Disclaimer: Rurouni Kenshin is the creation of Nobuhiro Watsuki, with the manga and anime rights belonging to Jump Comics and Sony Entertainment, respectively. FF is non-profit, meant for entertainment only. 

Chapter Four

**************

Time stood still as every one froze. He couldn’t be serious. She began to tremble in the face of it all. The news. She didn’t expect this.

He watched her form tremble maybe he shouldn’t have said anything. But he just couldn’t be here. This may have been where his other self was happy but he as he was at the moment, he couldn’t remain here. Somewhere inside his heart gave a small twinge at seeing her so heart broken. Maybe. “Maybe we can go somewhere else.” His tone was strong and carried out to even the eaves droppers.

Her watery eyes turned up at him a bit hopeful.

“The way my memory left me. It was strange and because of that I can not assure you I will return to who I was.” He explained to her while she bit her lip. “If you wish to remain at my side then you will have to accept who I am, now.”

She nodded her head at him.

“Then you will come with me.” He asked and though it had been a question it sounded like a command to her ears. “I can’t abandon the Dojo. It’s my legacy but . . . ” She paused a bit afraid to go on. “We can take a vacation. A couple of months somewhere. Maybe somewhere we’ve already been.” She suggested. He walked closer to her until he looked down her tear stained face. He brushed some of her tears away with his left hand and her lips trembled. Against better judgment he leaned in. Slowly he brushed his lips against hers. She didn’t resist and so he increased the pressure of his lips on hers. When she let out a content sigh he kissed her again this time exploring her mouth carefully. Feelings emerged and the kiss turned a bit more sensuous. He held her by the waist watching her eyes flutter open. A deep longing flared in the depths of his soul at the glazed look in her eyes. He felt very possessive of this woman. He leaned down and kissed her again.

“Can you see?” Sano whispered from far.

Megumi crawled closer to the door trying to get a look. She’d been sent because she didn’t have a fighters ki. So she wouldn’t be detected as easily. She heard Sano and threw him a glare. It was dark out in the yard. Really like she had nothing better to do. She kept crawling, she was almost there. She peeked in but there wasn’t anyone there. She turned her head to the sides and she couldn’t see anyone. If she went any further in though they’d see her. They were probably along the wall. It had been sometime since words had been exchanged. Her fox ears popped out and a sly smiled crossed her lips. She turned then to go back

“FOX!”

She walked into Kenshin’s leg while Kaoru held his right hand. The hand that draws his sword. His eyes flashed with anger.

Every one ran out of their hiding spot.

“Don’t touch her.” Sano yelled as he jogged closer. Megumi stood up slowly. Demonstrating she didn’t mean any harm.

“Kenshin, it’s alright.” Kaoru spoke soothingly. They’d been kissing when he’d broken away from her. He’d started to dash off before she’s clutched his hand. In response he’d picked her up and they blurred away from the inside of the hall. The next thing she knew they were out here watching Megumi try and peek in. “They only wanted to see if I was alright.” She said as she tugged on his hand a bit.

He didn’t understand why they had to sneak up on him. If they knew what he was then why hell would they try something like this. If he hadn’t recognized Sano’s ki once he’d stepped out here . . . . His katana would have split them in half. “Don’t sneak up on an hitokiri unless you want to see the afterlife.” He warned before he strode away with Kaoru trailing behind.

They looked at his retreating back. Sano noticed he walked with a straight back not at all casual. That man was nothing like the Kenshin they knew. That man was truly the Hitokiri Battoussai and he wouldn’t hesitate in killing unless Kaoru stepped in the way.

*************

His eyes snapped open just a bit after sunrise. He stretch and he felt stiff from having fallen asleep sitting up. It felt like he hadn’t done it in years. His eyes fell on the covered up women in the middle of the room.

After much protest she had allowed him to remain in the room. He’d watch her sleep for a while before to took his seat near the door and took his rest. Now it was morning and time to leave. He kneeled by her side brushing some of her bangs away, the back of his hand brushed against her cheek. ‘So smooth,’ he thought.

“Kaoru.” He called but she didn’t wake up.

“Kaoru.” He called again.

“Just one more hour Kenshin.” She said turning on her side.

So she was used to him waking her up was she. He smiled a smile that would have made her faint if she had been awake. But she was not and so the effect was lost. Still smiling down at her sleeping form he lowered his face to her exposed neck and kissed her pulse. For some reason he liked to feel her heart race. She smelled nice like . . . . Jasmine. His lips hovered over her neck when he felt the urge to taste her. There couldn’t be anything wrong in that he thought as he licked the side of her neck. That feeling that was starting to become familiar flared again and he felt his heart contract. with some emotion he still couldn’t define. He nuzzled her neck just once more before breaking off contact with her. It was puzzling to say the least. He felt connected with her.

Kaoru’s breath caught in her throat when he nuzzled her neck. She’d been having some strange dream when she felt him. She knew she was blushing because her face felt hot. She turned slowly on her back to peer at him from under her lashes. He looked at her with guarded eyes.

“It’s time to leave.” He said getting up.

“Leave . . .” It took her a moment before she realized what he meant. “But we haven’t packed and everyone isn’t here. How are we going to leave?” She asked.

Maybe she was under the wrong impression but “You and I are leaving alone.” He said. He watched her face form a frown, obviously confused.

“But . . . I take care of Yahiko and well Sano is OUR friend. He maybe a freeloader but well he’s like my older brother and I take care of him too. He gets lonely and he likes to come by almost everyday. He likes it here. You’re his best friend.” He covered her mouth to keep her from continuing. He didn’t know them and so far he didn’t like them. He was not willing to give them a chance. He had what he wanted and now he wanted to leave. They could leave everyone else but he had a feeling the kid might feel deserted. If Kaoru took care of him. His past . . . he still remembered them from time to time. They had died for him. He removed his hand from her mouth. He turned away from her. “You may bring the kid, if it means that much but that’s it.” His anger made him curt.

Kaoru had felt anger bubble to the surface but for a second she had seen hurt and pain in his blue/violet eyes. Before they became cold. Against her will she got up. “I’ll go wake Yahiko up.” She said heading for the door.

“No you dress, I’ll wake him up.” He didn’t wait for her to finish. He got up and walked out of the room. She was nervous about letting him go on his own. Kenshin seemed to hate everybody and Yahiko seemed to hate the battoussai, now. She dressed as fast as she could and began packing her things.

**************

Kenshin felt out the rooms till he found an occupant. He opened the door to see the kid sprawled ob his futon. He didn’t know if he should nudge him with his foot or kneel down and shake him. Deciding on the first. He kicked at Yahiko.

“What . . what hapend? kenshin wha hap” Yahiko’s words trailed off. This wasn’t a regular morning. This wasn’t Kenshin. “What do you want.” Yahiko snapped after a moment.

“Get dressed and pack, we’re leaving.” The battoussai turned around and walked back to Kaoru’s room.

Yahiko stared after him. What the hell. What did he mean? He changed fast and ran out of his room. “Kaoru.” Yahiko called.

Kenshin came out with a bag and Kaoru trailed behind him. “Where are your things Yahiko?” She said at seeing nothing in his hands.

“He said we were leaving.” Yahiko said as she signaled over to Kenshin with his thumb.

“We’re going to go on a vacation Yahiko. Go get your thing so we can go.” She said turning him and pushing him in the direction of his room.

“Vacation? At the end of fall. Kaoru it’ll be winter soon. Now’s not the time for traveling. Besides I’m not going anywhere with him.” Yahiko ended.

“Yahiko it’ll be fun you’ll see. Come one. Go get your thing.” she said a bit insistently.

“Kaoru.” Yahiko began.

“It’ll only be a couple of months now go get your thing.” She snapped back. It was too early to be arguing with him.

“If it’s only a couple of months then you can go without me.” Yahiko said vehemently.

“Yahiko.” She lowered her face but then it came back up and she looked determined. “You are still too young to stay on your own. How would you eat? You can‘t stay at the dojo alone. So go get your things and lets go.” With that said she made to walk to Kenshin out in the yard.

Yahiko blocked her path. “I’m not going Kaoru and I am old enough to stay alone. I can work for Tae while you are gone and remain here at the dojo.”

Kaoru looked at his determined face and nodded at him. She turned her face quickly so he wouldn’t see her cry. He didn’t want to come with them. That was fine. She strode out the door and crossed the yard fairly fast. “Take care of the dojo for me,” she yelled from the gate.

Yahiko stood in the doorway blinking back some tears. But this was for the best. He was sure the battoussai hadn’t wanted for him to come along anyhow. It was probably Kaoru who had wanted him to tag along. He went back inside feeling miserable. Ugly, hag. He missed her already.

*************

The battoussai was surprised that there was a train to Kyoto. It would mean less walking which was fine since he didn’t think she should walk that much. She looked . . . fragile. Right up until she opened her mouth. She’d been quiet the whole way to the train station. He shouldn’t have been so nice to the kid. Little bastard. He’d hurt her feeling by not coming along. She would more than likely worry now that she didn’t have him under the constant vigilance of her eyes. He helped her board the train and sat her next to him. She stared out the window and after some time the scenery began to mover ever so slowly till the pace remained the same.

“Why do you want to go to Kyoto?” She asked him looking down at her clasped hands. “I have money there.” He responded. That made no sense to her. If he’d had money all this time why hadn’t he come back for it. Maybe it was because of his first wife. She rested here. Maybe that’s why he hadn’t wanted to come back. She blinked back some tears and turned her face to stare out the window. They had married so quickly while she and him had know each other for three years without so much as . . . . She couldn’t help but feel a bit of jealousy towards the departed woman. Her Kenshin was so slow. While this other one, the one from the past. He was much more . . . . aggressive you could say. She gave a sad smile, this one might not be happy with her. She always wondered if the two women; her and the late wife had been alive at the same time who would he have chosen. But that’s when reason snapped her back to reality. He would always have chosen his wife. Wasn’t he still choosing his wife when she tried to tell him about her feelings for him. He’d let her down gently. Her silent tears broke into a sob. She didn’t want to be just his friend. She wanted to be his wife, to bear him children. To love him and ease his pain. His arm reached for her and she cried into his chest. Clinging to him as a way of clinging to her hope. That was all she had left. The dying hope that maybe one day he would look at her differently.

Kenshin had been sitting with his eyes closed when he heard her sob. His first instinct had been to hold her, shelter her from her pain. She took hold of his gi and her hands fisted them selves in the material. He held her tighter. He thought she might have gotten over the disappointment of leaving the kid behind. He would make this fun for her, like an adventure so she didn’t have to be sad. Another sob escaped her and he felt his heart crack just a bit. He pulled her away from him to look into her eyes but she only pressed herself tighter against him, unwilling to let go. Though he wasn’t sure he had a strong feeling that this wasn’t just about the boy. He looked around to confirm no one was around. Luckily there was no one near their end of the train. So it’d be alright to touch her. People and propriety sometimes got on his nerves. He eased her face back and the tears flowed down her eyes rapidly. She seemed to be in the worst kind of pain. Though he couldn’t imagine why she’d feel pain. He steeled his nerves against the flow of anger at seeing the tears. He’d never felt overwhelmed to kill anyone as he felt now.

Kaoru watched the eerie blue eyes of the battoussai change to a rich amber with the blink of his eyes. It somehow comforted her but it didn’t make the pain of his rejection lessen any. He eased his face down and silenced her with a kiss. She felt overwhelmed and needy all at the same time. He crushed her with his kiss and she was happy to feel it. To experience his unrelenting passion through the kiss. It was completely different to the way he’d kissed her before. They were raw feelings. She felt him dip her a bit more into the seat and the kiss deepened. Soon her thoughts became lost.

He let go of her lips only when he felt his lungs would explode. She slumped against his chest gasping for breath. Her tears had stopped some time ago. She was a bit woozy still so she rested her head on his chest while his hands tightened around her waist. Giving into the need she finally fell asleep.

He watched her head slump in sleep. It was obvious she wasn’t used to getting up early. He had managed to suppress the rest of the emotions he’d felt. It’s like he became alive when he kissed her. The feelings he’d had at hearing she was his woman resurfaced. Insistent he acknowledge them. And he could but only to some degree. He could acknowledge his attraction and the possessiveness he felt. But that was all he could make out. There were too many feelings to distinguish one from the other. He kept his eyes on the changing scenery as the train continued its way.

*************

Kaoru felt kind of odd just standing around being his look out. She thought someone was holding his money in Kyoto not that he’d hidden it in Kyoto. She’d been surprised when they’d arrived at the station but instead of heading to town they’d walked to the outskirts of town. She looked around nervously.

Kenshin walked into the forest looking around for a specific tree. His face gave into a grin when he spotted it. He slashed a triangle into the tree. His pouch was till there. He reached for it noting it was bigger than the last time he’d put money into it. Much bigger he thought as he put it into her bag. He must have kept adding to it over the years. Except for maybe the last three which he spent with her. He crept back to her, she was looking around nervously. He put his hand on her shoulder and she let out a loud shriek of surprise.

She held her hand to her heart. “Baka” She yelled.

He took her hand and they walked back . . . to the train station? She looked at him confused. “I thought we were coming here?”

He looked at her strangely. “We did.”

“No, I mean I thought this is were we were going to have our vacation?”

He shook his head at that. Despite the fact that the Bakumatsu was over, he still felt the same here. Nothing was different for him. He’d expect certain people to be in certain places. It was just too odd. “No not here.” He said pulling her along.

“Then where are we going?” She asked him while they walked along the path to wait for their train.

“Izu.” He said. If he remembered correctly their was no danger there. Nothing he couldn’t handle on his own. Besides it was so close to the water that it wouldn’t snow. His own mind clung to that for a moment what did it matter if it snowed or not.

“Kenshin.” She called to him after he’d gripped her hand.

His face turned down to her. He spared her a quick glance before he walked over to a small stand to buy her breakfast.

*************

Kaoru sat in her seat. The train ride felt so long. He’d stopped talking some time ago and now she was unsure. She’d had time to process today’s earlier events. She usually tried not to cry in front of him knowing it added to his guilt. But this one. If he had guilt he sure wasn’t showing it. It was nice to be able to kiss him but why did he do it. I mean did he do it because he had feelings for her or because . . . .

She couldn’t help but remember what Megumi had said to her once. ‘He’s a man Kaoru. A man with needs.’ The words had haunted her for a long time. She’d had nightmares as well as fantasies after those words. She briefly wondered if they’d get to see Dr. Genzai’s sister since they’d be in Izu.

They walked along the country path. If she hadn’t fallen asleep on the train she’d be tired. Instead she felt lively walking this early in the morning. ‘The sun would soon be up,’ she thought as she gripped his hand.

He was weary of traveling. His thoughts had kept him busy the rest of the trip. He felt her squeeze his hand from time to time trying to get his attention. Still he kept his eyes on the road. He couldn’t quite remember what Inn they’d told him about. Usually when the others spoke he tuned them out or just left. ‘Tsu. Tsu something.’ Finally he saw the first house of the small town come into view. They walked into a general store where he waited for her to look around while he asked the kid at the front something.

Kaoru watched the kid’s eyes widen and he left shortly to be followed by an older guy a bit older than Kenshin. Her guess was that the man was the kid’s father. He nodded at Kenshin and pointed west. Kaoru picked up some sweets and waited for Kenshin to turn back before she handed them to him. He came back to her as she looked at other things.

“I’ve acquired a house. We need to buy cookware and food.” He said as he came to stand next to her. She nodded and went around picking up the things they would need. As they left the older man nodded at Kenshin who returned the gesture. It made her think. It was almost like they knew each other.

People were moving around the street by the time they stepped out of the general store. Kaoru could smell the aroma of freshly made rice. Kenshin took notice and pulled on her hand to bring her inside the small restaurant. He ordered for them and she looked around happily. It lightened his mood some to see her happy.

He’d been surprised to see Takahashi Katoki. He was so old now. It was so hard to believe. He’d met him sometime last year. But I guess in real time that would be over fifteen years ago, he thought darkly. He turned his face to glance at her when she tapped his hand.

“Are you alright?” She asked him.

He nodded and she rubbed his hand a bit longer before she went back to eating. It took the sting out of missing so many years. To wake up with someone already in love with you. He’d had to almost drag it out of her but she’d admitted it. His thoughts went back to what Takahashi had said. The Shinsegumi. More like Saitou Hajime. He hadn’t fought with him but he’d heard of him. Kaoru had briefly mentioned him when she was telling him about his past though only by name and nothing more. He’d been in Kyoto at the same time.

“Kenshin you need to eat.” She scolded him. He finished his meal quickly and they left soon after that. They made their way west to where the house stood alone deep within the forest. A safe house.

*************

. . . . said ‘Don’t sneak up on an hitokiri unless you want to see the afterlife.’ Can you believe that shit?” Sano said shaking his head.

Tae had taken a seat in front of the gloomy group. Shaking her head. “I can’t believe it.” She said. “I just can’t believe he’d ever threaten anyone of you, not to mention hit you.”

Sano took another drink of his sake. He’d once hated all the Ishin shishi but after meeting Kenshin he’d made an exception. Now . . . Kenshin . . .

Dr. Genzai shook his head sadly. “He wants us addressing him as Himura. I found that odd.” He said taking a drink of his tea.

They all thought on that for a moment. The Kenshin they knew was so kind. But the battoussai didn’t seem so much.

“I just can’t believe he’s the battoussai.” Megumi said. She’d kept quiet most of the conversation. But she just couldn’t keep her mouth shut in the end. “He really is the way legend says.” She spoke from behind her cup. “He’s scary,” she put in as an after thought.

Most of them nodded.

From behind the screen a man with greasy hair and beady black eyes rubbed his hand together. This was like finding gold. He knew several people who would love to know what he’d just heard. He threw some money on the table and made his way out. Soon he’d have more than enough money.

Chapter Five

*************

The battoussai stood in the middle of the clearing. His eyes were closed. His sword lashed out, striking down his imaginary opponents. The moves were in perfect rhythm to the song of death performing a deadly dance reaching out to mortal men. His sword cut through the air at an amazing speed. He dodged and leapt, slashing a tree trunk in half. He jumped backed and with a click his sword was re-sheathed.

Kaoru stretched happy to have woken up alone in their room. It wasn’t that she didn’t love the man. It was just weird that’s all. Now that she was sure he wasn’t going anywhere she could rest in peace. She could eat and most of all she could yell at him. She smiled at the ceiling. He wasn’t who she was familiar with but he was still Kenshin. She would just have to learn to love this part of him too. To be honest this side of him did excite her a bit. I mean he scared her but not because he would hurt her. No, what scared her was the way he reacted to others. It’s like he was constantly looking out for a threat. Ready to strike anyone down. Ready to kill someone. Her smile disappeared. She really did have to be careful no one crossed him. Her thoughts trailed off the danger he posed to something more appealing. Like the color of his gi. She would admit he did look better in the blue gi then in the pink. Though he always said ‘it’s not pink.’ She smiled even wider at the memory. She’d finally kissed him and it had been more than she ever hoped. It was more like what she had fantasized about. Her face flushed a bit. She turned her head to make sure he wasn’t in the room. He liked staring at her. It was . . . uncomfortable, to say the least. She turned her face back and continued staring at the ceiling. Suddenly the idea struck her. Maybe this Kenshin didn’t cook. With a groan she kicked her blankets to the side. She propped her self on her elbows and tried to kick it off with her foot. Stupid blanket.

The blanket was suddenly removed by a slender hand. Following the hand she made out the blue material she knew was of the gi. She bit her lip as her gaze traveled from the arm to the shoulders finally too the face. Her heart began to race. His eyes were that eerie blue again with amber specks. Her eyes turned back to his hand when she felt his hand move from her calf. The tips of his fingers trailed up, stopping at the knee. Suddenly she noticed her yukata was more than half open. “Hentai.” She screeched quickly rolling away and standing up.

He laughed from somewhere behind her.

She fixed her yukata while her back was turned to him. Of all the nerve. She felt his hands on her waist and she turned around quickly. “Now Kenshin.” She began. “I don’t know what kind of vacation you think this is going to be but . . . .” She trailed off as he nuzzled her neck. He pulled away and smiled at her. It took her a minute to focus. Her eyes narrowed trying to pull away. “There will be no more of that.” She said.

He leaned in and she closed her eyes. So she said no more of that but she really didn’t mean it. He kissed the side of her mouth and let her go. She looked at him a bit confused and a bit disappointed. “Come eat.” He said.

She shivered a bit, a reaction to his voice. As the battoussai his voice seemed deeper, more commanding. She felt her eyes glazing over as she fell into a fantasy she once had about him. She never thought she’d actually meet the battoussai. Not on such terms. Still her mind must have wandered one night because she’d ended up dreaming about him. She’d been extremely flustered when she woke up. The whole week after had been hard to look at Kenshin without blushing a scarlet red.

He helped her sit when they got to the table, seeing as how she just stood there apparently lost in thought. She’d been blushing obviously remembering something that’d gone on between them. He wondered just how much stuff she hadn’t said.

Her eyes looked at the food in front of her. He’d been back to town, this was restaurant food. There was so much she didn’t know about him but would he ever confide in her if she asked. She didn’t think so, the rurouni had been so protective. It was hard getting him to talk about the past.

She ate her meal silently. While he kept glancing up to look at her from time to time. They had spend the entire day yesterday cleaning the house. It was now spotless fit for human living. It seemed like the house had been abandoned for a long time. The moment he’d seen it had given him a feeling of familiarity. Like he’d seen it before. Maybe not this house but one that looked just like it. Hidden deep in the middle of the forest. standing tall. He half expected someone to jump out at him. There had been a face. A face he was almost sure he knew a name to. It’d been another hitokiri. This other man had come here, while he’d been in the house. He’d been defending someone from within the house. No, not just one. There had been two people. He’d stared at the house for a long while before Kaoru had regained his attention. He’d shaken off the feelings and had gone inside to help her clean.

Feelings from the past kept reemerging. Kasumi, Akane and Sakura. The three women from his past. The ones that had tried to keep him alive. The ones who’d saved him.

“Kenshin?” She noticed his mood had darkened considerably. The air around them had cooled considerably. She reached out for his hand and he snapped back into focus.

He’d forgotten about her for a moment. She looked worried. “I’m fine.” He said rising to his feet.

Kaoru had a really bad feeling. Maybe leaving the dojo was a bad idea. What if he lost himself in the battoussai? What would happen . . . . “Kenshin, please. I was hoping we could go shopping today?” She didn’t really want to go shopping. But this was maybe he’d feel obligated to go and she’d keep and eye on him. It was stupid of her to think that she could rest now that they were here, together.

He turned to look at her. Maybe he should stay. Her presence offered comfort. He seemed to forget everything when he was close enough to touch her. His dark thoughts trailed off just looking at her. She wanted to go shopping during the day. He shook his head, things were different now. Of course she’d be safe during the day.

She watched him shake his head and felt her heart shrink just a little. “Alright I understand if you don’t want to go.” She said lowering her gaze. Shopping had always been fun with Kenshin but this wasn’t . . .

“I didn’t say no.” He told her. He watched how she turned hopeful eyes to him. There was something about her eyes. It tugged at something in the back of his head. Something he couldn’t remember. But was at a loss at what it could be.

“Can we go, then?” She asked.

He nodded and she almost ran at him. She restrained herself however. “Alright. I’ll change and then we can go.” She gave him a large smile and rushed back into their room. She put on the first thing she pulled out. A lavender kimono with a deep wine obi. She had bought it thinking of him once. She ran all the way back to the hall and slowed her pace just as she entered the room. His form stood in front of the door looking out. She walked to his side and waited for his acknowledgment.

He spared her a look. She looked beautiful. He stepped outside and together they headed back to town. They were both quite as they walked.

She started the walk a couple of feet apart but in the end she ended up less than a foot away. She really wanted to hold his hand. It was weird walking with him. She wasn’t used to seen him in such dark moods. The rurouni had a tendency of hiding his real feelings. She stopped suddenly. She’d been in such a hurry she’d forgotten her money.

He glanced back to noticed she’d stopped. He walked back and touched her cheek. He liked how she felt. Her face turned up at him. She was starting to blush. “What’s wrong?” He asked her. Her face turned a little brighter. “I forgot my money.” She said, her voice was a bit more than a whisper. “I’ll buy.” The words left his mouth without thought. Her eyes were drawing him in again. We’re still in the outskirts of town. he thought. He leaned in closer and kissed her. Her eyes closed and her hands clutched his gi. He felt someone coming and he drew away from her. She opened her eyes slowly. “Let’s go,” he said with his back to her. She stepped closer to him and together they continued their way into town.

*************

The hitokiri battoussai is for hire.

Yamagata fisted his hand around a note. Their had been rumors over the years. But this one. He had a bad feeling about this one. The note had been bought by one of his officers. There was a man, they only knew him by his nickname. Snake. He was selling information on Himura. If someone didn’t shut him up, there would trouble for Himura.

*************

‘Kenshin’s been quiet the whole day,’ she thought. She had been cooking for the last hour. Being careful in measuring all the ingredients. She had to make this meal count. She had to make an impression. The knife cut her finger again and she bit her lip. That was the sixth cut. His wife had been someone who could cook. A lady. She was not going to show him she was just a tanuki like Megumi like to call her in front of him. Her eyes teared up a bit. She had to show him. She stirred the food one last time and washed the blood of her hands again. She took the tray into the room and sat it down gently. She kept her eyes on what she was doing. She griped the towel one last time so her hands didn’t bleed while she served him. She did as fast and as careful as she could. She withdrew and watched him take a bite out of the fish. She held her hands together watching him for any sign of like or disgust.

He took a bite and chewed for a moment. His eyes lifted to watch her staring at him. “It’s good.” He said just before his eyes fell on the small pool of blood underneath her hands. His eyes narrowed. He set his bowl to the side without looking and took hold of her hands. He turned them over and saw all the cuts. He felt anger bubble to the top. His raised his eyes to hers. She was a scarlet red. “I’m not very good with the knife.” She said in embarrassment. He took the small towel she had to the side and cleaned her hands. He couldn’t be angry at her for cooking for him but still. He felt the emotions swimming around. ‘I never want to see her blood,’ he thought. ‘Never hers.’ He finished cleaning them and watched as she drew back a bit. He took his seat again and started eating.

She ate quietly. To embarrassed to ask him anything. She wasn’t about to tell him she couldn’t cook. He’d actually compliment her cooking. So if she had to cut her hands everyday to present him a good meal than that’s what she’d have to do. She nodded to no one in particular. If she could make this one fall in love with her than maybe he’d marry her. That would be a real shock to the rurouni though. She couldn’t do that to him. She sighed and stirred the last couple of rice in her bowl. She couldn’t trap him. That’s what it’d be a trap because he’d already said no to her. She sensed him getting up and she started collecting the bowl. She might as well wash them.

It had been four days so far. She stood there scrubbing the bowls while her mind wandered. Exactly what had she wished for. She racked her brain for the exact phrase.

She had turned her face to the heavens. She‘d been crying after or since he‘d rejected her. She‘d noted the inky blue color surrounding the moon almost like it was trying to fill it. She’d said, “I wish I could have met you then, when your mind was at ease.” She had choked something else. ‘I wish it were so.’

That’s exactly what she’d said. That didn’t give the wish a time limit. Although the word met. Doesn’t that refer to a brief meeting. Because met didn’t mean forever right? She scrubbed the last bowl extra hard. He couldn’t get stuck this way. But what if her wish had been granted on one of those ‘once in a life time’ happenings. If that was the case. Then he might wander off to where he thought he could help. She wouldn’t be able to stop him. But his wife might, a little voice in her head spoke. If you were his wife he wouldn’t leave you. We know how he feels on that sort of commitment. It insisted. She shook her head unwilling to listen. She was not going to take advantage of the situation. No, she’d learn as much as she could about him and then when he was back to normal he’d see that there was no need to hide from her. She’d still love him. With that last thought she took the plates and put them away. She knew when she got there he’d be lying in the futon. Though it’s not where he’d sleep. No he seemed to like lying down with her till she fell asleep. She made her way into the room and sure enough there he was. His arm over his forehead, shielding his eyes.

He moved his arm so he could look at her. She froze with her yukata in her hand. “Why don’t you change here?” He asked her as he propped himself on his arms. She fisted her hands. She didn’t want to take advantage of the situation but it seemed he had no qualms about it. She was seething inside. But it was her fault he was like this. She took calming breaths. She was twenty she could control her anger.

He watched her simply amused. He’d been lying down for the last half hour trying to figure out how intimate they were. She was getting a brilliant shade of red. Sometimes she really made him wonder. She was sputtering unable to make an excuse.

“I am not going to change here.” She said trying very hard to suppress her rage.

He stayed as he was waiting.

She wondered for a brief second what he’d do if she did start to change in front of him. The rurouni of course would run away. But this one. Her narrowed eyes took in his appearance. “Turn your face.” She ordered.

He turned his face just before the smile appeared. There was just some reason he found it amusing when she was angry. He was disappointed he couldn’t see her. He wanted to talk this out though. She’d avoided talking about this in Tokyo and he’d left her alone on the first night here. But now. Now she was going to have to talk.

Kaoru finished changing and she made her way over to the futon. She laid down quickly and turned on her side so she wasn’t facing him.

He hugged her from behind and just held her. “There are some thing I want to ask you and I need the truth.”

She squeezed her eyes shut. Questions again. She didn’t want to answer him. If he didn’t like the answers he’d accuse her of lying. What if she said something she’d later regret. Something embarrassing. He’d always remember even if he didn’t say anything.

“Why aren’t we married?” He asked her from behind.

Kaoru felt the world fall from under her. Her hands become ice cold and trembled just a little. She blinked back the tears. They had no reason for being, she told herself.

“Kaoru?”

“You never asked.” She told him flatly. But there was an under current to her tone. She was angry about it.

He dropped his face to her neck and she tried to get away from him. But he was stronger and held her in place. “Are you angry that we’re not?”

“I don’t want to talk about this. Just leave it Kenshin.” She said trying to hide her face into the futon.

“Why?” He asked her.

“Because it’s what you do. Let me go!. Every time I want to move on you ignore me.” She turned into him instead. There were angry tears in her eyes. “I don’t want to talk about this.”

He moved slightly back so he could look down on her. She kind of looked like . . . . His thought trailed off. He never wanted to make that kind of comparison. For some reason the thought of her dead brought a great feeling of anguish and despair. It seemed like it could overwhelm him. “I need this.” He told her. He had to understand where all the feelings sprang from. “Tell me about Jineh? “Why did he take you from me?”

She blinked at him surprised he’d changed topics. “He wanted to fight the hitokiri. I’ve told you before. You as the rurouni would never fight to the level he wanted. So he thought if he took me it would make you angry.”

“Did it?” He inquired.

She hesitated. “Yes.”

“What would you say is my greatest fear?” He watched her tremble a little before she tried to turn again. “Tell me.”

Kaoru was afraid of answering him. If she lied he’d know. Though she had no real idea, she couldn’t help but think about what Sano had said to her once. ‘Kenshin’s only real fear is of someone killing you, Jouchan. The only thing worse would be him killing you himself.’ She was afraid to answer him. “Tell me.” he repeated. Her mouth opened. “My . . .my death.” She stuttered out.

His eyes widened. Of course. Of course it was. He kept his eyes on hers wanting them to convey the rest. Everything pointed to what he suspected but why had he hesitated then. What had kept him from asking? He hugged her again and let it drop. He held her until she fell asleep. He held her even after that. Sometime before sunrise he got up to his sitting position for some rest. He fell into a restless slumber.

Kaoru opened her eyes and found herself alone in the room again. She rose quickly wanting to know where he was. It seemed dangerous for him to be out alone. Plus it gave him too much time to think. She ran to the front door wondering which way he’d gone. She listened closely for any sign of him. In the far distant she could hear a something resembling thunder. She took off running, she had to be sure. She got there just in time to seem him slash a tree in half like it was tofu.

He look at her a bit worried. “What’s wrong?” He looked behind her to see if she’d been followed. “Were you attacked? Are they at the house?” He asked ready to fight.

“No.” She said drawing breath. She felt a little dumb now that she saw he was just fine. “Just worried.” She mumbled out.

He had a funny feeling at the sound of that. It lightened his mood.

“I’ll just go and make breakfast.” She said as she turned and left. She was very aware of his gaze as she made her way back to the house.

*************

“Look that’s my prize.” A small, lithe man with greasy hair and small beady black eyes said stubbornly.

The taller man looked down at him. His job was to attain the information. He had half a mind to kill him. But the bastard would give him the wrong information just out of spite. He drew a pouch out of his gi and tossed it at the man. The man in turn handed him a note. “I’m not paying you for a note.”

“Well that’s what you’re getting.” He turned and walked off.

The taller man fisted his hand. He could still kill him from here. He threw one last look at the snitch before walking back. The man made his way down the alley to the main road. He wasn’t to far from the main house. He looked around him from outside the gate. No one had followed him. He walked past the guard and into the inner house. The meeting was today. They should all still be here he thought. He made his way past the hall and into Kawamori’s room. “Kawamori-san.” He said presenting him the note.

“Kazuki.” Kawamori said in a way of thanks. He took the note and read it.

The Hitokiri Battoussai is back. The Ishin Shishi have sent people to retrieve him.

Kawamori stared at his followers for a moment. The man that had almost completely destroyed the Mimawari-gumi. He was back. Still alive and a threat again if he should side with the Ishin Shishi.

“Ono, you need to find out the whereabouts of Himura battoussai. Immediately.” Kawamori ordered.

The rest of his followers stared at him confused and worried. murmuring amongst themselves.

Kawamori raised his hand a gesture that brought silence. “Tonight I have received word.” He paused looking around the room. He raised his voice so all the followers could here. “The battoussai and the Ishin Shishi are again a threat to us. Fate sided with him once, allowing him to survive the Bakumatsu and win glory for his group. A glory that should have been ours.” Some of his men yelled in agreement. He raised his hand again. “We will once again have to fight. This time we will succeed in taking the government. Those Shinsegumi are nothing but their dogs and are of not threat to us. We are Mimawari. We fight to the last man.”

Cheers erupted all around the room. About two hundred men clapped and whistled at the speech. He hadn’t expected the battoussai. This would make things harder. It would mean both groups would now fear assassination not just the Ishin Shishi. The battoussai had not survived this long out of luck. It had been his skill. He’d seen him fight. His ability was unbelievable. This time he would send twenty men to kill him. He had to get him while he was still alone.

Kawamori raised his hand and they all settled down again. “Back to the business at hand. Izubuchi, Takanashi, Masashiko, Minami and Kazuki. You are the proud captains of fifty men. As I was saying earlier. We have learned of Shigeru’s mistakes. We will not take Yohohama out first. We will try and bring discord to the major towns first. We will set fire to Kyoto, Tokyo, Hyogo, Osaka and Nagoya. We will leave Aizu alone in respect to Shigeru who tried to bring them down. We will attack Yokohama last. But only after the Battoussai is dead. Captains step up.” He watched five men all with similar builds come to him. Theses captains were children of the original captains. Raised to hate the government and to one day over throw it. He handed each of them a piece of paper. The paper had the name of city and further instructions. He waited till they joined the line again before speaking. “You have one week. May the fates be with you.” He said dismissing them. He felt cold. It meant death was near. The wolf would most likely want dibs on the Battoussai but like with any meal. First come first serve.

Chapter Six

*************

Morning had set in some time ago. A group of seven men walked down the street. Intimidating men, each carrying similar katanas. Some of the older people recognized them and rushed their kids and other loved ones out of the way.

They hadn’t paraded down the street in over a decade since their side had lost. Still they had a way of frightening the people. They strode down the street with purpose walking down to the bottom of a temple.

“A Saitou-san.” A man in his early thirties addressed another. A much taller one. His age was a bit harder to guess. Sleeked black hair and odd bangs. He stood by a pillar smoking a cigarette.

“Tanaka.” Saitou Hajime uttered.

The man who still seemed so young smiled at the his old captain. Katsuhiro Tanaka a thin young man with long black hair carried in the traditional style of the high pony tail. He stepped away from his group and followed Saitou. From behind the pillar they were free to speak, being several feet away.

“Have you heard Saitou-san?” Tanaka spoke curiously to his comrade.

Saitou gave him a weary look. “If this is about to those stupid rumors . . . .”

Tanaka shook his head. “They’re not rumors. We caught the snitch.” Tanaka paused for a moment. “He is as you remember.”

Saitou felt a feeling of satisfaction rise to the surface. It had been two years since he’d fought him. It had a been a bit of a disappointment since he didn’t kill him. A predatory smile came to his lips. He’d get the chance to fight him again, as he once was and as he is now. Battoussai.

*************

The battoussai looked out into the yard of the house. The sun was barely peaking over the tops of the trees. It had been seven days since he’d woken up with no recollection of the last sixteen years. He’d gotten to know his companion in the last couple of days. Kami, did she did have a temper. It was odd but he often found himself smiling in her presence. He’d never felt like that before. Carefree, almost. Still today he’d woken up with a sense of foreboding. Like the calm before a storm. Something was coming. He couldn’t explain what. He stepped out of the house and made his way to the clearing. He felt at ease when he practiced. Maybe that would help.

Kaoru looked out the door in the direction where he practiced. Her eyes were still a bit puffy. He was relentless in his interrogation of her. He wasn’t happy till he’d heard every single detail on the fight with Saitou. It had drugged up all the old feelings of despair she’d felt when they’d fought. She took a deep sigh and turned back into the house. She had breakfast to prepare.

The day passed on much like the previous five, though seven in total. She cooked and they ate. He’d ask a question and she’d have to tell him the entire story. Sometimes she’d cry and he’d comfort her. Sometimes he’d piss her off and she’d resort to yelling at him. Kenshin-baka. Another deep sigh escaped her. The excitement had worn off. Kenshin was settling back to himself, kind off. I mean he didn’t do housework or anything and he wasn’t as polite but other than that . . . Ugh. Who was she trying to kid. He was nothing like the Kenshin she knew and it was driving her insane. She couldn’t hit him though sometimes she’d like to deck him into a far wall. Yell yes, and for some reason it only served to amuse him which in turn only made her angrier. Plus the nerve of him, always touching . . . .

She huffed a bit more as she slammed the futon into the middle of the room. He liked testing his limits. Seeing just far he could get. “Hentai.” She muttered under her breath.

The battoussai stood by the door watching in amusement as she kicked the futon. “Take that Kenshin,” she muttered. “You like that?” She’d ask the imaginary him. He couldn’t understand why she was angry today. “Hentai.” She muttered again. ‘Ah,’ that he understood. A grin appeared on his face. Earlier in the day, sometime after lunch, he’d started kissing her and it had led to other things. The blood in his veins began to pump a little faster. Still the amusement remained. “Hentai.” She muttered again.

“Why am I the hentai?” He asked with a bit of satisfaction as she froze.

She refused to speak to him. She was very embarrassed by the whole situation. She’d come along a lot further with him than she’d ever had with the rurouni in all the three years she’d known him. “Hentai.” She said as she got under the covers and turned to her side.

He felt the familiar string pull at his heart. Though now he knew what it was. He made his way over to her side and got under the covers with her. He smelled her before he hugged her. The smell of jasmine he was sure would be forever engrained on his being. The smell was utterly her. He laced his finger over her stomach an pulled her to him as he spooned her against him.

*************

“Kawamari-san.”

Kawamari leader of the Mimawari-gumi turned at the sound of Ono’s voice. “What news?” He asked.

Ono gave him a small smile before proceeding. “A source from within the government has confirmed a location on him. He’s in Izu.”

“Ono, take twenty men and finish this. Be wary of his budo, the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu kills in an instant.” With his last warning Kawamari bid Ono off.

Ono nodded and left.

Saitama was a bit far from Izu. Still the battoussai would meet his end just before they burned the first city. Kawamari finished watering his plant before he went back into the house. Their headquarters.

*************

Kaoru walked by his side as they made their way into town. He was a little moody today, maybe it was the day. It was dark. Gloomy, it looked like winter had caught up with them. Today they were going to buy some winter clothes. He hadn’t mentioned the going on’s of yesterday and she was glad. She was still embarrassed.

She was preoccupied with the way their relationship was growing. It seemed to advance so fast. Not completely mind you, not till they were married but it was advancing increasingly fast. A breeze swept past them bringing the chilling air and making her shiver a bit. She looked around noticing they were already in town. Some women who stood by selling vegetables were ogling him. Her eyes narrowed in response. He spared her a glance and pulled on her hand when she missed the door to the shop. He gave her a slight push in, touching the end of her ponytail in the process. He stood still by the door as she looked around the store. He was hoping that by buying her clothes he’d get back into her good graces.

It was sometime before they left the store. They walked back to the house but at a slower. Kaoru was happy with the kimono’s she’d chosen. She smiled the whole way back something that didn’t go unnoticed by him.

They reached the house and she set about putting their things away while he sat near a window. There was something he’d been meaning to ask her. But what with distractions and all. She’d said something while asleep last night. She’d been dreaming. Still what she uttered had had upset him. His hands fisted together. He felt angry and resentful towards her. But he’d managed to cover up the fact today while they’d been shopping but now. The need to know was starting to incense him.

She came back with some tea, smiling the world for him. She handed him a cup and a small rice ball. She took a small sip of her tea and held it in both hands.

“You said something last night.” He said keeping his voice even. She turned her happy face towards him and he pushed forward. “You said and I quote:

“I didn’t say I wanted the battoussai to stay here. I said I wanted the rurouni”

The smile that had been playing on her lips disappeared. Her eyes drifted down to the cup she held. “I said that to you once. Shortly after we met. The day you decided to stay with me.” She glanced back at him nervously.

“So you meant it? You prefer the rurouni.” He asked in a clipped tone.

“Yes, I meant it . . . . but” She said. She watched as he rose to his feet. “Wait were are you going?”

“Out.” He said as he crossed the threshold.

“Where?” She said racing to the door.

He paused on the bottom step, his back still turned to her. “You don’t need to know.”

Kaoru stood at the door her mouth half open in protest but he was gone. She closed her mouth and began to seethe. Of all the . . . . just who does he think he’s talking to. He didn’t even let me finish. “baka” she muttered under her breath as she went into the kitchen. She needed to start dinner. More “baka’s” escaped her mouth before she was done.

She sat by the window waiting for him to come home. It had been sometime since she’d finished dinner. Still he hadn’t come home. She frowned into the night sky. He hadn’t let her finish her sentence. She bowed her head. Emotions ran high when ever they had a conversation. Sometimes he made too much out of a situation.

He came inside the house to find her near the window. He felt . . . . he shouldn’t have left her alone. He stood by her and she suddenly looked up, her eyes were glistening. He stared at her for a moment. His hand itched to touch her bangs, to touch her cheek but he refrained from the action he was still upset. She was in love with someone else not him. If the other didn’t come back there was no assurance she’d stay with him. She loved the other not him. She was only with him in hopes of getting her rurouni back. That’s were the anger twisted. He watched her rise to her feet slowly.

“I’ll get our dinner,” she spoke quietly, not disturbing the gloomy mood.

They ate silently. Every once in a while she kept glancing up but he refused to look at her. Somewhere through the middle of her meal a knot formed her in her throat and she wasn’t able to continue eating. She waited till he was done and then rose, leaving him alone in the room. His thoughts were his only companion.

She stepped into their bedroom to find him sitting with his back to the wall and his eyes closed. She changed, knowing he was too upset to try anything. She gave a sad smile and laid down on her side so she was facing away from him. She went from having man who barely showed her emotion to one that made her suffer with too much of it.

The battoussai’s eyes snapped open, his sakabatou moving against the hardwood floor as he stood up. She sat up quickly glancing at him as he rushed to the door.

“Stay inside.” he commanded as he ran outside.

Kaoru stood still for a whole five seconds before she ran outside to see what was going. She froze when she got to the door. Her hand covered her mouth. From the trees. They were all emerging from behind the trees. More than a dozen men. Her eyes took in Kenshin’s posture. He was waiting for them to draw closer. Noise and sudden movement caused her to turn her face to the left. More men but they were dressed differently. These didn’t have a uniform on. Confusion crossed her features for a moment. One of them was the man from the general store. Her eyes grew wide with horror. They were killing each other. The man from the store slashed another across the chest being sprayed with some of the blood he moved on to the next. Her eyes turned back to Kenshin as he joined the fight. Her body began to tremble. If he killed someone he would never come back. He’d never stay with her. She rushed down the steps an into the fight. Blood sprayed across her as she ran to get closer. The ones, who came here to attack. The ones in uniform, they out numbered the others. “Kenshin.” She called out. She noticed he still held the sakabatou. He hadn’t killed anyone.

“Ken . . . shin.” Her call for him was broken in half as one of the blades had struck her. She fell to her knees. She watched in horror as he dropped the sakabatou and rushed to her side. She shook her head at him. He noticed the man hovering over her form as she fell to her side. Her eyes opened wide. She saw him pick up another blade and tears formed in her eyes. This was all her fault. She raised her hand to wipe at her eyes and she was sprayed with someone else’s blood. She watched the hitokiri move like she’d never seen him move. He killed people . . . so . . . quickly. The rurouni didn’t do the Hiten Mitsurugi justice. ‘The way the battoussai used it . . . . he was amazing,’ she thought as her eyes drifted closed

The battoussai blade struck out again and again. He slashed to the left and slashed back down to the right. He felt hate swallow him whole. His sword was meant to protect. Protect. He’d seen her fall. He’d learned this skill so he could protect. His blade slashed angrily to the left again. He rushed at someone else and slashed them in half. This is what he did. He killed to protect. He leapt and came down ferociously on someone else. She’d hadn’t been armed. His arm swung in a basic battou jutsu slashing through someone else. She was a woman. He struck his blade through someone’s throat and pulled it out quickly. That was it. The last of them. He rushed to her side and picked her up. She was bathed in blood. He wasn’t sure if it was all hers or not. He cleaned her face with his sleeve.

“Himura.” Takahashi Katoki called out.

The battoussai turned to the older Ishin Shishi member. He was the only one left alive. His eyes turned back to the woman he cradled against his chest. “I need a doctor.” he said raising his eyes to the older man.

“Give her to me. You get what you need from the house. You mustn’t come back here.” Takahashi said taking her from his arms.

The battoussai was reluctant to let her go but he did. He nodded and they both ran. Takahashi headed for town through the back of the woods the same way he and the rest of the Ishin Shishi members had come, though now he ran alone. The battoussai ran into the house and stuffed her new winter kimonos into her bag, picked up their money and ran out into town. To Takahashi’s store. He reached the shop just minutes after Takahashi. The doctor already working on her wound.

*************

“How is he?” Kawamari asked as he entered Ono's room.

“Him and Touya where the only ones who got away.” The doctor answered. “Ono said there had been five Ishin waiting in the forest for them. The battoussai killed almost everybody.”

Kawamari stared at Ono for a long moment.

“He won’t wake up for a while. Him and Touya rushed straight here from the incident.” The doctor said as he finished putting everything in his bag before turning to Kawamari. “Don’t worry they’ll live.” He said gripping his shoulder and leaving the room.

Kamawari’s thoughts centered around one fact and one fact only. The Ishin Shishi had retrieved him, first.

*************

Tae and Tsabame watched in horror as half the city of Tokyo burned. She couldn’t understand. She’d seen the police rush by sometime ago but none had returned yet. She was afraid of leaving the Akabeko. What if they burned it too. This was all she had. She hugged Tsabame close.

“Are you guys alright?” Yahiko had just arrived and was looking around. “Stay here, I’m going to find out what happened.” He said as he rushed off.

He ran for a while until he was close enough to the burning flames. His sleeve covered his nose and mouth. It smelled like burnt flesh. He was starting to feel sick.

“Oi!”

Yahiko turned a bit further to the left, Sano He ran over to help him. “What happened?” Yahiko asked him as he helped one of the policemen. He couldn’t stand on his own.

“I got a glimpse of some men. It was a large group. They’ve set fire to more than half the town and killed almost the entire police force.” Sano let out a grunt as he heaved a couple of men onto his back. These were the only ones left alive.

“Sano don’t you think this is odd.” Yahiko grumbled as he shifted the weight of the other man. “I mean that this happened while Kenshin was gone.”

Sano had been so busy pulling people out he hadn’t thought about that. He looked at Yahiko as they made their way to the clinic. “What makes you say that?”

“Well in all the time that he lived here nothing like this ever happened.” Yahiko said. Something struck him then. “Do you think someone knows he’s the battoussai.”

Sano had been thinking along those lines since Yahiko had mentioned it. “Don’t know kid.” Sano said as he turned his eyes back to the road. They walked the rest of the way in silence. When they got there . . . . the clinic was over crowded.

Megumi rushed over to them. “Put them here,” she said to Sano and Yahiko. She examined the policemen and waved some women over. “Same as the others. You sew like I showed you. Place the ointment and bandage them up.” Megumi said to an older women.

She turned back to the clinic while Yahiko and Sano glanced around. It looked like most of the patients were men. There were at least twenty men waiting to be treated. Sano and Yahiko mad their way inside and the stench of blood reached their nose. There were men in the hall and men in the rooms. Sano’s hands fisted together. Once . . . . Once he’d walked by a scene similar to this. He’d been with his boss, Sagara. They’d been with the rest of the group having just walked out of the forest and into a clearing they encountered a field with dozens upon dozens of men slaughtered. The smell had been the same. The sound of a wagon made them stepped back outside. They rushed over to help unload the wagon. Eight more men. This was getting gruesome.

*************

Masashiko third captain of the Mimawari-gumi stood out on the hill over looking the valley. He was in charge of Nagoya. He looked over the town as small fires started to appear here and there. Soon, soon all of Nogoya would burn.

Soon those Ishin Shishi bastards would pay for killing his father. At twenty four he was finally ready, more than ready. His eyes narrowed in hate as he stared out, though not really seeing at all.

Masashiko turned his head at the sound of someone approaching.

Someone cloaked in dark clothing stopped about five feet in front of him. “Tokyo is ablaze.” He said from behind the garment concealing a large part of his face. Everything but his eyes.

Masashiko nodded and turned back to see there were more fires now. He sensed the other man leave. Not bothering to turn back he kept his eyes on the flames.

*************

“We have reason to believe it’s the Mimawari-gumi.”

“You think Kyoto is next.”

The old man nodded. “Word has been sent by a surviving tribe.” The old man turned to look at the sun as it came up. It was like before. He had stood in this very same room, telling him the exact same thing. The only difference was the group they were about to fight. “It’s time you took responsibility. You have to lead them once again.” The old man turned his eyes to his leader.

A younger man with midnight hair and icy eyes. Tall and stoic with chiseled features that conveyed no emotion. His inner thoughts reached a conclusion and he turned his face up to the aging man. His cold eyes bore into him for a moment before he spoke. “Send word to the rest, we will takes arms.”

The old man felt elated for a moment to see a shadow of the former leader. It was just so sad that it had to happen at a time like this. He nodded and stepped out of the room.

The younger man changed his clothes. He put on his coat and stepped outside, heading down to the hall where the others were waiting to hear him. He reached the bottom and found her waiting for him. Her large eyes conveyed the worry she felt. He nodded and together they walked in to the room with the others.

 Tbc..

Small Notes: The Shinsegumi. I should really try and upload the OVA and movie to the site but unfortunately I don't have enough room for that. Sorry. As I was saying, The Shinsegumi were a group, people used to fear during the Bakumatsu. They wore a particular mishiyuki's over their gi's. Kind of like uniforms. It's how you could tell them apart from other groups. It's true they didn't parade around but they didn't bother to hide themselves either, then.

The battle scene in which he acts as the hitokiri might confuse some of you. So . . .

1.) He is the hitokiri battoussai.

2.) The Mimawari-gumi emerged from the trees. Ono had been sent by Kawamari to deal with the battoussai. Ono had brought with him twenty men to deal with the situation. He thought he'd catch the battoussai alone. Unfortunately, Yamagata had sent men as well. Though not nearly as many as Kawamari. Both sides took losses in this battle each having only two survivors. Ono and Touya for the Mimawari-gumi and Takahashi and Kenshin for the Ishin Shishi.

Kawamari leader of the Mimawari-gumi has put his plan into action. Though his attempt on battoussai's life failed he will proceed as planed. He will burn major cities and then try and take Yohohama. His worst fear was the battoussai’s involvement in this new war and this attack on his life now will have provoked him into action. Remember what he thought. ‘both groups would now fear assassination not just the Ishin Shishi. The battoussai had not survived this long out of luck. It had been his skill.’

Tokyo was the first to be burned down. Though not the whole city was destroyed. It did sustain major damage. It suffered some death and a lot of injuries.

Nagoya is second to burn. This city will suffer the same loss as Tokyo.

There are three more cities to go. Osaka, Hyogo and Kyoto. Though they will encounter resistance in the last three. I do believe Saitou has an office in Osaka and Kyoto has had it's own defenders for more generations than we can count . . . . .