AN: Merry Christmas! Well, here we are again. I apologize; you get to throw some more rotten veggies and such. In case you were wondering where I was…I was here…at home. Doing homework. And buying Christmas presents. Yeah. Oh yeah, I got a couple reviews commenting on how Kaoru had taken a liking to her kidnapper and I would like to clarify-Kaoru is stuck between Battousai and Soujiro only! And as for the final pairing…You shall see. However, in my next fanfiction, I plan on making the pairing very obvious from the beginning, it's just too much hassle to write a triangle. :sigh: On with the show!
VERY IMPORTANT:
THERE ARE TWO ENDINGS!
This is the first ending, where Kaoru ends up with Soujiro, the next chapter with the be second ending, where Kaoru ends up with Kenshin. Following the respective endings there will be two corresponding epilogues. So in all there will be 10 chapters and Kaoru will get to have BOTH swordsmen. Lucky Kaoru. Geez. She's so lucky I almost want to hate her! But I couldn't hate Kaoru...she's too cool.
Disclaimer: In the name of God impure souls of the living dead-wait. Wrong fanfiction. Hellsing isn't mine…and neither is RK…I just can't win, huh?
When You Can't Let Go
Chapter 7: Soujiro's End
Saitoh took a long drag off his cigarette and leveled a steely gaze onto the redhead sitting across from him. Unwavering, Kenshin pierced the officer's eyes with his own amber stare.
"Well, Battousai," Saitoh spit out his name, "I see you've ceased your mindless vow to never kill again-all for the best, I suppose." Saitoh stood, and moved over to a window overlooking the bustling streets below his office. Smoke curled from his cigarette as he removed it from his mouth. "You see, we're having problems with a certain man named Shigematsu. Our intelligence has been unable to find more on him other than he is the son of a former shogun-one you happened to kill in the early stages of the Bakumatsu. Apparently, he attempted to raise an insurrection aimed at the Meiji government."
Kenshin shifted in his seat, an uneasy feeling settling deep in his stomach and sending warning sparks to the tips of his fingers.
"Now, the government has ordered me to," Saitoh gave a slight cough and glared at Kenshin. "The government has informed me that we will be in need of your services. I will send a messenger when we have more information."
Glad that his speech was over, Kenshin stood and moved with his cat-like grace towards the door. Sensing Saitoh's eyes on him, he looked over his shoulder.
"Oh, and by the way Battousai, Shigematsu is trained as a ninja." Without a word, the redhead nodded in acknowledgement and left the officer's stifling office.
…..
Soujiro was preparing dinner a little early in the kitchen. His head was bent, deep in thought over the rice he was washing, allowing his bangs to fall over his eyes.
Something isn't right. Something has happened to Kaoru…
Blue eyes flashing, Soujiro released the pot of rice and raced towards the dojo's large gates, only to be met by the last person he wanted to see.
"Battousai, where is Kaoru?" Soujiro tried to suppress the anxiety he felt blooming within his chest by giving his trademark grin.
"Isn't she here, with you?" Kenshin knew Soujiro was trying to pin some sort of blame on him. Hopefully Kaoru wasn't gone; but a quick scan of the dojo told him she was.
Today just isn't my day. Kenshin ruefully thought. "Well, where is she, if she isn't here?"
Words cold and firm he replied, "She went with you. On a walk. Remember?" Soujiro's words were clipped, his anxiety slowly turning towards anger as his smile started to falter.
Gold eyes flashed. "I just got back from town." Kenshin looked into Soujiro's blue eyes.
Soujiro met Kenshin's dark amber gaze and they both gave a nod. They would work together - for Kaoru.
…..
"I suppose you're sick of always being taken captive, ne, Kaoru-chan?" I rolled my eyes. Kaoru-chan my butt! Just wait until I get out of this stupid swordsman spirit lock-ARGGH. Jinei's attack was just like this…I've just gotta concentrate.
(AN: In the episode where Jinei captured Kaoru, he used an attack that involved paralyzing his opponent through his swordsman spirit, and it could only be broken if the swordsman spirit of his opponent was greater than his-needless to say, Kaoru beat it.)
"Kaoru, you look uncomfortable. Let me help you." My concentration broke as Shigematsu reached for my broken arm. Oh no! I grit my teeth and prepared for him to hurt my already aching arm; but he only closed his eyes and moved his hands over my arm. Warmth imbued the broken appendage, tingling my nerves; and I could have sworn I felt the muscles and bones stitching themselves together again.
"In addition to ninjutsu training, I also learned from some very wise men. As you can see, some of my learning comes in handy…"
Drowning him out, I focused on getting out of this "I'm-weak-and-can't-move" stage. Beads of sweat formed on my forehead, and just as I felt them begin to roll down my face-I felt it. I knew I had broken free. The ability to move by myself was unmistakable.
Whoa… Not only was I free, but my arm was…healed. That must have been some learning he got…I thought as I experimentally moved my previously broken arm. Seeing all was fine, I looked up at Shigematsu…
WACK
…and punched him in the gut, following through with an uppercut.
Shigematsu stumbled back gently cupping his injured chin and glowered at me.
"I suppose I deserved that, ne, Kaoru?" He straightened. "What, bringing you out here to this wilderness and all. But, I thought that we could be friends…" He gave me a mocking puppy look, but it instantly changed into a one of fierce anger. "We're just going to have to do this the hard way, aren't we?"
With a speed I had thought him incapable of, he was behind me and tying my hands with a rope…which he must have had hidden, because it definitely wasn't there before.
ARRGH! Out of the frying pan and into the freaking boiling water! Good grief, I can't seem to catch a break. Okay…just breath Kaoru, think. I stopped struggling and settled for an icy glare; while Shigematsu was tying my hands, I held them slightly apart-not enough to be noticeable, but enough to make a difference when my escape was happening. Heh, why do badguys always assume that when a victim goes still they've given up? He's gonna regret not tying this rope tighter-oh well, all the better for my getaway.
…..
The sun was reaching its highest peak in the clear sky as the two young men made their way down the dusty street which led to the outskirts of town. Passing Dr. Genzai's office, they encountered a certain rooster-headed friend.
"Whoa, Kenshin! Where'ya going in such a hurry?" Sano's grin included the trademark fishbone dangling carelessly from his lips.
"Kaoru's been-" Soujiro and Kenshin spoke in unison. Eyeing each other, Kenshin began again. "Kaoru's been kidnapped. We're going to save her."
"What!" Sano sputtered. "Weren't you supposed to be with her, Soujiro? What happened to that? If I find out she's been hurt…oh, your smiling face is gonna get it!" Reining in his anger he indignantly turned up his chin. "Well, we better go rescue the little missy, eh?"
Soujiro smiled and began to speak, only to have Kenshin interrupt him.
"No. Soujiro and I will go, you need to wait back at the dojo for Yahiko, and keep him from following us." Voice steady and sure, Kenshin began to walk again. "We'll be back before dinner."
With an almost humorous smile, Soujiro said, "Hai, don't worry, we'll be back soon!" And with that, the blue eyed man followed after Kenshin.
…..
It's getting hot. And some stupid, inconsiderate kidnappers won't allow us to move into the shade…because no…that would make too much sense now, wouldn't it? "Ano, Shigematsu…aren't you getting hot too? The sun is a bit…"
"No."
"We should-"
"No."
"You are insufferable! It's hot, and you know it! Why can't we just make this experience a little bit more bearable by moving under those trees!" Uggh. Shouldn't have yelled at him…it made it so much hotter...When is everybody gonna come? Well…it's hot, and he looks tired-now's the perfect time.
Jumping onto my feet I took Shigematsu by surprise, throwing a jumping hook kick to his head-thank goodness Misao helped me with all her hand to hand combat stuff. As my foot connected he dropped his short sword and I lunged after it. Ah hah! Finally!
It was awkward picking up the sword, seeing as my hands were still tied behind my back, but I managed. With the surprisingly light weapon I began to run in the direction of the village; running into the woods would be too risky because with my hands tied I wouldn't have the balance to run between branches and random bushes. It was hot before…but this is REALLY-.
"No!" Apparently Shigematsu was a good runner…well, better than good if he could outrun me. Stupid ninja wizard freak took back his sword and kicked me none too gently to the dusty road. Ignoring the pain I felt I thought: Here we go again…think, Kaoru, think.
…..
She went this way, I could tell. Idiotic Tenken. I wanted to wring his neck and slice him into a million different pieces with the sharp side of my sakabatou, then I'd feed him to….Not now, we need to find Kaoru-she's more important than disemboweling---But we wouldn't have to worry about Kaoru if it wasn't for the Tenken in the first place! I battled within myself with a voice that seemed oddly reminiscent of the Rurouni.
"Battousai. I see her."
Sure enough, I saw a figure sitting on the road ahead. Her black haired head was bent down in thought, and her captor was towering over her, all the while keeping a sword's tip resting on her neck. I felt anger swelling into my chest and the familiar twitch in my hands. This man would pay.
…..
Kaoru had tried to run away again, but was caught. As Shigematsu raised his hand, she closed her eyes, anticipating the blow. NO! Don't take this on your knees! Determined, Kaoru quickly ducked and rammed into Shigematsu, hoping to knock him over.
Unfortunately, it didn't work. Grabbing her arms roughly, Shigematsu jerked Kaoru to her unsteady feet and slapped Kaoru with a force that left her ears ringing. "Don't you dare try anything like that again! Understand?" he growled as stars danced before her eyes. "Answer me!" Shigematsu shook her violently.
"St-stop….STOP SHAKING ME!" Kaoru yelled into his face.
"As you wish, Kaoru-chan." He pushed her to the ground and drew his sword. "Now I'm going to have to keep a closer eye on you."
Kaoru felt the cold tip of a blade on her skin. Chills ran up her spine as he applied pressure.
"Now, don't move. You've become annoying, Tanuki."
…..
"Sir, I do believe you should release Kaoru. It is unkind to treat her so." Soujiro directed a bright smile at Shigematsu.
"Quit it, Tenken. Shigematsu doesn't need us to flower him with warnings. He knows-"
"Knows what, Battousai?" Shigematsu glared, never moving the katana from Kaoru's neck. "Know how you slaughtered my family and stole my destiny? Yes, Battousai, I know you and all your horrible deeds. I remember, and I will avenge the death of my family's honor and position. " In a blur of movement, Shigematsu raised the sword from Kaoru's neck and brought it down…
CLANG
The sound of metal hitting metal reverberated through the air. Soujiro looked from Kaoru, to his blade which had protected her, and finally he settled his gaze on Shigematsu and frowned.
Kaoru held her bokken's handle firmly between her palms as Soujiro's bokken pushed against hers slowly. Arms shaking, her bokken's position wavered. Kaoru was going to lose.
"Soujiro, Kamiya Kasshin Ryu is based on protecting people. If you lose, the person whom you are protecting loses as well." Kaoru paused and took a deep breath. "It doesn't accept defeat. You should remember this."
With a loud cry, Kaoru slipped her body past the path of Soujiro's bokken and simultaneously used her leverage to unbalance him with proper positioning of her own weapon. Soujiro found himself staring up into her fiery blue eyes.
"Hai, Kaoru. I'll remember."
"That is enough, sir. I cannot allow you to continue." Soujiro dislodged Shigematsu's weapon from his hand and moved between Kaoru and the danger. Smile gone from his lips, the blue-eyed swordsman moved to hit Shigematsu with the flat of the blade-only, it never connected.
Shigematsu let out a laugh. "Tenken-sama," he said, voice dripping with sarcasm, "I'm so sorry about that, it's just…I couldn't allow you to interfere with my plans. Don't worry, I won't hurt Kaoru-chan, only Battousai."
…..
I saw Shigematsu paralyze the Tenken. He used a dart…how dishonorable. He only got him because Tenken wasn't paying attention. Idiot.
"Now, Battousai. You and I shall fight." Shigematsu's eyes gleamed.
"You've gone too far. If you wanted to fight me, you could have left Kaoru out of this. That was your first mistake." I slid my foot back, preparing for a battoujitsu stance. "I know you're trained in ninjitsu…but do you think you can really beat the Battousai…the master of the battoujitsu?"
"You ask the wrong questions. I know I can beat you. Ever since you destroyed my life I've been training, training in everything, just so I could kill you."
"Your words are unnecessary. Let's begin." I had a bad feeling about this battle, but Kaoru was in danger and I couldn't allow her to be hurt. Preparing to draw my sword, I trained my eyes on Shigematsu.
…..
Almost half an hour later, the sun was beginning it's descent from the zenith of the sky towards the West. Shigematsu had resorted to various weaponry and illusions to avoid Battousai. Kenshin spent much of his time on the offensive only to jump back and observe the scene before charging back in. Something was wrong if Kenshin wasn't landing any hits.
…..
I was worried. The fight had lasted far too long, and Kenshin hadn't managed to beat Shigematsu. The only reason Kenshin's enemy seemed to be winning was because he had evaded him for so long. Mou! Kenshin's still fighting and Soujiro's…wait. Soujiro was there…he couldn't move! Where is he!
I looked behind me and there he was. He's alive! My heart skipped a beat as I looked at him.
"Don't worry, Kaoru. I'll protect you." I gave him a big hug and held his face between my hands.
"Mou! Don't ever scare me like that again, Baka!"
"Hai, hai, Kaoru." Soujiro smiled at me. Grinning back, I released him.
"Will Kenshin be okay? He's been fighting for a long time…"
"Himura-san will be fine. Look at him. Though, I'm not sure why he didn't end the fight sooner…perhaps…no…"
"Nani, Sou-chan? Why didn't he beat Shigematsu faster?"
"Well…perhaps the Battousai side of him wanted to exhaust his opponent and confuse him, then end it very quickly."
I turned my attention back to the battle. Kenshin was breathing evenly. At least he wasn't in too much danger. Kami-sama I just hope this ends quickly.
…..
I will end this. I shifted into a backstance, preparing for the offensive strike. Glaring at Shigematsu, I narrowed my eyes. He visibly shuddered and quickly removed poison darts from his gi, readying the tiny weapons in his hands.
"Come, Battousai. What are you waiting for?"
I closed my eyes. In an instant I was charging. "KUZU RYU SEN!" My attack hit his nine vital body points at once. I landed on grass beyond his body as he fell to the ground.
(AN: Kuzu ryu sen is the '9 head dragon flash' which attacks 9 points on the body simultaneously: Karatake (downward stroke), Kesagiri, the slantwise downward stroke to the shoulder, Reverse Kesagiri, Right Nagi (belly stroke), Left Nagi (reverse belly stroke) Right upward cut, Left upward cut Sakakaze, upward stroke Tsuki, the stroke that pierces shortest range to the chest.)
I felt his ki explode, and suddenly disappear. And then, as if in response to the death of Shigematsu, a great light engulfed my body-just like before with the old lady. I felt the searing pain in my chest before Ipassed out.
…..
Violet eyes greeted Kaoru as she gentlyshook the redhead. "Kenshin! You're alright!" The younggirl swept him into a fierce embrace, all her concern and worry melting away with the swordsman's "Oro?"
Soujiro sat silently nearby, his mind restless. He had been unable to helpBattousaiin the last battle, and thatupset the wanderer more than he cared to share with the redhead. I would've been unable to help Kaoru...and if she was hurt...At least Battousai handled the situation. Funny thing though...that Himura-san is no longer Battousai, but the rurouni. Curious.
"Kaoru...-dono." Kenshin began awkwardly.
Yes, the rurouni is back in all his splendid glory. Kaoru thought.
"Kaoru-dono...this unworthy onekilled Shigematsu." Kenshin paused, pain filling the emptiness. "That is unforgivable, that it is."
"Kenshin, it's alright.You didn't do it out of spite-you"
"But Battousai did it out of spite, that he did." Silencefilled the room. Soujiro's shining eyes glanced interestedly from Kaoru to Kenshin.
"Sessha believes it would be best if he left...for a while." Amethyst eyes searched Kaoru's glassy blue ones. Kenshin reached for the ebon-haired girl's hands. She didn't resist as he took them between his own.
"Sessha will return one day, that he will. But, this unworthy one has broken his vow...and that...that is past forgiveness. No one, not even you, Kaoru-dono, could justify Shigematsu's death." Rising, Kenshin released her hands. Kaoru bit back a shiver as the full impact of his words sank in and his warm hands left hers.
"Sessha will gather his belongings, and depart in the morning."
"Ken-" Kaoru stopped. She knew there was nothing she could do, he would leave when the sun rose...or perhaps he would stay for breakfast. Either way, he was walking outof her life-again.Turning, she met the presence that had moved behind her.
"Soujiro, I-" He cut her off by gathering her into his arms, and resting his chin on her head. Her small frame began to shake with the tears she shed on his faded blue gi. There weren't sobs, but Kaoru's sadness wetted the cloth on the crook of his shoulder.
"Shhh, it's alright, Kaoru. I will be here for you." Stroking her back he placed feathery kisses along the crown of her head. Kaoru looked up at him, eyes questioning. "I will protect you, Kaoru...if you will let me, that is." Soujiro's smile was real, and his eyes showed it.
"You may, Soujiro." Kaoru pulled him even closer. Slowly, she brought her lips towards his.
"Kaoru," Soujiro whispered as their mouths were centimeters away, "Are you sure about-"
"Hai. I know I love Kenshin," Soujiro flinched, but Kaoru continued "But something happened, and I think that somewhere along the line my love changed...Having Battousai around, well...I think he was Battousai...but having the new Kenshin around showed me that my Kenshin, the old Kenshin, would never let himself have a relationship with me...And now that he's back, it's best if we're just close friends."
"Himura-san is a good friend. We're both very lucky." And with that, Soujiro closed the distance between them and captured her lips in a gentle kiss. All the need he had felt for her, body and soul, since he arrived spilled from his lips and made Kaoru weak in the knees. She returned his affections with a passion far more than what they shared earlier that day. Her soft mouth moved against his and he resisted the urge to pick her up and drag her into his room. As they pulled apart, cheeks flushed and breathing with shallow breaths, their eyes met.
And Kaoru knew it was going to get interesting around the dojo.