Moonlight Spring Ritual

STANDARD DISCLAIMER APPLY: I ABSOLUTELY DON'T own any of the characters from Rurouni Kenshin. And I DON'T make money out of this. This is for entertainment purposes only.




Author's notes:

Sorry for the grammar. Obviously, I'm sucks to that.



But anyway, enjoy reading. Warning....this one is the longest (so far) I've ever written.









Chapter 4 - The Kiss



A pair of sly blue eyes was watching Misao as she was nearing to finalize the cleaning touches of the wooden platform corridor outside the dojo. But beyond its cloak of impassiveness lies little sparks of jealousy that cannot be denied. Misao was once again with Soujiro Seta, one of the 3 young high-ranking members of the well-respected current Triad of Oniwabanshuu and his fellow commandant - the one being called by the most as 'the witty devil with the charms and looks of an angel'. Soujiro can't get enough of her and will not bother leaving her alone especially when there's a threat freely lurking inside the premise of her family's mansion. Aoshi didn't have to guess who Soujiro considered as a threat to Misao. For the younger commandant, he's a pest needed to be taken care of, far away from the Okashira. Little does Soujiro knows, most of the times he acted more like a guarding father than a Triad officer to Misao. Or better yet, a hopeless romantic fool who had been waiting, and still is – to be recognized by the one he considered his most cherished one. But he certainly had become bolder since the last time Aoshi had contact with him. That was 4 years ago.



It was said that beneath his angelic and childlike looks, he possesses an element of danger, the 'harshness' in most of his termination of the given missions yet managed to maintain his dignified position as one of the Triad. Hard to admit, like Aoshi, he also has the potential to be head on the planning department for the whole spy network because of that. No wander he was given the opportunity to be one of the Triad commanders at the very young age of 18, and now at 22 there's no stopping at Soujiro's gaining weird charisma of leadership.



"Aoshi," Megumi searched for him at the garden as she carried two cups filled with his favorite green tea on a wooden tray. Having known Aoshi for so many years, somehow she knew where to find her man. There’s no other place he rather be when he’s contemplating but the Sakura platform in the Makimachi Garden.

"I have something for you."



Hearing nothing but small giggles and sighs of content of the raven-headed female Okashira, Aoshi remained dormant at his current position. The least he needed for his meditation was a distraction from her undeniable charms. In all the places, why have to be here? And with that, he cursed his fate with her deeply. He suddenly found that his long-time immunity to her charms was slowly crumbling down from the past few days. Was his indecent moment with her at the Moonlight Spring at that night of their failed elopement had something to do with his sudden weakness on her?



Her sweet laughter and exchange of spoken views with her companion were the only sounds he hears and nothing more. Only hers.



"Aoshi!" Finally arrived at her man's spot, Megumi exclaimed yet not loud enough to be heard by everyone at the garden, including the two assumed lovebirds at the other side. "I'm calling you but it seems your mind is elsewhere." She roughly sighed afterwards.



And also, the least of the things he wanted for that moment was Megumi's company, all her sugary flirtations at him. It was obvious that he didn't want to be disturbed to his.....solemn solitary. But what can he do? The woman had her head and heart swooning for him. She can't simply take no for an answer from him even though he had long ended something between them....their being 'acquaintances' at each other.



"Aoshi-san," Megumi spoke without eyeing him, slowly placing down one of the green tea cups beside his right side then held the other one with the wooden tray at her free hand. "Tomorrow will be a big night for Old Okina. I was wondering if you and I...."



Aoshi's only reaction was numbness.



"I was wondering if you and I will be acquaintances on tomorrow evening's celebration." Rich, red blush was seen on her face. She can't get enough of Aoshi no matter what. "It will be fun." A mischievous grin was carved on her red, voluptuous lips. "It will be."



Instead of giving her his answer, the lone warrior took a sip from his tea cup, closing his eyes, even his mind to her suggestion. But what hurt would give him from going out with the vixen? So many times he had did that with her before so why bother evading one of her another 'creamy' invitation?



"Aoshi-san, I'm waiting for your answer." She was growing impatient to his silent treatment towards her.



He looked back to the two lovebirds at the Mansion's wooden platform corridor again. They seemed to be happy and full of comfort at each other’s company. Somehow, he owed himself to be like that - the innocence of love flying in the surrounding air where no outside boundaries like to meddle - yet he shoved over the thought. Love has nothing to do with his life since the day he.....



"I know you are 'still' thinking about her, darling." Megumi's piercing view had darted towards the happy couple at the distance, then back towards Aoshi's expressionless face. "No matter how you hide it from your dark blue eyes, my love, I can still sense it."



Hearing her taunting words, Aoshi only produced a hallow sigh as his wonderful eyelids slowly blinked.



Megumi placed her dainty right hand at his broad shoulder, massaging every curve. "I've given you everything but it seems nothing matters to you but her."



Sadness came over her yet she immediately recovered. "But I don't regret for I like what I am doing, was doing."



Megumi had begun to be sentimental, so as emotional the moment she bluntly compared herself to the younger woman at the other side of the garden. Jealousy and anger had always been a part of her relationship with the female Okashira especially when the case was about Aoshi. Just thinking Misao back at Aoshi's protecting arms enrages her so much. She will do anything just to stop that fate. Aoshi belongs to her, no one else.



Gently putting aside her cup of green tea at the wooden platform, she casually sat beside Aoshi and leaned her head on his strong arm. She also snaked in her slender arms to his sturdy manly frame, feeling his warmth. "Don't be too hard on yourself, Aoshi-san. You are letting them dictate you which made your life so miserable."



"You have no idea what I am going through, Takani-san." His voice was cold, as always. Megumi wasn't shocked on the sudden formalities he was imposing to her, calling her at her family name. Aoshi had been like that most of the times he didn't want to open up to people. "If I were you, I better mind my own business."



Aoshi took a sip from his tea cup and gazed away from the mansion to see the beautiful mixed of the sun's fading red family colors across the vast horizon of the sky. The gentle late afternoon breeze wafted through them, passing at their embracing bodies. Megumi felt the shrill and instinctively molded herself to him more, even without his invitation. Aoshi, thinking that it didn't matter, let Megumi do her thing.



"I'm doing this because I care for you. How can you be so harsh on me? After all the things we've been through together," Megumi's eye pupils were unstable. Tears were about to roll down but she had managed to suppress it. "I thought, somehow, you and I have formed something solid, a friendship, even though I wanted more than that." The vulnerable vixen looked up at her knight's chiseled face, hoping to see some passion but she had proved otherwise.



"Takani-san," Aoshi spoke lowly, his eyes were as impassive as ever, "don't make this hard for us. Kuso.”





*******



Misao had finally finished her duties assigned to her by Okon. Soujiro had been a big help, making all of these finished earlier than expected. Time to have a rest. It had been a strenuous day again and she was indeed entitled to have a break from free slavery.



"I hope this will make the old man happy." Misao muttered as she wiped her sweating forehead with her arm.



Soujiro quietly sneaked behind her, was about to hug her but declined the idea. It was best not to make things so fast between them though he was dying inside to have her all by himself. It will only make the wild bird fly away from his sudden proclaim of love. "Yes, he will. The effort came from the Oniwabanshuu's head Akuma. Well, I should say it was a blessing in disguise." He wasn't sure exactly why he mentioned the 'blessing' thing. Maybe it had something to do being with Misao.



"Yeah right." Misao retorted, snorting as she turned to her back and was about to walk away from her current position outside the dojo when her blue-greenish eyes caught something intriguing. Or better yet, something disturbing to her senses. She was looking at the couple at the separated wooden platform of the Makimachi's garden. Aoshi and Megumi were hugging each other.



Instantly, her blood began to boil up. Seeing the two doing their sweetness in the public ruined her happy mood after finishing her job assigned.



"Misao," Soujiro, also happy seeing everything went well, called her back but the Okashira didn't respond to him.



Aoshi and Megumi were indeed embracing each other. Misao didn’t care whether Aoshi had his arms folded around the vixen whole-heartedly. It was the shame they were infusing to themselves. Worse, they were doing it in public. It seemed that Aoshi was too much comfortable being with her, so goes with Megumi-san. They seemed to be projecting an aura of a perfect couple. Jealousy had made its way through her senses. How dare he flaunt his affairs in front of everybody, especially to her!



"Fools," Misao quietly cursed, her eyes were fuming in deep anger. Angry emotion she had with Aoshi was once again flamed but she was trying with all her might to control herself. What right does she hold to get jealous for their intimacy at each other?



"Hey," with a gentle tap of his palm on her left shoulder, Soujiro tried to remove Misao's attention to whatever she was caught up to. After following her fuming gazes, he finally understood why she was not responding to him. Misao's blue-greenish eyes, now almost in red, were intently glaring towards the two lovebirds at the separated platform - the place Misao hated the most in her Mansion. "let's get some rest. It will be a long day tomorrow. But before that, I would like you to have a dinner with me outside. Just call it an early celebration."



Misao's attention was still at the two. Somehow, she was completely deaf on Soujiro's words.



"Aoshi," Megumi snaked her right hand to his strong chest, moving delicately at each magnificent bumps of his carved muscles. She was trying to awaken the Aoshi, the old and bastard one she had gone bed with several times. She was hoping that her lustful touch will once again ignite the lost liaison they were been sharing for the past years. "Look at me, darling. Look at me."



His icy blue eyes stared down to the source of the seductive plea. He looked down on her, seeing her blurry cinnamon eyes wanting once more what they usually have been sharing for the past years and stopped sometime ago. He was sensing all over again, one of his needs being a man yet there was something in him wouldn't want to go over the limit. Everything between him and the wild vixen is over.



"I want you to kiss me, Aoshi-san."



Honestly, Megumi's lips were very enticing. It was so hard to resist the temptation she was invoking to him. But Aoshi was a man of himself. Though lately he had deficiency on his needs as a man for a woman, he promised himself not to let her enter his life again. He had enough of this crazy liaison; pity was the only thing that kept him having contact with her. She definitely deserved to be loved and he knew deeply that he isn't the right man for such delusional emotion. It was just a waste of his time. That was the same valid reason why his other previous relationships didn't last. Same goes with the one he most cherished with - the one with Misao.



"Why would I do that?" Aoshi asked, prolonging to stay away from her intention. His body began to shift, wanting to leave the seductress behind but to no avail. "Megumi, I think that won't be a great idea."



Flirting, Megumi rubbed twice the side of her porcelain face at his arm, "I want to feel once again your lips on mine. It has been a long time since you and I had.....had an intimate moment such as this. I've been waiting for you for so long. You didn't come back like you'd promised. Why did you lie to me?"



"I thought you knew better, Takani-san. Anything that surpasses the boundary will have to be treated, and stopping it will be the best choice." He was trying to sooth the pain he was endowing to Megumi, the truth reminding their first agreement about their relationship.



"It hurts so much, Aoshi. It felt like dying the moment I lost you to the previous missions you have although I knew the real reason. That was one of your lame excuses, just to escape from me. Since then I had been not the same woman, waiting for you to wake up from your very own demise on yourself. Give yourself a life! And loving me will only be the salvation you have. Open your heart..." Megumi was on the verge of crying. Her eyes were watery but tears stayed. She wanted not to cry to show him how strong she is but her heart was hurting so much. This is the price of entirely, without hesitations, loving the person who will never love you back.



"I'm sorry," Aoshi turned his gaze back to the gloomy red horizon, escaping from Megumi's searching comfort. "I'm so sorry for causing you such great pain. We both knew that what we have is no attachment. But it seems you want more than that which is not my very intention to do so. I have nothing to offer for I wish not to belong to any woman's arms, including you." He was describing himself as a lone drifter, no future to give.



"Does that also include Makimachi?" Tears finally rolled down to her face upon mentioning the name of her arch nemesis. Her eyes began to fume.



Silence had been his momentarily answer to the angered vixen. He too didn't know what to say to her.



"I heard about the Ritual being imposed again. I'm sure everything we are having now is because of that damn Okashira!" Megumi growled, also cursing. "You are breaking up with me because you are going back to that woman!"



"I tell you, this had nothing to do with it." Or is it? He had asked that to himself so many times, but still no answer.



"Then what? Why are you breaking up with me? Do you still love her?!"



"Megumi, first of all, there had been no 'us'." Aoshi's eyes had locked on hers, his facial expression became sour. His patience was running dry on convincing the vixen to stop her foolishness. "I have no time for this."



He was about to leave but Megumi didn't let him to. Her arms were embracing him tightly, yearning for him to stay, even for a moment longer. Aoshi is everything to her. Without him, she will be at lost to herself again and for that, she won't allow to happen again. If the fate is really against her, at least one night of full passion with him would be enough to compensate her longings for him. But judging from all the evidence of his body language, it would take a miracle just to persuade him to.



"You owe me an explanation, Aoshi-san. You can't just come in and pretend nothing happened between us. I know to you I was just your whore, one of your collections, but this one will never leave without any questions left unanswered." Neither leaving you for another woman particularly Misao - she wanted to say but kept it to herself.



She indeed had the right to know. He felt like a scum, or worse, after using her in all his needs. "Takani-san,"



Megumi waited, staring at his icy blue eyes. He had no regrets showing in his eye pupils.



It had been minutes since she asked him what his real reason of leaving her. She then broke the silence with her little sobering. "Why won't you let me love you? Why won’t you love me?"



It was because he has nothing to give and won't allow himself to step in trouble. He had reasons, reasons why he did these things, does to the people he knew who love him so well.



The vixen had tired of waiting for his response. Indeed, Megumi was very tired of waiting for Aoshi to succumb to her. She wanted him to be only hers. She wanted more from him, more than being her casual partner in the darkness when both of their carnal needs call them. Love. She wanted to be love by him, only him without any hesitations or hindrance in his heart.



"Aoshi," she murmured softly before she placed her ruby lips on his, finally capturing his attention to her hunger.



Tender sound of kissing was heard. Aoshi could feel the harsh intensity of her yearning through her ravish kisses though he didn’t participate much. She was almost devouring him, sucking the life out of him as each of her kisses goes deeper and deeper. Her tongue had reached into the core of his orifice, hoping to play or mingle with his. Aoshi tried to push her aside gently yet the vixen wanted more from him. Her hands were slowly caressing his sculpted muscles underneath his shinobi shirt, not minding the scandal she was about to impose to herself with him. She didn't care as long as she has him this close to her body. She had waited for him for so long. Though their place in the garden was not that much occupied by the people of the mansion who were doing their assigned tasks, Aoshi was aware enough of the consequences they will surely have if the vixen still insist of her carnal needs of him. She will loose her dignity as a respectable doctor of the Oniwabanshuu and the town while he as a reputable Triad commander, especially now that the rumor broke out about his previous engagement with the Okashira at the Spring. But after moments of brief thinking, he cared less to protect his clean reputation for he knew the marriage of convenience with Misao will not happen. And that he had strongly assured to himself.



At the corner of his eyes, Aoshi perceived a couple standing outside the dojo, staring with their obvious bold moments though Megumi was the only one who does the part of their intimacy actively. He could feel their sharp stares having a mixture of condemn and disgust. Turning his head towards the staring couple while Megumi continued her pursuit on his cheek then on his neck line, Aoshi saw one of the couple and that was Misao. Almost the whole of him wanted his hands to push Megumi away from his but his logic thoughts had dominated. Seeing him with Megumi would fasten the process of breaking from the elder's arrangement of the Ritual though she had already cleared out that she wanted out from it, equally as he. Pain in her heart is the best way to deal with his problems with her. He didn't like it but he had no choice. Now he felt more scum than ever.



Tears wanted to burst out from her eyes after seeing.....damn it. Enormous feeling of jealousy had shown in her act as she stormed away from her place, leaving everything behind her including Soujiro who was giving her his moral and physical support - a support that she needed though not much emphasized, after seeing the unbearable. Her heart had once again experience the nightmare.



After seeing Misao's angered and disappointed reaction, Soujiro knew deeply that she still had feelings for Aoshi, the one he hated most. Following the stormed okashira, he cursedly vowed to himself to take Misao away from the bastard whatever it takes.





*******



The night's cloudless sky was calm; a good sign for good weather. The moon's light had been bountiful; a source of light needed by the party. But lights from the Japanese lanterns had lit every mansion's corner had help further illumination, stunning most of the arriving guests to its marvelous effects playing on the shadows of the night. Somehow, it blended to the architectural scheme of the old building and it was indeed a good thing to entice the moods of the people. Most of the foods cooked by the ninja women of the Kyoto chapter headed by Omasu were already prepared and laid out at the low wooden tables outside the mansion, in the garden of the Makimachi's. The theme they preferred for the party for the Old Man's birthday was openness to nature and this area would give enough space for the though they have. Celebrating it in here had indeed made the Old Geezer happy after many years of not giving it much attention. Several mats - blankets - were laid out in the grass open, along with the low wooden tables they have installed. All guests wore their best traditional kimonos and yukatas, Japanese dresses, for the party.



The celebration had already begun when Misao arrived in the party at the Makimachi garden. Many guests, particularly from the two other stations of Oniwabanshuu - Nagasaki and Edo, had arrived. Youths had occupied most of the space of the party while the older ones - around Okina's realm - had been drinking Sake with the birthday celebrator. Finding her place in Okina's party, Misao politely excused herself as she passed through from the mingling crowd to look for her sister Omasu. She wanted to help her sister to serve the other dishes to the guests.



"Omasu-neesan! Omasu-neesan!" Misao called out from the crowd.



Omasu was very busy from the preparing the rest of the food for the guests. "Here, give this to Mariko." She ordered to one of her helps, passing a huge plate of Japanese sweets.



"There you are!" Misao had finally caught up with her busy sister. "Need help?" She raised the sleeves of her kimono to offer her arms for the needed service.



"No need." Omasu casually said as she wipe the sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand. "I have lots of help in here. Okon had already covered the other side. There's no need to stain your beautiful kimono for this. And besides, an Okashira has no obligations on serving foods to the guests."



Misao wore a pink kimono with white petals of tulip embroidered all over. A red, smooth obi was enveloping her small waist, giving her womanly curves more emphasis though it was not her intention to have one. Her hair was tied up, exposing the white flesh of her smooth neck to the people surrounding her. Many men from the party had become beguiled just by looking at her, having a hard time trying to convince themselves that she's their Okashira - the high ruler of them all. Not only her looks had been the huge distraction from the hungry eyes of the men, it was her scent that made them want her to be with them for the night. Sweet scent of white rose combined with tulips – the same scent coming from the Sacred waters of the Moonlight Spring - had covered her. It projected beauty, elegance and innocence at the same time.



"What are you saying? A great leader should know and experience how to serve her/his people. Come on, I like to help you out. It won't cost you anything." Misao was reaching for the tray Omasu was currently holding but the older one dodged her move.



"Don't be so stubborn, Misao." Omasu gruffly snapped, hiding the instant irritation from the sweet thoughtfulness of her younger sister who was also her Okashira. "I'll be over with this after I served Okina, and his old friends the Sake delivered by Tae."



"But," Misao was still trying to persuade her sister but was interrupted by a sudden touch of hand to her curvy waist.



"What took you so long, Misao-chan?" Soujiro boldly yanked the lovely Okashira to his manly arms, taking no care from the men's staring eyes on her. Let them dream, he flatly said. He felt like the Alpha male from the rest of the pact after capturing Misao to his arms, embracing her as if he already owned her. "I've been looking for you all over the mansion."



"Soujiro," Misao instantly jerked herself away from his embarrassing embrace after sensing most of the guests' stares on them, "do you have to do that in front of everybody?"



"Well, let's just say it was done out of my old habit, my dear Okashira Misao." He innocently smiled, as he always did.



"I can see that teaching the old dog new tricks will be a waste of my time," Misao snapped out as she crossed her arms from her bulging chest.



"That depends on what 'tricks' you will teach to the old dog, capturing his whole attention, my dear Okashira Misao." Soujiro's voice had instantly become husky, challenging the okashira to a word sparring. Somehow deep inside, he had meant to say those bold words to her.



"Stop calling me ‘dear’, Soujiro." angrily said by Misao, glaring at him.



"I see no problem on calling you that." He huskily retorted back. "Or maybe you want me to call you something better. How about...... 'love' ?"



"Addressing your leader as 'my love' is so low-like, disrespectful and very inappropriate. Might as well call Okina your 'sweetheart'." An eyebrow of hers was raised and her chin tilted. Her patience with Soujiro's arrogance was reaching to its limits.



"Well, your wish will be granted, princess okashira, as long as I call you 'my love'.” A victorious, taunting smile was seen on his angelic face.



"Cut it out you two! Grow up." Omasu interrupted, passing between them then turned her heels to look back. "Seta-san, will you kindly take the young Okashira to the separate wooden platform? Okina calls for her."



"But why there? In all the places," Misao's facial expression had become sour. Her thoughts about her argument with Soujiro had suddenly vanished, diverted as soon as she heard her sister's order. It had something to do with the Sakura platform.



"Because Okina is there, Misao, and he is waiting for you. Maybe he will introduce you to his old friends." Omasu gave her a sisterly commanding look. "So stop acting like a child. Go now, Okashira. Do your duty as a good leader." She gave Misao a playful wink.



"Better not make your sister angry, Misao-chan. It will surely ruin the whole evening's celebration if we don't abide with the 'Okashira's boss'." Soujiro whispered to one of her ears then also gave her a playful wink, coaxing her to follow her sister's order.



Soujiro could not help but notice the wonderful, enticing, innocent smell of his acquaintance for tonight as he lingered her aroma close to her ear and neck. She smelled like no other women he had previously bed with, counting all the ones he had since before. Misao is the only one for him and he's dying to have her since the realization came to his senses that he more loved this woman than his own life. And this closeness to her, this nearness of his body to hers had been a sweet torment for his whole manly being. He wanted to touch her, caress her right then at the spot but couldn't. At least he's not like Megumi who valued less for her dignity, having herself thrown ‘openly’ to the arms of her beloved in front of the condemning eyes of the public. He still had the patience to endure the pain of waiting her for a little longer. He will make this woman, his superior and Okashira, to be his alone.



"Shall we?' Soujiro seductively whispered as he offered her his arm, signaling them to move on to the separate wooden platform - the Sakura platform.



Reluctantly, Misao took his arm and went with him to meet Okina and the rest of the old man's long time friends. She just wished Aoshi isn’t there with Okina to ruin her whole evening.



*******



"I really felt devastated when I had heard the bad news about your father's death. He's a good man and well-respected leader, I must say. I had worked with him several times before I retired, and judging from his performance as the okashira, he was as strict as his father yet there's a difference for he had the heart. Loosing someone like him is a great liability to the organization. But what can we do? That's life." An old man, around 65 years of age, named Iwasu Kuno spoke of Misao's father casually as he remembered all the things he had worked and shared with the previous Okashira. He had been one of Okashira Kyou's most trusted elder, mission planner and a very close friend other than Old Okina. Almost like a father to him. He had no feelings against with Misao's way of reigning but her father's ruling had been precious to him. After 6 years since his death, neither a single thought about his bravery nor wise decision had not been mentioned to their discussions whenever they had a get-together with his fellow Oniwabanshuu's retired members or elders by the old Iwasu. He loved Misao's father like his very own son and loosing him had been one of the darkest era of his life.



"Father was indeed a good man, Kuno-san," she proudly declared as she scanned with her trance eyes the people in the platform, mostly men, who were indeed agreeing with her. " And there is enough proof to see in this platform to support that."



She was thankful for their real high-respect they were giving to her late father. And also, she was very thankful for Aoshi’s absence in the Sakura Platform. It gave her a total relief!



"As the daughter of the late Okashira Kyou, whatever amount of loyalty and support we had with him will be yours fully. I personally have high respects on the clan of the Makimachi. All of you, every leaders produced in your lineage, had been very bountifully blessed by the Goddess of Moon." Iwasu proudly added.



Misao had hoped that their Moon Goddess will still be supportive to her as ever even though she had instilled that she will not take any man to be her husband to help her rule the whole spy network and continue the next line of the Makimachi’s. On about continuing her lineage, that will be a great burden on her conscience to bear. How will she continuing it without a man's help?



Most of them smiled and nodded, agreeing to the young Okashira. Talking about the Kyou Makimachi's great and short rule had strengthened again the bond of the retired men, so as the current active elders. Just like the old times as Okina had said. It was like yesterday when Okashira Kyou - all healthy and strong - was with them, joining at their fun Sake drinking sessions.



"This old birthday celebrator would like to propose a toast," Okina raised his Sake cup, signaling what they were about to do next. Everyone followed his lead and Misao was the last one to do, "for remembering the late Kyou Makimachi's honour and pride being one of the most respected and well-loved leader from the Oniwabanshuu's long history!"



"Are you out of your mind? Not so loud, Okina. Your neighbors might get the idea of the existence of our secret organization if you yelled it more. They knew that it’s your birthday celebration and nothing more." One of the elders warned Okina, giving him a disapproving look.



"Hai! Hai! I got your point. So let's drink to that, shall we?!" Okina excitedly proclaimed, standing up from his leaning position at the huge Sakura tree that was sheltering the separate platform. He knew he should give importance to the secrecy of their organization but sometimes Sake can be one hell of an influence to forget things.



"Hai! Kampai!!!!Kampai!!!!" Everyone shouted along with their laughing and praising.



Misao had also taken the sip from her Sake cup. Only a sip. Dictated to have a proper decorum of what an okashira should be, she preferred to be at stable mind before she retires for rest - a social drinking. She fully knew she had bad reactions on drinking too much of Sake, and that would have to be avoided ay any cost. "This is for my father!"



Okina, after leading his overwhelming toast to the rest, sat and took another round of Sake as one of the elders gave the huge ceramic jar of the rice wine to him. "Damn, as far as I know, one thing is missing in our happenings, on my very own birthday."



"And what is it?"



"Gifts?" one of the elders asked near Soujiro.



"Iie," Okina answered, grinning mischievously.



"Your family?” another elder from the group had mentioned.



"They are all dead, for Kami-sama's sake! How am I supposed to let them come to my party? But in other perspective, I might consider that." Okina took a quick, huge gulp at his Sake and grinned, taking a moment of reverie. As all nature plans, soon he will be with them but that was not the time to think about their reunion. Tonight's his birthday and everything had to be happy and worth remembering, especially when he had to finish one left business he had promised with the late Okashira.



"Then what is it, 'sweetheart'?!" Soujiro interrupted, daringly called the old man by that disrespectful term. Not that he had feelings against him. It was because he had promised Misao he will call the old man by that and in return, he will call her as his 'my love'.



Misao was stunned, so as the others. But all of them laughed, including Okina. The young Okashira didn't join them for she was not pleased by what Soujiro had shown in front of them. For her, he was simply mocking her....again.



"WOMEN. Young, beautiful and aggressive ones....." Okina unashamedly spoke of what in his mind and laughed out loud again. "Though we have one right now," he looked meaningfully at Misao, "I don't think she will qualify on the list I am pertaining."



Everyone joined again with Okina, laughing at the old man's never-ending quest for women, thinking after all these years Okina had not been changed for the better. He was still the womanizer he used to be, even though his age almost reaches to the retirement period.



"What's wrong with you?" Misao asked Soujiro in a soft tone, attempting to be civilized as an Okashira should be. “It’s disappointing to see a man of great stature like you to do such things.”



"What things? You condemn me like I had killed the old man, Misao-chan. We had an agreement, remember? About calling names," Soujiro retorted, grinning at her tauntingly.



"Now you are making another story." With frowning brows, Misao took another sip from her Sake. Anger was starting to rise again. “I guess I should watch my back on you always, Sou-chan.”



"What do you mean by that? Ok, ok.....I'll behave....but only if you let your smile out again. Show me your smile." Soujiro sweetly coaxed Misao as his index finger probed the silkiness of Misao's pinkish right cheek but she shoved it, still a bit angry at what he did. "I'm sorry, Okashira Misao." This time, he was serious.



"Well! Let's have a toast again! This is for the welfare of the organization and for my birthday. Kampai!!!!" Okina cheered again and everyone went along with him.



The old man persuaded Misao to have more than just a cup of Sake for it was his birthday after all. At first Misao argued at him first but Okina had won the battle. He had indeed convinced her to take another round of Sake until Misao had eased a bit. Soujiro, having a true concern on the Okashira's welfare, took some of the rounds for her but Okina had some tricky ways to let everything still go on even with the help of her suitor.



“Aoshi,” Okina hissed the warrior’s name as his eyes searched for his presence. No Aoshi had been found so far. His plan has to work no matter what, after the first stage had finally taken place.



*******



It had been almost 3 hours since they started talking about Misao's late father about his personalities as a good leader and his great works. They simply can't get enough sharing with the said topic. Misao was genuinely happy to know the things they had shared and experienced with her late father on some of the missions she haven't heard of. Her father had not been so ‘open’ to her on the missions concerning about the government at the time of her growing up years. It was when she got into the Okashira business did she had the idea of all the works that were running under her family’s rule. She had some ideas and clues but time came all had to be serious, including her. Pain memories of loosing of her father suddenly interrupted her as the effects of the Sake ran to her head.



"Ey, Okina. We've been here for about 3 hours now and I haven't seen Shinomori's presence in the party." Iwasu was very concerned, asking Okina as he poured himself another round of Sake on his ceramic cup. He was expecting Aoshi to join them at the very beginning of gathering at the platform, drinking Sake just like they used to do when he was years younger - when Okashira Kyou Makimachi was still alive.



Speaking of the lost devil, Aoshi was slowly approaching towards the separate platform, also politely excusing himself to the people blocking his way. Megumi was following him but there was a huge distance between them. Although Misao was drunk, she saw what was happening. Seeing Megumi following him made her blood boils. Pretending to be alright in front of her late father’s associates was too hard to control.



Okina’s eyes began to shine for hope. Seeing Aoshi approaching the Sakura platform is great news to his whole plan. The second phase had to start and there is no stopping it.



"Ah! There he is! Where were you?" Okina stood up, giving Aoshi an innocent, welcoming smile. He sighed in relief. But truth is, Aoshi knew better about his intention. “We’ve been searching for you but it seems you are pretty occupied these last times.” He meaningfully eyed at Megumi who was sitting with the rest of the guest at the opposite side of the platform.



Misao caught Okina’s idea and only produced a mocking sigh. She quickly drank her Sake, feeling the rough line of flow inside her throat.



"Shinomori-san, I'm glad to see you." Iwasu poured Sake at one of the unused ceramic cups beside Okina and offered it to Aoshi. "It's been a long time since we had this kind of session. Why haven't you joined us earlier?"



"Like the old geezer said, I had been preoccupied lately,” he humbly said, peering at the silent Okashira. “Sorry for not filling in earlier." Shifting his gaze, Aoshi respectfully apologized to the old Iwasu, so goes with the other guests of Okina at the Sakura platform.



Megumi had taken a seat at one of the guests’ table not far from the Sakura platform. People there accepted her warmly and they were easily getting acquainted with. She laid her profile low for the meantime until she has Aoshi cornered to herself.



"It's Okina's birthday, for Kami's sake! Why bother working at this kind of occasion?! You are still as workaholic. I just wish your soon-to-be wife had enough patience and forgiveness at that bad side of yours." Iwasu joked at him, but half of it was true. He then gave Aoshi enough space to shove-in into their crowd at the platform.



Aoshi gave no inclination to what old Iwasu had said. Misao's cheeks began to redden.



"I don't think that it will come to that." Aoshi coldly retorted, avoiding Misao's unstable eyes.



"Why is that?" Iwasu came back to ask him more.



Silence wafted through them.



"For Megumi had been supportive at all of his needs, I'm sure," Unexpectedly, Misao spoke for Aoshi. Everyone's gazes turned towards her, stunned at what she had just revealed. Sake had finally taken its effects on her.



"What made you think of that, Okashira Misao?" Aoshi eyed the drunken Okashira, somehow challenging her to a debate.



Having no intention to run away from him, Misao's lips curved loop-sided. "I don't see any trouble on your relationship with her. She seems to be pretty 'satisfied' at the things you do to her." The kiss Megumi shared with this man was still very fresh and clear to her mind. It was very hard to erase especially when she really hated this man for being so….



"Maybe we do have something going on, Okashira Misao,” he taunted, taking a smooth, long sip on his Sake, “I guess my love affair is an open book now." Aoshi's flickering stare raked over her. He could still sense her jealousy upon seeing him together with Megumi, kissing together. His plan had worked indeed. But there was this feeling inside of him trying to get out - happiness of knowing the deeper reason why Misao is jealous. He knew that she still loved him despite of all the horrible things happened between them which he deliberately had caused it.



“Though it looks like one of your ‘escapades’, you two will probably work it out just fine.” Misao can’t help to fight back. “I wish you all the luck in the world!”



“Why thank you. It was indeed a great honor to receive such a blessing straight from the okashira’s lips.” Aoshi coldly said as he sipped his Sake again. The Japanese lantern at the center of the Sakura platform was giving them enough illumination and heat. But as the battle of words come flying in their area, things were getting hotter.



Iwasu, so as the other retired elders, remained jolly at their discussion. They thought everything was alright and the two were just exchanging simple views, having no clue what was really going on between them. They weren’t aware of the revival of the initiation of the Ritual days ago. And also, they weren’t aware of Aoshi being the chosen one.



Soujiro, on the other hand, had been very quite since Aoshi came. He was waiting for his turn to argue with him as he drank his own part of Sake. He could feel the rage inside of him like the Sake slowly heating his skin. Though still like smiling, his dark eyes never left Aoshi’s face, watching his every move.



“When will you be settling down, Aoshi? For a handsome and stable guy like you, it’s not hard for you to have a woman on your side eternally – if you know what mean. It is a lonely world out there, son. There are nights, plenty of them, that you wish to share it with someone you love. Just look at us Okina! We are indeed not good examples.” Iwasu wisely lectured.



“Why include me on your example?! I’m perfectly happy for what I have now.” Okina abruptly defended himself.



“Yeah sure. Fool me more.” Iwasu gave him a wink, not falling into Okina’s lies.



“I have no plan to settle down, Iwasu-san. I prefer living my life alone.” His voice was cold yet the meanings of his words were warm. It strongly hit someone else in the group.



“Why is that?” Iwasu asked, wanting to know more.



“Yeah, tell us.” Misao, after hearing him say those revealing words, was eager to know his explanation to that. Now is the time to know the truth from him. Aoshi owed her a big one. “Does Megumi have a say on this? Does she know how gutless coward you are who takes women for granted, leaving them vulnerable once you get what you wanted?” She was speaking on the behalf of the women Aoshi had previously affair with and left.



Aoshi remained calm as ever and said, "In every action, there's a reason to be told. But not all the reasons had to be explained."



“Poor Megumi,” Misao gasped, faking her sympathy to the lady doctor. “She’s still living in a fantasy that she should have long been awakening from.”



“Not all the women are like you; strong and very traditional. It will be a great bore if all are the same.” Aoshi was trying to be more patient with Misao. He didn’t want to lash out from her. He just needed to put on her mind that something indeed was still going on with him and Megumi. And soon, everything will be over. His life with Misao will be out of his list. “She has a mind of her own, like yours, but hers was running different. Don’t condemn her.”



“Judging from your words, you really love the lady doctor.” Misao was taunting him. “I never knew that it exist on you. Well, my mistake. I apologize.”



“Apology accepted,” Aoshi retorted back.



“No need to be humble and respectful, Shinomori-san,” Misao said and laughed a bit, brushing her fallen bangs away from her drowsy eyes caused by the Sake. She was beginning to annoy him but he still had his composure well built. Her kimono embraced every curves she has, making Aoshi notice more of her. Damn it. She’s a beautiful spitfire alright!





“Because it doesn’t suit you,” Then a hiccup was produced on her throat.



“Well, nothing seems to be right when things get concerned on me,” Aoshi uttered.



“Stop this non-sense, Aoshi! Can’t you see she’s drunk?” Soujiro couldn’t take anymore. He finished his Sake and was about to take Misao away from the group.



“No, Soujiro! I can take care of myself.” The okashira raised a hand, stopping Soujiro’s intervention. “I don’t need men to protect me from this world, even to this monster!” She was getting dizzier caused by the Sake.



“What is going in here? Are they fighting?” Iwasu had no clue what was happening. He innocently asked Okina.



“No, it’s nothing. You know how Sake works on people, Iwasu. You’ve seen Okashira Kyou’s reaction to that, right?” Okina nervously told his friend, patting a compensating hand to his elderly shoulder. Iwasu just nodded to agree. “In Misao’s case, it really hit hard.”



“Yes, just like Okashira Kyou’s,” one of the retired elders uttered. “Like father, like daughter,”



Okina nodded, agreeing to the comment. “Children! Children! Should we have to embarrass ourselves in front of these special people?”



Misao’s head was aching dreadfully. She propped her hand to the floor to enable herself to stand up from her position. She felt awful, her head was like swirling. “I must retire now, gentlemen. Obviously, the Sake must have taken its affect on me. Just enjoy the whole evening with Okina and the rest of the people. My presence here is not that important anymore. Sorry for the trouble.” Strands of hair were released from her tight bow as she did her fleeing movements.



Gently, Soujiro helped her to get up. He was taking Misao back to her room. This was his chance to make out with her thanks to Aoshi.



Second phase was about to unfold as Misao finally leaves the Sakura platform under the influence of the rice wine. He strongly knew for the fact that Misao had a weakness on all kinds of alcohol drinks. From all of them, Sake had been the worse that taken its toll to her delicate, young body. Like usual drunks, all of Misao’s defenses were down, seemingly helpless but still can manage to think a little. Okina’s eyes were happy and at the same time projecting malevolence. His plan should work no matter what!



A letter was delivered by a man dressed in a black omitsu suit. He was one of men left to stand on their posts, continuing their duty as spies. The ninja gave the letter to Okina after seeing the Okashira in disposed. Okina had dismissed the fellow after receiving his news and then read it right away. His eyes showed shock as he read the report further.



“Soujiro!” Okina called for him. So the letter must have something to do with Sou-chan.



Halfway towards the mansion, Soujiro ceased walking with Misao. “What is it this time, old man?” he turned to face them, his eyes showed little irritation towards the obnoxious elder. It was obvious that he was trying to separate him from his beloved. But he had to abide with his rules for the old man might have something good to tell, worth interrupting his soon-to-be moment with the lady Okashira. Misao continued her wobbling walk, leaving him behind.



“I think this will change your mood.” Okina waved the paper in the air. “Aoshi, you better take Misao back to her room.” This is the second phase of Okina’s plan – to make Aoshi be with Misao at her most vulnerable state. He tried with all his might not to show his true intentions to Aoshi and Soujiro’s perceptive minds.



Aoshi remained still for a while. Everyone was waiting for him to comply on Okina’s order. It was like their world stopped from its revolving. He finished his Sake and stood from his part of platform to leave. Without a word of argument, he complied like an obedient son to his father.



There was a cool aura surrounding Aoshi as he passed through Soujiro’s side. Soujiro’s cheerful face had become sour as soon as he felt the other man’s closeness upon his shoulder. He controlled himself more this time. Things have to wait for a responsible Triad commandant has to do his duties first.



*******



The corridor towards Misao’s room was empty and silent. There were no other people around the area which made the place very private. The drunken okashira had a hard time to stabilize her body. Good thing the pathway was wide enough and the Japanese lanterns along it had given her sufficient illumination for her to see. But her visions were starting to fail her. A tall shadow appeared behind her as she leaned herself at one of the wooden cube pillars of her mansion. There’s no need for her to guess who the person was.



“Why are you here?” Misao’s head was still felt banging. It hurts like hell and Aoshi’s presence intensified it further. “Go back where you belong. To MEGUMI”S arms.”



“I’m taking you to your room.” Aoshi coldly replied, taking her elbow to guide her towards the said place.



With all her left strength, Misao abruptly jerked her arms away from his grip. The force of her resistance made her almost fell to the floor but Aoshi was quick enough to catch her in his sturdy arms. She was becoming more stubborn than ever.



“Let me go!” Misao struggled helplessly, resisting his embrace. She felt awkward to be with him like this. Her jet-black hair came fumbling down from its tie until all of them united, brushing through his arms and chest. Aoshi had cupped her up, securing her in him.



“Is that all you can say? Let me go?” Whatever struggling she infused towards Aoshi, it was all futile.

“Save us both from trouble.”



“I hate you!” Misao was still struggling away from him. A tear from her left eye broke out, rolling down to one of her cheeks. “I hate you!” Then a strong hit from her right fist came to knock at Aoshi’s left cheek. “I don’t want you here!”



The hit on Aoshi’s face was painful but not enough to ail from it. Blood spurted out at one side of his lips.

“Satisfied now?”



“No! I am not! It is not enough for paying everything you did to me!” Misao exclaimed as she was about to infuse another one but this time, Aoshi had easily dodged it with his free hand. “Damn it!”



“I tried to be civilized but it seems the okashira doesn’t want to be treated like one.” He said as his blue eyes were glaring at her.



“This would not happen to you if you let me go in the first place.” Misao retorted back. “It’s your fault.”



Aoshi gently released her, helping her to stand on her own. He should have known better not to fight with the stubborn, drunken okashira for arguing with her is useless. But he won’t give up. He will take her to her room, making sure of her safety. Nothing more, nothing less.



As he bowed his head close to hers, he could smell her sweet perfume; an aroma that is hard to resist. But he had enough will power to subdue his needs of her. He saw a tear broke out again from one of her beautiful eyes as she looked straight in his. Unintentionally, Aoshi wiped with his index finger the teardrop on her weary yet still beautiful face, hoping to wash away the pain he had inflicted to her just now and even before then.



“I’m sorry for being such a bastard,” Aoshi heartedly apologized. He closed his eyes, not wanting to see the reaction from her face.



His apology had struck on her somehow. She knew she was still vulnerable to his sweetness and nearness. For her, the heavens have been so mean to her by making Aoshi more visible to her senses each passing day and night. She still wanted Aoshi badly yet there were many circumstances that hindering their reunion and one of them was the incident happened four years ago at the Sakura Platform. It’s so hard to forget and even to forgive. Aoshi, for her, was a part of her past and she should mark that on her head, even to her wandering heart.



Misao could see the blood rolled down on one of the side of his lips. She felt ashamed to act like a barbarian to him when all she knew that he was just helping her out. She had hurt the man with her raging fist – not a lady like. A part of her got saddened, blaming herself. Suddenly without any hesitations, she touched the swollen side of his lips, wiping the blood out of his. Like a wanton woman, she stroked her thumb at the site of the blood hoping to erase the evidence of hatred on her on him.



“I’m,” she wanted to apologize too but words couldn’t get out from her, “I, I, ah,”



Her eyes were staring on his luscious lips that were slightly damage by her fist. Her internal heat began to surge as her thumb traveled on the blood path from his mouth to chin. It was unbearable to feel, even to contain it. She was so close to him, almost feeling like being suffocated on his arms. How badly she wanted him to her side and does all the things a man should do to a woman when they are alone! Her logic had become weak, fast tumbling down, as she spent more time on his comforting embrace.



Aoshi felt the same emotions on her. The mere presence of her made his insides go wild. Even his manhood was reacting to her closeness, simply not taking things easier for him to bear. No other women on his entire life had made him feel this way, even Megumi. Misao is very different from the rest of them even though she had not given herself to him yet. It was not the sex drive that made him wanting of her. There is another and that is more important than anything else. Her love, her whole being – her being Misao.



“Damn it!” he cursed himself, freeing the okashira from his embrace, enough to still support her. “I’ll take you to your room.”



“Why? Why did you do that to me?” With a weak voice, Misao asked him. She was pertaining to the incident that had shattered her close connection to the only person she loved most. “You know that I love you yet you have………It felt like I was really betrayed.”



Aoshi only gave a gasp and turned his gaze on her lovely face. He took a moment of silence before he started to talk. “As I had said before, there are reasons that should be left unexplained. It is for the best.”



“Why come back, ruining my whole life again?!” Misao couldn’t stop herself to cry. Teardrops were streaming down on her lovely face, having all her hidden emotions pouring out like a raging, flowing river.



For previous nights, Aoshi had been searching for an answer to that on why he still had to do all of those things to her – coming up on the Spring then the rest is history. Could it be his senses, his feelings on her was dominating than the one he was infusing to himself long ago, the whole reason why he had to leave her.



Aoshi couldn’t contain himself anymore. Seeing her cry like that made his heart sank into the abyss. A part of him wanted to comfort her as such as he could give but……Damn! The hell with the controlling of his emotions. Bending his head towards hers, Aoshi grabbed her face with his manly calloused hands and kissed her. At first he intended to have it a smack but after sensing Misao’s same eagerness for his, he drove his tongue inside of her – to claim her fully even just by this.



The kiss was overwhelming and exhilarating. It felt like a flow of exchanging energies within their bodies by the use of their mouths. It was the sweetest yet scary thing that happened to Misao and she loved every movement of molding of his tongue inside of hers. It was like her very first kiss, the one she gave one night at the Moonlight Spring! The first one coming from a man she both love and hate. Her arms snaked to his neck, twinning to secure him to her. She didn’t want him to let go of her, giving more of himself to her. Though she felt like one of his whore like Megumi, she was somehow willing to step on that part. She still loves him regardless the pain that he had inflicted on her years ago.



The ecstasy she was giving on him was surprisingly unbearable for a man like him to take. One of his hands escaped, trailing her neck line then to the middle of her chest. His hand was instinctively searching for her bosoms and successfully claimed it. He had massaged one of her fully-rise breast, feeling the tautness of her nipple. The woman was undeniably eager to have what he might give. Will he give-in to his passion? Misao gasped loudly upon sensing his bold hand on one of her breasts. Though hers was still covered with her silky kimono, the clothing was not enough to hinder his desires for her.



“Aoshi….”she mumbled his name as she escaped from his possessive kisses and looked at his trance eyes but she taken aback when Aoshi claimed hers again. This time, he did not hesitate.



Finally, his free hand slid through her kimono, yanking up the hems to caress what a man should touch on a woman’s yearning body. Misao let him be, feeling the mixed sensations all at the same time. God! It was breath-taking! His hand was seductively stroking her smooth thigh then raising it towards his hips. He wanted hers to pin him – an action he couldn’t stop. He was then stroking the roundness of her buttocks. A sweet cry escaped from her. She was moaning and that made Aoshi more sexually aroused on her. He felt his manhood was bursting inside on his omitsu uniform. Damn it! Though he wanted her this badly, he still didn’t want to reach it to that point. He may grievously regret if things get out of his hand.



“Misao,” after all the heat and sensual touches he infused to her, he had enough sanity to take her away from his sinfulness. He reluctantly separated her from his panting body, looking intently at her, “we shouldn’t do this. It is not meant to be.”



“What is meant to be, Aoshi?” Misao, who was still feeling the heat he had given and wanting more, bluntly asked. “Tell me!” Her eyes were dancing to meet his, searching.



Aoshi could not answer at once. He wanted to kiss her more or do more than that but he shouldn’t. It’s time to face the reality that he should not be a part of her life again, and same goes with him.



Tired of waiting for his response, this time Misao claimed Aoshi’s lips without any hesitations. The kiss they were sharing had once again occupied both of their minds and hearts. They knew that they both wanted each other so much for each striving kisses were enough proofs for the thought. Misao’s hands were searching for his hard chest while Aoshi’s was claiming the softness of his stiffed rounding twins. Each of their kisses was telling not to let go until someone came from behind but far enough to give them privacy.



“Aoshi-sama,” the messenger sent by Okina interrupted them, taking his time to make them to get back to their selves. “Okina calls for you. We have an urgent meeting to discuss.”



Luckily, the messenger had not notice fully what they were doing. Or is it? Aoshi’s back had blocked his view and the shadows had played its part so well to hide them.



As Aoshi finally gained his composure, he gently shove an arm away his woman on his chest without facing the man. “I’ll be there in a moment.”



“Okay, sir. I’ll just tell them you are coming.” Then the man immediately fled away.



“I have to take you back to your room. It was the original plan, wasn’t it?” Aoshi told Misao as he brushed his bangs away from his lovely face.



“You don’t have to for I can take care of myself,” she stormed away from him even though she still had not recovered her lost strength after their kissing. She was still wobbling. The Sake had caused her brain almost explode then Aoshi’s kiss made it jumped over the bridge. But it was worth it. “Take your ass back where it belongs and you know who I am referring to. Don’t ever show your ugly face to me again!”



“Women,” Watching Misao stomped away, Aoshi lowly mumbled as he pivoted his heels back towards the Sakura Platform where Okina and the rest were waiting, including Soujiro.



“It is for the best.” Somehow, regret had been a part of his last words.





OOC -



time to get everything in action next time. I hope I could do the following chapters in a small time. Let's just hope for the best.