Well... I've had soooooo many questions about the time period of this fic.
Okay for all of you who are lost... Due to my minuscule knowledge of the Revolution time-period I have to make this fic semi-modern. A few comments I do have is that only a few modern conveniences exist. For instance the shower... what would that scene have been like without a pissed dripping wet and naked Battousai??? Couches exist and a few other minor things, like apartments. Other than these all the fic will be as close to the revolution time-period as possible. No cars, telephones, beds (other than futons), or guns will exist (yes I know there were guns then, but not in my fic.) I am deeply sorry for all the confusion! All the events of the Revolution have been and are happening in this fic. Blood-shed and all the horrors associated still apply. Thank you for understanding. If any other "modern" devices show up just know that this is due to my ignorance of an appropriate equivalent.
I hope you enjoy despite this slight mix-up.
Disclaimer: :same as previous chapters: see chapter 1 - I no own, You no sue
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A tall, thin figure marred the joining of darkness and light. As the beautiful merging dawn approached the dark and light began to merge. The radiant sun rising in the embrace of the dwindling night. Loved by his deep pitch embrace she flared. Her light spread far and wide. Yet before the sun's full pleasure could be revealed an evil looking cloud purged the sun's joy. It would not allow the enamored sun to reach the depths of the inky black night. Separated by the menacing cloud they wait... separate.
A wolf watched the unlikely pair fly through the shadows into the dark est side of town. No decent people lived in that hell-whole of thieves, assassins, and psychopaths. He visited there frequently. He also found his best men in that quarter. Saito Hajime watched the dark-haired beauty and the bloody one known as Battousai slip into the night. It was easy to track the girl's panting strait to his hideout. Saito cringed at the thought of such a beauty being locked in that prostitute infested rat whole with the killer of thousands. The Mibu-wolf flicked the ash off the end of his quickly depleting cigarette. He would strike when the Battousai was at the least advantage.
It was not that this wolf necessarily liked the day-time, but he did like to catch the legendary manslayer out of his element. 'No shadows to hide you now Battousai!' Even Saito's thoughts dripped with venom and sarcasm. 'I will not let you take what I have taken so easily from the old politician! You will not taste that innocent-one's flavor! You will not have my Kaoru. My betrothed.' Seething with unwanted images of what the Battousai might do with her while she was under his control intruded Saito's brain.
Kaoru awoke in a foul temper the next morning. Her head felt three sizes too large. Her hair was a mess, her clothing was wrinkled as flat from sleeping in her travel clothing. All she wished to do was go back to sleep, or at least go shopping for a descent kimono and yukata! But, no she was awakened by some half-mad killer tapping her with his foot. She had no clue where he had spent the night since she was in the only futon, but she highly suspected he had been against her wall all night in case she tried to escaped.
'Oh yeah, I would try to get out last night!' she mentally scoffed. 'He scared me to death with his speech, doesn't say anything through the whole meal and then watches me 'til I was so tired I had to fall asleep.' Kaoru was so frustrated by that damned red-haired Battousai!
Stumbling from the room Kaoru's foot caught on the door. She tumbled out of the room strait into a more amused that surprised Battousai.
'That's one way to say Good Morning' Battousai thought wryly to himself as he watched the girl awkwardly try to disengage herself from him. the Hitokiri's keen eyes immediately caught the aggravated appearance of the girl's dress. He felt a very strong spike in her ki this morning that he had not experienced last night, even when she had attacked him.
"Damn it!" Kaoru screeched as she flailed desperately in the killer's arms. 'Great, just great!' she thought furiously as she righted herself. 'Throw yourself into the mad-killers arms. Se what he'll do.' She looked moodily back at her captor's face. 'No, he's giving me that intolerable smug-smirk of his again. I hate him, I'm tired and I'm hungry!'
"Lunch is in the kitchen." He stated as if responding to her thoughts. "I will be joining you shortly"
'Now why did I say that?' Battousai wondered as she watched the girl storm off into the kitchen. He had no intention of keeping more than a captive/killer relationship going with this girl why, then did he continue such interaction? 'Because you like to watch her.' part of him commented. 'You enjoy imagining things while you let your eye's roam her body.'
"No." He said aloud. "She is just another mission, no more."
Kaoru watched the red-head enter the room, cool as ice. 'Of course.' Thought Kaoru moodily.'Of all the killers in all of Japan I get taken by the living shard of glass. He's just as cold and as deadly.' Kaoru let her eye's examine the short assassin. Her eye's took in his long crimson hair, stuck in a high pony-tail. His gi, rustling in the slight breeze brought in by the only window behind him, pressed against him showing his well-toned muscles. She noted his katana was still at his side. Briefly she wondered if he ever was without it and blushed. She knew very well he was never without it, she had seen last night that he had kept it on him even without his gi and hakama on. Blush still on her cheeks, Kaoru looked to his eyes and noticed he was inspecting her as closely as she was him. She turned indignantly away from his cold glare, but she could feel his eyes watching. That man was damn unnerving.
"Girl." He caught her attention quickly. "We go to market today to pick up appropriate clothing for you. You cannot meet my employer in that." He stated looking disdainfully at her crumpled appearance.
"I do have a name you know!" Kaoru had reached the end of her rope. "I'm Kamiya Kaoru if you don't mind and I am not a girl!"
He sat on his cushion staring piercingly at the girl blushing in front of him. She had yelled at him. Amusing, highly amusing. 'Kaoru. What a beautiful name.'
"You will come." He stated finally. Watching her cross he arms and pout out of the corner of his amber eyes, he headed for the door. "Now, Kaoru."
Kaoru jumped a little at the sound of her name, quickly put on her shoes at the door and rushed outside after the hitokiri.
Hitokiri Battousai watched as the girl flitted around the kimono shop gleefully. He felt warmed inside to see a genuine smile break forth from Kaoru's lips. She looked so much more inviting when she smiled. His brow furrowed a little at the thought of there being warmth in the area of his chest. He had not felt such a sensation since his childhood, since he didn't know what spilled blood looked like. He had not felt such... joy?... since he before he wielded that damned katana that now splatters everything in his life with it's gore.
He was broken abruptly from his wandering thoughts but a sharp pain at his feet. Shaking himself from his revery he looked down to see a small, delicately clad foot connecting with his. Two frustrated azure eyes met his amber gaze with an icy stare.
"I asked you what you thought. Since you are buying the thing I thought you might want to see what it looked like." Kaoru was standing in a silken light blue kimono. The darker blue crane pattern matched her eyes perfectly. Her jib, and irritated gaze added a hint of spunkiness to the ensemble that completed the picture nicely. Battousai felt that strange warmth spreading. She had turned back into the angel he had seen sleeping.
"Well take it." He called to the owner.
The dress was wrapped in brown paper and was being lovingly cradled by Kaoru. Since Battousai had insisted that she not embarrass herself in public, she was wearing a newly acquired, deep red kimono. Though not as stunning as the blue, she was still lovely in it. The Hitokiri smiled to himself. She looked very fashionable, and very desirable. His instinct was confirmed be the many eyes he caught wandering over Kaoru as she walked obliviously blissful through the streets. Battousai's blood began to boil at the thought of their filthy eyes seeing any part of Miss Kaoru. He shook himself visibly. Why should he care if they looked at her. She was only his in one way. There was no other, more personal relationship, between them. Battousai brought his arm to curve around Kaoru's slender waist.
Startled by the sudden physical contact, Kaoru glanced up at the Hitokiri. The look of cold loathing directed at everyone who came near her shocked her. 'Why would he do that?' She wondered, but allowing his arm to stay around her waist. 'He has to be the most confusing man I've ever met.' She gazed into the man-slayers face once again. A warmth similar to what Battousai had experienced, began building in her chest. 'No,' she scolded herself. 'You cannot fall in love with a killer! You love Hajime! Hajime! not some half-mad killer.'
Despite her mental scoldings Kaoru found herself feeling safe and protected in his strong arms. All cares began to leak out of her head, as a man with blood-red hair, cross-shaped scar, and a well-muscled body invaded her thoughts.
Maliciously glinting amber eyes watched the couple return to the hideout. He did not like what he was seeing at all. Kaoru was not supposed to be melting in the Battousai's arms, but in his. He felt the distinct urge to throw his cigarette into to building, spread some gasoline, and smoke while he watched them both burn. Instead he waited.
Re-entering the house, Kaoru skipped in the sliding door, followed by a more sedated Battousai. He was glad she enjoyed her clothing. 'Glad.' that was a word he had not acknowledged in a long time. 'Perhaps I should learn more of this, Kaoru.' He slowly, stealthily came up behind the girl.
Laying the packages neatly on the couch, Kaoru pondered the strange man who had bought her them. 'Why is my mind always straying to him?' still confused, but determined to do something, Kaoru turns on her heel to thank the nice Hitokiri. She ended up thanking him very nicely.
As she turned, Battousai was directly behind her. Her abrupt spin caught them in a very close spot. They kissed unknowingly for a second. Immediately the taste of her sent ripples of desire and pleasure through the Hitokiri. Deepening the kiss, his arms engulfed the thin creature. She was momentarily startled, and the thought to fight these new sensations. All thought of struggle was erased as his arms wrapped around her and she was drowned in his long, deep kiss. Prone, bodies against one another they lost all other senses.
That was all the wolf could take! This person had taken his woman, tricked her with presents, and now was kissing his innocent-one! He had to die.
The click and unsheathing of a blade brought Hitokiri Battousai back the present. He hastily shoved a very startled kaoru behind him, unsheathed his own katana and waited, all muscles taught with anticipation.
A tall, dark-haired man with flashing gold eyes materialized from the few shadows of the sun soaked room. "You have taken what is mine Battousai." His voice drawled with a certain vemon that brooked no argument.
"Saito!" Kaoru squeaked from behind the Hitokiri.
Sparing a glance back at Kaoru, Battousai detected that this man was important to Kaoru. The look of joy mixed with apprehension that crossed Kaoru's face told Battousai all he needed to know. He was her lover, or judging but the apprehension, her almost lover. 'Damn!' Battousai cursed himself. 'This was probably who she was running of to the night I caught her. No, he cannot have her. She's mine now!' Battousai, shoving Kaoru out of the way, set himself into an offensive stance.
"I will reclaim me fiancé." Saito set him self into an offensive stance, never taking his eyes off the legendary Hitokiri Battousai.
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Reviewers corner:
Doveofnight: Oh my God thank you so much for the complements... I hope you don't mind too much that I took your Battousai capture Kaoru thing. I am so happy you like this. That kept me writing all today to get ch. 3 out.
Ewunia: I'm glad you enjoy reading it... just wait it gets better!
Nicky: I love reviewers like yourself and it's my pleasure to respond. As you can see in this chapter Kaoru's engaged! Big problem between Kaoru and breaking the Battousai's outer shell.
Vegeta26: As you see swordsmen abound! No true action 'til chapter 4 though sorry. you must review to inspire that great sequence, no?
Luna Angel: *backing against wall* and I thought Battousai was bad. Here watch the chapter * waves half done chapter 4 in air* no hurting the writer if you want me to post it!
Moonlight's Sorrow: For your first question... read precursor to chapter. as for the second th Ryu part of my name means dragon, so yeah I'm the stupid dragon! Stupid-style sounds kind of kool though! There definitely should be more Battousai/ Kaoru fics! We as writers should make more! *starts scribbling in notebook* great now I'm gonna start another story & have no time to update my first 8shrugs* oh well... can always work on weekends!
Flambeau-Willow: oh I love your name! How did you think it up? Wait aren't I supposed to be answering your questions?? oops *grins sheepishly* My top commentary describes the setting so you're not confused. Aoshi would be so much fun to play around with, but sadly I already had Saito in mind. There is more humor, and also more romance. As you can see she loses the whole scared thing pretty fast. Escaping. hmmmm... I'm workin' on it. Thanx!
SilverLightning: I'm glad you like! I had to get some blatant nudity in there some time! ;-
Boomerang-chan: There should be more Battousai fics I agree, there the best! Thank you so much for the clothing suggestions!! They work so much better than my 2 word vocabulary- clothes or apparel!
Thanx to everyone who reviewed I got some interesting suggestions for Kaoru's betrothed! Too bad I had already picked the Mibu-wolf!
Updates will come soon!!! promise as long as you do your part and review! *smirk*
Love and Torture,
Baka_Ryu!!
Okay for all of you who are lost... Due to my minuscule knowledge of the Revolution time-period I have to make this fic semi-modern. A few comments I do have is that only a few modern conveniences exist. For instance the shower... what would that scene have been like without a pissed dripping wet and naked Battousai??? Couches exist and a few other minor things, like apartments. Other than these all the fic will be as close to the revolution time-period as possible. No cars, telephones, beds (other than futons), or guns will exist (yes I know there were guns then, but not in my fic.) I am deeply sorry for all the confusion! All the events of the Revolution have been and are happening in this fic. Blood-shed and all the horrors associated still apply. Thank you for understanding. If any other "modern" devices show up just know that this is due to my ignorance of an appropriate equivalent.
I hope you enjoy despite this slight mix-up.
Disclaimer: :same as previous chapters: see chapter 1 - I no own, You no sue
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A tall, thin figure marred the joining of darkness and light. As the beautiful merging dawn approached the dark and light began to merge. The radiant sun rising in the embrace of the dwindling night. Loved by his deep pitch embrace she flared. Her light spread far and wide. Yet before the sun's full pleasure could be revealed an evil looking cloud purged the sun's joy. It would not allow the enamored sun to reach the depths of the inky black night. Separated by the menacing cloud they wait... separate.
A wolf watched the unlikely pair fly through the shadows into the dark est side of town. No decent people lived in that hell-whole of thieves, assassins, and psychopaths. He visited there frequently. He also found his best men in that quarter. Saito Hajime watched the dark-haired beauty and the bloody one known as Battousai slip into the night. It was easy to track the girl's panting strait to his hideout. Saito cringed at the thought of such a beauty being locked in that prostitute infested rat whole with the killer of thousands. The Mibu-wolf flicked the ash off the end of his quickly depleting cigarette. He would strike when the Battousai was at the least advantage.
It was not that this wolf necessarily liked the day-time, but he did like to catch the legendary manslayer out of his element. 'No shadows to hide you now Battousai!' Even Saito's thoughts dripped with venom and sarcasm. 'I will not let you take what I have taken so easily from the old politician! You will not taste that innocent-one's flavor! You will not have my Kaoru. My betrothed.' Seething with unwanted images of what the Battousai might do with her while she was under his control intruded Saito's brain.
Kaoru awoke in a foul temper the next morning. Her head felt three sizes too large. Her hair was a mess, her clothing was wrinkled as flat from sleeping in her travel clothing. All she wished to do was go back to sleep, or at least go shopping for a descent kimono and yukata! But, no she was awakened by some half-mad killer tapping her with his foot. She had no clue where he had spent the night since she was in the only futon, but she highly suspected he had been against her wall all night in case she tried to escaped.
'Oh yeah, I would try to get out last night!' she mentally scoffed. 'He scared me to death with his speech, doesn't say anything through the whole meal and then watches me 'til I was so tired I had to fall asleep.' Kaoru was so frustrated by that damned red-haired Battousai!
Stumbling from the room Kaoru's foot caught on the door. She tumbled out of the room strait into a more amused that surprised Battousai.
'That's one way to say Good Morning' Battousai thought wryly to himself as he watched the girl awkwardly try to disengage herself from him. the Hitokiri's keen eyes immediately caught the aggravated appearance of the girl's dress. He felt a very strong spike in her ki this morning that he had not experienced last night, even when she had attacked him.
"Damn it!" Kaoru screeched as she flailed desperately in the killer's arms. 'Great, just great!' she thought furiously as she righted herself. 'Throw yourself into the mad-killers arms. Se what he'll do.' She looked moodily back at her captor's face. 'No, he's giving me that intolerable smug-smirk of his again. I hate him, I'm tired and I'm hungry!'
"Lunch is in the kitchen." He stated as if responding to her thoughts. "I will be joining you shortly"
'Now why did I say that?' Battousai wondered as she watched the girl storm off into the kitchen. He had no intention of keeping more than a captive/killer relationship going with this girl why, then did he continue such interaction? 'Because you like to watch her.' part of him commented. 'You enjoy imagining things while you let your eye's roam her body.'
"No." He said aloud. "She is just another mission, no more."
Kaoru watched the red-head enter the room, cool as ice. 'Of course.' Thought Kaoru moodily.'Of all the killers in all of Japan I get taken by the living shard of glass. He's just as cold and as deadly.' Kaoru let her eye's examine the short assassin. Her eye's took in his long crimson hair, stuck in a high pony-tail. His gi, rustling in the slight breeze brought in by the only window behind him, pressed against him showing his well-toned muscles. She noted his katana was still at his side. Briefly she wondered if he ever was without it and blushed. She knew very well he was never without it, she had seen last night that he had kept it on him even without his gi and hakama on. Blush still on her cheeks, Kaoru looked to his eyes and noticed he was inspecting her as closely as she was him. She turned indignantly away from his cold glare, but she could feel his eyes watching. That man was damn unnerving.
"Girl." He caught her attention quickly. "We go to market today to pick up appropriate clothing for you. You cannot meet my employer in that." He stated looking disdainfully at her crumpled appearance.
"I do have a name you know!" Kaoru had reached the end of her rope. "I'm Kamiya Kaoru if you don't mind and I am not a girl!"
He sat on his cushion staring piercingly at the girl blushing in front of him. She had yelled at him. Amusing, highly amusing. 'Kaoru. What a beautiful name.'
"You will come." He stated finally. Watching her cross he arms and pout out of the corner of his amber eyes, he headed for the door. "Now, Kaoru."
Kaoru jumped a little at the sound of her name, quickly put on her shoes at the door and rushed outside after the hitokiri.
Hitokiri Battousai watched as the girl flitted around the kimono shop gleefully. He felt warmed inside to see a genuine smile break forth from Kaoru's lips. She looked so much more inviting when she smiled. His brow furrowed a little at the thought of there being warmth in the area of his chest. He had not felt such a sensation since his childhood, since he didn't know what spilled blood looked like. He had not felt such... joy?... since he before he wielded that damned katana that now splatters everything in his life with it's gore.
He was broken abruptly from his wandering thoughts but a sharp pain at his feet. Shaking himself from his revery he looked down to see a small, delicately clad foot connecting with his. Two frustrated azure eyes met his amber gaze with an icy stare.
"I asked you what you thought. Since you are buying the thing I thought you might want to see what it looked like." Kaoru was standing in a silken light blue kimono. The darker blue crane pattern matched her eyes perfectly. Her jib, and irritated gaze added a hint of spunkiness to the ensemble that completed the picture nicely. Battousai felt that strange warmth spreading. She had turned back into the angel he had seen sleeping.
"Well take it." He called to the owner.
The dress was wrapped in brown paper and was being lovingly cradled by Kaoru. Since Battousai had insisted that she not embarrass herself in public, she was wearing a newly acquired, deep red kimono. Though not as stunning as the blue, she was still lovely in it. The Hitokiri smiled to himself. She looked very fashionable, and very desirable. His instinct was confirmed be the many eyes he caught wandering over Kaoru as she walked obliviously blissful through the streets. Battousai's blood began to boil at the thought of their filthy eyes seeing any part of Miss Kaoru. He shook himself visibly. Why should he care if they looked at her. She was only his in one way. There was no other, more personal relationship, between them. Battousai brought his arm to curve around Kaoru's slender waist.
Startled by the sudden physical contact, Kaoru glanced up at the Hitokiri. The look of cold loathing directed at everyone who came near her shocked her. 'Why would he do that?' She wondered, but allowing his arm to stay around her waist. 'He has to be the most confusing man I've ever met.' She gazed into the man-slayers face once again. A warmth similar to what Battousai had experienced, began building in her chest. 'No,' she scolded herself. 'You cannot fall in love with a killer! You love Hajime! Hajime! not some half-mad killer.'
Despite her mental scoldings Kaoru found herself feeling safe and protected in his strong arms. All cares began to leak out of her head, as a man with blood-red hair, cross-shaped scar, and a well-muscled body invaded her thoughts.
Maliciously glinting amber eyes watched the couple return to the hideout. He did not like what he was seeing at all. Kaoru was not supposed to be melting in the Battousai's arms, but in his. He felt the distinct urge to throw his cigarette into to building, spread some gasoline, and smoke while he watched them both burn. Instead he waited.
Re-entering the house, Kaoru skipped in the sliding door, followed by a more sedated Battousai. He was glad she enjoyed her clothing. 'Glad.' that was a word he had not acknowledged in a long time. 'Perhaps I should learn more of this, Kaoru.' He slowly, stealthily came up behind the girl.
Laying the packages neatly on the couch, Kaoru pondered the strange man who had bought her them. 'Why is my mind always straying to him?' still confused, but determined to do something, Kaoru turns on her heel to thank the nice Hitokiri. She ended up thanking him very nicely.
As she turned, Battousai was directly behind her. Her abrupt spin caught them in a very close spot. They kissed unknowingly for a second. Immediately the taste of her sent ripples of desire and pleasure through the Hitokiri. Deepening the kiss, his arms engulfed the thin creature. She was momentarily startled, and the thought to fight these new sensations. All thought of struggle was erased as his arms wrapped around her and she was drowned in his long, deep kiss. Prone, bodies against one another they lost all other senses.
That was all the wolf could take! This person had taken his woman, tricked her with presents, and now was kissing his innocent-one! He had to die.
The click and unsheathing of a blade brought Hitokiri Battousai back the present. He hastily shoved a very startled kaoru behind him, unsheathed his own katana and waited, all muscles taught with anticipation.
A tall, dark-haired man with flashing gold eyes materialized from the few shadows of the sun soaked room. "You have taken what is mine Battousai." His voice drawled with a certain vemon that brooked no argument.
"Saito!" Kaoru squeaked from behind the Hitokiri.
Sparing a glance back at Kaoru, Battousai detected that this man was important to Kaoru. The look of joy mixed with apprehension that crossed Kaoru's face told Battousai all he needed to know. He was her lover, or judging but the apprehension, her almost lover. 'Damn!' Battousai cursed himself. 'This was probably who she was running of to the night I caught her. No, he cannot have her. She's mine now!' Battousai, shoving Kaoru out of the way, set himself into an offensive stance.
"I will reclaim me fiancé." Saito set him self into an offensive stance, never taking his eyes off the legendary Hitokiri Battousai.
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Reviewers corner:
Doveofnight: Oh my God thank you so much for the complements... I hope you don't mind too much that I took your Battousai capture Kaoru thing. I am so happy you like this. That kept me writing all today to get ch. 3 out.
Ewunia: I'm glad you enjoy reading it... just wait it gets better!
Nicky: I love reviewers like yourself and it's my pleasure to respond. As you can see in this chapter Kaoru's engaged! Big problem between Kaoru and breaking the Battousai's outer shell.
Vegeta26: As you see swordsmen abound! No true action 'til chapter 4 though sorry. you must review to inspire that great sequence, no?
Luna Angel: *backing against wall* and I thought Battousai was bad. Here watch the chapter * waves half done chapter 4 in air* no hurting the writer if you want me to post it!
Moonlight's Sorrow: For your first question... read precursor to chapter. as for the second th Ryu part of my name means dragon, so yeah I'm the stupid dragon! Stupid-style sounds kind of kool though! There definitely should be more Battousai/ Kaoru fics! We as writers should make more! *starts scribbling in notebook* great now I'm gonna start another story & have no time to update my first 8shrugs* oh well... can always work on weekends!
Flambeau-Willow: oh I love your name! How did you think it up? Wait aren't I supposed to be answering your questions?? oops *grins sheepishly* My top commentary describes the setting so you're not confused. Aoshi would be so much fun to play around with, but sadly I already had Saito in mind. There is more humor, and also more romance. As you can see she loses the whole scared thing pretty fast. Escaping. hmmmm... I'm workin' on it. Thanx!
SilverLightning: I'm glad you like! I had to get some blatant nudity in there some time! ;-
Boomerang-chan: There should be more Battousai fics I agree, there the best! Thank you so much for the clothing suggestions!! They work so much better than my 2 word vocabulary- clothes or apparel!
Thanx to everyone who reviewed I got some interesting suggestions for Kaoru's betrothed! Too bad I had already picked the Mibu-wolf!
Updates will come soon!!! promise as long as you do your part and review! *smirk*
Love and Torture,
Baka_Ryu!!