Hello everyone. I am completely new on Fanfiction, so please don't Flame me. Only give me creative and helpful comments please. I would like to have as much help as possible, since this is my first time on Fanfiction. I hope you all like my story.
Summary- There is a legend of a Vampire, who kills everyone he meets. A Vampire who never felt compassion. His name, Kenshin Himura. He is known as the Battousai and this.. is his story of learning Compassion. And maybe, falling in love.
(_) AN
:_: What the Charactor is Reading
"_" Talking
'_' Thoughts
*_* Sounds or sudden noises
I know in the last chapter there were a few spelling errors and some grammer problems. The reason being, I went over the Introduction, to check for errors, and I thought I went over the last chapter too. Turns out, I didn't. Sorry about that. I'll be more careful from now on.
A few charactors in here will be from the anime. But, they will not have the exact same background, or age as in the anime. There is a reason for all of this. I'm telling you all just so none of you reviews flame me for getting someone's age or background wrong, because I didn't get it wrong, I changed it.
I hope you all understand. I hope you enjoy this chapter.
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Learning Compassion
Part Two- The First Meeting
After the departure of the strange, red-haired man, Shishio continued his walk to the Taloon. The meeting would start in an hour. He was still shakin-up by his encounter with the Battousai. He just couldn't make up his mind weather it really was the Battousai or it was a trick of the wind.
He knew, that no one dared to speak the same sentence that the Battousai did when he was going to kill someone. No one was brave enough to do it. He had heard that one man used that sentence a few times, just to play tricks on his friends, but the next day was found dead outside of his home. Ever since then, no one even joked about using that sentence.
He sighed. Thinking like that wasn't going to help him figure it out. Besides, he had much more important things to do.
The small group of men behind him was made up of some of the best fighters he could gather together. They hardly ever spoke, but followed comands like a trained dog. They were almost ruthless in combat, which is why Shishio picked them out.
Shishio and the gang behind him walked into the Taloon. Shishio took his rightful spot in the seat that the Battousai was sitting in before. The seat was still slightly warm from someone sitting in it. The gang of fighters placed themselves in the seats around Shishio. The table was square, holding about two or three people on each side. The one that was close to the back door was always Shishio's when he came into the Taloon. It had been that way everyday for the past four weeks.
His gang of Fighters sat themselves down. Shioshio looked around at his group. His eyes trailing on each of them. He re-counted to himself of why he had each of them together.
There was Yukyuzan Anji. He was a great fighter. A huge man with bulky muscles. He had tanned skin from hours of training out in the sun. Black markings under his eyes made from, what looked like to be coal. He used to be Preist. The non-violent type of guy. Until, of course the reason why he was now part of this group, the four childern the man was carring for were killed by Vampires. As far as Shishio knew, Anji just found the childern on the ground with holes in their necks. Shishio didn't ask it, but suspected that something else happened besides that.
Shishio almost shrugged. It was none of his business. If the man didn't want to share his life story, that was the man's concern, not his. All he wanted was for Anji to lend his strength to take care of those 'things' once and for all.
The next person Shishio's eyes laid upon was of a young boy. His name is Seta Soujiro. He is about the age of 13. He has strange brown tint in his hair, which wasn't too common. His eyes were a deep blue color. His lips were always turned into a slight smile. No other emotion crossed the boy's face. Shishio knew why. The boy had a harsh life. When he found poor Soujiro, the boy was working as a slave for a vampire gang. As far as Shishio knew the vampires did away with Soujiro's family before taking the boy as a slave. For about four years the boy was beaten, bit and sent out to trap young women and childern for the vampires to feed upon.
Once Shishio killed off the vampires, Soujiro turned to him with a smile. Shishio didn't question to boy's lack of emotion. Living with those creatures could probably drain anyone of emotion.
Shishio soon learned after he took Soujiro in, the Soujiro had a strange skill with a sword. Soujiro once told him his father was a very good swordsman. Shishio believed Soujiro was a master of the Tenbu no Sai Niyoru Ken. A very powerful sword style. Shishio brought it upon himself to teach the boy to handle a sword with more grace. Since then, Soujiro has never left Shishio's side.
Shishio's eyes once again traveled. This time to another man. This man Shishio only found a few months ago. His name is Hanya. He always wore a strange mask. A white mask shaped into that of a demon's face. He wore strange form fitting shirts with long sleeves. The sleeves had a strip pattern on them. It was made that way to make it look like his arms extended well past their true length. All Shishio really knows about the man was he is a master at Kempo.
Shishio's eyes moved from Hanya to another member of the group. He was a tall man with a police uniform on. His name, Saitou Hajime. Saitou has black hair, most of it gelled back. Four strands came in front, drooping down in front of his eyes and grazing his cheeks. His eyes were almost a golden color. Strange for any person to have, yes. But, he was no ordinary man. He was half Vampire. Shishio found Saitou when he was half way through his vampire transformation. Shishio was able to stop the full transformation by burning the wounds and making Saitou drink garlic water. It stopped the main transformation. Saitou does not drink blood, nor was he any different looking from any other human. It was just his eyes and his skin color that changed.
Saitou's skin is paler then a normal human's skin color. It looked like Saitou was hiding from the sun for the past six years. He wasn't a sickly pale color, but only a few shades above that. Saitou hated looking himself in the mirrior. Everytime he did, Saitou would end up braking it. He hated looking into his own golden eyes and facing the truth. He was different no matter how hard he tired not to believe it. He wasn't human anymore.
Shishio felt sorry for the man. Often, he thought about what if he hadn't stopped the transformation and just done away with Saitou in the first place? But, then he would shake his head. He needed Saitou for this and Saitou, no matter how horrible he felt about being what he was now, was grateful to be alive. Shishio still couldn't help himself but wonder about that.
Shishio knew a little about Saitou's past. Only bits and pieces that Saitou every now and then shared with him. From what he knew, Saitou was a new officer of the law. He had worked for the government before in some type of 'clean-up' job. Shishio wasn't stupid. He knew Saitou was probably a Man-Slayer. Besides that, Shishio also knew that Saitou had a family at one point. His family was rich and he was a gifted child who learned to use a sword at a very young age. Then, one night while Saitou was away in the practice feilds, his family was killed by Vampires.
Since then, Saitou had to raise himself from about the age of 10. Shishio guess Saitou was about 30 when Saitou was bitten. The strange thing was, since then Saitou has never grown a single day older. Shishio nearly forgot about his last member, who was currently walking up to him, because he was so deep in thought.
The last member of his group is a woman. Shishio turned his head to look at her. She was a very beautiful woman. But, don't let her looks fool you. She was as deadly as they came. She was one of.. them. She was a Vampire. But, he trusted her enough to not kill any of them. Her name, Yumi. Her eyes were a deadly red color. Her hair, as black as the night sky. It was always tied into a strong bun. A few strands dangled out from the bun's tight grip. Her fang, always hiden by her blood red lips. A small, beauty mark was below her left eye. High on her cheek. Her Kimono hung from her slender shoulders, making her pale neck and shoulder touch the outside world. Not many women dared to wear such a thing. But, Yumi wanted to show off her beauty.
Her Kimono was probably one of the best you could buy. It was silk and had many patterns on it. One of which being Cherry blossoms. The rest was coated in red, with small designs made right into the fabric. Her Kimono went to the ground, with an open slit on her right leg. A loose rope-like materal held the kimono. It was tied around her waist. The ends of it, always bouncing when she would walk. Her hips swayed in a rythmic motion as she walked. It would lure the best of men into their spell. But, Shishio knew better then that. He would not be caught in her deadly web of beauty.
Yumi sat down beside him. Everyone looked at her. They all knew she had some kind of news. She never came unless she had news.
"On with it onna." Said Anji. He was always getting angry whenever Yumi was around. Everyone did. She was one of 'them' after all.
"I just came to tell you all that the Battousai is close by. I heard that he was passing close to the Taloon earlier today. I just thought i'd warn you all." She said, sitting back in the chair.
The Taloon was one of the very few places that had chairs and didn't make you sit on the ground. Only a pillow to support you as you sat on your knees. The Taloon was more of a western style place. They all thought it was rather nice.
"The Battousai." Shishio said, rubbing his chin in thought. This was going to be rather difficult to make any moves tonight if the Battousai was close by.
Just then, Jiro walked up to them. He put his hand on the table, to gain attention from everyone. "I thought the meeting was going to start at sun rise." he stated.
"It was, until we had a slight change in plan. The Battousai is close by." Yumi explained to Jiro. She wasn't looking at anyone. She was more interested in her nails at the moment.
"The Battousai? Well, we don't quite have to worry about him right now. He is the least of our problems. Everyone knows he doesn't attack any place unless someone makes him angry." Jiro cleared his throat before speaking again. "We need to worry about the rather large group of Vampires that are starting to revolt against every group of humans that come their way. They are killing maybe twenty people a day! We have to stop them."
"I agree with you." Saitou said. He looked up at Jiro. "Those things need to be stopped. We cannot allow them to walk around and kill people freely."
"Unlike you did, right Saitou-San?" Yumi piped in, knowing she was getting on Saitou's nerves.
Shishio nearly sighed. He knew what was going to happen next. It was time for every meeting they ever had, to turn into a fight between Yumi and Saitou. Just the way he really wanted to start a meeting.
"I fought for the government and to protect people! Not to kill them for the sake of killing." Saitou yelled at Yumi, standing up and slamming his fist into the table. A very clear, 'CRACK' could be heard from the old table. A spider like crack formed around in the table by Saitou's fist. Saitou's teeth were slightly bared, and a small vein could be seen on his forehead.
Shishio really did sigh now. Leave it to Yumi to get on Saitou's bad side.
"They are killings because humans are killing them." Yumi said, then added, "Besides, they need to eat."
This got everyone's attention. The whole group turned to Yumi. Anji was clearly well passed angry at her. None of them wanted to hear someone defend the creatures that ruined their lives. Yet, here was Yumi defending the creatures they hated will all of their being.
"Are you saying we should LET them kills us all?" Anji questioned to Yumi with his teeth clentched.
Yumi sighed. "Men. You just won't get it will you?"
Shishio knew it was coming. The fists and/or swords were going to fly after a her next sentence. Shishio would bet his sword skills on it.
"From what you are saying, because we need to kill you humans to eat, we should die. Well, why won't that logic work every other time huh?" Yumi said, pausing for everyone to understand what she was saying. Then she continued. "So, what you are saying is that since you eat fish, which means you have to kill them, that gives fish to wipe you off the face of the earth because they shouldn't be killed to feed another living creature. Is that it?"
Everyone's blood was boiling. Well, besides Shishio's and Soujiro. Shishio sighed in his seat.
"Calm down everyone. We don't need another fight like last time." Shishio explained. He really did not fell like having another chair thrown, only to hit him in the back of the head. His head still hurt from the last time that happened. If that happened again, he would take out his sword on whoever threw it.
Anji slammed his fist down on the table. Shishio thought that the old table would fall under that pressure. But, to his surprise it stood against Anji's fist as well as Saitou's. "Then don't let that.. that.. THING ever come near us again!"
This time, Yumi stood up to defend herself against Anji's clear insault. "I am not a THING you Kisama! Just because I happen to be a vampire doesn't make it alright to forget that I am also a woman!"
"You're nothing more then an Busa as far as I am concerned!" Anji said, growling at Yumi now. They were both in each other's faces now. Both of them were narrowing their eyes at each other. Saitou was about to step in with his own personal comments about Yumi, when Shishio broke it up.
"DAMMIT! ALL OF YOU SIT THE FUCK DOWN NOW!" He shouted over everyone. They all stopped and stared at Shishio. He never yelled over at them, unless they threw something at him. Everyone shut up, and sat down. Shishio remained standing. "Now, all of you will stop this pity fighting. We need each of you as much as then others."
Anji grumbled. Shishio sent him a sharp glare. "We need you for your powerful medicines and knowledge about Vampires. As well as your fighting. Demo, we also need Yumi-San for her inside details of what is happening everywhere. Without her knowledge of every Vampire group and being able to get inside of their groups, we would never know what was going on with them."
Shishio paused to make sure everyone got what he was saying. "I know you all, besides Yumi-san, hate Vampires to the core. Demo, we need keep a clear head and try to get along with each other. We need to work together if our plans are going to work."
Everyone paused, before Jiro spoke up. "I completely agree with you Shishio-Sami. We do need to work together."
Just then, the door to the Taloon opened up. Everyone looked at the door. Everyone with a sword, placed their hands on their hilts. If it was the Battousai, they were all done for. They watched the door with their nerves on end, waiting for the person to walk in.
Just then, they all sighed. It was just Tomoe. She closed the door behind her and locked up. "Gomen everyone, demo, I needed to step outside for a second. I closed the place down for you Jiro-san."
"Arigato Tomoe-San. Please, join us for our meeting." Jiro said, moving aside so Tomoe could sit down across from Shishio. Tomoe gave a slight nod toward Jiro before sitting down in the seat.
"Arigato Jiro-San. Now, what have I missed?" Tomoe questioned to the whole group, even though she was mainly keeping her eyes on Shishio.
"The Battousai is near by Tomoe-san." Shishio explained.
"I think he might be after the new slayer." Yumi said, winking at Tomoe. Tomoe and Yumi never really became friends and Yumi would often tease Tomoe about being a slayer, but they never faught or had any hate towards one another.
"Hai Yumi-san. You just might be right. The Battousai would most likely not come near a place like this if he were not after me." Tomoe said, keeping her head in a slightly bowed position. It was the way she was brought up. Never to keep her eyes on someone for too long.
"Hai Tomoe-san. But, if he is after you, we will all protect you and try to take down the Battousai." Said Shishio, in a non-worried tone. A few eyes looked at him in his calm state.
"Demo, Shishio-Sami. Wouldn't you think it would be best to let the true slayer handle a vampire such as the Battousai?" Soujiro questioned.
"Hai Soujiro-chan. Demo, we cannot allow such a lady as Tomoe-san to go into battle alone. Now, what kind of gentle-men would we be if we did such a thing?" Shishio questioned to him, a small smile gracing his lips.
Tomoe blushed a little at Shishio's comment. All the men chuckled at Shishio's comment.
"Hai hai Shishio-Sami. What kind of Gentle-men are we if we don't help out such a fine lady as Tomoe-san?" Anji questioned with a smile. One of the very rare and few smiles he gives.
"Oi! I'm a lady too." Yumi piped up, in a slight whine.
"Do we really have to answer your statement?" Soujiro asked her. Everyone blinked, before laughing. Besides, Yumi of course. She just sat down and pouted in her seat before standing up.
"I see when I am not wanted. Besides, the sun is going to rise in about half an hour. Sayonara Shishio-San and Tomoe-Chan." She said, before starting to walk out of the Taloon.
"What about the rest of us?" Soujiro asked her. He was wondering why he did not get a good-bye.
Yumi turned around with a small smile on her face. "I only say Sayonara to the polite people. Unlike yourself Soujiro-Chan." With that, she left the Taloon.
Anji ruffled Soujiro's hair a little. "Don't worry about it Soujiro-Chan. She hates just about everyone of us."
"Demo, I think she likes someone in this group a little too much." Saitou said, lighting one of his ciggerettes. He took a deep drag from it.
"Who?" Jiro questioned.
"Shishio-Sami of course." He said in a calm voice. Everyone almost fell over. Saitou just took another drag from his ciggerette.
"NANI?! Saitou-san. You must be joking." Shishio said, righting himself. He nearly fell out of his chair from Saitou's comment.
"Iie. Think about it Shishio-Sami. She always sits next to you, warns you about everything, she only listens to you and most of all, you're the only guy she says Sayonara to." Saitou said, presenting all of his evidence.
"I agree with Saitou-san." Hanya's voice finally came into play. It almost made everyone jump. He was so silent for so long, everyone had forgotten he was even there.
Jiro patted Shishio on the back. He gave a friendly laugh at Shishio. "Good luck with a woman like that."
Shishio gave a slight blush on his face. "I do not like Yumi-San like that!"
"Hai hai." Everyone said at the same time, which only made Shishio frown at them all.
"By the way Jiro-San. Where is this guy you told us all about?" Shishio questioned, tring his hardest to get off the subject of Yumi.
"He said he had more important matters to attend to." Jiro explained. "You all meet him."
"Nani? You mean that red-headed man?" Shishio questioned.
"Hai. His name is Himura. He is a very strong man with a great skill with the sword." Jiro explained.
Shishio frowned again. This time it was much deeper. It made him seem like he grew a few years older. "I do not like that Himura-guy."
"Shishio-Sami. Why don't you like Himura-san?" Tomoe questioned.
"I just have a feeling that I shouldn't trust him. If not for that feeling, I'm sure I would not have been so rude to him today." Shishio explained.
"Himura-San is very trustworthy." Tomoe said, getting slightly defensive of Himura.
"Tomoe-San. I never said we should not trust him. Just, I do not like him." Shishio explained, not wanting to get into a fight with Tomoe. Truth be told, he rather liked Tomoe. More then a friend kind of way.
"I'm sure Shishio-Sami did not mean to offend Himura-San in any way Tomoe-san." Soujiro said, piping in, tring to help his master in need.
"Gomen. I did not mean to sound so rude Shishio-Sami." Tomoe said, with her head bowed. She was taught better then this.
"It's alright Tomoe. You should speak your mind." Shishio said. " It is I who should say Gomen."
Tomoe gave him a soft smile. If almost made Shishio's heart melt.
'I have it bad.' Shishio thought to himself. He always had a slight crush towards Tomoe, but it didn't start to become more then that until he started to come to the Taloon on regular bases. It grew from there. Now, he was sure he was in love with the woman. Though, him being a man of the sword and not of people, he did not know how to tell a woman such as Tomoe.
"Soujiro-Chan." Shishio started. "Why don't you take Hanya and Anji to the troubled area outside of Kyoto? I heard there was a small gang of vampires there. Maybe four or five. Nothing you three couldn't handle. Nothing you couldn't handle on your own."
"Then why all three of us?" Hanya questioned.
"Because, my sources may be wrong and I don't want to risk any of your lives in this." Shishio explained. He turned to Saitou. "Can you have a small group of police sent to Kyoto as well? I heard there was a rather large group of vampires gathering. You could lead those men into killing those."
"Hai Shishio-Sami. It is as good as done." Saitou said.
"Good. Tomoe-San. Could you check out the northern forest area with me? There is a vampire group gathering there tomorrow night. If we head out soon, we could reach there and set up traps for them." He said.
"Hai. I will go get ready right now Shishio-Sami." Tomoe said, getting up. She made a slight bow towards Shishio before going into her room.
"What shall I do Shishio-Sama?" Jiro questioned.
"I want you to stay here. Open your Taloon later this afternoon and try to listen in on conversations. If anything sounds like it could give away an area where Vampires could be hiding, write it down. We will need that information." Shishio explained.
"Hai." Jiro said, nodding to show he understood.
"And Jiro-San... if Himura happens to come into the Taloon anytime tomorrow... invite him into the meeting for the next half moon." Shishio said with great pain. He didn't know why, but he just didn't like Himura.
"Hai. It will be done." Jiro answered.
"Good. Let's all go get a good night's rest shall we? And everyone. Be careful of the Battousai. Try not to anger any Vampire that is anything like the news we've heard about the Battousai." Shishio said to his fello members.
They all nodded.
"Don't worry about us Shishio-Sami. We will all be careful." Soujiro told him with a smile.
Shishio placed his hand on the small boy's head. "I know you will be. Now. Let's get some shut eye."
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The Battousai relaxed near a stream. He splashed some water on his face, getting out some of the dirty from the forest. As he was walking through the forest, a few branches hit him in the face. A few light marks on his face were the resault of his encounter with the branches. This is why he really hated walking through thick bushes.
He cursed as the water stung some of his new wounds. A female voice carried it's way to his ears.
"You should really watch where you are going next time." She said to him.
The Battousai reached for his Katana. He turned around to find a rather beautiful woman behind him.
"There is no need for violence." She said, tilting her head ever so slightly. "What is your name handsom?"
"Himura Kenshin." The Battousai answered with caution. He wasn't going to let down his guard. Even if the person in front of him was a beautiful woman.
"My name is Yumi." She said with a smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you Himura-San."
"Like wise, Yumi-San." He answered back in a monotone.
That only made Yumi cock up an eyebrow. "It seems I have another 'monotone' guy on my hands."
"I would be glad to relieve you of this Monotone guy." The Battousai answered, standing up. He slid his shealth into his belt and eyed the woman before him. Then, it clicked. His eyes narrowed a little. "You're a Vampire."
"Hai. I am a Vampire." She said with a slight smile. "You're the first guy who refered to me as a Vampire and not a 'thing', 'Demon', 'creature from hell' or 'Onna'."
The Battousai tilted his head to the side in a thoughtful manner. "I am a gentle-man unlike most men of this era. Now, if you excuse me, Yumi-San, I must be on my way."
"Be careful. The Battousai is out there." Yumi warned him with a smirk. "Make sure you don't get cut into ribbions."
The Battousai turned to her with an evil smirk, that made her have chills run up and down her spine. Those golden eyes bored into her forehead, cutting a clear veiw into her mind. All she could do was stand there. There was nothing to be done. Those Golden eyes held her in place.
"I am always Careful. Demo, you be careful Yumi-San. There are demons in this forest." He said with a deep and almost throaty voice. Even the voice made her shiver.
She wasn't sure if it was fear that was controlling her... or something else. Her body acted on it's own and so did her mouth. "Like you, Himura-San?"
His smirk widen ever so little, but there was still a greater depth to his smirk. It reached his eyes this time. "Hai, Yumi-San. Like me."
Her knees nearly bucked from the weird shivers and flows of emotion running through her body. No person has ever made her feel this way before. Not even Shishio. Shishio made her feel... different.. but not like this. She felt.. well.. she didn't even know how to discribe the emotion running through her body. She felt like fleeing and going into his arms at the same time. She felt like she was helpless.. and powerful at the same time. How could any of this make sence? She was a Vampire! She wasn't supposed to feel! She had stopped feeling a long time ago. Why did it suddenly change?
"I must be on my way. Sayonara, Yumi-San." he said, before walking forward. He brushed past her. She felt like her heart beat was back for a spilt second. Her would body felt as warm as a hot poker, then it all crashed down. She was back to the same old her. Sort of.
He continued his walk into the forest, leaving the shakin' up Yumi on her own.
Yumi waited til he was far enough that she was sure he couldn't see nor hear her. She fell to her knees. 'How could a man make me feel like this?' Yumi asked herself over and over again in her mind.
'He must.. be some kind.. of demon.. or vampire.. he can't be human!' Yumi battled with herself over and over again in her mind, tring to figure out just what Himura was. He acted almost human. He didn't act like a vampire, yet seemed to have the sence of a vampire in him. He also had a sence of something else deep within him. Maybe that was what she felt? It could have been. He could have pulled out whatever that was and showed her.
She gulped. She was sure if she still had a beating heart, it would have stopped by now. She was lucky she was already dead. If not, he would have killed her with those looks. She was sure of it.
'How could a person posses such eyes?' Yumi asked herself. She got to her feet. She could smell it in the air. Sun rise was going to be very soon. She needed to find some kind of shelter. If she didn't, her life was over. Even hiden in the forest, there were rays of sun light that escaped through the tree's thick branches and caught the ground. If she were to stay in the forest, in the area she was in now, she would surely die.
She quickly ran to the only place she could reach in time. It was the Taloon. She just hoped Jiro wouldn't kick her out into the sun light. If he did, she promised herself if she became a ghost or whatever, she would haunt him forever!
Yumi made her way through the forest, avoiding the bigger branches, but her Kimono snagged on a tree branch, making her trip in her run. If she didn't free herself soon, she would be caught in the open, with the sun. She quickly turned and pulled on her Kimono. She pulled it again and it finally gave way. Her Kimono tore from her right knee, down. She would curse herself later for doing that, but now was not the time. She got to her feet and made a dash for the Taloon.
'I knew I should have just stayed! Dammit. I'll be glad if I can get to the door before I get hit with the sun.' She thought to herself, finally seeing the Taloon's slanted roof ahead. She could feel a smile on her lips, dispite herself. She was almost there! Then again, the sun was about the peak over the hills. She only had a few more seconds before she would be turned to dust.
She was almost there! She could smell the foul oder of Jiro coming from the place and the smell of Sake. She reached out a hand and connected with the door knob. She was home free! She turned the knob, only to her horror, that it was locked! She banged on the door.
"Jiro-San! It's Yumi! Please! Open the door!" She screamed through the door. She could already feel her skin start to become hot from the sun's glare. The sun peaked over the hill tops, casting a yellow glow over the land. It touched Yumi's right ankle, where her Kimono was torn. She screamed out in pain as the sun began it's work on her ankle. It burned the skin in only a few seconds flat. It traveled up her leg and part of the glare, touched her shoulder and her cheek. She could smell the smoke from her own burning skin. It sickened her to no extent.
She banged on the door again. She was close to sobbing against the door. She was going to die because that foul-smelling man Jiro, DIDN'T LEAVE THE FUCKING DOOR UNLOCKED! She could almost scream in pure horror from the sitution that, she, put herself in. If only she hadn't left the Taloon!
Just when she thought her life was over, the door opened. Yumi fell to the ground. Her ankles and down were still in the sun. Her skin started to burn there too. Her right ankle was completely charred to the bone from the sun. She felt two arms pull her inside of the building. The door was shut, locking out the sun's glare. She felt herself dragged in further, until she was completely out of danger. Then, the two arms released her. She looked up to see who her savor was.
Shishio looked down at the burned woman laying on the ground. "Yumi-San. What happened? You aren't so stupid as to not take cover before the sun rises!"
"Those... those.. golden.. eyes.. they.. pinned me.. in place.. I couldn't.. move." She said, trying to get all the words out so they could understand what she was saying.
"Golden eyes?" Shishio questioned. His eyes narrowed. "It must have been the Battousai. He is the only one who could hold another vampire in place like this."
Shishio reached down and picked Yumi up from the floor. He carried her into the back room. Everyone looked at him. The whole group was still there. They were too cautious when they heard someone bang on the door, but when Shishio heard Yumi's scream, he had to open the door. He wasn't so cruel as to let a woman who had helped them, beyound being a vampire, had done nothing wrong. So, he did the only human thing. He let her in and was going to help her.
"Soujiro-Chan! Get some wash clothes. Anji. Fetch a bucket of water for Yumi-San, please." Shishio ordered, expecting the ones he just called out to move and do his orders right away.
"Demo, Shishio-Sami. I could never help a vampire." Anji said to him.
Shishio looked up at him. "You can't be serious Anji-San." After a few seconds of looking into Anji's eyes he knew Anji was not telling a lie. He would not help out Yumi. She was one of them and he would not help her. Even if Shishio demanded that he do so. "It's alright Anji-San. I understand."
He then turned to Soujiro. "Well? You too?"
Soujiro blinked. "Eto... I have to agree with Anji-San."
Shishio looked over at Saitou. He seemed to be thinking the same thing as Anji. Even Hanya and Jiro seemed to not be willing to move to get anything he asked for. Shishio growled. This is not what he wanted. He set Yumi down on some bedding, before racing around to get the things he needed.
He grabbed a wooden bucket from the kitchen and quickly ran out the back door. He didn't have much time. If he didn't cool her burns, she could suffer from much more damage. He dumped the contents of the bucket on the ground. Only a few left over food items were in the bucket.
Shishio went to the well and quickly pulled up on the rope. He strained to get the bucket up faster. When the bucket reached the top of the well, Shishio reached out one hand and grabbed it. He pulled it over and put only a bit of the water into the wooden bucket. He had to wash out the bucket before he could put water in it.
He looked around and cursed to himself. He completely forgot about something to clean the bucket with! He grabbed the end of his Gi and tore a piece from it. He cleaned the wooden bucket, then filled it with clean water. He then made his way back to the Taloon. He placed the bucket beside Yumi's burned ankles. He looked down at them. Black and coal-like skin met his eyes. He resisted the urge to gag at the very sight of it.
He looked around for some clothes, before he nearly slammed into Tomoe. She was standing there, holding some clean clothes for him to use. He looked into her eyes. She was willing to help him out, dispite his willing to help a Vampire!
"Dammit! I can feel my bones burning!" Yumi shouted out. That snapped Shishio back into he real world. He quickly grabbed the clothes from Tomoe.
"Arigato, Tomoe-San. You're a very big help." Shishio said to her, with all honesty. He then, went back to helping Yumi with her burns. He dipped a cloth into the bucket of water, and placed the now soaking cloth onto Yumi's ankle. You could see the small bits of steam come from the rag. Shishio, then removed the rag from her ankle, and placed it higher up on her leg where it was still burning slightly. Again, he could see small bits of steam rise from the rag.
He grabbed another cloth and dunked it into the clean water, then rung some of it out. He then folded it in half, so it could fit on Yumi's cheek. He put the cloth onto her cheek, being extremely careful of all of her burns. He didn't want her to have to go through more pain.
Yumi, all the time was watching Shishio. She could see the concentraition in his eyes. He was tring to be as careful as he could. She knew it wasn't easy for Shishio to do that. Shishio was a swordsman after all. He was never ment to do such work as this. His brow, contracting til she could see small wrinkles starting on his forehead. She could feel some small touches his skin and her skin made. It felt like small electric shocks being sent into her body. Almost, as if they wanted to start her unbeating heart again.
Shishio, on the other hand was too far into concentraition that he didn't notice the little shocks. He was now, placing the last cloth on Yumi's shoulder. As soon as that was done, he used the back of his right hand to clean his brow of sweat. He looked over at Yumi. "Just rest. When you wake up, I'll replace the clothes when they dry."
Yumi nodded a little. Sleep was already taking her by the hand. She had struggled against it's grasp for awhile now, wanting to watch Shishio work. But, now it was time for her to rest. She let her eyelids close, trusting Shishio would protect her from all harm while she healed. Her muscles relaxed, getting ready for sleep. She then felt her mind grow a little fuzzy, before sleep took her completely.
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The Battousai nearly tripped over the same damn log AGAIN! He growled down at the stupid piece of wood on the floor. He then, picked up the piece of wood before tossing it into the pile of wood on the floor. He was in an old cottage. The owners of this house, were childern. Three childern to be exact. They were so happy to see an adult, that they invited him in without a second thought.
Usually, this ment breakfast to the Battousai, but he couldn't touch any of them like that. Not with that raven haired girl in the corner. He believed her name to be Kaoru. She was the most mature out of all of them! She was about 8 maybe 9 in age. She acted as if she were 20 sometimes! She would act as a parent to the other two childern in the house. But, the Battousai could see the relief that an adult was in their mists. She started to act more and more like a child her age since he said he would stay.
Another girl, named Misao also livid here. She was not related to Kaoru in any way. But, she had pretty much the same hair color as Kaoru. Her dark hair was tied back into a braid, that rached her hip. Her bangs were planted almost always in front of her eyes. The Battousai would often find the girl tring her hardest to brush the bangs out of her eyes. The Battousai sugguested she use the hair gel that many people now adays use on their hair. Misao was about one year younger the Kaoru.
The last of the three childern was a boy. His name, Yahiko. He was half Kaoru's age. 4 maybe 5 at most. The youngest of the group and the whinest of the group. His hair would natural stand up, probably from never being brushed by the looks of it. His eyes reminded the Battousai of a samuria. The boy was certainly a son of a great warrior and had the mists of a warrior within him. If only he could get past that whining!
The Battousai walked back to his steamy pot of food. The childern had picked a few vegetables from the near-by feilds. He had warned them not to do so, for if they were caught, they could be beaten for it. The Childern just smiled at his warning, like they were glad to hear him spite them for their misdeeds. The Battousai knew they probably were happy. They wanted an adult figure around them.
The childern were currently playing together in the one roomed house. They were playing a game of 'tag'. The Battousai listened to their game, and turned around ever so often to watch the childern chase each other around the room. Sometimes, they would hit objects in the room. The only one who ever cried when they did that was Yahiko.
"Kaoru-Dono?" The Battousai questioned to the little girl who was tackling the younger boy to the ground. She looked up at the mention of her name. "I would like to speak with you."
Kaoru nodded and nearly leap off the boy. She, then helped him to his feet and brushed a little bit of the dust from him. Next, she bounded over to the Battousai with a smile on her face. "Hai?"
"I was wondering, how is it you all came to be in this place?" he questioned, while he continued to stir his almost completed soup for the childern. When he didn't hear a responce for a little while, he stopped his stirring and looked down at the raven-haired girl. She was looking down at the ground, like the dusty ground was suddenly interesting.
"Himura-sami... it's not something we like to share." Kaoru answered with a hint of a sob in her voice. The Battousai's eyes softened at the little girl. He bent down to her level and placed a hand under her chin. He made her look at him. She was in fact cring.
He tilted his head to the side. "Kaoru-Dono... don't you know a princess should never have to cry?"
That cheered up the young girl, but not enough to stop the hot tears from rolling down her face. The Battousai then did what he felt like he needed to do. He pulled the little girl to him and gave her a hug. The girl was a little surprised at the sudden contact, but then wrapped her little arms around his neck. He rubbed her back and whispered caring words into her ears to ease her cry. He never liked to see a child cry. It always reminded him of himself... when his. He stopped his train of thought. He didn't want to think back then. When he was weak.
He pulled the child from him and looked her in the eye. "It's alright Kaoru-Dono. You will always have me to protect you. No matter what happens."
The Child's eyes lit up. She smiled at the Battousai. "I will always remember this, Himura-Sami."
The Battousai placed a hand on the child's head and ruffled her hair a little. "I'm sure you will. And I will never forget you, Kaoru-Dono."
"Promise?" Asked the child, as if she really didn't believe him saying something unless he made a promise to it. He almost sighed, but held it back. He would play along with the child.
"Promise, forever and ever." He answered back to the child. Little did he know, that he would keep his promise. Forever and ever.
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:: sighs :: I worked really hard on this chapter. I wanted to introduce every main charactor that's going to be in the next couple of chapters. But, I did not get to everyone.
Some of you are asking me if Aoshi and Sano will make an appearance in this story as well. I do not want to give out too much of this story to everyone. I've already done that with my friend Kristin.
But, you can hope for them to appear, because I will not tell you if they will come into play in this story. I can tell you this, I will be needing a lot of charactors... so.. if you haven't seen your favorite charactor in the story thus far, there is a good chance you will see them in the story.
I think I killed my spell checker... Sorry for any and all spelling mistakes in this chapter! Before I put up the next chapter, I will revise this chapter and correct it's mistakes.
Jap. Terms for those who don't know.
Eto..:Ummm... huh..
Hai-Yes
Iie-No
Demo-But, However
kisama-Bastard
Gaki- rugrat, anklebiter, little person
Oi-Hey (Some people say it's translated into 'Wow'. Though, I'm not sure. I'm pretty positive it's 'Hey'.)
Nani-What?
Arigato- thank you
sayonara-Good bye
Name endings.
-San :It's basically like saying Mr. or Miss. or Mrs. It's used for someone you respect.
-Chan :Friends use it. Kinda like a pet name. Or little.
-Sami :Used for Gods, or highly respected people. Lords, Masters, etc...
-Dono :Princess.
Summary- There is a legend of a Vampire, who kills everyone he meets. A Vampire who never felt compassion. His name, Kenshin Himura. He is known as the Battousai and this.. is his story of learning Compassion. And maybe, falling in love.
(_) AN
:_: What the Charactor is Reading
"_" Talking
'_' Thoughts
*_* Sounds or sudden noises
I know in the last chapter there were a few spelling errors and some grammer problems. The reason being, I went over the Introduction, to check for errors, and I thought I went over the last chapter too. Turns out, I didn't. Sorry about that. I'll be more careful from now on.
A few charactors in here will be from the anime. But, they will not have the exact same background, or age as in the anime. There is a reason for all of this. I'm telling you all just so none of you reviews flame me for getting someone's age or background wrong, because I didn't get it wrong, I changed it.
I hope you all understand. I hope you enjoy this chapter.
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Learning Compassion
Part Two- The First Meeting
After the departure of the strange, red-haired man, Shishio continued his walk to the Taloon. The meeting would start in an hour. He was still shakin-up by his encounter with the Battousai. He just couldn't make up his mind weather it really was the Battousai or it was a trick of the wind.
He knew, that no one dared to speak the same sentence that the Battousai did when he was going to kill someone. No one was brave enough to do it. He had heard that one man used that sentence a few times, just to play tricks on his friends, but the next day was found dead outside of his home. Ever since then, no one even joked about using that sentence.
He sighed. Thinking like that wasn't going to help him figure it out. Besides, he had much more important things to do.
The small group of men behind him was made up of some of the best fighters he could gather together. They hardly ever spoke, but followed comands like a trained dog. They were almost ruthless in combat, which is why Shishio picked them out.
Shishio and the gang behind him walked into the Taloon. Shishio took his rightful spot in the seat that the Battousai was sitting in before. The seat was still slightly warm from someone sitting in it. The gang of fighters placed themselves in the seats around Shishio. The table was square, holding about two or three people on each side. The one that was close to the back door was always Shishio's when he came into the Taloon. It had been that way everyday for the past four weeks.
His gang of Fighters sat themselves down. Shioshio looked around at his group. His eyes trailing on each of them. He re-counted to himself of why he had each of them together.
There was Yukyuzan Anji. He was a great fighter. A huge man with bulky muscles. He had tanned skin from hours of training out in the sun. Black markings under his eyes made from, what looked like to be coal. He used to be Preist. The non-violent type of guy. Until, of course the reason why he was now part of this group, the four childern the man was carring for were killed by Vampires. As far as Shishio knew, Anji just found the childern on the ground with holes in their necks. Shishio didn't ask it, but suspected that something else happened besides that.
Shishio almost shrugged. It was none of his business. If the man didn't want to share his life story, that was the man's concern, not his. All he wanted was for Anji to lend his strength to take care of those 'things' once and for all.
The next person Shishio's eyes laid upon was of a young boy. His name is Seta Soujiro. He is about the age of 13. He has strange brown tint in his hair, which wasn't too common. His eyes were a deep blue color. His lips were always turned into a slight smile. No other emotion crossed the boy's face. Shishio knew why. The boy had a harsh life. When he found poor Soujiro, the boy was working as a slave for a vampire gang. As far as Shishio knew the vampires did away with Soujiro's family before taking the boy as a slave. For about four years the boy was beaten, bit and sent out to trap young women and childern for the vampires to feed upon.
Once Shishio killed off the vampires, Soujiro turned to him with a smile. Shishio didn't question to boy's lack of emotion. Living with those creatures could probably drain anyone of emotion.
Shishio soon learned after he took Soujiro in, the Soujiro had a strange skill with a sword. Soujiro once told him his father was a very good swordsman. Shishio believed Soujiro was a master of the Tenbu no Sai Niyoru Ken. A very powerful sword style. Shishio brought it upon himself to teach the boy to handle a sword with more grace. Since then, Soujiro has never left Shishio's side.
Shishio's eyes once again traveled. This time to another man. This man Shishio only found a few months ago. His name is Hanya. He always wore a strange mask. A white mask shaped into that of a demon's face. He wore strange form fitting shirts with long sleeves. The sleeves had a strip pattern on them. It was made that way to make it look like his arms extended well past their true length. All Shishio really knows about the man was he is a master at Kempo.
Shishio's eyes moved from Hanya to another member of the group. He was a tall man with a police uniform on. His name, Saitou Hajime. Saitou has black hair, most of it gelled back. Four strands came in front, drooping down in front of his eyes and grazing his cheeks. His eyes were almost a golden color. Strange for any person to have, yes. But, he was no ordinary man. He was half Vampire. Shishio found Saitou when he was half way through his vampire transformation. Shishio was able to stop the full transformation by burning the wounds and making Saitou drink garlic water. It stopped the main transformation. Saitou does not drink blood, nor was he any different looking from any other human. It was just his eyes and his skin color that changed.
Saitou's skin is paler then a normal human's skin color. It looked like Saitou was hiding from the sun for the past six years. He wasn't a sickly pale color, but only a few shades above that. Saitou hated looking himself in the mirrior. Everytime he did, Saitou would end up braking it. He hated looking into his own golden eyes and facing the truth. He was different no matter how hard he tired not to believe it. He wasn't human anymore.
Shishio felt sorry for the man. Often, he thought about what if he hadn't stopped the transformation and just done away with Saitou in the first place? But, then he would shake his head. He needed Saitou for this and Saitou, no matter how horrible he felt about being what he was now, was grateful to be alive. Shishio still couldn't help himself but wonder about that.
Shishio knew a little about Saitou's past. Only bits and pieces that Saitou every now and then shared with him. From what he knew, Saitou was a new officer of the law. He had worked for the government before in some type of 'clean-up' job. Shishio wasn't stupid. He knew Saitou was probably a Man-Slayer. Besides that, Shishio also knew that Saitou had a family at one point. His family was rich and he was a gifted child who learned to use a sword at a very young age. Then, one night while Saitou was away in the practice feilds, his family was killed by Vampires.
Since then, Saitou had to raise himself from about the age of 10. Shishio guess Saitou was about 30 when Saitou was bitten. The strange thing was, since then Saitou has never grown a single day older. Shishio nearly forgot about his last member, who was currently walking up to him, because he was so deep in thought.
The last member of his group is a woman. Shishio turned his head to look at her. She was a very beautiful woman. But, don't let her looks fool you. She was as deadly as they came. She was one of.. them. She was a Vampire. But, he trusted her enough to not kill any of them. Her name, Yumi. Her eyes were a deadly red color. Her hair, as black as the night sky. It was always tied into a strong bun. A few strands dangled out from the bun's tight grip. Her fang, always hiden by her blood red lips. A small, beauty mark was below her left eye. High on her cheek. Her Kimono hung from her slender shoulders, making her pale neck and shoulder touch the outside world. Not many women dared to wear such a thing. But, Yumi wanted to show off her beauty.
Her Kimono was probably one of the best you could buy. It was silk and had many patterns on it. One of which being Cherry blossoms. The rest was coated in red, with small designs made right into the fabric. Her Kimono went to the ground, with an open slit on her right leg. A loose rope-like materal held the kimono. It was tied around her waist. The ends of it, always bouncing when she would walk. Her hips swayed in a rythmic motion as she walked. It would lure the best of men into their spell. But, Shishio knew better then that. He would not be caught in her deadly web of beauty.
Yumi sat down beside him. Everyone looked at her. They all knew she had some kind of news. She never came unless she had news.
"On with it onna." Said Anji. He was always getting angry whenever Yumi was around. Everyone did. She was one of 'them' after all.
"I just came to tell you all that the Battousai is close by. I heard that he was passing close to the Taloon earlier today. I just thought i'd warn you all." She said, sitting back in the chair.
The Taloon was one of the very few places that had chairs and didn't make you sit on the ground. Only a pillow to support you as you sat on your knees. The Taloon was more of a western style place. They all thought it was rather nice.
"The Battousai." Shishio said, rubbing his chin in thought. This was going to be rather difficult to make any moves tonight if the Battousai was close by.
Just then, Jiro walked up to them. He put his hand on the table, to gain attention from everyone. "I thought the meeting was going to start at sun rise." he stated.
"It was, until we had a slight change in plan. The Battousai is close by." Yumi explained to Jiro. She wasn't looking at anyone. She was more interested in her nails at the moment.
"The Battousai? Well, we don't quite have to worry about him right now. He is the least of our problems. Everyone knows he doesn't attack any place unless someone makes him angry." Jiro cleared his throat before speaking again. "We need to worry about the rather large group of Vampires that are starting to revolt against every group of humans that come their way. They are killing maybe twenty people a day! We have to stop them."
"I agree with you." Saitou said. He looked up at Jiro. "Those things need to be stopped. We cannot allow them to walk around and kill people freely."
"Unlike you did, right Saitou-San?" Yumi piped in, knowing she was getting on Saitou's nerves.
Shishio nearly sighed. He knew what was going to happen next. It was time for every meeting they ever had, to turn into a fight between Yumi and Saitou. Just the way he really wanted to start a meeting.
"I fought for the government and to protect people! Not to kill them for the sake of killing." Saitou yelled at Yumi, standing up and slamming his fist into the table. A very clear, 'CRACK' could be heard from the old table. A spider like crack formed around in the table by Saitou's fist. Saitou's teeth were slightly bared, and a small vein could be seen on his forehead.
Shishio really did sigh now. Leave it to Yumi to get on Saitou's bad side.
"They are killings because humans are killing them." Yumi said, then added, "Besides, they need to eat."
This got everyone's attention. The whole group turned to Yumi. Anji was clearly well passed angry at her. None of them wanted to hear someone defend the creatures that ruined their lives. Yet, here was Yumi defending the creatures they hated will all of their being.
"Are you saying we should LET them kills us all?" Anji questioned to Yumi with his teeth clentched.
Yumi sighed. "Men. You just won't get it will you?"
Shishio knew it was coming. The fists and/or swords were going to fly after a her next sentence. Shishio would bet his sword skills on it.
"From what you are saying, because we need to kill you humans to eat, we should die. Well, why won't that logic work every other time huh?" Yumi said, pausing for everyone to understand what she was saying. Then she continued. "So, what you are saying is that since you eat fish, which means you have to kill them, that gives fish to wipe you off the face of the earth because they shouldn't be killed to feed another living creature. Is that it?"
Everyone's blood was boiling. Well, besides Shishio's and Soujiro. Shishio sighed in his seat.
"Calm down everyone. We don't need another fight like last time." Shishio explained. He really did not fell like having another chair thrown, only to hit him in the back of the head. His head still hurt from the last time that happened. If that happened again, he would take out his sword on whoever threw it.
Anji slammed his fist down on the table. Shishio thought that the old table would fall under that pressure. But, to his surprise it stood against Anji's fist as well as Saitou's. "Then don't let that.. that.. THING ever come near us again!"
This time, Yumi stood up to defend herself against Anji's clear insault. "I am not a THING you Kisama! Just because I happen to be a vampire doesn't make it alright to forget that I am also a woman!"
"You're nothing more then an Busa as far as I am concerned!" Anji said, growling at Yumi now. They were both in each other's faces now. Both of them were narrowing their eyes at each other. Saitou was about to step in with his own personal comments about Yumi, when Shishio broke it up.
"DAMMIT! ALL OF YOU SIT THE FUCK DOWN NOW!" He shouted over everyone. They all stopped and stared at Shishio. He never yelled over at them, unless they threw something at him. Everyone shut up, and sat down. Shishio remained standing. "Now, all of you will stop this pity fighting. We need each of you as much as then others."
Anji grumbled. Shishio sent him a sharp glare. "We need you for your powerful medicines and knowledge about Vampires. As well as your fighting. Demo, we also need Yumi-San for her inside details of what is happening everywhere. Without her knowledge of every Vampire group and being able to get inside of their groups, we would never know what was going on with them."
Shishio paused to make sure everyone got what he was saying. "I know you all, besides Yumi-san, hate Vampires to the core. Demo, we need keep a clear head and try to get along with each other. We need to work together if our plans are going to work."
Everyone paused, before Jiro spoke up. "I completely agree with you Shishio-Sami. We do need to work together."
Just then, the door to the Taloon opened up. Everyone looked at the door. Everyone with a sword, placed their hands on their hilts. If it was the Battousai, they were all done for. They watched the door with their nerves on end, waiting for the person to walk in.
Just then, they all sighed. It was just Tomoe. She closed the door behind her and locked up. "Gomen everyone, demo, I needed to step outside for a second. I closed the place down for you Jiro-san."
"Arigato Tomoe-San. Please, join us for our meeting." Jiro said, moving aside so Tomoe could sit down across from Shishio. Tomoe gave a slight nod toward Jiro before sitting down in the seat.
"Arigato Jiro-San. Now, what have I missed?" Tomoe questioned to the whole group, even though she was mainly keeping her eyes on Shishio.
"The Battousai is near by Tomoe-san." Shishio explained.
"I think he might be after the new slayer." Yumi said, winking at Tomoe. Tomoe and Yumi never really became friends and Yumi would often tease Tomoe about being a slayer, but they never faught or had any hate towards one another.
"Hai Yumi-san. You just might be right. The Battousai would most likely not come near a place like this if he were not after me." Tomoe said, keeping her head in a slightly bowed position. It was the way she was brought up. Never to keep her eyes on someone for too long.
"Hai Tomoe-san. But, if he is after you, we will all protect you and try to take down the Battousai." Said Shishio, in a non-worried tone. A few eyes looked at him in his calm state.
"Demo, Shishio-Sami. Wouldn't you think it would be best to let the true slayer handle a vampire such as the Battousai?" Soujiro questioned.
"Hai Soujiro-chan. Demo, we cannot allow such a lady as Tomoe-san to go into battle alone. Now, what kind of gentle-men would we be if we did such a thing?" Shishio questioned to him, a small smile gracing his lips.
Tomoe blushed a little at Shishio's comment. All the men chuckled at Shishio's comment.
"Hai hai Shishio-Sami. What kind of Gentle-men are we if we don't help out such a fine lady as Tomoe-san?" Anji questioned with a smile. One of the very rare and few smiles he gives.
"Oi! I'm a lady too." Yumi piped up, in a slight whine.
"Do we really have to answer your statement?" Soujiro asked her. Everyone blinked, before laughing. Besides, Yumi of course. She just sat down and pouted in her seat before standing up.
"I see when I am not wanted. Besides, the sun is going to rise in about half an hour. Sayonara Shishio-San and Tomoe-Chan." She said, before starting to walk out of the Taloon.
"What about the rest of us?" Soujiro asked her. He was wondering why he did not get a good-bye.
Yumi turned around with a small smile on her face. "I only say Sayonara to the polite people. Unlike yourself Soujiro-Chan." With that, she left the Taloon.
Anji ruffled Soujiro's hair a little. "Don't worry about it Soujiro-Chan. She hates just about everyone of us."
"Demo, I think she likes someone in this group a little too much." Saitou said, lighting one of his ciggerettes. He took a deep drag from it.
"Who?" Jiro questioned.
"Shishio-Sami of course." He said in a calm voice. Everyone almost fell over. Saitou just took another drag from his ciggerette.
"NANI?! Saitou-san. You must be joking." Shishio said, righting himself. He nearly fell out of his chair from Saitou's comment.
"Iie. Think about it Shishio-Sami. She always sits next to you, warns you about everything, she only listens to you and most of all, you're the only guy she says Sayonara to." Saitou said, presenting all of his evidence.
"I agree with Saitou-san." Hanya's voice finally came into play. It almost made everyone jump. He was so silent for so long, everyone had forgotten he was even there.
Jiro patted Shishio on the back. He gave a friendly laugh at Shishio. "Good luck with a woman like that."
Shishio gave a slight blush on his face. "I do not like Yumi-San like that!"
"Hai hai." Everyone said at the same time, which only made Shishio frown at them all.
"By the way Jiro-San. Where is this guy you told us all about?" Shishio questioned, tring his hardest to get off the subject of Yumi.
"He said he had more important matters to attend to." Jiro explained. "You all meet him."
"Nani? You mean that red-headed man?" Shishio questioned.
"Hai. His name is Himura. He is a very strong man with a great skill with the sword." Jiro explained.
Shishio frowned again. This time it was much deeper. It made him seem like he grew a few years older. "I do not like that Himura-guy."
"Shishio-Sami. Why don't you like Himura-san?" Tomoe questioned.
"I just have a feeling that I shouldn't trust him. If not for that feeling, I'm sure I would not have been so rude to him today." Shishio explained.
"Himura-San is very trustworthy." Tomoe said, getting slightly defensive of Himura.
"Tomoe-San. I never said we should not trust him. Just, I do not like him." Shishio explained, not wanting to get into a fight with Tomoe. Truth be told, he rather liked Tomoe. More then a friend kind of way.
"I'm sure Shishio-Sami did not mean to offend Himura-San in any way Tomoe-san." Soujiro said, piping in, tring to help his master in need.
"Gomen. I did not mean to sound so rude Shishio-Sami." Tomoe said, with her head bowed. She was taught better then this.
"It's alright Tomoe. You should speak your mind." Shishio said. " It is I who should say Gomen."
Tomoe gave him a soft smile. If almost made Shishio's heart melt.
'I have it bad.' Shishio thought to himself. He always had a slight crush towards Tomoe, but it didn't start to become more then that until he started to come to the Taloon on regular bases. It grew from there. Now, he was sure he was in love with the woman. Though, him being a man of the sword and not of people, he did not know how to tell a woman such as Tomoe.
"Soujiro-Chan." Shishio started. "Why don't you take Hanya and Anji to the troubled area outside of Kyoto? I heard there was a small gang of vampires there. Maybe four or five. Nothing you three couldn't handle. Nothing you couldn't handle on your own."
"Then why all three of us?" Hanya questioned.
"Because, my sources may be wrong and I don't want to risk any of your lives in this." Shishio explained. He turned to Saitou. "Can you have a small group of police sent to Kyoto as well? I heard there was a rather large group of vampires gathering. You could lead those men into killing those."
"Hai Shishio-Sami. It is as good as done." Saitou said.
"Good. Tomoe-San. Could you check out the northern forest area with me? There is a vampire group gathering there tomorrow night. If we head out soon, we could reach there and set up traps for them." He said.
"Hai. I will go get ready right now Shishio-Sami." Tomoe said, getting up. She made a slight bow towards Shishio before going into her room.
"What shall I do Shishio-Sama?" Jiro questioned.
"I want you to stay here. Open your Taloon later this afternoon and try to listen in on conversations. If anything sounds like it could give away an area where Vampires could be hiding, write it down. We will need that information." Shishio explained.
"Hai." Jiro said, nodding to show he understood.
"And Jiro-San... if Himura happens to come into the Taloon anytime tomorrow... invite him into the meeting for the next half moon." Shishio said with great pain. He didn't know why, but he just didn't like Himura.
"Hai. It will be done." Jiro answered.
"Good. Let's all go get a good night's rest shall we? And everyone. Be careful of the Battousai. Try not to anger any Vampire that is anything like the news we've heard about the Battousai." Shishio said to his fello members.
They all nodded.
"Don't worry about us Shishio-Sami. We will all be careful." Soujiro told him with a smile.
Shishio placed his hand on the small boy's head. "I know you will be. Now. Let's get some shut eye."
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Battousai relaxed near a stream. He splashed some water on his face, getting out some of the dirty from the forest. As he was walking through the forest, a few branches hit him in the face. A few light marks on his face were the resault of his encounter with the branches. This is why he really hated walking through thick bushes.
He cursed as the water stung some of his new wounds. A female voice carried it's way to his ears.
"You should really watch where you are going next time." She said to him.
The Battousai reached for his Katana. He turned around to find a rather beautiful woman behind him.
"There is no need for violence." She said, tilting her head ever so slightly. "What is your name handsom?"
"Himura Kenshin." The Battousai answered with caution. He wasn't going to let down his guard. Even if the person in front of him was a beautiful woman.
"My name is Yumi." She said with a smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you Himura-San."
"Like wise, Yumi-San." He answered back in a monotone.
That only made Yumi cock up an eyebrow. "It seems I have another 'monotone' guy on my hands."
"I would be glad to relieve you of this Monotone guy." The Battousai answered, standing up. He slid his shealth into his belt and eyed the woman before him. Then, it clicked. His eyes narrowed a little. "You're a Vampire."
"Hai. I am a Vampire." She said with a slight smile. "You're the first guy who refered to me as a Vampire and not a 'thing', 'Demon', 'creature from hell' or 'Onna'."
The Battousai tilted his head to the side in a thoughtful manner. "I am a gentle-man unlike most men of this era. Now, if you excuse me, Yumi-San, I must be on my way."
"Be careful. The Battousai is out there." Yumi warned him with a smirk. "Make sure you don't get cut into ribbions."
The Battousai turned to her with an evil smirk, that made her have chills run up and down her spine. Those golden eyes bored into her forehead, cutting a clear veiw into her mind. All she could do was stand there. There was nothing to be done. Those Golden eyes held her in place.
"I am always Careful. Demo, you be careful Yumi-San. There are demons in this forest." He said with a deep and almost throaty voice. Even the voice made her shiver.
She wasn't sure if it was fear that was controlling her... or something else. Her body acted on it's own and so did her mouth. "Like you, Himura-San?"
His smirk widen ever so little, but there was still a greater depth to his smirk. It reached his eyes this time. "Hai, Yumi-San. Like me."
Her knees nearly bucked from the weird shivers and flows of emotion running through her body. No person has ever made her feel this way before. Not even Shishio. Shishio made her feel... different.. but not like this. She felt.. well.. she didn't even know how to discribe the emotion running through her body. She felt like fleeing and going into his arms at the same time. She felt like she was helpless.. and powerful at the same time. How could any of this make sence? She was a Vampire! She wasn't supposed to feel! She had stopped feeling a long time ago. Why did it suddenly change?
"I must be on my way. Sayonara, Yumi-San." he said, before walking forward. He brushed past her. She felt like her heart beat was back for a spilt second. Her would body felt as warm as a hot poker, then it all crashed down. She was back to the same old her. Sort of.
He continued his walk into the forest, leaving the shakin' up Yumi on her own.
Yumi waited til he was far enough that she was sure he couldn't see nor hear her. She fell to her knees. 'How could a man make me feel like this?' Yumi asked herself over and over again in her mind.
'He must.. be some kind.. of demon.. or vampire.. he can't be human!' Yumi battled with herself over and over again in her mind, tring to figure out just what Himura was. He acted almost human. He didn't act like a vampire, yet seemed to have the sence of a vampire in him. He also had a sence of something else deep within him. Maybe that was what she felt? It could have been. He could have pulled out whatever that was and showed her.
She gulped. She was sure if she still had a beating heart, it would have stopped by now. She was lucky she was already dead. If not, he would have killed her with those looks. She was sure of it.
'How could a person posses such eyes?' Yumi asked herself. She got to her feet. She could smell it in the air. Sun rise was going to be very soon. She needed to find some kind of shelter. If she didn't, her life was over. Even hiden in the forest, there were rays of sun light that escaped through the tree's thick branches and caught the ground. If she were to stay in the forest, in the area she was in now, she would surely die.
She quickly ran to the only place she could reach in time. It was the Taloon. She just hoped Jiro wouldn't kick her out into the sun light. If he did, she promised herself if she became a ghost or whatever, she would haunt him forever!
Yumi made her way through the forest, avoiding the bigger branches, but her Kimono snagged on a tree branch, making her trip in her run. If she didn't free herself soon, she would be caught in the open, with the sun. She quickly turned and pulled on her Kimono. She pulled it again and it finally gave way. Her Kimono tore from her right knee, down. She would curse herself later for doing that, but now was not the time. She got to her feet and made a dash for the Taloon.
'I knew I should have just stayed! Dammit. I'll be glad if I can get to the door before I get hit with the sun.' She thought to herself, finally seeing the Taloon's slanted roof ahead. She could feel a smile on her lips, dispite herself. She was almost there! Then again, the sun was about the peak over the hills. She only had a few more seconds before she would be turned to dust.
She was almost there! She could smell the foul oder of Jiro coming from the place and the smell of Sake. She reached out a hand and connected with the door knob. She was home free! She turned the knob, only to her horror, that it was locked! She banged on the door.
"Jiro-San! It's Yumi! Please! Open the door!" She screamed through the door. She could already feel her skin start to become hot from the sun's glare. The sun peaked over the hill tops, casting a yellow glow over the land. It touched Yumi's right ankle, where her Kimono was torn. She screamed out in pain as the sun began it's work on her ankle. It burned the skin in only a few seconds flat. It traveled up her leg and part of the glare, touched her shoulder and her cheek. She could smell the smoke from her own burning skin. It sickened her to no extent.
She banged on the door again. She was close to sobbing against the door. She was going to die because that foul-smelling man Jiro, DIDN'T LEAVE THE FUCKING DOOR UNLOCKED! She could almost scream in pure horror from the sitution that, she, put herself in. If only she hadn't left the Taloon!
Just when she thought her life was over, the door opened. Yumi fell to the ground. Her ankles and down were still in the sun. Her skin started to burn there too. Her right ankle was completely charred to the bone from the sun. She felt two arms pull her inside of the building. The door was shut, locking out the sun's glare. She felt herself dragged in further, until she was completely out of danger. Then, the two arms released her. She looked up to see who her savor was.
Shishio looked down at the burned woman laying on the ground. "Yumi-San. What happened? You aren't so stupid as to not take cover before the sun rises!"
"Those... those.. golden.. eyes.. they.. pinned me.. in place.. I couldn't.. move." She said, trying to get all the words out so they could understand what she was saying.
"Golden eyes?" Shishio questioned. His eyes narrowed. "It must have been the Battousai. He is the only one who could hold another vampire in place like this."
Shishio reached down and picked Yumi up from the floor. He carried her into the back room. Everyone looked at him. The whole group was still there. They were too cautious when they heard someone bang on the door, but when Shishio heard Yumi's scream, he had to open the door. He wasn't so cruel as to let a woman who had helped them, beyound being a vampire, had done nothing wrong. So, he did the only human thing. He let her in and was going to help her.
"Soujiro-Chan! Get some wash clothes. Anji. Fetch a bucket of water for Yumi-San, please." Shishio ordered, expecting the ones he just called out to move and do his orders right away.
"Demo, Shishio-Sami. I could never help a vampire." Anji said to him.
Shishio looked up at him. "You can't be serious Anji-San." After a few seconds of looking into Anji's eyes he knew Anji was not telling a lie. He would not help out Yumi. She was one of them and he would not help her. Even if Shishio demanded that he do so. "It's alright Anji-San. I understand."
He then turned to Soujiro. "Well? You too?"
Soujiro blinked. "Eto... I have to agree with Anji-San."
Shishio looked over at Saitou. He seemed to be thinking the same thing as Anji. Even Hanya and Jiro seemed to not be willing to move to get anything he asked for. Shishio growled. This is not what he wanted. He set Yumi down on some bedding, before racing around to get the things he needed.
He grabbed a wooden bucket from the kitchen and quickly ran out the back door. He didn't have much time. If he didn't cool her burns, she could suffer from much more damage. He dumped the contents of the bucket on the ground. Only a few left over food items were in the bucket.
Shishio went to the well and quickly pulled up on the rope. He strained to get the bucket up faster. When the bucket reached the top of the well, Shishio reached out one hand and grabbed it. He pulled it over and put only a bit of the water into the wooden bucket. He had to wash out the bucket before he could put water in it.
He looked around and cursed to himself. He completely forgot about something to clean the bucket with! He grabbed the end of his Gi and tore a piece from it. He cleaned the wooden bucket, then filled it with clean water. He then made his way back to the Taloon. He placed the bucket beside Yumi's burned ankles. He looked down at them. Black and coal-like skin met his eyes. He resisted the urge to gag at the very sight of it.
He looked around for some clothes, before he nearly slammed into Tomoe. She was standing there, holding some clean clothes for him to use. He looked into her eyes. She was willing to help him out, dispite his willing to help a Vampire!
"Dammit! I can feel my bones burning!" Yumi shouted out. That snapped Shishio back into he real world. He quickly grabbed the clothes from Tomoe.
"Arigato, Tomoe-San. You're a very big help." Shishio said to her, with all honesty. He then, went back to helping Yumi with her burns. He dipped a cloth into the bucket of water, and placed the now soaking cloth onto Yumi's ankle. You could see the small bits of steam come from the rag. Shishio, then removed the rag from her ankle, and placed it higher up on her leg where it was still burning slightly. Again, he could see small bits of steam rise from the rag.
He grabbed another cloth and dunked it into the clean water, then rung some of it out. He then folded it in half, so it could fit on Yumi's cheek. He put the cloth onto her cheek, being extremely careful of all of her burns. He didn't want her to have to go through more pain.
Yumi, all the time was watching Shishio. She could see the concentraition in his eyes. He was tring to be as careful as he could. She knew it wasn't easy for Shishio to do that. Shishio was a swordsman after all. He was never ment to do such work as this. His brow, contracting til she could see small wrinkles starting on his forehead. She could feel some small touches his skin and her skin made. It felt like small electric shocks being sent into her body. Almost, as if they wanted to start her unbeating heart again.
Shishio, on the other hand was too far into concentraition that he didn't notice the little shocks. He was now, placing the last cloth on Yumi's shoulder. As soon as that was done, he used the back of his right hand to clean his brow of sweat. He looked over at Yumi. "Just rest. When you wake up, I'll replace the clothes when they dry."
Yumi nodded a little. Sleep was already taking her by the hand. She had struggled against it's grasp for awhile now, wanting to watch Shishio work. But, now it was time for her to rest. She let her eyelids close, trusting Shishio would protect her from all harm while she healed. Her muscles relaxed, getting ready for sleep. She then felt her mind grow a little fuzzy, before sleep took her completely.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Battousai nearly tripped over the same damn log AGAIN! He growled down at the stupid piece of wood on the floor. He then, picked up the piece of wood before tossing it into the pile of wood on the floor. He was in an old cottage. The owners of this house, were childern. Three childern to be exact. They were so happy to see an adult, that they invited him in without a second thought.
Usually, this ment breakfast to the Battousai, but he couldn't touch any of them like that. Not with that raven haired girl in the corner. He believed her name to be Kaoru. She was the most mature out of all of them! She was about 8 maybe 9 in age. She acted as if she were 20 sometimes! She would act as a parent to the other two childern in the house. But, the Battousai could see the relief that an adult was in their mists. She started to act more and more like a child her age since he said he would stay.
Another girl, named Misao also livid here. She was not related to Kaoru in any way. But, she had pretty much the same hair color as Kaoru. Her dark hair was tied back into a braid, that rached her hip. Her bangs were planted almost always in front of her eyes. The Battousai would often find the girl tring her hardest to brush the bangs out of her eyes. The Battousai sugguested she use the hair gel that many people now adays use on their hair. Misao was about one year younger the Kaoru.
The last of the three childern was a boy. His name, Yahiko. He was half Kaoru's age. 4 maybe 5 at most. The youngest of the group and the whinest of the group. His hair would natural stand up, probably from never being brushed by the looks of it. His eyes reminded the Battousai of a samuria. The boy was certainly a son of a great warrior and had the mists of a warrior within him. If only he could get past that whining!
The Battousai walked back to his steamy pot of food. The childern had picked a few vegetables from the near-by feilds. He had warned them not to do so, for if they were caught, they could be beaten for it. The Childern just smiled at his warning, like they were glad to hear him spite them for their misdeeds. The Battousai knew they probably were happy. They wanted an adult figure around them.
The childern were currently playing together in the one roomed house. They were playing a game of 'tag'. The Battousai listened to their game, and turned around ever so often to watch the childern chase each other around the room. Sometimes, they would hit objects in the room. The only one who ever cried when they did that was Yahiko.
"Kaoru-Dono?" The Battousai questioned to the little girl who was tackling the younger boy to the ground. She looked up at the mention of her name. "I would like to speak with you."
Kaoru nodded and nearly leap off the boy. She, then helped him to his feet and brushed a little bit of the dust from him. Next, she bounded over to the Battousai with a smile on her face. "Hai?"
"I was wondering, how is it you all came to be in this place?" he questioned, while he continued to stir his almost completed soup for the childern. When he didn't hear a responce for a little while, he stopped his stirring and looked down at the raven-haired girl. She was looking down at the ground, like the dusty ground was suddenly interesting.
"Himura-sami... it's not something we like to share." Kaoru answered with a hint of a sob in her voice. The Battousai's eyes softened at the little girl. He bent down to her level and placed a hand under her chin. He made her look at him. She was in fact cring.
He tilted his head to the side. "Kaoru-Dono... don't you know a princess should never have to cry?"
That cheered up the young girl, but not enough to stop the hot tears from rolling down her face. The Battousai then did what he felt like he needed to do. He pulled the little girl to him and gave her a hug. The girl was a little surprised at the sudden contact, but then wrapped her little arms around his neck. He rubbed her back and whispered caring words into her ears to ease her cry. He never liked to see a child cry. It always reminded him of himself... when his. He stopped his train of thought. He didn't want to think back then. When he was weak.
He pulled the child from him and looked her in the eye. "It's alright Kaoru-Dono. You will always have me to protect you. No matter what happens."
The Child's eyes lit up. She smiled at the Battousai. "I will always remember this, Himura-Sami."
The Battousai placed a hand on the child's head and ruffled her hair a little. "I'm sure you will. And I will never forget you, Kaoru-Dono."
"Promise?" Asked the child, as if she really didn't believe him saying something unless he made a promise to it. He almost sighed, but held it back. He would play along with the child.
"Promise, forever and ever." He answered back to the child. Little did he know, that he would keep his promise. Forever and ever.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
:: sighs :: I worked really hard on this chapter. I wanted to introduce every main charactor that's going to be in the next couple of chapters. But, I did not get to everyone.
Some of you are asking me if Aoshi and Sano will make an appearance in this story as well. I do not want to give out too much of this story to everyone. I've already done that with my friend Kristin.
But, you can hope for them to appear, because I will not tell you if they will come into play in this story. I can tell you this, I will be needing a lot of charactors... so.. if you haven't seen your favorite charactor in the story thus far, there is a good chance you will see them in the story.
I think I killed my spell checker... Sorry for any and all spelling mistakes in this chapter! Before I put up the next chapter, I will revise this chapter and correct it's mistakes.
Jap. Terms for those who don't know.
Eto..:Ummm... huh..
Hai-Yes
Iie-No
Demo-But, However
kisama-Bastard
Gaki- rugrat, anklebiter, little person
Oi-Hey (Some people say it's translated into 'Wow'. Though, I'm not sure. I'm pretty positive it's 'Hey'.)
Nani-What?
Arigato- thank you
sayonara-Good bye
Name endings.
-San :It's basically like saying Mr. or Miss. or Mrs. It's used for someone you respect.
-Chan :Friends use it. Kinda like a pet name. Or little.
-Sami :Used for Gods, or highly respected people. Lords, Masters, etc...
-Dono :Princess.
