Disclaimer: Do I own Rurouni Kenshin? Hold on, let me check with my
secretary, my mystical #8 ball.. And it says.. 'In your dreams'.. Why you
little. (throws agaisnt wall).. So as you can see, I don't own RK. wish as
I might.. I never will.. BUT I CAN DREAM!!!
Authors Notes: I'm pathetic. and such a pushover because I still don't have 40 reviews but I'm giving you chapter 10 anyways.. I'm in a good mood for some reason. And . my life is so boring! All I've done ALL SUMMER was read RK fictions and write and threaten to sue Cartoon Network over and over for taking Rurouni Kenshin off and begging my parents to get me the 12 DVD set with the anime and the OAV's, and I'm starting think I'm gonna go for the manga's, too. But of course, I'll probably get none of that.. :( Makes me sad. Do you think the life I live is sad? Yes, I am obsessive compulsive sometimes. but school is nearing so this should all dwindle off..
In other news. your authoress fell down the stairs!!! And it scared me!!!! I'm thinking it was the spirit of one of my reviewers screaming at me to write the chapter!!!! Or maybe it was all of you at once. (glares at Kenshin and Sano, who are sitting on her bed). Oh!!! And my dad says I'm dumber than a box of rocks!!! I think that's funny.
Anywayz, this is the chapter that is going to be mostly action. man this is going to be tough!!! I PRAY I don't make this a flopper. be sure and tell me if I do or don't!!!! Oh, and I HAVE YOUR INDIVIDUAL REVIEW RESPONSES!!! I found out how to do it without my mom freaking out on me!!!
~Coming Of The Dawn~
(Where we last left off...)
"Today we will see who is stronger, Battousai." Saitou stated, charging at the Battousai.
Battousai charged at him.
Metal and metal clashed, the sound reverberating through the room.
***Chapter 10- Last Man Standing***
Kaoru and Megumi hid in horror, afraid to see if either one had been injured in the first strike. It had been so quick. Both of the men were blurs in the center of the room by when they ran towards each other. Megumi payed extra attention to Kaoru's sprained ankle to get her mind off of the fight that was occuring right behind her back. Kaoru side glanced at Sano. He looked at her, his mouth a gape after his first look at the Battousai in action. He stared at Kaoru, as if asking what he was supposed to do.
"Get the rest of the women out of here Sano!" Kaoru instructed. "Megumi and I can't leave until she's done working on my ankle."
Sano nodded and he slowly slunk around the battle in the middle of the floor. He lifted two women up gently by their arms and began to lead them out. He was going to do it two at a time, in case he came up with trouble along the way.
********
Battousai jumped back after his sword connected roughly with Saitou's sword. Saitou glared him, but Battousai gave him the death glare he had been giving the door before Sano killed it. Not even a twitch came from Saitou. Battousai wondered momentarily if he was just stupid or just so used to war that he didn't care.
"Ryu-Kan-Sen Tsumuji!!" Battousai cried when he ran up to Saitou at an alarming rate. He twisted his entire body, aiming his deadly katana right below Saitou's skull.
But all Battousai hit was air.
If Saitou hadn't of ducked, his head would have been flying out into the hall. But Battousai's cry had given away his move, and Saitou had been able to anticipate a way to defend himself agaisnt it. He tripped Battousai, who fell and caught himself, angier now than he had been earlier.
"That was a cheap shot, Saitou!" Battousai's words seethed venom that was as deadly as his sword.
Saitou grinned. "You know full well a samuari does not only attack with his sword, but his hands and legs also."
Battousai glared at Saitou, trying to read him. He seemed so at east fight with the hitokiri. Battousai didn't understand it. But then again, he didn't really understand Saitou. One moment he was smoking a cigarette and being civil with someone, and then next he was trying to slice someone to pieces.
Saitou took the moment that Battousai had wasted trying to read him, and sent his sword flying towards Battousai's shoulder. Battousai was able to pull of a Sou-Ryu-Sen just in time, blocking Saitou's attack and hitting Saitou square in the stomach with the sheath of his katana.
He watched as Saitou fell back. But he didn't fall, only staggered a few feet away. Battousai didn't give him a chance go regain his footing before he set off with a Ryu-Sou-Sen, which is multiple slashes at the opponent, not giving them a chance to couter-attack. Battousai fell back, looking at Saitou.
The only place he had drawn blood was on his shoulder.
"Blast!" Battousai thought.
Saitou HAD blocked nearly all of the attack sent at him.
Then Saitou again charged Battousai, angered that he was the first to draw blood in the fight. Before Battousai got a chance to react, the hilt of Saitou's sword hit him square in the nose while the blade sliced painfully into his upper chest and right shoulder. Battousai's wakizashi was used to push Saitou back, and then resheathed just as fast as it had come out.
They parted again, both glaring at each other and ignoring the pain that their wounds were causing them. Their attentions were completely on one another, trying to come up with a way to kill the other before they were killed themselves.
*********
Megumi finished looking over Kaoru's ankle and had wrapped it as well as she could with the limited supplies they had. She had ended up using a piece of kimono to cover it and had a cream with her that would bring down the swelling. She gave it a quick one over and then looked at Kaoru.
"Anything else hurt?" she asked her.
Kaoru nodded. "My back. Do you have cream for that? It got injured somemore today."
Megumi shook her head. "I'm sorry, I didn't think to carry any with me. You're lucky I had that cream with me."
Kaoru glanced up away from Megumi, and saw the blood gushing from Battousai's wounded chest and shoulder. She felt her heart stop momentarily at the sight. Then she shook her head. She had no reason to be worried over him. He could take care of himself and besides, he was her captor- she had no right to feel sorry him.
But still, she did.
Megumi refused to look over at them. She didn't was to see Battousai fight. In all her time working here, she never minded healing people who were badly harmed, or being forced to see a small battle. But Battousai's fighting was something she refused to watch. It scared her to think that he was fighting right behind them, and one mistake could kill anyone in that room.
And even the Battousai made mistakes.
******** ********
Sano finished leading the second group of women out. He had now brought out women with the names Tsubame, Akumi, Mirini, and Hinoki. There were 4 others still waiting inside, and then there was Kaoru and a women she called Megumi. Sano thought momentarily that the women reminded him of a fox. Fox lady. He grinned when he left the 4 women far away from the battle where they'd be safe by themselves. One member of the Oniwabanshu lingered nearby and watched them as Sano ran off to get two more.
He ran inside and slunk past the fight. There was blood dripping onto the floor now, but neither man looked like they were ready to back down. Sano got to the corner and crouched next to two more women.
"Names?" Sano asked them.
"Tae." One answered.
"Sozomi." The other responded.
Sano nodded, and took a hold of both women's hands and led them out of the room before they could say more.
******** ********
Battousai glared at Saitou harder and harder. He was enraged. Saitou aimed at his knees. Battousai countered. Saitou's blade raced to his head. Battousai ducked and attacked towards Saitou's ankles. Saitou jumped.
The battle when on like this for a while, with no specific movements, just raw fighting and defense.
And then Battousai was out of sight.
Saitou searched around the room. He glanced over that the two women remaining in the corner, and then over towards Kaoru and Megumi. He couldn't find the Battousai anywhere.
That was, of course, until he heard it.
"Hiten Misturugi Ryu, Ryu-Tsui-Sen!!" Battousai called from his perched position on the ceiling.
Battousai came diving down at an incredibel speed, his sword held out in front of him as he hammered down toward Saitou. Saitou looked up, saw Battousai flying down at him, and moved.
Battousai growled but he still got a considerably big gash in on Saitou's left leg. But he sword had embedded it's into the floor past the hilt. He tugged it out and looked at Saitou, who was limping slighly under the pain in his leg. Battousai's eyes glanced down toward the blood oozing out of Saitou's injury. He felt his mouth twitch as he started to grin with bloodlust.
Saitou took his moment of diversion and sent his sword flying at Battousai, striking him across the back forcfully. Battousai caught the movement and jumped away, but still suffered a deep cut to his back. But, of course, it was not enough to slow Battousai down. He circled Saitou and Saitou circled him.
******** ********
Sano finally had all the women out except for Kaoru and Megumi. He looked over all of their frightened faces. That gave him motivation to go inside and fight this battle out until the Ishin Shishi won. And truthfully, Sanosuke was on no one's side in this war. But had he had to give his opinion at the moment, he would say he sided with the Ishin Shishi.
After making sure the one Oniwabanshu member was there, Sano sprinted off toward the burning Inn again. He was stopped by one man, but the man didn't even have a chance to protect himself agaisnt Sano's Futae-no-Kiwami to his throat. The man fell into a heap, still breathing, but unable to attack Sano or anyone else for that matter.
"Show you Shisengumi bastards for hurting Jou-chan." He muttered before he entered the builing.
By now the flames were a mere room away from the stairway, and Sano could feel the heat. In this heat, he could only take one person down the stairs. And knowing Jou-chan, she'd make Megumi go first. Sano charged his way up the stairs.
******** ********
Aoshi glanced again over at the building. It was nearly completely burned. More than half of the Inn was in flames. A quick glance around the premisis showed no sign of the rooster head, Battousai, or Kaoru. But Aoshi refused to leave his followers to go provide help. His followers came first.
******** ********
Battousai jumped back at Saitou's latest attempt at an attack. He twisted and ran closer to Saitou, and jumped back before he could attack. That confused Saitou, but soon he found out why.
"Do-Ryu-Sen!" Battousai cried, sending his sword smashing into the floor.
********
Debris went flying everywhere. Megumi flew into Kaoru, who hit her head agaisnt the wall of the room. They both collapsed into heaps on the floor. Both were alive, but Kaoru was, amazingly, the only one conscience. She looked at Megumi. It seemed that Megumi, also, had hit her head on the wall, and fainted with fright. Kaoru tried to sit up, but now her head and her side hurt from the force with which they had hit the wall and floor.
*********
Saitou stood up. He had jumped and dodged the attack, but upon landing had fallen to the floor. He glared menacing at Battousai, and immediately noticed that Battousai's attention was no longer on him, but on Kaoru and Megumi. Saitou dared to take a glance over, and noticed that Battousai's attack had affected them.
Saitou grinned. So he didn't want to harm them, or least not Kaoru. Saitou noticed that Battousai's guard had dropped and he did a sneaky thing.
Then next thing Battousai knew, a sword was imedded into his shoulder. He didn't yelp and he didn't growl. He simply shrugged Saitou off, his sword falling out in the process. Then he went into formation again, trying to get the thought of Kaoru's head smacking the wall out of his head.
********** **********
Sano came into the room, not shocked to find more blood, but shocked to see that still Saitou and Battousai had yet to show any signs of slowing down. He ran his way over to Kaoru and Megumi.
"What happened?" Sano asked her, placing nibble fingers on Megumi's wrist to check for a pulse.
"We got Do-Ryu-Sen'd." Kaoru said. "He attacked Saitou and the attack kinda went throughout the room."
Sano hefted Megumi up onto his shoulders, holding her gently as if he was afraid to break her.
"I'll get fox lady out of here." Sano told her. "And just so you know, the building is almost completely a flame. I don't know if I'll be able to make it back in."
Kaoru nodded, not showing any fear. "Just get her out. She'll be needed later."
Sano nodded and ran out the door. He got to the edge of the stairs when Megumi finally stirred.
"What's going on. you roosterhead!" she cried, trying to smack him.
Sano moved slightly. "Stop it fox lady, I'm trying get you out of a burning building like a hero or something!!! But if we don't get you out you're not going to make it so be nice to me!! I'm trying to help!!"
She huffed at the ruffian, but still she was grateful for his help. He led still kept her up on his shoulders, not trusting her on her own two feet. The fire had come out of the room, and the heat was so intense, Sano unconsciencely (or conscienciously, perhaps?) moved so that Megumi was as far away from the fire's heat as possible. As soon as they were out of the building, he pulled her off his shoulders and carried her bridal style the rest of the way over to the other women.
********** **********
Kaoru lay on the floor still. She watched with horror as Battousai and Saitou continued to hack away at each other as if it was nothing. Each shot now was cutting some part on the two men. So either their aim had become better or their defence had lessened a critical amount. Inwardly, Kaoru prayed Battousai would be fine.
**********
Battousai drew away from Saitou, breathing heavily. Battousai had sword cuts nearly everywhere, and the blood seemed to run from his skin like a river. But he had to admit, he wasn't in as bad of shape as Saitou. Battousai drew his sword and went to attack, but Saitou managed to knock the sword from his grip.
((you can imagine how much blood they've lost by now if that can happen))
Their movements were slower, but still amazingly fast. Battousai drew his wakazashi, the last weapon he had. It was smaller than Saitou's sword, but Battousai knew it was still as good at it's job as any other sword. Saitou attacked, sending another cut into Battousai's elbow. Battousai sent his sword into Saitou's side, but not enough to do any permanent damage.
And still, Saitou fell.
And the battle was over.
Battousai breathed heavily, and stared down at Saitou. He raised his sword so that it barely touched the edge of Saitou's throat.
"Looks like I'm still the strongest." Battousai growled. "Now you will pay with your life."
**********
Kaoru's head began to spin. She didn't want to see Battousai kill. She'd already seen that once. She had seen enough death, felt enough death, and bathed in enough blood for a lifetime. She gripped the hilt of the discarded and forgotten katana. She wouldn't hurt him, but she would at least attempt to stop him.
She didn't want to add another body to the body's she had been surrounded by in the dining hall. She didn't need anymore nightmares then were already insured to occur for the following nights. And, Kaoru thought, Battousai shouldn't have to kill anymore. She had seen when he had looked at her after his Do-Ryu-Sen that he wasn't too thrilled about the battle he was in. And his earlier comments about carrying the sin. she decided it was time he stopped the sinning and tried to change his ways.
Kaoru didn't know why she was feeling this way. And she didn't know if she had the power to change Battousai. But she did know that she was going to try.
Wether she lived or died.
********* *********
Sano dropped Megumi gently to the ground and then ran back towards the Inn. He was going to see if it was possible for him to get Kaoru out. He opened the door, and was lucky he didn't get burnt upon opening it. He flew back as flames engulfed the door frame and raced up the stairs.
Damn Jou-chan I hope you've got some sort of plan on how to get your tanuki butt out of there, Sano thought as he began to get up. But a hand kept him down.
"Stay there and let me look you over." Came the voice.
It was Megumi in full doctor mode. Sano grinned at her and nodded.
********* *********
Battousai began to lower raise the sword and went to bring it down into Saitou's throat. But just as his sword actually neared it's destination, it hit metal. That's when he found Kaoru staring up at him with his bloody katana in her hands. For some reason, he knew immediately the look wasn't her. She could never hold a weapon with blood on it, he knew that. But he looked down at her.
"Move, Miss Kaoru!" he demanded of her.
Kaoru didn't move. It had taken a lot of strength to get there and she wasn't moving unless someone moved her.
"I'm not going anywhere. Don't kill him." she told him.
Battousai wanted to scream at her. "This is not the time or place to have an argument!"
"Well get used to it!" Kaoru yelled back at him. "I'm not moving! Don't kill him! There is no reason to kill him! I'm sure you've probably made it so he won't be able to weild a sword for a least a couple years!!"
Battousai glared down at her. "MOVE."
She nodded defiantly. "I will do no such thing! I'm staying RIGHT HERE until you drop that sword and get out of this room!"
"Then I'LL move you!" he shouted.
"Go ahead and try, Kenshin!! You know you don't want to kill him, so why are you fighting with me to kill him? He didn't hurt anyone except for you." She lied. He had, after all, smacked her bruise. But that was it. "I haven't seen him kill anyone, only his men have killed. I'm sure he's capable of it, but YOU AREN'T SUPPOSED TO KILL. You are battling between two beings and you know you don't like this. You said the sin and guilt remains. So why don't you stop now?"
Battousai glared at her. He HATED it when she made sense.
Battousai took a step back and dropped the wakazashi. He didn't know why he hadn't just moved her out of the way and finished his job. But watched her drop the katana to the floor with a clattering sound. She didn't stand, when in reality she was just lying there. She COULDN'T stand up.
"Are you going to move now?" he asked her, a little gentlier.
Kaoru shook her head.
"Why not?" he boomed. "I'm not going to kill him!"
"I can't." she said sheepishly. "Sprained ankle."
Oh, that ticked him off. She had tricked him. But upon realizing she had said she was hurt, he glanced down at the wrapped up ankle that Megumi had treated. Then he looked back up at her.
*********** ***********
Finally it seemed as if the battle was dwindling off. Aoshi again glanced at the building. Only 2 rooms on the second and third floors weren't aflame. He knew, and thought, that anyone inside was doomed.
He had spotted Sanosuke earlier, but still saw no sign of Kaoru or the Battousai.
And he knew Misao would have his head if Kaoru was dead. Aoshi began to wonder himself if his friend was okay. Aoshi looked over at the battle that was still taking place. The Oniwabanshu could finish them off. He ran off towards Sanosuke.
He finally got there, and looked at Sano. The only he noticed was that his fist was extremely bloody from fighting and his skin was a red color, probably from working or heat.
"Where is Kaoru?" he asked him.
Sano looked down. "She's still inside with Battousai and Saitou. I couldn't get her out. I got everyone else, but she insisted I take them before her."
Aoshi looked back at the building and back at Sano.
************ ************
Battousai's eyes lost the Battousai touch as he looked at Kaoru.
"Okay, Kenshin, are you still there?" she asked.
He jumped out of his stupor. Man, that blood loss was really getting to him. He had almost wanted to kiss her there for a second. Mental note to self: don't lose so much blood and stare at girl at same time, he thought.
He nodded. "I think we'd better get out of here."
Kaoru nodded. She couldn't get up but decided to try. She leaned agaisnt an abnormally warm wall. She propped herself up, and attempted to stand.
BAD idea.
She collapsed almost immediately from the pain in her side, head, back, arm, and ankle. She in too much pain to move, period, and breifly wondered what had given her the energy to block Battousai's death blow to Saitou. She hadn't noticed that she didn't hit the floor when her ankle gave out. She did, however, noticed when she was lifted off of the floor.
Kaoru looked up at Kenshin after noticing he was was holding her and getting ready to carry her out of the room. She tried to get a glance at his eyes, to see if he was angry with her or worried or anything. She noticed they were that blue color they had been when he had come in with the cream. But this time, the blue had more a violet hue to it, but still with some amber swirlled in. She had admit, though.
His eyes were beautiful.
He didn't say anything. Kenshin just walked out into the hall, until he saw the fire that had engulfed the stairs.
"Damn!" he swore, running back into the room with Kaoru.
Inwardly, he wasn't really worried about himself. He wanted to get Kaoru out. But of course, Battousai pride wouldn't let him admit that.
He went to shut the door, forgetting that Sano had destroyed it. Upon realizing that, he just turned. He looked around the room for a way out, and then he noticed it.
Saitou was gone.
Kenshin growled. Saitou had gotten away. So it was only him and Kaoru trapped inside the burning Inn that was guaranteed to collapse at any given moment.
Kaoru heard noises coming from the wall that she had been leaning on earlier when trying to stand. She stared at it, and it turned an angry red. She couldn't help but move closer into Kenshin's embrace. He stared down at her in shock, and then heard a crack.
The wall was collapsing in on them.
Authors Notes: MWHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!! Another cliffhanger for you all!!!! So.. Did you like the fight scences? Did you like the chapter? I even got some B/K mini waff in there, now didn't I? I TOLD YOU I like violent loves stories.. (laughs evilly). But I want opinions and ideas. The next chapter shouldn't pose a problem, but if you haven't notice, Battousai and Kaoru aren't exactly 'friends' yet. So I can't end it yet. Oh, doesn't that make you all feel so good? And if you are wondering why the story is getting worked on so fast, it's because I tend to write fast. I just get in that mode and boom! The story is out. Oh!!! And if there is any confusion as there is one line of *********** in some spots as opposed to two lines, here's why. 1 line is for when I change from two people in the same room (ex. When Battousai did his Do-Ryu-Sen) and the two lines is for when I'm chanigng to someone in a different place or is just entering the place (ex. Sano with the girls outside). I just thought I'd clear that up for ya'll!!!!!!
Now, for conversation with the RK characters:
Sano: Hey fox lady, I get to carry you around in burning building!
Megumi: As if I'd ever let you touch me.
Kenshin: You're going to get us out of there, right Crystal-chan?
Crystal: I don't know yet.. (grins evilly)
Kenshin: (sweatdrop) Oroooo...
Aoshi: What happened to the big parts about me?
Crystal: Truth be told, you aren't exactly the most important character at this particular point of the story. Don't worry, you'll get you're chance to shine.
Misao: Yeah, when do I get to go back in there?!
Crystal: (thinks) Soon, I think..
Yahiko: AND WHAT ABOUT ME?! I'M NOT EVEN MENTIONED IN THIS STORY!!!!
Crystal: I HAVEN'T FOUND ANYWHERE TO PLACE YOU IN THERE YET!!!! But I got an idea... maybe...(grins evilly). It's gonna be heck for you, Yahiko-chan.
Yahiko: DON'T CALL ME -CHAN!
Sano: Oh, be quiet Yahiko.
(Yahiko attacks Sano)
Kaoru: Where did Saitou go and why did you make me run into bodies in Chapter 8?
Crystal: (head droops) I haven't thought about were Saitou went yet. I just know I didn't want him to be dead yet. And that was just a spur of the moment idea with the bodies in the dining hall. I think I can connect that later in the story.
Kaoru: What's your idea for Yahiko?
Crystal: (whispers in Kaoru's ear)
Kaoru: Oh.. That's good... but where do you plan on putting that in?
Crystal: (looks bewildered) I don't know!!!!! (starts to cry)
Kenshin: Crystal-chan?
Crystal: I'm.. (sniff). okay. it's. it's a girl thing!!!
Keshin, Aoshi, Sano, Yahiko: (look confused) What?
Megumi, Kaoru, Misao, Crystal: GET OUT YOU GUYS WILL NEVER UNDERSTAND!!!!
(girls lock guys out of Crystal's room and turn music on really loud so no one can hear their conversation).
Sano: I think Fox, Jou-chan, Weasel, and Crystal are plotting agaisnt us now.
Aoshi: You think Misao would do that to me?
Sano: Actually, yeah.
Kenshin: (ear to door) Shoot! I left my sword in there on the bed!!! And they ARE plotting agaisnt us. I think...
Yahiko: (gulp) That's not a good thing..
Here's your review responses:
Zeus The Moose: Yes I know I'm a stinker BUT AT LEAST I SMELL GOOD!!!! Oh, don't worry. I'm grounded for a LONG time.. I'm only a sophmore and I don't graduate for 3 years.. Grr.. And I love your name. It's funny!!! I'm gonna update soon!! You gave me 3 reviews!!! How kind!!!! That's the most from anyone (hands her boxes of stuff that will remain secret) there's your gift from me!!!!
Ana: Yes. I want to put some fluff in here soon.. Cottony ball fluff!!! We will see, since everyone wants fluff..
Ami-Chan 15: Ya know what's funny? I always thought I sucked at describing things. I guess I'm wrong!!!! Thanks a billion!!!!!
Brittanie Love: AWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That was SOOOOO NICE!!!!! Here.. (secretly hands her plushies of everyone in the Kenshingumi).. Don't tell no one... and I read your story. I like it. There are som spelling errors but oh well, I get those too!!!! You'd better update YOUR story soon!!!!! That was so nice... (sniffs).. I didn't know people loved my story that much!!!!!
Garden Of Shadows: I'm glad you like it, and I won't cause you get get insominia just for my story, feel free to go to sleep!!!! Just because I stay up all hours of the night to read fiction and write fiction doesn't mean you have to too!!!! ^-^
krystlsailormoon: Kenshin/Battousai/Angel, huh? (gets images and Kenshin blushes while Kaoru beats the crap out of me).. Don't worry... he's gonna fight Saito and it's not going to be pretty... (glares from everyone).. What?! It's a story!!! Oh, and I want to suggest you read Skydweller!!! Kenshin's got WINGS in the story!!!! It's so good, it's by Lady Shiin. I think you'd like it. ^-^
Morgan: Yes. all your questions should be answered in the chapter between 7 and 8 because I posted that since a lot of people were wondering. I'm trying to think a way to weave Yahiko in there. a story just ain't a story without Kaoru beating him over the head with a bokken, huh? I'm glad you like it!
Angelic Countenance: I've been trying so hard to get more Sanosuke in there!!! He's just so hard to write!!! I don't know why. Maybe it's because I'm stupid like him sometimes. Okay, he's not STUPID but he's funny. Okay? I'm trying my hardest!!! It's so hard!!! I got a bit of him in on chapter 10!!!! Yeah!!!!!!!!!!
AnImEfReAk34: Yes. quite interesting.. ^-^ glad you think so!!!
HOoTs: Yes, I REALIZE this is a Kenshin/Kaoru fic. I don't really know why I even mentioned Tomoe in the first place. I'm sorry!!! (apologetically hands out brownies). I think it will help later in the story somehow, though. don't ask, I can have a twisted mind sometimes..
Thundersister: Thanks for the info! And EVERYONE thinks B/K are going too slow. I'm trying to make them slow (blocks thrown books with Kenshin's sword, and hands it back to him). I think I'm kinda stuck now, I'm trying to get their feelings in without them getting all serious on me yet!!!!
Too Lazy Too Log In: hahaha.. That's a funny name... thanks a billion for your review!!!!!
ABCE: Thanks!!!!
Blaze The Bad: Nice name.. And thanks a billion!!!
Harukol: Yes. I fixed the messy chapter problem for you!!! You were the first to mention it to me, so I immediately jumped on the problem. Hope it's better for you now!!!
Besho: Thanks you!!
Glory 230: Thank you so much!!! You gave me 2 reviews!!! You get the prize!!! (hands her a lifesize Kenshin plushie). There you go!!!
Beriath: You were my first reviewer!!! Thank you so much!!! I was so nervous to read your review but I was so happy you liked the story!!!
Himiko: thank you a billion for your review!!!! Means a lot!!!!
Angel girl (Serene): Okay, you get the prize FOR LONGEST REVIEW!!!! (hands her loads upon loads of things). I'm glad you like the story. And thanks for your information, that made a lot easier for me while writing this. And we'll just say Sano's a friend of Kaoru and the Oniwabanshu, and no longer a street thug because. um. well, I'll figure that out later, but thank you!!!!
And of course, all my reviewers get cookies and cake and containers of frosting and ice cream to eat!!!!!
So, what did you think of that? I just felt like writing something totally stupid that made no sense!!! Maybe I shouldn't write those conversation thing-a-ma-bobs (yes, I KNOW that's not a word!) if you don't like them.
Well, until the next chapter..
Luv,
Crystal Renee
Authors Notes: I'm pathetic. and such a pushover because I still don't have 40 reviews but I'm giving you chapter 10 anyways.. I'm in a good mood for some reason. And . my life is so boring! All I've done ALL SUMMER was read RK fictions and write and threaten to sue Cartoon Network over and over for taking Rurouni Kenshin off and begging my parents to get me the 12 DVD set with the anime and the OAV's, and I'm starting think I'm gonna go for the manga's, too. But of course, I'll probably get none of that.. :( Makes me sad. Do you think the life I live is sad? Yes, I am obsessive compulsive sometimes. but school is nearing so this should all dwindle off..
In other news. your authoress fell down the stairs!!! And it scared me!!!! I'm thinking it was the spirit of one of my reviewers screaming at me to write the chapter!!!! Or maybe it was all of you at once. (glares at Kenshin and Sano, who are sitting on her bed). Oh!!! And my dad says I'm dumber than a box of rocks!!! I think that's funny.
Anywayz, this is the chapter that is going to be mostly action. man this is going to be tough!!! I PRAY I don't make this a flopper. be sure and tell me if I do or don't!!!! Oh, and I HAVE YOUR INDIVIDUAL REVIEW RESPONSES!!! I found out how to do it without my mom freaking out on me!!!
~Coming Of The Dawn~
(Where we last left off...)
"Today we will see who is stronger, Battousai." Saitou stated, charging at the Battousai.
Battousai charged at him.
Metal and metal clashed, the sound reverberating through the room.
***Chapter 10- Last Man Standing***
Kaoru and Megumi hid in horror, afraid to see if either one had been injured in the first strike. It had been so quick. Both of the men were blurs in the center of the room by when they ran towards each other. Megumi payed extra attention to Kaoru's sprained ankle to get her mind off of the fight that was occuring right behind her back. Kaoru side glanced at Sano. He looked at her, his mouth a gape after his first look at the Battousai in action. He stared at Kaoru, as if asking what he was supposed to do.
"Get the rest of the women out of here Sano!" Kaoru instructed. "Megumi and I can't leave until she's done working on my ankle."
Sano nodded and he slowly slunk around the battle in the middle of the floor. He lifted two women up gently by their arms and began to lead them out. He was going to do it two at a time, in case he came up with trouble along the way.
********
Battousai jumped back after his sword connected roughly with Saitou's sword. Saitou glared him, but Battousai gave him the death glare he had been giving the door before Sano killed it. Not even a twitch came from Saitou. Battousai wondered momentarily if he was just stupid or just so used to war that he didn't care.
"Ryu-Kan-Sen Tsumuji!!" Battousai cried when he ran up to Saitou at an alarming rate. He twisted his entire body, aiming his deadly katana right below Saitou's skull.
But all Battousai hit was air.
If Saitou hadn't of ducked, his head would have been flying out into the hall. But Battousai's cry had given away his move, and Saitou had been able to anticipate a way to defend himself agaisnt it. He tripped Battousai, who fell and caught himself, angier now than he had been earlier.
"That was a cheap shot, Saitou!" Battousai's words seethed venom that was as deadly as his sword.
Saitou grinned. "You know full well a samuari does not only attack with his sword, but his hands and legs also."
Battousai glared at Saitou, trying to read him. He seemed so at east fight with the hitokiri. Battousai didn't understand it. But then again, he didn't really understand Saitou. One moment he was smoking a cigarette and being civil with someone, and then next he was trying to slice someone to pieces.
Saitou took the moment that Battousai had wasted trying to read him, and sent his sword flying towards Battousai's shoulder. Battousai was able to pull of a Sou-Ryu-Sen just in time, blocking Saitou's attack and hitting Saitou square in the stomach with the sheath of his katana.
He watched as Saitou fell back. But he didn't fall, only staggered a few feet away. Battousai didn't give him a chance go regain his footing before he set off with a Ryu-Sou-Sen, which is multiple slashes at the opponent, not giving them a chance to couter-attack. Battousai fell back, looking at Saitou.
The only place he had drawn blood was on his shoulder.
"Blast!" Battousai thought.
Saitou HAD blocked nearly all of the attack sent at him.
Then Saitou again charged Battousai, angered that he was the first to draw blood in the fight. Before Battousai got a chance to react, the hilt of Saitou's sword hit him square in the nose while the blade sliced painfully into his upper chest and right shoulder. Battousai's wakizashi was used to push Saitou back, and then resheathed just as fast as it had come out.
They parted again, both glaring at each other and ignoring the pain that their wounds were causing them. Their attentions were completely on one another, trying to come up with a way to kill the other before they were killed themselves.
*********
Megumi finished looking over Kaoru's ankle and had wrapped it as well as she could with the limited supplies they had. She had ended up using a piece of kimono to cover it and had a cream with her that would bring down the swelling. She gave it a quick one over and then looked at Kaoru.
"Anything else hurt?" she asked her.
Kaoru nodded. "My back. Do you have cream for that? It got injured somemore today."
Megumi shook her head. "I'm sorry, I didn't think to carry any with me. You're lucky I had that cream with me."
Kaoru glanced up away from Megumi, and saw the blood gushing from Battousai's wounded chest and shoulder. She felt her heart stop momentarily at the sight. Then she shook her head. She had no reason to be worried over him. He could take care of himself and besides, he was her captor- she had no right to feel sorry him.
But still, she did.
Megumi refused to look over at them. She didn't was to see Battousai fight. In all her time working here, she never minded healing people who were badly harmed, or being forced to see a small battle. But Battousai's fighting was something she refused to watch. It scared her to think that he was fighting right behind them, and one mistake could kill anyone in that room.
And even the Battousai made mistakes.
******** ********
Sano finished leading the second group of women out. He had now brought out women with the names Tsubame, Akumi, Mirini, and Hinoki. There were 4 others still waiting inside, and then there was Kaoru and a women she called Megumi. Sano thought momentarily that the women reminded him of a fox. Fox lady. He grinned when he left the 4 women far away from the battle where they'd be safe by themselves. One member of the Oniwabanshu lingered nearby and watched them as Sano ran off to get two more.
He ran inside and slunk past the fight. There was blood dripping onto the floor now, but neither man looked like they were ready to back down. Sano got to the corner and crouched next to two more women.
"Names?" Sano asked them.
"Tae." One answered.
"Sozomi." The other responded.
Sano nodded, and took a hold of both women's hands and led them out of the room before they could say more.
******** ********
Battousai glared at Saitou harder and harder. He was enraged. Saitou aimed at his knees. Battousai countered. Saitou's blade raced to his head. Battousai ducked and attacked towards Saitou's ankles. Saitou jumped.
The battle when on like this for a while, with no specific movements, just raw fighting and defense.
And then Battousai was out of sight.
Saitou searched around the room. He glanced over that the two women remaining in the corner, and then over towards Kaoru and Megumi. He couldn't find the Battousai anywhere.
That was, of course, until he heard it.
"Hiten Misturugi Ryu, Ryu-Tsui-Sen!!" Battousai called from his perched position on the ceiling.
Battousai came diving down at an incredibel speed, his sword held out in front of him as he hammered down toward Saitou. Saitou looked up, saw Battousai flying down at him, and moved.
Battousai growled but he still got a considerably big gash in on Saitou's left leg. But he sword had embedded it's into the floor past the hilt. He tugged it out and looked at Saitou, who was limping slighly under the pain in his leg. Battousai's eyes glanced down toward the blood oozing out of Saitou's injury. He felt his mouth twitch as he started to grin with bloodlust.
Saitou took his moment of diversion and sent his sword flying at Battousai, striking him across the back forcfully. Battousai caught the movement and jumped away, but still suffered a deep cut to his back. But, of course, it was not enough to slow Battousai down. He circled Saitou and Saitou circled him.
******** ********
Sano finally had all the women out except for Kaoru and Megumi. He looked over all of their frightened faces. That gave him motivation to go inside and fight this battle out until the Ishin Shishi won. And truthfully, Sanosuke was on no one's side in this war. But had he had to give his opinion at the moment, he would say he sided with the Ishin Shishi.
After making sure the one Oniwabanshu member was there, Sano sprinted off toward the burning Inn again. He was stopped by one man, but the man didn't even have a chance to protect himself agaisnt Sano's Futae-no-Kiwami to his throat. The man fell into a heap, still breathing, but unable to attack Sano or anyone else for that matter.
"Show you Shisengumi bastards for hurting Jou-chan." He muttered before he entered the builing.
By now the flames were a mere room away from the stairway, and Sano could feel the heat. In this heat, he could only take one person down the stairs. And knowing Jou-chan, she'd make Megumi go first. Sano charged his way up the stairs.
******** ********
Aoshi glanced again over at the building. It was nearly completely burned. More than half of the Inn was in flames. A quick glance around the premisis showed no sign of the rooster head, Battousai, or Kaoru. But Aoshi refused to leave his followers to go provide help. His followers came first.
******** ********
Battousai jumped back at Saitou's latest attempt at an attack. He twisted and ran closer to Saitou, and jumped back before he could attack. That confused Saitou, but soon he found out why.
"Do-Ryu-Sen!" Battousai cried, sending his sword smashing into the floor.
********
Debris went flying everywhere. Megumi flew into Kaoru, who hit her head agaisnt the wall of the room. They both collapsed into heaps on the floor. Both were alive, but Kaoru was, amazingly, the only one conscience. She looked at Megumi. It seemed that Megumi, also, had hit her head on the wall, and fainted with fright. Kaoru tried to sit up, but now her head and her side hurt from the force with which they had hit the wall and floor.
*********
Saitou stood up. He had jumped and dodged the attack, but upon landing had fallen to the floor. He glared menacing at Battousai, and immediately noticed that Battousai's attention was no longer on him, but on Kaoru and Megumi. Saitou dared to take a glance over, and noticed that Battousai's attack had affected them.
Saitou grinned. So he didn't want to harm them, or least not Kaoru. Saitou noticed that Battousai's guard had dropped and he did a sneaky thing.
Then next thing Battousai knew, a sword was imedded into his shoulder. He didn't yelp and he didn't growl. He simply shrugged Saitou off, his sword falling out in the process. Then he went into formation again, trying to get the thought of Kaoru's head smacking the wall out of his head.
********** **********
Sano came into the room, not shocked to find more blood, but shocked to see that still Saitou and Battousai had yet to show any signs of slowing down. He ran his way over to Kaoru and Megumi.
"What happened?" Sano asked her, placing nibble fingers on Megumi's wrist to check for a pulse.
"We got Do-Ryu-Sen'd." Kaoru said. "He attacked Saitou and the attack kinda went throughout the room."
Sano hefted Megumi up onto his shoulders, holding her gently as if he was afraid to break her.
"I'll get fox lady out of here." Sano told her. "And just so you know, the building is almost completely a flame. I don't know if I'll be able to make it back in."
Kaoru nodded, not showing any fear. "Just get her out. She'll be needed later."
Sano nodded and ran out the door. He got to the edge of the stairs when Megumi finally stirred.
"What's going on. you roosterhead!" she cried, trying to smack him.
Sano moved slightly. "Stop it fox lady, I'm trying get you out of a burning building like a hero or something!!! But if we don't get you out you're not going to make it so be nice to me!! I'm trying to help!!"
She huffed at the ruffian, but still she was grateful for his help. He led still kept her up on his shoulders, not trusting her on her own two feet. The fire had come out of the room, and the heat was so intense, Sano unconsciencely (or conscienciously, perhaps?) moved so that Megumi was as far away from the fire's heat as possible. As soon as they were out of the building, he pulled her off his shoulders and carried her bridal style the rest of the way over to the other women.
********** **********
Kaoru lay on the floor still. She watched with horror as Battousai and Saitou continued to hack away at each other as if it was nothing. Each shot now was cutting some part on the two men. So either their aim had become better or their defence had lessened a critical amount. Inwardly, Kaoru prayed Battousai would be fine.
**********
Battousai drew away from Saitou, breathing heavily. Battousai had sword cuts nearly everywhere, and the blood seemed to run from his skin like a river. But he had to admit, he wasn't in as bad of shape as Saitou. Battousai drew his sword and went to attack, but Saitou managed to knock the sword from his grip.
((you can imagine how much blood they've lost by now if that can happen))
Their movements were slower, but still amazingly fast. Battousai drew his wakazashi, the last weapon he had. It was smaller than Saitou's sword, but Battousai knew it was still as good at it's job as any other sword. Saitou attacked, sending another cut into Battousai's elbow. Battousai sent his sword into Saitou's side, but not enough to do any permanent damage.
And still, Saitou fell.
And the battle was over.
Battousai breathed heavily, and stared down at Saitou. He raised his sword so that it barely touched the edge of Saitou's throat.
"Looks like I'm still the strongest." Battousai growled. "Now you will pay with your life."
**********
Kaoru's head began to spin. She didn't want to see Battousai kill. She'd already seen that once. She had seen enough death, felt enough death, and bathed in enough blood for a lifetime. She gripped the hilt of the discarded and forgotten katana. She wouldn't hurt him, but she would at least attempt to stop him.
She didn't want to add another body to the body's she had been surrounded by in the dining hall. She didn't need anymore nightmares then were already insured to occur for the following nights. And, Kaoru thought, Battousai shouldn't have to kill anymore. She had seen when he had looked at her after his Do-Ryu-Sen that he wasn't too thrilled about the battle he was in. And his earlier comments about carrying the sin. she decided it was time he stopped the sinning and tried to change his ways.
Kaoru didn't know why she was feeling this way. And she didn't know if she had the power to change Battousai. But she did know that she was going to try.
Wether she lived or died.
********* *********
Sano dropped Megumi gently to the ground and then ran back towards the Inn. He was going to see if it was possible for him to get Kaoru out. He opened the door, and was lucky he didn't get burnt upon opening it. He flew back as flames engulfed the door frame and raced up the stairs.
Damn Jou-chan I hope you've got some sort of plan on how to get your tanuki butt out of there, Sano thought as he began to get up. But a hand kept him down.
"Stay there and let me look you over." Came the voice.
It was Megumi in full doctor mode. Sano grinned at her and nodded.
********* *********
Battousai began to lower raise the sword and went to bring it down into Saitou's throat. But just as his sword actually neared it's destination, it hit metal. That's when he found Kaoru staring up at him with his bloody katana in her hands. For some reason, he knew immediately the look wasn't her. She could never hold a weapon with blood on it, he knew that. But he looked down at her.
"Move, Miss Kaoru!" he demanded of her.
Kaoru didn't move. It had taken a lot of strength to get there and she wasn't moving unless someone moved her.
"I'm not going anywhere. Don't kill him." she told him.
Battousai wanted to scream at her. "This is not the time or place to have an argument!"
"Well get used to it!" Kaoru yelled back at him. "I'm not moving! Don't kill him! There is no reason to kill him! I'm sure you've probably made it so he won't be able to weild a sword for a least a couple years!!"
Battousai glared down at her. "MOVE."
She nodded defiantly. "I will do no such thing! I'm staying RIGHT HERE until you drop that sword and get out of this room!"
"Then I'LL move you!" he shouted.
"Go ahead and try, Kenshin!! You know you don't want to kill him, so why are you fighting with me to kill him? He didn't hurt anyone except for you." She lied. He had, after all, smacked her bruise. But that was it. "I haven't seen him kill anyone, only his men have killed. I'm sure he's capable of it, but YOU AREN'T SUPPOSED TO KILL. You are battling between two beings and you know you don't like this. You said the sin and guilt remains. So why don't you stop now?"
Battousai glared at her. He HATED it when she made sense.
Battousai took a step back and dropped the wakazashi. He didn't know why he hadn't just moved her out of the way and finished his job. But watched her drop the katana to the floor with a clattering sound. She didn't stand, when in reality she was just lying there. She COULDN'T stand up.
"Are you going to move now?" he asked her, a little gentlier.
Kaoru shook her head.
"Why not?" he boomed. "I'm not going to kill him!"
"I can't." she said sheepishly. "Sprained ankle."
Oh, that ticked him off. She had tricked him. But upon realizing she had said she was hurt, he glanced down at the wrapped up ankle that Megumi had treated. Then he looked back up at her.
*********** ***********
Finally it seemed as if the battle was dwindling off. Aoshi again glanced at the building. Only 2 rooms on the second and third floors weren't aflame. He knew, and thought, that anyone inside was doomed.
He had spotted Sanosuke earlier, but still saw no sign of Kaoru or the Battousai.
And he knew Misao would have his head if Kaoru was dead. Aoshi began to wonder himself if his friend was okay. Aoshi looked over at the battle that was still taking place. The Oniwabanshu could finish them off. He ran off towards Sanosuke.
He finally got there, and looked at Sano. The only he noticed was that his fist was extremely bloody from fighting and his skin was a red color, probably from working or heat.
"Where is Kaoru?" he asked him.
Sano looked down. "She's still inside with Battousai and Saitou. I couldn't get her out. I got everyone else, but she insisted I take them before her."
Aoshi looked back at the building and back at Sano.
************ ************
Battousai's eyes lost the Battousai touch as he looked at Kaoru.
"Okay, Kenshin, are you still there?" she asked.
He jumped out of his stupor. Man, that blood loss was really getting to him. He had almost wanted to kiss her there for a second. Mental note to self: don't lose so much blood and stare at girl at same time, he thought.
He nodded. "I think we'd better get out of here."
Kaoru nodded. She couldn't get up but decided to try. She leaned agaisnt an abnormally warm wall. She propped herself up, and attempted to stand.
BAD idea.
She collapsed almost immediately from the pain in her side, head, back, arm, and ankle. She in too much pain to move, period, and breifly wondered what had given her the energy to block Battousai's death blow to Saitou. She hadn't noticed that she didn't hit the floor when her ankle gave out. She did, however, noticed when she was lifted off of the floor.
Kaoru looked up at Kenshin after noticing he was was holding her and getting ready to carry her out of the room. She tried to get a glance at his eyes, to see if he was angry with her or worried or anything. She noticed they were that blue color they had been when he had come in with the cream. But this time, the blue had more a violet hue to it, but still with some amber swirlled in. She had admit, though.
His eyes were beautiful.
He didn't say anything. Kenshin just walked out into the hall, until he saw the fire that had engulfed the stairs.
"Damn!" he swore, running back into the room with Kaoru.
Inwardly, he wasn't really worried about himself. He wanted to get Kaoru out. But of course, Battousai pride wouldn't let him admit that.
He went to shut the door, forgetting that Sano had destroyed it. Upon realizing that, he just turned. He looked around the room for a way out, and then he noticed it.
Saitou was gone.
Kenshin growled. Saitou had gotten away. So it was only him and Kaoru trapped inside the burning Inn that was guaranteed to collapse at any given moment.
Kaoru heard noises coming from the wall that she had been leaning on earlier when trying to stand. She stared at it, and it turned an angry red. She couldn't help but move closer into Kenshin's embrace. He stared down at her in shock, and then heard a crack.
The wall was collapsing in on them.
Authors Notes: MWHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!! Another cliffhanger for you all!!!! So.. Did you like the fight scences? Did you like the chapter? I even got some B/K mini waff in there, now didn't I? I TOLD YOU I like violent loves stories.. (laughs evilly). But I want opinions and ideas. The next chapter shouldn't pose a problem, but if you haven't notice, Battousai and Kaoru aren't exactly 'friends' yet. So I can't end it yet. Oh, doesn't that make you all feel so good? And if you are wondering why the story is getting worked on so fast, it's because I tend to write fast. I just get in that mode and boom! The story is out. Oh!!! And if there is any confusion as there is one line of *********** in some spots as opposed to two lines, here's why. 1 line is for when I change from two people in the same room (ex. When Battousai did his Do-Ryu-Sen) and the two lines is for when I'm chanigng to someone in a different place or is just entering the place (ex. Sano with the girls outside). I just thought I'd clear that up for ya'll!!!!!!
Now, for conversation with the RK characters:
Sano: Hey fox lady, I get to carry you around in burning building!
Megumi: As if I'd ever let you touch me.
Kenshin: You're going to get us out of there, right Crystal-chan?
Crystal: I don't know yet.. (grins evilly)
Kenshin: (sweatdrop) Oroooo...
Aoshi: What happened to the big parts about me?
Crystal: Truth be told, you aren't exactly the most important character at this particular point of the story. Don't worry, you'll get you're chance to shine.
Misao: Yeah, when do I get to go back in there?!
Crystal: (thinks) Soon, I think..
Yahiko: AND WHAT ABOUT ME?! I'M NOT EVEN MENTIONED IN THIS STORY!!!!
Crystal: I HAVEN'T FOUND ANYWHERE TO PLACE YOU IN THERE YET!!!! But I got an idea... maybe...(grins evilly). It's gonna be heck for you, Yahiko-chan.
Yahiko: DON'T CALL ME -CHAN!
Sano: Oh, be quiet Yahiko.
(Yahiko attacks Sano)
Kaoru: Where did Saitou go and why did you make me run into bodies in Chapter 8?
Crystal: (head droops) I haven't thought about were Saitou went yet. I just know I didn't want him to be dead yet. And that was just a spur of the moment idea with the bodies in the dining hall. I think I can connect that later in the story.
Kaoru: What's your idea for Yahiko?
Crystal: (whispers in Kaoru's ear)
Kaoru: Oh.. That's good... but where do you plan on putting that in?
Crystal: (looks bewildered) I don't know!!!!! (starts to cry)
Kenshin: Crystal-chan?
Crystal: I'm.. (sniff). okay. it's. it's a girl thing!!!
Keshin, Aoshi, Sano, Yahiko: (look confused) What?
Megumi, Kaoru, Misao, Crystal: GET OUT YOU GUYS WILL NEVER UNDERSTAND!!!!
(girls lock guys out of Crystal's room and turn music on really loud so no one can hear their conversation).
Sano: I think Fox, Jou-chan, Weasel, and Crystal are plotting agaisnt us now.
Aoshi: You think Misao would do that to me?
Sano: Actually, yeah.
Kenshin: (ear to door) Shoot! I left my sword in there on the bed!!! And they ARE plotting agaisnt us. I think...
Yahiko: (gulp) That's not a good thing..
Here's your review responses:
Zeus The Moose: Yes I know I'm a stinker BUT AT LEAST I SMELL GOOD!!!! Oh, don't worry. I'm grounded for a LONG time.. I'm only a sophmore and I don't graduate for 3 years.. Grr.. And I love your name. It's funny!!! I'm gonna update soon!! You gave me 3 reviews!!! How kind!!!! That's the most from anyone (hands her boxes of stuff that will remain secret) there's your gift from me!!!!
Ana: Yes. I want to put some fluff in here soon.. Cottony ball fluff!!! We will see, since everyone wants fluff..
Ami-Chan 15: Ya know what's funny? I always thought I sucked at describing things. I guess I'm wrong!!!! Thanks a billion!!!!!
Brittanie Love: AWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That was SOOOOO NICE!!!!! Here.. (secretly hands her plushies of everyone in the Kenshingumi).. Don't tell no one... and I read your story. I like it. There are som spelling errors but oh well, I get those too!!!! You'd better update YOUR story soon!!!!! That was so nice... (sniffs).. I didn't know people loved my story that much!!!!!
Garden Of Shadows: I'm glad you like it, and I won't cause you get get insominia just for my story, feel free to go to sleep!!!! Just because I stay up all hours of the night to read fiction and write fiction doesn't mean you have to too!!!! ^-^
krystlsailormoon: Kenshin/Battousai/Angel, huh? (gets images and Kenshin blushes while Kaoru beats the crap out of me).. Don't worry... he's gonna fight Saito and it's not going to be pretty... (glares from everyone).. What?! It's a story!!! Oh, and I want to suggest you read Skydweller!!! Kenshin's got WINGS in the story!!!! It's so good, it's by Lady Shiin. I think you'd like it. ^-^
Morgan: Yes. all your questions should be answered in the chapter between 7 and 8 because I posted that since a lot of people were wondering. I'm trying to think a way to weave Yahiko in there. a story just ain't a story without Kaoru beating him over the head with a bokken, huh? I'm glad you like it!
Angelic Countenance: I've been trying so hard to get more Sanosuke in there!!! He's just so hard to write!!! I don't know why. Maybe it's because I'm stupid like him sometimes. Okay, he's not STUPID but he's funny. Okay? I'm trying my hardest!!! It's so hard!!! I got a bit of him in on chapter 10!!!! Yeah!!!!!!!!!!
AnImEfReAk34: Yes. quite interesting.. ^-^ glad you think so!!!
HOoTs: Yes, I REALIZE this is a Kenshin/Kaoru fic. I don't really know why I even mentioned Tomoe in the first place. I'm sorry!!! (apologetically hands out brownies). I think it will help later in the story somehow, though. don't ask, I can have a twisted mind sometimes..
Thundersister: Thanks for the info! And EVERYONE thinks B/K are going too slow. I'm trying to make them slow (blocks thrown books with Kenshin's sword, and hands it back to him). I think I'm kinda stuck now, I'm trying to get their feelings in without them getting all serious on me yet!!!!
Too Lazy Too Log In: hahaha.. That's a funny name... thanks a billion for your review!!!!!
ABCE: Thanks!!!!
Blaze The Bad: Nice name.. And thanks a billion!!!
Harukol: Yes. I fixed the messy chapter problem for you!!! You were the first to mention it to me, so I immediately jumped on the problem. Hope it's better for you now!!!
Besho: Thanks you!!
Glory 230: Thank you so much!!! You gave me 2 reviews!!! You get the prize!!! (hands her a lifesize Kenshin plushie). There you go!!!
Beriath: You were my first reviewer!!! Thank you so much!!! I was so nervous to read your review but I was so happy you liked the story!!!
Himiko: thank you a billion for your review!!!! Means a lot!!!!
Angel girl (Serene): Okay, you get the prize FOR LONGEST REVIEW!!!! (hands her loads upon loads of things). I'm glad you like the story. And thanks for your information, that made a lot easier for me while writing this. And we'll just say Sano's a friend of Kaoru and the Oniwabanshu, and no longer a street thug because. um. well, I'll figure that out later, but thank you!!!!
And of course, all my reviewers get cookies and cake and containers of frosting and ice cream to eat!!!!!
So, what did you think of that? I just felt like writing something totally stupid that made no sense!!! Maybe I shouldn't write those conversation thing-a-ma-bobs (yes, I KNOW that's not a word!) if you don't like them.
Well, until the next chapter..
Luv,
Crystal Renee