Chapter 4

Last time on "This is my Battle"

"Ready?" he asked her. The bag she held was light but held all she needed.

"Yeah, I'm ready." She responded and followed him out the Aoiya.

Omasu watched them leave and mentally cried. The Aoiya would surly be dull without her. 'I wonder what Aoshi will say…' Omasu thought

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After Aoshi found out of Misao going on a mission he was furious. He went to look for her but it was to no avail. He returned after four days of searching. He was more depressed than usual and a letter was immediately sent to Misao in hopes of her return as soon as possible.

--

"They need me back Saito." Misao spoke looking up from the letter from Okina. Saito furrowed his eyebrows, becoming serious knowing she could go back yet. Her results were not back and, although he didn't want to admit it, she was growing on him.

"They need to wait. How major is it?" he asked her.

"Aoshi-sama has fallen into a slight depression or so they say." She responded. Tokio turned her head somewhat

"He will be fine for another two weeks. You shouldn't fret over him for the time being. I know it is hard." Tokio told her softly. She embraced the young ninja with such a tender touch, making Misao smile a bit.

"I guess you're right."

A knock at the door was heard making them all jump a bit. Saito opened it and took an envelope from young man.

"its her results sir." The short man said just a bit above a whisper. He was shy, everyone could tell. Saito gave him a tip and the boy smiled widely and ran off gleefully.

Shutting the door Saito slowly opened the envelope and Misao gulped. Saito's eyes widened and Misao became slightly scared. Tokio grabbed Misao's hand as a sign of reassurance.

"You're pregnant." he said and dropped them envelope… Misao had fainted.

Aoshi sat in the temple and mediated. Thoughts were buzzing around in his mind. It hurt, the fact that she was gone hurt him. Although it was only for a month he missed her smile. He missed her.

Okina brought his tea and when he didn't Okon did. She was less talkative than the old man. She was less talkative than Misao and that bothered him. He didn't know where Misao was, if she was hurt, if she was being taken care of. Thought raced threw his mind about her and he hated it. He never used to worry this much but after what Juro had done to her his concern for her had risen greatly.

Taking the cup from Okon he saw her rise and leave the temple. She knew he wanted to be alone, she wasn't dumb. Having the session with someone else was different.

Misao had recovered from her episode and sat on a chair Tokio had provided. She was shaky and she was in disbelief.

"how could this happen? It was only one night." Misao said shakily. Her voice was filled with worry.

"It only takes one time Misao." Tokio said softly and rubbed her friends' back.

"What will my family say? I wasn't married and I can't support a child on my own." Misao replied. It was true. The cost of caring for a child was difficult especially for a single parent.

"You can stay here until you get on your feet. It won't be a problem." Tokio offered and Saito nodded his head.

Misao wanted to cry at their generosity. They were being so kind and she had no way to repay them. She couldn't get a job in her condition she was a month along and would be showing in only a couple more months with her petite size.

"Thank you, but how would I repay you both? I can't just depend on you." Misao replied

"You can get a job at the dojo with me. Volunteer and that will be enough." Tokio said and Misao smiled. Maybe everything was going to be okay. She hoped so.

------ five months later

Misao was six months along and she was already having trouble walking. She helped Tokio at the dojo as much as she could. Teaching the children was difficult since they were so rowdy. They liked Misao and always asked to feel the baby kick. She went in for check ups two times a month and so far everything was great. One thing bothered her though.

"Why am I the size of someone who should be eight month along? Is that natural?" Misao asked Saito who walked beside her. He had come to pick her up from the dojo five minuets ago. Misao only worked half a day and made it up by working on weekends. She needed the rest.

"You may be retaining more water than most women. It's natural in some cases. Rare but natural." He guessed. It was true he had seen many women that were bigger than what they were supposed to be and thought that was the reason.

"Maybe you're right. I guess I have nothing to worry about." Misao stated to herself aloud.

"How are you feeling?" Saito asked her. He eyed her quickly as she struggled to keep up with his already slow pace so he slowed down a little more and awaited her answer.

"I got heartburn and my ankles hurt like hell." She replied with a smile. She always managed to stay cheery even in the hardest times. He didn't know how.

The reached the small house and Misao quickly sat on a chair. Saito snickered as he watched her sigh in relief that she was off her feet.

Aoshi read the letter over and over again. It was a few months old now, from Misao and Saito. It stated that the mission was going to take longer than expected and that for them not to worry. But worry he did.

He was enraged at first sight of the letter. She needed to be home with her family, with him. He felt strange in a way. But in a good way. He never used to worry this much over one person. Times had changed him and he didn't know weather to like it or dislike it.

"We have received another letter my boy. From Misao." Okina said cheerfully waving the small envelope in his face trying to tease him.

"What did she say?" Aoshi asked simply.

Okina's happy face faltered somewhat at Aoshi's question.

"She will be staying for a few more months." Okina said softly. He wanted cry but didn't. It was beginning to get lonely without her at the Aoiya.

"Months? Why is she staying for so long?" Aoshi asked him with urgency in his voice. He was loosing it.

"She didn't say. She said to tell everyone sorry. I just thought you would like to know." Okina replied to him.

"I would like to know where she is stationed for this mission." Aoshi murmured and Okina simply stood and exited the temple. It was awkward seeing Aoshi in this delicate state of mind.

"Maybe I should… just wait." Aoshi concluded.

------------------------ tbc

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