EDITED REPOST, 10/24/05… Leave a review about the editing? Tell me what you think!

Disclaimers: Kenshin belongs to Nobuhiro Watsuki-sama.

CHAPTER 24

The fear in Kamiya Kaoru's eyes was surely more exhibited than the sweat that trickled down her face, leaving salty trails of thin desperation. It was the same fear that Satoshi fed off of. It called out to him, stimulated and overcame his tingling nerves. He could hardly wait for his opponent's much anticipated arrival. The light, challenging sigh that passed through his lips was thankfully unheard by Kaoru. Her state of being didn't allow for her to comprehend her environment. It was as if her brain had shut off. She was caught somewhere along the hooks of being shocked with disbelief and anguish. Firstly, Satoshi had injected her with some sort of drug that caused her to stay unconscious for several hours. What frightened her the most was that she had no idea what he had done during that time. Anything could have happened. He could have… touched her in a despicable way and she would never find out. All these thoughts sickened her already weak and unresponsive body.

Images of Kenshin began to flood her mind. Visual impressions of last night's exclusive passion seemingly cut through her heart like hundreds of miniature paper cuts. Small slits that stung repeatedly at different points in her chest. Where is he? She hazily thought and only when she attempted slowly to stand up she realized that her hands were going to be of no use. They were tightly bound, the cord cutting deeply into her tender flesh. Kaoru was faintly aware of her hair, which was thickly coated with perspiration and uncomfortably plastered down, acting like a second skin against her head and the surface of her shoulders.

Satoshi's sharp eyes passed over newly woken form. He grunted and shifted away so that she could not see his calculating face. "Again and again, being the idiotic person that you are, you keep underestimating me as if assuming I am a complete fool." He spun on his heel, wanting her to feel the full power of his gaze and anger that swelled up hotter than the sun. But he hid the smile that threatened to expose upon viewing her reaction, one that consisted of trembling like a shaken animal. "If there is one thing I cannot stand more than anything, it is betrayal, my dear. It seems that amongst your anger and naive ness you forgot to mention one slight, one minor detail, Kamiya." Carefully his unconcealed face slowly twisted into a mistrustful grin full of malice. "Now I'm assuming that you didn't tell me because you were trying to hide it from me." Quick steps sounded off the concrete and within a matter of seconds he had her hair twisted around both his hands in a painful grip. "Hitokiri Battosai… does that name mean anything at all to you, Kamiya?" His black eyes narrowed viciously when she did nothing to respond back. In truth, she didn't know what to do. Pangs of pain were searing through her head as if to warn her of an oncoming explosion. With red rimmed, glassy blue eyes she stared back blankly, silently praying for him to let go of her aching head. Instead of doing that he bent down so that his lips came eerily close to hers. The ravaged deepness of her breath could almost certainly be mistaken for sobs. "You didn't think I'd find out?" he questioned softly with utmost false care. Again there was no reply and he laughed thinking that he was conquering the situation quite well. Sporadically, with a jerk of his hand, she was sent face first to hit the cool pavement. Kaoru managed to withstand the abuse, though she was sure her body was going to be wallpapered with bruises. Selflessly she found her worries spinning around Kenshin's safety instead. It's about him, she realized shortly with fear. I'm… I'm just here to lure him out aren't I...? And then…

"I seemed to have forgotten something," Satoshi added with thoughtfulness. He briefly disappeared but returned with something consisting of a dark color in his left hand. Kaoru nearly yelped as rough hands enclosed themselves swiftly around her shoulders, and she soon found that the object, which was a rag, was being tightly knotted across her mouth. She flinched, impulsively, when he jerked at the ends causing it to catch a few of her own hairs. Satoshi laughed again as he stood up to his full height, admiring his work before him. A satisfied nod shook at his head and he proceeded to calmly walk away while Kaoru lay deathly still, her head throbbing with a nasty headache. The circulation was slowly dissolving and within a matter of seconds she was forced to lie flat on the floor to subside the dizzy spells.

"I left an invitation back at your apartment," Satoshi spoke out from somewhere amongst the stretching shadows. "I know your lover will accept."

With those words triumphantly spoken, it shredded up any faint hope that Kaoru had left inside her pleading body. Satoshi departed to make some final preparations, leaving Kaoru alone to battle her despair in complete darkness.

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Both Kenshin and Sano found themselves working diligently as they thoroughly checked over a stack of local maps, trying to pinpoint the location of where the designated bridge was. Kenshin took note of them all, never once letting fear or panic to dampen his thoughts. This was something that had to be done, and he was just going to have to rely on his instincts about this particular situation. Hopefully, if all went well, he would find the place in time.

Which he did.

I'll have to thank you some other time Sano, he silently regarded his friend who was waiting nervously back at his own place, waiting for the call of conclusion and answers to the damned puzzling mystery.

Surprised at the small clearing amidst the wooded area, Kenshin turned his body around three hundred and sixty degrees, watching the hypnotic flow of water and the distinct sakura trees that stood patiently with waiting blossoms eager to fly off freely with the wind to untold destinations. In all the years that he had lived in the city he had never seen a more beautiful place such as this. Wondering to himself why, he almost didn't notice the people that were standing at the bridge. But as he came to a stop to face forward again, the wind brushed through the trees and the swaying branches moved aside to allow golden moonlight to break through. Bathed in the sudden brightness were two people, one he did not recognize and the other, with sorrow, he did. "Kaoru," he sorely whispered under his breath. Steadily, he made his way towards the wooden bridge but broke into a sprint when he observed his female companion being harshly pushed forward.

Kaoru!

He ran with all his strength but even then he could not save her from stumbling forward onto the wooden planks. The sound of her body hitting the footing below made him sick to his stomach. And angry.

Very angry.

His sword thumped at his hip as he continued to propel his legs forward; the only thoughts he had were of comforting the fallen girl in his solid arms. But Satoshi was not about to give up his prize so eagerly. He nudged Kaoru aside with the tip of his black boot, and disgust coursed through Kenshin's body and thoughts. It sickly reminded him of someone kicking aside a dead carcass.

"So Battosai, you came." There was no formal greeting of any sort. In fact the man's tone was very belittling. Kaoru was listening but didn't have the energy nor the will to get up and run to her beloved. If things were about to play out the way she was thinking, she would have been appalled if he still cared about her by the time this discussion was finished. Even the little voice inside her mind had gone abnormally silent. The girl knew that only the worst outcome lurked ahead. This meeting that was currently happening was going to expose everything that she had tried to gently express yesterday to him.

But he wouldn't listen, Kaoru somberly thought with a mix of regret. She closed her eyes. She at least wanted one of her senses to be blocked when Kenshin's rage blew up. It would be one less painful shock she would have to endure.

"Is that really such a surprise?" Kenshin returned with venomous heat. Kaoru's body completely froze when she heard something clang as Kenshin shifted his body weight. Immediately her eyes flew open. And they were pinned on the object in his right hand.

A sheath.

A sword.

The muffled cry that tried to spill through her lips was not comprehendible. This drew back the attention of Kenshin, whose eyebrows burrowed together at the ill treatment. "Let her go."

Satoshi smiled wickedly but made no movement to suggest that he was about to agree. The taller one stood his ground and remained solely focused on the amber eyed man that stood dead ahead. "Let her go," Kenshin warned again, his hand automatically moving towards the hilt as his body flowed into a stance. "I don't know who you are, but I won't repeat myself a third time," he darkly put in, his face set dead straight.

Satoshi looked to Kaoru in genuine surprise before facing Kenshin again. Then, as if he found the whole situation amusing, he burst out laughing, an evil sound that made Kaoru want to run away. But she knew her tired legs were pretty much dead weight now anyways. Oddly her whole body felt limp and heavy. Must be the sedatives or something, she numbly thought.

"You don't know who I am?" Kaoru could feel his black eyes boring down onto her but she refused to meet it, for she knew that only humiliation and defeat would plainly show. And that was the last thing she wanted him or Kenshin to see.

The latter found his own fingers slowly moving down to touch the cold hilt. The familiarity of it all brought back several disturbing memories, which he roughly pushed aside. This pathetic excuse of man would not stall him one second longer. "Did Kamiya not tell you?"

Against his better judgment, Kenshin stopped and gave a questioning look straight into the dark, penetrating eyes. The eyes of a killer, Kenshin noted carefully, a man with some experience hidden in the well-like depths. Only few individuals would have been able to perceive it, those with great experience and power. Like Kenshin, an ex-assassin. "This is very amusing indeed," he commented dryly while bending down and untying the knot that held the rag up around Kaoru's mouth. When it was finally pulled away her body shook violently as she gasped, her lungs drinking in the fresh sweetness of the air, savoring it deep inside her body. Satoshi straightened and looked down at her with forceful narrowed eyes. Like a military general, he commanded her, in a voice like hardened steel, with much consequence deeply imbedded to express that he would not take no for an answer. "Tell him." She found herself, instead, meeting the curious amber eyes of Kenshin's but frantically shook her head.

The ex-Hitokiri softened at the sudden fright that was plainly etched upon her face. His curiosity went up a notch at her gesture.

Was she hiding something…?

"Tell him," Satoshi threatened not only with his voice, but the sudden appearance of his cold, pointed sword that met swiftly at the soft flesh of her tender neck. Once those shoulders held stiffness but now they sagged with defeat as if a great boulder had been dropped upon them. "Tell him why his girlfriend was murdered. Tell him exactly why," Satoshi drew out, emphasizing his words and stunning Kenshin at the same time. Just the effect he had wanted. Blankly, Kenshin's bare hands dropped to his sides as his mind registered what his ears had just been told.

Kaoru…

Although her head was bowed, Kenshin caught the glimmer of tears streaking down her beautiful face, marring her delicate features. "Kaoru," he called with both his voice and mind but it shocked him to hear how shaky his voice had become. "What's going on…?"

Almost instantly her neck snapped up sharply to concede with his own visible surprise. "I… I tried to tell you!"

It was a guilt laced accusation. Specifically, if he had to put his finger on it, he would have had to agree that it was her expression that troubled him the most. That's what pointedly gave him a funny feeling, one that read out plain and clear, much to his confusion, that this whole predicament was his fault. Kenshin had a sinking feeling that her accusation was going to be proved correct. Her emotions began to spill out like a glacier set on fire.

"Tell me what…?" Kenshin painfully asked.

Satoshi, who had been watching the two like re-runs of a soap opera, lashed his foot out to meet with Kaoru's already injured abdomen. Kenshin's body was already surging forward but he halted in mid-dash when the other indicated with his sword that he was no longer going to put up with any further distractions.

"Tell me what!" Kenshin yelled out in frustration, hoping that the sooner the truth was out, the faster he would be able to get to her. Kaoru was already well injured and probably needed to be looked after by a professional doctor. Every second that passed by was vital.

"Satoshi is Kumi-san's husband, Kenshin," she managed to say while gasping and holding her body upright. "And Tomoe was her cousin. I made a deal with him the first time we met up here–"

"Wait," Kenshin interrupted, "What do you mean the first time you met?" He stared at Satoshi but spoke again to Kaoru. "Haven't you known this man then your whole life?" She shook her head. "I have known him for a long time, but I didn't know he was the one… the killer that the police have been searching for as of lately," she admitted bleakly. Kenshin's eyes narrowed, and against the backdrop of the moon, his red hair shone with an eerie glow. Everything about him was tinged with red. It was as if someone had taken an eyedropper containing some concentrated red dye, and squeezed some into Kaoru's pupil. He seemed to be set on fire, and she was pretty sure that's how his emotions were running right about now. If not, they would be, promisingly, soon enough.

"I… I was running out of hope Kenshin! After everything that happened with Enishi, I didn't know what else I could do." She took a deep breath while her face looked towards the dark earth. Just explain this slowly and properly so that he will understand. It'll save you from a lot of questions he might have otherwise, Kaoru, she prompted herself. "Ok," she began with more calmness that surprised both men. "I wanted to commit suicide, to end all of the suffering. This was directly after that night with Enishi." Moving her face upwards, she looked up bravely, no longer afraid to be shaken by Kenshin or Satoshi.

The time is now Kaoru, do it and tell him.

"I decided to do it here, at this bridge, but when I got down here I came face to face with this man. Apparently he had followed me." She side glanced at Satoshi, unsure if he was going to act upon her words but the man was silent, and did not show any acknowledgement. His face was completely blank and unreadable. After that minor relief she cautiously continued. "Satoshi told me that if I helped him with something then he'd help me in return. He had been watching me for some time you see, and he said that I had something that he needed. I had no idea that he wanted to break into the Kasshin Ryu building with a plot to murder his wife, and her… lover," Kaoru whispered the last word softly. Recalling all the feelings was hard enough because it was unbelievable to realize that everything had happened because of her. All because of her.

Kenshin's expression stayed absolutely blank. In his mind nothing was becoming clear but he was sure that the pieces would click sooner or later. His heart was racing at a dangerous speed. He felt as if his life was clinging onto each and every word that Kaoru was speaking. Like his life depended on it.

"So I helped him take out his wife, and the man she was cheating with, but at the time I didn't know that, Kenshin," she informingly added. "And in return he was supposed to take care of Enishi for me but—"

"Yes that's right," Satoshi interrupted her, bringing his foot to meet her stomach again. Kaoru crumpled to the ground, clutching at her body while her chest rose up and down feverishly, and all Kenshin could do was stand and watch like a heavy statue. "Apparently Kamiya forgot to mention one minor detail, the fact that Yukishiro was Yamoichi's cousin."

"She had no idea that you were going after Kumi-dono, and what does their relation have to do with any of this?" Kenshin's voice rumbled out dangerously low. Satoshi gestured absently with his hand, as if to say that the problem was beyond his control. "Simply put? Any conniving bitch that knew of Kumi's affair was going to get it sooner or later. I guess you could say it was only a matter of time for your beloved, conspiring, Tomoe."

Kenshin's hand writhed, and twisted with monstrous fury.

"You killed Tomoe," came the harsh whisper. It was not a question so much, but more of a straight accusation.

Confirmation ensued.

"Just as bright as they say you are," he smiled fondly. "I see that your dear Kamiya here conveniently forgot to mention that. I'm not so sure that she has any remorse for what has happened anyway, you know," he casually added in such a way that made it seem as if they were addressing a simple topic like what the weather was supposed to be like the next day.

Kenshin's face fell.

Kaoru dared to look up when she heard no response from him. It was a mistake. Her breath stopped and she cried out faintly at the sight of two tears making their way down his trembling face. "Kaoru…" he trailed off, his voice cracking with the pain that was flooding his heart.

"You… you knew?" he finished off.

With her lips pressed together she nodded. Slightly they parted to let out a verbal response. And those words reverberated through Kenshin's mind as if his thoughts were switched to 'repeat'. "I tried to tell you," she quietly replied. Slowly, but with burning fury, his face twisted. The anger that was building up was extremely close to exploding like compressed gas under a lighter. But his anger was not directed at the pitiful girl sprawled on the ground; it was aimed at the man that stood beside her with a cold, empty expression. She was not at fault, although his heart needed solace. He almost wanted to blame her. Kaoru, why didn't you just tell me! he wished he could have screamed. But… I didn't let her. I didn't FUCKING let her! What else was she supposed to do, Kenshin? She tried her best, and several times, if your memory serves correctly. Each and every time you failed her. And now you've failed her again along with Tomoe.

Unforgivable.

A white veil seemed to drop over his eyes. They took on a glossiness which gave Kaoru an uneasy feeling. "Kaoru, I want you to come here, right now," Kenshin spoke clearly.

Satoshi stifled back his surprise.

"Don't even fucking try to stop her. I'll be by your side, with my sword cutting through you the second you attempt to unsheathe yours, so don't you dare think about harming her, or coming near her EVER again," Kenshin harshly warned, his sword easily shifting over in his hands. "Remember, I am Hitokiri Battosai. Your fight is with me and I think you should know better than to test my patience or speed."

"If the conniving bitch means that much to you then by all means, take her. What would I want with used goods?" Satoshi shrugged and concluded with a smile. Kenshin stared him down through livid, amber eyes.

"I just said it clearly; don't fucking test me." He put his weight down on the leg that was bent forwards. In case the fool decided to intercept, Kenshin would be there within that same millisecond. If he was truly as smart as he seemed he would do nothing and let Kaoru pass peacefully. But Kaoru was oblivious to everything that was going on now. Deeply hurt by Satoshi's words, she contemplated them over to herself, the words ringing back and forth through her head. 'What would I want with used goods?' Is… is that what I am? Not only was it hurting her, but it embarrassed her severely being said in front of Kenshin so openly. Although he didn't seem to show any sign of acceding, Kaoru couldn't shake off the feeling of having dirtied fingers trail over her body, leaving visible marks, and a disgusting stench.

"Kaoru, get up and come over here."

With pain, she closed her eyes and dropped her voice down to a mere whisper thinking that he would not catch it.

"I was never good enough…"

"How can you say that?"

Startled by his question, she jerked her eyes towards him.

Fire met ice.

"You're too good for anyone, including me," he put in softly. With a much more authoritive tone he said, "There is still much that needs to be talked about, but that will come after. Please, for now Kaoru, get up and come over to my side." His voice did not waver, and his body stood ready to spring into action at the slightest movement. Kaoru knew that he was handling the situation as best as he could, and to her he truly stood out like a proud warrior. Compassion flowed through her. If she had the power to fix everything she would have done so within a heartbeat. Even if that meant that she would have to watch from the shadows, observing him and Tomoe all over again, putting her own happiness aside for his, she would have. With sorrowful happiness, she would have. But reality had sharp claws and it dug back into her as she tapped back into her surroundings and the two people that had their eyes steadily trained on one another. Kenshin can only do so much, the rest is up to you Kaoru, she warned. With much effort, she lifted herself off the ground and stumbled forwards, silently willing her legs to pick up the pace, though they felt awkwardly foreign to the body. She did not dare glance back. Her eyes were focused forward onto the only person who could protect her now.

Just a couple more steps Kaoru. One foot in front of the other, keep going. She looked down for a second before approaching him with her eyes once again. Almost there… oh god, I'm almost there… And suddenly she was in the protective curve of his arm. Kenshin's warm protective solidity. It felt unreal but he was there, he was really there.

It was finally over.

"Get behind me," he whispered and took a step forward, brushing her behind.

Just like that, the moment was gone and Kaoru's body felt cold once more.

It wasn't over. It was far from over.

She clumsily shuffled her feet backwards and landed butt first on the dirt earth that was supposed to be supporting her legs. Anxious thoughts agitated her mind as she took in the unpleasantly real situation before her. Two figures stood face to face across from one another, brandishing swords, expressions absolutely unreadable. Although she could not see Kenshin's face because his back was to her, she could just imagine how dangerously serious he was at the moment. It scared her.

But this isn't your fight.

Her body slouched against her own will and she sat back with anxious, watchful eyes.

Satoshi let out a sigh before he brought his sword up with false reluctance. Carelessly, he took his time and Kenshin watched as the man's eyes carefully roamed over the shiny, long blade that had just recently been sharpened. Of course for this fight, a long anticipated one. His plans relied on Battosai's elimination. Once that was checked off the list he would slit that Kamiya girl's throat and bring an end to the mess once and for all. After that he would definitely take Battosai's head as a trophy to one of the most powerful yakuza groups and from then on he would work inside and work his way up. Forevermore, he'd be known as the manslayer, the hitokiri's successor.

Unbeknownst to his over inflated ego, he smiled. A simplistic, honest mistake but one that could draw a fine line between life and death.

Kenshin saw his chance and he dove for it.

Kaoru stared in absolute awe at the patch of earth where Kenshin had been standing only just… just a second ago. Cool air whooshed straight into her face, blowing her bangs into her eyes but she nimbly brushed them aside, not wanting to miss anything. "Oohhh," she gasped at the sight of the whirl of red that was currently bringing down his sword at devastating speed, ready to cut Satoshi through the midsection. If it weren't for her verbal reaction he would have been able to do just that but Satoshi managed to recollect his thoughts and when Kaoru's eyes failed to watch, her ears picked up the distinctive clang of metal hitting metal. The sound reverberated through the night and echoed off the trees around them. It was soon drowned out by the ever flowing river that raged on, oblivious to the actions that were being carried out near its banks.

Damnit! Kenshin muttered to himself as he jumped back and gathered his strength again. His opponent smiled reassuringly, the moon creating bright slits in his eyes, reminding Kenshin of a feline. That image alone was not enough to falter his thoughts. He could read Satoshi like an open book. This battle was not going to be a long one.

Charging from the left, Kenshin noted, and indeed that is exactly what his opponent did. Each time his brain calculated it and registered, his arms swinging and parrying away automatically, picking up speed as he went along. His intent was to make the other quicken his actions as well, so quickly so that only Kenshin would be able to keep up and then he would strike when his previously, thought to be 'skilled' enemy, was mentally and physically attuned to keeping up. Kenshin was willing to put money on it that it would happen. If he could've scoffed at the severe lack of experience he would've, straight into Satoshi's face, but that would be carried out after, when his body was bleeding on the ground below.

Satoshi fell for it and soon the roles were reversed. Kenshin became the attacker and Satoshi was fending him off. Kenshin jumped forward, landed, then performed a swift flip backwards. He quickly lowered his body and set his burning eyes straight. "Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu…"

Kaoru stared.

Satoshi raised his sword, baring his teeth like a canine.

"Ryu Tsui Sen!"

Kenshin leapt into the air, disappearing into the darkness of the night sky. That was the effect that he had wanted to achieve. Before any of them knew it, a flash of red came charging back down.

Far to the left, Kaoru sat on the slight mound, her mouth agape behind her slender hand. She'd heard of the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu, and to see it being performed right before her eyes, now that was a true blessing in itself. Supposedly the technique had disappeared back in the days of the Meiji period. Never in her life had she seen such fierceness. These men were fighting to kill, intending to fatally wound each other. It almost seemed unreal for a girl who had been raised to use her bokken to protect the lives of human beings, whether they were wrong or right. Never had she imagined seeing Kenshin in such a dangerous situation, but there he was, in the flesh and blood with a sword, his expression tightly held onto his face. It scared her beyond comprehension to see him in the situation he was in, watching him become the capable killer that he was deep inside. Deep inside… the words chilled her. Is that what he truly is? Beneath the kind serenity of his demeanor, will he always be a murderer inside? Would it lurk there underneath, unseen, waiting patiently, till the day it could break free, to wreak havoc and spill countless drops of blood? Kaoru found herself shaking her head in response but stopped abruptly. A sharp pain welcomed itself in her body and when she lightly lifted her shirt up to examine the wound, she cried out in horror at what she saw. So much blood was spilling out, and the flesh surrounding the cut looked ghastly. Oh god it's probably infected, Kaoru alarmingly thought and automatically pressed her shirt against herself to stop the bleeding. Excruciating pain ensued and intensified until she verbally let it loose.

"Kaoru!" Kenshin shouted when he saw her hunched figure and tightly screwed face. Narrowly, he evaded Satoshi's quick thinking thrust. She needs to see a doctor right now! Fuck! Kenshin sped up, consciously warning himself to forget her for the moment, but it wasn't exactly working. Everything that he had been doing was for her and if she… if she… No. He couldn't even say the words let alone think them. This needs to end now!

However, the opportune moment did not show itself until several, crucial minutes later. Satoshi, who was engrossed with the duel, a sickly smile spread across his face, left one side completely open. Kenshin caught it. A sharp twist of the wrist, a quick maneuver of the body, and Kenshin swung. Dismay and surprise were two words that couldn't even begin to express what was flowing through his blood. He recoiled, his eyebrows drawn together tightly as he gazed upon what Satoshi held in his other hand; another sword, a twin to the one in his left. The only time he had ever come across, or actually heard of someone who wielded dual swords was back in the yakuza days. Shinomori Aoshi liked to keep his past quiet and clean but Kenshin had heard of it many times. Both managed to stay out of another's way but Kenshin had heard about the twin kodachi's that the tall man utilized. And of course, there was that time when Soujiro and Aoshi had sparred for fun. On that particular day he hadn't really been listening because Tomoe was on the phone in one ear while Soujiro was standing beside him, speaking rapidly into the other, eagerly, about the details pertaining to it. And right now, if he was not mistaken, Satoshi knew how to use both accurately and effectively.

The smile widened and his enemy stepped forward, both weapons posed in front. A flurry of synchronized movements were let loose, and Kenshin, who was obviously much more experienced, was able to dodge through the first round. Unfortunately, it was his mistake when he turned to check on Kaoru. A very brief motion, but one that would cost him.

There she lay, her body limp and lifeless. As his eyes keenly scanned about, he felt a sudden sharp burn, but even as he flung himself backwards, landing on his knees, he knew it had been too late. What looked to be like rivulets of black poison in the moonlight were actually red streams of blood dripping down his arm. Kenshin clutched his shoulder but quickly reposed himself. His enemy would make use of the situation and surprise was not going to Kenshin's best friend this time.

"You underestimated me, Himura Battosai. You are a foolish idiot," Satoshi sneered.

I don't care how this is done, but I will not let him harm Kaoru again. Even when injured, he still found his thoughts hovering around her. But look at you, you idiot. Look at the fine state you're in. Even YOU won't be able to protect her. You're a useless idiot…

Like Kami-sama's elemental voice, Kenshin began to faintly re-call his shishou's mockery.

"Baka deshi!"

The tall man at the opposite end of the waterfall, the one with swirling, long black hair, and deeply concentrated eyes boomed out an insult to the red haired man that should have been standing across from him. Instead, his pupil lay shamefully sprawled on the ground, violet eyes open and staring trance like up towards the undying blue skies. Clouds hurried by fast; time moved slowly.

How odd, this feeling is, Kenshin thought to himself.

"Get up!"

If this one could, he would… Kenshin found himself saying but was surprised to see that even his voice would not be let out.

"I see," Hiko replied calmly, and let out a tumultuous laugh that echoed off the solid mountain walls, disturbing the nearby birds that hovered playfully above the yellow-gold flowers.

Only after a short period of time, to his dismay, Kenshin was finally broken from his paralysis. Carefully, he stood back up to his full height, not bothering to dust off his well dirtied, and ripped white hakama.

"I want to le—"

"Forget it," Hiko interrupted flatly. He turned his back, casually letting his long hair toss over his very broad shoulder. He began to walk back to his small hut hidden well near the mountainside. His baka deshi continued, with great persistence, which was marked by utmost courtesy that he deeply wanted to learn the last secret of the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu fighting style.

"Just give me one more chance, shishou. Sessha can do it. I know enough to at least try again and—"

"You know nothing," Hiko interjected, yet again, not bothering to look back. He continued his trek onwards.

"Sessha will not give up! Sessha can do it, shishou! Please, give me another chance! How can this one ever learn if he is not given the proper chance?"

The verbal words seemed to form into a solid particle block that hit Hiko dead on. He halted, his back perfectly straight while the long cape he wore fluttered to a stop, and only rippled lightly with the slight breeze. Wordlessly he turned around and stalked towards Kenshin. The fathomless, dark eyes bore straight into his own bewildered lilac ones. Coming to a stop before the slighter one, Hiko started up about how Kenshin would never be able to learn. "You are an idiot, you will always be an idiot, therefore you will never learn no matter how many chances you are given. Give it up! Get out of my sight!"

"No!" Kenshin yelled back firmly, making sure to stand his ground, and not appear visibly shaken. "I can and I WILL learn!"

Hiko raised an eyebrow.

"Is that so? Then why, after four tries, have you not been able to follow my very instructive, detailed demonstrations? Is it perhaps because you are an idiot? No of course not, that couldn't be it, right? It has nothing to do with the fact that are absolutely worthless either. No, I'm sure that couldn't be it. Perhaps it's because…" Though Kenshin's ears were listening, his mind had closed itself off, blocking out the degrading spiel that his shishou had started up. Maybe I am an idiot, he thought, but with more confidence his internal voice spoke up again, sparking up a faint hope. But I've come this far. I've conquered everything else that there was to learn, and here I am, on this day. I've been given the final secret technique, but something is still amiss. I need one more chance, and shishou has shown me it four times already. The earlier thoughts of frustrations melted away as Kenshin shook his head, freshening up his mind with some deep, intensive breathing.

"Are you listening to me?" Hiko tilted his head and stared inscrutably at him.

"I can do it."

Four words only, yet they sounded out confidently like someone who was one hundred and ten percent ready to put in all the effort they had.

"I'm going to show you. Prepare yourself"

"That's better," Hiko impassively smiled while letting his body fall back into a defensive stance. "Come when you are ready," he told Kenshin.

And that day, that same day that his shishou had been seemingly ready to give up on him, Kenshin had learned. He had executed the final technique and he showed Hiko Seijuro that he meant what he had said. The final thank you was deservingly owed to him. Kenshin knew that if it hadn't been for his merciless taunting, he would have never summed up the power, the courage, to continue on and try again relentlessly, moving on away from failure.

And here he stood, many years later, facing an opponent that dared to call him stupid. Only his shishou had been allowed to call him that.

"Thank you, shishou," he whispered silently.

"What did you say?" Satoshi cautiously asked, suspicion hesitantly creeping towards him. He didn't like that knowing gleam that had suddenly brightened inside of Kenshin's fiery gem eyes. There was no way he was going to lose the opportunity of killing the infamous Battosai by his sword. There was absolutely no way, no room for failure in this carefully thought out plan that he had laid out.

"You'd best prepare yourself, Battosai!" He shouted out triumphantly. As he charged towards the young man, he was immediately overcome by a dreadful feeling; fear. It wasn't because Battosai was staring at him dangerously. And it wasn't due to the way that he had flipped his sword over and was holding it in such a way that he could not understand what kind of attack to anticipate. It was the deadly smirk, the signature look that Battosai gave before the opposition was sent straight to hell.

A low hiss sounded out from his lips, and Satoshi jerked his head. Chills ran through his body, and he could no longer hear the raging river. It was tuned out, and he felt as if he were falling under a spell. He only heard the foreboding message.

That was the last thing that he ever heard.

"Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu… Amakakeru Ryu No HIRAMEKI!"

To Satoshi's frantic eyes, he couldn't spot out the familiar blur of red. Anywhere.

He felt the pain before he saw the blade rip through him.

Yamoichi Satoshi was dead before he even hit the ground.

Kenshin fell down across from him only seconds later, both his breath and thoughts running unevenly.

Then there was Kaoru, a pitiful sight to his eyes, one that cut into his feelings and hurt more than the injury he had received. And then on the other side of his mind was the guilt. Dark and ominous, it hung above him, labeling him with bright fat letters that read: Murderer. After containing himself for years, he had done again what he had sworn not to do.

Essential minutes were passing by but Kenshin was caught. Familiar, panicky feelings were burrowing inside him and had him frozen in fear. He heaved for the air that ironically surrounded him completely for thousands of miles and beyond, but his body would not relax. Continuously the thoughts thrashed inside his head. Kenshin gasped for air.

I killed a man.

I murdered someone.

I killed that man.

And you liked it. You liked the familiar pleasure didn't you? You like it just as much as you like the pleasure that Kaoru gave you just one night ago. Maybe even more… No! Stop it, he told himself. Both hands reached up to clutch at his head. Stop it!

"Ken…shin…"

Hearing his own name, yes that's right, HIS name, Kenshin— aloud brought back some of the sanity that he begged for. He was Himura Kenshin, not Hitokiri Battosai. The dark voice, devoid of any feeling, inside his head had the last laugh. That's right, you keep believing that. Just remember though, I'll always be here to convince you otherwise. "I'm ok," Kenshin whispered. "I'm alright." His senses kicked in with an almost audible knock and using whatever energy he had left, he scooped up Kaoru with his arms, wincing lightly at the sharp pain that pinched at his arm. "It's over Kaoru. It's finally over," he whispered to her. It took several seconds before she replied. They were nearing his car and he had just clicked the 'unlock' button.

"… Promise?"

Kenshin paused, staring down at the girl in his arms. Pain and dirtiness couldn't even mar her beautiful, delicate features that were highlighted by the pale moonlight. She still looked proud, brave and as beautiful as ever. "I promise you," he huskily whispered into her ear and kissed it gently with the tip of his lips. "I'm glad," she sighed. Two tears, one from each eye, slipped down from the corners of her eyes, sliding over the curves of her accentuated cheekbones. And then her body went limp. "Kaoru? Kaoru!" Kenshin shook her lightly but she was as unresponsive as a chewed up rag doll. "Fuck! Kaoru, don't give up! We're going to get you to a hospital right now. Don't you DARE give up on me!"

He placed her inside the passenger seat, and ran over to the driver's side, pulling the door open and smoothly seating himself in. Kenshin didn't bother to fasten his seatbelt, and the same instant the door shut he shifted the year into first and jerked the car forward onto the hidden road that followed up to the main city street. With one hand, he guided the steering wheel, and with the other free one he reached out to gently to sift his fingers through her midnight black hair.

"Don't give up."

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Please don't hate me! I've been so busy and in the mean time I've been working on my other story instead of this one. Yes, this poor one here has been neglected but hey, I decided to whip my butt into shape and I finished it all up just in one evening. I hope everything wasn't too rushed. I've never written a fight scene before, so I didn't want to drag it on for too long, otherwise I know it would've gotten boring.

Sadly, it looks like there should be one or two chapters left and then this story will be finished. Perhaps when it is done I'll go over everything again and do some heavy editing and what not. That would be a good idea

The next chapter won't be too long because there isn't too much left to be said. And actually, a lot of characters are going to be brooding over their own thoughts rather than interacting with one another. I suppose it might be more of a reflection upon the events that occurred.

Now I'm going to do some advertising. If you guys like a bitchy, cocky, Kaoru V.S. a bitchy, cocky, Kenshin, you can check out my other story if it appeals to you. It's quite the opposite of this story but at times it can be fun.

And now I'd like to say thank you to my wonderful, lovely reviewers who make me want to write. I do it for you guys, no one else, so that's why it's so nice to get responses back. It's a very nice feeling to know that people are reading your work. Although they might not always enjoy it, it's a great honor to get any feedback rather than reading it all and not reviewing. That's wrong! How the hell is a writer supposed to know that people are actually reading it? There should be a law against it… -grumbles- ANYWAYS, I'm getting off topic:

Phi-Dono: Lol, yes, it seems like Kenshin has a thing for throwing people up against walls. I didn't really notice how funny that seems, but it does! Anger management anyone? I'm glad you recognize Sano as the comic relief in this story. At first he wasn't really meant to be it but hey, his character sort of developed into it. He's just that kind of guy that you can always laugh with and laugh at. Lol, and no you don't ramble! It's an absolute pleasure to read your responses. There should be more people like you, honestly! Thanks for understanding and always leaving very enjoyable, fun reviews. I truly appreciate that. I hope you liked this chapter and sorry for taking so long!

animeguzman: Hahaha, I like how you used the word 'colorful' when referring to Kenshin and Enishi's conversations. That was cute! Yeah, they were pretty angry, duh. Thank you for reviewing the last chapter. I appreciate it!

royal blueKitsune: Yes ok, I'm very lazy, I know. Hehe, but thanks for your emails! It's always nice to get that kick in the butt. The ending is close. And I'm GLAD that your suggestion was pretty much what I was going to do. Hehe once again: great minds think alike! Thanks for reviewing hon : )

Tree: Hi, arghh this update was way late. Sorry that you had to wait this long to find out Kenshin's reaction. I know it wasn't exactly FULL BLOWN but I personally think he's the more sensitive type. Like I mentioned in my note after the chapter, he will definitely be one of the characters that will be thinking over everything… and he'll change. He's been through a lot. Thanks for reviewing : )

Sally: I am very, verrrry happy to know that you like the twists and turns! I know a lot of this stuff needs to be edited further, but I'm glad you like what you've seen! Thank you for reviewing, and I hope you like this chapter as well!

Snow Lepord: Aww, well I'm glad you were happy when I updated with Chapter 23. It makes me feel nice –sniffles-. Yeah Enishi needs a real good slap. Or a hug. Or some proper love. One or the other ; ) Thanks for reviewing. I hope you are just as happy as you were last time with that update.

Reignashii: We all need a Battosai or two in our lives. Really, we do. Thank you for reviewing: )

Sims are awesome: Well thank you for saying that you found Enishi and Kenshin's confrontation to be descriptive. I really like it when people point out things like that. It helps me out a lot! Thank you for reviewing : ) Hmm my puppy is a psycho little Chihuahua. I think somewhere down her bloodline though there was a Yorkie because her fur is medium length and she doesn't exactly look like a typical Chihuahua. She just lost her first tooth the other day and my mother nearly had a heart attack. She didn't know puppies loose their teeth, lol. Awww your puppy growls when you try to hug him? Lol, well that wouldn't stop me, and I'm sure it's not stopping you either. What kind of puppy is yours? When mine tries to be all snappish, I just grab her and hug the crap out of her and she can't do anything cause she's so small. It's evil but fun : D I think a good thing to do with a puppy is to try to introduce it to other puppies or at least a lot of other people. It's really important for puppies to become socialized with humans and other dogs. Well, good luck with that, and I hope he stops growling!

Kinomoto: I'm glad you like the story! Thank you very much for your comments Yes Kaoru does seem to have a lot of bad luck, plus she's out of character with all the passiveness. She's just a ball that's been bounced painfully against the wall quite a few times. Thank you again for leaving me a review!

Wolf Jade: Uh oh. The way you described your dog is reminding me of mine. So your doggy doesn't sleep on your laps anymore? And he's barking now too? Oh man, I don't want these days to ever disappear. I'm getting scared now, lol. Yeah the whole, 'Kaoru disappearing' is common. Typically common. Weeeelll… about Enishi, I have other plans for him. Nothing exactly in the near future but still, I have something in mind. Thank you for reviewing!

Tameka-tanuki-jouchan: Hey, and when are you going to update either of your stories? Where have you disappeared to girl? Commmeee baaaackkk! And thanks for reviewing

crest fallen212: Hi! As you said in your last review, you were excited to know what was going to happen… well I bet the enthusiasm has worn off. It's been awhile since I updated. Go ahead and hit me if it makes you feel better : ) I hope you like this chapter! And thank you for consistently reviewing!

EmpressKona: Your review was a really powerful statement. Too good, I think, for my story. I am deeply honored, thank you. And thank you for reviewing. I hope you enjoy this chapter : )

lyn: I'm trying I'm trying! Geez! Just kidding ; ) Thanks for the review.

Immortal-Blood: Thanks for thinking so too. I appreciate that. Well here's the next chapter, I hope you enjoy it! I also hope your summer holidays are going well : )

flclgd14: Yeah Enishi sorta had it coming didn't he? As much as I think he's sexified, he's also terrible in this story. Thank you for reviewing!

smbdy tht lvs rk a lttl 2 much: I like your name! Lol, well you aren't the only RK obsessed. I think all of us fangirls dream about having our own personal Battosai on hand 24/7. There's actually a story out there that I would just LOVE for it to be reality. It's called 'Summoning Battosai'. Check it out! Oh and I bet your countdown is well past a six digit number. Sorry for the wait! And thank you very much for reviewing.

anime pixie: Aw, well I hope this chapter was met your expectations. Thank you for reviewing!

kara mcpherson: Sometimes I think it's better to NOT have the internet, seriously. Your live starts to revolve around it. And then there are some people who can live without it. I envy them, lol. Well, about writing and what not, over time you get better. I mentioned this to someone before. When I look up to other writers, I think, Oh my god, I'm crap compared to them, but you can't really do that. I think reading really helps your writing skills. Never feel like your work is crap, ok that's a hypocritical statement coming from me, but still. You work is yours, and it's unique. I hope you do enjoy this next chapter, and thanks for your wonderful reviews, and reviewing even though you don't have access at home. I appreciate that a lot.

kenshinlover2002: Ahhh, I hope this cleared your confusion. Sorry that you were confused! That wasn't my intention really. I hope you like this chapter though! Thanks for your many reviews!

Mizz-Clumsy: My update is here! Sorry for taking awhile! I hope you like it though : ) Thanks for reviewing!

Xujin: Xuuu, lol, excuses excuses. Well, we all need time to unwind. And hey, we can be lazy, there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. Actually I hate being lazy. I absolutely hate it with all my guts because it makes life sooooo damn difficult! Video games are good. Very good. Hehe, thanks for the review!

kara mcpherson: Ahhh no ok, I don't want a pissed Kara! Lookie, I did update before September!

Thanks everyone! Love ya ; )