The first hint that something was wrong came after school as Kenshin stood waiting for his friends. The four had agreed to meet at Kaoru's bike, to hang out since it was Friday and none of them wanted have anything to do with schoolwork. Kenshin glanced up at a near by clock, so far he was the only one who'd shown up. It was starting to get late; Hiko was going to be wondering where the teen was. Kenshin glanced over at Kaoru's bike noticing a piece of paper that had been stuck to it. He reached out a hand, pulled it free. He quickly unfolded it his eyes going wide. He heard the sound of approaching feet; he looked up to see Sano running towards him, waving a hand. "Sorry I'm late," Sano called out. He faltered at the worried look on Kenshin's face. "What's up?"
"You were wrong Sano, that you were," whispered Kenshin his hands tightening on the piece of paper. "The Oniwaban have miss Kaoru and Megumi."
"What!" cried Sano grabbing the note from Kenshin, scanning it over quickly. "T-this can't be real, it has to be a hoax, someone's idea of a practical joke." Even to his own ears he didn't sound convinced.
"This one does not believe that."
"What do we do then? It says here to go to Elk Park if we want to get them back, it's going to be a trap."
"Where is Elk Park?" Kenshin asked calmly.
"Whoa, hold on a moment, you're not actually thinking of going right now?"
"This one will not leave miss Kaoru and Megumi in their hands, that he won't." His hand tightened into fists. "He'll do everything in his power to save them."
"We have to think this through, I can't believe I just said that." Sano moaned smacking his forehead. "It's the girl's who are the ones good at thinking plans up."
Kenshin regarded Sano with a steely cold gaze. "Tell this one where Elk park is."
Sanosuke felt the hair on the back of his neck rise slightly. "I won't let you go alone Kenshin. I want to pay those bastards back as much as you do." He cracked his knuckles in anticipation.
"Sano… this one does not wish you to get-"
"What are you talking about Kenshin," snapped Sano. "They've got my friends and I'm not going to settle just sitting back and doing nothing. Beside Kenshin, what can you do by yourself, against them? If anything it should me worrying about you getting hurt." Kenshin didn't answer. "Come on it's this way." Sano took off out onto the sidewalk with Kenshin following easily behind. Kenshin kept an eye on where they were heading noticing it was the opposite way to Hiko's house.
He pulled his attention back to what they were going. "This one is grateful for this Sano." He said despite his earlier comment.
"No problem," Sano grinned. "If I don't help I'll never hear the end of it from Megumi. It's about time I got some credit in saving her butt." A tiny smile crept onto Kenshin's face as they raced along towards the park. They came to a stop just outside the entrance. Kenshin scanned the area; no one was around as far as he could see. A playground lay directly ahead of them with a few tall trees dotting the ground here and there. A thick cluster of pines stood farther back behind a set of swings. "How's your knee doing?" whispered Sano.
"Still sore."
"Right," he muttered taking the first step into the park. "Stick close we don't know where those dirty bastards are. They've probably set up traps, keep on your toes." Kenshin nodded silently as they cautiously made their way through the empty park, Kenshin's eyes darted back and forth for signs of life.
He suddenly came to a stop, close to the swings. Glancing over at his friend while his attention remained focused on a near by tree. "We're being watched," He murmured his lips barely moving. "Wait here." Before Sano could protest Kenshin had taken off like a shot towards the tree. He jumped up grabbing hold of a branch swung himself up into the leaves with ease; Sano stood there in astonishment. There was a shriek from the branches; a young girl with braided hair toppled out. She landed with a thud on the grass, moaning as she sat up rubbing her back. Kenshin landed gracefully on the ground beside her, hardly making a sound. Sano looked at Kenshin with amazement. "Where is miss Kaoru and Megumi?" Kenshin demanded of the girl.
She let out a huff crossing her arms. "I won't say." She answered grouchily.
Kenshin expression darkened. "Get up and show us where are friends are." He ordered giving no room to debate.
She swallowed nervously, not daring to meet his eyes. "R-right away," she stammered jumping to her feet. "They're being held in those pine trees." She began to walk towards it with Kenshin right on her heels. Sano shook his head with amazement at Kenshin's attitude; he quickly jogged after them. The three passed into the low hanging branches of the pines, the two boys struggling to keep up with her. She smiled mischievously as she prepared to spring away from the two.
"This one wouldn't do that miss," Kenshin whispered right beside her ear. She froze, turning with a shiver to look into his emotionless eyes that were watching her like a hawk.
"What's the hold up?" asked Sano from behind. All he saw was the girl suddenly turned around with a fearful look on her face.
"N-nothing," she stammered still looking at Kenshin. "Who is this guy?" She thought to herself as she began to lead them again. "Lord Aoshi was right about him. But he seemed to be such a weakling as I was spying on him this morning. Those eyes of his are as cold as Lord Aoshi's." She felt a chill run down her spine as Kenshin gaze bored into her. "We're here." She announced to them, stepping into the large clearing. She held a branch back for them, letting the two teens step cautiously into the clearing. Kenshin's eyes flickering quickly over the area, taking it in. It was a large round clearing created by four trees standing close together. The four trunks rose towards the heavens limbs meshing together to completely hide the sky. The inner sanctum of the trees was completely empty of people. "Now!" The girl thought releasing the branch she held. It snapped back, striking out at Kenshin and Sano. As soon as it left her hands she'd taken off, running across the clearing.
Kenshin had easily seen her trap, quickly ducking the branch before it hit him. He lunged forward, grabbing hold of her hand twisting it behind her back. A small squeak of pain escaping her. "No more games," growled Kenshin. "Where are our friends?" Sano came up beside Kenshin glaring at her with anger. She smiled back nervously. Sano was the only one who'd fallen for her trap, which clearly hadn't helped his mood. Kenshin glanced around the clearing noting that there were about a dozen people hidden in the trees.
"Come out and show yourself Aoshi Shinomori," Sanosuke yelled with great agitation. "That is if you've got the guts you filthy coward."
"Lord Aoshi is not a coward," The girl yelled, anger flashing in her eyes. "When I-"
"Quiet Misao," ordered an icy voice. They looked up to Aoshi appearing on the far side of the clearing. He was dressed in a white trench coat. His cold eyes regarded the young girl.
"Where are miss Kaoru and Megumi?" demanded Kenshin.
"Safe," Aoshi answered, then added. "For the time being." A low growl escaped Sano's throat. Aoshi turned his eyes on Sano. "You're Zanza, fighter for higher," his eyes drifted back to Kenshin. "An interesting pair."
"Where are they?" demanded Sano, hardly containing his temper.
"I told you," replied Aoshi. "They're safe for the time being and will stay that way as long as you cooperate with us."
"We won't do anything till we see our friends," snapped Sano. "You're word doesn't mean squat to me at the moment."
"To be expected from a lowly thug like you," Aoshi muttered dryly.
"Why you-" Sano shouted about to lose his temper.
"Sano," barked Kenshin, glaring at his friend. "This isn't the time to lose your head, that it is not." The two friends looked at each other before Sano took a deep breath backing down.
"Interesting a rooster taking orders from a carrot," commented Aoshi, as he snapped his fingers. Sano bared his teeth but said nothing, while Kenshin remained impassive. Branches from the pine tree above Aoshi rustled and were pulled back to reveal a platform. "Bring the raccoon girl out." He ordered to the empty air, a few seconds later Kaoru was pushed forwards onto the platform her hands tied behind her back. "I will return her in exchange for Misao."
"Where's Megumi!" yelled Sano.
Aoshi eye's narrowed with distaste. "She will be returned after your cooperation."
Sano opened his mouth to retort but Kenshin interrupted. "You already have our attention Aoshi, you do not need to hold Miss Kaoru or Megumi anymore."
"I don't believe that's the case here," Aoshi responded. "Release Misao, or will I have to us force?"
Kenshin eyes flickered to the trees; he was completely surrounded now. "Aoshi swear that you'll not harm miss Megumi and this one will let Misao go in exchange for miss Kaoru."
"Agreed," Aoshi answered. "Let the girl go." He ordered his men. Kaoru's bonds were cut and she quickly climbed down the tree into the clearing. She glanced at Aoshi nervously, giving him a berth as she hurried towards Kenshin. He'd released Misao who had immediately disappeared into the trees.
"Are you alright miss Kaoru?" he asked with a relieved look.
"I'm fine," she whispered.
"Do you know where Megumi is?" asked Sano hopefully.
Kaoru looked away. "No, they separated us, when they brought me here."
Sano slammed his fist into the palm of his hand, growling. "Will you now listen to what I have to say?" asked Aoshi in his usual expressionless tone.
"For now," replied Kenshin turning his violet eyes on the leader of the Oniwaban.
"Tell me, what is your name?"
"Kenshin." he answered simply.
"Strong name, one that's going to be hard to live up to." Aoshi paused for a moment studying the red head. "I've heard many interesting rumors lately, especially from my new friends the Juppongatanna." There was a flicker of anger in Kenshin's eyes, Aoshi was certain of it. "I'm interested to find out how true they are."
"What has that to do with this one?" asked Kenshin, his voice slightly tense.
"I believe that you already know the answer to that." Aoshi replied. Kenshin caught a flicker of movement in the corner of his eye. He leaped forwards as a large rock went whizzing past him.
"Sano get miss Kaoru out of here," he shouted, ducking as more rocks where thrown at him.
"If any of you try to leave I can't guarantee Megumi's safety," Aoshi told them in a cold voice.
"You liar," shouted Kaoru. "You swore you wouldn't hurt her!"
"And I won't," he answered. "I will be here the entire time. As long as I get the answers I'm looking for, the Oniwaban will not hurt her."
"That's dirty Aoshi," she snarled.
"I merrily agreed to the terms that Kenshin gave."
Kenshin gritted his teeth as he danced out of the way of more stones. His right knee blasting with pain from his quick movement. The rocks were coming from all directions forcing him away from his friends. His mind was racing trying to find a way out. An idea came to him which he quickly acted upon diving forward, towards Aoshi. Kenshin ignoring the pain that shot through his right shoulder as a large stone collided with it. His hand instinctively grabbed a branch off the ground near by, raising before him as he charged. He was a few meters away from Aoshi now. The violet eyed teen only had an instant to register the kodachi in Aoshi's hand before it was swung out at him. Kenshin jumped backwards, trying to avoid the weapon. He felt the blade slice into the skin of his left arm and a warm liquid start to spill from it. He paused a few feet away, eyes locked with Aoshi's. The red head didn't dare look at the stinging wound, or the blood flowing from it. "Kenshin!" cried Kaoru trying to run forward only to have Sano stop her. "Let go!" She yelled at him, trying to pull away from his grasp.
"You'll be only getting in the way Kaoru," retorted Sano.
"But Kenshin-" she began.
"I'd listen to him," informed Misao from a branch above them. "Lord Aoshi ordered us not to let anyone interfere with this."
"How can you do that?" shouted Kaoru. "Are you blind? That's a real sword he's using! Don't you understand that?"
"I can see why Lord Aoshi is so interested in that kid," mused Misao, ignoring Kaoru's comment. "Even though he's up against a real sword, just look at him." Kaoru turned slowly, fearful to see what was happening. The two opponents were circling one another looking for the right moment to strike.
"Is this all you've got Kenshin?" demanded Aoshi. "You're not even trying to come at me. I won't say where Megumi is till you've decided to fight for real." Kenshin hesitated glancing at Kaoru in the corner of his eye. Aoshi saw his chance lunging forwards. Kenshin jerked his attention back. Aoshi was coming straight at him. The kodachi raised point towards the red head. "Or would you prefer I have the fox killed now?" Aoshi baited trying to rail Kenshin.
The red head easily ducked the blow leaving Aoshi wide open. Kenshin came forward his face inches away from his opponent. "I will not allow you to harm them." He whispered in Aoshi's ear. Aoshi felt a tremor of panic go through him at he pulled away. Slashing his sword at Kenshin. The kodachi whistled through the air as Kenshin side stepped, striking out with his stick knocking Aoshi's feet out from under him. He tumbled to the ground. Kenshin pulled away, letting the space grow between them. "Where is miss Megumi, this is your last chance."
"I decline to say," retorted Aoshi trying to keep his voice even. He struggled to his feet glaring at his opponent his kodachi held tightly in his hand. Kenshin was silent as he bent his knees, not letting the pain he felt show on his face. He placed the stick at his side as though it was in a sheath.
Kaoru's breath caught. "That's an advanced sword stance."
Sano looked at her with surprise. "What do you mean?"
"That technique," she answered with amazement. "It requires both speed and accuracy. I'm not even close to perfecting it. It requires a balance of those skills, too fast and you lose accuracy, to slow and your opponent will be able to block it. If Kenshin's using that, then someone's trained him advanced sword skills."
Aoshi regarded his opponent closely, unsure of what to do. "Aoshi this is your final chance," Kenshin warned his hand tightening on the branch.
"You're a very interesting character Kenshin," complemented Aoshi. "I have no desire to detain you any longer." He backed way from the crimson haired teen. "Misao will show you where your friend is." Kenshin slowly rose to his feet backing away, his violet eyes still trained on Aoshi. The stick still held tightly in his right hand.
"How do we know you're telling the truth you snake?" shouted Sano advancing.
"Leave him be, Sano," warned Kenshin, placing a hand on his friend's shoulder. Misao had dropped out of the tree and was waiting beside Kaoru to lead them. Sano glowered once more as Aoshi, before allowing Kenshin to push him away.
"One more thing Kenshin," called Aoshi. The red head paused, not turning around. "Makoto sends his regards to you." Kenshin stiffened a shiver running up his arm into Sano's shoulder. Aoshi gave a small inward smirk, so it was true.
"Who?" asked Sano glancing to Kenshin for an answer, but his friend refused to meet Sanosuke's eyes.
"Let's get Megumi out of here," Kenshin whispered brushing passed his friend. "Misao please show us where she is." She nodded pushing her way into the branches followed by the small group.
Aoshi watched them go with emotionless eyes. "A very interesting character indeed." He muttered.
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Huza! Five reviews! 5 glorious reviews all for me! Call me full of myself, but I am. At the moment I sooo am. Ah well an author can have that from time to time, no point in letting recognition go to waste. Besides if an author goes to long without complements it definitely depresses them into thinking no one cares. And since we don't want that, KEEP THE REVIEWS COMING!
A wondrous thanks to midnite cherry blossomz for the two reviews! After waiting so patient the fourth chapter has been delivered!
Ugh, I really shouldn't have sugar before I write these things. The fifth chapter has been completed and is just waiting for me to stop being lazy and go over it again. I hope to get it up before the weekend is over but no promises. Last time I did with my other fic took me four months to kick my editor back into gear to finish going over the chapter. I don't want to repeat that ever again.
And on an endnote, wow… this is got to be one of the longest rants I've ever gone on. Once again thanks to all my readers till next time!