AN: *sigh!* As much as I would like to own such a delicious hunk of man. I
don't own Kenshin/Battousai or any other of the Kenshin-gumi. They belong
to Nobuhiro Watsuki (damn him!) ^-* Ah well.
Anyhoo, welcome to the new and hopefully much improved chapters 1 &2 now combined into one chapter for your easy reading pleasure - - - kick back and enjoy. ^-^
Chapter One:
"Ladies and gentlemen we will be landing shortly, please remember, all cell phones and electronic devices must be turned off."
Battousai smiled slightly, of all the marvels the Twentieth Century had produced, airplanes were his favorite. He often wondered what it would be like to learn to fly one, to ride the skies, to be free. He gave a sharp shake of his head and immediately clamped down on that line of thinking. Freedom had no place in his life. It never had. He was almost grateful for the distraction of the plan taxiing to a halt. With a quick, cat-like movement he swung his carry-on over his shoulder and made his way to the exit.
"Have a nice day Battousai-san" The cute young flight attendant smiled shyly at him.
"Thank you." He replied and smiled back at her, allowing a little heat to reach his eyes. He smiled a little wider as she jumped and blushed.
Feeling better and a bit more smug, he made his way through the concourse. As he approached the security checkpoint, he reached into his black leather jacket to pull out his lethal weapon license. The license, which proclaimed him an internationally sanctioned bounty hunter and Slayer, was the only way he was allowed to carry his katana and 9-mm in public. He handed the license to the young security guard, watching the guard's eyes widen as he read the name on the card. That was another perk of the times, news coverage of some of his more sensational hunts had led him to become a rather infamous figure among his home population of Japan. The Legendary Slayer was what they called him when he consented to be interviewed. He smirked to himself. One could almost hear the capital letters in the name when the news media proclaimed the title.
"Welcome home Battousai-san." The license was handed swiftly back and his carry-on bag was ignored.
Battousai merely nodded his head in acknowledgement and continued through the concourse. Sometimes he missed the "old" days when he had first become the Hittokiri Battousai. Things were much simpler then. One did not need a "license" to carry a weapon, nor did one need a "warrant" when someone or something needed killing. He sighed; yes, things had been much simpler before the arrival of the Twentieth Century.
Alone with his thoughts, he strode to where he had left his car these many long months. In only a matter of moments he had his carry-on bag stashed in the trunk and his katana in the passenger seat next to him. He drove with only one thought in mind. It was good to be home
*
Kamiya Kaoru leaned her head against the window, watching the rain slide down the panes of glass. Tears welled again in her blue eyes, but she wiped them away. It wouldn't do for her secretary to walk in and see her bawling. The CEO of a multinational corporation did not cry. Kaoru drew in a deep breath, struggling to regain her composure. She wanted so badly to be home and out of this stifling business suit, to be home and under the covers where she could hide from her sorrow
"There is no shame in expressing your grief, but do not let it rule you." Her father had said to her as he had fought his losing battle with cancer.
"How?" She whispered. "How can I do that when I am so alone?"
The falling rain gave her no answer; the dark gray sky offered no comfort. There was no one left to comfort her. She had been six years old when her mother had died. She had been too young to understand what was wrong, yet old enough to realize something bad was happening. Kaoru could still remember the pain of realizing her dear mother would never waken. She would never open her blue eyes again, no matter how much Kaoru had pleaded with her. Now at 21, it was her father who she could no longer waken with her pleadings for him to stay.
"Kaoru?" A masculine voice called her name and she was grateful it was not her secretary.
She turned away from the window to face one of her closest friends. To look at him one would never believe that Sagara Sanouske had been a street punk from the wrong side of the tracks. Dressed in an expensive business suit he looked every inch the vice-president of a multinational corporation. The only thing that didn't quite fit in with the image was his hair, a little longer than was currently appropriate and spiked straight up. She smiled a bit. *He looks like he slept wrong on his hair again.* Kaoru thought to herself.
"Yes, Sano?"
"Am I bothering you?"
"Not at all. I was just thinking.."
"Of you father?" He walked over to her desk, his face full of sorrow. "I miss him too, Kaoru-chan."
The gentleness in his voice almost brought the tears again. "Ahh. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you cry."
"It's okay." She took a deep breath. It had been a month since his passing and if she tried hard enough she could push the sorrow just out of reach. "Did you need me for something?"
"Yes. As much as I hate to, I wanted to remind you of the Board meeting next week. I think it would be a good idea to go over the stock reports and the research reports. You know there are elements on the Board who don't approve of a young woman running a multi-national company. If we show the old fogies that you are excellently prepared and more informed than they are, then I think we can squash any doubters."
"Thanks, you're right. Can you get me those reports tomorrow?"
"Definitely."
Kaoru nodded. She turned back to the window as Sanouske walked back to his own office. The anger his word brought helped to push the pain back further. She clenched her fists tightly, those stupid old men. The Board of Directors was made up of seven men and one woman, all her father's age or older, and sometimes were as hide-bound as a stick of wood. He cobalt eyes snapped with fire. She was Kamiya's daughter and even though she may be only 21, she was more qualified to run her father's company then any of those old fools.
*
The bar was smoky and dimly lit. In a far corner a cloaked and hooded figure sat alone, one slender hand tapping an impatient rhythm on the table. After a few moments a young man sat down opposite the figure. He was not Japanese, his shaggy blond hair and cold green eyes proclaimed him a Westerner.
"It's about time you arrived." The voice speaking from the depths of the hood was neither male nor female and carefully neutral.
The blond shrugged. "Traffic is hell in Tokyo."
"That is neither here nor there. You are the Wolf, I presume?"
"I am," and he frowned. The aura from the hooded figure was not one that he recognized. "And you are?"
"My name is unimportant. I was told you would be able to help me with my 'problem'?"
"Ahhh." Wolf smiled slowly, and with greater intelligence than the hooded figure would have given him credit for asked. "Why me? Why a werewolf and not an ordinary human?"
"Because this will be a difficult kill."
"Who?"
"Kamiya Karou."
*
Cars were Battousai's second favorite thing about the Twentieth Century. He had discovered that he enjoyed the feeling of complete control driving had given him, not to mention the speed these machines were capable of. His current was a black Lamborghini.
With a skill that was as natural as breathing, Battousai negotiated the crowded streets of Tokyo. His penthouse was located in one of the best sections of the city and even had its own parking garage. He pulled the Lamborghini into its accustomed parking spot and got out, making sure to fasten his katana in its usual position on his hip. As he slung his carry- on over his shoulder, movement to his right caught his eye. Turning, he spied a tall man with spiky brown hair exiting the elevators.
Feeling Battousai's gaze, Sanouske looked up to meet a pair of hard amber eyes. He felt his own widen in surprise. They were close enough to speak.
"Kenshin! It's been a long time."
"Hai." It had been almost twenty years ago when Battousai had inadvertently rescued a small boy intent on getting revenge against the vampires that had killed his sister. To Battousai's surprise, he had taken a liking to the boy. He had allowed the young Sano to accompany him as he hunted down the vampires and afterward set the now orphaned boy up with the family who had hired him. "How have you been?" Sanouske asked.
"Well enough thank you." Battousai did not miss the excellent cut of Sanouske's suit. "It seems you have done well for yourself."
"Yeah, pretty good for a kid from the streets, huh? Hey, you wanna get together sometime and catch up?" Sanouske could see the tiredness in those amber eyes.
Battousai nodded. He accepted the small business card that was handed to him. "I would enjoy that. I have been too much alone as of late."
"Then call me after you've settled." Sanouske said before turning to continue on his way.
Battousai looked down at the card and felt his eyes widen a bit. It read:
Sagara Sanouske
Vice President
Kamiya Corporation
It seemed Sanouske had indeed done very well for himself. With a small smile, Battousai walked to the elevator and hit the penthouse button. As the elevator slipped upward, he found himself looking forward to the peace and quiet. To say these past few months had been difficult was an understatement. The white on white of the hallway offered an emptiness he found oddly comforting after the chaos of his most recent mission. He unlocked his door and stepped inside. The interior was dark and sparsely furnished. He was there so little he did not feel the need for any elaborate decoration. A sofa, a few chairs, a dining room table were all he needed. He laid his blade reverently on the shrine by the door and dropped his bag on to the carpet.
His thoughts flicked back to Sanouske and he had to admit it had been a bit of a shock. The picture he held in his mind was of Sanouske as a gawky teenager, not this self-possessed, successful man. Yet why was he surprised? It had happened so many times before as those he knew grew older and older while he remained forever the same. For a moment he was seized by a rage so great it stole his breath away. Yet it was an impotent rage, for the one who had done this to him was long turned to dust and ash. She had cursed him two hundred years ago and he still raged at the cruelty of it all. Then he could do nothing but remember.
It was the Bakumatsu and he, Himura Kenshin, was the Hittokiri Battousai. The Manslayer. He killed without care, without remorse, ruthlessly burying the part of himself that cried out for mercy. He was the Ishin Shishi's ultimate weapon in their bid for control.
For six months the Shinsengumi seemed to be able to predict where and when they would strike. A thorough search of the ranks revealed the spy, Shinoki, but he disappeared before he could be brought to justice. Battousai had been ordered to find him and kill him. It had not been easy, but in the end he had found the man.
"Nooo." He groaned; he did not want to remember anymore, but the memory had seized him and would not let go.
The penthouse vanished and he was once again standing outside the small hut. By the sound of his voice, Battousai knew Shinoki was inside. A woman's voice could be heard in counterpoint.
With one brutal kick the door shattered inward, and it was then he realized why it had been so difficult to track the man. Symbols were hung everywhere and a heavy aura of magic centered on the woman. She was a witch and had been hiding her man with magic.
"Magic will not help you now," he growled, his eyes burning amber, his katana gleaming.
He screamed at his past self to stop, to not walk forward, but walk forward he did, sword poised and ready.
"Will you not defend yourself?" His past self asked, scornful of the man cowering on the ground.
"Leave us alone, Battousai!" The woman stood tall before him, her green eyes flashing. "I will not let you harm him!"
"Your magic means nothing to me. Shinoki is marked for death."
"You will not harm him!" The woman repeated and stepped toward the Battousai.
"Lichia, no. Don't threaten him." Shinoki pleaded. In that slender moment of distraction, he turned his head to look at the marked man, only to feel the sting of a knife skim his cheek. He growled deep in his throat and swung those blazing amber eyes back to the witch. She held a second throwing knife. Moving with lightening speed, Battousai knocked her to the floor. He followed the move with a downward strike, slicing the man's head cleanly from his neck. Battousai paused for only a moment and in that pausing was trapped. He watched the woman struggle to her feet, her expression flitting from shock to horror to grief to rage.
"RUN!" He screamed to his past self.
It was too late. He was caught in the spell the witch was weaving, caught by the fire in her green eyes. He felt the magic shriek along his skin like glass, imprisoning him.
"I curse you Himura Kenshin, Hittokiri Battousai! Never shall you die, never shall you age until you learn that love is greater than steel!"
With a cry he ripped himself from the past to fall to his hands and knees on the floor. His breath came in ragged gasps. It had been long since he had been caught by the memory of that moment, the moment his life had been torn apart. At the time he had scoffed at her curse, but as the people around him aged and died while he remained ever unchanging, he had no choice but to believe. He had spent many years searching for someone who could lift the curse, but even the strongest of witches shook their head in denial. He was well and truly cursed.
*
Kaoru was having trouble sleeping, not that that was anything new. She tossed the covers from her western style bed and got to her feet. An English friend of her father's had once commented that warm milk always helped him to sleep, maybe it would help her. It was too hot for a robe so she walked toward the kitchen in only a thin nightgown. She was halfway across the living room when the soft sound of glass falling caught her ear. Kaoru stiffened in alarm. It had come from the bathroom. Glad she was in bare feet, she slipped silently to where her bokken stood. Gripping it tightly, she made her way to the bathroom. Her heart thudded in her chest.
There was silence beyond the bathroom door and in that silence her breathing seemed unnaturally loud. Using her bokken, she pushed the door back and stepped just inside the room. Her hand searched for the light switch. There was a soft click and the room was drenched in light. She gasped at the broken and now open window before her, but the bathroom was empty. Someone was in the penthouse.
She turned desperate to get to the phone, when a blur of movement caught her eye. Kaoru looked up just in time to see a large, furred shape hurling at her from her right. Instinct alone save her as with all her strength she brought her bokken up into a defensive strike. The werewolf howled in pain and dropped to all fours on the floor. She wasn't about to give is a second chance and sprinted for the living room.
*Almost there.* She thought, her hand stretched out to grab the phone, but she just wasn't fast enough. The impact of the werewolf's body drove the air from her lungs and she fell to the floor, her bokken skidding out of her and out of her reach. At the feel of hot breath on her neck, she screamed, screamed as loud a she could. Something grabbed her hair and slammed her head into the tile floor. Sparks exploded across her vision. She groaned fighting back the blackness, struggling to get free from the heavy body on top of her. The growling was right in her ear, her heart pounded louder. Somewhere in the back of her mind she heard a door being smashed open, and then there was silence.
"If you want to live, let her go and leave now." The voice was definitely male.
The werewolf howled and sudden she was free. Kaoru heard the sound of fighting and the werewolf's cries of pain, but try as she might, she couldn't seem to lift her head. There was a great crash of glass and then silence again.
Slowly she rolled onto her side, but with her head spinning in endless circles, that was as far as she could get. A hand touched her shoulder and she jumped. It helped her to sit up and Kaoru looked up at her rescuer to find herself staring into a pair of gleaming golden eyes.
*
High above the city, Battousai sat perilously close to the edge of the tiny patio wall, meditating, trying to clear his mind of the memories. This high the sounds of the city nearly vanished in the soft moan of the wind winding its way between the high-rises. Suddenly, that same wind brought the softest sound of nails scrapping on concrete. He cocked his head to catch the sound again, but there was only the wind sighing and the gentle rustle of leaves from the plants decorating the other patios. He frowned. Something wasn't right. A shadow moved unexpectedly along the balcony next to him. He watched it disappear in the darker shadows of the building itself. The sharp sound of breaking glass brought him off the ledge and over to the low dividing wall, waiting. There was no sound for a moment, then suddenly, running footsteps, the howl of a werewolf, a crash and a woman's scream. It was not the woman's scream, but the howl of the werewolf that set his feet in motion. Quicker than thought, he was in the hallway before her door, katana in his hands. With one swift kick the door flew inward, and he stepped inside to see a huge, shaggy, gray werewolf slam the woman's head into the floor.
"If you want to live, let her go and leave now." Was all he said.
Battousai was unsurprised when the werewolf leapt at him. They were all the same. Two centuries of training and a gift of god-like speed allowed him to avoid the werewolf's initial rush. His sword sang as it sliced deep into the beast's side. The werewolf howled in outrage and swung around to face him, yellow eyes burning. Again the werewolf lunged and again Battousai slid effortlessly out of its way. The hittokiri struck hard and blood blossomed along the beast's other side. With another howl it leaped away from him to crash through the sliding glass doors and into the night.
Battousai cleaned his blade against the couch before sheathing it. He turned to leave, but a quite groan caught his attention. He had almost forgotten the woman. With a sigh, he turned back and walked to where she lay, feebly trying to rise. She was a tiny thing, so slender. Black hair fell like a waterfall of silk over her shoulders, hiding her face. Taking her shoulder in a light grasp, he felt her jump in surprise. Ignoring her surprise, he helped her to sit up. She looked up at him and the world stopped for one long heartbeat. Her skin was exquisite porcelain; her lips the deepest of rubies, but it was her eyes that caught and held him. A brilliant blue, full of unguarded innocence, they beckoned to him as nothing ever had. In two hundred years he had been with more beautiful women than he cared to remember, but here was someone who eclipsed them all. He could think of only one thing: +Mine.+ *
Kaoru gasped. His eyes above her drove all thought from her mind. He was every fantasy she had ever had come to life. His flame red hair flickered in the breeze with a life of its own. The shadowy light highlighted the cross-shaped scar on his cheek, giving him a rakish, wild look.
"Wh-wh-who are you?" She managed to squeak.
"I am Himura Battousai, and you are?" His voice vibrated along her skin.
"K-Kamiya Kaoru." Her voice grew a bit steadier. "Thank you. Thank you, you saved my life."
He merely nodded. Kaoru felt she should be on her feet and struggled to rise. His hand slid slowly from her shoulder to her elbow as he helped her to stand. Kaoru wasn't sure if the weakness and dizziness she felt was from his nearness or the blow to her head. She looked up at him to again express her thanks when suddenly she found her vision fading into blackness.
*
Battousai caught her easily as she sagged into unconsciousness. He noticed the darkness of a bruise blossoming on her forehead and frowned. She was going to need medical attention. With unconscious ease, he swung her up into his arms. A part of him was surprised and pleased at how nicely she fit into his arms. He carried her to the couch and laid her down. Without taking his eyes from her still form he picked up the cell phone on the table beside him and dialed the front desk.
"Yes, there's been a break-in. Miss Kaoru will need medical attention. My name? Himura Battousai."
He waited until he could hear the sirens approach before rising lithely to his feet. He laid a possessive hand along her cheek, smiling as she sighed.
"I will see you again, Kamiya Kaoru."
He left, not by the door, but by the shattered sliding glass doors. In one smooth motion he leaped to stand on the patio ledge, balancing above the city. The wind whipped his hair around his head as he scented the night. What was a rouge werewolf doing breaking into this particular penthouse? His mind, made suspicious from years of hunting the paranormal, wondered if perhaps the werewolf had been sent to kill this young woman. Kamiya. Could it be she was related somehow to the Kamiya Corporation that Sanouske worked for? It was a puzzle he wished to learn more about and with another graceful leap he was on his own tiny patio. Battousai strode inside and across the living room to the phone.
"Sanouske." Sano's voice was blurred with sleep.
"Do you know a Kamiya Kaoru?"
"Kenshin?"
"Yes, now do you know a Kamiya Kaoru?"
"I do. She's my boss. Why?"
"She was attacked in her penthouse tonight. Do you know anyone who might want to kill her?"
There was silence on the other end of the phone. Battousai could almost smell his fear.
"What!?"
"She was attacked by werewolf tonight. I believe she is being taken to the hospital as we speak. Do you know who might be behind this?"
"N-n-no. I mean she's now the head of the Kamiya Corporation after the death of her father, but they had no enemies that I know of."
"Hmmmm." He made a quick decision. "I doubt this was simply a random attack. And if it was not, then when one sends a werewolf to kill they are very serious. I will find out what I can and let you know."
Battousai ignored Sanouske's spluttering on the other end of the phone and hung up. He smiled coldly. This would be an intruiging challenge, and he was never one to ignore a challenge.
On an end note I'd like to thank BR for beta-reading and extremely helpful suggestions. *sends many cookies and other goodie to BR* If you enjoyed the new version let me know and if you want more just click the little review button. ^-^
Anyhoo, welcome to the new and hopefully much improved chapters 1 &2 now combined into one chapter for your easy reading pleasure - - - kick back and enjoy. ^-^
Chapter One:
"Ladies and gentlemen we will be landing shortly, please remember, all cell phones and electronic devices must be turned off."
Battousai smiled slightly, of all the marvels the Twentieth Century had produced, airplanes were his favorite. He often wondered what it would be like to learn to fly one, to ride the skies, to be free. He gave a sharp shake of his head and immediately clamped down on that line of thinking. Freedom had no place in his life. It never had. He was almost grateful for the distraction of the plan taxiing to a halt. With a quick, cat-like movement he swung his carry-on over his shoulder and made his way to the exit.
"Have a nice day Battousai-san" The cute young flight attendant smiled shyly at him.
"Thank you." He replied and smiled back at her, allowing a little heat to reach his eyes. He smiled a little wider as she jumped and blushed.
Feeling better and a bit more smug, he made his way through the concourse. As he approached the security checkpoint, he reached into his black leather jacket to pull out his lethal weapon license. The license, which proclaimed him an internationally sanctioned bounty hunter and Slayer, was the only way he was allowed to carry his katana and 9-mm in public. He handed the license to the young security guard, watching the guard's eyes widen as he read the name on the card. That was another perk of the times, news coverage of some of his more sensational hunts had led him to become a rather infamous figure among his home population of Japan. The Legendary Slayer was what they called him when he consented to be interviewed. He smirked to himself. One could almost hear the capital letters in the name when the news media proclaimed the title.
"Welcome home Battousai-san." The license was handed swiftly back and his carry-on bag was ignored.
Battousai merely nodded his head in acknowledgement and continued through the concourse. Sometimes he missed the "old" days when he had first become the Hittokiri Battousai. Things were much simpler then. One did not need a "license" to carry a weapon, nor did one need a "warrant" when someone or something needed killing. He sighed; yes, things had been much simpler before the arrival of the Twentieth Century.
Alone with his thoughts, he strode to where he had left his car these many long months. In only a matter of moments he had his carry-on bag stashed in the trunk and his katana in the passenger seat next to him. He drove with only one thought in mind. It was good to be home
*
Kamiya Kaoru leaned her head against the window, watching the rain slide down the panes of glass. Tears welled again in her blue eyes, but she wiped them away. It wouldn't do for her secretary to walk in and see her bawling. The CEO of a multinational corporation did not cry. Kaoru drew in a deep breath, struggling to regain her composure. She wanted so badly to be home and out of this stifling business suit, to be home and under the covers where she could hide from her sorrow
"There is no shame in expressing your grief, but do not let it rule you." Her father had said to her as he had fought his losing battle with cancer.
"How?" She whispered. "How can I do that when I am so alone?"
The falling rain gave her no answer; the dark gray sky offered no comfort. There was no one left to comfort her. She had been six years old when her mother had died. She had been too young to understand what was wrong, yet old enough to realize something bad was happening. Kaoru could still remember the pain of realizing her dear mother would never waken. She would never open her blue eyes again, no matter how much Kaoru had pleaded with her. Now at 21, it was her father who she could no longer waken with her pleadings for him to stay.
"Kaoru?" A masculine voice called her name and she was grateful it was not her secretary.
She turned away from the window to face one of her closest friends. To look at him one would never believe that Sagara Sanouske had been a street punk from the wrong side of the tracks. Dressed in an expensive business suit he looked every inch the vice-president of a multinational corporation. The only thing that didn't quite fit in with the image was his hair, a little longer than was currently appropriate and spiked straight up. She smiled a bit. *He looks like he slept wrong on his hair again.* Kaoru thought to herself.
"Yes, Sano?"
"Am I bothering you?"
"Not at all. I was just thinking.."
"Of you father?" He walked over to her desk, his face full of sorrow. "I miss him too, Kaoru-chan."
The gentleness in his voice almost brought the tears again. "Ahh. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you cry."
"It's okay." She took a deep breath. It had been a month since his passing and if she tried hard enough she could push the sorrow just out of reach. "Did you need me for something?"
"Yes. As much as I hate to, I wanted to remind you of the Board meeting next week. I think it would be a good idea to go over the stock reports and the research reports. You know there are elements on the Board who don't approve of a young woman running a multi-national company. If we show the old fogies that you are excellently prepared and more informed than they are, then I think we can squash any doubters."
"Thanks, you're right. Can you get me those reports tomorrow?"
"Definitely."
Kaoru nodded. She turned back to the window as Sanouske walked back to his own office. The anger his word brought helped to push the pain back further. She clenched her fists tightly, those stupid old men. The Board of Directors was made up of seven men and one woman, all her father's age or older, and sometimes were as hide-bound as a stick of wood. He cobalt eyes snapped with fire. She was Kamiya's daughter and even though she may be only 21, she was more qualified to run her father's company then any of those old fools.
*
The bar was smoky and dimly lit. In a far corner a cloaked and hooded figure sat alone, one slender hand tapping an impatient rhythm on the table. After a few moments a young man sat down opposite the figure. He was not Japanese, his shaggy blond hair and cold green eyes proclaimed him a Westerner.
"It's about time you arrived." The voice speaking from the depths of the hood was neither male nor female and carefully neutral.
The blond shrugged. "Traffic is hell in Tokyo."
"That is neither here nor there. You are the Wolf, I presume?"
"I am," and he frowned. The aura from the hooded figure was not one that he recognized. "And you are?"
"My name is unimportant. I was told you would be able to help me with my 'problem'?"
"Ahhh." Wolf smiled slowly, and with greater intelligence than the hooded figure would have given him credit for asked. "Why me? Why a werewolf and not an ordinary human?"
"Because this will be a difficult kill."
"Who?"
"Kamiya Karou."
*
Cars were Battousai's second favorite thing about the Twentieth Century. He had discovered that he enjoyed the feeling of complete control driving had given him, not to mention the speed these machines were capable of. His current was a black Lamborghini.
With a skill that was as natural as breathing, Battousai negotiated the crowded streets of Tokyo. His penthouse was located in one of the best sections of the city and even had its own parking garage. He pulled the Lamborghini into its accustomed parking spot and got out, making sure to fasten his katana in its usual position on his hip. As he slung his carry- on over his shoulder, movement to his right caught his eye. Turning, he spied a tall man with spiky brown hair exiting the elevators.
Feeling Battousai's gaze, Sanouske looked up to meet a pair of hard amber eyes. He felt his own widen in surprise. They were close enough to speak.
"Kenshin! It's been a long time."
"Hai." It had been almost twenty years ago when Battousai had inadvertently rescued a small boy intent on getting revenge against the vampires that had killed his sister. To Battousai's surprise, he had taken a liking to the boy. He had allowed the young Sano to accompany him as he hunted down the vampires and afterward set the now orphaned boy up with the family who had hired him. "How have you been?" Sanouske asked.
"Well enough thank you." Battousai did not miss the excellent cut of Sanouske's suit. "It seems you have done well for yourself."
"Yeah, pretty good for a kid from the streets, huh? Hey, you wanna get together sometime and catch up?" Sanouske could see the tiredness in those amber eyes.
Battousai nodded. He accepted the small business card that was handed to him. "I would enjoy that. I have been too much alone as of late."
"Then call me after you've settled." Sanouske said before turning to continue on his way.
Battousai looked down at the card and felt his eyes widen a bit. It read:
Sagara Sanouske
Vice President
Kamiya Corporation
It seemed Sanouske had indeed done very well for himself. With a small smile, Battousai walked to the elevator and hit the penthouse button. As the elevator slipped upward, he found himself looking forward to the peace and quiet. To say these past few months had been difficult was an understatement. The white on white of the hallway offered an emptiness he found oddly comforting after the chaos of his most recent mission. He unlocked his door and stepped inside. The interior was dark and sparsely furnished. He was there so little he did not feel the need for any elaborate decoration. A sofa, a few chairs, a dining room table were all he needed. He laid his blade reverently on the shrine by the door and dropped his bag on to the carpet.
His thoughts flicked back to Sanouske and he had to admit it had been a bit of a shock. The picture he held in his mind was of Sanouske as a gawky teenager, not this self-possessed, successful man. Yet why was he surprised? It had happened so many times before as those he knew grew older and older while he remained forever the same. For a moment he was seized by a rage so great it stole his breath away. Yet it was an impotent rage, for the one who had done this to him was long turned to dust and ash. She had cursed him two hundred years ago and he still raged at the cruelty of it all. Then he could do nothing but remember.
It was the Bakumatsu and he, Himura Kenshin, was the Hittokiri Battousai. The Manslayer. He killed without care, without remorse, ruthlessly burying the part of himself that cried out for mercy. He was the Ishin Shishi's ultimate weapon in their bid for control.
For six months the Shinsengumi seemed to be able to predict where and when they would strike. A thorough search of the ranks revealed the spy, Shinoki, but he disappeared before he could be brought to justice. Battousai had been ordered to find him and kill him. It had not been easy, but in the end he had found the man.
"Nooo." He groaned; he did not want to remember anymore, but the memory had seized him and would not let go.
The penthouse vanished and he was once again standing outside the small hut. By the sound of his voice, Battousai knew Shinoki was inside. A woman's voice could be heard in counterpoint.
With one brutal kick the door shattered inward, and it was then he realized why it had been so difficult to track the man. Symbols were hung everywhere and a heavy aura of magic centered on the woman. She was a witch and had been hiding her man with magic.
"Magic will not help you now," he growled, his eyes burning amber, his katana gleaming.
He screamed at his past self to stop, to not walk forward, but walk forward he did, sword poised and ready.
"Will you not defend yourself?" His past self asked, scornful of the man cowering on the ground.
"Leave us alone, Battousai!" The woman stood tall before him, her green eyes flashing. "I will not let you harm him!"
"Your magic means nothing to me. Shinoki is marked for death."
"You will not harm him!" The woman repeated and stepped toward the Battousai.
"Lichia, no. Don't threaten him." Shinoki pleaded. In that slender moment of distraction, he turned his head to look at the marked man, only to feel the sting of a knife skim his cheek. He growled deep in his throat and swung those blazing amber eyes back to the witch. She held a second throwing knife. Moving with lightening speed, Battousai knocked her to the floor. He followed the move with a downward strike, slicing the man's head cleanly from his neck. Battousai paused for only a moment and in that pausing was trapped. He watched the woman struggle to her feet, her expression flitting from shock to horror to grief to rage.
"RUN!" He screamed to his past self.
It was too late. He was caught in the spell the witch was weaving, caught by the fire in her green eyes. He felt the magic shriek along his skin like glass, imprisoning him.
"I curse you Himura Kenshin, Hittokiri Battousai! Never shall you die, never shall you age until you learn that love is greater than steel!"
With a cry he ripped himself from the past to fall to his hands and knees on the floor. His breath came in ragged gasps. It had been long since he had been caught by the memory of that moment, the moment his life had been torn apart. At the time he had scoffed at her curse, but as the people around him aged and died while he remained ever unchanging, he had no choice but to believe. He had spent many years searching for someone who could lift the curse, but even the strongest of witches shook their head in denial. He was well and truly cursed.
*
Kaoru was having trouble sleeping, not that that was anything new. She tossed the covers from her western style bed and got to her feet. An English friend of her father's had once commented that warm milk always helped him to sleep, maybe it would help her. It was too hot for a robe so she walked toward the kitchen in only a thin nightgown. She was halfway across the living room when the soft sound of glass falling caught her ear. Kaoru stiffened in alarm. It had come from the bathroom. Glad she was in bare feet, she slipped silently to where her bokken stood. Gripping it tightly, she made her way to the bathroom. Her heart thudded in her chest.
There was silence beyond the bathroom door and in that silence her breathing seemed unnaturally loud. Using her bokken, she pushed the door back and stepped just inside the room. Her hand searched for the light switch. There was a soft click and the room was drenched in light. She gasped at the broken and now open window before her, but the bathroom was empty. Someone was in the penthouse.
She turned desperate to get to the phone, when a blur of movement caught her eye. Kaoru looked up just in time to see a large, furred shape hurling at her from her right. Instinct alone save her as with all her strength she brought her bokken up into a defensive strike. The werewolf howled in pain and dropped to all fours on the floor. She wasn't about to give is a second chance and sprinted for the living room.
*Almost there.* She thought, her hand stretched out to grab the phone, but she just wasn't fast enough. The impact of the werewolf's body drove the air from her lungs and she fell to the floor, her bokken skidding out of her and out of her reach. At the feel of hot breath on her neck, she screamed, screamed as loud a she could. Something grabbed her hair and slammed her head into the tile floor. Sparks exploded across her vision. She groaned fighting back the blackness, struggling to get free from the heavy body on top of her. The growling was right in her ear, her heart pounded louder. Somewhere in the back of her mind she heard a door being smashed open, and then there was silence.
"If you want to live, let her go and leave now." The voice was definitely male.
The werewolf howled and sudden she was free. Kaoru heard the sound of fighting and the werewolf's cries of pain, but try as she might, she couldn't seem to lift her head. There was a great crash of glass and then silence again.
Slowly she rolled onto her side, but with her head spinning in endless circles, that was as far as she could get. A hand touched her shoulder and she jumped. It helped her to sit up and Kaoru looked up at her rescuer to find herself staring into a pair of gleaming golden eyes.
*
High above the city, Battousai sat perilously close to the edge of the tiny patio wall, meditating, trying to clear his mind of the memories. This high the sounds of the city nearly vanished in the soft moan of the wind winding its way between the high-rises. Suddenly, that same wind brought the softest sound of nails scrapping on concrete. He cocked his head to catch the sound again, but there was only the wind sighing and the gentle rustle of leaves from the plants decorating the other patios. He frowned. Something wasn't right. A shadow moved unexpectedly along the balcony next to him. He watched it disappear in the darker shadows of the building itself. The sharp sound of breaking glass brought him off the ledge and over to the low dividing wall, waiting. There was no sound for a moment, then suddenly, running footsteps, the howl of a werewolf, a crash and a woman's scream. It was not the woman's scream, but the howl of the werewolf that set his feet in motion. Quicker than thought, he was in the hallway before her door, katana in his hands. With one swift kick the door flew inward, and he stepped inside to see a huge, shaggy, gray werewolf slam the woman's head into the floor.
"If you want to live, let her go and leave now." Was all he said.
Battousai was unsurprised when the werewolf leapt at him. They were all the same. Two centuries of training and a gift of god-like speed allowed him to avoid the werewolf's initial rush. His sword sang as it sliced deep into the beast's side. The werewolf howled in outrage and swung around to face him, yellow eyes burning. Again the werewolf lunged and again Battousai slid effortlessly out of its way. The hittokiri struck hard and blood blossomed along the beast's other side. With another howl it leaped away from him to crash through the sliding glass doors and into the night.
Battousai cleaned his blade against the couch before sheathing it. He turned to leave, but a quite groan caught his attention. He had almost forgotten the woman. With a sigh, he turned back and walked to where she lay, feebly trying to rise. She was a tiny thing, so slender. Black hair fell like a waterfall of silk over her shoulders, hiding her face. Taking her shoulder in a light grasp, he felt her jump in surprise. Ignoring her surprise, he helped her to sit up. She looked up at him and the world stopped for one long heartbeat. Her skin was exquisite porcelain; her lips the deepest of rubies, but it was her eyes that caught and held him. A brilliant blue, full of unguarded innocence, they beckoned to him as nothing ever had. In two hundred years he had been with more beautiful women than he cared to remember, but here was someone who eclipsed them all. He could think of only one thing: +Mine.+ *
Kaoru gasped. His eyes above her drove all thought from her mind. He was every fantasy she had ever had come to life. His flame red hair flickered in the breeze with a life of its own. The shadowy light highlighted the cross-shaped scar on his cheek, giving him a rakish, wild look.
"Wh-wh-who are you?" She managed to squeak.
"I am Himura Battousai, and you are?" His voice vibrated along her skin.
"K-Kamiya Kaoru." Her voice grew a bit steadier. "Thank you. Thank you, you saved my life."
He merely nodded. Kaoru felt she should be on her feet and struggled to rise. His hand slid slowly from her shoulder to her elbow as he helped her to stand. Kaoru wasn't sure if the weakness and dizziness she felt was from his nearness or the blow to her head. She looked up at him to again express her thanks when suddenly she found her vision fading into blackness.
*
Battousai caught her easily as she sagged into unconsciousness. He noticed the darkness of a bruise blossoming on her forehead and frowned. She was going to need medical attention. With unconscious ease, he swung her up into his arms. A part of him was surprised and pleased at how nicely she fit into his arms. He carried her to the couch and laid her down. Without taking his eyes from her still form he picked up the cell phone on the table beside him and dialed the front desk.
"Yes, there's been a break-in. Miss Kaoru will need medical attention. My name? Himura Battousai."
He waited until he could hear the sirens approach before rising lithely to his feet. He laid a possessive hand along her cheek, smiling as she sighed.
"I will see you again, Kamiya Kaoru."
He left, not by the door, but by the shattered sliding glass doors. In one smooth motion he leaped to stand on the patio ledge, balancing above the city. The wind whipped his hair around his head as he scented the night. What was a rouge werewolf doing breaking into this particular penthouse? His mind, made suspicious from years of hunting the paranormal, wondered if perhaps the werewolf had been sent to kill this young woman. Kamiya. Could it be she was related somehow to the Kamiya Corporation that Sanouske worked for? It was a puzzle he wished to learn more about and with another graceful leap he was on his own tiny patio. Battousai strode inside and across the living room to the phone.
"Sanouske." Sano's voice was blurred with sleep.
"Do you know a Kamiya Kaoru?"
"Kenshin?"
"Yes, now do you know a Kamiya Kaoru?"
"I do. She's my boss. Why?"
"She was attacked in her penthouse tonight. Do you know anyone who might want to kill her?"
There was silence on the other end of the phone. Battousai could almost smell his fear.
"What!?"
"She was attacked by werewolf tonight. I believe she is being taken to the hospital as we speak. Do you know who might be behind this?"
"N-n-no. I mean she's now the head of the Kamiya Corporation after the death of her father, but they had no enemies that I know of."
"Hmmmm." He made a quick decision. "I doubt this was simply a random attack. And if it was not, then when one sends a werewolf to kill they are very serious. I will find out what I can and let you know."
Battousai ignored Sanouske's spluttering on the other end of the phone and hung up. He smiled coldly. This would be an intruiging challenge, and he was never one to ignore a challenge.
On an end note I'd like to thank BR for beta-reading and extremely helpful suggestions. *sends many cookies and other goodie to BR* If you enjoyed the new version let me know and if you want more just click the little review button. ^-^
