Kenshin's eyes and lungs felt as if the flames of hell burned within him. Kenshin hadn't stopped running since he left the dojo. 'I can never face Miss. Kaoru again after last night. Never.' As Kenshin ran through the woods the trees, bushes, and nature its self were lashing out at him. Punishing him for his sins. Cuts were appearing all over his bare chest. Though no pain he felt could compare to the pain in his heart.

His body was reaching its limits. The fatigue was becoming too much for him. Seeing an inviting grassy area Kenshin decided to rest his weary body. He collapsed on the grass trying to catch his breath. Time started to fade away as he stared at the sky with his watery eyes. His hand went to his scar on his face and he was reminded of how he always hurts those he cares for. His pain and sorrow went beyond any words.

"Look at what we got here boys."

Kenshin quickly got to his feet only to see that he was surrouned by bandits. He reached for his sword, but realized it was at the dojo. This wasn't going to be easy. "What do you want?"

"These are our woods now. Anyone crossing through here has to pay a toll. So hand over all your money or else." The bandit held out his hand and half grined.

"I have no money, that I don't. I'm just a wonderer."

"In that case...Kill him!"

One of the bandits charged at his, but Kenshin moved just in time to avoid the sword that was intended to pierce his heart. A side step to the left saved him from another attack. A third swordsman lunged at him, but Kenshin fled to the air. He landed clear of the bandits and unharmed.

"His head is mine!" The leader of the bandits stepped towards Kenshin while unsheathing his sword. "My name is Kyoji, Messenger of Death. Your fate is sealed."

He charged at Kenshin with the heart of a demon. Kenshin avoided the first couple of attacks with ease, but he couldn't keep this up. He had already pushed his body past its limits. Now it was only a matter of time before it gave out.

The bandit trusted his sword again, Kenshin sidestepped to avoid the attack. Kenshin managed to get away from another attack, but stumbled over an unseen rock in the grass. Kyoji saw his chance. Kyoji's sword plunged deep into the soft flesh of Kenshin's left shoulder.

Kenshin fell down on one knew, his right hand over his wound.

"Stay down there with your head hung in shame. You are pathetic. Do you have any last words before I end your life?" Kyoji sadistic grin grew wider as he raised his sword.

"I'm not the one who is going to die today."

Kyoji looked at Kenshin to see that his eyes had changed. They were no longer purple, but deep amber. Kyoji brought his sword down to end Kenshin's life, but Kenshin seemed to vanish.

"I can't wait to kill you and everyone here. It has been to long since the Bottousai has been able to kill freely." The Bottousai began to laugh.

Kyoji swung his sword to hit the Bottousai that was standing behind him, but only hit air. The Bottousai now stood in front of Kyoji with a look of pleasure on his face. Kyoji raised his sword and charged at the Bottousai, but before he could reach him the Bottousai used his god like speed to appear several inches in front of him.

With on fluid motion the Bottousai knocked Kyoji's sword away and now held him in the air by his neck. Kyoji's look of fear grew as the Bottousai's grip grew tighter. Kyoji knew he was about to die, his life was slipping away. Then the Bottousai suddenly let Kyoji lose as he stumbled backwards. His hand went to his neck and pulled out a dart. His vision blurred and his body went numb. Finally the Bottousai blacked out, the dart saved Kyoji's and everyone else's lives.

"Take him back to the camp. I have something special in mind for him!" Kyoji and the other bandits grabbed Kenshin and their things and started off to the camp....

AN- So, what do you think? Getting good, I hope you like it there will be more to come promises. Please review. (