Kyaa Kyaff here!

Disclaimer: The RK bunch don't belong to me.

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'…' Kaoru thoughts

*…* Kenshin thoughts

"…" Dialogue

-------- indicates flashback

Facing Adversity

Chapter 10: Failed Assignment

"Kenshin!"

Kenshin dropped down hearing Sano's yell realizing someone was behind him with that yell. He'd been so distracted by his thoughts that he hadn't even noticed someone sneak up behind him. He dodged the short sword coming in his direction but not the kunai that followed. With a grunt of pain Kenshin pulled it from his shoulder throwing it to the side. His opponent came at him again.

A shot rang out making the person jump away. Kenshin sensed a familiar ki.

"Move again and I shoot you," Sano said threateningly, "Drop the weapon and move toward the light."

The person hesitated before dropping the sword and moving toward the shop, where a small light lit up the surrounding area. Kenshin's eyes widened as he recognized the person.

"Misao…?"

She looked up with a fierce expression.

"I almost had you."

Kenshin frowned, "What are you doing here?"

"Don't use that tone with me! I'm not a little kid!"

"Cool it itachi," Sano said.

"Don't call me that."

Misao's shoulders started to shake her hands clenched.

"What are you doing here?" Kenshin repeated.

"I won't let you hurt Aoshi-sama!"

Kenshin finally understood. He came slowly over before placing a hand hesitantly on her shoulder. Misao swallowed heavily.

"I won't kill him."

"You couldn't even if you tried," Misao muttered out.

Kenshin half-smiled at his childhood friend, "I will avoid fighting him as best I can."

"I just need a chance to make him understand what happened that day. Then he'll stop. I'm sure he will."

Kenshin didn't believe it would be that simple.

"You know that kunai really hurt."

She let out a weak laugh.

"What's with that puny little sword, itachi?" Sano asked picking it up.

"Shut up tori-atama."

"Need a ride home," Kenshin interrupted.

Misao nodded.

"Talk with you later, Sano."

Kenshin walked slowly over to the car wondering if Misao had truly intended him harm. Since they were young he always looked out for Misao. She was like a younger sister to him. Later on the two had gone their separate ways, but he still cared for her. After some unfortunate events she had discovered he was Battousai. That day was the beginning of his troubles with Aoshi. Despite everything Kenshin was overjoyed to see Misao though he didn't act it.

Getting into the car he paused, "Did you really plan on killing me?"

"I knew you'd avoid it. The deadly Battousai taken down by a little girl like me…not possible," Misao said softly almost sullenly.

"Anything's possible."

Kenshin started the car feeling how true those words were. If not for Sano's warning call he might not have a head on his shoulders. All because he was too distracted with personal problems. The sooner he broke it off with Kaoru the better.

___________________________3 days later_________________________________________

Kaoru was wishing she was anywhere else but sitting in the ostentatious living room of Fujimiya Hotaka, the rich man that was under her protection. After being his bodyguard for the past three days with no incident Kaoru was ready to kill him herself. Fujimiya had a problem of keeping his hands to himself, and she often found them wandering toward her rear.

'I have to deal with this, while my oh-so-wonderful partner practically disappears. Aoshi will pay for this.'

What also bothered her was the fact that Fujimiya seemed to enjoy the idea that someone thought he was important enough to kill. When entertaining guests he flaunted the fact that he needed bodyguards, and with each progressive day he became worse. It was like he couldn't actually believe it was happening to him, and there was no chance he would be harmed. Kaoru very much wanted to give this guy a dose of reality.

"Kaoru-chan…what's with that gloomy face? Let me see that beautiful smile."

Another thing to put on her list of reasons why he should be killed.

'Kaoru-chan. I could kill him. I really could.'

She forced a smile on her face having learned the quicker she complied the faster he stopped bothering her and let her do her job.

"See, isn't she beautiful? Just my luck, I guess."

"You sound happy someone's after your life…" his friend said incredulously sending a passing glance toward Kaoru.

"Oh no. I am very worried of course. It's just that…well…I can't possibly live my entire life in fear, can I? No," Fujimiya laughed out.

'Big drama queen.'

Aoshi came silently in to stand by Fujimiya. With an annoyed look Fujimiya turned to see what Aoshi wanted. Fujimiya always seemed to resent Aoshi's presence in the room.

"You did not inform me of your plans for a dinner party," Aoshi stated.

"I didn't think I had to."

"Any and all such events should be reported to me for your utmost safety," Aoshi replied.

"Well you know now. What's the big deal?"

'Heh. This guy is even getting to Aoshi.'

Though Aoshi's expression looked blank Kaoru could see the slight downturn to his mouth that indicated he was not too happy. He used it often when talking with her. He had a habit of being condescending, and she just wished she could take a nice solid wood bokken to his head.

"Next time you will inform me of any such plans."

"Yes…yes…" Fujimiya said waving his hand as if to swat Aoshi away before speaking with his friend again.

Aoshi stood there for several more seconds before going over to Kaoru. With a relieved sigh Kaoru moved from her position. She was on a short lunch break now and was extremely happy to get away. As she neared the door Fujimiya spoke.

"Oh. Kaoru-chan, where are you going?"

"Lunch, sir," Kaoru replied curtly.

"Why don't you take your lunch with us? It would be so much better."

"I'll have to decline," Kaoru replied.

Fujimiya pouted before turning back to his friend, who kept eyeing Aoshi, to talk. Once Kaoru was out of the room she sighed.

"I should have listened to Nee-san."

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"Kaoru, I don't feel right about you taking this assignment. Last time I felt like this was that night I almost lost you and Akira."

"Nee-san, stop all that worrying, would you?" Kaoru said sitting down on the couch.

"You better be careful," Akira said with a frown, "My beautiful bride-to-be needs her maid of honor for next year."

Kaoru went to counter what he said, when she realized what he really had just said, "You set a date!?"

A radiant smile broke across Tomoe's face, "Next year. For sure."

Kaoru ran over to Tomoe grabbing her up into an enthusiastic hug before going over to Akira and giving him one too.

"Ack! Get off me. You're making my legs go numb!" Akira exclaimed.

Kaoru pinched his leg, earning a little yelp of pain, before jumping off of him. Kaoru's smile was as bright as Tomoe's.

"This is so great!" Kaoru could barely contain her excitement.

"Do you really have to take this assignment?" Tomoe asked again.

Kaoru frowned, "Nee-san. I'll be fine. Extra careful."

"I know it's your job to protect this man with everything you have, but it's not worth your life. Please remember that."

The only problem was Kaoru knew if need be she would put her life on the line. It was her job after all.

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Kaoru took her time eating lunch deciding Aoshi could spend a few more minutes then planned in the room. The man with Fujimiya had taken an immediate interest with Aoshi and kept eyeing him since yesterday. She had heard him ask Fujimiya about Aoshi. It seemed Fujimiya's friend liked the members of the same sex. That was part of the reason Aoshi was probably never around, although with the way Fujimiya acted one would think he was the same as his friend.

Finishing her lunch she threw it away. Bracing herself she went back into the room, where Aoshi sent her a death glare. She looked at her watch and then him before shrugging with a sly grin on her face that Aoshi didn't seem to appreciate.

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Kaoru felt uneasy as she stood guard next to Fujimiya. He had invited six people over for dinner and at the moment they were waiting for the last person. Fujimiya was entertaining his guests by relating his very serious life-threatening situation with an easy laugh. His guests also laughed seeming to take the threat against him just as seriously. Kaoru couldn't stand people like that. The kind that believed they were invincible. She had grown up knowing that she wasn't. Scanning the room she saw nothing but continued to look until she felt a hand land right on her rear.

She moved a step away not trying to make a scene her face expressionless. But everyone had apparently seen what had happened and began to laugh.

"She doesn't seem to like your wandering hands, Hotaka!"

Fujimiya merely waved his hands around in the air, "I have no idea what you're talking about."

More laughter followed this announcement. Hearing footsteps she looked over to see someone unexpected. Kaoru's eyes narrowed as Takani Megumi gracefully walked into the room capturing everyone's attention. Gliding to the place set to Fujimiya's side, she batted her eyelashes.

"Now here's a woman who can appreciate me!"

"And your lascivious ways," added Fujimiya's friend from earlier that day.

"I've just gotten so used to it," Megumi sighed starting another bout of laughter.

Megumi pointedly smiled in Kaoru's direction before returning her attention back to Fujimiya. For the rest of the night everything went smoothly. After dinner the guests went into the living room for another hour. Kaoru patiently endured it, and silently rejoiced when everyone decided it was time to go.

Kaoru stood beside Fujimiya as he said goodnight to his departing guests at the door. And just as Kaoru predicted the last person to leave was Megumi. Actually she didn't leave. She pressed up against Fujimiya hitting the door closed with her foot. Kaoru focused elsewhere as Megumi pulled him into a passionate lip lock.

"Mind if we change this into a sleepover," Megumi breathed out.

Fujimiya giggled sounding very much like a young little boy, "I love sleepovers."

"Good," Megumi glanced over to Kaoru, "She isn't going to be with us, is she?"

Kaoru looked at Megumi, "It's my job to protect him."

"You can join us. I wouldn't mind another woman," Megumi said sliding a hand out to caress Kaoru's cheek.

She flinched before moving away, "Do not touch me."

Megumi slid from Fujimiya to press against Kaoru. Her lips came to Kaoru's, her hand moving to touch Kaoru's breast. She shoved Megumi away wiping her lips fiercely.

"What the hell do you think you're doing!?"

Fujimiya watched fascinated, licking his lips. Megumi slithered back over to Kaoru. Kaoru backed up.

"I said stop before I make you."

Megumi shrugged her shoulders pulling Fujimiya by his tie, "Aren't you going to watch him?"

Kaoru looked over to the baka. He had an excited gleam in his eye.

Megumi suddenly grabbed Kaoru; her hips pressed firmly to Kaoru's, "What's the matter?"

"Let go off me," Kaoru said calmly as Megumi pressed closer.

Aoshi came into the room hearing all the noise, "What's happening in here?"

Megumi cast a glance over her shoulder, "Good."

The light snapped off. Kaoru was shoved roughly away. She immediately went for her gun only to grab air.

"Shit!"

A flash of metal caught the moonlight. Aoshi was already rushing in that direction. Kaoru shook her head. She reached out grabbing Fujimiya relieved to find him still standing there. He yelped throwing his arms around her.

"Don't let him kill me!"

"Let go you idiot. Do as I say! Stay close to me."

She had to pry him off as she pulled a small gun from her pocket. Though small it was still extremely effective. Sounds of fighting were heard. It was then Kaoru noticed the red light fixed on Fujimiya. She shoved him down immediately, the bullet flying right by her. Fujimiya was blubbering now.

Kaoru let her senses reach out as she dragged Fujimiya behind a nearby statue. Kaoru was glad Fujimiya was into big flashy things as another bullet followed their retreat. The huge statute protected them well as Kaoru tried to think.

Kaoru grabbed Fujimiya by the collar of his shirt, "Be quiet."

They couldn't stay where they were long, and Megumi was somewhere with her gun. She was looking for a good reason to hurt the bitch and now she had it. As she got Fujimiya up she paused. She knew there was a guy above, but the other one…he was familiar.

'It's Battousai. That's why it's familiar.'

"When I say go, run to that room right there," Kaoru said pointing to the room.

"No! Don't leave me alone. He'll shoot me!"

"Listen. I'll cover you," Kaoru said getting the small pistol ready.

"With that?" Fujimiya asked.

"Don't worry. It does the job."

Kaoru looked out before moving back as a bullet buried into the wall beside her.

"Ok, go."

Fujimiya stood and with a stumbling run went for the door. Kaoru jumped out aiming her gun in the general vicinity of the sniper. Kaoru let two shots ring out following Fujimiya as the red light landed on him. It veered away when she took another shot. Getting into the room she slammed the door shut.

"Ahhh!"

Kaoru's head jerked back before she even had a chance to move. Megumi pressed a gun to her throat pulling her viciously around, "Come with me bitch. I have something I want you to see. Oh and drop that gun of yours."

Kaoru hesitated but when Megumi rammed the gun even further into her neck, she dropped it. Fujimiya was curled up into the corner hiding his face, but Megumi didn't seem to care one bit about him. Megumi laughed moving the gun away from Kaoru's neck for a moment. Eyes watering Kaoru swiftly reached up twisting Megumi's wrist around. The gun went off.

Kaoru cried out in pain dropping to her knee as blood began to stain her jeans from the shot that had grazed her leg. She didn't let go though. Using the sudden momentum she shoved Megumi to the ground grabbing the gun. Without another thought she knocked her unconscious. Fujimiya continued to whimper.

"See that closet," Fujimiya nodded at Kaoru's question, "Get in it. I'll be back."

Ripping a piece of Megumi's thin dress she tied it tightly around the wound before staggering to her feet.

Grabbing the smaller gun from the floor she handed it to Fujimiya, "Use this if you have to."

"But I've never…" Fujimiya stuttered out holding the gun as if it were a deadly poison to touch.

"You'll use it if you want to survive. Now go and hide."

Waiting until he was hidden away she shoved a big dresser in the way.

'That should hold him. Hopefully it'll keep him from harming himself.'

She went to the door hesitantly leaning out happy to have her gun back. The red light was ready and waiting. Kaoru just needed to figure out where the bastard was. She had done it last time she could do it again. Dashing out she shot a couple shots off in the direction she thought they were possibly at. The person quickly moved. Up ahead Kaoru could barely see Aoshi slam against the wall, blood dripping from his lip. He lifted his kodachi pushing against the wall to give him more leverage.

'Doesn't he have a gun!?'

So determined was he to get Battousai, Aoshi didn't see the small red light fall on him. Aoshi fell to the ground gripping his shoulder as the echo of the shot rang out.

"Fujimiya's getting away!" the person from above shouted.

Their mistake. Kaoru let off another shot in the direction of the voice, which was followed by a muttered curse. A rush of wind passed her. She turned quickly to see the shadowy figure of Battousai disappear into the room she had left Fujimiya in. Not being able to see to well she rushed back to the darkened room. No moonlight was cast in this room making it even darker. She saw the shadowy form and aimed her gun.

"Don't move or I shoot."

'That…it just can't be.'

Kaoru sensed his fighting ki and was a little disturbed. It was just too familiar, but with the adrenaline rush she just couldn't place it.

Before she could blink her gun was knocked from her hands. She reacted by dropping down into a kick. Battousai jumped back avoiding it before dashing forward. Kaoru tried to move out of the way but wasn't fast enough.

Time seemed to slow as she felt her death approach her.

'Nee-san. Gomen nasai.'

Time snapped back to her as the tip of the blade pressed against her throat but no further.

'That scent…'

But Kaoru didn't get to finish her thought as Battousai moved again.

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Four days later Kaoru was sitting in her room. After what had happened that night she had woken up groggily to find Fujimiya dead, Takani and Shinomori missing, and Battousai and Zanza gone. Her fist slammed down on the softness of her bed. She had failed once again and was still alive. Saitoh had taken in all the information calmly. But before she could leave something else unexpected happened.

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"That's all Saitoh-san?"

Saitoh looked thoughtful, "It seems you need more training."

Kaoru just looked at him. She had failed to protect Fujimiya, which could ruin Saitoh's reputation. She had messed up and her punishment was she needed more training.

"What?"

"You heard me. Do you think we win everything we do? No. I will personally take over this assignment. I've underestimated Battousai for too long. Even Shinomori…" Saitoh paused for a moment, "From now on you work with me."

Kaoru felt her jaw drop, "What?"

"Is that a problem?"

"No, sir," Kaoru replied.

"Good…"

The door unexpectedly opened without so much as a knock.

"You better have a good excuse for not…" Saitoh started but immediately stopped looking shocked, his cigarette luckily not lit just yet, falling onto his lap, "Tokio."

Kaoru had never seen Saitoh with such an expression and turned to see who was at the door. A beautiful older woman with gorgeous black hair falling a little past her shoulders closed the door behind her. Her bright brown eyes rested on Kaoru for a minute before landing on Saitoh. A smile graced her face making her appear even more stunning than she already was.

"Koishii," she said softly.

Kaoru looked between the two with wide eyes.

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'Saitoh Tokio. His wife. What a shock that was.'

Kaoru had excused herself after that. Going over to Okita she had to ask who exactly that woman was. He said simply that it was Saitoh's wife explaining nothing else. In all her years she hadn't seen or even heard mention that Saitoh had a wife, and the look on his face when he saw her was priceless.

Kaoru shook her head as she felt her anger and guilt rise again. She wouldn't get down. What happened had happened, and there was nothing she could do about it now. She had to put it behind her like so many other things.

'It's not like I'm not familiar with failing.'

A bitter smile crossed her face.

'Maya made sure I knew how much of a failure I was.'

Kaoru looked out the window, where a small bird perched on a tree branch.

Tomorrow she would get to see Kenshin. He'd been very busy and with all that was happening with her, it hadn't been the right time to set a date. She looked forward to seeing him again. That brought up other disturbing thoughts. Battousai…he had seemed very similar to Kenshin. It just couldn't be possible. There were differences. Battousai felt ten times stronger and more…Kaoru didn't even know the right words to describe it.

She flopped back on her bed outstretching her arms. A polite knock sounded on her door. Jumping up she opened the door and had to redirect her gaze when she looked out expecting to see her sister.

"Enishi! How did you get in here?"

"Your sister invited me in," Enishi replied.

Kaoru frowned, as he looked her up and down before getting an amused expression on his face.

"What!"

"I love the outfit," he answered, "Very kid like."

Kaoru looked down and turned red. She was wearing a pink tank top and shorts with little pink bears and hearts.

Kaoru decided not to let his comment get to her, "You wanted something?"

"Yeah. You."

Kaoru frowned.

"So we can have that promised practice, remember?"

"Now?" Kaoru asked.

"Once you get dressed. It might be a little distracting in those pajamas of yours."

Kaoru slammed the door in his face.

"Give me ten minutes."

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Kaoru couldn't break through his defense no matter what she tried. Wiping the sweat from her brow she watched a cocky Enishi leaning against his shinai.

"Stop looking so smug," Kaoru said angrily.

"I'm not."

"Let's go, I'm ready," Kaoru said pointing her shinai at him.

Enishi slid into a defensive stance, "You attack first."

Kaoru took a deep breath trying to think of the best strategy. When she figured out exactly what she wanted to do she attacked. Enishi blocked the first blow as expected following with the same move he had used on her before, but this time she was ready to parry it. She took a strong swing at him and clashed with his shinai.

She was standing almost against him as the two fought each other off. She suddenly moved forward making Enishi think she was going to spin around in the move and go for his unprotected back but instead kicked the back of his leg out. He fell to the ground and she went walking over to him shinai pointed out. Enishi however was ready. He lifted the lower half of his body and quickly twisted his legs in hers taking her down. The shinai went flying from her hand.

"Nice try," Enishi said grabbing her hands to hold her down, "Now I have you."

His only mistake was that her legs were still free. She brought her heel up and shoved it into the side of his hip pushing him back. He let go of one of her wrists to catch his balance as she had anticipated. She pushed more and grabbed his wrist at the same time before using her other leg. She turned to her side moving the leg quickly over his arm to pin him down. She kept a firm grip on his arm as he fell completely flat to the ground, while she applied pressure to his elbow. Unfortunately she found out he was double-jointed. Using this to his advantage he managed to pull free going behind her and trying to put her into a chokehold. She put her chin to her chest to make sure he couldn't get to her neck as she grabbed his arm. Struggling to get her feet back under her, he tightened his grip.

Kaoru continued to fight getting her feet under her before leaning forward with as much force as she could rotating her hips to the left. The desired effect was achieved when Enishi went straight toward the floor in front of her. However he knew how to take a fall and rolled jumping back to his feet unfazed with a happy grin on his face.

"Impressive, but I'm not finished."

Kaoru stood holding her hands up, "I got you. Admit it!"

Enishi shook his head with that evil grin of his. Kaoru waited to see what he would do. He chose to rush her, but she was ready. She had this exact thing happen to her plenty of times.

'What.'

Enishi swiftly slid to the ground whipping his leg out catching the back of hers like she had done to him earlier. Even more astounding to her was when she fell into his arms instead of the floor. She was breathless as she looked up to him stunned.

"Not expecting that, were you?"

'He moved so fast…'

Kaoru shook her head. Still holding her in his arms Enishi straightened leaning his face in closer to hers.

"You're an excellent fighter, but you still have a lot to learn."

Kaoru nodded.

'Is he going to…?'

Enishi moved even closer causing Kaoru to panic and shove him back. While shoving him away, he abruptly let go, and she lost her balance falling to the floor. He began to chuckle at her flustered expression. He held his hand out to help her up. She pointedly ignored it getting up on her own.

"I wish I had more time, but I have some work to get done. Maybe next week we can have another practice," Enishi suggested with a smile.

He walked away from her pulling his sweaty shirt off in the process. Kaoru had to force herself not to stare. Unlike Kenshin's lean muscular frame, Enishi had more build and width. His height alone could be intimidating. Kaoru couldn't help but steal another look, as he put on another shirt buttoning it up halfway. She then hurried to get her things before he noticed her staring. He was her ride home, and she didn't want to keep him from his work.

Following him out, Kaoru decided once she got home she would clean up and pay Tsubame a visit.

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And there's chapter 10! Hope you enjoyed it. Can't wait to hear from everyone. Tell me your thoughts.

Kyaa saying til next time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!