To Be Free
Part eleven
The Sword
By Maria Cline
Snow fell as Kaoru walked around. It was supposed to be summer and yet it was cold. "Hello?" She called out. "This must be another dream. First fire and now snow?"
A cyclone of snow flew around her and she rubbed her eyes. When the snow cleared, a beautiful woman covered in blood stood before her.
"Are you the one to set him free?" She whispered as she gazed at her.
"What are you talking about?" Kaoru demanded, "Who are you? Why are you covered in blood?"
The mysterious woman smiled slightly and walked away. She vanished in a whirlwind of snow leaving Kaoru alone.
"Wait!" Kaoru shot up in her futon. 'Mou, not again.' She thought as she changed into her clothes. After changing into her training outfit, she went out to see Kenshin staring at the sword on the stand. His hand twitched as he gazed at it. 'He still won't get near it.'
It had been a week since she had brought the 'Sword of the Sea' home. So far, Kenshin stayed away but he watched it. It confused her to no end, but she was patient. The last thing she wanted to do was push Kenshin to the breaking point.
Kenshin's hand twitched again. /Why do you haunt me so? I should ask Kaoru-dono to send it away before I lose control and destroy everything./ /Then, why didn't you?/ He looked up to see Kaoru watching him. "Kaoru-dono! Gomen! I didn't mean to stare off like that!"
"That's okay." Kaoru smiled slightly. 'It's a matter of time before Kenshin can get the courage to pick up that sword and maybe he can regain what he lost.'
"You guys home?" Sano asked as he, and Megumi came in.
"Breakfast is almost ready." Kenshin said as he shook his head. "Hello, Megumi-dono."
"Kenshin, how have you been feeling?" Megumi asked, "I heard that you had quite a bit of stomach trouble. Did Takuni's food bother you that much?"
"It has nothing to do with my cooking!" Kaoru screamed as she clutched her bokken.
"I was just stressed about holding a bokken, that is all." Kenshin replied as he smiled slightly. "I am working on it."
"Good." Megumi nodded. "You seem better. Yes, much better than before. I will have to give you a check up after your work." /He is still shaking. Something is holding him back, something serious. I better not tell Kaoru that. She is so hopeful about Kenshin's recovery. Maybe I can find out what was Kenshin's secret. After all, a doctor can't help the patient if she didn't know what is wrong with him./
"Where's the kid?" Sano asked as he looked around.
"I don't know. He always disappears around this time." Kaoru sighed, "He'll be back before breakfast is served. Trust me on this."
*****
Lurking in the bushes, Gohei and Kehei watched a young boy walking down the street. "There's the kid. He's Kaoru's newest student." Kehei said as he smirked. "We take him and hold him hostage. Then, we can get that dojo and our revenge."
"Great plan." Gohei got up only to feel a sword hilt against his back.
"What is this about holding someone hostage?" A tall man asked as he leaned up against Gohei's body. "I don't like it when weak idiots use children as shields. It makes me… upset."
Kehei and Gohei looked to see a police officer holding a katana in his hand. There was something strange about him that both could not describe. His voice was calm and low and yet had an edge that could slice through steel. "I didn't know police officers use katanas." Kehei said stunned.
"Most don't but I have permission." Saitou replied as he unsheathed the katana and held out the blade. "Please leave on your feet or in pieces, your decision." He grinned as he licked his fangs like a hungry wolf.
Chills ran down the two men. Something about that voice made him sound so convincing. He may be outnumbered but there was something about the police officer that just unnerved them. "Run!" Kehei ordered as he and Gohei ran off.
"They are not worth the effort." Saitou shook his head as he sheathed his katana.
*****
Kaoru glared at Yahiko as he sat down. "Why do you disappear like that? There are all sorts of crazy men out there!" She ranted.
"I can handle myself. Besides, there were a couple of police officers nearby." Yahiko shrugged. /And I was talking to them./
"I don't care." Kaoru pouted. 'That boy is just too independent for his own good.'
Sano frowned as he looked at Kenshin. "Ummm... Kenshin, Jou-chan, I have to take Megumi to the docks after breakfast so I can't take Kenshin to work as usual."
"What?" Kaoru stood up. "You can't be serious!" 'Kenshin can't go around by himself. He looks so timid. Someone can still take him and do who knows what to him.'
"It's okay, Kaoru-dono. I will be fine." Kenshin insisted as he smiled hesitantly. "I'm very fast and careful."
"What's the big deal? Kenshin's a big boy." Yahiko picked up his rice and started eating.
"Everyone knows that he was hurt, I will beat up whoever did that." Sano supported.
Kaoru could not help but feel embarrassed. She was being slightly overprotective of a man who's older than her. 'He is so vulnerable but what could happen?' "Of course. But, you had to go straight there."
"Hai."
"Good."
*****
"There's no sign of that freaky cop." Gohei said as he and his brother looked around.
"Good. That man just... let's focus on the task at hand. That cop must be watching the boy so we can't get him." Kehei figured as he rubbed his chin.
"What about kidnapping that bitch herself? She's not that strong."
"That is why I am the brains and you are the brawn. No… if we threaten her directly, she would just refuse. She would rather die than give up her father's legacy. However, she may feel differently if we threaten someone she cares about." Kehei chuckled evilly.
"Oh, I get it." Gohei laughed as well. "Brilliant. But, who can we get? Most of Kaoru's friends are great fighters or they with a lot more other people."
"Not all of them." Kehei said as
he pointed forward to a small red haired man walking down the street. "That man over there was constantly escorted
by Zanza but not today. He is small, timid, and gets sick every time
he tries to fight."
"And he's alone." Gohei grinned, "He's perfect for a
hostage."
"Finally, you understand."
*****
Kenshin let out a sigh of relief as he looked around. /This is my first time to actually walk around without anyone escorting me./ /Keep an eye out. Someone is watching./
Nervously, he walked faster. When was the last time he walked by himself out of the dojo for this long? /Maybe I am depending too much on Kaoru-dono and the others. I'm older than them and had spend time alone when I was barely older than Yahiko. What would happen when they find out the truth? When they see my true self? Would they be so protective of this unworthy one?/
Then, he sensed someone behind him. He turned sharply to see a huge man with a sword in hand. "Don't move or you will die."
"Who are you?" Kenshin asked nervously. /He's huge but I don't sense much intelligence./
"I am…" The man paused dramatically. "The Hitokiri Battousai!"
Kenshin sweatdropped. /Right./ The skeptical voice in his head said. "Really? Wow, I heard so much about you! You are much taller than what I heard." Kenshin exclaimed as he put both hands together. "I wish I can be a victim of yours but I have to go to work." Kenshin walked away quickly.
"Oh, well…" Gohei scowled and yelled, "Wait a minute! Surrender or I will slit his throat!"
Kenshin stopped and turned to see Gohei holding an old man in a headlock with a knife at his throat.
"Help me…" He moaned.
Kenshin gasped as he came closer. /I cannot risk that man's life./ /Let him die, he's an accomplice./ /Are you sure? I don't want to risk it./ /If you surrender, he will kill you./ /I don't care./ "Okay, let him go." Kenshin said as he rose his hands. "Please, don't kill him, that I ask."
"Good." Gohei released the old man. "I don't want you to be awake." He laughed as he got out a cloth and smothered it over Kenshin's face. Darkness surrounded him and all became silent.
*****
Kenshin opened his eyes, his head was pounding and the light was bright. He tried to move his hands to block to light to find they were bound tightly behind his back. Quickly, he tested his bounds. His arms and legs were tied up and he wasn't sure if he could get out.
"Look who's awake." The 'Battousai' said as he knelt down. "About time, shrimp."
The small man screamed as loud as he could. "HELP!"
"Forget it; we are in the middle of the woods. No one can hear you scream." The much taller man said as he picked up Kenshin by the hair.
"You are not really the Battousai." Kenshin hissed as his eyes narrowed. "You are that fake who wanted Kaoru-dono's dojo."
"You are observant." The older man said as he came in. "You're right. I'm Kehei and this is my younger brother Gohei. I was never in any danger but you still fell for it and now you are our bargaining chip." Kenshin remained silent as Kehei came closer and stroked his scarred cheek. Kenshin pulled away and glared at him. "You are defiant." He reached up and untied Kenshin's long hair. His hair fell over his shoulders and ran down his body. "I'll need a little something from you. That hair will do." With one hand, he held part of Kenshin's hair and with the other, he slashed at the hair. The older man fingered the hair. "Such red hair, this lock will show that we mean business." He held the lock of hair in his hand and waved it.
"Kaoru-dono will never give in to your demands! I am nothing to her!" Kenshin screamed as he struggled. /Baka! You fell for the old 'Holding an accomplice as a hostage when he's really not trick'! How can you fell for it?/
"Wrong, someone like you must be worth something to her. I'm going to go and deliver the message. Stay here and keep him busy." Kehei said as he walked out.
"Kaoru-dono…" Kenshin leaned back and closed his eyes.
*****
Kaoru gasped as she looked out of the window. "Hey, Kaoru!" Yahiko yelled, "What is it?"
"Nothing. I just feel worried about Kenshin, that's all." Kaoru confessed as she smiled slightly.
"That's stupid! Kenshin's not a kid! He's older than us and he can be strong." Yahiko insisted, /Especially since he got the attention of two former Shinsengumi members./
"I know but it's just that ever since I met him, I promised myself and him that I will protect him no matter what. That he won't get hurt." Kaoru shook her head. 'But it is stupid. Kenshin had endured a great deal. He is strong; I have to believe in him.'
*****
Sensei watched over the roof and down the streets. /Odd, it's not like Kenshin to be late for work. He is often one of the first ones here./ He gazed at his friends. They were looking out over the street nervously. Kenshin had been working a week and everyone just liked him. He was small and cute and yet worked hard. Even Sensei found it easy to be with him despite their past. "Chief, I am worried about Kenshin. He shouldn't be this late."
Kudo nodded as he wiped his brow. "I agree. Kenshin is not the type to miss work like this without a good excuse. You go and try to find out what's wrong." He ordered. /It is odd. Kenshin is a good man. I pray that he is okay./
Sensei nodded and jumped off of the roof. His heart pounded as he ran down the street. He looked around for any signs of a redhead. "Damn it." He growled as he raced toward the dojo. He nearly ran down a little old man but he kept on going.
Finally, he saw the dojo and he banged on the door. "Kaoru-san! Are you in there?" He cried out.
Kaoru opened the door and said, "Sensei! What are you doing here?"
"Is *huff* Kenshin okay?" Sensei asked as he tried to catch his breath.
"What?" Kaoru and Yahiko exclaimed. The woman's protective instincts went into overdrive. "What are you talking about?! He left for work over two hours ago!"
The older man shook his head. "No, he never arrived. We were getting worried since Kenshin was never late."
Everything became silent as the information ran through their minds. "No!" Kaoru sobbed as she knelt down. "Kenshin assured me that he will be okay. What happened to him? Slavers could have taken him or worse."
"Slavers?" Sensei repeated, "I don't think that any third rate slaver would take on Kenshin. He's too-" He stopped when Kaoru and Yahiko were staring at him. "He's not the type. Don't worry; I'm sure that he is fine." /The Battousai took on over ten armed men at a time during the Bakumatsu and didn't get scratched. Someone like him cannot be taken easily. Could he?/
Then, there was a knock on the door. "That must be Kenshin." Kaoru hoped as she went up to see a familiar old man waiting. "You! You're…" Kaoru frowned as she tried to think. "Uhhh… what's your name again?"
At once, Kehei, Yahiko, and Sensei face faulted. "Kehei! I'm Kehei!"
"Who is this old guy?" Yahiko asked Kaoru.
"This man and his brother tried to dishonor my dojo and take it away from me." Kaoru explained, "What are you doing out of jail?"
"I have contacts. Anyway, I am here to propose a trade with you." Kehei said as he smiled slightly.
"No trade!" Kaoru got out her bokken. "Leave before I bash your brains in."
"Oh, you might be interested in what I have. Here is a sample." Kehei reached into his sleeve and got out a lock of red hair.
At once, everyone paled. "That's… Kenshin's… hair." Kaoru whispered as she dropped her bokken. Fire raged within her as she picked up the old man. "WHERE'S KENSHIN OLD MAN!"
"Now now… do you want me to get hurt? If I don't go back soon, my dear brother will start… having fun with him." Kehei laughed and Kaoru swayed on her feet.
"That's impossible!" Sensei screamed, "Kenshin should not be captured by a little old man like you and some third rate swordsman!" His heart was pounding and his fists clenched. Every fighter instinct that was buried before surged upward.
"My brother is the Hitokiri Battousai." Kehei said as he smirked at the somewhat younger man.
"Yeah right, and I am the Emperor of Japan." Sensei crossed his arms. /The fool does not have any idea how much danger he is in./
"Wait…" Kaoru whispered as she reached out. "Please, don't hurt Kenshin. You have no idea how much he had been through. I'll do anything just don't put him into any pain." Tears threatened to come down her face. At that moment, nothing but Kenshin's safety mattered to her.
"I'm glad to see you are open minded. Meet me at four o'clock in this area. I don't want to see any police officers or rooster headed idiots or anyone like that. Bring the deed and your signature." Kehei instructed as he handed her a piece of paper.
"Hai." Kaoru nodded as she knelt down with the paper tucked in her hand.
"Farewell." Kehei walked away smirking.
"Kenshin, I'm sorry." Kaoru whispered as she put her hand to her face and wept. "Oh, Kenshin… why do you have to get hurt because of me. I should have gone with you myself!"
"Get a grip! No one expected this!" Yahiko yelled, "Right now, we need to tell the police and-"
"No police!" Kaoru ordered as she got up and straightened out her hair. Her will strengthen again. If she broke down, then she will not be able to save Kenshin. "If that man knows, he might hurt Kenshin. I can't allow that. I can't allow anyone to hurt Kenshin. Sensei, Yahiko, don't tell anyone and don't leave this place. Those two might decide to try to get another hostage."
"Very well. Kudo will understand." Sensei bowed. /I can't leave anyway. Kenshin had shown an edge when he feels threatened. If those two idiots try to kill him, I'm afraid for their lives./
*****
Kenshin glared at his captor. /I nearly forgot what it was like to be tied up like this./ The small man mused as he lean back and saw Gohei watching him and then the window. /I can't let Kaoru-dono lose the dojo because of me./ "Ummm… Gohei-san, why do you want Kaoru-dono's dojo so badly?"
"Her dojo has a great deal of land. It will be valuable due to the Western expansions." Gohei replied, "At least that's what Kehei said. I just wanted to kill people and not get blamed for it! Ha! It's fun being the Battousai! People running in fear at the sight of you. I get great discounts because of that too."
Kenshin scowled. "The real Hitokiri Battousai would not like someone like you using his name. You're lucky to be alive, that you are."
"Well, the Battousai isn't here now is he? Just keep your mouth shut so I don't have to hurt you." Gohei threatened. /That man's voice just changed. Maybe it's just my imagination. I can't wait to get rid of this runt./
"You better not, your brother is coming up." Kenshin said as he closed his eyes.
"How do you know?" Gohei asked.
"Is he still well?" Kehei asked as he came in. Gohei's jaw dropped as he looked between Kenshin and then his brother.
"How did you do that?"
"Did what?" Kehei asked annoyed.
"He knew you were coming." Gohei pointed out in shock.
"Well…" Kenshin shrugged the best he could. "Ummm… would you believe that I can predict the future?"
"Wow…"
"Idiot!" Kehei bellowed, "It was some cheap trick. If he could tell the future, then how come he didn't see us capturing him? Anyway, the Kamiya woman just agreed to the trade." He smirked as he bowed down to the captive. "She is quite fond of you. The poor girl was close to tears when I left. Why is that?"
Kenshin remained quiet but his mind was racing. /Kaoru-dono is going to trade her dojo for me? I wish I had told her sooner so she would just let me be their prisoner./ /Kill them both! They took our name and used it for their own gain!/ /For once, I agree with you./
"Keep an eye out for anything unusual." Kehei advised Gohei. "I don't want anything to happen this time. Our friend will be most upset if we fail again."
"Who's your friend?" Kenshin asked innocently. /This friend must be the reason these two are out of jail./
"He's this Ishini-" Gohei said and then Kehei whacked him on the head.
"Do you want our friend to be exposed?" Kehei chided. "Go outside and watched the place. The exchange will be in five hours."
/Their friend is a politician who used to be in the Bakumatsu?/ Kenshin realized as his blood boiled. /Damn it! Who would do that just to get a dojo?/ /I wonder what their 'friend' might think if he knows that his two stooges are holding the real Battousai captive?/
*****
Megumi and Sanosuke sat at the boxes. Sano felt a little guilty for leaving Kenshin to go to work by himself but he was a fully grown man. Right now, Megumi needed protection and he was the best man for the job.
"Hey, Foxy woman." A sailor called out and whistled.
"Hey! No one calls her fox but me!" Sano yelled as he punched his fists. The sailor walked away and the tall man fumed.
"I appreciate you staying here with me, Tori-tama." Megumi said as she watched the ships. "Are you sure those friends of yours are here?"
"Oh yeah." Sano nodded as he carefully watched for any strange people. He sent out a message through one of his friends. They should be here soon. "This has something to do with Kenshin, right?"
Megumi's eyes bulged as she tried not to facefault. "How did you guess?" She thought that Sanosuke was oblivious but there were times when he showed he was sharp.
"Oh come on. Every time I pop in after Kenshin shows up, you were either dealing with a patient or looking through that book on Chinese symbols."
The woman smiled slightly. "Sometimes, you show that you have an actual brain in there. Okay, there was a tattoo on Kenshin's back and I want to find out what it means. My woman's instinct told me that it has something to do with Kenshin's problem. If I find out what is wrong with him, I can help him."
"Wow…" Sano looked up. "That's nice of you. Is it because, you know what it's like to be…"
Megumi nodded as she shivered. "I don't want anyone to go through what I went through."
Sano shrugged and then put his arm around Megumi's shoulders and watched the ships sail by.
*****
Yahiko peeked over the dojo walls. /Where is he? I know that I might get captured too but if anyone can help Kenshin, it's those two./
"What are you doing, Yahiko?" Tetsu whispered as he stood on a box.
"Kenshin's been kidnapped. You have to find him and save him. I know you're not like other cops." Yahiko said urgently.
Tetsu looked down at the ground. "I'm sorry, Yahiko, but Saitou told me that he doesn't need help."
Yahiko was shocked. Saitou was creepy and cold at times but Tetsu was the much nicer one. He was the one who understands him better. He acted more like a friend than any other officer. "What?! He's being held by a guy who managed to pretend to be the Battousai!"
The cop grabbed Yahiko by the hair and glared at him. "And Kenshin is the real thing." He gasped as he let go and hit his head. "Baka Tetsu, I let it slip again."
The boy was not completely surprised. He saw clues about Kenshin's true identity but to hear it from his boss was amazing. "He was the Battousai?" He whispered.
Tetsu nodded. "That is why he doesn't need help. In fact, those two would be the ones who needed to be saved. I must go. Take care, Yahiko, don't say a word to anyone."
"Hai." Yahiko walked back into the dojo in a daze. /Wow, Kenshin was the infamous Battousai. He's much shorter than I thought he would be./
*****
Kaoru's hands shook as she sat in front of the stand where the reverse blade sword was held. Her father's bokken was held below the sword. "Father, what should I do?" She asked out loud. "I want to continue your style but I need the dojo to do it but I can't forgive myself if Kenshin gets killed because of me. I can't defeat Gohei by myself and I can't surrender either."
"Then, fight." Sensei advised as he entered the room carrying a tray of tea. "I felt that you would need some tea to help you think clearly."
"Thank you." Kaoru nodded as she accepted the tea. She sipped it.
Sensei watched the woman. She was so young and yet have so much to burden. Kenshin spoke highly of her, always addressing her as 'dono' like she was a lady to serve. Yet, she was not like a traditional Japanese woman. She was bold and brave and she was not afraid to wield a sword. What amazed him most, was that she care so much for others, despite their pasts. "Kaoru-san, Kenshin would not want you to give up. He will never forgive himself if you gave up your dream. Just go in and fight along side him. I know the two of you can take those idiots on." Sensei advised.
"He doesn't want to fight."
"What?" Sensei looked at her.
Kaoru gestured toward the sword. "I offered Kenshin that sword a week ago and he begged me not to give it to him. He must have had some experience with the sword because I met his sensei, his mentor and he was a samurai. He was scared to even touch it and yet he watched it every chance he got."
Sensei's hands clenched as he stared at the sword. "Force him to hold the sword."
"What? I can't do that." Kaoru gasped, "I can't make him do what he obviously don't want to do."
"So? There are times when one of my students don't want to do something but I forced them to do it because they have to. They need to. Kenshin is a samurai without a sword. He is missing part of his soul. Give him that sword, Kaoru. He needs that sword like he needs water. Force it into his hands so he can take the power." Sensei urged. He spoke it from experience. After the Bakumatsu, he vowed never to hold another sword again. He could still fight and in his heart, he holds a katana. Kenshin was different. He could tell that Kenshin still needed the sword to draw power from.
"What if he hates me for it?" Kaoru whispered.
"He won't. He respects you too much. Why do you think he calls you 'Kaoru-dono'?" Sensei replied.
"Oh."
*****
Seagulls sang as they flew through the air. Sano and Megumi waited patiently for their contacts. Megumi was getting nervous, what if they won't show up? What if something happened? /Then, I'll just find another person to translate./ Megumi thought.
"Sano!" A voice called out. Megumi looked up to see a young man wearing a long tan cape with a turban like hat, next to him was an old man with a cane. Then, Megumi noticed that the young man was in fact a woman.
"Hey, Shurra!" Sano greeted as he stood up. "Shurra, Gramps, where's Saru?"
"He's with the ship while we get supplies." Shurra replied. "Who's this?"
"This is Megumi, she's a doctor and she needs some help." Sano answered. "Megumi, this is Shurra and Gramps, they're sailors who like to travel a lot."
"Hi." Shurra waved in a casual manner.
/And I thought Takuni was a tom boy./ Megumi thought as she smiled. "Shurra-san, can you help me out. What does this mean?" She handed the two a piece of paper with the Chinese symbol on it.
The two looked at the paper and the old man gasped. He stepped back and asked, "Where did you find that symbol?"
"It was on the back of one of my patients." Megumi replied, "He said he got it in China."
The old man's hands shook. "Does he have red hair and a strange scar on his face?" He whispered as he came closer.
Megumi and Sano nodded hesitantly. The old man was shaking at the sight of a simple tattoo. What was so strange about Kenshin's past? "What is it?" Megumi asked firmly. "What does that symbol mean?"
Gramps sat down and wiped his head. "Grandfather?" Shurra asked as she sat next to him.
"This will take some explaining." Gramps said, "There were rumors in the vast seas of a demon who was held captive by a Chinese Mafia Warlord. The demon was tortured and beaten constantly to be tamed to be this warlord's servant. I heard this demon was fed nothing but blood for days end and then slashed and whipped repeatedly. In the end, the demon lashed out at his master and ate his corpse. He dove into the sea and no one saw him since."
Silence filled the air and finally, Sano said, "You're joking right? That is one of the stupidest rumors I ever heard."
Shurra and Gramps face faulted. "It's true! I heard the stories myself!" Gramps proclaimed.
"I've known this 'demon' for over a week and I can say that he won't hurt a fly let alone eat anyone!" Sano boomed. /This is stupid! I never heard of anything so ridiculous in my life!/
Megumi frowned as she remained silent. /Even the most outlandish rumors have a grain of truth in it. Could Kenshin be a demon before? He did seem traumatized but was he a monster?/
*****
Kaoru opened her eyes as she gazed at the small clock in the corner. 'It's almost four.' She got up and saw the sword glistening in the sun. Quickly, she snatched up the sword and put it into the cloth sheath.
"You're going to fight, aren't you?" Yahiko asked as he and Sensei entered the room.
"Yes, and don't come with me." Kaoru ordered as she held up the sword. "I don't want you to get hurt besides; those two might hurt Kenshin if they see you."
"Be careful." Sensei advised, "Remember, Kenshin might want to fight those two because of what they did." /I would be mad too if someone took my idenity and murdered innocent people./
"Thank you." Kaoru bowed as she put her bokken at her side and held the sword on her right shoulder. Then, she marched out of the dojo, praying she will return. Her heart pounded as she strode through the town. She had not felt so ready for battle since the Fake Battousai incident. The weight of the reverse blade sword lessened as she made every step. It was as if the sword was preparing to fight as well.
Finally, she reached the forest where she was scheduled to meet Kehei and his brother. /Please, make sure that Kenshin is all right./ She prayed. Unseen by her, a set of eyes watched in the trees.
She got out the reverse blade sword and switched it with her bokken. She strapped her bokken across her back and took a deep breath. Calmness overcame the forest. Not even the birds were singing.
"I see you made it." Kehei said as he and Gohei came into the clearing tugging Kenshin by a rope. His hands were tied behind his back.
Kaoru quickly looked over the man to see that his long hair was unbound but he looked unharmed. "Are you okay, Kenshin?"
The man gazed at her and then saw the sword. /She is holding the sword. She could not be… no… she wouldn't!/ "Kaoru-dono, you should not have come! I am not worth it!" He pleaded.
"Give us the deed." Kehei threatened as he got out a gun.
"No. If I give up on Kenshin or the dojo, I could never live with myself." Kaoru growled as she put her hand on the sword's hilt.
"Is that a real sword?" Gohei laughed, "I didn't even know you can actually draw one out."
Kaoru glared at him and then draw out her sword. She gazed into Kenshin's eyes. It was calm and serious. He nodded once. She knew what to do. "Ya!" She screamed as she ran at Gohei.
Gohei held up his huge two handed sword and blocked it. Kenshin saw Kehei aiming his gun. Quickly, he slammed Kehei into the ground and then jumped into the air over his bonds to get his hands in front of him. He bit into the rope and untied himself as he heard two swords clash. His heart pounded as the familiar sounds became louder. He looked to see Kaoru and Gohei fighting. Kaoru looked so determined and brave holding his sword and yet he can tell she was getting weaker.
Kaoru winced as she blocked another blow. She was not used to fighting with such a heavy sword. /Damn it, he's so strong. I nearly got killed the last time, but I can't fail. I can't fail Kenshin!/ She thought frantically. Then, Gohei knocked the sword out of her hands. Gohei's massive sword then slammed down onto Kaoru, she raised her arms in a cross position and waited.
Out of nowhere, a blur ran pass her and sliced through the sword. Gohei and Kaoru looked down at the broken half of the sword. "Leave her alone." Kenshin said in a strange low voice as he walked in front of Kaoru and raised his sword into the air.
Kaoru's eyes widened at the sight. Kenshin's normally violet eyes changed into a dark blue violet color. His stance was taller than before. /He looks so strong. He really did need that sword./ Kaoru was amazed at the sight.
Gohei gawked at his broken sword. /He sliced through that with a reverse blade sword?! How's that possible?/
"You say you are the Battousai." Kenshin snapped as he swung hard at the giant. He fell onto the ground. Mercilessly, he swung again. "You are nothing compared to the Battousai. You wanted his reputation but not his burden." He slammed his sword onto his chest. "You would not live five minutes in the real Bakumatsu." His voice became cold.
"No!" Kehei got out his gun and fired at Kenshin. Effortlessly, Kenshin dodged the bullet and glared at him.
"Was that supposed to hit me?" He asked innocently.
Kehei dropped his gun in shock. Kaoru felt her body weighed heavily. 'Kenshin was so fast with that sword. He didn't show any sign of nausea or fear since he started.'
"We'll leave you and Kaoru alone just don't kill us." Gohei pleaded as he felt his injuries. /He's like that psycho cop. His voice, his eyes, and that sword… He shouldn't be able to fight!/
"Begging for your life, pathetic. Let me show you what death feels like." Kenshin said as he flipped the blade and raised the sword in the air.
"STOP!" Kenshin suddenly felt someone holding him from behind. He looked down to see Kaoru's arms holding him back. "Please stop, Kenshin." Kaoru pleaded as tears came down her face. "Don't kill for me. Just don't."
"Tomoe…" He whispered under his breath as he dropped the sword and then fell onto his knees. "What have I done?" /I nearly killed a man. I nearly broke my promise./
"It's okay." Kaoru looked up to see the two brothers running away. She didn't care. Instead she maintained her hold on him. "Everything is okay now."
The trees rustled as a figure jumped out of the area.
*****
Kaoru and Kenshin walked down the road. Kenshin was holding his sword in it's cloth sheath with his long hair along his back. "Kenshin, I'm sorry." She said as she walked beside him.
"For what?" Kenshin was stunned. Why did Kaoru apologize? He was the one who let himself get captured and nearly killed in front of her.
"Those two tried to get to me by getting to you." Kaoru explained as she smiled slightly. "You nearly got killed thanks to me. I should be stronger; I should be able to handle him."
"You can." Kenshin said as he gazed forward. "You are very strong, Kaoru-dono. You are stronger than me." He looked down at the sword. /She stopped me from killing. Her heart is far stronger than mine./
'Stronger than Kenshin?' Kaoru sighed and then saw Kenshin's long hair. "Here, wait a second." She reached onto her sleeve and got out her special dress ribbon. Carefully, she ripped a strip from the ribbon and then tied Kenshin's hair. "There, you look much better like that." She said as she smiled.
Kenshin felt his hair and smiled back. "Thanks."
They made it into the dojo where Sensei and Yahiko were sitting in front. "You're okay." Yahiko exclaimed as he looked at the two.
"What happened to the kidnappers?" Sensei asked hesitantly. "Are they in jail now?"
"Those cowards ran off after Kenshin beat up Gohei. He was amazing." Kaoru said as she smiled.
"Kenshin beat up someone?" Yahiko sounded stunned.
"So, you didn't kill him." Sensei sighed in relief. /He was in control./
"Yes, Sensei, what are you doing here?" Kenshin asked the taller man.
"Oh, me and the guys were worried about you when you didn't show up." Sensei replied.
Kenshin paled and then he bowed down low. "Gomen, Sensei! I didn't mean to miss work! I forgot all about it!"
"That's okay!" Sensei laughed as he waved his hands. "You were kidnapped and held hostage, I sent a message to Kudo explaining everything. He said to rest. We were just worried about you."
"I didn't mean to make you worry." Kenshin wrung his hands.
"Worry about what?" Sano asked as he and Megumi came up.
"WHERE WERE YOU?" Kaoru screamed as she ran up with her bokken and slammed Sano on the head.
Sano winced at the blow and asked, "What?"
"Kaoru-dono, don't be upset." Kenshin said as he grinned. "It's nothing, Sano, I was just kidnapped by the imposter Battousai and his brother and held for ransom."
"WHAT?!" Sano boomed as he stood up straight with his fishbone in his teeth. "I'LL BEAT HIS BRAINS OUT!"
"That bastard." Megumi said as she came up and checked Kenshin. "Did they hurt you? You were tied up for several hours." She said as she looked at Kenshin's wrists.
"No, I'm okay. Really." Kenshin smiled nervously.
"Kenshin managed to fight Gohei and won." Kaoru told Sano and Megumi. "He was fast, inhumanly fast, he sliced through that sword like it was nothing, and he didn't get sick after that."
"Really? All right." Sano gushed as he slapped Kenshin on the back. "You are finally on your way to becoming a man."
Megumi frowned as she crossed her arms. /The story about the demon may not be so ridiculous. What are you, Kenshin? What are you hiding?/
*****
"He didn't kill the imposter?" Saitou asked as he sat on the barrel with Aoshi kneeled before him in the standard ninja pose.
"No, he was about to but Kaoru stopped him." Aoshi replied, "He was like a different person during that battle. That smell of blood got stronger."
"Thank goodness no one got killed." Tetsu sighed in relief as he sat beside Saitou. "I know that Gohei deserved death but I don't like the idea of the real Battousai killing again."
"You were always soft." Saitou scoffed, "Still, the Battousai had shown himself more lately. His true side is showing."
Tetsu fidgeted. "I don't like it. What if the Battousai becomes uncontrollable like Jineh? He murdered many before he was stopped." He winced as he rubbed his chest. "What if the Battousai becomes Jineh and threaten Japan for what the Government had done to him?"
"Then, I will kill him."
*****
Night fell and Kaoru sat in her futon. Megumi checked the two of them and they were fine. Sensei went back home with Sanosuke. Yahiko was asleep in the next room. She was alone with her thoughts. Ever since that fight, she had to wonder why a skilled swordsman like Kenshin ended up as a slave. Why was he so reluctant to hold a sword again?
"I'm going to find out." Kaoru said to herself as she got up and walked into Kenshin's room. Sitting up against the wall was Kenshin, asleep. /Awww… he's so peaceful./ She thought and then something caught her eye. Propped up against his shoulder was his reverse blade sword.
To Be Continued...
Author's Note:
Okay, as you can tell, Tetsu is from another anime called, 'PeaceMaker Kurogane'. It is an anime series about the Shinsengumi. I just figured that we needed another character to help give the alternate universe a different spin on things.
Now, for the reviews!
Bob-san, Gohei's first. I don't know about Jineh but Saitou is due for a fight soon. Hiko might make a return appearance but just keep on reading and see.
Zully- Yeah, of course, Kenshin cares for his Kaoru-dono. I'm glad you liked the idea of Aoshi being in a circus it does seem a little odd at first but it could have happened.
Invader Zim- Thanks.
Kenshin's Angel- Yeah, poor Kenshin. And things will get worst soon.
