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Two Worlds Apart
By Akari
Chapter 1
"Welcome, my Lord! You have returned safely from your trip!" A woman bowed, a
tall man stopped.
"Good morning, uh--"
"Chiziru, sir." She
commented, nodding again.
"Yes. Well Chiziru, are you new to the
Oniwanbanshuu?"
"Yes, Lord Aoshi." She said, diverting her gaze to the
ground as she answered him.
"Well then, Hajimemashite, Chiziru. I hope
your stay is a good one." Aoshi said as he walked away, other men escorting
him.
"What was that all about, Chiziru?" Another maid said.
"I do
not know, but... I gotto speak with Lord Aoshi." She whispered.
"Aa...
don't try anything, child. I hear his heart yearns for another." The maid said
plainly. Chiziru turned and smiled.
"True... but a girl can dream,
ne?"
****************************************************************************
**********
**Flashback**
"Lady Misao!" Hannya yelled, dodging a
kunai effortlessly. A young girl wearing a ninja outfit and a long braid
suspended over her small shoulders, snickered mischievously.
"It was only
a joke, Hannya. Calm yourself. Besides, you are one of the strongest of the
Oniwabanshuu!" She squeaked.
**Flashback ends**
But now she stood
in front of four graves, a batch of flowers in her tiny hands.
"Shikijou,
Hyottoko, Beshimi... Hannya. You will be missed dearly." She whispered, placing
the flowers on each stony grave, bowing her head in a silent prayer.
"I
must go, my friends... Aoshi-sama will return soon..." She paused.
"I
must take care of Aoshi-sama now. I still may be little... but I will try my
best to protect him. I must care for him now. But rest assured, I will keep your
names in my heart forever." She whispered, walking
away.
****************************************************************************
**********
"OH! WHERE IS THAT GIRL!?" An elderly man said. Aoshi stared a
moment before sipping his tea lightly.
"You know her... she'll return."
Aoshi said in indifference.
"You're right. I only hope
that--"
"Good afternoon, gramps." Misao said airily, pausing as she saw
Aoshi sit beside Okina.
"A-Aoshi-sama...you h-have returned..." she
stammered. Aoshi looked up, startled by Misao's appearance. She wore that same
ninja outfit, but...she was taller... less childish... definitely clumsy. That
much he could tell.
"It is good to see you in such a long time,
Aoshi-sama!" She said quickly, retrieving her household sandals, and slipping
them onto her little feet.
"Where have you been, young lady?" Okina said,
wagging a finger.
"Nothing of the sort. I could say I went 'out', but you
hate that answer." She beamed.
"Lady Misao, will you join us? Lord Aoshi
would love to have you accompany us." Okina said, reaching for the pot of herbal
tea.
"I am sure you fine gentlemen would not need me in your
conversations. I bid you all a good evening." She murmured, walking out onto the
dojo porch.
"Makimachi Misao! Come back h--"
"Let her go." Aoshi
said, putting a hand out in front of the man.
"You need not punish her,
Okina. I will speak to her."
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