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.

Borrowed Mishi Kawaii's warning because I strongly agree with her point of view.  (Mishi if you're reading this ::wave:: I say Hi.)

NC-17 Warning:   

Caution-> Hentai/Ecchi/Lemon/Perverted story up ahead, so don't read if you are under eighteen, but if you do, well that's your own problem. Also don't read this if you're against sexual reading material, because you won't like it, although sex *is* a natural part of life and you wouldn't be here if your parents didn't have sex, but hey, that's just my view! All characters belong to their creator and a lot of big companies.

Read on, if you really want to...

Chapter Seven

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

Kenshin watched as a building started to topple over. He was close enough to the Inn now. It was hard to distinguish things with all these people running around. As he turned his head, his eyes fell on small woman. She was just sitting on a trunk watching the flames. He gave a sigh of relief. He was about to grab her shoulder when he felt someone behind him. He dodged to the left as a blade swished by. With the same move he pulled out his sword and knocked the man out cold. He didn’t have enough time to think just react. He felt his senses sharpen. Everything became crystal clear. He saw two men on his left and three more on his right. One of the men from his right lunged at him. The battoussai deflected the attack and as he turned around to strike the man down, he saw as one the men from his left ran at Kaoru.

The blond man watched as the men he’d hired attacked the battoussai. Of course they were nothing to someone like him. This was just a small test to see how much better he’d become over the years. He was fascinated by the turn of events. He saw as one of the men ran at the battoussai ‘s woman.

Kaoru watched the flames. Something was coming. She crossed her arms over her face as a blade came down. She caught her opponents weapon between her wrists. She twisted her wrists in a motion that sent her opponent flying. She smiled at the defeated man on the floor. Something drew her attention from the man, she looked up to the only building that wasn’t on fire. There was someone standing on the roof. She narrowed her eyes trying to get a better look.

She turned when she heard a grunt behind her. As she turned she was sprayed with something. She watched as another man fell to the ground lifeless. Her eyes turned upward. Her heart started to race.

She couldn’t believe it

She felt faint.

Battoussai.

She didn’t get a chance to think much else. She was dragged away by her husband.

“My trunk, anata. Your haori is in there. Please don’t leave it behind.” Her words were affectionate, very out of place in all this chaos.

His amber eyes turned to her. He wiped some blood of her face with his sleeve. “Leave it.” He said as he dragged her behind him. They made it to the back of the Inn. He couldn’t believe it the carriage was all right. He opened the door and threw her in. She made some protest he didn’t quite hear. He jumped to the seat on top and smacked the horses. The horses took off at a run. He rounded the corner and headed down the burning street.

People ran out of the way as the carriage drove by. He stopped in the middle of the road for less than a minute before the carriage took off a fast pace again.

Kaoru smiled. He stopped for the trunk. She pulled out a blanket from under a seat and decided that she needed more sleep. With the battoussai finally free, her adventure was just beginning.

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

Kenshin drove for almost four hours. He knew the horses needed rest. They would have to stop soon. He estimated about two more hours before they reached Fukui. From there it was smooth sailing till they reached Kyoto. They were in the outskirts of another town. He’d stop there.

-

-

-

Kaoru’s eyes opened slowly. They had stopped moving. She stretched in her seat and yawned. The door was suddenly pulled open causing her to choke on her yawn. She felt all the blood rush to her face. The man in who stood before her was a man who could stop others with a look. One of the most feared in all of Japan.

Naturally, she jumped him.

Kenshin felt the weight of her body as she threw herself at him. He smiled.

She looked at those beautiful amber eyes. “Good Morning anata.” She greeted as she nuzzled him.

“Morning.” He said pushing her back in to the carriage. He couldn’t let people see her in her yukata. Not just that she’d been sprayed with blood last night when he’d killed the man who’d tried to sneak up on her.

Kaoru felt goose bumps run all over her arms. His voice sounded so deep. He was handing her something. She looked down to see it was a kimono. Forest green, she’d already worn this. “I don’t want this one.”

“This is what you will wear. Now hurry and change.” He threw the kimono on the opposite seat and left the carriage so she could change. He waited a couple of minutes before he opened the door again.

She had changed but she wasn’t happy about it. There was a new burgundy she had wanted to wear today. So she sat there and pouted. She saw as he opened the door. He didn’t come in though just pulled her out. “Oi!,” She screeched. “What do you think you’re doing?”

He pulled her hard and she tripped over the step of the carriage. He caught her as she fell. He held her up and leaned his face close. “We need to let the horses rest so we‘ll be here for a couple of hours. Don‘t draw attention to yourself.” He squeezed her shoulders to get the idea across.

Kaoru pouted the whole time they spent in town. She refused to talk to him. ‘Hmm, draw attention to myself,’ she thought. I don’t draw attention to myself. If anything it’s him with that stupid sakabatou of his. He had finally let go of her hand. They walked down the busy street when she saw something she just had to buy, so she ran off.

Kenshin looked at the reflection in the glass of the small shop. He was right they had been followed here. He saw the man sneak back in to the alley. Now would be the perfect time to get information. He looked to his side but Kaoru was gone. ‘Damn Woman,’ he thought. She can’t sit still for more than a minute. His eyes scanned the area. Where could she have gone? He thought he saw her but wasn’t sure.

He saw a flash of jade. He ran across the street to a small shop to see if it was her.

“Yes, thank you.“ Kaoru said as she was handed her package.

It was her, he sneaked up on her so when she turned around she let out a shriek. He grabbed her hand and pulled her with him. That man following them might not be alone and she wasn’t in the right set of mind. She just couldn’t run off.

“Let go of me.” She said pulling on his arm.

He dragged her down the street. They had spend enough time in this town. It was time for them to leave.

“Let me go!” She shrieked grounding her feet into the road.

“Hey man! You want to let the lady go.”

The battoussai turned to the man.

Kaoru had stopped struggling. She bit her lip. “Hmm, it’s alright.” She said smiling at the man.

The man felt encouraged by her smile. “Let her go!” He said more forcefully.

“Or me and my friends will make you.”

The other men in the gang grinned and snickered. One of the men pulled out a sword and the battoussai turned fully around.

Kaoru stepped in between them. “Look I thank you for your help but it isn’t necessary.” She turned to Kenshin and nudged him so they could continue walking.

They kept walking but the men kept following.

‘Sweet-stuff, wouldn’t you rather come with some real men.” The others laughed at the remark.

The battoussai’s step faltered. He was becoming angry.

They were walking by another alley when he caught a glimpse of the man who’d been following them. He ran into the alley where the man was waiting. The battoussai pressed her against the wall.

“Stay.” he commanded as he took his stance.

"Himura Battoussai.” sneered the man. “I’ve been sent to give you a message.” With that he pulled out a set of long sword.

The battoussai's eyes hardened, he recognized the swords. It was the same ones Cho had used “Why?”

“Don’t know, battoussai.” he said as he lunged at him.

The battoussai didn’t hesitate. In one quick stroke he took the man‘s arm off.

The man drew back and pulled another sword from his back and held it with his good hand. He was loosing blood fast. He lunged at the battoussai again.

The battoussai used the speed of the attack and decapitated the man.

He slashed the air one last time to get the blood off. He put his sword back in it’s sheath and made his way over to his wife.

She latched onto his arm. “I Love you.” She said, using her body to push him against the wall.

It was the first time she’d said it. He looked down into the mischievous face and felt an animalistic craving to taste her.

She kissed him hard and long with all the insanity and love she possessed.

“Oi!, there they are.”

The battoussai growled, he’d had enough of this.

Kaoru panted against his chest trying to catch her breath. She looked up at him when she felt him move away. He was looking over her shoulder. She looked behind her to see the men had followed them here. Her eyes went back to him as he pushed her aside.

He stepped in front of her. A very possessive move.

One of the men laughed and drew his sword. The battoussai took that as sign of aggression.

Kaoru watched with eager eyes as he blurred and then reappeared behind the men. He knocked them all out but one. The one who’d made the remark about ‘coming with real men.’ She smiled at the his behavior. “Battoussai, I want to go.“ She called out to him.

The man who hadn’t run away yet. Froze. The color drained form his face. He trembled before he peed in his hakama.

The battoussai watched the man. Pathetic. He hit the man in the face with the hilt of his sword. He watched as the man flew back a couple of feet. He’d only knocked him out. But it brought him satisfaction to know he’d broken the nose. It would take a long time to for the nose to heal. And it wouldn’t heal straight.

She picked up the package she’d dropped in all of the commotion and headed over to him. She grabbed his hand and they walked down the street. She felt very content.

They walked through town, making their way back to the carriage. He opened the door this time and she stepped in. She sighed when she felt the carriage start to move. She held the package close to her heart. She was hoping to use this real soon. She bought it in blue. The same shade as his Gi.

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

Fukui.

They arrived some time in the late afternoon. They’d have to spend a night here. The ship wasn’t due to come till some time tomorrow.

Kaoru was very pleased. She’d been hoping to stay here for a couple of days. They walked to a nice restaurant where he ordered for them both. She scooted over.

He watched her out of the corner of his eyes. She kept moving closer. He turned his head when she laid her hand on his lap. She flashed him a sultry smile. He blinked. Her hand was making its way up his leg. The color in his eyes came alive. He took hold of her hand. Her expression didn’t change and neither did his.

The battoussai turned his head just as the waitress came. She placed the food in front of them and left. He cooled his inner fire and let go of her wrist. He redirected his gaze at her and watched what she did.

She pouted, something he found terribly tempting. She looked at her wrists. He’d left a red mark from where he’d grasped her. She lifted her wrist to his mouth, “kiss it.”

He looked down at the injured wrist and gave her a chaste kiss on the wrist.

She frowned that‘s not what she had in mind.

“Eat.” He said as he picked up his eating utensils.

She narrowed her eyes for a moment, contemplating her current situation.

She let a smile curve over her lips and began to eat.

He didn’t want to look a her. He was sure he knew what she was thinking. However, now was not the time, as much as he would like to give into the temptation, he needed to remain alert in case they were attacked. He would let her have her fun later. When he felt they were safe.

They continued to eat neither saying much. Each preoccupied with things to come.

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

Kaoru looked around the room. A scowl clearly visible on her face. The rooms here were to close together and very small. With all her things here in the room there was barely any room for her and her ‘anata.’ If she didn’t know better she would think that he was trying to avoid the inevitable. She changed her clothes an put her yukata on. She had already set the futon but she spread her own covers over it. Kami only knew who’d slept on it.

Kenshin was in a foul mood. Six trunks. She’d made him drag six trunks into the room. She didn’t trust the people in this part of town. He couldn’t really blame her but it still pissed him off. This was the last one. He slid the door open and pulled the last one in. He set it over by the others. ‘Finally,’ he thought.

Kaoru head turned to the side when she heard him come in. She yawned he’d certainly taken his time bringing their things. “What took you?”

He didn’t bother to look at her, he took his daisho off and laid back with his eyes closed. She pouted and waited a minute before she scooted over. He felt her reach for him much like she used to do. She placed her head on his upper arm and curved herself around him. She threw her left leg over him and her hand snaked into his gi. She rubbed a spot on his chest lovingly. She liked the feeling of his skin.

He kept his eyes closed. By tomorrow after noon they’d be long gone. Once they were in Matsue then he’d give in to her. He brought his left arm around her waist and held her close. Hopefully she’d go to sleep soon

They spent an hour in that position. Neither had fallen asleep yet. He kept his eyes closed and his breathing even. No one could tell the difference.

No one but her that is.

How long before he gave in?

She laid back in his arms very comfortable but not happy. She pulled her hand from underneath his gi and allowed her hand to trace over the top material. She didn’t understand why he fascinated her so. But she could look at him all day long and not get bored. She allowed her hand to trace down.

“Why don’t you go to sleep?” The rich male voice sounded perfectly awake.

Thought so.

She continued to touch him over his clothes.

He let her touch him, wondering just how far she’d really go. The reasonable part of his brain told him to grab her hand and make her go to sleep. But that part didn’t seem to work anymore. He’d lost it sometime in the last year.

She rubbed her hand along the side of right his leg. Nothing. She didn’t get so much as a twitch from him. She bit her lip and with sudden swiftness, cupped him. She felt the reaction it had on him almost immediately. It brought a smile to her lips.

Kenshin froze. He fought down to uproar of emotions. His breathing increased just the slightest.

Kaoru noticed the difference. How could she not she was right next to his heart. She grabbed him a bit more firmly.

He closed his eyes and bit his lip. He was trying to stay still but she was very insistent. He finally grabbed her hand when she started to pull on him. He turned his face and kissed her. He pulled her arms over his neck and pressed her into the futon.

She untied the small band that held his hair in place. She felt it cascade around them. She entwined her finger into his hair. It was so soft. She felt faint. She was running out of air.

He drew back a bit, sensing her need for air. Their breaths mingled.

“Are you ready yet?” She asked bringing his face down again.

He had to smile at that. She’d been trying to bed him for quite a while. He looked down into her face. There was just enough light to make out her form. She let him go and he drew back further. He leaned over her trying to decide between the now and the later. It was so hard to say ‘no’ to something that seemed so promising.

Kaoru watched him, he seemed to be battling with his inner thoughts. She drew her arms back from around his neck. She started to undo the tie of her yukata. She shrugged it off. She laid completely naked on the futon. “I think you’re ready,” she said bringing his head down.

The kiss they shared was heated. Powerful and arousing. She could feel him in between her legs. He hadn’t taken off his hakama but she wished he had. She felt him ground his hips into her. She broke the kiss, arching in to the feel of his lower body. She felt like she was going to burst. She was so hot.

He began kissing down he neck, enjoying the racing of her pulse. She was so ready it was hard for him to keep a slow pace. So very hard.

She spread her legs wider so all his weight rested on that one spot. She grabbed his bottom and pushed into her. She groaned at the contact.

He was having trouble focusing, she was so wet. It had already seeped through the front of his hakama. Not just that her smell enveloped him. It drove him mad. She was writhing under him trying to arouse him. He stopped for a moment, resting on his knees. He looked down at her. She was just so beautiful. He took his gi off and threw it to the side. He rose and undid the ties from his hakama. The only item that kept him from her.

She licked her lips. She felt her mouth had gone dry. She watched as he rose off the futon. She watched the hakama fall to the floor. Her heart skipped a beat. She let her sight wonder back up slowly. He stood there. Naked and beautiful. She propped herself on her elbows. She’d never seen a man naked. The memory of what she and Nago-chan had talked about came to mind. She blushed but she was sure he couldn’t see it. He came close but she leaned forward, so she could touch him.

He watched her face as her eyes widen when he removed his hakama. Her interest was piqued. This only added to his arousal, to see her want him so. He took a step forward and was surprised by her boldness when she reached out for him. He watched her with indulging eyes as she took hold of his erection. Her hand was so smooth. She stroked him and he leaned into the caress. She squeezed and his eyes closed in delight as she experimented with him. His eyes opened to look down on her when he felt the moistness of her tongue.

She felt his intake of breath when she licked him. He tasted the same as he smelled. It was an odd combination of cedar, cinnamon and soap. She liked the way he tasted. She took another lick, this time longer than the first. She swirled her tongue around him till he was firmly in her mouth. She felt his as his hand took grasp of her hair. She sucked on him hard.

He couldn’t control his reaction to her. He trusted into her mouth. It was so warm. He felt her suck on him hard. He couldn’t continue this way. He grasped her by the hair and tried to jerk her away but she bit him. He took long calming breaths. He opened his eyes to see her take him and swirl him around. Giving just the right amount of pressure. He closed his eyes trying to drive the image out and pushed her off again. This time she let go with a little pop as her mouth released his erection.

She licked her lips. She loved the way he tasted, the way he reacted. She watched him with lustful eyes as he regained his breathing. He pushed her back and pressed her into the futon with his weight. He made sure only their upper bodies touched.

She felt him slant his body slightly so his erection rested on the side of her thigh and the rest of him was on her. She looked into his eyes. Happy to see the savage way he gazed at her.

He gave her a scorching kiss. One she felt all the way to the roots of her hair. She felt his hand as it slid down her shoulder to her ribs. It crept lower still. She closed her eyes at the sensation his fingers created as they entered her. The touch was so intimate. How she’d wanted this. Wanted him. He thrusted two finger inside her. She arched her back so hard she thought it would break in half. She felt him move in and out. She felt his finger glide in smoother the second time he thrusted. Kami! it felt so good. Her head tossed to the side as he incresed his movements. She was having problems breathing. Still she thrusted her hips towards those fingers. She felt as he started to kiss down her neck. He sucked on her slowly.

It was hard to concentrate with the little mewling noises she kept making. He felt as her body began to tense up. She couldn‘t take much more. He added a third finger and bit her shoulder when she cried out for him.

She fell back into the futon. That was amazing. She didn’t anything could feel like that.

He watched as she tried to regain her sense of self. She never looked so good what with her skin covered in a sheen layer of sweat and her wild hair. He felt his heart contract painfully. He loved her so much. He watched a satisfied smile come to her lips.

“Ready.” she exhaled.

He smirked at her comment. He nodded and positioned himself at her entrance. She flashed him an encouraging smile. He slid into her slowly, all his weight was being supported on his elbows which now rested along side her face.

She felt as he entered her. She closed her eyes in bliss. She felt him stop and opened her eyes to see him staring at her. “This is going to hurt, koishii. But only for a bit. It will get better I promise.”

She nodded her head. She watched as he pushed himself in one quick stroke. The pain that followed was not as overwhelming as she thought it would be. She bit her lip, it hurt but she wouldn’t let the pain dominate her. She watched his face the way he held still. He seemed to be in more pain than she was. She swallowed back the pain. And slowly brought her legs closer around him.

He felt her muscles tighten around him, tugging him in further. He sank into her. His breathing was shallow. Keeping his control would be difficult. He looked into her face, barely visible with the small rays of moonlight coming into the room. He stroked the side of her face before he pulled out.

She closed her eyes at the feeling. Her breathing increased. She took calming breaths. If it showed she was into much pain he’d stop, and that’s the last thing she wanted. She eased her self back into him as he was coming down. There was discomfort but the pain was subsiding. They continued on till all she felt was him. And the madding way he made her feel.

She closed her eyes. As he trusted into her. She bit her lip as a means to keep from crying out. Ahh! Her face turned to the side. He felt so good. So long. Her whole body tingled with anticipation. He leaned his body down closer till their chests rested against each other. She felt him as he pushed into her. Her legs had wrapped themselves around his torso sometime ago. When? She couldn’t say and truthfully she didn’t care. She felt him push harder. She felt that all the way to her teeth.

Her whole body shook when he trusted again. She could feel the build up ready to burst.

He only thrusted harder into her. He felt her whole body tense. And her muscles squeezed the energy out of him. With a last thrust he let the white light envelope him. He collapsed over her, unable to move. It had being intense. He tried to move off her but he just couldn’t get himself to do it.

She wrapped her arms around his back and lowered her legs from around his torso. She rested them over the back of his legs. She liked the way he felt. “Stay,” she whispered to him when he tried to roll off. He smiled into the side of her neck and rested his weight back on her. She let out a happy sigh as she felt him press her back into the futon.

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

Kaoru woke up sometime in the afternoon. She stretched lazily. Her body felt odd but good. She rose up bringing the blanket up with her to cover her breasts. She looked around the room. The trunks were gone. She started to rise.

The door opened suddenly.

“Morning,” she said giving him a wide smile.

“Afternoon,” he said closing the door right behind him.

She flushed.

He watched as it spread over her body. He noticed the bite mark on her shoulder. Hmm, it was as deep as he’d thought. He was afraid he’d bitten too hard. “You have enough time to eat and take a bath.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Is that all I have time for?”

“Yes,” he said standing at a distant.

She gave him a warm smile. “All right will you escort me to the bath house then?”

He nodded before he turned his back to her. He heard the rustling of her yukata as she put it on. He let out an inaudible sigh. How he wished they had more time.

“I’m ready.” She called out to him.

He slid the door open and waited just outside the door.

She stepped out with her things in her hands and waited for him to show her the way.

As soon as she passed by him he could smell himself on her. He blinked back the tide of memories it brought. He took a step back. His eyes took her in. He noticed what he’d tried to avoid since he’d woken up. The way she looked, the way she smiled, and mostly the way she smelled.

She didn’t shy away from the heated look he gave her. She outstretched her hand to him. “Show me.” She said to him.

He wasn’t sure what she meant but took her hand nonetheless. He led her away from the room and to the bathhouse. He watched her step into the bathhouse.

She was on cloud nine, walking along side her husband. Kami, how she loved him. Everything was falling into place. Soon, she hoped everything would be perfect. Just perfect. She just needed ‘that last thing’ to happen for her. She watched as he opened the door for her. She stepped inside and sat by the tub. She leaned in and felt the water. Hmm, nice and warm. Her muscles could sure use the warm water. She looked over at her husband letting her gaze start from the bottom of his sandals to the top of his red hair.

Kenshin turned around at the heated gaze he felt on him. He turned around slowly. She watched him with a dark intensity. He watched as her eyes made there way up his body, lingering on his thighs for a moment before she continued. His eyes darkened, he knew what she was thinking. He could see it in her eyes, the way they had darkened to almost black.

Her eyes met his and stayed there. He closed the door without looking and made his way over to her. He bent low and kissed her.

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

Kaoru sighed. Four days on another ship. When were they going to make it to Matsue. She looked out into the vastness of the ocean. So much water. The skies were dark, it looked like their might be rain. Spring summer storms were nice. She’d runaway from Tokuma once when it had been raining. She tilted her head. ‘I wonder what he’s doing,’ she thought. She felt a hand grasp her shoulder. She didn’t have to turn around to know who it was. She smiled as he pressed her against the rail. “Shigeru,” She sighed. She felt as he tensed behind her. Her smile grew wider. She tried to hide her smile as she was turned around roughly.

“Who the fuck's Shigeru?”

She blinked, “Anata?”

He didn’t buy that the innocent look. His eyes narrowed.

Her arms linked around his neck. She smiled at him. She tried to kiss him but he turned his face. She laughed. “Oh, anata.” She kissed the spot under his ear. And nuzzled him. “Don’t be mad, I was only joking.” She bit his earlobe playfully. She pulled back to look at his face.

He was pouting.

“Ah, can you get any cuter?” She said in a joyful voice.

He didn’t turn.

“I bet you can.” she said in a breathy voice right into his ear. It stirred something in him and she knew it. She’d learned quickly just how much control she held over him. She saw the hairs on his neck stand on end. She reached for him and he tensed. His head turned to her, his eyes glowed with a suppressed urge to punish her. She simply kissed the side of his mouth and entwined her left hand with his right. She turned and dragged him behind her.

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

Kyoto was their next stop. He felt the ship dock. They’d spent only enough time to meet Aoshi and then they’d move on. He turned his head and watched as his wife snuggled closer into his embrace. He couldn’t help but smirk, the only time she let him rest was when she was asleep. He didn’t want to get up yet but he knew Aoshi was somewhere down there waiting for him. He untangled himself from her limbs and rose. He dressed quickly and silently. He slipped out of their room and headed for the dock.

When he got there Aoshi was already down there.

“Himura.” Aoshi spoke in his monotone voice. He took in the appearance of the battoussai. He was different. Colder.

“Aoshi, I need for you to make sure this gets to Tokyo. I couldn’t trust anyone else.” He said handing over the a small package.

He took it without questions. “The carriage you requested for is right over there.”

The battoussai nodded.

They both gazed at one another for a moment longer before they each walked off in different directions.

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

“Koishii.”

Nothing.

“Koishii.”

No response.

He bent low over her and kissed her neck. He pulled back when he heard her murmuring something but still she didn’t wake.

“Koishii, are you ready?”

“I’m ready,” she murmured back.

Her eyes fluttered open. She was having such a nice dream. “Morning,” she said reaching up to him for her morning kiss.

He smirked.

She wiggled her fingers.

He bent low enough so she could reach him. She threw her arms around his neck and as he leaned back he brought her with him. Her blanket fell to her waist.

“The boat’s docked.” He said not looking down.

“Has it?” She said playing with the high pony tail.

“We need to go.” He expressed in a deep voice. He noticed the goose bumps it created over her skin but chose not to say anything. They really needed to get off, they still had a long way to go.

Her eyes darkened considerably. He’d done it on purpose he knew how that tone affected her. Her reaction to him was very natural. He was beautiful after all. Her lips formed a pout as she gazed at him. “Tease,” she accused bringing the blanket up to cover herself.

He laughed. A rich delighted laugh. He gave her a large smile as he rose.  "Hurry.” He said as he left the room before she became more than temptation.

She dressed quickly in the forest green kimono. Might as well she thought.  She hadn’t bathed and she was all sticky. She put her hair in a loose bun and put everything else into one of the trunks.

“Anata.” She called for him.

He opened the door and took the trunk away, it was the last one. The others were already in a carriage he’d purchased.

They both made their way down. His face remained cold and expressionless as he hauled the trunk and loaded it on to the carriage. Kaoru on the other hand smiled at everything and everyone.

He opened the door and she got in. She smiled at him as he closed the door. She pulled something from underneath her kimono when she felt the carriage start to move. She brought the blue cloth up to her nose and smelled it. It smelled like him. She wrapped his Gi around herself and fell asleep.

They’d been riding for hours and they had just barely made it to the outskirts of Kyoto. The carriage slowed down, eventually coming to a stop. Kenshin jumped off his seat and crept towards the side of the carriage. He opened the door to see she was sound asleep. He didn’t want to leave her alone here though. He was about to retrieve her when he felt the air drop down a notch.

"Battoussai."

The battoussai turned around to face Raijuuta

"I never thouht I'd see you in Kyoto, don't you live in Tokyo?"

The battoussai didn't appreciate the sneer on the man's face. He looked around to see if there were any people starring at them. He didn't want to draw any unnecessary attention to himself. "What?" The voice was cold. The look deadly.

The man blinked in surprise. This wasn't the same man he'd encountered before. The man refused to show fear however. Instead he gave short laugh. "Fucking paranoid aren‘t you?" he said turning on his heel and heading the opposite way.

The battoussai looked after the man. Was it really such a good idea to let him go? He hated him after all. He wouldn't have approached, if he hadn't had the intention of doing something. He'd expected a challenge but the man chickened out at the last minute.

"Anata?"

The battoussai thoughts cleared at the tone in her voice. He turned his head and puller her out of the carriage. "Koishii, will be here for a couple of hours before we continue. Take the time to bathe and eat. You can sleep in the carriage, all right?"

She remained at his side while he got the room. Once they settled in, he walked her to the bathhouse where he stood watch outside her door.

She sensed his worry. He was in a foul mood. If she wasn't so tired she'd say something. For the moment things would have to wait. They both ate their dinner and went to sleep while the sun was still out.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Kenshin raced towards the dojo.

Kenshin (thinking): Kaoru-dono! Kaoru-dono!

He rushes past Megumi.

Megumi: Ken-san!

Something pulls him up short.

Kenshin (thinking): That scent . . . That's . . .

Enishi (appearing out of the fog): White plum. For me, my sister's

perfume. For you, now--

Kenshin: Enishi! What have you done with Kaoru-dono!

Enishi: The scent is your guide. Go and see. The answer you're looking for is there.

Kenshin sprints past him.

Kenshin (thinking): Kaoru-dono!

Enishi (thinking): Look well, with those eyes!

Kenshin (thinking): Kaoru-dono!

Enishi (thinking): Mourn! Wail! Repent! And then weep yourself to death!

Kenshin (thinking): Kaoru-dono!

He runs into the dojo and then stops, transfixed. Sanosuke and Megumi catch up with him.

Sanosuke: Kenshin!

Megumi: Ken-san! Ken . . .

Kenshin drops his sword.

Kenshin: What was the Hiten Mitsurugi good for.

(falling to his knees)

What was Himura Kenshin . . .

Once again, I couldn't protect the one I truly loved . . .

(tears forming) Kaoru . . . . dono . . . .

"Kaoru!!"

Kaoru sat, slumped against the dojo wall with Enishi's sword through her heart and a

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Kenshin sat up in a cold sweat. Some memories just couldn’t leave him. He looked around the room. His wife was gone.

"Kaoru?”

Kaoru sat, slumped against the dojo wall with Enishi's sword through her heart and a cross scar scratched on her cheek.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Kenshin sat up in a cold sweat. Some memories just couldn’t leave him. He looked around the room. His wife was gone.

"Kaoru?"

Small Notes:  What's there to say.  Kaoru and Kenshin are married.   The Hitokiri Battoussai has been released, at last.  Partly because of the danger and partly because of the tea Kaoru slipped him.  She's extremely happy, specially since they've consummated their marriage.

Nago was the owner of the small shop where Kaoru bought her night gowns from.  (Chapter 3  Do you guys remember?)

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Please remember, when you see these dash things over dialogue it means one of them's dreaming.  In this chapter it was Kenshin who had a nightmare.  His dream sequence however is what actually happened in the manga.  (Jinchuu Arch:  During his fight with Enishi at the Kamiya Dojo.)

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Chapter Eight

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Kenshin sat up in a cold sweat. Some memories just couldn’t leave him. He looked around the room. His wife was gone.

“Kaoru?” He said as he rose to go look for her but stopped dead in his tracks.

Jin-eh. 

His eyes narrowed in recognition.

“Where is she?"

"Kaoru?" He called out again.

"Where is she?" He said more forcefully. “Tell Me.” He commanded.

Jin-eh simply smiled. “She’s dead don’t you remember. You couldn’t kill me and she was too weak to shake the Shin no Ippou off herself.”

“Liar.” That’s not what happened. She had shaken it off and she’d saved him from becoming the hitokiri battoussai.

“I remember. . . . . . . .” Kenshin said as he struggled to understand what was going on.

“Battoussai, you passed out after she died. Your friends brought you here to her dojo. I’ve been waiting for you to wake up.” Jin-eh was very pleased with himself.

“No! That’s not true. Fucking liar,” Kenshin said getting up.

“Tsk, Tsk, Tsk, battoussai where was that temper when your woman was still alive?” Jin-eh asked conversationally.

“Why don’t you go have a look outside. I brought her with me.” Jin-eh gave him a predatory smile.

Kenshin ran out of his room and into the yard. But there was no body. He stood alone. He turned at the sound of Jin-eh’s laughter. When he turned though something splashed his face. He couldn’t see. He just barely moved his head out of the way as the blade nearly took his ear off. He was wiping the substance out of his eyes when he felt the next blow. That actually pierced his skin, went right through the left side of his ribs. He still couldn‘t see. His heart was beating so fast. He struck out with his sword. He felt the blade sink through but Jin-eh was laughing. Kenshin pulled back, sliding his blade out with the movement. Finally he was able to see. He felt a trembling start deep in his bones. Jin-eh was off to the side looking very pleased. Kenshin’s head started shaking in denial.

“That’s two for two isn’t it battoussai.” The voice wasn’t Jin-eh’s. Something his mind screamed at him to notice. But he was so stunned. “Ka . . . “

He couldn’t say it. He drew closer and knelt. “Kaoru,” he whispered.

He let out a piercing scream into the night. He’d killed her. Just like before. He’d kill the woman he loved. She had stepped between him and Jin-eh.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Kenshin's eyes snapped open. He looked to the right only to find his wife asleep. He gave a sigh of relief. Seeing Rijuuta brought back bad memories. Maybe it would be best if they never returned to the dojo. 

He rose on shaky knees and looked down on her for a moment. He felt her neck for a pulse just to be on the safe side. He felt one. He proceeded to bundle her up. Once she was, he slid the door open and walked out with her. It was the middle of the night but he didn't want to spend another moment longer here. Too may bad memories. He placed her inside the carriage and closed the door. He took his seat not really seeing the dark empty road ahead. They left shortly.

Several hours later they were in Hyogo. He was glad. He stopped and sent Aoshi another message. The pigeon should arrive there pretty soon. He sat outside the restaurant having a drink. Saké is exactly what he need after all those nightmares. He kept his eye on the carriage. He was half way through his second bottle when he saw a slight movement. He rose quickly to reach her. She was just opening her eyes when the door opened. She shielded her eyes against the light. 

She looked around. "The carriage? What time is it?"

"Breakfast time but dress first." He pointed across the seat to wear the burgundy kimono lay and then closed the door quickly. His anger was still visible in his eyes. The stress of the situation they found themselves in plus all the attacks were starting to rub his nerves raw. If anyone tried to take her away from him he'd kill them. He'd spent too much time protecting her to have her snatched away. The battoussai made her happy. Correction, he made her happy and as long as that was so he pledged his life, love and honor to keep her. She was his now, and the only way they'd be taking her is over his dead body. And even then, The fires of hell wouldn't be enough to keep him from her.

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

Kaoru was really agitated. He was treating her like a porcelain doll. He was constantly hovering and never letting go. She wouldn't have minded but it was the way he did it. He was acting like the bodyguard. There, only to protect her but not touch her. Not love her. It was like he was trying to separate that part of himself. She sat in the back of the carriage no longer aware as the scenery changed. Troubled by her thoughts as to why. Why was he acting like this?

Ever since . . . . . Kyoto. When they had left in the middle of the night. They hadn't been attacked, so it was something else.

She was so busy with her thoughts she never felt the carriage come to a stop. The door was opened and that's when she finally looked up.

Icy blue met steely blue.

“What,” she asked with narrowed eyes. Her tone was more than annoyed.

The statement didn’t affect him. "We're here." He said stepping aside so she could get out.

Finally after almost a week of travel they were here. She stepped out and looked around, there wasn't much to see. Her eyes came back to his when she heard him set a trunk down.

"Take out your Uchikake."

Was he kidding? "We're already married." She explained in a snappy tone.

"This is were I want to marry you." His voice had dropped several degrees.

At this point she welcomed mad. He had barely been speaking to her in the last week. She was angry, so why shouldn't he?

“I married you in Kanazawa.”

He didn‘t want to fight with her. Lately everything had been making him angry. It wasn’t her it was him. It was his fear. He looked off to the side. The atmosphere here was very calm. He stood there for a trying to rid himself of his stress, letting it be washed away with the calmness of the surroundings. He heard the rustling in the background. He didn’t smile. He didn’t feel happy.

Kaoru pulled the stuff out of the trunks. He infuriated her. What did it matter that he’d barely even looked her way in the last couple of days. What did it matter that she wasn’t happy. When she had all her things she looked at him. He still had his back to her. For a moment she had urge to throw something at him. “Where do you want me to change?”

He finally turned. He saw she had set out his things as well. He picked them up and they made their way to the shrine.

The wedding seemed to take longer then the first one. The ride to town was always filled with silence. He acted like her servant. An insolent one but still a servant. Suddenly she felt fear grip her heart. He still hadn’t said he loved her. She looked to see her hands were shaking. He had always acted like he did so she had never questioned it. But the matter was he hadn’t said it. She felt like she was going to break down.

The carriage came to a slow halt. Kenshin dismounted and made his way to the side of the carriage. He opened the door, to a frightful sight. She was pale. He approached her quickly. “Kaoru?”

She didn’t seem to hear him. She had always assumed he loved her too. But the rurouni had abandoned his Kaoru-dono so what made her think that the Battoussai wouldn’t leave his . . . . . . . .

“Kaoru!” He yelled.

Her head snapped around. Her breathing was shallow. It took her a bit to calm down.

“Are you all right?” He said feeling her forehead.

She couldn’t answer him with out her voice giving her away. She nodded and he pulled her out of the carriage slowly. He watched her step off slowly. He grabbed her hand and they walked into town.

Kenshin noticed all the decorations. Today they were supposed to have a festival. They’d stay in town tonight. Tomorrow they’d head further north to Mt. Daisen. Their new home.

Kaoru was battling her inner demons. After a while her mind seemed to settle just enough to notice the decorations. She allowed her mind to wonder. She didn’t want to think.

The first shop caught her eye. They had a lot of hair accessories. She saw a burgundy one that would go with the last kimono she’d bought. She felt her hair pins being pulled out. She turned to find him running his finger through her hair. She frowned. He held a pink ribbon in his hand. She stared at it a moment before she took it. She looked at him what was she supposed to do with it.

He saw her puzzled expression. “Put it on,” His tone was different than before. It was silky.

She held it with her teeth while she gathered her hair into a high ponytail. She pulled the ribbon tight around the hair into a large bow. She smoothed it out and looked down.

He was puzzled by her actions. He grabbed her hand again and continued to the next shop. After twelve shops she seemed in a better mood. She grabbed him by the hand and they ran into a new shop. “They take pictures here.” She said to him. It was the first time she’d talked to him since the ceremony.

“Can I help you?” Said an elderly man.

“Do you take pictures out doors?” She asked the man.

“Yes, I do. Did you want to take some during the festival? I’m going to be down by the river.”

“Because of the fireworks,” she said.

“Yes,” the man broke off into a smile. No one really understood his creativity. But this girl seemed to think along the same lines as him. But his smile faded a bit. She was with someone.

Kenshin met the man’s cool gaze. He still held her hand. Something the man had missed when he first turned to her.

“When do you think you’ll be down there? I’d like to have our picture taken?” She watched the man return his attention to her.

“I’ll start moving my things right at sun down.” He said not as cheery as before.

“All right we’ll see you down there.” She smiled at the old man and they left.

“Are you hungry yet,” she asked him as they passed a cart selling noodles?

They were leaning towards there, so they might as well eat. He ordered and took their food to where she sat. She smiled as he approached. “Thanks.” She said. “Are we going to stay here tonight?”

He nodded in response.

“When do you think we’ll get to Nagasaki?” She said between bites.

He paused mid bite. Hadn’t he told her yet? “Matsue is where we’ll live.”

She frowned. “But my . . . . . This isn’t . . . . . What about Tokuma?”

His eyes narrowed. “What about him?”

“Well, don’t you think he’s going to come looking for me. He’s really protective. It’s why he hired you.” She said as she played with the noodles.

“I went to that house to get you, not be his servant.“ His voice was curt.

Suddenly her head came up making eye contact with him. “Why did you come?”

“Did you want to stay there?” He openly scowled at the idea. “Did you?”

“That’s not what I said. I said I want to know why you came. Why?” She asked

He snorted. “Why?” Wasn’t it obvious by now?

“Do you feel responsible for me? Someone you need to take care off. Is guilt what drove you to Tokuma’s house?”

For someone not in their right mind, she kept her thoughts straight. It’s true, he had always felt guilty for all the things that happened to her. All because she’d invited him to live with her. Somewhere along the line though, he’d fallen in love with her. He’d been force to leave her with the threat of the new war. Sano had told him what had happened to her in his absence the first time. This second time had been much worse for her. All because of the way he’d left her. That and the fact that it took him a bit over a year to come back. A small part of him argued that this was the reason he’d come back. Because it was his fault she was sick. Though he’d been reluctant to start anything with her before, well now that she was sick it was the least he could do to make her happy.

Another part of him argued differently. She had a mean-vengeful streak that lured him. Her innocence was a deceitful mask. She was possessive because she had already laid claim on him. And though he had done everything possible to deny this. He had laid claim on her long ago. She was his woman. And no matter how much the other part of himself argued about his hands being to stained to be with her, there was no way he’d ever let someone else have her.

The sound of the fireworks broke him of his thoughts. His head turned up towards the sky.

She watched him; he had seemed lost in thought. She rose and his head turned. “I want our picture taken,” she said as she turned her back to him and they walked down the busy street.

Her thoughts kept turning everything over. She wasn’t wrong. He loved her. He did. Even if he hadn’t said it. He wouldn’t respond to her the way he did if he didn’t.

She unconsciously reached for him when he came closer to her.

So this brought her back to the same question what had happened in Kyoto. They continued walking down in silence till they reached the river.

He dreaded moments when she became completely quiet. It meant she was plotting. He watched out of the corner of his eye as a smile spread over lips lighting her whole face.

They stood in front of the old man waiting for him to take the picture. “Smile anata,” she said turning slightly to the side. “I want to show this to our children.”

He felt his heart grow light. A small grin appearing on his face.

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

Kenshin shielded his eyes as the glass broke against the wall next to him.

He gave a deep sigh.

“We will.” She hissed.

“No we won’t.” He didn’t understand why he bothered. They’d been fighting for almost an hour. He really didn’t want to continue this conversation but if he turned his back to her and walked out, it would only get worse for him. So he stayed. They’d been in Matsue for almost three months. He hardly ever let her go into town. When ever he did though he was always with her. So he could see why she wanted to celebrate out of Matsue. He gave a sigh. He wasn’t angry anymore, just tired.

He moved slightly as the book flew by his head. He watched as she stomped her foot. That always amused him.

“Don’t you give me that grin. If I had wanted to stay someone’s prisoner I would have stayed with Tokuma. At least there I had servants.” She watched in satisfaction as the statement wiped the grin off hid face.

They hardly ever mentioned Yasuyoshi but when ever the name came up the fight only got worse.

He felt anger bubbling in his veins. He knew she often said things to make him angry on purpose his own fault she’d scream for making her angry first. His eyes glittered with hatred for the name. “I said no and that is FINAL.” He mumbled through gritted teeth.

She gave a small snort. “I don’t know WHO, you think you’re talking to but I’m not gonna just stay here because you wish it.”

“Yes you will.” He said grabbing her by the arms forcefully. “You are mine . . . . . . . ”

She struggled under his grip. “I WILL NOT!!!“ She roared. She pounded on his chest but his hold didn’t lessen any. “I’m not your property,” she screeched loudly. All the commotion might have been a problem for anyone else but not for them. They had no neighbors. Alone on this side of the mountain. No one around for miles.

“Let ME GO!!!! You son-. . . . .” She felt the floor give away.

Kenshin watched in horror as her eyes rolled back and she went limp in his arms. “Kaoru.” He eased her down to the futon. “Koishii,” He said a little more desperately. He rushed out to get her a cold washcloth. He came back and put it on her forehead. “Koishii, can you hear me?”

Her eyes were slow to open. She’d been having dizzy spells lately. She tried to rise but he held her down.

“All right,” we’ll go he said hugging her to him.

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

The air was becoming cooler, a sign of the approaching autumn. Okayama looked very large.

She scenery changed as the carriage rode by. She had wanted to sit on outside with him but he hadn’t let her. Afraid off her getting too much sun. She looked through the bag she’d brought with her. Looking for the one package she’d bought in Fukui. Thinking back they’d gotten attacked there. The man with the long swords. Her face contorted into a frown. They hadn’t gotten attacked at all in Matsue. Was that why he hadn’t wanted to leave. She felt the carriage come to a stop. She threw everything into the bag and took her seat again.

He opened the door to let her out. Hmm, she looked guilty. Of what thought. He took a quick glance as he helped her out. He still felt uneasy.

They walked to the inn to where they were going to be staying. One hand on the small of her back while the other gripped his sakabatou. He had this foreboding feeling that something wasn't right.

Kenshin slid the door closed with a soft click. The man at the desk had seemed surprised to see him. That meant he knew who he was. He watched as she started to set things up. They were going to be here for three days. Maybe.

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

She walked down the street a couple of feet ahead of him. Sometimes he felt he needed to tie her to him to keep her from wondering. He trailed behind her with the things she’d bought so far.

She stopped in front of a restaurant waiting for him to come to her side. “When are we going to go back to Tokyo?” She said as they were seated.

That really took him by surprise. She had gotten better in the couple of months they had spent together. Probably because it was just the two of them. “You want to go back?”

She nodded.

“To the dojo?” He said a little disbelieving. The rurouni and his Kaoru-dono had lived there once. He thought she might never want to go back there again.

She nodded again. She was more than half way through her meal. Her appetite had really increased in the last couple of days.

“Did you just want to visit?” He asked. At the moment it was better if they stayed away from other people at least till she got better. But if she wanted to return, that was by him. Everyone had been taking care of the dojo in their absence.

Her head turned to the side.

His head turned to the side as well.

“Battoussai!”

Kenshin’s face-hardened as he got up. She grabbed him by the hand. “Wait, where are you going?”

He didn’t look at her just continued on his way. “Wait.” She said getting up to go after him but the waitress stopped her.

“Your bill.” She said to Kaoru.

Kaoru stuck her hand into her purse and handed the woman a hand full in her hurry out the door. She rushed out but he was gone. She looked both ways but there wasn’t anyone there. Maybe they’re in the alley she thought.

“Battoussai,” he sneered. “I heard you were in town. Been looking for you.

Katana-gari, Cho.

Kenshin recognized the man very well from before. They had fought ones. He noted Cho was still using the same blade as before. Satsu-Ji-Keu (Murder Sword) Haku - Ji- no Tachi, It’s got the strongest possible blade for as thin as the blade was made. It’s why it can be controlled so easily.

Cho noticed the Battoussai looked slightly different. Aside from the clothes. It was his expression. He’d seen him fight recently. His attacks were a bit more savage then the first time they’d met. He also killed now when his woman was threatened. He gave the battoussai a nasty smile. He knew something the other didn’t.

Kaoru ran around the corner and slammed into someone. She was surprised to say the least.

“Kaoru-chan.” He said with a very small smile.

“Tokuma,” she smiled back. “What a surprise. What are you doing here?” She said backing a bit from the embrace he still held her in.

“I came looking for you.” He said his smile disappearing.

She openly frowned. “But the . . . . .”

“The letter. I got it.” His lips formed a thin line. “Funny thing I heard almost after you left.” His mouth felt dry. Seems your battoussai was once a rurouni.” His hand started shaking in suppressed anger.

“Tokuma,” she explained calmly. “I thought I explained it all in the letter. I wished to be free. I thanked you for your kindness but I could never love you that way. My heart belongs to someone else.”

He looked at her. She had always been very beautiful. But seemed that the older she got the more beautiful she became. She was worthy of becoming his wife. He nodded to someone behind her.

Kaoru felt someone grab her from behind. She struggled but she wasn’t able to see who it was. “Let me go. Tokuma what are you doing?”

“I’m taking you home,” he said. His voice wavering slightly. “Will marry and we’ll forget this nonsense.”

“You can’t.” She struggled harder. “I’m not leaving him. Stop it. Stop this Tokuma.” She was feeling desperate. Tears were starting to flow freely. “KENSHIN!!!!” She screamed loud into the air. Hoping he would hear.

Tokuma slapped her hard across the face. He was so angry. He shook all over.

Kaoru’s face stung. She’d bitten the inside of her cheek. She felt the blood in her mouth. She turned her head back to Tokuma defiantly. She spat into his face.

“Kaoru.” He whispered. There was so much hate coming form her.

“I’m already married.” She told him with much disdain.

He went pale for a moment. He shook his head. “You may have been married Kaoru-chan but today you will become a widow.”

“What do you mean?”

“What have you done?  I swear if you hurt him I’ll kill you.” She struggled against the man that held her.

“I’ll Kill YOU !!!!!”  She shrieked.

He turned his back to her so he wouldn’t have to see. And turned back only when he heard the thump.  The man holding her back nodded at Tokuma.

Kaoru’s last thought was on her husband . . . . . .

And the baby.

Small Note: They have finally made it to Matsue. This is where Kenshin felt was safe enough to be their new home. We finally know the blond guy with broom like hair is Katana-gari, Cho. (Uses a lot of bad language and has very little respect for anything or anyone other than a sword. Episode 40) He hates Kenshin. Thinks Kenshin’s a relic from the past. At least he thought so the first time he fought Kenshin. Kenshin nearly took his head off in the first fight.

Tokuma’s back for Kaoru. And he’s very angry. He knows Kenshin was her rurouni.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Please remember, when you see these dash things over dialogue it means they’re dreaming. In this chapter it was Kenshin. Last chapter ended with a dream, but often when people have a nightmares they don’t usually wake up. They jump into another dream. It’s what happened here.

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