A/N: Sorry that this took so long but I believe that I am cursed. First I got a new notebook with my graduation money. (Hugs the computer to chest.) This has allowed me to work more than I ever dreamt I could on my stories… however, MY INTERNET HARDLY WORKS!!! So I've been working on fixing that. Also the word on here is different then the one fanfiction accepts so I've been working on fixing that too. Also because of my bad internet I couldn't post ANYTHING!!! Now my e-mail isn't working making it impossible to send anything I have written to my beta reader!! (Sigh) What did I do to deserve this? On a side note I recently went to a water park and all I could think about was how I could tie my experience into this fic. I don't need a life! I have one with my fan fictions!
FOR ALL KENSHIN AND YU-GI-OH LOVERS: Read Ms. Zeal's Darkness of The Heart and Sword fanfic. It is a Kenshin and Yu-gi-oh crossover!! I normally don't read crossovers because I find them boring BUT THIS ROCKS!!! This is the best crossover I have EVER read! Not only that but Ms. Zeal is the best updater I have on my favorites list!! With all the quick updates and the GREAT story line this is a must read!! To read it check out my favorite stories list or check out my reviewers! Ms. Zeal is one of my BEST reviewers!!! So PLEASE read her fanfic!
My lovely, lovely reviewers!
knightsfairlady - Thanks for all the reviews! I don't care if I get reviews the second after I post or a 100000 years later as long as they come!! (Ego grows bigger) Oh! And it wouldn't be a bokken you'd be dodging… it would be a real sword. (EPP!) I spelt Sanosuke wrong?! AUG! I did!! (Grabs real sword that she was just talking about from the wall) For being such a poor RK fan I will now commit seppuku. (Inner Zig-zag): ACH! Not yet! How will you keep your promise not to leave any fic unfinished! (Outer Zig-zag): Oh… yeah… how about I just bang my head against the wall then? (Inner Zig-zag): As long as you don't kill us. (Outer Zig-zag): Okay… while I get my sanity back I want to thank you SO MUCH for pointing that out! Man I feel like an idiot… Zig-zag no baka! Also I'm glad you like Nakami!! I hope you continue to like him as the story progressive.
rain angst - I'm glad you'd still be around no matter what! It makes me so happy to know I have good, strong, loyal readers!!!
Ms. Zeal - I don't mind the long review! It makes me feel special! About the storm; This is how my thought processes went. 1 - the waves are from the wind blowing strongly, 2 - the dark clouds are from the clouds being pushed strongly and quickly against each other from the wind. Now I wasn't sure if I had that completely correct from my forgotten knowledge from my Earth Science class but I thought when clouds pushed together it could create rain. (I'm not sure if that's the same with thunder but I love thunder so I just had to add it!) About your guesses as to what is to come some were close, some where interesting to think about, and all I have to say is keep reading to find out which were which!
Tiger of the Sonicboom - Thanks for the reviews on Kenshin Lost at Sea and this one! I did put a disclaimer in the last chapter for the song. It's was under my A/N. Dreams rock! I had a Yu-gi-oh dream too! Although it had Freddy from Nightmare of Elm street in it as well. (Shameless plug: I wrote and posted the story on Fanfiction) I wish I could see Bruce!
Chapter 17 – Rough Waters
"What the hell!" Sanosuke yelled angrily as the ship began to pitch. A blanket of rain began to fall pelting the three men on board.
"It's Suiso!" Tsuki yelled throwing a rope at Sano. "Don't let go of this!"
Sano felt the rope tighten in his hands. "How could it be Suiso? It's just the weather!" Sano yelled over the pounding rain.
"Is this his power?" Aoshi said calmly as he began to help Tsuki take that sail down before it got ripped to shreds.
"Yes!" Tsuki grunted as he worked. "He must have spotted us and is going to capsize us."
The ship creaked as waves threatened to plow over the deck. "How do we stop him?!" Sano yelled as water swirled around his ankles.
"We can't! All we can do is hang on and hope for the best."
"Please let my luck be good today!" But Sanosuke's plea was unheard over the thunder that had begun to sound.
"Suiso stop this!" Kenshin yelled.
Suiso turned calmly to Kenshin water running down his face and over his smile. Suiso raised a finger and slowly waved it back and forth. "Now, now don't forget. It's Captain Suiso and aren't you enjoying the show Battòsai?"
"Suiso stop this or I will stop you myself; that I will."
Suiso's smirk widened. "Capta…" It had been so fast that at first Suiso didn't even realize what had happened. The slow thudding that came from his jaw told him that Kenshin had hit him. Suiso straightened himself and looked at Kenshin, even though rain pelted everyone who watched Suiso could see clearly through the darkness two piecing, amber eyes staring back at him and for a moment he was scared. His smile left leaving an open mouth behind.
"Stop this right now or you will regret it." Kenshin said calmly as he took another step toward Suiso.
Suiso took a moment to get over his fear and he gritted his teeth angrily as he realized that he still hadn't managed to break the Battòsai. "He's stubborn, but I always get what I want." Suiso thought bitterly. He cleared his voice once before speaking. "How do you plan to stop me?" He spat through the rain.
Kenshin's voice was cold. "By any means necessary." Nakami, who had been watching from a 'safe' distance, gasped from the sound of Kenshin's voice. Could that icy demeanor really belong to the goofy man that had saved him from drowning?
Suiso without realizing it took a step back. "You… you can't do anything Battòsai!" He instinctively rubbed the piece of wood hidden in his pocket while mentally adding. "Not while I have this." Kenshin took another step forward. "Men!" Suiso called out knowing Kenshin was too much for him to handle on his own, even unarmed.
Kenshin watched calmly as Suiso's men advanced. He didn't have time for this, he needed to get Suiso's attention and somehow stop him. He wasn't sure how to do that yet but he had to try something.
Meanwhile the three aboard the rocking ship hung on for dear life. They had retreated below but the ranging storm still rang in their ears. "Now what?!" Sanosuke yelled to Tsuki.
"Not much! We've done all we can!"
"Why don't we put the sail back up and use this wind to our advantage?!" Sano screamed not liking the helpless feeling that was suddenly gnawing at him.
"It would be ripped to shreds! Or worse it would capsize us!" The ship tipped dangerously to one side as if to prove a point.
"Well we don't seem to be doing much better without it!" Sano said as the ship tipped in the other direction. "I say lets throw the dice and see how our luck is! If we put up the sail we could get there faster. We sit here Suiso is just going to keep getting further away! If we did catch up again he would do the same thing wouldn't he?" The look on Tsuki face told Sano he had made a good point. "The way I see it Suiso is going to sink this boat weather we do something or not. So I say lets go get Kenshin and the missy back!"
"It's going to be hell up there." Tsuki warned.
"Then this should be a piece of cake." Sanosuke joked as Aoshi agreed with a nod. Together the three prepared to tackle the storm.
The crackle of thunder that echoed endlessly through the air made talking pointless. Kenshin dodged a grab as he used his god like speed to get to Suiso. The wind blew pelting him with rain drops that felt more like daggers but Kenshin pushed through the blinding rain catching Suiso off guard when Kenshin grabbed the wrist of his injured arm. Suiso screamed although no one heard it over the storm as Kenshin tightened his grip. Some of Suiso's men moved to help their captain but Kenshin yelled for them to stay back that came out almost as a whisper.
"Stop this Suiso!" Kenshin yelled trying to reach Suiso's ears.
Suiso's face hardened. He wasn't going to let anyone tell him what to do. "NO!" He shouted. Kenshin tightened his grip slightly and Suiso flinched.
Kodo shivered from the cold as he watched Suiso and Kenshin face off. He knew he had to do something to help his captain. He couldn't hear what the two were shouting to each other but he could see that Kenshin had the upper hand. "What would give Suiso the upper hand?" Kodo thought widely. He gave his fingers a snap as he ran past Nakami who was watching nervously from the doorway.
Kenshin saw Kodo run away out of the corner of his eye but didn't think much about it. He looked back up to Suiso. The rain beat down in Kenshin's face relentlessly as he studied Suiso's face. Suiso's lips were moving very quickly but Kenshin couldn't hear what he was saying. He didn't need to know what Suiso was chanting however when his palms began to warm slightly. "No!" Kenshin yelled grabbing Suiso's mouth. As soon as Kenshin stopped Suiso's chanting his palms returned to their icy feeling.
Suiso was wasn't worried although Kenshin's hand on his mouth keep him from chanting the binding spell he had other spells he could use and Kenshin was conveniently staring him in the eyes. Slowly his tongue began to form words that Kenshin's hand kept him from speaking out loud.
Kenshin tried to take a breath of air but his lungs wouldn't inhale. A red flag went up in his mind but for some reason he couldn't get himself to focus on what the flag was trying to tell him; he just felt so calm all of a sudden. Suiso was quite pleased with himself when he felt Kenshin's grip loosen.
Kenshin suddenly felt very tried and he couldn't seem to stop himself from looking into Suiso's eyes. His mind seemed to slip and he could hardly remember what he had just been doing. He felt that it had been something important, something really important. Something for Kaoru? Was Kaoru in danger? His mind had become clouded with the lack of oxygen but the thought of Kaoru in danger suddenly lit his mind like a lighthouse. Yes Kaoru was in trouble. He had to help her. Kenshin blinked his eyes breaking the connection. Suddenly air rushed back to his lungs and Kenshin gasped for it gracefully.
Kenshin felt dizzy and lightheaded as he tried to regain his breath and thoughts. Suiso angry at his spell failing took the opportunity to escape Kenshin's grasp. With their captain out of danger Suiso's men advanced. Suiso took a few steps away from Kenshin and the brawl that was sure to form. Hopefully his men would by him enough time to cast the binding spell. "Get him men!" Suiso yelled as clear as a bell.
They all charged at Kenshin at the same time. One slipped on the wet deck and did Kenshin a favor by knocking two others down with him. Two others attempted to grab Kenshin from either side but Kenshin merely jumped up and allowed the two to slam into each other. Kenshin landed gracefully on the two's heads knocking the two unconscious. The next drew his sword and charged at Kenshin. Kenshin waited until the last moment and spun out of the way. The man couldn't stop himself on the slippery deck and found himself on his back skidding into the legs of one of his fellow crewmates. They both fell and began to bicker back and forth to each other. Suddenly six came at Kenshin at the same time. Gracefully Kenshin maneuvered himself around and out of the way of each of the twelve arms. In the end the six men ended up only grabbing each other and sputtering angry curses.
Kenshin found himself in the middle with Suiso's men and Suiso on each side of him, just like he had planned. He had separated Suiso from his men. Suiso was chanting as fast as he could as Kenshin started to run toward him. Suiso knew it was unless Kenshin would reach him before he had a chance. Suiso shivered from the cold rain on his back and the cold, amber gaze Kenshin gave him as he rushed forward. Kenshin grabbed Suiso's mouth ending the chant yet again. Kenshin saw the fear in Suiso's face and he raised his other hand to hit the frightened man when a voice, barely heard over the storm, called out to him.
"Stop right there Battòsai! Or I'll slit her throat!" Kodo stood ridged with a dagger to a frightened Kaoru's throat.
"Kenshin!" Kaoru yelled from her helpless position, shutting her eyes against the rain.
Kenshin's eyes snapped back to lavender. "Miss Kaoru!" He released Suiso and started towards Kodo and Kaoru.
"Stay… stay back!" Kodo threatened pushing the dagger closer to Kaoru's throat.
Kenshin stopped dead in his tracks as Suiso's laughter rose over the drowning wind. "Now what will you do Battòsai?" Suiso laughed. "Will you stop me and save your friends on the ship or will you behave and save the girl?"
"AOSHI!" Tsuki yelled. "Take this." He handed Aoshi a rope and went off. They were catching up. The sail flapped dangerously and the ship was taking on more water then Sano could bail but they were catching up. If their luck held strong then they might just make it.
Kenshin looked to Kodo and then back to Suiso. "What's your choice Battòsai? The girl or the others?" Suiso sneered walking up to Kenshin.
"Suiso stop. There is no need for this." Kenshin said urgently. "You're only after this one. You don't need to hurt the others."
"Yes, of course not. Of course I don't need the women. I'm sure you were just going to wipe the rain out of my eye with that fist of yours?" Suiso spat angrily. "I'm not stupid. I know I can't beat you in a fight." Suiso took a deep breath calming himself a smile on his face. "Tell you what I'll do Battòsai. Swear your alliance to me and I will spear the girl a very uncomfortable death."
"Don't do it Kenshin!" Kaoru yelled angry at herself for being so helpless.
"Shut up." Kodo hissed behind her.
"Well Battòsai? What will you do?" Suiso said as he pushed his drenched bangs back.
"This one will…" Kenshin started willingly when a new voice broke through the thunder.
"Kodo!" Nakami yelled for about the fifth time finally being heard. "Are you afraid of the Battòsai?" Nakami yelled his lips trembling, clutched in his hand was Kenshin's Sakabato. "You're lucky that… that it's raining. Because then the others can't s..s…see your fear. That yellow, clear fear that I'm sure is trickling down your leg." Nakami wasn't sure what he was doing but he knew he had to buy some time. He wouldn't let Kenshin be fought so unfairly.
Kaoru could feel Kodo's grip on her tighten as Nakami made fun of him but she could also feel the dagger being pulled away from her neck. "What are you accusing me of Shizuka?" Kodo practically growled his attention quickly off of Kaoru and focused intensely at Nakami.
"You… you heard me." Nakami stuttered. "I bet you've wet your bed quite a few times huh? Always blaming me when you said you smelt piss when all a long it was you!" Nakami yelled as a little built up anger was released. "Wasn't it!"
Kodo was filled with rage as he pushed Kaoru away from him and ran towards Nakami dagger raised. "The girl you idiot!" Suiso screamed but his words were lost on Kodo's ears. With Kaoru of danger Kenshin ran to help Nakami. As Kodo swung his dagger Kenshin knew he was too late. Nakami held the Sakabato out in front of him as Kodo swung and connected with the sheath. The force sent Nakami flying backwards.
"Nakami!" Kenshin yelled running to the startled boy's side. "Are you alright?" Nakami was frightened but unharmed. He nodded a shaking yes and handed Kenshin his sword. Kenshin was about to take it when a sudden gust of wind blew Nakami back away from Kenshin.
"You traitorous piece of trash!" Suiso yelled. "I take you in and this is how you repay me? I will personally take care of you later!" Suiso moved his eyes toward Kenshin who was quickly heading toward Nakami and smiled. Silently he closed his eyes and began to chant.
Kenshin stopped when he felt the burning on his palms. "Not again." He hissed as he turned to take care of Suiso but what he saw surprised him.
With his eyes closed Suiso never saw it coming. "I DON'T THINK SO!" Kaoru yelled as her fist came down hard on Suiso's head. As Suiso crumpled to the ground Kaoru let out a happy sigh. "I've been waiting to do that forever!" Kenshin smiled as the storm slowly cleared and there was a tug on his sleeve.
"Here's your sword." Nakami said holding up the Sakabato to Kenshin.
"Thank-you. You were really brave that you were." Kenshin said making Nakami blush.
"I'll kill you. Both of you!" Kodo said rushing towards the two.
Nakami coward a bit but Kenshin acted like he hadn't heard and kept his back turned from Kodo. "This one wasn't sure what to do…" Kenshin paused and struck the charging Kodo in the stomach with the Sakabato without looking making Kodo fall to his knees. "…until you helped." Nakami just looked down in shock at the heaving Kodo. "However," Kenshin stated suddenly going serious "it's not over yet."
"That's right Battòsai. This isn't over by a long shot." Suiso said picking himself off the ground.
A/N: Now I ask for any of my reviewers who knows a little Japanese. I couldn't help myself even though I swore after this and my Duel fanfic I would take a break from fanfics and work on my original stories but another one has crept into my mind and won't leave me be till I write it. (Doges weapons of original characters as they are thrown) Anyway, this will be a fanfic about the Battòsai (doges Link's arrows as I yet again push back starting his fanfic) but I have an OC and I want her name to be Cat in Japanese… but I don't know how to spell it!!! So if anyone knows it or knows where I can find out how its spelt please leave me word!
FOR ALL KENSHIN AND YU-GI-OH LOVERS: Read Ms. Zeal's Darkness of The Heart and Sword fanfic. It is a Kenshin and Yu-gi-oh crossover!! I normally don't read crossovers because I find them boring BUT THIS ROCKS!!! This is the best crossover I have EVER read! Not only that but Ms. Zeal is the best updater I have on my favorites list!! With all the quick updates and the GREAT story line this is a must read!! To read it check out my favorite stories list or check out my reviewers! Ms. Zeal is one of my BEST reviewers!!! So PLEASE read her fanfic!
My lovely, lovely reviewers!
knightsfairlady - Thanks for all the reviews! I don't care if I get reviews the second after I post or a 100000 years later as long as they come!! (Ego grows bigger) Oh! And it wouldn't be a bokken you'd be dodging… it would be a real sword. (EPP!) I spelt Sanosuke wrong?! AUG! I did!! (Grabs real sword that she was just talking about from the wall) For being such a poor RK fan I will now commit seppuku. (Inner Zig-zag): ACH! Not yet! How will you keep your promise not to leave any fic unfinished! (Outer Zig-zag): Oh… yeah… how about I just bang my head against the wall then? (Inner Zig-zag): As long as you don't kill us. (Outer Zig-zag): Okay… while I get my sanity back I want to thank you SO MUCH for pointing that out! Man I feel like an idiot… Zig-zag no baka! Also I'm glad you like Nakami!! I hope you continue to like him as the story progressive.
rain angst - I'm glad you'd still be around no matter what! It makes me so happy to know I have good, strong, loyal readers!!!
Ms. Zeal - I don't mind the long review! It makes me feel special! About the storm; This is how my thought processes went. 1 - the waves are from the wind blowing strongly, 2 - the dark clouds are from the clouds being pushed strongly and quickly against each other from the wind. Now I wasn't sure if I had that completely correct from my forgotten knowledge from my Earth Science class but I thought when clouds pushed together it could create rain. (I'm not sure if that's the same with thunder but I love thunder so I just had to add it!) About your guesses as to what is to come some were close, some where interesting to think about, and all I have to say is keep reading to find out which were which!
Tiger of the Sonicboom - Thanks for the reviews on Kenshin Lost at Sea and this one! I did put a disclaimer in the last chapter for the song. It's was under my A/N. Dreams rock! I had a Yu-gi-oh dream too! Although it had Freddy from Nightmare of Elm street in it as well. (Shameless plug: I wrote and posted the story on Fanfiction) I wish I could see Bruce!
Chapter 17 – Rough Waters
"What the hell!" Sanosuke yelled angrily as the ship began to pitch. A blanket of rain began to fall pelting the three men on board.
"It's Suiso!" Tsuki yelled throwing a rope at Sano. "Don't let go of this!"
Sano felt the rope tighten in his hands. "How could it be Suiso? It's just the weather!" Sano yelled over the pounding rain.
"Is this his power?" Aoshi said calmly as he began to help Tsuki take that sail down before it got ripped to shreds.
"Yes!" Tsuki grunted as he worked. "He must have spotted us and is going to capsize us."
The ship creaked as waves threatened to plow over the deck. "How do we stop him?!" Sano yelled as water swirled around his ankles.
"We can't! All we can do is hang on and hope for the best."
"Please let my luck be good today!" But Sanosuke's plea was unheard over the thunder that had begun to sound.
"Suiso stop this!" Kenshin yelled.
Suiso turned calmly to Kenshin water running down his face and over his smile. Suiso raised a finger and slowly waved it back and forth. "Now, now don't forget. It's Captain Suiso and aren't you enjoying the show Battòsai?"
"Suiso stop this or I will stop you myself; that I will."
Suiso's smirk widened. "Capta…" It had been so fast that at first Suiso didn't even realize what had happened. The slow thudding that came from his jaw told him that Kenshin had hit him. Suiso straightened himself and looked at Kenshin, even though rain pelted everyone who watched Suiso could see clearly through the darkness two piecing, amber eyes staring back at him and for a moment he was scared. His smile left leaving an open mouth behind.
"Stop this right now or you will regret it." Kenshin said calmly as he took another step toward Suiso.
Suiso took a moment to get over his fear and he gritted his teeth angrily as he realized that he still hadn't managed to break the Battòsai. "He's stubborn, but I always get what I want." Suiso thought bitterly. He cleared his voice once before speaking. "How do you plan to stop me?" He spat through the rain.
Kenshin's voice was cold. "By any means necessary." Nakami, who had been watching from a 'safe' distance, gasped from the sound of Kenshin's voice. Could that icy demeanor really belong to the goofy man that had saved him from drowning?
Suiso without realizing it took a step back. "You… you can't do anything Battòsai!" He instinctively rubbed the piece of wood hidden in his pocket while mentally adding. "Not while I have this." Kenshin took another step forward. "Men!" Suiso called out knowing Kenshin was too much for him to handle on his own, even unarmed.
Kenshin watched calmly as Suiso's men advanced. He didn't have time for this, he needed to get Suiso's attention and somehow stop him. He wasn't sure how to do that yet but he had to try something.
Meanwhile the three aboard the rocking ship hung on for dear life. They had retreated below but the ranging storm still rang in their ears. "Now what?!" Sanosuke yelled to Tsuki.
"Not much! We've done all we can!"
"Why don't we put the sail back up and use this wind to our advantage?!" Sano screamed not liking the helpless feeling that was suddenly gnawing at him.
"It would be ripped to shreds! Or worse it would capsize us!" The ship tipped dangerously to one side as if to prove a point.
"Well we don't seem to be doing much better without it!" Sano said as the ship tipped in the other direction. "I say lets throw the dice and see how our luck is! If we put up the sail we could get there faster. We sit here Suiso is just going to keep getting further away! If we did catch up again he would do the same thing wouldn't he?" The look on Tsuki face told Sano he had made a good point. "The way I see it Suiso is going to sink this boat weather we do something or not. So I say lets go get Kenshin and the missy back!"
"It's going to be hell up there." Tsuki warned.
"Then this should be a piece of cake." Sanosuke joked as Aoshi agreed with a nod. Together the three prepared to tackle the storm.
The crackle of thunder that echoed endlessly through the air made talking pointless. Kenshin dodged a grab as he used his god like speed to get to Suiso. The wind blew pelting him with rain drops that felt more like daggers but Kenshin pushed through the blinding rain catching Suiso off guard when Kenshin grabbed the wrist of his injured arm. Suiso screamed although no one heard it over the storm as Kenshin tightened his grip. Some of Suiso's men moved to help their captain but Kenshin yelled for them to stay back that came out almost as a whisper.
"Stop this Suiso!" Kenshin yelled trying to reach Suiso's ears.
Suiso's face hardened. He wasn't going to let anyone tell him what to do. "NO!" He shouted. Kenshin tightened his grip slightly and Suiso flinched.
Kodo shivered from the cold as he watched Suiso and Kenshin face off. He knew he had to do something to help his captain. He couldn't hear what the two were shouting to each other but he could see that Kenshin had the upper hand. "What would give Suiso the upper hand?" Kodo thought widely. He gave his fingers a snap as he ran past Nakami who was watching nervously from the doorway.
Kenshin saw Kodo run away out of the corner of his eye but didn't think much about it. He looked back up to Suiso. The rain beat down in Kenshin's face relentlessly as he studied Suiso's face. Suiso's lips were moving very quickly but Kenshin couldn't hear what he was saying. He didn't need to know what Suiso was chanting however when his palms began to warm slightly. "No!" Kenshin yelled grabbing Suiso's mouth. As soon as Kenshin stopped Suiso's chanting his palms returned to their icy feeling.
Suiso was wasn't worried although Kenshin's hand on his mouth keep him from chanting the binding spell he had other spells he could use and Kenshin was conveniently staring him in the eyes. Slowly his tongue began to form words that Kenshin's hand kept him from speaking out loud.
Kenshin tried to take a breath of air but his lungs wouldn't inhale. A red flag went up in his mind but for some reason he couldn't get himself to focus on what the flag was trying to tell him; he just felt so calm all of a sudden. Suiso was quite pleased with himself when he felt Kenshin's grip loosen.
Kenshin suddenly felt very tried and he couldn't seem to stop himself from looking into Suiso's eyes. His mind seemed to slip and he could hardly remember what he had just been doing. He felt that it had been something important, something really important. Something for Kaoru? Was Kaoru in danger? His mind had become clouded with the lack of oxygen but the thought of Kaoru in danger suddenly lit his mind like a lighthouse. Yes Kaoru was in trouble. He had to help her. Kenshin blinked his eyes breaking the connection. Suddenly air rushed back to his lungs and Kenshin gasped for it gracefully.
Kenshin felt dizzy and lightheaded as he tried to regain his breath and thoughts. Suiso angry at his spell failing took the opportunity to escape Kenshin's grasp. With their captain out of danger Suiso's men advanced. Suiso took a few steps away from Kenshin and the brawl that was sure to form. Hopefully his men would by him enough time to cast the binding spell. "Get him men!" Suiso yelled as clear as a bell.
They all charged at Kenshin at the same time. One slipped on the wet deck and did Kenshin a favor by knocking two others down with him. Two others attempted to grab Kenshin from either side but Kenshin merely jumped up and allowed the two to slam into each other. Kenshin landed gracefully on the two's heads knocking the two unconscious. The next drew his sword and charged at Kenshin. Kenshin waited until the last moment and spun out of the way. The man couldn't stop himself on the slippery deck and found himself on his back skidding into the legs of one of his fellow crewmates. They both fell and began to bicker back and forth to each other. Suddenly six came at Kenshin at the same time. Gracefully Kenshin maneuvered himself around and out of the way of each of the twelve arms. In the end the six men ended up only grabbing each other and sputtering angry curses.
Kenshin found himself in the middle with Suiso's men and Suiso on each side of him, just like he had planned. He had separated Suiso from his men. Suiso was chanting as fast as he could as Kenshin started to run toward him. Suiso knew it was unless Kenshin would reach him before he had a chance. Suiso shivered from the cold rain on his back and the cold, amber gaze Kenshin gave him as he rushed forward. Kenshin grabbed Suiso's mouth ending the chant yet again. Kenshin saw the fear in Suiso's face and he raised his other hand to hit the frightened man when a voice, barely heard over the storm, called out to him.
"Stop right there Battòsai! Or I'll slit her throat!" Kodo stood ridged with a dagger to a frightened Kaoru's throat.
"Kenshin!" Kaoru yelled from her helpless position, shutting her eyes against the rain.
Kenshin's eyes snapped back to lavender. "Miss Kaoru!" He released Suiso and started towards Kodo and Kaoru.
"Stay… stay back!" Kodo threatened pushing the dagger closer to Kaoru's throat.
Kenshin stopped dead in his tracks as Suiso's laughter rose over the drowning wind. "Now what will you do Battòsai?" Suiso laughed. "Will you stop me and save your friends on the ship or will you behave and save the girl?"
"AOSHI!" Tsuki yelled. "Take this." He handed Aoshi a rope and went off. They were catching up. The sail flapped dangerously and the ship was taking on more water then Sano could bail but they were catching up. If their luck held strong then they might just make it.
Kenshin looked to Kodo and then back to Suiso. "What's your choice Battòsai? The girl or the others?" Suiso sneered walking up to Kenshin.
"Suiso stop. There is no need for this." Kenshin said urgently. "You're only after this one. You don't need to hurt the others."
"Yes, of course not. Of course I don't need the women. I'm sure you were just going to wipe the rain out of my eye with that fist of yours?" Suiso spat angrily. "I'm not stupid. I know I can't beat you in a fight." Suiso took a deep breath calming himself a smile on his face. "Tell you what I'll do Battòsai. Swear your alliance to me and I will spear the girl a very uncomfortable death."
"Don't do it Kenshin!" Kaoru yelled angry at herself for being so helpless.
"Shut up." Kodo hissed behind her.
"Well Battòsai? What will you do?" Suiso said as he pushed his drenched bangs back.
"This one will…" Kenshin started willingly when a new voice broke through the thunder.
"Kodo!" Nakami yelled for about the fifth time finally being heard. "Are you afraid of the Battòsai?" Nakami yelled his lips trembling, clutched in his hand was Kenshin's Sakabato. "You're lucky that… that it's raining. Because then the others can't s..s…see your fear. That yellow, clear fear that I'm sure is trickling down your leg." Nakami wasn't sure what he was doing but he knew he had to buy some time. He wouldn't let Kenshin be fought so unfairly.
Kaoru could feel Kodo's grip on her tighten as Nakami made fun of him but she could also feel the dagger being pulled away from her neck. "What are you accusing me of Shizuka?" Kodo practically growled his attention quickly off of Kaoru and focused intensely at Nakami.
"You… you heard me." Nakami stuttered. "I bet you've wet your bed quite a few times huh? Always blaming me when you said you smelt piss when all a long it was you!" Nakami yelled as a little built up anger was released. "Wasn't it!"
Kodo was filled with rage as he pushed Kaoru away from him and ran towards Nakami dagger raised. "The girl you idiot!" Suiso screamed but his words were lost on Kodo's ears. With Kaoru of danger Kenshin ran to help Nakami. As Kodo swung his dagger Kenshin knew he was too late. Nakami held the Sakabato out in front of him as Kodo swung and connected with the sheath. The force sent Nakami flying backwards.
"Nakami!" Kenshin yelled running to the startled boy's side. "Are you alright?" Nakami was frightened but unharmed. He nodded a shaking yes and handed Kenshin his sword. Kenshin was about to take it when a sudden gust of wind blew Nakami back away from Kenshin.
"You traitorous piece of trash!" Suiso yelled. "I take you in and this is how you repay me? I will personally take care of you later!" Suiso moved his eyes toward Kenshin who was quickly heading toward Nakami and smiled. Silently he closed his eyes and began to chant.
Kenshin stopped when he felt the burning on his palms. "Not again." He hissed as he turned to take care of Suiso but what he saw surprised him.
With his eyes closed Suiso never saw it coming. "I DON'T THINK SO!" Kaoru yelled as her fist came down hard on Suiso's head. As Suiso crumpled to the ground Kaoru let out a happy sigh. "I've been waiting to do that forever!" Kenshin smiled as the storm slowly cleared and there was a tug on his sleeve.
"Here's your sword." Nakami said holding up the Sakabato to Kenshin.
"Thank-you. You were really brave that you were." Kenshin said making Nakami blush.
"I'll kill you. Both of you!" Kodo said rushing towards the two.
Nakami coward a bit but Kenshin acted like he hadn't heard and kept his back turned from Kodo. "This one wasn't sure what to do…" Kenshin paused and struck the charging Kodo in the stomach with the Sakabato without looking making Kodo fall to his knees. "…until you helped." Nakami just looked down in shock at the heaving Kodo. "However," Kenshin stated suddenly going serious "it's not over yet."
"That's right Battòsai. This isn't over by a long shot." Suiso said picking himself off the ground.
A/N: Now I ask for any of my reviewers who knows a little Japanese. I couldn't help myself even though I swore after this and my Duel fanfic I would take a break from fanfics and work on my original stories but another one has crept into my mind and won't leave me be till I write it. (Doges weapons of original characters as they are thrown) Anyway, this will be a fanfic about the Battòsai (doges Link's arrows as I yet again push back starting his fanfic) but I have an OC and I want her name to be Cat in Japanese… but I don't know how to spell it!!! So if anyone knows it or knows where I can find out how its spelt please leave me word!