To The Reviewers:

Nobody: heck, i would give him the food for free! hahah! and bah on you, your story has my full dedication tonight, mawuahahaha! i will be the judge of its quality, and i have good feelings about it!

Nanakilover/Brukaoru: thats my favorite quote of the chapter too! let me know what your fav. quote of this chapter is!

Nekotsuki: thank you for re-reviewing! i have two more new chapters ready to go, so watch out for chapters 10 and 11!

Kurio Tamashii-quick updates are always fun! thanks for reviewing!

maureen- thanks so much!

reignashii-haha someone is a bit hyper, ne? ;) and yep, saitou was always there! lol good thing you are rereading!

tiaravball15-kaoru kicks butt! wooo! i guess you will have to wait and see what kenshin does!

mademoiselle anime-

cisne-you weren't rude at all! i appreciate all the help, afterall, i want this story to seem realistic! thanks for all of the support!

THE PRICE OF BLOOD

Chapter 6: Lost and Found

Kaoru shivered as she glanced around her. The surroundings seemed so cold and foreign even though she was walking through her familiar village. Her normally bright eyes were lifeless, too afraid and tired to fight anymore. Her feet dragged limply, swollen and bleeding from her frantic run through the woods.

The streets were silent and empty. Yet, her body could not relax. It was only a matter of time before he came after her. She did not know what he would do to her once she was caught. She could feel the chains in her mind that slowed her movements. She was still shocked that she had managed to get away from the Battousai, and even more surprised that she had managed to strike him.

The night wore on as she padded through the streets, looking for anyone who would help her in her flight. But there was no one. She was alone, as she always was. What Kaoru wouldn't give not to feel this way anymore. But no, she was trapped in this hell that swallowed her more everyday.

Tears marred her face and dirt stained her kimono. Several rips adorned her clothing after getting caught on various branches. However, Kaoru kept on not wanting to believe that there was no escape for her. Walking blindly, she stumbled on invisible barriers, causing her to fall to the ground.

Her body shook as her limbs became weaker, giving into her fatigue. Trying to stand, she found that she could not. Instead her body surrendered to the night. Sobbing herself to sleep, she fell into a troubled sleep, not caring that she was in the middle of the street.

Battousai stalked quietly through the woods, watching closely for any signs of Kaoru. Just how far had she gotten in that short time that he was distracted? He had been searching for this woman for hours, and she still could not be found.

His senses were clouded by some foreign emotion, causing him to lose focus. He could feel the blood surging through him in this uneasiness. Kenshin did not know when it had happened, but somewhere over the course of these five years he had begun to think of Kaoru as his.

He had been the one to watch over her, and to protect her from harm. Eventually time had made his stoic watch bloom into possessiveness. The thought of her running from him pulled on that side of him. He did not know how to handle this emotion...except to have her return.

A slight dent in the ground grasped his attention. Kneeling down to the ground, he ran his fingers over the mark. It was made from Kaoru's sandal, he knew it. His head rose, his mystified eyes glaring into the distance. She was heading towards the village.

His eyes narrowed and hardened slightly. There were many dangers in town, especially if word had gotten out that he was staying in her dojo. The ends of his lips twitched upwards. Perhaps this would be the perfect opportunity to let everyone know that Kaoru belonged to the Battousai.

Slowly, his body rose up from the ground. His eyes did not waver from the direction of the village. Battousai's body began to move forward, unconsciously moving faster with each step. Weaving through the trees, he finally broke out onto a dirt path leading to the village. However, the sight made him stop still. The sun was rising, casting lights that faded into a deep blue. Blue like Kaoru's eyes. He took a step forward, calling out "Kaoru" absently.

It was light. The villagers would be out soon. She could get hurt. His eyes narrowed at the thought. No one would harm what was his. He must find her. Breaking into a run, he flew to her, leaving nothing but dust in his wake.

The soft mummer of whispers greeted Kaoru's ears as she awoke. Her eyes blinked rapidly, trying to adjust to the bright morning light. She looked around her, noticing how the villagers had stopped around her. There they stood, tossing her disgusted glances as they whispered.

Her blue eyes regained some of their lost luster as she hurriedly scrambled to her feet. Kaoru winced with each step she took to them, the antics of yesterday finally taking their toll. Some of the on-lookers gasped with shock as they watched her disarrayed form limp towards them. The women backed away, hiding behind the men, or even fleeing the scene.

"Please," Kaoru pleaded, her voice dry and raspy. "Someone help me."

A tall man stepped forward, an angry scowl painted on his rough face.

"Get away from us, wench. We will not help a killer's whore."

Kaoru gasped in shock, trembling in disbelief.

"No, no. You do not understand..."

"Shut up!" interrupted another lanky man. "We know that you keep the Battousai. It isn't out fault that he decided to turn on you, bitch."

The sharp words stabbed Kaoru's heart. Would they not even listen to her? Would they not help her?

"I am not his whore!" she cried out, tears spilling from her eyes.

The men laughed at her. She tried to step closer. "I beg of you. Please, help me."

The tall man stepped over to her, an eerie glaze gleaming in his eyes.

"Sure, we'll help you," he replied.

Kaoru smiled at him, overjoyed that she would be saved. "Thank..." she began but was stopped when she was forcefully shoved to the ground.

"Where is your killer now?" The man screamed. He loomed over her, glaring before spitting on her. "Whore!" he yelled before stalking back to the crowd. She could hear their approval in the background.

It was then that the lanky man strided over to her, muttering curses about the Battousai before kicking her sharply in the ribs. She cried out in pain, struggling to get up. The man swiftly kicked her once more and then turned back to the crowd.

"Come on," he said coldly. "Let's leave this bitch on the ground where she belongs."

Filing away, some on the braver villagers stepped up to kick dirt on Kaoru's huddled form before leaving. Finally she was left alone to her tears, her body racking with disbelief. She was so alone. Wrapping her arms tighter around her small form, she gave into the hopelessness. Her eyes were blinded by betrayal as she rose to her feet. Supporting herself on the village walls, she stumbled forward, sobbing in pain.

A figure blurred in her vision. Reaching out to the figure, passionate words fled from her mouth.

"Please save me. Please."

The figure laughed darkly and she quickly recoiled her hand, immediately regretting what she had done. A hand seized her arm roughly, pulling her forward.

"Allow me," a rough male voice whispered.

In that moment, her tears stopped, her defenses taking over. Whipping her head to the voice, she was met by a deathly glare. The man was larger, at least twice the size of Kaoru. His dark eyes narrowed and a grin came across his gruesome face. She struggled, crying out as she tried to free herself.

"So, we have a fiery once," he spit out. Two fingers traveled to his lips. A shrill whistle sounded and three other men emerged from the shadows. Grinning they dragged her into an alley, licking their lips as they pinned down. Fire alit inside of her, causing her to fight even more. Her hands connected with skin, but she was immediately rewarded with sharp blows to her body. All of her fighting stopped the moment that she felt a searing pain in her side.

Screaming, she looked down in horror. Blood poured from her, a knife still imbedded in her flesh. Her blue eyes wavered, looking back up at her assailants. The gruesome man leaned towards her. Pulling the blade out, he huskily whispered, "Perhaps this will teach the Battousai not to let his whores wander alone." Turning to the others, he added, "Hold her down."

Rough hands forced her still once more. Shock still rendered her paralyzed. Her heart was racing. What could she do? Pain shot throughout her body and blood still trickled down her body. She snapped back into attention when she felt a hand slither inside her kimono. Her eyes widened in shock and her hands instinctively flew out, pushing on the chest of the bulky man. But clammy hands pulled her back, sticky breaths pooling onto her neck. The hand reached in further, running across her thighs. She whimpered desperately, pain and hurt becoming her.

"Stop," she pleaded, shaking her head.

"If you want to live, then I would do as she says," rang a stern voice.

The voice cut through her mind, registering as a familiar voice. Craning her head, tears still shone from her dull eyes. Never in her life would she have thought that she would be happy to see the Battousai. The men stiffened, their hands immediately shrinking back from Kaoru's body. Battousai's cold eyes scanned over the men, recognizing their fear.

He stepped forward, tapping a hand on the hilt of his katana. The large man grew brave, grabbing Kaoru and placing the still bloody knife to her throat. She squealed, looking over to the Battousai, her eyes pleading to him. Glancing over her body, he saw the bloody wound on her side, her tear streaked face, and her loosened kimono. He growled angrily at the sight. He would not allow this. His eyes flashed hauntingly, moving his gaze to bore into the man.

The man visibly gulped, dragging Kaoru back with him as he moved. His hand shook, causing the blade to push deeper into Kaoru's flesh. She whimpered as it pinched her, and a tiny trickle of blood made its way down her neck. The Battousai growled louder, anger flashing through amber in his eyes.

"It would be wise to back away from her now," he stated, his clipped words coming forcefully.

Trembling, the man replied, "One more step and I will slit her throat right before you."

Battousai narrowed his eyes, measuring the distance between him and the man before making his move. He could sense the others lurking in the background, but he was not concerned with them now. He would deal with them later.

In a flash he was gone. The man tightened his grip on Kaoru while glancing nervously around. Suddenly he appeared before them. Pulling Kaoru behind him rapidly, he punched the man, sending him flying before the feet of his followers. The man groaned loudly, shaking his head as he sat up.

Battousai pulled Kaoru further behind him, listening to her heavy breathing. Turning his head slightly, he whispered, "Stay here, I will return shortly."

Taking a step forward, he released Kaoru. She swayed violently, threatening to crumble to the ground. Battousai's eyes flashed with vengeance as he stalked over to the man.

"Prepare to die," he hissed, drawing his katana from the sheath.

The men looked on in fear, paralyzed to their spot. There stood no chance for escape. "Please, forgive us. We did not..."

"Silence!" roared Battousai. His sword lifted into the air, preparing to swing. Kaoru watched on in terror. No, this could not be happening. They still did not deserve to die. Tears poured from her eyes again, but she did not even notice. Falling to her knees, her heart clenched. She could not allow this to happen. She watched as the blade rose, pausing before slicing down.

"No!" she screamed, breaking the Battousai's flow. He hesitated for a moment upon hearing the scream, contemplating her wish before completing the swing. The man moved slightly, avoided the deathly mark narrowly. The man cried out in pain, holding his shoulder tightly.

"Please don't kill them!" Kaoru called out again, trying to reach the Battousai.

The Battousai stared blankly at the man, before turning to gaze at his blade. He was in amazement. Blood stained the blade, yet the man was not dead. He did not kill. His body shook, not believing it. The heavy scent of blood, however, pulled Battousai out of his dream.

Looking back at the man, he growled, "Feel blessed that she distracted me. Leave now and let this be a reminder not to touch what is mine. If I ever see you again, I will not hesitate to kill you."

The man nodded vigorously before the others helped pick him up and run off, trying to put as much distance between them as possible.

Battousai looked at his blade one more time before sheathing it and turning to face Kaoru. He looked at her, her hair was wild, her appearance was dirty, but her eyes were as beautiful as ever. She was breathing heavily, trying to keep herself upright.

Her eyes watched him carefully, wondering what he would do. Slowly he approached her, his flickering eyes never leaving her. Kneeling before her, he reached out to touch her. She flinched as he made contact. He frowned, displeased at what had happened to her.

"Come," he said. "Let's go."

He stood, waiting for her to rise as well. She tried to stand, but was too weak to do so. He knew from looking at her that she needed medical attention, and soon. Sighing, he gently scooped her into his arms before walking from the alley. A small voice filled his ears.

"Thank you."

He said nothing in response as he continued on. But he could not help but think about that she had said. Her head gently fell onto his shoulder, no longer able to support itself. She could not help herself, he felt so warm. Even though he was cold to her, right now he was comfort, the comfort that she so desperately needed. Her hands came up to tightly grip the fabric of his gi and she pressed herself further against him.

His body stiffened, unsure of how to react. But her voice broke his thought once more.

"What is your name?" she asked sleepily, half conscious.

He glanced down, meeting her hazy blue orbs. Looking into them, he found that he could not deny her request.

"Kenshin," he replied impassively, tearing his eyes away from her. Damn this woman.

She yawned, smiling as she began drifting into unconsciousness.

"Ken...shin," she whispered before her world was claimed by darkness.

TBC...

A/N: How was it? Does it make sense? Let me know that I am doing wrong, or if you have any suggestions. I am always up for that. I know the village vengence is a bit much, but have a little suspension of disbelief! also remember saitou in the last chapter, saying people are finding out about the battousai staying with kaoru.

REVIEW FOR ME!!!!! i'm pathetic, ne?

RurouniNikkitch13