Disclaimer: I'm not that much of a demagogue to proclaim that I seriously own this anime.

Maybe you are. But I'm not. :D!

Chapter Nine: Thunder and Lightning, Battousai and Kenshin

"Goddamn fools! Morons! Imbeciles!" Enishi shouted. "Where the hell is the girl?!" He ran a shaking hand through his hair and glared at his minions.

A stuttering Doumyuji stepped forward. "Enishi-sama; please, I have told you, my men saw her heading for the east wing—

"THEN WHY THE HELL DID YOU NOT FOLLOW HER?!"

Enishi bristled, muttering and cursing. "Idiots! I ought to—

The door to his office opened. "Do you mind? If you're planning on keeping me prisoner here for about I don't know; FOREVER, the least you could do is let me get some sleep." Kaoru put a hand on her hip. Really now, men were so inconsiderate.

Enishi's eyes narrowed. "Leave us," He told his men, and slowly and fearfully, some glaring at Kaoru for the trouble, left the room. "YOU," he said to Kaoru, "Stay." When the two were alone, Enishi rounded on Kaoru. "Where in the world were you?"

"Well for one thing, I was, and still am in complete hell, if you want to know."

He grabbed her wrist, and she dropped something she was holding from behind: it was a book—the very same book, in fact, which Kaoru had been reading. At the last minute she had decided to take it with her to bed, knowing she would need something to help her sleep.

Enishi stared at it for a moment, then picked it up. He looked back at Kaoru, who was struggling to free herself from his grip on her. "What are you doing with this?" he asked her. Kaoru couldn't believe her ears.

What else would she want to do with a book? Toss it out the window for fun?

"I wanted to read it, what did you think?" Enishi tightened his grip on her wrist, gaining a whimper from her. This book… this was his onee-san's… it had been her favorite…and had been his as well, on those nights he still was a young boy, scared of thunder; only Tomoe could soothe him by reading that book to him…

He threw Kaoru away from him in disgust. "Get the hell out of my sight. Never again will you lay a hand on anything that was hers; do you understand?" he waved the book threateningly at her. "Now get out."

Tears were beginning to form in Kaoru's eyes, and the pain in her wrist was unbelievable. She backed away, not letting her tears fall.

At least, not until she reached her chambers.

She wondered if the fair maiden ever became friends with the man with a dragon.

She wondered whom Enishi was talking about.

And she wondered if she would ever get her life back.

"'Oh fair tanuki…you ARE too impatient…' The fairy lingered inside Kaoru's room, invisible. 'But wait no more; for here comes the warrior…'

***@***

Kenshin tightened the obi of his hakama, and made sure his sakaba-tou was in its place by his side. As if in agreement with his mood and fears, thunder and lightning struck and a strong wind blew outside. He had told Aika-san his plans, and the old woman, after giving her blessing to him, retired to her room, leaving him alone.

He was just wondering where Yahiko was, when the shoji burst open, and there stood Yahiko, panting, bokken in hand. "I know you're going Kenshin; and I know you're not planning to let me come with you, but I will, and you can't stop me."

Lighting struck, for a moment illuminating their figures in the small, dark room for a split second. Kenshin kept his head bowed, his bangs covering his eyes. "Yahiko, you'll get hurt."

"I don't care! What's the matter? Don't you think I can take on a couple of dumb thugs?"

Kenshin knelt in front of the boy. "My friend, I believe in your abilities, but I'm only worried about what might happen. Those thugs may be dumb, but they are much stronger than you. And besides, what would your sister do to me when she finds out I let you risk your life?"

Yahiko glared at him, and when he spoke, his voice was serious and determined. "She would be proud, Kenshin, because I helped rescue her, and I survived.  THAT'S what she'll think. Let me help save her, Kenshin. I want to protect, too. Just like you."

Kenshin sighed in defeat, but he was smiling. "Alright, Yahiko. Let's go."

***@***

Side by side, they walked, warrior and boy. It seemed they reached the manor in no time at all. And when they reached the gate, Kenshin leaped stealthily on top of a tree branch, counting the guards.

Ten at the gate below.

Five around each corner.

Eight in front of the main doors.

Fifteen more walking around the manor every now and then.

Half of them carried guns.

He could feel Battousai lingering somewhere inside him. The last time he had done this, it was to assassinate. This time it was to save someone from Yukishiro Enishi. Climbing back down, he whispered for Yahiko to wait for him so that he could clear half the men before the boy could join in; to make sure he would not meet any bullets.

After convincing him the wait was for his own good, Kenshin once more climbed up the branch. Tears of much straining were forming in his eyes; as two beings fought for control in him.

Battousai wanted out. NOW.

Kenshin leapt gracefully and soundlessly down the other side of the gate, ready to draw his weapon, aware of his growing lust for blood—to hear the swish of his sword; no matter if he had a sakaba-tou. He could always steal a sword from some dead body.

The pounding in his chest was louder now. He landed softly on the ground.

A/N: Ha! Cliffhanger!!!