Kyaa Kyaff here!

Disclaimer: Akira & co doesn't belong to me.

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'…' Kaoru thoughts

*…* Kenshin thoughts

"…" Dialogue

Facing Adversity

Chapter 3: The Party

Kaoru nodded at something Akira said as she surveyed the area. Akira pointed in another direction, turning that way. Kaoru followed, absorbing all the information.

"Two guards will be over here and on the balcony," Akira stated.

"So everything's secure?" Kaoru asked.

Akira sighed, "Nothing is ever secure."

"As secure as it is going to get."

"You're right," Akira replied.

"Well, I have to go get dressed in the wonderful dress that was provided before the party starts. Anything new comes up you know where I'll be."

Akira nodded as Kaoru walked away. It was four in the afternoon, Kaoru and Akira having been there since this morning. Kaoru stepped inside inclining her head in the direction of one of the bodyguards by the door. She ran a hand through her hair as she made her way to one of the many bathrooms in the house. The dress she was supposed to wear was already hanging there waiting for her. Kaoru put a hand to her forehead as she looked at the deep blue dress with silver lace on it. She didn't exactly like wearing dresses, especially if she was to protect someone. It was a whole lot easier to run around in sneakers and a pair of pants.

No use complaining now. Kaoru began to undress quickly changing into the outfit. As she pulled it down she realized how low-cut it was much to her displeasure. Nothing to be done about that now. Straightening the dress she grabbed her guns and began strapping them to her upper legs. A slit ran up the dress, daringly high, giving Kaoru access to her guns easily. The dress was designed so that the guns weren't noticeable. She felt better putting her guns back on. She slipped on the high heels with a groan. Her feet would be aching later.

"Okay…now I just have to get this hair up," Kaoru said surveying herself in the mirror.

'Hmm…maybe I don't look so bad in a dress.'

It took about twenty minutes for her to get her hair up successfully. After that she stepped out to go speak with Kawaji-san, the person who would be holding her sword. She didn't think it would be necessary, but Saitoh had trained her to need her sword accessible in any situation.

"Kawaji-san!" Kaoru called as she saw the man pass by.

He stopped turning to her with a smile, "Yes, Kamiya-san?"

"Just want to know where my sword is going to be?"

"Follow me to the ballroom. I'll show you where I am going to place it. Don't worry no one will find it," Kawaji added at the end seeing Kaoru's skepticism.

Kaoru followed him to the ballroom, where he indicated where it would be. Kaoru thanked him before going to look for Akira. He was with Ookubo discussing something, dressed in a tuxedo. Kaoru had to admit she had found her sister a handsome man.

"Akira, you look great!" Kaoru said walking over to the two men.

Turning to her his eyes widened, "I didn't know you could actually look like anything but a tomboy!"

Kaoru wet to hit him but was interrupted by Ookubo, "You do look quite lovely, Kamiya-san."

Kaoru bowed slightly, "Thank you."

"Good, now that you're here I can continue," Akira said, "Again, I will be with Ookubo the whole night. You go and pick out any suspicious characters…you know all of this."

"Yep."

"The party ends at eleven tonight. Ookubo has an important document he is signing at ten-thirty. That is when he's the most vulnerable. Here's your earpiece."

Kaoru took the little device. Akira then continued to explain all the little details right up until the first guests began to arrive.

"Alright Kaoru. Stay safe."

"You too Akira."

Both smiled before separated, Kaoru going over to the buffet table. It took less then ten minutes for the ballroom to fill up with talking and laughter. Kaoru greeted several people, mingling with perfect ease.

"Anything?" Akira asked through the earpiece.

Kaoru feeling Akira's gaze on her from across the room gave a little shake of her head. Sweeping her gaze across the crowd it came to rest on a man standing by himself at the buffet table. Kaoru decided to approach him.

"Hi! My name's Kaoru. What's yours?"

The man turned with a big smile on his face, "Seta Soujiro."

Kaoru held her hand out to him. He took it in a warm calloused grip.

Kaoru smiled back, "What are you doing here by yourself?"

"My friend has decided to go elsewhere," Soujiro replied.

"Well, while your friend is gone would you like to dance?"

"Sure," Soujiro answered.

Kaoru led him to the dance floor, where they began to dance. She made small talk with him trying to pick up anything from him, but he continued to smile giving vague answers to some of her questions. As the song ended Kaoru thanked him kindly. She would have to keep her eye on him. Kaoru walked back over to the buffet table as Soujiro met up with some guy with really tall blond hair.

"I can't stand him! I could just kill him!"

"You shouldn't say such things about Ookubo-san!"

Kaoru moved closer to the source of the conversation. She knew it was probably some angry woman making empty threats, but she was taking no chances. Glancing up she saw an elegant woman standing next to a shorter woman. She recognized the one that had spoken first immediately. Takani Megumi was a well-known and highly paid surgeon.

Megumi began ranting again, "It is true Ayame-chan! The bastard. I don't care if he is so important and great. He…"

"Megumi-san, please calm down." Ayame said with a pleading look at the furious Megumi.

Kaoru trailed away as Ayame looked up to see her standing there.

'Let's see…who next?'

Kaoru noticed a tall man with an emotionless expression staring at the people dancing. Time to go introduce herself.

"Hello, are you a friend of Ookubo-san?"

The man didn't even look at her. Kaoru smiled politely.

"My name is Kaoru. What's yours?"

Again the same reaction, or lack there of. Kaoru, who was standing at his side, stepped in front of him.

"It's not polite to ignore people, who are trying to talk to you."

Finally, he looked down at her with disinterest, "I'm not interested."

The way he said it made it sound like he was being propositioned by a prostitute. Kaoru clenched her teeth tight her smile faltering.

"I was just trying to be friendly. You looked lonely. I thought you might like some company."

"No," the man replied moving around her.

Kaoru took after him, "The least you could do is tell me your name after being so rude to me."

With a sigh he spoke, "Shinomori Aoshi, now leave me alone."

Kaoru decided she wasn't going to get much else out of him so she started to head over to Akira. Reaching him she smiled.

"Akira-san, how are you?"

"I'm good," Akira replied.

"I wanted to know if you'd like to dance?"

"Sure," he said giving a small nod to Ookubo to stay put.

As they began to dance Kaoru talked in low tones. She inconspicuously pointed out some of the people she believed they should keep an eye on. Kaoru felt a tap on her shoulder as the song ended. She turned to see a man a little taller then herself standing behind her.

"May I have the next dance?" he asked his amber eyes studying her carefully.

Kaoru glanced at Akira, who shrugged, signifying he did not need any more information unless she had something else to add.

"Okay," Kaoru agreed waving a small goodbye to Akira.

"I saw you from across the room. You are quite beautiful."

Kaoru's eyes widened at the compliment. She had been complimented several times this night, but for some reason this time she blushed lightly.

"Yeah sure," she replied.

"Himura Kenshin…and your name is?"

"Kaoru."

"No last name, Kaoru?" Kenshin asked with a slight tilt of his head as he gracefully swept her across the floor.

"Not for you."

He seemed intrigued by this as he pulled her closer. Kaoru stared at him in the moment of silence that ensued. He had the most unusual red hair held back in a low ponytail. He was very handsome.

Finally he replied, "Then I will simply have to find out, won't I?"

Kaoru realized she was totally focused on him and had forgotten everything else. She needed to keep her head straight and get back to work. As the dance ended she began to step away, but he held on to her.

"Did I say you could leave?" Kenshin asked in a teasing manner.

"I have to ask, do I?" Kaoru replied incredulously.

A smile crept across Kenshin's face, "Maybe. It depends if you give me what I want."

She figured he was referring to her name. Well, she wasn't going to give in so easy. Instead, she leaned in kissing his lips briefly before pulling back. His eyes widened and she smiled with triumph happy to have caught him by surprise. Kaoru could be a bit impulsive and unpredictable sometimes.

"That will have to do for now," Kaoru said escaping him and walking away.

Akira's voice buzzed in her ear, "Kaoru! What are you doing?"

Kaoru turned to face the wall speaking in a low voice, "Calm down. Don't ask."

Kaoru shook her head. Great, now Akira would be pissed. She was allowed to have a little fun, right? She guessed kissing a guy she didn't know for no reason wasn't a very good idea in his opinion. Kaoru glanced over her shoulder and started with surprise.

'It can't be. Saitoh would have said something…'

But as Kaoru turned around fully she confirmed her suspicion that Makimachi Misao was at the party. Why though? She watched as Misao looked around her eyes lighting on Shinomori Aoshi. Kaoru's eyes narrowed as Misao made her way through the crowd toward Aoshi, who was stepping outside. She was definitely not going to let this matter drop. She began making her own way through the crowd her eyes fixed on where Misao had disappeared.

"Potential problem," Kaoru breathed out so Akira would here her.

Kaoru glanced behind her to make sure Akira had heard her and ran right into someone, almost tripping.

"Oh! Umm excuse me!" Kaoru said looking at the man who now held her in his arms.

She straightened apologizing quickly. Kaoru noted the man's strange hair color. She had thought Kenshin's hair was different, but she was surprised to see a young man with silver hair. Kaoru stopped herself from staring trying to look around him.

"That's alright. I've never met you at any of these parties before. What's your name?"

"Kaoru," she said hurriedly.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Yukishiro Enishi," he said capturing her hand and kissing the back of it.

Kaoru had to stop her mouth from dropping open at the mention of his last name. It had to be a coincidence. He had the same last name as her sister. Kaoru never met Tomoe until she was six. Their parents had separated and moved quite far from each when Kaoru was a baby. Kaoru had stayed with her father until his death. After that she was sent to live with her mother, but her mother didn't want to change her name from Kamiya to Yukishiro. Kaoru hadn't understood why her mother hated her so much at the time. She found out later that Yukishiro Maya wasn't her real mother. Her father had an affair. Tomoe had always been there to take care of her and protect her from Maya's small cruelties.

Kaoru snapped out of her reverie, "It was nice meeting you. Maybe we can talk later."

Enishi grinned, "That sounds nice."

Kaoru immediately made her way to where Misao had disappeared. She stopped short as she heard voices.

"Aoshi, please talk to me."

"I have nothing to say," he replied.

Kaoru peeked around the corner.

"I know why you came to this party," Misao said.

"So? You cannot stop me."

"Aoshi…" Misao started.

Aoshi stepped closer to Misao reaching out and pulling her into his arms. Misao's eyes widened before softening.

"Enough. Gomen," Aoshi said striking her sharply, catching her now limp body, "Misao-chan."

Kaoru backed up as he leaned Misao against the wall and started heading in her direction. She went back into the crowd of people intent on speaking with Akira.

Stopping as if to fix her shoe she spoke, "Something's up with Shinomori."

"I heard the conversation. Keep an eye out. We can't do anything yet. I'll inform the guards." Akira replied through the earpiece.

This wasn't good. If this was their man they needed to take him out now. She was about to say so when she was interrupted.

"Kaoru."

Her wrist was caught, and she had to resist her natural instinct to defend herself, which would result in the person lying on the ground groaning in pain.

"Yes," Kaoru said turning to face the person.

Kenshin released her wrist, "I have come to ask for your last dance."

"Last dance?"

"Yes, it's ten. The last song is about to play before Ookubo-san signs the papers," Kenshin explained.

"I would love to, but…"

"Good," Kenshin said not giving her a chance to reply.

Kenshin had her on the dance floor in a second as a slow melody began to play. He held her securely as he began to lead. Kaoru was beyond frustrated needing to speak with Akira.

"You seem distracted," Kenshin said easing her between two couples.

"I promised my friend this dance. He will be awfully upset."

Kenshin shrugged, "He can take it up with me."

Kaoru searched the crowd for Aoshi's form as Kenshin twirled her around.

Kenshin gently took her chin in his making her look back at him, "That's better."

She couldn't help but smile at this forward man, "You sure are persistent."

"Always when it is with something I am interested in."

Kaoru's eyebrows raised, but as the song had just ended she stepped back instead of replying.

"So quick to leave me. How will I find you after this?"

"That is for you to figure out," Kaoru replied moving further away from him.

Without a backward glance she headed straight for Akira.

Looping her arm in his she spoke, "Now not later."

"I must disagree."

Kaoru smiled charmingly at some person, who came over to greet them. After they left Kaoru frowned.

"What, we wait," she said softly.

Akira nodded pointing out two men, who Kaoru recognized as the bodyguards of Ookubo. Kaoru understood why but didn't agree. They couldn't be absolutely sure it was Aoshi. They couldn't divert all there attention that way. The two guards Akira had sent would take care of it. Kaoru believed they needed to take care of it themselves, but that might leave Ookubo open. She had to trust the guards to do their job.

Everyone began to gather around a long table near the front. Kaoru drifted away from Akira as he escorted Ookubo toward the table. Kaoru watched as Ookubo made his way over to the foreign diplomat giving his hand a firm shake. Kaoru scanned the crowd as the men took their seats. The foreign diplomat, Kaoru couldn't remember his name, began addressing the crowd. Clapping followed his speech. Ookubo then stood taking center. Kaoru tensed.

Then everything went black. People began to murmur among themselves. Then someone screamed. Kaoru had her guns in her hands in a second trying to adjust her vision, the only light source the moon. She saw Akira grab Ookubo. A man suddenly pushed passed her. Kaoru took no time in running after him seeing his destination. A sword glinted in the moonlight.

"Damn!" Kaoru exclaimed before aiming her gun for the person's leg with a clear shot.

She pulled the trigger, but the man disappeared, the bullet driving into the ground. Everyone was in a mad rush for the exit, screaming and shouting adding to the confusion.

"Akira watch out he's coming!" Kaoru shouted.

Kaoru went into a roll as she felt someone approach her from behind, slicing where she had been. Her guns were knocked from her hand as she jumped up.

"Kawaji-san! Where the hell are you?" Kaoru cried just missing the sword aimed at her throat trying to get a good look at her attacker.

"Kamiya! Here," he cried throwing her the blade.

She caught it, and had it out in a second, just in time to deflect another blow. Kaoru realized this wasn't the same person she had shot at. She deftly avoided each attack.

'Who is this? It's like fighting Saitoh.'

The man suddenly disappeared leaving Kaoru wide-eyed. A shot rang out as Akira yelled something. Kaoru threw off her shoes, and with all the speed she possessed; she raced toward Akira and Ookubo. Akira was looking up shooting. Kaoru saw the blade coming straight for him.

"No!" Kaoru cried jumping clear over the table shoving Akira out of the way in the process.

Kaoru yelped in pain as felt the tip of the blade slide across her left cheek having missed its target. She then tripped on her gown and fell down.

"Akira, get Ookuba out of here!"

"Battousai!" a voice rang out.

The man in front of her pivoted sharply. Kaoru just made out Shinomori Aoshi's distinct form.

"I challenge you!" Aoshi yelled running forward with a kodachi in each hand.

"What the hell!" Kaoru said as two more shadowed figures appeared from the right.

Akira was helping the shaken Ookubo up.

"Damn it," the person known as Battousai hissed jumping away from her.

Kaoru was puzzled. Everyone had swords. Didn't any of them use a gun? Easier for her. She sliced the bottom of her dress off wishing she had her guns back. They were lying on the middle of the now deserted floor forgotten.

"Now!" Battousai shouted.

Kaoru noticed a small red laser light begin to trail then land on Ookubo. Akira saw it too throwing a glance over his shoulder before shoving Ookubo down for cover. A shot rang out as he did so. Kaoru heard a grunt of pain as Akira was struck in the back.

"Akira," Kaoru screamed out running over to him.

He was laying on his side breathing sporadically, "Get…him out of here."

Kaoru's mouth began moving in wordless protest as his blood soaked his clothes.

"Tell Tomoe I love her."

"Akira!" Kaoru started.

"Now, Kaoru," Akira cried seeing the laser light again.

Kaoru steeled herself grabbing Akira's gun, looking for the source of the light. As it flashed by she estimated the spot and shot twice. A clatter was heard before a sniper gun dropped to the ground. She shoved the gun into her holster before dragging Ookubo toward the door holding her sword ready. She had to fight her tears, and the urge to stay with Akira.

"He's getting away," a voice shouted.

Ookubo opened the door, Kaoru shoving him through and down the hallway her eyes trained on the door they had just come from. Her senses were open to what was in front of them. It alerted her seconds before she pushed Ookubo to the side, a sword flashing toward him from the opposite end. Kaoru looked down in surprise at the sword now sticking from her side. Kaoru felt ill as he yanked it out.

"No, I won't," Kaoru said softly as the man went for Ookubo next.

She shot the unsuspecting man in the head as she fell down. Ookubo was pressed against the wall his face white as blood sprayed across him and the walls. Kaoru forced herself to get up using her sword to help her.

"Let's go," Kaoru ordered.

Kaoru only went a few feet before yelling for Ookubo to get down. Two shots rang out, one from Kaoru, the other someone else. The bullet hit Kaoru's leg causing her to fall again. The person that had shot took off quickly thinking they had hit their target. Kaoru again forced herself to stagger to her feet.

"I will get you out of here alive, Ookuba-san," Kaoru said weakly.

Ookubo seemed too shocked to reply. He was quite popular tonight. It seemed everyone was out to get rid of him. She had passed one of the bodyguards now dead. She could only assume the others had ended up the same way. Kaoru saw a door.

"Where does this lead?" Kaoru asked softly.

"Uh…it…it's a bedroom."

Kaoru looked around and said in a whispering voice, "Go in there, and go through the window. It should lead to the front, right?"

Ookubo nodded.

"Good," Kaoru said as she heard the police sirens, "Go. The police will protect you."

Ookubo nodded again. Kaoru went across the hall to another door. Opening it the same time as Ookubo she slammed it shut. She then began to stagger away from the door, knowing her blood had dripped in front off the door she had slammed. That should at least throw them off. Her head began to swim as she walked down the hallway. She tripped falling to her knees trying to ignore the pain from her wound. She heard footsteps behind her.

"Nothing personal, but the weak must die," the person behind her said.

Kaoru stilled waiting. As the person struck down she threw herself to the side. They quickly countered, but she had her sword still in hand and stopped the strike. He attacked again knocking her sword from her hand. Kaoru tried to focus in the darkened hallway. He raised his sword preparing to strike once again. Kaoru tried to avoid it, causing him to cut deeply into her other side instead of her heart. Kaoru gasped blood staining her lips. She began to fell numb as she watched the figure standing above her switch his sword so that he could thrust it through her neck. Kaoru closed her eyes. A sharp ring was heard as one blade clashed with another. She reopened her eyes wearily to see another person shoving her attacker away.

"Do not interfere Battousai."

"Ookubo was never your target?"

"My orders are my own."

Kaoru couldn't concentrate anymore. She felt tired the pain the only thing letting her know she was alive. She struggled against unconsciousness futilely. The last thing she heard before passing out was the clashing of swords.

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Hiya everyone!!! Hope you enjoyed the chapter! Yep Kenshin is ooc here. Anyway! Gomen nasai for the cliffhanger!!! I couldn't help this one, I didn't want to make the chapter too long.

Thanks goes out to Jason M. Lee, May, Val, Gypsy-chan, Shizuka, Omochi, anonymous, MP, Nikka, sarah0sleds, kupo-chan, Sujakata, unearthlyEmperor, Apple, Kriska, Kamimura Kaoru, and Luraia Soul for the encouragement.

Motivate me some more!!!! Love hearing from you! It always gets me writing faster!

Kyaa Kyaff saying hope to hear from you again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!