Onset

By: NonameJane

Disclaimer- Nope, not mine!

AN- wheeee.

Ch4 It's Never Easy

Misao growled, a low sound in her soft voice.

These men were trash, nothing but common street thugs looking for a squabble. Misao's deep blue eyes scanned them, she let out a giggle. Their fighting stances showed nothing but inexperience.

This wouldn't be a problem, they were completely...

Unorganized.

The man behind her lunged quickly with his katana, not really caring which of the duo he hit. Akira fell to the ground, making sure to avoid the blade, a few of his hairs being cut along the way.

Misao, however, stood her ground. She would just have to take down this enemy head on. She lifted her fists.

The thug gave a laugh, not really believing this girl wanted to take him on. He spat in her direction, and continued towards her, not paying the man huddled on the ground a second glance.

The blood of a female always smelt so much sweeter. He licked his lips in anticipation.

Misao turned to her right, in haste, and effectively lodged a kunai deep into his knee. His eyes widened in shock, not expecting that at all. Misao repressed a triumphant cackle. Simply pathetic.

The attacker paused, beads of sweet dripping from his forehead and gathering at the hollow around his upper lip. His breath was heavy, he winced at the pain. That hadn't been expected at all.

A loud shout penetrated the moment like shattering glass. The man initially in front of Misao stood with an annoyed scowl on his face.

" What are you waiting for you fool? Don't stand there dumb struck, finish her!"

The attacker, clearly of less authority, gave him a glare accompanied by a smirk. He pulled the kunai from his knee in one swift movement.

That girl would pay.

He dove once more and Misao put herself into position; ready for anything. The lackey made a move for her throat and she lowered herself so her head was on level with his chest. She easily elbowed him in the stomach and he fell to dirt unconscious.

Akira finally stood, in amazement, his mouth gaping open widely. Misao gave him a wink, and lifted him a proud thumbs-up.

" That's what they get for underestimating me!"

A cough was heard clearly, distinctly demanding attention. He waved his tanto in front of him, the blade appearing even sharper as he did so.

" Too bad part of the 'they' is still standing. Did you forget about me?"

Actually she had. Misao realized then, in her moment of triumph, she clearly had forgotten about the other man. However, he didn't need to know that.

" Of course I didn't," she declared, " only a moron would do that!"

The offender shook his head, clearly amused by the little spitfire in front of him. This would definitely be enjoyable.

" Don't shake your head at me. Your friend here didn't take me seriously, and look at him."

" That fool lying before you was a weakling. An ant playing at a man's game, he was bound to be crushed sometime. Don't take honor in that hollow victory."

Misao smirked, " I'll take it where I can."

The man crossed his arms, the blade in his right hand lowered to the side. He chuckled. " Oh, a game of wits, little girl? Strength, intelligence, it doesn't matter to me. You should remember, you are just that. A little girl. Know your place."

Misao growled in annoyance, he would not take her lightly. She would show him, she would attack first.

She threw herself at him, full force, only to be caught. In one hand, the man held her small wrists, his other raising the tanto to his captive.

She gasped.

" Say goodnight."

The man flew back in one solid punch, his head impacting the ground knocking him out. The tanto glided from his hand fluidly, into a nearby wall. He was out cold.

Misao raised herself in shock, to see Akira standing in front of her shaking his hand. That punch must've hurt him as well.

" A-Akira?" she stuttered.

He glanced over at her, no particular expression on his face.

" We should leave here as soon as possible, before more show up."

Misao's eyes remained wide, " R-Right."

Picking up the tofu, the two scurried off back into the crowds. No one seemed to notice.

Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Dinner had been rather uneventful. Bland. Besides the usual meager chatter among the group, nothing interesting had been said. Misao waited for Akira to speak of the day's events, but he had not. She didn't either, as not to look irresponsible of how she handled the situation.

It ended quickly, each excusing themselves politely. Aoshi had done so first, retreating to his room ,but that was to be expected. He didn't stay longer than he had to.

Akira had done so next, but exited through the backdoor outside stating he needed some fresh air and would be back.. All were curious but none had questioned. They simply kept chatting.

Misao stood announcing she needed a bath. They day had left her sore and fatigued, the warm water would do her good. Okina looked at her incredulously, but allowed her to leave. He would question her later, she was way too quiet.

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

The darkness spread through the city like a plague. The crickets chirped in tandem, a harmony sweet to the ears. It was late, just short of midnight, the city no longer glowing with lantern light.

A group of men were huddled together under a river bridge. The pitches of their voices were low, unable to be heard outside their circle.

"...But I..."

" No excuses. Defying orders will not be tolerated. You were foolish and got what you deserved."

He did not argue back in defense, but he held a look in his eyes that didn't go unnoticed to the

one scolding him.

The voice was like silk, smooth and humble, concealing its actual mood. " It may be dark Jiro but I am not blind. Do not let it happen again." The darkened figure turned to his left, " You, Mitsuo, however, did wonderfully. I expect no less from you."

The former bowed moving back into the circle of men. All stayed attentive, waiting for their leader's next order.

The apparent head of the group turned back to face them, " All of this is working perfectly. Our trump card did not fail, there is no doubt we will succeed this time around. They will never see it coming."

All of the group nodded silently, dispersing through the surrounding trees.

The leader stayed behind a moment.

" Soon now." He mumbled into the dark.

AN- Ok that was fun. Right. Another cliffhanger!