Title: Tears of Blood Author: Kenshin's Radish

Disclaimer: I DO NOT own Rurouni Kenshin. That's only wishful thinking.

Chapter 2: Saitou's Secret

"Where the hell are we?" yelled Yahiko as he grabbed the bars of the cell they were in. "Aw, do we have to use such language Mr. Myoujin? We've met before, so don't make such a fuss," replied Saitou coolly as he strolled by Yahiko. Kaoru was sitting in the corner of the cell crying. "Well why do want us? We did nothing wrong!" retorted Yahiko hotly, "You have no right to keep us here!" "Oh I have every right Myoujin. I need you and Miss Kamiya. I need you both," informed Saitou, as he blew a puff of cigarette smoke in Yahiko's face, "Your detainment is for your own safety. If you have any problems with that, it's too bad." "Well if it's so important that we are here, why'd you kidnap us? You could have just asked us to come along. I mean, I much prefer you saying, 'Ah, Mr. Myoujin and Miss Kamiya, would you mind coming with me?' instead of 'Come with me or I'll kill you'. Don't you agree Kaoru?" spat Yahiko. Kaoru blinked in agreement. "Well the reason you are here is confidential government business. But I think you would prefer that I got to you first instead of who could have gotten you. Because if he had reached you before I; you.well let's just say you'd never experience a beautiful spring day like today again. Ever," came the reply.

"What do you mean 'a certain somebody has something to do with it'? Which certain somebody? There are a lot of certain somebody's," said Sano angrily grasping Kenshin by the neck causing hot tea to splash all over. "Ooooorrrrrrooooo!" whined Kenshin. There was a knock at the door. Kenshin answered it and there stood the tall, gangly figure of Chou. "Well hello Battousai, we meet again," said Chou. "What do you want? I thought you were in jail," replied Kenshin irritably. "Nah, Hajime Saitou bailed me out and I work for him now," Chou said smugly, just then Sanosuke appeared. "HA! Broom-head, you are Saitou's stool pigeon! I never thought I'd see the day!" guffawed Sanosuke. "Shut up Rooster-head. But anyway, it's imperative that you come with me to Chiba," reported Chou. "Ha-ha-ha-ha, using big words like 'imperative', you are so dignified," teased Sano, he paused thinking than blurted, " Wait, wait, wait. Either I'm hearing things or I'm just plain crazy, how can you work for Saitou, I thought he was dead!" "Be quiet, that you will Sano. Things aren't always as they appear," ordered Kenshin. "Yessir," said Sano sheepishly. "Are Kaoru-dono and Yahiko in Chiba?" asked Kenshin. Chou nodded and informed them they must get there immediately. Kenshin, Sano and Chou ran into the night.

"Damn you Hajime Saitou. Damn you. Getting the boy and the girl before I had a chance. I need to kill the Battousai. He must die. After he killed him. He slaughtered him in cold blood. My revenge will never be complete until the Battousai dies. I will kill Kenshin Himura. Hitokiri Battousai."

"What does this have to do with Kenshin? The only reason you have us is because you know Kenshin will come to save us. What are you planning to do to him?" demanded Kaoru angrily at Saitou when he walked by. As Yahiko annoyed Saitou, she was thinking and finally put two and two together. Saitou really didn't need them for anything but getting Kenshin.
"Like I told to your little twit. It's top secret government information and you can't know about it," replied Saitou as he lit another cigarette. Yahiko was asleep on the bunk and did not hear the insult.
"Well, why are we locked up like criminals? Wait.I thought you were dead! What the hell is going on! You are such a selfish jerk!" berated Kaoru.
"It's for your protection. And yes we need Kenshin. The rest I cannot tell you. You know why," he inhaled and exhaled from his cigarette, "I think you should be grateful of your accommodations. The other choice is not quite as pleasant, you'd probably be either dead or hung by your toes. We wouldn't want that now would we? And no, I'm not dead as you can see. I never died. I faked my death so I could return to my job in secret. Women are so nosy."

"What? What about Saitou? I thought he was dead! He died back in the explosion at Shishio's!" gasped Sanosuke as he ran to catch up with Chou, stupid broom-head.
"Things aren't always as they appear. Saitou didn't die. He used it as a cover so nobody would suspect him and he could continue his secret police work," replied Chou.
"But why does he want with Kaoru-dono and Yahiko?" asked Kenshin, "He won't hurt them will he?"
"No, they are perfectly safe, but we cannot talk about it now Battousai, he could be out there," said Chou.
"Who's out there?" asked Sano.
"He is," whispered Chou.