A/N: This originally was suppose to be the last chapter, but thanks to some good advice from Nekotsuki it's been chopped in two! The next chapter will be the last and I only have a paragraph or two to write to that! Yay! As always, Nekotsuki is my beta with who, without, this story would be plagued with horrible spelling and grammar mistakes!
REVIEWERS!… uh… they're around here somewhere… man, that list was getting LONG!
Chapter 9 - Counteractive
Keigo and Shuhei came back late that night at different times, both in merry moods. Each time one of them came back they talked to Hitoshi about the fun they had. Keigo talked loudly and gave Kenshin a headache. Shuhei talked so fast that Hitoshi had no idea what he was even talking about. When Shuhei finally slowed down enough for Hitoshi to understand him, he was trying to talk him into going out again.
Hitoshi merely rolled his eyes and directed Shuhei to his futon, where he promptly passed out. Once more, Kenshin was sure he had been caught by a bunch of idiots. If Shuhei wanted to be a good leader, he was making very poor choices.
Night came and went; most of the men in the room found it nice to be sleeping in a bed again, warm and indoors. Morning came and it was time to leave. Pulled to his feet and dagger tickling his back for a third time, Kenshin kept his mouth shut, wondering how many times this act would work before they were caught.
But they weren't caught; they made a quick exit, stopping only to pay the innkeeper. They hurried their way out of the village and into the safety of the trees. Once they were far enough away, Shuhei removed Kenshin's cloak from his shoulders, noticing for the first time the two swollen, black and blue fingers on Kenshin's hand. Hitoshi had been right, he didn't care.
Again they walked, all day long, their feet pounding beneath them. All four were glad to stop for the night. Kenshin didn't need to be pushed or told to sit down; he nearly collapsed when Shuhei said they would be stopping for the night. Sweat dripping down his face, his body still weak and sick, he was glad to rest.
While he was resting, Shuhei walked up holding the rope again. Kenshin suppressed a groan. He had hoped he was done with the stupid rope. Around his neck it went once again, making it uncomfortable to breathe normally.
Shuhei ordered Keigo up the tree once again as he and Hitoshi set up camp. Dinner was made, and they either forgot Kenshin had yet eaten, or they decided not to offer him anything once again.
Kenshin watched as the three of them set their bedding out for the night. Keigo was about ready to crawl into bed when Shuhei stopped him. "You watch him first," he ordered, climbing into his own bed.
Keigo protested angrily. "Why should I have to do it first? I'm tired and want to sleep! He's not going anywhere tied to that tree!" He pointed towards Kenshin as he snapped the last part out.
Shuhei sent him a cold glare, reinstating his self-imposed position of leader. "You will do as I say. Watch him."
Not in the mood for a fight he would probably lose, Keigo took his position to watch Kenshin, grumbling to himself as his companions fell asleep. He glared at the person that was unintentionally keeping him awake. It just wasn't fair. Battòsai was their prisoner and he even got to sleep. He stared at the seemingly peaceful look on their captive's face and he grew jealous of the dreams he must be having.
Only he wasn't sleeping. Kenshin's brain was working as quickly and sharply as his tired and aching mind would allow. He studied Hitoshi's and Shuhei's ki carefully, only acting once he was sure the two of them were in a deep enough sleep. Slowly he opened his eyes and let out a soft groan, and the act began.
He looked tiredly at Keigo, staring at him, yet seeing through him. After a while he spoke in a meek voice. "You really need a guard?"
He could see Keigo was startled when he spoke. He nearly jumped to his feet and was looking around to see who had spoken, finally coming back to look at Kenshin. Seeing as it was only him, he crossed his arms in front of him and snorted. "Apparently so."
He gave a small breathless laugh. "I see," he trailed off for a bit, getting a bit lost in the 'fever.' "I must be very dangerous even in the condition I'm in. Are you afraid?"
Keigo practically growled at the insult. How dare he be insulted so! Afraid? Of a sick and weak man tied to a tree? Given, he was Battòsai, but he was no threat to anyone. "No, it's not my choice to be here."
Kenshin looked confused, looking around the camp with his eyes. "Then why isn't whoever wanted me to be guarded doing it?"
He was quiet for a moment, thinking over what Kenshin had said before replying with an irritated grunt. "Because Shuhei is a fool, that's why."
"I don't see why you listen to him." Kenshin let out a slow sigh. "I'm tired…" He let his eyes drift shut and waited.
Keigo didn't do anything right away, lost in thought. However, Kenshin could feel his ki slowly rising with anger which was soon followed by angry hissing. "Battòsai is right! Why isn't Shuhei watching him! Why am I the one denied sleep! I don't have to listen to him!" He fell silent, his anger still spiked, but it wasn't long before he heard sounds of someone getting up. "He's sick; he can't free himself of that tree. I told them he didn't need guarding!" Kenshin quietly listened to Keigo make his way to his bed and settle down. It was a long time after he had gotten comfortable for his ki to lower in anger, and soon after he was lost in a deep sleep. Kenshin opened his eyes. Pretending was over, now it was time to act.
Quietly Kenshin pushed himself up onto his feet and looked up at the tree. The branch was high up, but not too high. He took a hopeful glace to where the men lay sleeping, their swords right near their heads, but they were too far away for him to reach. He would have to get free first.
Taking a quick measurement with his eyes, he crouched down, his knees aching in protest. It had been too long since he had properly used his muscles; sickness and inactivity had left him feeling weaker than he had thought. Ignoring his aches and pains, he launched himself into the air.
Silently his feet landed on the branch where the rope was tied, but without his arms to help him gain his balance Kenshin found himself falling forward. For a split second he panicked as he pictured himself tumbling to the ground again. It was only for a second, but it was a precious second of time; he calmed down enough to try to think of a way to stop that from happening.
He reeled backwards, trying to counterweight his balance, but only managed to change which side of the branch he would fall from. Doing the only thing he could think of, Kenshin spread his legs open so that they were on either side of the branch and fell down.
He smacked the branch hard; he bit his lip and held back the tears that came to his eyes as ringing pain quickly rode up from between his legs. Leaning over and resting his head against the branch, he really wished he had thought of something a little less… painful. He stifled a groan and pinched his thighs tighter against the branch to keep from falling. He would not fall and let this pain be for nothing.
He stayed in that position for a long time before taking a few long and deep breaths and finally sitting up. He bent backwards, not wanting to move more than he had to, mostly from fear of falling out of the tree; he pinched his legs tighter, his groin groaning in protest. He bent until his back was against the branch. He felt for the rope, pushing himself upwards with his legs carefully when he could not find it.
After a few tense moments he felt the rope under his back. He pushed himself up just far enough for his fingers to find it. Carefully he worked at the knot, his broken fingers flaring in anger. It was a simple knot; he was glad it wasn't more complicated or he might not have been able to get loose. He sighed in relief when the rope fell away. He was free of the tree. Now, how to get down?
It hurt to move his legs, a dull aching pain coursing through him as he unwound his legs from the tree. He moved to jump down, landing silently, but the jolt sent his groin on fire. He stifled another groan. He was close, he would not let this discomfort stop him.
Walking carefully for both stealth and to not aggravate his injury, he made his way to the beds. Shuhei was the closest with Hitoshi sleeping in the middle. Moving slow and carefully, all discomforts were forgotten as he bent over backwards, fingers feeling the hilt of the sword. He was so close.
As silently as he could, he pulled the blade free of the sheath, just enough so he could start sawing his hands free with the blade. His heart pounded in his chest, he was so close! He heard the small 'twang' as the ropes broke free. He was so close! Felt the ropes as they slipped away from his wrist. So very close! He turned to take the sword and stared down at Hitoshi staring back at him with wide eyes.
Hitoshi woke up, staring at the stars, his mind drifting. "Having trouble sleeping?" The question came from his right. He turned his head. Yoshinori was lying beside him as always, his head propped up on his arm. "Something wrong?"
He was quiet for while before answering. "I guess not, just… something doesn't feel right." He shut his eyes, slowly opening them again. "You know what I mean?" He was quiet, waiting for Yoshinori to answer; they normally understood each other, having grown up together. When no answer came, he wondered if his friend had fallen asleep. "Yoshinori?" He turned to his friend, but he wasn't there.
He panicked slightly now. "Yoshinori!" He looked beyond where he had been sleeping, there, someone was standing in the shadows. "Yoshinori? What are you doing up?" The figured turned slowly, two piercing, glowing, amber eyes glared back at him.
Hitoshi jumped and his eyes snapped open to find those same amber eyes starring back at him.
The two stared at each other for a moment in dumb wonder. Kenshin was the first to pull out of the stupor; he had been caught. He turned and began to run. As soon as he broke eye contact Hitoshi found his voice. "He's free! Battòsai's free!"
Shuhei snapped awake to see Kenshin just about to take off with his sword. He did the first thing that came to his mind; he reached out and grabbed the rope still around his neck.
Kenshin's head snapped back and he gagged as his air was suddenly cut off. "How'd he get free? What happened to Keigo?" he heard Shuhei yelling as he spun around on his heel and used his stolen sword to cut the rope between Shuhei's hand and his neck. Free once again, he took off as fast as his legs would carry him.
He didn't get very far before Keigo blocked his path. "You're not getting away!" he barked at Kenshin.
In return Kenshin growled. He didn't have time for this. His stomach churning, his legs weak, he sidestepped Keigo and ran into the forest. He wasn't sure if he had the strength to take all three of them on together, but one at a time, with a small element of surprise, he knew he could do it.
"After him!" Shuhei commanded, grabbing his wakizashi and taking off after the disappearing hitokiri. Hitoshi was wary of following Kenshin, but Keigo and Shuhei didn't seem all that worried. He followed them, keeping his worry to himself.
"Remember, he's sick! Take him alive!" Shuhei barked, peering between the dark trees. Where could he have gone?
"Hmph. Take him alive," Keigo grumbled. "He's not that sick if he managed to get away."
Shuhei turned on Keigo, his face beat red. "That's why you were supposed to watch him! You went to bed! How dare you not follow my orders?"
Keigo went silent. He knew a thousand things he could say about Shuhei's leadership, but the truth was he had been the reason Battòsai escaped. He kept his mouth shut.
Shuhei snorted at him. "That's what I thought." He turned and stormed away. "Now! Let's spread out and fin-"
"Ryu Tsui Sen!" From out of the tree Shuhei had stepped under a red-haired bullet shot, slicing through his shoulder to his pelvis. It all happened so fast that the look on Shuhei's face never even changed to surprise; there was hardly any pain, it was so fast.
Keigo's and Hitoshi's mouths fell open as they watched Kenshin slowly rise from his crouched position. As he slowly turned to face them with a glare, Hitoshi felt a shudder run through his spine. "Leave now and I won't kill you," he threatened, his voice cold and confident. If he was still sick, nothing showed of it. Without another word, he held up the sheath and returned the sword to it. Then he waited for them to make the first move.
Keigo gripped his sword tightly. "He's sick! We don't need Shuhei! We'll take him back with us and get all the glory! Don't worry about taking him alive!" he shouted, charging Kenshin.
Hitoshi followed right behind, planning on following through Keigo's attack with his own thrust. He froze in place as he saw Kenshin disappear right before his eyes. He blinked. People didn't just disappear! Where was he! There! Hitoshi saw him to Keigo's right. "Keigo! To your right!"
It was a warning that came too late. "Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu… So Ryu Sen!" Keigo had enough time to give a scream that turned into a gurgle as the battojutsu ripped him apart. Hitoshi stood, his mouth quivering as he watched Keigo fall with a spray of blood.
Kenshin watched the horrified look that came across Hitoshi's face. "Do not fight me, or you will die," he warned. He could have run, but he had killed this man's friend and now his comrades. If he wanted to fight for revenge, Kenshin would not deny him.
Tearing his eyes away from Keigo's carcass, Hitoshi forced himself to look into Kenshin's eyes instead. They seemed so cold, but Hitoshi now knew better, he was surprised to see the sorrow that was cast in Kenshin's eyes that he had overlooked before. This man really didn't want to kill; twice already he had given them a chance to avoid fighting. Hitoshi lowed his sword. He didn't want to fight either.
Seeing the sword lowered and Hitoshi's shoulders slump, Kenshin was glad someone finally chose not to fight when given the option. Wordlessly, he turned his back on Hitoshi and made his way back to the village.
HEY! I FOUND THE REVIEWS!
IKnowNot - Thanks for the reviews, but most of my writing has jumping POVs because I like to show everyone's take on the situation but I try to be as clear as possible when I change who's POV it is. Also, if you don't like torture fics may I suggest not reading any of my longer fanfictions with the exception of Duel.
tsumesgirl05 - Glad you enjoyed the chapter!
AuburnMoonlight - Buw ha ha! I'm evil! Glad you enjoyed the Kenshin torture.
wyldcat - Glad to hear you're enjoying the story! I hope this chapter doesn't disappoint!
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Starknight - Thanks for the kind comments!
AthrunZallaLover - Hehe, I hope this update was fast enough to avoid being on the other end of your katana.
Hitokiri Musei - How's this! I updated Amber Eyed Angel one day and this the next!
Stricky - I'm glad this story is keeping you guessing!
varda101 - Cliffhangers are my favorites! BUW HA HA!
Viperthe strange - Maybe I will kill Kenshin and say this is an AU -smirk-
Ice Angel Kaoru - Keep poking me and I won't finish this fic! -evil grin-
Kenshin'sorrow - Thanks for the well wishes! I'm glad you really enjoyed the chapter!
albino-yaoi - Well now you can find out!
enchantedsleeper - Chapters end because I love leaving evil cliffhangers!
sueb262 - Glad to hear you're really enjoying this story so far!
Shadow Wolf of the Blue Moon - You're question about the fingers have been answered! As for the fic idea… I don't know, personally I really hate crossover fics, they almost always turn out badly.
Wistful-Eyes - Hehe… I love torture of any kind. I'm evil.
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Crystal Snowflakes - Next chapter will be the last.
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skenshingumi - Now you know how Kenshin got away!
moeru Himura - Glad to hear Hitoshi is confusing you slightly.
Streetwise Girl - Hope this update came soon enough!
lolo popoki - Hehe, poor Kenshin. I can't leave him alone can I?
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