I'm sorry I took a long time to update so to make it up to you guys I wrote 11 pages. Enjoy!

Choused this name because it was easier for me to write and I hope it won't stop you guys from reviewing.

Chapter 3: Assassins

Nine years has passed

The full moon was covered with the black clouds and Kaoru acted quickly. She ran over the roofs and slips through an open window. She makes her way to her target's study room. Her feelings were unknown to her for she was as cold as the winter and her concentration was severely on her target.

She was known as Karasu because she was one in a way. She can blend like the night as a Karasu would in nights and when she jumped on the roofs it was like seeing a Karasu was flying on them. She hadn't met another assassin like herself and she wasn't planning to. And the only reason she called herself one was because of her pet, night glider, which was a karasu. When her father died he had giving her a gift and that was night glider. Even though with her Karasu she wasn't able to get rid of the emptiness she had in her heart and as the years pass she became colder to the people who knew her. She tried to fill that emptiness by going on assignments and killing her targets, but she couldn't. She only cared it as a duty of keeping Japan safe from dreadful men and politicians. It was a promise and she was going to keep it till the day she dies. Unfortunately Aiko was one of them.

Aiko Sokhumi a cop, a corrupted one, who has a business of selling opium in the streets. Streets of innocent people and people living in those streets were mysteriously dying. The police department did not know what the cause of death was and the pathetic part is that they don't know that one of their police officer is the cause of all these deaths. But Kaoru wasn't going to be fooled so with her informants she was able to get her information about him. What anger Kaoru the most was about the information she got, that Aiko Sokhumi also used little children to sell his drugs in the streets thinking that nobody would suspect him. He was wrong for she knew of this and she was going to make sure to put a stop to it. For nine years she had killed many men for their crimes and Sokhumi was no different from them and that is why he was going to die tonight.

Aiko Sokhumi was her fourth victim for tonight and she had one more to go after she kills Sokhumi. She senses him close by and was standing in front of his door. She quietly opens the shoji and with out making a sound she slid inside the room and saw him. He was young about in his twenties but was a cruel man. He had brown hair and eyes and yes he was young but he had to die for his crime. Many died because of him and he was going to pay for their deaths.

He did not sense her and keep on counting his money. Kaoru raised her sword above his head and was about to bring it down till he saw her shadow. He dodged the sword and rolled to the corner of the room.

"What the hell! Who are you?" He could not see her face because it was cover by a black cloth. He panic he knew who it was…

"It can't be…Karasu… no!" It was only rumors about the assassin but he never believed that he was real. To identify him was that the man was fairly short but it didn't matter about size it only matter what the person can do to you, in this case it was death. Another way to identify him was that he always wore a black cloth over his face and also where his Gi and Hakama. Rumors were said that he had the devil side with him because he can always blend in with the night as though the night it self was him. What stood out the most and was feared the most was the assassin's eyes it was said that it was like staring at death itself.

Yes the Battousai was feared by every one but in reality they feared him, Karasu. Karasu has existed a lot longer than Battousai and was greatly skill. All the information that was running to his brain was making him sweet unrestrained and that he knew he had no chance of living. To add to his problem was that he didn't even have his sword with him. He gulps. There was one thing to do, beg.

"Please don't kill me. I can give you whatever you want. Do you want opium I have a lot you can have it for free but please don't kill me." Karasu watched him fall to his knees and stared at him in disgust this was not the first time she watched a man beg for their pathetic lives. Besides she has already wasted a lot of time hearing him talk.

"That is the reason that you are going to die tonight." It brought him chills when he spoke. He watched in horror as the sword penetrated his heart.

Karasu watched as his body slump to the ground and she didn't care for the open eyes that were staring at her in horror. As the years passed she learned to have no sympathy for her victims especially the ones she is suppose to kills and she wasn't going to show it to her fifth target. Her fifth target wasn't some small target she goes for each night; this one was a special one.

(The other side of town)

The legendary Battousai had slain the last man from the guards that were protecting a general that was now slump in the ground, dead. He went back to the Ishin Shisi to report his finished assignment and he would let Itzuka clean the mess. The headquarters were not that far away from him and it wouldn't take him long to reach it.

He reach the headquarters, an Inn, he step in and was going to go to his room; but was stop by one of his comrades. If you can call them that he never considers anybody in the Ishin Shisi a friend and never would.

"What do you want?"

"Katsura wants you in his office."

He grunted in response. He walk pass him feeling his fear along the way. When Battousai started working for the Ishin Shisi when he was fifteen many were developing fears about him and now at age nineteen every one fear him but he didn't expect anything less. He walks down the halls and reaches Katsura office. He didn't need to knock for Katsura knew who it was.

"Battousai please come in" and he did so. Katsura, the leader of the Ishin Shisi, was sitting behind a western desk drinking his tea calmly and the only man in the Ishin Shisi that didn't fear him in the group.

"Please take a seat" He stretches out his hand indicating to the chair in front of him.

"I prefer to stand"

"I should have expected that respond from you. Very well," he sigh's "I didn't call you hear to chat, but to discuss an important assignment that I have for you. There is a politician by the name of Nisei Yoshiro and he would be your next assignment. There are rumors that he is leaving Japan for good but he should not go unpunished. He has done many awful things to Japan. He has…" but Battousai didn't let him finish for he was already walking away.

"Don't you want to know why you were sent to kill him?"

"No. There is no history about a dead man." With that he got up and left his office. Along the way he heard small talk between two men.

"Did you hear about the death of a drug dealer?" the first guy asks.

"Do you mean the one that was killed by Battousai last week?" Battousai didn't want to listen to them blabber like woman and he was about to leave when the man that brought the question up caught his attention.

"No you fool it wasn't Battousai that killed him but another"

"What? Then who would it have been?"

"It was Karasu."

"No! It can't be Karasu. Are you sure?" now the man had fear in his eyes as though he was wishing it wasn't true.

"Yes you idiot. I heard the same description Karasu has and it had to be him. I put it over my mother's grave."

"What if Karasu comes for Katsura and kills him?" now Battousai decided to interfere.

"I advise you to keep stupid questions like that to yourself before I make the decision of slitting your throats." They turn around only to be face by slit amber eyes.

"I… um… sorry…" With that both men disappear in the corner of the hall.

'Stupid cowards' But then he started analyzing their talk about Karasu. He too heard of the assassin and heard rumors about him too. But he never got around thinking of the other assassin that was just like him. As far as he can recall the assassin was killing before he came to the Ishin Shisi. He thought more of the assassin and a great idea came to his head; he should go against this Karasu. He hadn't had a good fight for about a month and his opponent was called Okita Soushi from the Shinsengumi. The assassin fight was a great one but it wasn't enough for him but maybe with this Karasu it might be a good challenge; but he couldn't.

Right now Battousai had one more job to do and that was killing Nisei Yoshiro. With his god-like speed he headed to the man retreat house in the outskirts of Tokyo. He was making sure that Yoshiro was going to die by his blade and it would be a good night to kill for above him there were black skies.

'It is going to rain tonight. I am looking forward to it maybe tonight something interesting will happen. Maybe I will meet this Karasu in battle.' It took him about 25 minutes to get to his victims house. He searched the perimeter and sense 19 strong men guarding the house including Yoshiro. What he didn't sense was that one more person was inside the house.

He silently walks behind one of the guards and slit his throat before the man had a chance to scream. There was no one close to him so he went inside and left the body outside. It would be a while till they find the body and by then they would all be dead.

Kaoru was already inside the house and was thinking about her next victim.

'Nisei Yoshiro a politician. Age: 55, Appearance: gray hair forming, black eyes, Height: 5, 7, location: retreat house in the woods, Criminal record: killing, drug sales, illegal sale of weaponry, etc. The man has done everything and is well known in Japan for it.' She knew if she were to kill him much chaos will arise in the government but they will be better of with him dead.

When she reached the house she sense about 20 people inside and calculated 10 men guarding the outside and 9 more guarding the inside. It was also so easy getting pass the guards she was expecting more out of this mission because she was going to kill a famous politician. And she wouldn't be surprise if more assassins showed up.

Karasu had sense Yoshiro outside awhile ago and started doubting about her target. She had sense something wrong in the begging but she wasn't sure what it was. But she was going to keep her guard in alert.

Outside in the garden it seems that Yoshiro decided to walk outside with one body guard by his side. Now she knew nothing about this target was right.

'Why would he have one man guarding him? Yoshiro what are you planning? But I have to attack him now before he leaves Japan.'

Nisei had a hidden smirk he perfectly knew that Karasu and Katsura assassin, Battousai, were coming tonight to attack him, so he lied that he was leaving Japan forever. That way he can trap both of the assassins at the same time with the help of the Shinsengumi (SP?). He was surprise that they would take his offer but it didn't matter as long as they took care of Karasu and Battousai. With them out the way he would be much easier controlling Japan. His plan right know was to lure one of the assassin outside by him being the bait. Then the Shinsengumi will take care of the rest.

Karasu had just killed Yoshiro bodyguard with him not knowing it. (That's what she thought) She was walking right behind him and she took out her sword to strike. She stops and she notices that the men she senses a while ago had just disappeared.

'There is another assassin. No difference I will have to kill him too.' Yashiro had also stopped and was facing her.

Nisei noticed that his body guard was lying a couple yard away from him and that a killer was just in front of him about to kill him. But now he knows that his plan has work yet he wasn't sure who this assassin was.

"Who are you? Wait I know who you are. Are you Karasu?" his voice was not out of fear it was like he was talking like he wasn't going to meet death tonight.

Kaoru was surprise that the man didn't beg for his life and she now knew the scheme that he was planning: to ambush her.

'Shit'

As she predicted men jump out from their hiding spot and one of them pushed her away from Yoshiro. They were all surrounding him while he laughed wickedly.

"So the mighty Karasu fell to my trap. Fool now your going to die. Muhahaha!"

"I suggest that you keep quite if you wish to live." said a shadow that was emerging from the trees.

"Oh, Mibu wolf I am glad that you made it. If you hadn't then I would have been dead by now."

'The Mibu wolf I heard of him he is one of the leaders of the Shinsengumi. Now there is a good competition.' She stared at him and notices his posture. Then calculated that he was good with his speed and his sword was long if he swung it then it can split her in half. She also notices his eyes, eyes that were just like of a wolf. He was very tall compare to her she would look like a child but she wouldn't be intimated for she too can be deadly as him.

"Look you old fool the only reason I accepted this offer was because of Battousai. I came here to kill him for what he had done to Okita and he would be here soon."

'That must be the assassin I sense back then. Battousai I also heard of him.' She only heard that he was doing the same thing she was doing; protecting Japan but that is the only thing she heard of him. No detail was given to her about him.

"Then what are you going to do with Karasu? You can't let him live." Yoshiro asked nervously waiting for the leader to answer.

"I have to agree with you in that part old man. Men kill him and be careful he is very skill." But before they attack her the wolf stopped them.

"Wait. The Battousai has arrived. Now Battousai come out you bastard!" Inside the house a shadow emerge from the darkness and came out to the moonlight.

'So he is Battousai.' She studied him. A short man but taller than her, red blood hair tie in a high ponytail, very strong from his muscles that were showing beneath his navy Gi, and two swords in his hip. What caught her attention was his amber eyes they were the most captivated eyes she has seen but she did not show it. She also noticed that he held anger in them.

"Mibu Wolf, how dare you interfere with me!" His voice echoed with anger through out the garden. He didn't really notice the other assassin that was a couple of yards from him.

"I should be the one angry. You killed Okita for you own enjoinment and you will pay with your life." The wolf was in a stance that was sonly follow by Battousai's.

"Men take care of Karasu." Saitou ordered. Then Battousai turn to the direction to the other assassin.

'So that is Karasu and we are meeting for the first time. So this night did come out the way I wanted but first I'll need to defeat the Mibu wolf and let the Karasu take care of his men. Then I will be having the fight I wanted.' Then he put his full attention on his upcoming fight.

"Yes sir." All at once they attacked Karasu and Karasu did not hesitate to block their attacks.

And so both battles began.

Saitou decided to make the first move with his incredible speed he went up to him and tried to strike his stomach but Battousai block it faster than he expects him to.

Battousai had just block his opponents attack and he has to emit he was faster then he thought he would be. Battousai push him away and brought his sword to his head but he disappears from his eye site.

Saito had just barley move away from his attack by barley he meant the man had just cut a bit of his arm clothes. He misunderstood his opponent at first he was going easy on him but now he was going to die. He reappeared behind him and was going to slice his head off but he blocks his attack. He only got his right cheek and that would at least leave him a small scar. Then he to disappear from his sight and he couldn't sense him anywhere.

'Where did he go?' Saitou thought.

Battousai in the other hand was in rage that the wolf could even lay a scratch on him no one in their live lay a mark on him but when he receive the wound it burn his cheek: burn of hate. He was going to like their battle by killing him but he also feared for his life he knew going against the wolf would have been difficult but he didn't expect it to be this intense. Now he wasn't sure who will come out of the battle alive but as any battle his emotions did not matter only skill.

"You're good but not good enough to save your life." Battousai said as he appeared above him and brought down his sword. He smirk he had made a scratch on his shoulder that was now bleeding.

While the men had their own play time Kaoru was having a difficult time killing all of the Mibu wolf men. It was not because she was weak it was that these men were greatly skill as though they were born for this and this appealed her. This was one way to strength her skill and a way to have a bit of fun.

She turns to the battle and saw both men fighting for one another deaths and she didn't notice the man who was going to attack above her. The man tried to slash her but she blocked him. To his return he had cut away her cloth now revealing her true identity and for this they would all die. She decided to put a stop to her fun and to start taking it seriously.

'He trains his men well but not enough to win against me.' She was about to kill them with one blow but that was out of the question.

(Back to Battousai)

Battousai had inflected many wounds to the Mibu Wolf but the Mibu Wolf also inflicted him with wounds too. He felt his energy weaken from the loss of blood. The wolf also was losing his blood and that meant that the fight might end up as a draw. He was about to take a last stance to end the fight but he moved his eyes to the fight of Karasu. He was surprised to see his… no, her identity. Karasu is a woman and she was being surrounded by six men. Then all of the sudden his memories from his past reawakened once again to hunt him.

(Battousai past)

"Please leave us be!" Akane said out of the three women that were protecting a little child behind them. But the men surrounding them only got closer to them.

The child looked at them with his big purple eyes in horror. That day he had lost his parents and now he was afraid he was going to lose the women that started caring for him as though he was their child. One of the women noticed this and started calming him down.

"Don't worry Shinta they will leave us alone soon. Besides we will protect you as though you were are own child" Said Sakura. Then she saw more fear in his eyes.

"My parents also loved me and look at what happen to them. They are now dead because they loved me." Shinta had tears swelling up his eyes.

"They died because they were killed Shinta not because they loved you. They wanted you to live and that is what we are trying to do. We will not let you die. You must live Shinta. Live for us." Now the woman that cared for him was also crying and Shinta felt it was his fault.

"Please don't cry if you want I will live. Live for all three of you." And Shinta's tears disappeared.

"That's the spirit now…" She was cut short as a sword penetrated her chest and her blood was spraying on little Shinta.

"Nooooooooo!" Shinta scream in horror as he looked around and saw Akane, Sakura, and Kasumi dead in the ground while he was alone with the men that killed his friends.

(Back to reality)

From then on Battousai never killed a woman and his instinct always made him save a woman in danger. When he saw Karasu true identity his instinct kicked in once more. When he saw the man strike her mask away he moved his legs fast as he can to be by the woman's side. He got in front of her and started killing each man around him. His mind was unknown to him his mind was giving vivid pictures of the three woman dead again and again. It was driving him mad he was out of control in killing the men off. The first three had their heads offs while the other three had half of their body apart.

Kaoru was watching him in confused she did not understand why he came in as though she was a weak woman but she thought more about his action maybe in the deepest corner of his mind he had a past that was reawaking again. Probably when he saw that she was a female his past emotions took over. In all her life she never had seen a man's eyes so determine to kill with craziness in them.

'What happen to your past Battousai that can make you this way?' She didn't know why she wasn't angry with this man for interfering with her battle but she was grateful that he did. In all her nine years she had admiration in her eyes for this man's action but it quickly vanished. She was an assassin and assassins do not show feelings. She put her self in alert and noticed Yoshiro trying to snick away from her and she left the assassin with his victims alone. And made her way towards Yoshiro.

"Thinking of getting away Yoshiro?" Each word filled with venom in them which made Nisei turn quickly around causing him to freeze in his spot.

"Men like you always flee like cowards you never want to feel death even if you are the ones who inflect death to others." Kaoru glared at him deadly.

"Please! Please! Don't kill me it was just a game I was playing I wasn't really going to kill you. It was all just a joke see even I am laughing. Hahaha…" But his laughter was cut off short with her sword slicing his upper torso apart from his lower body.

"I don't like jokes especially from a dead man." She walks away from his body and went back were now all the men she was suppose to kill were laying down dead by another. That other was standing still around the dead bodies and his eyes were daze out as though he was in his own painful world. But she refocused her eyes behind him and saw the Mibu Wolf walking towards them. He was so pissed off that he had failed to notice her.

"Battousai! How dare you walk away from are battle." Kaoru saw that both men were worn out and right now their battle was looking for another day. At the end their battle will be useless for their will be no winner this night.

"I suggest for another time besides as far as I can see both of you will end up as a draw." Now both men's eyes laid on her. They look at her as though they never seen a woman before. Then Battousai spoke out.

"She is right. We will have to take this battle another time. That way next time their will be a victor."

"We will end this another time then." With that the Mibu Wolf disappeared.

"We will" but his words were covered by the thunder that were sonly followed by the rain. He couldn't feel his body so he let the darkness take over his vision letting his body fall on the wet grass.

While Kaoru stood over his body wondering if she should leave him but she couldn't the man thought she was in danger; and saved her. She had to repay him.

She looked down to take a better look at him again. She noticed that he was about her same age and looked very peaceful like a child. She made up her mind she had no other choice but to take him to her home. She picked him up with no problem and headed back home with an unconscious man in her arms. She knew she was making a mistake by bringing another assassin like herself to her home. She knew that he was capable of killer her but he wouldn't something inside her told her that. She just hopes that she was right. And she couldn't let him die this was a way no assassin would want to die in their own blood and that was the only thing she feared: dying alone.

#!$#$$&&(&($$(&!#$&&&$$()

I hope you liked this chapter. And if I had some errors in naming the Battousai group or Saitou's then tell me.

PLEASE REVIEW. Later!