Guess who is now a full 17 years old? Yup, you got it, its me! Sunnykh is officially 17, sigh we grow so fast don't we…. Well in celebration (even though it was over a week ago) I have updated! Muahahaha I'm almost done with this, and unless I completely change my ideas, only 1-2 more chapters to go!

Thank You Reviewers, You guys are amazingly helpful in making me get over my laziness to write!

Disclaimer: No RK people belong to me, just the other guys - I felt sad that almost all of my characters were dead so I made a few more :)


The news of Morita's departure had reached Akira a few hours ago and anger had already faded as he began to plan a strategy. I need to know what Battousai knows! What has Morita told him?

He began pacing through the room. Can I still bluff my way out of this mess? No, Battousai cannot be fooled with petty tricks or lies; this is what Morita never understood.

Stopping, Akira turned to the window overlooking the dark forests as his face hardened decisively. I did not gain this position of power by cowering before my opponents. "It is time I showed Japan that I am the final force to be reckoned with, not some overrated murderer!"

Let him try and do his worst with legions of soldiers and my own sword opposing him.


Gossip in Akira's forces was the prime source of entertainment when there was no fighting to be had. Though hardened by the carnage and battles fought under Akira's banner, the soldiers were little better than nosy old women when it came to rumors and personal matters. When young Takeda had been found with a bruised head and broken ego, rumors flew through every rank and division.

"I heard it was a spy dressed as Morita-san trying to assassinate Akira-sama," a guard whispered conspiratorially to his comrade whom quickly attempted to correct him. "No, no, you have it all wrong – Morita-san is the spy; I heard from Yuuichi in the 3rd Division that he is in league with the Oniwabanshu!"

"Hmmph!" A snort was heard from a wizened old soldier in the corner. "You youngsters have no idea of what is going on do you?" The soldiers turned towards him to listen. "If my eyes and ears have not deceived me, you may not live to see the end of this night."

"What do you mean?" The guards had paled considerably. The old man was well known around the fort for his ability to get inside information on Akira's dealings and had built up quite a reputation for being reliable over the past thirty years or so.

"Fools! There is greater peril underfoot than spies or a little knock on the head. It is no coincidence that Battousai has been to see Akira-sama and not yet returned. I have been listening quite closely this past week and mark my words, when he comes there will be bloodshed. It was not his capacity for mercy that earned Battousai repute."

As if in answer to this prophecy, a guard nearby was at that very moment opening the gates to allow entrance to the red-haired assassin.

"Inform Akira that I am here immediately," he ordered. Battousai looked back at the woman following him and then continued, "Tell him I've brought him a present."


A soldier marched into the room, looking anxiously at his lord. "Akira-sama," he murmured reverently as he bowed low before the elder man.

"Yes, Yamada what is it?"

Yamada was startled that Akira-sama actually knew his name but nevertheless managed to convey his message. "M-my Lord, Battousai has returned and is waiting in the practice halls with a present for your lordship."

Akira's heart sunk to his stomach and slowly made its way back up. He took a deep breath, It's time.

As Yamada bowed again and began to leave, Akira stopped him. "Wait! What is this 'present' you speak of?"

Yamada looked slightly uneasy as he thought of the two younger sisters he had left at home. "I believe, Akira-sama, that Battousai has brought you a woman." Akira stared. "Are you sure?" he asked incredulously.

"I am most certain, my lord." Yamada bowed and left the room.

A woman? What sort of game are you playing at Battousai?


Battousai led Kaoru into the training hall where swords and various other sorts of weaponry lined the walls. Soldiers practicing their techniques quickly in front of the withering glare from Battousai's eyes. He pointed to the back corner, "Stand there and stay behind me, understand?" Kaoru nodded and moved. When he said nothing more she asked, "What will you do?"

Minutes passed in silence and Kaoru thought he would not answer her. But then he turned around, smiling bitterly and replied, "What I do best."

She felt something twist inside of her at these words. She had seen him as a monster, cruel and uncaring, but so too had she seen another side of him. The man who she had soothed during a feverish night, who had kissed her and wiped her tears; that man was standing in front of her. Yes, he was Hitokiri Battousai, but- I can not bring myself to hate you.

Kaoru heard the sounds of men approaching, marching in step. Every step drained what courage she might have found to voice the feelings that confused even her. In that last moment that they were left alone, their eyes met, connecting them for that one fleeting moment. But then it was gone and the link broke leaving only the reality of the soldiers entering the room.

Battousai turned his eyes away from her. There is nothing there for you, he told himself, Your life, your focus is strapped to your side – Draw it and claim your rightful revenge!

"So you decided to return Battousai?" The words echoed in and were soon followed by Akira. He positioned himself in front of his soldiers and locked gazes with his former weapon in a silent battle of wills.

Kaoru looked warily from Akira to Battousai. The tension between the two men was sending chills through her body.

"We have unfinished business." Battousai stated evenly. His eyes did not waver.

"Do we really? Business? And here I thought you came here to kill me." Akira gestured towards where Battousai gripped the hilt of his sword.

"I did, but first I intend to keep my word. I owe you a life."

Owes me a life? Confused, Akira moved and looked past Battousai to where Kaoru stood. "What is it that you speak of Battousai?"

"Kamiya Sanosuke. The information you gave me was faulty and I was not able to kill him. I did, however, bring you back the woman I found at his house." Akira stared for a moment, then gave a small smile and spoke, "So this is your present?" He looked again at Kaoru taking her in from head to toe while she shivered under his intrusive appraisal. "Well far be it for me to refuse such a gift." Akira gestured to a soldier and the soldier quickly took hold of a shocked Kaoru and began to drag her out of the room.

Kaoru struggled at first but in her weakened state she knew she could not break away. She looked to Battousai in horror, her eyes beseeching him not to allow this. Surely he would save her.

But Battousai stood stoically, and though his grip on his sword tightened, he made no move to help her. Kaoru's eyes became orbs of despair and disappointment, Why, she thought, Why are you doing this?

Her gaze was like a lance shooting through his heart, For God's sake do not look at me like that; I cannot bear it. Torn, Battousai watched until she disappeared through the doorway.

Steeling himself against his guilt, he began to speak, "Your interrogators should be able to get information of Kamiya's whereabouts fr-" Battousai was interrupted by the booming sound of Akira's laughter escaping him.

"Kamiya? Kamiya Sanosuke? Battousai, did Morita tell you nothing?"

Battousai warily watched the soldiers from the corner of his eye as they began to fan out across the room. "What do you mean?" He began to move slowly in an arc around Akira.

"You fool, Kamiya was killed months ago; you have been hunting a corpse!" Akira continued to snicker; "I don't know where you got that girl from, but since you've brought her to me, I'm sure I can make good use of her tonight. In the meantime though, it should be just as entertaining to watch you die." The soldiers moved closer to Battousai drawing their swords while still more soldiers appeared at the doorway, ready to fight. "You should have killed me the moment I stepped into the room, Battousai. Your pathetic devotion to honor just took away your best chance at survival."


Yugata Tenshi: Yes he's OOC, if I remember correctly in the OVA's he was actually quite polite/quiet but if he was in character I wouldn't have much of a story, ne?

royal blueKitsune: so I did get the quote right? I was feeling too lazy to go watch the anime to check it, hehe

Theblackdemoness: lol don't worry, I totally agree, they can be terrifying & cute at the same time and Thank U for the cookies!