Disclaimer: I don't own Rurouni Kenshin

Chapter Seven:

In the car, all was silent. At one end, sat Katsura, sipping gently from his glass of martini. And at the other end, sat Battousai, eyes closed, meditating.

"What's wrong Battousai? You look exhausted, did Okita gave you a hard time?" Katsura asked, as he placed his glass down onto the side table.

"No sir, he was just like the rest. Weak and vulnerable."

"Jolly good to hear that! Rest assured that after tonight, you would feel rejuvenated and revitalized. Trust me." He said, as he patted Battousai on the shoulder.

Battousai merely nodded in acknowledgement.

"By the way, did I mention, Genji has returned from China. He's also attending the gathering at Ryna's Teahouse tonight. My, time do pass fast, seems like yesterday when I send him there to take care of the immigrant problem."

Battousai looked up from his position, and threw Katsura a questioning look.

"Come now. You remember Genji. Big fellow, beard…"

"The obnoxious, weird-looking one?"

"That's the one."

"You mean idiot…" Battousai growled silently.

"Come now, honestly you would have forgotten that that incident by now."

"That 'incident' did us great damages. I should have just killed him then and there."

"True, but back then he seemed to be the only one left capable of doing the job. Assassins like yourself were needed here, to do the necessary cleanup. Relax…when he is of no more use, you would be given the opportunity of killing him."

"Up to you. It's your final say that counts."

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Car stops

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"We're here Katsura sir."

"Excellent! Come Battousai, there's a few people I want you to meet."

Both men got off the limousine and made their way into the bustling teahouse.

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Inside…

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"You're late!"

"I know, I am so sorry Miss Takeji. I…well you…there was a man…and…"

"Drop it, you're late as it is. Just hurry up and get to work."

"Erm…where do I get the drinks?"

"From the bartender at the bar. Now hurry up, every minute counts!"

"Yes, Miss Takeji."

"At work, you will address me as MUMMY."

"Yes, Miss..I mean Mummy."

As expected Kaoru got to work late. She silently cursed the red-hair fellow who caused her to make a bad impression in front of her boss on her first day on the job. Kaoru sighed, adjusted her uniform, and then began to make her way into the place, she recognized as her workplace.

The scene there was indeed unsightly. The air was filled with thick amounts of smoke, and the scent of alcohol could be smelled from every angle. Yet, no one seemed to care that much about the surroundings, as the attention were more on the women around them. They wore far more revealing clothes than Kaoru, and were practically throwing themselves to their 'customers', who were either businessmen or boors from the streets.

"Shameless…" Kaoru whispered to herself, as she made her way towards the bar. While she was walking, she did not fail to receive stares and catcalls from the lustful men. Because of so, she quickened her pace, and tried her very best to ignore them.

'Pay no attention to them Kaoru, as long as you keep walking, they won't bother you." She thought to herself.

Finally, to Kaoru's relief, she reached the bar, that was located at one of the far corners of the room.

"Well, howdy there, you pretty little thing, what can I get you?" asked the man behind the counter.

"Hi, I'm Kaoru. I'm the new waitress, Mummy hired."

"Oh yeah… I remember, Mummy once told me about you. Nice to finally meet you."

"Nice to meet you too, sir."

"Please call me Rishe. Sir sounds way…too old."

"Ok," she giggled. "So, Rishe, what do I have to do first?"

"Well, you can take this jug of beer, and serve it to that gentlemen and his accomplices over there."

"Right. I'll be right back."

"Mr. Katsura! We have been expecting you! Long time no see!"

"Ah…the ever fair maiden, Mummy! Nice to meet you again!" he said as he hugged the elderly woman.

"And who might this be?" She asked, taking a glance at Battousai. "I'm sure I have not seen him before."

"Oh yes, this here is Battousai, my most reliable man."

"My, what a charming young lad he is."

"He is indeed. I trust you have my room ready by now?"

"Yes, I have. In fact, some of your men have already arrived before you."

"Oh? Who?"

"Well, one of them gave his name as Genji, dear sir."

"Ah yes! Genji! Should have known he would come earlier than expected."

"Shall I escort you to your table, sir?

"That would be very kind of you, Mummy. And may I suggest, you have a few young ladies ready to 'entertain' my men?"

"No problem, just leave it to me. This way sir."

With that, the two men followed the elderly woman towards the other part of the teahouse where the special, reserved rooms were located. On their way, they met up with a few of Katsura's contacts, whom Katsura introduced Battousai; as well as passed by a raven-haired beauty whom they did not seem to see.

"Done!" Kaoru said as she sat herself down onto one of the bar chairs.

"Tired already?"

"What do you think, I have served about a hundred of tables by now, ranging from this level to the next."

"Well, sorry to burst your bubble, but you do know a waitress's job is not just serving tables right?"

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"Man! When were you born, the prehistoric age? You are also required to wait on tables! You know ask if they want anything, or at least walk around with a jug of beer!"

"I am?"

"…"

"Sorry! I did not know that! This is my first time you know!"

"Fine… Just… take this jug of beer and walk around and see if anyone needs a refill."

"Alright! Sheesh, you sure are naggy." She said as she scampered away with the jug of beer before Rishe could whack her on the head with his towel.

"KATSURA!" A man in his late 30s cried out. He was rather sluggish-looking, but by looking at the various weapons he carried as well as his size, one would definitely know that he is one person anyone would not want to get into a fight with.

"GENJI!" he said as he hugged his fellow comrade.

"So nice to see you again. I expect that everything is according to plans?"

"Of course! You should know that I always complete my missions!"

"Glad to hear that!" he said as he hugged Genji once more.

"Ah Battousai!" Genji was planning to hug him as well, but hesitated when his eyes were met with Battousai's angry looks.

"Oh come on now! Honestly you would not be that petty as to still remember that little incident, 3 years back."

Battousai narrowed his eyes into angry slits of amber.

"Little? You call that little?" he snickered. "You practically blew up HALF our men in that incident as well as cost us to loose HALF of our fortune excluding weapons and ammunitions! And you still have the cheek to say it was a 'little' matter?"

"Now, now." Katsura said stepping in-between the two men, "Let's not get aggressive here! It's supposed to be a happy occasion today!"

"He started it, sir!" Genji replied, only to receive another angry glare from Battousai.

"Alright! I want the BOTH of you to simmer down this INSTANT! We can settle this another day. Now settle down, or else…"

Upon hearing Katsura's angry tone, the two men took their seats opposite each other, still glaring angrily at each other.

"Right, since that's done, Gentlemen! May I have the attention?" At once, all the men in the room stop their chattering and immediately turned their attention to Katsura.

"I am very proud to say that the Ishinshishi is about to climb into new heights!" he said, smiling from eye to eye.

"Tonight, I have received good news that Battousai here, has completed his mission in taking care of the 'little' problem we were facing recently. And to add on, Genji too had taken care of the immigrant problem we were had some time back, and is once more reunited with us!"

Upon hearing the news, all the men in the room, cheered and applauded loudly, but soon stopped when Katsura hushed them.

"So, with these pieces of fantastic news, I dare say that tonight, we shall drink and make merry till our hearts content! Let the Celebration commence!" With the clap of his hands, Ms. Ryna appeared, with her, were women, carrying jugs of beer and trays of food. And soon enough, everyone but Battousai were soon indulging themselves in the food, the drinks and the women.

"KAORU!" Rishe yelled through the noise. "KAORU!" Kaoru spun around upon hearing her name being called. She soon saw Rishe waving to her frantically, signaling to her to come back to the bar. She hurried back as fast as she could while trying her best not to spill any beer on anyone.

"Yes? You called or rather yelled?"

Cough "Yeah…clears throat. A big shot just came into our teahouse, and it seems as though they are out of beer."

"How do you know that?"

"I don't. But men like them love their beer, and to have that being run out, they are sure going to make life for anyone a living hell. So just to be on the safe side…"

"Alright, so where's this big shot's table."

"Well, he is located in one of our special rooms. It's located over there." Rishe said as he pointed out the area. "Just look for door that has the word 'Reserved' on it."

"K." Kaoru replied as she picked up two jugs of beer and slowly made her way to the other side of the teahouse.

Battousai sat at his seat, sipping slowly from his cup of beer. He did not seem to understand the need to celebrate for such accomplishments, especially if Genji did them. He soon allowed his mind to wander off some place else; in fact, it was not even until Katsura called him did he break away from his thoughts.

"What's wrong Battousai? You seem out-of-sorts lately. Shall I call a woman for you? Mummy introduces very 'special' ladies."

"No thank you sir. I am just a bit tired, that's all." He replied as he got up and walked towards the door. "Yet, I do seem to find this place rather 'loud', so I prefer to go out to have a quiet drink at the bar instead." He added as he proceeded to pick up his Katana, getting ready to go out.

"Battousai, I hope you are not still upset about the Genji incident."

Battousai stopped dead in his tracks.

"It would not please me at all to see two of my men constantly at loggerheads with one another. But if you are still suspicious about his behaviour, I will do some checking up on him. Is that ok for you?"

Battousai nodded his head in reply to Katsura's question.

"So, meanwhile, try to cheer up, dear boy. Why, I wouldn't mind paying any amount just to see that you are well taken care of for tonight."

Battousai ignored Katsura's last remark as he made his way out of the room.

"Strange boy, does not even know how to enjoy life to the fullest…"

Finally after much trouble, Kaoru found the room she was looking for. She gave a knock on the door, and was greeted by a man twice her size. He seemed to be somewhat of a bodyguard given his attire and the weapons he carried.

"Sorry to trouble, but…"

"Yeah, yeah, just get in." the man interrupted, as he shoved her in. For a moment there, Kaoru just stood there, observing her surroundings. The room was filled with all types of men. Some were drinking heartily and chatting among themselves; some were eating as if there was no tomorrow, whereas the others were enjoying the 'entertainment' provided willingly by her fellow colleagues. To them it was enjoyment, to her; it was a rather filthy act.

She soon snapped out of her thoughts, and reminded herself again why she was here in the first place. She thus proceeded to place the two jugs down onto the table.

"Here are two more jugs of beer sir." She said as she knelt down to place the two jugs down.

Just as she was about to get up, someone suddenly grabbed her arm, and pull her back down onto her knees.

"Well, well. What do we have here? My aren't you a pretty thing." He said as he pulled her closer to his body.

Kaoru's entire body suddenly froze like a block of ice the moment she heard those very words come out of that man's mouth. She felt appalled and wanted to tell the man off, but when she opened her mouth to speak, nothing came out.

The man proceeded to sniff her neck. Kaoru could smell the stench of alcohol coming from the man. She was utterly disgusted. She was about to ready to tell him off, when she noticed that the man had grabbed hold of both her hands tightly her back, securing her firmly in her current position. When Kaoru tried to struggle, the hold on her hands only got tighter.

"My, my a feisty one we have here. It would be indeed a shame to see her loose her fiery spirit when I am done with her."

Kaoru began to panic. She jolly well knew what was to come next, and tried her best to salvage the situation to her advantage.

"Dear sir," she said. "I don't provide 'those' kind of services. I am just merely a waitress."

Upon hearing her words, the man broke out laughing along with the others who heard that statement as well.

"That has to be the most naive thing I heard so far. Honestly what do you take me for? A fool?"

'More like a moron…'

"I know that women say that just to play hard to get. Isn't that right?" he said, squeezing her arm.

"Argh! Look, Mummy only hired me to wait on tables and NOTHING else. So now if you would gladly let go of me, I can go back doing my job!"

"Mummy eh? Well, we'll see what we can do about that…"

"Scotch Whisky on the rocks."

"Coming right up sir." Rishe replied. All of his life, he has worked in this teahouse, and so far this customer tops the 'Strange' list. Not only did have very striking looks, he also had a type of aura, very much different than the rest. Plus, he showed no particular interest in any of the women here.

"If you have anything to say, just shoot." The man's words stunned Rishe to the extent that he almost dropped the glass he was holding. He could not believe it, that man had unbelievably read his mind.

"You are indeed sharp to notice that sir. Given such skills, and the way you speak, I assume you are a swordsman?"

"…"

"Oh, silly me!" Rishe said hitting his forehead. "What a crude question to pose. Sorry about that." Still, his customer made no reply. "Scotch Whisky on the rocks!" Rishe said, as he placed the glass down, in front of the man.

The man took the glass of whisky, and began swirling it.

"I'm surprised there are such people like yourself still around. In this era, it is uncommon to see a man wield a sword."

The man said nothing, he proceeded to lift the glass to his lips, as he allowed it to slowly enter his mouth and trickle down his throat. Soon, the last drop of liquor had been drunk. Just as Rishe was about to ask another question, a commotion occurred.

"Let me go, you big jerk!" Kaoru shouted as she struggled to get free from her captor's hold.

"Patience, little one. Once I find Mummy, everything will be settled."

"But I already said, I don't do 'those' sort of things."

"Yeah, yeah. Ah, MUMMY!" the man shouted. The elderly woman, concerned by the scene, immediately went over to the big man, to see to his needs.

"Yes, Genji sir, how can I help you?"

"I want to buy this lady for the night. How much does she cost?"

"I'm terribly sorry sir, but she's apparently not for the taking. May I suggest someone else? How about Mimi? She's very experienced and I can be sure… "

"NO! I only want this woman!" he bellowed pointing to Kaoru. "I am willing to pay a high price for her!"

"Sorry…but…"

"20,000 yen, doubled if she's a virgin!"

By this moment, Mummy hesitated. She thought to herself: NO one had ever paid such a high amount for a woman from HER teahouse before. This was a chance of a lifetime to make big bucks at one shot.

"Just how much did you say you were willing to pay for her again, dear sir?"

"20, 000 yen, 40,000 if she's a…"

"My, my dear sir! Frankly speaking, this woman here is different from the others! Not only is she a virgin, she is also a true breed from Tokyo! She is definitely worth more than that…unless of course you are not willing…"

"Of course I am! What's your price?"

Kaoru could not believe this was happening. No one seems to be able to help her, not even Mummy! She knew that it was a crucial moment, and it was all up to her to save whatever dignity she had left in her from the paws of this hideous man.

"Excuse me Mummy, we had a deal. Unless you forgot, let me refresh your memory…you claim that I was merely going to be a waitress and NOTHING else!"

"Dear child, whatever do you mean? I said nothing of that sort! Please refrain from putting words in my mouth."

"But…"

"But nothing! Stop playing hard to get child! You should be thankful that this man here is willing to pay a high price for you! Not many can get such opportunities you know!" the woman cried out. She then signaled her men to take over the job of holding Kaoru into place, while she handled the money details.

Kaoru began to panic; nothing she says now can do much to prevent this tragedy from happening. The price was getting higher and higher. By this time, the commotion had turned out to be some sort of auction that got every man, including Katsura and his men interested.

"That's right, Gentlemen! Winning bid gets a chance to sample her for the very first time! Plus, she's got character, guarantee an experience you will never forget!"

"100,000 YEN!"

"Yes, I have 100,000 yen from the very kind Genji-sama! Do I see 120,000 yen?" the woman asked, yet she saw no one else's hand went up, nor at least heard an amount higher than Genji's.

"GOING ONCE!" she shouted.

'Hehe, she's all mine'

"GOING TWICE!"

"Shitmate…" Kaoru whispered as she once more tried to struggle her way out of tight hold, but her efforts came to no avail.

"THEN…"

"200,000 YEN!" a voice suddenly shouted out. Everyone turned to see whom that amount came from. They all wondered who in the world would have so much money to spare. Very soon…they found their answer…(A/N: Guess who)

"THAT GENTLEMAN AT THE BAR BIDS 200,000YEN! ANYONE HIGHER?"

Of course no one in the crowd had that kind of hard cash to fork out. And even if they did, just one look into his stern amber eyes, was enough to make anyone think twice. Genji was astounded; so much to the extent that he had gone into shock.

"SOLD! TO THE GENTLEMAN AT THE BAR FOR 200,000YEN. Please proceed to make the necessary payment, before collecting the girl."

The man placed his glass back down onto the bar top. He began to make his way slowly towards the place where Kaoru and Ms Ryna were. As he walked, the crowd parted, like the red sea.

By this time, Genji was fully conscious! He became furious when he found out that someone else took the girl that HE had so wanted. As he watched the man getting nearer, he walked forward, so as to have a good look at this man. However when he finally came to know who he was, he became render speechless. In fact, he was not the only was lost for words, so was Katsura and Kaoru.

"Ah! So it was none other than Battousai himself who placed the winning bid! So how will you be paying?"

"Now hold on for a sec, mummy! I seriously doubt that Battousai here has the ability to pay for this woman! In fact I think he was bluffing when he said he was going to pay 200,000 yen!"

"I will be paying by cheque."

"WHAT?" shouted Genji. "Don't make me laugh… YOU? Pay by cheque?"

"Of course not. Katsura will."

"Me?"

"Yes, you sir. If my memory serves me right, it seems as though a certain someone mentioned that he would pay any amount just to see that I am well taken care of for tonight."

"Haha! So I have. How much is it again mummy? It is very rare for Battousai to have a liking for someone like that."

Before the woman could answer, Genji interrupted her. He could not take this lying down. Battousai has interfered far too many times, and this was the last straw.

"No way Battousai! I will not let you take this woman!"

Battousai smirked. "And what right or position do you have to stop me?"

"I have every right as I was the first man who wanted her!"

"Too bad, I had the last bid…first come first serve…"

"Why you…" Things started to get heated up between both men. The people surrounding them were starting to take steps back, in hope that they will avoid getting involved in their argument.

Kaoru on the other hand, had not s single clue of what was going on. Millions of questions were floating in her head, like who IS this red-hair man, HOW in the world did he have that much money to bid for her, and most importantly, WHY did he bought her.

"…Shit you! I don't give a damn whether you are Battousai or not, but tonight, she's not leaving with you!" Genji shouted as he grabbed hold of Kaoru's arm, attempting to drag her away from the crowd.

"Let her go Genji." Battousai said, as gripped the handle of his katana.

"Or else what?"

"Or else…" he replied pulling out his katana. "I will gladly slice off that pathetic hand of yours."

"Alright, alright!" Katsura suddenly said aloud. "It seems as though both of you will never give up this argument. So I have a proposition." Now all eyes were on Katsura, waiting to see what kind of idea he had in mind.

"In the olden days, men would fight to protect their rights, in this case, who keeps the girl. So may I suggest to the both of you that this be settled in a battle."

"What kind of battle?"

"What a stupid question to ask!" Katsura exclaimed as he reached for his katana. "Of course a sword dual. Non-kill match, Last man standing wins. Winner gets the girl, loser gets nothing. Do we have a deal?" he said as he drew his katana out and pointed it to both men.

"Alright, Deal!"

"And you Battousai?"

Battousai made a sinister smile, as he answered: "Deal."

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Back alley of Ryna's Teahouse

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It had begun to rain. Some were frantically trying to find shelter; others were trying all sorts of way to keep themselves warm. Yet still, the two men did not back down from the fight. Stubborn as they were, they remained where they were until Katsura gave the signal for them to start.

"Alright last call, does either of you want to give up the girl?"

"Don't I have a say in this matter?" Kaoru shouted through the rain.

"Afraid not! It's either the fight, or your head rolls, take your pick." Kaoru gulped at the answer given. She decided that it was best not to do anything until the fight was over. She thought to herself that escaping after the fight would be a much smarter move as perhaps by then, they would be too tired to chase her if she run.

"Alright, since both of you are still so determined, then Gentlemen, get ready." Katsura said as he raised his arm up. Genji got into his sword stance, whereas Battousai remained as he was.

"START!" Katsura finally said as he dropped his raised arm down by his side. Genji immediately charged towards Battousai. He was merely inches away from Battousai when he disappeared.

'Damn where did that fellow go.' Genji thought, as he looked around frantically.

Then all of a sudden, Battousai reappeared behind Genji and delivered a nasty blow to his back. Genji fell to the ground, wriggling in agony. Battousai walked slowly and steadily towards the larger man, he smirked at the thought of how pathetic Genji was as to have been defeated that easily. Just as Battousai was about to deliver the final blow, Genji delivered a surprise attack of his own to Battousai, who was caught completely off-guard.

He slashed Battousai's left arm, leaving a trail of blood as he did. Battousai retreated a few steps, unable to believe that he was easily attacked by a man half his capability.

At the side, Katsura and Kaoru watched vigilantly. Katsura still looked as calm as ever, but Kaoru by then, was completely taken aback. She could not believe the scene that was taking place before her. She had never in her life saw a real sword match happening before, but had a rough idea on how it was like from her father.

"So who do you want to win?" Katsura suddenly asked.

Kaoru looked him, and made a funny face as she replied stonily: "None of course. It would be better to have them both dead." Yet silently in her heart, she prayed that the red-hair man would win.

Katsura laughed at her reply and went back to concentrate on the match.

Genji let out a menacing laugh. "Well, well. Looks like Battousai himself can be easily attacked! What's the matter Battousai? Losing your touch?" Battousai remained silent as ever. His eyes were shut, as he concentrated on becoming one with his mind.

"Still so stoned I see. Well that will change very soon when I make you roll around, screaming in pain." With that, Genji charged forward once more as he attempted to strike. However his blow was quickly evaded by Battousai, who took the opportunity to slash Genji again from the back. He then delivered another blow, that send Genji flying towards the other end of the alley.

Katsura smiled when he saw Battousai deliver the final blow. Kaoru also grinned when also saw the last move. She was indeed glad that the brute, Genji was defeated.

'That'll teach him a lesson.' She thought contentedly.

Battousai was just about to sheathe his sword when he heard:

"GO AND MEET YOUR MAKER BATTOUSAI!"

Battousai eyes met with Genji's gun. Battousai immediately charged forward when Genji pulled the trigger of the gun. However, to his dismay, Battousai avoided it, and continued to lunge forward. Panicking Genji tried shooting again and again, however Battousai was still unaffected by it. Finally, without hesitation, Battousai delivered a slash right across Genji's chest. With that, the large man fell to the ground lying in his own pool of blood.

Battousai flicked the blood off his sword in one swift move as he sheathed it.

Clap, Clap, Clap

"Well done Battousai! I knew all along that you would win. So did she." He bellowed, as he pointed towards Kaoru. Kaoru's face turned into all shades of red when she heard Katsura's last few words.

"Now I can proudly say that you earn the right to have her for the night. Don't worry about the mess; I'll have Iizuka clear it up. Don't keep her waiting now, go along, enjoy yourself and make my money's worth."

Battousai nodded in reply, and with that Katsura disappeared out of the alley. He then turned his attention to Kaoru. He realized that she was shivering from head to toe. No surprise, as she was dressed in a skimpy dress and watched him throughout the whole battle in the heavy rain.

Feeling a bit of guilt and sorry for her, he took off his trench coat and offered it to her. Kaoru saw his offer and hesitated for a moment.

'Should I take it? I mean what if it is a trap? What if he takes the chance to pounce on me, I will be dead for sure! What if…'

"What if what?"

Kaoru was stunned for a moment. She could not believe that this man here had actually read her mind. It was not possible, yet he did.

"Well?"

Kaoru knew she did not have a choice. Slowly, she made her way towards the man who had bought her. As she was just a few distances away from him, her legs suddenly gave way, and before she knew it, she was about to fall face-flat onto the hard surface.

Yet, that fall never happened, as Battousai had unconsciously run forward to catch her. Then their eyes met for a moment, deep amber staring into cool sapphire. At that instant, the two suddenly felt a connection between the both of them. A warm feeling they shared when they finally came into contact with one another.

"Thank you." Kaoru finally said.

Battousai said nothing. He brushed off the feeling he was having, and continued to lift her back into standing position. He then passed her his trench coat, and this time, she took it without hesitating. When she was done putting it on, she saw Battousai squatting in front of her.

"Get on, I'll carry you."

She was surprised yet again by his actions. It was kind of hard to believe that a man as cruel as him would actually be kind enough to offer to carry her.

"What are you waiting for?" Without delay, she got on his back, and wrapped her arms around his neck. As he felt her got on, he stood up slowly, and held her legs by his side. (A/N: In other words, he was piggy backing her.)

He then proceeded to make their way out of the bloody scene.