The Devil's Workshop
MysticShadowWanderer
Disclaimer: Getadelt wird wer Schmerzen kennt vom Feuer das die Haut verbrennt (No, I don't know German, I just love this song [copy and paste with the lyrics, baby, oh yeah]... However, yes, I do know what it means ^_^ Crazy fun, ne? Ok, not really, but... yeah... yay Rammstein!)
*****
Chapter Twenty Two: Do You Want To Die?
Battousai heaved a great sigh, trying to find just the right words to express all the loneliness and, dare he even say, anguish built up inside him. No matter how many times he reassured himself that Kaoru was still there, always right by his side, he was lonely. He couldn't be sure why, maybe it was because he had never really and truly confided in her, and let her know the full extent of the insanity that he barely kept contained.
"Battousai, look at me," Kaoru said softly, cupping his cheek to turn his face up towards hers. "It doesn't matter how young or naive I may be compared to you, I can understand and help you with your pain because I love you. Perhaps you'll have to explain things to me, and maybe I won't comprehend them right away, but with time, I can share your burden. That's all I've ever wanted to do all along."
If Battousai's face was capable of expressing gratitude, it would have been at the moment. As it was, his expression had softened considerably, and he leaned his cheek into Kaoru's palm. The warmth of her body was, as usual, a comforting reminder that he was no longer alone in the world. He'd been alone for so long that it was almost difficult to accept the fact that he wasn't anymore, but every time he heard the beat of her heart, or tasted her kiss, he knew it completely.
"It's nice..." he murmured. "Not being alone."
Kaoru smiled at him and kissed his forehead, much like one would a young child. Moving to sit in his lap, she cuddled against him and slipped her arms around his body. Battousai clutched at her and hid his face in the crook of her neck, breathing in her scent quietly. Even though she wasn't aware of it mentally, something in her knew exactly how to soothe and assure him.
"It is," she replied. "I know how it feels to be alone."
Battousai froze for a moment in thought. He'd nearly forgotten her own story, that she'd lived by herself for quite some time after her father died. They were more alike than anyone could have guessed, he decided with a facetious smile.
"Tell me how you feel, Battousai."
"In pain," was his short answer.
Kaoru pulled one arm from around his waist and slipped her hand inside his gi to rest against his chest, right over his heart. He lifted his head to read her eyes, they shone with sad sympathy and warm compassion. Her expression was entreating that he let her help heal him. Stroking his skin lightly, she voiced her musings.
"I don't know how it can be done, but I know that I am the one that can heal you, Battousai," she whispered quietly.
"You pick up on more than you think," he said, almost smiling.
It was clear to Battousai that she'd finally realized the full extent of the "semi-mortal restriction" that he had all along blamed for making him fall so completely in love with her that it hurt when she wasn't near. Kaoru had come into this knowledge on her own, without any hint of a suggestion from him, so he assumed that it was something she'd given long contemplation to. Not only could she love him and comfort him, she could take on his inner torment, cage his demons, and make him whole again.
As he thought about that, he wondered if he truly wanted to be healed. There was a sort of demented comfort in knowing that one would always have sorrows to carry, something that he couldn't quite explain, but tried desperately to express.
"This feeling..." he said slowly. "It's something I've lived with for so long that I don't know if I can let it go."
Kaoru lifted her head from his chest and stared at him with rapt fascination that was coupled with curious confusion. He tried to elucidate the barely comprehensible statement that he'd just made.
"The thing is, sweetling, that I don't know how to be a normal man. And I don't think I ever will be, you and I both know that, but what's more, I can't seem to summon up the desire to move past all the suffering and pain. I suppose that deep at the heart of the matter... I just... Oh Kaoru, I'm scared."
His confession went straight to her heart, the truth behind the words shockingly endearing. As a rule, Battousai never admitted fear, or any misgiving whatsoever, for that matter. Kaoru couldn't help but wrap her arms around him and kiss him soundly. When she pulled back she gave him a brilliant smile; already he felt more at ease having confided in her.
"You don't have to do this all at once, Battousai," she said placatingly. "Just telling me that much is all you have to do for now. Think about it for a while?"
Battousai nodded and she smiled once more, dropping her head back on his shoulder. For a few moments they sat that way, pondering exactly what had just happened. After a while, Kaoru's hand that was in his gi began moving restlessly over his skin, and he looked up with a feral grin. Eying the western-style bed in the corner, he swiftly stood with her in his arms. Taking the few strides needed to get to the bedside, he dropped her with a thump to the mattress and flopped down beside her.
Kaoru raised an eyebrow at him. "Have you ever, perchance, been told that you have a one-track mind?"
His grin widened. "No one usually stays anywhere near me long enough to insult me."
With that said, he reached over and lazily began to tug at her clothing. Kaoru rolled to lie on top of him, her palms on his chest and her chin on her hands. Battousai looked up at her with a playful smile. His hands snaked up to rest on her back and he sighed in content and closed his eyes. Despite all his teasing and Kaoru's earlier torment, he was tired and if that was the case, he knew she must be as well.
"You need to sleep, love," he murmured as she laid her head on his chest and let her eyes close as well. "You haven't gotten enough rest lately."
Kaoru snorted. "Whose fault was that, I wonder?" she asked sarcastically.
"Mmm, yes, yes," he mumbled as he freed a hand and groped for a blanket. "Later..."
Kaoru muttered assent as he shifted her to lie next to him and wrapped his arms around her tightly, drawing the blanket over both of them. She quickly fell asleep, her breathing becoming deep and comfortingly even, and he watched her for a moment before kissing her eyelids and letting himself drift away.
***
They woke some hours later to the clanging of an obnoxiously loud bell. Kaoru sat up with a groan and swore.
"What the hell IS that?" she complained as she shook her head to clear it of sleep.
Battousai gave a mighty yawn that made Kaoru giggle, and, having considerable more experience with ships, listened for a moment and was able to procure an answer.
"That," he said. "Would be the dinner bell. Hungry, lovely?"
Kaoru considered it for a moment and then nodded. Battousai simply stood and allowed the folds to fall out of his clothing, but Kaoru took one look at her wrinkled kimono and her nose wrinkled similarly. With Battousai hurrying her along, she changed into the red one she'd bought for herself and they headed off to dinner.
In the back of his mind, Battousai could feel a growing anxiety at the situation. As they entered the dining hall of what was clearly an American-made and furnished ship, he wondered if he should have made Kaoru go retrieve them some food than be seen in public like this. Such a thing could only lead to more trouble than it was worth. Still, he hoped that if he was quiet and unnoticeable, that he would be just that. Reassuring himself by touch that his katana was still at his side, he'd set his wakizashi aside in the room, he steeled himself for what was going to be either an extremely eventful dinner or an extremely boring one.
Eventful, he'd later learn, was only one way to depict what happened. Nightmarish or cataclysmic might have been better ways to put it, but eventful certainly was one description. Things started out well enough; Kaoru had sensed his solemnity and, looking at him, knew what was going on in his mind, so she knew to keep quiet and try not to draw any attention to them. They'd sat down at a corner table and treated the waitress with respect, no rude comments from Battousai this time, and been served promptly. They were nearly through dinner, and all seemed as if it would be well, when the trouble, if it could be put that way, first started.
"Well, well, well," a voice said from Battousai's side. "Himura Battousai. On a ship traveling to Hawaii? Who are you running from this time? It does seem that you're always running, not actually confronting the problem head-on."
Kaoru looked up to see what could only be described as disturbing-looking. He was tall, ugly, and had a rather pronounced insanity in his eyes. She glanced back at Battousai to see his knuckles going white as he clutched the tablecloth, and his eyes reading nothing but amber hatred. Whoever this man was, he most definitely was not in Battousai's favor. She wondered how he'd escaped death thus far. And now he'd insulted Battousai, calling into question his honor and courage. It could hardly go well from there.
"Jin-e..." Battousai spat out. "I could ask you what you're doing here, but I'd rather see you dead."
Kaoru started, her head snapping up. 'What happened to being unobtrusive? Shit... this is bad.'
Before Kaoru knew what exactly was going on, chairs and tables were flying, and people were running and screaming. She sat completely still, following a very few of the movement of the two swordsmen with her well-trained eyes. They were fast, though, too fast.
Battousai ground his teeth in frustration as he blocked one of Jin-e's strikes. Against any ordinary opponent, he knew the other assassin would have already killed the man and been done with it. Just barely dodging an attack from the side, Battousai released all thoughts that were unnecessary to defeat Udou Jin-eh.
They paused to glare at each other and Battousai slipped easily into the stance that had long ago given him his name. Battoujutsu. Jin-eh stood no chance, any way they looked at it.
"A shame I didn't get to finish you the first time," Battousai said, ignoring the pain and blood flowing from a deep slash in his side. The first time the two had crossed blades, Jin-eh had escaped with his life, just barely, by doing exactly what he had just accused Battousai of doing. Running, and refusing to face the conflict. Battousai had never liked Jin-eh since they'd met up in the Bakumatsu. (Unfortunately, Jin-eh, having been the hitokiri who worked by pay and with no loyalty, was recruited, to what point and purpose Battousai had never asked, for the Ishin Shishi. Battousai had not in the least bit been pleased, angered by the fact that the Ishin Shishi ever thought they'd needed another hitokiri besides himself, and several times had been restrained from killing the other man right then and there.) If he didn't harbor such a deep hatred for the other man, he would have looked at the previous situation objectively and admitted that Jin-eh ran because it was his only option save death, and if placed in the same position, he would have done the same. At least, now that he had Kaoru to think of, he would of done the same. The thought of Jin-eh ever having a woman was, however, more than just a little disconcerting.
"Your battoujutsu would be far more impressive had I not seen it before," Jin-eh remarked.
"You're one of the few," Battousai snarled. "And this will be your last time."
Because of the break in movement, Kaoru had caught the entire exchange, which while not being extensive in words, told an entire tale in body language. Battousai was going to kill this man, and quickly. And she was going to see it. She wasn't sure if she wanted to, but it seemed she had no choice, because she couldn't tear her eyes away from the dance in front of her.
Battousai moved first, followed just a fraction of a second later by Jin-eh. Bridled fury lent speed and strength to Battousai, who was in the air and using the ceiling to hurtle himself off the ceiling before even Jin-eh could see it. He came crashing down to the floor unceremoniously, his katana lodged firmly in Jin-eh's skull with a grunt, barely getting his legs underneath him in time to catch the tremendous force of the blow. He stood with a hiss of pain, but mentally reminded himself that he got what he deserved for using the precision-based style of Hiten Mitsurugi without the exact precision that it called for. He'd regret that later, but it was the means to an end. Yanking his katana from Jin-eh's lifeless skull, he flicked the blood off and sheathed it.
Kaoru sat frozen in her chair, unsure of quite what to make of the display she'd just witnessed. Though she'd had years of swordsmanship training, never had she seen, or not seen, rather, anyone move like that. She was torn between awe and disgust.
Battousai's eyes suddenly widened when he realized that Kaoru was still there; he'd hoped against hope that she'd run with everyone else. But he knew that had been foolish, as she wasn't so cowardly as the others. He was at her side in an instant, holding her hands in his and leading her away from the scene before them. Even he had to admit, it wasn't pretty.
***
Kaoru's hands were trembling, so slightly that it was barely noticeable, by the time Battousai got her to their cabin. She herself wasn't sure why exactly she was so stunned, other than the fact that she'd never seen so much sheer hatred and exquisite swordsmanship all at once. All in all, the night had simply been overwhelming.
By the time Battousai had her changed into a yukata, she didn't really notice what he was doing, they'd still neither of them said anything. He carefully watched the blank look in her eyes, she was clearly replaying the battle again and again. Finally, after they simply stood and watched each other for a few minutes, she spoke.
"That was... amazing," she whispered.
"It... what?"
"I've never seen anything like that," she continued. "Your form, the speed, the deadly accuracy, it was... I don't even know how to describe it."
"My form..." He grimaced.
"Maybe not on that last attack," she commented. "But the fact that you were able to compensate and still accomplish what you set out to do..."
Battousai couldn't help but smile; this was the last thing he'd expected. She was obviously more serious about her swordsmanship than he'd previously realized. Maybe he had been wrong to forbid her from practicing; he frowned. They'd talk about that tomorrow. For the mean time, he had a nasty wound to care for before they went to bed. He was carefully wrapping it with cloth when Kaoru seemed to realize that he'd been hurt. Because of the speed of the attacks, she hadn't actually seen it happen, and she'd been too stunned to notice before, but now she rushed to his side and took the cloth from his hands to wrap it herself. She was better at that sort of thing than Battousai, as he never really cared much about taking care of himself. She finished with half a smile and allowed him to lead her over to the bed and carefully lay her down. He let his body fall heavily next to hers and a deep sigh escaped him.
"I think we both deserve sleep now, love," he said before he let out a noise that was half-yawn and half-groan.
Kaoru reached out a hand and tentatively kneaded the muscles on one of his lower legs. He winced and then laid back as she quietly massaged his aching legs. He gave a grunt of annoyance; he really was out of practice, which simply wouldn't do. The feel of Kaoru's strong fingers on his suffering muscles was the last thing that he thought of as he let himself fall into a light sleep. Kaoru looked at him with a sympathetic smile and laid down at his side, nestling against his arm that was beneath her head and, in turn, drifting off.
*****
A/N: Holy fishpaste. This chapter took freakin' FOREVER to write. And I'm off schedule! NOOOO!!!! THE SCHEDULES!!!!!! I meant to post this... days ago, actually, but I wound up falling asleep at the computer, and then I decided to re-read the entire story to see where I thought the plot should go, so of course I had to spend time contemplating whether I loved or hated this story (I still can't decide... it's either total crap or really cool. There was one line I loved...), and then I got distracted by a killer game of Free Cell. Oh yeah... and when I was writing that whole randomly spontaneous fight scene between Battousai and Jin-eh, I wanted to look up... something or other... I don't remember anymore, so I was looking for my volume 2 manga and lo and behold, it was LOST! And do you know where I lost it? Get this... it was lost somewhere on my bed. It's official. There is so much crap piled on my bed that I'm losing things. I found all this great stuff though! I found my Vietnamese lesson for... uh... three weeks ago. I'm off-schedule on that too... Anyhow, yeah, that's pretty much all I have to say, I just wanted to rant about how lazy and disorganized I am. Isn't life grand? By the way... I just thought I'd mention that I seriously considered stealing more than Watsuki-san's characters, but a bit of his plot as well and doing the whole Jin-eh bit reminiscent of the series, but I decided against it. Yay creativity! I really only used Jin-eh because I wanted to use someone that's, in general, universally hated and annoying (not to mention massively creepy), and someone that Battousai could have a bit of a challenge to defeat, but still kick some ass. Besides, I was bored. You know, sometimes I can't help but think how STUPID Jin-eh was to actually assume that Kenshin wouldn't realize that a sakabatou has a difference in drawing speed than a katana? I mean COME ON! No one who has spent the time to master a sword style is going to fail to notice that. HELLO?! What the HELL was he smoking (besides the cigarette)? His stupidity pains me, only in a good way, because it's highly amusing as well. Oh yeah... also... this chapter title may seem really REALLY stupid, but it's meant on more than one level, so please don't like... kick me or anything. (Plus I was listening to that song that says "Do you wanna die?" over and over and I couldn't think of ANYTHING ELSE with that annoying line ASSAULTING MY EARS!!!) Yeah... that should end my ramble, which is now about half as long as the whole damn chapter... Ja ne!
MysticShadowWanderer
Disclaimer: Getadelt wird wer Schmerzen kennt vom Feuer das die Haut verbrennt (No, I don't know German, I just love this song [copy and paste with the lyrics, baby, oh yeah]... However, yes, I do know what it means ^_^ Crazy fun, ne? Ok, not really, but... yeah... yay Rammstein!)
*****
Chapter Twenty Two: Do You Want To Die?
Battousai heaved a great sigh, trying to find just the right words to express all the loneliness and, dare he even say, anguish built up inside him. No matter how many times he reassured himself that Kaoru was still there, always right by his side, he was lonely. He couldn't be sure why, maybe it was because he had never really and truly confided in her, and let her know the full extent of the insanity that he barely kept contained.
"Battousai, look at me," Kaoru said softly, cupping his cheek to turn his face up towards hers. "It doesn't matter how young or naive I may be compared to you, I can understand and help you with your pain because I love you. Perhaps you'll have to explain things to me, and maybe I won't comprehend them right away, but with time, I can share your burden. That's all I've ever wanted to do all along."
If Battousai's face was capable of expressing gratitude, it would have been at the moment. As it was, his expression had softened considerably, and he leaned his cheek into Kaoru's palm. The warmth of her body was, as usual, a comforting reminder that he was no longer alone in the world. He'd been alone for so long that it was almost difficult to accept the fact that he wasn't anymore, but every time he heard the beat of her heart, or tasted her kiss, he knew it completely.
"It's nice..." he murmured. "Not being alone."
Kaoru smiled at him and kissed his forehead, much like one would a young child. Moving to sit in his lap, she cuddled against him and slipped her arms around his body. Battousai clutched at her and hid his face in the crook of her neck, breathing in her scent quietly. Even though she wasn't aware of it mentally, something in her knew exactly how to soothe and assure him.
"It is," she replied. "I know how it feels to be alone."
Battousai froze for a moment in thought. He'd nearly forgotten her own story, that she'd lived by herself for quite some time after her father died. They were more alike than anyone could have guessed, he decided with a facetious smile.
"Tell me how you feel, Battousai."
"In pain," was his short answer.
Kaoru pulled one arm from around his waist and slipped her hand inside his gi to rest against his chest, right over his heart. He lifted his head to read her eyes, they shone with sad sympathy and warm compassion. Her expression was entreating that he let her help heal him. Stroking his skin lightly, she voiced her musings.
"I don't know how it can be done, but I know that I am the one that can heal you, Battousai," she whispered quietly.
"You pick up on more than you think," he said, almost smiling.
It was clear to Battousai that she'd finally realized the full extent of the "semi-mortal restriction" that he had all along blamed for making him fall so completely in love with her that it hurt when she wasn't near. Kaoru had come into this knowledge on her own, without any hint of a suggestion from him, so he assumed that it was something she'd given long contemplation to. Not only could she love him and comfort him, she could take on his inner torment, cage his demons, and make him whole again.
As he thought about that, he wondered if he truly wanted to be healed. There was a sort of demented comfort in knowing that one would always have sorrows to carry, something that he couldn't quite explain, but tried desperately to express.
"This feeling..." he said slowly. "It's something I've lived with for so long that I don't know if I can let it go."
Kaoru lifted her head from his chest and stared at him with rapt fascination that was coupled with curious confusion. He tried to elucidate the barely comprehensible statement that he'd just made.
"The thing is, sweetling, that I don't know how to be a normal man. And I don't think I ever will be, you and I both know that, but what's more, I can't seem to summon up the desire to move past all the suffering and pain. I suppose that deep at the heart of the matter... I just... Oh Kaoru, I'm scared."
His confession went straight to her heart, the truth behind the words shockingly endearing. As a rule, Battousai never admitted fear, or any misgiving whatsoever, for that matter. Kaoru couldn't help but wrap her arms around him and kiss him soundly. When she pulled back she gave him a brilliant smile; already he felt more at ease having confided in her.
"You don't have to do this all at once, Battousai," she said placatingly. "Just telling me that much is all you have to do for now. Think about it for a while?"
Battousai nodded and she smiled once more, dropping her head back on his shoulder. For a few moments they sat that way, pondering exactly what had just happened. After a while, Kaoru's hand that was in his gi began moving restlessly over his skin, and he looked up with a feral grin. Eying the western-style bed in the corner, he swiftly stood with her in his arms. Taking the few strides needed to get to the bedside, he dropped her with a thump to the mattress and flopped down beside her.
Kaoru raised an eyebrow at him. "Have you ever, perchance, been told that you have a one-track mind?"
His grin widened. "No one usually stays anywhere near me long enough to insult me."
With that said, he reached over and lazily began to tug at her clothing. Kaoru rolled to lie on top of him, her palms on his chest and her chin on her hands. Battousai looked up at her with a playful smile. His hands snaked up to rest on her back and he sighed in content and closed his eyes. Despite all his teasing and Kaoru's earlier torment, he was tired and if that was the case, he knew she must be as well.
"You need to sleep, love," he murmured as she laid her head on his chest and let her eyes close as well. "You haven't gotten enough rest lately."
Kaoru snorted. "Whose fault was that, I wonder?" she asked sarcastically.
"Mmm, yes, yes," he mumbled as he freed a hand and groped for a blanket. "Later..."
Kaoru muttered assent as he shifted her to lie next to him and wrapped his arms around her tightly, drawing the blanket over both of them. She quickly fell asleep, her breathing becoming deep and comfortingly even, and he watched her for a moment before kissing her eyelids and letting himself drift away.
***
They woke some hours later to the clanging of an obnoxiously loud bell. Kaoru sat up with a groan and swore.
"What the hell IS that?" she complained as she shook her head to clear it of sleep.
Battousai gave a mighty yawn that made Kaoru giggle, and, having considerable more experience with ships, listened for a moment and was able to procure an answer.
"That," he said. "Would be the dinner bell. Hungry, lovely?"
Kaoru considered it for a moment and then nodded. Battousai simply stood and allowed the folds to fall out of his clothing, but Kaoru took one look at her wrinkled kimono and her nose wrinkled similarly. With Battousai hurrying her along, she changed into the red one she'd bought for herself and they headed off to dinner.
In the back of his mind, Battousai could feel a growing anxiety at the situation. As they entered the dining hall of what was clearly an American-made and furnished ship, he wondered if he should have made Kaoru go retrieve them some food than be seen in public like this. Such a thing could only lead to more trouble than it was worth. Still, he hoped that if he was quiet and unnoticeable, that he would be just that. Reassuring himself by touch that his katana was still at his side, he'd set his wakizashi aside in the room, he steeled himself for what was going to be either an extremely eventful dinner or an extremely boring one.
Eventful, he'd later learn, was only one way to depict what happened. Nightmarish or cataclysmic might have been better ways to put it, but eventful certainly was one description. Things started out well enough; Kaoru had sensed his solemnity and, looking at him, knew what was going on in his mind, so she knew to keep quiet and try not to draw any attention to them. They'd sat down at a corner table and treated the waitress with respect, no rude comments from Battousai this time, and been served promptly. They were nearly through dinner, and all seemed as if it would be well, when the trouble, if it could be put that way, first started.
"Well, well, well," a voice said from Battousai's side. "Himura Battousai. On a ship traveling to Hawaii? Who are you running from this time? It does seem that you're always running, not actually confronting the problem head-on."
Kaoru looked up to see what could only be described as disturbing-looking. He was tall, ugly, and had a rather pronounced insanity in his eyes. She glanced back at Battousai to see his knuckles going white as he clutched the tablecloth, and his eyes reading nothing but amber hatred. Whoever this man was, he most definitely was not in Battousai's favor. She wondered how he'd escaped death thus far. And now he'd insulted Battousai, calling into question his honor and courage. It could hardly go well from there.
"Jin-e..." Battousai spat out. "I could ask you what you're doing here, but I'd rather see you dead."
Kaoru started, her head snapping up. 'What happened to being unobtrusive? Shit... this is bad.'
Before Kaoru knew what exactly was going on, chairs and tables were flying, and people were running and screaming. She sat completely still, following a very few of the movement of the two swordsmen with her well-trained eyes. They were fast, though, too fast.
Battousai ground his teeth in frustration as he blocked one of Jin-e's strikes. Against any ordinary opponent, he knew the other assassin would have already killed the man and been done with it. Just barely dodging an attack from the side, Battousai released all thoughts that were unnecessary to defeat Udou Jin-eh.
They paused to glare at each other and Battousai slipped easily into the stance that had long ago given him his name. Battoujutsu. Jin-eh stood no chance, any way they looked at it.
"A shame I didn't get to finish you the first time," Battousai said, ignoring the pain and blood flowing from a deep slash in his side. The first time the two had crossed blades, Jin-eh had escaped with his life, just barely, by doing exactly what he had just accused Battousai of doing. Running, and refusing to face the conflict. Battousai had never liked Jin-eh since they'd met up in the Bakumatsu. (Unfortunately, Jin-eh, having been the hitokiri who worked by pay and with no loyalty, was recruited, to what point and purpose Battousai had never asked, for the Ishin Shishi. Battousai had not in the least bit been pleased, angered by the fact that the Ishin Shishi ever thought they'd needed another hitokiri besides himself, and several times had been restrained from killing the other man right then and there.) If he didn't harbor such a deep hatred for the other man, he would have looked at the previous situation objectively and admitted that Jin-eh ran because it was his only option save death, and if placed in the same position, he would have done the same. At least, now that he had Kaoru to think of, he would of done the same. The thought of Jin-eh ever having a woman was, however, more than just a little disconcerting.
"Your battoujutsu would be far more impressive had I not seen it before," Jin-eh remarked.
"You're one of the few," Battousai snarled. "And this will be your last time."
Because of the break in movement, Kaoru had caught the entire exchange, which while not being extensive in words, told an entire tale in body language. Battousai was going to kill this man, and quickly. And she was going to see it. She wasn't sure if she wanted to, but it seemed she had no choice, because she couldn't tear her eyes away from the dance in front of her.
Battousai moved first, followed just a fraction of a second later by Jin-eh. Bridled fury lent speed and strength to Battousai, who was in the air and using the ceiling to hurtle himself off the ceiling before even Jin-eh could see it. He came crashing down to the floor unceremoniously, his katana lodged firmly in Jin-eh's skull with a grunt, barely getting his legs underneath him in time to catch the tremendous force of the blow. He stood with a hiss of pain, but mentally reminded himself that he got what he deserved for using the precision-based style of Hiten Mitsurugi without the exact precision that it called for. He'd regret that later, but it was the means to an end. Yanking his katana from Jin-eh's lifeless skull, he flicked the blood off and sheathed it.
Kaoru sat frozen in her chair, unsure of quite what to make of the display she'd just witnessed. Though she'd had years of swordsmanship training, never had she seen, or not seen, rather, anyone move like that. She was torn between awe and disgust.
Battousai's eyes suddenly widened when he realized that Kaoru was still there; he'd hoped against hope that she'd run with everyone else. But he knew that had been foolish, as she wasn't so cowardly as the others. He was at her side in an instant, holding her hands in his and leading her away from the scene before them. Even he had to admit, it wasn't pretty.
***
Kaoru's hands were trembling, so slightly that it was barely noticeable, by the time Battousai got her to their cabin. She herself wasn't sure why exactly she was so stunned, other than the fact that she'd never seen so much sheer hatred and exquisite swordsmanship all at once. All in all, the night had simply been overwhelming.
By the time Battousai had her changed into a yukata, she didn't really notice what he was doing, they'd still neither of them said anything. He carefully watched the blank look in her eyes, she was clearly replaying the battle again and again. Finally, after they simply stood and watched each other for a few minutes, she spoke.
"That was... amazing," she whispered.
"It... what?"
"I've never seen anything like that," she continued. "Your form, the speed, the deadly accuracy, it was... I don't even know how to describe it."
"My form..." He grimaced.
"Maybe not on that last attack," she commented. "But the fact that you were able to compensate and still accomplish what you set out to do..."
Battousai couldn't help but smile; this was the last thing he'd expected. She was obviously more serious about her swordsmanship than he'd previously realized. Maybe he had been wrong to forbid her from practicing; he frowned. They'd talk about that tomorrow. For the mean time, he had a nasty wound to care for before they went to bed. He was carefully wrapping it with cloth when Kaoru seemed to realize that he'd been hurt. Because of the speed of the attacks, she hadn't actually seen it happen, and she'd been too stunned to notice before, but now she rushed to his side and took the cloth from his hands to wrap it herself. She was better at that sort of thing than Battousai, as he never really cared much about taking care of himself. She finished with half a smile and allowed him to lead her over to the bed and carefully lay her down. He let his body fall heavily next to hers and a deep sigh escaped him.
"I think we both deserve sleep now, love," he said before he let out a noise that was half-yawn and half-groan.
Kaoru reached out a hand and tentatively kneaded the muscles on one of his lower legs. He winced and then laid back as she quietly massaged his aching legs. He gave a grunt of annoyance; he really was out of practice, which simply wouldn't do. The feel of Kaoru's strong fingers on his suffering muscles was the last thing that he thought of as he let himself fall into a light sleep. Kaoru looked at him with a sympathetic smile and laid down at his side, nestling against his arm that was beneath her head and, in turn, drifting off.
*****
A/N: Holy fishpaste. This chapter took freakin' FOREVER to write. And I'm off schedule! NOOOO!!!! THE SCHEDULES!!!!!! I meant to post this... days ago, actually, but I wound up falling asleep at the computer, and then I decided to re-read the entire story to see where I thought the plot should go, so of course I had to spend time contemplating whether I loved or hated this story (I still can't decide... it's either total crap or really cool. There was one line I loved...), and then I got distracted by a killer game of Free Cell. Oh yeah... and when I was writing that whole randomly spontaneous fight scene between Battousai and Jin-eh, I wanted to look up... something or other... I don't remember anymore, so I was looking for my volume 2 manga and lo and behold, it was LOST! And do you know where I lost it? Get this... it was lost somewhere on my bed. It's official. There is so much crap piled on my bed that I'm losing things. I found all this great stuff though! I found my Vietnamese lesson for... uh... three weeks ago. I'm off-schedule on that too... Anyhow, yeah, that's pretty much all I have to say, I just wanted to rant about how lazy and disorganized I am. Isn't life grand? By the way... I just thought I'd mention that I seriously considered stealing more than Watsuki-san's characters, but a bit of his plot as well and doing the whole Jin-eh bit reminiscent of the series, but I decided against it. Yay creativity! I really only used Jin-eh because I wanted to use someone that's, in general, universally hated and annoying (not to mention massively creepy), and someone that Battousai could have a bit of a challenge to defeat, but still kick some ass. Besides, I was bored. You know, sometimes I can't help but think how STUPID Jin-eh was to actually assume that Kenshin wouldn't realize that a sakabatou has a difference in drawing speed than a katana? I mean COME ON! No one who has spent the time to master a sword style is going to fail to notice that. HELLO?! What the HELL was he smoking (besides the cigarette)? His stupidity pains me, only in a good way, because it's highly amusing as well. Oh yeah... also... this chapter title may seem really REALLY stupid, but it's meant on more than one level, so please don't like... kick me or anything. (Plus I was listening to that song that says "Do you wanna die?" over and over and I couldn't think of ANYTHING ELSE with that annoying line ASSAULTING MY EARS!!!) Yeah... that should end my ramble, which is now about half as long as the whole damn chapter... Ja ne!