A/N: YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! does happy dance I'm so happy to the reviews I got! Even though there weren't many, they still kept me going! The thank yous along with the chapter title explanation will be at the bottom! Gosh! grips keyboard I AM PUMPED!!!!!!!!!!!! I have sooooooo much fun writing this! I'm positively bursting with ideas. At first when I volunteered to do this and did the first chapter I thought: "Oh no, I barely even have a plot. What am I going to do?! I'm never going to make it past the third chapter!" But, not now!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have ideas! And the plot is starting to develop in my little mind!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Teehee, now, I know most of you were annoyed by the cliffhanger I left. I know, evil incarnate, but get used to them! I'm going to try and leave every chapter off like the first, and this one's no exception! I'm almost done blabbing, just four more things: 1, the first chapter on my word processor was 4 pages, the second chapter is 13!!!!!!!!!!! That's my way of saying thank you and terribly sorry for the delay! 2, this will be updated every week approximately!!!!!!!!!!! 3, I also have ANOTHER one going, another AU, Kenshin is still the Battouai in this one!!!!!!!!!! It's gonna be called Crimson Sakura Blossums. Tee hee. 4, THANKYOU THANK YOU TO SILVERARCHER ONCE MORE FOR ALLOWING ME TO DO THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! READ & REVIEW ALWAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AND GO READ SILVERARCHER'S "CARRY ON DANCING"!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TIS EXCELLENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Woah, I blab a lot! Sorry about that folks, you can read now..
May 7, 2004. Data Log Entry: ish still laughing like a maniac Kenshin: Eh heh, same deal from first chapter! Enjoy! turns to me Um, this one thinks you should stop laughing like that. You're scaring people.
Disclaimer: Me: Do I hafta!!!!!!!??????????? Jimmy (evil squirrel): nods Me: Fine! I do not own Kenshin & co. and never ever...sniff Will! Ya happy!!!? Jimmy: nods Me: ARGH! DIE! gets out bazooka Jimmy: (don't forget) Me: Part of the credit goes to SilverArcher, she asked someone to do an alternate ending to her fanfic, "Carry on Dancing.", thus I volunteered.
Dancing in a Rain of Blood
Going Under
Kaoru jerked backwards as she felt the cold steel ripping through her. She gasped, pulling cold air in through her parched throat. A feeling of dread filled her stomach as she crumpled to the ground. She fell into the ocean of red, the metallic scent of her own blood assaulting her nose. Tears fell down from her eyes as she heard Kenshin's harsh breathing a few feet from her. A few feet. It may as well have been a mile. She mustered all the strength she could and pulled herself into a sitting position. Her trembling arms barely holding her up. A deep gash had ripped her kimono and shredded some of the white cloth that covered her chest. She tried to move; only to let out a groan, her hand immediately went to her wound. Clutching it, trying to stifle the blood, the crimson regret. For all the things that went unsaid, she had been so nervous, so stupid. Thinking she had all the time in the world to tell him.
Saito raised an eyebrow, his attention for the moment distracted. "The raccoon girl."
Misao gasped. She had fallen to her knees and now clutched Okina's legs like a small child. "Ms.Kaoru."
Kaoru started crawling through the molasses trying to get to Kenshin. She needed to be with him. To try and prevent him from going away forever. She wouldn't let it happen, she wouldn't. Even if her body willed her to die, she would fight.
Kenshin jerked in surprise, but refused to lift his head. 'Ms.Kaoru.' He was still on his knees, his pale hand clutching the hilt of his sword. His old sword. The one he had discarded in Kyoto ten years ago. How had it gotten here? Into the shrine? His other hand clutched the stagnant sheath.
Kaoru smiled weakly as she finally reached him. She cupped his hidden face in her hands. The nervousness she had once felt when this close to him numbed by pain. She led his head down into her lap. She could feel him tense and struggle, obviously unused to the gentle gesture. She slowly ran her fingers through his crimson hair, attempting to comfort him. Her fingers gently pulled the string that held his hair together out. Kenshin tensed more.
"What are you doing?" The voice that reached Kaoru's ears wasn't Kenshin's voice. It was cold and harsh, she flinched.
She gently shook her head and answered him. "I want to see you. How you were before, I know now that you aren't all the Kenshin I know. The Battousai is also a part of you, and always will be. Just promise me you won't kill your other half." Her voice was soft and raspy. "It's okay, it's okay." She soothed more pulling the hair up into a high ponytail then securing it. "You used to wear your hair like this, right?" She cradled him in her arms like a small child.
"So, Battousai, is this what happened with Tomoe?"
A low growl emitted Kenshin's throat, he refused to look up, so he voiced his warning. "Keep her out of this." Kenshin seethed.
"Lift your head Battousai, let everyone see who you really are."
Misao was terribly confused. "Who he really is?"
The young family spoke up for the first time during the incident. The husband was the one who spoke, since the mother was busy shielding her boy's eyes from the gory scene. "Saito, sir, what has happened? This man was just trying to save my son! Please don't be so cruel!"
Saito smirked. "Did you know, that ten years ago, that so called man, would have slaughtered your whole family without a second thought if ordered? He was no man back then, he was a demon, the only person who could beat me. But, then he did something I still can't figure out. Who is Tomoe Battousai?"
The husband gulped. "He would have?"
"Himura would never do such a thing!!!!!!!!!! He wouldn't kill a fly if he could help it-" Misao piped up, but she was quickly cut off by a voice literally drenched in hatred and ice.
"I told you to leave her out of this!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Kenshin jerked his head up, his flaming amber eyes widening in fury.
Saito's eyes glinted with something akin to delight. "That's the Battousai I know. The most feared man in all of Japan. The shadow assassin Hitokiri Battousai."
Misao gulped. 'Those eyes, who's are they?!' She shuddered. The family trembling beside her were also shocked.
Okina gulped. This was not going to end well. This was not going to end well at all.
Kaoru gasped a little as she watched Kenshin shaking with rage, his hair standing on end. She sighed and let a small, weak smile grace her lips. She cupped his face in her pale hands once more and turned his head to face her.
Kenshin winced, he never wanted Ms.Kaoru to see him like this. Not ever. He tried to close his eyes.
"Don't." Her voice was soft, like a bell. "So, this is what you looked like back then. True, they are frightening and I can see anger. But, its masking another emotion. Kenshin, when this Tomoe is mentioned, I see deep pain and regret." Her eyes widened as she felt the pain that she had been ignoring sear through her. She coughed up deep red blood. She needed to say it now. Before it was too late. "Kenshin, I lo-" She never said it, she fell into Kenshin's lap before her lips had finished the second word..
Kenshin gulped, his hands trembling. He bent his head as he wrapped his arms around Ms.Kaoru's limp body.
Saito blinked as he thought he saw a small orb of liquid fall from Battousai's face. 'He couldn't be.'
Kenshin gripped her harder. 'No, it can't end like this. Why is the past repeating itself?' He lifted his head up, closing his eyes. His face raised to the sky. He cursed the that evil blood red sky. "DAMN YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" He roared.
Saito sighed. "Alright everyone, show's over. Battousai, if you're all done mourning I need to speak with you." Saito rose an eyebrow as he saw Battousai slide the sheathed sword into his belt then cradle a very limp Kaoru in his arms.
"It's not over yet." Kenshin spoke, his eyes dead looking as he staggered up. Blood dripping from everywhere. The aura he was emitting left no room for discussion. "I'm not giving up yet." He sped down the stairs, slowing down a bit so Saito could keep up. "Saito, I need a favor and then I'll agree to speak with you."
"Well, what is it?!" Saito asked, an edge of impatience filling his tone.
"I need you to get a message to a Megumi Takani; she will be staying at a Dr.Genzai's in Tokyo. I need her here in the next few hours; this is of the utmost importance. I don't care how you do it."
"Fine." Saito sighed and turned off heading for the police station. The fastest way he could think of to do this was Morse code.
The sun had set, leaving Kyoto in darkness. Kenshin sped through the streets living up to god-like speed. His mind was a mix of darkness and light. Light told him to be respectfully protective and dark told him she was his. Even though she didn't know it yet. The Battousai inside of him told him she was his responsibility. His burden, his Ms.Kaoru. "Mine." He whispered. Subconsciously, he took old alley routes that he used as an assassin. Weaving in and out, like a cat at night. He clutched Ms.Kaoru to him possessively. The only thing taking his mind off of his own struggle, was to help Ms.Kaoru with hers first. She would win. At all costs.
Kaoru coughed and felt warm blood flow down her bottom lip. She was greeted into consciousness once more by Kenshin's cold voice.
"You shouldn't stress your body, we're almost there."
Kaoru softly nodded and leaned her cheek into his chest. She felt so cold and numb. "I feel-"
"Don't speak."
She lowered her eyes and decided to occupy her thoughts with staring at her blood-encrusted hands. She sighed before drifting off again.
Kenshin felt her head loll to the side. She was gone from consciousness again. Not good. He willed his body to put on a burst of speed. It seemed to take an eternity to get to the Aoiya despite his agility. But it finally came into view.
It looked deserted. But then again through his eyes the whole town now resembled the old Kyoto. Perhaps it was because of his own turmoil. He quickly kicked the door open with his foot. His golden eyes glanced around. Good. No one was home. It would appear that the rest of the Oniwabanshu had gone searching for their comrades. Kenshin quickly removed his shoes and then pushed the door closed again with his shoulder blade. Kaoru's limp body moved with him like a rag doll. Kenshin quickly strode to the room he had been using. He slid the shoji open once more and walked in. Setting her softly down on the futon he lit a candle. He looked at her. Her face was barren of emotion, of the enthusiasm that he loved in her. Her forehead was sprinkled in droplets of sweat. He put his hand on her head. She had a fever.
He snorted. 'Perfect, just perfect.'
He grabbed the white sheet Okina had let him use and ripped it into long strands, leaving a good amount for a wash cloth. After removing her tattered top gi he dipped the wash cloth into a basin of chilly water in the room. He began to gently clean the blood caked on her. His movements monotonous and slow, his mind completely filled with the task. Once this was done, his hands worked skillfully as he wrapped the make-shift bandage around her slender body and then tying it tightly in a knot at her shoulder. He sighed and went to go retrieve yet another wash cloth that he would wet and set on her forehead for the fever.
Megumi groaned as she felt herself being pulled from the depths of a wonderful sleep.
"Get up Auntie Megumi!!" Young Suzume giggled as she saw Megumi's brow furrow. She looked funny.
"Yeah! Get up!" Ayame copied her elder sister in a singsong voice.
Megumi sighed and finally obliged to the young children's pleas. "What is it?" She asked keeping the irritation out of her voice.
"Grandpa wants to see you, he says it's urgent!"
"Grandpa says it's urgent!"
Megumi immediately after hearing the word 'urgent' got up and strode down the hall. 'Urgent? Dr.Genzai is never urgent, unless it comes to his job.' She slid the door open to the dining room and peered in. She found him kneeled down, seemingly reading a paper in his handwriting over and over. "Dr.Genzai?"
"Ah, Megumi. Come, I have just decoded a message that came to me in Morse code."
"Morse code? Who would send you a message in Morse code?"
"Exactly, that's what I first thought, but it tells who the message is from. Kenshin."
"Sir Ken?! What does he-"
Ayame and Suzume had started bouncing up and down at the name. "Uncle Kennie! Uncle Kennie! Is he coming back?! And Auntie Kaoru?!" Their soft voices echoed off the shadowed walls like little chimes.
Megumi and Dr.Genzai's eyes both frowned. If it was letter from Kenshin, the odds of everything being just fine and dandy were against them.
"Of course, Kenshin should be here tomorrow. If you go to bed right now." Dr.Genzai plastered a forced smile onto his face.
"But you said that yesterday." Suzume pouted.
"You said yesterday." Ayame copied her sister.
"I know, but that's because you were one minute late going to bed."
The girls gasped. "He's right! Let's go Ayame! Goodnight everybody!"
"Goodnight!!!!"
Both girls scurried out of the room, leaving the two troubled adults to talk about the truth.
"So." Megumi started. "What does the letter say?"
"It doesn't give any specifics, but it does say this: To a Dr.Genzai and Ms.Megumi Takani, this message must be short and you must follow the instructions exactly. Ms.Megumi Takani, you must be outside the clinic you are staying at within the hour, a carriage will come and take you to a boat that I have especially organized for this occasion. I will meet you at the Aoiya in Kyoto. This is a matter of life and death for the raccoon. This message was given to me by Battousai. Hajime Saito."
Megumi bit her lip and began to twirl a strand of black hair around her finger. "Is that all?"
"That's all."
Megumi got up and walked out, not meaning to slam the door behind her. She narrowed her eyes in frustration. 'What has that raccoon and Sir Ken gotten themselves into this time?' Dr.Genzai looked down at the table and prayed that both were all right.
Megumi hastily made her way back to her room. She quickly packed some clothes and equipment, and then headed out to the street. It was night, a chill hanging thickly in the air. She heard the clopping of hooves approaching her and soon a carriage came into view. 'Punctual, aren't they?' She quickly got in and the carriage sped off.
Megumi rode in silence, worry and concern for her two friends giving her a terrible headache.
Sano panted, his hands on his knees. Drops of sweat turned the dry dirt of the street into chalky mud. He smirked and looked up, hearing a familiar groan. "Hey, Yahiko, enjoy the trip?"
"Shut up," Yahiko stuck out his tongue. "So, where do ya think busu and Kenshin are staying?"
"Beats me. Let's start knocking on doors." Sano approached the first house on the street.
"Are you sure this is a good idea, rooster brains?" Yahiko trudged forward and stood behind Sano.
Kenshin sat in darkness, watching Kaoru's chest heave up and down with forced breath. Only the pale candlelight illuminated her ivory features.
He sighed and shifted his sword that rested on his shoulder. It still puzzled him, how had his old sword gotten into that shrine? His attentive golden eyes flicked to Kaoru as he heard her take an especially painful breath. Kenshin growled, his patience was wearing thin. She would not last long. He could've attempted stitching her up himself, but he did not possess the materials needed. He closed his eyes, sharpening his other senses so he could detect the slightest change in her breathing or for an intruder.
Yahiko growled in frustration. "This was a stupid idea rooster head!"
Sano returned the growl, his eyes narrowing in challenge. "Got a better one brat?!"
"Rooster head? Yahiko?" A voice called out in surprise.
"Fox?" Sano groaned, "Why on earth are you here?"
"Yeah, Megumi, why are you here?"
"Get in! I'll explain in the carriage, right now we don't have time!" Megumi called.
Sano and Yahiko nodded dumbly, she would probably lead them to Kenshin, so they got in.
Saito smirked and tossed a few red ashes to the ground from his cigarette. He watched as the carriage pulled to an abrupt stop. "Ah, finally."
Sano burst from the carriage first, only to have his eyes meet his mortal enemy. "Saito?! What are you doing here?!"
Yahiko blinked. "Is Kenshin here? How about busu?"
Megumi was the last one to leave the carriage with her pack. She sighed. "Rooster, could you stop acting like a moron for two minutes?"
Saito's smirk only widened. "And you must be Ms.Megumi Takani. You see, I'm not the only who calls you a moron, moron."
Sano stomped the ground in something that resembled a five-year old's temper tantrum. "ARRGGGGGHHH! You wanna fight Saito!? Fine!!!!!! Bring it on!!! Right here, right now!!!!!!"
"Oh please." Megumi rested her hand over her eyes.
"Can ya get any thicker?" Yahiko groaned.
Saito tossed his cigarette at Sano's feet, increasing the stomping a hundred-fold and simply stated. "Come in, we have no time for this. If I delay any longer, the Battousai will have all our heads."
At the mention of Kenshin's nickname, they followed Saito into the inn. Saito led them through the dark halls and finally stopped in front of a door, causing Yahiko and Sano to almost trip. They could see a faint flame on the other side of the paper-thin door.
Saito rapped his fist on the door a few times. Startling them all except Saito was the sudden open of it. They could see a small red- head in the doorway, his face downcast, hiding his expression from them. His friends didn't need to see his face, they took an involuntary step backwards due to the chilling aura he was giving off.
Megumi gulped and gripped the handle of her bag. "Okay, let me in."
Kenshin easily sidestepped so Megumi could get in, she tried to get a good look at him, but he looked down even further.
Megumi nodded to them all and clicked the door shut behind her. They all heard her sudden gasp of surprise.
Kenshin sighed and slid down into a seated position, his back leaning against the wall. His sword was leaning against his shoulder, the hilt partly covered by the crimson bangs still caked in blood.
Yahiko followed his hero's example and sat down. "Kenshin?" He ventured timidly.
No answer came, so Sano tried. "Yo, Kenshin, what's up?"
Still no answer, except the sudden increase in the cold aura.
Both dumbfounded by Kenshin's unusual behavior, they both shut their mouths with a click.
Kenshin could hear Sano and Yahiko shift uncomfortably in their place. He could sense their uncertainty, but he would wait until he knew Ms.Kaoru was all right.
They waited there for what seemed like days, until the sudden sound of the door opening knocked them all out of their reverie.
Kenshin stood up, his voice but a distant whisper. "Well?"
Megumi shivered, "Well," she took a deep breath before starting her diagnosis. "It's a very sever wound to say the least, it's deep and precise. The person who did this was obviously trained to kill. The wound spans from the center of her stomach to her right shoulder. The funny thing is the wound becomes less deep at the end, almost like the person hesitated at the last minute."
Sano and Yahiko gulped, shocked. "Will.....she live?" Yahiko choked out.
"I truly cannot say, it'll be all up to the raccoon."
"Well, I kept my end of the bargain Battousai, now you keep yours." The sudden smell of cigarette smoke let them all know Saito had reappeared.
Sano, Megumi, and Yahiko's faces scrunched up in confusion as they heard a low growl come from their gentle friend.
"Fine." The curt reply that they heard didn't sound like it could come from their laundry doing friend.
Kenshin turned on his heel and followed Saito down the hall to the third door, where they both disappeared into the room.
Sano and Yahiko glanced at each other, nodded and began to follow. Megumi groaned and went back into the room where Kaoru was resting, leaving the pair with their ears pressed to the door.
Their faces kept widening in shock, one had to wonder if they would stay that way. This is what they heard:
"You." Kenshin stated, irritation flitting in and out of his voice. "Katsura-san."
"Yes, Himura. I need to talk with you." The man Katsura's voice was calmed and reserved.
"What is it?" Kenshin kneeled down in front of his old boss, Saito leaning against the side wall.
"I heard from Saito here that you struck someone with a long sword today, and not just anyone, someone you care for deeply, correct?"
"Yes."
"So, I bet you're wondering why you now hold your old sword?"
Sano and Yahiko looked at each other, their minds both thinking the same thing. 'Kenshin's old sword?'
Kenshin gave a quick nod, his amber eyes locked onto Katsura.
"I bet you have also noticed that it felt orchestrated, not just an accident."
Another nod.
"But, it has worked to Kyoto's advantage. I need you to-"
"Become your shadow assassin again? I cannot think of who I would have to kill in this era of peace, the Meiji." Kenshin sneered.
Katsura sighed, he had known this would not go over well. "Unfortunately, this so called era of peace is crumbling bit by bit."
"Then the lives I took have all been in vain."
"Not necessarily, some pawns have been working for a greater power to try and shatter all of our sacrifice and hard work. Those are the people I need you to kill, I know you're deeply rooted to your vow, but this once more is for the good of Kyoto."
Kenshin snorted, disgusted. "Why can't I just knock the people out and have Saito apprehend them? I refuse to spill even more blood."
Katsura's tone remained calm. "I can understand your feelings, but we need to make a definite point. You killed before to protect the happiness of the weak, well, their happiness is in jeopardy right now unless we act it quick."
Kenshin sighed.
"Battousai, the moron and brat are listening to every word."
"I know, leave them be."
Sano and Yahiko ripped away from the wall, surprised Saito and Kenshin had noticed them. No sooner had they reached the other side of the wall then they began to scramble back to the other side to hear Kenshin's answer. Too late. Either Kenshin had already said it and they had missed it or he had just made a gesture.
The door opened, causing both of them to stand clumsily. They pathetically faked that they hadn't been doing anything. But, something caught their eye. Kenshin was staring at both of them from the doorway. Sano and Yahiko's eyes were both riveted to the two amber orbs void of emotion underneath blood red bangs.
"Kenshin?" They both whispered.
Kenshin arched an eyebrow and then turned and walked down the hall to Kaoru's room, the pair of dumbfounded boys trailing after.
Saito and Katsura remained to continue their conversation
Kenshin slid the shoji open and stepped in leaving it open for Sano and Yahiko. They followed, Yahiko shutting the door. They all sat around the futon.
"Ms.Kaoru, you're awake." Kenshin stated as he slid into a sitting position.
Kaoru nodded, a weak smile lighting up her features. Megumi was already beside her, rinsing a cloth in the basin of water.
Yahiko spoke first, worried about his master. "Busu, you okay?"
Kaoru giggled a little, but it was forced. "I'm fine, you should know I'm tough Yahiko-chan."
Yahiko frowned, concern filling his eyes. Kaoru had to be deeply hurt if she had neglected to put the usual emphasis on chan.
Sano tried to cheer the young boy up. "Hey, don't worry, anyone as ugly as her has got to survive. It's a law of nature."
Kaoru growled, trying desperately to act normal. "When we get back you're both scrubbing the dojo floors until I can see myself in them."
Kenshin's growl silenced them, he looked up, his facial muscles taut. "Ms.Kaoru you should not be risking your life like that."
"Like what?"
"You need rest; you're the only one besides Saito to survive an attack from me."
"So, you inflicted this injury on Kaoru?" Yahiko asked, his voice shaky.
Kenshin merely nodded.
"But, that would mean-" Sano started.
Kenshin nodded once more.
"That the sword Sir Ken is holding right now, is real." Megumi laid the cloth in the basin.
"Kenshin, what happened to the reverse blade sword?" Yahiko asked, panic filling his brown eyes.
"It broke." Kaoru simply stated, she noticed Kenshin's eyes glance down and tried to move. She cried out and clutched her side.
"Busu!"
"Jou-chan!"
"Raccoon, you're my patient so stay down! No move-"
Megumi was silenced by the voice that came from the other side of the room. It was void of emotion and drenched in ice, sending chills up their spines.
Kenshin looked up, his amber eyes seeming to burn into all of them. But, they were focused on Kaoru's crystalline blue. "Kaoru, know this. I would do anything for you. I would give up everything for you, I would die for you, and." Kenshin's eyes narrowed to slits. "I would kill for you."
A/N: Tee hee, Nnnnnnnnooooooooooooo, I didn't just leave yet ANOTHER cliffhanger...dodges penguins and squirrels Sheesh!!!!!!!!!!!! Okay, here are my thank yous:
SilverArcher: Thankyou!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I feel so special now!!!!!!!!!!! I hope you enjoyed this chapter!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ari and Kat: Thankyou! I'm glad you liked the song selection! And Kat, please don't kill Ari!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She reviewed my fic!!!!!!!!!!! Hope you continue to enjoy it!!!!!!
Linay: gasp You read and reviewed my fic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love both of yours, Broken Pieces and The Sword That Protects! They're awesome! Congrats on the author of the year thing! And here's a new chapter! Hope you like it!!!!!!!!!! Never give up on yours either!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Elizabeth(she told me in real life that she liked it): THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! For all your support and everything!!!!!! Keep reading! And hoped you liked the chapter! Enjoy the cliffhangers!
Going Under: It fits. The song helps describe how Kenshin is going even farther into his Battousai state, going farther into the darkness or going under. Also, it's an angsty and dark kinda song and this is an angsty and dark kinda fic!!!!!!!!! It's also awesome and one of my personal favorites! Tis by Evanescence!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Next chapter: It's my Life (though it might change, highly unlikely though)