It's modern day. The streets are rife with violence; corporations are corrupt; assassinations, commonplace. Himura Kenshin, known only as Battousai, is a shadow assassin for an organization so secret even he doesn't know who truly runs it. But Battousai has an even bigger secret; one that if it were ever discovered would mean more than his death…it would end in the total annihilation of his soul. Battousai is not only the deadliest assassin to ever prowl the dark streets of night…he is also a vampire, one of the oldest still in existence…and a rarity among his kind.
He has a soul.
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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.
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Tears of Eternity
by: Chiruken
Chapter 11
The fear of the strangely intense man beside her receded to the back of her mind as he carried Misao's limp form through the night back towards the clinic where Megumi worked. He'd killed the men who'd attacked Misao…for that she owed him a chance to have his say. "After we see to Misao…after…"
"After?" He repeated softly, shifting the young woman's slight weight to a more comfortable position in his arms. "After what, Kaoru?"
"What?" Snapped out of her thoughts she started and stared at him with wide eyes, heart thudding painfully in her chest.
"Kaoru…" His voice was gentle, soothing…the tone one would use when speaking to a frightened child. "I'm not going to hurt you. You don't have to be afraid of me."
"Wh-when Misao is safe at the clinic…I-I'll call Aoshi…" At his raised eyebrow she smiled. "Her boyfriend…at least in her mind." She laughed softly and shook her head before sobering again. "He'll come for her and she can stay with him for a while…until she's feeling better…" She drew in a quick breath. "And you can explain to me what's happening to me like you said you would."
He nodded slowly. "Fair enough. How much further is this clinic?"
"Around that corner." She bit her lip and stared at him uncertainly for a moment. "I don't think you should go inside carrying a sword, Kenshin. It might attract too much attention."
He nodded with a half smile. "You're right, Kaoru. And that's why whoever is in the clinic won't see them."
"I don't understand. It's kind of hard to not see them…they're right there in plain sight. No one can fail to see them."
"Trust me, Kaoru, no one will see them." Turning the corner they both crossed the street to the small clinic nestled in amongst the tall buildings. "Is this the place?" When she nodded he pushed the door open with his shoulder, shielding Misao's unconscious form with his compact frame.
"Megumi?" Kaoru called softly, peering around the interior in confusion. "Where is everyone?" Stepping up to the reception desk she stood on tiptoe and peered over. "Hello?" Glancing over her shoulder she watched as her companion set her roommate down carefully and rested his hand on the hilt of his sword. "This is strange…the waiting room was crowed when I left not quite an hour ago…and Megumi should be here…she has the night shift…"
Stepping around her, Kenshin briefly rested his hand on her shoulder and squeezed reassuringly. "I'll search the back." Pausing, he drew his short sword and scabbard from his strangely tied sash-like belt and held it out to her. "To protect yourself." Leaning closer, he murmured near her ear. "And don't forget…even if you cannot speak aloud, you can still call for me."
Biting her lower lip anxiously as he stepped away from her she clutched the sword against her chest tight enough her fingers hurt and her knuckles turned white. "Kenshin…" She called softly and smiled when he turned to her. "Be careful." She sighed when he nodded and turned away, disappearing through the double swinging doors that led to the examining rooms at the back of the clinic. Returning to her friend's side, she knelt slowly, setting the short sword on the floor in front of her within easy reach. "Misao…" She whispered quietly, gently shaking her shoulder, taking care to not rock her too much. "Misao, can you hear me?" Looking around slowly, she took stock of the situation. Kenshin…should I call Aoshi? It was her first conscious attempt at communicating telepathically with him.
Yes… His answer seemed distracted to her and she frowned. There are two rooms I haven't searched yet, Kaoru…I can sense people in both. Her eyes went round as an image of two doors suddenly appeared in her mind along with a strange sensation which led to immediate recognition.
Megumi's in there! The exclamation slipped out through their connection before she had time to analyze what it was that she'd felt.
Which room, Kaoru? He sounded as calm as ever which slowly began to ease her own anxiety. Which door…left or right?
Right…definitely right. She nodded decisively, though she was fairly certain he couldn't see it. A whisper soft sound drew her attention and she spun, forgetting momentarily about the sword partially hidden beneath the bench Misao's unconscious form rested on. Face paling she opened her mouth to scream and froze, eyes focusing on a revolver pointed directly at her. Oh no…
Kaoru? His concern was unmistakable.
"Not a sound if you wanna live, got it?" The weapon wavered slightly as the hand attached to it shook.
Kaoru? What is it? She felt warmth flood through her and almost smiled. Despite her suspicions concerning him, Kenshin really was a nice person. It was too bad she wasn't going to be able to get to know him better. Damn it, Kaoru, answer me!
She started despite herself, wincing at the harsh reprimand in his tone. Focusing instead on the young man standing before her with the gun, she swallowed and licked her suddenly dry lips. "Please…" She whispered, holding her hands out palms up in entreaty. "My friend needs a doctor…"
Brown eyes moved passed her to the young woman sprawled on the bench. "What happened to her?" His gaze snapped back to her abruptly. "No tricks, got it?"
Biting her lip, she nodded. "N-no tricks…" Drawing in a quick breath she closed her hands into fists. "She was attacked…"
"No kiddin?" He looked over at Misao again. "How'd she get away then?"
"With a little assistance." Kaoru's eyes went wide at Kenshin's sudden appearance and the sight of the blade of his sword resting against the young man's neck and shoulder.
"Crap." His arm lowered slowly, the gun slowly falling from limp fingers to clatter against the tiles. Kaoru's eyebrows shot up in surprise and the young man shrugged. "Hey, Kenshin…long time no see."
"Kenshin…you know this…person?" She couldn't quite keep the incredulity from her tone.
"Our paths have crossed in the past, yes." He stepped around to her side. "Why didn't you answer me?" He asked softly, amber gaze still focused on the other man.
"Holy shit!" A grin spread across his features. "She's one, too, huh?"
"Sanosuke…please. Not now." Kenshin shook his head, his irritation clear to see, and slowly sheathed his sword with a quick flick of his wrist, the sound loud in the ensuing silence.
"One what?" Kaoru's eyes narrowed suspiciously on Kenshin's averted gaze before shifting back to the grinning young man identified as Sanosuke. "What are you talking about?"
**To Be Continued…**