Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ A Walk in the Sunlight ❯ Casualty of War ( Chapter 12 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Disclaimer - Sadly, I don't own Rurouni Kenshin. It is the sole property of Nobuhiro Watsuki and the many companies who have purchased the rights.

Happy New Year everyone!!

Please forgive the extreme lateness of this chapter. There were many reasons why it took me so long to get this finished but the main one would have to be the fact that I couldn't bring myself to write this during the Christmas holiday nor did I wish to post it. I'm sure you'll understand why once you've read it. Anyway, I hope you will find it was worth the wait.

Chapter 12 - Casualty of War

Kenshin sighed as his eyes came to rest on the two houses sitting quietly across the road from where he stood within the copse of trees; the bright morning sunshine illuminating the last thing Iizuka's dog must have seen. After two hours of following the blood trail this was where it led him; to this small wooded area directly in front of his and Kaoru's houses.

Scowling, he did his best to ignore the feeling that this was no mistake and glanced down at what remained of Iizuka's second dog. At least the changeling hadn't made it back to his master but in the end it really wouldn't matter, not with the blood trail leading here. And it wasn't even a single trail, it was almost as if the changeling had deliberately wandered the area for five miles in every direction to make sure that there was no doubt where his prey lived. All Iizuka needed to do was follow the cookie crumbs left and he would be within striking distance... of both of them.

Sickened by the prospect, Kenshin clenched his fist and fought the urge to drive it into the trunk of the tree shading him. So it had started, and Iizuka had no intention of bringing the fight to him. No, he would do as he had all those years ago and go for his weakness instead, which meant he somehow already knew about Kaoru.

Taking a deep breath to calm himself, he jammed his hands into his pockets and headed for home. Maybe it was time to tell her what he was, confess to her that in his selfish need to make himself feel whole again he had inadvertently dragged her into a war that she had absolutely nothing to do with.

Resisting the urge to snort at himself, he took the steps up the porch two at a time and headed into the house. Who was he kidding, it had been no accident. He'd known even before he'd lain eyes on Kaoru that someone was coming; that he would only have a matter of months before whoever was hunting him found him, but that still hadn't stopped him from pursuing her.

And to be honest he didn't regret it in the least.

Kicking off his shoes, he swung the door closed behind him as a tiny smile whispered across his lips. No he didn't, he cherished every moment she gave him, and nothing would change that. And because of that very reason he wouldn't tell her the truth unless it was a life and death situation. He wouldn't risk losing her, not yet. All he could do now was watch and wait for Iizuka to make his move and make sure he was fast enough to stop anything the snake might try to do to Kaoru.

"So, did you find anything?"

Glancing at the spiky-haired vampire lounging in the darkened livingroom Kenshin shook his head, "Not really. You were right, Iizuka has gotten smart."

Wandering into the room, he dropped down onto the sofa across from Sano, sagging bonelessly into the cushiony softness. "He must have ordered the changelings last night to leave something he could trace if they found themselves outmatched... and the last dog did. The blood trail circles the area directly around both mine and Kaoru's houses."

Sano's eyes flew wide as he sat bolt upright. "Are you kidding me!?"

Kenshin gave him a sardonic smirk and shook his head, "I wish I was. I expect Iizuka to show himself tonight so I need you to be ready to take care of Kaoru." Rubbing a hand wearily across his face he whispered, "I don't think he's going to come after me. At least not yet..."

Sano quirked an eyebrow confused and then slowly understanding dawned on his features and he growled, "Are you telling me...?"

"Yes..." Kenshin said to his unvoiced question. "...I think he intends to go after Kaoru instead."

Sano scowled viciously. "Figures. He's always been a spineless little bastard. But then why would he go to the trouble of killing Katsura if all he wanted to do was kill an innocent woman?"

Kenshin snorted softly, "If I knew that then I'd be ahead of the game. The only reason I can think of is that it's his way of trying to come at me on common ground." When a confused look settled on Sano's face again, he elaborated, "With the blood of an Elder coursing through his dirty veins, Iizuka now has the ability to walk beneath the sun's rays for a couple of hours before he has to seek shelter for the same amount of time."

The silent 'oh' that spilled from Sano's lips made him smile and he pushed off the sofa, "I have to get ready to meet Dr. Genzai. Do me a favor and stay alert while I'm gone, just in case."

Sano nodded his assent. "No problem. Between me and her dog, jou-chan should be safe until you get back although I don't know how much help I can be from in here."

Kenshin shrugged, not really concerned. "It shouldn't matter. I don't think Iizuka will come out in the daylight yet anyway."

Sano sagged back into the chair. "If you say so, but I suggest you don't take too long."

Kenshin gave him a small nod in understanding and did his best to ignore the tiny twinge of doubt swimming in his chest as he headed to his room to change. It would be all right, wouldn't it?

Kaoru sighed as the ending credits flashed onto the screen and started flipping through the channels again in an effort to find something that would calm her restless mind. Eleven o'clock in the morning and there was absolutely nothing on that would put her to sleep. Nothing. You'd think the documentary on the migrating paths of a bird she'd never even heard of would've knocked her out cold but sadly she'd had no such luck. It didn't help that she wasn't the least bit tired either.

Snorting softly, she shook her head, of course she wasn't tired. Why would she be when she'd spent the better part of the night snuggled up against Kenshin... fast asleep.

A light blush pinked her cheeks at the memory. She had never, in all of her life, been as embarrassed as she had when she'd awoken in his lap this morning. But she had to admit she'd never felt as safe as she had last night with him right there beside her either. Which had most likely led to her literally passing out on him about halfway through the movie they'd sat down to watch.

Rolling her eyes, she felt her cheeks heat up even more and she shook her head. It was a wonder the man wanted to spend any time with her. First, she cuts their time short because of her fears and then last night she falls asleep on him instead. At this rate he might start thinking that she really didn't want to be with him.

And yet...

A small shy smile touched her lips at the memory of the heartwarming smile he'd given her when she'd awoken this morning. She had to admit that it was nice to wake up and find him smiling at her like that, not to mention the delicious breakfast he'd fixed for her before he'd headed home. And he'd assured her over and over that he hadn't minded watching over her as she slept but that still didn't make it all right or lessen her guilt. Tonight she'd have to make it up to him somehow. Well that's if she could manage to get to sleep soon and at this rate it wasn't looking too promising.

Exhaling softly, she fought the urge to roll her eyes again and absently flipped through a couple of more channels. When all she found were talk shows and the news she finally gave up and hit the off button. Tossing the remote on the sofa, she sagged heavily into the cushion and stared at the ceiling willing herself to be tired. There had to be some way to wear herself out enough to get to sleep because she'd much rather spend tonight awake if at all possible.

A barely audible grumble caught her attention and she glanced at Sampson who stood staring at her with an all too familiar look. "You want to go out, don't you?"

Sampson barked his agreement and Kaoru smiled as she pushed off the sofa and headed for the back door. Grabbing her sunglasses from the kitchen counter as she passed, she unhooked the lead from the hook and snapped it on Sampson before she hid herself behind the door and pulled it open. Thankfully the sun was still on the other side of the house or she'd need the whole regalia to brave the door.

Sampson wasted no time snaking his way out the door. Closing it soundly behind him, she leaned against the hard wood and sighed. Maybe she should go practice for a little while, maybe that would do the job. She honestly didn't think it very likely since she couldn't do the full routine but maybe it would be enough.

Shoving off the door, she headed for her room. It didn't matter, she had to try something and unfortunately that was the only thing she could do in the house. Biting back another sigh, she wandered into her room and pulled open the drawer holding her folded hakama and gi. She hesitated, weighing her need to change. Really she didn't need to, she didn't expect to be practicing for very long so her shorts and tank top should be fine. With a shrug, she closed the drawer and simply grabbed her bokken from the wall then headed for the room on the other side of the house. Besides, it was a bit warmer in the house at this time of day thanks to the sun unmercifully beating down on the roof.

Working her feet out of her slippers, she stepped lightly into the middle of her makeshift dojo and took up her stance. Inhaling deeply she let the breath out slowly and started to move. It didn't take long for her to lose herself in the familiar motions and she smiled as a sense of peace flowed through her veins, even if this didn't work it would still be well worth the effort.

Kenshin hastily tucked in his shirt and gave himself the once over in the mirror before heading back out into the livingroom, "I'll be back as soon as I can."

Sano glanced up as he came in and nodded. "I'll keep an ear open but I can't do anything if he comes and the thing is... he knows that too. He might decide to use that fact to his advantage."

Kenshin frowned at the obvious truth and then sighed, "I don't think he will. He doesn't know what I'm doing, which should keep him off balance. He won't be at full strength during the day so he'll likely wait until nightfall."

Sano's mouth quirked into a disbelieving smirk that Kenshin chose to ignore. "I have no choice. I have to go to this meeting, so keep watch and should anything happen please take the risk." Grabbing Sano's cloak he tossed it at the spiky-haired vampire. "I know you only have a few seconds even with that on at this time of day but don't let anything happen to Kaoru."

The smirk dropped from Sano's lips and his old friend gave him an uncharacteristic solemn nod. "On my life, I won't let her die."

Surprised, yet greatly relieved by the pledge, Kenshin gave him a small nod in return and headed for the door. Stepping out onto porch, he headed down the steps into the bright morning sunshine and cast a quick glance to the quiet house beside his. A grin whispered across his lips when he spied Sampson sunbathing in the backyard. At least she had more than Sano to watch over her. Sampson would be keeping watch too. She'd be safe until he got back.

And yet, even though he knew they were both here watching, the knowledge did nothing to alleviate the slight twinge of doubt still tightening his chest. He'd have to do his best to keep this meeting short. Iizuka had always been unpredictable and he was sure that was one thing that hadn't changed over the years.

Casting one last glance at Kaoru's house, he gave himself a mental shake and took a deep breath to settle the knot still doing it's best to grow in his stomach. He'd have to make this quick. And with that last thought he shimmered and sped towards town, not noticing the glimmer of gold that twinkled in the sunlight beneath the small copse of trees across the road.

Two minutes later, Kenshin came to a stop in the shadow of a building a couple of doors down from the clinic and quickly shimmered back into form. Stepping out into the busy street, he made a beeline straight for the clinic door and tried to tamp down the feeling that he'd made a terrible mistake leaving Kaoru. He was tempted to turn around and go back home, but he knew if he did it would cause her more trouble than she deserved.

Resisting the urge to growl, he tried to shake off the feeling and headed into the deserted clinic. The chime tinkled above his head as the door opened then closed behind him and he scanned the seemingly empty office for some sign of his host. When all remained quiet, he wandered further in and settled down in one of the waiting room chairs. Maybe the good doctor had forgotten about their meeting. He almost hoped that was the case, he'd be home that much sooner if that was indeed the truth. His hopes were dashed though as the sound of a door opening and closing in the back of the clinic signaled his host's arrival, then moments later the white clad doctor shuffled into the room.

Ignoring the flinty, black stare the aged doctor fixed on him, Kenshin stood and bowed. "Good morning, Sensei. You wished to see me?"

Dr. Genzai snorted softly and motioned him further into the clinic. "I did not wish to see you, but it seems I have no choice."

Kenshin couldn't help the smirk that tilted up the corner of his mouth as he made his way to the chair Dr. Genzai had motioned to. So the old man did have some fire left in him. Taking a seat, Kenshin prudently kept his mouth shut and waited for the good doctor to say what was on his mind. He didn't have to wait long, moments later he found himself once again under the intense scrutiny of Kaoru's adopted guardian.

"What are your intentions with Kaoru, Himura-san?" Dr. Genzai asked in a steely voice.

Kenshin simply smiled and settled back, "Nothing else but to love her, as she should be."

Dr. Genzai snorted again and shook his head. "Why, Kaoru? She already has so little time left. Why do you want to take that away from her?"

Kenshin's eyes narrowed in irritation; did the man not hear him? He had no intention of hurting Kaoru in any way. Taking a deep breath in an effort to keep his temper he decided to clarify, "I have no intention of feeding off of her if that's what you think... nor changing her."

Dr. Genzai peered at him through narrowed, disbelieving eyes. "Then what do you want with her? She said you told her not to give up. Why?"

Kenshin sighed and shook his head, "I don't know. I thought maybe... somehow... I could help. But in the end it seems I can't."

A slightly pained expression flickered across Dr. Genzai's face as a thick silence settled between them. Confused, he waited patiently for the doctor to say something. Finally, Dr. Genzai whispered, "Why?"

Kenshin didn't miss the nearly indistinguishable hint of disappointment in the good doctor's voice. Surprised, he eyed the doctor and noticed, for the first time, the weariness etched deep into his heavily lined face. Exhaling softly, he gave Dr. Genzai a sad smile, "Because her dream is to someday be able to walk beneath the sun's rays without pain. I can arrange to give her what my kind call a life, but I won't because it will deny her the chance to have her dream come true. If I can't give her the sun then I have to let her die and leave the rest in her god's hands."

He was surprised to see Dr. Genzai's eyes harden into chips of black granite again before the aged doctor stood and wandered over to the window facing the building beside the clinic. "Then she will die in vain. There is no second chance."

Startled by the clipped reply, Kenshin just stared at the angry doctor through narrowed eyes. Irritated himself by the doctor's lack of faith, Kenshin did his best to keep his voice level and said, "I would rather let her die in vain than condemn her to the life of an immortal killer with no chance of the sun. Wouldn't you?"

Kenshin watched as Dr. Genzai's anger instantly melted away and he shook his head but said nothing as he continued to stare out the sun filled window. Waiting patiently for the doctor to collect himself, Kenshin decided not to ask about the doctor's lack of faith. He didn't believe there really was a chance either but Kaoru did and he wouldn't take that away from her.

Several moments later, Dr. Genzai finally broke the silence. "Then how is it you can walk in the sunlight? You are one of them and yet you can move freely in the sun. Why?"

A weary sigh whispered from between Kenshin's lips and he rested heavily against the hard chair back. This was the one question he'd been expecting and yet dreading. "It's a long story..." he hedged in an effort to avoid the baring of his non-existent soul.

Dr. Genzai gave him a small knowing smile and moved from the window to settle back down into the chair across from him. "We have all afternoon. I have no other appointments today."

Kenshin bit back a sigh and simply stared at the aged doctor quietly in hopes that he would let him off. When all the good doctor did was eye him expectantly he exhaled softly and finally gave in.

"It happened over a hundred years ago all because I fell in love and trusted someone I should never have trusted." Rubbing his forehead he rose and started to pace. In all the years since it had happened he'd never put voice to the truth. Thankfully those who knew him already knew the story and up until now he hadn't let himself get close to anyone else. But he knew that wouldn't stop this man from demanding it and if the truth be told the doctor deserved at least a small explanation for why he would let Kaoru die. Why he had to let Kaoru die...

Fighting off the heavy weight settling on his shoulders, Kenshin tucked his hands into his pockets and leaned against the small examination table. Avoiding the steely black gaze fixed on him he took a deep breath and continued, "See, my mistake was falling in love with a human. Even worse was that she knew what we were and she didn't care, she still wanted to marry me. But one thing she wouldn't let me do was change her."

Glancing up, Kenshin finally met Dr. Genzai's eyes, "You have no idea what it's like to know that any day your wife could die simply for being human, leaving you to live out the rest of time alone." With a sigh, he dropped his eyes back to the floor missing the scowl that flickered across the doctor's face. "For ten years I begged her to let me change her but she refused and then one day she came to me and said she would let me change her if I could somehow find a way for her to still be able to live beneath the sun."

A small sardonic smirk tickled his lips and he shoved off the table to start pacing again. "I loved her more than I did myself, so when she finally agreed to be changed, I was willing to accept any help I could get. And thanks to my haste, I accepted help from someone I should have known better not to... which to this day has been my biggest mistake and greatest regret."

Shaking his head, he scowled as the old wound ripped open again. Steeling himself against the throb materializing in his chest, he continued to pace the small room. "This person told me of an old witch that lived high in the mountains of Romania that would be able to help me. And sadly, I believed him. I searched out the witch and she gave me something that she said would allow both myself and Tomoe, when I changed her, to walk freely beneath the sun's killing rays."

A humorless chuckle spilled from his lips and he sagged back into the chair he'd vacated earlier. "But what I didn't know was that what the old witch had given me was, in truth, supposed to kill me. And it almost did...." pausing, Kenshin passed a hand wearily over his face and decided to end this quickly, "In the end, it didn't kill me but it did make it possible for me to walk in the sunlight, so that is why I now can go where Kaoru and the rest of my kind can't." There, that was all the doctor had asked for, now he knew why. Hopefully it would be enough to appease the old man.

"I know this doesn't pertain to what I asked but... where is your wife?"

Kenshin sighed softly and leaned forward to rest his elbows on his knees. He should have known he wouldn't get off that easy. Clasping his hands, he stared blindly at the floor and whispered, "When I tried to change her, I killed her. My blood is now like none other in the world... it kills any who are infected with it." Slowly lifting his eyes, he smiled sadly at the stunned look painted on Dr. Genzai's face, "Now do you understand why I can't give Kaoru the one thing she wants above all else? I can't give her the sun all I can do is steal it away indefinitely, and I have no intention of doing that."

Dr. Genzai sighed and rested heavily against the chair back. "I have to admit, I was hoping you would somehow know a way to save her. But I guess that was just an empty hope of an old man who has already lost too much."

A sympathetic smile touched Kenshin's lips, "I do know a way, but it's no longer possible. Unfortunately the one who tried to kill me and succeeded in killing my wife also stole that one hope away." Casting a quick glance to the clock on the wall above Dr. Genzai's head, a sinking feeling settled into the pit of his stomach. Twelve thirty already. He had to go.

Quickly rising, he dropped a small bow, "If there is nothing else, I need to go, there is something else I need to do this afternoon."

A surprised look passed across Dr. Genzai face and he immediately rose, "Are you sure the way you know is no longer possible? Please, even if it's only a slim hope I would still like to look into it."

Kenshin gave him a sad smile and nodded, "Yes, I am absolutely sure. The one who could have helped is now dead."

A silent 'oh' fell from the doctor's lips as all hope fell from his face. Bowing again, Kenshin whispered, "I'm sorry."

Dr. Genzai smiled sadly and bowed before he headed for the door. "So am I."

Following behind, Kenshin felt the weight of the world settle onto his shoulders at the pronounced slump in the aged doctor's posture. And here was one more reason to draw out Iizuka's death. Tonight that little snake would finally answer for all the hurt he had caused... repeatedly. Doing his best to keep the feral grin teasing the corner of his lips from breaking free, Kenshin walked past the good doctor and rested his hand on the door handle, "I truly am sorry I cannot do anything to stop what's coming, but I do promise to keep her safe until her god decides to take her away."

Dr. Genzai inclined his head, "That's all I ask. And if by some chance you think of some way to save her please let me know."

Kenshin smiled, "I will."

The good doctor simply nodded and turned to head back into the clinic. Pushing the door open, Kenshin stepped out into the busy street without a backward glance and headed towards home. And in the end he finally managed to even win over the good doctor. A sardonic smirk whispered across his lips. But what was the point; there was so little time before they lost her anyway and then it wouldn't matter. Nothing would.

Scowling, he did his best shake off the weight on his shoulders and slowly snaked his way through the throng of people walking along the main road through town. Glancing down every alley he passed, he swore at finding all of them occupied. If this kept up he wouldn't be able to shimmer until he reached the edge of town. His scowl deepened and he picked up his pace. He had to get home and he had to do it now.

Kaoru sighed happily as she set her bokken down and sagged to the floor. Flinging her legs out in front of her, she leaned back on her arms and stared at the ceiling; ignoring the ever present tingling in her right hand. Well, that hadn't worked, if anything she felt more awake now than she had when she'd started. Figures. Leaning her weight on her good hand she brought her other one around to glance at her watch. Almost twelve thirty. She better figure something out soon or she would fall asleep on Kenshin again tonight.

A humorless smile played along her lips and she shook her head as she pushed off the floor. Well at least he didn't seem to mind, maybe they should wander around outside tonight. She'd have a better chance of staying awake that way, especially with the lack of sleep she would be starting the evening with. Snorting softly, she shook her head again. Pathetic.

Heading out into the livingroom, she set her bokken on the sofa and headed into the kitchen. Maybe a glass of warm milk would do the trick, it never had before but she was getting desperate now. Reaching for the fridge handle, she stopped suddenly when she noticed the lead gone from its hook inside the door. That's right, she hadn't heard anything out of Sampson since she'd put him outside.

Curious, she wandered to the kitchen window and gently pulled the curtain aside being careful not to disturb the UV shield. Her heart almost stopped when she didn't see her best friend in his usual spot in the back yard. Slowly searching the yard for some sign of him, she felt a lead weight settle into her stomach. Where was he? Swallowing nervously, she leaned as far as she could over the sink to see if she could see his lead and where it was headed. She nearly sighed when she saw the lead pulled tight against the porch, following its path she was surprised to see it leading around the side of the house.

Quickly dropping the curtain, she nearly ran to her makeshift dojo and hastily pulled the curtain back to see if Sampson was there. Tears of relief burned her eyes when she spied him standing at attention facing the thin line of trees on this side of the house. Laughing nervously, her head sagged against the window frame. Kami, that had scared her.

Her relief was short-lived though when she realized that Sampson, for some reason, hadn't moved an inch. It was almost as if he had found something he didn't like. Unnerved, she put her ear to the shield protected window and listened to see if she could hear anything out of him. She nearly jumped out of her skin when Sampson all of a sudden barked and started to growl menacingly. Swinging her attention back to her best friend, her heart plummeted to her feet as she watched Sampson haul viciously against the lead; his growl turning into an almost feral snarl. And then the unthinkable happened, Sampson broke the lead and immediately vanished into the trees.

A wave of ice crashed through Kaoru as her heart rushed back up into her throat. Without a thought for what she was about to do, she bolted for the front door and rushed out into the bright afternoon sunshine, running for all she was worth down the road towards Sampson's bark.

"Sampson! Come Back!!"

Ignoring the stones digging painfully into her bare feet, she flew down the road not feeling the burning fire starting to ignite along every inch of her exposed skin. Screaming his name again, she put on even more speed in an effort to close the distance. And then her heart stopped as Sampson's bark turned into a pain-filled howl, the sound cutting her to the very core of her being...

"SAMPSON!"

Sano fell to his knees as the sun finally took its toll and watched helplessly as Kaoru vanished from sight around the corner heading towards town. "I'm sorry Kenshin, I can't..."

Pushing to his feet, he did his best to ignore the fire ripping through his body and stumbled back to the relative safety of Kenshin's porch. There was only one thing he could do now. He only hoped that the small amount of blood he shared with Kenshin would be enough for the projection to reach him.

Calling on the blood Katsura had given him all those years ago, he started to quietly recite the age old incantation Hiko had recently taught him, forcing everything out of his heart and mind except for the desperate need to reach Kaoru. Closing his eyes, he almost smiled when a burning sensation that had nothing to do with his charred skin started to flood through his veins. It was going to work. Redoubling his efforts he pushed as much desperation as he could into the few seconds the projection would last.

Moments later the burning sensation vanished and he sagged bonelessly against the house with a smile. There, hopefully that would be enough and Kenshin would feel it because if not that would only leave Sampson to defend his mistress and he knew that wouldn't be nearly enough if it really was Iizuka.

And then, as if to prove him correct, a pain filled howl suddenly erupted into the quiet afternoon and Sano felt his heart constrict painfully as moments later Kaoru's ear piercing scream echoed into the instantly oppressive air...

Kenshin nearly sighed when he finally broke out of the heavy crowd and found a place to shimmer. Quickly ducking into the cover of a small stand of trees he was just about to shimmer and head home when all of a sudden a wave of unbridled desperation crashed into him, the sensation palpable enough to nearly knock him off his feet. Stunned, he locked his knees in an effort to remain standing and simply stared wide-eyed as the feeling ripped through him ruthlessly. And then as quickly as it had come it was gone.

Beyond confused, he stood rooted in place and tried with all of his might to figure what had just happened. And then his eyes flew wide as it hit him what Sano had done and without another thought he shimmered and shot towards home praying to every god he could think of that nothing had happened. But he knew, even as he flowed onto the lane leading home that it was a useless hope.

Putting on another burst of speed, he all of a sudden came to screeching halt when a pain filled canine howl exploded into the quiet afternoon. A wave of ice crashed through his veins when he realized just who it was that had howled and then his heart stopped when Kaoru's heart wrenching scream rang in his ears. Where?.... And then, as if in answer to his unspoken question, Kaoru suddenly came into view running for all she was worth towards him in the bright afternoon sunshine.

Kenshin's eyes flew wide as a block of lead instantly materialized in his gut. Kaoru, in the sun, with nothing on but a pair of shorts and a tank top. Without so much as another breath, Kenshin shot towards her closing the distance as fast as he could. Two heartbeats later, he crashed into her and swung her up into his arms. Another heart wrenching scream ripped from her throat as he raced down the road taking her away from what he knew was a lost cause. Holding her tight against his chest as she fought with every bit of strength she possessed, he closed the distance to his house in seconds.

"Sano!"

The black haired vampire snapped to attention and shot to his feet as Kenshin bounded up onto the porch and kicked open the door. Rushing into the relative safety of his house he made for the livingroom and set Kaoru down on the sofa. But no sooner had he let her go then she shot to her feet and tried to get past him.

"No!" He growled locking her shoulder in his hand. Forcing her to sit back down, he flinched as a hiss of pain exploded from her lips before she speared him with a glare and screamed, "Let me go! Something's happened to Sampson! I have to go get Sampson!" His chest constricted painfully as tears flowed down her cheeks and she tried to get up again. "I.. I have to go. H..he's hurt. I.. I have to.."

At a loss, Kenshin held her down and shook his head, "Kaoru, stop! You have to call the doctor."

Kaoru swung widened eyes to him and shook her head as if she had no idea what he was talking about. "No, I have to go get Sampson! He's hurt, damn it!" She growled, trying to get up again.

Kenshin bit back a growl of frustration and held her down. Grabbing her chin, he forced her to really look at him. "Kaoru, you've exposed yourself to the sun! You have to call Dr. Genzai right now!"

Kaoru simply stared at him as if he was insane and then her eyes widened again and he saw the pain finally register in her mind. A fresh bought of tears spilled from her eyes as it hit her just what had happened and what she'd done. "But... Sampson..."

Kenshin nearly sighed when she finally gave up the fight. Reaching for the phone, he held it out to her. "I'll go find him if you call the doctor."

Silent tears rolled unheeded down Kaoru's cheeks and she simply sat there quietly staring at him; the agony darkening her sapphire eyes almost more than he could bear. Using every last bit of willpower he had to keep from wrapping her in his arms, Kenshin waited patiently for her to take the phone. He almost smiled when she reached a shaking hand out and took it. Leaning down, he placed a gentle kiss on the top of her head for fear he might hurt her anywhere else then headed for the door.

Glancing to Sano, he whispered, "Make sure she calls. If she doesn't, do it yourself"

When the charred vampire nodded, Kenshin shot out the door and headed to where he'd found Kaoru to take up the trail. He knew it was too late but maybe, if he was lucky, Iizuka had hung around so they could finally finish this. Moments later he came to the spot where he'd intercepted Kaoru and quickly headed into the trees. It didn't take him long to pick up the nearly overwhelming stench of blood, mostly canine but mixed in with that was a scent he thought he would never smell again.

Confused, he quickly made his way deeper into the trees. He swore when he broke out into a wide open space and saw nothing but the bloody mess that had once been Kaoru's best friend. Feeling as if a knife had been driven into his gut he slowly made his way the last few feet to where Sampson lay still bleeding sluggishly from the wounds in his side and throat. Fisting his hand so tight that his fingernails drew blood, he dropped down onto the bloody ground beside Sampson as the sound of sirens sped by. Reaching out a shaking hand, he tested for a pulse even though he knew there was no hope. The knife in his gut twisted even deeper as he stood and prepared to lift the dog. If her exposure to the sun didn't kill her, this most definitely would.

Biting back the almost feral growl that burned the back of his throat, Kenshin leaned down to collect Sampson but stopped when he saw something glinting out of the corner of his eye. Curious, he straightened and made his way to another bloody spot a few yards away from where Sampson lay. His eyebrows knitted together as the scent he'd smelled earlier became more pronounced as he closed the distance to the blood stain. There was no way he could be smelling this, absolutely none and yet...

Kneeling down beside the small pool of blood, he inhaled deeply and shook his head. There was no way the person who had done this was Katsura. None. Katsura was dead. And yet, even though he knew that, the scent overwhelming his senses right now could be none other than his maker's. Beyond confused, he glanced around the area for some other clue and finally spied the gold chain that had been glinting in the sunlight laying half in and half out of the pool of blood.

Gently lifting the chain, his suspicions were proven correct when the intricately carved cross he somehow knew was attached came into view; the blood dripping from it mocking the sanctity of emblem. There was only one person in the vampire world he knew that had the audacity to wear this, openly mocking the stories told of them....

Iizuka

Anger like he hadn't felt in centuries flooded his veins and he wrapped his hand tight around the crucifix; the metal giving way beneath his ungodly strength, crumbling into dust. But how could that be? There was absolutely none of Iizuka's blood in the clearing. How could he have bled Katsura's blood?

And then it hit him like a fist in the gut, the truth stealing his breath away. It was just as Sano had said, Iizuka was no longer as he was before. He may be the same snake on the outside but he was no longer that man on the inside. At least not in the blood that kept his black heart beating.

A cautious hope started to burn deep in his heart and Kenshin tamped it down the best he could until he investigated further. There was no use getting his hopes up until he found out if that was even possible. Dropping the remains of the crucifix and chain back into the pool of blood he made his way back over to Sampson and collected him to his chest then headed for home. The sound of sirens sped by him again, heading back towards town as he made his way to the road and he tried to ignore the fist crushing his heart.

But in the end none of it would matter if Kaoru died and what Iizuka had done today had most likely brought her perilously close to the end. Even in his darkened livingroom he'd been able to see the angry red burns and blisters covering her exposed skin. All he could hope was that Dr. Genzai would be able to help her long enough for him to find out the truth.

And now I think you understand why I couldn't do this during the Christmas season.

Please review and let me know what you think.