Here's the next chapter.  It's really long even compared to the past chapters but I had to make it feel complete. 

Warning:  There are parts of it that covers the OVAs 1-4 and parts of it that come from the manga. 

Also, the dialogue about the secret meeting came straight from the manga.

To Be Free

Chapter 14

The Cross Shaped Scar

By Maria Cline

(chapters 1-4 by Ami-dono)

Kenshin sat as he looked at the group of fighters.  It was strange for him to be in the company of those from his dark past and those in his somewhat brighter present.  He could only hope somehow he could endure what he had to say.  "Go ahead, Kenshin.  Let it out.  We will understand." Kaoru said as she reached out and held his hand.

Kenshin looked down at her firm hand.  /Does she truly want to know my dark past?  If the revelation that I was the Battousai didn't scare her, the dark details will./  "Very well, it all began when I was fifteen years old.  I was young and foolish and believed I can change everything with my sword.  I was wrong."

*****

Katsura Korogo sat across from a young boy of fifteen.  He had long red hair with violet eyes and an unmarred face.  The rebel leader sighed as he gazed at the boy.  "Kenshin, I had seen your skills on the training field.  You show great power for such a small lad.  I must ask you one thing, please think this over.  Will you kill another for the cause?"

Kenshin nodded.  /I can save Japan with the Hiten Mitsurigi Style.  Shishou told me that I can't handle taking lives without completing my training.  I'll prove that overbearing bastard wrong!/  "Yes."

The man nodded.  "Very well.  Come with me then."

Several days later…

Silence filled the air as Kenshin came up next to Katsura.  "This is our new member, Himura Kenshin." He announced.

"That kid?" A samurai asked stunned.  "He's so small."

"He's kinda cute." Another swordsman said.

"He won't last a week.  How old is he?  Ten?  Eleven?"

Kenshin blushed as he looked down.  "Fifteen."

The men looked at him strangely.  "He won't last five days."

*****

"Oh man, you too?" Tetsu moaned as he held his head.

"Oro?" Kenshin looked at the other man.  "You were picked on by the Shinsengumi?"

"I was called 'Puppy-kun' by the others; it was a little joke since I was so small and cute." Tetsu recollected, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have interrupted."

"No, that's all right.  The teasing stopped." Kenshin remembered.

"That's good.  When did it stop?" Sano asked as he leaned forward interested.

Kenshin turned his head toward Sano and whispered, "When I started killing people."

*****

Battousai ducked in an alley to see a pair of men wearing swords walk by.  /There's my target and a witness.  I better take care of them both./   Like always, he focused and then ran to them.  They turned around and watched the small fast man slice through before they could scream.

Battousai stopped, made a quick prayer, and wipe the blood off of his blade.  "Nice job, Himura-san.  They didn't even scream this time." Iizuka, one of the 'cleaning crew' and Battousai's senior officer said as he came up. 

"I was only doing my duty." Battousai replied as he sheathed his sword.  "I am going to clean up.  I reek of blood." He turned around and walked away.  /Two more lives killed by my sword.  Two move lives closer to the end of this war and the beginning of a new era for everyone./

 He entered the inn and Okami shook her head.  "Himura-san, you are a mess.  How many have you killed this time?"

Battousai lifted two fingers. 

"Two this time and don't look so smug.  Children your age should not be killing.  I swear, why won't Katsura listen to reason?" Okami sighed as Battousai looked away.

"I did what I have to do.  I need to get cleaned up." Battousai walked off.  He passed several soldiers while going to the washroom.  They paled as they stepped to the side. 

One of the new guys, Mumer, looked at the others and asked, "What's the deal?  It's just a kid."

"That's no kid." Yumero said as he pulled the new guy to the side.  "That is the Battousai."
"Wha?" Mumer paled, "You mean that shadow assassin that is so fast that he cannot be touched?  The demon?"

"Yes, that red hair, I heard that his hair was black until he killed so many, the blood of the victims dyed his hair permanently red."

Battousai's eyebrow twitched and he turned around.  "I was born a redhead." He snapped and then walked on hearing a pair of thuds. /Bakas./

After he cleaned up, he saw Izuka standing there with a black envelope in his hand.  "Gomen, Himura-san, but you have another job tonight." Izuka said as he smiled hesitantly.

/Another job, maybe I should not have changed out so fast./ Himura thought as he snatched the black envelope and opened it.  /These jobs are getting tedious.  I go in, kill the targets and the witnesses, get out, get cleaned up, rest and go off killing again, at least I stopped throwing up./

Night fell and Battousai sat on the rooftops.  His sharp eyes looked down to see the target being surrounded by four bodyguards.  /Only five.  Good./

The four bodyguards had relatively low auras.  They were talking happily not knowing their coming death. 

"I heard that you finally set the date, Akira-san." A bodyguard said as he grinned.  "About time."

"Yes." Akira nodded happily.  "Tomorrow, I am going on the first carriage back to Tokyo to meet my fiancé, she will be happy to see me again.  We are going to marry as soon as possible.  I just feel bad for my happiness in the midst of all this bloodshed."

The target laughed.  "Everyone is entitled to some happiness.  Give my regards to the lady okay?"

Battousai jumped in front of them.  The bodyguards put their swords on their hilts.  "Who are you?" The target demanded.

Battousai's eyes hardened as he unsheathed his sword.  "The dead do not have the right to know my name.  I am here to deliver Heavenly Justice."

"Akira!  Go!" The target ordered as he shoved Akira away.  "I cannot let you die tonight."

"Everyone dies tonight." Battousai whispered as he vanished and slashed through the three bodyguards.  Then, he sliced the target in half.  /The target is dead.  Now for the bodyguard./ He turned his hard golden eyes toward Akira who was shaking. 

"I will not die." Akira said as he ran after Battousai.  Battousai sensed a surge of urgency in this man's being.  The man slashed at Battousai only to miss.  The assassin stood up and slashed at Akira only to slice through the fence.

Battousai was getting annoyed.  Akira was clearly weaker and slower than he was and yet he was still attacking.  "Just give up and die." He ordered.

"NO!  I CAN'T DIE!" Akira wailed as he ran at Battousai again.  Battousai ran toward him as well.  In an instant, Battousai felt something touched his cheek.  The two fighters landed opposite of each other.  Battousai felt his cheek to see blood. 

/He cut me./ He thought amazed. 

Akira felt his body being slashed apart; a huge gash cross his chest causing great pain.    Painfully, he got up.  "I won't die." He gasped as he attacked again.

Battousai was confused.  How can this man still fight after his injuries?  He should have made his passing easier by just lying down to die.  Quickly, he stabbed him and the taller man fall.  Akira lie face down in his own blood.  Tears ran down his face as he reached out.  "Not tonight… no… Tom-" Battousai stabbed his katana through his neck killing him instantly. 

"At least your pain had stopped." Battousai said as he rubbed his still bleeding cheek. 

*****

"And that was how I got the first half of my scar." Kenshin finished as he rubbed his cheek. 

"You killed a man who was about to get married?" Sano asked as he shook slightly.  /Aw man, and I thought that was a myth./

"Yes." Kenshin nodded as he looked at Kaoru who was sitting silently in shock. 

"What does that have to do with you being a slave?" Yahiko demanded, "I mean what did your scar have to do with your reason on why you became a slave?"

Kenshin stared at Yahiko with strangely haunting eyes.  "Everything."

*****

A week passed and his cheek still bled.  The Battousai was getting annoyed by the constant bleeding and the stares.  The blood kept on getting into his food, into his drink, and it even stained his uniform several times.  He didn't really mind that much since everything he ate and drank had tasted like blood. 

"Still won't stop bleeding?" Iizuka asked as Battousai washed the cut again.  "You know, I heard that a sword wound caused by great hatred won't heal until revenge has been exacted."

"Great.  I'm cursed." Battousai muttered as he held the cloth to his cheek.

"Look at the bright side, people won't think you're twelve any more."  The Battousai put his hand onto his hilt and Iizuka paled and backed away.  "Just kidding."

Later that night, Battousai was going to one of his jobs.  It was raining but he didn't notice.  He sensed an elusive ki in front of him.  Out of nowhere a sword attached to a chain flew out at him and sliced through his umbrella.  A man dressed in black came out of the shadows holding his chained sword.  For a moment they stared at each other and then the ninja attacked tossed one of his chained swords toward him.  Quickly, Kenshin tossed his katana toward the sword only to get wrapped up in the steel chains.  He never faced a weapon like the ninja's before.  All of his fights before usually involved normal swords not chained weapons.  The ninja leapt onto the wall and stood on the roof.  He pulled up at the chain.  Battousai grabbed the chained sword on his end and pulled as well.  The ninja fell and Battousai sliced him down the middle.  Blood splattered everywhere as the two halves landed.  Rain fell harder as Battousai gasped for air and got out of the chains.  It was the closest he had been to death since he joined the Chousu forces.  He should feel scared instead he felt excited.  Through the usual stench of blood, a strange aroma trickled in.  /Plum blossoms?/ He thought confused as he looked up.  His eyes widened when he saw a young woman dressed in a light pink kimono.  She stared at him with emotionless eyes, her pale white skin was covered in blood.  /It's a woman?!  A witness./  /Kill her.  She saw everything./  /But, she's just an innocent bystander./  /So were the others./  /But she's a harmless woman./   

The woman raised her hand up and whispered, "You… you made it rain blood." She stepped forward and passed out in front of the still stunned man.

The Battousai picked up the woman and blushed.  It was the first time that he had touched a woman like that.  Others avoid touching him from fear or he just keeps away.  He didn't know what to do.  She was a witness but she was drunk.  It's possible that she may not have remembered what happened or she didn't fully comprehend.  Determined, he walked toward the inn.  /Don't do it!/ The voice in his mind yelled.  /You don't know anything about her!/ /I don't care.  I can't kill a woman./

He rushed back to the inn and knocked on the door.  Okami answered it and gasped at the sight.  Battousai blushed as he walked in with the unconscious woman in his arms.  The elderly woman shook her head.  "My, Katsura have been keeping you busy; killing by day and bringing home women by night."

"It's like that." Battousai said as he laid her down.  "I… uh... she fainted and so I brought her home."

"I see, and did she faint from anything she saw?" Okami asked as she picked up a blood stained umbrella.

Battousai looked away.

"Just go ahead and do your job.  I will get her into some of the other clothes.  Just put her into your room."

"MY ROOM?!" Battousai blushed brightly as he thought of a strange woman sleeping just feet away from him. 

"We are completely full.  This isn't a one night inn you know." Okami said firmly as she walked away.

"Just for one night." Battousai said to himself as he picked up the strange woman and carried her to his room.  /Good thing I don't use a futon./  /I don't trust her./

*****

"Whoa… you brought home a woman?" Sanosuke said as he grinned.  "Nice job." He quickly covered his head in preparation for the bashing on the head by Kaoru.  Nothing came and Sano looked to see Kaoru just sitting on her cushion looking down.  /Aw man./

"It's not like that." Kenshin said as he looked down.  "I didn't know what else to do.  I mean, I had killed witnesses before but they were all men.  She was just a helpless woman; at least I thought she was."  He raised his hand to his scar and closed his eyes.

*****

Battousai walked home worn out from the job.  He managed to kill the target easily and without any more complications.  There was a big complication waiting for him.  The woman was still sleeping on the futon he had.  He never used it so he wasn't bothered.  However, he was still bothered about the idea of someone else being near him while he slept.  Sighing, he sat at the far side of the room and put his sword on his shoulder.  /It will be a long night./ He thought bitterly.

As always, he had a nightmare about one of his past victims.  He watched himself slash through the men with frightening efficiency.  Then, he saw himself fight the one named Akira.  Battousai looked away as he held himself.  Why was he feeling this much remorse?  He shouldn't feel the pain any more.  Then, he found himself sitting in his bedroom with Akira standing over him.  He was still covered in blood with a katana in one hand and in the other was a red flower. 

Battousai opened his eyes to see it was morning.  There was no blood covered man in sight.  He looked around to find his futon folded neatly.  Fear filled his being as he got up and searched the inn.  What if she woke up early and went out?  One of the men could found her and think she was a spy.  He paled at the thought.  Not too long ago, a spy was caught at Miyabe's base and she was tortured, raped, and left out on the street half naked.  He could not let the mysterious woman share that same fate.  Then, he found the woman carrying a stack of trays toward the main dining room.  Relieved and feeling ridiculous to fear for the woman, he facefaulted.  "What are you doing?" He asked exasperated.

"Carrying trays." The woman replied coolly as she walked by him and toward the dining room.

The Battousai blinked at the response.  He barely had experience with women and this one just puzzled him to no end.  He saw Okami and asked, "What is she doing?"

"Carrying trays." The innkeeper replied and the Battousai facefaulted again.  "She is such a wonderful worker.  I felt that she should help out while she was here."

Battousai shook his head and force himself to think logically.  He rushed after Tomoe and said, "You don't have to do that."

"But, I want to." She whispered with a strange note in her voice. 

"Right.  What's your name?" Battousai asked.

"Yukishiro Tomoe.  What is your name?"

"Himura Kenshin."

"Well, Himura-san, I must go and give these trays out." Tomoe said as she walked away.

Battousai watched her leave confused.  She seemed to show no emotion what so ever.  There was something about her that reminded him of the falling snow in the mountains, soft, silent, and cold. 

*****

Battousai ate silently and at the far end of the room as possible like he normally did.  Tomoe was serving food to the soldiers and they were immediately whispering about the new girl.

"Hey, that's a new face." A man whispered.

"A real looker and just as friendly as Himura." The other whispered back.

Tomoe didn't appear fazed by the remarks being said in front of her.  Instead, she scooped up more rice and handed the bowl to the first man.  "Here you go, sir."

Iizuka who was one of the few who can handle eating close to the Battousai chuckled.  "I see that you brought home a woman.  Good for you, you are really a man."

Battousai kept on eating.  /Ignore him… ignore him…/ He chanted mentally.

"How does she taste?" Iizuka inquired as he leaned next to him still smiling.

The smaller man fought the urge to choke.  /Wha?/

"I understand that she slept in the same room as you." Iizuka said loudly and everyone heard.

Battousai stood up and put his hand on his hilt.  Iizuka choked and backed away.  "Hey, I'm just kidding.  Say a little joke and you risk your life."

Scowling, the assassin walked out of the room and breathed heavily.  /That woman is being annoying just by being here.  She is already causing a stir with the others and I don't want that.  Just get rid of her and make sure she didn't tell anyone about where we are or who I am./

He waited patiently outside of the dinning room.  As he waited, he mentally prepared for his confrontation.  All he had to do was confront the woman, tell her to forget everything, and get her to someplace safe and away from any Shinsengumi fighters.  This was the first time he had to do something like that.  His former teacher once told him that preparing to deal with a woman was like going to battle.  Like many of his master's teachings, he didn't understand until now.  Then, he saw the woman standing in front of him with the same cold look in her eyes.  She bowed her head down and said, "I'm sorry for troubling you, I was drunk."

Battousai blinked at her.  "Excuse me?  Do you remember what happened last night?" He asked calmly.  /She probably thought last night was some hallucination caused by sake.  I hope so./

"Yes, you sliced a ninja in half."

/Or not./ "Yes, you must forget everything that happened and go home." Battousai said firmly.

"Why?  Don't you want me here?" The woman asked sounding confused and slightly hurt.

"No." Battousai said trying to think of what to say next.  "What about your family?  They must be worried about you."

Tomoe gazed at him.  "If I had anyone, I would not be drinking alone."

/This is not good.  I can't predict what she's going to do next./ Battousai thought as he shook his head.  "You should go someplace that is safer.  Kyoto is a dangerous place."
"You mean a place without assassins?" Tomoe asked again her tone had become cold again.  "What will you do, kill me like that man out there?"

Battousai stared at her.  He never intended to kill her.  "Of course not.  You were unarmed."

"What if I was wielding a weapon, would you kill me then?" Tomoe asked.  After a long moment of silence, Tomoe said, "I must go to see Okami-san." She bowed politely and left the Battousai alone.

/I lost./ He thought as he slapped himself on the head.

Tomoe's appearance was the talk of the inn.  Everyone seemed to be whispering about her and then how the Battousai found her and bring her home.  Battousai decided to ignore the talk for now.  Today was the day that his superiors, Katsura and his chief aid Katagai will be visiting the inn and so he had to focus on making sure they were safe.   After all, while they were here, it was everyone's top priority for their safety.  Battousai entered the room and Katagai was talking with the other soldiers.  Katagai grinned as he raised his tea cup.  "Ah, Kenshin!  I heard that you got yourself a little lady.  Congratulations!"

Battousai blushed and slapped his forehead.  "Katagai-san, it's not like that!  Besides, we have more important things to talk about than my social life.  We have to be vigilant for the sake of Katsura-san!  We can't afford distractions!"

"Oh, a little distraction never hurts anyone.  From what I heard, Tomoe was a very nice distraction." Katsura said from behind as he sipped his tea.  Battousai sweatdropped and lowered his head. 

"Aren't you being a bit too relaxed about this situation?" He muttered. 

"Not at all.  After all, I have Ikumatsu." Katsura reminded as he fondly remembered his lover.  He gazed at the Battousai and sighed.  The Battousai could sense concern and guilt from him.  He didn't understand why.  Katsura was leading Japan to a new bold future.  He should not be feeling guilt.  "Himura-san, how are you feeling?"

"I'm fine, sir.  You should not be concerned about me.  I am just an assassin."  Battousai said as he bowed his head.

Katsura looked down and stared at his tea cup.  Again, Battousai sensed huge amounts of guilt weighing down on his soul.  "Still, I understand that you were attacked last night."

"Yes, I was ambushed."

"That is not good.  Only a few actually knew you exist.  There had been ambushes like that lately.  I suspect there is a traitor among us.  You better be wary, Himura-san." Katsura warned.  Then, he looked up at the trees and said, "Oh, and Himura-san?"

"Yes?" Battousai asked.

"Take a break and look at the flowers, the Zakura are blossoming." Katsura advised as he looked at the blood red blossoms around them.

Battousai blinked and asked, "Is that some form of code that I have not heard yet?"

Katsura frowned sadly and shook his head.  "No, just some friendly advice."

"Yes, sir." Battousai bowed politely and walked away.  Right now, he must focus on his duty because everyone else seemed more interested in blood red flowers and mysterious women.  /The strain of the war must be getting to him./

The day passed like it always does.  Lately for the Battousai, the days were measured by his assignments.  He noticed Okami walking up to him with a concerned look in her face.  "Himura." Okami said as she held out Tomoe's stuff.  "I finished cleaning up her stuff and I found these." She carefully lifted up the cloth to reveal a dagger and a black book. 

/She was armed./ Battousai noticed stunned.  Why didn't he notice she was carrying a dagger?  Then, he had to wonder, if she had attacked him, would he kill her?  "Arigato, Okami-san, I will give these to Tomoe." Battousai walked away with the bundle in his arms.  His amber eyes gazed down at the black book on the bundle just waiting to be read.  A part of him wanted to look into the book to see what was in it; it was likely to be some journal she kept.  It held her deepest secrets and it was just about begging to be read.  He shook his head.  It would be rude of him to peek into another person's journal even if he didn't have any idea who Tomoe was. 

Tomoe was walking down the hall when he saw her.  She looked at him and then at the journal.  "My things." She said as she glided toward him.

"Yes, Okami-san cleaned them for you." Battousai explained as he handed her things. 

Tomoe picked up her journal and asked, "Did you read what is inside?"

"No.  That would be rude." Battousai replied.

"And killing people mercilessly isn't?" 

Battousai became silent again.  /How does she do that?/ He wondered to himself.  Something about her made him uncomfortable; she said the most logical things and yet she didn't make any sense.  "That was different."

"I see." Tomoe looked at her journal again.  "You will not read this journal." She said as she tucked the journal inside her kimono.  Battousai's eyes widened and he looked down. 

"I do not intend to read your journal."

Tomoe paused and then looked at the Battousai's scar.  "When did you get that cut?"

"A few days ago, one of the bodyguards gave it to me before I killed him."

For the first time, Tomoe showed some emotion.  "Was he good?"

Battousai noticed the dead man, Akira, standing beside Tomoe glaring at him.  "He was… stubborn."

"Good." Tomoe bowed and walked away. 

Battousai just watched her leave silently.  /I will never understand women./

A couple of days passed and things settled down.  Iizuka checked into Tomoe's background and told him that she was most likely just a poor girl from a rich family who fell on hard times.  Battousai accepted this explanation fully.  Tomoe was a brilliant girl who could read, write, cook, and even arrange flowers.  She slept in the same room as the other staff girls.  None of the soldiers were rude to Tomoe, especially after they saw the Battousai put his hand onto his sword hilt a every time they look at her wrong.  The days passed like they normally do, with blood of the Shogunate and those who supported them.  One day, he was resting after a fairly brutal fight with a group of Shinsengumi.  He closed his eyes and tried to sleep.  As always his dreams were filled with men fighting, dying by his hands, and his past battles.  Then, he sensed someone in the room and then something was put over his shoulders.  His swordsman instincts lashed out and he pulled out his katana and opened his eyes.  At the other end of the sword was Tomoe shocked.  Battousai shoved her away and backed off.

"Gomen, Tomoe!  I didn't know it was you!" Battousai apologized and then looked down to see he was covered in a blanket.  "A blanket?"

"You were sleeping next to the window and it is cold outside." Tomoe explained as she got up.  "You cannot sleep without a sword ready even in your own home?"

Battousai didn't answer instead he just looked away.  /She's doing it again./  "It is a habit.  One cannot be too careful in these times."

"I see."

A moment of silence passed between them and finally Tomoe asked, "Why do you kill?"

"I am a killer." Battousai replied. "I kill to ease Japan's pain and bring happiness."

"How much longer will you kill?"

The boy blinked as he turned around.  "As long as it is necessary.  I am a killer, a man who makes it rain blood, and I will kill as long as I have to during this war."

"What about after the war ends?  Will you kill after that as well?" Tomoe inquired.

Battousai opened his mouth and then closed it.  He never thought about it.  When he first became an assassin, he simply thought he would kill a few people and then the war would be over.  However, the months just dragged on with no sign of killing to end.  He stopped looking forward to the future and lived in the present with no plans.  "I don't know."

"I see." Tomoe went to the side and picked up the bloody gi and hakama.

"Hey!  That's mine!"

"I am doing to clean it up." Tomoe replied as she turned around.

"But, it's covered in blood."

The woman held the clothes in her hands and whispered, "I was in a rain of blood." She walked away leaving the man stunned, again.

*****

"This Tomoe sounds like a nice woman." Kaoru confessed as she looked down feeling a little jealous.

"She sounds downright cold and very mysterious too." Sano muttered then he saw Tetsu looking away troubled.  "Hey, Tetsu, you okay?  I mean, is it Kenshin talking about him killing all those Shinsengumi members?"

Tetsu looked up and smiled slightly.  "A little.  I was just remembering the Bakumatsu myself.  There had been scary times and how it rained constantly in May."
"Heavily at all times like the heavens were crying." Sensei nodded as he stared out.

"Rain, yes, it was raining very hard until the day of the Gion Festival."

"Everything became clear then." Kenshin added on.

The ones who did not experience the Bakumatsu looked confused at the three.  "What about the story?!" Yahiko yelled at the top of his lungs.

"Oro!  Right, the story." Kenshin took a deep breath.  "Anyway, it was raining hard and everyone had been getting anxious.  We were forced to remain indoors and out of action for a while because all of the Shinsengumi activity."

*****

The day had become clear and it stopped raining for the first time in weeks.  The men were in their highest spirits in a long time.  Today was the day of the Gion Festival.  Everyone was planning to have fun, except for the Battousai.  He and Iizuka were walking down the street.  "There had been conflict lately in the Chousu factions.  There had been rumors that Miyabe and Katsura are breaking off relations.  I suggest that you tell your woman to leave Kyoto for a while."

"She is not my woman."

"That's not what everyone else says." Iizuka said as he smirked. "Tomoe is a nice woman; you should try to get to know her better."

Battousai stared at him and then looked away.  Lately, he had been getting shifty around him.  He couldn't place his finger it but Iizuka was just feeling strange.  He ignored the feeling and followed him into the gardens where Katagai and Katsura were waiting for him. 

"What's my assignment?" Battousai asked.

"Well, it's not so important that I'd call it an assignment…," Katsura said.

"Well, if it's not important, you really shouldn't call for me," Battousai responded as he turned around.

"Hey!" Iizuka sputtered.

Battousai ignored him. "I've assassinated almost a hundred people these past six months.  No matter how we hide ourselves, the shogunate knows we're here. It isn't a good idea for me to be near the Chousu clan leaders. The Bakufu forces are growing stronger every day, especially the Shinsengumi. They could be the strongest of the Bakufu's weapons. And they have Furutaka—he may have given them information."

"I understand," Katsura said. "We'll look out for them."

"Well, about that assignment?" Iizuka prodded.

"Well," Katsura said, "actually, tonight, during the Gion Festival, there's to be a secret council held at a certain inn. Toshiwara and Miyabe are expected to attend…"

"You need a bodyguard?" Battousai cut in.  He was hoping for a bodyguard position, at least as a bodyguard he can directly protect others rather than just blindly kill anyone.

"Well, no, Katagai will be with me," Katsura said. "I was just wondering if you would like to join us."

Battousai was stunned.  /He is asking me to actually be part of the meeting?/

"Hey, that's great!" Iizuka said enthusiastically. "What an honor! Your name could go down in history!"

Battousai thought it out carefully.  "No, I decline. It's easier if a hitokiri keeps to the shadows as far as possible. And I'm not interested in history or honor. If we achieve a new age in which everyone can live in peace, that would be enough for me."  It was true.  The Battousai never asked to be famous for being a killer.  If he chose his fate, he would rather be forgotten by everyone and just fade into oblivion.

As he turned to leave, he heard Iizuka say, "It's no good. Maybe he's killed too many, but lately he's been acting strange….his sword has been getting slower."

Battousai frowned as he walked away.  Was he getting slow?  He entered the inn and saw Tomoe sweeping the floor.   Like always, she was so calm and focused on her job.  It was as if all of the chaos just flowed around.  He had grown used to this strange woman's company and strange questions, in fact, he welcomed her.  She did not show the same fear as the others.  She was so calm and collected.  She was so peaceful and so welcoming.  Tomoe looked up at him.  "Yes?"

Battousai looked away slightly embarrassed.  "Nothing."

Tomoe bowed her head down and asked, "Okami-san had given me and the other girls the day off for the festival and I was wondering if you can come with me.  I do not have anyone else to go with and I don't want to be alone."

"Me?" Battousai asked as he looked around then he nodded.  "Sure."

"Good."

The two went down to the city where all of Kyoto was outside enjoying the bright lights, various puppets, and other things.  The two went into the local tavern and ordered a couple of drinks.  Battousai reluctantly picked up his cup and sip the sake.  The warm sake didn't taste like blood, in fact it tasted like the same sake he drank before he started killing.  "It tastes good."

Tomoe took a sip and nodded.  "Yes, it tastes much better than before.  It must be the company."

"Yes." The two sat together.

"You said that you kill to bring happiness and ease pain but how can that be?  Death brings pain and erases happiness." Tomoe whispered as others were busy doing other things. 

Battousai frowned as he poured more sake.  "People die every day from other things.  I am merely bringing about their end."

"I see, so you decide who should live and who should die?" Tomoe said bitterly as she sipped her sake again.  "You don't even do that, you were told who to kill."
"I am a sword for them to use.  Nothing more." Battousai said as he sipped more sake.

"How sad."

The man stared at her.  "Sad?"

"You are a sword who cannot control who you kill or not kill.  If you lose control, all you can do is kill.  It is sad that you let yourself be used like that."

Battousai opened his mouth and yet he could think of any way to counter but like always he couldn't.  Before he could think about what she said, Iizuka rushed in and yelled, "Himura, Tomoe, get back to the inn!  We've been found out!"

"What?" Battousai exclaimed as he stood up.  He and Tomoe followed the taller man out into the streets.

"The council meeting has been ransacked by those Shinsengumi dogs!" Iizuka said as he looked around. 

"What about Katsura?  Did they get him?" Battousai asked as he put his hand on his hilt.  His heart was pounding and his rage was overflowing.  It made him want to slash every Shinsengumi wolf he saw. 

"I don't know.  You're fast, go to the inn and see if he is okay.  I will go and get help.  The meeting is at the Ideyaka Inn." Iizuka suggested as he ran off.

"You better go back to the inn." Battousai advised as he turned toward the inn and Tomoe followed him.

"No, a sword needs a sheath." Tomoe said as she ran as fast as she could after him.

The man could not argue with her.  He didn't have time.  Katsura could be fighting for his life or worse caught by the Shinsengumi.  He had to save him, he had to protect him.  The two ran toward the inn and saw a very short samurai in Shinsengumi colors running toward the inn as well.  The Battousai reached for his katana and was about to strike when Tomoe grabbed his hilt and shook her head.  "He is a child like you." She whispered pleading.

The boy paused and he looked around.  The Battousai was amazed, the boy didn't have a killer's aura, and he was very innocent and pure like he was before he started making it rain blood.  How can a boy like that be part of the Shinsengumi?  He put his hand away and they ran in the shadows.

*****

*thud*

Kenshin paused to see Tetsu collapsed onto the floor.  "Tetsu?" Sensei asked as he helped the young man up.  "Are you okay?"

"Oh my god, that was me." Tetsu muttered as sweat came down his forehead.  "I knew I was being watched but I had no idea that I was that close to death."

"Oro?!  That was you?!" Kenshin gasped, "Are you sure?"

"Ah, I didn't leave with the others so I left much later than them."

"Gomen nasai, Tetsu-san." Kenshin bowed his head down.  "I nearly killed you."
"Don't worry, I'm just glad that Tomoe stopped you." Tetsu waved his hand.  "Go on, tell your story."

"Yeah, did this Katsura guy live through that incident?" Yahiko asked.

Everyone looked at the kid.  "Katsura died six months ago." Tetsu told him.

"Ah, well, Tomoe and I found out that Katsura had managed to miss the meeting because he had taken a nap and he accidentally overslept." Kenshin said as he rubbed his head.  "So, Tomoe and I went back to our inn.  Things got worse over the weeks, the other Chousu leaders have plans like burning down Kyoto and kidnapping the Emperor.  Thankfully, we managed to stop that from happening.  Unfortunately, not even I could stop what happened next."

*****

Battousai and Tomoe gazed out over the burnt ruins of the inn they stayed at.  The battle caused it to be burned down to the ground.  Katsura stood next to them dressed in rags with a huge hat on his head.  "I had lost everything." The man said to them as he looked down.  "I cannot go to Hagi but I cannot stay here.  Kyoto had been overtaken by the Shinsengumi for now.  Right now, we must focus on surviving the next few months.  Himura, you can go to a safe house I set up near Otsu.  Tomoe, you can go with him or go on your own.  You have no obligations to remain with us.  Be careful and blend in."

Battousai bowed his head down.  "Hai.  Please, be safe, Katsura-san.  Japan needs you more than it needs me."

Katsura sighed and looked at Tomoe.  "Remember what I said before, Tomoe." He walked away and vanished into the woods.

The two looked out over the city and Battousai asked, "Where will you go, Tomoe?"

"Where you go." Tomoe replied, "I have no place to go now."

The young man nodded as he stared out.  "A man and a woman living together and not married would stick out.  If we were to live together, then we must be proper about this, until death do us part."  He looked to the side to see the bloody form of Akira staring at him shocked.

Tomoe gasped as she bowed her head down.  "Then, I will be your wife." She whispered as a tear came down her face.

*****

At once everyone facefaulted.  "You were married at fifteen?!" Yahiko exclaimed, "Isn't that a little young?"

Sano snorted.  "Not at all, a young samurai becomes a man at the age of fifteen.  That's tradition."

"Yes, and being married young is normal.  I married Saya when I was just sixteen." Tetsu recalled.  He stared at Kenshin.  /If Tomoe was his wife, and he was married back then, could the other rumors about the Battousai be true?  If they were, then I'm afraid of what Kaoru might think./

Megumi yawned as she got up.  "Well, I'm going to make some tea.  Anyone want to join me?"

"Sure." Tetsu said as he, Sensei, Yahiko, and even Sano joined her leaving Kenshin and Kaoru alone.

Kenshin glanced at Kaoru who was staring down again.  "Kaoru-dono, are you okay with this?  I must warn you, the worse parts are still to come."

The girl nodded.  "I'll be fine.  I am not a child.  I can handle this."

Meanwhile in the kitchen, the group watched.  "I can't believe Kenshin was married.  I mean, he's so shy and timid especially around women." Sano muttered as he stood to the side.

Megumi broiled the tea.  Her strong hands shook as she watched the pot broil.  "I wonder if all of the stories were true about Ken-san.  I heard many scary tales about him when I was a little girl.  I didn't recognize him from those stories since he is so nice."

"There is such a thing as a nice hitokiri." Tetsu said, "Souji Okita was a good friend of mine, he was so nice and loves to play with his pig.  He plays with kids and refused to wear a sword when he's off duty but he had a killer side to him; the side that loves to kill and strive to defeat the enemy at any cost.  Kenshin is the same way."

"Isn't there anything we can do for him?" Yahiko asked concerned about Kenshin.  "I mean, Tetsu and Sensei got through the Bakumatsu and they were fine."

"Listen to his story, that is all we can do right now." Sensei advised, "Because if the rumors about Kenshin are true, then you may need a very open heart about it."

"Ah, you heard the stories as well." Tetsu said as he looked at the old man.

"Of course."

"About the other half of the scar?"

"Yes."

"I hope Kaoru has a good stomach for this."
"Me too."

The others looked at the two.  Yahiko asked, "Are all veterans from the Bakumatsu this weird?"

Sensei and Tetsu sighed and then they went back to the dojo where Kenshin and Kaoru were waiting.  Megumi handed out the tea and they sat down in their original places. 

"Thank you, Megumi-dono." Kenshin said as he sipped the tea.  "We traveled to a small village near Otsu and got married at a local shrine.  We were officially husband and wife."

*****

"Here you go, sir." Kenshin said as he handed a jar to the local innkeeper.  "This should relieve your rash in just a few hours."

"Thank you, Himura-san." The old man bowed respectfully.  "You have been an excellent addition to our little village."

"I am just a medicine peddler." The young man said as he bowed back.  "I am merely doing my duty."

"And so humble too, good thing.  See you next week." The innkeeper laughed as he waved his hand and walked away.

"The medicine sold so well." Tomoe said as she helped Kenshin put away the remaining jars and flag.

"Yes and the weather is nice." Kenshin sighed as he looked up at the sky with violet eyes. "It had been a good day."

The two walked up the long mountain path back to their small cottage.  They had been living in the mountains for six months and so far no one knew except for a few that they were even there.  Kenshin didn't kill or even fight for six months.  While Kyoto was just less than a day's travel away, it felt like a world away. He couldn't explain why but he liked the peace and tranquility that surrounded them now.  The stench of blood had lessened around him, even the haunting ghost of Akira didn't show up as often as he used to. 

Tomoe went to the kitchen to prepare dinner and Kenshin went to the living room to prepare medicine for the next trip to the villages.  Thankfully, his old shishou had taught him herbal medicines just in case he got sick.  Iizuka told him that a medicine peddler and his wife would not stand out so much and he was right.  Kenshin paused as he ground the herbs into a nice pulp.  Rain fell as the air became cool.  Soon, it will snow and so he would have to gather many herbs and plants as possible for the long winter ahead. 

He sighed in relief as rain pattered on the rooftops.  There were no sounds of people whispering suspicions about him; no sounds of cutting into human flesh, and there was not even the slightest sound of gunfire.  It was peaceful and he loved it.

"Dinner is ready." Tomoe said as she entered the room.

"Thank you." Kenshin nodded as he got up and sat at the small table with the two plates of food.  As always, they ate together and talk idly about their plans for the next day.  They never spoke about their pasts or about the war in the rest of Japan.  After dinner, Tomoe would write in her journal and Kenshin would work more on the medicines.  At nightfall, she would be asleep in her futon while Kenshin slept against the wall.  Despite the peace, he knew that they might be ambushed.  So, he kept his swords at his side at all times.

Days passed and the air became cooler and rain fell harder.  Iizuka showed up in his garb as a traveling merchant.  "Ah, Himura-san." Iizuka said as he smiled at him and his wife.  "You look well."
"So do you." Kenshin said as he bowed, "Come inside and have some tea." He gestured inside.  Iizuka nodded slightly stunned and followed him. 

Tomoe came up dressed in pants and a shirt.  "Excuse me; I must tend to the garden." The woman said as she bowed and walked out.

"Ah, as friendly as ever." Iizuka muttered as he sat on a cushion.  Kenshin handed him a cup of tea. 

"How is Katsura-san?" Kenshin asked concerned about his old supervisor. 

"He is fine.  Right now, he is rallying more troops to reclaim Kyoto.  We may be able to get you and Tomoe out of this hellhole and back to the battlefield." Iizuka proclaimed.

Kenshin winced as he looked away.  "I hoped that it would be longer.  I like it here in the village.  It is not boring and I did not enjoy killing.  If I had my way, I would stay here forever."

Iizuka smirked slightly and Kenshin stared at it.  "Don't let your skills get too rusty."  He put on his hat and bowed toward Kenshin.  "Farewell, Kenshin.  I hope to see you soon."

The taller man walked away and the smaller man could not help but feel slightly suspicious about his actions.

Several days passed, Kenshin was outside enjoying the pause in rainfall with the local village children.  One boy with short black hair proclaimed as he held up a stick, "I am Katsura!"

The other boy who was bald also wielded a stick and proclaimed, "And I am Matsura!"

Kenshin felt ridiculous as he held up a pair of sticks and said, "I am the deadly Shinsengumi Captain Okita, my swords will taste blood tonight." /Please, oh please don't let Katsura-san or anyone else find out about this./ He prayed as he lifted his sticks and blocked off the 'attacks'.  

He paused as he sensed a strange very angry ki coming toward him.  The other kids stopped and they saw a young boy with dark hair and dark eyes.  "Who's he?" The black haired boy asked Kenshin.  "He's not from our villiage."

"I don't know." Kenshin came up to the boy and said as he held out his hand, "Hello, I'm Kenshin, are you new here?"  The boy scowled and bit his hand.  "YEOW!" The man screamed as he pulled back his hand and held it.  He scowled at the boy.  "That was not very nice."

"Enishi?"

Kenshin and the other kids looked up to see Tomoe standing outside staring at the newcomer. 

"Neesan!" Enishi exclaimed as he ran toward her and hugged her.  He looked at Kenshin and gave him a hard look.

Kenshin blinked and thought, /Tomoe have a little brother?/

After sending the confused children home, Kenshin went up to Tomoe and Enishi.  "Tomoe, you did not tell me you have a little brother." Kenshin said as he smiled down at the boy.  "I can see the family resemblance."

"Go to Hell!" The boy yelled as he slapped Kenshin away. 

"Enishi!  Don't talk to Kenshin like that." Tomoe said as she frowned at him.  "Forgive him, he is normally a nice boy."

Enishi turned away and crossed his arms.  "Hah!  Neesan, we have to talk." The young boy took Tomoe by the hand and dragged her to the side.  Kenshin bowed his head down and stood to the side.  He could not help but wonder how the boy knew where to find them.  The two talked while Kenshin was gathering herbs for the medicines.  Enishi stomped out carrying Tomoe's umbrella.  He glared at her and huffed away.

"Is your little brother okay?" Kenshin asked as he looked at his wife. 

"Yes, you must understand that my mother died shortly after giving birth to Enishi so only my father raised us.  I became both a mother and an older sister to him so he's protective of me but he is a very nice boy."

"I'm sure he is." Kenshin accepted as he bowed his head. 

Tomoe gazed at him and said, "You never asked me about my past."

"I had no reason." The man said as he crossed his arms. 

"I see."

Snow started to fall as Kenshin and Tomoe prepared for bed that night.  The man sat up next to the wall as usual and Tomoe was writing in her journal.  Slowly, Tomoe turned to see Kenshin with tear filled eyes.  "Kenshin, I need to speak to you." She whispered as she came up to the man.  Gently, she placed her hand on Kenshin's scarred cheek and bowed her head down.  "Forgive me." She threw herself onto him and Kenshin wrapped his arms around her soft body.  Her pink ribbon pulled apart as she held on to him and wept.  "I was in love with another man before I came to Kyoto.  We were supposed to get married but he felt that he cannot support me with his low salary.  He went to Kyoto to earn money but I never saw him again.  If I had just told him how I felt, that I could just hold him back, he would have been with me." Tomoe confessed as she buried her face into his chest.  "Why do you have to be so kind when you are not killing others?" She whispered as she looked up into his eyes.  "Why did you look so much better with violet eyes rather than amber?  Damn you."

"I'm sorry." Kenshin said as he held her.  He didn't know what brought her to Kyoto and he didn't care.  All of a sudden, he didn't want to let her go.  He didn't want to lose her like he had with those he cared about; his parents, the three girls, and even his arrogant teacher. 

"Take me, I am your wife." Tomoe pleaded as tears came down her face.  "Give yourself to me just for tonight."

Kenshin nervously slipped off his wife's yukata and embraced her.  Time slowed as the two mingled and rubbed over each other in intimate ways.  It was awkward at first but they learned quickly.  They moaned and groaned as the sheets flew around them and the snow floated onto the ground.  Finally, they rested with Kenshin sitting against the wall again with a nearly naked Tomoe in his arms.  "I was wrong." Kenshin said as he held Tomoe close to his chest.  "I thought that I was bringing happiness by killing others but I was wrong.  I am just a swordsman and the best I can do is protect this lifestyle.  I want to be with you, Tomoe.  You showed me the way to happiness without shedding blood.  I do not know what the months will bring but I do know that when the war is over, I will not take another life.  I will not kill again.  I promise."

Tomoe smiled slightly as she knelt closer.

*****

The sun rose as Kenshin opened his eyes.  He looked around to see Tomoe was gone.  "Tomoe?" He asked as he put on his clothes and went outside.  He couldn't sense her anyway.  Panic rose in his heart as he sat down.  What can he do?

"Himura!" Iizuka said as he opened the door.  Kenshin looked up at him.  "I'm sorry but Tomoe was the traitor.  Look in her journal."

Wanting to prove the man wrong, Kenshin rushed to the journal and skimmed through it.  His face paled as blood gushed out of his cut for the first time in months.  "He was Tomoe's fiancé." He realized much to his horror.  He collapsed onto his knees and he shook.  How can this be?  The woman he cared for was affected by that man's death.  Akira loved her and didn't want to die.  He caused the woman's sorrow and she wanted revenge.  Their meeting was not fate but it was planned. 

"You must kill her, Himura." Iizuka ordered as he walked out.  "She is a spy after all.  You will find her on top of the mountain in a shrine."

"Kill Tomoe?" Kenshin body was numb as he got up and put on his swords.  He was confused, how can he just kill his own wife after he confessed his love to her?  Did she want to kill him?  Then, he picked up Tomoe's purple shawl that was lying on the ground.  He was confused but he must find her. 

Snow fell onto the ground as Kenshin numbly went up the mountain.  He could not think, act, or even see clearly.  Nothing made sense to him.  Guilt wracked at his body for killing an innocent man who would have made his wife happy.  Then, he was angry for Tomoe betraying him.  But, she did have a right to hate him; he did kill her fiancé and then marry her. 

As he went through the woods, an arrow shot out of nowhere and pieced his shoulder.  Kenshin stared at it and men in black jumped out at him.  Normally, he would not be bothered with only two men but he didn't know what to do.  All he could think about was Tomoe betraying him.  He pulled out the arrow and slashed at the ninjas.  More came out and he attacked again.  He couldn't fight with all his power though.  It had been six months since he had killed anyone and he hated it.  Still, he stabbed them one by one and then before he could react, he saw one of the pulling a chain in the snow and explosions echoed through the landscape and a wall of snow flew at him. 

It was a long and painful battle but the samurai made his way to the small shrine in the mountain.  He could feel her.  He was almost there.  His back was bleeding, his shoulder was in pain, and his entire body just refused to move right.  In his hand was the blood stained shawl he could now let go. 

He sensed a strong angry ki before him.  The man looked up to see a tall aged ninja standing over him confidentially.  "You are the infamous Battousai, I figured not even those explosions would stop you but you are still human." The man grunted as he got out his dagger.  "Now, die for the Shogunate."

"Not until I see Tomoe." Kenshin whispered as he attacked.  The ninja dodged the blow easily and bashed the smaller man into the ground.  Kenshin's head spun as darkness and silence started to surround him.  He was still conscious but he just could not see or hear.  He swung as hard as he could be he kept on missing.  His shawl flowed with him as he tried again but it was hopeless.  He just could not see.  Then, he sensed his foe had stopped and he attacked.  He had to see Tomoe, he had to talk to her and save her.  He felt the familiar feeling of his katana ripping into flesh and he opened his eyes. 

A small dagger flew by him and slashed his left cheek making a perfect cross out of the cut that was there before.  Kenshin gasped as he dropped the katana to see Tomoe standing in front of the ninja.  The ninja laughed bitterly as he fell to the ground.  "The line between hate and love is thin." He whispered as he closed his eyes and died.

"Tomoe!" Kenshin screamed as he cradled his lover in his arms.  There was nothing he could do.  Tomoe's injuries were too severe and they were miles away from the villiage. 

Tomoe smiled slightly as she held his hand.  "I'm sorry." She cried as she put her hand onto his face.

"Tomoe." Kenshin bowed his head down and then he sensed someone else was there.  He looked up to see Enishi staring at him in fear and he ran away.  "I'm sorry, Enishi."

*****

There was silence as Kenshin held his hands.  "I killed her.  I killed my wife." The young man repeated as he looked down. 

"Oh my." Yahiko breathed heavily as his eyes widened. 

"Yes." Kenshin closed his eyes, "I knew how she must have felt when Akira died.  I hated the feeling.  I also found out that Iizuka was the traitor.  Katsura-san took care of him.  After I recovered from my wounds, Katsura reassigned me to be a bodyguard.  He hired another hitokiri to take my place.  I spent the rest of the war protecting the leaders as a bodyguard and front line soldier.  Others still wanted to kill me, however, so I had to kill them.  After the war, I put down my katana and was given this reverse blade sword by a local swordsmith.  I decided to start traveling to atone for my actions.  But, I had to do one more thing."

*****

He wandered the vast lands of China.  He heard rumors that Enishi, his brother-in-law had been seen here.  While the boy was a brat to him, Kenshin had to find out if the boy was all right.  He had to atone for what he did to his sister.

"So, you decided to come to me."

Kenshin turned around and saw a young man with white hair and blue eyes in a Chinese fighting outfit staring at him.  "Enishi?"  He was stunned at the sight.  Enishi's normally dark hair and eyes became so pale like he was a demon or a tiger.  Did he cause Enishi's transformation?

"Yes, you recognized me, Hitokiri Battousai." The man said as he came up.  "I was hoping to get stronger and then hunt you down later but I don't want to miss this opportunity." He snapped his fingers and several men came out with guns.  "You may be able to dodge bullets but not even you can avoid the bullets of twenty guns."

Kenshin stared at his sword.  He could kill them but he won't.  It was not Enishi's fault that he had gone insane.  It was his fault.  He had to make things right but he could not make himself hurt the boy.  "Then do it." Kenshin said as he picked up his katana and dropped it to the ground. 

"You want to die?" Enishi asked stunned as he picked up the reverse blade sword.

"Yes.  I wish to pay for my sins." Kenshin bowed low to the ground and stared downward.  /No, get up.  You can't do this./  /I must pay for my sins./

The teenager held the sword up and then smirked.  "No, death is too kind for such a pathetic man like you." He put the sword onto his hip and then got out chains.  "I will make you suffer for your crimes, Battousai.  I own you now body and soul."

*****

"Wait a second, you mean that Chinese Mafia leader that was your first master was…" Sano paused as he could not finish it.

"Yes, my brother-in-law." Kenshin nodded as he looked down.  "After my capture, Enishi tossed my sword into the sea and he kept me in chains constantly.  He tattooed my back with the symbol of 'sword demon' to warn others of my bloody past.  He kept me for three years until he was overthrown.  I didn't know if he died or not but I was sold to another person.  I don't know why but I just found it harder to escape every time like I couldn't will myself to find a reason to escape.  I just felt that I was unworthy of freedom."

Silence filled the room again as the group comprehended what they heard.  "You gave yourself up?" Tetsu asked, "Why didn't you just commit seppuku to at least hold on to your pride?"
"I don't know." Kenshin looked at Kaoru who was shaking and looking down.  "Kaoru-dono?  Are you okay?" He was nervous, she was just so quiet.  It was not at all like her.  Does she hate him for what he did?

She muttered something.  

The group leaned in closer to hear.  "What did you say?" Megumi asked louder.

Kaoru's fists tightened and she glared up.  "YOU IDIOT!  HOW CAN YOU JUST LET HIM TAKE YOU LIKE THAT?!" She screamed at the top of her lungs causing everyone to fell over.

"Oro?" Kenshin yelped as he jumped back.

Tears poured down her face as Kaoru half crawled to Kenshin and grabbed him by the shirt.  "Tomoe didn't want you to go through that.  You idiot, you did not kill Tomoe, she sacrificed her life for you.  There's a difference!  She loved you!  She loved you enough to die saving your life and you repaid her by letting yourself be her little brother's slave?!  She didn't want that.  All she wanted is for you to be happy.  She just wanted you to be happy." She sobbed as she held on tightly.

"Then… you don't hate me after all I told?  I am a murderer."

"I know." Kaoru sobbed harder. "But, you suffered so much all those years being abused constantly by all those mean masters and slavers.  You were ignored by the government despite all you did for them.  You had given up all hope and I can't forgive you for that!  There are people who care for you and don't give a damn about your past; Sano, Megumi, Yahiko, and even Sensei and Tetsu.  Please, don't think of yourself unworthy of anything.  Just please, don't think so low of yourself again."

"Kaoru-dono, don't cry." Kenshin pleaded as he held her.  "It's okay.  I'm fine now.  Really." /She was crying for me?  I cannot believe she would cry so much just for me./ He looked up at the others who were just watching in awe.  /They were worried about me, even Tetsu and Sensei and they were my enemies in the Bakumatsu.  Perhaps, there is hope for me after all./

To Be Continued...

Replies to the Reviews.

Wow!  Thanks for all these reviews!  I'm glad you liked my interpretation of the Saitou vs. Kenshin fight.  I had to watch the OVAs several times to do this chapter and make it original enough for ya. 

Brittanie Love- Thanks.

Leah Durose- Yeah, Saitou is such a great fighter.  He is cool in a creepy way.

Kaoru Gal- Well, the interaction between Kenshin and Kaoru would show it.

Somewei-  Hey, Kaoru and Sano aren't the types to hate Kenshin just because of his past.  They're overprotective of him.

Sailor-Earth 13- Thanks.

Kenshin's Angel- I'm a fan of Kenshin/Kaoru.  What do you think?  LOL

Kasshin- Sorry, but I can't have Kenshin without a past with Tomoe.  She made Kenshin the lovable guy he is today.

Zxully anti-nostalgic- I understand.  One of my main weaknesses is tenses.  I don't know why but thanks for pointing it out!

Bob-san- Thanks.

Invader Zim- Yeah, I noticed in the past few reviews.  LOL

Hell-chan- I've fulfilled my obligation.  Hope you like it.

Lilly of the Shadow- Thanks.  Kenshin as the Battousai was interesting. 

EEevee- Yeah, it does seem shorter on the IM screens.  See ya Sunday!