Author's Note: My humblest apologies for the great length of time in between updates—I wanted the battle scenes to be authentic and was waiting for my Rurouni Kenshin Swordsman Guide that has been delayed forever and then hit a writer's block as how I wanted the confrontations between Izumo and his adversaries Kenshin and Shura. And I know I'm ending this on a cliffhanger but I am now working on the next chapter with the continued battle between Izumo and Kenshin and Kaoru giving birth so it should come quicker as we are reaching the end of the story. Thanks so much for all the readers (5483 hits), the faithful reviewers, and those who have made me a favorite and put the story on their favorite list.

Glossary of Japanese words and terms

Nani—What

Okashira—Leader or boss

Wakizashi—sword of about 12 to 18 inches—smaller than a katana and used for defense.

Kunoichi—female ninja or shinobi

Moves of the Hiten Mitsurugi—Kenshin's sword style:

Ryutsuisen—Dragon Flight

Ryushosen—Dragon Hammer Strike

Ryukansen—Winding Dragon Flash

Soryusen-- Twin Dragon Spark

THE STORM STRIKES

Back in Tokyo, at the Defense Department the two members of the Oniwabanshuu were still in conference with Inspector Kawajii and Defense Minister Yamagata as they all tried to figure out a plan of action to retrieve Himura's wife. Yamagata was grimly earnest as he addressed Misao and Aoshi.

"Shinomori-san and Makimachi-san I have contacted the admiral of the Imperial Navy as well as dispatching soldiers throughout Tokyo and the surrounding areas, giving them the very detailed description of her that you gave us. We will locate Himura's wife."

Aoshi nodded silently but Misao retorted, " That's all well and good but we know that the Samekuroi have taken her."

"That is a mere hunch, Misao. We are only guessing right now," Aoshi pointed out.

"Who else could it be?" She whirled on him. "We're wasting precious time! Kaoru-san's in danger and she's about to have a baby!" The petite kunoichi paced restlessly as she added, "Megumi-sensei says she can have it anytime now!"

Inspector Kawajii interjected, "I have my police force combing the city. Rest assured we will find Himura-san and bring her back safely to her home."

Still incensed, Misao opened her mouth to issue forth a sarcastic retort but an uniformed private as courier rushed in with a telegraph from the admiral of the Imperial Navy. He saluted and bowed before Yamagata.

"Forgive me Yamagata-sama but this just came from our ship Katsumoto. The Samekuroi ship the Obake has been spotted leaving Tokyo Bay, under a full head of steam."

Yamagata nodded as he stated, "Duly noted. Anything else?"

"Hai, sir," the young sentry replied. "Our operatives observed the Samekuroi taking a prisoner onboard that fit the description of Himura-san."

All four drew closer as Yamagata barked, "And they gave chase?"

"Iie, sir. They were waiting for your order."

Misao snorted in derision, "Baka!" but was cowed by Aoshi's fierce scowl as he threw her an icy glare.

Yamagata sighed as he snapped, "Tell the admiral to dispatch the Katsumoto immediately!"

"Hai, sir." The young soldier bowed and turned to leave but Misao cried out.

"Stop!" The young man stopped and stared at the girl as she turned to Aoshi with arms akimbo. "Come on, we're going with them!" Her tone was firm and brooked no opposition.

Aoshi nodded as Kawajii sputtered in indignation, "T-that's impossible! Civilians can't accompany the military on a mission."

Misao snorted, "We aren't just common civilians. We both are the okashira of the Kyoto branch of the Oniwabanshuu and we are highly skilled shinobi. We're going."

Aoshi nodded, "Hai." His expression remained impassive but his eyes were glacial and determined.

Kawajii was adamant, "Out of the question," but Yamagata insisted.

"Kawajii, they will go." The Minister of Defense turned to the couple and directed, "Go with the private. The ship is docked at the pier." He grabbed a sheet of paper and his quill to scribble out a message and then sealed the document with his signet. "This will assure you passage."

Yamagata handed the missive to Aoshi. "Shinomori-san, be careful. The Samekuroi are former samurai."

"Understood." Aoshi turned and said, "Let's go, Misao."

"Hai, Aoshi-sama."

Both followed the young currier out as Kawajii asked Yamagata dubiously, "Sir, are you sure it's all right for them to go on a mission with the navy?"

Yamagata gave a small smile. "Inspector Kawajii, I can think of nobody better to find Himura's wife than the Oniwabanshuu."

Aoshi and Misao both arrived at the dock where the Katsumoto, another new battleship, named for a famous samurai the end of the Bakumatsu stood at the ready, its smoke stacks sending vast clouds billowing into the overcast and foreboding sky. Both followed the young soldier who approached an imposing figure, obviously the commanding officer of the vessel standing at the hold, overseeing last minute preparations before its eminent departure.

The captain addressed the soldier curtly, "Hai?"

Bowing and saluting, the young man said, "I have the orders from Yamagata-sama to depart immediately in pursuit of the Obake."

The captain glanced at Aoshi and Misao and asked brusquely, "And who in blazes are they?"

Misao stepped forward and bowed as she replied, "I am Makimachi Misao, one of the okashira of the Oniwabanshuu and this is the former okashira Shinomori Aoshi."

"So what," the captain said arrogantly.

Misao bristled as she began to answer but Aoshi stepped forward and handed the missive Yamagata gave him over. "This should explain things."

"Is that so?" The captain took the note and skimmed the contents. At the finsh he grunted and said, "Come along now. We're almost ready to cast off."

Aoshi took Misao's elbow to escort her up the gangplank and into the ship when they were startled by a strident call.

"Hey Misao! Aoshi! Wait, will ya?" Yahiko's pre-adolescent voice cracked as he and Sanosuke headed to the pier in a dead sprint, gasping for breath. They came to a stop as the captain scowled at the pair.

"Hey you two! This is a military vessel and you can't come on board so begone!" Dismissing them he whirled and made to order to have the gangplank closed but Sano placed his lanky but muscular frame in the way.

"Hold it there, we're Jou-chan's family and we're going with you."

"Hai," Yahiko huffed. "You're going after the Samekuroi aren't ya?"

The captain nodded as he glanced at the note from Yamagata. It read:

Captain-

We have discovered that Himura's wife has been kidnapped by the Samekuroi. So, you are to accompany Shinomori-san, Makimachi-san, Sagara-san, and the boy Yahiko to retieve her. Himura is with the Kairyu now and maybe on his way as well.

Yamagata Aritomo

The captain sighed as he spotted distant lightning zigzaging in the heavily overcast sky. The last thing he needed in an upcoming battle with a storm brewing was four civilians on board his ship, getting in the way. But as he stared at the four he realized that they were not the average non-military people so he just ordered the gangplank closed and went up to shove off. . .

The southwestern sky was dark, lowering and ominous with frequent flashes of lightning forking across the sky mirroring the emotions of the occupants of the two ships below pitching in the choppy seas. On the dark craft known as the Hono'o the buccaneer crew known as the Kairyu were jumping on the mast hoists to swing over to board the ship called Obake, the vessel belonging to the new scourge known as Samekuroi. On that ship, the motley outlaws were brandishing their katana, eagerly awaiting the battle with bloodlust gleaming in their eyes as the craft came closer.

As the Kairyu was filling the turbulent air with battle cries over the claps of thunder, the man formerly known as Battousai was in the midst of his own storm, the tempest in his soul as the hitokiri battled the rurouni for dominance. The killing nature and bloodlust were stimulated to peak awakening the sleeping giant of the legendary murderer as like a jungle predator his narrowed amber eyes zeroed in on his prey, the Samekuroi leader Izumo. In Kenshin's mind, he was already devising the quickest and most lethal way to send Izumo to hell, making him pay in full for endangering the lives of the ones most precious to him, his wife and unborn child.

As he watched the Kairyu and his own men get ready to board, Kenshin felt the battle within him of flesh and spirit. He struggled to maintain calm, his thoughts on Kaoru and what she could be going through, if the cutthroats of the Samekuroi had hurt or tortured her. The idea agonized him as he pictured his precious koishii injured or dead and caused his heart such pain he immediately blocked them out. But the cleansed soul within him continued to be a buffer although the struggle was great as he could not help feeling fury born of fear for his wife. He stared ahead stonily as internally the storm rivaled the one breaking about them.

Shura issued orders to her men over the increasing wind gusts. "Minna, prepare to board as soon as we draw to their port side, before they get a chance to do the same. Kaoru-san is being held by the Samekuroi probably below deck."

Sarujiro the mute glanced at the diminutive swordsman who stood there, his flame topknot blowing in the wind and nudged Shura, pointing. The noble lady pirate gazed at him and nodding went to Kenshin's side. She tapped him on the shoulder and he turned abruptly to her with a brow raised.

"Aa?"

Shura was momentarily taken aback by the fierceness in Kenshin's usually serene features but recovered her aplomb as she stated evenly, "We are ready to board the Obake." She then added as an afterthought, "Are you all right?"

Kenshin closed his eyes as the shouts of the Samekuroi reached his ears from their vessel, mere meters away. The moment of truth was at hand.

He nodded, "Aa. Let's go." And he brushed past her without a glance to head to the starboard side. . . .

Onboard the Obake below deck in her advanced pregnancy Kaoru was crouched behind some crates, the mast pole in her hands at the ready as she heard the eager shouts and cries of men ready for battle. A thrill went through her as she heard the shout of the lookout that the ship with the Battousai was near and she uttered a prayer of thanksgiving and for her husband's safety.

Kami, please protect Kenshin. And give him victory for these men are truly evil. I trust that you will surround us and keep us safe until we met again in your Name I pray amen.

She then took a deep breath and resumed her wait. . . .

On the main deck, Izumo, Kagesu, Souichi, and the rest of the Samekuroi had their swords drawn and stood at the port rail, as they came abreast of the Hono'o. Izumo gave his troops the last orders before the fight.

"All right men listen to me. You are to show no quarter and do your best to destroy the Kairyu and especially Shura. But the Battousai is mine. Understand?"

"Hai!"

He turned to Kagesu. "You are to fight but make yourself ready when you hear my signal. At that time you will go below and bring the Battousai's whore up so she can watch as I send her husband to hell. Then you are free to help her join him."

Kagesu's obsidian eyes glowed with a lustful shine in a flash of lightning as he asked, "Can I have some fun before I do? She's heavy with child and I've never bedded a pregnant wench before."

Izumo shrugged coldly. "I care not what you do. Just make sure she is brought up here to witness the bastard's end."

Kagesu gave a crooked grin. "Hai."

The ships then came side-by-side and as the Samekuroi prepared with mast lines to swing over to the other craft but they were beaten to the punch. Instead they were met by Kairyu members swarming the Obake bearing and wielding all sorts of weaponry from katana to spears to scythes and clubs. The ragtag group of buccaneers landed on the deck, howling over the crashing thunder of the storm, memories of loved ones lost fresh as they sought vengeance for what happened to their village. They applied everything they had learned from the Kamiya-Kasshin Ryu and found that the technique was tailored to victory in battle without killing.

The swordsmen corp that Kenshin commanded was also winning, using the soryusen and ryushosen of the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuu that Kenshin had taught them, felling several of the renegade former samurai that had joined Izumo and sealed their fates. The rains came as the storm finally arrived, falling in torrents as the nearly continuous strikes of lightning lit the battle in an eerie light and the deck became slick with the blood of felled combatants.

Kenshin streaked through the throng, mowing down attacking Samekuroi with his sakabatou using the ryukansen as he slowly made his way to the stairs leading to the upper deck where Izumo stood as observer to the massacre. It added to his rage as he saw the man stand without a scratch as his men were being beaten and littered the deck with their still alive but prone bodies. But unknown to Kenshin, Izumo was watching him as well and then made a salute as he caught Kagesu's eye. With an evil grin the henchman nodded making his way to the stairs leading down to the lower hold of the ship where Kaoru was imprisoned. . . .

Using her nanchuks with dead on accuracy, Shura knocked out several of the Samekuroi as she too spotted Izumo untouched as he stood on the upper deck. She too became enraged by the arrogance displayed and grabbed a mast line, swinging herself up and over the rail, landing right before him.

A flash of lightning heralded her action as Izumo bowed mockingly. "Ah, Shura. Welcome aboard my humble craft. I'm quite honored."

She glared at him and answered haughtily, "The pleasure is all yours, Izumo. I saw what you and your band of murderers did to our village, which was your village too once. Have you no loyalty?"

Izumo's face twisted into a snarl. "My loyalty to you ended when you ended my brother's life. With both my parents dead, Ginjo was the only family I had until you killed him!" He drew out his katana. "The village paid and now you will pay!"

With a cry Izumo came at Shura with a jodan-no-kamae, the blade poised to split her in two. But the agile female buccaneer leapt aside and countered with her nanchuks, in a powerful forward strike that hit him squarely on the back of the neck causing him to fall to his knees. Momentarily stunned he got up slowly, further impared by the pitching of the deck and shook his head to clear it.

"So you've learned how to be quite the little fighter. Your father taught you well in the ways of the pirate, to fight dirty and without honor."

Shura bristled as her fury grew. "You dare to speak of honor? After slaughtering a village full of nothing but old men, women, and children? You filthy swine!"

Izumo shrugged indifferently. "I couldn't help it. Once my men get the bloodlust, they are unstoppable. It really was a pity."

Shura pursed her lips in rage as she snapped, "You bloody bastard."

This time she went on the offensive, taking the nanchuks and spinning them at tremendous velocity then swinging at his head with all the might she had, her anger fueling the attack. But this time, Izumo was ready and simultaneously sliced with his katana, cutting clean through the chain links attaching the club to the handle, aptly destroying the weapon. However, the momentum of her attack caused Shura to continue forward allowing Izumo to strike her back with a backward strike with the flat of his sword making her fall to the rain slicked deck. She rolled around to face her enemy, narrowing her sherry eyes with a baleful glare that glittered in the lightning.

Izumo laughed as he pointed the tip of his katana at Shura's bound bosom peeking out of the torn gi she wore. "Really Shura, did you honestly think that those toys could defeat me and my sword? You're a foolish woman."

He continued as he crouched down beside her and fingered her drenched gi. "You know it's a shame. You really are quite lovely." He sighed in regret, "If only you had taken a different path in life, you could have had the normal life of a normal woman. Maybe even been my wife."

Her face showing outrage she snarled, "Never, I'd kill myself first."

Izumo laughed as he said, "That's coming, koi. But still it is a pity."

Shura snorted, "Spare me the fake concern for my life, Izumo. You have me now so why don't you just get it over with and finish me off?"

He grinned at her and as his rodent eyes raked her soaked body licked his lips in anticipation. "Don't rush me, Shura. This is what I've waited for and I plan to enjoy it as long as possible…"

Down in the hold, Kagesu scanned the dimly lit and cluttered interior, looking for the petite pregnant form of Himura's wife who was nowhere to be found. He stumbled as the ship listed in the angry seas and carefully made his way around the stacked crates.

"Come now, Himura-san," he cajoled. "I'd like to finish what we started before, wouldn't you?"

From her hiding place Kaoru said to herself Not hardly you baka. She tightened her hold on her makeshift bokken as she heard his heels on the wood floor coming closer. She held her breath as Kagesu's shadow spilled across the floor, right before he crept into view. . . .

Above the devoted mute youth Sarujiro was using his katana efficiently, remembering the lessons taught to him and the other members of Kairyu by Kaoru. He used the flat of the sword with force to knock out the Samekuroi pirates and had succeeded in taking out about six when something caught his eye on the upper deck.

Sarujiro's face showed pride as he watched his Shura-sama lay down the leader of the Samekuroi. He grinned then as he saw her bested in her next attack it faded to a worried frown. He glanced about frantically in the ensuing melee until he spotted Kenshin in battle with a swordsman a foot taller and handily defeat him. He rushed over to the former hitokiri's side.

Kenshin was re-sheathing his sword when Sarujiro came over and tugged at his sleeve. "Huh?" he said as glanced at the distressed youth.

Sarujiro grunted and pointed up as a bolt of lightning illuminated above at the upper deck where Izumo had Shura down and at sword point. Kenshin's eyes narrowed as he scowled and sprinted up the stairs, two at a time with the mute following closely behind.

Over by the navigation shack, Izumo was thoroughly enjoying himself, keeping his sword pressed slightly on Shura's bosom so that the smallest motion would draw blood. He was making sure that she was squirming and he carried on a casual conversation with her as if they were sharing a cup of sake.

" It must hurt to be bound so, Shura," Izumo said almost gently. "Pray, would you like me to ease the pressure? I would be most happy to do so." He took his other hand and ran a clammy finger on the bandages covering her breasts.

"Don't touch me," she hissed as the sword pressed harder, causing a red dot as it drew blood.

Izumo's face lost its jocularity as he growled, "All right Shura. Playtime's over, prepare to die!"

He drew the katana back to thrust it deep into Shura's heart when a scream rent the wind and thunder. . .

"Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu Ryutsuisen!"

Izumo looked up and saw a navy and white blur silhouetted against a vivid flash of lightning and the glitter of a blade as it came slashing down, wielded by a demon with gold-flecked icy blue eyes. He saw death in those eyes as he dodged the attack, flipping to his feet with his katana in his hand.

Kenshin landed and said flatly, "You're still as agile as ever, Izumo."

Izumo countered, "And you're just as fast. But I've worked to get faster. I would not have been able to dodge your attack otherwise."

Kenshin gestured to Shura, who was being helped to her feet by Sarujiro. "I see another thing has not changed. Your penchant for torturing your victims." He saw the blood spot on Shura's exposed bosom wrap and he said icily, "Were you planning to skewer Shura-dono or ravish her?"

"Always a gentleman." Izumo scoffed as he chuckled mirthlessly, "I was just deciding before you interrupted me, Battousai." He continued, "But I'm sure you're much more interested in the welfare of the other lady on board."

"Where is she?" Kenshin snarled as he got into a battoujitsu stance.

"Ahh I thought so," Izumo gloated. "Don't worry she's safe…for now. So let's do some catching up, I'm eager to meet you in battle once more." He re-sheathed his katana and crouched in a fighting stance.

"That suits me fine," the former hitokiri said as they squared off. . . .

Down in the hold, Kaoru raised the mast pole in a jodan-no-kamae and brought it down with all her might on Kagesu's back, stunning him and causing him to fall face down in front of her hiding place. As he lay there motionless, Kaoru wondered if the attack had injured the burly man enough to allow for her to escape. Thinking Kagesu out cold, Kaoru made to step over him and felt her ankle grabbed and she screamed as she lost her balance and fell.

Kagesu laughed as he jumped to his feet and yanked Kaoru up, twisting her wrists as he held her arms behind her to growl in her ear. "Nice try, pretty. But it will take more than a tap with a stick to bring me down." Terrified, she struggled as he added, "And since you've shown me that you like it rough, I'll be happy to oblige."

"Let me go!" she railed as a clap of thunder shook the ship and the waves caused them to stumble. Once away from the man who had abducted her, Kaoru tried to scurry away but with her girth and his lighning reflexes for one so large, Kagesu snatched the hem of her damp kimono and fell on top of her, leaning his full weight against her laden belly.

"Oh no you don't. You're not getting away from me," Kagesu said in a low snarl. He viciously slapped her, causing her lip to bleed as she again screamed. . . .

Up on the deck, Kenshin and Izumo were locked in a fierce battle tableau, their blades ringing as they met and the attacks were countered with lightning strobing about the combatants as they fought. Izumo with his larger frame was pressing forward with straight slashes the Kenshin was dodging with his godlike speed. Kenshin agilely ducked another attack and slid to a stop, breathing heavily and getting into a battoujitsu stance to go on the offense with his ryukansen, driving forward with a cry moving his sword in a spiral slash as Izumo turned and shashed across, barely missing him. He then gave a battle cry as he rushed forward with a jodan no kamae, holding the katana above to bring it down. But the man known as the Battousai again used his nimble feet and blinding speed to make the villain miss his mark.

Over at the rail as she recovered frm her own encounter, Shura watched as the two men grappled, both highly skilled as the steel met steel, their fury matching that of the storm raging around them. She could only stare as she saw the cold determination on Kenshin's face, his eyes narrowed and focused as it appeared that he was biding his time.

There was a slight break in the battle as both men paused to catch their breath. Both were drenched by the driving deluge yet oblivious as they were concentrated on one thing, victory. Izumo tok this opportunity to goad Kenshin and tried to rattle him.

"Still as sharp as always, Battousai. But your skills have gotten a bit dull since you've made that vow to not kill. You've yet to make a mark on me."

Kenshin glowered at him. "Don't worry, Izumo. You'll feel the sharpness of my blade soon enough. Now answer me, what have you done with my wife?"

Izumo laughed as he replied, "Oh she's being entertained right now as we speak."

"Entertained?"

Izumo nodded, "Hai, Kagesu I'm sure is making sure she enjoys the trip." At that statement a piercing scream from below was heard over the driving rain.

Kenshin's eyes widened as he bellowed, "KAORU!" He glanced around frantically, trying to ascertain her whereabouts and became distracted as Izumo saw his chance and came charging forward with a cry, his sword thrust forward heading for Kenshin's heart.

"HIMURA!" Shura shrieked and Kenshin moved in split seconds time, missing the attack yet not completely as the blade whistled past left shoulder and made a thin slice drawing a line of blood.

Izumo whirled and laughed as he saw the damage inflicted. "I've drawn first blood."

Kenshin snorted, "Don't get so excited about a mere scratch. Now tell me, where is my wife?"

Shura shouted, "Himura, you concentrate on the battle, and I'll go find Kaoru-san." Before he could answer she leaped to the lower deck and headed down the stairs to the hold below. . . .

In the dim glow of the kerosene lamps, Kaoru's eyes were sapphire saucers as the Samekuroi stooge pushed her down on a grimy pile of empty gunnysacks and she found herself pinned beneath the bulk that was Kagesu. He leaned into her, his foul breath causing her to become nauseous as he ran his stubby fingers through her damp hair.

"Forgive me pretty, if I seem overly eager but your little attempt at ending my life has got my blood up. I must have you."

Kaoru glared back in defiance as she continued struggling. "I'll die first."

Kagesu cackled as he said, "Oh don't worry. Death is coming for you soon enough but first we'll have our fun. Then you'll watch as Izumo-sama sends your husband to the afterlife and then you'll join him." He leaned down to capture her mouth but suddenly grunted and froze in mid action, becoming stiff as his eyes became blank.

Kaoru was shocked as she felt the warm, sticky ooze of blood and saw the sharp tip of a wakizashi protruding from his chest. She took both hands and pushed at the man's bulk to free herself then saw as the now lifeless Kagesu was cast aside. She then saw Shura's sherry eyes glowing at her as the female buccaneer knelt down, her comely face etched in concern.

"Are you all right, Kaoru-san?" Shura asked as she assisted Kaoru to her feet.

Unsteady, Kaoru nodded but then doubled over as she felt a warm stream between her legs and then a sharp pain ripped through her abdomen. She fell against Shura as she gasped, "I-I think the baby is coming."

"Nani?"

Kaoru began to pant as another pain hit her. She screamed as she sank down and grabbed at her belly, feeling movement and another contraction, signifying the arrival of her child. . . .

NEXT……WELCOME KENJI