*****PRESENT*****

"Okon have you seen Misao today?" I spoke walking into the kitchen of the Aoiya. I had been meditating at the temple this morning and hadn’t seen Misao all day. She hadn’t come to keep me company or talk about the day or to even stay and have some tea with me. On that fact I never even got tea. Had Misao given up on me already? I felt...How did I feel? I brushed the thought aside and waited for Okon’s answer.

"Misao-chan said something about needing to unwind or relax, I think she went to the river near the forest. Do you remember where to go Aoshi-san?" I nodded my head and left the Aoiya to make my way into the forest and began walking towards the river. ‘Do you remember where to go Aoshi-san?’ Of course I knew where to go! That river was forever etched into my mind. I inwardly shuddered at remembering that day, that one day we nearly lost Misao, I nearly lost Misao...

************12 Years Ago************

I was in the training hall going through a kata with my kodachi’s. I could faintly hear some yelling but thought nothing of it until it got closer and closer. It was one of shear desperation. I stopped what I was doing, sheathed my weapons placing them on the ground and walked outside, nearly knocking into Okon, who was running around the corner. I eyed her silently as a look of shear fright was etched on her face and she was breathing heavily as though she had been running for miles.

"A-Aoshi-san...It’s Misao-chan...she’s...she’s gone." Her voice quivered on the verge of tears. Gone? What was she talking about? I had seen Misao-chan earlier this morning. I silently thought to myself.

"Gone Okon?" I asked her my voice emotionless as ever, ut inside something was changing.

"W-we went walking in the forest and...and she just disappeared! Oh Aoshi-sama you’ve got to find her!" Okon had grabbed the collar of my uniform shirt, slightly shaking it desperately. I watched as she realised what she was doing and she abruptly let go bowing her head and mumbling ‘gomen’. I grabbed my coat from the inside of the training hall and began walking into the forest without saying a word. I jogged around trying to find any little trace of Misao-chan ever being around.

Minutes passed and I wasn’t getting anywhere. I stopped abruptly thinking I had heard a small squeal of some sort. I jumped into one of the neighbouring trees and sat motionless making sure I had full concentration. Minutes went by and nothing. What if something happened to her? What if she’s hurt? What if- I was abruptly cut off from my roaming questions when I heard the cracking of some branch to my right. It was a dull sound but being a ninja of the Oniwaban Group, hearing was most vital. I turned my face towards the sound and I began jumping from tree to tree getting closer to the river.

I jumped to the ground and wandered to the side of the river. My eyes widened the slightest when I saw Misao’s little body leaning on a branch over a large rock. I squinted my eyes to see that she was trying to grab a small green frog. My heart stopped beating in my chest when the branched snapped breaking away from the tree and I heard Misao-chan’s shrill scream, which sent cold shivers down my spine. I watched helplessly as the branch smacked onto the rock, staying there but little Misao was thrown off as though she were one of the leaves and her small body awkwardly splashed into the river. Misao-chan can’t swim! A voice yelled frantically in my head. I dropped the trenchcoat I had brought with me and began running into the water fully clothed. I could see her little arms splashing about as she tried to keep her head above water.

"MISAO-CHAN! KICK YOUR LEGS!" I yelled at her kicking mine faster trying to reach her.

"Ao...Aos...Aoshi-sa..." Her small head kept bopping under the water and she was probably swallowing mouth falls of it as well. My heart clenched in my chest as her little hands stopped splashing about and she started sinking.

"NO MISAO-CHAN!" I yelled with so much emotion that I wasn’t even aware I had in me. I dived frantically under the water and felt for her small hand. I grabbed a hold of it and reefed her back to the surface. Her head lulled back, those bright blue eyes closed off to me. My breathing was slightly rugged, but not all from the swimming either. I was holding a lifeless Misao-chan in my arms as I swam back to the side of the river. I placed her small body on the ground and began rubbing her chest hoping the water would come out. Seconds went by and nothing happened. I didn’t even know my heart could clench that hard at seeing no reaction from her.

Minutes went by and still nothing and finally I stopped, taking my hands away leaning against a rock defeated. My whole body was numb and I placed my head in my hands wondering what to tell the others. I had failed...I wasn’t good enough. I couldn’t save our little Misao-chan. Coughing disrupted my thoughts and I looked to see Misao-chan sitting up, with her small back to me her head bent to the ground. My heart beat with joy at seeing this and I placed my larger hand on her back rubbing it comfortingly, helping her get rid of all the unnecessary water she had swallowed. She stopped coughing and turned around, her blue eyes lighting up in happiness at seeing me. A ghost of a smile was etched on my lips and Misao smiled in return. I was quite interested in how the hell she knew I was silently happy she was all right. I closed my eyes letting out a loud sigh while lulling my head forward closer to my chest. They snapped open when I felt Misao-chan's little hands press against my cheeks lightly and her tiny lips pecked mine once. We sat in silence for a moment as Misao-chan looked into my eyes with her big ocean-blue ones. In that small moment this little girl had stolen my heart.

I got up towering over her immensely and walked over to pick up my coat. I turned around to see her little head bowed slightly while hugging herself trying to take away her small shivers. I swiftly walked back to her taking her out of her wet clothes and wrapped her up securely in my large coat. I picked her up and placed her against my chest, making sure she couldn’t feel my drenched clothes against her and bent down grabbing her wet ones and walked back to the Aoiya, my heart beating calmly once again.

Misao-chan snuggled closer into the warmth of the coat and mumbled a little. I cast my gaze down at her to notice she had fallen asleep with her head resting close to my neck so I could feel her warm breath. Her left hand was placed at the back of my neck, slightly in my shirt, my skin warming her icy fingers while her right hand was wrapped loosely around my neck draping over my right shoulder, her little fingers clutching the material at the back of my shirt. Thank you Kami-sama for giving her back, I spoke inwardly looking up to the heavens and kept walking.

* * *

I walked around the Aoiya silently observing the early morning. The other members should still be sleeping but I could hear quiet talk coming from Misao-chan’s room, as the window was open. I silently walked inside and up the stairs and stood at the closed door listening to the small conversation inside.

"How could you scare me like that Misao-chan?" That was Okon. She seemed a little angry.

"But Oko-"

"No Misao-chan! I am very angry with you! How could you have been that stupid?" I fisted my hand and walked in not letting any more of the conversation be known.

"That’s enough..." I spoke ordering Okon to quiet down. She looked my way bowing her head slightly, got up and left the room. I walked over to Misao-chan, whose head was bowed, and sat down on her futon looking at her. She didn’t lift her head and so I placed my hand under her chin tilting it up. Those beautiful eyes full of hurt and fear. I watched astonished as she jumped out of her bed and ran from the room. I was in a state of shock for a few moments but got up to go after her. I ended up at the door and saw her small plait retreating into another room with the rest of her. I quickly walked down the hall and noticed my door was slightly ajar. I opened it silently and closed it behind me and listened to the small sniffling that occurred in one of the dark corners of the room.

I walked closer and sat down behind Misao-chan. She had curled her small body into a tight ball and leaned her head into the corner of the wall, her back facing me. I observed as her shoulders shook occasionally and her sniffling grew to soft sobs. I reached my hands out and placed her into my lap and brought her close to my chest wanting her crying to stop. This wasn’t the Misao-chan I loved. Love? I snapped my eyes open when I thought this. I was unable to think about that one word for much longer as Misao-chan stood up in my lap looking at me, her bottom lip quivering intermittently. Those beautiful eyes red from crying so much and full of fear as though waiting for me to punish her. I rolled onto my back and placed her small body against my chest, making sure her head was lying under my chin and wrapped my arms securely around her making her feel safe and secure. This was one of my rare moments, where I could feel relaxed and wouldn’t care if someone came in. I felt at ease and smiled up at the ceiling. My heartbeat was calm, content with Misao-chan being in my presence, in my room with me. And that’s how I stayed for hours.

* * *

I slight knock on my door awoke me from my half awake, half asleep phase and I turned my head to the door noticing Okina standing there. His shoulders relaxed and he half slumped against the door at noticing Misao-chan was in here as well. He straightened up and padded over to where I was lying down and bent down placing his wrinkled hand on Misao-chan’s head brushing her hair.

"I heard Misao-chan crying late last night Aoshi. Is everything alright?" Okina had asked in a quiet voice as not to disturb the sleeping bundle wrapped in my embrace.

"Yes...Okon was a bit harsh but she was just terrified that something would have happened to Misao-chan and everything would have been her fault. I don’t think she could handle that." I spoke while absently caressing my right hand up and down Misao-chan’s back soothingly. I watched Okina nod his head and he left the room satisfied with my explanation.

* * *

Hours seemed too pass and I closed my eyes to ward off the bright sunshine flickering in through the window. As the light cascaded over the both of us Misao-chan began to wriggle. I lifted her up a bit and she opened those eyes to look down at me. Her smile was as bright as ever but faded away as she sat on my chest looking down at me while flicking her tiny fingers through my long bangs.

"I’m sorry Aoshi-sama..." She spoke cutely and her bottom lip stuck out trembling slightly. I placed my hand on her cheek and then softly caressed her hair and replied.

"Misao-chan it doesn’t matter. All that matters is that you’re okay." Those beautiful eyes shone with tears and she spoke back in a small voice that broke into my hardened heart.

"But Okon was so mad..." I placed my right index finger on her trembling lips and patted my chest with my left hand. She lay down once more not saying anything as I brushed my hands up and down her tiny back not wanting to see her cute little face etched with sadness or fear. After several minutes of Misao-chan's sniffles I couldn't take it anymore.

"Misao-chan I have an idea?" I spoke to her. I watched as her head lifted up and her eyes sparkled excitedly, her mood changing instantly.

"What is it?" I sat up and placed Misao-chan on her feet and spoke again in a quiet voice pretending to whisper my plan to her making sure she knew this was just a really big game we were playing and that it was our secret and no one else's.

"We’ll go to the lake and I’ll teach you how to swim but no one must know cause we’ll bring Okon when you are ready and show her your surprise. Okay?"

"YAY! Oh...shhhhh..." She had spoken placing her fingers to her lips. I watched as she bounced away full of energy and happiness once more. I shook my head and got up as well walking out of the room and downstairs for some breakfast.

* * *

"Come on Misao-chan it’s okay." I spoke as she hesitantly stepped into the water. I was only wearing my dark blue/purple pants and little Misao had nothing. She shivered, as the water was quite cool. I watched her foot slip slightly against the muddy ground but she never fell in as her small hands where wrapped in my larger ones as I guided her slowly into the water. She was now standing in the water as it splashed lightly over her chest. Her head turned upwards to look at me and she had a big bright smile on her face as though she had achieved something great. I squatted down in front of her and she stepped forward wrapping her chubby arms around my neck as I swam into the deepest part of the river.

"Come on Misao-chan let go..." It took her awhile but she unclasped her hands from around my neck and I moved her away from me as I tread water. My hands were under her armpits holding her up. Her eyes focused on mine and she spoke while placing her small hands on my arms.

"You won’t let Misao-chan go will you Aoshi-sama?" I shook my head at her and her eyes lit up and she spoke again.

"Promise?" I watched as she pursed her lips together waiting for my answer.

"I promise Misao-chan."

* * *

We had spent the whole afternoon in the river. For as young as Misao-chan was, she was quite quick at learning. I taught her the masters of breathing, on how it effects you when swimming. I would tell her to let out all her air and then when she was up to her neck in water I would tell her to take a deep breath in and she would float back up her small shoulders lifting out of the water. She learnt how to kick her legs and even float. Misao-chan really liked that. Tomorrow was going to be even better.

* * *

"Aoshi-sama! Aoshi-sama look at me!" I turned my head as I was taking off my shoes to see Misao swimming around in the shallow area of the river. I smirked at how happy she seemed and now she wasn't afraid of the water. I jumped over to a large rock and dived into the deepest part of the water sneaking up on Misao-chan. Her little legs swam around and I could faintly hear her call my name. I eased my head above the water noticing she had her back to me and quickly picked her up and threw her into the deep end.

"AOSHI-SAMA NO FAIR!" And she landed with a splash into the water. I swam over and she resurfaced wiping her hands over her face to get rid of the water and then began splashing it over my face giggling happily.

* * *

Hours past and Misao-chan was floating in the water as I sat on the large rock over looking her. Misao would finally be all right if anything happened again, but I knew I'd never leave her alone like that again.

I closed my eyes for a brief moment to concentrate on the presence that was coming closer. My kodachi’s were already unsheathed and I thrust the smaller one to his lower stomach region making sure not to pierce him. I turned my head opening my eyes and spoke to him.

"You know Hannya it’s not nice sneaking up on people." I looked up at my masked comrade and friend and then glanced over at Hyotokko who was just standing a bit behind Hannya.

"Actually Aoshi-sama I was wandering how close you were going to let me come to you...now I know." He spoke looking down at where the kodachi lay. I stood crouched on the balls of my feet thrusting my large kodachi up further and pressed it against my other two comrades’ necks.

"Ah Aoshi-sama..." Beshimi had spoken and I stood in between them lowering my kodachi’s’ away from them. We all heard a little squeal and turned our heads to see Misao-chan looking up at us.

"Hannya-kun come join me?" Misao-chan spoke so excitedly at seeing the other four whom would play with her whenever they could. I didn’t give Hannya any warning and pushed my kodachi handle into his back surprising him and he fell into the river with a large splash. I placed the kodachi’s on the ground and looked down into the water as Hannya resurfaced looking up at us. I knew he'd try and get me back for this later.

"Beshimi, Shijuksho, Hyotokko come join us too?" Misao-chan yelled swimming over to Hannya as he picked her up and placed her on his shoulders. How much they loved Misao-chan and I knew she knew that too. I stood silently on the large rock and never protested a no so the other members of the Oniwabanshuu jumped in to play with Misao-chan.

* * *

I had dried off as the sun began to set and stood up speaking to the others as we had been here for a number of hours.

"It’s time to go." I watched them all stop what they were doing and Hyotokko, Beshimi and Shijuksho began swimming to the edge to get out. I knew they would love to continue and relax with Misao-chan, but they would listen to me after all. I was their leader. I crouched down to pick up my weapons and heard a loud but small voice speak to me.

"Aoshi-sama catch me!" I turned around standing up seeing Hannya still in the water and he threw Misao-chan’s small body up in the air straight towards me. I caught her in my arms easily and placed her on the ground wrapping her in a large towel drying her off. Once Misao-chan was dry enough I watched as she dressed into her day clothes again and I picked her up in my right arm and held my kodachi in my left and began walking back to the Aoiya with four soaking wet comrades following close behind.

* * *

The morning had come quickly and I was walking through the forest leading a confused Okon. I had spoken about many flowers around the area, which seemed to get her quite interested, and said I’d show her.

We finally made it to the river and she had a clear view of Misao-chan sitting on the larger rock.

"MISAO-CHAN BE CAREFUL!" Okon had yelled and little Misao squealed and fell into the water as if being surprised. I smirked a little as we had played this out all morning. Okon screamed and raced to the edge of the water screaming for Misao-chan. She hadn’t surfaced for seconds and Okon was about to step in, when I held her shoulder not letting her wet her kimono. Her worried eyes gazed into mine and she turned her head when she heard Misao-chan.

"Taadaa!" Misao-chan was standing in the shallow end of the water her arms thrust into the air above her head, the water rippling around her little belly. Okon was in a state of shock and couldn’t say anything. I watched as Misao-chan walked out of the water and to the flowers we had picked early this morning for Okon. She thrust them high into the air above her head and spoke to her.

"Okon, Misao-chan is sorry." I observed as Okon crouched down taking the flowers and hugged a wet Misao-chan to her. She stood up again and looked quizzically at myself and then down at Misao-chan.

"Aoshi-sama taught me!" Misao-chan had replied to her unspoken question. I raised an eyebrow when Okon walked closer towards me and I was in a state of surprise when she hugged me. I stood frozen not doing anything and she let go and we both looked down at Misao-chan who was trying to push Okon away from me.

"Nani? Misao-chan what’s the matter?" Okon spoke.

"No Okon! Aoshi-sama is mine!" Misao-chan had replied and wrapped her arms around my leg. I couldn’t help but smirk at her and knelt down picking her up, wrapping her in the towel and walked back to the Aoiya with Okon carrying Misao-chan’s clothes and the flowers.

* * * *

To be continued…

* * * *