Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ Love and Vengeance ❯ Declaration of War ( Chapter 6 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Another update! Hope everyone enjoys it!

Chapter 6-Declaration of War

Word List:

chuden no kamae- sword held in the middle position

genden no kamae- sword in the lowered position, tip pointed down to the ground

mune- flat edge or back of blade

tsuki- thrust

tsuka- handle or hilt of the sword

Near the Kamiya Dojo

Yahiko vaulted up the steps that led to the entrance to the dojo, bursting through the door as he shouted, “Kenshin!” The boy slid off his zori, jumping onto the engawa as he ran up and down, searching each room, panicked when he couldn't find him. If he's not here, that means he must have left to find out what was going on in the city. His mind tried to reason out what to do next. Everyone was missing and possibly in trouble. And I saw the police station under attack from some strange mist and no officers on the streets. Whoever is behind this wanted them out of the way, but they couldn't do that to every station in Tokyo, could they? Resolve filled him then and the boy jumped down onto the stone step, sliding his sandals back on. Don't worry everyone, I'll get help! Yahiko ran down and along the path that led out into street, heading north towards the next closest police station.

Down a Tokyo street some distance East of the Maekawa Dojo

Kaoru chased after the man in black, relentless in her pursuit as she weaved through the fleeing crowd, her gaze focused solely on the retreating figure as he headed left down another street. Determination gave speed to her legs as she darted around a cart that blocked the flow of foot traffic, catching sight of a flash of black turning left once more and past a large building. She raced onward, dashing around the corner, coming to a complete stop, her senses on alert for any sign of ambush. The girl crept cautiously forward, holding her bokken in the chudun no kamae position. The pulse of her rapidly beating heart roared in her head as she tried to slow her breathing and focus on the environment around her. The alley felt dark and confining and a warning bell went off in Kaoru's mind. Something isn't right here.

She caught a flash of movement out of the corner of her eye, the tip of a blade thrusting straight towards her head and as she jumped back reflexively, pivoting to her right to face the figure that stepped out of the shadows. Kaoru's brow furrowed at the sight of a man, at least she thought it was a man, coming towards her with his blade lowering to the gendan no kamae postion. He had six strange spikes of metal sprouting out from the open section of his blue kimono and she kept her distance, trying to gauge his reach and strength as she asked, “ Who are you?”

“I am Hyouko Otowa,” The man replied, an excited look crossing his effeminate features. “And you must be Kaoru Kamiya, Battosai's woman.”

“Battosai?” Kaoru murmured, a troubled expression upon her face. Could this person be the one who posted that note on the gate? Is he working with the one who fled the scene at the dojo? “The Battosai you're looking for is dead.”

The assassin snorted. “Nice try, but we both know that's a lie,” Hyouko countered. “Battosai, Kenshin Himura, whatever you want to call him, is still alive and well.”

Kaoru kept a defensive stance, glaring at the stranger with narrowed eyes. “What do you want with Kenshin?”

Hyouko shifted the blade in his hand, grinning. “His head on a platter...”

Caution gave way to anger as Kaoru tightened the grip on her bokken. “I won't let you hurt him.”

Hyouko's grin widened. “Dear girl, I may not be able to hurt him right now... but I can hurt you!” He brought the blade up, thrusting his sword straight towards her heart, blinking in surprise as Kaoru shifted slightly to her right,lifting her bokken up, deflecting the blow, tilting the wooden sword down and over the mune of the blade, sliding forward along the dull length, countering with a quick tsuki to his chest, forcing Hyouko back.

The assassin felt the sting of the blow, reaching up with his left hand to rub the area of the strike. “Well now, that's going to leave a bruise...” He murmured then taunted out. “Not bad... for a girl...”

Kaoru glared at him, her pride screaming to knock the smug look off his face but her mind warned her to keep her distance and remember the teachings of the Kasshin Style. “I could say the same... about you...” She shot back, noting the lipstick and the nail polish he wore.

Hyouko glared daggers at the dojo instructor, his voice rising in irritation. “Very funny... Let's see how funny you find this!” He snarled, launching an all out assault, slashing his sword through the air like a madman.

South Tokyo just beyond the Maekawa Dojo

Kenshin kept running as his eyes darted about, frantically searching the area, worry marring his handsome features. Kaoru... where are you?! His mind cried, giving a start of surprise as his ears picked up the sound of a gun being fired. The familiar whistle of a bullet cutting through the air caused him to duck in reflex, chips of debris exploding over his head as the projectile slammed into the wall formation to his right. Another shot rang out and the rurouni sought cover, veering right and up a set of steps that led to higher ground, the path leading into an open section of street.

People raced along sidewalks, fear and panic on their faces as they fled from the smoke plumes and a strange purple mist that billowed out some distance ahead. Is that the police station? He wondered, frowning as his mind began to put the pieces of the puzzle together. Megumi's clinic was bombed, while Sano and Megumi were nearby. Maekawa Dojo was attacked, where Kaoru and Yahiko were supposed to be but are now missing. I have been drawn out due to the attacks and forced to choose who to save while the police have been immobilized , allowing whoever is behind this scheme to separate and attack us without opposition, causing chaos in the streets. Kenshin's features grew determined as he looked about for some sign of his betrothed. This one needs to find Kaoru... I need to know she is safe before I deal with anything else. I cannot and I will not let her be harmed!

Near Kenshin's position

Gein crept along the back alley, heading west, leaving Hyouko to deal with the dojo instructor. Now the only prey left to fall into the trap is the Battosai. The ninja thought as he exited out into the nearby street, the sound of gunfire erupting some distance behind him. So the hitokiri has reached Hyougo's position near the dojo has he? This is good. The plan is going along smoothly. Gein trotted through a break in the rock wall, clinging to the shadows of the building to his right, grinning as people ran past.

Sliding his mask up, the ninja peered around the corner, spying the red head walking down the street, head turning side to side, obviously searching for someone. You're looking for your woman, aren't you, Battosai? She's closer than you think... and too far for you to reach in time. Drawing out his gun, Gein watched, waiting for his chance to lure the former hitokiri into the game, grinning as the swordsman headed in his direction. That's it, just a little bit closer and I'll have you right where I want you. Sensing his moment, Gein stepped out from the building, moving to stand in the center of the street, raising his pistol as he shouted out, “Battosai!”

Kenshin's head snapped up at the sound of his former name, eyes widening at the sight of a figure in black standing about 6 meters ahead of him, gun aimed directly at his head. The man's mask rested atop his crown, exposing his features, revealing a very familiar face. “You....” The rurouni murmured, remembering their battle in the library several months ago. “You're the one that did all this?!”

Gein gave his answer, firing off a shot that ripped through the fabric of Kenshin's kimono, grazing the skin of his right shoulder.

Kenshin leaped to his left, taking shelter behind an abandoned cart, clutching his wound as he cautiously peered his head around the side, frowning at the sight of the ninja pocketing his pistol before he whirled around, running off. I know he wants me to follow him... right into a trap... but I have no choice... I must do this to find and save Kaoru. The swordsman jumped up, giving chase, the terrain shifting as they reached the edge of the city.

Buildings and streets gave way to brush and trees and Kenshin stopped, looking around, catching a flash of black and he tore off after it, stumbling as his foot tripped on something thin and sharp, wincing as it bit through his tabi sock and into the tender skin underneath. He looked down in confusion, snapping his head up as a bright flash exploded in his line of vision, the intensity making him blink, his arm going up in reflex to cover his eyes.

The flash died and the rurouni lowered his hand from his face, features troubled. I can't see anything... I've been blinded... just like...that day... long ago... Kenshin's brow furrowed as he heard the faint sound of bark being scraped, gasping at the sudden constriction around his throat as he felt his body lifted off the ground. He struggled, reaching up with his right hand to claw at the rope digging into his neck as he swung in the air. The red head felt the circulation to his brain being cut off, the pressure threatening to draw him into unconsciousness. If I don't do something, I will die like this!

He lowered his right hand down, wrapping his fingers around the tsuka of his sword, yanking it out of the scabbard, swinging upwards as hard as he could, the ha side of his reverse blade cutting straight through the rope and the rurouni dropped to the ground, landing with a thud. He coughed, tugging at the rope bound around his throat, ripping it up and over his head, tossing it violently aside, rubbing the bruised skin as he rose to his feet.

Laughter echoed in the forest and Kenshin stood still, voice hoarse as he shouted. “Bastard! Come out and face me!”

Gein's laughter, at Katsume's attack on the rurouni and the red head's subsequent reaction, died out, replaced with a softer tone. “I quite enjoy seeing you suffer like this, Battosai... Too bad your woman isn't here to witness it as well.”

At the mention of Kaoru, the red head's expression grew hard. “Where is Kaoru-dono?” When silence met Kenshin's ears, his anger reached the boiling point. “WHERE IS SHE?!”

“So concerned about the lovely Kaoru Kamiya are you? You must truly love her to walk so easily into my trap,” Gein taunted in reply, watching from a nearby tree top. He reached out quietly, grabbing hold of a series of wires. “But I wonder if she would still love you if she knew the truth of who and what you are,” The ninja paused, smirking as he added, “You certainly have a rather fatal track record when it comes to women, don't you... Battosai?”

Shock slammed into the rurouni's heart and mind, the color draining from his face, knowing exactly what the ninja was referring to. “How do you know about that?”

“I know a great deal about your past and the lives you took, Battosai,” Gein answered. “Retribution is coming. The question is, are you prepared to deal with the consequences of your actions?”

His heart sunk, panic welling inside as his thoughts turned to the one most precious to him. “Kaoru-dono... what did you do to her?”

“You'll find out very soon, Battosai.”

“You bastard! I've wasted enough time here with you!” Kenshin snarled, furious at his situation and the uncertainty of Kaoru's safety, the desire to find and save her uppermost in his thoughts and he started forward, trying to escape.

Gein sighed, yanking on the wires in his hands, the thin strips leaping off the ground as they were tightened.

Leaves exploded in the air around Kenshin who hissed in pain as he ran into something thin and razor sharp, the strips cutting through his kimono and hakama pants, digging into his flesh, still too blinded by the flash bomb to see what was in front of him.

“I wouldn't move if I were you, Battosai,” Gein murmured. “You're surrounded by a web of razor sharp wires. I have but to flick my wrist and I can cut you into ribbons.”

“What did you do to Kaoru-dono?” Kenshin growled, his voice and features more aggressive, hostile in his expressions as he glared up angrily in the direction of the voice that taunted him.

“Still harping about the lovely dojo instructor, I see,” Gein said with a sneer. “You should worry less about the health of your woman and more about yourself, Battosai.”

“The one who should be worried... is YOU!” Kenshin roared, flicking his wrist in an upward movement, his Sakabato slicing through the thin wires in one cut, allowing him to escape and he took off, stumbling about, still blinded as he tried to escape.

Gein was mildly surprised by the cutting of the wires, watching as the red head tore off and he smiled, dropping the wires as he jumped down, drawing out his pistol, firing wildly at the former hitokiri in an attempt to disorientate and startle the fleeing swordsman.

Kenshin ducked instinctively as gunfire erupted, the bullets whizzing past, bark and leaves exploding around him as the nearby trunks were struck. Still he ran on, his fear over the safety of the woman he loved strengthening his resolve to save her. I will find Kaoru... I won't let them hurt her... I won't!

In the Alleyway

Kaoru maintained her balance and her cool, ducking the initial attack, bringing her bokken up to parry, adjusting the angle so that her sword hit the side rather than the ha part of her opponent's blade. She studied the assassin, critiquing him as he swung in wide arcs and lazy arcs. He expends too much energy in these attacks, his movement and his footwork are sloppy. Kaoru parried another strike from above, crouching down, bringing the bokken up at a horizontal position, to push the attack up and away from her as she whirled around, slamming the wooden sword into the side of the man's right leg, causing him to cry out and stumble. Kaoru rose, shaking her head. You're no swordsman at all are you? “Give up while you still can. You're clearly no match for me when it comes to kenjutsu.”

Hyouko snorted, straightening his frame as he turned to her. “You're really quite good at swordplay... I'll give you that... but it won't save you from this!”

Kaoru watched as her opponent held out his left hand, touching the tattoo on his palm and the girl lifted her wooden sword to defend herself, her ears picking up a strange sound and she gasped as something suddenly struck her right shoulder, digging deep into her flesh. Reaching up with her left hand, Kaoru's fingertips brushed against something thin and cylindrical and her vision suddenly doubled. The dojo instructor's breathing became labored, features contorted into a look of agony as she fell to her knees trying to stifle the scream of pain welling in her throat as a searing heat burst through her veins, her pulse becoming thready, rendering her dizzy and she collapsed onto her side.

“Hurts doesn't?” Hyouko laughed as he peered down his nose at the girl. “It's called Baika Chuuzen... one of my favorite toys. It's a cross bow attached to my wrist, powered by the strongest spring in existence. I distract my opponent with this symbol on my palm, the strange sound causing confusion, giving me the second I need to fire it,” He lowered his arm, grinning. “I laced the tip of that arrow with a poison. It won't kill you, but it will render you dizzy and spike your body temperature, all the while reeking havoc on your blood and nervous system, making every second of pain feel like an eternity,” He sheathed his sword, smirking as he turned to walk away, glee on his features. “Now onto the Battosai.”

Kaoru lifted her head, her will giving her strength, even as her body screamed in protest. “Leave... Kenshin... alone... he's suffered enough... He... deserves a peaceful life...”

Hyouko snapped his head back in her direction. “He murdered my best friend! He hacked him to pieces! Battosai deserves nothing short of death!” He snarled, stalking over to her as he kicked out, forcing the arrow deeper into her shoulder, causing it to burst out the back and Kaoru screamed at the intensity of the pain.

A strange whistle erupted in the air and the assassin tilted his head back, studying the sky as a faint explosion of light met his gaze. The signal to retreat, huh? It must mean that Jinchuu is about to begin. “Well it seems you've been given a lucky reprieve, Kaoru Kamiya. We'll be meeting again... real soon...” Hyouko said with a smirk as he drew back and pivoted, disappearing from view as he exited the alleyway, leaving the dojo instructor alone.

Kaoru rolled onto her side then her stomach, trying to push up to a kneeling position, arms shaking from the effort, tears springing in her eyes as she fought off the heat and pain ravaging her body. I can't... let it end like this... I.. I have to warn Kenshin... I have to save him... before it's too late.. Through sheer force of will, the assistant master of the Kasshin Style rose, stumbling into the side of a nearby building, catching herself with her left hand, using it to support her as she slowly made her way towards the street.

Near Megumi's clinic

Sano and Banjin traded blows in rapid succession, both bloodied and bruised from the brutality of their prolonged fight. The street was empty of people, the nearby vendor stalls heavily damaged from their combined attacks. Banjin grabbed the street fighter by the head, bringing his knee up, smashing it under Sano's jaw then lifted him into the air, body slamming him into the ground. Sano collapsed into a bloody heap, spitting out blood as he rolled onto his side. Megumi watched in horror and fear, knowing that Sano was possibly severely injured. That blood.... is it from... the blow... or is he bleeding internally?

“Is that... all you've got?” Sano taunted as he rose to stand on wobbly legs, reaching up to wipe the blood off his mouth. “I know women who hit harder than you!”

Banjin growled, stalking towards him and Sanosuke put up his fists, giving him a “come on” gesture with his right hand.

Inui lunged at Sano who lashed out with his right fist, aiming for the darker man's head but Banjin blocked the attack, wrapping his arm around the brawler's, his free hand snaking out, clasping Sano's neck as he lifted him up and drove him into the ground.

The air exploded from Sanosuke's lungs from the force of the impact, choking on the blood that welled in his mouth as he fought for breath. He was disorientated and could only manage to feebly protect his face as Banjin began to kick him, over and over again.

Megumi shook with panic as she watched Sano being pummeled mercilessly. I have to do something or he'll be killed! She looked around for a weapon to strike Banjin, her eyes falling on a thick piece of wood and she rushed over, yanking it out of the rubble, returning to the fight, rearing the board back, swinging it forward with all the strength she could muster, slamming it into the back of Banjin's head.

Inui saw red in his line of vision, stumbling forward and he shook his head, clearing it, slowly turning around to find the doctor still holding the piece of wood. “So the doctor wants to play does she?” He growled, stalking towards her, blocking the board as the woman lashed out with it then yanked it from her hand. Banjin tossed it aside, smirking at the look of fear on the doctor's face.

Megumi backed away, her body screaming at her to flee but her mind remained defiant. I won't leave Sano, no matter what happens to me. She vowed, bracing for the blow as Inui brought his hand up, only to blink at the sight of Sano popping up behind her attacker.

“Got you now, you bastard!” Sano growled as he jumped onto Inui's back, wrapping his forearm around his enemy's neck, putting him into a headlock. He increased the pressure, eyes focused on Megumi, his fear at her safety visible on his features, his voice firm but nearly pleading as he shouted, “Run!”

Banjin clawed at the brawler's arm as the pressure increased, his vision darkening and he knew that if he didn't do something soon, he'd pass out and lose. In desperation, he crooked his arm, slamming his elbow into Sano's ribs, then stomped on the fighter's foot, shifting his hip, flipping the leaner man up and over his shoulder, sending him flying into the air.

Sano crashed into the debris, wincing as he rolled to a stop and pushed off the ground, rising back onto his feet.

A strange whistling sound carried on the wind and the street fighter looked around in confusion. What the hell is that? He wondered, tilting his head up into the sky as a faint burst of light was visible.

Banjin's features turned into a look of irritation. The signal already? I was just starting to enjoy this fight. He whirled around from the scene of battle, adjusting his duster as he began to walk away.

“Hey, where do you think you're going?!” Sano growled. “This fight isn't over yet!”

Banjin tossed a look over his shoulder, scowling at the brawler. “It is over for now... but don't worry... we'll finish this fight soon enough...” He said sharply as he stalked off.

Sano stumbled through the debris, chasing after him. “Get back here, you coward!” He snarled.

A gunshot rang out suddenly and Megumi jumped, gasping in shock as Sano was struck and went down, a scream erupting from her throat, “Sano!”

She rushed to his side, reaching to turn him over, her eyes focused on the blood slick along the right side of his head and she pushed the hair back, finding a groove mark along the skin and she let out a sigh of relief, knowing he'd been merely grazed by a rather large bullet. Thank Kami-sama you're alive, Sano. She thought, rising up as she raced back to the broken remnants of her clinic, digging through the debris as she tried to find anything salvageable to use, knowing that there would be others in need of medical assistance. I hope Kenshin and the others are safe and out of danger. She thought as she snatched a roll of gauze and some antiseptic and rushed back to the brawler's side.

South Tokyo, near Kaoru's position

Kenshin escaped the confines of the forest, light returning to his eyes as his zori hit the streets of Tokyo. Kaoru... Kaoru where are you?! His mind cried, terrified at the thought of losing the woman he loved. He raced onward, features etched in desperation as he peered about. Rounding a corner, his gaze fell on someone leaning heavily against the wall formation and his eyes widened in alarm, a gasp escaping his throat at the sight of blood and he rushed forward. “Kaoru-dono!”

Kaoru lifted her head, turning to look over her shoulder, relief filling her at seeing the wanderer alive. “Ken...shin....” She panted out, features dark with pain as she turned around, tried to move closer to him, letting out a strangled cry as her arm slipped from the wall and she fell down.

“Kaoru-dono!” Kenshin cried, closing the distance between them, dropping to his knees beside her. He reached out, pulling her to him gently, features ashen at the sight of a small, thin arrow tip protruding out her back. “Kaoru-dono, what happened?! Who did this to you?!”

“Someone... Someone called Hyouko... ” Kaoru groaned as she leaned against him. “ He shot me with a poisoned arrow.... Said... he wanted... to kill you....”

He gasped at the mention of poison, hugging her to him, fear welling in his heart and he reached up with his left hand, carefully gripping just past the tip, offering his strength to her as he whispered, “This one is going to remove the arrow, Kaoru-dono. It will hurt... but I will be quick...” In one fluid movement he yanked the smooth metal object through and out of the wound, his heart breaking as the girl buried her face in his neck to stifle her scream, body trembling as she clung to him.

He tossed the arrow to the side, trying to give her comfort as he held her, voice laced with pain and sorrow. “Kaoru-dono, I'm so sorry... This one... should have been there... I should have protected you...”

Kaoru tilted her head back to look up at the rurouni, the poison still wreaking havoc on her body as she croaked out, “I tried to stop him, Kenshin... I didn't want him to hurt you...”

“Kaoru-dono...” Kenshin murmured, looking down at her with concerned eyes. “Fighting... for me... to protect me... is brave... but... what if something happened to you?” His handsome features morphed into an anguished look. “If... If I lost you... I couldn't... bear it... I would... shatter... and die... my heart would die, Kaoru-dono...”

His words drew out her feelings for him, her own heart breaking at the sorrow and anguish in his voice. He's terrified of losing me. But, Kenshin... don't you know I'm scared of losing you, too? That's why... I had to fight to save you. She blinked slowly, trying to clear her vision, brow furrowed as she saw the purple line around the rurouni's neck and she reached out despite the pain that wracked her body, trailing her fingertips gently along the mark. “Kenshin... what... happened?”

Her touch was gentle and under different circumstances he would have enjoyed it. “It's not important right now, Kaoru-dono,” He replied, carefully rising, shifting to cradle her in his arms. “Right now, we need to get you to Megumi so she can tend to your injuries.”

Kaoru didn't protest when he scooped her into his arms, her body on fire and weakened by the poison. I will only slow him down if I try to walk. She reasoned, resting her head against his shoulder as the red head ran forward, moving as fast as his legs could carry them back towards their home. The streets were empty as the rurouni made his way towards the bridge, coming to a complete stop as his gaze fell on the lone figure that stood in the center, gawking in disbelief at the very familiar features of the white haired man before him, his mind traveling back to the past he'd tried so hard to atone for. No... It... It can't be!

“What's the matter, Battosai? Did you see my sister's ghost just now?” Enishi asked, smirking down at the smaller man. His gaze shifted over to the woman in the rurouni's arms, giving a start of surprise himself. The girl was about Tomoe's age... and just as beautiful. Nee-san... it wasn't supposed to be like this... I can't... I can't... He saw the girl stir, finding her brown eyes staring back at him in fatigued curiosity.

“Kenshin... who... is that?”

The bespectacled man composed himself at her question, covering his shock as he spoke. “I see the confusion on your face, Kaoru Kamiya,” He began, lifting his hand to rest it over his heart. “I am Enishi Yukishiro. Brother to a slain sister,” He paused, shifting his gaze over to the red head. “And brother-in-law to the one who murdered her.”

“Brother.... in law?” Kaoru whispered, turning her focus to Kenshin, her eyes blinking in incredulity. “You... You were married before?”

“Shocking isn't it?” Enishi replied, amused at the girl's confused and troubled expression. “All this time you've had a murderer living under your roof and you didn't know... but then why would you? After all, we both know Battosai likes to keep his secrets... secret.”

“Enishi....” Kenshin's voice was strained as he studied his brother-in-law. “You're the one that's really behind this, aren't you?”

The white haired man laughed softly, reaching up to push his glasses up the bridge of his nose. “I gave you all these subtle hints, Battosai, and you just now figure out it's me? I'm disappointed in you. These 11 years since the battle of Toba-Fushimi have made you soft and slow.”

Kenshin frowned. “You were at that battle?”

“Yes,” Enishi replied. “I wanted to kill you then and there, but of course it was not to be. Your side won and I no longer wished to live in a Japan created by those who were responsible for my sister's death. So I escaped to Shanghai.”

The rurouni's eyes widened. “Shanghai... that demon city?”

The taller man nodded. “Of course, living in that country meant I had to survive on the flesh of rotting corpses, drink from mud puddles, always sick, always pushed to the brink of death. Only one thing kept me alive...” Enishi paused, pointing at the smaller man. “The thought of revenge on the one who murdered my sister and destroyed my family!”

“Enishi,” Kenshin murmured, voice and features pleading. “I didn't murder your sister... It was an accident.”

The white haired man's eyes narrowed in contempt. “Accident? No, Battosai, I was there. I saw what you did. I saw your blade strike down my sister without mercy or remorse.”

Kaoru studied the two men in stunned silence, still trying to comprehend what was going on. Kenshin was married before. He lost his wife... killed his wife... and this Enishi... wants to kill Kenshin in return. But it was an accident... Kenshin said it was an accident.

The swordsman felt the shocked gaze of Kaoru on him and he wanted to explain himself but could not.... at least not at the moment. “Enishi... stop this... I don't want to hear anymore...”

“You will listen to this,” Enishi countered as he pulled out an ornately designed Colt .45 Calvary SAA revolver out from under his cape. “11 years of hell... 11 years in a foreign land that tried to kill me... 11 years to plan my revenge... 11 years until I returned to my home country... a country that carries no trace of my sister within it... 11 years of crawling and scrapping to the top of the Shanghai mafia and now I control an entire continent of illicit weapons manufacturing and smuggling,” He pointed the gun at Kenshin, grinning madly. “All so that I could stand before you, Battosai, and proclaim my Jinchuu on you.”

Kenshin tightened his hold on Kaoru, eyes widening as Enishi pulled the trigger, whirling around, shifting Kaoru in his arms to stand, shielding her body with his own as six rounds went off in rapid succession.

Kaoru gasped at how quick the rurouni moved, her cries of surprise muffled as he crushed her against him. “Kenshin?” The girl murmured looking up at him when he loosened his hold. He looked lost... confused... hurt... and angry... so many emotions rolling across his face all at once and she didn't know what to say or do to ease his suffering.

Kenshin shifted his attention to Kaoru, troubled at her flushed and drawn features. You are hurting, Kaoru... and I want to take that pain away... I want to heal you... but I can't even do that until I deal with Enishi. “Can you stand, Kaoru-dono?”

“I... I can try...” She admitted, willing herself to remain standing, though her legs protested violently

He gave her a small smile. “Good... please stay behind this one... I don't want you to be hurt anymore... that I don't..” Kenshin turned to face Enishi, his gaze hardening as his studied to the six bullet holes spread out in an arc on the ground near his feet. He felt Kaoru's hands gripping the back of his Kimono for added support and the red head wrapped his left hand around in a protective manner, keeping her close to him.

Enishi studied the pair in irritation. He truly loves this woman, doesn't he, nee-san? So much so, he was willing to die for her just then. A manic grin spread on his lips. Well... that makes my Jinchuu all the more perfect, doesn't?

“Enishi...” Kenshin began, keeping is voice soft and non-threatening. “What happened to you... what you witnessed.. and went through... It's perfectly natural to want to avenge your sister's death,” He paused, features becoming serious. “I have no problem with fighting you but you must leave everyone else alone. This vengeance you seek... should be on me and me alone.”

The white haired man blinked then laughed. “Fight you? I don't want to fight you, Battosai. If I fought you, I'd kill you and I can't have you dead... not yet... not until you experience a living hell equal to my suffering... My revenge will be on everyone you love.... everyone you know... the Japan that was created with your bloody hands... the country that continues on without my sister in it... that is a sin in and of itself... one I will not forgive... One that must be punished...”

Kenshin felt a sickness welling in his stomach at Enishi's proclamation. “No! You can't do that, Enishi!” He protested vehemently. “If you hurt all these innocent people, it won't be revenge, it'll be a slaughter. Even if Tomoe wanted revenge, she wouldn't have wanted this madness!”

His control snapped, rage shooting through his veins and Enishi lashed out, throwing the pistol full force at the smaller man, the revolver smashing into the rurouni's forehead just above his left eye, blood splattering outward as the skin was split open. “Don't you dare speak her name, Battosai! You have no idea what she wants or feels!” Enishi snarled.

Kaoru gasped at the violence of the man before them, fear bursting in her heart and on her features for the red head, tightening her grip on his Kimono in concern. “Kenshin!”

The rurouni glared up at Enishi, clenching his left eye shut as the blood trailed down in wide rivulets, pooling into the collar of his kimono, gently pushing the girl closer to his back, signaling to her he was alright.

Enishi grit his teeth so hard he bit the inside of his cheek, blood pooling out the side, madness in full bloom as he roared, “Say her name one more time, Battosai, and I will have 10 Rengoku ships,just like the one I sold Shishio, turn Tokyo into rubble and ash!”

Kenshin gasped at that revelation but said nothing, not wanting to provoke the man further.

Enishi gathered himself at the silence, spitting out the blood welling in his mouth, noting the red head's look of surprise. “You didn't know that, either, did you? I confess I'm glad you survived that encounter, Battosai.” He paused, looking up at the sky. “Still, my sister would hate the uproar such a display of violence would cause. So I chose five others for my army... five with grudges against you and your friends... You should be thankful, Battosai,” He reached up, sliding his glasses along the bridge of his nose. “Today is my declaration of war,” He paused, voice and tone more business like as he regained control of his emotions. My first plan... will not work... Not now... not after what I've seen today. “10 days... I will give you 10 days to prepare, Battosai... and then you will receive our Jinchuu at the place you now call home.” He pivoted around heading down the bridge, stopping as the rurouni shouted,

“Enishi, wait!” Kenshin kept his hold on Kaoru as he moved forward a bit, frightened at the thought of his former brother-in-law attacking the dojo. “Isn't there anything I can do to stop this madness? What do you want me to do? What will it take for me to atone for your sister's loss so that you leave everyone else alone?”

Enishi peered over his shoulder with open contempt. “You have to ask me that, Battosai after all I just said? These long years have truly made you slow in the head,” His features took on a primal look as he answered. “I want you to suffer... I want you to suffer a living hell... I want you broken and shattered... just as I was... long ago...” He continued onward, oblivious to the whistles and the pounding of over a 100 booted feet, knowing the police force from the center and other sections of Tokyo were fast approaching. Enishi saw his sister smiling at him then. Just a few days longer, nee-san. I know it's a long wait... but I have to prepare... as you know... what I wanted to do... must change a little. He hummed softly to himself as he disappeared into the midday sun.

Another chapter complete. Hope everyone enjoyed it as it was rather fun to write. Remembrence is set to begin and hopefully I don't disappoint too badly with it.