THE REAL AOSHI AND MISAO STORY

Chapter one

When I first met my wife to be I was shocked out of my mind.  I did not know that the Okashira had a grand daughter.  I also

didn't know that she was only eight years old. 

I'm eighteen years old.  I am a lot older then her.  But no the okashira called me too his quarters and told introduced me to

my future wife. 

"Aoshi…this is your future wife.  This is my granddaughter Misao."  Misao looked up at me and smiled brightly at me. 

"Yes I'm going to be your wife.  I'll cook and clean just for you Aoshi-sama."  I didn't know how to respond to that sama she

threw in.  I just nodded at the okashira. 

"May I take my leave now?"

I was in a hurry to leave.  The situation was making me uncomfortable.  I mean what was a man supposed to say about being

betrothed to a little girl of eight?  Really the idea was starting to make me sick.  But little Misao didn't understand the

true nature of this dilemma.  She's too innocent.  I wonder if I was like that when I was younger.  I don't even recall those

years…too many painful memories. 

"Aoshi don't you want to talk to her?"  Misao walked up to me and tugged at my pant leg.  "Can you carry me?"  She asked so

innocently how could I refuse?  I lifted her up so that she was face level to me. 

"Good now I can see your blue eyes."  She smiled brightly at me once again.  I remained still. 

"Aoshi-sama  I promise to be a good wife when I grow up.  But for now can we just play?"  I nodded at her and put her back on

the ground. 

She tugged on my hand and we were out of the room.  Before I left I looked at the okashira one more time over my shoulder.  I

could've sworn that I saw a smile on that face of his. 

After Misao and I finished playing.  I took her to her room for a nap.  I was stepping out of her room and recalling what a

wonderful time I had with her.  "Aoshi?"  It was the okashira.  HE could sneak up on anyone, that's why he is our leader. 

"I need to speak with you."  He led me to his room.  We both sat down and he looked at me carefully.  It was beginning to

make me uncomfortable.  "You know the only reason I choose you to be my granddaughter's husband is because you're the only

man I trust with her happiness.  It is true that one day that she will begin to grow up and then learn the evil ways of man. 

She won't always be that innocent flower that you saw today.  One day she'll have different kinds of happiness taken away

from her.  But she'll always have you.  Because I know that you'll survive.  The strongest thing in life is the will to live.

 If you have something to live for I know that you'll live.  So live.  Well I've spoken enough." 

That was my cue to leave his room.  I left his room feeling a bit uneasy. 

The next day Misao was sent away to her home. 

Exactly eight years later, I remember seeing a beautiful woman enter the Aoiya...

TBC...

M.LEE