Fantasy and Reality

It had been almost a month since Kaoru had been kidnapped by the infamous Battousai. She thought it would be horrible to be captured by a samurai. She thought they would torture her, rape her, anything to please themselves. But for someone that was a prisoner of war, she was treated quite well. She was given three square meals, daily baths, and even a nice comfortable bed in a nicely decorated room in the mansion above the abandoned prison. She was happy that she and Kenshin had taken the time to fix up the place. She was even happier that they had taken the time to get to know each other.

It was almost like living in a castle. They had fixed five bedrooms, two bathrooms, a study, the living room, and the dining room. Sure, it had taken them a long time to fix, but it was worth every ounce of energy. She was even allowed to practice her swordsmanship in a room built like the training room at her old dojo. The only thing she couldn't do was leave the manor. She could walk in the garden, but she could not step out of the walls. But for some reason, she really didn't want to leave. She wanted to stay inside the walls. Maybe it was because she felt secure. Maybe because she liked being surrounded by so many luxuries. Perhaps the real reason she didn't want to leave was because of Kenshin.

In the past month they had gotten real close. They never spent a moment apart except when they slept, went to the bathroom, or when Kenshin was sent on missions by Katsura. Whenever he was gone, she feared that he wouldn't return. But when he did return without a scratch, she was always waiting in the grand hall with a smile. Of course, she always chewed him out for being gone so long, but he just smiled and laughed. They could never stay mad at each other for long.

Katsura was starting to notice that the two were getting closer. One day, he called Kenshin into his study for a talk. "Sit down, Kenshin," he said as Kenshin entered. "I'm sorry. I forgot you prefer to stand. Very well. Do you know why I called you in here?"

"I suppose you want me to go on another mission," he said. Katsura looked out the window. He watched as Kaoru walk in the garden.

"She is quite the little beauty, isn't she?" Kenshin stared out the window. He was right. Her hair glistened in the bright sun. Her eyes were like blue sapphires that sat above her perfect cheeks and nose. Her red lips were just right, not too thin, and not too full. Her skin was as soft as silk and as white as the snow. Her kimono set off her curves perfectly. But Kenshin could not get over that smile. It was filled with so much warmth and happiness. She was a spirited young girl, and that's what he liked about her. She filled in the void in his heart. Could this be love? He thought.

"Listen, Kenshin. I noticed that you have taken an interest in her. She is very kind and charming, but I must remind you that she is our ticket to winning this war. She will be given back to the shogun's son, and I can't afford her falling in love with one of my men. If she did, she would only be in danger. You know that." Kenshin stared at him with a blank face.

"You are right, Katsura. I am Battousai the Manslayer. I could never love again, not after…" He couldn't speak her name. It would only hurt him more. He turned to the door to leave. "After this is all done, I plan to become a wanderer and repent for my sins as a manslayer. I will not have time to protect her. I can't love her."

"Can't you, Battousai?" Kenshin turned to his leader. "I know you love her, but you have to give her up. You will have to move on." Kenshin bowed and left the room. He walked by Shishio and knew that he had listened to the entire thing.

"Is someone head over heels for a certain girl?" he asked.

"Stay out of this, Shishio," Kenshin yelled.

"I know what you a feeling. It's hard to accept that you can't have someone you truly love, but you have to move on for the good of the Meji government. Let it go." Kenshin started walking off. "Where are you going?"

"To practice." Kenshin faded into the darkness of the hallways just as Shiro appeared behind Shishio.

"You shouldn't be talking about the good of the Meji government. So what is your plan for the girl?" Shishio smiled at his friend's comment.

"I already have a plan in action. Let's just hope that the Shinsengumi is up to it."

Kyochi pounded his fists on the table in frustration. He couldn't believe that his father's troops hadn't found his bride-to-be yet. They only had a month left until she would be executed. He was so determined to find her that he had been training with the Shinsengumi's best, Saitou Hajime (1). Kyochi had called his sensei in for a favor (2).

"You want me to find the ones that kidnapped your fiancé?" he asked his student.

"Yes, I want them to pay. I will make an example of them, to show that anyone who crosses me will wish they were never born." Saitou smiled at the young man. "What is it?"

"I'm used to giving orders to you, not taking them. It is surprising how everything changes. I have an idea who is behind this abduction. He is a very powerful and feared samurai. His name is Battousai." Kyochi gasped in shock.

"You mean Battousai the Manslayer?"

"Yes, but I am willing to face him. I will prove to him that I am the stronger man. My squad and I will take care of the situation." He bowed and left the castle to search. Just as it was getting late, he found himself in the middle of a backstreet. "Who is brave enough to step out of the shadows and face me?" He immediately drew his sword and blocked a swing aimed at his back. The man that attacked him had a hood on. As they fought, Saitou noted that he was fast and agile. He fought almost like the Battousai. As they landed away from each other, they both performed their best attacks on each other. After the attacks were completed, they both stood apart facing away from each other. Saitou's right-handed single thrust had cut away the samurai's hood while the samurai's attack had cut Saitou's headband in halve. They both turned to face each other.

"You are very good, Shinsengumi," the samurai said with a wide grin.

"You are not bad yourself," Saitou said. "You should come work for the shogun."

"I already have a clan. The reason I have come here is not to kill you, but to share some information with you (3)."

"What information is that?" Saitou asked. The man's face came into view. His most shocking feature was his red fiery eyes. "What is your name?"

"My name is Shishio, and I have some information about the shogun-to-be's fiancé. Perhaps we can make a deal."

I know. Nasty cliffy. I hope you guys are enjoying this. Here are some more footnotes.

1. Saitou Hajime is a Shinsengumi character from Trust/Betrayal and the TV series. He fought Kenshin once in the revolution and once in the TV series. I have some good plans for him as well.

2. Kyochi wasn't really Saitou's student. It was actually another Shinsengumi called Okita Soshi I think. Still, it makes it interesting that they are connected.

3. I have no idea how Shishio got his information or what he did with it. I think he gave it to the Shinsengumi, hence him meeting with Saitou. This is just a theory. Do not quote me on it.

Animelover: You rock! You are totally awesome. I'm so glad you are reviewing my stories. Just don't stop. I've decided to dedicate this story to you. Aren't you flattered? I hope so.

Thanks for reviewing, everyone. Cya.