Disclaimer: Rurouni Kenshin is copyrighted to its respective owners, of which I am not one.


Warnings: AU, slightly unedited
"Did you hear him say anything when you came across him and the girl?"

Kaoru shook her head. "He was completely silent even as he killed her." She swallowed, her stomach feeling queasy all of a sudden. The pattern of the blood splattered on the alley wall flashed back into her mind. She had to bite her lip hard until the pain helped rid herself of the memory. "His face was so … cold. As if he didn't care that he had just taken a life."

Saitou snorted in derision. "It's rumored that Battousai has killed nearly one hundred people in his lifetime. I'm certain one more wouldn't cause him to flinch. Do you have any idea why he would kill that woman? Did she speak or make any pleading noises?"

A frown crossed Kaoru's face briefly. "No, I can't remember her saying anything like that. How odd, I actually don't recall her saying anything at all. I mean, I only saw him lift his um, sword up to kill her, but neither of them said anything." She looked at Saitou. "Isn't that strange? If I were her, I would have begged for my life. Why didn't she?"

A thoughtful expression crossed his face as he steepled his fingers into a triangle. "Perhaps she already knew she was going to die."


Despite any protests he might have, or the insults Hiko Seijuro might toss in his direction, Kenshin knew he was good at his job. It required the emotional detachment to kill but also the intelligence to track down one's prey to kill without any witnesses present.

Of course, it didn't always work out that way.

That was why Kenshin always made a point to observe the target a few days before he made his move. It was a routine he had established and for the most part, it worked well enough.

But when a mission called for speed rather than stealth, he had to seize the opportunity as it arose.

Luckily, the assignment Aoshi had passed onto him was rather simple in terms of getting the target alone. He was a drug peddler named Yamura Izo who could never stay in one place any longer than two hours. The criminal always changed locations, preferring to stay near the shadows. Considering the man's despicable occupation, Kenshin thought it was a rather fitting place for scum like him.

Kenshin tailed Izo with mild interest as the man and his bodyguard scurried from one place to the next, looking over his shoulder nervously as if fearing he was being stalked. Which he was, but it always amused Kenshin how much paranoia some people displayed. Unfortunately, he would have to cut his entertainment short. Izo was approaching an alleyway, no doubt hoping to meet one of his customers there within the shadows. His bodyguard disappeared ahead, probably to check the safety of the area.

Kenshin grimaced to himself at the thought of going into another alley. It had been bad enough realizing Kaoru saw him kill someone. He didn't want to go through that again, ever. Not with anyone else and definitely not with Kaoru.

Still, he had duties he couldn't shirk. With a soft sigh, Kenshin glided in closer to the mouth of the alley, waiting a few minutes for anyone to show. When no further movement occurred, he stepped into the vague darkness, eyes melting into burnished gold as his vision adjusted quickly to the shadows.

Only years of honed instincts saved him from being gutted in the stomach with a knife. Twisting his body aside lithely, Kenshin glimpsed a small knife pass him that had been originally aimed at his stomach. The large thug handling the knife stumbled forward from the momentum and Kenshin shoved his back to keep him going. In one smooth motion, he unsheathed his sword and drilled the dull end of the blade into the attacker's head. With a loud grunt, the hefty man fell to his knees before falling forward, face down. The knife clattered a few feet away, laying innocuously in the sunshine.

Kenshin slowly straightened up and turned his head towards the end of the alley where there was an audible click. Izo held a gun steadily in his hand, pointed directly at Kenshin's head. A smirk lingered on his face as he spoke.

"Well, well, if it isn't the infamous Battousai come to visit me. Is there something I can help you with?"

It was interesting how the man had seemed to covey fear and paranoia one moment and then change into a completely different person the next. Kenshin filed that bit of knowledge away for future reference. "I need information," the manslayer said tersely, watching the Izo's hand for the slightest sign of movement. Even his particular skills didn't grant full protection from a bullet. And the last thing he needed was to be shot. His master would have a field day rubbing it in to his 'baka deshi'. Assuming, of course, he survived.

"Is that why you've been following me for the past few hours? Information? I don't think I believe you." Izo's expression hardened, dark eyes narrowing into thin slits. "I heard you killed Handa."

"Wouldn't you kill a traitor?" the manslayer asked evenly. "You of all people should understand that betrayal is not tolerated."

"She was nothing more than a puppet. She meant nothing to you," Izo snarled. "And neither do I. What do you really want, Battousai?"

Kenshin shook his head. "Handa Michi was more than an information dealer. She was found to be intimately involved in Shishio's dealings. Of course, that cannot be allowed."

Izo raised his eyebrows in mock surprise. "Of course not. But she couldn't have been an important figure in his organization. And since when did the much-feared Battousai start to kill those who are beneath him?"

"Perhaps she was much more than you thought she was."

The drug dealer snorted. "Doubtful. And anyway, even if she was, I'm not. So what do you want with me?"

"As I said, information," Kenshin said. "There's a rumor going around that I need verified. You are one of the few in position to know. Is it true Usui is in Tokyo?"

"Information like that doesn't come cheap, Battousai. Tell me, what will you give me in return?"

Kenshin shrugged. "What would you say if I told you I'd bring the money later?"

Izo let out a bark of laughter. "I'd say you're a fool. What kind of person asks for information without any mon—" He stopped abruptly, realizing his error but it was too late. Kenshin dodged to the side and bore down on the drug dealer so fast he was a mere blur. Izo tried to aim and shoot but the bullet ricocheted off the wall somewhere and Battousai was now practically on top of him. His blade was out and flashed briefly before Izo felt a sharp sting on his right shoulder. He squealed in both fear and pain and dropped the gun, stumbling away from the manslayer and automatically clutching his injury. Blood poured out from the deep cut and he stared at the killer in horror. He now knew why Battousai's name was spoken so quietly in the Underground; he was far more dangerous than people had said he was.

Kenshin stepped closer until they were nearly nose-to-nose. "I already know Usui's here in the City," he said quietly, his voice measured and controlled. "And I already know he's planning on using dealers like you to help take over Tokyo. I know Handa Michi who, instead of staying neutral as an informant, discovered our operative and contributed to his death by telling Usui's men about his presence. She did that in hopes of joining with Shishio. In reality, Izo, I know everything that you know. So I want you to be a good little messenger and deliver my warning to Usui. I'm very well aware of his plans and I will stop him. And then I will go for Shishio. Nothing will prevent me from completing my mission to defeat him. Am I understood?"

Izo had to swallow hard before he nodded in short, jerky gestures. Fear left a bad taste in his mouth but he couldn't look away from Battousai's burning gold eyes even if he wanted to.

"I'm glad you do. Remember to deliver my message or I'll have to come back and be less gentle next time." Slowly, Kenshin leaned back as he pinned the other man down by the force of his stare alone. Then, with lightning speed, he whipped the hilt of his sword against Izo's temple. The drug dealer's eyes rolled up and he crumpled to the ground.

Now alone, Kenshin sighed deeply and surveyed the two bodies in the alley. To him, taunting Usui like this wasn't wise but Hiko apparently thought otherwise.

Well, at least his work was done here. Now all he had to do was sneak out of Tokyo without being caught by the police and head home to await new orders.

As he stepped over the unconscious bodyguard to leave the alley, Kenshin's thoughts briefly wandered to Kaoru and what she was doing. Her haunted look as she leaned over the balcony to search for him was forever etched in his mind.

Still, he couldn't afford the distraction of focusing on her when there was so much work to be done. With a regretful sigh, Kenshin turned around and began to figure out a way to leave Tokyo without being noticed. It wouldn't be too difficult since, despite the police's best efforts, it was a very big city.

Soon, Kaoru, he promised her silently. I'll come back for you soon.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kaoru wasn't certain what she was expecting their hideout to be like but she was rather surprised when Aoshi finally stopped the car in front of a modest looking residence on a mountainside. A large outdoor kiln was lit, crackling merrily through the open door of the oven. Several pieces of pottery were next to the stone kiln, apparently waiting to be fired.

The house seemed more like a cabin. The frame was made of wood logs, darkened to a glossy mauve from years of weather and wear. Two glass pane windows sat on either side of the door with plain white curtains covering them from prying eyes. The front door was open, however, as if beckoning them inside the cool interior.

Kaoru stared hard at the house as she obediently got out of the car with the others. She was mildly disappointed to see how ordinary the place looked. If they were super secret assassins or something, shouldn't they have a more high-tech place?

"Hmm, how quaint. Who's Hiko's decorator?" Megumi said dryly, approaching Kaoru's side as she looked the house over.

Aoshi didn't even bother answering her. Instead, he said, "Wait out here for a moment." He paused and cast both women an assessing gaze. "I wouldn't suggest you try to run, either. While there is a dirt road back down the mountain, it will take you quite some time to reach the nearest town. There are also wild animals up here who do not take kindly to human intruders. They will attack if you encroach on their territory." With that, he headed into the house, leaving them to ponder his words.

Megumi glared at Aoshi's retreating back. "Insufferable bastard. As if we wouldn't try to escape as soon as possible!" She sighed. "If only that stupid rooster-head didn't toss my purse away! We would be more prepared if I had it with me."

"You do carry everything but the kitchen sink in there," Kaoru agreed wryly.

Megumi merely sniffed. "It's helped you out in more than one occasion, Kamiya. In any case, let's go before Mr. Smug comes back. I'm glad I wore flats today. Heels in the forest would have killed me." The doctor turned towards the dirt trail the car followed to get here when she realized Kaoru wasn't following her. "Kaoru? What's wrong?"

Hesitating, Kaoru said slowly, "Megumi, maybe we should stay. You know, to see what they want."

"What? Who cares what they want? They kidnapped us and held us against our will. In my book, that's not a good thing!"

Kaoru held her hands up in a placating gesture. "What I'm saying is that this is probably the only chance we'll have to understand what's going on. I mean, this is Kenshin's master –"

"Battousai's," Megumi interrupted.

"- And he can probably tell us what's going on. Maybe even why Kenshin is killing so many people. Plus, we might be able to find evidence for the police."

Megumi frowned as she considered the idea before slowly shaking her head. "It's too risky, Kaoru. We don't even know what they want with us. For all we know, the moment we see this Hiko guy, he could have us killed. It's better that we run now and tell the police what we know. They can take it from there."

"Sano wouldn't put us in danger," Kaoru argued. "And there's no reason why Aoshi wouldn't have killed me. He had plenty of time to do it before you even came in. Maybe they really are trying to help us."

Megumi stared hard at her friend who seemed quite earnest and determined to stay. She didn't think this was a good sign of Kaoru getting over Kenshin. "I thought we agreed that involving yourself with Battousai wouldn't be a good thing," she said softly.

Kaoru sighed and raked a hand through her dark hair. "Look, Megumi, we can at least listen to them. I don't think they want to kill us so we can take this opportunity to figure out what's really going on. I mean, do you honestly believe Sano would befriend someone like Kenshin if he didn't see at least some good qualities about him? All joking aside, Megumi, he's got good instincts."

The doctor scowled. "Don't think I don't realize you're trying to appeal to me through Sanosuke, Tanuki."

Kaoru grinned. "I don't care if you know or not so long as it works. So, did it?"

Megumi shook her head mournfully. "Why do I have a feeling we're going to regret this? All right, Kaoru, we'll listen to them first. But the first sign of danger, we're out of here, all right?"

"Right!" Kaoru beamed at her friend.

Aoshi strode out of the house just then. "Let's go."

The two women exchanged glances. "Inside?"

"Aa. Follow me and don't wander off. You'll never be able to find your way out if you don't stick close." Without waiting for an answer, Aoshi turned on his heels and headed back into the house.

"Who gets lost in a one story house?" Megumi muttered.

Kaoru clutched Megumi's arm as they followed after Aoshi. It took a moment for their eyes to adjust to the dark interior from the bright sunlight. The setup of the house seemed quite simple from the single futon neatly rolled up in one corner to the small table with two chairs against the left wall. On the other side was a fireplace and a tiny kitchenette holding an ancient stove-top complete with a pipe that poked through the roof. The fireplace was unlit though a small black kettle hung from the rod over the blackened wood. Along the wall was a dish rack where several plates and bowls sat. Next to them was a small bottle of sake.

Kaoru glanced around briefly but Megumi marched them forward, tagging after Aoshi who had disappeared through a barely visible door across the room. Stepping through, both women were amazed at the amount of pottery that was stored there. Most of them were finished and sitting on shelves or the floor. Attached to them was a white piece of paper which, Kaoru realized, held the name of the buyer, the day it was sold, and the amount it was sold for. Her eyebrows shot up as she saw how much Hiko was selling a single bowl for.

Megumi was frowning as she surveyed the storage room. "With the price he's selling these items for, he would need to be world famous. But I've never heard of a potter named Hiko before."

Kaoru was wondering the same thing. "We can ask Aoshi about it. Speaking of him, where did he go?"

It took the women several moments to realize there was a hidden doorway that Aoshi had left ajar for them. It also held a shelf full of sold pottery items but pulling the door open didn't disturb them from their delicate position.

"Glued, maybe?" Megumi wondered out loud. As she and Kaoru passed through, the door clicked shut behind them. The scent of mud and damp moss assaulted their noses. Aoshi waited there for them, holding a lantern that illuminated the corridor they were in.

Kaoru glanced around, wrinkling her nose. "A hidden passage made of dirt. Not my idea of a secret headquarters."

Aoshi ignored the comment and started down the hallway. The light only illuminated a few feet in diameter and disappeared quickly as he left them alone.

"I hope there aren't bugs down here," Megumi said under her breath and followed after him. Kaoru was only a step behind her.

The air was cool and undisturbed as they traveled along, the dirt path hard enough to walk without fear of sinking in the mud, yet not quite firm under their feet. It seemed as though the path was sloping downwards but after ten minutes of traveling, it began to gradually ascend.

"How much longer is it?" Kaoru asked their guide who had yet to miss a step. His steady stride was the only thing that kept the women going, afraid to be left alone in the pitch dark.

"We have about a mile to go," Aoshi answered shortly.

"A mile! You could have at least let me get a pair of sneakers," Megumi grumbled.

"I apologize. The next time you are involved in a situation where we are trying to save your life at such short notice, I will make a special effort to stop by your apartment and allow you to retrieve any items you so desire."

Megumi glared at the stiff back in front of her. "Insufferable bastard," she muttered. "Who asked you to save our lives? If we need saving at all."

Aoshi didn't answer. Somehow, Kaoru wasn't surprised.

By the time the trio had reached the end of the corridor, both women were panting slightly, foreheads damp with sweat despite the cool temperature in the corridor. Aoshi, of course, exhibited no sign of exertion and merely opened the door. Stepping aside, he switched the lantern off and gestured them through. "Please proceed in front of me." He turned and hooked the light source on the nail hanging next to the door.

Karou and Megumi stepped through together, gawking at the sudden change in scenery. The opulence of the house they had just entered was such a radical change from the drab cabin and rough dirt corridor that it was impossible not to stare. They were in a huge music room that was tastefully decorated with historical tapestries adorning the wall of the room, draping over the glossy wood. Several ornate rugs sprawled on the gleaming floor under the baby grand piano, a leather couch, a leather recliner, and the glass coffee table. Next to the disguised door was a small table with a vase of fresh lilies, adding to the elegance of the room. Silken drapes were pushed aside from the huge wall-sized windows that overlooked a well-tended topiary, gleaming brightly in the sunlight which reflected the large pool of light on the hardwood floor. Everything was dust-free though the air seemed quite undisturbed and serene.

The door at the other end of the room opened and a tall man stepped through. He had on a porcelain mask that was shaped into an eerie grin full of teeth. His outfit was just as odd, an azure jumpsuit with red and black striped shirt. Kaoru stifled a scream behind a hand and Megumi stiffened, stepping back defensively.

Aoshi shut the door behind him and stepped around the two women, unconcerned by the appearance of the masked man. "Report, Hannya."

"All is clear, Aoshi-sama. Everything has been quiet since you left." The man named Hannya glanced at the women and offered them a bow. "I apologize if my appearance has startled you. I did not expect you would be coming in this way."

"You mean there's a different way to get here?" Kaoru asked while Megumi glared at Aoshi.

Hannya nodded before glancing at his leader. "Indeed. Hiko is waiting for Ms. Kamiya in the study, Aoshi-sama."

Aoshi nodded. "Very good. Please escort Dr. Takani to one of the guest rooms. Assign Omasu to look after her."

"Of course. Dr. Takani, would you please step this way?"

Megumi didn't move. "I'd like to go with Kaoru, if you don't mind."

"I'd like her to stay with me," Kaoru added, darting wary looks at both men.

"That will be impossible. Hiko specifically asked for you alone. I suggest you do not go against his wishes," Aoshi said.

"As if I had any control in the beginning," Kaoru muttered.

Aoshi ignored her embittered comment. "Please come this way, Ms. Kamiya. We will return you to Dr. Takani as soon as your discussion with Hiko is completed.

Kaoru looked at Megumi and shrugged. "I guess I'll be back then." Her heart was beginning to hammer away nervously at being separated but she still wanted answers to her questions about Kenshin. Her fear would have to wait.

"Kaoru, are you sure about this?" Megumi pressed, darting looks at the two men waiting for them. She stepped closer and lowered her voice until it could only be heard between them. "I mean, we can still find a way out of this."

Nodding firmly with a confidence she didn't feel, Kaoru reached out to squeeze her friend's arm reassuringly. "I'll be fine. I'm going to be cool, poised, and professional. I'll ask Hiko my questions, get the answers, and we'll take it from there, all right?" Despite Megumi's words, Kaoru highly doubted they would be able to leave without Aoshi's permission. And the Hannya fellow didn't quite look like a slouch either. Still, it was comforting to know that her friend would do anything to be there for her.

Megumi merely cast her a doubtful look but nodded. "All right. If you run into any trouble, just scream and keep screaming. I'll get to you as soon as I can."

Kaoru offered the doctor a rueful smile. "That's a pretty pathetic backup plan."

Despite herself, Megumi returned the wry grin. "That's all I've got. Be safe, Kaoru." She turned and looked over at Hannya. "Well, let's go, then. I need a room to freshen up."

Smiling as her friend fell into her usual aloof demeanor, Kaoru walked over to Aoshi, took a deep breath, and nodded. "I'm ready to meet Hiko."

Aoshi stared down at her for a long moment until she grew uncomfortable and had to resist the urge to squirm. "I suppose we'll see if that's true," he said at last. Turning smartly on his heels, the dark-haired man reached out to open the door. "Follow me, then."

Kaoru glanced back at Megumi who was being led out another door. Aoshi's words did nothing to reassure her fluttering heart and she couldn't rely on her steady friend to help her here.

"Ms. Kamiya?"

Clearing her throat, Kaoru turned her attention back to Aoshi, who was waiting for by the door. "Right, I'm coming."

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Aoshi led her down a long maze of hallways with rapid steps. Kaoru, being quite a bit shorter, had to double her pace to keep up with him and missed most of the opulence of the rest of the house. Still, the glimpses she caught showed that no expense had been spared for the mansion and she counted countless doorways they passed through the narrow corridors. They once passed through the balcony overseeing what seemed to be a banquet hall and Kaoru peered below to note that the long mahogany table was being polished by what looked like a young woman not much older than Kaoru herself. But she couldn't look much longer since Aoshi had already disappeared.

Grumbling to herself about cold men with bad manners, Kaoru broke into a run to catch up to him.

She was finally able to do so as he turned the corner and slowed in front of double oak doors. Aoshi ignored her pants as she finally skidded to a halt beside him, leaning over to pant from her sudden dash. "This is Hiko's office. You may knock whenever you catch your breath," he said.

Kaoru lifted her head enough to glare at him. "Gee, thanks," she began sarcastically when his words finally sank in. "Um, you're not coming in with me?" Not that Aoshi was an ally or anything – after all, he had practically blamed the whole entire Battousai situation on her shoulders – but she didn't exactly want to be alone with a guy who gave orders to both Kenshin and Aoshi.

Aoshi shook his head. "He wishes to speak to you alone."

She grimaced. "Great." Kaoru watched as he turned and strode down the hallway without another word, rounding the corner and vanishing from sight. Straightening up, she absently tugged her fingers through her hair and took a deep breath to steady her nerves before knocking firmly on the door.

"Enter."

Here goes nothing, Kaoru thought and turned the knob. The door opened and she stepped inside with trepidation, darting a look around the room. Like the rest of the house, it was richly furnished with gleaming dark wood. Built-in shelves made up the walls of this room, alternating between books and random glazed pottery items. A halogen lamp stood in one corner, illumination the cozy space. A leather couch was placed near the book shelves and another cushioned chair was directly in front of her. The majority of the space was taken up by the massive oak desk placed squarely in the middle of the room, facing her. Seated behind it was one of the tallest and well-built man she had ever seen.

Hiko seemed to be no older than Kenshin, looking no older than thirty. He had broad shoulders that were ill-concealed by the overcloak he was wearing over a white tunic. Shoulder length dark hair cascaded around his face and shoulders, framing the arrogantly handsome face and sharp features. His eyes were dark and piercing under the elegant arch of his eyebrows and his nose was straight and pointed. He had wide, generous lips which most women would probably find kissably attractive. There was an aura about him that seemed restrained and subdued yet watchful at the same time. Those dark eyes were watching her now as he rose to greet her.

"Well, come in closer. I'm not going to shout to you."

His voice, which had been muffled by the thick oak doors, was just as low and rumbling as she had thought. As Kaoru approached his desk with uncertain steps, she had to keep looking up. The man was practically a head taller than Aoshi.

Kaoru groaned inaudibly to herself. How did she always manage to confront the really big and scary guys by herself?

"Sit down – Kaoru, was it?"

"That's Ms. Kamiya to you," she said frostily, remembering her vow to remain cool, poised, and professional. But she did take a seat because the chair looked so inviting. Kaoru had to bite back a moan as she sank into the cushions that seemed to cradle her body at every curve. This was definitely not like the chair at Saitou's office.

Hiko's dark eyes settled on Kaoru who was wriggling on his chair like an excited child. "Ms. Kamiya, then. Tell me, do you know why you're here?"

Kaoru stopped moving and stared at the large man in front of her. "Um, because your little lackey kidnapped me and forced me to come with him?"

Hiko snorted though he was slightly amused at Shinomori being categorized as one of 'his lackeys'. He would have to remember that to torment the other man later. "We also saved your life. If Shishio's men had gotten their hands on you, you would be dead by now."

"But why? I don't even know this Shishio guy. Why would he want to kill me?" Kaoru wondered how much worse things were going to get. Looking over her shoulder for Battousai or other crazy people wasn't exactly the way she had planned to live out the rest of her life.

The dark eyes that observed her were far too keen, as if he was able to pierce inside of her mind until he could see her very soul. It disconcerted Kaoru but her stubborn nature refused to let her look away.

Hiko finally spoke. "Do you know how many people have seen Kenshin kill and survive to tell about it?"

Kaoru blinked at the sudden question; that wasn't what she had been expecting him to say. "Um … two?"

"Two is right. Sagara … and now you. Even if you can't provide specific information about Kenshin, Shishio and his men would take great pleasure in torturing every detail out of you. And when your uselessness is over, they would kill you."

"But I really don't know anything!" Kaoru protested. "I haven't even seen Kenshin since the beginning of this entire mess! Why would they think I could help them at all?"

"It doesn't matter. They'll take what they can get." Hiko clasped his hands together, setting them on his desk as he regarded her with an imperious air. "I don't think you understand what kind of danger you are in, Ms. Kamiya. For your safety, I've asked Shinomori to bring you here." He paused, his assessing gaze turning sharper as he added, "Among other reasons."

The look in his eyes didn't reassure Kaoru any. Despite herself, she squirmed in the chair. "What do you mean?" she asked in a small voice.

"It has not escaped my attention that within the past few months, my baka deshi has been rather … enamored of you. As his master, I can only reluctantly assume the role of a pained father with an idiot child who hasn't masked his feelings well enough to escape Shishio's notice."

Well, if that was an endearing sentence, Kaoru would kiss Saitou on the lips. And anyway, whatever was between her and Kenshin wasn't anyone else's business but theirs. "It sounds as though you really don't care for Kenshin. So why would you bother about this?"

"Hmph. As my only apprentice, he is my legacy, whether I like it or not. Therefore, I have to cover his tracks when he gets careless. So tell me, Ms. Kamiya: what are your feelings for Kenshin?"

"None of your business," she said promptly.

Hiko smiled faintly though his features didn't relax in the slightest. "I beg to differ. What you do will affect Kenshin in his job. I cannot allow him to be distracted by anything, including a woman."

Kaoru narrowed her eyes at him, sitting up as anger bubbled up inside. "So you've been the one giving orders for Kenshin to kill? What kind of master are you to force your student to do something as horrendous as that?"

Surprisingly, Hiko didn't rise to the bait or the scorn in her voice. "I guess you really don't know anything," he said with a long-suffering sigh.

"If you told me everything then you wouldn't have to suffer through my ignorance!" Kaoru snapped. Really, was there something about her that attracted the most stubborn, bull-headed males to her presence?

"I could … but I won't. That particular honor will go to Kenshin. I'm not happy about this arrangement either, Ms. Kamiya. We've kept civilians out of this for a good reason. But I can't very well have an innocent killed. Despite your ideas about us, we are not heartless people. So it looks like we'll have to tolerate each other's company until things are straightened out." Hiko sighed and shook his head. "He always makes things more complicated than they have to be."

Kaoru ignored his last sentence, focusing instead on the words before. "What do you mean? You mean I'm stuck here?" she asked. "I've got a life to get back to, you know! You can't just kidnap people and hold them against their will! That's called wrongful imprisonment or something!"

"As I've said before, this is for your safety. Believe me, if there was any other way, I'd take it. But you and Dr. Takani will have to remain here for now, whether any of us like it or not."


"Himura! You're finally here!"

Kenshin raised his brows as none other than Makimachi Misao greeted him the moment he stepped into his master's house. It had taken him a day longer to leave Tokyo than he had anticipated, thanks to Saitou's efforts in trying to track him down. Now that he was home, Kenshin was looking forward to a long bath and his soft bed. He didn't think he had enough energy to deal with Misao's antics even if he was fond of the young woman. "I suppose I am. What are you doing here, Misao?"

"Oh, I've been visiting Hiko now and again," she said breezily. "He's really a great guy once you get to know him. Arrogant, but a great guy."

If his eyebrows hadn't been raised as high as they could have gone, they would have been after that statement. As it was, he stared at the young woman as if she had claimed to be the empress of Japan. "Hiko is a great guy?" he repeated in disbelief. Perhaps he heard wrong. Maybe it was time to get his hearing checked.

But Misao's head nodded confidently, her long plait bobbing with the motion. "Sure! I mean, you know, he's got that whole 'I'm-better-than-you' complex going on, but once you get past it, he's not so bad." She leaned forward, so close to Kenshin that he had to back away before they bumped noses. "Well, maybe he won't be so open with you. Cause, well, he still calls you 'baka deshi'."

Tamping down a surge of jealousy that Misao would be able to form a close bond with the man who had raised him but was still emotionally distant, Kenshin just sighed. "It's nice to know some things haven't changed," he murmured.

At his words, Misao twitched. "Um, yeah. Well, things do change, even here."

Her jerky motion sparked a warning that crawled down Kenshin's spine and his eyes narrowed. "What do you mean by that?"

"You touch me again, Rooster-head, and I'll sever that body part with a dull scalpel and let you bleed to death!" Voices floated down the corridor, echoing towards them. The cultured, feminine voice was unmistakable (as was the nickname). It could be none other than Takani Megumi, Kaoru's best friend.

Now Kenshin knew he was hearing things. After all, Megumi should be back in the City, scolding Kaoru for one thing or another.

But then he heard Sano's voice in response, a little whiny and a little protesting. "Come on, Megitsune, I was just trying to be gentlemanly. It was your elbow for pete's sake! Not exactly a move to ravish you."

And then, just to prove he was not only hearing things but hallucinating as well, both Megumi and Sano appeared in the hall and moving the foyer where Kenshin had been standing, cornered by Misao. Megumi was storming towards them, her pretty face contorted into a deep scowl. Sanosuke was at her heels, desperately trying to convince her of his good intentions.

Both stopped when they saw Kenshin. He watched with vague interest as Megumi's eyes narrowed upon seeing him and Sano's eyes widened with panic. At any other time, he would have been amused by their different reactions. Now, he was confused and just a bit annoyed at being left in the dark.

"Um, Kenshin," Sano started, obviously trying to explain their presence when he was interrupted by Megumi stabbing a manicured finger in his direction.

"You! You're the one who started this whole mess in the first place and dragged us into it! I should be severing your head from your body!"

Although Kenshin didn't quite care to be threatened by anyone, he only honed in on one word. "Us" he repeated.

"Of course us! I'm sure Kaoru's in your fancy schmancy dojo right now, doing katas that are aimed for your imaginary head!"

"Kaoru's here?" He was beginning to sound like a parrot. And his traitorous heart started pounding with excitement.

Megumi braced her hands on her hips and glared at Kenshin. "Focus, Battousai. We're here in this house. We're not supposed to be here. You should be in prison while Kaoru tries to recover from finding out who you really are. And stop drooling, you perverted killer!"

Kenshin narrowed his eyes at Megumi, his body stilling, as if coiled to strike. Violet eyes flared to burnished gold, reflecting the fury he felt at her comment. He could put up with insults, having had years of practice from his master, but he would not allow anyone to infringe on his relationship with Kaoru. No one.

Well, it wasn't exactly a relationship, per se. After all, they had yet to spend any real time alone together. But Kenshin was more than willing to remedy that. It was only a matter of time.

Apparently, Misao recognized his change in mood because she backed away from him. Even Sano tensed, sensing the roiling emotions hidden beneath the thin veneer of his civilized front. He edged in front of Megumi just in case Kenshin attacked. "Uh, Megitsune, maybe we should go um … looking for the uh … thing."

Megumi spared Sano a glance. "Thing? What are you dithering about? What thing?" She turned her attention back to Battousai, intent on giving him a piece of her mind when she caught sight of his eyes and her own widened, apparently realizing the warning sign. She promptly shut her mouth.

"And I think I hear Jiya calling me. Gotta go, Himura!" Misao waved and dashed up the stairs without waiting for an answer, her braid dancing crazily behind her. Obviously, she had forgotten that she wasn't at home.

Kenshin glanced at her briefly but movement caught the corner of his eye. He looked back and saw Sano practically dragging Megumi away down the hall where they had come from. Far, far away from the angry Kenshin.

That was all right. He had to talk to a certain arrogant master of his anyway.

They met again face to face at the door from Hiko's study.

Kaoru had just exited the room and closed the door shut behind her. Actually, slammed was more like it. This was the third time in two days she had spoken with Hiko and he still refused to let her and Megumi leave. She was frustrated and just a little bit ticked off at the lack of control she had over her own life. Stay a prisoner here until someone said it was okay for her leave? Not likely!

So when she came face to face with a strangely familiar pair of molten gold eyes – eyes that had haunted her dreams for the past few days – she was already flustered. Their gazes clashed and Kaoru could only stare as his body, which had been vibrating with anger, smoothly shift until it was one of a seductive predator zoning in on its prey. The blazing aurulent orbs deepened on her and she froze under the penetrating stare.

Slowly, Kenshin smiled, the motion curving his lips upward into a look that was far more deadly to her heart than his glare ever would be. "So we meet again," he drawled, casually leaning against the wall. With the move, it would be impossible to brush past him without touching his arm in the narrow corridor. And Kaoru wasn't certain she could handle physical contact at the moment.

She tried to swallow but nothing was going down. Her throat had gone entirely dry and speaking was out of the question.

Smirking at her deer-in-the-headlight look, Kenshin took the moment to look her over, making sure nothing had happened to her. There had to be a reason why Kaoru was here, and it most likely had to do with her safety. Finally satisfied that she was unharmed, he brought his gaze back to her eyes. "You look well."

The unexpected comment shook Kaoru from her stupor enough to finally formulate a coherent, if not wry, response. "Sure, for someone who's had nightmares for the past few days."

Unexpectedly, Kenshin's shoulders hunched, as if flinching from her words. "I suppose so," he said in a low voice.

She stared at him in surprise. It wasn't quite the reaction she was expecting from him. But then again, she wasn't sure exactly how he was supposed to react. Heck, she didn't even know how she was supposed to react!

Well, this was awkward. What did one say to the man who, despite his ugly profession, had kissed her to near senselessness and made her like it? Somehow, blurting out, 'Take me, I'm yours' seemed rather inappropriate. Nor did whacking him on the head for dragging her in this mess seem like a good option, either.

So Kaoru figured she had one avenue left: run. And she did.


AN: Please pardon the extremely long delay in updating. I had trouble writing this chapter from the very beginning and had to leave it untouched for a while. Then I decided to take a summer class (which was a big mistake) and my time has suddenly been extremely limited. However, classes will be over soon and the updates should be more regular.

Again, much thanks to my beta Laegdin for working so hard on such a poorly written chapter. This is still partially unedited so I'll go back and change things once I have the time. In the meantime, please forgive this extremely cruddy section of the story. I'm not really happy with it but I figure I should put something up. The next chapter will be much better, I promise!

P.S. Happy birthday to Bokken of Doom:)

Next Chapter: Kaoru and Kenshin finally have a chance to talk things through (sorta)!