Rurouni Kenshin Fanfic

Rurouni Kenshin & Samurai X Original Japanese Version © N.Watsuki/Shueisha Fuji-TV SME Visual Works Inc. Sony Pictures Entertainment

All Fanfics created by Chiruken (me) were written for the sole purpose of shared entertainment and not intended for publication or sale.

Battousai

By Chiruken

Scarring

Battousai wasn't certain how it had happened, but Shinta had awakened in the middle of a battle. Distracted by the child's horrified shock and mental wail of distress, he'd faltered. Now he bore the mark of one stubborn, yet incredibly poor, swordsman. He lifted his hand slowly and traced his fingers over the bloody wound marring his cheek. His displeasure was immense, yet his time was occupied with attempts at consoling his "host" rather than focusing on his anger at being caught unawares by an inferior warrior. To appease both the boy and his own unfamiliar feelings of compassion, he dropped a blossom on the body of the man who'd managed to mark him...the first in untold centuries to do so.

He stared at the man called Izuka, dislike glinting in his amber eyes. Somehow, the man reminded him of a snake...he wasn't certain what it was about him, but he had a feeling that Izuka would cause him no small amount of grief at some point in the future. However, he was unable to act upon his suspicions and eliminate the possible threat he posed. To do so would be an act of treason against the faction he'd claimed loyalty to...and also, with Shinta fully conscious and aware, it would be unthinkably cruel to subject the boy to such an act of cold brutality. With no proof, he wouldn't be able to justify his actions to his host to a suitable level. So, Izuka, the snake, would live...for the time being.

He turned his attention once again to calming Shinta. The boy was beginning to realize just what it was he was playing host to, Battousai realised. He'd hoped that the truth would never become an issue, but here was evidence of what hoping did for him. Sighing, he turned his steps towards the privacy of the river bank. He wanted no witnesses around if either he or Shinta forgot themselves during their upcoming conversation and spoke aloud. He didn't wish for his host's mental stability to be questioned any more than it already was.

Shinta... He began slowly, carefully modulating his mental voice into an almost gentle whisper. It is regrettable that you had to witness that.

You killed him!

Battousai winced at the panicked shout echoing within his mind. There were times that being so closely joined with the boy was trying...and others that it became nearly unbearable. Yes, I killed him. He didn't bother to deny such a simple fact, the evidence had been there before the boy's eyes.

But why? What did he do? Shinta was clearly puzzled and though he was obviously stricken by Battousai's actions, he wished to understand the reasoning behind the violence. He didn't want to lose his faith in the creature that had saved his life while he'd still been a slave.

He wouldn't stand down. Even to him, it sounded like a poor excuse for taking the unknown man's life. In a time of war, there can be no hesitation.

But...

Compassion has no place on a battlefield. To have allowed that man to live would have compromised our usefulness...our goal.

Our...goal? Much to Battousai's relief, Shinta appeared to be calming.

In order to achieve our goal, the Ishinshishi must be victorious. The final outcome of this war that we find ourselves in should appeal to you, Shinta. An era of peace.

I wouldn't have thought that you would think of that.

He started and stood up straighter, golden eyes widening in his surprise. I don't understand.

I'm not deaf. The people at the inn talk while you sleep...they say you're...that I am a hitokiri. You've tried to hide the truth from me...why?

I had no wish to trouble you.

You kill people while I'm asleep. You've killed a lot of people. How can murder ever result in the peace you mentioned?

Battousai raised his hand and pinched the bridge of his nose. A discussion of ethics with his host wasn't what he'd hoped for when he began the conversation, yet somehow it had turned into one. In the end, once the Ishinshishi have gained power over the government they wish to implement...and the emperor has been restored to his rightful place as leader of the people, peace will reign.

Impossible. Shinta's mental tone revealed his growing anger towards the being he shared his body with. Violence does nothing but create more violence. How can you, of all people, not know this? Aren't the kami wise and knowledgeable?

I'm no kami, boy.

Then...then wh-what are you? You saved my life...after I prayed at a shrine you came to me...if you aren't kami, then what are you?

He had hoped the day would never come when he would have to explain to Shinta just what manner of being he truly was. The rift between the two was growing with each passing moment as they found themselves on opposite sides of this argument, and the truth would only make the situation worse. He didn't want to answer, yet he felt that the boy deserved an answer all the same. The silence stretched as he searched for a way to convey an answer to Shinta's question that wouldn't scare the boy witless. He finally settled on something that was rather ambiguous, yet oddly accurate. Youkouhei. He wasn't certain if he should be worried or grateful that Shinta didn't question him further. With a deep sigh of regret he turned and stepped back onto the road. He felt an almost unnatural compulsion to clean himself of the blood and stench of death, the aftermath of the recent battle. He lifted his hand again and touched his fingers to his injury. He had a feeling the scar left by the nameless man he'd just killed would have a great impact on the lives of himself and Shinta in the days to come.

Author's Notes:

Just as a quick note...to the best of my knowledge the word "Youkouhei" isn't in a Japanese dictionary. I took the liberty of "making up" a word. "You" is derived from "youkai" meaning ghost; apparition; phantom; spectre; demon; monster; goblin;... and "kouhei" was taken from arms; war; armed warrior. The meaning I was attempting to achieve was something like "War Demon" or "Warrior Demon". Japanese Roumaji words and meanings were found here: http: www. solon. org/ cgi-bin/ j-e/ dict (of course, minus the spaces since FFn apparently doesn't like links).

And...once again, I apologize for taking so darn long to update. I have a ton of excuses all lined up for the delay...but the simplest explanation would be that I forgot where I was going with the story and didn't know how to proceed.