Well, things are definitely going to start picking up from here on out! The next chapter should be out next Monday or Tuesday. I am going on a trip, so depending on my free time, there might be two chapters.
I do not own Rurouni Kenshin, nor the characters. Thank you to all of my readers and the awesome reviews. Keep it up!
CHAPTER 9
Kenshin flinched slightly at that word, the one word that made his blood run cold with the memories it brought with it. He stood ready in his battojutsu stance; waiting for Fukuki to attack, "What does your Justice have to do with us? I don't believe I know you."
"Oh, My justice has nothing to do with you Battousi; I know, that must come as quite a surprise to you. Hahaha!" Fukuki then took his hand and pointed it directly at Kaoru, "It has everything to do with her!"
Kenshin turned his head towards Kaoru; she could understand the question he was silently asking and she shook her head no in response. "What do you mean? I don't know you? Leave my property!"
Fukuki's dark menacing eyes bore into Kaoru and made her skin crawl. After Kenshin heard Fukuki's declaration, he moved slightly to block Kaoru from his sight. The man let out a loud laugh before continuing, "Like I said, I simply want revenge. I have nothing against you personally, but you have the unfortunate luck of being the daughter of the late Koshijiro Kamiya."
Kaoru couldn't understand how someone such as this man could have had anything to do with her father, and she couldn't understand how anything her father had done would warrant revenge upon her family. "I can see in your eyes that you did not know your father as well as you thought you did little girl!"
Kaoru's anger flashed across her face, and she took a step forward, "I knew my father well! He was a great man, and loved by all. His style of swordsman ship was a light of hope for those around him, and taught people there was a better way to live!"
Kenshin never took his eyes off his opponent, but was becoming worried of Kaoru's potential reaction if this man continued to goad her like this, "Kaoru-dono! I cannot protect you if you become too involved."
The wicked man could only laugh loudly at Kaoru's naivety and innocence. "You're an entertaining girl. I am going to love having your around!"
Kenshin visibly flinched at Fukuki's last statement; it was not missed by Kaoru.
"Your father's sword was a ray of light? It taught a better way to live? Ha! The sword of the Kamiya Devil, the manslayer, was nothing but death and only created a sea of blood."
Kenshin and Kaoru were confused and unease started to creep over Kaoru; she wasn't sure what this man was talking about, but she was sure she wouldn't like it.
"Your "great" father was nothing but a murderer, a manslayer. His power was second to only your husband here! And the power of his sword was used as nothing but a tool that brought death upon his enemies."
Kaoru screamed out collapsing onto the ground, holding her hands on her ears, tears starting to form in her eyes, "You're lying! My father's style of swordsmanship was used to protect others; it could never be used that way! He was a great man; I will not allow you to defile his name like that!" she cried as she rose in a battle stance.
"Kaoru-dono, Please stay back. I do not know if what this man says is the truth or not, but getting yourself killed will not answer any of your questions. Please stay back and allow me to protect you Kaoru-dono."
"But Kenshin!" said Kaoru, as she became increasingly frustrated.
"No! You are still injured Kaoru-dono. Let me defend the honor of your father, of my father-in-law, for you." Kenshin was firm in his tone, and Kaoru could tell there was no arguing with him, not when he was like this. His eyes were fixed on his opponent, they narrowed as his calm purple slowly morphed into a harder gold. He would not allow this man to continue to upset and threaten Kaoru, or defile the name of her father for much longer.
Fukuki was no longer smiling, anger instead was painted on his face, "Your naivety will not save you from the truth girl! I fought against him during the SouthWest war, and there wasn't a single solider that did not know of the Kamiya Devil. The stories of Battousi the Manslayer inspired the commanders of our enemies to use your father's power in a similar manner. His skills were unmatched, and they used him as protection for the forces, and more importantly as protection for the elite commanders. Your father slaughtered countless numbers of my friends and comrades, and the irony that he developed a style whose motto was, "The Sword which protects life" was not lost on me. He stole the lives of those most precious to me, and I swore I would have my revenge on him. His death was bittersweet for me. Although he was dead, it was not the power of man that defeated him, but a platoon of cannons created specifically for him. I was never able to defeat him, or take back our honor. I thought that chance was forever lost. You see, your father was a very careful man, and never spoke of his past to anyone. No one knew where he was truly from, or that he had any children. He protected you well, that is until you allowed my men to live, the men you simply knocked off the train. That foolish mistake on your part allowed them to report to me of a gentleman from Tokyo, who used similar techniques of your father. Imagine my surprise when I discovered from locals that the gentleman was actually Kamiya's daughter! Your father might be dead little girl, but I can still have my revenge on him, buy taking it out on that which was most precious to him!"
"That is enough. I will not let you harm Kaoru-dono in any way. Even if what you say is true, then Kamiya-Sama was just another solider fighting for what he believed in. You should not hold his actions against him, because you fought for the same reasons. Soldiers should not seek revenge for what takes place on the battlefield. If you do, it will be you who is the true murderer."
Fukuki charged Kenshin, finally releasing his building rage, "Don't you dare compare me to the likes of him!"
"I would never compare the likes of you to Kaoru-dono's honored father. You may have both been solders at one time, but you are nothing alike."
Their great swords clashed and rang out as Kenshin drew his sword to block Fukuki's fierce attack. As their swords parted, Kenshin jumped into the air, and attacked, "Ryu-Tsui-Sen!" but without the power of his god like speed, his attack was easily missed. Kenshin pivoted on his foot quickly and moved straight into his next attack, "Ryu-So-Sen." and then finished with "Ryu-Sho-Sen!"
Kenshin backed away a few steps in a guarded stance, and waited for the dust to clear; Kaoru watched anxiously from the sidelines. "Ha Ha Ha! Such wonderful attacks Battousi, but I am afraid to say it had no bite! It seems that you have lost most of your strength."
Kaoru nervously placed her fist over her heart, "Kenshin may still be able to go through the motions of his moves, but without his god like speed there is no real power behind them!"
"While it is true that the strength of my attacks have been weakened, I am still strong enough to stop you! Do-Ryu-Sen" Kenshin used the opening that the Do-Ryu-Sen created to attack Fukuki from the left hand side.
"To slow Battousi! I already told you, you have no bite, and no speed!" Before Kenshin could fully move out of the way, Fukuki's sword slashed across Kenshin's chest. As he doubled over, he braced himself with his sword, and leaned on it for support. He could hear Kaoru behind him, "Kenshin!" as she began running to his side. "Don't Kaoru-dono! Stay back!"
"But Kenshin!"
"I'm ok Kaoru-dono. You must stay back where I know you're safe!" Kenshin stood up and took his sword in his fighting stance once again. "I do not care what the difference may or may not be between us; I will not let you lay a finger on Kaoru-dono. Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!" As he strengthened his resolve, the leaves swirled and broke around him. Kaoru could feel the electricity hum in the air; the entire atmosphere tensed.
Fukuki laughed at the sight in front of him, "I give you this boy, at least you haven't lost your resolve, but resolve won't be enough to win this fight alone!"
And the two continued their great battle, attacking, blocking, and dodging as if it were nothing but an elaborate dance; a dance with deadly consequences. As the minutes wore on, it became apparent to Kaoru that Kenshin was being overwhelmed; every injury his body took was like a wound to her heart.
Sweat and blood rolled down Kenshin's body, his breath coming out in loud, short huffs. His face was flush with exertion; his eye sight was becoming fuzzy. Kenshin knew that his body wouldn't hold out much longer; he had two wounds on his chest, one on his right side, a deep wound to his back, and shallow wounds on both legs. Fukuki however, did not have even a scratch; he barley looked labored. Kenshin knew that if he had any hope of defeating him, he had to end it with his next attack.
Kenshin sheathed his sword, and moved himself into position for his ultimate attack; Fukuki got into a guard stance, wary. Kenshin charged forward, "Ama Kakeru no Ryu Hirameki!"
Fukuki stood his ground, and waited for Kenshin to come to him. With one swift powerful motion he cleaved Kenshin's sword in two and rammed his blade straight through Kenshin's side. As Fukuki drew his sword back and replaced it back in his sheeth, Kenshin toppled to the ground.
"NOOOOOO! Kenshin!" Kaoru grabbed her bokken and rushed to her beloved's side, prepared to defend him at any cost. She wouldn't let him die here, like this, for her family's sins.
Kenshin struggled to maintain consciousness, and slowly started to stand back up, heaving and bleeding together. "I cannot lose! (huf) I will not lose (pant) I WILL PROTECT KAORU!"
Kaoru looked on at the pitiful sight of her beloved wanderer, and knew she had to put a stop to this. If Kenshin continued any more, he really would die, and that would be far more painful than anything this man could do to her alone. Kaoru's mind was made up before the thought even finished in her head. She raised her bokken, and brought it down swiftly, and with great force!
"Kaoru-dono….?" And then Kenshin collapsed lifelessly to the ground.
"Tamake-san, give me just one moment, and I promise I will leave with you willingly. I will not fight, or object to anything, just give me this one moment."
"Feh, do whatever you want wench. He'll be dead soon anyway!" and then he walked to the dojo's entrance gate.
Kaoru placed Kenshin's head gently in her lap, and stroked his hair, her tears gently falling onto his face. She tore strips of her Kimono quickly in order to wrap his most serious wounds. "This won't do much, but it will at least help him to hold on until help arrives." "Kenshin, I am sorry, so sorry my dear Kenshin. But you would have fought until he killed you, and I couldn't bear the thought of that. I don't know what is in store for me from this point on, but please take care of Kenji, and please take care of yourself. Promise to be strong for me and the others, and I will promise to remain strong for you. Remember Kenshin, no matter what, I am with you always. Our hearts are always one." Then Kaoru gently placed a kiss on his lips. Her tiny hands went up to her Indigo blue ribbon, and with one swift pull, her hair tumbled down in long, flowing waves. She folded the ribbon neatly, and placed it in Kenshin's hand by his side. With one final goodbye, Kaoru stood, and walked into the moonlight night, following her captor.
As the sun started to break over the horizon of Tokyo, Yahiko decided to get an early start to his day. He knew that Yutarou and Megumi were due in early this morning and figured that he should head over to the Dojo early; that way he could spend some time visiting with everyone before he had to begin training. He figured with Megumi there, at least the chances of Kaoru goading him into another training session was less likely.
As Yahiko walked down the familiar, dusty Tokyo streets, his mind was lost in thought, oblivious to the world around him; this was a bad combination for a swordsman, and even worse when Yutarou was in town. "Meh!" rang out as the bokken was brought down swiftly onto Yahiko's head! "Ha! I am gone for two weeks and your skills have become so lazy that you allow a cheap shot like that! I am going to be the Kamiya Kasshin's assistant master in no time!"
Yahiko growled, rubbing his head, and then turned to face Yutarou, his hand going to his reverse blade sword. "Damn you Yutarou, that was a cheap and you know it! If I wasn't so occupied with thinking and worrying so much, you wouldn't have gotten me in a million years!"
Yutarou laughed, "You…thinking? Ya right! Excuses…excuses! A warrior is always ready! It isn't my fault you're a flake!"
Yahiko's grip on his sword became tighter, and he began to draw it when he saw a long, black haired figure step between then, smacking both with one quick motion. "Quit it both of you, you are being quite childish! We are supposed to be heading to the dojo, not bickering like a group of school children!"
Yahiko's eyes widened as he recognized the beauty in front of him. "Megumi! Welcome back! We should probably get you to the dojo quickly anyway. I am sure Kenshin wants you to check Kaoru." he said as he rubbed the back of his head, smiling like an idiot.
Slight worry shone on Megumi and Yutarou's faces. Yutarou was the first to speak up, "What do you mean! Didn't you say you were worrying? What happened to Kaoru?"
"Hold your horses Yutarou! It's a long story, and I will get you up to speed on our way back to the Dojo. It was serious, but she is pretty much out of the woods now." And so as the three of them made their way to the Kamiya dojo Yahiko told them everything he knew about Kaoru's little stunt, her injuries, and the reason behind them.
"That stupid little girl! I can't believe she was stupid enough to pull a stunt like that. I can't believe she didn't think about how that would make Ken-san feel!" spoke an astounded Megumi.
"No Megumi, that is the problem. Kaoru was thinking too much about Kenshin and everyone else. So much by the sounds of it, she was blinded. If Kaoru has one major flaw, it is her severe kindness and need to help others." said Yutarou.
Yahiko started to open the dojo gate as he completed the conversation, "Ya, I mean look at most of us, we don't exactly have stellar backgrounds, but here we are anyway!"
Before anyone could respond, their faces turned white and pale, and they rushed into the dojo's courtyard screaming "Kenshin!" "Ken-san!" Before their eyes was Kenshin laying on the courtyard ground. Blood was splattered all around the yard, making it look more like a slaughterhouse than a dojo. Kenshin himself was covered in blood, and very pale.
The three of them arrived beside Kenshin at the same time, Megumi pushing the other two in order to tend to Kenshin. "Move away! I need room to work you two! Oh God, Ken-san! What happened to you?"
Megumi began to push Kenshin's shirt aside in order to get a better look at his wounds, when a curious expression crossed her face, "What is this? Someone already wrapped some of his wounds?"
Yahiko's face paled as his mind registered whose fabric that was, and then his eyes caught a hint of blue in the corner. He focused his gaze on Kenshin's hand, and felt his breath catch in his throat when he recognized it. "Please no!" Yahiko whispered under his breath. "Where is Kaoru? She would never leave Kenshin here like this!" Yahiko could see the fear creep into Megumi and Yutarou's eyes as all three of their imaginations ran wild.
Megumi being the most experienced in emergency situations took the lead, "Yutarou, check the dojo for Kaoru and Kenji! I just came from the hospital, so I know she isn't there. Yahiko, help me get Kenshin into a clean room so I can work on these wounds."
Yutarou took off running through the dojo, calling out for Kaoru and Kenji while Megumi and Yahiko placed Kenshin in his room. Yahiko helped Megumi remove Kenshin's shirt and remove the old bandages while she got her medicines and stitches prepared. As Megumi began quietly and diligently working on Kenshin's wounds, a grim Yutarou walked quietly in. Megumi and Yahiko didn't hold much hope after looking on his face.
"Kenji is still sleeping in his room, but I don't see Kaoru anywhere. She's gone."
