Lady Battousai654: Hello friends! Sorry about the last update and how it took so long! Reviewer responses are once again at the bottom of the chappie!

Kenshin's head buzzed and he was dizzy. When he attempted to rub it with his hands to ease the throbbing pain he found them to be bound behind his back. He didn't panic until he realized he was to weak to break free of them and was at the mercy of his capture. His body felt drained and useless. Every hint of light seemed to burn his eyes. His hearing, as good as it was before, was now better than it had ever been along with his sight. Not fully comprehending this, he closed his eyes, wishing he was dead.

In the corner of the dark, carpeted room he heard a loud laugh that sounded so familiar but he couldn't put his finger on it and frankly, at the moment, he couldn't care less. The person that the laugh had come from then spoke in a soft yet evil tone.

"Kenshin," he said while still chuckling. "I can't believe you want to die already...you've only just begun your immortality. You've got a long way to go friend."

Kenshin's eyes narrowed and he turned his head slowly to try and see the man that was in here. Even though it was dark, he could see perfectly, but unfortunately, his captor was out of his line of sight. He heard footsteps and then saw him again.

"No? You don't remember me?" Another chuckle rose from his throat. "Well, maybe this will help."

He bent down and put his hand on Kenshin shoulder while opening his mouth and letting the sharp dangerous fangs slide down from their sheaths. He moved towards Kenshin's neck. At the familiar movement everything flooded back to him and with his only energy left he tried to scoot away from his, pure terror written all over his face. The Hitokiri had made it essential to never, ever show his emotion, but this was an exception, not to mention, he had no control of it. He was terrified, yes, who wouldn't be of a vampire looming in front of them with huge fangs coming at his neck.

"No need to be scared anymore, that part of the job is over. You don't need to fear me, you are one of us now, and I would never hurt you. The one that hates you though, is another story. He wants you dead, so if I were you I would watch my back."

"Many people want me dead," he said, his voice barely a whisper. His throat burned after throwing up so much yesterday, and his head throbbed painfully. His statement was true, people feared him and didn't want a killer like himself on the loose.

The stranger nodded understandingly. He could see the pain on this boy's face was genuine and he truly pitied him. Vampires were not devoid of emotion, no, not at all. In fact it was nearly the complete opposite. A vampire's emotions were more intense than a human, meaning their hatred burned more intensely than a human, and their love for another was so much more passionate.

"Kenshin, you can't be like this. You'll learn to get used to it. Your eyes, if you may have noticed, are probably really sensitive right now. It won't be like that for long. I'll go get you something to eat and then you'll feel better. Believe me Kenshin. Then we'll head out and I'll teach you some new tricks. Tricks, I guarantee you've never even imagined."

Leaving Kenshin to ponder his words he disappeared through a door and Kenshin heard footsteps echoing down the hall. He leaned his head against the wall, head still spinning. If this man didn't want to cause him harm, what was his purpose with him, and why were his hands tied together?

No sooner had he left than he came back and behind him, he dragged a women by the wrist. Her face was wet from tears and her hair was a mess showing there had been a struggle. The door slammed behind him and he shoved the woman to the middle of the room. Kenshin's eyes widened and he tried to back up against the wall. The stranger smirked and watched Kenshin's moves.

"Bon Appetite Himura."

Kenshin shook his head, watching the woman that was hugging her knees on the floor. The man made a tsk-ing sound moved towards her.

"Kenshin, you have to learn to eat. You're an assassin, you know the joy of it."

"But-but this woman did nothing to me. I-I've never killed a woman before."

The man shook his head and bent down towards her. She looked away from him but he grabbed her chin and turned her gaze to match his. Instantly, her breathing evened out and her eyes looked distant. He reclined her so she was laying flat on her back and untied her kimono. Kenshin's eyes widened more in shock as the vampire stripped the woman completely and traced his finger along her body.

Bending down, he kissed her neck, and his next one happened to be a little sharper. A short gasp was heard but when his hand massaged her breast she calmed down and looked as if she enjoyed it. Her eyes widened and then closed.

Kenshin looked away and clenched his eyes shut. Images of the woman still swam through his tortured mind and he couldn't take it anymore.

"Stop!"

He couldn't watch it anymore. The vampire looked up from her and finally removed his mouth while looking curiously at Kenshin. As soon as he removed his mouth, the woman seemed to snap out of her trance and noticed the position she was in. At first she whimpered but her soft cries evolved into horrible, hysterical shrieks. The vampire stood up and moved away from her shaking his head.

"Kenshin, don't think of it as murder. You need to live too. Please don't think of me as cruel now, but it's how we survive. By making me stop you caused her this and now she'll be in pain until she dies. I'll leave the rest to you."

He walked over to Kenshin and untied his hands, whispering that he only needed to look into her eyes and think about calming her and she would be okay. Then she would feel no pain. Vampires, were not cold and evil, they often felt pity for their victims, but it was normal routine for them. As normal as a human killing and eating a chicken or cow. Standing by the door, he waited for Kenshin to make his way to the still screaming woman that was trying to cover her bare form.

The screams pierced his head and he covered his ears while shutting his eyes. He would not take part in the murder of this woman. He couldn't. The stranger, became fed up with him and strode over to the girl and finished the job. She lay motionless and silent on the floor and he picked up her body to carry it away. He rolled his eyes and walked out the door leaving Kenshin to sit all alone in anguish with only the hope of death as a comfort.

-

His lids were closed lightly and his mouth was partly open as his chest fell indicating light breathing. Yes, he had fallen asleep after much trouble of trying to doze off. He didn't know the reason of the plague of insomnia, because he felt exhausted. Vampires strolled the halls outside of his dark room but he took no notice of it.

The slight creaking of the door made his eyes snap open instinctively, but he immediately regretted it as he saw who it was and the light burned his eyes, although not as bad as before. He tried to turn away from him but the vampire shut the door behind him and placed both of his hands on Kenshin's shoulders.

He flinched at the touch and dropped his head to avoid eye contact. Besides, he was so weak he could barely hold it up. The vampire didn't lift Kenshin's head but merely spoke softly to the young vampire.

"Himura, I brought you something to eat. Now, before you get all worked up, know that this prey is already dead and there's not even a body."

He wasn't lying. He had brought a cup full of a crimson liquid into the room with him, hoping that Kenshin would go for it. He picked up the small cup and held it in front of Kenshin waving it slightly so the smell could reach his nose.

He could definitely smell it, it was almost over-powering. It smelled better than anything had ever smelled. He lifted his head to look where it was coming from. There, in front of him was the source. A small cup of the usually vile liquid, but he had never craved something like this before.

Reaching out a shaky hand he took his cup and the other vampire his hand to steady it. Kenshin brought it to his mouth and closed his eyes. Placing his lips on the edge he tilted it back and let it slide down his throat. His skin got goosebumps as the taste made him want more.

He got out every drop and almost wouldn't let him take the cup from him. Not only did it taste better than anything he'd ever had, he instantly felt like he had more energy. He looked up at him his eyes burning the usual hateful glare rather than the dull yellow they had been mere seconds ago.

The vampire stepped away from Kenshin and Kenshin stood up as well, letting the rope that was still laying on this and fall to the ground. He kicked it angrily and glared back at the tall man in front of him. A question was burning inside of him and now that he felt better he asked it.

"What is your name," he said still with eyes narrowed. His voice had returned to it's normal stoic tone.

He smiled and answered without hesitation, "Kuro Kuchi," was his simple response.

Kenshin smirked.

"It suits you well."

"As does your's, Kenshin," he replied back. "I'm not going to hurt you, I actually want your help."

"If you didn't plan any harm on me, why did you bind my hands behind my back?"

He chuckled mostly to himself.

"That," he said his voice semi-serious, "was so you didn't scar yourself. You should've seen how you were tearing at your arms. I had to do something."

-

Kenshin dropped the form of the woman and wiped his mouth. He exhaled and looked at his hands which now seemed more dirty than before. The woman's lifeless body was slumped on the floor. Kuro laughed from behind.

"I told you. They like it and don't feel anything. Don't worry Kenshin. I knew the taste would grow on you. You feel powerful don't you? Isn't that a nice feeling?"

Kenshin didn't show any signs that he had even heard him at first but then turned around, eyes glowing even more. Kuro walked over to him and pushed him back inside. Inside was a vampire hangout. They always came here and they women that have been bitten always return here. Once, bitten they can't get enough, unless of course they have a strong spirit. Then they can control themselves.

Once inside, Kuro led Kenshin to a table towards the back of the abandoned inn which was thought to be "haunted" If only the foolish humans knew. Vampires laughed at their superstitious way of life but it made it all the more fun to torture them.

Sitting across from Kenshin, Kuro avoided his fiery gaze for it even spooked him, and he was a vampire! He felt foolish and refused to admit it. He looked at his red hair when he spoke to him.

"So, Kenshin are you going to help us."

Kenshin looked down and then looked up again, staring Kuro down.

"Kuro, I told you before, I'm already loyal to the Ishin. I can't fight on two sides."

"But these you two separate wars! It wouldn't be betrayal."

"Kuro, no. I think it's better if I leave now. Thank you for letting me stay here for awhile."

He didn't say thanks for everything, because he didn't want to be a vampire. The only thing that kept him going was the knowledge that someday, his suffering would be over. It was the only thing he had to hold onto and now Kuro took that away from him.

-

He walked through the streets of Kyoto seeing better than ever before. Everything looked different. Everything held a certain amusing trait, especially fire. The flames seemed to dance around hypnotically and could be stared at forever. That's what he had and that was it, forever.

Sneaking silently into the nearly deserted inn, he hoped no one would see him. He would have gone through the window be he had seen that Okami locked it. Cursing his luck his went up the stairs careful to avoid the known squeaky ones. He was almost there, he could see the closed door to his room but he was stopped by a small form huddled outside his door. He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw it was little Echiko.

Her jumped around the corner and watched her. Her small fingers pushed open the door and peered inside. Seeing that it was empty she sat on the outside. He walked around the corner and knelt down in front of the child. Her face lit up when she saw him.

"Ken-nii!"

"Shh," he whispered. "We don't want to wake everyone up."

"Where have you been?"

He didn't answer at first but couldn't ignore her.

"I was just taking care of some things," which wasn't really even partly true. Someone had really done him in instead of the other way around.

Echiko looked confused but shrugged her shoulders and held her arms out to wrap them around Kenshin's neck. He grimaced. Not because he didn't like her, but because he was ruining her with his nasty new self and as a matter of fact, he wasn't the greatest person for her to hang around as a human.

He picked her up though and carried her back to her room where her mom was. The door was cracked open and he saw Tomoe's form laying in the futon, sound asleep. He knew it was wrong to go in there, so he set Echiko down and opened the door a tiny bit wider.

"I can't go in there now. I'll see you again tomorrow, I promise," he said in a soft voice.

She looked momentarily hurt, but then smiled when he said he promised to see her tomorrow.

"Don't leave again Ken-nii," she warned him.

He smiled and watched her crawl back into bed with Tomoe. He then slid the door all the way closed and made his way back to his own room. He wasn't tired, not at all. He had just fed and it was a miracle that she hadn't smelled the blood on him...but then again, maybe the blood scent was in his imagination.

-

It was bright outside, but it didn't burn his eyes. After eating he was strong and the light didn't even affect him. It was when he was weak and hungry that it could truly do him damage. He wouldn't let it get to that point.

Walking downstairs he saw that Okami was the only one that was up. She surveyed the kitchen making adjustments here and there and cleaning up anything that was out of order. He strode past her and outside where he would usually jump into a tree and just sit, but believe it or not, he was hungry again. His hunger was greater that it had been as a human but when he fed it was much more satisfying.

He wondered if he would actually learn to enjoy his immortal life, but he doubted it. Before, he lived simply because he was told to and had planned to end his life after the war since he had no other use. Well, now it was official. He would always be a killer and there was no way to avoid it. He wanted to die...he truly did and he loathed Kuro for causing him to continue his suffering. All for his selfish reasons too. As if he couldn't have asked first and let him die.

Lost in his thoughts, he realized he needed to vent some of his anger and jumped the fence surrounding the inn. He stalked off to his secret place where no one ever was by the river. It was the perfect place to be alone and sulk in his misery, because that's what he was, without even the thought of permanent relief from misery to have anymore.

He finally reached his destination and sat down by the river bank watching the water sway in front of him, with an occasional fish swimming past him. Laying on his back, he wished it was dark but he closed his eyes and dozed off, for he got no sleep last night.

-

A vampire's sleep doesn't have dreams. It's always a deep, thoughtless slumber and he was relieved that no more nightmares plagued him during his rest. As if he didn't have enough to worry about in the day.

He must have been sleeping a long time, because when he woke up, it was night. He felt better now that it was dark and he had gotten some sleep. But of course, his peace was interrupted when something rustled in the bushes.

Springing up, he unsheathed his sword and looked at the bush the sound came from. He could make out the shape of the plant shaking. It wasn't the wind. There was something in there. He stayed where he was and called out to the intruder.

Soon, a body pulled itself out from the bushes. Whoever he was, he didn't look so good. Soon though, even at their distance apart, Kenshin recognized the man's uniform as one of the Ishin Shishi's. Kenshin sheathed his sword and walked over to the man laying on the ground. His eyes actually held some pity as he watched one of his comrades dying in front of him. He knelt down and put his hand on the ground next to him. The man was gasping and Kenshin could barely make out his words, but he got them.

"Him-Himura. We need your he-help."

"What? Why? What's happened?"

"We were attacked."

He never had the chance to ask any other question because with one last escaping breath his eyes closed and he lay motionless, his pain ended. Kenshin stood and sprinted off into the direction of the inn.

Who had attacked them and managed to kill off so many people that they needed his help? The Ishin Shishi were not weak men, not at all. His heart pounded as he wondered what he could expect at the inn.

As he neared it, he heard shouts and the metallic clank of sword against sword and the sickening thud of sword against flesh. Rounding the corner her finally came upon the scene and didn't stop even though he was shocked. This, was an army of vampires. Not the ones from Kuro's army, but from the one he was fighting. They had come for Kenshin, wanting his power. Well, he would give them a taste of it.

As soon as he stepped foot onto the battle field, everything came to a halt. One vampire laughed and walk towards Kenshin.

"You are Kenshin are you not? If you come with us, we will not kill you."

Kenshin spat out his answer, eyes blazing again with more hate than he had ever felt, but that was nothing compared to what he would soon feel.

"I would never join you. You think killing off my comrades will make me like you? Think again."

All of the vampires had their attention focused on Kenshin now as did the survivors so far from his side. There was nothing they could do, otherwise they would help. They had already learned that their chances of survival were very slim yet they fought bravely, an admiral trait.

They walked over to him and he stared at them with a look that usually followed with death. Tonight would end with more death, but unfortunately, they would be innocent. He looked to his comrades and then back to the vampire. He jerked his head towards his fellow Ishin.

"Let them go. They've no importance to you."

He smirked. "And what of the women inside?"

"Them too," he nearly shouted.

"Nah, I think we'll keep them as our prizes," he said and all the other men got a great chuckle out of this.

Kenshin's eyes burned even more and his voice turned so lethal that even the vampire could see that he meant it.

"Go inside, we're gonna go in there soon and kill everyone we see. Whoever you save is free to go. Everyone else dies."

Kenshin looked appalled.

"You think this is a game? You're more sick than I thought!"

"You'd better hurry, your clock is ticking."

Not knowing what else to do, Kenshin ran inside and into the kitchen to see Okami and the two helpers huddled in the kitchen. He ran over to them and pulled them up by their arms and told them to run. Run as fast as they could outside and away from the men out there.

He jumped up the stairs, two steps at a time and burst through every room looking for Tomoe and Echiko. Finally, he found them. Tomoe was trying to shush and calm a sobbing Echiko who was snuggled in her mother's arms. Tomoe looked up horrified when Kenshin came running in but the relief on her face when she saw it was him was incredible. She stood holding Echiko in her arms and ran over to Kenshin and into his arms, sobbing herself. Kenshin wrapped his arms around her and closed his eyes momentarily. He let go of her and held her shoulders gently.

"The men outside are coming inside very soon. Everyone inside will die. I've gotten Okami and her girls out. Come on now!"

From downstairs, they all heard a very loud and obnoxious laugh.

"Oh Kenshin! Time is up," he said in tauntingly sing-song voice.

Anger surged through Kenshin body and he ushered them to the window. Looking down, Tomoe knew he could only take one at a time. She wouldn't allow him to try them both. She stopped him from picking her up as they heard the vampires, purposely take forever on each step of the stairs.

She tore herself away from him and looked at Echiko.

"Listen Echiko, Ken-nii is going to take you out the window now, okay? You like him, you'll be okay. I love you my Echiko."

Knowing there was not time for more she kissed her daughter's head and placed her in Kenshin's arms.

She whispered to him,

"Don't you dare come back for me. You take her and run as far away as you can. I'll never forgive you if you come back, please. I trust you with her and she trusts you."

She hugged him and placed her hand on the side of his face. Shoving him near the window, she turned towards the door as the voices grew nearer. She looked back at Kenshin and shouted at him.

"Go! Kenshin, please go!"

Kenshin did as he was told and holding Echiko tight, he jumped from the window and landed on the ground. Echiko had her face buried in his shoulder and he never even had the chance to look back at Tomoe.

-

Flashback Epilogue

Before they left Kyoto, Kenshin remembered the letter from his victim and delivered it to the wife ofthe man. Echiko and Kenshin became inseparable and she grew to be a beautiful young women who strongly reminded him of Tomoe. As Echiko grew older many boys began to court her and Kenshin disappeared into the shadows, hardly seen by Echiko, as agreed, and her new family. She hadone child, and the child was introduced to Kenshin when she was young so she wasn't afraid of him. After Echiko's death, Kenshin followed her daughter as she grew up and eventually watched over her single child as well.

This line continued for many, many years until one day, the descendant of Tomoe married a well known man through-out the vampire community. He was known, hated, and feared but Kenshin continued his duty of protecting Echiko and her own as he had promised so many years ago. The newest daughter hadn't been introduced to him, so he couldn't speak to her or rarely be seen by her but he protected her because the vampires that killed Tomoe were still out there and they wanted to kill her every last relative.

Not so long ago, especially in vampire time, he had replayed the same scenario that had occurred between him and Tomoe. The vampires had tracked her family down and were ready to kill her and her child, but the child's mother insisted that Kenshin take her baby and so he did. Once again, he never saw her again and he brought the baby to her father, leaving no clue as to who had done it.

And so, Kenshin had found the purpose for his immortal life but the pact would be broken and old grudges resurfaced...

Lady Battousai: Phew! I have to say I'm proud of this chapter. Thanks for all the reviews and support guys, and yes, the flashbacks are over. The next chapter will take place in modern times. Okay, I've pretty much completely altered the story behind Kenshin and Tomoe but this my creation so please no flames. Wow, anyone else notice how crappy my writing was before that long break? Lol, I think I'm gonna have to modify those and add more detail!

Vampire Demon: Yeah, they're done. Good news for the people that were sick of them but it was important to the storyline. Yes, I'm better now, but I was feelin' bad for awhile.

Bradybunch4529: Thanks a ton! I'm glad you commented on the emotion because that's what I was really focusing on! Hope you liked the newest chapter. -Lady Battousai

Nanakiyoda: Yup, and I didn't want to make you wait that long again! Lol, I think this was a bit faster. -Lady Battousai

kitsune: Well, flashbacks are done. I hope they weren't to painful for you to read...but it's back to modern times for the next chapter. Thanks for reviewing! -Lady Battousai

Aine of Knockaine: Thank you very much! Character portrayal is what I try and always get right, but sometimes I don't. Lol. -Lady Battousai

Kirrae: That's the whole purpose of school, lol thanks for taking the time to review! -Lady Battousai

Mironicka: Thanks you! That one and this newest one are probably my favorite so far. Yep, Vampire's all better now. -Lady Battousai

legolasestelstar: Happy new year to you too! Good to see you again, lol. My Christmas was great. I got a lot of neato stuff. Like lots of gift cards/money, CD's, movies. Yay! Great guessed but I actually created the vampire myself! Lol, and the man than Kenshin killed wasn't significant either. Hmm, never even thought of Hiko but I'll try and fit him in here somewhere just for you! Lol! -Lady Battousai

Yeah, Christmas was fun. I got a guitar, the one I've been wanting...anyway. Yeah I'm better now, but being that sick was hell! Don't anyone come near me if you even have a cold!You know I'm joking, right?-Vampire Demon

animegurl23: Thanks for your reviews. I'm really glad you're enjoying the fic and hope you like the new chapter as much as the others! Yup, Vampire Demon is writing the story as well. -Lady Battousai

Hello. -Vampire Demon

Rain Angst: We both love vampires too! Yes, sounds painful. Thanks for your review! -Lady Battousai

Rinoa-Heartilly-666: Homework bites...thanks for saying it was awesome. It was one of my favorites too, that I've written so far and I'm glad our readers like it too! -Lady Battousai