Chapter27 Betrayal
How long had she been running? Kaoru wasn't sure. But the thought of Tsubame sped her along.
She ventured a glance over her shoulder. Sojiro was nowhere in sight and she sighed in silent relief. "Maybe I really did loose him. But he knows where I'm headed…he will show up sooner or later. I just need to get to Tsubame before then." Her eyes narrowed as the mansion came into sight. "I'll be there soon Tsubame. Wait for me."
Her thoughts turned to Megumi. 'I hope she will be ok…the others will take care of her. Kanryu, Cho and Sojiro are all after me. So she should be safe there.'
She slowed a little as she neared the mansion. It would do no good to go crashing in when she had no idea how many men were stationed there. Creeping to a nearby window, she peered in through the glass. 'One, two three…about ten. Not much of a problem. But how many more are in there…?'
A sudden crunch behind her caused her to whirl around. Kaoru couldn't hide her surprise when Sojiro stepped out from behind a tree, smiling. "There you are, Kaoru-san! My, you are quite fast! I had a hard time staying with you!"
She snorted. "Guess my practice is paying off then, isn't it?" She said with sarcasm. She felt worry pool inside her. 'Shit! Now I have to get by him first!' She sighed as she fell into a fighting stance, drawing her blade at the same time.
The boy cocked his head to the side, his cheerful smile never faltering. "So you intend to fight me then? It's a shame really. To have to kill you now."
She rolled her eyes, saying, "Just shut up and let's get this over with! I don't have time to screw around!"
Sojiro shrugged, drawing his own blade. "If you insist Kaoru-san."
Yahiko watched in awe as Sanosuke's fist connected with Cho's face, throwing the blond man aside.
Cho grunted as he tried hard to maintain his balance. "You'll pay for that one, asshole!" He sneered.
Sano grinned threateningly. "Whatever pretty boy, lets go. We have some where to be right now."
Misao stood, kunais at the ready. "Why don't you just give it up? You haven't been able to touch us once!" She taunted.
He glared at her, anger swirling in his eyes. "Not once, huh?"
He swung with ferocious speed and Misao's eyes widened as his blade came tearing towards her. The ninja had no time to dodge and the cruel metal cut deeply into her arm. She screamed in pain as her other hand shot to the new wound, the warm sticky blood already beginning to ooze.
He jerked his sword back quickly, laughing wickedly. "What was that bitch? You're lucky that I didn't take your entire arm off with that one!"
His attention quickly snapped to his right. Sanosuke let out a yell as he charged, fists at the ready. Cho swung his blade left and right, trying to get a hit in, but Sano dodged with precision.
Yahiko yelled out, "Are you ok, Misao!"
The girl winced as she nodded. "I'll be fine."
The young boy turned his attention to Cho, saying, "What about this fight is fair? You have a sword and Sano doesn't!"
Cho grinned, narrowly avoiding Sano's fist as he answered. "All's fair in love and war. Haven't you ever heard that kid? It's not my fault that he's stupid enough to fight an armed man, now is it?"
Sanosuke threw a roundhouse kick to his opponent's side, smiling. "Don't worry brat. I don't need a weapon to defeat him. Just my fists."
The other man sneered. "Confident aren't we? It doesn't matter, really. Once we are done here, I'm quite sure all three sisters will be dead." His eyes took on a wicked gleam. "In fact, I'm sure that the oldest, Megumi, is close to death already."
Sano's eyes shot open. "What did you bastards do to her?" He stopped, staring at Cho, who continued to grin.
"Oh, it was great. I enjoyed the way my whip cut into her flesh. She screams quite loudly."
Sanosuke's eyes stared in disbelief at Cho, anger igniting full force inside of him. "You…." He grit between clenched teeth.
Cho laughed. "What's wrong? Did I do something you didn't like?"
Misao gasped. "How cruel are you people?"
Cho's smile faded as he stared at her darkly. "You have no idea, little girl." His gaze fell back to Sanosuke, who had his head bowed, hair hiding his eyes. He clenched and unclenched his fists, the fury pulsing from him in waves. Cho narrowed his eyes. "So. You are finally becoming serious. Good. This will end quicker that way."
"I will never forgive you for doing that to Megumi. For causing her and Kaoru so much pain." Sanosuke's voice was low and dangerous. He snapped his head up, eyes full of rage. "This will be your grave!" He launched himself at the other man, putting all of his anger into his thrust.
Cho's eyes widened as he barely avoided it, thrusting back with his weapon. "It's amazing how fast you've suddenly become." He said with sarcasm.
"Shut up!" Sano roared. "Final attack! Futae no Kiwami!"
Misao and Yahiko held their breath. 'The Futae no Kiwami? I had no idea that Sano knew such a technique!' Misao thought in wonder.
The Futae no Kiwami, or Double Master, was a terrifying skill that she had thought long dead to the realm of warriors. It could kill an opponent on impact, crushing bones and organs all at once.
She watched in fascination as Sanosuke executed the move swiftly. Cho dodged at the last moment, but didn't escape unscathed. Yahiko and Misao gasped as a large gash appeared upon his cheek.
"From the wind pressure alone?" Misao asked aloud. Sanosuke's fist connected with a tree behind Cho, and the entire trunk was pulverized under his attack.
Cho began to sweat as he eyed the damage the tree had taken. 'Who knew that he was so powerful?'
Sanosuke brought his fists together, stating, "You're next." Cho flipped away, taking up his stance. Sano smirked. "The Gatotsu, eh? Planning to end this with one last blow?"
Misao blinked, her mind working rapidly. 'The Gatotsu, or Fang stab. It's a battojutsu designed to take the opponent out with one strike. And it's unbelievable hard to avoid.' She thought as she observed the scene.
Cho was perspiring heavily. "Let's get this done."
Misao eyed him. 'He has a good chance at winning.' Her gaze drifted to Sanosuke and she shook her head. 'But Sanosuke has a lot of anger fueling him right now…that could mean his victory, or his downfall…'
She sucked in her breath as Sano let out a battle cry, flinging his body forward. Cho was ready, his rapid thrust crashing towards the ex-gangster. Yahiko and Misao's eyes widened simultaneously as Sanosuke ducked under Cho's blade only to bring his fist swinging upwards. "Sanjuu no Kiwami!"
Cho had but a moment's time before Sano's fist connected with his chin in a vicious uppercut. "Sanjuu?" Cho was thrown into the air like a rag doll.
"Triple Master?" Misao cried out. "There's such a thing?" She asked in disbelief as she watched Cho crumple to the ground. Sanosuke stood there momentarily, fist still upraised, his breath labored. He straightened, looking at Cho's form and Misao stepped hesitantly forward. "Is he…?"
Sanosuke shook his head. "I don't think he's dead, but his jaw is most certainly broken. He won't be alive for much longer."
Yahiko sprang forward. " We don't have time to sit here gawking at him! Let's go! They need us!" The urgency in his voice seemed to galvanize the other two.
"We need a horse or something if we ever expect to catch up to Kenshin!" Sanosuke looked around hurriedly.
Misao brightened. "Gensai Sensei owns one! We can hook it up to his cart!"
Sano looked at her, eyeing her wound. "Don't you think you had better stay with him and get that taken care of?"
She shook her head vigorously. "No way! Kaoru and Kenshin need me! This can wait. It doesn't even hurt."
Yahiko stepped forward. "Really? So this doesn't hurt at all?"
He poked her in the arm and she winced in pain as she rounded on him. "Well it does when you do that you idiot!"
Yahiko laughed as she tried to swing at him, but he jumped out of her reach saying, "Let's go get the cart!" They sped off in the direction of the doctor's house.
Kaoru was heaving as she stood facing Sojiro, katana clasped in front of her.
The boy's smile widened. "What's wrong, Kaoru-chan? Tired already? We've just begun!"
She grit her teeth. 'I need to get to Tsubame before Kanryu does! I don't have time for this…' Her eyes flitted to the window behind the boy, an idea forming within her head. 'If I can get inside, I can run from him and find Tsubame…maybe Kenshin and Sano will be here to help by then…'
To tell the truth, she didn't really think they would arrive before all was done. 'I just have to take my chances…'
She let forth a fierce cry as she charged straight for him. He looked as if he was anticipating her moves and she smiled. At the last moment, she dodged him, continuing her speed. His eyes widened momentarily as she jumped up and went crashing through the window.
Kaoru landed and rolled, avoiding the fallen bits of glass. Taking off in a run, she glanced back to see Sojiro standing outside still, surprise evident on his face. She smirked as she whipped her head forward. 'It worked…but that doesn't mean that he won't follow me still…'
The ten men that were in the lobby drew their swords, running for her, calling out battle cries. She parried as the first one thrust to her, delivering a swift blow to his groin with her foot. He grunted in pain as he fell to the floor, clutching his stomach. She jumped lightly over him, taking out a second man with her katana as she did so. "I don't have time for you idiots!" She said aloud as she dodged the third's attack. Her head jolted as the doors of the mansion were thrown wide open.
Her heart leapt as she felt relief flood into her. "Kenshin!"
"Kaoru! Are you alright?" He yelled as he took out an attacker.
She nodded as a relieved smile came to her face. "I am now!" She dodged and thrust at a man, saying as she ran, "I need to find Tsubame! Can you handle these guys?" He nodded, and flipped away to avoid a hit. "I'll come find you when I'm done here." She nodded, running up a flight of stairs.
"Where is she? Where is she?" Kaoru chanted to herself. "Tsubame! Tsubame! Where are you?" She called frantically. The mansion was huge and her little sister could be anywhere. She went from room to room, cursing when she found one after another empty.
'I have to find her before Kanryu does!'
Sojiro observed as Kenshin fought the remaining men in the foyer. "The Hitokiri Battosai has come to help her?" He asked aloud. His attention was directed to the horse and carriage that rolled up, stopping swiftly. Sojiro's eyes widened as more men followed in carriages and by horseback. "Wow. I guess he anticipated the Battosai's arrival…" He said softly.
Kanryu all but jumped out of the carriage and moved quickly to the door.
"Kanryu-san! Wait!" The boy called to him.
He turned to look at the young adult, asking, "What's going on?"
Sojiro came bounding up to him, a cheerful smile in place. "The Hitokiri Battosai has just shown up. Kaoru-san is currently inside looking for her sister."
Kanryu's eyes darkened. "I'll find her before Kaoru does."
Sojiro cocked his head to the side. "May I make a suggestion?" Kanryu blinked at him. "We should go in a different doorway, so we don't get the Battosai's attention. Leave your men here to deal with him while we find Kaoru-san."
Kanryu brought his hand to his chin in thought, and then nodded sharply. He turned to his men, yelling, "Kill the Battosai at all costs! Whoever does will get a large reward!"
The group of twenty men raised their swords, crying out as they charged the mansion doors. Kenshin whirled around as they came pouring in. He rapidly flitted his eyes about, counting. " Just twenty more huh? Just what does he take me for?" He grit out as he flung forward, his blade clashing with another man's.
Outside, Kanryu and Sojiro snuck around the rear of the mansion, entering a door on the east side.
Kanryu grinned. "You can't hide Kaoru-chan. I'm coming for you."
"There! There it is!" Sanosuke hollered. He brought the reigns up and then forcefully back down on the horses back, urging it to run faster. "Ya! Let's go!"
The other two occupants held on for dear life, eyes wide with fear as the small cart careened ahead.
Misao clamped her eyes shut. "We are going to die aren't we! I swear this thing is going to fall apart before we even get there!" She screeched.
Yahiko laughed, his eyes full of excitement. "What are you talking about? This is great!"
The ninja pinned him with a glare, her face pale. "Easy for you to say! You don't feel like throwing up at any moment, do you?"
Suddenly, Sanosuke jerked on the reigns, bringing them to a crashing halt. Misao flew forward, falling into both of them, wailing. "Gees! Tell me before you're going to do those kinds of things, Tori-Atama! Mou!"
Sano jumped from the cart, the insult lost on him as he bolted for the mansion door. "It looks like they are already fighting! Let's get a move on!" He raced forward, Misao and Yahiko close behind.
Misao spared a glance at the ten year old. "When did you get that thing? I don't remember you having that." She indicated to his shinnai.
"Gensai Sensei let me borrow it. He liked to practice when he was younger, I guess."
Misao blinked and then shrugged. "I had no idea. But then again, this night has been full of lots of surprises."
Sano called over his shoulder, "And I'm sure it's not over, either!"
The trio burst through the doorway and Kenshin whirled to them.
"Kenshin! Where's Jou-chan?" Sano yelled across the room.
Kenshin narrowly avoided a sword as he called back, "She's looking for Tsubame! How'd you get here so fast?"
"Don't ask!" Misao yelled out.
"Go help Kaoru! We can take it from here!" Yahiko called.
Kenshin looked swiftly from one to the next, his eyes landing on Sanosuke. The ex-gangster nodded in encouragement. "He's right! GO!"
The Hitokiri sheathed his sword and headed up the stairs. At one point, he had to turn, kicking savagely at a man who had followed him. His foot connected with the poor man's face and he went tumbling down the stairs.
"Hey you jerks! We're your new opponents!" Misao called out. All eyes fell on her as they turned and flew towards the three new comers.
"Real switch hitters aren't you?" Sanosuke taunted as he struck one unfortunate man in the face.
"Thank you guys!" They heard Kenshin calling from the second story.
"Just find Kaoru!" Sano called after him and Kenshin disappeared from sight.
"Tsubame! Where are you!" Kaoru was feeling desperate now. She had searched nearly every room on the second story, but to no avail. She rounded a corner in the hall and stopped dead in her tracks.
"There you are my little bird. Time to put you back into your cage now."
Her jaw clenched as she spat, "Go to hell Kanryu! I'm here for my sister, and then your life!"
He chuckled, shaking his head. "I'm afraid that your opponent isn't me. And as for your sister, well, you'll never see her again." He opened the door next to him, stepping quickly inside. She followed swiftly.
Once inside the room, Kanryu turned to face her. "Sojiro will be your opponent. Have fun." His voice held no humor as he backed up and leaned against a wall.
Her eyes narrowed as they fell upon the boy who stepped forward. "Sorry, Kaoru-san, but once I begin a duel, I must finish it."
"Save the pleasantries you jack ass!" She fell into her Jigoku no Odori stance.
His eyes widened and he smiled with glee. "Ah! The Dance of Hell! How I've longed to see it in person! I have only heard tales of its terrifying outcome."
Kaoru's eyes clouded over, green fast becoming the dominant color. "Too bad you won't be able to see it coming." She wasted no time flying forward. The Hitokiri executed the move with lightning speed, smiling in triumph when she felt her blade connect at all five spots. Kaoru stepped back and immediately, her face faltered when Sojiro did not fall. She watched in surprise as the sheath he held in his hand fell to the floor with a clatter, broken in five separate pieces.
He wiped his brow. "Whew! That sure was a close one, Kaoru-san! If I was correct, I'd say you were trying to kill me with that one!"
'When the hell did he block?' She thought, fear creeping over her. 'I didn't even see him move…he was faster that I was!' She watched in horror as he fell back into his stance. 'The Ten Ken.' Kaoru wracked her brain for a counter for that attack.
The Ten Ken, or heaven's sword, was an over the head technique. The momentum of the attacker's speed as they came falling towards the opponent was the key to the success of the attack. It was not the fastest move but it was powerful.
'Can I dodge? There's only a narrow margin where that it possible…but I can do it! I must!' She steeled in determination.
"You look resolute, Kaoru-san. Good for you." Sojiro's voice was monotone and his eyes held no gleam. It was unnerving as she watched his smile fade. Kaoru readied herself, her stance purely defensive.
Kanryu observed as Sojiro prepared to strike, his signature cigarette hanging from his mouth. His eyes glanced at the doorway and he jolted. 'The Hitokiri Battosai!'
Kenshin was standing in the entrance, watching quietly, a torn look upon his face. Kaoru had her back to him and hadn't noticed his presence yet, as she was too absorbed in her fight.
Kanryu's lips curled into a wicked smile. 'Oh, this is ideal.' He blinked and Sojiro was up in the air, yelling, "Ten Ken!"
Kaoru watched in slow motion as his blade flashed in the light above her. 'Three, two, one…now!' She leapt aside, turning rapidly to attack him. "Too slow!" She cried as she thrust to him.
Kenshin stared in awe as he witnessed Kaoru fighting for the first time. 'She's…incredible!'
Kaoru leapt at to the boy, her eyes green with rage. "Ryuu no Hiko!" She slammed into her opponent's blade, sparks flying.
Kenshin's mind itched with a thought. 'Where have I seen that attack before?'
"Tsk tsk, Kaoru-chan! This is unfair! You know too many techniques!" Sojiro whined as he parried her move.
She snarled at him. "It's not my choice that I learned from many different masters, now is it?"
Kenshin's eyes narrowed. 'Many?' He thought her master was her father… The red head watched as Kaoru brought her sword flying upwards from the floor, intent upon slicing Sojiro's chest open.
The boy flipped away nimbly only to return with his own attack. "Ten Ken!" He cried.
Kaoru parried easily, shoving into his blade with her own, using all her might as she sneered. "You have already used that attack! It is of no use to you anymore."
They remained that way for a moment, their katanas locked together in a stalemate, as neither one refused to back down. Their faces were mere inches apart; Sojiro's in a smile, her's in a grimace.
The boy spoke up, his smile widening. "You really hate me don't you?"
She continued to push against him, spitting, "You have no idea. After what you have done to my family, I'll make sure none of you escapes alive." Her voice was full of contempt and cold determination.
Kenshin was taken aback. This was clearly not the Kaoru he knew…
Kanryu piped up, his grating voice piercing the thick tension in the air. "We will see about that my pet. Once you're dead and out of the way, I will make sure that they all suffer a slow and painful demise. Don't you worry."
"You won't touch any of them!" Kaoru barked, her eyes never leaving her opponent.
Sojiro chuckled. "Oh, I'm sure he can, and he will, Kaoru-san. I'm looking forward to it, actually."
Kenshin had to hold himself back, his anger washing over him. But he didn't interfere, ready to see the outcome.
"Yahiko! Go search the bottom level for Tsubame! Kaoru and Kenshin are still searching the top." Sanosuke yelled over the melee. Yahiko jumped away from a sword as he nodded. He sped off and Misao watched him go briefly before throwing a kunai.
"How much longer must this go on?" She said in frustration.
"We've only got about ten left. Hang in there! The sooner we down these guys, the faster we can get to Kenshin and Kaoru." Sanosuke answered her.
Yahiko made his way from room to room, searching for the little girl. As one after another ended up empty, he began to feel like this was hopeless.
"Tsubame! Where are you? I'm here to help!" He stopped and listened. Nothing. He continued until he came to a set of stairs leading downwards. "The basement?"
He carefully made his way down, opening the door at the bottom. Yahiko's eyes widened as he saw many children bound by their hands. They blinked in surprise at the new comer. One timidly stepped forward. "How did you get loose?" She asked.
Yahiko shook his head quickly. "I didn't. I came here to find someone. How many of you are there?" He breathed.
The girl who had spoken answered, "About thirty."
His jaw dropped. "Thirty?"
She nodded, asking, "Who are you here for?"
"Her name is Tsubame."
The crowd parted and a small thin girl with dark brown hair stepped forward. "That's me." She said quietly.
Yahiko felt his stomach pitfall as he took in her form. She looked very frail and sickly, bags under her eyes. He stared around the room. All of the children looked this way. "Tsubame, my name is Yahiko. Kaoru is looking for you."
The little girl's eyes widened dramatically and she ran forward. "Nee-chan? She's here?"
Yahiko nodded, pulling a small knife from his pocket. Swiftly, he cut the bonds from her wrists and handed it to a nearby boy. "Use this to cut everyone free." The boy nodded vigorously, taking the knife.
"What is going on?" The girl from earlier asked.
"You are being set free."
Gasps escaped their mouths and Yahiko turned to Tsubame. "Let's go. We are getting you out here. The rest of you should wait here. I will tell my friends about you and we will send help, got it?" The children bobbed their heads in understanding as Yahiko grabbed Tsubame's hand. He led her carefully up the stairs, slowing when she had a hard time. She coughed and gasped for air.
"Are you ok?" He said in concern as they came to the top of the stairs.
She nodded as she coughed again. "I just don't have much energy. They don't feed us much and work us very hard."
"Where did Kanryu get so many children? And for what?" Yahiko questioned as he allowed her to lean on his side. "They are all orphans…I guess they lost their parents in the same way I lost mine…" She trailed off as she stopped, doubling over in a small fit of coughs.
Yahiko patted her back gently, saying, "Don't worry, Megumi will give you medicine. You will be ok."
Tsubame straightened, looking gratefully at him. "Thank you…"
He shook his head, saying, "There's no need to thank me. We have all be trying to get you out of here for years now. By the way, you didn't tell me what Kanryu used you and the others for."
Her eyes began to well with tears, her eyebrows furrowing. "He…he forced us all to work in the diamond mines…I just couldn't tell Kaoru-Nee-chan…but, it seems that she figured out on her own…"
Yahiko's eyes narrowed, determination radiating from them as he answered, "Don't worry. That all changes tonight."
Misao dodged an attack, flipping expertly away and throwing a kunai at the same time. She was rewarded with a pained gasp and her assailant fell to the floor. She was heaving with exhaustion, her wound on her arm bleeding still.
Sanosuke downed the last man, staring around the room with grim satisfaction. "Last one."
"Finally!" Misao breathed.
"Sanosuke! I found her!" Yahiko came from around the corner and the older man's eyes widened.
"Tsubame?"
The little girl nodded shyly, but began to fall forward in a faint. Sano was to her side in an instant, catching her limp form before she hit the ground.
Misao looked at her, her eyes full of pity. "Poor girl. She looks so thin!"
Sano's eyes narrowed. "It's time to go. Let's go get the other two."
Yahiko stopped then, blurting, "There are like thirty other children in the basement! We need to help them!" Sano and Misao blinked in surprise.
"Thirty?" Misao said incredulously. Yahiko nodded.
"Go and get the police. They will know what to do with them. Then come back to the other mansion. We will find Kaoru and Kenshin, and then go for Megumi." Sanosuke said
"Do I have to?" He whined and Sano pinned him with a glare.
"Just do it."
Yahiko sighed, turning and sprinting out the door. Sanosuke and Misao started up the stairs in search of the two Hitokiris.
"I hope they are all right." Misao said, her tone almost inaudible.
Sanosuke grinned at her. "Don't worry, itatchi. Kaoru's got Kenshin. And Kenshin's got Kaoru. They're Hitokiris remember? They can look out for each other."
Sweat beaded Kaoru's forehead as she and Sojiro remained in their death lock, neither willing to bend. In an instant, Kaoru shoved him hard and leapt back.
"This is the end, Kaoru-san!" Sojiro yelled as he flew to her, sword raised. "SHUN TEN SETSU!" His katana headed straight for her.
Kenshin jolted. "The Instant Heaven Kill!" He took a step forward, his hand flashing to his own sword, ready to defend Kaoru.
"Don't interfere, Battosai!"
Kenshin's gaze flew to Kanryu, who was leaning against the back wall, smiling. "That woman is perfectly capable of defending herself. Watch." He indicated to the fight. Kenshin's eyes narrowed as he did so, then widened when Kaoru parried.
"Final attack! TOBI IZUNA!" She roared.
Blocking Sojiro's blade swiftly, she brought her own crashing to his chest. He had no time to obstruct it. The brown haired boy's eyes flew open as her katana skewered him straight through.
Time stood still for an instant as Sojiro opened his mouth, no sound escaping. Glancing up from the sword protruding from his chest, he locked eyes with Kaoru's. They were completely green, no emotion held within their surreal depths. She yanked her blade from him, watching as he fell to the floor, his eyes wide open. The Hitokiri stood over him, observing as his visage glazed over in death, a dismal satisfaction apparent on her face.
Kenshin stared. He just couldn't believe how powerful she was. He had never known…
Kanryu pushed himself from against the wall, clapping slowly. She rounded on him, eyes full of hatred. "Nothing less from my little bird. Good show Kaoru-chan."
"You're next." She said in a low voice.
Kanryu felt a jolt of fear travel from his head to his feet as he watched her stalk to him. He backed up slightly, his eyes flitting behind her to where Kenshin stood shell-shocked, and he grinned. "What's that Kaoru? You want to kill me now? Oh, I don't think so. After all, the Battosai is watching."
She whirled and locked eyes with Kenshin. The panic that suddenly slammed into her was indescribable. She opened her mouth, suddenly finding it dry. "Ken…shin…" She uttered, wishing that this were a dream.
Kanryu crept up behind her, his voice full of sarcasm. "What's the matter, Kaoru-chan? You look upset that he is here. I thought he was supposed to be protecting you." He sneered.
Kenshin blinked and then narrowed his eyes. "Takeda Kanryu, I presume."
The man felt fear shock through him as he stared momentarily at the Battosai. He gulped, thinking quickly. "We finally meet, Battosai. It is an honor. I have heard so much about you."
Kenshin's eyes narrowed further. "Let Kaoru and her family go and I will make your death quick and painless." His voice was cold, no sentiment behind it.
Kanryu began to sweat as he laughed nervously. "Well, Kaoru-chan, this is certainly all going to plan, isn't it?"
Confusion ran across Kenshin's face as he stared at Kaoru. She was pale and had a look of utter fear upon her features. The other Hitokiri stepped forward. "What does that mean, Kaoru?" She shook her head, mouth opening, but no words would come.
Kanryu spoke for her, throwing his arm about her shoulder. She was too numb to register his touch as he spoke. "Oh my!" He looked at her, evil swirling within his eyes.
Hers widened as she shook her head. "No!" She blurted out.
"Why Kaoru-chan! Could this mean that you haven't told him who you really are?" He put his other hand to his chin thoughtfully. "Well, this does pose a bit of a problem, doesn't it?"
Kenshin took another step forward as Misao and Sanosuke appeared in the doorway. Misao was about to step forward when Sano held out a hand to stop her, shaking his head at her. 'I don't know exactly what's going on, but it doesn't look good…' He thought worriedly.
"What is he talking about, Kaoru?" Kenshin's voice held suspicion.
Tears pricked her eyes, as she bowed her head. "This wasn't supposed to happen like this…" She whispered to herself.
Kanryu leaned in close. "What's that Kaoru-chan? Why wouldn't you want him to know? I thought you were supposedly in love with him." He taunted and she shoved away from him in contempt.
"Get away from me!" She spat at the man.
He shook his head. "And here I thought we had an understanding of the plan, Kaoru-chan." His face darkened as he locked gazes with Kaoru.
'Oh Gods…' She thought as her head whipped to Kenshin.
Kanryu took a step forward, contempt on his face as he drawled, "Or should I say, Hitokiri Sakura…" All eyes widened.
Sanosuke clenched his hands, gritting his teeth. 'That bastard! He's doing this to Jou-chan intentionally!'
Kenshin's jaw dropped as he registered Kanryu's last words. "Sa-kura…?" He uttered softly, unbelievingly.
Suddenly, it all made sense to him. Her abilities, his suspicions, the way Sakura had let him go that night, the reason her eyes seemed so familiar…
Kaoru's face screwed in pain as she stepped forward, a hand reaching for him. "Kenshin, I…"
Kanryu broke in. "You what, Kaoru-chan? Meant to tell him? Well isn't that sentimental. It looks as if you really didn't love him the way he thought you did. It looks like our plan of you getting close to him worked out very well. " He patted her on the back and she hung her head, squeezing her eyes shut at the onslaught of tears.
The room was totally silent. Kaoru raised her face to look at Kenshin. His was bowed, the fiery locks hiding his eyes, hands clenched at his sides.
After what seemed an eternity, Kenshin looked up. Kaoru froze and it seemed as if her heart had stopped for a moment. Their eyes locked and she felt like she might be sick.
His face held an array of emotion.
Sadness, anger, hurt.
But the one that surfaced above the rest…was the betrayal.
Kaoru's eyes widened as the look penetrated her to her core, piercing her very soul. She didn't register the salty tears that poured forth from her eyes as she stared at Kenshin.
He turned abruptly and she found herself jolting forward. "Kenshin! Don't go!" She cried.
He stopped briefly, looking at Misao and Sanosuke with quiet anger. "So I was the only one who didn't know?" He questioned.
When they hung their heads and remained silent, he nodded slowly, finding his answer. He brushed passed them, disappearing down the hallway.
Kaoru was completely numb. "This isn't happening…" She repeated to herself several times.
Sanosuke looked at her, pity coming to his eyes. He glanced around the room. "Where did that bastard get to?" He wondered when he didn't see Kanryu anymore. His gaze fell upon some bookshelves and his eyes narrowed in understanding. "A secret passageway…" He grit out.
Misao stepped forward, hand extended to Kaoru. "Kaoru?" She ventured. There was no response. Misao waved her hand in front of her face, observing as Kaoru's eyes stayed glued in place.
She looked at Sanosuke in exasperation, feeling hopeless. "What should we do?" Sanosuke sighed. "Can you carry Tsubame? I'll get Jou-chan."
Misao nodded and gingerly accepted the unconscious girl from him, taking care not to put too much weight on her injured arm.
He looked at her. "Go on ahead. I'll be right behind you." She nodded and made her way down the hall.
Sanosuke stepped up to Kaoru, looking into her eyes. "Jou-chan." He said softly. She didn't respond, but her face screwed in pain at the sound of his concerned voice, more tears falling. He hesitantly reached for her, placing a hand gently on her shoulder. "We should go. Tsubame is safe. We need to get out of here before any more Juppongatana arrive. Kanryu escaped."
Her eyes flicked to him, shock still evident in their blue depths. She opened her mouth to speak, her voice cracked with emotion. "Sanosuke…he hates me now, doesn't he? He will leave and I will never see him again!" She breathed.
He crushed her to him in an embrace and she began to heave with sobs. "Kaoru, I'm sure Kenshin will come to his senses. He loves you remember?"
She nodded slowly as she sobbed, wanting to believe his words, but still having a hard time finding any hope within them.
The ex-gangster pulled back from her, wiping the tears from her cheeks. "Let's go, Jou-chan. Tsubame's waiting."
