an: Konnichiwa, minna-san. Sorry for the huge delay. Even though school is out, I have next to no energy left. I've been spending the last few days eating and sleeping, and have how recovered from the torture of school, tests, exams and projects ^^' I'm going to France, Cannes on Friday, for the Film Festival. I might be able to write the next few chapters there. My father will be judging the advertisements, and will be one of the four Asian representatives. There are two from China, and two from Japan. I think that it is immensely weird that both the reps. from China are actually Singaporean, but are called the 'Judges from China'. Singaporean pride *waves flag*

Here is the next chapter, enjoy!

Sunlight and sunset, warmth and cold,

Four points of the compass, see the story unfold.

Happiness and despair, comfort and pain,

As cold seas yield cold rain.

Sickness and health, love and hate,

All mixed up by the power we call fate.

            Kenshin, Kaoru and Sanosuke watched the short interaction between the two leaders from the confinement of the cells. Shishio had invited Enishi into the fort, meaning that Enishi had laid his cards on the table.

It was evident that this was an easy profit for Shishio. He had only prevented Enishi from docking at the island out of pride and greed. Now that he could get something out of it, he was more than eager to share.

Now, all that the three could do was pass the time until a verdict was made. Sano, being Sano, slept the hours away. Kenshin and Kaoru played like five-year-old kids. Kaoru had found out that he was ticklish, and had used that little bit of information against him.
            "Ahahahahahaha! Kaoru…yamero…onegaaaaaaai…hahahaha." Kenshin squirmed on the floor as Kaoru tickled him mercilessly. He had to get out of this soon, or he would die. Kenshin squealed again, as she poked his sides.

He quickly solved that problem by kicking out his legs, causing Kaoru to collapse on top of him, and then flipping over so that she lay underneath him.

            Kaoru didn't feel any sense of panic or unease as Kenshin covered her body with his. Instead, she felt comforted, and protected. Kenshin was obviously enjoying himself as well; his eyes had taken on a tenderness that had previously not been there.

Unknown to the both of them, Kenshin's laughter had awoken Sano, something that was rarely heard in the slave pens, and he watched the two with a smirk on his face.

            Kenshin raised a hand to softly stroke Kaoru's face, visibly trembling. Huge waves of emotion were rushing over both of them. The feeling was so foreign, and they didn't know what was happening. They were falling in love.

            A short time after that, heavily armed guards came to the cells. They chained, and dragged out Sano first, then Kenshin. They moved to close the door, leaving Kaoru behind. Kenshin roared out his rage to the world, and refused to budge. His eyes had turned amber again, and the fierce gaze shot fear into the hearts of even the bravest of the soldiers.

            One of the guards suggested that Kaoru should be chained to Kenshin, to calm him down. They promptly did as said, hurriedly fastening her to Kenshin's side, then scurrying away.

            Seven other slaves were caught and chained in a similar fashion. They were then led to the dock, and loaded onto the ship.

            The ten slaves were brought below deck, and chained to the oars, two at each bench. A long running shackle attached to their ankles was held fast to the ship by a large metal staple.

            Kenshin was already chained to Kaoru, so they let them sit together. Sano was chained to the bench behind them.

            Kaoru looked into Kenshin's eyes, partly hidden by his long, red fringe, and saw that they were still amber. She spoke softly to him, trying to lift his anger.

            "Kenshin, I'm alright. They didn't touch me, you were watching. Kenshin…" her voice faded off as she touched his hand, which was curled in a tight fist. He relaxed, his body responding to her gentle touch, and coaxing voice.

            He looked at her face; his eyes back to a loveable violet. He saw the worry in her face, and purred reassuringly. Kaoru laughed.

She had discovered that he purred, just like a kitty, late one night. She had woken up to his cold body trying to wriggle further into her warmth. Once she had wrapped her arms around him and made sure that he was warm, Kenshin had responded like a little kitten in a warm bed. She found that trait of his extremely adorable.

"Kawaii, atashi wa chicchari koneko…(Cute, my little kitten)" Kaoru softly murmured, as she reached up to play with his blood-red hair.

The moment was broken as one of the corsairs, carrying a long, leather whip clomped down the steps leading to the galley. He spoke in a harsh, guttural voice.

"You will live the rest of your pathetic lives down here. You will do as I command, or will pay a painful price." He cracked the whip, and grinned. "And if any of your oars break, and you think that you are free to go, well, you're wrong. The long running chain is stapled to the ship, is the ship sinks, you all with go down with it."

A shout came from the top deck, and the corsair grinned again. "Now, row!" He mercilessly beat the ones who didn't row fast enough, or had no strength to do so. Kaoru was sitting on the inside of the bench, so the whip could not reach her.

The corsair was too scared to try and hit her anyway. He had heard from the soldiers that the redheaded warrior was a fierce adversary.

TBC…

an: So, how did you like this chapter? There's a little more K&K waff in this one. I got the purring idea from my boyfriend, who does that whenever he's happy (Joanna, I'm sure you know who it is ^^') Thanks to everybody who reviewed, and even more for the lovely comments!! Love you guys!

Skipper