Hi! Here's the next chapter of the Frog Swordsman. This chapter took longer because it involves writing lyrics. I know that Las Vegas was spelled that way but at the time I didn't know. Besides, I like 'Sol Sagev' better than 'Sal Sagev'. Sol Sagev sounded more mystical and fantasy like. Anyway, enjoy the fic. Any big stars being parodied by me does not belong to me.
The Frog Swordsman
Chapter 13
By Maria Cline
Kenshin and Kaoru gazed around in awe as they walked through the hotel lobby. There were various indoor stores and casinos that lit up against the darkness. Kenshin was in his tall frog form so he could test the weapon he needed. In reality, he didn't like the idea of him holding anything deadlier than a bokken. When he fought with Kaoru's bokken, his heart was pounding and a part of him wanted to kill every single one of them. Yet, he couldn't because Kaoru was watching. If she wasn't there, he didn't want to think what he would do.
"I think this is it." Kaoru said as she pointed to an enchanted weapons store. It had a glass window with a sign that read 'What You Need'.
"Sol Sagev is a strange place." Kenshin commented as they entered the store. There were a vast assortment of weapons all over the walls. A young man came up from behind the counter. His skin was pale and his shoulder length hair was midnight black. He was dressed in a Chinese robe with long red fingernails.
"Greetings, welcome to the 'What You Need'. I am Count D. I understand that you need some weapons." Count D said as he bowed.
The two stepped back stunned and Kaoru asked, "How did you know?"
Count D smiled slightly. "I know things. I also need that you need special weapons to fight for a friend's divorce."
Kenshin came up and asked, "What do you know about us? About me?"
The young man reached in behind the counter and held out a long stem red rose. "That is confidential. Anyway, let me show you our weapons." He looked around and saw a huge sword imbedded in stone. "That one is reserved for the future King Arthur." He went to a small box and held out a sword hilt.
"What kind of sword is that?" Kaoru asked.
"Ah, our deadliest sword." Count D flipped a switch and a red light shot out of the hilt. "This is a lightsaber. It could cut through any metal and any person. Trust me, one stroke from this and that person is cut in half no matter how much armor he wars."
"No thanks. I want… something less deadly. Something that doesn't kill." Kenshin replied.
"And I have my weapon with me." Kaoru said as she held up her bokken.
"Of course." Count D looked through the various swords. "Most of my weapons are deadly since weapons are made to kill. However, I do have something that might suit you." The young man went to the back of the store and picked up a dusty katana. "This is an enchanted sword. This sword actually reflects the man's innermost desire. No one had ever wanted it because those who are bloodthirsty would be killed by this sword and the more passive swordsman couldn't make it work properly. Only someone skillful enough can wield this blade."
Kenshin took the sword and felt it. It was light and had a strange feeling of magic in it. He tried to draw out the sword only to have it stuck. "I can't unsheathe it."
"I know. That is why it's not so popular. You can only use this sword in a fight. Sure, you can fight with the sheath but it lessens the impact. Only when you fight, would this sword fight with you." Count D said as he crossed his arms. "Would you like it?"
Kenshin gazed at the sword. "Are there any that couldn't kill?"
Count D shook his head. "A sword is made to kill. That one is the only one that won't kill if the user doesn't want to."
"I see." Kenshin stared at the sword. It wasn't like any sword he had even seen before. The sword seemed to call out to him and reach into his heart. "I… I don't know."
"Kenshin, you can handle it. You are not a killer any more. I believe in you." Kaoru supported as she put her hand on his shoulder.
The frog looked at the sword again. It could be a test to see how far gone his soul was. "I'll… I'll take it."
"Excellent choice." Count D said as he bowed. He gazed at Kenshin again. "You may have it for free. This sword had been returned so many times, it became a burden to keep."
"Thank you." Kenshin said as he bowed. The two walked out of the shop.
"We will see if this sword would kill in your hands, Hitokiri Battousai." The man said as he leaned forward and steeple his fingers.
Night fell as Kaoru carrying Kenshin, Rumpelstilskin, and Archane with the baby in her arms stepped out of the carriage in front of the Courtroom Coliseum Casino. It was huge with a dome in the middle and a bright neon sign. "This is a huge stadium." Archane said as she gazed around.
"Not just a stadium. It is the place where justice is given out." Rumpy explained as they passed by a group of tourists and through a metal gate.
They came up to a counter where there was huge sign that read 'Service Desk'. An old lady was manning it. Archane studied her and asked, "Aren't you the secretary for that divorce lawyer?"
"Oh no. That was my sister." The old lady said as she adjusted her glasses. "What do you want?"
"We're here for the eight o'clock divorce." Rumpy said as he climbed on top of a stool for a better view.
"Ah, I see. Okay, go to the Divorce Courtroom A and wait there. Your lawyer should be coming soon."
The group nodded and Archane looked at the various lawyers and fighters along the highways. She couldn't believe that she will finally have her chance at freedom. After two years of being held captive, she will be free from her husband. "This feels so strange." The woman said as she held on to her baby. "It feels like a dream. I want this to be over with."
Rumpy patted her knee. "Hey, relax, Archane. These divorces are a piece of cake. You're just nervous because this is your first one."
The woman nodded. "I… I just want this to be over. I'm tired."
"It will be over soon." Mr. Toryu said as he came up. "Nice outfit. Very no nonsense. Okay, who's fighting?"
"Kenshin and I." Kaoru said as she came up.
The demonic lawyer looked down at Kenshin and then at Kaoru. "You know, I have some fighters on speed dial that would gladly fight for you."
"I'm stronger than I look." Kenshin said annoyed.
"Ah, a transformer. Stay like that until the fight, it makes the opponent more susceptible and raise the odds." Mr. Toryu said as he rubbed his clawed hands together.
"Raise the odds for what?" Kaoru asked.
"Oh… you'll see."
Soon, others started coming in. Archane watched from her table as the king sat at his table surrounded by demonic lawyers. There were also other maidens like her around. "Have you seen Father and Hans?" Archane asked as she strained her eyes.
Kaoru and Kenshin looked around and then Kaoru shook her head. "I'm sorry. Maybe, they don't know about the divorce yet."
"I see." The woman closed her eyes.
Rumpy smiled slightly and did a thumb up. "Relax, lady, we'll find Hans and your dad after all this is over."
"Perhaps."
"All rise." The bailiff said and everyone stood up. A microphone came out of the ceiling and he slipped on a pair of sunglasses. "And now introducing the Judge of Matrimonial Separation, the man of the hour… JUDGE ELVIN PRESTLY!"
Out of nowhere, horns blared and a figure rose out of the floor. He was dressed in a white jumpsuit covered in jewels. His hair was black and slicked back while wearing a pair of sunglasses. He jumped down and started to sing.
Hey there people how's it been?
Welcome to the City of Sin
Here we are to separate a pair
And we do it quickly with a lot of flair.
Do not worry about time we spend.
And in an hour everything will end.
If in an hour a decision has not been made
Then we'll settle the Sol Sagev way!!!
HUH!
Elvin posed and everyone applauded. In the audience a few women swooned. Kaoru's eyes bulged and she said, "He is nothing like the judge in my kingdom."
"Uh huh." Kenshin nodded.
Elvin wiped his brow with a towel and sat down on a chair. "Okay, here's how it goes for all new comers, the not so happy couple will let it all hang out don't hold back on anything. You are given an hour to plead your case and if that doesn't work out in the end, it's Marital Combat. Ya got your combatants ready?"
"All set your honor." Mr. Toryu said as he stood up.
"All set your honor." The main lawyer said as he and the other lawyers stood up.
"Good." Judge Elvin said as he adjusted his papers. "Now, we'll start with the Plaintiff, tell me little lady why you don't want to be queen?"
Archane stood up and cleared her throat. All of a sudden, a sensation ran through her. She had the urge to sing.
I was once just a poor miller's daughter.
I ran the mill with my father with my mother in heaven.
We were alone and poor but we were content.
One day a rumor started to arise.
About some fantastic ability I never had.
My father bragged that I can spin straw into gold.
I never heard of a crazier story told…
I ignore it.
Yeah, I ignore it.
I couldn't fight a rumor so I ignore it.
Just when I thought it slowed down,
The king showed up right at town.
He asked around and found me.
The next thing I know I was trapped in the tower surrounded by straw!
Defendant's Lawyer stood up and asked in a deep baritone voice,
Why didn't you deny it?
Why didn't you straighten out things right from the start and avoid this mess?
Perhaps you like the king and scam him for every dime he had!
Archane sang back,
I tried so hard.
Yeah yeah.
I tried so hard.
Yeah yeah.
I tried to deny everything but the king refused to listen.
At once the audience started to clap in tune as they sway back and forth.
Defendant's Lawyer sang his question out again,
What happened next?
Archane replied in song,
I was locked up in a tower filled with straw.
Been told to spin it all into gold after nightfall.
If I don't, my head would be chopped off.
Audience gasped at once and asked,
Chopped off?
Archane nodded.
Chopped off.
My head would be chopped off.
I started to cry and I started to pray.
Nothing will help me by the end of the day.
Then all of a sudden, I met a funny little man.
He was sweet by kinda strange.
He offered to spin the straw for a necklace as an exchange…
King Midanas got up and ran to his wife and sang:
Ha! I knew it! You were lying!
I knew it! You were lying!
You were paying some old man to do the work for you!
The two came up and circled each other. Everyone else stood up and went behind the one they were for as the Judge watched from his bench. They danced as one as they glared at each other.
Archane came up and pointed a finger at him,
What are you doing here? Can't you leave me alone?
I admit I had to cheat just to survive!
I don't ask for anything just my son to stay with me.
He deserves to be with his own mother!
Midanas shook his head, "NO WAY!"
Everyone became silent and then a spotlight came onto the king.
Richard deserves the best in life as my first born.
He have royal blood flowing through his form.
I can give him riches which no one have seen before.
I can make it so he will have lavish dishes every day for the rest of his life!
Archane sighed and gazed up at the judge,
And what good is having riches with no one to share them with?
What good is having lavish dishes with no one to eat with?
I agree that Richard deserves the best but there is more to life than gold.
I don't want him to grow up rich but miserable just like his father!
There was a collective gasp as Midanas came forward and shook his fist.
He will be surrounded by subjects and people who loved him.
He will be waited hand and foot for the rest of his life.
Women will come from all over the place just to see his face.
When the time comes he will be married to a beautiful princess!
Archane flung out her arms:
Will they like him for who he was?
Or the fact he is born with a crown on his head?
Will these women marry him or the fact that he was a prince?
I want him to marry for love!
Midanas stared at her and said, "You married me didn't you?"
The husband and wife glared at each other as they walked in a circle. They started to snap their fingers in a beat.
"You gave me no choice."
"You had everything."
"I had nothing."
Finally, the Judge banged on a huge bell and yelled, "Session's up!"
"Huh?" Everyone stopped and they looked at each other.
"The hour's up already?" Kaoru asked in disbelief.
"Time flies when you're having fun." Rumpy replied as he sipped his martini.
Everyone sat down and the judge looked at the two. "Well, there's no clear answer for this. A first born prince is needed in their kingdoms. But, I don't like the idea of a miserable king. So, we are going to have Marital Combat!"
At once, everyone cheered as confetti flew into the air.
"Everyone meet in the fighting dome for Marital Combat in fifteen minutes and we can get the next round started! Until then…" Elvin snapped his fingers and horn music came out of nowhere. His platform sank into the floor much to everyone's amazement.
"It's this way." Mr. Toryu said as he pointed to a door.
"Ummm… Rumpy, can I ask you something?" Archane asked, "Why did I sing like that?"
"Part of the spell." Rumpy replied, "Everyone sings at one time or another. That's one of the charms of Sol Sagev."
"You better get ready for your Marital Combat." Mr. Toryu suggested as he pointed to the doors to the side. "There's someone there that can help you get there."
"Thank you." Kaoru said as she bowed. "We'll win this fight, Archane."
"Just focus on staying alive." Archane said as she bowed back.
Kaoru and Kenshin went through the door and into a locker room. "We better get set." The woman said as she blushed.
"I'm ready." Kenshin nodded and Kaoru held him up and kissed him. In a poof of smoke, Kenshin appeared in his fighting frog form in front of her. The giant frog looked down at his hands and smiled. "I love being like this." He looked down to see his sword at his side.
"Me too." Kaoru blushed as she looked down. "I… I just hope that you can stay like that until the fight is over. I don't want to think about what would happen if you shrink while fighting."
"I know." Kenshin agreed. "But, I'm a fast fighter. Most of my fights only lasts a minute. I'm more worried about you. King Midanas must have hired professional killers to win. They'll try to kill you first. I know they will."
The woman sighed and then took his hand. "I know but I can handle myself. I won't die. I promise."
Kenshin just smiled slightly at her. "I hope so." The two stared at each other and then a guy wearing earphones came in.
"You're up." The man said as he gestured to the door.
"Let's do this." Kaoru said as she took Kenshin's hand and led him out.
Archane with her baby in her lap sat beside Rumpy and Mr. Toryu in the front row protected by a shield. She gazed at her husband at the other side looking smug. "They have to win." She muttered.
"They will." Rumpy supported. "Kenshin… Kenshin is a very strong frog. Look at that! They're starting!"
The stadium became dark and a single spot light showed the referee. He was dressed in a bright blue suit with rhinestones along the sides. "Ladies and Gentlemen! Welcome to MARITAL COMBAT!!!"
The audience went crazy and screamed as loud as possible. Archane covered her ears and winced.
The announcer nodded and yelled, "AND NOW, IN THIS CORNER, REPRESENTING KING MIDANAS, THE DEADLY TWOSOME… CHOU OF THE THOUSAND SWORDS AND KAMATARI THE ANGEL OF DEATH!!!"
Horns blasted out as a tall man in a red trench coat with six swords strapped to his back came out and grinned. His blond hair stuck up straight as a broom. Beside him was a lovely woman with brown hair, a bright robe with a rectangular scythe in her hand. They waved towards the audience and Kamatari blew a kiss towards the men who swooned. Rumpy just frowned at her.
The Announcer held up his hand and then said, "AND NOW, IN THIS CORNER, REPRSEENTING THE FORMER QUEEN ARCHANE, A PAIR OF VEGABONDS WITHOUT A HOME… KAORU THE EXILED PRINCESS AND KENSHIN THE FROG!!!"
The spotlight rested on the two and everyone laughed. Kaoru clenched her bokken as Kenshin covered his eyes with one of his hands. "I can't wait till you show what you can do." Kaoru growled as she stepped forward. "You're a much better swordsman than broom head over there."
"I know. But, you have to be careful, Kaoru-dono. I sense that Kamatari is the weaker one but she is stronger than you." Kenshin warned as he put his hand over her shoulder.
"Then, I'll be more careful." Kaoru replied as she smiled at him.
The four stepped forward and bowed. "Nice sword. I want it." Chou said as he pointed at Kenshin's sword.
"No." Kenshin said as he held on.
"All right! Remember the rules!" The Referee said as he came forward. "The fights are between the four of you. No getting the audience involved! Also, no biting, scratching, and this is a PG-13 rated fight so no nudity or descriptions of gore!"
"A PG-13 rated fight?" Archane asked Rumpy stunned.
"Everything is getting rated these days." Rumpy replied as he shrugged.
Kamatari came up to Kaoru. "I'll kill you and get Lord Shishio away from that Yumi!" The woman vowed as she held out her huge scythe.
"Shishio? The demonic fire assassin? Why do you want him?" Kaoru said as she held up her bokken.
"Well, I don't get why you're for a slimy frog." Kamatari snapped.
Kaoru blushed, "Let's just fight okay!"
"Fine by me." Kamatari rushed up and slashed at Kaoru only to miss.
"Kaoru-dono!" Kenshin gasped only to dodged Chou's sword.
"You don't think that I will let you protect the princess, Kenshin?" Chou asked as he smirked.
Kenshin held out his still sheathed sword. He didn't know what kind of sword it was. It could kill him or everyone else in the room. The last thing he wanted was death. He dodged the sword and smashed his sheath into it breaking it in two. Chou quickly dropped his hilt and got out another sword. The two fought again.
Meanwhile, far away, Megumi and her band of travelers walked through the woods. Rose Red was walking next to Megumi sensing for anything strange. Enishi was right behind them just in case. Rapunzel and Yahiko was behind them. Sanosuke stayed in the back to protect them. Rose's powers had been returning but she still felt somewhat weak. Despite her condition, Rose can still sense the various magic energies around her. Megumi still felt unsure about the two newcomers. Enishi was irrational and Rose was unpredictable. All they cared about was getting their revenge on the Battousai. However, they were strong and she needed every strong person to help her family regain their kingdom.
All of a sudden, Rose screamed and collapsed onto the ground. She clutched her shoulder as Enishi rushed to her. "Sister! Are you all right?"
Rose gritted her teeth as she stood up. "The Battousai is acting up. I felt it once but I thought it was just a cramp."
"How can that be?" Enishi whispered.
"I don't know! I don't know!" Rose shook her head as tears came down her face. "His thirst for blood is starting. I can feel it! We have to stop him!"
"Where is he?" Yahiko asked, "Can we kill him before he kills someone else?"
"I don't know! He's too far away!" Rose screeched.
"What can we do?" Rapunzel asked as she looked around.
"Pray that the man he wanted to kill is stronger than he is." Rose answered as she took deep breaths.
Kenshin took a deep breath as he studied Chou. All around them were shattered swords and hilts. So far, he had held his own without having to unsheathe his sword. Still, he was getting tired and he didn't know how much longer he can hold on. He glanced at Kaoru. So far, Kaoru managed to avoid getting hurt but Kamatari was just toying with her. He had to finish Chou before it was too late. "Give up, you ran out of swords."
"Not yet." Chou said as he took off his top. "I have a huge sword that I haven't used yet."
There was a gasp as the women covered their eyes. "No thanks!" Archane yelled.
Chou sweatdropped. "Not that kind of sword!" He unwrapped a long sword and held it out. "It was a specially made sword made with the thinnest blade known!"
Kenshin tensed up as Chou flicked his wrist and the blade whipped out at him. He dodged only to see the blade rush at him. He winced in pain as the blade ripped into his skin.
"No matter how fast you are, you cannot avoid this forever!!!" Chou laughed as he flicked his wrist again.
Kenshin winced as he tried to dodge again. "Come on! Fight already! Unsheathe the sword!" Rumpy yelled out as he jumped onto his seat.
The frog man held his sword in his hands. He was getting tired and he wanted to kill him. He couldn't. With just one move, he could end this. He turned toward him. Chou looked into his eyes and felt something went down his spine. The last time he had seen such an expression was when he made the mistake of hitting on Shishio's woman. He quickly flicked his sword out at Kenshin only to watch him leap high into the air as he unsheathed his sword. Kenshin's eyes glowed as he lashed out his sword in a swift motion.
Rose clutched on to Enishi's hand as the pains grew stronger. Her hair was wet as she fought as hard as she could. Her body glowed in an eerily dark way as her head thrashed back. Finally, a jolt of pain rushed through her soul and she screamed, "NOOO!!!"
Kenshin landed as he breathed hard. He had no choice, he had to attack him with the sword. His sword glowed and finally, it stopped and he felt like crying. "I broke my promise." He whispered as he dropped the sword and shrunk. The now small frog looked at his sword and saw the dull side of sword have blood on it.
The referee ran up and checked Chou. He did a thumb up. "He's alive!"
Kenshin sighed in relief and then he remembered Kaoru. "Kaoru-dono!"
Kamatari smirked as she held up her scythe. "Well, looks like it's just between you and me, princess. I was holding back because I wanted to see who would win between Chou and Kenshin. Now, I can focus on you."
"I was doing the same thing." Kaoru said as she tightened her grip on her bokken.
"Prepare to die!" Kamatari gushed as she rushed at her. Kaoru dodged and the other woman swung over her slicing her wooden bokken in half. The princess gasped as she saw her bokken in two.
"I won't die." Kaoru said as she held the two pieces in her hands.
"Everyone dies." Kamatari said as she smirked. The woman flipped her blade and slammed the pole onto her head.
Kaoru held her head as she got up. "I won't die today. I promised Kenshin that I won't die today and I always keep my promises."
"I see. How cute." Kamatari said as she frowned. "You have no idea how lucky you are to be a woman. You deny yourself by being dressed up in man's clothes constantly and your pretty hair all chopped up. I can't wait to kill you."
Kenshin felt helpless as he watched the fight. He needed Kaoru's kiss to go back to his fighting frog form and his leg hurts so bad that he couldn't even hop toward her. Kamatari held up her scythe and flung it down at Kaoru. "KAORU-DONO!!!"
Kaoru caught the scythe with the back of her wrists in a cross action. Kamatari's jaw dropped as the princess forced the scythe up and then punched her in the jaw. She fell and Kaoru grabbed her broken bokken and thrust it at Kamatari's knee with a resounding crack. Kaoru breathed deeply as she got up and felt her cuts. She smiled at Kenshin as she walked towards him and picked him up. "I told you I won't die."
Kenshin smiled back as he felt her warmth. "Kaoru-dono… I…"
"Congratulations!!!" The referee exclaimed as he came up to the two. "You had just ensured your friend to keep her son and defeated two deadly fighters. What are you going to do now?"
Kaoru simply replied, "Heal."
In the healing room, Kenshin sighed in relief as the doctor applied salve on his leg. "That should do it. Your wound will heal in a day or so. I wouldn't recommend any transformation until your cuts heal."
"Yes, doctor."
Kaoru was in better condition. All she had was a slight concussion and a bunch of bruises. Kenshin had to admire her. She was the toughest princess he had ever met. Kaoru looked to the side and asked, "How are the others feeling? Chou and Kamatari? Are they okay?"
The doctor nodded. "Some broken bones but they are strong. Want to see them?"
"Sure. Want to come, Kenshin?"
"Please."
The doctor led Kaoru and Kenshin into the other room where Kamatari and Chou were. Chou was lying in his bed with bandages over his chest while reading a sword catalogue. Kamatari lay on her bed staring at a picture. The two looked up to see Kaoru standing there with Kenshin in her hands.
"Ah, the princess and her frog assassin had shown up." Chou said as he chuckled. "You won't get anything from us."
Kaoru shook her head. "I just want to see how are you two feeling? Are you okay?"
"I have a few broken ribs, broken swords and a badly bruised ego. I'm fine." Chou said as he shrugged, "The first time I got defeated by anyone let alone a frog."
Kaoru saw Kamatari looking glum. "Kamatari, are you okay? You were very tough and I had to fight you with all I had."
"I'm fine." Kamatari smiled slightly at her. "You have no idea how lucky you are. I want to be a fancy princess."
"Well… being a princess isn't all fun and games. Maybe if you find a prince of your own…"
"There's one man for me but he and I can never be truly one." Kamatari sat up and undid her top. Kenshin quickly buried his head into Kaoru's arms.
Kaoru's jaw dropped as she nudged Kenshin. "Kenshin… you can look. She- I mean, he's…"
Kenshin looked up to see Kamatari's flat chest. "You're… a man?! Are you cursed?"
"I wish." Kamatari laughed bitterly. "I was cursed by fate to be born as a man. I longed to be a woman but I don't want to change permanently. That's why I dress like this. I can never be the woman he wanted. That's why I can't rest until I have his heart. You are lucky; you have a chance to get a husband."
"I… am not looking for a husband." Kaoru denied as she held Kenshin a little tighter.
Kamatari chuckled. "So I see."
"I have to go now and meet some friends of mine. I hope to see you again when we're not fighting." Kaoru said as she bowed.
The two assassins nodded back and Kaoru and Kenshin left the room. Chou sighed as he leaned back. "That was close. It's a good thing that fight was legal or we would get in real trouble."
"We still can't go back until we please Lord Shishio." Kamatari said as she gazed at her photo.
"I know. We will and I will get that sword." Chou vowed.
Meanwhile, Kaoru and Kenshin came back into their room to see Rumpy and Archane with her baby waiting for them.
"Great fight over there. I won a lot of money from that fight." Rumpy said as he and Archane with her baby came up.
Kaoru's eyes widened. "What do you mean? You were betting on us?!"
"Oh yeah. It's normal around here." Rumpy said as he grinned, "Don't worry, I'll give you your cut."
"No problem." Kaoru sweatdropped.
"Thank you so much for giving my divorce and freeing me from that king." Archane said as she bowed.
"No problem. What are you going to do now?" Kaoru asked.
"Well… I have my settlement from my ex-husband and got plenty of money. I'm not a millionaire but I have enough to last me for a long time."
"Are you going back to Spinstera, Archane-dono?" Kenshin spoke up.
The woman shook her head. "I can't. I am no longer queen so as soon as I step foot into the kingdom again, I'll be in trouble. No, I'm staying here. Sol Sagev is such an interesting town."
"I have some friends to help you out, Archane." Rumpy said as he looked at Kaoru and Kenshin. "Oh yeah, I suppose you need some of this, right?" He asked as he pulled out a ball of gold thread.
Kaoru's eyes bulged as she took the ball. "How did you know?"
"Archane told me while you were being healed. I don't normally do this since most people want the money but you just need it to help your friend. How can I refuse that?" Rumpy said as he grinned.
"Thank you so much!" Kaoru said as she bowed repeatedly and then winced at her bruises. "Now, all we have to do is get Megumi's needle and fix Hiko's- Oh no."
"What is it?" Kenshin asked worried.
"I… this will sound stupid." Kaoru sat down and fingered the ball of gold thread. "Before we left my family, I had a vision of a chained woman in white telling me to leave my friends and family and not to see them again for a month, if I do, Kenshin will die." Kaoru said as she fidgeted.
"A month?" Kenshin repeated stunned.
Rumpy just nodded. "Then, you better do as she says. Visions happen for a reason. Trust me on this."
Kenshin stared down. "What does this woman smell like?"
"Smell like?" Kaoru repeated. "I… I don't know. Why?"
"I thought… it's nothing. Maybe you can stay here for a month or so to train and maybe find more help to save your kingdom." Kenshin suggested hoping to change the subject.
Kaoru's face lit up. "Yeah! And this is a magical kingdom, we can find someone here to help you reverse the curse and get you back to being human!"
"Maybe. Magic experts come from all over the world to live here." Rumpy replied.
"All right! Let's do it! Let's get Kenshin back to normal!" Kaoru cheered. Everyone else, even the baby cheered along and Kenshin gazed down.
"Thank you."
Rose washed her face as she sighed in relief. "It's over for now." She said as she dried her face.
"This is bad. The Battousai is causing you pain when he shouldn't. He has to die." Enishi said as he sat on a rock brooding.
"I know. What troubles me is that he's in a position where he can really kill people. He shouldn't be able to do that." Rose paced around and felt her snowflake pendant.
"So, the curse is unraveling faster now?" Megumi asked.
"Yes, but it shouldn't go this fast. Someone is helping him go back to being what he was before. I can sense it."
Yahiko rolled his eyes. "Who would be crazy enough to help a demonic assassin?"
"Who knows, we will just have to kill him or her and then the Battousai." Enishi shrugged.
"Well, we have to find them first." Megumi pointed out and then looked at Rose. "Rose-san, what can we do to find the Battousai?"
Rose gazed up. "Well, we could wander around until my senses kick in but that will take too much time. There is a place where my senses can be amplified and I can find anyone in the world. That's where I go to when I lost track of the Battousai."
"Where's that?" Rapunzel asked.
Rose's eyes glowed and she replied, "Sol Sagev."
To Be Continued…