Me: Greetings to everyone! Sorry for the long update, I usually try to update as soon as possible, but… I'm an auntie! Yay!

Thank you, my faithful reviewers! You are the source of my inspiration!

Half breed demon fox: Thanks for the review!

Blaizin wolf: Here you go! Thanx for being interested! And I read your story, Static Butterfly! It's cool! You should all read it!

Sims are awesome: lol I would love to be the chosen one too! Here's chapter 3!

Angel of lonelyness: lol I am glad you love my story! And don't worry, no Tomoe here. I don't hate her THAT much, but I still don't like her.

Yami Kikkay: (To Nobuhiro) so, what will it be?

Me: glares Hey! Take him back to Japan Yami!

Yami Kikkay: …NO! He still doesn't want to give us RK!

Disclaimer: I will never own RK. Though I do own my characters, like Lyhn and some others…

Me: Here's chapter 3!

Heart of a Demon

Chapter Three: The Protectors

"When the story of Destiny is told, it will be written in blood..."

Kenshin watched as Kaoru ran towards the little houses, calling for someone, ecstatic. For some reason, he didn't feel happy she was home. Yahiko stared at her.

Kaoru: "Aoshi! Aoshi! It's me! I'm back!"

A man, maybe in his early 20's, came out of one of the houses. He smiled widely (Me: can you imagine him SMILING?) and ran towards her. They hugged tightly and after a few minutes, he broke the embrace, and kissed her forehead tenderly. Kenshin felt a sudden anger rise inside his chest. Both Kaoru and 'Aoshi' walked over them.

Kaoru: "These two saved me from the maniacs who kidnapped me. Of course, I could have done it myself if they hadn't taken my weapons away."

'Aoshi' glared at Kenshin for some reason. He just glared back. Kaoru noticed this and spoke.

Kaoru: "Yahiko, Kenshin, this is my brother (Me: HAHAHA! Sorry for that, I just think they really look alike! And this IS a K/B.) Aoshi. He's the leader of the Village's demon hunters."

It did make sense. This man did resemble Kaoru; raven black hair and blue eyes, only his were slightly narrowed and colder. He wore a short sleeved black shirt, black pants, and black boots (Me: Is there a sequence here or is it just me?). 'Being Kaoru's brother would make him a Kamiya… that's it!'. Kenshin chuckled. Yahiko's eyes widened.

Yahiko: "Kenshin is this--"

Kenshin: "Yes."

Aoshi: "Took you long enough to remember."
Kaoru: "Huh? Okay, I'm lost here."

Yahiko: "Remember what I told about the Kamiya Kenshin fought against?"
Kaoru: "Yes…"

Yahiko: "That's him."
Kaoru: "WHAT?"

Aoshi: "So, you finally give up Himura?"
Kenshin: "Please, I never give up. And you were the one who ran away."

Aoshi: "I never run away."

Kenshin: "Hmph. Let's see then. Here and now?"

Aoshi: "Why not?"

They both took fighting stances. Kaoru quickly stood between them.

Kaoru: "You will not fight! Aoshi, I just got here and this is how you welcome me?"
Aoshi: "…"
Kaoru: "Kenshin, you rescued me, and I'm in your debt. But I will not allow you to duel my brother."
Kenshin: "…"

Aoshi: "I guess you had all of this planned: you rescue her and bring her back. I let you stay, being grateful. Then you kill both of us and the Kamiya family is over. I wouldn't be surprised if you kidnapped her. Or maybe you know about her--"

Kaoru: "Aoshi!"

Kenshin: "I was just passing by; that's why I saved her. And if I had wanted to do what you just said, I would've done it by now, don't you think so?"

Aoshi: "Why don't you try it?"

Kaoru: "STOP IT! Both of you please! Aoshi, Kenshin did not know who I was when he saved me and he did not know I was related to you in anyway! Now stop arguing!"

Yahiko: "She's right, we never knew she was related to you sir."

Aoshi: "Kaoru--"

Kaoru: "Now, we will let them stay the night as a token of our appreciation."

Kenshin: "Don't worry Kaoru, we were leaving. We are in a hurry."

Kaoru's glare silenced him. He and Yahiko followed them inside the house. It was neat for a small house. Yahiko's stomach growled.

Kaoru: "You hungry little Yahiko? I'll tell Saiyo to make lunch. Follow me."

Kaoru and Yahiko, who glared for the 'little' remark, left the room, leaving Aoshi and Kenshin in a horrible silence. They didn't move from their places. They just stared at each other. Aoshi broke the silence a few minutes later.

Aoshi: "… I thank you for rescuing my sister."

Kenshin: "As I already told you, I was just passing by. She could be dead by now for all I care."

Aoshi: "I am surprised you didn't kill her yourself."

Kenshin: "Hey, why should I--"

Aoshi: "Everyone wants to kill her."

Kenshin: "Huh?"

At that moment, Kaoru came into the room. They did not say anything. Stare. Stare. Silence.

Kaoru: "Um, I'm going to bathe. I can't wait to get this thing off."

Again, Aoshi merely nodded. Kenshin didn't even budge. Kaoru felt the heat of anger boiling inside, but she remained calm. She left the room with a loud 'hmph!', not knowing if leaving them alone was such a good idea.

Aoshi: "Do you know why she was kidnapped?"

Kenshin: "Not really, I didn't believe what she told me."

Aoshi: "Sit down; I don't bite when my sister's around."

Kenshin: "That's my line."

They both chuckled. Kenshin sat down at the couch and waited for him to continue. Aoshi sat at a sofa facing him.

Kaoru let the warm water touch her silky skin. Her long ebony hair cascaded down her back. She was home, and she was happy. But somehow, she didn't want to be home. Somehow, that little time away from home had also made her happy. She wanted more.

Kaoru: "How come I feel this way?"

She moved her hair from her back, revealing a strange symbol. It was at least 2 inches big. It was black; a 't' with a 'z' (Me: I wish you could know how it really is… just imagine the 't', and a 'z' coming from the 't's little line… AHHHHHH!).

Aoshi: "Some say she will end the world as we know it, others that she will save it."

Kenshin: "Why?"

Aoshi: "Didn't she tell you?"
Kenshin: "About what?"

Aoshi: "Though she doesn't accept her destiny, she's the chosen one. It's written. And she's marked."

Kenshin: "Marked?"
Aoshi: "Yes, we thought it was normal. But then people started coming to our village to kill her. You see, there are only a few that don't think she's evil."

Kenshin: "So what will she really do?"

Aoshi: "Who knows?"

Kenshin: "It must be hard for her."
Aoshi: "Yes. Our parents died 7 years ago, protecting her from some demons. That's when she decided to become a demon hunter. We've been trying to eliminate every one; no offense."

Kenshin: "Save it. 'So that's what she meant by 'the chosen one'. Interesting…'."

A girl wearing a lavender skirt, a long sleeved baby blue shirt, a white apron, with big hazel eyes, and long curly brown hair came in. She had a big smile. She looked at Aoshi.

Girl: "Lord Aoshi; lunch is ready. Little Kaoru is already in the kitchen."

Aoshi: "Thank you Saiyo."

Kenshin followed Aoshi to the dining room. Yahiko had already devoured his part and was asking for seconds. Kaoru sat silent at the table, eating her food slowly. She wore a black top, black leathery pants and knee-high black boots (Me: Again, a sequence here? I really like black lol). She noticed Kenshin staring at her and blushed slightly. Aoshi sat besides her. He motioned Kenshin to take a seat, which he did. There were at least three more people at the table.

Kaoru: "Kenshin, I want you to meet the rest of the hunters. These are Omari, Akira and Naoki."

Omari had spiky balck hair and grayish eyes. Akira had shoulder length sandy blonde hair and green eyes. Naoki had short black hair and pretty purple eyes. They all waved. Dinner was quite social. They were all really friendly. The rest of the day passed pretty fast, and even though Kenshin and Yahiko insisted on leaving, they didn't let them.

Kaoru: "I'll prepare two more beds now."

Yahiko: "Yeah! How long has it been since I've slept on a real bed?"

Each of them departed to their rooms. However, Kenshin couldn't sleep. He went outside and sat at the porch. Kaoru couldn't get any sleep either. She decided to get up and drink a warm glass of milk. On her way to the kitchen, she spotted a dark figure outside her house.

Kaoru: "Who's there?"
Kenshin: "Huh? It's me, Kenshin."

Kaoru: "Oh. What are you doing up?"

Kenshin: "I should be asking you the same."
Kaoru: "I guess so. Can I join you?"
Kenshin: "Of course."

She was about to sit at his side, when she heard a horrible scream. Kenshin quickly drew his blade and ordered her to go inside and warn his brother. As she went inside, a blue aura surrounded the area. The village was now on blue fire, and more screams could be heard. All the demon hunters were out by Kenshin's side, including Aoshi and Kaoru. Yahiko walked slowly behind Kaoru. They're eyes widened as a slim figure came out of the flames. To Kaoru's surprise, it was Lyhn…

Lyhn: "Hello there, we meet again."

Kenshin: "What do you want?"
Lyhn: "Calm down. I just want to thank you for saving me from that horrible demon back there."

Kenshin: "So you were always the real demon, pathetic."

With that said, he positioned himself to attack. However, Lyhn grinned. She looked directly into Kenshin's eyes. His mind went mad…

'Kill the girl. Kill the girl…'

He paralyzed. 'Can it be? Can she be the one who has been talking to me all this time?'. He stood motionless.

Omari: "Your life ends here devil!"

Omari launched himself towards Lyhn, sword in hand. Lyhn's eyes widened. He froze in half-way. Lyhn slowly walked until she was besides him. She snapped his neck. He fell to the ground.

Naoki: "OMARI! NO!"

Saiyo: "Naoki, wait! Don't!"

But it was too late for Naoki; she was already lying on the ground, blood oozing from her neck. Akira soon followed the same fate.

Saiyo: "Please, stop it! What do you want?"

Lyhn: "What I want does not concern you!"

Lyhn's eyes widened and Saiyo's body paralyzed. She grinned as Saiyo slowly fell to the ground, gasping for air. Tears flowed from Kaoru's blue eyes as she watched in horror. Yahiko held her arm. Kenshin's grip on his sword tightened.

Kaoru: "SAIYO!"

Lyhn: "Listen. I just want Aoshi to come with me."

Aoshi: "I refuse."

Lyhn: "Come with me or your sister dies."

Once again, Lyhn's eyes grew wider as she focused on Kaoru's owns. Kaoru started to breathe heavily. Yahiko gasped; she was running out of air in no time. Aoshi had no option; he sighed and nodded. Kaoru fell to her knees, Yahiko quickly kneeling besides her.

Aoshi: "Himura; guard Kaoru with your life. Don't let anyone take her. I'm counting on you."

Kenshin: "Aoshi…"

Aoshi: "She depends on you now. Don't worry; it won't be long, I plan on fighting you again."

Kenshin: "I'm looking forward to it. Don't worry, she's in good hands."

As in a cue, Lyhn hit Aoshi on the back of his neck, leaving him unconscious. They soon disappeared, followed by a massive blue fog.

Kaoru: "AOSHI! DON'T LEAVE ME!"

Kenshin ran to her as she screamed. A river of tears came out of her sapphire eyes. She collapsed into Kenshin's arms, exhausted. Yahiko observed their surroundings; everything that had being on that strange blue fire was now ashes. He then looked back at Kaoru, who rested in Kenshin's chest.

Yahiko: "Will she be all right?"

Kenshin: "Yes. We'll protect her. 'I'll protect you no matter what, I swear it…' "

Me: Wahoo! Another chappie done!

Yami Kikkay: There, that old guy is back in Japan. Happy!

Me: Yes. Don't you feel happy when you do good things?

Yami Kikkay: Well, I feel happy when I steal things!

Me: But that's not good! What did I tell you about stealing! Well, I'll deal with you later. I hope you liked this chapter. I tried to tell a little about Kaoru. And I tried to make Aoshi as serious and calm as he really is. I think this chapter sucked a little because I'm not too good in describing battle scenes. Oh! And I almost forgot, I'll need your help for the next chapter, if you want a next chapter that is…

Yami Kikkay: Do any of you know the 7 sins? She's missing one: lust, wrath, sloth, gluttony, envy, pride. I tell her its hate, but even I'm not sure. So when you review, tell us.

Me: So, now that that's said, do you see that little box down there? If you don't click it, it will die.

Yami Kikkay: If you don't click it YOU will die!

Me: O.O' don't listen to her!