Author’s Notes: Damn, I think this cold ass weather is getting to me. I need some sunshine...or Coke. ::Cries:: Two days with out Coke....all because my mom complained I was only drinking it. Evil woman!!!! She’s like a deranged Atkins! ::sobs:: Anyway, yes. ********************************* Chapter IV: Answers in the Darkness Curled up on her side, Misao’s eyes were half closed. The sunlight streamed in through the windows of Aoshi’s apartment, which was currently occupied by Misao. “Aoshi-sama.....” One month. He had disappeared one month ago, with no word or explanation. Not even Hiko had any clue, or just wasn’t saying anything. She didn’t know what was going on until.... Until............... “Hey! Makimachi!!!” Misao turned around in the door way of the Aoiya, her gaze meeting Sanosuke’s and Kenshin’s. “Sagara! Himura!!! What are ya doing in Kyoto?!” she asked excitedly as they walked towards her. “Business, Misao-dono. How’s work going?” Kenshin asked. “Great.” she said with a grin. She invited them inside where they talked more. “I see, so you’ve been sent up here to help with Shishio, eh? He’s got the 14th pretty wound up and that Smokestack Saitoh’s going all out on this one I heard.” Misao murmured as they sat over lunch. “Che, that bastard can choke.” Sanosuke scoffed. Misao blinked. “I see you’ve met the infamous Mibu wolf.” “Ah, he’s an old...acquaintance de gozaru.” Kenshin murmured, sipping his tea. “I see. I’m sorry for you. Anyway, I’ve been pretty busy over at the 27th. My partner is...well...a little distant. Ah well, it’s not like I expected Aoshi-sama to become a regular ball of sunshine.” she rambled, missing the look between Sano and Kenshin. “Give it time.” Kenshin said. “I would, except I haven’t seen him in like three weeks. He disappeared. Maybe he’s investigating. No one’s telling me anything.” she lamented. Before working in Osaka, she had become friends with Kenshin and the others in Tokyo, having met them at the Akabeko. “Anyways, forget that stuff. It’s been so long guys! How’s everyone back in Tokyo?” “Kaoru-dono and Megumi-dono are doing well. Yahiko’s on break from the academy.” “Eh? So the brat’s going through with it?” Misao asked, grinning playfully. “Aa.” Kenshin replied. “Then it’s official, there’s no hope for the future generation of police.” a deep voice drawled from behind a cloud of smoke. “YOU!” Misao and Sanosuke exclaimed, gritting their teeth. “Battousai, I don’t have time for you to be playing catch up here with Weasel girl. Things have come up.” “Eh?” Kenshin asked, surprised. “Yes, it appears Shishio’s attempting to make an alliance with one of Kyoto’s finest.” he said, putting out his cigarette. “What?! What kind of police officer would help that Band-Aid junkie!” Misao asked, slamming her palms against the table. Saitoh arched an eyebrow. “Your missing in action partner actually. Apparently he got wind Himura Battousai was in town and went AWOL. I guess he still holds a grudge.” Misao’s eyes widened. It was a lie...Aoshi-sama would never....he wouldn’t. She turned faced Kenshin, her face serious. “Himura, I want you to tell me EVERYTHING.” And he did. About how they were after Takeda Kanryuu to help save Megumi, how they stumbled onto an undercover operation Aoshi and the others had been working on, about how the four Oniwabanshuu detectives had died, and how Aoshi had... Had vowed to defeat Kenshin and become the strongest. As unbelievable as it was, Misao had realized how everything made sense. ******* “Makimachi-san....are you in there?” Misao sat up from her curled position on Aoshi’s couch as she heard Hatsumi outside the door. She got up and opened the door. “Makimachi-san, any news?” Hatsumi asked. Misao frowned and shook her head. She grabbed her coat and exited the apartment, locking the door behind her. After Aoshi had been missing for a couple days, Misao had waited outside his apartment all night and with Hatsumi’s help had managed to get the spare key. “Narita-san, thank you for your help. I’m sure it wasn’t easy for you to get me a spare key.” Misao said apologetically. Hatsumi smiled and shook her head. “No, it’s okay. I told Ryoki that you’d ask him with your kunai if he didn’t help. Well, maybe it was a lie...” “Nope, I would have.” Misao said, forcing a smile. “Makimachi-san, don’t give up. I’m sure you’ll reach him somehow.” Hatsumi said suddenly. Misao glanced at the young girl and smiled. “Narita-san, thank you. I won’t give up!” Misao said bowing slightly as she left. Hatsumi sighed in relief. “What encouraging words.” Hatsumi turned, her face reddening as she glanced up to Ryoki who now stood behind her. “R..Ryoki!” He looked down into her face, then closed his eyes and looked away. “Feh, anyways, I hope you didn’t forget why I’m helping you.” he murmured, as he placed his hands on her shoulder and leaned closer to her. She shook her head. “I didn’t.” she murmured. ******* As rain began falling, Misao walked on towards her apartment, hugging her black leather jacket closer to her body as she shivered. Her world was spinning, everything had changed so quickly.... Had she even been able to really deal with the impact of everything? As if that blow hadn’t been enough...the most damaging thing..... When she had seen how far gone Aoshi was. When he nearly killed Okina. After learning of the truth, she discovered that Okina had gone off to meet Aoshi in the woods. Just as she had arrived, the fight was over. Aoshi had one, leaving Okina severely injured. “Aoshi-sama...why?!” she had whispered shocked, slamming her fists on his back as he brushed her off. “Get lost, Misao. I never want to see your face again.” he had murmured so icily it froze and shattered her heart. “Tell the Battousai I’ll be waiting at Shishio’s place.” And with that he walked off. Into chaos and darkness. Later at the hospital, Misao had made her decision. And annouced it to Okon, Omasu, Shiro, and Kuro. “As of today in place of Aoshi-sama I am now Okashira! Our priority now is cooperating with the 14th on the arrest and capture of Shishio Makoto and his Jupponagatana per orders of Commissioner Hiko!” “M..Misao-chan?!” “Okashira!” Misao barked in reply. She had declared herself Okashira, knowing none of the four would themselves. There was no way she was going to let the Oniwabanshuu fall apart. Despite her absence in Kyoto, despite her rookie status, the Oniwabanshuu was in her blood. She sneezed, wiping the rain out of her eyes as she opened the door to her apartment, shrugging her coat off. ***** Kaoru watched the rain fall from the balcony on the Aoiya. She looked below at the figure standing under an umbrella outside the door. “Yahiko, come inside before you catch a cold.” she scolded. “Fine.” he yelled back. Kaoru sighed. “Kenshin....please be careful....” She and Yahiko had headed to Kyoto, because...she wanted to see Kenshin again. They had finally found him at Hiko’s place, where Hiko was as usual, being condescending. And she did see him. But they did not talk. Just a ‘Kaoru-dono’ and he was off with Hiko to plan. She looked over at the apartment complex near the Aoiya. “Poor Misao-chan...” she murmured, frowning. Kaoru and Yahiko had discovered Misao had learned of what happened with Aoshi in Tokyo. Despite her problems, Misao still encouraged Kaoru and tried to cheer her up. She really did have a strong character. “Kaoru-san, Himura-san’s back.” Okon announced. “Really? Okay!” Kaoru said, heading inside. ***** Misao toweled off her wet hair after taking a shower and changing into pajama pants and a tank top. Sitting in front of the TV she flicked through the channels and stopped on an anime. “Oh? ‘Gravitation’.” she murmured, noting it was the episode with Ryuuchi in a bunny costume. Sakuma Ryuuchi was one of her most favorite characters, and once vowed during rough times to remember to be genki. “What would Ryuu-chan do..” she murmured, a mantra she had used a couple times in tense situations. Probably ask Kamagoro for advice, his little pink bunny doll. She yawned, feeling like she hadn’t slept in years. With Shishio’s group trying to start arson fires to distract the police, Misao had taken charge, ordering the Oniwabanshuu to thwart the plan. It had succeeded, despite that Misao had nearly been attacked by one of the Jupongatana, the blind one Usui. Luckily another Jupongatana named Anji saved her for some strange reason. She had..not taken getting snuck up on lightly and had thrown a fit. And now...she had a theory the Jupongatana might retaliate. “Great....this may the only time I ever root for that asshole wolf.” she muttered, turning her attention to the TV. Her phone then ringed, and she picked it up. “Hello? Rooster! What’s up? Eh?! You guys are....I see. Yes...I’ll look after Kaoru-san. Tomorrow? Right. I’ll see you guys at the Aoiya. Good night.” she murmured, hanging up the phone. Sanosuke called, telling her he and Kenshin would be heading for Shishio’s tomorrow. She traced the antenna over her lips, frowning. So it would mean...it would mean... “Aoshi-sama...” ****** Aoshi sat polishing his kodachi in the dark silence of the library, his features darkened. “Battousai...I will be the strongest...so I can finally put flowers on those graves.” ‘Aoshi-sama.....’ He closed his eyes, slamming his kodachi down onto the table. “Leave me alone, Misao!” he yelled at her voice in his mind. Her face...would he ever forget it? “Oh? Who’s Misao?” a female voice asked. Aoshi looked up to see Shishio’s mistress Katagara Yumi saunter in, her eyes flashing. “No one.” “Makimachi Misao, detective in the 27th precinct assigned to be your partner as of April 5th.” Yumi said. “Shishio has good resources.” Aoshi replied flatly. “Aa...Tell me Shinomori-san, have you really sold out your comrades? You’re pretty much guaranteed to be thrown off the force and arrested for this. Is this all an act?” she asked, moving next to him. “I only have one thing on my mind, destroy the Battousai. I care not what you think, or what Shishio thinks. I am here for one thing, Battousai.” he murmured, and returned to polishing his kodachi. “I see. Most of the Jupongatana don’t care for Shishio, only myself, Soujiro, Houji, and that cross dresser are loyal to Shishio. The rest are here for their own purposes. But Shishio sees them as useful pawns.” Yumi said, her voice filled with pride for Shishio. “If it’s a confession of love for Shishio, tell it to him. I don ‘t have time for your rambling.” Aoshi muttered, turning his back to her. Yumi frowned, and walked off. “I doubt you’d understand the first thing about my love, a man like a demon who shows no emotions is what you are.” she murmured, then left the room. “A demon who shows no emotion.” he said, a self-mocking smirk appearing on his face. He glared at the blade, the cold steel casting his reflection. The twin kodachi were more than just weapons...they were a part of him, of who he was. The marks on the blade, so small and a few and barely noticeable also mirrored the impacts on his pysche. They were made of impeccable steel. His kodachi could cut through anything. Impenetrable steel. Like his mind had become. Except there was nothing within the blades. But darkness within his mind. Shura... **************************** Misao kneeled on the floor on the Aoiya porch, listening as Okina and Kenshin spoke. “Please, kill Aoshi.” Okina muttered, closing his eyes to hide the emotions he was feeling. Kill Aoshi....the words felt so foreign and yet.....wasn’t it for the best? Aoshi didn’t even seem to value anything left in it. Misao bit her lip, her feature obscured by her bangs. She knew Kaoru and Sano were looking at her, but she wouldn’t...couldn’t show her pain. “I’m sorry Okina, but I cannot kill Shinomori Aoshi. If he truly were so evil you would not be standing here before me. I believe there is some hope for Aoshi. He was able to stop himself from killing you de gozaru. Misao-dono...I promise you I will bring your Aoshi-sama back to you.” Kenshin murmured gently. Everyone turned to Misao, who had been acting so strong, so brave... And gasped. Tears fell down her face, stunning even her. “H..Himura...thank you....thank you.” she said, sobbing in relief. ‘No matter what I say, deep in my heart...without Aoshi-sama...how could I ever live a happy life?! After I finally was able to meet up with him again! Please Himura...bring him back to us.’ Nijuuyo jikan ugomeku machi wo tonight tonight kakenukeru hijou kaidan hitomi no mure ga Sign of the times sagashiteru ::Running through the restless city:: ::tonight tonight:: ::that never sleeps:: ::on the fire escape a crowd of eyes searching for:: ::sign of the times:: Me ga kuramisou na aoi diamond glass ni kawatte shimau kiwotsukero... ::even a dazzling blue diamond:: ::can turn into glass:: ::be careful:: Everyone watched the fading backs of Kenshin and Sanosuke as ahead they were joined by Saitoh. Everyone holding a prayer in their hearts. And as minutes passed and people moved onto to other business, Misao still stood, watching nothing. Hoping for everything. It wasn’t until moments later she noticed the men in black that seemed to group around the Aoiya in an attempt to blend in. “Shishio’s men. Are you joking? Do you think we’re going to let our guard down that easily?” she muttered to herself, turning and running inside. Holy Lonely Night isoge jibun wo shinjite heavy lonely night yami no naka kara kotae wo mitsukedase ::Holy Lonely Night:: ::Get a move on! Believe in yourself!:: ::heavy lonely night:: ::find the answer from within the darkness:: ********************** Aoshi seated himself on the couch, his sheath seated in his lap. His mind was like the darkness...or more accurately...like a dark street occasionally flickered with light from a broken street light. Scattered flickers....like a candle in the dark. All the flickers caused by one thing. One person. He couldn’t stop the flickers of her image. The seafoam colored eyes looking up into eyes...searching for answers. The smiles, so many smiles, she had. Her hair, the black-blue with the braid that moved with the bounce she possessed in her step. Uchuu wo zenbu kureta tte yuzurenai ai mo aru nani ga hontou ka nani ga uso ka wakarenai toki mo aru ::even if you were offered the entire universe:: ::there is a love you won’t let go of:: ::What is the truth? What is a lie?:: ::there are times you can’t tell:: Misao... Was she his weakness? Had he unintentionally let her get to close? She pushed...demanded to be there. But had he really put up a fight? Was he lonely? Loneliness was his companion was it not? Such a paradox...yet hadn’t his life become one? So many questions echoing through his mind. So many answers lost in the dark. Mitsumeau dake ja asa wa too-sugiru dakishimete konya dake Hiwotsukero! ::When we’re gazing at each other morning seems far off:: ::I want to hold you just for tonight:: ::and light up a fire:: Holy Lonely Night moyase karada no shin made heavy lonely night nido to kokoro wo ushiro wo furimuku na ::Holy Lonely Night:: ::Burn! To the very core of your body:: ::heavy lonely night:: ::don’t let your heat look back again:: He hadn’t noticed his the iron-clad grip he had on his kodachi sheath until then. If not for his gloves his nails would have dug into his palms, drawing blood. Blood that should have been shed in Kanryuu’s mansion. Blood that should have been shed with his four comrades. They said he had no pride left of the Oniwabanshuu? It was for them he was doing this! To give them the name of strongest. When they couldn’t do anything during a crime wars years ago, when they lost favor. He would make them strong...even if it cost him his life. A life that held so little meaning now. Yet....... Would she cry for him? Mourn him for the rest of her life? That was why...why he had said those harsh words..not just for him...but for her sake. He didn’t want her to be hurt in the long run. ‘Forget me Misao. Don’t cry for me, I do not deserve your tears as once I might have. Live your life happily.’ Funny it was, how his heart or what was left of it, didn’t seem to be into those thoughts that much. Holy Lonely Night isoge jibun wo shinjite heavy lonely night yami no naka kara kotae wo ::holy lonely night:: ::get a move on! Believe in yourself:: ::heavy lonely night:: ::the answer within the darkness:: Holy Lonely Night moyase karada no shin made Heavy lonely night nido to kokoro wa ushiro wo furimuku wa ::Holy Lonely night:: ::Burn! To the very core of your body:: ::heavy lonely night:: ::don’t let your hear look back again:: don’t look back again furkimuku na don’t look back again furimuka na don’t look back again furimuku na Baby don’t look back again, yeah!!! ::don’t look back again:: ::don’t look back:: ::don’t look back again:: ::don’t look back:: ::don’t look back again:: ::don’t look back:: ::baby don’t look back again...yeah!!!:: Gathering outside the Aoiya, the Oniwabanshuu, Koaru, and Yahiko stood...prepared to fight as two figures appeared ahead of the group of men in black. Misao gasped in recognition. “Kamatari...” she mumured. The one who escaped from jail earlier in the week. And a very thin man with spiky red hair. “All right guys! This is it!” “Everyone remember! Worry about yourself before anyone else!” Okina yelled from the window. “Right!!! We’re going to show these guys how strong the Oniwabanshuu and the Kyoto cops really are!” Misao said, clenching her fist. ********************************************** End of chapter SIGHHHHHHHHHHHH...I am STILL peeved from that review, and in the time of the Crimson Wave it’s like tossing a hand grenade into a room of flammables. EVERYTHING #$#@ing irritates me on said week. But anyway...if I seem to be rushing or not showing action/scenes etc... Well..come on! Do I REALLY have to show word for word scene for scene EVERYTHING from the Kyoto Arc? It’s pretty much a good assumption you all know enough to put two and two together. It’s also a laziness issue. Oh, and this fic will NOT be over after Shishio’s toast. This is just the beginning. I got to get Aoshi through his Shura stage to his Smirnoff Ice Triple Black stage where he puts a new meaning to his ‘Ice Block’ nick name. And Misao has MUCH more undercover roles to suffer through. Lol....you know I realized the funniest thing. I was inspired to write this because of Fake, or rather, the character of Diana in Fake. She’s bad ass! I love how she pissed off Dee and Berkeley in vol. 3!!!! Also I noticed something... Misao and Aoshi act like a yaoi anime couple. LOL! WAIT! I mean...sorta like...Yuki and Shuuichi from ‘Gravitation’ which I JUST WATCHED YESTERDAY! Since I now got the TV series box set!! LA HI DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! Well, in my story they do. I guess Misao’s an honorary uke. .....::Sweatdrops:: I FINALLY GOT ONE CAN OF COKE IN ME!! THANK YOU WORK VENDING MACHINE!!! Anywho..SONG! It’s ‘Holy Lonely Night’ by Fire Bomber of off...as usual, Second Fire! I swear..that’s the LAST Fire Bomber one. The next song I’ll be using is ‘Eden’ by To Destination from Yami no Matsuei. Another inspiration. My God, such GREAT wardrobe on that show. Seriously! EVERYONE dressed so good in Yami no Matsuei!! ::drools over Tsuzuki:: ok...oyasumi!