Author: Arashi (Arashi@kenkaya.com)
Website: www.kenkaya.com
Beta Reader: Karina Kineshi (thank you so much for your time and super helpful suggestions!!)
Disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin nor am I making any money off this story!
-----------------------
"That's probably the hardest thing I've ever done in my life" Sano muttered to himself as he kicked a stray rock down a dusty street. Pulling himself away from Megumi and the rest of his friends was more painful than any farewell he'd ever been a part of.
Even though I'm only going to be gone for a little while I don't think it's ever been that hard to say goodbye to anyone It wasn't like that when I ran away from home or when I left for Kyoto to track down Kenshin Hell, even when I left Japan I didn't feel like this. For the first time in my life, I really feel like I belong somewhere and there's people who really care about me
Remembering that it was foolish to get sentimental before a fight, Sano slapped both his hands against his face.
Snap out of it Sagara Sanosuke, you're getting soft.
Sanosuke did not get lost on his way to Mr. Tani's mansion. Tokio had given him very detailed directions and descriptions of the man's manor. A stonewall surrounded the perimeter of the vast plot of land the building was located on. The entrance was a large iron barred gate and through the spaces between the bars, Sanosuke could see the long stone path leading to the main house. Marble statues lines the path and halfway to the house a large fountain shot a spray of water a good ten feet up into the air. Casually leaning against the iron gate, Sanosuke admired the scene before him. The building was a new Tudor style mansion that the Japanese had become fond of recently. It reminded Sano of many such buildings he'd seen in his travels through Europe and America. Whistling quietly to himself, Sano realized that he'd never even be able to afford the intricate gate he was leaning against.
As if that realization made up his mind, Sano pulled back his fist to destroy the obstacle. He stopped before swinging, remembering certain items in his pocket that would provide for an even flashier entrance. Grinning his patented Zanza smile, Sano pulled out the three pineapple bombs and walked away from the gate.
An explosion ripped through the peaceful night air, causing men inside the building to scramble. Sano stepped through the smoke and rubble to see twenty men charging down the stone pathway. Some carried clubs and the others had katanas but Sano didn't care either way. Tucking the two remaining explosives back into his pocket, Sano stabbed his left hand into the ground and sent a controlled blast of Futae no Kiwami racing towards the men. He watched in satisfaction as about half of them were unable to avoid the blast. Those unlucky men were knocked off their feet and into the air. The others stopped dead in their tracks, confused by the fate that had befallen their companions. Some of the men on their feet were clueless, but a few of them realized that the blast had been Sano's doing. As Sano casually approached them, three of the men broke from the group and started running back toward the mansion calling for backup.
Sano switched from a menacing walk to a dead run so quickly that his remaining opponents didn't have time to react. He was on them instantly and with one well-placed kick or punch, each of the men collapsed to the ground. Not even waiting for his last opponent to drop, Sano raced toward the three cowards. He was moving too fast for them to avoid and soon all three of them were sprawled out along the pathway, unconscious.
Pausing as he reached the huge front doors, Sano reached inside his pocket.
Don't want to carry these things longer than necessary.
A brief mental image of what would happen to him if the pineapple bombs exploded in his pockets popped into his mind. Cringing, he chucked one to his right and one to his left. He made sure that none of the men would be injured, but two particularly nice statues set away from the pathway exploded into tiny bits.
Lackeys defeated, property damaged, flashy entrance completed
Sano mentally checked off his progress.
Now it's time to pay my old buddy Mr. Tani a visit!
Not bothering to consider the beauty of the intricate, imported, and expensive doors, Sano pulled back his left fist. The force of his Futae no Kiwami sent little wood splinters spraying into the main entryway of Mr. Tani's mansion. Four men standing on either side of the door cried out in surprise as pieces of shrapnel got into their eyes.
"It's not nice to try and ambush people." Hands in his pockets, Sano regarded the four men casually.
"You crazy bastard!" The first man to clear his sight drew his katana and rushed at Sano with a ferocious battle cry. Sidestepping easily, Sano used the force of the man's charge and his elbow to send the man flying out of the mansion.
Casually placing his hand back in his pocket, Sano gave the remaining three men a malicious grin. "Who's next?"
"I don't know who you are or what you want, but we're stopping you here!" As one, the three men drew their katanas and held them threateningly.
Sano stifled a yawn with the back of his hand. "Yes yes just attack me already, this is getting boring."
Incensed by Sano's flippant attitude, the three men charged him at the same time. One particularly impressive roundhouse kick finished the three ignorant swordsmen who were grouped too tightly together. A slight cut in the fabric of Sano's pants was all the reward their efforts produced.
"Chikusho, my pants" Inspecting the hole, Sano felt his jaw tighten in anger.
Megumi made me these pants, dammit! All these little yakuza bastards are going to pay!
Hearing the sound of panicked voices, Sano glanced up to a balcony overlooking the entryway. A large double staircase led to the overhanging balcony and the second floor. Quickly decided his remaining opponents were on the second floor, Sano charged up the stairs in three giant leaps roaring like a crazed animal.
When he reached the top, he found another four men huddling in front of a set of double doors at the end of one long hallway. It was obvious the men were supposed to keep him out of that particular room, but even more apparent were the looks of absolute fear on their faces.
Eyes flashing savagely, Sanosuke held up his left hand with his fingers spread. One at a time, he brought his fingers down to form a fist, cracking each of his knuckles loudly in the process. A few shocked intakes of breath indicated to Sano that the men appreciated his little talent.
Only the knuckles of a hardened street fighter crack like this
With his cold Zanza smile, Sano walked slowing down the hallway. The men inched further and further back until they were each pressed against the door. There was nowhere for them to run.
"How did he get all the way up here?" One of the frantic men turned to his companions.
"Who is this freak?"
"Red headband, white gi, scary as hell"
"Holy shit! It's Zanza!" As one of the men made the exclamation, the other three jumped in surprise.
"No freakin' way! Zanza fled Japan five years ago! It can't be him!" Lost in conversation, the cornered men didn't notice that Sano was standing right next to them.
"Hi guys." Sano waved his hand in front of the nearest bodyguard's face. The four men yelled when he startled them and then they fought amongst themselves to be the farthest away from Sano. Offered like a sacrifice, one unlucky man found himself in front of his 'friends'.
"Zanza, please don't hurt me!" He dropped his sword and pressed his hands together in front of his face. "I'm your biggest fan!"
"That's nice." As Sano held up his left hand, all four of the men winced in anticipation. "You guys are really pathetic." Instead of gracing them with one of his tree shattering punches, Sano curled his middle finger down against his thumb and extended his other fingers. The men blinked in astonishment as they tried to figure out what Sano doing. Holding his hand a mere centimeter in front of the first man's forehead, Sano used his patented "finger flick of doom". The force of his 'blow' caused the men to slam into each other like dominoes. Their bodies cracked against the wall causing a body-sized dent to appear. As they slumped to the ground unconscious, Sano turned his attention to the double doors.
Without fanfare, Sano kicked open the doors, cracking the hinges in the process. The relative darkness of the room gave Sano a disadvantage but he walked straight into the room anyway. Sensing the movement without actually seeing it, Sano stepped back as two men standing on either side of the door lashed out with daggers. Their blows passed right where his neck was half a second earlier. When their swings were complete, Sano reached out into the darkness and found the back of both their heads. Catching hold of their hair, Sano rammed their faces together with a sickening crack. Forced brutally into unconsciousness, Sano felt the two bodies go limp. Instead of dropping them to the ground, Sano steadied his grip on their heads and tossed them into opposite walls as if they weighed no more than a child's doll.
Eyes still not fully unadjusted to the dark, Sano had to rely on his hearing as he peered deeper into the room waiting for his next attacker. The sound of a revolver being cocked hit his ears and caused an instantaneous reaction. Sano only had one method to deflect bullets.
Roaring as he slammed his left fist into the ground, Sanosuke didn't bother to consider the implications of using the Futae no Kiwami on the second floor of a building. Someone fired the gun at the same moment, and the bullet whizzed above his head, deflected by the debris or simply off target since Sano had dropped to his knee. Getting to his feet, Sano felt the floor giving way. He didn't even have time to form a complete thought before the floor gave a horrendous crack and sent him and everyone else in the room crashing down into the unknown.
That was rather stupid of me.
With a wry grin, Sano attempted to push himself to his feet. His right hand wouldn't hold the weight he placed on it, and using the soft illumination of the room, he could see a light red stain seeping through the bandages on the back of his hand.
Chikusho, I must have landed on my hand. Megumi's gonna be mad at me for messing up her fine work again.
A slow smile spread across his face.
Yes, I can see it now she'll scold me for being an idiot, grab my hand and complain the entire time she's fixing it up how many times have I busted up my hand just to have an excuse to be with her? Except now I can do something beside sit there like an idiot
With a contented sigh, Sanosuke brought his focus back to the task at hand. Using his other hand for support, he pushed a few broken floorboards off his back and got to his feet. Glancing quickly around the room, he made out the shapes of five other people who were all partially covered by debris. Mr. Tani didn't seem to be one of them.
Approaching the nearest figure, Sano picked up a broken couch to inspect the fallen man.
This isn't Mr. Tani
Sighing, Sano dropped the couch back on the man who grunted in pain. Walking to a pair of legs sticking out from under a piece of the broken floor, Sano lifted the debris and found himself staring down the barrel of a gun.
A lightning fast kick sent the handgun spinning out of the bodyguard's grasp and before the man could get to his feet, Sano slammed the debris back down.
That's not Mr. Tani either damn, where is that fat pig?
A familiar moan of pain jerked Sano's head around like a bloodhound that had just caught a scent. Stalking toward a toppled desk, he noticed a pair of fat legs sticking out from underneath it.
There he is!
With a mighty heave, Sanosuke tossed the desk off the fallen Meiji politician. Tani's face was contorted in pain and for a moment Sanosuke thought the man was going to thank him for removing the heavy object. Instead, he started squealing like the pig he appeared to be.
Placing a foot on the man's ample stomach, Sano grinned evilly. "Remember me?" The incoherent squealing was answer enough.
"Somebody help me!" After a few moments of uncontrolled animalistic terror, the Meiji politician remembered how to speak. In response, Sanosuke applied more pressure with his foot and watched in satisfaction, as the man's eyes seemed to bulge out of their sockets. Nobody made any move to help. "Someone get up and save me! I'll give you twice your wages!"
Still trying to bribe people to their deaths with money this man will never change. It's just like the time when Kenshin and I were protecting him from that psycho killer Jin'e And then back in my hometown this bastard hired out all sorts of scumbags to take control of the people Damn, I almost forgot how much I hate men like himMen who use their power for corrupt purposes like the whole damn Meiji government
Sano watched in disgust as a large trickle of sweat traced down Mr. Tani's round cheeks. The top of his balding head glistened in the soft illumination and Sano could faintly make out the smell of perspiration. Everything about the man screamed of his fear and for a moment, the ex-gangster thought back to the first time he'd beaten Tani to a pulp. A feral grin spread itself across his features and the gleam in his eye did not go unnoticed by the politician.
Sharing the same flashback, Tani started blubbering. "What do you want Zanza? Is it money?? I'll pay you whatever you want, just please spare me!"
His comment pushed Sano over the edge. "I don't want your money fat man! You and all the other fat Meiji politicians can rot in hell with your damn money!"
"Then what do you want?? I can get you anything, just please leave me alone!"
"I don't want anything from you!" Sano howled. "You're the one who forced me to leave Japan, but now I'm back. I just thought I would stop in and say 'hi'." Tears started coursing down the politician's face and Sano decided he'd tormented the man enough.
Last thing I wanna do is watch some grown man cry and piss his pants
Reaching down, he pulled the man's upper body partially off the ground with his left hand. With his right, he landed a vicious punch across the fat man's face. Blood erupted from Mr. Tani's nose and his eyes rolled back in their sockets. As he dropped the unconscious politician back to the ground, the ex-gangster rubbed his aching right hand.
Somehow I always forget not to use my hand when it's injured.
Smiling as he stared down at the unconscious man, Sanosuke decided the punch was worth every twinge of pain.
G'night Mr. Tani Your days as a Meiji Politician are over Hope Chou and Tokio have a nice comfy prison cell picked out for ya
The cops were right on time. The minute Sanosuke stepped out of the mansion he heard their whistles and yelled orders.
I'll have to thank Tokio and Chou for working out the details so nicely. I don't even have to be bored between my fights.
"Don't move!" One of the officers yelled as he spotted Sano standing casually in the entryway. In an instant Sano's casual look turned ferocious.
"If you boot lickers are going to protect crooked Meiji politicians, I'm afraid you'll have to answer to me! Kenkaya Zanza!"
Kenshin winced as Sano drove his fist into one of the police officer's faces. "Should I go now?"
Chou shook his head and Kenshin noted with dismay, the grin of enjoyment on the blonde agent's face. "No give him another minute or two."
Sighing, Kenshin turned his attention back to the ex-gangster as Sano dropped opponent after opponent. The police were in a frenzy and orders were shouted back and forth as a few men broke off to get backup. From their hiding place on top of the wall, Kenshin could see that some part of Sano was enjoying demolishing the cops.
"I'm going." The former rurouni jumped off the wall and soared off into the courtyard before Chou could protest. Turning back toward the street, Chou gave a signal and the other 'players' in the game starting moving into their positions.
Kenshin walked through a row of six policemen who were preparing to attack Sano with a combined front. A total of twenty police had been dispatched to check on the disturbance and all but those six had either fled or fallen.
"Wait! What do you think you're doing!?" One of the officers hollered at him as he approached Sanosuke.
"That man is dangerous!"
"Who do you think you are boy?" Stopping in his tracks, the former Hitokiri turned slowly and regarded the officers with his unassuming rurouni smile.
Imagine, being mistaken for a boy at MY age.
Kenshin would have laughed, but the situation wouldn't allow it.
"I'll take care of him, that I will." The men seemed taken aback by his appearance and Kenshin figured it was his cross-shaped scar they were noticing. Though the years had faded the mark, a small cross was still visible on his left cheek.
A clear commanding voice rang out in the night air. "Leave him alone men! That's Himura the Battousai you're dealing with!" Chief Uramura stepped through the rubble of the main gate with Aoshi and Yahiko flanking him on both sides. The two were almost unrecognizable in their police officer uniforms and hats.
"This man is the Battousai!?"
Kenshin watched impassively as the six officers reacted to news of his identity. It was something he'd gotten used to after a few years the wide eyes, the slack jaws, the dumbfounded expressions
The Chief drops my old name every chance he getsHe must enjoy watching his men react.
"I I thought the Battousai was dead!" One of the officers stammered.
"Yeah, he died five years ago! I heard that from my cousin!"
Kenshin shook his head and sighed. "No I'm not dead."
"Yet."
Sanosuke's cold comment elicited the reaction he'd hoped to get. Everyone turned their attention back to him. "What do you think you're doing here Kenshin?" Sano narrowed his eyes.
Taking a deep breath, the former rurouni prepared himself for the battle to come. "I'm here to stop you Sanosuke. I cannot allow you to continue your senseless rampage."
"Senseless rampage?" The ex-gangster growled. "You're just as ignorant as ever. How can you believe the lies the Meiji government feeds you?"
"I just want peace Sanosuke. We all do"
"But at what cost? You more than anyone should know how crooked the government is! I'm going to make them pay for their crimes, so why are you trying to stop me?" Sanosuke clenched his fists in frustration.
He's really getting into this
Glancing back at the police officers, Kenshin noted that the men seemed to be soaking up their conversation.
Well-done Sano. News of this conversation will spread and reinforce your story.
"You're hurting innocent people I won't stand for your tactics. There are other ways to deal with the problem. Let's just be reasonable and talk things over."
"NO TALKING!" Sano fueled his fury with buried emotions, pulling on tragedies from his past to make his words believable for their audience. "It's time for action! If you're going to stand up for the Meiji bastards than there's only one thing left for the two of us to do!" He raised one of his clenched fists, hinting at their only remaining course of action.
Kenshin motioned the police to step back and then he placed his right hand on the handle of his sakabatou. "If this is how it must end, then so be it. I will not allow you to hurt anyone else."
Yahiko felt his jaw drop as Sanosuke charged Kenshin with a spine-chilling roar. If the young swordsman didn't know any better, he would have honestly thought that Sanosuke was angry with Kenshin. Kenshin dodged Sano's first pass but he kept his hand on the handle of his sakabatou without drawing. Each time the ex-gangster advanced, attempting to kick or punch the former rurouni, Kenshin jumped back out of his range.
"What's wrong Kenshin? Are you afraid?" Sanosuke sneered as he finally noticed the red-haired man's hesitancy.
Smiling to himself, Kenshin recalled their second battle five years earlier. "No Sanosuke I'm just gauging my opponent." The irony of the situation did not detract from the truth of the statement. Kenshin watched intently as Sano attempted to hit him with a variety of street fighter style punches and kicks.
His speed has increased, but these tactics will never work against me. It doesn't seem like he's trying to use the Futae no Kiwami so maybe this is just a show after all?
Kenshin breathed a mental sigh of relief. Not that it would have mattered even if Sano were trying to hit him with the devastating double punch. Though the ex-gangster was faster, he still wasn't fast enough to land a blow on the man formerly known as the Hitokiri Battousai.
"Draw your sword Kenshin!" The ex-gangster's rage and the former rurouni's calm contrasted each other like day and night.
I'll give him what he wants
Again, Sano punched, attempting to land a blow to Kenshin's face. Instead of jumping back out of Sano's range, Kenshin slid a few inches to one side in a fraction of a heartbeat. The move was fast, possibly the fastest move Sano had ever witnessed firsthand from the former rurouni. It seemed as though an afterimage of Kenshin was still standing in his former position, regarding him with the same calculating gaze. Meanwhile, the real Kenshin stood only a few inches out of the path of Sano's fist, red hair dancing in the wake of his movement.
Excited by the speed, Sano decided to try and match Kenshin's move.
Kenshin thinks he's read me perfectly It's time to show him how wrong he is!
Kenshin's sakabatou was freed from its sheath with a click and the former rurouni prepared to attack the ex-gangster.
The momentum from that last punch has him off balanced. I'll wait until he's followed through completely and then hit him, adding his force to mine for a greater effect.
His sword never got the chance to connect. Pulling against the natural laws of inertia and momentum, Sanosuke stopped his punch in mid swing and reversed its direction. Tightening his arm, the ex-gangster pulled his elbow back and landed a powerful blow to the rurouni's face.
Blood splattered from his mouth as Kenshin felt the inside of his cheek smash against his teeth. He spun once with the momentum and then staggered back a few steps, somehow managing to stay on his feet.
Holy shit! I hit him! That's the first time I've actually connected with him in a real fight!
It took Sano every ounce of restraint in his body to keep himself from shouting out his excitement. Kenshin was stunned, but the strength of his ken ki told Sano he was not defeated.
Not that my elbow wouldn't have destroyed a NORMAL man! Kenshin took it and managed to stay on his feet!
Sano felt himself grinning, and didn't bother to hide it since it fit perfectly with his Zanza identity. Of course, Sano and Zanza were smiling for two separate reasons.
I don't care what the Fox said about him, Kenshin's still got his inhuman strength and stamina!
The red-haired man absently raised his hand to his bruised cheek and then turned his violet gaze to meet the smiling ex-gangster.
"Sanosuke"
And then a strange thing happened. Kenshin's powerful ken ki vanished and the former rurouni's knees buckled. Part of Sano wanted to stop him from falling, the rest of Sano was too stunned to move.
What happened?
The tip of the sakabatou sunk into the earth as Kenshin collapsed to one knee, breathing heavily.
What have I done??
Drops of blood from Kenshin's mouth splattered against his white hakama.
This isn't supposed to be happening
Sanosuke's mind whirled.
My blow didn't hurt him! He was fine a second ago!! Kenshin's invincible!
"Idiot! He most certainly is not!" Megumi's condescending comment from five years earlier floated into the ex-gangster's mind. Sanosuke felt terror rising up the back of his throat like bile. He took a step backwards and turned, facing the row of police, Chief Uramura, Yahiko, and Aoshi.
A string of harsh curses ran through Sanosuke's mind as he realized that he'd screwed everything up. Every gaze he met held a look of shockespecially the expression on Yahiko's face.
Kenshin's supposed to beat me! How many times did they tell me that? How was I supposed to know that he'd drop after one hit?? And now what the hell am I supposed to do??
The answer was obvious. For the sake of the mission, he needed to finish his opponent. Sano's mouth had gone dry and he felt his tongue slowly adding moisture to his lips. Curling his lower lip under, Sanosuke bit down on its edge feeling a twinge of pain as a warm metallic liquid trickled into his mouth.
Chikusho get up Kenshin
Sanosuke could tell that Kenshin wouldn't be getting up any time soon. The former Hitokiri Battousai was using all his strength to keep himself from collapsing to the ground. Both hands clutched the handle of the sakabatou and the sword shook in his unsteady grasp.
Dammit Kenshin Get up
Glancing down in surprise, Sanosuke found that one of his feet had placed itself in front of the other. His body seemed to be moving under it's own accord toward the fallen man.
Kenshin No
Shock mixed with denial and Yahiko wanted to reject the scene in front of his face. Sanosuke marched slowly toward the fallen man as Kenshin tried then failed to regain his footing. Red hair tossed gently from side to side as the former rurouni attempted to clear his mind by shaking his head. The motion caused droplets of blood to scatter and Yahiko watched each one collide against his white pants.
One hit He was defeated in one hit
The young swordsman wanted to run to his side, ask him if he was all right, and help him to his feet. Another part of Yahiko wanted to rush in, draw his sakabatou, and protect Kenshin from his opponent.
But his opponent is Sanosuke
Pulling his gaze from Kenshin, Yahiko focused on the ex-gangster. Shadows hid Sanosuke's eyes from sight, but the firm set to his lips and his tense body language did not bode well for the red-haired man. His clenched fists said the rest.
Chikusho Sanosuke is going to keep fighting
Yahiko didn't know what to think, but his body screamed at him to act. The sheath of Kenshin's old sakabatou was reassuring in his grip as he clicked the weapon free. Before he could draw, Yahiko felt a strong hand on his shoulder. The young swordsman turned and found the former okashira of the Oniwabanshu.
Aoshi's quiet strength and calm were the only things that kept Yahiko from charging into the fray. "This isn't your fight" Yahiko heard Aoshi's words and knew they were true.
Damn it all! For the sake of Kenshin's honorI can't interfere Get up Kenshin Please
There was nothing Yahiko could do except watch from the sidelines as the battle unfolded. Aoshi removed his comforting hand from the young swordsman's shoulders and turned his attention back to the two combatants. "Have faith in him"
Aoshi's words were soft but they hit Yahiko like a bomb dropped from Henya of the Juppon Gatana.
Have faith in him? Kuso I'm standing here doubting Kenshin and it's Aoshi who has to reassure me? Has my opinion of Kenshin changed so much in these last five years that I honestly think he can't handle himself in a fight?
Yahiko turned all his attention back to the fallen man. Using the powers of perception he'd learned from Kenshin, the young swordsman searched the former rurouni's body and spirit for the Battousai's legendary strength.
Kenshin's the man I've always looked up to I've always wanted to be strong like him, so I could protect people who need protecting. And I used to have absolute faith in him Kami-sama five years ago I stood my ground as the giant Fuji brought his sword crashing down Why did I do that? Because I knew that Kenshin would protect me I knew that somehow he'd find a way to save us all.
"You're not this weak Battousai"
Broken from his internal monologue by Sanosuke's harsh comment, Yahiko couldn't help but wince at the tone and the message. But below the surface of Sano's words, the young swordsman thought he heard a note of pleading.
It's strange hearing Sano call Kenshin the BattousaiBut I know he doesn't like this situation any more than we do. They're friends, they're not going to kill each other But if Kenshin doesn't do something, Sano's going to have to keep playing his role of Kenkaya Zanza until we're forced to stop him
Sanosuke was on top of Kenshin now. The questions running through Yahiko's mind were about to be answered.
What will Sano do?
"We must stop him!" One of the police turned to his companions. The six men seemed to be in agreement and brandishing their clubs, they cautiously approached the ex-gangster.
"Stop you fools!" Chief Uramura reminded the men that he was in charge. "If Himura the Battousai can't defeat him, nothing you do will make a difference." The men lowered their weapons, despair written on their faces. "Have faith!"
Have faith
Yahiko felt it now. In the back of his mind he knew that things would work out.
They have to They always do when Kenshin's around
Kenshin felt the ex-gangster's powerful battle spirit and knew that he was standing over him, stalling for time. Kenshin squeezed his eyes shut, fighting against the dizziness that threatened to overpower him.
That was a powerful blow he dealt me but I know he didn't intend to finish me with that one attack. I put so much effort into a quick move out of the path of his punch that I'm afraid the strain on my body distracted my ability to read my opponent That and I truly didn't expect Sano to try so hard to hit me, that I did not I underestimated him, and now we're both in trouble
Kenshin forced his eyes open and found himself staring at the familiar black shoes and bandaged feet of his old friend.
I must not allow myself to dismiss this fight anymore Sano is my friend, but right now the two of us have an audience of men and a formal police record to worry about. If things don't work out tonight, then the rest of Saitoh's mission will fail.
"Get up, Battousai" Sanosuke used the cold speech of his Zanza identity.
And if Saitoh's mission fails, who knows what fate may befall the people of Japan
"You're not this weak."
His voice sounds cold, but deep down inside, Sanosuke's begging me to fight back He's doing everything he can to stall, but if he takes much longer, people may get suspicious.
"Perhaps you need a little help to get to your feet?"
Kenshin felt Sanosuke's calloused fingers slide through his hair. In an instant, he tightened his grip, causing each strand of hair to pull painfully against Kenshin's scalp. With brute strength, the ex-gangster pulled the former rurouni to his feet.
For the sake of Japan I must defeat him
Sanosuke quietly hoped that Kenshin understood.
Grabbing a guy by his hair and hauling him to his feet isn't a very nice thing to dobut it is a Zanza thing to do and right now I must keep up appearances. Dammit Kenshin, get up fight back knock me down so we can put an end to this insanity.
As if Kenshin could hear his unspoken urgings, their eyes met and the red haired man nodded imperceptibly even though the movement had to cause him pain.
"For the sake of Japan" Kenshin's words were a mere whisper. "I'm sorry Sano"
Kenshin closed his eyes and for a brief moment, Sanosuke wondered if he was surrendering.
I'm gonna have to hit him our audience won't keep buying this if I don't do something Hurry up Kenshin hurry up and fight back
Sano slowly pulled back his right fist, noting the bright splotches of blood on his bandages as he did.
But at least hitting you is gonna hurt both of us Kenshin I'm sorry. I promise I won't hit you hard
Kenshin's violet eyes snapped open before Sanosuke could swing. The ex-gangster could immediately tell that something was different. Even the air seemed to be dancing with excitement and anticipation as Sanosuke tried to figure out what had changed.
It's Kenshin's ken ki his fighting spirit is back
A mysterious gust of wind whirled around the two of them, and Sanosuke realized that his thought was a horrible understatement.
His ken ki isn't just BACK. It's back with a vengeance! I haven't felt anything like this since the time Enishi attacked the dojo Even the air is responding to his power!
Before Sanosuke had any time to react, Kenshin focused all his fighting spirit with a mighty shout. Twigs and leaves snapped while particles of dirt exploded up from the ground. The ex-gangster's grip on the former rurouni's hair was torn away and the taller man had to use all his power to simply remain where he was standing. As he shielded his eyes and face with his forearms, Sanosuke felt his entire body being driven back by the wind and the amazing power radiating off the man once known as the Hitokiri Battousai.
I never imagined he'd still have so much power
Aoshi watched through squinted eyes as the force of Kenshin's ken ki pushed the ex-gangster. Sanosuke's feet dug small trenches in the ground as he slid back, powerless to stop his movement.
His Hiten Mitsurugi is supposed to be ineffective now, but judging from his battle aura, he's still every bit as powerful as he was five years ago. Right now, I'd imagine he could pull off his succession technique if he wanted. His shout seems to have re-energized his body and soul
Aoshi raised his arm to his face, warding off the stinging particles of sand that assaulted him.
This man never ceases to amaze me Truly, he is the strongest.
Sanosuke wasn't sure if he should be excited or terrified.
Now I've done it Kenshin has summoned up his old strength!
The former rurouni finally stopped yelling and in response, the wind died down. Sanosuke slowly lowered his arms and cast a cautious glance in the direction of the red-haired man.
A moment ago, he couldn't even get to his feet and now he's standing there looking like he's ready to kick my ass
A hesitant lopsided grin turned up one corner of the ex-gangster's mouth.
I was afraid I'd really finished him but it looks like Kenshin has overcome the limitations of his body. Of course, there's only one way to find out for sure
"Are you done playing around Battousai!?" Sanosuke heard sharp intakes of breath from the police officers. His fearless attitude had obviously surprised them.
Kenshin didn't respond to his cocky question immediately. Slowly closing his eyes, the former rurouni took a deep breath and slid his sakabatou back into its sheath. "I'm not the Battousai anymore" The red-haired man opened his eyes and fixed their violet gaze intently on Sanosuke's light brown one. "You know that."
You bet I do
"Enough talk, Battousai. Here I come!"
Zanza doesn't talk any more than he has to, Kenshin but I have a feeling that you're ready for my attack this time
The ex-gangster pulled back his left fist and charged with a mighty battle cry. Kenshin didn't react, but Sanosuke could feel his every movement being analyzed.
Let's see what you've got. Don't hold back on me
Throwing his momentum and all his power into
the blow, Sagara Sanosuke's fist flew through the air. It never
connected.
Himura Kenshin had been given the title of Battousai because
he'd mastered the art of Battou Jutsu. In his days as a hitokiri,
being able to kill a man with a single stroke often meant the
difference between life and death.
"Battou Jutsu."
Drawing his sakabatou from its sheath with
lighting speed, Kenshin brought it crashing against Sanosuke's
ribcage in one fluid movement. The former rurouni and the ex-gangster
both felt the bones give way as an audible crack resounded in
the night air.
Sanosuke felt himself flying through the air and once he hit
the ground, his body continued to roll. When he finally came
to a stop, he found himself staring up at a starry night sky.
A full moon cast a soft glow and for a moment, Sanosuke wondered
why he hadn't stopped to admire the celestial scenery before.
The stars seemed to be dancing and spinning of their own accord,
and the ex-gangster found them strangely intriguing.
Yahiko felt his jaw dropping once again. Not only had Kenshin made a miraculous 'recovery' but somehow he'd also managed a move that should have been impossible for him.
Megumi said that his body couldn't take the strain of his old techniques But there's no doubt about it that was flawless Battou Jutsu. Poor Sanosuke
The six police officers let out a raucous cheer and headed toward the subdued offender. Yahiko watched from his place beside the chief as Sanosuke took in his first shuddering breath. After being hit by Kenshin's attack, the ex-gangster had forgotten about simple necessities of life, like breathing.
Looks like Kenshin pulled it off I feel foolish for doubting him.
Throwing Aoshi a satisfied grin, Yahiko slowly followed after the other police to arrest the 'criminal'. The men stopped in their tracks and the young swordsman darted around them to get a look at what had made them stop and gasp.
Uh oh
Against all common sense, Sanosuke was painfully getting to his feet. Yahiko could see an angry red welt across his ribs and the young swordsman knew he'd heard the sound of bone cracking when Kenshin's sakabatou had hit the ex-gangster.
What's that idiot doing? That blow should have been enough to finish anyone. He's gotta be hurt, so why the hell is he getting back up? Our mission should be over!
"Give it up Zanza!" Yahiko called over to him, hoping he could make him see reason. The ex-gangster's head turned in his direction and for a moment their eyes locked together. Yahiko was about to tell Sanosuke that the fight was over, but his words died in his throat when he saw the determination burning in the ex-gangster's eyes.
"Stay back boy. Unless you wanna get hurt."
Kenshin watched impassively as Sanosuke replied to Yahiko's order.
"Sano"
I put all my strength into that attack but somehow he's gotten back to his feet. I didn't think it was possible, but apparently even his stamina has increased.
Yahiko and the six officers retreated to a safe distance and when Sanosuke was sure they wouldn't interfere, he turned his attention back to the former rurouni. A tense moment of silence passed between them.
"So you've finally decided to take me seriously?" The ex-gangster's tone was cold, but a genuine smile slowly appeared across his features.
"I always take you seriously" Kenshin said it and meant it.
Sanosuke allowed himself another moment of rest as he gingerly probed his ribcage. He winced slightly and then returned the pleased smile to his face. "That was a nice hit, Kenshin" He pulled his fists back and punched his knuckles together, face twisting into a malicious grin. "But you're gonna have to do better than that if you want to defeat me!"
Kenshin watched intently as Sanosuke opened his left hand and held his fingers extended.
Now what's he up to?
"Since you're not holding back, I'm not gonna hold back either Kenshin. You ready?" Sano slid one of his feet forward and continued to hold his hand open, preparing to attack with a move that Kenshin did not recognize.
He's got something up his sleeve. What does he expect to do from such a distance? Unless
An image of the fallen monk Anji holding a long dagger popped into Kenshin's head. Slamming it into the ground, the monk focused the power of the Futae no Kiwami and sent it shooting across the ground to slam into Sanosuke during their duel at Shishio's base.
The Touate?
And with that thought barely formed in Kenshin's mind, Sanosuke slammed his left hand into the ground. Dirt and rocks shot into the air as the shockwave made it's way toward the former rurouni.
Reacting instinctually, Kenshin swung the tip of his sakabatou across the ground.
"Do Ryu Sen!"
With a powerful heave, the red-haired man sent his own blast of rocks and dirt directly at the ex-gangster's oncoming attack. The force from the two distance attacks cancelled each other out and before the dust had a chance to settle, Kenshin rushed toward Sanosuke with blinding speed.
There was no hesitation from the ex-gangster as he drove his hand into the ground a second time. Charging head on toward the blast, Kenshin waited until the last minute and pushed off the ground, soaring up into the air.
The touate provided cover for me to jump. I'll be able to attack him from above with my Ryu Tsui Sen and he'll never know what hit him.
As Kenshin descended, he pulled his sakabatou back and prepared to slam the dull edge of his blade against Sanosuke's shoulder. Unfortunately for Kenshin, the ex-gangster anticipated his attack.
With a roar, Sanosuke slammed his left fist against the ground. "Futae no Kiwami!" The ground erupted and Kenshin felt pieces of dirt and rock collide with his body. In an instant he was no longer falling down with gravity. Instead, he felt himself flying back up into the air surrounded by chunks of the earth that had been forcefully displaced by the ex-gangster's powerful double punch.
Sanosuke watched in amazement as Kenshin flew back up into the air.
I blocked it I blocked that damn Ryu Tsui Sen of his! That'll teach Kenshin to hit me from above!
The former rurouni flipped in midair and landed on his feet a short distance away from the ex-gangster. Sanosuke felt relief at seeing him land safely.
It didn't hurt him Looks like the old Kenshin's really back. I know I'm supposed to let him beat me but I'm never going to get the chance to face Kenshin again. Just once, I want to be able to say that I held my own against him. If something crazy happens and I win I'll just collapse and let them arrest me. But from here on out, I'm going to give this everything I've got
He's giving this everything he's got.
Kenshin read the look of determination on Sagara Sanosuke's face.
Some part of Sano won't let him throw this fightwhich means, I'm going to have to beat him for real. But this Sano is unlike the man I've fought twice before If I'm not careful, he might actually be able to defeat me
Kenshin narrowed his eyes and gripped the handle of his sakabatou in resolution.
Whatever happens, I'm going to fight honestly with Sano and not hold back on him. I can tell that's what he wants. I haven't had an opportunity to test my skills like this in the past five years so I'm curious to see if I can still perform all my old Hiten Mitsurugi techniques I hope you're ready Sano
The showdown lasted only a few brief moments as the two combatants stood gauging each other and making up their minds to fight seriously. Reading the former rurouni's body language and facial expression, Sanosuke sensed that his friend was going to put everything he had into the battle.
The street fighter punched his fists together in excitement. "Let's go!"
He's going to fight me for real! Somehow Kenshin has figured out how I feel he knows that I can't just give up this fight now I guess Kenshin has always understood me. He might be the only man alive today that does
Covering the distance between them in a flash, the two best friends collided together in a blur of steel and fists. Full of complete understanding toward each other, each man attempted to land a blow that would defeat his opponent fair and square. From a safe distance, the other men watched in amazement as Kenshin and Sanosuke attacked, counterattacked, and dodged with speed that defied reason. Neither succeeded in striking the other as their battle carried them around Mr. Tani's courtyard.
"Is it just me, or are those two going at it for real?" Yahiko was back at Aoshi's side and he asked his question quietly enough so none of the other police would hear.
Keeping his attention riveted to the fight, the former okashira of the Oniwabanshu nodded his agreement and then voiced his thoughts. "They're reading each other perfectly I don't think I've ever seen two men fight who were so equally in tune with each other"
The moonlight glinted off Kenshin's sakabatou as he sliced through the air, barely missing the ex-gangster who dodged out of the way with reflexes honed by years of fighting. Not missing a beat, Sanosuke propelled himself back toward Kenshin and attempted to slam his fists into the red-haired man's face.
The former rurouni dodged his punches easily and danced around him looking for an opening. Thinking he'd found one, Kenshin swung his sakabatou in a horizontal arc attempting to hit Sanosuke in the side where his ribcage wouldn't take the brunt of the impact. The ex-gangster displayed his impressive new agility by leaping up into the air and out of the path of the blade. Using centrifugal force, Sanosuke flipped backwards out of Kenshin's range.
Kenshin rushed to meet him but suddenly found himself face to face with a wall of exploding flying debris. Upon landing, Sanosuke kicked the ground with the Futae no Kiwami and sent another blast of earth rocketing off around him in a growing circle. The attack's effect was similar in force to the touate but the range and circular destruction pattern was much harder to avoid.
Kenshin backpedaled faster than normal men could run and he kept the shockwave from colliding with his body. More preoccupied with outdistancing the blast, the rurouni's powers of perception barely helped him sense the presence running up behind the moving wall.
Eyes flashing dangerously, the former gangster leapt straight through the debris, ignoring the stinging rocks and chunks of dirt that Kenshin was trying so hard to avoid. His red headband whipped menacingly as Sanosuke descended toward his opponent with his right fist pulled back.
Kenshin didn't allow himself time to think as he dodged out of the ex-gangster's path. As Sanosuke crashed into the earth he drove his fist into the ground creating a large crater and effectively stopping the wave of destruction from crashing over him. Kenshin continued backing up until the force from the ex-gangster's attack finally died out.
He's mastered attacks that radiate in a circular pattern as well as ones that shoot out in one direction. If I'm not mistaken, even Anji himself never perfected so many different applications of the Futae no Kiwami.
Kenshin charged back toward his friend as Sanosuke unburied his hand and stood in the middle of the crater he'd just created. The tall man braced himself for the oncoming attack as his loose white gi flapped violently in the wind.
If I want to defeat him, I'm going to have to move faster and cause enough damage to overpower his stamina and natural resistance.
Planning his attack as he cleared the distance between them, Kenshin gripped his sakabatou firmly. "Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuu" Once he was next to Sanosuke, the legendary Hitokiri Battousai moved his sword so quickly that the blade seemed to be flying. "Ryu Sou Sen!"
His rapid attack randomly searched out the vital locations on Sanosuke's body and pummeled them. The ex-gangster's body rocked with the multiple blows.
Shit! There's no way I can block all these attacks.
Sanosuke gritted his teeth as he tried to deflect the rain of blows with his forearms and found himself failing miserably.
I can't pull off the Futae no Kiwami like this that only leaves me one option
Lashing out with his left hand, Sanosuke felt the sakabatou slam into his arm. When it connected the ex-gangster found the blade with his hand and wrapped his fingers around it. The sharp edge of the sakabatou bit deeply into his palm but the street fighter only tightened his grip and brought the flying sword to a complete stop.
The look of amazement on Kenshin's face was payment enough for the blood trickling out of his body.
"Sano"
"Impressed Kenshin?" Sanosuke grinned evilly as he continued to hold onto the sakabatou for all he was worth. "I had five years to come up with a way to counter each one of your attacks." The sakabatou shook as Kenshin tried to pull the sword out of the ex-gangster's vice-like grip. "You won't be able to get your sword free in time This fight is over!"
Yanking hard on the blade, Sanosuke pulled the red-haired man toward him and brought his forehead cracking against the shorter man's in a brutal head butt. Kenshin staggered backwards as a trickle of red traced down his face and diverged to run down both sides of his nose.
He managed to stay standing and he didn't lose his grip on the sakabatouI'm impressed, but I don't think he'll be able to take another head butt. Sorry Kenshin, but it looks like I'm gonna win this one
Sanosuke began to pull his friend toward him for his final blow but Kenshin focused all his strength and twisted the blade in the ex-gangster's hand. The sakabatou gouged a deep gash in his palm as Kenshin ripped it free. The tall man had just enough time to contemplate the painful spray of blood before he felt Kenshin's sakabatou slam into the base of his skull.
"Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuu Ryu Kan Sen." Kenshin followed through with his blow and then held his sakabatou poised in the air as he listened to the sound of human flesh coming into forceful contact with solid stone. His back was facing Sanosuke but he did not need to turn around to know that his friend had collided into one of the large statues lining Tani's pathway.
After freeing my sword from his slippery grasp, I stepped to his side while spinning and used the momentum to send him flying. The Ryu Kan Sen is one of my most useful counterattacks not to mention that the force of the blow is focused on a part of the body that is very weak
Kenshin slowly lowered his sword from the air and inspected the bright red blood that traced down it. Old habit took over and the former hitokiri flicked the blade once, sending the liquid splattering off into the grass and out of his sight. He was about to sheath his sword when he heard the sound of crumbling rock.
It can't behe can't still be on his feet
The red-haired man glanced behind him in amazement as the ex-gangster pried his upper body out of a large dent in the base of one of Tani's stone statues.
Sanosuke flew face first into that statue and dented it? Either that's crafted out of a weak material or his head is tougher than steel
Kenshin briefly touched the bleeding wound on his forehead while contemplating which one of his ideas was correct.
His head did seem pretty toughI hope that the true reason lies somewhere in the middle though At any rate
Kenshin narrowed his eyes.
My attack should have finished him off
The tall man took a staggering step away from the statue and then grabbed his head with both hands. A sickening popping noise echoed through the courtyard as the ex-gangster realigned his vertebrae. Sanosuke turned and faced Kenshin once he was finished. Blood trickled down one side of his face and when he smiled, the red-haired man watched a small trail of blood escape the corner of one lip and drip down his chin.
I think I've underestimated him again
Holding one bloody hand up near his face, Sanosuke motioned with his index finger for Kenshin to continue their battle.
"Dammit he's a complete idiot" Yahiko hissed under his breath as he watched Sanosuke urge Kenshin to continue their fight.
"That fact is undeniable" Aoshi's bluntness caused Yahiko to grin. "However it's obvious that he wants to put everything he has into this fight. This battle is a contest of willpower just as much as it is a contest of physical strength and stamina."
"And rooster-head's will just won't let him lose perfect if they keep this up they're gonna end up knocking each other out or worse" Yahiko narrowed his eyes as Kenshin dashed across the courtyard toward the ex-gangster.
Sanosuke surprised Kenshin with his mobility as he darted around the base of the statue. The former rurouni continued advancing at top speed until he heard the unmistakable sound of the Futae no Kiwami's double blow. The statue exploded and sent shards of marble and stone shooting toward Kenshin like a fistful of Misao's kunai.
I understand that you won't let yourself lose you're desire to win has always helped you overcome your limitations. But I'm going to end this Sano right now
Not even breaking his stride, Kenshin twirled his sakabatou in a circular motion, deflecting each one of the shards before it could hit him. Escaping from his lips, Kenshin felt a battle cry growing in intensity as he charged the last ten yards to his opponent. When he was within Sanosuke's range, the ex-gangster slammed his right foot against the ground and created another circular shockwave. Kenshin anticipated the attack and shot himself straight into the air.
Whether Sanosuke wasn't ready for it or simply too stunned from his injuries, he failed to avoid Kenshin's attack.
"Ryu Tsui"
Kenshin's sakabatou slammed down on the ex-gangster's right shoulder and the minute the former rurouni felt his feet touching solid earth he crouched low and spun, bracing his sword against his left hand. Propelling himself off the ground, Kenshin rammed the blade into the place where Sanosuke's jaw met his neck.
"Sho Sen!"
Knocked back by the force of the blow, Sanosuke staggered but remained on his feet. His head and shoulders were thrown back and it seemed to take him every muscle in his body to pull them forward to their natural positions.
My first hit dislocated his shoulder and my second hit should have blocked the passage of his windpipe temporarily. Where is he getting the strength to continue standing?
I can't lose.
The pain was too bothersome to pay any attention to.
Kenshin's overcome his weakness so I can too Before this fight started, I thought he wouldn't even be able to use his Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuu but he's proved that theory wrong. This just makes me even more impressed with him So now I have to work even harder to impress him the best way would be to win against him
Clutching an unsteady hand to his right arm, Sanosuke jerked down and realigned the bones and ligaments of his dislocated shoulder. He only dully registered the excruciating agony the procedure caused.
He hasn't defeated me I can still fight and there's a chance that I can still beat him.
Shaking his head once to clear the blood from his eyes, the ex-gangster clenched his fists and faced his red-haired friend.
Last man standing wins Kenshin
Kenshin stepped back in surprise when his tall, spiky haired friend pulled back his fist, roared, and charged.
So you're not going to give up until you can't move hey Sano? I suppose I shouldn't have expected anything less
Kenshin lifted his sakabatou and rushed to meet the oncoming charge.
With my next move, I'll defeat you.
"Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuu Kuzu Ryu Sen!"
Kenshin's sakabatou seemed to become nine separate weapons and each one of them found their mark as the two warriors crashed together.
That attack is second only to his succession technique
Sanosuke was vaguely aware that he was still on his feet. His entire body was screaming out against him, but it wasn't the first time he'd ignored a little pain.
Who would have thought that he'd be able to do such a difficult move?
"Sanosuke I'm truly impressed." Kenshin stood before him and the ex-gangster wasn't entirely sure how long he'd been there. It took an incredible amount of effort to lift his head to meet the former rurouni's violet gaze. The bones and muscles of his neck felt like they were grinding against each other in protest. "I've never seen anyone get hit by the Kuzu Ryu Sen and remain on their feet, that I have not."
Sanosuke tried to smile like a cocky fool, but even the muscles in his face didn't seem to be responding to his orders.
"I'm afraid that's the conclusion of our battle" Kenshin seemed to read his physical state perfectly. "You're a very powerful man and I never want to have to fight you again, that I do not."
"It's not" The words escaped straight out of Sano's partially opened mouth with hardly any movement from his jaw.
"What's that Sanosuke?" Kenshin took a step closer trying to discern what the taller man was trying to say.
"It's not over."
Pull yourself together Sanosuke you're still on your feet.
"I'm still standing"
Kenshin's eyes twinkled in amusement. Gone was the gleam that Sanosuke had been privileged to witness in the former rurouni's gaze while the two of them had been fighting with everything they had.
But I guess it's not so bad to have the old friendly Kenshin back
"C'mon fight me I'm not defeated." Mustering every ounce of strength left in his body, Sanosuke took one faltering step toward his red haired friend.
Kenshin blinked in astonishment. "You can still move?" The legendary Hitokiri Battousai grinned from ear to ear. "Forgive me for saying this, but you are one tough bastard, that you are."
Sanosuke wanted to laugh. He wanted to stop with the Zanza show, break down, laugh his head off, and collapse into the dirt. The reciprocated look of amusement in Kenshin's eyes told Sano that his friend was thinking the same thing.
After that incredible fight, the two of us are still friends He understands me and I understand him It's just like Outa said, there's no way he'd be mad at me Too bad we've still got an audience that expects me to be the evil Kenkaya Zanza
Sanosuke was partially aware that more men had begun to fill the courtyard. He figured it was Chou and his backup police force. They'd be 'discovering' the illegal documents and other contraband the crooked politician was sure to have lying around his mansion.
So everything has worked out except this last bit of business between Kenshin and I
Sliding his feet along the ground, the ex-gangster eventually cleared the six-foot distance between him and his friend. Kenshin stood his ground and watched with a look of complete understanding. Something else glinted in his eyes, and by the time Sanosuke finally stood in front of him, the ex-gangster realized that Kenshin was truly impressed.
He's not mad at me for continuing this fight even though I should have backed off earlier I did it. I proved to him what I'm made of I've impressed the man that has always impressed me
Sanosuke pulled back his left fist and swung with all the strength left in his body, but Kenshin caught the punch easily. The powerful ex-gangster's strength had been reduced to that of a small child.
Looks like Kenshin's defeated me again Guess it doesn't matter though that was one hell of a fight
Lowering his voice so only Sano could hear, Kenshin spoke. "You've done well Sano I've not fought such a challenging battle in the last five years. Honestly, I wasn't sure if I'd be able to pull it off But it was your strength that inspired me to overcome my physical weakness." Kenshin paused a moment as he continued gripping the ex-gangster's extended fist. "It seems a certain lady doctor's predictions weren't entirely correct about me that it does."
"Megumi" As thoughts of that 'certain lady doctor' popped into the ex-gangster's head he felt the strength flowing out of his body.
Oops Why do I get the feeling that Megumi is going to have some strong words with me tomorrow?
His knees buckled and Sanosuke felt himself falling forward into the waiting arms of his best friend. Kenshin stopped his decent and kept his dead weight from crashing to the earth.
At least there's still gonna be a tomorrow just like I'd promised her It'll be nice to wake up and have her near
Sanosuke's vision was slowly darkening at the edges and from his extensive experience he knew he was about to lose consciousness.
I'll just have to make sure to sleep until she arrives
"Rest now Sano everything's going to be alright."
With the rurouni's last comment ringing in his ears, Sanosuke contentedly slipped into peaceful oblivion.
-----------------------
*Jumps for Joy* You guys have no idea how difficult that was!! I know I said I was busy, but even when I did work on the chapters I didn't make any headway. *sigh* But it's finished... and I hope everyone enjoyed it. Not quite as genki as the rest of my fic eh?
Well, tomorrow I'm heading home for Chistmas Break... that means there will be other things getting in the way of my writing. There's one thing that will make the difference between me posting or not posting in this next month... And what is that one thing you ask?
REVIEWS!
I'm not writing for myself here people. I've got the story right here. *taps head and computer at the same time* You wanna know what's going to happen next? Please let me know what you think of the things you've already read. It takes a lot of time to write (as I'm sure many of you know from experience) and while it takes a bit of your time to read it will only take another moment of your time to review. Yet that review will help propel me through the next chapter. Engage me, astound me, challenge me, but most importantly, write a review!!
(and when you're finished here, go check out
the amazing stories from my favorite authors: Karina Kineshi,
M.Kasshoku, Omni82, Mir, and eri!)
Next Chapter: Three farewells, aftermath of the fight, some sap, some K+K! You won't wanna miss it!