you!"
Soujiro, he moved so fast. The Shukuchi! It must be! I couldn't even see him, just flicks of his ever smiling face. Aoshi-sama… he could be hurt!
-Soujiro-
WHAP.
My sword made a dull slice as it connected with Aoshi's flesh. It had not been a killing shot. He was faster than I expected. I did not want to use the full Shukuchi on him. He was not worth it.
"Very good, Aoshi-san. You dodged my attack." He was breathing heavily, though he hid it pretty well. My sword had connected with his shoulder blade. "But then again, that was four steps short of the Shukuchi. It looks like I'll have to defeat you three steps short." Aoshi's eyes widened. I could almost feel his outrage that my attack hadn't been all out. I would enjoy this.
I attacked.
Aoshi attempted to cut me down before I could reach him. Too slow!
"HA!"
(1) This poem is part of the poem 'In Truth' I wrote in 2002. It's not really a song, but use your imagination, okay? Thanx!
Author's Note: Uh-oh, things don't look good for Aoshi. That's okay, I didn't like him anyway. J/k, j/k! Will Soujiro finally cut Aoshi Shinomori down? Can Misao save her beloved Aoshi-sama in time? Which warrior will win in this dance of death? Tune in next time, to Your Beautiful Tears!
