The Price of Blood

Chapter 13: External and Internal

The haunting wind began to pick up in intensity. The breeze captured the blood-soaked strands in their grasp, blowing them into Kenshin's intense face. His muscles twitched beneath the dark blue fabric of his gi, straining to be released from their position. But still he waited until the enemies before him made the first move.

"Who are you?" he growled once again.

The dark haired man narrowed his eyes, quickly darting his gaze to gage the position of his miniature army. "I have already told you that it does not matter, Battousai."

The men around him followed his lead. Slowly inching forward, their weapons raised into a defensive stance. Their expressions were grim. They did not know what to expect from the legendary manslayer. They have heard the rumors of his power, but they had never encountered it. Although none of the men wanted to admit it, his calculated amber eyes stuck fear into each one of their cold hearts.

"Very well," Kenshin replied carefully. "Then I will make sure you all a painful death."

Frowning, the tall man lifted his hand into the air. Slightly twisting his wrist, he signaled the men around him to commence their attack.

Running forward, the men let out grunts and war cries, hoping that attacking the Battousai all at once would guarantee his defeat. Waiting patiently, Kenshin narrowed his eyes in concentration. The men seemed to approach in slow motion. He could see every step that they made. Just before the men came upon him, he launched himself forward, drawing his blade from the sheath.

In an invisible swing, the steel blade tore into the flesh of a man. His cry sounded out through the air. However, due to the power of the swing, it continued its way through his flesh, only to repeat the process on the man next to him. Elegantly dodging the falling blade of another man, he dipped back, effectively freeing himself from the assault.

Spinning around, Kenshin effortlessly pulled the sheath of his katana from its ties. Flicking it out emotionlessly, it pummeled into another's stomach, causing the man to cry out in pain and fall to the ground. Springing off of his heels, he easily cleared the men that remained standing, landing in the softness of the dojo man.

His eyes were shaking dangerously. He could feel himself fighting the urge to rid of these men now. Saitou's words bit through his mind. "I will not give away your location, if you leave my citizens alone." Kenshin knew that Saitou would not back down upon his promise. That meant that these men had found his way to him on their own. But should he kill them? It was then that other words floated through his mind. "Please don't kill them!" Kaoru. However, the unarmed man broke through his silence.

"It seems as though your skills have not dulled. However, it seems as though you are growing soft. You did not kill. Is that because of your woman? Perhaps I will kill her as well," he taunted.

Growling, Kenshin took action. Stepping forward, his body disappeared to the naked eye. The man tensed, uncertain of where the shadow assassin would re-appear. Suddenly, a cold steel blade ripped through the back of his stomach, protruding all the way through his lean body. Coughing, he could feel the blood seeping down his body.

"Why are you here?" Kenshin growled into his ear.

"I will never tell you," the man sputtered out.

Hissing in anger, Kenshin pulled his blade roughly up the expanse of his chest, ripping the man into two. Pushing the man forward, he did not notice him fall in a heap to the cold ground. Stepping over the body, he took stance, yellow eyes wide in furry.

The other fighters took a step back. They were not as prepared as they though. It took all of their will power to hold back a scream as the Battousai charged at them.

Yelling, Kenshin slashed his katana. Slicing into one body, he turned on his heel, bringing the blade up to block an attack. Once again using the sheath, Kenshin knocked it into the man's jaw, causing the man to fall dead, his lower jaw forced up into his skull. The deadly weapon shot out to the side, draining yet another body of life. This process continued until Kenshin glared down the one remaining fighter.

"Who is ordering this?" Kenshin seethed.

Backing up in fright, the man shook his head. In a flash, Kenshin was upon him, holding the blade to his throat.

"Tell me."

"I…I," the man stammered. "I don't know."

Narrowing his eyes into dangerous slits, he barked out, "What do you mean?"

"I was hired by the unarmed man. I was not given any information. I was given money and told to meet him here. That's all I know. I swear!" the man screeched.

Roaring, Kenshin struck him with the katana, watching him fall to the ground. Looking down at the man, he commanded, "Remove the bodies from the premises. Do not come back. I will not spare your life next time."

A scream from within the dojo caught his attention. Kenshin's head shot up like an arrow, his eyes wide in fright.

"Kaoru," he whispered before he took off to the sound.

Bursting through the shojis, Kenshin's heart pounded as he neared Kaoru's room. Slamming open her door, he stood frozen. Someone another attacker had manifested, stealthily maneuvering himself past Kenshin and into the dojo. He stood facing Kaoru, a katana raised in defense. Whirling their heads towards the opening door, both eyes widened: one pair in relief and one pair in fear. The man stood tense, his eyes never leaving the Battousai's form.

Each glared at the other, waiting for someone to make the first move. Kenshin's body ached to attack the man for even daring to threaten Kaoru. But yet he stood still, panting heavily with his raging eyes, not wanting to risk that blade coming another inch closer to Kaoru's flawless skin.

"Kenshin!" Kaoru cried in relief. Her body trembled slightly. Turning slightly, she began to move, forgetting all about the attacked that stood so close to her.

Seeing this as his opportunity, the assailant lunged for Kaoru, bringing his blade up high above her head. Kaoru was oblivious to it all, her eyes still staring into the yellow orbs of Kenshin.

"Don't touch her!" Kenshin growled, springing forward into action.

Flying towards the man, Kenshin's blade came forward as he screamed in anger. As he prepared to strike, Kaoru's words invaded his mind. "No!" she screamed. Hissing in agitation, Kenshin's eyes narrowed. Should he listen to her? However, it did not matter. The attacker's blade katana came up, barely managing to block Kenshin's attack. Pushing his weight into the blade, Kenshin easily pushed the man back. Rocking back onto his heels, he brought his katana back, twisting his wrist in the air to bring the dull edge of his blade to strike against the man's chest.

With a cry of pain, the man flew backwards, sliding back into the wall from the force. Rushing upon him, Kenshin positioned the blade directly over the man's heart. He growled angrily, waiting for the man to look into his flashing eyes. He pushed slightly on the blade, causing the metal to bite into the fabric and flesh. The man cried out in pain, his body shaking in fear.

Angrily, Kenshin snarled out, "Leave and never come back. If I ever find you again, you will regret even being born into your pathetic existence."

Nodding his head with wide, frightful eyes, the man moved to get up. Kenshin grabbed the collar of his black gi, hauling him to his feet. Kenshin forcefully dragged him to the window, pushing open the shutters. Tossing the man out, he did not hesitate before slamming the windows closed and locking the opening, preventing anyone from using it to enter the dojo. Closing his eyes for a moment, Kenshin began to wipe the blood from his blade. His heart was racing. Not killing for a while, the sensation brought forth strange emotions to his heart. He did not feel safe being there. His arms still tingled to swing his blade. Returning the katana to its sheath, he did not hear Kaoru's small whimper.

"Kenshin…" Kaoru called.

Opening his eyes, Kenshin slowly turned around to face Kaoru. His body trembled. He could not be in the same room with her right now. If he did not hurt her, then he would surely frighten her. His eyes raged with furry as Kaoru approach him. Nothing could be recognized except for her form as she sauntered her way over.

Reaching a hand out, Kaoru made to touch Kenshin. She could tell that he was battling himself. She did not want him to think that he was alone. She was there for him, and she would try to help him in any way she could. As her hand came within millimeters within his body, she could hear Kenshin call out in a raspy, strangled voice.

"Don't."

"But Kenshin," Kaoru protested.

Shaking his head, Kenshin pushed Kaoru towards the shoji door. He could not be with her right now. As each second passed, he felt less in control. Her intoxicating scent did nothing to help. It took all of his will power not to smother her with himself. Kenshin turned to Kaoru, handing her his sheathed blade.

Kaoru looked down upon it in confusion. Why would he be giving her this? She had never seen him without his blade near by. Kenshin's trembling body worried her and, to be honest, his wild eyes frightened her. Exactly what had happened out there? Glancing up at Kenshin, she could not overlook the blood that soaked his gi. Slight splashes ran across his hands, chest and face.

"Kenshin, what's wrong?" Kaoru pleaded.

In response, Kenshin growled lightly. Taking a step closer to her, his voice was ragged and strangled. "Kaoru, you need to leave now."

Kaoru blinked before shaking her head. "I can't do that. What happened? Kenshin, tell me what's wrong!" she cried out, hugging the blade to her body.

Kenshin quickly pushed Kaoru against the shoji screen. His nose dug into her hair, coming to lie lightly upon her neck. He felt her tremble beneath him. Her body racked softly. Kenshin knew that was going to cry. If she did, then there would be no restraint upon his control.

"Kaoru…it's not safe to be with me right now. Leave me. Take the katana and use it to block the door. I don't want…I don't want to hurt you. Just do it," Kenshin choked out.

"But I could…" Kaoru began brokenly.

Reaching behind the woman, Kenshin quietly slid open the shoji door. Loosing the support that she had rested upon, Kaoru fell backwards, effectively falling out of the room. Looking up at her, Kenshin could see the crystal tears that cascaded down her face. His heart clenched, but there was no turning back. He slammed the shoji shut, holding it closed with his hands. Resting his head against the material, his trembles began to turn into tremors.

"Kaoru," he called out. "Do it, do it now before it's too late."

"I don't want to," she responded softly. He felt a slight tug at the handle. She was trying to get back in. However, Kenshin held the door firmly shut.

"Do it!" he roared.

After a moments pause, he heard a rustle of fabric and a weight being added to the door. Cautiously, Kenshin pulled at the handle, checking to see if she had done what she was told. The door moved slightly but was met with heavy resistance. Pulling a little harder, he was satisfied. The door would not open. A broken cry rang out from the other side. He knew it was Kaoru.

Sighing, Kenshin sunk to the floor, raising his hands to cover his face. He could smell the blood on him. He was a monster. What had he done? Kenshin only hoped that the bodies would be removed before she wandered her way outside. She would be crushed and it would only push him further into insanity.

Lifting his head, he stared at his hands. The calloused flesh was an instrument of death. Blood leaked around his fingers. This was his life. This was all that he had known. Would he ever be free from the torture? Would he ever be able to live like a man and not a deathly shadow?

The scent of jasmine lingered everywhere. Growling lightly, Kenshin stalked his way over to Kaoru's futon in the center of the room. Her scent was driving him crazy, but in a different way. Her aroma was something that he could never get enough of. He wanted to be surrounded but it always. But would his demonic side taint her? How would she react if he took her and made her his?

Kenshin's body itched to touch her, to be near her. But now was not the time. He could not allow his instincts to take over and rule him. She would never forgive him. What were these emotions that coursed through him? They were things that he had never felt before, never experienced. All of his life, he had been taught never to display his emotions. And now it was coming back to haunt him.

Bowing his head, the red strands fell down his face, masking him from all around. His body was tense and still. However, every few seconds his body would shake violently. Feeling a moisture roll down his cheek, he raised a bloody hand to examine what has happening. It was warm and wet. Bringing the liquid to his mouth, he warily licked the substance. It was salty. His eyes widened with understanding. He, the manslayer that everyone feared, was crying.

"Damnit!" Kenshin roared into the stillness of the room.

Kaoru wandered aimlessly through the halls of the dojo. Silent tears streamed down her face. Her hand rested upon the wall, providing her self balance. Her eyes did not see anything before her. The usually bright, stunning blues were dull with pain and confusion. She didn't understand anything. All that she knew was that Kenshin had turned her away. Kaoru simply wanted to help the man that she had grown so attached to. Through the years, be had helped her more than she could ever know. He protected her and still protected her to this day. Through her eyes, he was no longer the cold blooded killer. No, now he was Kenshin, the man that she was growing to love.

Wandering into a blackened room, Kaoru's eyes came to rest upon a simple white box. She recognized it as the medical supplies that the doctor had given her. That simple box had allowed her to get close to Kenshin. It was what had allowed her to recognize his humanity. Sighing, she stepped up to the box. Falling to her knees, her hand reached out to run across the surface.

Kaoru's heart clenched in pain. She knew that Kenshin needed her now. She needed him now too. So much had happened in the past hour and she did not know what to do. It must be bad to make Kenshin react in such a manner. A vision of the blood upon Kenshin flushed through her mind, making her eyes narrow slightly and her head jerk up.

Blood. Was Kenshin hurt? She had not even checked. Shaking her head, her ebony locks brushed her neck and cheek. Kaoru gasped. She was so stupid. How could Kenshin be alright? She had seen him, seen his reaction. He had trembled for Kami's sake. Rising off of the floor, she grabbed the medical supplies. Grabbing a rag, she quickly wandered to the kitchen to retrieve a bowl of water before heading back to the room that Kenshin was locked in.

Standing before the door, she stared at the katana barricade. Her eyes closed fiercely in pain. Seeing him like this was unbearable. She needed to help him. She needed to help him move on and forget the pain of the past. Quickly grabbing the katana, she removed it from its position before gently sliding open the shoji.

TBC…

A/N: The lemon will be posted in the next chapter. I did this so that anyone that did not want to read it could skip over it. I hope you enjoy the additions!

Also, the next chapters might take me a while. I am not sure where I want to take this story. I do not plan out the plot before I begin stories; I just roll with the flow. So bare with me during the long updates. They just might be worth it ;)