Disclaimer: I do not own anything of importance in this story.

Chapter 1

Fire spouted from the smokestacks placed around the arena, contributing to the temperature within. The heat was oppressive, but was ignored by the few people in there. Two bodies, charred and still consumed in flame, lay toward one side of the platform, away from the exit. One man stood behind them, shoulder-length brown hair swept back away from his face. He was dressed in a dark brown suit, covered by a lighter brown trench coat. He stared at the burning forms in front of him, murmuring to himself in denial. "No…Shishio-sama…" Sadojima Houji muttered brokenly.

Across from him stood four men. The furthest back was dressed in a blue police uniform. Blood stained his jacket around the hole torn in the shoulder and the 'x' cut across his chest. He also had two bandages, one wrapped tightly around each thigh. Although he appeared unaffected by the wounds, the blood seeping through the bandages suggested otherwise. Lighting a cigarette, he surveyed the scene before him with a bored expression, as if he had expected this to happen. Taking a few drags, he walked towards the exit and leaned casually against the wall, waiting for the others to join him. "Took him long enough," Saito Hajime said, his eyes shifting to the red-haired man before him.

A little in front of Saito stood two more men. One had short black hair that partially obscured his eyes from view. He was dressed in nondescript black clothing covered by a cream-colored trench coat. There was a large gash across the front of his tunic, showing the battered flesh no longer concealed beneath it. Although tired from the day's battles, the ex-leader of the Oniwaban group hid his exhaustion behind his usual emotionless mask as he surveyed his companions. We could have fared better, Shinomori Aoshi thought.

Near him, a tall fighter was picking himself up off the ground. He had spiky brown hair held back by a red headband and wore a white jacket that had the kanji for 'Evil' on the back. He had white pants to match that didn't quite reach his ankles, and he held his right hand as if it pained him. He walked over to the shortest member of their group, placing his left hand on the shoulder of the red-haired man. "You beat him," Sagara Sanosake said, smiling.

The last man stood in front of the others, staring at the smoldering embers before him. His gi was in tatters, barely hanging on his lithe body, and his hakama wasn't in much better condition. Blood stained the bandages around his back and neck, while it flowed sluggishly from the wounds on his shoulder and in his side. His chest was covered in burns and his body trembled with each breath he took, obviously in pain. The breeze played with his long red hair, almost making it seem as if his blood was dancing across his shoulders. He held a sakabato loosely in his right hand as he bent to pick up a broken pocket watch on the ground. Sanosake came up behind him, putting a hand on his shoulder.

"You beat him."

Himura Kenshin closed his eyes, wearily. "No—"

"Shishio-sama couldn't lose!" Houji screamed, cutting Kenshin off. "There's no way he could lose! Argh!" Houji was clutching his head almost desperately, shaking it back and forth vehemently in denial. He sprinted past them, pushing Kenshin out of his way in his haste. Although he wasn't hit hard – a glancing blow, at best – his body could not withstand the extra punishment.

Sano cried out in alarm as Kenshin fell. With reflexes that defied his weary body, Sano caught Kenshin as gently as he could, lowering him to the ground.

"Kenshin?! Kenshin!!"

Although he heard his friend's cries, the red-head made no attempt to answer him. I'm going to need all of my remaining strength to get out of here. But…I'm so tired. Perhaps just a short rest… That was his last thought before Kenshin surrendered to the darkness,

Now that the battle with Shishio had been concluded, there was no need to rush; so Sano took some time to dress most of Kenshin's wounds as best he could. Kenshin wasn't bleeding very fast, surprisingly enough, but it was best to stop the bleeding as soon as possible. After he had finished, he pulled Kenshin's arm over his shoulder and stood up. He was quite a bit taller than the redhead and, consequently, Kenshin's feet dangled above the ground. Satisfied with this position, Sano walked towards the door. Aoshi stood silently, waiting for them. Saito snorted.

Normally, Sanosake wouldn't have been able to restrain a sharp remark, but the light burden hanging on his shoulder stilled his tongue. I can't waste time arguing with Saito, Sano thought, Kenshin needs a doctor now!

Resolutely ignoring the former captain of the Shinsengumi, Sano walked past Saito and disappeared through the door. Aoshi and Saito followed suit.

Sano hurried down the stairs as fast as he dared, trying not to jostle Kenshin too much. They reached the bottom of the stairs and raced across the bridge to the door. Aoshi tried pushing it open to no avail. Houji had bolted it shut from the other side. Thinking swiftly, Sano set Kenshin down about twenty feet away from the door. If his plan worked, he didn't want any of the debris to further injure his friend. Getting a running start, Sano rushed towards the door, raising his left fist. He struck the door hard, causing it to shudder, but having no other effect.

"Move aside."

Sano turned to see Saito sinking into the Gatoutsu stance. Ignoring Sano's protests, Saito charged at the door, sword raised. The wood splintered under the impact as blood spurted from the wounds on his legs, eliciting a grunt from Saito. Sano stared in shock. Smirking, Saito walked back towards Kenshin. "I've faced more of these life or death situations than any of you."

Suddenly, an explosion shook the foundations of the bridge beneath their feet. They managed to keep their balance as a few more explosions rocked the structure.

"What was that?!" Sanosake cried, reflexively. He didn't really expect an answer. Aoshi was too stoic and Saito was, well, Saito. Kenshin would have answered him, but the small swordsman was currently unconscious. Sano was a bit startled when someone answered his question.

"Houji is destroying this entire place. Apparently he seems to think that our deaths would prove Shishio's superiority. I think it's time we left," Saito said, not moving towards the door.

Sensing danger, Kenshin opened his eyes. Without warning, an explosion erupted below them, knocking out a twelve-foot section of the bridge. Saito's quick reflexes saved him from a fiery demise, as he jumped from the crumbling bridge to where Kenshin was struggling to rise, about three feet from the edge of the new hole in the bridge. The smoke cleared, revealing Sano and Aoshi standing unharmed on the other side, in front of the door. Sano's relief at seeing them unharmed (from the explosion, anyway) quickly changed to dismay as he realized there was no way either Kenshin or Saito could get across the twelve foot gap that now separated them. Normally, either one of them could jump that distance with ease, but not in their current condition. They were stuck.

Looking at the distance, Kenshin knew he'd never be able to make it. He heard a soft chuckle next to him and turned. Sato was lighting another cigarette, a smirk set firmly upon his features. "You've got no sense of direction, do ya?" Saito asked, casually.

"What'd you say?!" Sano demanded, annoyed.

"I gave Shinomori a map of this place. Have him guide ya outta here." Having said that, Saito turned and started walking away.

"Saito!"

Saito turned back, taking a long drag of his cigarette. "I've faced more of these life or death situations than any of you."

Kenshin, who had been observing Saito, realized what the policeman had been trying to say. He knew another way out. Of course, Kenshin thought, He probably got that map after we got back last night. I would be willing to bet that he has memorized the entire layout of this place, including every exit! With renewed hope, Kenshin started to follow Saito.

"Kenshin!"

Kenshin turned to look at Sano, smiling. "Don't worry about this one, Sano. I'll be all right, that I will. Right now, you and Aoshi need to concentrate on getting out of here, that you do," Kenshin said, following after Saito.

Before Sano could respond, there was another explosion. Flames engulfed what was left of the bridge, obscuring its occupants from view. The smoke cleared partially, revealing an empty, crumbling bridge. Kenshin and Saito were nowhere to be seen. Sano started forward, but Aoshi held him back. They left, Aoshi all but dragging Sano with him.

"KENSHIN!!"