AN: Sorry about the delay for chapter 10. It was sort of a transitioning chapter. This one promises to be entertaining. Been working soooo much. I just wanted to say before we continue this, that I love Aoshi sama and I just wanted to give him credit where it's due. I dunno about this fic. It might take some surprising turns. We'll see!

Love the reviews, you all rock! It encourages me to write....and also makes me feel guilty about not updating as much --' OH NO! the secrets out!

Disclaimer- NOOOoooo the bishies don't belong to me cry cry

Chibi Saitou Sama- smirks and holds up the victory sign

Me- glares just wait what I have in store for you!!!

Buffybot76- You rock. I love how you write your stories for Yu Yu Hakusho and Kenshin. If you've not checked out her stories, go CLICKY CLICKLY to her name!

For those of you who are Sailor Moon fans go clicky clicky on deadlydiva for her fics. They're pretty good too!

Genki- energetic,

Kirei- Pretty, beautiful

Wakatta= understand

Kami sama- God

Ano- Umm,uhh, (that sort of thing)

Sumanai- sorry

(3 days later)

Incense. Visions. Shinomori Aoshi was far away. From all the hurt, all the pain. He had left it all for the peace and the tranquility of his own mind. It was always quiet. Peaceful. Serene. No blood curdling screams, no cries. No death. No fighting. Just the quietness of now. Of this moment that was passing. There was no hurt, no betrayal, none of the pointless games he had to play to keep the Oniwabanshuu running, to gather information. Just silence.

Forget the moments that you've betrayed your own family. Forget the moments when you were the reason your friends were slaughtered mercilessly in front of you, and of course because of you. Forget the moments when you're so lonely that slitting your wrists sounds like fun. Forget the moments when you're so cold that you've discovered you're numb, even to the love of a child. Forget the moments where it's damn near unbearably to be you at night.

And the voices that taunted him from his failures. All of them lost in the silence.

Remember the moments of glory. When the Oniwabanshuu needed him. When he the youngest, and least likely candidate became the Okashira. When Okina had been proud of him. When his family had surrounded him with love and comfort. When he had the love of everyone. When a small girl had clung to him, begging her beloved Aoshi sama to swing her around and help her "fly".

Her green eyes had welled up with tears as she realized he was playing her. Merely using her, kissing her to force her to come home, not because he desperately needed the contact. Not because he wasn't sure he was real anymore and wondered what real flesh felt like. Not because he wanted her. But in his most intimate and private thoughts he wished her his. The pain she must have felt, wrenched his heart. To know that her beloved Aoshi sama was really just a chunk of ice. That he was too proud and emotionless to tell her the truth, to show her the truth.

"I HATE YOU!!!" She had screamed at him.

Aoshi was startled to feel the tears on his face. He touched his face in an odd fascination, feeling the wetness, as if to make sure he wasn't dreaming. He wiped the tears silently, contemplating. He could still feel. Barely. However the feelings were there. He had been so tired of the hurting and the pain that he had simply banished them away. But why was he crying? Hadn't he been mediating to forget everything?

Aoshi's azure green eyes opened, and blinked as if seeing for the first time. The tears didn't stop streaming, but he wasn't sad, was he? Was he upset? The former Okashira of the Oniwabanshuu had been so frightened of his own emotions that he didn't quite know what to do with them. What had she done? His green-eyed angel had awaken him from a long slumber of emptiness....but to what?

Misao was roused early. Earlier than she would've liked to be, by harsh, sword calloused hands. Stifling a groan, she rubbed her eyes. It was still very dark outside. Blinking a few times she stared straight into golden depths of Saitou Hajime. She met his stare, awed by how his eyes seemed to glow in the darkness. Saitou merely motioned for her to grab her things, and handed her a pile of clothing. Wanting to sigh but knowing she'd be scolded, Misao quickly shrugged into the clothing he'd given her. It was a disguise. Boy's clothing. So he wanted her to be a boy?

Misao bound her chest tightly, and twisted her braid up to hide it beneath the angled straw hat she was given. Saitou was in full regalia. He was posing as a wandering medicine man. Running his thumb through the mud, he smeared a bit onto Misao's face and arm. Gasping from the coolness, Misao frowned. She had to play the part right though. If she was to be a country boy, country boys were often dirty, and lacking in teeth. Misao wouldn't be able to say anything then.

Rubbing the remaining dirt onto her arms, and over her disguise, Saitou handed her a pack. Shrugging it on Misao realized how heavy it was. Containing a groan of pain, she clenched her jaw, and followed after Saitou. She was still sore from her training sessions. He walked slowly, emphasizing his walk, to follow along with his disguise. He also carried a walking stick. If he could do get into his part and complicate it, well then she could too. Picking a piece of wild grass, Misao stuck it into her mouth to chew on the ends, and worked on her own walk. Country boys seemed to walk lazily, like they had nothing better to do. So Misao made her own imitation of it.

Saitou smirked. Itachi had been improving drastically the past few days. They would have to be careful, but Saitou had planned for something like this. He headed towards headquarters; glad to see the officer there and waiting for him. Misao eyed the officer, oddly until she finally recognized his features.

"Orusen san! What are you doing here?" Misao asked, hugging the man.

Orusen flinched, unused to the affection, but gave her a small hug and then retreated a few steps back, as was appropriate.

"I was ordered to accompany Fujita sama and Makimachi san as far as Nagoya" Orusen replied, returning the genki ninja's smile. He was dressed as well, in disguise.

Emerald green eyes sought Saitou's, in question.

"They are looking for two people traveling on the road. Since we could not split up safely, I figured I'd find us a trusted companion to travel with us."

"Why Nagoya? Isn't that out of the way?" Misao asked, frowning. She had never come by Nagoya on her travels to find Aoshi sama. Even with Himura, Nagoya was several miles out of their destination to edo.

"Yes, but I have some things I must see to there" Saitou replied.

The fugu clan frequented Nagoya on their missions. He wanted to see if he could find information. Particularly since they'd sent their lackeys after Misao. Perhaps that hadn't even been deliberate, but he would find out, one way or the other. The more he knew about whoever would be coming after them, the more he could prepare for them. Besides that, their gang faction was causing problems throughout the cities. The quicker he put an end to them, the better. But who was running them?

Gangs were only as good as their crime lords. The crime lords were the intelligence behind the operation. They ran everything from a far, recruiting and scavenging when needed for their own operations. There were only a handful of true crime lords in this day and age. Could there be a new faction rising? Saitou pondered this as they set out on the road by foot.

Misao frowned, wondering why Saitou wouldn't tell her what was going on. He obviously had a lot on his mind. It explained his quiet somberness. Of course, that was also just Saitou. His face said nothing of what he was thinking. Misao's curiosity doubled. What was so important in Nagoya that Saitou was failing to mention? If he wasn't going to tell her, then she would have to gather her own information on this trip.

Her mood lightened as she thought of the capitol. Himura and Kaoru were there. She could visit them! She frowned. But if they knew she was on a mission....and working for Saitou no less Kenshin would spring to action. Knowing that that was the LAST thing the Mibu wolf wanted, Misao contemplated on her situation. If she were seen in Edo, she'd be screwed anyways because then they would wonder why she was there. Misao was a fairly honest person. It was hard for her to openly lie, especially to her dearest friends. There was nothing for it. She'd have to talk to Saitou about it later, and write them, telling her of her visit, and ask to stay there while they did their investigation.

In the meantime Misao enjoyed her walk, stretching as they saw the sun rising. They'd been traveling for a little bit over an hour, they were past Kyoto now, and making fairly good time. Misao watched, the sun casting a golden light on everything.

"Kirei...."Misao said, awed.

"Hai, Japan is the land of the rising sun" Orusen told her, with a smile. Misao returned the smile, in full.

Saitou ignored it knowing that if he looked to her, he'd merely be distracted. She had a beautiful smile. Knowledge that he knew all too well about Itachi. Saitou gritted his teeth. He couldn't afford to be distracted by her on this trip. He had to be focused. Her life as well as his depended on this. He needed to keep his head in all situations from here on. If he missed a detail on this case, it could prove disastrous. Everything in his body told him something was going down and quick. It almost reminded him of the shishio incident the way the gangs were reacting. Something was up. He wouldn't allow another incident like that to repeat. Not while he was captain.

Saitou picked up his pace, sensing a few others on the road behind them. They weren't moving fast, but the less people that noticed them the better. Itachi complained but kept up with him stride for stride. Itachi really could've been mistaken for a boy. She was short enough, fairly lanky. Her chest was bound flat, and her braid put up into her hat. Now that he took a look at her, he had caked mud onto her clothing and face. Plus she was toned all over. Saitou had packed her weapons within her pack. As long as she didn't look anyone straight into the eyes she'd be safe in her disguise.

The disguise she was wearing seemed to cling to her lithe form. Why was HE the only one that noticed such things? Scowling in irritation, he accessed their situation. Should they be attacked, Itachi would be nearly helpless. There was no way to conceal kunai on her form-fitting disguise, so Saitou had thrown them into her pack. Perhaps there was a way to store it along her inner thighs.... Saitou tore his gaze away from her. Here he was getting distracted again. This was going to be a very long trip.

The traveled on, the sun setting behind them. They had been walking for ages! Misao's back and feet ached, their low throbbing pulse giving Misao something to focus on. Orusen had been a wonderful companion, talking about the plant life, Japan, and a little bit about his family while they walked. Saitou ignored them completely during the time, even when Misao asked him things. He didn't even seem to notice either of them, just clenched his jaw and walked. It irritated Misao to no end. She was going to let him have it when they stopped. IF they stopped, Misao thought gloomily.

"We'll stop here for the night," Saitou told them.

Misao dropped her pack, and sunk to the floor, grateful for sitting.

"I'll go start on gathering firewood."

"Be on the look out for something edible while you're at it" Saitou replied, scowling.

"Hand me your pack Itachi" Saitou ordered.

Misao shrugged and passed the massive thing on. Saitou began to pull out all sorts of cooking ware, along with his sleeping arrangements and several other things. Misao's eyes narrowed.

"You...."She muttered, eyes hidden by her jagged bangs.

"Hm?" Saitou asked, not even bothering to look up.

"YOU MADE ME CARRY EVERYTHING ALL THE WAY BY MYSELF!!!" Misao cried, outraged and furious.

Saitou cringed. He had forgotten how annoyingly LOUD Itachi could be.

"YOU ARROGANT-"

"Tomorrow you get to play the part of the old woman. You won't be carrying anything" Saitou interrupted her, getting up to gather rocks for their fire pit.

"Huh?" Misao stopped, blinking trying to comprehend what he said.

"Saitou! Wait!" Misao cried, following after him.

"It means that we have to keep switching costumes, to keep our cover. There are a few other things I'd like to discuss. Follow me"

Misao followed, wondering why they were going deeper into the forest than necessary.

"Sai-"

"You really need to stop calling me that. It's Fujita." Once again Saitou interrupted her.

"Fine then...Fujita san...Do you not trust Orusen?" Misao asked him, tired of being interrupted.

Saitou nodded. "Can't be too careful"

"Why?"

"Let's just say I find it a little bit too convenient for the old man to have fallen into that idiotic hell hole of a police precinct." He told her sitting down on a rock.

"Mm" Misao nodded in understanding. He was a very good volunteer.

"Listen, as of Nagoya we split ways"

"WHAT?" Misao squawked.

"Shh! Do you want to attract every bandit in Japan?! Now, I'll take Orusen with me into Nagoya, and you'll head on into edo. I'd like you to stay with Battousai, in order to keep your cover from being blown. You'll need to write him a letter at Nagoya. Have it addressed from Kyoto, pay the postman extra for it. I'll tell you where to go, and who to ask for. Battousai is NOT to suspect that you are working under me? Wakatta?"

"No...Why? What? What are we doing? Why are we splitting up?"

"Because I'm not going to let Orusen and you go off alone, Itachi. I thought that should be perfectly obvious." Saitou told her, eyes glittering gold, narrowed in her direction.

"How do you think that would look? An old man and a young girl traveling together?"

Misao flushed.

"Exactly. I couldn't send you two along alone. Especially when I don't know if I can trust him. If you stay in disguise, no one should recognize you or suspect anything. Once in edo, pack your cloak and stay within the crowds till you reach the Kamiya dojo. "

"But Sa...Fujita....why do we have to split ways?"

"I want to find out what Orusen is up to, and I have a few things to check on in Nagoya, I'll meet you up at edo within the week. I'll find you. Until then, stay at Battousai's and keep your ears open. Don't go meddling into things. Period. I don't care if you have a lead or not." Saitou warned her.

Misao hated it when he stared her down. She always found herself unable to look away from that melted golden gaze.

"Yea..." Misao said, looking at her feet.

Saitou sighed.

"I still don't understand one thing," Misao stated finally.

Saitou rolled his eyes, taking his pack of cigarettes out and lighting up.

"Which is?" Saitou mumbled, through his cigarette.

"Am I going into Nagoya with you and then leaving?"

Saitou nodded.

"But won't Orusen know I'm gone?"

"I'll be sending you to do some "errands" for me. You'll be sending the letter and heading to edo before he suspects and if he is a spy, it'll be too late for him to do anything about it. "Saitou replied.

"I still don't-"

"Hush...we've been too long" Saitou snapped, grabbing her by the arm, and yanking her through the brush. Saitou was quick, and his hold was harsh.

"Fujita..." Misao cried. "You're hurting me! Ow!"

"How many times have I told you not to wander OFF?" Saitou whirled on her. His face was deep set in a scolding manner. Only his eyes, which were alight with amusement, told her that it was an act.

"I HAD to go to the BATHROOM!" Misao returned, doing her best to look angry. Her eyes snickered at him.

"We've got bandits and kami sama knows what else after us, and you decide to go off-"Saitou and Misao were back in camp, and Orusen blinked at the pair.

"Ano, Fujita san" Orusen asked, sweatdropping at the sight of the two.

"What?" Saitou snapped, and his face quickly changed from anger to his typical scowl.

"sumanai Orusen san. What was it that you needed?" Saitou asked him.

"We should get started on dinner. I found the fire wood, and stones, however there was no game to be caught out in the forest."

"We'll be eating rice cakes then...." Saitou sighed for real. Rice cakes were miserable. Especially for a veteran who had lived off of them for years during his days under the shogunate.

Misao flounced to her pack, taking out her own sleeping arrangements with a haughty "Hmmph". Misao so desperately wanted to giggle. She laid out her sleeping arrangements "quivering with rage" as she took out the imaginary wrinkles in the fabric. This was turning out to be an interesting trip indeed. Misao bundled up under her blanket, shivering from the cold.

Had Saitou packed her a-? Opening the pack, Misao discovered a long sleeve uniform for her to wear. She took it out, loving the feel of new fabric beneath her fingertips. She had never gotten new clothing as a family member of the Oniwabanshuu. She had always been given hand me downs, from Okon and Omasu's child hood days. Misao clenched her jaw. She still couldn't fit into most of the old hand me downs from Okon and Omasu's teenage years. She didn't have the bust for them.

Pain swiftly coursed through Misao upon remembering her family. Ex family. Did they even miss her? She wondered what they were doing. Probably the same old same old, having moved on from her a while ago. Misao was shocked to feel the tears streaming down her face. It was only to be expected she considered. After all she still hadn't dealt with the pain.

Taking a deep breath and nibbling her bottom lip she forced the tears back. Now was not a good time to be getting emotional. She had far too many things to worry about. Slowly her eyes lids flickered, and with a yawn Misao realized just how much sleep she was missing. With a soft sigh she was asleep.

(AN: Not as long of an update I know, but I'll try to make it longer and jump us further along in the story with the next chapter ok?. Hope you enjoyed it and rest assured that Kenshin will make his appearance!

Kenshin: Oro?

Me- sigh