A/N: I found that I was very dissatisfied with how I had ended this chapter, so I have added on to the ending in order to set the stage for the next chapter. Please excuse the inconvenience, but I hope you will enjoy this alternate ending as much as I do. Thank you for reading.

Chapter Fourteen

Attacked

Kenshin's POV

"How long do you intend to follow me, Shishio?" Kenshin asked as he came to a standstill in the middle of the hallway. Shishio was rumored to eventually be the Battousai's successor, and it was well-known that his skills rivaled that of the legendary assassin. He would be a formidable opponent once his training was finished. However, the boy still needed a few more years of honing his skills before he would become a lethal assassin. Still, Kenshin had to admit that Shishio was impressive, his ability to conceal his aura was defiantly advanced beyond his years. In fact Battousai had barely sensed being followed by the boy. His fallacy had come when a spark of rage broke through his barrier. It was a strong, sharp burst of aura that anyone would have felt. If Battousai was going to become his predecessor Shishio would have to learn to control his rage since there was no place in this war for such things. Fighting forged from a man's animosity would make that man inadequate in battle. He would act upon his feelings and not on calculated, precise action. Feelings leave room for mistakes, and mistakes were fatal in the shadows of war. Kenshin left his back turned to the samurai, and concentrated on his aura. Shishio stood directly behind him. The rage from before now flowed freely from him in heavy, pulsating waves. Kenshin was almost positive that the boy would draw his sword. Hand on the hilt of his own katana the Battousai waited for Shishio's move. Click!

Kenshin easily side stepped the boy's predictable attack. With a single fluid motion Battousai moved behind Shishio, summoning the katana from its sheath, and placing the steel edge of his blade against the side of his attacker's throat. Shishio's disposition turned frigid. The prior rage melting away with his adrenaline powered confidence. It was in this moment that both samurai where aware of the fact that Kenshin now had control of the situation. All it would take is a little too much pressure to the right. Just a slight movement and the boy's cordial artery would be severed. A fatal blow that would leave the victim to bleed out in seconds. It was a deadly technique that was unique to Kenshin's sword style. "Heh, the rumors haven't exaggerated your abilities Battousai." Shishio chuckled darkly as his smug confidence began resurfacing. Yet this was different than before. Almost overly exaggerated. This new-found confidence was fabricated, Kenshin was sure of it.

Shishio's blade met with Kenshin's katana. The sleek steel sliding down the length of Battousai's sword until it was halted at the hilt. Shishio smirked—it was nothing more than a façade. Kenshin frightened him. The true slayer in him could sense the slight hint of fear. The air around them turned rigid as their auras clashed together giving off small sizzling sparks. Back down Shishio. Kenshin thought silently as he felt the manslayer within him awaking. Shishio must have felt the change within the Battousai as well, and wisely decided to abandon his effort. With a shrill ring he effectively pushed away from the legendary assassin. Making a quick retreat, Shishio put a few feet between the two of them, and fell back into the defensive. This fight was not yet over. Shishio smiled wickedly, obviously jarring for a taste of the legend "Shall we fight for real?" He asked with a complacent undertone. Shishio knew that the manslayer within Kenshin was longing to break through, and so decided to test his luck "What's wrong Battousai? Has that wench of yours tamed you so?" Something dark, unworldly like spiked in the Battousai's aura. "How was is to bed that fiery wonton whore?" That was the spark needed to ignite the fire. How dare he speak of Kaoru in such a disrespectful manner! Kenshin sheathed his blade, and shifted into the iconic stance of the hiten mitsurugi ryu. His left hand wrapped tightly around his sheath as the right hand secured the length of his hilt. The killer within him was boiling beneath his skin, but Kenshin was still vaguely in control of himself. He wouldn't kill the boy. After all the child couldn't fully comprehend the true strength of the Battousai, it would not be honorable to kill someone who was so obviously ignorant. No, he would only teach the boy a valuable lesson in respect.

Suddenly Shishio launched forward, drawing his katana, and angling his weapon for the Battousai's side. It was once again a predictable, moronic move that left him vulnerable to the opponent's mercy. Unleashing his blade, Kenshin easily blocked the mindless attack. Steel clashing against steel, reinforced by two strong, trained bodies. Kenshin took hold of his sheath with his opposite hand and slammed it into the boy's rib cage. Something cracked loudly and the fight had just as suddenly been settled. Winded, Shishio dropped to the ground in front of the Battousai, his sword clamoring to the side. Kenshin returned his katana to its bed and fitted it into his obi belt "Let that be a warning Shishio." The Battousai spoke solemnly "Not many have crossed blades with me and left with their lives." Sputtering and gasping Shishio wrapped his arm around his side, making a fetal attempt to relieve the pain. Kenshin was almost certain the boy's ribs were fractured, but it was not a lethal injury. Shishio would be a valuable samurai for their cause one day, so Kenshin had dutifully held back. It was the only reason he had done so. Normally the sōryūsen, a technique using both the katana and sheath, would have crushed his bone and more than likely punctured his lungs. If Kenshin hadn't restrained himself, he would have killed the boy.

"Damn it." Shishio huffed, unhappy with the turnout of his minor battle. Impassively the Battousai watched the boy wither in pain, enjoying the way his pompous little smirk turned into a simpering frown. Momentarily Kenshin recalled a time when he had been the one receiving those same injuries. His swords master was a cruel, unforgiving man when practicing his swords style. A fractured rib was nothing to him. In fact severe open wounds and broken bones were the only times he would have given his student some leeway, but even then the session wouldn't have ended. Kenshin would have to continue until he had defeated his master. Hiko had taught him to land the finishing blow no matter the cost. Then once he had won the practice round, the swords master would take Kenshin back home where he remedied those injuries himself. Many times Kenshin would undergo inadequate treatment at the hands of Hiko, which explained the many scars marring his body. Puckered, angry scars that hadn't had the chance to ever heal properly. Turning his back on the pathetic little boy, Kenshin began walking in the direction of Katsura's office. He still had to discuss the latest details of the capture of an enemy camp. However it seemed as though their meeting would have to wait as a familiar scent wafted through the air. It was the bitter, thick, smoky smell of burning wood. Kenshin knew that smell all too well, and had even been the cause of it on multiple occasions… We're under attack!

Instinctually Kenshin whirled around, tearing through the halls of Sakura Tea House, focused on making it back to Kaoru's room. His only thoughts was to get her out of the base and to safety. The smoke from the fire was already climbing to the second floor, and downstairs Kenshin could hear the sound of clashing steal. This was the rebuttal from the Shen Shin Gumi. There was no doubt that the enemy had imported spies into the base. How else could they have found their hideout? This had to be the work of an inside job. Kenshin's resolve to get to Kaoru strengthened. If they had deployed spies, then there was an enormous chance that they were aware of her importance to the Battousai. She would become a pawn of war if Kenshin didn't take her away from here.

At last he arrived at Kaoru's bedroom door. Kenshin tore the door open, slamming the screen to the side so hard he nearly derailed it. "Kaoru!" He called as ember eyes searched the small room for her. It was then that he began to process what was taking place before him... of which did not set well with the Battousai. Pressing his lips into a thin, flat line Kenshin felt his blood boiling hotly beneath his pale skin. Saito… The damned bastard had Kaoru's narrow neck surrounded in the iron clasp of his hand. A sick look of satisfaction rested on Saito's face as Kaoru fell slack within his hold. A ominous, dark shadow passed over Kenshin's eyes. This was unacceptable. Saito would have to learn his place. The monster within Kenshin stirred restlessly. The fact that his filthy hands were anywhere on the Battousai's woman was his first mistake "Saito." Battousai seethed his fury radiating from him in thick, staggering waves. This was the difference between Shishio and the Battousai. While emotions only worked to disable Shishio in a fight, the rage now coursing heavily through Kenshin's veins made the slayer that much more deadly "Take your hands off of her." Battousai spoke in a low dangerous tone. It was a tone that any normal human would readily submit to. Yet Saito was not the definition of normalcy.

The aggressor raised an inquisitive brow "Surely you don't care about this weak bitch Battousai." His blatant disrespect was the second mistake.

Saito's snide comment only made the Battousai's control slip a little more "Saito." He warned. The monster within was enraged, grasping, clawing at the tiny bit of control Kenshin had left. The slayer in him wanted Saito's head, wanted to watch as the light of life dissolved from his eyes. That monster wanted to amend this betrayal with blood, and it would only take another strike from the beast to break through that carefully constructed barrier.

Saito threw his head back and chuckled madly "And what are you going to do Battousai?" He asked tauntingly as he gave Kaoru's neck a provocative squeeze. Battousai stood in the threshold, his body churning with anger "In case you have forgotten, this pathetic girl's life is in my hands." Kill him. The monster whispered seductively. Paint this room with his blood. After all he has threatened our Kaoru… It was a persuasive argument that Kenshin could simply find no protest to. Kill him. Hissed the slayer urgently. Kill him…Those two words echoed in Kenshin's mind, repeated over and over again. Kill him. Kill him. Kill him. Trembling in the wake of the monster's immense blood lust, Kenshin could no longer extend any more warnings. The slayer had been freed and his blade wanted Saito's flesh.

Kenshin was gone. Any traces of his humanity had fled from his vessel as an intense anger enthralled him. As if moving on their own his mind and body were working together in perfect unison. His movement was not comprehensible to the human eye, his mind clear and focused. Despite the god-like speed he was moving with, everything seemed to be in slow motion. It was a strange, empowering sensation. One that he seemed to enjoy all too much. Like an inhuman, demonic figure the Battousai appeared from thin air at Saito's side. He had drawn his katana, and pressed the sharp edge against the assailants exposed neck. It was perhaps the most frightening thing Saito had ever witnessed "I said to remove your filthy hands." Battousai hissed as glower golden eyes bared down on the samurai's head. This was no longer a warning, but a deadly command. However, taking commands were never one of Saito's strengths. He defiantly made no attempts to comply with the order, and in this state the Battousai was not a patient man. This was the fool's third and final mistake. Like a hot knife through butter Battousai's blade sliced through Saito's wrists, removing those offensive appendages in a traumatic, permanent way. Blood sprayed like a crimson rain shower across the floor. Saito fell backwards with a gargled scream, and a mixture of terror and pain on his face. He curled into a small ball, drawing his arms into his chest. He was quickly going into shock.

From the corner of his eye Battousai saw Kaoru's limp body descending to the floor. Using the same speed and precision as before he caught her in his arms. Holding her close Kenshin made a quick inspection. This would determine how Saito's life would end. Vaguely he could see the faint rise and fall of her chest. She was alive and yet still injured. A ring of discoloration in the pattern of a hand print circled her throat. That would cost the bastard greatly. Ever so gently the Battousai lowered her to the wood floor, taking great care to make sure that she would be as comfortable as possible. I will be back. He promised internally before making his way slowly to Saito, much like how a predator would stalk his wounded prey. The man was still consumed by his recent injuries, too occupied to notice Battousai standing over him "See you in Hell." Kenshin growled as he brought his sword through the man's throat. Saito died with open eyes etched in the purest form of fear. Blood bubbled up in his mouth and poured down the sides of his face. The slayer was more than satisfied with that horrified look. Kenshin pulled his blade from the carnage, routinely flicking the katana clean, and returning it to its sheath. The threat had been abolished… for now.

"K-Kenshin…" Kaoru rasped hoarsely. Her pitiful soft-spoken voice brought Kenshin back to his wavering humanity. She had unknowingly helped him regain control over the slayer. Without hesitation Kenshin moved to her side and kneeled down to her frail form. The normal sparkle in her blue eyes had burned out, her rosy pink lips ashen, and her face unusually pale and lifeless. Weakly she tried to reach for him, but failed in doing so. A frown marred her lips and she scrunched her brows together. Reassuringly he brushed his fingertips along her cheek. Kaoru leaned into his touch. However this moment together was ruined with the shrill sound of clashing blades just outside of the door.

Knowing how week Kaoru was Kenshin was aware that the best, and safest way for them to get out of the base was for him to carry her out. Carefully Kenshin slid one arm under the small of her back, and secured the other underneath her knees. Effortlessly he lifted her small, delicate frame into his arms. Without any protest Kaoru rested her head against his shoulder "Let's get out of here." He murmured nestling her forehead under his cheek.

Kaoru's POV

Rays of honey gold sun light poured through the windows of Kaoru's bedroom, and a contented smile graced her lips as she snuggled deeper into the warm body next to her. From somewhere within the house a warm summer's breeze had seeped through, carrying with it the sweet smell of honey suckle "Kaoru." He mumbled sleepily, his voice a smooth baritone "Go back to sleep." He pleaded obviously longing for a few more undisturbed minutes with his wife. Kenshin's hold tightened around her waist, and Kaoru already knew she would lose this battle. Opening her mouth to protest his laziness, Kaoru was quickly silenced by his hand "Kenji is at Yahiko's house, and I took care of all the chores yesterday." He explained through yawn.

Not at all satisfied with his sluggish demeanor Kaoru wiggled her way out of his grasp, and moved to her knees "Kenshin." She whined "We have a dojo to run. We can't be so lazy." Kaoru chided. Opening one amethyst eye to peep up at his wife Kenshin sighed heavily. He had seen that look of determination before. He was aware that she would get her way, as always, but there was no harm in trying. Rolling over on his side Kenshin tried to pretend that she wasn't there, and that he might still be sound asleep. Kaoru wasn't fooled. With a cheeky grin on her face Kaoru pounced with the full intent to start a tickle war "I know you're faking!"

With a warm chuckle Kenshin turned on her with his ultimate attack "Now you've done it." He laughed pinning her beneath him. Kaoru's heart race within her chest as he captured her arms above her head "Kaoru…"

Kaoru… Kaoru… Kaoru. Kaoru!

"Kaoru." His voice carried such a sad melody "Please wake up." Kenshin whispered brokenly. Somewhere in the back of her mind Kaoru was aware of the arms holding her tightly, and she could feel his warm body pressed against hers. It was a nice sensation since she seemed to be so very cold. Slowly, steadily she began to fight her way through the mugginess of her own mind. Kaoru struggled to open her eyes. All he wanted was for her to wake up. Why couldn't she do so? Faintly she felt something hot and wet drip on to her cheek and slide down to her chin. At first Kaoru couldn't place what it was, then it occurred to her that those little droplets were tears. Someone was crying. Are these Kenshin's tears? She wondered faintly while making another attempt to open her eyes. If only she could do that much… then maybe he wouldn't be crying so. Another tear splashed against her cheek. She had to wake up! Throwing all her energy into it Kaoru forced her eyes to open.

This time it had proven successful. The first thing she could make out was the rough, dark blue fabric of his gi. Fluttering her lashes Kaoru blinked once, twice… again trying so very hard to clear and focus her vision. She could now feel how his body trembled against her with silent sobs. Producing a weak smile Kaoru turned her head upwards. Yet, he had not noticed the fact that she had awakened. Kaoru needed to get his attention. So disregarding how heavy her arm felt, Kaoru forced her hand to move to his cheek. There she caught a few stray tears on her thumb. At first he flinched away from her touch, startled by the subtlety of it. Then as he realized the reality of what was happening Kenshin shifted her even closer. His arms secured around her shoulders and waist as he buried his face into her neck "Kenshin." Kaoru whispered wincing at how hoarse she sounded. He didn't look up at her "I'm fine." She reassured hoping that he would see her then.

Kenshin pressed his lips against her throat "I thought I had lost you Kaoru." He mumbled. Never had she ever seen him in such an emotionally raw state… He was completely vulnerable at the moment, and Kenshin was trusting her enough to open up this part of himself. Kaoru's heart gave a little jolt as she realized this. Kenshin pulled away from her, capturing her in a haunted amethyst gaze "I was supposed to protect you." He began with a deep sense of conviction in his tone. Kenshin's fingers brushed lightly along her already darkening bruise "If I hadn't left your side you wouldn't have been hurt." He was blaming himself for her attack. Taking false responsibility. She simply couldn't allow him to carry such a heavy condemnation. Saito's attack had nothing to do with Kenshin, and everything to do with Shishio.

"Kenshin, this," Kaoru paused to motion to her sore throat "is not your fault." She said absolutely. The condemned look on his face told her that he wasn't convinced. Absently biting her lip Kaoru mauled over what she knew she had to do. It was not going to be easy to discuss, but she couldn't bare his self-inflicted guilt "That attack was Shishio's doing." Kaoru stated, forcing her tone to be indifferent as she pronounced that monster's name. Kenshin stiffened. He seemed both confused and angry about this information. Taking a deep, steading breath Kaoru started to explain "All those months ago, when the first attack happened…" Kaoru had to pause as those haunting memories resurfaced "Y-You asked me who had done it." She whispered feeling so very ashamed at this point "I did know the man. Shishio had been one of my patients." She was struggling to the right find words "I was… embarrassed. I just couldn't tell anyone the horrible truth." Kaoru swallowed hard as she cut to the chase "I'm not sure of the details, but I do know that Saito and Shishio must have been in alliance for the second attack."

"How can you be so sure?" Kenshin asked impassively. It was clear that he was still processing everything.

Old tears pricked the corners of her eyes, but Kaoru forced them back "Saito used the exact same words that Shishio had… 'You're beautiful when you're scared doctor...' I'll never forget them." Kaoru whispered wistfully.

Kenshin's POV

Although he seemed calm and collected on the outside, on the inside Kenshin was just barely holding together his outward disposition. He was angry, not only at Shishio, but himself. Kenshin very literally had Shishio at his mercy less than a few hours ago. He could have easily killed him then, but he had let him go. It was pure stupidity on his part. Never did he allow his opponents to live. Why had he made an exception to Shishio? The monster within him was irrationally enraged. It wanted blood, but this fury burning in the pit of his stomach dictated more than a simple kill. The monster wanted Shishio to experience a great deal of pain. It wanted him to beg for the relief that came with death. It wanted Shishio to be as scared as Kaoru must have been during those two attacks. The monster wanted him to feel her pain and more. Kenshin was highly aware of the fact that his next meeting with Shishio would be a gory one. He wouldn't be able to contain the monster then. He was barely able to contain it now just thinking about the boy "Kenshin…" There was no doubt in his mind that Kaoru had sensed a change in him. Her hand found his arm and rested in the crook of his elbow. She was trying to reel him back to reality. Until this moment Kenshin's golden stare had been centered at the floor, but now he was looking at her. Focusing on the hint of uncertainty in her sapphire blue eyes. She was treating him carefully, as one would do with a wild animal.

Even though his demon was so irrationally enraged, Kenshin found that Kaoru seemed to be the key to keeping the monster at bay. It was as if both he and the demon were in agreement when it came to her. Neither wanted her to be afraid of him. Extinguishing his anger Kenshin concentrated on taking care of Kaoru. She had been through quite the ordeal this evening. Placing his hand over hers in an attempt to ease her concern, Kenshin soothingly stroked his thumb across her wrist "I will protect you Kaoru, never again will Shishio or his men hurt you." He promised.

A/N: Thank you for reading, and as always please leave any comments you have below! :)