AN: I know….You all hate me. I've sort of vanished off the face of the earth much to my beta muses grief. Life sorta snuck up and sacked me when I wasn't looking. It's like it kidnapped me for a while and I've finally been found at last. I've been wrestling with life and all the crap going on but I think I finally have a grip now. I'm really sorry about the last chapter, but it just wasn't going to work out in a happy ending. It still might not, depending on the plot bunnies. Gomen bows Kenshin may be rather nosy come this part. You've been warned.
Deadlydiva08- snicker you know I couldn't just leave that part be giggle figured you'd enjoy it.
Music of the Update: Evanescense and Nickelback
Aoshi sat penning his terse report to Okina to send via messenger pigeon. He carefully crafted the message out of habit. He didn't fear that the messenger pigeons would be intercepted, especially in these times of peace, but one could never be too careful. He was a cautious man. He musn't let the clan get soft and feeble because of peace. No one knew how long the Meiji would last. Aoshi smirked as he penned the letter. More than likely Okina planned to let Aoshi retake his claim as Okashira. When that happened, he would marry Misao.
Aoshi took a final look at his penmanship, checking for errors or subscript that could be read into. It would do. Aoshi was surprised at the Oniwabanshuu's success. He had always thought that without war or the shoguns bidding that the Oniwabanshuu would simply be disbanded. However, the Oniwabanshuu was doing exceedingly well for itself, flourishing in these times of peace. The Oniwabanshuu's reach even stretched to Tokyo in this day and age. Aoshi mused at the vast under infrastructure. It was little wonder that the Police wanted to do their dealings through such a recognized organization. The only tarnish on them was his past sins. But that problem was solved now that Kanryuu was dead. Still Aoshi couldn't help the sneer that marred his features. Bitterness clung to him like an old lover as he thought of Kanryuu and the ex third captain. Saitou Hajime. His eyes darkened and he grit his teeth. Aoshi took a deep breath and released it. He had gotten Misao in exchange.
She'll do little to reprieve your sins, but what a lovely way to drown…
Aoshi ignored the thought shrugging it off. It wasn't true. She was his salvation. He just had never seen it until now.
O,
All is well. Wrong has been righted. Loose ends still need to be tied. She is with me. We're coming.
-A-
Satisfied with the letter but not with his thoughts he got up from his chair, rolling the letter and slipping it into the pockets of his trench coat, which was still burnt and tattered. He would probably have to be rid of it when he finally returned home. It might not be a bad thing. He had kept it for so long. Perhaps it was time for a change. His glance wandered to Misao, who was still curled in her futon, shaking. She would come around. He opened the shouji door and stepped out.
Misao's crumpled form lay curled in her futon, eyes a floody emerald, puffy around the edges and red from her tears. They continued to run even though her sobs had lessened to little more than hiccups. Her eyes stung, but she couldn't force the tears away. Her eyes hurt from rubbing them. Her lungs burned and her breath came in short gasps, despite her calm, albeit disturbing demeaner. It was simple, she didn't have the energy to cry out any longer. Her cheeks were red, from exhaustion, but they also burned, and she knew she was probably getting sick. Her hair and body were drenched from the rain, but that was the least thing she was concerned with at the moment. She felt a shiver run up her spine and her head felt fuzzy. Good, she thought cynically. Perhaps she'd die of fever. Then she could escape her broken heart.
Her heart clenched in agony as the situation replayed itself over and over in her head. She clutched her head closing her eyes willing it all to go away. But it came anyways. He lied to her. He willingly lied to her. He willingly pushed her away. He'd threatened her, cheapened her as a warrior, broken her down and ripped her apart. Damn it why did it have to be this way! It wasn't supposed to happen like this! She smothered her dry sobs into the futon, pulling the blankets over her head as she wished the world away from her secluded haven. But she couldn't escape herself.
Her body shook and she trembled from the cold and her own fatigue but she didn't want to sleep. If she was this delusional in her current state, her nightmares would terrify her. She didn't want to see him…those eyes looking at her like they did. She prayed sobbing and hiccupping in pain as she pleaded a dreamless sleep. But she knew it wouldn't work. Nothing would make her forget him, not now, not ever. Her eyes betrayed her, and her body gave out, despite her minds will. She didn't want to sleep, couldn't sleep, terrified of her nightmares, and worse still that when she woke up she'd be forced into her reality again. She slumped to the floor, blacking out.
Aoshi walked outside closing the shouji delicately behind him, kodachi still strapped to his back.
"Himura" Aoshi acknowledged.
Kenshin's eyes widened. He hadn't referred to him as Battousai.
"Shinomori san" Kenshin replied nodding respectfully.
"You come armed' Aoshi said, eyes on the sakabatou strapped to his hakama.
"I am not here to fight you, Shinomori san, simply to talk, that I am" Kenshin replied.
"I would offer you into our room, but she is sleeping" Aoshi told him simply. Azure eyes guarded. His ki was on edge no matter how well he tried to conceal it.
"I understand, that I do. Would you join me for tea?" Kenshin offered.
Aoshi paused. He'd promised Himura that he would go have tea with him when they'd defeated Shishio. It seemed so long ago. Aoshi considered. Misao would simply be sleeping. And yet he was loathe to leave her, especially when he would be in the company of the red headed rurouni. She'd be fine. But what did Himura have tosay to him? Whatever it was it couldn't be good. Aoshi sighed.
"Aah" Aoshi replied.
Kenshin waited as Aoshi stepped down from the porch of the inn. Aoshi let Kenshin take the lead, following stride for stride with the ex hitokiri. The walk to the Akabeko was decent. Neither talked, both men gathering their thoughts. The silence was peaceful as always to one such as Aoshi. He opened the shouji door to the Akabeko and Kenshin followed after him. It was fortunate. The restaurant was quiet and empty.
"Aah, Himura san! How can I help you today?" Tae asked cheerfully.
"Good afternoon Tae san, Green tea would be wonderful, that it would." Himura replied cheerfully.
She led them to the corner of the restaurant and sat them down.
"Tsubame will bring you your tea. Enjoy!" Tae told them.
Both sat cross legged. Himura set his sakabatou to the side of him as he situated himself comfortably.
A friendly silence still remained between the two.
"How did the battle go?" Kenshin asked.
"We won" Aoshi replied simply.
"Yes, but what happened?" Kenshin asked.
"Kanryuu is dead, Himura. The opium will be confiscated and destroyed. Japan is safe." Aoshi replied simply. Did the rurouni honestly expect him to divulge on what happened? Aoshi wanted to put all of it behind him.
Kenshin smiled at this. "Japan will always be safe. The Meiji era will continue, even if we fall" Kenshin said simply.
"Such faith, Himura, and yet you raise your sword in the service of the government time and time again" Aoshi pointed out. Could he not tell, that he was being a hypocrite?
"I do it for my penance" Kenshin replied. "Not because I don't have faith in the Meiji. If saving Japan will help me make up for the lives I've taken then I will do it."
"Chee. You don't believe that. You are a hypocrite, but you know it well" Aoshi told him.
Kenshin just smiled. "It would appear so, after my bloody past, Aoshi san?"
Aoshi ignored him. His eyes drifted to the petite girl who appeared next to Himura.
Tsubame arrived and set down their tea. She set the tray down and poured both of them cups delicately.
"Please enjoy!" She said politely, bowing.
"Thank you Tsubame chan, it will be enjoyed, that it will" Kenshin replied.
The silence pervaded as both sat and sipped their tea. Aoshi hid his sneer of disdain. He sipped the tea politely trying to keep his hate from the all knowing eyes of the ex hitokiri. This was pointless.Himura was dancing around his point and both of them knew it. He was wasting his time. He ignored the irritation he felt as he sipped the tea. Misao made much better tea than this. He certainly had something to look forward to when he returned to the Aoiya.
"Aoshi san, I wanted to meet with you today to talk about many things. I have a very forward question to ask that I do"
"Ask your question. It makes little difference now" Aoshi replied setting his tea down and crossing his arms.
"What will happen to Misao dono, now that everything has come to pass?" Kenshin said.
"I will take her back. The rest is up to Okina" Aoshi replied.
"Okina? I thought you were the proclaimed Okashira?" Kenshin pressed, amethyst eyes searching Aoshi's.
"There is a lot that you don't know about, Himura. It is for the best" Aoshi replied, his pride singed.
"And what about Misao Dono's decision in all of this? It may be the best for you, that it may, but what about her?" Kenshin asked, amethyst orbs frowning.
"She belongs in Kyoto." Aoshi said, azure eyes narrowing. "I would think that you, of all people, would understand that"
"It's not my place to question where you think her rightful place is, I am however, worried that this isn't what Misao dono truly wants and I will not allow you to force your decisions on her" Kenshin replied, amethyst eyes piercing in their intensity.
"Chee" Aoshi said, hand going to his kodachi. Kenshin tensed, His sakabatou was within arms reach. But people would get hurt if they started a fight here.
"Baka, You've
wasted your time, if this is what you've come for"
Aoshi said,
with a sneer as he stood up. His eyes hardened and they were cold.
"Shinomori san…" Kenshin said, eyes narrowing.
"It doesn't matter what she wants." Aoshi snapped. "She can't have him… The only choice she has is to return. Or the streets. But I won't allow that" Aoshi replied.
"Unless she wishes to stay at the dojo" Kenshin interjected, amethyst eyes still trying to pierce through Aoshi's guard. If Himura thought that this would goad him into revealing more than he choose, then Himura was twice the fool.
"You cannot be serious? You know him. He is a wolf that looks out only for himself. He ripped her to pieces, hours ago. You wish that fate to fall on her again?" Aoshi replied hand still on his kodachi. His eyes were shadowed and dark.
"Misao dono is a growing young woman, that she is. She should be given the right to choose what she would like to do." Kenshin retorted.
"Like you did in the revolution? We can all see the effects of Battousai the manslayer" Aoshi replied with disdain.
Kenshin winced. That was low. "I paid the consequences for my choices, yes, but they were my choices to make, that they were." he replied, eyes narrowing.
"I will not allow her to make such costly choices" Aoshi replied.
"You cannot force your will on her! She is no longer a child Aoshi san. When will you realize that She needs to be given the chance to live her life"
"She is not capable. She cannot stay here. I've been ordered to bring her home." Aoshi replied.
"Not capable? She is a grown woman, Aoshi. Surely you've noticed that?" Kenshin replied.
"She ran away from home and teamed up with your enemy. Tell me how that is a capable decision?" Aoshi replied dead pan.
"She is an adult Aoshi, it's her life"
"I won't let her throw her life away on him, Himura. This talk means nothing. I will bring her home" Aoshi replied.
"So you'll crush her spirit by following orders?" Kenshin demanded.
"You have no idea about what you speak of. We need her….I need her."
Amethyst eyes widened. Aoshi had never been this verbal about Misao. Perhaps…perhaps he had changed. Kenshin absolutely did not want to see Misao dono with Saitou…but if that was what made her happy then he would go along with it. But Saitou had rejected her in the clearest possible way he could. And Aoshi, the man Misao had loved for so long was standing before him professing his need for Misao dono. Aoshi's ki was filled with concern for Misao, despite the darker corners of his soul still lurking in his ki. Could he trust the ex Okashira?
And what else can you do? You are not her guardian, you cannot defy her families wishes. These are your friends…
Kenshin bowed his head. "I will trust your decision, that I will" He said simply.
"I thank you for that trust. Know that there is little I wouldn't do to see Misao's happiness return. She will smile again" Aoshi replied
Thats what I'm afraid of, that I am Kenshin thought darkly, but he kept his thoughts to himself. He'd done what he could for Misao dono. The rest was up to her.
The darkness around her confused her. Where was she? She didn't recognize this place. She shivered feeling cold. Well she could just stand there could she? She tried to peer ahead but all was black. Her eyes caught something in the darkness. The blackness shifted and she could make out the faint tracings of a man. She briefly wished she'd had her kunai on her. What if it was Kanryuu? Amber eyes glowed out from the darkness and she knew him instantly. She saw him standing there smirking at her with his cigarette lit, the smoke drifting into the blackness surrounding them. She couldn't believe it was him. She cried out to him in greeting.
Wait…this was the man who had rejected her
Then she saw the blackness shift behind him. Her eyes widened as she realized who it was. She tried to cry out and warn him but it didn't work. He couldn't seem to hear her…but she was screaming it to him. She cried out again and realized that no sound escaped her scratchty throat. Her voice was locked, frozen. Panic set upon her. She had to warn him. She waved her arms franticly, desperately trying to show him, to tell him, but he couldn't understand her.
Behind him he could see her piercing burnt sienna eyes. She tried to cry out and warn him again, but this time he only laughed at her, waving her off dismissively. She felt the tears spring into her eyes at his callousness. He turned and walked towards those eyes. She felt the shock coursing through her as she understood what those eyes meant. She tried to reach out to him, to run to stop him. If he went that way it would lead to his death. She would take him down with her. Misao couldn't allow that. She bid her body into motion, started to run after him. She was catching up!
And then she hit the ground, for some reason and lost sight of him. She cleared the stars from her eyes. What had caused her to fall? She felt her neck burn and her entire body ached. She felt the wetness of tears on her cheeks and the wind was knocked out of her. She gasped trying to gain her breath. She placed ger hands around her neck wondering why she was feeling this sensation. Her hands connected around something circular and cold. She grasped it….a collar? She felt along the collar and realized there was a loop…she looked down at her feet to see what was trailing from the loop. A chain? She turned to her horror to see Aoshi, pale and fading behind her. He held the end of her chain around her neck. She screamed, but no sound came out. Chains hung from him, and they trailed into the darkness.
Misao peered into the darkness and gasped. Her friends, Shikijo, Hyotokko, and Beshimi held his chains. She cried out to Saitou trying to make him hear her. Perhaps he could save her…perhaps she could convince him to turn back. Nothing. Her voice was gone and so was he. Tears streamed down her face from her frustration. Aoshi called her name. Misao turned in horror. Aoshi was sinking into the darkness, being dragged towards them. She cried out again to Saitou, praying that he would come running through the darkness. Please….please save us! She pleaded to the darkness. She heard Aoshi's cry again and realized she couldn't ignore him anylonger.
He cried out again, legs starting to fade into the darkness with the sinister laughter of her friends. Why were they doing this? They were Oniwabanshuu! She wouldn't let them take him! Misao couldn't just stand there. She had to save him. She darted towards him, trying to grab his hands. Her hands slipped through his, as if he had no substance. She picked up her speed, and struggled after him, trying to get a grip on him. He was being reeled into the darkness. She was sprinting just to try and grab his hand. It slipped through hers for a third time and she stumbled. He was moving too quick for her to catch up.
She jumped towards him, a desperate attempt to save him, but stopped mid air somehow. Everything froze…Aoshi's face was so pale. Every hair was up on the back of her neck and her arms and legs. This chill cold and feeling of terror ran up and down her body, paralyzing her as it numbed her. She never hit the floor. She looked up. She was met face to face with Hannya. He stood in her way between her and Aoshi. He was obviously a ghost. His demon mask glowed translucent blue. Misao cried out to Aoshi. She hit the floor, freed from her paralysis and rolled to her feet. She looked to Hannya who stood unmoving between them.
"Move" She ordered. She was surprised. Her voice was no longer silent, but echoed into the darkness.
The ghost that was Hannya shook his head.
"You dare defy your Okashira?" Misao replied, eyes burning jade in their intensity.
He shook his head again and pointed to Aoshi.
"If you don't move, I will move you. I'm not afraid of you" She told him, fighting her own trembling body.
Hannya simply shook his head and moved into a kenpo stance. His eyes seemed sad behind the mask…something that only someone who'd spent a great deal of time with the man could have caught. Her heart clenched. She didn't want to fight him. Gods she didn't want to fight him, but she couldn't and wouldn't let him take Aoshi. She moved into the counter stance of Hannya's, tears streaming down her face as she prepared herself to fight with her kenpo teacher.
"I beg you Hannya. Please move out of the way! For Aoshi….For me!" She cried. He refused with another sad shake of his head. She pulled out her Kunai.
"I won't let you take him!" She screamed.
Misao woke up, kunai out, tears streaming down her face. She realized she was already sitting up, and she wondered who was making such an awful noise. Oh. She bit off her cry, as the tears streamed down her cheeks. It was her.
Strong arms enveloped her and she struggled against them, crying out. She felt them wrap around her. She panicked, fighting their grip harder, only knowing that she couldn't be trapped. She had to save Him…she had to save Them! The arms held her tightly, refusing to let her go. She realized, shortly, that they weren't hurting her, and she forced herself to calm down and look at the situation around her.
She was in the room again, all the darkness banished beyond this reality. She was safe. She was in Aoshi's arms in the inn. It was just a dream….a terrible horrible dream. But she had seen him…and them…Misao's lip quivered as she felt the tears fall again in streams from her face. She finally glanced up into the eyes of whose arms she was in. Azure met Seafoam green warmly. Misao stared, awed by the intensity of his eyes. Hypnotized and trapped in Azure. His eyes might have been jewels in that moment glowing from their own inner intensity and the fading light from outside. He tucked a strand of her bangs behind her ear, and stroked her hair. He offered her a small smile. Misao trembled and began to sob, throwing herself into his shoulder as she shook.
"What has you so startled, my Misao mine?" He asked kissing her hair, and stroking her still.
"N-iigh-mur" She murmured into his shirt. Her trembling began to lessen considerably as he continued to stroke her.
"It was terrible! I couldn't save you" Misao murmured, eyes red from her tears.
"A-and I saw Hannya and Beshimi and Hytokko and Shikijo…and they were trying to take you down with them. And I saw Saitou. He was running towards Tokio's grave…he wouldn't hear me…"She shivered. Aoshi's grip on her tightened, and he placed a soft kiss in her hair.
"And Hannya wouldn't let me have you…"She whimpered "He stood between me and saving you…I had to fight him" She choked, and Aoshi gently patted her back to keep her from choking, rubbing slow small circles there.
"It was so real…" She trembled, trying to stifle her sobs.
"I'll always protect you." He blurted, holding her away from him so he could look her in the eye. His cheeks flushed as his eyes met hers. Misao froze, caught in his gaze like a deer in the headlights.
"I won't let anything happen to you" He told her intensely, stroking her cheek, wiping her tears away with his thumb. "I would never let anything happen to you. You're alright Misao mine"
Misao's trembling increased. He brought her back into his arms.
"Would you like some tea?" He offered.
She shook her head wildly into his shirt, retreating back into the warmth of his embrace. Aoshi smiled softly as he stroked her hair and wrapped his arms around her again.
"Is there anything I can get you?" Azure looked deep into seafoam green. He brushed the teara from her face with his thumb again. Misao's cheeks flushed bright red as he stared at her. She sniffled. Why was he staring at her? She couldn't look away from his eyes, the gray green in the center and the blue on the outside hypnotized her. He leaned closer. She blinked, but it couldn't get her out of this…this haze that she was trapped in. She lost the breath hitched in her throat. He was going to kiss her. She couldn't move, paralyzed by those eyes and wrestling with herself. Oh gods…she was paralyzed again just like her dream. But Aoshi sama loved her….was comforting her, banishing away her darkness. But…But Saitou? She wasn't sure of what she wanted. Did she really want him? Saitou had thrown her away. Aoshi was practically professing his love to her now. But it's too late! Her mind protested. She could feel his breath fan her face as he pressed closer. She didn't want this, she didn't want THIS! SAITOU! .her mind screamed as his lips brushed hers.
A knock at the door interrupted them. Aoshi broke the chaste kiss as quickly as it had started and rose to answer the shouji door. Misao quickly turned her head and face from him. Her fingers traced her lips, eyes widening as she trembled. Had….had he kissed her? She touched her lips and felt the tears coming again. His lips had been cool, nothing like those of the wolf whose touch she longed for instantly. Her eyes brimmed with tears again.
Misao fell back into her futon bringing the covers around her and trying to stop her shaking. Her tears fell to the futon.
"Misao, you have a visitor" Aoshi told her.
Misao closed her eyes. Maybe if she pretended not to hear him he'd go away.
"Misao?" Aoshi replied. Misao sneaked a glance. It was Kaoru. Oh gods…could she face her right now? She sighed. She'd have to sooner or later. She took a few deep breaths quelling the tears she had, rubbing her eyes. She quickly ran to the wash basin with the blanket around her. She wet her face, scrubbing and rinsing. She grabbed the blanket and wrapped it around her shoulders, and went to the door.
Kaoru stood resplendent in a black kimono with bright blues and reds. She wore a gold obi and her hair was in it's usual ponytail.
"Misao chan!" Kaoru greeted with a smile. "It's a beautiful evening. Come walk with me" She offered, eyes bright.
Aoshi glanced at Misao, wondering if he should interfere. She shouldn't be outside with her condition. She'd probably be ill for the train tomorrow. Then again, if the Kamiya girl could cheer her up then he would be eternally grateful. He decided to place his bets on the girl.
"Why don't you go and enjoy the evening Misao." He handed Kaoru some money, in fact a great deal of money, all that he had on him at the moment. He mouthed to Kaoru that she should buy something pretty. Kaoru nodded and smiled.
She nodded her thanks to Aoshi and grabbed Misao's hand, practically pulling her outside.
"Ahhcckk!" Misao cried, as Kaoru set out at a furious pace. Leave it to Kaoru to force her out of her stupor.
"Misao chan, we need to talk. I hear you're leaving tomorrow...already. You've only just started recovering from your wounds...and umm..." Kaoru didn't finish the sentence, looking into Misao's eyes. Misao's cheeks burned as she thought of the unmentioned wolf. Did everyone know about that? How much further would she be humiliated? Kaoru put her fingers underneath the shorter girls chin.
"Misao chan, there's no need to be ashamed. Saitou...he's...-"
"It hurts Kaoru" Misao whispered, interrupting as she felt the tears again. Damn it…Damn him…I'm weak she thought sullenly as Kaoru's arms enclosed around her.
"Oh Misao!" Kaoru cried enveloping her into her arms. Misao sobbed into her best friends shoulder, muffling the sounds, trying to deny her heart's breaking.
this is foolish she thought idly
Kaoru stroked her hair, allowing her friend some time to cry. She held her close, hating that she was going through so much grief over Saitou…Kaoru's eyes burned as she thought of the wolf. She had no idea how the wolf and Misao had ever gotten mixed up with each other, but he would pay for it. Misao choked and Kaoru focused her attention on her best friend.
"It'll be alright Misao...Aoshi will take good care of you" She said.
That dried Misao's tears instantly. She realized how childish she was being and whipped her eyes. She was an adult. Tears were alright, but she needed to be strong. She thought of everything she'd come through up till this point. She thought of Aoshi. Her cheeks still burned remembering their kiss...but...but...
"Misao...do you really have to go?" Kaoru pouted.
"I can't stay here Kaoru." Misao replied resolute. "I know you and Kenshin can't afford another mouth to feed. I won't be a nuisance to you and Kenshin" particularly when you're having a baby Misao thought.
She shrugged off the thought and continued. "I don't know if I can call it home anymore Kaoru...Jiya...well...when I left to go to fight for the Oniwabanshuu, he told me I was never allowed to return for disobeying him" Misao's stomach sank and the pit gnawed at her.
"You'll be fine Misao. I just know it." Kaoru said eyes gleaming, lending her friend strength. Misao's smile tugged at the corners of her mouth but it didn't hold.
Kaoru frowned, and then beamed as it occured to her.
"Hey! I know! Lets go buy you a kimono! Aoshi gave us enough money and if we leave now there will still be enough time to get enough. And if you have to return home you might as well do it in style right?" Kaoru said with a sly grin.
This forced the smile to stay. Wearing fine clothing, no matter how impractical, could do wonders for Misao's bruised pride. And the look Aoshi would give her in it would go a long way to mend the hurt she'd received from Saitou. And she could show Jiya she had grown up in both body and spirit. It was the perfect solution. Or at least, would give her the boost of confidence she would need to accept her fallen state.
"I would love that!" Misao said with a giggle, which started Kaoru into giggles which caused both girls to erupt into melodious laughter. Misao's smile was genuine now. It felt so good to laugh after all of that crying.
Kaoru took off, dragging a happy, but still reluctant Misao with her.
Aoshi sighed as he rose early in the morning. He had received the note that Misao had decided to stay at the Kamiya dojo for the evening. Her things were still there so she wouldn't have left anything to pack. Aoshi double and triple checked to make sure she wasn't forgetting anything in the little room. Today was the morning they were leaving and Aoshi was filled with anxiety. There was so much that could go right today, and so much that could go horribly wrong. His powerlessness and lack of control of the situation irritated as it filled him with dread. Would the wolf show up today? Would he try to stop them? Would she refuse to get on the train? Aoshi's delicate sensibilities could only take so much. If she left him, if she refused him he didn't know what would happen or what he would do, and therein lay the danger.
Aoshi closed his eyes and reached for his own sense of comfort. He took hold of the handles of his kodachi, enjoying the feel of them in his grasp, the well used handles against his calloused hands. If the wolf showed up he would have to fight him for Misao. He wouldn't give her up so easily. He wouldn't allow her to be taken. Misao was returning home with him, to her family, where she rightfully belonged. Neither Himura, nor the wolf, nor Misao would stop him from fulfilling this mission.
Aoshi slid on his black gi, folding one side across the other, binding his gi closed with his belt. He strapped his kodachi to his back, missing the feel of his trench coat. It was probably for the best though. He put on his arm gauntlets, and stuck the various weaponry in their usual places. He slung his pack over his shoulder and headed for the door. He slipped into black boots, ran a gloved hand through his hair, and took a deep breath, taking a last careful look over the room. He had shared his second, but in all actuality, first kiss with Misao here. The one that counted, anyways. He would treasure the memory and the place.
He was ready to go. He closed the shouji door and stepped out into the sunshine. He took slow deliberate paces as he took off, making his way slowly down the dirt road. He set out for the train station where he would be meeting Misao and the Kenshin gumi. If his gait was high strung it could be attributed to his injuries, which still throbbed and pulled despite the Kitsune's skill.
Aoshi took a look around the world around him. It was a beautiful day. Soft clouds rolled in colliding with blue sky. The trees whispered softly in the slight, but pleasant breeze that drafted by. These kind of days were rare. He drank in the colors smiling as the sky reminded him of the blue in Misao's eyes. Before long, Aoshi found himself at the train station, distracted by the green and blue of the environment around him. It was times like these that he longed for the temple and his incense and the peace and tranquility that came along with that. Instead his mind wandered to jade green eyes and soft coral lips pressed against his. His eyes closed as he remembered the feel of her, the smell of her near him. She smelt like the rain and the outdoors, an intoxicating smell to him. She was soft and warm in his arms, like she had been made for them. He heard the Kenshin gumi before he saw them, but paid it no heed. The sunshine on his face was warm and welcoming. They would be returning to Kyoto soon.
Kaoru stood resplendent in one of her typical kimonos. Kenshin walked steadily beside her and Yahiko to the left of him. Zanza, the gambling, street brawler walked to the other side of Kamiya, and the fox and the two girls were behind them.
"Ohayou Aoshi san." Kenshin greeted, smile warming.
Aoshi simply nodded. "Where is Misao?" He asked.
Kaoru smiled, and stood aside. Behind Megumi and the two girls, Ayame and Suzume, an angel walked. She held a white umbrella that contrasted between the deep purple and blue and white Yukata she wore, scattered with cherry blossums. Her obi was silver and gleamed in the sunlight. She made her way to him with very delicate steps, walking on air itself. Aoshi couldn't remember ever being so spell bound in his life. He watched her and her graceful steps, drinking in every twitch of he hips, every lithe step of her slender body. That kimono was made for her he thought briefly. He couldn't take his eyes off of her. His eyes looked her up and down again, as he swallowed convulsively.
She wore white tabi and red zori, but it was her face that held him, and kept him enraptured. Her jade eyes were red rimmed, emphasizing their beauty and depth. They may as well been emeralds set by a jeweler, for their magnificence shown with the gleam of the finest gems. Her cheeks were doused with a tiny hint of pink, standing out in comparison with her creamy features and giving her a healthy blush. Her lips carried just a bit of rouge, and drew attention to her heart shaped face. Her hair cascaded down her back in waves, free from the constricting braid that she always wore. Her hair framed her lovely face with the crimson wavy tresses that shinned in the light. She was radiant, divine, standing in contrast…no challenging nature itself, in the background.
"Ohayou" Misao said softly as she bridged the gap between them.
"You…" He paused, utterly paralyzed by her beauty and then coughed and continued. "You look lovely" he said simply, unable to meet her eyes as he felt a soft blush skitter across his cheeks. He, the cold okashira, the one known for his cool demeanor, stunned by the loveliness of a girl a little less than a child. He coughed again. His eyes drifted to Kenshin's challenging him to say something about his comment. Kenshin seemed too busy preoccupied with the Kamiya girl to comment on his predicament.
Aoshi offered Misao his arm, which she accepted simply. Aoshi reveled in this the change he felt in Misao and the feel of her warm arm against his. Her ki was calm, and serene. Her eyes spoke of a maturity and a depth he had never seen in them which surprised him. How had she grown so quickly and swiftly into a woman and he had failed to see it? He stole a glance at her as they walked.
Kenshin smiled warmly, holding his wife as he watched them. Perhaps…just perhaps they had a chance….
"Himura, there are no words for my thanks" Aoshi told the shorter red headed rurouni.
"No thanks are required Aoshi san, simply that you remember that which is most important to you" Kenshin replied glancing meaningfully at Misao, as he held Kaoru close to him.
Azure eyes narrowed, and a flashing look of anger and pride slid across the cold okashira's features. Hi ki revealed more than the Okashira could ever know and it startled the rurouni. Kenshin blinked and the expression was gone as if it never existed. Kenshin blinked again, just to make sure he had actually seen what he had and felt that treacherous ki. Kenshin's stomach dropped as he felt suddenly unsure about the entire situation as he looked upon Aoshi who was glancing at Misao. He had a sinking feeling about this…
Aoshi released his grip on her arm as Kaoru tackled into her. Her tears spilled freely on Misao's new kimono.
Misao wrapped her arms around her friend with a knowing smile.
"There, there, Kaoru san. I'll come and visit" She whispered soothingly.
Aqua marine orbs shot up. "Promise?" She said.
"Aah" She replied green eyes bright with her own tears. She beamed at her friend.
"Alright then" She said gripping her friends hands in hers one last time. Then those sharp aqua marine eyes shot towards Aoshi. Misao was even startled by the change.
"You had better take damn good care of her, Aoshi san!" Kaoru snarled. "Or I will personally bokken you to the-" Kenshin's arms were around her, whirling her towards him and silencing her protest with a kiss. She muffled her protest but soon wrapped her arms around him. Misao blushed at their intimacy, but Sano and Yahiko came forward in front of them.
"Aoshi" Sano said, offering his broken hand. Aoshi shook it with a small smirk.
"Well have to get into fights more often" Sano said with a wink.
"There's very few I could say I'd want by my side more, Zanza" Aoshi told him meaningfully.
"Wea-I mean Misao. You look nice. Keep her out of trouble Shinomori!" Sano called, waving as he walked away.
"Where are you going?" Misao called after him.
"I hear a pair of dice calling my name" Sano replied.
"Baka Rooster!" Misao called ater him with a smile.
"Baka Itachi" Sano murmured, with a grin as he chewed on his fishbone and disappeared down the hill.
Yahiko ignored the icicle and spoke directly to Misao.
"I can't believe you're leaving us with a pregnant buso, buso itachi."
Misao snarled, promptly used her umbrella to whap the little brat to the floor.
"Don't call me WEASEL GIRL, BRAT!" Misao cried.
"Itai!" Yahiko cried. Kenshin stepped forth to retrieve Yahiko as Aoshi pulled on Misao's arm, motioning to her that the train was boarding.
"Until we meat again Himura' Aoshi said waving.
"Good bye!" Kaoru cried as the two stepped towards the train.
Kenshin watched, heart heavy as he feared the worst for Misao. Aoshi's ki had been filled with pride…and laced with treachery and deceit. While his talk with the taller man had laid aside some of his doubts, he still couldn't help but worry. His amethyst eyes narrowed as he scanned for his ki. Saitou surely had to be here somewhere. Kenshin sighed. The wolf was nowhere within the area. Why was there deceit in Aoshi's ki? Did Misao know? Kenshin bowed his head contemplating. Did the wolf know what he was doing? He was willingly letting Misao go. Shock at the thought, brought Kenshin's head up. And now Kenshin knew why. His amethyst eyes narrowed.
"Anata?" Kaoru questioned, aquamarine orbs widened in concern.
"Nandemonai Koishii, I just forgot to get the tofu, that I did" Kenshin replied, bringing his wife close. He kissed her passionately, placing his hands lovingly on her abdomen. He would go talk to Saitou. He would get the truth.
Misao said nothing as she walked along the deck of the train dock.
Aoshi handed the train conductor their tickets, but was startled as a pull on his arm stopped him from entering. He glanced at Misao, eyes darkening in worry. He couldn't see her eyes beneath her hair. She looked at the floor eyes fixated on something…or perhaps someone else. Her lips trembled and her free hand clenched as she was frozen in place. Aoshi's jaw clenched and the fist that wasn't connected to her arm balled into a fist. Only one thought consumed him. She had to get on this train. He had to get her on this train. He couldn't let her throw herself away on him…He took a deep breath.
"Misao mine?" He whispered in her ear, removing his arm to interweave his fingers with hers. He gave her hand a small squeeze, as he waited for her reply.
Suddenly she snapped out of her dark visage and looked up at him with clear green blue eyes.
"Aoshi…" She said looking up at him, voice soft and fragile. She cleared her voice. Her face seemed timeless and serene as she lifted her chin up, demanding his attention as her eyes caught the light of the sun and became even brighter if possible. She was timeless in that moment, more radiant than any other woman he had ever met.
"I want you to know this" She said, voice strong as she declared to him. "I'm getting on this train, not because you want me to, or that he told me to, or even that I feel that I'm being forced to." She said. His azure eyes widened in shock.
"I'm here because I choose to be here" She told him, eyes hard as they looked deeply into his own.
"And I would ask that you not forget that" Misao said simply.
Seafoam green meet his own azure. Aoshi nodded and brought her hand up to his mouth and kissed it, eyes glowing with love for her. She nodded, and he took her arm again leading her into the train.
She felt numb as he led her down the aisle ways to their seat. He allowed her to sit first and she made her way to the window. Kaoru stood in Kenshin's arms waving frantically. Yahiko merely glared. Megumi waved as well as the two girls who giggled. Misao smiled, but the smile soon sunk. He hadn't even come to say goodbye, or showed up to acknowledge her presence. Had she meant so little to him? She bristled at the thought. She honestly couldn't expect him to. After all he had told her she was tantamount to nothing and had ruined his entire operation. Her heart clenched. Was it truly over between her and the wolf? Melancholy thoughts caused a shadow to fall over her eyes and her forehead to wrinkle. Then she was knocked out of those thoughts by the train jerking forward, beginning to take off. She looked back to Kaoru who was running, as well as Kenshin and Yahiko, Ayame and Suzume chan waving rapidly at her, while the kitsune waved from her spot.
"We love you Misao!" Kaoru cried.
Misao felt her cheeks grow wet and she stood up crying out to them "I love you too! I'll miss you all!" She stumbled, but Aoshi had her in his arms, stabilizing her as she waved and he too bid farewell to them. She flushed. She cast her vision back to her friends, waving frantically. They quickly vanished from their vision and Misao realized she was being silly. She stumbled again trying to return to her seat, But Aoshi still hadn't let go of her. She blushed as she realized his proximity. He helped her back to her seat and she gazed out at the beautiful scenery. A knot pulled at her stomach. She was going home….but was home really her home anymore?
Kenshin walked with purpose towards the police office. He held in his hands the precious cargo of tofu that he had promised he would get for dinner. His eyes narrowed as he felt the cold shock run through him. He knew Saitou had sensed his ki and likewise Kenshin could sense his. The ki told him nothing of what Saitou was feeling, even with his skill in the Hiten Mitsurugi. That only made the ex shinsengumi stand out all the more because he had something to hide from Kenshin. He continued walking, scuffing his sandals across the dirt as he opened the door to the police office. He made his way to Saitou's office. He closed his eyes knowing that he needed to be serene as he approached the situation. He took a deep calming breath as he thought of Kaoru. Her turquoise eyes, her long silky black hair. Her beautiful smile, filled with hope and love for him. He felt the smile tug at the corners of his lips and his soul felt better. He turned the knob.
Saitou hadn't moved from his place. Typical. If the ex Shinsengumi couldn't even expend the energy to show up at the train station for Misao, why should he bother to exert effort if his old nemesis appeared? Kenshin scowled as he let his full glare fall upon the 3rd ex shinsengumi captain.
Saitou sat mulling through paperwork. He paid Kenshin no notice as he continued to pen things in the files.
"Battousai" Saitou said without even looking up.
"Saitou san" Kenshin said frowning as he watched the wolf ignore him. The ruroni sighed and waited patiently. If he brought anything up first he knew that the wolf would only reply with hostility and sarcasm. Moments passed and rurouni still stood waiting on the wolf. His paperwork pile had diminished significantly.
"Are you going to stand there, or start talking Battousai?" Saitou snapped, once again not even looking up at him.
Kenshin frowned again. The wolf was defensive and hostile. He knows why I'm here Kenshin thought. Which is why he's avoiding me, and making an extra effort to be contentious. Does he even realize what he's doing? Kenshin mused.
"I do not have much time for the wasting Battousai. Speak your peace or get out" Saitou told him.
"Aoshi and the others were at the train station today" Kenshin told him simply.
"Is that all you're wasting my time for?" Saitou replied, setting another stack of paper into the folder and closing it. Kenshin's brow furrowed as he looked at his rival and old enemy. He was trying to being calloused about it, but his temper was revealing more than the wolf knew. Or did he know?
"I suppose you know that the train has already taken off?" Kenshin said stiffly. He let his glare fall upon the sitting form of the Mibu Wolf.
"And what concern is it of mine, Battousai, that a train has departed?" Saitou replied with sigh, looking up at his rival. Amber met Amethyst and crashed. Both sets of eyes narrowed as each saw what was within the other and guarded against that. Both flared with fire. Saitou's eyes gleamed golden as he looked upon the short ruroni. How dare Battousai to presume to meddle in his affairs!
Kenshin's purple eyes narrowed, and hardened. "You know very well of why it concerns you, that you do"
"I'm afraid you'll have to enlighten me on your rurouni perplexity Battousai. I simply don't know what you are talking about" Saitou replied, returning to his penmanship.
Kenshin clenched his fists looking down. Could he continue? Should he? Saitou was obviously wanting him gone from here….but he owed it to Misao san to try….and after what he had felt roaming off Aoshi, he knew that he couldn't leave Misao to the cold Okashira. Why she loved so an inconsiderate proud wretch of a man he would never understand, but to help one of his friends Kenshin would not let Saitou's attitude put him off.
"Misao left today with Aoshi san as well." Kenshin replied, dark cloudy amethyst eyes said with a hint of impatience.
"Good. She was second rate officer and will fare better as a doting housewife than an officer" Saitou said with feeling.
"She loves you!" Kenshin exclaimed, anger rising as his fists clenched again. The wolf was getting his little digs in. Kenshin had forgotten how well Saitou could get beneath his skin. Saitou was deliberately mocking Misao dono and while he wouldn't stand for it, he also sacrificed his temper in his defense of Misao.
"And what, pray tell, is that supposed to mean to me?" Saitou replied with a smirk.
Kenshin's eyes hardened. His fingers itchingly longed to touch his blade. He was deliberately insulting Misao, and her feelings for the cold wolf. The look was not missed by Saitou. Taking a deep calming breath he once again thought of his goddess wife. Remnants of her soothed his anger and he continued.
"She loves you Saitou san. You need not pretend." Kenshin said simply.
"She loved her pride and that Twit of an Icicle more, Battousai. Can you call that love?" Saitou said, eyes narrowed in hate.
"She didn't want to go with him! She wanted to stay with you, that she did!" Kenshin shouted.
"How fickled a woman's heart becomes ne Battousai?" Saitou smirked.
Then his eyes flared brightly "Her depth of feeling is more than a leech like you are capable of Saitou. She loved you and You tore her to pieces as Mibu Wolves do with everything!"
Saitou stood at this point, eyes narrowed. He felt the Ruroni's ki rise. Was the Rurouni going to return to being Battousai over the little weasel girl? This intrigued Saitou as he decided to enter into the conversation fully.
"Did you ever care for her Saitou? Or did you simply deceive her, use her and throw her away like you do with everything else" Kenshin said, tone dangerously low as he threw insult at the wolf. His eyes gleamed darkly with a fire in them…a yellow fire.
Saitou's eyes narrowed and he too clenched his fists. Battousai was getting him riled. But he would not be baited so easily. "Be careful, Battousai. Your words are a tad too sharp to throw around so simply" Saitou warned, amber flashing gold as his hand strayed near his sword.
"My life is of little consequence Saitou. I've paid my penance for the lives I've taken, and it's a debt I continue to pay as I protect the weak, that I do. What are you doing with your life?" Kenshin retorted, glaring balefully at the ex shinsengumi captain.
"You are the last person to compare lives with. You abandoned your lifestyle because you were ashamed of it. I have never been ashamed of who I am."
"You enjoy killing people, Saitou, that's sick"
"I enjoy ripping out the very heart and roots of evil." Saitou replied evenly.
"All wolves are blood thirsty, Saitou. The very smell of a kill makes them go wild."
"That is the way of nature, Battousai, to prey upon the weak, and evil things. If we didn't have wolves we would have innumerable sicknesses spread across Japan from the livestock that were bad. Can you fault a wolf for doing, as nature intends it to do?"
"I can fault a wolf for maiming a lamb" Kenshin snarled.
"If you continue to insult me, you'll go too far, if you aren't cautious. If you'd like to finish what we started in Kyoto, Battousai, I will more than happily oblige you and put an end to your blithe tongue and the rest of the body it's attached to." Saitou snarled as his hand met his sword.
"You sit here in an office, that you do, and claim to protect the weak and innocent and to slay evil. How does your honor and your philosophy fit with tearing Misao to pieces?" Kenshin asked. His eyes flaked gold in the setting sun.
"I said it before. You are the last person to question my honor Battousai. You presume to speak of a situation you know nothing about. I will not be so easily baited by your words. I keep my own council and my own will" Saitou snarled.
Kenshin shook his head. What was he doing? Battousai would not escape so easily. Kenshin slit his hand on his sword. Flaked gold returned to bright amethyst and he set the tofu down to bind the wound with scraps of cloth he had for mending his haori.
"You're afraid of who you are Battousai. I have no shame in who I am and what I do, and I have nothing to hide from the likes of you" Saitou said simply.
"Why couldn't you love her Saitou? Did you know that Aoshi plans to marry her when they return to Kyoto? He has but to ask Okina's blessing and she will be lost forever" Kenshin replied.
"And what is it to you, that prompts you to be so obliging and nosy about the little weasel and my own personal affairs?" Saitou asked, golden eyes narrowing.
"I would do anything to see any of my friend's happiness fulfilled, Saitou. Even concerning one as lowly as you. Misao loves you, that she does. It's clear as day on her face, and in the presence of Aoshi. She no longer desires him. And so if her heart is set on you, then I have the obligation to tell you."
"And what makes you think I don't know of her love and choose the path I walk?" Saitou replied, challenging him with his glare.
Kenshin's eyes widened. "Why? Why would you do such a thing? If you don't love her perhaps you spared her future pain, but that doesn't appear to be the case, Saitou!"
The actions of the Mibu Wolf were obvious. He was settling for less, and hurting Misao by trying to deny his own feelings. These were not the days of the revolution. Couldn't Saitou see that he could love again and allow himself to be loved in this era? And then Kenshin knew that something had passed between him and Aoshi in regards to Misao. Aoshi and Saitou's ki each spoke of bargain, betrayal, and guilt.
Saitou's eyebrow twitched, as he clamped down on his emotions and ki.
Kenshin didn't miss that movement. "You love her!" He exclaimed, startled by this new information. "Why are you doing this to her and yourself? She wants you, Saitou! Love her!" Kenshin demanded. Tell me Kenshin pleaded silently, praying that for once the wolf would open up, would let go of the past and trust him. Tell me what passed between you and Aoshi to deny yourself and to hurt Misao so…
"I've made enough room for your glibness, Battousai. Stray your wandering tongue and you might live to walk out that door" Saitou replied, drawing his sword. Kenshin bowed his head. It was useless.
"I see that I am speaking foolishness to one such as high and mighty as yourself, that I am." Kenshin said scathingly.
"Your little jabs are an annoyance. Finish what you start Battousai or I will for you" Saitou said bending as he flipped his sword.
"You can't get beyond the revolution to see the beauty of the Meiji. You no longer have to live as a wolf, seeking justice and sealing your soul away. I don't know what happened between you and Aoshi, but if you leave her to his grasps, she will die. Not on the outside, but on the inside, that she will. Love, Saitou! Love her and save her from him!" Kenshin said fervently. "Or live the life of a lone wolf and destroy her" He said picking up his tofu.
Saitou's eyes narrowed as he took a step forward, guarded in the final portion of the Gatotsu. Kenshin simply turned his back on Saitou.
Saitou blinked in astonishment as the rurouni simply walked out of the office. Bastard! Saitou felt the fury overwhelm him. How DARE he meddle in Saitou's affairs. He had not only verbally insulted Saitou, but physically by walking out and showing his back to him, had he informed Saitou of his insult. How the Hell had Battousai known what happened between him and Aoshi?
Destroy her…Battousai's words echoed in his mind.
Saitou snarled with a cry of fury as he launched his sword into the wall. He scattered the paperwork on his desk. He took the ashtray and threw it against the wall, furious. His anger burned and he knocked over the filing cabinet. He was being childish now. He slammed his fist into the desk, cracking it further from where the ahou had first hit it. His hand bleed freely but Saitou ignored the pain. He couldn't win. If he went to her he would only cause her more grief from his own mangled heart. But if Battousai was serious, Then he must have sensed something, or seen something in the icicle. Could he really leave her to his grasps? He didn't deserve her, he couldn't do this…it was too late. He paced the floor in his office, fighting his hitched breath, trying to walk off the rage he felt. It was a pity that he wasn't in the times of the revolution, for he desperately needed something to slay.