For those of you who don't know this. This an old story that I left by the wayside while I improved my grammar. After much debating, I decided to revamp it. Therefore, I'm editing each chapter. You're probably thinking," and I care because". Well you care because I haven't got around to the other chapters yet. So if you continue on to the next chapter. Please do not, I repeat, do not place me on author alert for bad grammar, I'm getting to it. Now here is the new and improved Chapter one.

This story begins on the night when Takeda Kanryu murders the members of the Oniwabanshu. All thoughts are in italics.

The price of turmoil

Chapter One:

"OW", screamed a frustrated Kaoru. This was the fifth time she had cut her finger, instead of the vegetables in front of her. It was no use, she just couldn't concentrate with the boys gone. Taking the knife with her, she walked out to the front of the dojo.

Sighing, she stood staring out into the night. "I wonder how they're doing?" Squaring her shoulders she turned back to the kitchen; where vegetables waited. She hated this feeling, hating being useless, staying at home cooking while her boys were out fighting. "I can't even cook" she mused. Raising the knife she resumed work on the food, unwittingly her thoughts turned to her father. However, a sharp pain soon interrupted her reverie. Glancing down she saw that she had missed the vegetables-again- and cut her hand instead. "That's it", she screamed, "I can't just sit here while Kenshin is out there risking his life". With that, she ran toward her sword. "Hold on Kenshin I'm coming". Rushing out of the dojo, she hurried towards Kanryu's mansion.

Aoshi stood over the bodies of his fallen comrades. His friends he sank down to his knees. They had always been there for him, he laughed bitterly, and they had died for him. How had it come to this he should never have brought them to this place? He stared at the now empty Gatling gun. This was entirely his fault. They would have to be honored. However, he couldn't touch their bodies their mutilated bodies that still bled even now. His thoughts continued as such, scattered, full of guilt and regret. However, his grievances were interrupted by a loud voice calling for the Battosai.

After several wrong turns; Kaoru had finally found the mansion. She had expected to hear screams; but all that greeted her was silence. Cautiously she approached the door; finding it ajar, she entered. The first thing she spotted was blood. Shuddering slightly she began to search for her friends. 'Maybe this wasn't such a good idea', no she couldn't think like that, not while Kenshin was in danger. After ascending a flight of stairs, she spotted two large doors standing wide open.

"Kenshin", she called "Yahiko?" Tentatively she drew her sword while edging towards the room. Peeking, she couldn't suppress a gasp at the sight within. There was blood everywhere four figures lay dead; all were covered in bullets. While another was on his knees staring at them, he was wounded as well. He was so dark, and obviously broken. Her heart contracted at the sight of him. How could Kenshin have allowed this to happen? Well if Kenshin wasn't going to help, she was. She stepped into the room causing him to look up. Upon seeing the ice in his eyes, she froze unable to suppress a shiver. He was too young to have eyes like that.

He gazed at her. 'Who is she?' He watched as she made her way over to him.

"Are you all right?" Part of him admired her bravery, diving headfirst into danger was an admirable trait, foolish but admirable. Even so, he gave a dry laugh at the irrelevance of her question. She blushed a bit and smiled weakly.

"These were your friends weren't they?" She didn't know what to say she had never seen so much death; never dealt with such raw emotion. He gave her a nod. He was numb to all feeling, looking at their bodies stirred nothing just as they meant nothing. Grief was a luxury he couldn't afford, just yet. 'What can I afford?' What emotions did he ever allow himself? Meanwhile the girl was silent stunned by how cold he was being.

Seeking to comfort the beautiful stranger, she said the only thing she could think of. "Don't worry justice will prevail Kenshin wouldn't stand for this".

"The Battosai", he spat out the word. If it weren't for the Battosai, his friends would still be alive. His face contorted with rage. Kaoru saw the change and recoiled slightly. The eyes that had just been cold were now burning with an intensity that paralyzed her.

"You know the Battosai?" his voice was thin and strained. Unsure of what to say she began stammering in an incoherent manner. "Well… um… you see." Before she could form a definite answer Aoshi was on top of her.

So, this was the Battosai's lover; it had to be why else would she blindly support him? Pinning her to the ground he placed his hand over her mouth, ignoring her protests. Then his leg came down on her stomach. Looking into her eyes, he saw fear. Not knowing what possessed him he bent down and kissed her passionately he tasted blood and didn't know, or care, whose it was. She was giving in to him slowly, her mouth opening, he snaked his arm around hers. Taking her sword, he disengaged his mouth before striking her on the side of the head. Wiping the blood from his lip he began to laugh at the opportunity which fate had presented him.

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