An: I've got so many notes on this chapter. Wow….I got so many reviews off that last chapter, I didn't know what to do with myself. I didn't think it was that well written blushes at the praise You guys rocks! Not only that I have a few people to thank. First off- all my reviewers rock! Thank you for reviewing. There are a few specials I have to mention though! They've been with me from the beginning.
Buffybot76- She got me writing this. Even though her RK plot bunny got neutured she is still given the credit for this story's beginning and I still enjoy her. We still love Rose sama! Go read her stories.
Miburokid- you inspired me with the beginning of the 19th chapter just by reviewing. I added some Saitou Aoshi conflict just for you! Thanks for reviewing .
Deadlydiva- She's my new beta reader! YAE! Go love on her and thank her, because without her I'd still be stuck in my writers block. When my plot bunnies were about to die, she revived them! Yae! She also proofs all my crappy errors. Send her love!
And now for the anonymous person who wrote "You suck" Atleast leave a signed review and tell me why my story sucked. I don't mind criticism if you actually have something to say. My e-mails up there, you can feel free to e-mail me anytime. And I would love to talk to you as to why my story sucks… Or perhaps you just do hit and runs….
On a minor note: If you love the Misao/Saitou pairing, Go to Yahoo groups and Join amber horizons and crimson sunsets. It's a Misao/ any RK bishy pairing. My stories and others are posted there. ALSO write your own fiction and post it there! Keep the Saitou Misao pairing ALIVE! Spread it's enthusiasm.
Shink…… Shink…… Shink…..The sound of the cold japanese metal, slid as it was sharpened. Aoshi paid no notice of anyone else in the room. The ex okashira sat, making the mind splitting sound, eyes a deep dark aqua marine, focused on something beyond the very place he sat. His eyes flashed as he finished, slicing the air with the kodachi. Satisfied and sated that they would do, he sheathed them. They would easily slice through whoever stood in the way.
All of the planning was done between Saitou and the captain. Aoshi was merely being used as a pawn in the Wolf's plans…Azure eyes flashed again in fury. Saitou…he hadn't been forgotten him in the least. Aoshi would make him pay. But Kanryuu was the current priority. Aoshi gripped the handles of his kodachi until his knuckles turned white. Calm. Breathe in and out. Release the negative energy. Aoshi let it go, knowing her couldn't afford to worry about it right now. He should be enjoying the time he had left with Misao.
Three hours remained. The rest of the day had gone by agonizingly slow. Three hours to the attack. Three hours until redemption could finally be at hand. For so long, Aoshi had tortured himself, ensuring himself of his damnation. Telling himself he didn't deserve her love, he didn't deserve to live for the sins he'd committed. Once again his green eyed tenshi had aroused him from his slumbering state, into a whole new wide awake train of thought.
Misao had been right. Forgiveness could be achieved. And finally the oppurtunity had presented itself. This was one of those forever changing moments in life. Aoshi needed this. He needed to end the vicious cycle of hate he'd harbored for himself and towards others. He needed to end the pain he'd put himself through, the depression, the despair. The only way to do it was through Kanryuu's death. Kanryuu had to die, so that wounds could heal. Aoshi couldn't let it go until he knew Takeda was in hell. Blood would be spilt tonight, but blood would also be atoned for. An Okashira's Honor would be restored or forever lost.
Misao sat not far from him, braiding and unbraiding her beautiful long hair as she waited out the time. Her face was pale and her eyes were anxious, darting left and right. Her hands shook with their efforts. All of her movements were edgy. Her ki was finicky and panicked, along with some tension. It was obvious adrenaline flowed through her jumpy bouncy form. Her anxiety could not be missed as she drummed her fingers and un did her braid again. Aoshi couldn't help as a small smile tugged at the corners of his chiseled features. A few hours ago she'd been pacing the floor. Kaoru had entertained her for a few hours but nothing could deter his Misao from thinking about the battle ahead. She had always been honest and straight forward. Nothing could deter her from the goal at hand.
"Misao" Aoshi asked.
Misao stopped mid braid, her long hair dropping, green eyes wide and confused by him.
"Yea?" Misao replied, after a moment on silence had passed between the room. Everyone then seemed to be loudly busy with what they were doing.
"Come for a walk with me" He asked her, azure eyes softened as he stood up and offered her his hand.
Misao frowned, but took his hand in helping her get up. She released it just as quickly, as if bitten or stung by it. Aoshi frowned. Perhaps he was still dirty in her eyes. She would never forgive him until Takeda was dead. Perhaps Takeda's death could lead to a new beginning for them as well. Aoshi could only hope, as he opened the shouji door for her and led the way outside. The night air hit Misao instantly, like a wake up call. Why was she doing this? The moon shone brightly, illuminating the dojo is blues and dark purples. Fireflys danced through the tall grases and wove through the trees, providing their own light. The night was beautiful but a bit chilly.
Misao's teeth chattered, though she tried to hide it from him. And she rubbed her arms when she thought he wasn't looking. He couldn't help but watch her from the corner of his eyes. The only girl who had made him smile, she had broken his darkness. The cloud of grief and anguish no longer held sway over him, because of what she was. Smiling around her was inevitable, and he felt one tug at the corner of his mouth. Shrugging off his leather trench coat he settled it on her shoulders.
"I'm not cold! I don't need your jacket-" Misao protested.
"Keep it" Aoshi silenced her complants with an order.
Seafoam eyes darkened. "Don't order me around!" She growled.
"You're cold, aren't you?" Azure eyes twinkled, despite his features displaying nothing of his thoughts within.
Misao couldn't meet his eyes and said nothing, wandering down by the forest, shrugging her small arms into his jacket.
Aoshi couldn't help but smile. He was with her.
Saitou had finally finished ironing out all of the simple details. The captain though insulted by Saitou's disdain for his troops, had finally agreed to it. Saitou himself hadn't even been satisfied with the plans. The thought of her going on this mission, particularily with Him…Saitou's blood boiled and burned. Would that change things between those two. Itachi had made it fairly clear that she wanted nothing to do with Shinomori. But things changed and old alliances brought up memories and feelings from the past. These thoughts made Saitou grimce as he exited the dojo room, heading towards the house, searching for the genki ninja girl. They had much to discuss about the plans for tomorrow. It had nothing to do with the fact that Saitou wanted her near him, That her very presence soothed him in a way Tokio had never achieved. Saitou's scowl deepened as his search for the girl continued. Curse his weaknesses.
Saitou's mind, flashed images of Tokio to try and keep him from thinking of her. All through out Nagoya his mind had plagued him of what had become of Itachi. If she had been kidnapped, or worse killed what would he have done? The images couldn't hold sway over him. Time and time again all he could see was seafoam green eyes, and pink coral lips followed by a long snaking braid. Tokio's image was fading in his mind, and heart, and weaseled in her place was Itachi. Saitou hadn't allowed it, hadn't even wanted to recognize it. Somehow this was ALL Itachi's fault. Curse her smiles and energy and provocative innocence! She was a thief without knowing it. Saitou cringed, hating every moment. Somehow the girl had weaseled her way into his heart.
He had to commend her. It was quite a difficult thing to do. For that he hated her. Hated that fact that it went against everything that he had stood for, so long ago. It went against his beliefs, all morals, everything. He wasn't supposed to want a girl nearly half his age, particularily when married to an unfaithful wife as it was. Technically he was cheating on his wife by even having such thoughts. But surprisingly, despite everything, he didn't want her to leave. That was proof he was loosing all dignity morals and anything sacred. Gods what was he doing? Babbling on such nonsense. Itachi had ruined him, permanently messed with his mind so that he couldn't be long without her. Damn woman! Wrapping men around their fingernails!Worst of all she probably didn't even know the sway she seemed to have with him. Damn it!
Sighing he pulled out a ciggarete, sticking it in his mouth and lighting a match. After his nicotene stick was lit, he pulled one of the officers aside. Kami sama bless Cigarettes.
"Have you seen Misao?" He asked, taking a drag of his cigarette, feeling his frustration subside for the moment.
" No sir, haven't seen her or the tall one for about a half an hour" The officer replied dully, obviously bored and waiting for the next shift to change.
"Carry on then" Saitou told him.
Yellow eyes concealed nothing of their inner turmoil. Tall man? That had to be Shinomori.
Grumbling, the wolf continued his search for her. He couldn't sense her anywhere within the dojo. Frowning he searched again, wondering where on earth she could be?
The last time he had seen her…..she had been sitting with Shinomori. Hmm…he didn't seem to be on the ground either. Where would they have gone? Particularily together and alone? Surely he wouldn't have…? She would never willingly go with him…Would she? Damn right she would….he'd probably spoken some fiddle faddle about planning and training or what not. Shinomori being the bastard he was would likely try something on her when she wasn't expecting it. Saitou scowled. He was being foolish. He probably just hadn't searched hard enough for Shinomori.
He had scanned the dojo ground three times already. Neither of them seemed to be around. Cursing, Yellow eyes narrowed dangerously as the reoccuring thought tormented him the longer he couldn't find the two. Once again both of them were missing at the same time. It had been quite some time since they were both missing too. He wasn't particularily worried….He trusted Misao. She would never willingly throw herself at Shinomori. She had more morality than that. Shinomori on the other hand….Misao probably had no idea how much danger she was in at the moment. Or worse…maybe she did!
Saitou opened the shouji door and felt the cold night air bring him to his senses. What the hell was he doing? Was he going to chase after her like some love sick youth? No. No, Saitou wasn't going to do something so uncharacteristically him. He was fully intitled to keeping track of her and making sure she was safe.He was legally responsible for her wasn't he? He was going to bring his parolee back and inform them they were attacking NOW instead of later. Neither could say anything to those reasons. Justified, Saitou gripped his katana and made for the bushes, scowling as he searched for Itachi's ki.
Misao couldn't help the small sigh that passed as she lifted the collar of the trench coat up and breathed in the scent of Aoshi. She couldn't help it, the entire jacket was filled with the scent of him. For years she had dreamt of situations like this. Walking alone with Aoshi, him offering her, her jacket…them making love in the forest. Okay…so that wasn't so much a dream as a fantasy…but still! She found herself breathing in the woody scents of the forest, as well as green tea, within his jacket. Gods this wasn't happening. What was she doing? She didn't like Aoshi! Aoshi didn't care for her! She was tired of throwing herself at people, particularily him! Still breathing in the scent of him she thought sullenly.
Then what about Saitou?
Saitou was a different matter entirely! Misao's frown deepened. This was making her head hurt. She was NOT going to seek anything out with Aoshi. She had forgotten him. She wanted to stay with Saitou and learn and train.
Then why are you out here in the wilderness alone with Shinomori?
Misao felt her panic rise. Oh no. What was Aoshi doing taking her out to the wilderness? Frantic she tried to quelm her ki. If Aoshi noticed something was wrong he'd ask her about it, she'd have to lie. Misao was a terrible liar….and that would almost be worse than him leading her out here to come onto her. Almost…
Thoughts drifted to Saitou. He'd had stuff to do with the captain. He'd been so cold as of late. Why? He just seemed to shrug her off. Why? Misao picked her brain trying to come up with the reason. She hadn't done anything particular as of late. She hadn't insulted him. They hadn't fought. So why the coldness? Why was she even out here anyways? Frowning Misao decided to ask Aoshi. She was tired of the silence.
"Aoshi, I….I don't know why you brought me out here, but-"
Shinomori pulled her behind him as he drew his kodachi.
"Show yourself" He whispered darkly.
"How many times have I told you to put your toys away Shinomori?"Saitou said, coming through the brush, Katana drawn and his typical wolfish smirk.
Azure eyes narrowed at Saitou, but he sheathed his kodachi, not wishing Misao to see his hatred of the man. They would settle later in a more pirvate setting. For now Aoshi would bide his time. This didn't mean however, that he would spare Saitou of any pain. The wolf deserved to have some doubts in his mind.
"Mind if I ask why you were doing out in the woods before a mission?" Saitou asked menacingly to Aoshi, seeming to completely ignore the fact that Misao was there.
"Fresh air Saitou. The dojo is stifling with all of the men running around. It is much more peaceful and refreshing outside. It is a beautiful night, is it not?" Aoshi said, staring only at Misao.
Yellow eyes gleamed as they threatened death.
"You of all people know better than that. Leaving before an attack leaves you open for target and could also ruin our surprise attack. It puts our mission at risk" Saitou scolded angrily, knowing Shinomori was playing him for all he was worth.
"Forgive me Saitou" Shinomori smiled. "It was too beautiful a night to stay inside" His eyes never left Misao, digging the knife further into Saitou's side. Bastard!
"Stop this" Misao pleaded to both unsure of what was going on but sensing the tension between the two and knowing it was only building.
" You've said it yourself Shinomori, you're not worthy of forgiveness" Saitou replied with a sneer.
"Aoshi stop this!" Misao pleaded, knowing she had no hold over Saitou. The wolf would do what he wanted, when he wanted. Nothing she could say could change that. If only she could get through to Aoshi…
"I've learned a lot since then" Aoshi replied, eyes never leaving Saitou's; both's grips on their swords tightening. They were testing each other to see who would break first. This wasn't happening. Misao wouldn't allow them to fight. She had to stop them!
"Both of you stop this! this is ridiculous!" Misao exclaimed, trying to get through to them. Neither moved, eyes locked only on each other. Swords were drawn.
Misao couldn't be heard in the world they were standing in.
Misao watched the interlude between the two, uncomprehending. What was this about? Both men were hostile, their ki's flaring. They were yelling at each and this was getting bad quick. Worst of all they refused to listen to her. It was as if she wasn't even there. Misao felt tears rise to her eyes. If they wouldn't listen to her, she'd make them listen. She took a step or two back, knowing they wouldn't notice her until it was too late. She took off through the woods.
"Talk. Idle talk." Saitou replied eyes narrowed and focused intensely on Aoshi.
"Is it? Misao came out with ME, Saitou, and of her own free will. Nothing you want to believe changes that."
"And That is unforgiveable, inexcusable, and untoleratable! Are you a complete Moron? Not only could you have jepordized the mission, but you put Misao in danger as well" Saitou spat, about ready to Gatotsu the younger ex okashira.
"Misao was perfectly safe with me. I wasn't jeopordizing anything. The mission still goes on. Unless you've decided to change it because of your hurt pride?" Aoshi taunted.
"Damn you and your cool exterior. I see through it, ahou. I must say that I'm impressed though Shinomori. I didn't know you'd grown a pair" Saitou said grabbing him by his collar and thrusting him into a tree. The ex Okashira hit the tree harshly, but he was too angry to realize the pain. Aoshi broke the hold.
"Are you threatened by me Mibu wolf? Are you scared Misao might return to me?" Aoshi sneered Azure eyes darkening. Hands were once again by swords, edging and tensing, as both watched and anticipated.
"Threatened by you?" Saitou scoffed. "She wants nothing to do with you"
"Then why did she agree to come out here with me?"Aoshi asked, a smile gracing his features as he thought he had a point. Inwardly Saitou cringed. He'd never know why Itachi had agreed to it. But he wasn't about to let Shinomori have the upperhand.
"I'm all too skepitical of the fact she agreed" Saitou pressed. touche
"How dare you! I would never do such a thing to her…"Aoshi cried, outraged at Saitou's implication.
"Your honor isn't exactly sterling Shinomori" Saitou pointed out with a smirk. Aoshi would not be happy with that one. This was too amusing to pass up though.
Flushing in rage, Aoshi stepped forward. "Neither is yours. You would do well not to press me Saitou" Aoshi threatened.
"And you would do well to stay away from Misao" Saitou replied venemously sword drawn, in hand, and shifting as if ready to Gatotsu.
"And how does that impact your honor Saitou? Aku Zoku Zan" Aoshi mocked. Saitou dropped his stance.
"You are the last person to question MY honour." Saitou replied, still in his stance.
"You are a married man." Aoshi continued "You shouldn't be having anything to do with Misao in the first place. Your wife isn't the only adulterer, Saitou."
"My interests in Misao are purely in a guardian's interests. Something you were unfit to do" Saitou informed him, yellow eyes narrowed.
"Pure? You know nothing of the word Saitou! You've corrupted her innocense. She used to be pure before you tainted her! I don't know what you've done to her but you will pay!"
"So you dare to dream…" Saitou replied, and glanced around the clearing. "And what do you think of all this, Itach-! She's gone!"
Aoshi looked up as well, noticing Misao's disappearence. "Kuso!"
Saitou glared menacingly at Shinomori. "May I proceed to point out that this is entirely your fault. And if a single hair is missing from her head, I will not heisitate to kill you!" He threatened taking off into the woods.
Aoshi's eyes narrowed as he sprinted followed after Saitou. "Don't think I'm going to let you look for her alone. I don't trust you"
"Believe me, The feeling's mutual" Saitou snarled, sprinting through the forest.
Misao ran off into the clearing, the jacket dropping from her shoulders after a distance. It was too heavy. Old memories overwhelmed her. She didn't want either of them currently. They were both so cruel, each in their own sense. She had thought she'd gotten over Aoshi. She had simply realized that she didn't know how to overcome him. She still loved him, loved him and hated him with all of her heart. And Saitou? She didn't know him enough to claim to love him. With all of her conflicting emotions she needed time alone and time to think.
One thing was for certain she was tired of waiting for everyone else to act.With her emotions as they were, she'd have the adrenaline to attack. And if Saitou and Aoshi weren't planning on her doing this, Takeda wouldn't either. A double surprise attack. Speed gave Misao courage and she quickened her pace. She sprinted exalting in the feeling of running. Her breath flew in and out, as she passed through trees and shrubs and bushes. She was tired of thinking, of feeling. When one ran one did not have the time to think, just simply breathe and press on. She pushed herself, further, faster, harder, wanting to forget everything. She wanted to run herself to exahaustion.
Saitou scowled, as his lungs burned.
"My gods she can run" Saitou gasped.
"She's always ran since she was little. She was always quite exceptional at speed. You wouldn't have known" Aoshi replied matter of factly.
"Atleast I didn't force myself upon the girl to force her back home" Saitou replied, jumping a log.
"No you just couldn't keep up with your "purely guardianship duty" and let her get away" Aoshi replied.
"I was doing a perfectly job until YOU decided to take her for a midnight stroll." Saitou replied stumbling on the rocky terrain..
"She went along willingly with me, if you remember" Aoshi smirked enjoying watching the police men struggle to keep up.
"So now you're trying to blame this on her? Typical of you Shinomori. Passing the blame." Saitou replied, still searching for the girl.
"Shut up Saitou" Aoshi replied, and then stopped.
"Well" Saitou gasped. "Obviously she's been by this way" as he pointed to the trenchcoat.
"It's almost two" Aoshi replied, looking at the moon.
"Damn it…" Saitou scowled. "No…" He said realizing the direction where she was headed.
Aoshi saw the look in his eyes and followed the direction of the crushed branches himself. "She wouldn't-"
"She's gone to Kanryuu's alone…" Saitou said hollowly.
(Lame….another cliffy. I promise next chapter they will infiltrate the house. You have the promise of the authoress strikes flashy pose Of course….I dunno when I'll even get a chance to update…:( It will happen sporadically though, when my work isn't raping me for hours….I'm working 30-40+ hours and I'm only PART TIME! RARRRgghhh!