Author's Note: I know this has been a long time coming but I had delayed it because I wanted to do a very vivid fight and in order to accomplish that I had to get my Rurouni Kenshin Swordsman Guidebook but Barnes and Noble has let me know it's been delayed as well. So this chapter is not as long as the others but is a bridge to the fight coming up so therefore it ends as a cliffhanger. But fret not for I plan to use sword techniques from the manga and will update sooner instead of waiting for the sourcebook. Thank you so much reviewers for giving this story 101 reviews, I am overwhelmed! And the readers for giving this story 4700 hits.

Glossary of Japanese words:

Okashira—---boss or leader

IN THE BELLY OF THE BEAST

The Hono'o was readied in practically no time as Shura and the Kairyu prepared for battle, making sure their weapons were honed to perfection. The engine men had fired up the steam driven combine and since the ship had both steam and sail capabilities, the urgency of the situation deemed that they use the swiftness that steam would provide. The crew had boarded and got ready for the imminent confrontation with the Samekuroi, now with the Battousai's wife as their captive, the stakes were much higher. The final preparations for departure complete, the Hono'o shoved off, heading into the milky yellow sunset.

At the bowspirit, Kenshin stood alone scowling, his eyes narrowed to slits as he imagined his beloved Kaoru in the clutches of Izumo. Although he had every confidence in her ability to defend herself, her current state of expectant motherhood was a very real concern as it had curtailed her abilities now for the last few months. Deep inside he was terrified for his wife and unborn child for Izumo and his crew had proven themselves to be ruthless as evidenced by the slaughter at the Kairyu village. He closed his eyes and as pictures of Kaoru being brutalized by the Samekuroi came to him, he tried to shake the images from his head but instead they brought back scenes of what jinchuu Enishi had created as he made Kenshin believe she had been killed. He tried to blot out the horrific image of her slain and pierced to the dojo wall but again experienced the bleak despair that he had felt as he had banished himself to Rakuninmura. At that time believing her dead, he had chained his sakabatou as the righteous sword he had hoped to wield seemed to be a farce; a fallacy that did not protect, only drew more vengeance down upon him and the one closest to him. His life seemed pointless and so he stopped eating and waited for death to claim him until Tsubame came and told him that Enishi had perpetrated a fraud and Kaoru was indeed alive. He went to rescue her and then bringing her home, he vowed that he would protect her with his life. But now feeling the intense failure at keeping that promise, Kenshin clutched the railing of the bow tightly, his knuckles white as he wrestled with his self-recrimination, building rage, and worry for his family.

Over on the quarterdeck, Shura stood and watched as Kenshin isolated himself, his posture and body language giving very clear signs to all to keep their distance. She shuddered inwardly at the memory of his always placid visage as it turned dark with fury after reading the message from the Samekuroi about his wife's abduction. The vision of the predator eyes of the former legendary hitokiri caused a chill to skitter down her spine as she imagined Kenshin in his former role during the Bakumatsu and she now knew what his victims must have felt just before he took their lives. Although Izumo was her sworn enemy, Shura found herself almost pitying him and what awaited him as the time of confrontation drew near.

Everyone else had also picked up on the dark mood of the Battousai as they all gave him a wide berth, scurrying out of his way as he chose to stand at the bow brooding in dark silence. Danjuro took over the direction of the swordsmen squad as he occasionally glanced in Kenshin's direction at the legendary ex-hitokiriwho was motionless, save for his flame colored tresses blowing in the breeze. He approached his friend gingerly but purposefully.

He stood at the rail, watching the milky sunset and stated, "The men are ready for battle."

Kenshin grunted, "Good." He continued to scowl as he stared at the horizon.

Danjuro said reassuringly, "She will be all right."

The Battousai growled, "She had better be." He fingered the hilt of his sword as he ground out, "If she has so much as a tiny scratch on her, I will see to it that Izumo suffers as he has never before." His eyes promised no measure of mercy.

Danjuro responded, "Kami-sama is watching over her."

Kenshin snorted derisively, "If that were true, my Kaoru would be safe back at our home awaiting the birth of our child. Where she belongs."

Danjuro said, "You are doubting Kami-sama now and it's understandable." He took hold of Kenshin's shoulders and turned him face to face. "But now more than ever you should be leaning on him and trusting him."

Kenshin glowered at his friend and wrenched himself free to turn back away. But he hung his head as he said in a voice laced with frustration, "Danjuro, why? Why does he allow the innocent to suffer at the hands of the wicked? I saw that constantly during the Bakumatsu and even contributed to their suffering." He shook his head as he went on in a bleak resigned tone. "But maybe this is part of my punishment for my many sins. To have the ones I cherish above all stripped away from me."

Danjuro said firmly, "You know that is not true. Kami-sama loves Kaoru and your child as he loves us all and does not accept suffering." At Kenshin's dubious expression he added, "but he has given all of us free will and in doing that gives all of us the freedom to make choices that are either beneficial or destructive. And sadly, our bad choices affect others."

"I see," Kenshin answered. "So I can expect that because of the bad choices I made in the past those seeking revenge on me will exercise their free will and cause my family to suffer. I'm afraid I can't allow that."

Danjuro sighed, "Then you will kill to save your family. Even after vowing never to kill again."

Kenshin replied tersely, "I will do whatever it takes to save my wife and child."

Danjuro continued, "You must trust in Kami-sama, Ken-san. His word is true when it promises that the wicked shall be repaid in kind. In Isaiah it says but the wicked are like the tossing sea that cannot keep still; its waters toss up mire and mud. There is no peace, says my God, for the wicked. We as believers have to trust in those promises."

Kenshin sighed as he allowed the words entrance into his mind and soul. Deep in the shadowy depths of his psyche, he felt Battousai battering at the portal begging to be let out to wreak havoc and slake his thirst for vengeance and blood. But the words of the scriptures he had been studying and that Danjuro had brought to remembrance acted as a force field, bringing the hitokiri within under the ironclad control of a power greater than himself. In the midst of the turmoil, Kenshin could feel a peace overtake him like a flood and his own emotions calm. He sighed and turned to Danjuro.

"I will carefully consider what you have said," Kenshin intoned as he turned back and continued his sullen vigil.

Nodding Danjuro sighed and stepped back, uttering a prayer for guidance as the ship continued its voyage. . . .

Back in Tokyo, the Kamiya Dojo was in a state of duress as Sanosuke, Yahiko, Misao and Aoshi were drawing up a plan to rescue Kaoru. They gathered in the practice hall to draw up tactics and as usual, Misao was the most vociferous.

"Listen," she directed. "We all have a pretty clear idea that the Samekuroi is behind Kaoru-san's disappearance. So we have to find out where their hideout is here in Tokyo."

Yahiko piped up, "I'll go search the waterfront and the bay to see if anyone knows anything."

Sano said, "I'll go with you, punk." And they both took off towards the bay.

As she watched the two figures leave Misao addressed Aoshi, "Aoshi-sam-- I mean Aoshi, can't we contact the Tokyo Oniwabanshuu to see if they know anything. I mean I know they aren't as organized as we are in Kyoto but last I heard they still are in operation."

Aoshi replied flatly, "Hai. But something tells me we should contact Yamagata-sama at the defense department. I'm positive he has some information that will shed light on the situation for us."

Misao nodded as she said crisply, "Let's go then."

………………………………………………………..

On the Hono'o the atmosphere was heavy as the humid ocean air as everyone could sense the oncoming battle and the weather did nothing to dispel the feeling. The cloud cover was thickening as the moon gradually disappeared behind the clouds, casting a pseudo-brightness at they lowered. To add to that the wind was picking up and the waves were becoming choppy, making the ship sway as she was traversing the way to Osaka Bay.

Shura was approached by the navigator on the bridge as he stated with concern, "Beggin' your pardon, Shura-sama, but the weather's starting to turn on us. All signs point to a storm brewin'."

"Hmmm," Shura acknowledged with a frown as she cast her eyes heavenward and saw the clouds lowering. "I see."

"Shall we turn and head back to port? The humid air and other signs are sure signs of a major blow," he pointed out.

Shura glanced down at the ramrod still form of Himura standing sentinel at the bow as he had been since they cast off from O'shima and she contemplated the decision before them. Always cautious, she saw the merit in turning back as the weather seemed to be worsening by the minute and if left to her own devices, she would have turned back. But there were a few mitigating circumstances, one most important being that a woman's life hung in the balance, her being the legendary ex-hitokiri's pregnant young wife not withstanding. That made the decision easy.

"We continue to Osaka Bay," she directed brusquely.

"Hai." The navigator bowed and then spun on his heel and left.

Shura sighed deeply as she girded herself for the confrontation with Izumo. . . .

Halfway out into Tokyo bay under a faint watery moon, the Obake slid appearing as a dark and sinister apparition. Down in the bowels of the foreboding craft tossed on a pile of dingy sacks, Kaoru lay, moaning softly as she finally came to, her head aching. She sat up slowly holding her pounding head and her rounded belly momentarily disoriented, she wondered where she was as she suddenly recalled and in a panic scanned her surroundings.

"So you're awake," a sneering voice taunted from the shadows as an oil lamp was brought forward, casting a dim glow to illuminate the dank cabin. Kaoru's captor Kagesu came forward and thrust the lamp in her face, shedding an eerie light on her terror.

"Hmmm," he said speculatively. "You're quite a beauty. Battousai has good taste."

"W-who are you, and what do you want with me?" Kaoru demanded in a stammer, still shaken up.

Kagesu smiled an oily grin as he reached a filthy hand to touch Kaoru's cheek as she recoiled in revulsion. He cackled as she glared at him.

"Don't touch me!" she snapped as she slapped his hand away.

"I wonder what it would be like to have a woman that is with child? It must be hard to experience since I prefer the feel of a woman's body against mine. Perhaps I can extract the brat out of you first and then have you while you are bleeding. I love the taste of fresh blood."

Kaoru's eyes widened to sapphire saucers as she cried, "Y-you're mad!"

Kagesu threw his head back and laughed as he said, "On the contrary, I'm in my right mind, I just have unique tastes." He leaned even closer as he added, "And I've been quite eager to taste you since I first began to watch you."

She queried, "When did you start watching me?"

He grinned as he replied, "Since your wedding trip to Hakone." At her outraged gasp he laughed and added in a lusty voice, "You were quite delectable in the hot spring, I could hardly contain myself. I wanted to make you a widow right then and there but decided to wait since I was ill prepared at the time to battle Battousai for his bride. But as they say, good things come to those who wait. And now the extra added bonus of you being with child will make this all the more enjoyable."

Kaoru paled as she saw the insane light in Kagesu's black eyes and she swallowed hard, terror building as she worried for her unborn child.

The tense exchange was interrupted as Souichi called down from the deck, "Kagesu! Izumo-sama wishes to see you at once!"

He sighed deeply as he said to Kaoru, "Forgive the interruption. I promise I will be back as soon as I can. I hope you don't miss me too much."

"Hardly," Kaoru sniffed as she glowered at the man.

He laughed again as he reached and took her face in his clawlike fingers. "Keep it up, I love women with spirit. Makes it that much more fun when I break you." He turned and headed up the ladder to the deck as she snorted in derision.

"We'll see about that," Kaoru promised grimly as she glanced about for a weapon. She was getting discouraged then spotted a staff used for hoisting the masts. Carefully she rose and made her way to retrieve the staff and getting back down behind some barrels, concealed it as she began to wait. . . .

Back in Tokyo at the Department of Defense, Misao was pacing restlessly as she and Aoshi waited outside Yamagata's office. Worry for her friend made Misao especially edgy and she was full of nervous energy.

"Arrrgh, I hate this!" she complained. "Kaoru-san could be in real danger and here we are sitting around just twiddling our thumbs!" She sighed in exasperation as Aoshi continued to sit impassively with his arms crossed.

The door to an inner office opened and a uniformed soldier carrying some documents came out and strode over to a reception desk. Misao scooted over to voice her impatience.

"Listen, we've been waiting here almost an hour to see Yamagata-sama," she demanded, arms akimbo as the soldier watched in amazement. "We need to see him immediately, it's a matter of life and death!"

The young private was taken aback by the direct and insistent young woman and stammered, "Y-Yamagata-sama is busy now but---,"

Misao was undaunted. "Didn't you hear me? I said it was a matter of life and death! The Samekuroi has taken Himura Battousai's wife and we have to get her back!"

Still flustered the young soldier tried to explain but taking control Aoshi had risen and laid a hand on Misao's shoulder. He said in his even baritone, "Calm yourself, Misao."

Misao swung her head up to gaze at the former okashira of the Oniwabanshuu and saw that his zircon like eyes brooked no disobedience. Meekly she nodded in obedience.

"Hai Aoshi-sama."

At that exact moment, the door to Yamagata's office opened and he and Police Inspector Kawaji stepped out to see what the commotion was. Both men's eyes widened lightly as they saw the tall gaunt form of Shinomori Aoshi standing in the waiting area.

Aoshi bowed in respectful greeting. "Yamagata-sama."

Yamagata aknowledged the gesture. "Shinomori-san, what can I do for you?"

Misao stepped forward and plunged right in, "Himura's wife Kaoru-san was abducted, we need to go after the Samekuroi right away!"

The inspector addressed the excitable teenager in an authoritative manner. "Young lady, calm down and speak slowly. What do you mean that she's been abducted?"

"Misao," Aoshi intoned and at that summons, Misao immediately quieted lowering her head submissively as he stated to the officials, "I have evidence that proves what Misao said is true." He withdrew the linen scrap that he had found discarded by the river where Kaoru was last.

The pungency of the medicinal herbs was still strong as the inspector took the cloth and sniffed it, his face screwed into a grimace as he coughed loudly. He demanded, "Where did you find this?"

Aoshi replied, "Down at the river bank where Kaoru-san had disappeared."

Kawaji grunted as Yamagata asked, "Shinomori-san, do you have anything else that points toward this being done by the Samekuroi?"

"Iie," Aoshi admitted. "That was Misao's guess, I have no idea who may have taken her."

Misao cut in, "Yahiko and Sanosuke are both down at the docks to see if they can find any clues. . . ."

Meanwhile at the dock carrying lanterns to light the way, the former pickpocket and street fighter were combing the crafts bobbing up and down in the choppy water as they searched frantically for any sign of Kaoru or the Samekuroi. Yahiko waited anxiously as Sano went to various seafarers and asked questions, but each time turned out to be a dead end as nobody seemed to know anything. As they continued in their search both young men fought rising fear and frustration as they walked past some sailors

Yahiko snapped, "This is getting us nowhere. We don't even know if the Samekuroi are even here, they could be out to sea or somewhere else."

"Aa," Sano agreed. "But we've got to keep looking for Jou-chan. We owe it to both her and Kenshin.

Yahiko nodded as he remarked, "All I know is if anything happens to her or the baby---, well just remember when she was taken by Jin-eh and Enishi. Kenshin will be merciless."

Sano then pictured the narrow amber predator eyes of the Battousai and he shuddered slightly as he said, "Then let's go."

Both took off to continue their search. . . .

Out on the Hono'o the lookout in the crow's nest scanned the horizon in a 360 degree angle as in the distance in the southwestern sky there were flashes of lightning skittering across the thick cloud ceiling. He then faced bowside as the dark silhouette of a ship appeared at about five kilometers to the north. Knowing whom the ship was, the lookout whistled to Shura.

"Shura-sama, ship approaching from the bow."

As she took out her looking glass and peered out into the night, the crimson pirate immediately recognized the ominous craft of their archenemies the Samekuroi. Her heart pounding, she called out to the Kairyu members as word had traveled and they all swarmed the deck.

"Everybody get into battle formation! The Samekuroi are nearly here!"

"Hai!" the men all cried as swords, spears, and other weapons were drawn.

Mobilized by the announcement, the Battousai stepped back from his perch and gathered his troops. Danjuro and the rest of the Imperial swordsmen all prepared as well as Kenshin called them together. He issued the directives in a short command.

"Get into position and be ready to board their craft and attack as soon as they draw up to us."

"Hai, Himura-sama," the men said in unison as Danjuro cast a glance at Kenshin who had a look of steely determination on his visage, his hand on the hilt of his sword.

Come Izumo Kenshin said to himself grimly, cold rage pulsing through him your time of reckoning is at hand. Come meet your doom.

NEXT……..THE STORM STRIKES