Wolf's Blood
Chapter 7: The Hunted
Akira finally found Mari and Haya in a back alley, wiping the blood from their faces and blades. He suppressed his nausea, but even then he couldn't approach too close to the smell. "Did you…?"
"Naw, couldn't find the little brats," Haya muttered, spitting. "But that's fine. By the time that bastard figures out his son's still alive, it'll be too late."
"Too late? For what?"
"You didn't hear Kagewara, did you? They set a trap for him." He laughed scornfully. "The wife thing was just to piss him off. Right now he's probably on his way to the Night Wolf's headquarters—everyone's waiting. He's gonna get his ass mangled!"
Akira shook his head, feeling weak from all this talk. "I thought they wanted him to join them. Now they're just going to kill him?"
"Yeah. Deserves it, the traitor."
He turned to Mari, searching for her reaction to all this. She was sitting close to her brother, her head down and face devoid of emotion. She looked shaken. "Mari-san, are you all right?" he asked hesitantly.
Mari lowered her head further so that her hair hung over her eyes and obscured his view of her face. "I'm fine," she replied. "Just a bit tired. Let's go home."
"We will in a while." Haya finished his rough cleaning job and stood. "Come on—I wanna see when they take Saitou down."
Mari climbed to her feet as well. Akira cringed; she looked disturbed and afraid, as if the blood covering her skin had leaked into it as well, contaminating her. "Go ahead," he told Haya. "I'll take Mari home."
"No." She shook her head, refusing to meet his gaze. "I'm fine. I want to see."
"But…" Akira sighed, giving in once again. "Alright. I'll go with you, I guess."
"Great," said Haya. "C'mon; let's hurry."
They made their way through the city, traveling mostly through the back alleyways and deserted streets to avoid the police. Akira tried to keep up, but he was exhausted and weak from that night's affairs. His eyes never left Mari. He knew she was just as frightened—she had never killed anyone like that before, and it was a strain on her conscience. But she didn't complain, not in front of her brother. Several times Akira considered talking to her, but every time he backed down.
Finally they reached the address Kagewara had given them: a large inn near the lower-class section of town. "Hello?" Haya called as he entered. "Kagewara-san? Maeda-san? Aren't you here?" He ventured inside further, but received no answer. "That's funny. Maybe they're meeting right now."
Mari glanced about, and her manner became more withdrawn. "I smell blood," she whispered.
Haya started down one of the halls, kodachi in hand. "Maeda-san?" he called, ducking into one of the rooms. Immediately he jumped back. "Shit! What the hell?"
Akira and Mari joined him, and the former turned away in disgust. Four men lay inside, freshly killed, their blood carpeting the tatami. Footprints of red led into the hall and to the next room. Further down the corridor were several more bodies, each butchered beyond recognition.
"There's no way he could have done this," Haya murmured in disbelief. "They were supposed to know he was coming…it was supposed to be a trap. Isn't that what Kagewara said?"
"He did," Mari affirmed quietly, drawing close to Akira. "But these men were all in their rooms…getting ready to sleep. Did…Kagewara lie to us?"
"Don't know." He started down the hall, glancing briefly in the different rooms. "That shit."
Akira chased after him, Mari on his heels. "Wait! Saitou might still be here!"
Haya came to the last room and stopped at the broken entrance. His friends were close behind him, and they froze as the scene was made visible to them. More bodies were there, some still alive and moaning piteously as their life drained through their wounds. Maeda was among them, far beyond any medical help. And standing over the mess was their attacker, soiled nearly from head to toe. His police jacket was gone, leaving only the once white shirt, tattered and sleeves rolled up to the elbows. His eyes were blazing, cold orbs. "Run…" Maeda wheezed at the man's feet. "Just…run…"
Saitou ended the man with a quick movement of his sword, then charged. Haya leapt back and was able to dodge before the blow hit. The opposite wall absorbed the force and was torn to splinters.
"Holy shit." Haya backed away, adjusting his stance as Saitou turned to face him. The man slid into his own posture.
"That's it," Akira said, remembering from the day he'd spent at the dojo. "That's the move I told you about: gatotsu."
Mari nodded, readying her staff. "Brother, let me." She stepped in front of him. "You can't fight this guy. We'll have to make a run for it."
"You cannot escape," Saitou hissed, eyes narrowing. "If you are with these men, I will cut you down."
"We'll see." Her hands shifted around the wooden staff. "Come on," she taunted without emotion. "I'm the one that stabbed your wife in the back."
With a vengeful growl Saitou attacked. Mari had never fought this man before and she'd never seen gatotsu, but her quick mind and the information Akira had given her allowed a plan to swiftly form in her mind. She dodged to her left and pivoted on her left foot, just as Yahiko had done and Kenshin before him. Her staff slashed at her target's neck. Saitou was ready. He snatched her wrist with his right hand and halted the move. But Mari wasn't finished, shifting her weight to her right foot to complete another circle of movement. Her free hand, which had already disconnected her second kodachi during the rotation, dug a deep wound in his already injured right shoulder.
Saitou didn't even flinch, as if having not sensed the pain at all. He countered with startling speed, and a moment later Mari fell unconsciously to the floor from a fist to the side of her skull. Akira paled, horrified as the man lifted his sword to deliver the final blow. "W-Wait!" he cried without thinking. "Please—don't kill her!"
Saitou merely snorted, and began to lower the blade. In a panic Akira ran forward, heart in his throat, and threw himself protectively over Mari. He was shaking and sobbing at once, but he didn't care. For her, he didn't care.
Akira almost felt the blade as it descended, missing his skin by scant centimeters as it plunged into the floor. It took him a moment to realize he was still alive. Bewildered, he lifted his gaze.
Saitou pulled his sword out of the floor, all the while watching the helpless boy with a frozen glare. "You're the one that found me," he stated blandly. "You told me to go home."
Stunned, the boy nodded dumbly. "Y-Yes, sir."
"You knew."
"Saitou-san, please," Akira begged. "Please don't kill them. They were fooled by Maeda-san and Kagewara-san. They're not bad people. They—"
"Silence." He began to ready his weapon once more. "I won't listen to excuses. You'll all die for this evil."
Haya sprang forward and locked swords with the man. "Akira, get my sister out of here!" he shouted, able to fend Saitou off due to the weakness in the man's right arm. "Take her and go—I'll follow."
"But… but you can't beat him," he stuttered. "You'll be killed."
"You dumb shit! Get out of here or he'll kill us all!"
Akira nodded, retrieving Mari's weapon and tying the wire around his arm. Acting quickly he pulled her onto him piggy-back style and managed to climb to his feet. "I'm going." He turned and began to run the best he could with Mari's weight.
"Shit. You damn ass," Haya growled. He lashed out and kicked Saitou's injured leg, causing him to falter in his defense . With one more kick to the man's gut he turned and bolted after his friend. "Keep running!" he shouted. "He's right behind us!"
No, oh no. What can I do? Akira burst out of the inn and kept running, aimless in his goal but desperate for escape. Everything had gone too far too fast, and unless he could find someplace to hide they would all die. But where could they go where Saitou would not follow? There would be no one willing to protect them.
"Ken-san is very brave. He may seem like a normal, light-hearted man, but he's stronger than he looks. He's protected us many times."
Himura Kenshin…Sagara mentioned that he and Saitou had fought before. Maybe…no, surly he'll help us. Even if he turns us in, that's fine. I just don't want Mari to die.
"Akira, we need a plan," Haya said as he caught up. "Even busted up that bitch's fast—he'll catch up sooner or later."
"I know." Akira switched paths, heading into the city. "I think I can find someone to help. Can you make it to the south district?"
"Of course. Can you?"
"I'll survive."
"Are you sure you're okay, Kenshin?" Sanosuke asked with concern. "You were the last one out of the hut, so you got burned pretty bad. You should see the doc before you go back."
Kenshin nodded. He'd discarded his jacket and replaced it with one given to him by the fire patrol. Although he accepted gratefully, the material draped heavily over his shoulder and pressed unnecessary weight on his blistered flesh. Still, he didn't want to walk back through town half naked. "I will do that. Thanks, Sano."
"I wonder where that bastard went," he grumbled. "Just ran off and let us deal with the rest. Shit."
"You mean Saitou?"
"Of course! You saw him take off."
Kenshin hummed thoughtfully, remembering that scene. "It certainly was strange."
A cry arose from behind them, and the pair stopped walking. What few people that were left on the streets were moving to either side now, staring in bewilderment and shock at something they couldn't yet see. Kenshin was instantly put on edge by the smell of blood. As they watched, two young men, one carrying a woman, ran past. "Hey," Sanosuke said, "wasn't that—"
A moment later a fourth figure rushed after them in pursuit. Kenshin stared in shock to see it was Saitou, bloodstained and mad with rage. By the time he had the sense to call the man's name, he was already far out of range. "What on earth…" Sanosuke murmured, dumbfounded. "What happened?"
"Something terrible," Kenshin said, his eyes wide. "His spirit…it was in total disarray. As if he has lost his mind completely…"
"Well, come on then!" Sanosuke started after, and a moment later so did his friend. "We've gotta stop him before he kills something!"
Kenshin pushed his strength, overtaking Sanosuke's pace as he raced after the bizarre procession. Saitou…what happened to you? he thought. I have never felt a spirit like that.
No…I have…
He nearly stopped running when the realization came to him at last. It may have been his intuition or maybe something more, but there was almost no mistaking the spirit he'd felt. It was one he himself had experienced, not unlike the madness of Battousai. And yet, even deeper than that. Good God…Tokio-dono… With renewed purpose he increased his pace. But how did Akira-dono…why did he come? What does he have to do with this?
"Kenshin!" Sanosuke muttered curses, finding him further and further behind. "Hey, slow down! Wait for me, you jerk!"
"Sanosuke?"
He stopped, catching his breath as he took note of who had called him. It was Megumi, staring at him from the door to the clinic. She looked exhausted. "Was that Ken-san who went by just now?" she asked briskly.
"Yeah," Sanosuke huffed. "Chasing Saitou. That bastard's lost his mind."
"Saitou has? Dear God, I should have found you all sooner." She went back into the clinic. "Come help me."
He poked his head inside with annoyance. "I don't have time. Kenshin's—"
"Trust me, Sanosuke. Ken-san will be in trouble if we can't stop Saitou from fighting. Now help me with this boy."
He frowned. "Boy?"
Saitou was only fifty meters behind them. Akira fantasized that he could hear the man's pounding footfalls and ragged breath, like those of a pursuing demon. He felt weak with fear but he kept his pace strong. Surly Himura Kenshin would help them—if anything, convince Saitou to spare their lives. He was propelled by this last hope.
The gates of the dojo appeared before them, and Akira gathered what little breath he could. "Himura-san! Kaoru-sensei!" He nearly collapsed from exhaustion, but somehow his strength kept him upright. "Somebody, please help us!" He skidded to a halt, shifting Mari's weight to allow for a free hand to pound the gate. "Himura-san!"
"No time," Haya snapped. He leapt easily onto the top of the wall, and took a moment to find his balance. He reached his hand down. "Pass her up here."
Akira let the woman slide off his back, and immediately his limbs complained stiffly. He tried to ignore the cramps as he lifted Mari up to her brother. Saitou was closing fast. Akira leapt and grabbed the wooden edge, beginning to hoist himself up, but he could tell he wouldn't make it. Haya jumped to the other side with Mari, but Akira had barely pulled himself onto the wall when the man struck. Gatotsu shredded the wood like paper, sending the three teens tumbling.
"Hayato! Mari-san!" Akira had landed on the outside of the dojo gate, and he kicked boards aside to climb to his feet. He dashed through the new opening.
By now Kaoru and Yahiko had been alerted by the commotion, and were outside with their shinai held at their sides. "Akira-kun," the former sputtered incredulously. Her gaze skipped from him, to Saitou, to the siblings. "What's going on?"
Saitou had paused to assess this new situation, and Akira took advantage of his distraction. "I cam to find Himura-san," he said, moving carefully to Haya and Mari's side. The brother had both kodachi drawn and ready. "Please—I don't want my friends to die."
Kaoru moved between Saitou and his targets, confused but determined. She held up her shinai in a protective stance. "No one's going to die here," she replied firmly. "I'll protect you until Kenshin gets back."
"Me too," said Yahiko, following suit.
Haya moved to the girl's side. "Don't worry about me. Please, just protect my sister and the kid."
Saitou slid into his Gatotsu stance, though his right arm was unable to lift high enough to guide the blade. "Kamiya girl," he warned harshly, "my fight is not with you, but I will do whatever I can to destroy those three."
"Leave them alone," she retorted, unfaltering even as her hands were shaking. "They're just kids—they're not worth your trouble, and you don't have to kill them."
"You have no idea," he spat.
"I won't let you hurt them."
Saitou began to attack, and Haya ran to oppose him. As the left-handed gatotsu came screaming at him the boy swung his arm in a circle, using his kodachi to bat the sword away. But Saitou kept coming, and his fist impacted brutally against the boy's skull. Haya was thrown onto his back with the force, and was barely able to roll out of the way of another strike. He managed to stumble to his feet only to be knocked down once more; Saitou's cold, rage-guided strength was too much for him to take. The further Haya retreated the more determined his pursuer became, until finally the katana's steel bit into his right arm.
Yahiko ran forward, ready to interfere despite Kaoru's warning cries. "You bastard!" he shouted angrily. "Leave us the hell—"
Saitou interrupted him by simply kicking the boy with the heel of his boot. Yahiko was sent tumbling into the dirt, gripping his injured gut. "Yahiko!" Kaoru cried, about to come to his aid when Saitou turned his sight on her and the two she protected. His expression tightened. His posture changed.
Kaoru adjusted her grip on her shinai, her mind whirling. She couldn't fight Saitou—not even Kenshin had been able to stop him, so what chance did she have? None. She knew that very well, and the realization sent shivers up her arms. But then she heard Akira's quick, frightened breath, and she knew that backing down was not an option. Just as her father had preached protecting life, and just as Kenshin had saved her time and time again, this was now her test. She would protect her student with all her strength.
Saitou could see in the girl's eyes that she had no intention of moving aside. He never considered her presence; all that mattered was Mari, lying defenseless in the arms of her weak friend. Her sharp voice echoed tauntingly in his mind.
"I'm the one that stabbed your wife in the back."
With an enraged growl he ran at them.
Wolf's Blood
Chapter 8: Wolf and Dragon
By the time Kenshin reached the dojo he was nearly exhausted and sick with fear. It hadn't taken him long to realize that Saitou was following the trio to the Kamiya Dojo, and he could only guess what the reason may be. And why Akira? His questions were unending.
They were all forgotten when the destroyed dojo wall came into view. Though his back was sore and has legs weary after the long sprint he pulled from his bones a faster pace to carry him through the opening and into the dojo yard. His eyes darted about to take note of the scene; he froze in horror. Saitou charging at Kaoru full speed, clearly intending to cut her down as an obstacle to his goal. Kenshin could not reach them in time, no matter the strain he demanded of his muscles. There was no way for him to protect her.
Kaoru must have seen him, because her gaze shifted. She didn't shout to him; once she'd acknowledged his presence she turned her attention back to her charging antagonist. She wasn't going to attempt escape, even knowing she had no way of defending against gatotsu.
Dear god, no… Kenshin pulled his sheath out of his belt, clicking the sword out only half an inch. Saitou might have been too far, but he had to try, and he could think of no better way. Kaoru-dono, please get out of there! He spun and launched the sword with Hiryuusen.
It wouldn't make it. He knew at once that he'd hesitated a moment too long, and time was too short. The sword flew, attempting to defy reality and space in its path as it reached for the barreling wolf. Kaoru stood firm, blinded by her faith in the speeding icon from her savior's hand. Her eyes reflected the moonlight. Kenshin could only stare in mounting horror at those orbs, and just as Saitou's arm lunged forward his senses flooded with the scent of white plums.
Though Kenshin had not had the time, another had. Even when Saitou had still been a dozen steps away Akira had fastened his hands around the sleeve of her sleeping kimono, and as the man hell-bent for blood approached within striking distance he pulled with all his might. Kaoru gasped, feeling the rush of heated air that passed by her face as the blade of Saitou's sword barely missed her flesh. The hilt of the weapon, however, was several inches thicker, and the metal struck a glancing blow to the side of her head as she was dragged to the dusty earth. She didn't have time to cry. Her skull felt as if it had been cracked open—she imagined that it had been, as the sensation of blood flowing accompanied the hit—as she dropped heavily to the ground next to Akira and Mari.
An instant after Kaoru fell, Kenshin's sword handle slammed into the base of Saitou's own skull, sending him reeling. At such an incredible pace he could not manage so stay upright; he also tumbled into the dirt, lifting a cloud in his wake.
"Ka…" Kenshin's lips trembled as he tried to speak her name. From his far off vantage point he could not be sure of what had happened. He'd heard the impact above his frantic pulse, and he'd seen her fall. Trying to control his shock and fear he ran, skidding to a halt beside Akira and the two women in his care. "Kaoru-dono…" he said tremulously, afraid to touch her least he find her skin cold, "…is she…?"
"No, just dazed," Akira replied just as weakly. He was even paler than Kenshin. "But… she's bleeding, and…"
Kenshin checked the wound, and was flooded with relief to see that it was only a scrape from the metal: shallow and not serious. Even as he showed Akira how to hold his sleeve over the injury she moaned and began to stir. "Hold still," Kenshin instructed softly. "You are all right."
"Ken…" She smiled faintly, allowing herself to relax as he'd said. "Are you…okay?"
"Battousai."
Kenshin lifted his head. Saitou was on his feet now, standing rigidly several feet away. "I am fine," Kenshin said, squeezing her hand briefly before climbing slowly to his feet. "I will take care of this." He held his hand out to the side, and Akira quickly snatched his sword off the ground and gave it to him.
"You intend to defend those three?" Saitou hissed. By now Haya had moved up behind Kenshin, still gripping his arm. He crouched beside his sister.
"I do," Kenshin replied, sheathing his sword and taking up a battoujutsu stance. There he paused to view the man he would have to fight. What he saw caused him to hesitate even more. Saitou's eyes were cold and angry, but behind them there lay a deep, emotionless voice. The hatred on his face was nothing more than a mask. Everything about the man screamed clues to the younger swordsman: his voice, filled with tremulous rage; his movements, thrown off in their usual precision that indicated a lack of interest in defending himself; but most of all, his spirit. As a fighter Kenshin was well-accustomed to detecting the faintest whispers indicating a man's presence, or even using his own spirit to intimidate and confuse enemies, but this was another matter. Saitou's characteristically unreadable aura was now completely entangled, blazing and tearing itself and his concentration until there was no way to interpret his intentions.
"Saitou," the red-head said carefully, "this is unnecessary, and you know that." He hoped to convince him to back down, as he himself didn't want to fight. After everything they'd done as partners he was loath to find the man again on the opposite side of his blade. More than that, if Saitou chose to fight him, there would no way for Kenshin to win. "I understand your anger and I share your sorrow, but this—"
Without word or warning the wolf attacked, and Kenshin wasn't fast enough to dodge. Even as he batted the sword aside he was caught by a kick to his gut and sent sprawling. He regained his balance quickly and moved out of range. "Don't talk," Saitou hissed, preparing for another attack. "We finish our dual now, Battousai. Life goes only to the victor. Prepare yourself." He charged.
The pair exchanged blows, and already Kenshin knew he was at a disadvantage. He didn't want to fight—this man was not his enemy. "Saitou, stop this," he pleaded across their crossed blades. "This will not help."
Saitou broke free, and in a fury of blade and fists his opponent was felled once more. "Hold back," he said darkly, "and I'll kill you."
"Saitou…I know these feelings. But you—"
"Shut up." He moved to kick him again, but Kenshin was just fast enough to avoid being hit. "Your empty sentimentality won't work with me. I want to finish this, and I will, one way or the other."
This is just like Aoshi Kenshin thought. But Saitou is not nearly as reasonable. Aoshi had time to reconcile with his losses, but these wounds are fresh, and our vendetta is personal. I cannot convince him to back down.
So…
"Alright, Saitou." Kenshin again prepared for battoujutsu. "I will fight you."
"Kenshin…" Kaoru sat up despite Akira's warnings, holding her head as it throbbed. Saitou's move into gatotsu made the pain worse. "Kenshin, don't—"
"Let him," Haya said gruffly. "You didn't see the people that bastard butchered—better him than you or us."
The fight began again. Kenshin tried to stay focused, but the chaos of his opponent's spirit was beginning to affect him. I know these feelings. I know that pain. He tried to ignore it, but the raw emotions were overpowering. He ducked under another gatotsu and was hit by Saitou's knee. Through shear strength the wolf beat his victim down, driving his fist into the man's skull and his boot into his back. Kenshin yelped as the heavy sole ripped the tender flesh along his spine. He scrambled for retreat again.
"This is ridiculous," Saitou growled. "You can't win this way."
"Maybe." Kenshin adjusted his grip on his sword, and for a moment his eyes sought Kaoru's. She was watching him fearfully, scrutinizing his every action for the presence of something that wasn't him. He wished there was some way to reassure him. "But this is not the end of our dual. I want to finish it was much as you, but not this way. When we settle things it will be one mutual terms, without my having to protect someone."
"No excuses."
"Himura-san!" A boy came scrambling through the hole Saitou had created earlier in the wall: Eiji, and following closely was Sanosuke with the unconscious Tsuyoshi draped over his back. A moment later Megumi was there also with her medicine case. "Himura-san, are you all right?"
"Eiji-dono…" Kenshin sighed with relief. Thank god those two are alive. Now maybe Saitou will—
Saitou charged once more, and this time his blade ripped a gash along Kenshin's side as he attempted to dodge. "I said no excuses," the former Miburo snarled.
"You dumb bastard!" Sanosuke shouted. "Can't you see your son's here? He's alive, you ass, so leave Kenshin outta this!"
Saitou's eyes flickered briefly, catching sight of the face of his son that rested on Sanosuke's shoulder. Then he ignored him—now that he knew Tsuyoshi was safe, his world narrowed to only himself and his enemy, and no amount of shouting or pleading would stop him. "Fight," he commanded. "Fight as your true self or die not as a dog."
"If you win that way," Kenshin replied weakly, "can you tell yourself it was victory?"
This caused the wolf to pause, and everyone held their breath as they awaited his reaction to the words. Kaoru bit her lip and prayed. But the spell quickly passed, and Saitou had made his decision. "Very well," he said in a low tone. "I'll force you, then."
"Saitou, this—"
Their swords clashed, and Kenshin strained to keep them that way a moment more. "Saitou, killing me will not bring her back," he told him. "Please, she would not want you to take these lives."
"Fool. Why are you defending them?" Saitou's expression contorted in wrath. "They're the ones that took her from me!"
"What?"
Haya sprung from where he'd been crouched, throwing his weight into the policeman. He brought his heel down heavily on the man's injure leg, forcing him to his knees. Then he leapt back again, standing at Kenshin's side as if to fight with him. Kenshin could only stare.
Kaoru clutched her white sleeping kimono. "Akira-san," she whispered in disbelief. "Is that true? Did you…?"
Akira wanted to explain, but in truth he knew he'd been wrong to bring his friends here. He stuttered on the words and finally blurted out, "I'm sorry, Kaoru-sensei. It's true—we were tricked by the Night Wolves and Kagewara."
"You…bastards…" Yahiko finally sat up, helped by Eiji. He scrubbed blood from his chin. "You…killed someone, and now you want Kenshin's help? He doesn't defend murderers!"
"I know." Akira lowered his head, gazing down at Mari who was still unconscious. "I'm sorry. But…I didn't want them to die." He felt tears marring his skin. "Please, don't let Mari-san and Hayato die."
Kaoru looked to Kenshin. Her own heart felt crushed and betrayed by this now development—her own student, whom she had so hoped to train and teach… She didn't want to see him or his friends killed, but what if Saitou was right? "Kenshin…"
Kenshin's head was down, his rusty orange bangs falling over his face to hide any indication as to his thoughts. The silence penetrated and trapped the group, binding them in its tension. Sanosuke, Megumi, and Eiji approached slowly with Yahiko and Tsuyoshi receiving help. Akira hid his face in shame, and Haya stepped back, waiting. Saitou remained on his knees, breathing hard as the pain began to creep up on him again. His was anxious to return to the fight—it was the only thing that took him from the memories of his wife's cold skin and closed eyes.
"You killed Tokio-dono," Kenshin murmured, stirring the silence. Kaoru and Yahiko started, as they had yet to understand the cause of all this. "You attacked her and her children, killed her and escaped to come here for my help."
Akira wound his fingers tight around the fabric of his pants. "I…"
"Kaoru-dono and Yahiko could have been killed. You knew that when you came. But you put them in danger anyway. You ask me to defend the killer of women and children."
Saitou watched him expectantly. "Battousai."
"I do not deny their guilt," he continued, "but I will defend them." He finally raised his head, and his eyes, pained but determined, locked on those of the man who would be his enemy. "I sword that I would take no life, directly or indirectly, and so I cannot allow you to harm them. More than that, Akira-dono saved Kaoru-dono's life. Later I will give them to the police, but their lives are not yours to take. If you must take vengeance…" He sheathed his sword and replaced it in his belt. "…take it on me."
Akira stared at him, stunned. "Himura-san…?"
Kaoru started to speak, but she was too late. The battle began anew, and she could only watch in horror as Kenshin allowed each blow to hit its mark. Saitou didn't bother to use his sword—killing the stupid wanderer would not halt his quest for Battousai's defeat. Instead he pummeled the man with his fists and feet, receiving no opposition.
"I don't believe this," Sanosuke cursed, his fists aching to be used though he knew better. His right hand was still healing, and he knew what could happen if he tried to get in the middle of this. "He can't just take it…"
"Himura…san…" Akira cringed with each impact, and finally he turned his head away so he wouldn't have to watch. He should have said or done something, but his heart was shaking and he didn't want to leave Mari.
"Akira?" Mari's eyes fluttered open, and she groaned and held her head. "What…"
"Hush," he told her, tears of relief spilling from his eyes. "Just stay still."
Kenshin fell on his stomach, trapped beneath Saitou's boot. He gasped for breath, then paused to cough blood from his mouth. The pain was intense, and he wondered if he would faint. No. Not now. He was able to see Akira and Mari, the latter finally awake, and he locked his jaw in determination. I will not fight for them, but I cannot allow them to die. I know Saitou's pain—no voice can reach him. If I could only wait until his son awakens, perhaps…
The weight pulled off his back, and Kenshin braced himself for another blow, but a shuffle of movement caught his attention first. "That's enough!" a woman's voice shouted, very close to him. "Saitou-san, please!"
Kenshin raised his head, dazed from the pounding in his brain. He turned to see what had happened. A woman clothed in white was kneeling behind him, arms spread in a gesture of protection. Her long black hair cascaded over her shoulders and back, free from tie or binding, like waves of ebony snow. Beyond that he saw his torturer, and the dull reflection of moonlight off a blade. All at once his mind was thrown into a desperate, panicked frenzy. With a cry that might have been a sob he reached out, snatching the arm of the woman. He knew this. Hundreds of times in his dreams he'd reached out this same way to save the illusions, and always redemption eluded him. But now he would not lose—he refused to lose—and with all the strength and speed left hidden in his limbs he pulled her down and clutched her against his chest like a precious doll. He turned his back to Saitou, prepared for any reparations, even death, that would accompany this act. Gasping and trembling from the horror or those past moments, he held her close, fingers digging into her shoulder, face hidden in her soft hair. May fate bring its worst his heart whispered, for I'll* take it all.
"Ken…" Kaoru found her voice inactive, trapped within his arms. Stunned and uncomprehending she stayed still, barely able to breathe.
Saitou stared, and slowly his lip curled in a scowl. He lowered his sword. Staring down at the huddled pair, he knew he'd been cheated. Fate had been cruel to him. This man had done everything to protect the dojo girl, and she lived. Several times he'd failed, not present when she most needed him, and still she survived: with Jin'eh, and when Saitou first came to the dojo, and with the Ten Swords. Even moments ago, after having risked and lost so much, had it not been for Akira her life would be nothing more than a pool in the dirt. It wasn't fair that she should live, and his wife, no less precious or pure, be taken. Battousai was a fool who refused to pay for his crimes. He refused to be punished.
But now…
The wolf's mind was nothing more than blind rage now. He would end it here by his own hand, and prove himself the better of the two. What had happened before and what would come no longer mattered, so long as victory was declared.
"Get up."