Author's Note: I updated again. Since I have a lot of down time for now, I shall be updating frequently. My fic is far from over yet so close. I hinted before that it might be a tragic ending that is if I get enough reviews saying otherwise. That's when I'll have all this crazy stuff happen, but for now, just sit back and enjoy the chapter. This is a long one. I will try from now on to write at least 20 pages per chapter. The last one was a teaser.

RATED R FOR A REASON! OCCNESS AHEAD!

This is going to be a very complicated chapter, so read close. I kind of just cut some things off. So I warn you all now. Don't flame.

Enjoy!

Chapter Eleven: Past Memories

Kirei forced her eyes to turn to a mixture of all three colors, so that no one would really suspect her. Though the others probably already knew.

She went downstairs and met Battousai as he came out of his room. His eyes were a mixture of red and amber. She went downstairs quickly and silently, for now she would have to lay low before attempting her new tactic.

*~*~*~*~*

"Katsu," said Tae shyly as she walked over to his desk.

"Yes?" asked Katsu.

She handed him an envelope before rushing back to her own desk.

Sano grinned at his friend who only rolled his eyes.

Katsu opened the envelope and something dropped out. It was two tickets to see the Rock Fest Concert tomorrow night, it was a mixture of all types of rock bands; all of his favorite one too. He thought that all the tickets were sold out.

Then a card fell out saying: Happy Birthday Katsu!

She remembered. Thought Katsu as he smiled at her. The two had only met about a year ago and had become close friends. He didn't think she would remember his birthday.

Thanks Tae. Said Katsu with his telepathy. He smiled at her and she nodded with a flushed face and forced herself to look at him.

Sano looked at the tickets and nearly fell over, those tickets were sold out for months.

"Hey who're you taking Katsu?" asked Sanosuke, snapping his friend out of his thoughts.

"..." Katsu wasn't sure.

"What are you talking about rooster head?" asked Cho annoyed.

"Katsu got tickets to the Rock Fest," said Sano, he ignored the name-calling.

"No way," said Cho sitting up right, he had tried forever to get those tickets.

All the others looked at Katsu with pleading eyes to go but Saitoh and his mate.

"...Well I was going to go with... Tae," said Katsu as he looked her way.

She blushed and nodded.

Katsu smiled as the others sighed and slouched back into their seats.

Their attention went to the two vampires that entered next.

"Is Yamagata up yet?" asked Battousai, he needed to talk to him.

"He's still in a coma. He should be well in a few weeks," said Anji.

Battousai gritted his teeth and sat in his chair.

Today's Katsu's birthday, give him the present I got him. Said Kaoru as she saw the birthday card on his desk.

Where'd you put it? Asked Kirei annoyed, she really didn't care for that type of stuff.

In my desk. Said Kaoru.

Kirei sighed and went into the desk. She found a long, red, rectangular box. It had Katsu's name on it in gold. Kirei looked strangely at it.

What the hell is it? Asked Kirei.

A silver paint brush. There's small inkbottles in there too. Katsu has always been the traditional type. He likes to write like the did in the olden days back when pencils and pens weren't made yet. His old one broke, so I got him one that wouldn't break as easily. He'll be so happy. Can I give it to him? I'll let you come out later. Said Kaoru.

Fine. I'll give you five minutes. Said Kirei closing her eyes.

Kaoru came back with sapphire eyes, she got up and handed Katsu the gift with a smile.

Everyone looked at her.

"Happy B-day Katsu," said Kaoru cheerfully.

Everyone but Tae and herself were shocked. They didn't know.

"Thank you Kaoru," said Katsu with a smile as he took the box.

He untied the bow she had on the box and opened it. His eyes went wide and smiled at her.

"Thank you so much," said Katsu as he stood to hug her.

He was about to put his arms around her when Battousai's ki kicked up a notch.

Then Kaoru stepped back within arms reach. She only smiled at him.

"Thank you," said Katsu, he really wanted this. It made him feel at home, back in the Meiji Era.

"You're welcome," said Kaoru happily, she knew how much he wanted one.

"That's an antique. How did you get it?" asked Anji as he saw it.

"Well it's a good to know a few people. I even had them place your name on the brush for you, Katsu. It's... I think over a few centuries old," said Kaoru.

Katsu looked like he wanted to cry, he was so happy. This had to be the same brush that he used when he was still a living-human. He almost pulled her into a hug in happiness when her arms stretched out and stopped him.

"Sorry, but no touchy," said a cold voice; Kirei had returned.

Luckily too, since Battousai was about to jump up and slaughter Katsu for evening touching what belonged to him.

"Sorry, it's just that I'm so happy. Thank you Kaoru/Kirei, and Tae. This was a very special birthday for me. I never got anything before this. So this is a big deal for me. Your gifts were the greatest," said Katsu, he forced away the tears.

"Are you serious? Man you need to have a real party. Let's say we go to the Bloody Murder and celebrate?" suggested Sanosuke as he grabbed the man's shoulder.

"No. It's fine," said Katsu.

"No it isn't. Today is the day you celebrate your birth. Let's go have some fun, and give you a real birthday bash," said Cho standing up too.

"I'll go, it's pretty dull around here," said Yahiko.

"Yeah let's all go," said Shura standing up.

"It'll be fun Katsu," said Misao happily.

Everyone but Kirei, Battousai, Saitoh, and Tokio left for the Bloody Murder.

"Well it's pretty late, let's go to bed koishii," said Saitoh as Tokio and him went upstairs.

"I guess it's just you and me then," said Kirei smiling sweetly.

Battousai's eyes narrowed at her, something wasn't right; he could feel it.

"Why so tense Battousai?" asked Kirei almost like a purr.

"Nothing," said Battousai as he went back to work on his computer.

"You're lying," said Kirei as she sat on the edge of his desk

"No I'm not, why are you so nice all of a sudden? Shouldn't you be mad from earlier?" asked Battousai curiously.

"I did as you said," said Kirei smiling.

He cocked a quizzically brow at her, he thought she would at least fight a bit.

"Isn't it what you wanted?" asked Kirei as she moved over to his seat

"So you're giving in, just like that?" asked Battousai, he didn't believe it but a part of him did like that she was being so accepting. But then he knew that Kaoru had a lot of free spirit and didn't expect her other darker half to be so corporative. Especially in something that involved her free will for the rest of eternity.

He was too busy thinking to notice the sly little woman that was now on his lap playing with the collar of his black sweater with her delicate nails. Battousai gave her a stern look.

"So you don't want me to give in?" asked Kirei innocently. She had to go as far as possible as she could and then leave him hanging like he did her.

"It's not that, but why would you come so willingly?" asked Battousai as he moved his hands to her waist and applied pressure to it. His eyes boring into her own.

"Because," began Kirei as she moved her head to his neck and said in his ear seductively, "I. Want. You." It elicited his body, but he didn't show it.

Kirei kissed his jaw line and then the corners of his mouth, her hands dug themselves into his long red locks as her lips finally met his. She only brushed them against his.

She grinned inwardly when he began to kiss back with urgent ones.

Kirei pushed herself against him and felt him freeze before calmly getting to her feet.

"Good night," said Kirei calmly as she practically skipped back upstairs. She had done enough for now, and she smiled triumphantly on the inside. Selena was right, all she had to do was have him at the palm of her hand and she could make him do anything.

*~*~*~*~*

Oh no she did not just do that. Said Battousai.

Seems like Kirei got the best of you. Said Kenshin practically grinning.

Battousai growled, she was not going to just elicit him and get up and leave.

He swiftly got up and followed her.

*~*~*~*~*

Sano and Cho were dancing with some girls while the others stayed in a group and began to make conversation. Yahiko and Tsubame were dancing together on the dance floor, as the music pumped their blood.

Soujiro and Shura were watching as Aoshi, Misao, Katsu, Tae, and Anji talked.

Shura was glaring at Misao, she was just all over Aoshi.

"They seem like a good couple," said Soujiro looking at Aoshi and Misao.

He got a glare from Shura.

"They are not. They're practically opposites," said Shura angrily.

"As they say, opposites attract," said Soujiro smiling.

He got a death glare this time.

"You like Aoshi don't you?" asked Soujiro, he was hurting on the inside for some odd reason when Shura shyly nodded.

"He doesn't like anyone. You're wasting your time you know," said Soujiro a bit harshly.

"*Sigh* I guess you're right. It's just that I might have thought he was my prince charming when he took down those goons who were trying to feel me up," said Shura as she drank her glass of blood.

"Maybe you could find another... better prince charming," said Soujiro smiling.

"You think so?" asked Shura.

"I know so," said Soujiro.

The two began to talk about a few other topics as they sat down.

*~*~*~*~*

Aoshi was almost staring at Misao as she danced around with Megumi. She was really good, and the way her body moved made some part of him just want to touch her in all of the places that curved in that lithe body of hers. He shook his head of the thought, what was he thinking?

A part him knew her from somewhere, but where?

I've met her before, but where? The questions were always like that. He had met her somewhere before all of this, and it was very important to know how and where. It's just that no matter how much he tried to remember, the memory kept fading.

She had to be of some importance. Thought Aoshi, why else would he remember her face.

All he remembered was meeting her at a Cafe last summer. (*That's how Misao got to adore Aoshi.*) Though he was certain that they met way before that too. Where, he wasn't sure. It was all confusing, why should he care if they met before?

He downed another glass to try and get rid of all his thoughts.

"Thinking too much can be bad for you," said Anji suddenly.

Katsu and Tae were busy talking about tomorrow, so Anji had been looking around. He saw Aoshi's troubled face and knew that something was on his mind.

"Drinking will only make your head spin more," said Anji.

Aoshi knew he was right and threw his cup aside. The loud music and the smell of alcohol and smoke were getting to him. Without a word, he walked outside for a bit of fresh air.

*~*~*~*~*

Misao saw Aoshi leave and decided to follow him. She was worried when she saw his face.

"Megumi, I'm going out for fresh air," called Misao over her shoulder as she left.

"Okay," said Megumi as she danced with Sano. It was amazing, the guy actually knew how to do something right.

Misao found Aoshi up on the building looking up at the moon. As quietly as she could, she jumped up and joined him.

"Tonight's beautiful, isn't it?" asked Misao as she walked over to him.

Aoshi didn't answer, but kept looking out into the night.

"Have you ever had the feeling that you're the only person that you can count on, that you have to be the best to look out for the ones you love?" asked Misao suddenly, she was determined to get this guy to talk.

Still no reply; inwardly Aoshi knew all about it. He had to be at his best to look after Yahiko.

"I don't think that my parents are vampires, otherwise they're really good at hiding their ki from me. I've always been able to sense ki for as long as I can remember. It was like it was born with the ability. My parents look normal and have no battle ki, whereas all the vampires I met all show it. Or at least a bit. They had none. I think I was adopted," said Misao.

Aoshi was confused, why was she telling him all this?

"Ever since I was young, I always had something with me. I think it might be a sign of my true past. I've always carried it with me," said Misao as she took out a handkerchief.

Aoshi's eyes went wide, it wasn't from the cloth; it was from what was inside it.

*~*~*~*~*

Kirei opened her door and quickly closed it. She felt a sudden chill go down her spine, but paid no mind to it. Going to her closet she took her black silk pajamas out. She always liked how the fabric felt against her skin.

She slowly took the first layer of close off. As she almost finished, she felt a presence in the room. She looked around and gasped when she saw Battousai lying on her bed, looking at her with a predatorily gleam in his eyes.

Kirei quickly tried to cover herself from his eyes. Though the heated look he was giving her, it felt like she was already completely exposed to him.

She looked at the door, it was now locked.

"How long have you been in here?" hissed Kirei as she glared at him.

"Since the beginning. I thought your senses would have been better than that," said Battousai grinning at her, but he only gained a cold hard glare from her.

Kirei tried desperately tried to cover herself from his roaming eyes.

"Do you know how vulnerable you look right now?" asked Battousai as he did a once over.

"Well I've never been exposed before, and I usual don't have males or vampires watching me change like some stripper," said Kirei angrily.

"From what you were doing, it seemed like one," said Battousai with a seductive smile.

Kirei threw her old clothing at him and quickly put on her pajamas. Now she only needed to get to her katana, she would be safe.

Wait! I'm suppose to play along. At least him coming to me could only mean that I clearly won the last battle between the two of us. Thought Kirei with a smirk as she calmly walked over to the infamous Hitokiri.

This would be fun. Thought Kirei.

I don't think so Kirei. Maybe you should just tell him to leave. Suggested Kaoru.

Not until I get the upper hand. Said Kirei.

From this outcome, you have. But soon it might be you had. Warned Kaoru.

Oh be quiet. Said Kirei as she sat on the edge of the bed.

"So why are you here?" asked Kirei as she smoothed out the comforter.

"For you," said Battousai and suddenly Kirei found herself underneath him.

She stared into his eyes, not bothering to struggle against him.

He had her wrists pinned above her head as his legs cradled hers.

Kirei grinned inwardly, she knew he wouldn't do anything. He had to wait for the Red Moon, so she didn't have to worry about that.

Letting her darker mind have fun on messing with people's minds, Kirei pushed herself up against Battousai who bit back a groan.

He couldn't take it, he crushed his lips to her and ravished her mouth.

Kirei allowed him for a few seconds before moving her head to the side.

"You must wait. We can't do that until the Red Moon," informed Kirei.

Battousai's eyes were fully red as he grinned at her. He got a quizzical look from his hostage.

"We can't do the Mating Ritual, but we can do it the human way. You're still young, you really don't know what the Ritual is. It's an exchange of blood, power as in ki, and all of our memories, so that our bond would be stronger. The human way will not interfere with the power we get from the Red Moon. That's why the Mating Ritual is hardly ever done, since it takes too much energy and time," said Battousai grinning.

Kirei paled and groaned inwardly. What had she gotten herself into? More precise, how was she going to get out of this. Battousai's grin made her stomach turn, yet some part of her was screaming at the loss of his mouth on hers. That part was going to go down once she figured a way out of this mess.

*~*~*~*~*

Aoshi stared at the object, it was a kunai, a very old kunai. It was his old one, the one that he had lost close to two decades ago. The item had belonged to his father.

He looked at her in shock as he took the kunai and examined it. The carving on it proved his thinking was right. It had the Oniwanbanshu group sign on it.

But how did she get it? Thought Aoshi as he looked into her turning pink face.

"Where did you get it?" asked Aoshi.

"I told you, I had it since as long as I can remember," said Misao.

He had to think about it, how had he lost this? It slowly came back to him.

It was at night and he and his parents were running with Yahiko, no it wasn't him, he was with Okina at the Aoiya, and it was a different child. His mother was running with a child in her arms, and Shishio and his men were after them because of it.

He couldn't remember why the child was so important, and then reality hit him as he looked at Misao in shock. She was the child, which's why he kept seeing her face. But he needed to remember why it was that she was important.

"Aoshi?" asked Misao, bringing him back to reality.

"Let's get back to the others," said Aoshi as he held her hand and helped her down the building.

Misao was blushing fiercely, Aoshi had suddenly just grabbed her hand. They were holding hands. How she would remember this for forever.

Aoshi had to get back to the mansion and sort this out, maybe he could find out what happened that night there. He could ask Anatra to help, she was great with her telepathy powers. She could tell him the answers.

All he remembered was the child and Shishio killing his parents. Somehow he lost his memory.

*~*~*~*~*

Battousai was so busy leaving hot kissing trails along Kaoru's jaw line and cheeks, that he didn't notice that his cell phone was ringing until Kirei kissed him back and left him speechless that he notice that she was trying to reach his cell phone.

He growled, just when things were looking on the bright side for him. Battousai didn't move from his position, he would not let his prey get away.

"Hello?" snapped Battousai, he didn't like being interrupted, and this was with Kaoru too.

"Sorry to wake you, but do you know Kaoru's cell phone number?" asked Aoshi, he was driving back to the mansion.

"Why?" asked Battousai.

"I don't know it, and I need to find Anatra," said Aoshi, he didn't want to snap back since he really needed to find out about what happened.

Kirei had heard it all, this was silly. Here was Battousai sprawled on top of her talking on his cell phone, it was like his assault had paused. Quite a predicament for the two.

"You don't need her number, here she is," said Battousai as he moved the cell to her ear.

"Hello?" asked Kirei as she shifted the cell phone so she could talk and hear better.

"I need your Aunt's cell phone number," said Aoshi.

"Can't you just e-mail her when you get back?" asked Kirei annoyed, even though she was glad for having Battousai stop, a part of her wanted this too.

(*Kirei is acting more like Kaoru, but when her eyes go all red that means that she is the really bad half. So it means that her darker half, like Battousai right not, wanted this done. Hope that helps.*)

"I wouldn't be asking if I did," said Aoshi starting to become annoyed, what had he called into?

There was a sharp intake of breath. Battousai had nipped a part of her neck, telling others that she was his. He slowly licked the wound and blood that was coming out, savoring the taste of Kaoru's warm, delicious, and inviting blood.

"Hello?" asked Aoshi. What the hell were the two doing? Reality hit him like a blow to the stomach, Battousai was in M.R.U. after all, and they couldn't be...? Or could they?

"Her e-mail is #1Vampress@bloodhouse.com," said Kirei as she felt Battousai lick her neck.

"Thanks," said Aoshi as he hung up. He didn't want to think what he had called into.

Battousai left trails of kisses on her neck as he saw that her wound was healed. He kissed her fully on the lips one last time before getting off of her despite his body's protests.

"They should be home soon. We'll continue this later temptress," said Battousai, giving her one last heated look, he quickly left to his room.

Kirei only stared dumbfounded at the door before touching her neck. It was only the first step for him to claim her. She let out a sigh before crawling under the covers. She would need a new plan, one that will not endanger her but at least get to him that she was not an object.

*~*~*~*~*

The others were confused at why Aoshi wanted to go home early. It was already 3 in the morning by the time they got back. Causing quite a commotion when they entered.

Aoshi with the kunai rushed to his computer and was going to write an e-mail to Anatra.

The hard part was how to phrase it.

Suddenly an e-mail popped up from Anatra. He was shocked when he read its contents. It only proved that his guess about her was right, she was a very powerful vampire.

The e-mail said:

Your past has to do with Misao yes. She was the child that your parents were trying to save, though I can not tell whose child she was. You must protect her, not hurt her in any way. It was your parent's last will. Aoshi Shinomori, leader of the Oniwanbanshu group and brother to Yahiko Shinomori, you must not kill Misao. You forgot this event for a reason. Do not try to remember, you will only forget and get migraines. As long as you keep her alive, your parents did not die in vain. By keeping her alive, you have done your parent's last deed.

Anatra Kamiya

Aoshi read it over five times before clicking it off. His head was now swarming with ideas, but only one thought entered his mind. He must protect Misao. Little did he know that the hardest part was protecting her from himself.

*~*~*~*~*

"So why did we have to come back so early again?" asked Sanosuke.

"I think that Misao might have a connection with Shishio, or is very important in some way to him. Why else would he kill my parents to get to her?" asked Aoshi.

"Do you remember how you and Misao escaped?" asked Yahiko concerned about his brother.

"I have no clue, but Anatra said that our parents were trying to protect Misao from Shishio, and if that's the case. Shishio will most likely be after her again," said Aoshi.

"Wait a minute, how did your parents get a hold of her in the first place? I don't see her as your sister, because well... that wouldn't be right. Why would Shishio be after your sister, if he killed your parents? It just doesn't make any sense," said Sanosuke scratching his head.

All of the vampires in the Blood Hotel were sitting around Misao in the living room. They had pulled all the chairs together and were discussing the issue at hand. Only Kirei, Battousai, Yamagata, and Tokio were not there. Saitoh had woken up to their return.

"For once the moron is right. There has to be some type of connection, or else he needs Misao for something," said Saitoh.

"That would mean that your so-called parents now aren't your real parents? If that's the case, we can find her real parents and find out how she got with the Shinomoris," said Megumi.

"Not possible. Humans you can use the DNA, but we as vampires have fed on so much blood that it sometimes cover up the real original blood. Her parents have to be vampires, so therefore it'll be difficult to sort out the original blood," said Katsu.

"If Shishio is after her, he'll come for her. Leading him straight to us," said Cho.

"But he has no clue what she looks like. For it's been what... 18 years since then. He would have went after her before she changed," said Shura.

"She right. Then we have no proof that he'll come for her. Maybe he could have just wanted to kill your parents, and just didn't kill you or Misao," said Cho.

"Try to remember Aoshi," said Yahiko.

"All I can remember was Okina finding me with the child in my hands at an old alley back in Kyoto. I think he may have given Misao to the humans so Shishio wouldn't find her so easily. She has to have been an importance since Anatra told me to protect her. That's what my parents were probably doing," said Aoshi trying to think back but a migraine was coming as Anatra said.

"Why?" asked Sanosuke.

They all fell into silence as they digested the facts.

"Anatra said that I forgot for a reason. There has to be a really good reason that someone got rid of my memory of that day, and she kept telling me to protect her and not kill her.

This is confusing. I'm going to have to get in touch with Okina. He might know something that I forgot. Our parents were close to him. They must have told him," said Aoshi.

Yahiko nodded, Okina was a close family friend.

Saitoh was in deep thought, Anatra might have given a hint in her e-mail.

"The question still remains, what is Misao to Shishio that he would go after you and your parents just to get her?" asked Megumi.

"She could be his daughter. Why else would Anatra say not to kill her? She knows how much you hate Shishio for killing your parents. You might have killed her for being the source that killed you parents. That would also explain why your memory was erased," said Battousai as he walked into the room calmly. He had heard it all with his keen hearing. That little session with Kirei boosted his powers up a bit.

They all stared at him and then Misao who was shaking her head, she couldn't be.

"Well that would explain a whole lot. Shishio does have a mate after all. Another reason that the Red Moon would cause many vampires to become powerful," said Kirei suddenly appearing on a couch next to the group.

"That's why my uncle and your aunt wish for us to do the same as them," said Battousai calmly.

Kirei glared at him and looked away.

"How did the discussion get into that?" asked Sanosuke confused as ever.

"Why do you say that Battousai?" asked Saitoh as he looked at Misao. She had no resemblance with Shishio, then again the guy was burnt to a crisp. Misao must have gotten more of her mother's characteristics.

"I just told you," said Battousai as he sat next to the annoyed Kirei.

"Why would Shishio be so careless as to let the Shinomoris get to his only daughter. For I do not think that he had ever had children," said Saitoh.

"The Shinomoris were some of the best vampires during their time, which was also my time. I knew their skill, and Shishio's men back when were pretty weak. It would have been simple for them to get her," said Battousai.

"My parents were enemies to Shishio, why would they take his daughter and try to protect her from her own father? It doesn't make any sense. If she was, then why would Anatra want us to protect her? There has to be a better reason," said Yahiko.

They all looked at Battousai for a reason, but looked at Kirei who was chuckling.

"You don't know my aunt. She's really good at what she does. Our powers are like a drop of water in a bucket compared to hers. Battousai's reasons make the best sense, and my aunt would never say don't kill unless she knows that you'll kill them. I think she knows what's going to happen in the future, since she intends to always be a few hundred steps ahead of people. It gets annoying," said Kirei as she played with her hair.

"We'll have to see what Okina has to say about this," said Aoshi.

"Hey why are you two up so late?" asked Cho looking at the two whose eyes were swirling.

"You guys were too loud, couldn't sleep," said Kirei as she put her head on the chair's armrest.

Battousai remained silent.

"I'm going to the Aoiya, I must speak with Okina," said Aoshi standing.

"That won't be necessary," came a feminine voice from the shadows.

"Aunt Anatra," said Kirei as she saw her come out of the shadows.

Anatra had red and black hair, she had slim body and looked pretty young for her age, she seemed like 20 or younger. She had her hair completely down, and wore on a black long dress that reached the floor and revealed most of her creamy skin. It was fit for a ball, and had red flower designs on it. Her eyes were a gentle yet dead green that matched her green pedicure nails perfectly. Anatra's aura demanded major respect and showed great power.

"Nice to see you again my niece," said Anatra as she walked over to her.

Kirei hugged her despite her nature, it was only once in a while that such a great vampire made an appearance to any one.

Everyone stood up and bowed lightly to her, she nodded at them.

"Why can't I go see him?" asked Aoshi.

"May you please explain what happened that day?" asked Saitoh.

"All will be explained in due time. Some of you were on the right track. All that any of you need to know is that Misao must not get into Shishio's hands. That would only cause more trouble for us as the Vampires. You all know the battle that is ahead. It will most likely happen on the day after the Red Moon. So I advise you all to train for that day. Your work will be done by the other teams now. You are all the best of the best, so you'll be the ones to go up against Shishio and Enishi," said Anatra, she was always to the point.

"Will you be battling?" asked Megumi.

"This is not my generation's battle. No matter the outcome, it will not effect me. Though the outcome will effect most of you," said Anatra, it made some of them shudder. She always had a way to make it look simple, yet the meaning was always horrible.

"So Hiko and Katsura aren't going to interfere either?" asked Tae.

"The three of us and Selena are leaving soon, we will have nothing to do with what goes on with this anymore. If you decide to go with Shishio's plan and take over the human race, then so be it. We have decided that we have no place in this. Once this is over, we shall no longer interfere with your affairs again. Whatever you decide, we shall go with.

"Do as you please. We shall only help so much. We're all over 5000 years old. We've helped for that long, and it's about time we retire," said Anatra as she sat down.

"You're not serious are you?" asked Misao in shock.

"Dead serious. The strongest will rule the new world that I am sure will be created, the new world of vampires, werewolves, human, and others. You can either stay hidden as we have down for the last 1000 years, or go back to the past and make the world as it was before the humans killed most of our kind. It's all in your hands now," said Anatra as she stood.

"So it's up to us to decide?" asked Sanosuke.

"If you win Shishio and Enishi, then yes," said Anatra.

"It's not our nature though," said Tae.

"If you wish to take over, it'll take a few centuries. For I feel that a few more Red Moons and our race will be able to over come the humans. By then, this world will cease to exist. Then again, it is the strongest and his or her choice that will determine that," said Anatra.

"So this one battle, will determine it all," stated Megumi.

"Our future, and the way of life," said Shura.

"So our race will most likely be the dominant species if we take over. Though won't the werewolves, zombies, and humans have a say in this?" asked Sanosuke.

"No. They're too weak to go into this fight. Though you must never underestimate them like the humans did us. They thought of us as urban legends, but we're real. Once they come to realize that, it'll be chaotic. That's why we have kept low for so long," said Anatra.

They all fell into silence as they took it all in.

"Just protect each other as a family. For each and everyone of you here, are all of the high bred of vampires. Your blood is some of the rarest, since in your families none of them were ever humans. All of you are vampires to the last drop of blood in you. That's why the only ones that shall rule this world, or have the right to, are you guys. After this, we shall not meet again until after the battle. I give you four words of wisdom; be careful and survive," said Anatra, and suddenly she vanished in a flame of fire as she gave a weak smile to Kirei.

They were all silent, this was really hard on them.

"So I guess that we're going to have to decide," said Sanosuke.

"That's if we get to decide. If we don't win against Shishio and Enishi and their men, then they'll be the one to decide," said Cho coldly as they all sat down again.

It was cruel reality.

"We have to be strong. For everyone. We can't break down, we have to be at our best, I think we should start training now. I'll got make a whole bunch of coffee," said Misao as she got up and left to get it done.

"You know the weasel girl is right," said Sanosuke standing determined.

The others weren't so sure, this was the fate of the world they were talking about.

Kirei moved her head to Battousai's shoulder and closed her eyes. He seemed to settle her, yet still arouse her. She didn't care about getting even anymore, she just wanted to get this over with. Why did the Red Moon have to be so far yet so close?

Battousai held her hand and squeezed, he knew what she was thinking.

Sanosuke looked at the two enviously, they were a couple and everyone knew it. They didn't really care, they only argued to cover up how much they like the idea. He could only dream that one day he could get with the woman of his dreams.

He didn't dare fall in love again, for he had lost the one that he treasured most, his first love had died for him. Sano couldn't handle the thought of losing two loved ones in a row. Why did she have to die so soon? Why did he have to have these stupid feelings?

Sano walked out into the garden to cool off.

"Magdaria," said Sano as he looked out into the sky as if speaking to her.

"Aren't you going inside to train? The others have begun sparing," said Megumi half an hour later, as she walked over to him.

"You do know that we either have only three weeks to live, or before our world changes all together? This will be the last time for anything," said Sanosuke not looking at her.

"That's why we train and make it count. We have to live it to the fullest. With that thought, I know that we'll make it," said Megumi placing a hand on his shoulder.

Sano took her hand and squeezed it.

"Thank you Megumi. You've settled me, and encouraged me," said Sano as he kissed her hand and grinned as she blushed.

"Are you going in or not rooster head?" asked Megumi as she took her hand away.

Sano smiled at the nick name, she was always able to lighten him up. He ran past her, followed by a few nickname of his own at her.

Megumi chased him back into the mansion.

*~*~*~*~*

Sword clashed upon sword as Aoshi and Battousai spared. They were at their top speed and quickly going overboard as they fought. They moved around the living room, the couches and TVs were moved into a circle to make a fighting arena. Luckily they had a lot of sofas.

Suddenly one of Aoshi's swords were flung toward Kirei, she easily jumped up to dodge it and kicked it back into the arena as she fell silently back to the ground.

Aoshi grabbed his sword just as Battousai came down with his. He used his twin kodachi to block the attack. Battousai jumped back and sheathed his sword. He got into a battou-jutsu stance, ready to attack at any time. Aoshi pulled back panting, he had gotten stronger since the last time they fought. Battousai wasn't even breaking a sweat.

Battousai jumped as Aoshi swept one kodachi in a low arc, and did a flip to avoid being hit by the other blade. He used his speed to get his sword to Aoshi's neck. They both paused.

Then there was clapping from the girls, some didn't see it, but it was obvious the two were good at their own styles.

The two pulled apart and nodded.

"You've gotten better," said Aoshi as he sheathed his swords.

"So have you," said Battousai, it was the best the two were going to say to each other.

"Me next," said Kirei as she flipped into the arena and landed silently in front of Battousai.

"You shouldn't have interfered in the last match," said Battousai sheathing his sword.

"Well unlike you I didn't want to get hit by that sword that flew at me. You're suppose to make sure that the people around you don't get hurt too you know," said Kirei.

Battousai froze at the statement, why had he been so careless?

"Begin!" yelled Misao, bring the hitokiri back to reality.

Kirei unsheathed her sword and charged at him, but he easily avoided each one.

Their swords clashed and pushed them both back.

"You've suddenly gotten better," said Battousai as they walked around each other.

"That's because I let you before. Now that this depends on the lives of many, why don't we kick it up a notch?" asked Kirei as her eyes turned completely red for everyone to see.

"It'll be my pleasure," said Battousai grinning as he allowed all of his ki to be awakened as his eyes settled to a deadly red.

Sano whistled at how high their ki was going.

"Let's see how these two get together," said Saitoh as he leaned against a sofa with coffee in his hands; he wanted to see how the Battousai fought with his own mate.

Suddenly the two seemed to have vanished, only the sound of steel against steel and the constant sparks were heard or seen. Most of them couldn't see anything, and even Saitoh and Aoshi were having trouble catching up. The two seemed to get stronger and faster as the two spared together.

"Wow!" said Misao as she came out with more coffee.

"How long do you think they'll be at it?" asked Sanosuke as he watched them fight as he began to eat a doughnut.

"At this rate the rest of us won't be able to train," said Cho, trying to seem bored.

Suddenly Kirei appeared in the center of the arena, everyone looked at her as her eyes roamed the arena. Then Battousai battle cry was heard from above. Kirei vanished before she was attacked and so had Battousai.

They all blinked, the two were like fighting machines. It was surprising that they hadn't shed blood yet, then again they were future mates.

Then Kirei was on a couch panting, she was using her sheath to stand up.

Battousai then stood before her grinning. It was like a game to him.

"No... fair... You... held... back," said Kirei between pants as she dropped to the floor, but was caught by Battousai and helped back on the couch.

"Holding back!?" asked Sano and Cho in unison. That was incredible, yet he was holding back?

Kirei glared at Battousai as he sheathed his sword and helped her drink some water. The guy was using his abilities yet he still managed to make sure not to hurt her. How was she suppose to get better if he kept holding back on her?

Her anger got over her gratefulness for him not cutting her up. He thought that she was a doll, and by all means she was not a glass figure. She would not be treated like one.

Then again him taking care of her was a very odd thing and rare that the Battousai showed any affection what so ever. So she sat back and let him take care of her.

"Well now that they're out of the ring, let's duel rooster head. Let's see who's better at boxing," said Cho as the two entered the arena.

"You're on mop head," said Sano as he jumped in the ring. It was going to be fun to beat up the blonde headed mop. He laughed darkly on the inside. Cho was going to regret ever crossing him and he was going to make sure that he ate all of his words. With one last bite of his doughnut the match began.

*~*~*~*~*

Sano and Cho sat on different sides of the round couch. They were beat up pretty badly, and Megumi was busy patching them up, with the help of Tokio who woke up a few minutes ago.

Saitoh and the others were only shaking their heads.

"You two are lucky that I'm a good doctor," said Megumi as she tended up Sano's fists.

"Hey Megumi, aren't you suppose to be going to class in a few days?" asked Misao.

"No I am going to stay here. This is more important. If Shishio or Enishi win then there won't be any need for education," said Megumi, she already knew a lot anyhow.

Sano groaned as she pulled on his chest bandages.

"It was your fault that you two lunged at each other and fought," said Megumi.

"Well actually if you two had watched where you were going and had not almost landed on top of Kirei, you wouldn't be like that," said Yahiko as he burst out laughing.

The others were trying hard not to laugh.

Sano and Cho groaned.

The two were already beat up by each other, when they went into some type of sumo style and almost backed up in Kirei, since she was still resting on the couch. She kicked them away, causing them to lose balance and almost land face first on her chest area . Kirei had kicked them both in the shins, and Battousai enraged at them getting so close to what belonged to him, and punched them both hard into where they were now.

"I think I've gone handicapped," said Cho.

Anji couldn't help but snicker with the others who were rolling on their stomachs. The losers had ended up beat up because of their crazy fighting style and lack of where or what they were doing. Only Kirei, Battousai, Megumi, and Tokio were not laughing.

(*I know that it's not that.. or funny but it was to me. I have a very weird since of humor, so don't yell at me for injuring the two. It was about Battousai's protectiveness.*)

"If you both died with one punch, I don't think you two morons can handle the real battle," said Saitoh as he grinned from their weak glares.

The two had one huge black eye, and had punch marks all along their body. Battousai made it look like one punch, but it was serious blows to most parts of their bodies.

"You two should not ever do that to a woman," said Megumi.

"We weren't trying anything. If that broom head hadn't grabbed hold of my arms when he fell, then we wouldn't have almost landed on Missy's..." began Sano, but gulped through all the pain when he got a cold, red, death glare from Battousai.

"Me? It was your huge weight that brought me down," said Cho, but began to cough. It hurt to talk, the Battousai wasn't one to mess with.

"No talking," said Tokio as she tended to his chest.

"You're lucky that you're not in a coma," said Katsu, he knew what the two could of have done to them if they were really angry.

He got a glare from the two.

"Well why don't we have a duel Saitoh?" asked Soujiro.

"Fine kid," said Saitoh entering the ring.

"Stay away from... Kirei," said Sano weakly as Megumi added medication.

"We're not as idiotic as you two," said Saitoh.

He received a low growl from them. It was the best they could do in their state.

"Ready? GO!" yelled Misao.

Then the two began their match.

"You know you didn't have to hurt them that bad. I did enough," said Kirei.

"They were about to touch you," said Battousai as he rubbed the her knuckles.

"I could of handled them myself," said Kirei.

"You're mine, and I don't like what belongs to me to get hurt. I wanted to make up for being careless in my fight with Aoshi. Why didn't you hurt them for what they almost did?" asked Battousai, his eyes were swirling amber and red again.

"I was caught off guard," protested Kirei, her eyes a mixture of all three colors.

"You can't be caught off guard in battle koishii," said Battousai in her ear.

Kirei glared at him, but smiled at him calling her that. It meant that he thought her more than an item. Her eyes settled to sapphire as she moved her head to his shoulder.

Battousai held her to him as his eyes changed back to amber.

"Hey, he was the bad guy, yet he gets the girl," complained Sano.

He got two death glares that were pure red.

Sano laughed nervously and looked down.

Then Soujiro landed on the couch next to Kirei his eyes swirling. Saitoh and him were going around in circles and it got him confused. The older vampire had pushed him back into the couch through all of the confusion.

"Pathetic," said Saitoh as he became visible again.

"Stop being such a bully anata," said Tokio looking at him angrily.

"You need to be tough to get these novices to do some type of descent work," said Saitoh.

"We're not novices," protested Shura angrily.

"From the way you all fight, it sure looks like it. The only ones that aren't novices here are Battousai, his mate, Aoshi, Soujiro, and myself," said Saitoh calmly, even if he did defeat Soujiro, it only because he was at top speed and it confused the kid.

"You okay Soujiro?" asked Katsu looking at the still dizzy Soujiro.

Kirei got out of Battousai's hold and helped Soujiro sit up right. They boy was too confused and drained of energy to complain. She shook him, but it only made him worse.

"Snap out of it Soujiro," said Shura as she went over and touched his forehead.

That seemed to do the trick since Soujiro sat up right and smiled at her.

Kirei gave Battousai a look and grinned. Her eyes went to the couple beside them and he nodded. She suppressed herself from giggling like a little girl.

"I think that when the battle comes, only the best of us should go," said Aoshi.

"Of course, we don't want any one getting in the way," said Saitoh.

"Those with at least a century of experience should go," said Katsu, those who were younger than that deserved to live longer.

"That's not fair, then I can't go," said Kirei angrily.

That meant Tae, Megumi, Misao, and Tokio couldn't go either.

"It's best that way," said Saitoh.

"But..." began Kirei, she didn't like this at all.

She looked at Battousai who shook his head, he didn't want her to get hurt.

Kirei crossed her arms and huffed. This wasn't fair. They were all suppose to go.

"Tsubame, you stay as well," said Sanosuke.

"But I got more than a century of experience," protested Tsubame.

"I don't want you to get hurt," said Sano as he held onto his throbbing side.

"Fine," said Tsubame as she helped her brother, she didn't want to injure him more.

"So then you all don't have to train," said Katsu.

"No, they will. They'll be here protecting Misao," said Aoshi.

"Oh yeah," said Katsu, he'd almost forgot.

"Shall we begin again?" asked Soujiro now happily standing, though Shura helped him.

"Give me an hour," said Sanosuke.

"Me too," said Cho as he sat up straight.

"You're still injured though," said Megumi.

"We're vampires, we heal quickly," said Cho as stood up on his own proving it. He nearly fell over, but Tokio helped him stand.

"This isn't right," said Kirei as she pouted, she was better than most of them.

"You play a big part on this," said Battousai as he tilted her head to him.

Her eyes turned sapphire as his turned amber, he only smiled weakly at her.

Crossing her arms over her chest, she sat back against the couch. It wasn't like she could do anything about it. She would only be a drag if she were caught and used against them.

"Let's begin. We should all attack each other, the ones that are going. So we have a feel of what the battle will be like," said Saitoh.

"Let's get into teams. We have to learn not to kill our own men," said Aoshi.

So then Anji, Saitoh, Cho, Yahiko, and Aoshi were on a team. While Soujiro, Sano, Katsu, Shura, and Battousai were on another team.

"I think it's quite obvious whose side is going to win," said Kaoru. as she got off the couch.

"Well duh. Of course Aoshi's team is going to win," said Misao.

Tae, Megumi and Kaoru looked at her like she was crazy.

"Battousai's team is going to win," said Kaoru.

"Just because he's your mate doesn't mean he's going to win," said Misao angrily.

"What does that have to do with anything? He's better than all of them. How do you expect your side to win if he already beat them all before? You're only rooting for that side because Aoshi's on it," said Kaoru angrily, she did not want to make this personal.

"Well duh," said Misao calmly.

Kaoru only rolled her eyes some people were just too dense.

"Well Tokio, aren't you rooting for your husband's side?" asked Misao.'

"Well duh she is, it is her husband after all. What is Aoshi to you, hm?" asked Kaoru grinning.

Misao glared at her, she was so evil at times. The two began to glare death at each other, and were about to do their own battle.

Tokio and the others sighed as the two began calling each other names.

"Forget about them. Let's bring it already," said Cho.

"Ready?" asked Saitoh.

"Begin!" shouted Battousai and the two teams clashed.

"Why did you vote for Battousai's team Megumi? Have a crush on one of its team members?" asked Misao with a grin.

"Of course not, I have the sense like Kaoru, unlike some weasel girl," said Megumi calmly.

"Why you little kitsune..." began Misao.

"Just admit it, our team is going to win," said Kaoru grinning.

"No it will not, because Saitoh and Aoshi are going to take down Battousai," said Misao.

"Oh really? Then the other members of the team will have an advantage," said Megumi.

Kaoru and Megumi high-five while Misao glared at them.

"So I guess your on your brother's side right, Tsubame?" asked Misao.

Tsubame didn't say anything, she didn't want to be on anyone's side. One was her brother and the other was her crush. How could she decide?

Suddenly Cho was thrown out of the arena and Kaoru and Megumi began to laugh. They were sure that they were going to win now. The other team was strong, but their team was even better. They were going down.

Cursing, Cho jumped back in and Sano came flying out followed by Yahiko. They charged at each other and then jumped back in the ring.

The others looked on into the ring, all they saw were blurs as the men and Shura began to duel inside the arena. They could only hope that no one got seriously injured.

*~*~*~*~*

"You've got to be kidding me. They've been in there for an hour," said Misao as she looked into the arena again, she still couldn't see a thing.

Kaoru, Megumi, Tae, Tokio, and Tsubame were drinking water and busy talking amongst themselves. They knew that the battle would be long. Misao has just walked over to the arena to look at the progress again.

They were moving so fast that she couldn't really tell.

"Just wait, they'll be done soon," said Kaoru as she drank her tea.

"You're not worried? You know, you're mate could be seriously injured in there," stated Misao, she didn't believe that Kaoru would be that cold.

"He's not. His ki isn't dropping," said Kaoru calmly, she could easily see the fight and could clearly see that Kenshin was having fun with his opponents. His eyes were completely amber, and if he were in any danger his eyes would be red by now.

Misao couldn't see what was going on, and her senses on sensing ki wasn't as good as Kaoru, she only hoped that Aoshi was all right.

"Yamagata, what are you doing up?" asked Tokio as she saw the man walk over.

Megumi helped the vampire, who was still in his night clothes over to them.

The battle suddenly stopped, and it showed them all attacking someone. They all put away their weapons and then walked over to him.

"The Bafuko are in Kyoto," said Yamagata weakly.

"We already know that," said Kaoru.

"If they are, I say we go there. I wish to see Okina anyways," said Aoshi.

"Their men have taken it over," said Yamagata.

"All of Kyoto?" asked Shura.

"No, only its capital," said Yamagata.

"We need to stop them," said Misao determined.

"No, we must wait here and train until after the Red Moon," said Kenshin.

"It's the only sure way that we'll win," said Katsu.

"I know, the couples and Misao stay here. Once you're done getting the extra power, meet up with us in Kyoto," said Aoshi looking at Saitoh and Tokio, and Kaoru and Kenshin.

"You'll be wasting your strength," said Tokio.

"She's right, fighting now will make it worse when we get there," said Saitoh.

"You'll be our back up," said Sanosuke.

"Shishio isn't appearing until after the Red Moon as well. By then he'll be much stronger than all of you. You have to remember who you're dealing with here. If we stay here and you all go, then it'll take us longer to get there, and by then you all will probably taking in your last breath of air," said Kenshin.

"I don't see the point of us going there," said Kaoru.

"They'll need help," said Katsu.

"That's why Anatra said that the other teams are doing it. If we are needed, then I am sure that my aunt will send notice," said Kaoru.

"You heard her, she's not going to interfere," said Cho.

"After this battle. The Vampires will help us fight the Bafuko, all we have to worry about is getting stronger and defeating Shishio and Enishi," said Kenshin.

They all fell into silence.

"Let get back to training," said Kenshin.

The two teams nodded and got back into the ring as the others looked at each other worried.

*~*~*~*~*

A/N: I told you it was long. The next chapter will be my lemon. Aren't some of you so happy about this? It's going to take a while, so I might not update for a while.

Suggestions?

As I said before, possible tragic ending. Shall I write a sequel or just continue if I do? I want to know now, for I think that most of you might want a happy ending. Then again and I can just be pure evil and make it a terrible ending. It all depends on you guys.

PLEASE REVIEW!