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Disclaimer: The only things I own are the pins in my wrist, the splint, and the knowledge I gained about falling on my wrist when playing badminton. I learned: Never do it again! ^^
Scars of the Past
Chapter Two
'...' indicates thought
*...* indicates emphasis
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
From last time:
"Yes. Be on the lookout for the escaped prisoner, who goes by the name..... Anohorea."
Tae gave a gasp and covered her mouth quickly, giving a prayer to Kami that they hadn't heard her. Thankfully, they hadn't.
'I have to tell Kaoru. Right away....'
The southern sounding woman knocked politely on the door. "Excuse me. I was wondering if you would mind letting some other people use this room."
The door was pushed open to reveal the leader of the squad, whom she assumed was Uji. "I don't mean to be rude, but a lot of people need a place to sit and you've been in here quite a long time...."
"It's no trouble at all. Come on men, back to duty."
A few minutes later Tae had the other customers seated and she was running at a swift pace to the dojo, her wooden clogs clapping loudly on the ground, almost as loud as her heart.
If Anohorea had escaped he might be heading for Yahiko. And for all Tae knew, he might already be dead.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The owner of Akabeko (Is Tae the owner???) practically flew down the street, average pedestrians hurrying to get out of the way of the rampaging woman. She called a sorry over her shoulder as she ran right through a group of men talking on the side of the road. Tae didn't know if Kaoru and the dojo occupants had been alerted yet and she was *not* going to let them get caught by surprise.
Soon Tae was racing up the deserted path that led to the dojo, her breathing now harsh and ragged. Normally, she didn't run this much or this fast. Rounding the curve in the road she had an all out sprint for the dojo gate and tore through, her eyes darting wildly around the yard for any signs of disruption. The only thing she found was Kenshin staring at her, worry evident in his large violet eyes.
"Is everything alright Tae-Dono? Why don't you come sit down and catch your breath? Sessha will go get you some tea." Tae collapsed wearily on the steps of the dojo, taking deep breaths to try and calm her breathing. Kenshin emerged from the kitchen balancing a tray with two cups of tea and a bowl of rice balls. Tae gratefully took the cup and took slow sips while trying to slow her heartbeat.
"No Kenshin. Everything is not all right. Something terrible has happened and I came to warn you. Could you please go get Kaoru...? If she's busy tell her it's an emergency."
"Hai Tae-Dono, Sessha will be right back with Kaoru-Dono, that he will." The red haired man rose from the steps and headed towards the training hall where he knew Kaoru and her two students were currently at.
Cautiously, he poked his head around the door and immediately jumped backwards, narrowly being missed by his beloved Kaoru's bokken. "Oh, I'm sorry Kenshin. Are you alright?" She ran over and started looking at him for a bruise.
Kenshin held his hands in front of him. "Sessha is fine Kaoru-Dono. Tae-Dono is here and is asking to see you. She said it was an emergency."
Kaoru turned to look at Yahiko and Yutaro. "If either of you stops swinging that shinai, you will do five hundred more as punishment. And believe me, I'll know." The young woman shouldered her bokken and followed Kenshin out of the room towards the front of the house.
"Goodness Tae!" exclaimed the kendo instructor when she saw her friend's flushed state. "Are you all right? What happened? Do you need some water?"
"No no, I'm fine Kaoru." She smiled at her longtime friend. "Kenshin has already gotten me tea and a snack, I'm perfectly all right. But there is something that you must know."
"What?" asked Kaoru, helping herself to a rice ball from the platter. 'Kenshin sure does make good rice balls,' she thought contentedly.
"It is about Yahiko. He's in grave danger."
"Yahiko? Why?"
"I heard some of the police, including the captain, talking at Akabeko. They were saying to be on the lookout because a man killer was seen up north, but that isn't important. What's important is that that evil man, Anohorea, escaped from jail. He could be heading here at any time!"
"What! How did he escape?" asked Kaoru.
"I'm not sure. But he was heading north, towards Kyoto, the same direction the manslayer was rumored to be seen. If they were to team up..." Tae shuddered at the thought.
"We must all keep a very close watch on Yahiko, that we must," stated Kenshin. "We will not allow him to disappear under our noses again, that we will not." Tae and Kaoru both nodded their agreement.
"Should we tell him?" asked Kaoru. "I know that he'll probably get all on edge again, but won't he have a better chance of defending himself if he was constantly on his guard?"
"Kaoru-Dono is right, we should tell Yahiko. Having him with no idea of what is happening will make him upset that we didn't tell him when he finds out and he will be harder to take if he is on guard. I have faith in Yahiko's skill as a fighter, but we should not count out the skills of Anohorea. He may have a few tricks up his sleeve as well as this time he might have back-up."
"In that case we'll get back-up too!" exclaimed Kaoru. "I'm sure Misao wouldn't mind dropping down here for a bit just to keep an extra eye on things. And maybe she could even convince Aoshi to come with her. And the rest of the Oniwaban could keep a look out from Kyoto, since that is where he was last seen headed too."
"I like the way you think Kaoru," said Tae, a large grin on her face. "I'd love to see Misao again, she was such a sweet girl when we met on our shopping trip. Would you like me to inform Sanosuke and Megumi? They're stopping by Akabeko later today."
"You mean together? But they hate each other," said Kaoru, a surprised look on her face.
"I believe so. I'm not sure why, but Sanosuke told me that he'd be dropping by with 'the fox' as he put it and to make sure I had plenty of sake. Do you think they could be going out?"
Kenshin edged away from the giggling women. This was not a conversation he could join, he didn't like pairing people up. Besides, he knew that Sanosuke liked Megumi. He had told him when they came back from Kyoto during a quiet night at the dojo when both men had found themselves on the porch unable to sleep.
After Tae left, about twenty minutes later, Kaoru headed back to the training hall. Before she entered, she pressed her ear to the door, listening for the sound of the wind passing next to a moving shinai. Nothing. She smirked and then made several loud stomps outside the door and at once the whooshing sounds started.
She flung open the door and peered in on her two apprentices. "Have you two been practicing this entire time?"
"Yes," they both said at the same time. Kaoru raised an eyebrow. "Alright," said Yutaro, "We didn't..."
"Well you both know the punishment," said Kaoru haughtily. "Five hundred strokes, now."
Both boys gave her pleading glances. They were exhausted and didn't want to do anymore. "Fine, I'm letting you both of this time. But don't get used to it." The friends turned towards the doors to leave. "Yahiko, stay here for a minute; I need to talk to you about something."
"Aww Kaoru, can't this wait? I'm starving and need dinner." He made his way toward the exit of the training hall when Kaoru put out a hand and stopped him.
"No, Yahiko," she said quietly. "It's very important that we talk now." Yahiko looked up, puzzled at Kaoru's attitude. He'd never seen her with this quiet, almost sad tone except when Kenshin had left for Kyoto to defeat Shishio.
"Kaoru, what's wrong? Is everything okay?"
"Yahiko, I need you to listen to me carefully, okay? This is really important and I don't want you to freak out on me or anything."
"Alright," he said nervously. What had made Kaoru act like this?
"I need to tell you that.... he is back Yahiko."
"Who," the boy asked, although he was already getting that sick feeling to his stomach, his gut already telling him who 'he' was.
"Anohorea," said Kaoru softly. "He escaped from jail about three days ago, seen headed towards Kyoto. We have Aoshi and Misao coming down from Kyoto, well hopefully Aoshi, and we need you to be strong, okay?"
"He... he's back? But how?" asked Yahiko, fear laced in his voice, although he tried not to show it.
"We're not sure but I want to assure you that Kenshin and I won't let any harm come to you, alright? Sanosuke and Megumi will be informed and with Oniwaban members coming to help, you're in good hands. It is your choice if you want to tell Yutaro and Tsubame though."
Yahiko nodded mutely. "Okay. Um... Kaoru, I'm going to bed. See you in the morning."
"Good night Yahiko, pleasant dreams." Kaoru watched him leave and sighed. It was so unfair. He was just a child and already had so much to be concerned about. He should be playing and having fun, but he was always training to become stronger. Maybe to take her mind off of everything she'd go get some dinner. Kenshin *had* cooked...
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"Where's Yahiko, Kaoru-Sensei?" asked Yutaro, while carefully mixing his rice and fish together. "He said he was really hungry and missing dinner isn't like him."
"Yahiko decided he wanted to go to bed, I guess he was feeling tired. He'll probably eat a ton at breakfast tomorrow, so fill up now while the food is available." Yutaro laughed and began to stuff his face. Yahiko's eating habits had really worn off on the German boy.
Kenshin glanced up at Kaoru, an understanding look on his face. He knew that she must have told Yahiko and that he wasn't in the mood for being with other people. "Well, I'm going to head off to my room," said Kaoru to break the silence. "Good night Kenshin, Yutaro."
"Good night Kaoru-Dono/Sensei," was the reply.
Kaoru got dressed in her warm emerald green yukata and sat down at the writing desk in the corner of her room. She needed to write a letter for Aoshi and Misao and bring it down to the telegraph station tomorrow morning.
~*~*~
Dear Misao,
How are you doing? Is Okina doing all right? Had any luck with Aoshi and your love life yet? I was writing you for a favor. Do you remember how I told you about Anohorea? Well, he escaped from jail and we fear that he may be after Yahiko again. I was wondering if you would consider coming down to the dojo and maybe brining Aoshi with you? Also, Anohorea was seen headed towards Kyoto, so if you see him on your way down here give a good solid kick from me. Also, a rumor was that a manslayer was seen around the northern area (once again near Kyoto) so be careful. Respond when you get this. Thanks Misao!
Kaoru
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"MISAO! TELEGRAM!" The young ninja girl sprang up from her futon, kunais raised towards the sound of the intrusion on her sleep. Okina was standing in the door to her bedroom, a letter in his hand. "It just arrived," he said tossing it into the room. "Oh and I forgot... GOOD MORNING!"
"AGH! Damn you Jiya!" Misao screeched as his yell startled her and she poked herself with her own throwing knife. "This had better be good," she muttered. "No one is to disturb Makamichi Misao's beauty sleep with out a good reason."
Slitting the seal with her kunai, she carried it over to the window where she could read it easier. After she finished, she grabbed a piece of paper and began to write furiously.
~*~*~
Dear Kaoru,
So nice to hear from you. Okina is doing just fine.... he has become very loud and demanding though lately. He woke me up at seven this morning to give me the telegram. Doesn't he have any respect for a sleeping lady? No, Aoshi-Sama has not yet shown his feelings for me. I'm starting to get the feeling Kaoru that he doesn't love me except for a little sister. I'd love to come down to the dojo but Aoshi-Sama can't come. He is away to a far shrine for meditation. He should be back within the month though. I'll be careful getting to you.. After all, I am Makamichi Misao, former leader of the Oniwaban, - I gave it back to Aoshi-Sama. See you soon Kaoru. And yes, I will kick his butt if I see him. I'll alert the Aoiya staff as well to be on lookout of huge, ugly man.
Love,
Miaso
~*~*~
The girl quickly scanned over her letter. Yep, it looked good. Quickly, she went downstairs and out to the shed behind the Aoiya. "Missy, come here girl." The ninja held out her arm and a pigeon landed on it. "Now take this to Kaoru straight away." The bird cooed softly and left through the open door.
Misao then went into the Aoiya again and headed for Okina's quaters. "Jiya." She knocked politely on the door. "Are you in there?"
The door slid open. "Yes Misao?"
"I just wanted to tell you that I'm going to go visit Himura and Kaoru and all the others at the dojo for a while. Also, I want you and the rest of the Oniwaban to be on the lookout for a big man who is extremely ugly. See ya around Jiya!"
Okina looked after the figure running down the hall to her room. 'She's old enough to take care of herself. Sixteen... just a year older than Aoshi when he took over the Oniwaban. She'll be fine, it is just a trip to Himura-San's.'
About an hour later Misao found herself walking down a large, open country open road munching on an apple that she'd snagged from the kitchens. She was dressed in her ninja garb, kunais tucked securely in her hand covers. A bag was slung over her shoulder containing the food she had brought and a small amount of money for emergencies.
"I'm finally out of there," the girl said to herself. She had always been treated like the baby of the group, also being watched over and being told some missions were to dangerous for her to go on. Whenever she traveled, someone had to be with her, except for the one time when she'd escaped and ran into Kaoru and everyone.
She didn't really understand why Okina hadn't told her no, she had to have someone go with her or why he didn't tell her it was too dangerous for a young lady such as herself being on the road by herself. Maybe he was finally realizing that she could take care of herself and wasn't such a child anymore. If only Aoshi could see that.
She had been totally in love with him since she could remember. Everything that she did was to impress her beloved Aoshi-Sama and make him realize that she was more of than just a child. He saw her only as a kid, a burden at times and a little sister. Misao was finally starting to realize that Aoshi did not love her the way she loved him.
It had hurt at first, to come to that conclusion. But once she thought of it, there was no other explanation that made as much sense. It might have helped if she was prettier or maybe more feminine instead of running around like a boy. But this was the way she was and she wasn't willing to change for anyone.
Misao glanced up at the sky, startled to see that it had turned a deep shade of blue and glimmering pinpricks of light had been scattered across it. "Man, it got dark fast. I should probably set up camp... But I'm not tired and Jiya and Aoshi-Sama aren't here to stop me." And so against, most people's better judgment, Misao continued on the dark road.
Suddenly, her ears pricked as she heard rustling in the trees that bordered the edge of the road. Misao whirled around, kunais in hand to face the sound. "Whoever you are, come out now!"
The movement stopped and Misao took a step towards the tree. 'Is it an animal that got stuck?' She made her way into the forest when a hand grabbed her and dragged her deeper into the underbrush.
The girl kicked out with her leg and heard with satisfaction a slight oofing noise, the unlucky person who had just been hurt. The hand changed to cover her mouth and a light was shone directly in her face from a lantern.
"A pretty one she is," growled the unshaven man who held the lantern. "I think she'd be a fun one. Feisty little thing..."
Misao glanced up at the burly man who was holding her. He reeked of alcohol and sweat and a sword hung on his hip. Could that be the manslayer? She struggled vainly in her captor's grip, but to no avail.
"It looks like the pretty one is impatient," grunted the big man. "I say we show her how to have a good time..." The other man laughed, bringing his face right in front of Misao's.
"Just hand me these knives," he sneered, twisting her hand backwards. Misao let out a yelp that was muffled by the disgusting hand over her mouth and the kunais dropped from her hand to the forest floor. "You know Girl, you shouldn't wear such short clothing in public. It only makes us want you more..."
Misao kicked her feet out at the smaller, greasier looking man but he simply caught them. Her arms were useless; both were pinned down to her sides by the huge man. 'Aoshi-Sama. Please.. please help me.'
The small man was sliding his hand up her leg, almost at her thigh, Misao screaming behind the blockade of the hand. 'AOSHI-SAMA! HELP ME! Oh please help me....please Aoshi-Sama... Where are you?'
A sudden whirring noise came from the left and suddenly the small man crumpled to the ground, a moan of pain escaping his lips. A young man stood a few feet in front of Misao, sword drawn and pointed at the man holding Misao.
"I suggest you put her down now," he said calmly, his voice holding a threat behind it. Misao gulped and looked at the man. He defiantly wasn't Aoshi-Sama, but he was here to help.
"Oh yeah? And what happens if I don't?"
"Then I'll just have to do to you the same thing I did to your partner. Unless you wish to be in pain, release the girl at once."
"Nah. I don't think a puny swordsman like yourself can beat me."
"Never pride yourself on size or assume you can win. It will be your downfall." The blue clad man suddenly seemed to disappear before Misao's eyes and the next thing she knew was she was sitting on the ground, the man keeled over, unconscious, behind her.
The young man held out his hand to help the ninja girl up. Aqua blue eyes met blue gray.
Misao let out a small gasp, her eyes never leaving his.
"Tenken no Soujiro?"
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Author's Notes:
I got a little off track there, didn't I??? What can I say, Soujiro is my fave bishounen and Misao is my fave girl character of all animes! Although Shizuru and Botan from YYH and Ishizu from YGO are other fave girl characters. ^^
I'm so happy! I'm finally on Spring Break! Yea! Thanks for all bearing with my through my wrist accident. I'm feeling much better now although I still can't move it in certain positions or it hurts. I can't even put my hair in a ponytail so my mom has been doing it.
Pretty please with twenty cherries on top review? Just press the 'make the authoress happy button' down there. Arigatou!
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Reviewer's Comments:
~*~LishaChan~*~ I'm glad Tae told them. I feel bad for Yahiko... poor baby, being chased after again to be killed. I'm really glad I wrote a sequel too! I have so many ideas for it! ^^
~*~Ryo Akuinenn~*~ There are only two RK mangas. ^^ I've only read the first one but I've seen every episode or RK except for the OVA's and the sesihousen(sp?) You'll get the hang of it soon enough. Feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions that need explained.
~*~Rainbow Chaser~*~ Well if you said Soujiro, you're right! ^^ I did say he was my fave character on my bio, didn't I? I'm glad Ayame got the riceball too. I'll probably have her and Suzume in here a lot cuz I love the way Suzume copies everything Ayame does! ^^
~*~Tocole~*~ Please don't die. ^^ I'd lose a reviewer if that happened... and I'd never get to see the ending to The Flower of Life. Hope to see ya soon! Ja na!
~*~Halownkougra~*~ I'm not sure if he'll torture Yahiko... but with some readers I'm sure he will... O.o Although I must say, my torture scenes have really improved. Look at POW! ^^ I'm not sure how he escaped either... just broke out I guess. Have fun in Boston!
~*~water makes up an ocean~*~ Oh no you don't! Don't you dare die on me either! I don't want two dead reviewers! ^^
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Disclaimer: The only things I own are the pins in my wrist, the splint, and the knowledge I gained about falling on my wrist when playing badminton. I learned: Never do it again! ^^
Scars of the Past
Chapter Two
'...' indicates thought
*...* indicates emphasis
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
From last time:
"Yes. Be on the lookout for the escaped prisoner, who goes by the name..... Anohorea."
Tae gave a gasp and covered her mouth quickly, giving a prayer to Kami that they hadn't heard her. Thankfully, they hadn't.
'I have to tell Kaoru. Right away....'
The southern sounding woman knocked politely on the door. "Excuse me. I was wondering if you would mind letting some other people use this room."
The door was pushed open to reveal the leader of the squad, whom she assumed was Uji. "I don't mean to be rude, but a lot of people need a place to sit and you've been in here quite a long time...."
"It's no trouble at all. Come on men, back to duty."
A few minutes later Tae had the other customers seated and she was running at a swift pace to the dojo, her wooden clogs clapping loudly on the ground, almost as loud as her heart.
If Anohorea had escaped he might be heading for Yahiko. And for all Tae knew, he might already be dead.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The owner of Akabeko (Is Tae the owner???) practically flew down the street, average pedestrians hurrying to get out of the way of the rampaging woman. She called a sorry over her shoulder as she ran right through a group of men talking on the side of the road. Tae didn't know if Kaoru and the dojo occupants had been alerted yet and she was *not* going to let them get caught by surprise.
Soon Tae was racing up the deserted path that led to the dojo, her breathing now harsh and ragged. Normally, she didn't run this much or this fast. Rounding the curve in the road she had an all out sprint for the dojo gate and tore through, her eyes darting wildly around the yard for any signs of disruption. The only thing she found was Kenshin staring at her, worry evident in his large violet eyes.
"Is everything alright Tae-Dono? Why don't you come sit down and catch your breath? Sessha will go get you some tea." Tae collapsed wearily on the steps of the dojo, taking deep breaths to try and calm her breathing. Kenshin emerged from the kitchen balancing a tray with two cups of tea and a bowl of rice balls. Tae gratefully took the cup and took slow sips while trying to slow her heartbeat.
"No Kenshin. Everything is not all right. Something terrible has happened and I came to warn you. Could you please go get Kaoru...? If she's busy tell her it's an emergency."
"Hai Tae-Dono, Sessha will be right back with Kaoru-Dono, that he will." The red haired man rose from the steps and headed towards the training hall where he knew Kaoru and her two students were currently at.
Cautiously, he poked his head around the door and immediately jumped backwards, narrowly being missed by his beloved Kaoru's bokken. "Oh, I'm sorry Kenshin. Are you alright?" She ran over and started looking at him for a bruise.
Kenshin held his hands in front of him. "Sessha is fine Kaoru-Dono. Tae-Dono is here and is asking to see you. She said it was an emergency."
Kaoru turned to look at Yahiko and Yutaro. "If either of you stops swinging that shinai, you will do five hundred more as punishment. And believe me, I'll know." The young woman shouldered her bokken and followed Kenshin out of the room towards the front of the house.
"Goodness Tae!" exclaimed the kendo instructor when she saw her friend's flushed state. "Are you all right? What happened? Do you need some water?"
"No no, I'm fine Kaoru." She smiled at her longtime friend. "Kenshin has already gotten me tea and a snack, I'm perfectly all right. But there is something that you must know."
"What?" asked Kaoru, helping herself to a rice ball from the platter. 'Kenshin sure does make good rice balls,' she thought contentedly.
"It is about Yahiko. He's in grave danger."
"Yahiko? Why?"
"I heard some of the police, including the captain, talking at Akabeko. They were saying to be on the lookout because a man killer was seen up north, but that isn't important. What's important is that that evil man, Anohorea, escaped from jail. He could be heading here at any time!"
"What! How did he escape?" asked Kaoru.
"I'm not sure. But he was heading north, towards Kyoto, the same direction the manslayer was rumored to be seen. If they were to team up..." Tae shuddered at the thought.
"We must all keep a very close watch on Yahiko, that we must," stated Kenshin. "We will not allow him to disappear under our noses again, that we will not." Tae and Kaoru both nodded their agreement.
"Should we tell him?" asked Kaoru. "I know that he'll probably get all on edge again, but won't he have a better chance of defending himself if he was constantly on his guard?"
"Kaoru-Dono is right, we should tell Yahiko. Having him with no idea of what is happening will make him upset that we didn't tell him when he finds out and he will be harder to take if he is on guard. I have faith in Yahiko's skill as a fighter, but we should not count out the skills of Anohorea. He may have a few tricks up his sleeve as well as this time he might have back-up."
"In that case we'll get back-up too!" exclaimed Kaoru. "I'm sure Misao wouldn't mind dropping down here for a bit just to keep an extra eye on things. And maybe she could even convince Aoshi to come with her. And the rest of the Oniwaban could keep a look out from Kyoto, since that is where he was last seen headed too."
"I like the way you think Kaoru," said Tae, a large grin on her face. "I'd love to see Misao again, she was such a sweet girl when we met on our shopping trip. Would you like me to inform Sanosuke and Megumi? They're stopping by Akabeko later today."
"You mean together? But they hate each other," said Kaoru, a surprised look on her face.
"I believe so. I'm not sure why, but Sanosuke told me that he'd be dropping by with 'the fox' as he put it and to make sure I had plenty of sake. Do you think they could be going out?"
Kenshin edged away from the giggling women. This was not a conversation he could join, he didn't like pairing people up. Besides, he knew that Sanosuke liked Megumi. He had told him when they came back from Kyoto during a quiet night at the dojo when both men had found themselves on the porch unable to sleep.
After Tae left, about twenty minutes later, Kaoru headed back to the training hall. Before she entered, she pressed her ear to the door, listening for the sound of the wind passing next to a moving shinai. Nothing. She smirked and then made several loud stomps outside the door and at once the whooshing sounds started.
She flung open the door and peered in on her two apprentices. "Have you two been practicing this entire time?"
"Yes," they both said at the same time. Kaoru raised an eyebrow. "Alright," said Yutaro, "We didn't..."
"Well you both know the punishment," said Kaoru haughtily. "Five hundred strokes, now."
Both boys gave her pleading glances. They were exhausted and didn't want to do anymore. "Fine, I'm letting you both of this time. But don't get used to it." The friends turned towards the doors to leave. "Yahiko, stay here for a minute; I need to talk to you about something."
"Aww Kaoru, can't this wait? I'm starving and need dinner." He made his way toward the exit of the training hall when Kaoru put out a hand and stopped him.
"No, Yahiko," she said quietly. "It's very important that we talk now." Yahiko looked up, puzzled at Kaoru's attitude. He'd never seen her with this quiet, almost sad tone except when Kenshin had left for Kyoto to defeat Shishio.
"Kaoru, what's wrong? Is everything okay?"
"Yahiko, I need you to listen to me carefully, okay? This is really important and I don't want you to freak out on me or anything."
"Alright," he said nervously. What had made Kaoru act like this?
"I need to tell you that.... he is back Yahiko."
"Who," the boy asked, although he was already getting that sick feeling to his stomach, his gut already telling him who 'he' was.
"Anohorea," said Kaoru softly. "He escaped from jail about three days ago, seen headed towards Kyoto. We have Aoshi and Misao coming down from Kyoto, well hopefully Aoshi, and we need you to be strong, okay?"
"He... he's back? But how?" asked Yahiko, fear laced in his voice, although he tried not to show it.
"We're not sure but I want to assure you that Kenshin and I won't let any harm come to you, alright? Sanosuke and Megumi will be informed and with Oniwaban members coming to help, you're in good hands. It is your choice if you want to tell Yutaro and Tsubame though."
Yahiko nodded mutely. "Okay. Um... Kaoru, I'm going to bed. See you in the morning."
"Good night Yahiko, pleasant dreams." Kaoru watched him leave and sighed. It was so unfair. He was just a child and already had so much to be concerned about. He should be playing and having fun, but he was always training to become stronger. Maybe to take her mind off of everything she'd go get some dinner. Kenshin *had* cooked...
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Where's Yahiko, Kaoru-Sensei?" asked Yutaro, while carefully mixing his rice and fish together. "He said he was really hungry and missing dinner isn't like him."
"Yahiko decided he wanted to go to bed, I guess he was feeling tired. He'll probably eat a ton at breakfast tomorrow, so fill up now while the food is available." Yutaro laughed and began to stuff his face. Yahiko's eating habits had really worn off on the German boy.
Kenshin glanced up at Kaoru, an understanding look on his face. He knew that she must have told Yahiko and that he wasn't in the mood for being with other people. "Well, I'm going to head off to my room," said Kaoru to break the silence. "Good night Kenshin, Yutaro."
"Good night Kaoru-Dono/Sensei," was the reply.
Kaoru got dressed in her warm emerald green yukata and sat down at the writing desk in the corner of her room. She needed to write a letter for Aoshi and Misao and bring it down to the telegraph station tomorrow morning.
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Dear Misao,
How are you doing? Is Okina doing all right? Had any luck with Aoshi and your love life yet? I was writing you for a favor. Do you remember how I told you about Anohorea? Well, he escaped from jail and we fear that he may be after Yahiko again. I was wondering if you would consider coming down to the dojo and maybe brining Aoshi with you? Also, Anohorea was seen headed towards Kyoto, so if you see him on your way down here give a good solid kick from me. Also, a rumor was that a manslayer was seen around the northern area (once again near Kyoto) so be careful. Respond when you get this. Thanks Misao!
Kaoru
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"MISAO! TELEGRAM!" The young ninja girl sprang up from her futon, kunais raised towards the sound of the intrusion on her sleep. Okina was standing in the door to her bedroom, a letter in his hand. "It just arrived," he said tossing it into the room. "Oh and I forgot... GOOD MORNING!"
"AGH! Damn you Jiya!" Misao screeched as his yell startled her and she poked herself with her own throwing knife. "This had better be good," she muttered. "No one is to disturb Makamichi Misao's beauty sleep with out a good reason."
Slitting the seal with her kunai, she carried it over to the window where she could read it easier. After she finished, she grabbed a piece of paper and began to write furiously.
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Dear Kaoru,
So nice to hear from you. Okina is doing just fine.... he has become very loud and demanding though lately. He woke me up at seven this morning to give me the telegram. Doesn't he have any respect for a sleeping lady? No, Aoshi-Sama has not yet shown his feelings for me. I'm starting to get the feeling Kaoru that he doesn't love me except for a little sister. I'd love to come down to the dojo but Aoshi-Sama can't come. He is away to a far shrine for meditation. He should be back within the month though. I'll be careful getting to you.. After all, I am Makamichi Misao, former leader of the Oniwaban, - I gave it back to Aoshi-Sama. See you soon Kaoru. And yes, I will kick his butt if I see him. I'll alert the Aoiya staff as well to be on lookout of huge, ugly man.
Love,
Miaso
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The girl quickly scanned over her letter. Yep, it looked good. Quickly, she went downstairs and out to the shed behind the Aoiya. "Missy, come here girl." The ninja held out her arm and a pigeon landed on it. "Now take this to Kaoru straight away." The bird cooed softly and left through the open door.
Misao then went into the Aoiya again and headed for Okina's quaters. "Jiya." She knocked politely on the door. "Are you in there?"
The door slid open. "Yes Misao?"
"I just wanted to tell you that I'm going to go visit Himura and Kaoru and all the others at the dojo for a while. Also, I want you and the rest of the Oniwaban to be on the lookout for a big man who is extremely ugly. See ya around Jiya!"
Okina looked after the figure running down the hall to her room. 'She's old enough to take care of herself. Sixteen... just a year older than Aoshi when he took over the Oniwaban. She'll be fine, it is just a trip to Himura-San's.'
About an hour later Misao found herself walking down a large, open country open road munching on an apple that she'd snagged from the kitchens. She was dressed in her ninja garb, kunais tucked securely in her hand covers. A bag was slung over her shoulder containing the food she had brought and a small amount of money for emergencies.
"I'm finally out of there," the girl said to herself. She had always been treated like the baby of the group, also being watched over and being told some missions were to dangerous for her to go on. Whenever she traveled, someone had to be with her, except for the one time when she'd escaped and ran into Kaoru and everyone.
She didn't really understand why Okina hadn't told her no, she had to have someone go with her or why he didn't tell her it was too dangerous for a young lady such as herself being on the road by herself. Maybe he was finally realizing that she could take care of herself and wasn't such a child anymore. If only Aoshi could see that.
She had been totally in love with him since she could remember. Everything that she did was to impress her beloved Aoshi-Sama and make him realize that she was more of than just a child. He saw her only as a kid, a burden at times and a little sister. Misao was finally starting to realize that Aoshi did not love her the way she loved him.
It had hurt at first, to come to that conclusion. But once she thought of it, there was no other explanation that made as much sense. It might have helped if she was prettier or maybe more feminine instead of running around like a boy. But this was the way she was and she wasn't willing to change for anyone.
Misao glanced up at the sky, startled to see that it had turned a deep shade of blue and glimmering pinpricks of light had been scattered across it. "Man, it got dark fast. I should probably set up camp... But I'm not tired and Jiya and Aoshi-Sama aren't here to stop me." And so against, most people's better judgment, Misao continued on the dark road.
Suddenly, her ears pricked as she heard rustling in the trees that bordered the edge of the road. Misao whirled around, kunais in hand to face the sound. "Whoever you are, come out now!"
The movement stopped and Misao took a step towards the tree. 'Is it an animal that got stuck?' She made her way into the forest when a hand grabbed her and dragged her deeper into the underbrush.
The girl kicked out with her leg and heard with satisfaction a slight oofing noise, the unlucky person who had just been hurt. The hand changed to cover her mouth and a light was shone directly in her face from a lantern.
"A pretty one she is," growled the unshaven man who held the lantern. "I think she'd be a fun one. Feisty little thing..."
Misao glanced up at the burly man who was holding her. He reeked of alcohol and sweat and a sword hung on his hip. Could that be the manslayer? She struggled vainly in her captor's grip, but to no avail.
"It looks like the pretty one is impatient," grunted the big man. "I say we show her how to have a good time..." The other man laughed, bringing his face right in front of Misao's.
"Just hand me these knives," he sneered, twisting her hand backwards. Misao let out a yelp that was muffled by the disgusting hand over her mouth and the kunais dropped from her hand to the forest floor. "You know Girl, you shouldn't wear such short clothing in public. It only makes us want you more..."
Misao kicked her feet out at the smaller, greasier looking man but he simply caught them. Her arms were useless; both were pinned down to her sides by the huge man. 'Aoshi-Sama. Please.. please help me.'
The small man was sliding his hand up her leg, almost at her thigh, Misao screaming behind the blockade of the hand. 'AOSHI-SAMA! HELP ME! Oh please help me....please Aoshi-Sama... Where are you?'
A sudden whirring noise came from the left and suddenly the small man crumpled to the ground, a moan of pain escaping his lips. A young man stood a few feet in front of Misao, sword drawn and pointed at the man holding Misao.
"I suggest you put her down now," he said calmly, his voice holding a threat behind it. Misao gulped and looked at the man. He defiantly wasn't Aoshi-Sama, but he was here to help.
"Oh yeah? And what happens if I don't?"
"Then I'll just have to do to you the same thing I did to your partner. Unless you wish to be in pain, release the girl at once."
"Nah. I don't think a puny swordsman like yourself can beat me."
"Never pride yourself on size or assume you can win. It will be your downfall." The blue clad man suddenly seemed to disappear before Misao's eyes and the next thing she knew was she was sitting on the ground, the man keeled over, unconscious, behind her.
The young man held out his hand to help the ninja girl up. Aqua blue eyes met blue gray.
Misao let out a small gasp, her eyes never leaving his.
"Tenken no Soujiro?"
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Author's Notes:
I got a little off track there, didn't I??? What can I say, Soujiro is my fave bishounen and Misao is my fave girl character of all animes! Although Shizuru and Botan from YYH and Ishizu from YGO are other fave girl characters. ^^
I'm so happy! I'm finally on Spring Break! Yea! Thanks for all bearing with my through my wrist accident. I'm feeling much better now although I still can't move it in certain positions or it hurts. I can't even put my hair in a ponytail so my mom has been doing it.
Pretty please with twenty cherries on top review? Just press the 'make the authoress happy button' down there. Arigatou!
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Reviewer's Comments:
~*~LishaChan~*~ I'm glad Tae told them. I feel bad for Yahiko... poor baby, being chased after again to be killed. I'm really glad I wrote a sequel too! I have so many ideas for it! ^^
~*~Ryo Akuinenn~*~ There are only two RK mangas. ^^ I've only read the first one but I've seen every episode or RK except for the OVA's and the sesihousen(sp?) You'll get the hang of it soon enough. Feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions that need explained.
~*~Rainbow Chaser~*~ Well if you said Soujiro, you're right! ^^ I did say he was my fave character on my bio, didn't I? I'm glad Ayame got the riceball too. I'll probably have her and Suzume in here a lot cuz I love the way Suzume copies everything Ayame does! ^^
~*~Tocole~*~ Please don't die. ^^ I'd lose a reviewer if that happened... and I'd never get to see the ending to The Flower of Life. Hope to see ya soon! Ja na!
~*~Halownkougra~*~ I'm not sure if he'll torture Yahiko... but with some readers I'm sure he will... O.o Although I must say, my torture scenes have really improved. Look at POW! ^^ I'm not sure how he escaped either... just broke out I guess. Have fun in Boston!
~*~water makes up an ocean~*~ Oh no you don't! Don't you dare die on me either! I don't want two dead reviewers! ^^
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