Heh, all right, enough stalling for me. Back to where we left off, at the third chapter.

Kaoru felt her body go numb, as if her blood were ice. Three words echoed through her mind, destined to haunt her till the day she dies. Kenshin killed mommy. She felt like she was only four again. All the memories that she had forgotten with age came back to her, like a tidal wave. She remembered her mother's sweet smile, her laugh. All the times they shared as a family. If it hadn't been for the Ishin Sishi, she could be an ordinary girl right now. Married off to a villager whom she had crushed over, as she grew older. Her mind screamed in denial. Yet somewhere in her heart, she knew it was true.

She felt so dirty. how could she have befriended the one person who started her nightmare of a life? Love and hate battled against each other. Her arms fell to her side, swiftly becoming limp. Those blue orbs filled with the pearls of a soul, tears. She didn't know what to do. There was one thing she knew though, she couldn't let them fight. She wouldn't lose a loved one, not again. In a soft voice, barely audible she stuttered. "Please.. Ketsa..I don't want to lose you to.."

Kenshin watched Ketsa with a burning anger. The revolution was years ago, and in times of war. He didn't know whom he killed. Yes, he regretted killing innocents, there was no doubt about that. Once again, his eyes flashed amber, but he controlled it. He wouldn't let the Battossai emerge. Knowing that Kaoru would be hurt if he fought with her brother, he swiftly pivoted on his heel, and turned. Walking away to his room, he felt Ketsa's ki rise as he left. A frown marred his face, worried about Kaoru. What would she think of him now? 'Will she hate me..? No! She wouldn't we've been through too much together. Nevertheless, I killed her mother. Doesn't that change anything.?' Obviously, he doubted his beloved's love at the moment.

Ketsa glared at the retreating back of the rurouni. They practically radiated fire of anger, and ice of hatred. If looks could kill, his definitely would, far more deadly than that of the battossai's or Aoshi Shinimori's. As the view of Ken became out of sight, he directed his angry glare at the silently crying for of his sister. "Do you have that little confidence in me..?" He couldn't believe his ears. What makes her think he'd be the one lost? Did she not believe in his skills? It was obvious that she thought the battossai was more skilled then he. It hurt him to know that she had so little faith in him. Sheathing his katana, he awaited her answer, only to be greeted by silence. Turning away in anger, he walked back into his room, and slammed the door shut.

Kaoru felt like the whole world had turned against her. One minute, she was drowning in stress, supporting the world upon her shoulders. The next thing, it was lifted, and rush of blood swept through her. Knee's felt weak, and she felt so light. Nothing to keep her down on the ground now. She should feel free now, no one to shackle her down, and no one to expect her to choose a side. Then why did it feel like her heart was wrenched in two?

The tears abruptly stopped as she heard a faint thud behind her. Turning, cheeks streaked with sorrow, she saw an intruder. The man stood there, a good foot taller than her. He was lean, and held a katana out. Obviously, he had speed; he was wearing a traditional ninja outfit, allowing him to blend in the night. Gasping, she hurried over to a bokkon that Yahiko had left out. Grasping the handle tightly, she stared her opponent down, confusion shining in her eyes. The tears were gone, but her eyes were still puffy from crying. At first, Kaoru had thought about calling for help. However, who would help her? She didn't deserve Ketsa's help, and what kind of wife would she be, if she were always seeking help from Kenshin? A couple is supposed to be partners, helping each other. So far, Kaoru had always depended on Kenshin to protect her; she couldn't live her life like that.

Raijun smirked at the girl. How could she even think she could stand a chance against her? He had been sent here to bestow punishment upon Ketsa; the death of his dear sister would do nicely. Pointing the tip of the katana at his opponent, he charged forward.

Years of training had honed Kaoru's senses. By a simple glance at the ninja, she could tell he was fast, and though he didn't seem it, strong. However, it was obvious he was taking her for granted, if he thought he would do anything with a simple thrust. Pivoting on her foot, she turned, feeling the breeze the blade created as it flew past her abdomen, by a simple millimeter. Since he had been running, he wasn't able to stop himself in time, and he soon found his back towards Kaoru. Bad position for him. Kaoru kept her bokkon diagonally across her chest as she approached his back, making sure to guard any attack he could make as she went near. Leaping into the air, as his back was still turned, she drove the bokkon down at his shoulder, just as he turned. She knew she had hit, and quickly drew the wood back, making sure to barely tap him.

Raijun turned, not seeing his opponent at all. Soon, she came into sight as a painful shock went through his left shoulder. It shouldn't hurt this much, she had barely tapped him.. So why? He ground his teeth, ignoring the pain, though you could see his left hand twitching just slightly. Apparently, he had underestimated the girl. Bringing the blade up horizontally, he pointed the tip at the sky, as far as he could reach. His left arm arched into a claw like position. He moved his feet into a back stance; his left foot the one behind. His right was half a foot away from the other, and perpendicular to it, creating a 90-degree angel on the ground between his feet. Just for hitting him, this girl would feel his wrath.

Kaoru allowed a sly smile slip onto her face. She could tell by the shock and anger placed onto her opponent face, that he had not expected such a blow to hurt. She eyed her opponent wearily, wondering why he was here. Voicing her thoughts, "How dare you just show up like you lived here, have you no manners?! State your purpose!" she snarled. She was not in a good mood.

The only reply he gave was a simple word and action, "DIE". With that, he sprung forward, acting as if he were to thrust again. However, this time he timed it, knowing she would attempt the same move.

Kaoru, according to his plans, did try to repeat the dodge. However, she was surprised to find that the blade slit across her abdomen this time. Though it wasn't a deep cut, it hurt. A soft cry of pain escaped her lips. That was all that was needed to draw Kenshin and Ketsa's attentions. They had been lying awake in their futons, when they heard Kaoru's cry. Both raced into the yard, drawing their weapons. Their arrival drew Kaoru's attention, as she turned her head, she didn't notice the sharp tip that was heading her way. However, at her loved one's shouts to move, she did. That didn't mean she had dodged completely though, the blade drove into her left shoulder, and she could tell that it had went all the way through. Falling to her knees, she panted, small trickles of sweat falling down. Pain laced through her, but she wouldn't give up. Not yet. Standing up in front of the amused eyes of her opponent, she held her weapon with one hand.

Locking gazes with Raijun, she stated to the pair who were seething with hate and anger. "Please.don't interfere. this is my fight.." With that, she attacked with a new burst of energy, the pain edging her on. She could feel the endorphin's running through her. It had been so long since she had truly fought, and she forgot how exciting it felt. With the help of the new adrenalin rush, she attacked, faster thank Kenshin had ever seen her perform.

Kenshin watched, barely able to control himself. His eyes were flashing amber, and his hand was beginning to twitch. It was just itching to draw the blade, turn it, and decapitate the man that dared touch his woman. The Battossai in side screamed at him to do something, however, the rurouni restrained. If his beloved said no, then that meant no. It didn't mean he had to be happy about it though. Even though he didn't like it one bit, he had to agree that Kaoru had some skill. He had never seen her fight against someone her own level. With training, she could be just as good as he could.

Ketsa was also having a bit of trouble keeping himself back. However, he knew what his sister was trying to prove. Though it was idiotic of her, at least that's what he believed. He felt terrible for accusing Kaoru of thinking she had no faith in him. It seemed that it was truly the other way around. It had been so long since he had seen her, and he was still treating her like the baby he had last seen. Now, watching her, he knew that she had turned into a beautiful woman.

Raijun didn't know what to think, other than shock. He was impressed at this girl's skills. Where did she get all this energy? Soon, the pain he was feeling intensified. Every tap hurt as if a hammer had struck it and the smith was his opponent. Knowing that he had been outmatched, he withdrew, not without throwing a shuriken Ketsa's way however.

The shuriken flew past Ketsa, barely cutting his cheek, before embedding itself into his door. Attacked to it, was a letter. However, the letter wasn't his concern at the moment. The primary source of his attention was Kenshin. Now that the fight was over, he noticed that the Battossai was here as well.

The two stared each other down from across the yard. As if they were fighting over who would have Kaoru.

Kaoru stood in the center, smiling in victory. Her face was pale, and beaded with sweat. Long hair was a bit wet from all the fatigue. Sighing, she noticed the activity her audience was engaged in. So much for being free. The world came crashing right back at her. However, she wouldn't worry about that now. It was time for sleepy time. With that, the loss of blood finally caught up, and she collapsed.

Ketsa and Ken both rushed forward at the abrupt movement. They rushed to be the one to catch her. Strong arms wrapped around her small body, and Ketsa cradled her, carrying her into her room. Ken followed silently, all indication of anger at Ketsa erased with worry.

Megumi was quickly fetched, and everyone was soon out of bed. The men stood outside of the door. It was silent, a large tension between the four. Suddenly, their attention was drew to Megumi, who had emerged.

"Is Kaoru going to be ok?" Yahiko blurted out, the first to break the silence. He had beaten everyone to the question. No one commented on the fact that he had used her real name.

Megumi solemnly shook her head. She couldn't lie, no matter how much she wanted to. "I'm afraid.. I don't know. It seems that the blade had been tipped with poison." Her vision became watery. She was supposed to be a doctor, but no matter how she tried, she couldn't get the poison out of her friend's system. It seemed that this poison was a new kind, one that few knew the antidote to.

Once again, silence fell upon all, and no one noticed as Yahiko slipped away.

~TBC~

Hope you enjoyed! Heh, I know that it's a bit confusing.