Author: Ah, I have nothing to say (sniff) just read on and you'll find out. O.o another long chapter. Erlack.
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-Charmed Wolf - :D x N lol Thanks x N
- Yuki -(sweatdrop)Er, right, I'll get back to you on that
- Da Weasel Girl - The thing you said about school are exactly my feelings. And yeah, ignore bad things I say because I am a mean author (nervous smile)
- MmindloveM - O.o I suppose. It's the inspiration I say! wheeeeeee
- Mariel Lunacrest - Why do people say that? Well, I suppose, but the inspiration is going! I'm glad u like the singing part!
- Yami-neko - Thanksa...though I am terribly sorry to inform you that you might have to keep your name after this chapter...(yipes)
-Mitsuki - It's from 'Detective Conan' or 'Case Closed'. It's from its seventh movie, my favorite of all nine. And don't worry, I am a song-freak too!
-Sou-chan DAISUKI - (blink) Well, maybe ur not gonna like this chappie very much...(runs away)
- Kurai Uta - (meep) huh? Getting along great? Oops, I think I've been turned into a sheep. Keep reading to revert me back to normal (In case you haven't figure it out, I am a very weird person) (sweatdrop) Here's chapter 8!
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Disclaimer: I don't own RK……how many times do I have to say that TT though, I own the wolf pups (blink). No, I don't own 'Every Heart' by BoA.
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Chapter 8 Unforgettable
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Hyoga stomped through unfamiliar forests, quite a bit off her home city Niigata; although she was currently far beyond reason to think about something as insignificant as that. She was fuming with pure rage. It just isn't fair.
She kicked at the leaves bitterly, her sharp, amber eyes glaring at her surroundings withvolcanic wrath. She is thirteen for Kami's sake. Why couldn't she learn kenjutsu? Why is it that Father relented on teaching Eiji-kun and Rouga-chan? Why can't she learn the technique that made him so powerful and feared through out the country? Rouga-chan is only 6, and she was born way before him!
She recalled that, only a while ago, she and Father had just argued once again on this very topic; her father had briefly stated, in that calm voice of his, "You are a girl. Go learn to be a proper lady, pup."
She stomped again, sneering at his remark every time she requested to learn swordsmanship. Her mother, some women they knew, and her idol are all female! Why can't she learn it?
Hyoga growled in frustration, trying to prevent herself from tearing at her hair. She exhaled deeply, and took in a lungful of the forest air, calming her nerves effectively. Gosh how she loved this forest. It was there whenever she wanted to find peace, to get away from her stress with Father and being showed off by Rouga-chan.
She allowed herself to smile grudgingly, in a reluctant pride. Rouga-chan is her dearest little brother and, though sometimes she found him annoying and was Daddy's favorite, she adored him. It was funny that neither of them got Father's personality; although, when she was deadly serious, Eiji-kun would comment that she had Father's eyes – feral, perilous, untouchable.
That was the kind of girl Hyoga is, as her name suggested; cool, indifferent yet piercing and dangerous as the fangs of wolves…… most of the time. She had rather bushy hair, earning her comments from others that she truly is the daughter of the Wolf.
She sighed, and curled up against a tree in comfort. What was the use of being called a one when she can't even fight like one? Arashi no Aoi. That was her idol. Hachi-san, a relative of her friend, had visitedquite awhile ago, and Hyoga had first learned the mysterious character.
Hachi had proclaimed that everybody was wrong about the rumor – Arashi was actually a woman, and that she had beat up scores of thugs without shedding blood, taking his stolen money back. By the time he finished his tale, Hyoga's eyes were glittering with awe, and she found herself an hero, someone she truly respects and looked up to for encouragements, through the tales of others. Father had looked away scornfully though, muttering something about weasels. Hyoga didn't care one bit; she WILL go and meet Arashi-sama someday, and perhaps, she would teach her how to fight. Her idol truly lives up to her alias - the Blue Storm. It was said that she would appear out of nowhere, as sudden and deadly like a blue whirlwind. It was like those natural disasters, their forces so destructive and intriguing that you can't help but admire, no matter how much they destroy. In this case, Hyoga had proclaimed her idol the Storm of Justice, representative of all the women for equality.
Hyoga froze suddenly in mid-step, wary; hadshe have wolf ears, they would be flicking in the direction behind her, pressing flat against her black-Tuscan red hair in alarm.
She stood up, tensed, and her arm went out to search for anything to be used as a weapon.
"There you are, you little bitch! How dare you beat my brother up?" A fat but massive man towered above her, waving a cane threateningly.
Her nose flared in indignation; she growled darkly, "What did you just call me?" Her eyes turned into those Eiji-kun described – untamed, calculating eyes of a wolf.
"Huh. Don't you and your scrawny excuse of a brother are known oh-so-infamously as the Wolf's pups? So, I called you bit – "
He never got the chance to finish; a huge tree limb smashed in the face, knocking a few teeth out.
"Don't make fun of my brother and Father!" she screamed in rage, pointing her trembling finger at him.
He spat away blood heatedly, "Why you little…… you beat up my brother Shito and you now dare hit me?"
Hyoga crossed her arms in irritation, "Shito? He was trying to bully Rou-chan! I did what I had to do!"
"Don't talk back to me!" The man seemed to lose his mind to reason, and hurled towards her with his cane……wait, it was a hidden sword!
Hyoga felt her eyes widen in a sudden panic. Sure, she had seen swords before, and she had never faced a real one directly. Thanks to Father, she had been kept away katanas for her 'lady-education's' sake, as Father had commented.
Father, it's all your fault! Had I learned how to wield a katana, or even a shinai…….help me, anybody!" Her body was frozen in terror, her eyes darting back and forth, trying to find any means of escape or defense. Somehow, her pride had kicked in stubbornly, and her throat refused to scream.
She closed eyes when she thought the weapon was going to impale her. A clank followed, followed by a wail of terror. Hyoga looked up, and gasped.
A cloaked figure stood before her protectively, one hand holding a sheathed katana. The attacker sprawled painfully on the ground, unconscious. The cane-sword lay shattered on the grass, as if it were merely a toy.
"Daijoubu ka, jou-chan?" A gentle, feminine voice rang in her ears. Hyoga gaped, her dignity all forgotten. Could she be…? No way!
"Ano…are you…Arashi no Aoi?" Her face was flushed, and her excitement built up each passing by second.
Her idol seemed genuinely surprised, "Yes. I am. Why…?"
Hyoga let out an exhilarated squeal, not caring whether she looked like a two-year-old who just got a new toy or not. She babbled on, her eyes shining in adoration, "Anone, anone, I am a fan of yours, Arashi-sama! I've always looked up to you! I can't believe I am talking to you! I am just so honored! Can I please shake hands with you? Pretty please?" This is one of those times her collected exterior shredded and the real, 'normal' and quite hot-headed one came out. Talk about split personality.
Misao could only stare blankly at the girl before her. Is she for real? She's treating her like a famous being. Not once had 'Arashi no Aoi' gotten such attention. She numbly felt her fingers gripping the girl's in a weary shake. This earned another squeal from the girl.
"May I ask…I had heard rumors but I wanted to confirm… is a hawk-tamer, acting as your servant out of pure admiration, traveling with you now?"
Hawk-tamer? Servant…! Misao stifled a giggle and glanced behind the girl anticipating an answer. Soujiro stood still, his face of pure shock, while Takamaru glared, as if understanding.
"Hyo-rin! Hyo-rin! Where are you?" A worried voice came with the rustling of leaves. Both Soujiro and Misao took their battle stance, hand an inch away from the hilt.
A beautiful woman with gorgeous, brown-red hair ran out from behind a bush, and swooped down to embrace the girl tightly.
Hyoga felt her face heat up in embarrassment; how could Mother do this in front of her idol? "Mo…Mom! Let go!" Most of the time, people call her Hyo-rin, simply because it sounded more feminine. But Father and she liked the name 'Hyoga' as she found it cool and intimidating. It was one of the few things they agreed on together.
Brief introductions were made – Misao being 'Arashi-sama ('you know, the famous Storm Arashi no Aoi, Mom? Listen, mou!' pouted Hyoga) and Soujiro being – 'the servant hawk-trainer' (Soujiro smiled nervously.) Misao learned that the woman's name is Tokio, and she had come out to find her daughter Hyo-rin when she had another one the usual argument with her father.
"Mou, Hyo-rin…don't you dare run off so far like this anymore, young lady! How you manage to run so far in such short time I'll never know," scolded Tokio, putting her hands on her hips. Hyoga averted her gaze, biting her lip, "Father is wrong! Why can't I learn kenjutsu?"
Tokio shook her head in despair, "Hyo-rin, just please try to understand your father's feelings about this, ne? You've already heard his reason…?"
"Hmff! Me being a girl doesn't forbid me from learning whatever I want! I need to protect myself, right?"
Misao didn't know exactly what was going on, but she put an understanding hand on the girl's shoulder; she remembered when she wanted to increase her trainings after Hannya-tachi left, Ji-ya had tried to convince her out of it. "Hyo-rin…is it? Listen, I don't know what went on between you and your father, but he is right, you shouldn't learn kenjutsu, as it is Meji and a girl should be better off that way."
Hyoga opened her mouth in protest, but Misao cut her off, "No, jou-san. However, has your father stopped you from learning any other fighting styles? Since most are forbidden from using katanas, styles like kenpo or kendo would be more efficient. What do you say to that, ne?"
Hyoga's eyes widened, and she whispered in defeat, "If…if you say so, Arashi-sama."
"Ne Hyo-rin, why is Shito-kun's brother doing here? I thought Shito-kun and Rou-chan aren't on best of terms…" Tokio's eyes narrowed, already guessing what had happened but decided to feign ignorance.
After Hyo-rin explained what just happened, Tokio suddenly had a cool, feral look her daughter had before, "I'll take care of that. Don't worry, I'll send him to the police. Show those kind rescuers to our home, Hyoga-chan."
Hyogagulped anxiously; if anyone could tame Father's wolf spirit it would be Mother. No one wants to mess with her when she was in one of her moods – sometimes,Hyoga wondered that Mother might surpass Father's katana skill during those moods, since the standing is currently 112 to 0, mother winning by far. And also, mother just called her 'Hyoga-chan'; that was her signal for her daughter to leave, as she is about to get serious.
Misao and Soujiro looked at each other, and decided it nice to be in a cozy house for once. After almost two years of wondering with Soujiro, Misao found herself missing the snuggliness of a futon, tea (which she made herself. Not even Soujiro could persuade her otherwise) and full bowl of steaming beef hot pot.
They both followed Hyoga into a rather tranquil city of Niigata (they were secretly admiring the girl's endurance for going so far. Tokio-san's too). They arrived at a house that was twice the size of Aoi-ya, though the appearance seemed rather flat, not any noticeable features.
Hyoga led them inside an extensive hallway. Misao felt her hackles rose and Soujiro fiddled uneasily besides her. Ever since she got near the house, she's been having chills involuntarily down her spine. The place was dark, and too quiet. A pressure of a beast lingers in the air, no, the danger signals of a wolf prowling before it moves in for the kill. Takamaru ruffled its feathers restlessly.
Right…haven't I heard the name Tokio before? And Hyo-rin-chan's eyes seemed familiar somehow…. Misao wondered fruitlessly.
"Tenken no Soujiro, now known as the Hawk-tamer, soushite partner of the so-called Arashi no Aoi……," the sinister tone paused; a low, pleased chuckle echoed in the shadows, where two bright, wolf eyes glinted with amusement.
This despicable voice… Misao's hands clenched irritably and twirled around to face the gaunt, smoking figure in a police uniform.
He puffed out a ring of smoke and continued, "yare yare, I know I was right. Now, what is a weasel doing in a wolf's lair?"
"Saito Hajime………"
If you had told Misao that she would be living under the same roof with the Wolf of Mibu years ago, she would have (beep) (beep) (beep) (Again, keep the violence level down). But, as reality showed, the truth was open to public. As 'Arashi' anyways.
That night, Soujiro had to frequently stop an untamed weasel from leaping at a calmly staring wolf, puffing indifferently on his cigarette. Misao's rage was quickly turned to sheer glee when Tokio-san entered the scene.
While it was true that no one can tame the wolf of Mibu, a she-wolf can do so very well. A flash of furious eyes, and a flying Gatotsu-like broom effectively knocked the UTTERLY HAZARDOUS (as Tokio-san called them) cigarette out of a slightly flinching wolf's hand.
And it was known that within the radius of Tokio-san, no one is to smoke. Ever.
Misao folded her arms, sighing, recalling the night several weeks ago, when she and Soujiro had first taken residence at the Saito household. (Misao's still wondering why in Kami's name she did it)
"I've known for awhile that you are the 'storm' people had been talking about, though, as seen in front of me, you are still that violent, annoying weasel," Saito smirked and leaned against the shoji door.
Misao answered with silence. Internally, she was furiously trying to push the idea that Saito had actually been spying on her once awhile, ever since their 'hide-and-seek' back at the Nagoya.
"Don't call my hero Weasel, Father," pouted Hyo-rin defiantly, eyes narrowing in a perfect mini-Saito.
Saito shrugged, "Maa. I don't really care if you want to stay here or not. I have some work for you. Come to my office tomorrow morning to get your first assignment." With that, he left the room briskly, leaving a dumbfounded weaselgawking after him.
"Argh. For the sake of free food, I actually agreed at helping him! Ah, the disadvantages of being a rurouni," Misao groaned in frustration, secretly fond of the Saito family very much, excluding, of course, Saito himself.
Hyo-rin is a very adorable girl slowly entering the 'challenge' phrase of life, reminding Miso the times she would argue with Ji-ya over trivial things. Even though the girl's adoration to her was pleasing, Misao would often shy away under so much attention. But it only added to the girl's respect. "So cool, secretive, isn't she, Rou-chan?" Hyo-rin had once commented to her little brother.
Rouga is another prodigy, very good swordsman for one at age of six. Slightly spiky brown hair, serious wolf eyes, Rou-chan had just the potential to perhaps surpass his father, with a totally different personality, though. The only reason that Shito had succeeded in bullying was because if had Rouga hit back, Shito would have hurt a trapped squirrel he was torturing (which ended up fruitless as it was later known that Taka maru had a nice dinner).Such compassion was truly part of Tokio-san's trait (well, most of the time anyways). Only after a few weeks of time, Misao had fit in very well with the two wolf siblings.
And there was another matter of Mishima Eiji. Misao remembered that before she left the Shingetsu village, she had made him promise to grow up to be a fine man like his brother, and he did; just a s tall as Sanosuke, the now sixteen-year old police assistant is well known in Niigata, and often chased after by girls.
Though, Misao thought with a smile, Hyo-rin would always appear out of nowhere to usher those fan girls away. How cute.
Eiji doesn't seem to recognize her, it seemed. Well, Misao had concluded that she had changed so much that it was rather difficult for people to know her to be once the same as a 'weasel' ("Damn that Saito," Misao growled).
She leaned against the wooden column, quite content to relax on such a beautiful day. Ever since she and Sou-chan accepted Saito's missions, they had been, to put it bluntly, working their asses off. On some occasions, Misao had glimpses of Chou, but not once had they ever talked to the Sword Hunter.
The missions included spying, infiltrations and such, typical secret agent work. She despised such things, but it had helped strengthening her stealth and power greatly. With Soujiro as her partner, it had almost been a piece of cake.
Gatling guns, though, are problems that they had yet to overcome. Futae no Kiwami, shukuchi, and Hebigane seemed to prove useless when their targets had them pincered between two gatliing guns. Misao and Soujiro can dodge or block one, but certainly not two. Sometimes Hyo-rin would shriek in concern when her hero staggered home, bloody, though nothing life-threatening.
She sighed and looked at an unconscious 'hawk-tamer' lying in her lap, geniunely concerned. Their last mission ivolved a secret storage of artillery, and it was sheer luck that they had escaped alive. Misao's four Futae no Kiwami hit their marks, well, destroying the smugglers' four gatling guns. The setback was she cannot surpass the pain and fatigue that followed, and she was barely keeping up with her Hebigane to block other gun shots. Soujiro had saved her life, but he got shot in hte shoulder with a poisonous arrow, which thankfully, was cured afterwards.Saito entered the fray afterwards and disperge his Aku Soku Zan right away. The case ended not too badly, and Saito was too pleased to care about what happened to be his 'favorite' weasel.
Misao wouldn't know what she would do if she lost Soujiro. She can't even bear thiking about that possibility. She lost everyone already. But his injury wasn't what she was worried about. Unlike her, Soujiro had not fit in well not only at this household, but also Niigata. He was not used to being in a largely populated place for so long, and he was bound to retreat within the safe barriers of his mind. Misao cared deeply about him, but she was also confused by this.
Every time she thought like that, her heart would clench with sorrowful agony. A slightly faded image of a tall man with ice blue eyes would come to mind, and her eyes would burn with unshed tears. Even after so long, she still couldn't forget him. It makes her somehow guilty of spending her time happily here, as if betraying him.
While the two were discovered asleep on the porch later on, Hyo-rin calmly stated to her father, "Ne, don't they look cute together? The storm and the hawk. Arashi-nee-san seems to care about him deeply, as he her."
Saito chuckled deeply, "We'll see about that. Let's test it out, then." He had just received information from some agents at Kyuushu. He remembered what Battousai said about sake's effects on this particular weasel, and a test clicked in his cunning mind.
"More! More!" Misao laughed merrily and successfully persuaded a very nervous Soujiro in giving her more sake. Of course, Misao still had no clue at this 'miraculously intoxicating tea'.
The only ones present are Tokio, Saito, Misao and him. Soujiro had never drank sake before and, seeing its effect on his friend, he wasn't too eager to try.
Tokio was calmly sipping NORMAL tea, unaffected by the ruckus Misao was causing, while Saito ate his food placidly, eyes gazing at the drunk girl watchfully.
"Loosen your self and let's have some fun, ne, Sou-chwan! Don't just go haha on me again, moron! Drink some!" A drunken Kecho kcikhas way more power, Soujiro observed meekly. He suddenly realized with frantic. What if she used Futae no Kiwami? I have to stop her! Er, alright, I guess I have to challenge her to a drinking contest…and hope she passes out during that…sorry about that, Mi-chan.
A contest they did. Misao and Soujiro had surprisingly tolerance (of not passing out), but both have their thoughts were too coherent to be useful for anything. Misao stumbled and fell on top of a madly grinning Soujiro, whose smile stopped abruptly at that.
"Ne…Sou…chan….you are…warm…warm…," slurred Misao, locking him in a death grip. Soujiro's mind broke through bravely. He tried pushing her away without hurting her, but being the powerful drunk weasel she was, the feat was impossible.
She leaned towards his face, lips coming closer. Soujiro panicked, but quite paralyzed to move.
Mi-chan's going to kiss me. She's going to kiss me. Oh Kami. Soujiro wondered wistfully, I think I have 'loved' you for a long time now, Mi-chan, and I tried to express it but…you never noticed. I've been starting to feel this way ever since you comforted and calmed me after I told you of my dreadful background…….you've become more than just a friend to me, Mi-chan. And how have I longed for this…but Mi-chan…you..are…
It was tempting to just close the short distance and taste her lips, but something was screaming at the back of his mind. He quickly stuffed another sake bottle in Misao's mouth, at which she quickly gulped down. Misao's body rolled onto the tatami mat softly, snoring lightly.
She clutched a stack of cothes hard, murmuring in content, "Aoshi-sama..."
Soujiro glanced at her sadly. But you are drunk, Misao. I couldn't do that to you while you were like this. I want you to return my feelings but……I am so afraid. You might push me away. Our friendship broken and…that was something I cherished above all. Furthermore, I am not the one you truly love...Oyasumi, Mi-chan. Got to clear my head.
As he closed the shoji as noiselessly as possible, Saito coolly sipped from his cup, eyes thoughtful. I see.
Misao woke up due to a splitting headache. She stood up a little to fast and black spots obscured her vision. She staggered outside, feeling nauseous, and her thoughts blank of everything.
She heaved herself over to a bucket and threw up everything; yet, that still didn't help any. It was until after thirty minutes or so that her mind had finally started to function properly. And she looked around, wondering why she was outside holding a vile bucket for dear life.
"AH, ohayo, Mi-chan! Are you feeling better?" Soujiro stumbled out from behind a bush, not looking any better than she did. How did Yumi-san and Shishio-san stand straight even after that many sake? Maybe this is why they never invited him drinking with the rest of Juppongatana.
"Ohayo, Sou…" A flash of memory came back at her and Misao blushed beet red. She crawled up to him, anxious.
"Ne…Sou-chan…did I...did I do anything weird last night?"
Soujiro gulped, "Not at all, Mi-chan. Not at all."
Misao gazed intently at him for a few minutes, the after effects of alcohol wearing off. More memory came back to her and she smiled appreciatively at him.
"Thanks, Sou-chan. I was intoxicated……I wasn't thinking straight at all…… and so, I thank you for your honour."
Honour……is it? So…it truly is only because you were drunk…Mi-chan… Soujiro remembered all to clear how close he had been to kiss her. He replied curtly, "You're welcome."
Misao furrowed her brow in concern. Sou-chan is colder tha usual. Thinking that it might be because of the tea, she left him be for the rest of the day.
But that wasn't the case at all. When Misao herself had no longer felt restricted by the grasps of tea (get a clue already, girl), Soujiro was still the same he had been ever since they lived here; secluded, one-word answers and the fake smiles she hated so much.
It had become so unbearable that Misao decided that it was time for them to wander again. Sou-chan must be really pressured to live here. Baka Misao! Why didn't you even consider his feelings? He was just too polite to say otherwise. We must leave at once.
Of course that was devastating news for Hyo-rin, Rou-chan and even Eiji-kun (he was just trying to win back Hyo-rin's favour). It was very difficult to quiet their very heated protests, as they all thought Saito had pressured their idols to leave. It wasn't until Misao gave the two wolf siblings some of her kunais as a parting gift did they quiet down.
Tokio-san was sad to see them leave, since she had treated them both as her children, just as she had welcomed Eiji. However, being a she-wolf, she was very understanding as well. As a parting gift in return for her children's kunais, Tokio-san gave Misao her first katana, and Sou-chan a wakizashi.
"It would have been rather difficult to find one this day and age, wouldn't it? It was fortunate Hajime was allowed to use those," Tokio-san had explained briefly.
It was a very sophisticated katana, really; the hilt dark blue, the guard made of pure silver, and the sheathe had a beautiful engrave of two wolves. Misao really was truly grateful for the present, but she was worried about Sou-chan's. She knew that Shishio had given him a wakizashi the night he…… Misao shook her head.
Sou-chan noticed this and smiled reassuringly, "Daijoubu, Mi-chan. Shishio-san's wakizashi is long gone, as the thing it represents; Tokio-san's gift would prove to be a new beginning for me, you'll see. It would be the representative of my answers." Of you, Soujiro wanted to add, but fell silent just in time.
Rouga and Hyoga protested vocally again, "Please, at least just stay for one mre week...onegai?"
Rouga was young, but he knows just how good of swordsmen they are; while 'the hawk-tamer' train him, he can see Hyo-nee practicing kenpo with Arashi-nee-sama, with Eiji-nii staring in a trance. At this thought, Rouga smiled inwardly; ever since a little' talk' Eiji-nii had with Arashi-nee-sama, he had been more open about his feelings of Hyo-nee.
Misao pat the little boy's head almost maternally, "Should we ever meet again, Puppy,I sould expect you to be a great swordsman. And," she turned to Hyoga, "You better practice just as hard, Hyo-chan! Prove that you truly are the apprenice of the Blue Storm." The girl hugged her idol timidly, wolf eyes blinking with tears. Misao turned to Saito, wondering what to say to the smoke-aholic.
Saito, being the wolf he was, just calmly watched the two teenagers make their farewells. As Misao came in front of him, he smirked, "Yare yare, I am sure this wouldn't be the last I would see of you, weasel, since you always appear out of nowhere like an annoying parasite. Maa, I'll just congratulate you on your good works on helping the police, weasel. That had far exceeded my expectations, so I'll just have to upgrade you to an itachi-no-bakemono," he paused, anticipating for an angry reply.
Misao only smiled ruefully; how Saito words had reminded her of Kamatari! She only said her good-byes and spun around, ready to leave. Sou-chan was already ahead waiting, Takamaru's shadow flickering around him.
"Go south," whispered Saito gruffly.
Misao stared back into unblinking yellow eyes in confusion. Why south? But seeing it's Saito, it must be something of importance, even though he would never give her a direct answer.
Misao nodded curtly, and followed Soujiro back into their wandering.
Saito stood beside his family, watching the two disappear under the camouflage of the forest. Seek what you desire by your own hands, weasel. I believe it would the last we would see each other. In a while, at least.
"Ne, Sou-chan, can I ask you something?" Misao spoke up tentatively. It has been weeks since they left Niigata, yet Soujiro showed no signs of withdrawing himself from his shell. Misao was more than worried.
Dark clouds loomed ominously ahead, sky darkening considerably that it was difficult to see the muddy road clearly. Looks like we have a storm coming. How funny, seeing I have taken' Arashi' as my alias and I don't even like storms.
Soujiro didn't even reply; a slight inclination of his head showed that he was listening. He was afraid if he was to speak, or look at her large, fathomless eyes, his emotions would rush out like a broken dam.
"What's been troubling you, Sou-chan? Is it something I did to make you mad?"
Soujiro's eyes widened and he hurriedly gripped her shoulder and muttered a no before losing himself in her gaze. Such tender, concerned look. Was he even worthy of such attention?
"Mou, Sou-chan! Ne, do you have a fever?" Misao stared quizzically as his flushed face and put her hand on his forehead, trying to confirm her suspicions.
Upon her touch, Soujiro's heart quickened and purely out of instinct, or maybe of what he had wanted for so long, he leaned down and kissed her softly.
Her first kiss was when she was only four; Aoshi-sama was sleeping, and she had crept up on him. She was the only one able to get so close to him without waking him up. She kissed him briefly; she had wanted to try it when she saw couples on the street doing so because hey love each other, and she had decided to try it on her beloved Aoshi-sama. Her conclusion was: gross, but soft. Of course, she was too young to understand and most kids her age think kisses were gross anyways. It was her own secret; nobody knew.
Needless to say, Misao was shocked when Soujiro kissed her. It was soft and warm, and quite appalled and ashamed, Misao realized that she actually liked it. The kiss was enveloped with desire and love, which Misao had wanted to feel from Aoshi-sama for so long.
A radical longing consumed her entirely, and she kissed him back savoring the taste, desperate for more.Aoshi-sama... wait! This isn't him!
Misao snapped herself out of it and pushedSoujiro rather forcefully away, gasping. It wasn't Aoshi-sama she just kissed. It was Ssou-chan…… Oh Kami. Oh Kami! What had I just done?
She looked up fearfully, her eyes met with his mournful ones.
Soujiro was rejoiced by her response at first. She truly was his answer. But then she broke off and pushed him away, away from her, away from his hope, his light in darkness.
Misao felt her throat throb painfully by just looking at him. Why have I given him so much pain? Why? He needed love……and what did I do? I break him, again……
-Flashback-
"Sou-chan! Hang in there, Sou-chan!" Misao gasped fearfully, holding her writhing friend tightly.
The more he told her of his past, the more his sane mind snapped; it was so excruciating that his breaths came out ragged, beads of sweat lined along his cheek and he couldn't stop shivering. It was like being swallowed by monster, suffocated by a tsunami.
"Onegai, yamerou, Sou-chan! Daijoubu, hondou ni! Datte, wadashi was iru kara desu, kimi no soba ni iru. Dakara, subette no heki da yo, Sou-chan!" She hugged him close, patting his back gently and slowly.
Gradually, Soujiro began to relax adn stopped sobbing. His heart was warmed by her words. It was the first time he had ever told anyone of his past, and he was glad that it was finally off his chest. Soon, he fell asleep against her smal shoulders.
Misao continued holding him, more than saddened by his ordeal; Anji, Kamatari, Soujiro and that Yumi-san he talked about all had tragic, stiffling pasts. They would surely lead a better, different life had they been given a choice.Are the other Juppogatana the same? Are their evil, blood-lusting facades just too difficult to be seen through under al that carnage?
She whispered softly into his ear, "I won't ever hurt you, Sou-chan, sore ni yakusoku.I promise."
-End of Flashback-
And what did I do, even how I had promised him?Don't I love him? I do love him don't I? But, was it the same I felt for Aoshi-sama? Or……the same I feel for Aoshi-sama? Do I still love him? I…I can't forget him!
"Mi-chan…so you still can't forget him?" Soujiro's chuckle was dry, pain embedded into every sound he made. Misao winced.
Soujiro moved his trembling hand towards her left cheek, stroking her scar gently, "They say scars don't disappear without its emotions. You told me how you got the scar, and it was still here………just the same it had been…" Misao moved to cover his hand in hers but he backed away, averting his gaze.
He chuckled again, "I…I was foolish….Mi-chan…thinking that you would love me……I thought I was right. The answer to 'protect the weak with your sword, as you are the strong'….was you. Was love. Perhaps it really is love. It just wasn't…….you."
Thunder cackled in the distance. And again. During those brief flashes of lightning, Misao saw Soujiro's face covered with involuntary tears; he didn't seem to know he was crying.
"Sou…Sou-chan…" Misao choked, feeling her hands trembling as she reached out for him. How could she have been so blind? So oblivious to his feelings? How could she do this to him?
"I am sorry, Mi-chan……we can't travel together anymore…I don't want to hurt you, and I…can't stay here. I have to go. It has been great knowing you…you have helped me in ways I have never imagined possible. You have directed me onto the right path……and perhaps, if things had worked out differently…perhaps……" he stopped, breathing has become rather difficult.
Misao was numb all through. No, this can't be happening. It just can't.
Soujiro gave her a wide, empty grin, "Sayonara, Misao-san. I hope you find you own answers too. I hope you find happiness." He turned away abruptly, walking away as fast as he could. He would break down. He wouldn't bear to let her see him like this. His shoulders felt so heavy, the burdens so much heavier than the rice barrels he had carried so long ago.
Misao gaped at his retreating figure. A tall man wearing a trench coat replaced his image, walking away……
"No! You can't leave me, Sou-chan! No! Dame! Onegai!" Misao knew that she was unreasonable and selfish. She had hurt him, and yet he asked him to stay. But she couldn't bear it.
Soujiro paused, her torn, terrified plea tugged at his heartstrings. In the end, he shook his head in determination. It must be done now or it never will.
"Misao-san…I will leave Takamaru with you. He will keep you company … I am going to start all over…… andhe will surely help you. I'm sorry I can't stay…" He stared and his loyal comrade, hoping that it would understand. The hawk looked back and forth, shivering. After awhile, the hawk looked away and flew to Misao's huddled form.
When the bird landed beside her, Misao knew it was no use. I suppose he deserves al so much more than I could ever offer him...is this really the only way, Sou-chan? We can't reall stay together anymore? Sou-chan is going away, like everyone else. She didn't stop Aoshi-sama. She didn't try to go with Kamatari. And now, she pushed Soujiro away.
"Ja……" So, it's the end for the two of us…? "Sou-kun, genki ne……" she managed to choke out.
Soujiro smiled wistfully. Those were the same words Yumi-san spoke to him before he left. A word of eternal parting. He bit his lip so hard that it bled, but he was determined not to bawl like a baby.
With a slight nod, Seta Soujiro disappeared into the dark embrace of the forest, his path unknown, his future uncertain, but his mind clear. At least he had an answer.
Takamaru screeched sorrowfully into the night. Misao was kneeling in the mud, her hands barely supporting her shuddering body.
-If there were many tears falling down,
Every heart would become gentle.
If everybody expresses what they think,
Every heart can be satisfied.-
She felt numb. She felt nothing. Thunder roared in her ears. Was it regret she felt?
I was frightened by the neverending night,
So I prayed to the distant stars.
In endlessly repeating time,
We were searching for love,
Because we wanted to become stronger.
We look up to the faraway sky.
He was caring. Kind and gentle. How polite he was. She pushed him away.
The two of us, smiling, meet here,
Every heart has a habit of receiving its dreams.
Sadness has no effect on us,
Every heart gains happiness when it flies.
He was a sibling to argue against, a protective guardian that gives her warmth; a friend to share secrets with, a trustworthy comrade she is proud to have right beside her. And he is gone.
Someday our souls will unite,
We will give peaceful approval.
In endlessly repeating time,
We know why we are living.
We go through the nighttime laughing,
Both of us are mourning, yet we walk on.
Memories of everything has settled,
This is a warm place to be.
The stars separate us from the future,
We are always so brilliant,
So shine.
She loved him. She really did. They would probably be married happily ever after in another time, another place. But this is reality. Inevitable, cruel, but so true – like the time with Aoshi-sama. It was unforgettable.
-In endlessly repeating time,
We were searching for love,
Because we wanted to become stronger.
We look up to the faraway sky.-
Somehow, she couldn't cry. She just couldn't. Cleansing, reliable tears didn't come at her desperate summons, and she hated how her resolution not to cry even stood at a time like this. Steady, and merciless, fully contradicting with her current form.
-In endlessly repeating time,
We know why we are living.
We go through the nighttime laughing,
Both of us are mourning, yet we walk on.-
Soujiro's footsteps were barely audible even with trained ears. Misao's crumpled form seemed to melt into the ground under the darkness of the storm. Her head was bowed, and her dark bangs covered her face. The first drops of rain sizzled down from the grey clusters of clouds. One landed on her, and slowly trickled down her chin. It was as if the sky cried for her.
Aoshi was tired. He had searched for so long in Kyuushu, yet his memories still failed him. More and more images reappeared in his mind after two years of searching, but the names still evaded him. And he was getting tired of all this.
He was always restless, despite how it may have seemed on his cold exterior, but he was; it was as if his heart was missing an important piece, a vital one.
He had looked everywhere for clues; from Nagasaki to Fukuoka, and even went up mountains, but it was to no avail.
The kodachis he got from defeating Kanryuu was still here, hidden in the folds of his worn trench coat. It was miraculous how it still remained its shape all this time.
He was currently in Nagoshima, the streets teeming with life. He had always withdrawn from crowds, preferred to think by himself. But today was different.
A speech came to mind suddenly. "Every waking of every day, there is a calling. It's up to that person to decide what that calling is, whether it may be good or bad. Right or wrong. The calling becomes clearer each you decide what should be done is done. The clearer it becomes, the more you understand about your body and soul. And from that, you become stronger."
Aoshi shook his head. He remembered the speech, but not the man who gave it, though he was certain that he admire and respectd him very much. However, he fell this calling today. A young girl's voice callingout to him, cries lost in a storm.
He groaned inwardly. Was he really that tired? How else can he hallucinate such thing? It's very sunny here, thank you very much.
A soft thud caught his attention. He looked down and found a blue paper ball. He felt his mid snap as he tenderly picked it up. He remembered. He had once gave one of these to a girl he cared about very much. A girl whose name was –A fire burst from the icy barriers of his eyes. Aoshi stared, and whirled around in the direction of a nrearby forest.
Aoshi ran and ran. He continued, regardless of the speed he was going, and the rocks and holes obstructing in his path. He tripped and rolled down a hill, knocking the breath out of him.
He stood of shakily, heavily winded, but he ran still. He did not know how long he had run, but at last he had come to a clearing.
It was very distant from the city he was in, but Aoshi knew otherwise; there wasn't even a city twenty years ago.
He stared at a charred remain of an ancient-looking hut. The structure seemed so brittle, and Aoshi walked up to it. Information being loaded into his mind so rapidly that it was almost overwhelming. Scenes of his old comrades, the Okashira he looked up to, a famous hitokiri he fought, and lastly a burning inferno and a bridge with a gaping hole in the middle.
An image of a small, smiling girl with braided hair was conjured up in front of him. Her eyes stared up at him with such adoration. How could he fail to remember? She was unforgettable, his most cherished treasure.
Aoshi reached out and seemed to pat her head gently. He smiled lightly and whispered hoarsely, "Misao."
As if hearing him, leagues away, Misao looked up into the sky, rain still falling on her face like an onslaught of tears.
She remembered suddenly. Hannya-kun never lied, and he didn't at that time either.
Aoshi-sama will come back. Misao-sama, please wait for him…wait for him…
He had told her to wait for him, but she didn't listen. Her heart constricted painfully, and she clenched her fist tightly.
A ray of sunshine broke through the clouds, breaking off the storm, and the sky slowly brightened again.
But to Misao, it was like a guide to hope, her light in her darkness. A new destination. A new goal to achieve.
I will find you, Aoshi-sama.
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End of chapter 8 Unforgettable.
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Rouga – Wolf Fang
Hyoga – Ice Fang
Erlack - (drops dead) X.X (yes, I know, very 'interesting' sense of humor)
Kenjutsu - swordsmanship using katanas
Kendo - swordsmanship using shinai, bokken etc but not real katanas, I think.
Daijoubu, hondou ni! Datte, wadashi was iru kara desu, kimi no soba ni iru. Dakara, subette no heki da yo - It's alright, really! See, I am here, by your side. Therefore, everything is going to be fine!
Genki ne - take care
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Sniff. I've been crying a lot lately haven't I? But I guess that's the punishment for being such a mean author. Well, on the bright side, Aoshi got his memory back ! Though I feel really bad about pulling those two cute couple apart. But I really feel that if Aoshi's alive, the only one who should be with Misao is him. Didn't expect Saito to show up with his family, ne?
In case anyone is wondering, this song is from Inuysha's fourth ending theme. I've always loved that song, and had been wanting to put it in a fic for awhile.
Well, school is back and I am dead! (damn, almost rhymed) That means the horrible-ness that is school will probably block my inspiration and gave me the deadly disease known as writer's block.
But never fear! I shall have vaccines ready! We'll never know. I'll try my best o keep up my 'fast' updating routine (highly doubt it)
(Math is so boring anyways that I'll just use the spare time to work on the fic ;)
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(In a really bad mood. Stupid people refused to change my schedule.And the editing andchanges I've made on this chappie got deleted because thisbaka PC decided to take a nap!Urghhhgh! Took me awhile to finish, but at least I am satisfied with how this chappie came out)
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Well, I'm in a pissed mood so….REVIEW OR I'LL GIVE YOU EXTRA HOMEWORK!
(Um, not really a threat now is it?)(blink)(sweatdrop)
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-Kaco-