Author's note: Here's a long, action filled chapter that will be the catalyst for the rest of the plot. And it's long so everyone can be satisfied until the next update because as my profile states, I will be busy getting a manuscript finished for a publisher for my original. But I'm aware that the end will leave you wanting more so I'll be working on the update as I write my manuscript. And as usual, a humble thanks for all the readers, reviewers, and those making it and me a favorite. Enjoy!
Glossary of Japanese and Kendo Terms (courtesy of Glossary of Kendo)
Omedeto---Congratulations
Tsuki---strike to the throat.
Zan-shin--- the follow through of a strike, a state of energy, execution, and alertness against an opponent.
Aiuchi---when two opponents reach datotsu simultaneously
Chusen - a winner selected by lot among the judge(s) or referees.
Encho - an overtime or extension round in a match. Used to determine a winner when no points are scored during the normal match time period.
Go-No-Waza (Datotsu) - a parry to a valid datotsu made from Tsuba-zeri-ai.
Senshu Gakari - court announcer.
Shinpancho - the chief judge overseeing all court actions.
Shinpan Shunin - the chief court judge who assists the chief judge during a match.
Shinpan-in - the team of referees in a court. The team consists of the Shu-shin (the chief referee) and two Fuku-shin (subreferees).
Ji-Geiko: sparring practice where the kendoist has a chance to try all that he or she has learned with a resisting partner.
Shiai-Geiko: competition matches which are judged on the basis of a person scoring valid cuts against an opponent.
SHADOWING…..RAIN OF BLOOD
The morning of the big kendo tournament dawned dark and threatening, with an angry red glow in the eastern sky portending a stormy day ahead. And already in the western sky there were forks of lightning crossing cloud to cloud with distant echos of thunder shattering the silence of the still slumbering city.
Unable to sleep, Kaoru had risen early and still clad in her night clothes, an oversized T-shirt and a light yukata she stepped out on the porch facing the courtyard to observe the daybreak. The red glow had dissapated into a uniform gray overcast, with occasional flashes of lightning. She frowned in concern as she ascertained the ominous weather reflected the feelings of unease that the incident two days ago at the river had left. She shivered as a brisk gust of wind coincided with her thought of being somebody's target.
Mou, somebody tried to kill me then Kenshin. But who? And why? Surely Tobei wouldn't be so crazy to do that. Or would he? Kaoru pondered as she stood watching the scudding clouds, her mind running a mile a minute.
She was so deep in her brooding that she was startled by two arms snaking around her waist and a raspy tenor murmuring in her ear.
"Ohayo, aka-chan." Kenshin's gentle but strong presence enveloped her, setting her mind at ease instantly. He asked, "Why are you up so early?"
Kaoru turned and faced him. "I couldn't sleep."
"Excited about the tournament?"
"I guess," Kaoru sighed but her manner indicated that there was more so Kenshin waited for her to go on. "But mostly I've been trying to figure out who'd want to shoot at us." She studied him as she added, "Aren't you?"
Kenshin frowned and nodded. "Yeah, I've been trying to figure it out since Thursday but so far I'm coming up empty." He gave her a meaningful look as he added, "At least on my side."
Kaoru met his steady gaze and said defensively, "I-I can't think of anyone on my side, either."
"Is that so?"
"Uh-huh."
Sapphire met amethyst as the two stood at a stalemate for a pregnant moment that seemed to go on indefinitely. Finally it was broken as Kenshin sighed and surrendered to his beloved's stubborness.
"If you say so," he acquiesced. But his eyes hardened to glacial blue as he gave a warning. "But if you're not telling me the truth Kaoru, be aware that I will find out eventually and act as I see fit."
Kaoru saw a bit of amber swirl in his orbs and shivered again as distant thunder rolled in the background. . . .
A couple of hours later, Kenshin and Kaoru were in her Celica and driving to the auditorium at the university where the tournament would be held. Kenshin was driving but conversation between the two was non-existent as they mentally got ready for the event. Also, the shooting incident at the river two days ago had been constantly on the minds of the inhabitents of the Kamiya Dojo and acted as an invisible barrier between them as Kaoru again buried her feelings behind her wall. This subsequently caused a feeling of hurt in Kenshin that made him act a bit cooler toward Kaoru than he had been acting before everything happened. Because of that. he had seriously considered moving out as he had said but his fear for her safety kept him nearby, just in case the psycho tried again but sensing her standoffish manner, he kept his distance as well. However, in light of the deep affection he had for her, keeping his distance felt unnatural and damned uncomfortable and he hated both it and the circumstances causing the situation.
The traffic light turned red in the sheet of rain and Kenshin stopped the car, scowling at the dark sky as his mind went back to the incident and who could be nuts enough to shoot at him and Kaoru. Since the ordeal he had his suspicions running rampant as to who the person was and the mere thought brought the dark fury within to the surface. But he kept the beast chained as not to futher upset Kaoru and released his pent up emotion yesterday by going to a secluded wooded area by the river to let loose, totalling several bushes and two trees.
After blowing off steam and feeling guilty, Kenshin had also went to visit the injured boy Kansuke at his home as he had been released from the hospital after treatment. The boy's parents were effusively grateful to him for saving their son's life which did not make him feel any better. Visiting Kansuke, Kenshin had discovered that the youth held no ill will toward him either, which added to his own mixed emotions and made him feel worse. On top of that, the Tokyo police had no clues as they had done an investigation and found nothing in the general vicinity around the river that led to any proof of a sniper in the area so far. But the police had assured him that the investigation was not over.
Kenshin stared ahead and wracked his brain to deduce who the culprit could be Kuso, could it be that bastard Tobei tried to kill Kaoru first then tried to get me? But what would be the gain in killing us? Is he that bent on revenge for when she cracked him? And if it was him where exactly was he when he was using us for target practice? Has he been watching the dojo all this time and just waiting to strike?
The green light shimmered in the deluge as Kenshin remained in a suspended state and Kaoru shook him from his reverie, "Kenshin, the light's green."
"Huh?"
An impatient toot from the traffic behind them acted as a reminder so Kenshin shook his titian head and muttered an apology before he stepped on the accelerator and the Celica shot forward. . .
…………………………………………………………………………………..
The Kogoro Katsura Memorial Auditorium was centrally located in the heart of the university campus, and because of its size and capacity, was a popular venue for more than university sporting events. Several entertainment events presented there were concerts, fairs, and the annual tour of the circus, but today the venue would hold the Japan National Kendo Championship Tournament and kendoists from universities and dojos throughout the archipelago were coming to compete for the title of National Champion. So the parking lots surrounding the huge building were filling with competitors and spectators alike.
Having parked the Celica in the lot closest to the team locker room, Kenshin and Kaoru both made their way to the rear entrance, carrying their boku and bokken, along with sakabatou with blunted edges for exhibitions taking place after the final awards were to be distributed. They trudged single-file through the lightly pattering drops and were nearly to the door when Kaoru's friend Tae and her boyfriend Okitsugu approached the couple.
"Kaoru-chan! Kaoru-chan, wait!"
Kaoru turned around and saw her old friend rushing up to her and she frowned in consternation, drawing Kenshin's immediate attention. He came beside her and made an inquiry.
"What's wrong, Kaoru-tenshi? And who's that?"
Kaoru replied cryptically, "My friend Tae and her boyfriend."
Kenshin asked, "Aren't they the ones who introduced you to Tobei?"
"Yeah."
At that bit of news Kenshin became thoroughly irked. "Well, what the hell do they want, we gotta get inside for practice before the tournament."
Kaoru was unnerved by the situation and snapped, "How should I know? I haven't heard from Tae since---." She was cut off by Tae's breathless summons.
"Kaoru, I heard you're on the kendo team so I just thought---," Tae huffed but Kaoru waved her hand impatiently.
"Look Tae, I don't have time right now to talk so if you'll excuse me---," but her friend grasped her arm firmly.
"Kaoru-chan, we just heard about what happened Thursday," Tae said with concern in her onyx eyes. "Gomen."
Kaoru and Kenshin both regarded the other couple with a somewhat guarded manner, Kaoru remembering that Tobei was Okitsugu's friend and so there was an air of awkwardness between them. She sighed and answered coolly, "Arigatou, Tae. But why are you apologizing?"
Tae bit her lip and pressed on. "Okitsugu and I have wanted to talk to you about….what happened last semester. We've wanted to talk to you for a long time but---,"
"You were afraid," Kaoru said softly, matter of factly. "Because you felt guilty."
"Aa," Tae said and Okitsugu nodded.
"Forgive me, Kaoru-san. I had no idea Tobei would be so…," he began but Kenshin broke his silence by snorting in derision.
"Wacko? Persistent?" His icy blue orbs had flashes of amber in them.
Kaoru said, "Forgive me for being rude. This is my friend, Himura Kenshin." She conducted the introduction. "Kenshin, this is my old friend Tae and her boyfriend, Okitsugu."
Both bowed to Kenshin and he gave a slight bow back. But his anger was piqued out of his strong sense of protectiveness toward Kaoru and he was not overly friendly.
"So," he began, "You're the ones that introduced that baka to Kaoru. Are you aware of what he did and is continuing to do to her? That he actually came to her father's memorial and threatened her?"
Tae opened her mouth to reply but Okitsugu laid a hand on her arm and answered, "We're very sorry about the trouble he's caused. We had no idea he'd be like this."
Kaoru tried to answer but Kenshin cut her off, "No idea? He's supposed to be your friend, for Kami sake and you didn't know he was a psychopath? Unbelievable."
Tae's boyfriend frowned and bristled, "He's always been a good friend. But he really fell for Kaoru big time and when she didn't feel the same….he snapped."
"Snapped?" Kaoru was incredulous. "That's an understatement, he tried to rape me!"
Kenshin glared at him and added cuttingly, "And this is because your buddy can't take no for an answer. He's a sick son of a bitch and he even tried to hurt her while she was mourning her father's death!"
Okitsugu met the angry eyes of the redhead with a scowl of his own but his girlfriend was filled with shame. "G-gomen for that too, Kaoru-chan," Tae said with her head lowered. "I mean about your father."
"You didn't even come to see me when he died, Tae. That really hurt since we had been friends since primary school." Kaoru pointed out with her voice low.
"I-I know. I just didn't know how to face you after what happened with Tobei at my dorm, I-I had no idea he would attack you." There was no guile in her, just honest remorse.
She approached Kaoru tentatively and Kaoru responded by putting down her gear and opening her arms for an embrace, forgiveness for her friend in her indigo eyes. Tae accepted the gesture and with tears in both their eyes, the young women hugged.
"You're forgiven Tae," Kaoru sniffled. "I've missed you so."
"Same here," Tae sobbed. "I picked up the phone to call you hundreds of times, but each time I lost my nerve. I'm so ashamed that what happened to you was my fault."
The men stood and watched as bridges between their girlfriends were mended and as males usually do became embarrassed by the mysteries of the female sex that had put them at odds. Now, with the main reason of their own animosity gone, Kenshin and Okitsugu exchanged glances and words of reconciliation.
"Looks like all's well again," Okitsugu pointed out.
"Yeah," Kenshin agreed as he gazed at Kaoru and then turned to Okitsugu, offering his hand. "Sorry about my attitude before, name's Himura Kenshin."
"No problem, man. Yoshida Okitsugu." The boys shook hands in acknowledgement as Okitsugu added, "I know all about you, you're incredible in kendo matches."
Kenshin grinned as he nodded, "Arigatou, but I'm just part of a great team. Which reminds me--," he called over to Kaoru, "Aka-chan, we gotta get going or we'll miss the pre-match sessions." He then leaned down and gathered both his and Kaoru's bogu to head in.
"Hai, Kenshin."
Over where the girls were Kaoru pulled away from Tae's embrace as her friend gave her a knowing glint. "Aka-chan, huh? Sounds pretty intense, Kaoru-chan. Everybody knows about Himura-san, you've got quite a catch."
Kaoru tried to hide a slight blush and sighed as she denied weakly, "Tae, it's not like that, really. Kenshin's just a good friend."
"Good friend, huh?" Tae insinuated with a smile. "The best swordsman on the kendo team, a DJ on the campus radio station, and one of the hottest guys in school, is calling you 'aka-chan' and is very protective of you. That sounds like a bit more than just a good friend to me."
Kaoru tried to be blasé and shrugged as she responded, "He's just very sweet, Tae. He's been so supportive of me since my father died, and a really good friend." She turned and said loudly, "I'm coming!" She hurried over to where Kenshin and Okitsugu were standing.
"Sorry, we got a bit carried away." She glanced about for her gear and saw Kenshin had picked it up and was carrying it in one arm with his own. He flashed a fond smile at her.
"It's okay, aka-chan. I have your bogu here." Kenshn reached for Kaoru's hand and taking it said, "We gotta get inside."
"Okay." She turned to Tae, now beside Okitsugu. "See you guys later?"
Tae smiled as a flash of lightning cracked and she said, "You bet!" Okitsugu took her hand to run to the front of the auditorium in the now pouring rain and she cried over her shoulder, "Good luck!"
"Arigatou!" Kaoru sang out as Kenshin pulled her out of the rain behind the locker room door.
Unknown to the foursome over in a parking spot three rows from the building, Tobei watched the exchange from his blue pickup. The entire time his onyx eyes trained only on the petite figure with a midnight ponytail and clad in kendo garb. He licked his lips in anticipation as he began to plan his next move. . . .
A half hour later, after some last minute ji-geiko the team went to prepare for the upcoming matches and since Kaoru was the lone woman on the team, she had the ladies locker room all to herself. There she changed from practice hakama and gi to a more formal gear that reflected the team logo and the university colors, cobalt blue and black. As she dressed she was filled with the usual buitterflies she always experienced before a match. But this time what had transpired in the parking lot was weighing heavy on her mind as she was brushing her hair in the shower room when there was a knock on the door that startled her from her thoughts.
"Come in," Kaoru called out as she continued brushing the inky shock of hair to a glossy sheen.
The door opened and Kenshin came in, looking around for her. "Kaoru? Are you here?" He patrolled the rows of lockers. "Kaoru?"
"I'm right here," she called as she gave her hair a final stroke.
He joined her and slipped his arm about her waist. "Hey are you okay? You didn't say much before practice and then disappeared right after."
Kaoru replied matter-of-factly, "I came back here to get dressed for the tournament and for some quiet to prepare."
She lowered her arm with the brush and her head as she tried to forget what had happened with Tae and mentally prepared herself for the matches but ever perceptive when it came to her, Kenshin saw through the façade. He leaned in and murmured in her ear.
"Aka-chan, don't hide it from me. I know you're uptight about what happened in the parking lot with Tae and I want you to know you can turn to me and talk if you need to." His lips then grazed her lobe and sent shivers down her spine then he turned her around to face him. Cupping her face in his hands he then captured her mouth with his for a soft kiss.
Forgetting everything Kaoru moaned softly and responded with urgency, her mouth receiving him eagerly as her arms wrapped around him and she pressed closer. Kenshin moaned himself as his mind momentarily fogged and he closed off from all other thoughts while he savored the feel of her. But then it became clear as he remembered the tournament and reluctantly pulled away from her.
"We'd better get into the other locker room for the pre match pep talk by Baisotei-sensei," Kaoru pointed out, breathless.
"Yeah." Kenshin agreed.
She hurried out to the locker room with him in tow and began to don her gear, the kote and men and then grabbed her bokken and sakabatou for the matches as Kenshin watched her with a warm smile. She finished and glanced at him to ask, "How do I look?"
He replied, eyes glowing, "You're the cutest kendoist I've ever seen."
Kaoru blushed at his rapt regard as she rejoined, "You're not so bad yourself." Coquettishly, she reached for his hair, tied up on his head. "The topknot suits you, you look like an actual samurai."
Kenshin reached up and fingered the sunset colored fall and gave a bashful shrug. "I guess. Baisotei-sensei told all us guys with hair below our necks that we had to either tie it up or get a haircut. I like my hair long, so I tied it up."
"Yeah, but you usually tie it back anyway," Kaoru pointed out.
"I know but it's usually low on my neck. Anyway, we'd better make tracks, aka-chan, the tournament starts in twenty minutes." He gazed at her and asked, "You sure you're okay?"
Kaoru took a deep breath to calm any other leftover jitters and answered with a smile, "I'm fine, anata. Let's go get 'em."
Pleased, Kenshin grinned at the intimate term she used and leaned in to give her a last kiss. He then took her arm and said, "Lead the way…"
It was soon time for the tournament to begin and it was kicked off with all the pomp and circumstance that a national championship demanded. The president of the university, the Dean of Students, the mayor of Tokyo, and even the Prime Minister were there to preside over the opening ceremony. He came with well wishes from the Emperor and with a special gift for the top kendoist, a genuine katana from the Bakumatsu, a rare treasure. Then after the singing of the national anthem, the preliminary one-on-one matches began with the members of the university team advancing with little effort.
The first win and advance to the finals from the university team was Myojin Yahiko, who easily defeated a fighter twice his size named Kujiranami, using his agility to increase his speed in striking with tsukis and his zan-shin was at its peak. He was declared winner in less than three minutes. Then Kenshin and Kaoru both won decisive matches to advance as well.
The next few matches were also handily won by the university team, with Saito and Aoshi both handing their opponents crushing defeats. From her seat in the stands behind the team bench Misao screamed her approval for her beloved, her enthusiasum contageous as other fans added their own cheers. Several more matches took place, elininating competitors from the ranks as final opponents were paired off for the finals
The next match was Kaoru's final and since she was one of three females in the tournament, her opponent was another of the women who had advanced; a rather solid looking girl about two inches taller than Kaoru named Kamatari who appeared formidable as she got into her chuden-no-kamae to begin.
"Hajime!" the senshu-gakare called and the two women began their match, both showing energy and skill as the crowd roared.
Kaoru was using some moves from the Kamiya-Kasshin Ryu in the shiai-geiko, putting Kamatari on the defensive, but the robust girl had counter moves to each attack, effectively blocking her. Kaoru was getting frustrated, but her lifelong training made sure she hid her feelings well and kept her focus on her opponent. Yet both women were in a dead heat with no points as time ran out and showing slight fatigue.
"Yame!" The alloted time had expired in the match so the shinpan shunin called the end and then an encho was called, so there was a short interval as the clock was reset.
From the sidelines Kenshin watched in concern, knowing Kamatari was trying to wear down Kaoru, frustrate her enough to force her into making a mistake. He could read the almost casual manner in the larger woman, and her ki was giving off the sense of a cat baiting a mouse. He frowned as he mentally sent encouragement to his love, trying to catch her eye.
Careful aka-chan, she's playing with you. Don't give in, just wait until she tips her hand and then deliver the final blow. You're getting tired and frustrated but I can sense she is too. Be strong, don't fall into her trap.
Kaoru caught Kenshin's worried glance and as if she could read his mind, sent a twinkling of one eye his direction saying in her head Don't worry Kenshin-anata, I know what she's doing and plan to make her think I don't. Then use a parry go-no-waza from the Kasshin Ryu to counter her datousu. As if he had heard the words, he returned the wink and added a grin, making her heart pound at his handsome visage as it always did.
The exchange between the two went unnoticed by nearly everyone but a shady character lurking in the shadows of the exit between section 105 perpendicular from the university bench where Tobei had a clear view. His eyes were peeled on Kaoru and his mind was filled with increasingly violent thoughts with the insane excitement of being so close to his goal. He saw the exchange between Kenshin and Kaoru and his blood began a slow boil as he mentally promised them revenge.
As soon as this is over, you're mine he said silently as he backed deeper into the shadows. . . .
The clock was set for two minutes to decide the match and the encho began as the senshu-gakare called, "Hajime!" to begin.
Kamatari and Kaoru bowed and then they resumed their battle, the cuts and blows coming fast and furious as both women were in earnest, each fighting to the proverbial death. Each were even, scoring points on hits as their individual bokken each made body contact.
Kaoru met each of her opponent's blows with a counterstrike, energized and keeping pace quite effortlessly. She was even enjoying herself, the cheers of the crowd fueling her as she slowly turned onto the offensive as the larger Kamatari was showing slight signs of fatigue. Kaoru then saw a chance to use the succession technique of the Kamiya-Kasshin Ryu, the hontawari. Kamatari was ready to deliver a crushing midsection strike but took a wide swing, allowing Kaoru to use the crossed wrist technique to halt the bokken and then with a quick flick of the wrists, trapped it, pulling the bokken and its bearer forward. Then in a split second, she took hold of her bokken with both hands and delivered a blow to Kamatari's back as she lost balance and fell face down just as the time expired.
"Yame!" shouted the senshu-gakare and the shobu-ari raised Kaoru's arm declaring, "Match point and winner, Kamiya!"
The crowd roared as everybody got to their feet and cheered for the successor of the Kamiya Kasshin Ryu and a former prefecture champion, Kamiya Kaoru. She bowed humbly as the cheers rained down led by Kaoru's group of friends, seated behind the university bench. Misao was the loudest as she whistled with both index fingers in her mouth.
"Wooooo! Way to go, Kaoru-chan!" The diminutive girl jumped up and down as the lanky Sanosuke was flanked by the ever elegant and dignified Megumi and added his own enthusiastic approval.
"Outta sight, Jou-chan! That's givin' it to her!" he bellowed as Megumi covered her ears and nudged him in the ribs.
"Do you have to yell so much?" the med student asked her beau peevishly but he ignored her as he continued cheering and clapping for Kaoru.
She blushed at the effusive praise as she made her way gingerly to the rest of the team who all crowded around her to offer congratulations, including Baisotei-sensei, who patted her on the back and murmured in her ear, "Your father would have been very proud."
That statement caused Kaoru's eyes to well up as she asked, "You really think so?"
The sensei nodded with a smile as Kaoru was turned around and found herself crushed in Kenshin's arms. "I'm so proud of you, tenshi. You were magnificent!" he said joyfully.
She pulled back and asked with bright eyes, "Really?"
He grinned and nodded as he stated, "You'd better believe it," then hugged her tight once more.
Meanwhile, the shinpan-ai all waited for the cheers to die down and then the shobu-ari took the microphone and announced, "Settle down please! Settle down! It's time for the final match."
The crowd sat down and quieted as the senshu-gakare then called out, "The next and final match is between Himura Kenshin and Shishio Makoto. Onegai, step forward."
At the announcement of his opponent Kenshin's eyes narrowed and his smile faded. He gently disentangled himself and leaned down to don his kote and grasp his blunted sakabatou.
Kaoru glanced at Shishio and commented in dismay, "So they're pairing you off with Shishio."
"Yeah." Kenshin said as a scowl gathered on his even features. He took his blade and made some practice swings to prepare.
"Kuso," was all she could say as the sides waited to be called to the court.
"Uh-huh."
Kaoru stared across the ring and watched the lean and swathed man as he readied himself. For Shishio of Team Juppongatana from the region of Hiei had been chosen as Kenshin's opponent to settle the ongoing feud between the two exceptional kendoists that was so intense that it made the front page of the sports page of the newspaper in Tokyo. It was purely for show for the crowd and that annoyed Kaoru as when Kenshin and Shishio fought it was as if it was to the death. As it was the final match to determine points for the championship, it was also the most anticipated and promised to be the fiercest.
Knowing the chemistry that made them such intense rivals, she grasped Kenshin's arm and whispered in his ear, "Onegai, be careful, anata. The last time you fought him, he caused a great deal of injury to you."
He turned and smiled at his love to reassure her. "Don't worry, aka-chan. I'll be fine, that I will." He kissed her pert nose and added, "Keep the faith and wait for me."
"Okay."
She smiled bravely as the shobu-ari called the fighters to thecourt and Kenshin strode over with his sakabatou sheathed at his left hip as Shishio did the same. Both men faced each other warily.
"So we meet again, Battousai," Shishio drawled from beneath his men, which covered every part of his face but his eyes, which were dark, piercing pools.
Kenshin nodded curtly. "Shishio."
The shobu-ari came between the two and briefly explained the terms of the match. Since the tournament was one of individual battles from those kendoists that had ranked high in the season matches, this particular one was a marquee matchup and the crowd was on fire. Both Kenshin and Shishio stood taut with readiness, the animosity already flowing at each other through their ki.
From the sideline Komagata Yumi, sauntered boldly onto thecourt to wish her lover well in a very expressive display of affection, prompting the shinpan-ai to call security to escort the young woman back to the side to the sound of wolf whistles and catcalls. Shishio's girlfriend had a reputation of noteriety due not only to her association with him but as the youngest and highest priced call girl in the prefectures spanning between Kyoto and Tokyo. Rumor had it she also was gaining face time in several adult movies and becoming known as an underground porn star.
Kaoru stared with distaste at the girl in the skintight skirt and low cut leotard top, her eyes on the revealing ensamble, that appeared as if it was sprayed on. Feh, why didn't she just come in naked? she groused as she secretly envied Yumi's full breasts and generous cleavage.
Back at the ring, the shobu-ari announced cryptically, "The match is to be timed for four minutes, no slashes or strikes below the waist, with a one minute encho to be called if no strikes are scored at the end of regulation. Get into position."
Both kendoists did as they were bid, getting into a chodan-no-kamae as the shobu-ari stood at the center, ready to begin. He waited for the clock to be set and then raised his hand to signal the start…
"Hajime!" the senshu-gakare called.
The two combatants came forward in a rush and their blunted sakabatou clanged and echoed in the cavernous venue, above the din of the wildly cheering crowd. This match was truly the clash of the kendo titans as each had garnered quite a following thoughout the season, each garnering great attention and sharing space on the sports pages. The shiai-geiko was in full force as each fighter's strength and skill had them about even. From his vantage point Kenshin was equally on the defense as well as offense, issuing valid cuts and slashes as Shishio parried with his own and then countered, scoring points of his own. The redheaded kendo champion's zan-shin was sharp but so was Shishio's as the two were so evenly matched that there were several aiuchi as the time ticked by.
Kenshin watched warily as he fought, using the Hiten Misurugi Ryu, Ryu Shou Sen to perform a front tsuki, hoping to knock Shishio off balance but the masked man recovered with an agile turn that had him upright again and on the offensive. It was then that Shishio countered with his own move, the homura-dama and sent Kenshin flying off balance momentarily before he too recovered. Undaunted, Kenshin then hit Shishio with a Ryu Tsui Sen when he tried another strike that missed its mark. The Juppongatana Team swordsman fell back as time was called and the duo went to their individual sidelines for a 30 second break.
Over at the sideline Kaoru had watched the match with much trepidation as the scoreboard showed an even number of valid hits by each fighter, creating an encho. Her concern was evident as Kenshin approached, looking a bit worse for wear.
"Kenshin, are you--," she began but was cut off by Baisotei-sensei who went to him and inquired of his condition.
"Himura-kun, are you all right? The last blow he got in seemed to be quite harsh."
Kenshin shook his head and took the bottle of water Kaoru handed him to take a long draught before he answered, "Yeah, but I'm okay. I figured out what he's trying to do and can defeat him during the encho." That seemed to satisfy the sensei so he handed the empty bottle back to Kaoru and said gratefully, "Arigatou, aka-chan."
She took the bottle and asked dubiously, "Are you sure you can defeat him?"
Kenshin grinned and winked at her then leaned in to murmur to her alone, "I plan to win this with the Kuzo Ryu Sen. So don't worry, okay?"
Kaoru gave him a smile as she knew the move to be a very powerful one and it put her mind at ease for while as she watched him stride back to the ring.
Across at the other side, Yumi was hanging all over Shishio as he accepted her attention and took a drink as well before he too returned to the fight. The shobu-ari then explained the terms of the encho…
"The encho will be a sudden-death match with the winner being determined by a complete knockdown. The time limit is two minutes and if no winner is called it will officially be a chusen and the winner will be determined by the shinpan-ai. Understood?"
"Hai." Both chorused in unison.
"Very well then. Bow and get into position." The shobu-ari stepped back as Kenshin and Shishio bowed briefly and Shishio spoke in a snide tone.
"Time to stop playing games, Battousai. I plan to defeat you soundly so get ready to be humiliated."
Kenshin's eyes became amber-tinted slits as he growled, "Don't be so sure, Shishio."
Both turned and got into position as the shobu-ari raised his hand and then the senshu-gakare called "Hajime!"
At the call, Shishio came out aggressively, drawing his sword and using multiple downward slashes as Kenshin used his supernatural speed to block the attacks, instantly on the defensive. But as the slashes came, Kenshin made mental notes of each move and ascertained which technique would bestow absolute and complete victory. He then arrived at the perfect solution and pushed Shishio back with a strong shove, then crouched into a batoujitsu stance.
With glittering garnet eyes Shishio followed suit as he too assumed the same stance but Kenshin's dark fury erupted and he flew forward with a cry, becoming airborne as he executed the penultimate move of Hiten Mitsurugi that Hiko had taught him.
"Hyahhh!" Kenshin cried as he used unbelivable speed to deliver a perfect Kuzu Ryu Sen, hitting Shishio in all nine major points with such force and power that the champion of the Hiei region fell back in defeat.
As he made solid contact with the mat the entire auditorium became hushed as the spectators, the shinpan-ai, and the other kendoists all were stunned by what they witnessed. The shobu-ari, came forward as if in a trance and stared at the fallen fighter who was still motionless, then motioned for the medical personnel to come. The silence was suddenly shattered by one lone clap, followed by another and another until the entire auditorium burst with deafening applause and cheers.
"Yeahhh, Battousai!"
"All Right, Battousai!"
"Way to go, Himura Battousai!"
From behind the university bench Sanosuke was on his feet yelling and stamping as he bellowed, "Yeah buddy, that's the way to show 'im. Outta sight!"
Misao chimed in. "Yeah, you show 'im, Himura!"
Kaoru clapped with tears of joy in her ocean eyes. I knew you would do it, Kenshin-anata. Well done.
Back in the court , Kenshin was breathing in short gasps, the exertion of his move still evident as he stared at his fallen opponent, worried about the slow recovery of Shishio. For although Shishio was a strong and skilled kendoist, the injuries he had sustained in a freak accident last year, a fire which caused severe burns that covered most of his body and face made him have less endurance. Oblivious to the admiration ringing throughout the auditorium for his win, Kenshin's compassion even for a bitter rival made him sober to the praise. The senshu-gakare had stepped forward and amidst the cheers of the crowd and taken hold of the limp arm of the victor.
"The winner of this encho in a record time of 1.50 is Himura Kenshin! And the bonus added points for breaking the record make him our national champion!"
The cheers became even louder as the entire venue got to their feet and applauded as the entire shinpan-ai surrounded Kenshin to drape the gold medal around his neck. After that theauditorium quieted down as the Prime Minister stepped forward, holding the katana in its lacquered sheath.
He cleared his throat and spoke loudly, "Himura-san, it is with great pleasure I bestow this katana to you on behalf of His Royal Majesty, the Emperor. It honors him for you to have it."
Honored himself beyond belief Kenshin got on his knees and bowed face down before he raised his titian head and replied, "It is I who is honored to be given this gift. Domo arigatou."
He took hold of the weapon reverently and held it as if given the greatest treasure of the world, his emotions such that his eyes glistened with unshed tears as the applause fell in a din of praise.
From the mat the medical staff had revived Shishio with Yumi by him as he was helped up to the sound of cheers for his most hated rival. The sound was like bitter dregs and he felt sick to his stomach, filled with a rage that had him oblivious to everything but one thought….
Revenge. . . .
An hour later, the jubliant crowd had dispersed from the auditorium and a portion of it ended up at Guido's to celebrate the championship. The champ himself was overwhelmed, inundated with well-wishers and fans cutting off from his friends who had managed to find a booth to sit and wait for him. Aoshi, Misao, Sano, Megumi and Kaoru all waited and observed as Kenshin was at the bar surrounded with a sea of adoring humanity.
Misao, always the one with a glib remark said, "Geez, ya think we'll even get to spend one minute with the new celebrity? Or will we have to make an appointment?"
Sano said airily, "Ahhh, sure we will. Just give him a chance to enjoy it, all this fame is like a drug."
"I don't think Kenshin wants all this attention," Kaoru said. "But he's too polite to brush anyone off so he's probably going to be there for a while."
"Hmmm," everyone agreed as they all watched Kenshin handle his new stardom.
Meanwhile, the door opened and Tobei entered, hiding himself among the throng as his eyes searched and found the object of his sick obsession, Kaoru. He then glanced at where most of the people were crowded, and saw with glee that Kenshin was very occupied, leaving her just with the other friends. He began to wrack his mind with ways to get her away from them then spotted the rear exit where the restrooms were also conveniently located. He grinned as a plan formulated and he wended his way back to the rear to wait. . . .
It was about another hour later when the crowd around Kenshin finally thinned enough so he could join the booth where his friends waited. Still carrying the katana he slid in beside Kaoru as Sano poured him a beer.
"Well, it's about time! We thought you'd be to busy to join us," Misao said in mock reproach as Aoshi flashed a look at her and shook his head.
Megumi stated in a glad manner, "Pay her no mind, Ken-san. We're all very proud of you and are just overjoyed."
Sano nodded as he clapped him heartily on the back, "She's right, pal. Omedeto, you deserve it."
"Here, here!" everyone at the table raised their beer mugs and toasted the new national kendo champ as he blushed and raised his mug. They all drained their mugs at once.
Kaoru finished her beer and then got to her feet as Kenshin looked up questioningly. "Where you going, aka-chan?"
She patted him on the shoulder as she slid past him to exit the booth. "Just going to the little girls' room." She then cuffed him as she snapped, "Baka, I can't believe you made me say that out loud."
"Oww!" he protested, rubbing his head as laughter rippled around the table.
"Imagine that, the great kendo champ, Himura Kenshin, beating Shishio Makoto and getting clobbered by his girlfriend," Sanosuke pointed out and guffawed as Kenshin grinned good-naturedly.
"What can I do, she's the better fighter, that she is."
More laughter followed as Kaoru said loudly over the merriment, "Misao-chan, Megumi-san you want to come with me?"
Sano was his usual irascible self as he asked, "What is it with you chicks having to go take a leak in packs?" while Megumi nudged him none too gently for his crude remark before she refused.
"No thanks."
"Wait, Kaoru-chan I'll go with you!" Misao got up and followed as her friend wove through the crowd and to the restroom…
Over near the pay telephone, Tobei saw his chance as he spotted Kaoru making her way to the ladies room but cursed when he saw that she was not alone. Kuso, figures she has that itachi with her. But I'll stick around anyway,maybe I'll get lucky He remained in the shadows as he continued to wait….
In the ladies room, Misao and Kaoru took care of business and then stood by the mirror fluffing their hair and chatting about the tournament and Kenshin.
"Boy what a great day for Himura, huh? He was really awesome." She leaned toward the mirror and applied some pink lip gloss.
"Uh-huh," Kaoru agreed as she leaned toward the mirror and rubbed her cheeks to bring some color to them. She was still in the kendo uniform and did not have her makeup bag so she did what she could to freshen up. But she had a strangely uneasy feeling that made her stay pale that she could not understand.
Always astute Misao picked up on her friend's manner and glanced at her in concern. "Hey, Kaoru, are you okay? You seem a bit spacey."
Kaoru shook herself and said brightly, "Who me? You're imagining it, Misao, I'm fine just a little tired. It was a long day."
"Okay, if you say so," Misao said dubiously. She gathered her things and said, "Let's head back, or Himura will send a search party for you." She opened the door and went out.
"Yeah." Mou, what is this feeling that something terrible is about to happen coming from. Well, I'd better get back or Kenshin will worry She opened the door and just as she passed the pay phone, a hand grabbed her arm and another covered her mouth. Terrified, Kaoru struggled and tried to scream as she was pulled to the rear exit.
"Keep quiet," hissed Tobei. "Or I'll snap your pretty neck right here. You're coming with me, now!"
One arm tightly holding her by the waist and the other around her neck, he dragged Kaoru out in the pouring rain, in the alley behind the bar. He then pulled her over about fifteen feet, behind a dumpster and threw her down on some soggy collapsed cardboard boxes. He then stood over her, revelling in his power.
"Well, well. They say good things come to those who wait and now I see it's true. I've waited a long time for this." His eyes glowed with an eerie light as a flash of lightning made him appear ghoulish, causing her to shudder.
"W-what are you planning to do with me?" Kaoru asked fearfully.
"How soon they forget! Remember, I owe you, koi." Tobei crouched down and leaned close as he murmured, "Oh but first we're gonna have some real fun, out here in private." He ran a finger down her cheek and to her chest peeking though her gi as she recoiled. "Y'know, I always thought you were a hot little number and now soaked and wet I can see every little curve of your sweet little body."
He grabbed Kaoru's wrists and held her arms over her head immobile as he straddled her and began to unzip his trousers as with eyes wide she opened her mouth to issue forth a scream. Uttering a curse he viciously backhanded her, splitting her lip and causing drops of blood to run down her neck with the rain.
"I told you to shut up," Tobei growled as thunder crashed around them. "Do that again and I'll knock you out. I don't have to have you awake to get my fun but you might like it better." He leaned in and began to suckle her neck where the blood had dripped from her lip, enjoying its taste.
Her vision blurring with rain and tears Kaoru silently called Onegai, Kenshin help me!
Inside at the booth Kenshin was startled by a sudden, malevolent urge in his ki and he frantically scanned the crowd to look for Kaoru. Sano caught his worried scowl and asked, "Hey Kenshin, what's up?"
Without a word in reply Kenshin got up and studied every area of the crowd for the shapely cobalt blue and black kendo uniform like his and shot to his feet when Misao emerged and stood before him. He grabbed her arms and demanded, "Misao, where's Kaoru?"
Her eyes wide with wonder she asked, "What's the big idea, Himura? She's right beh--," Misao glanced behind her and saw that Kaoru was not there. "Well, she was right behind me. She must've got lost in the crowd."
"Kuso!" Kenshin swore as he released Misao and grabbed his katana, his mind on what had happened at the river a few days ago. He took off, leaving everyone puzzled about his hasty departure.
"Hey Kenshin!" Sano called but he was gone.
In a hurry, he pushed through the crowd and made his way to the rear hall where the restrooms, the pay phone, and the rear exit were. Once there, his heart dropped as he saw the rear door swung wide open in the deluge and leading to the back alley.
He raced out the open door and into the driving rain looking back and forth, fear gnawing at his spine as he began to investigate the trash strewn alley. He bellowed, "KAORU! KAORU! Where are you!"
Kenshin slipped the sword in his waistband and now drenched by the downpour he strode to one end of the alley lifting and tossing wet trash as he searched for anything that might be a clue as to where Kaoru had disappeared. He turned at on end and made his way the opposite direction, his terror and rage mounting, making the dark demon within dance with eagerness to be let out. Then above the peals of thunder and the rush of the rainstorm he heard it…
A soprano whimper mixed in with the grunt of a man that came from the vicinity of the large dumpster located a few feet from the bar rear exit door. Warily, Kenshin backtracked and followed as the sounds became louder and more frantic. Then he stopped suddenly and was engulfed in a red haze of fury as he saw what was causing the sounds.
Two familiar slender legs with tabi and black hakama were sprawled spread out on a pile of soaked cardboard with a cobalt blue gi ripped open to expose Kaoru's bound bosom as on top a man was straddled and suckling her like the dirty swine he was. Her eyes were closed and her hair was loose and covering half of her face as she lay limply there, seemingly unconscious.
At the horrific sight of the one most precious being so violated the beast within him burst forth with a vengeance. "YOU FILTHY BASTARD!" Kenshin roared as he drew out his sword.
"Huh?" Tobei was so aroused by the taste of Kaoru after fantasizing about her for so long he was in a daze and blissfully unaware that death was bearing down on him. But by the time he realized the danger it was too late, for his trip on the river Styx was immenent.
"Ryu Tsui Sen!" Kenshin leapt up and swung the sword with all his might, holding nothing back, bringing the blade forward in blinding speed neatly slicing through Tobei's neck and sending his head to the ground in a bloody plop. A geyser of blood sprayed from his severed cartoid artery all over Kenshin as Tobei's body fell back and to the side of the dumpster in a sodden pile of boxes.
Gasping and coming to, Kaoru felt the ease of Tobei's weight lifted from her and the warm spray intermingled with the cool rain. Bemused as she sat up, she slowly opened her eyes and noticed she was covered in blood then looked up to see the headless body of Tobei laying in the trash and Kenshin standing there, with wild red-amber eyes and holding a katana dripping crimson. Numbly she noticed Kenshin was also covered in blood and she glanced up at the rain pouring down and mixing with the blood.
She said to him in a dreamlike tone, "You made it rain blood," then fell back in a dead faint.
Kenshin himself was in a suspended state until he watched Kaoru fall, then he tossed the sword aside and rushed forth to cradle her in his arms, the rain diluting the stickiness of Tobei's blood and binding them together as a flash of lightning bathed the scene in a surreal pink glow.
NEXT…..SPREZZATURA…..EXPECTING TO FLY