Author's Note: I do not own anything Rurouni Kenshin.
2nd Author's Note: This is a sequel to my other story "Beneath the Lantern Lights". I do suggest you read it first.
1878 Tokyo (11th Year of Meiji)-
Tenma stared up at the small room's ceiling. The doctor had just finished replacing the bandages on his head. He'd been pretty beat up when he'd woken, but not dead. He should have been dead. Fighting that guy had been stupid. Not like he'd had a choice. It was his job to kill or be killed…and he'd failed.
A smile touched his lips and he chuckled a bit. He should already be dead. The fact that he'd survived that blade was a miracle. No, it was something else. "A sakabato, huh?" He laughed out loud, causing the doctor walking on the porch outside to pause, curiously. Tenma rubbed his thumb gently along the bandages. His opponent's eyes had turned black just before striking him. The demon had risen inside Himura, ready to kill him…but he hadn't. That ridiculously shaped katana had saved him. What was it Himura had called it? His vow? Tenma laughed again. Since when did demons put themselves on a dog's leash?
The man's crazed laughter ended as a shadow crept in through the window. "So, it's you?" he murmured. "I find myself somewhat honored."
There was no answer except the metallic clink of metal. Tenma closed his eyes. It had only been a matter of time. He'd failed to kill Battosai. He was no longer of any use. The shadow struck, silver flashed, and blood began pooling from the hitokiri's chest.