:: :: Non spoken conversation

Kokoro - Heart, Mind and Soul
Part 7
By Jade One

Time Frame: Day Four (The Third Day after Kaoru's kidnapping.)

Tokyo - Phoenix's New Base

"Hmmm. Doko?" the voice was fuzzy, soft, confused.

"Shhh, Kaoru," Inoue bent over the woman she had be entrusted to care for. The drugs which were administered had been changed. It was safer this way. The new one merely kept the woman relaxed and confused. She could not run but she was awake and could eat and with help take care of her bodies functions. And that was Inoue's task. She was to guard Kaoru against her captors but otherwise take care of her. It ripped her soul but she would please her master, she would please Niijima-sama, no matter what it took.

"Eer," Kaoru frowned, trying to focus her eyes. What happened? "Doko?"

"Shh, Kaoru-chan, shhh," a woman's voice came to her.

"Me... Megumi-san?"

"Hai, Kaoru-chan. Just rest now," Inoue slipped her arm around Kaoru, helping her to sit. "You have been sick, Kaoru. Let me treat you. Can you drink?"

Kaoru nodded slightly, weakly raising her hand to steady the drink that Megumi-san offered her. If she was sick, it explained why everything was so fuzzy, why she felt so weak. It didn't explain the noise. Both the clinic and dojo were normally quiet. It didn't make sense. She choked slightly on the drink. It wasn't water. Kaoru tried to push it away.

"Iie, Kaoru-chan. Don't," Megumi-san rebuked gently. "It will make you feel better."

Kaoru resumed drinking after Megumi's words filtered through to her. They explained why the water tasted so bitter. Medicine was always bitter.

"Rest now Kaoru-chan," Inoue said, removing the cup, feeling Kaoru begin to relax against her. "Rest Kaoru-chan, Kenshin is waiting for you to get better," she soothed gently, stroking her hand against Kaoru's forehead, brushing back her fringe.

Kaoru smiled, a vision of a red headed man, with a soft voice and the most beautiful purple eyes came to her. Kenshin. Anata. She feel asleep, feeling his arms around her, feeling his warmth. Kenshin.

"Sheesh, I'm bored! I am so sick of being holed up here," Oniji complained quietly to his neighbor. Before flicking his head up to check on their keepers. The woman was still in the corner, helping their 'captive' drink something. Bairei sat near the door. He wasn't being obvious about guarding them but he was effectively enforcing their employers will. They'd been confined for three days and they were bored.

"Shhh. Don't let them hear you! Do you wanna end up like Atsumichi?"

"No, no, no. I'm just bored. This so sucks!"

"We know, we know. There's no need to remind us about it all the time," one of his companions replied, rolling the dice.

"Huh. We can't go out anyway," Shiba stated.

"Whsy'ss thaaat?" Tsuneo asked, more than a little drunk

Shiba sighed. He was one of the few of them who could go out. He'd been out on reconnaissance earlier today. "Do you have any idea the number of people who are looking for her?" He jerked his head towards the corner.

"It's ridiculous," Yujiro added, sitting down and pouring himself some sake. "The Police, the Oniwa Banshu, for all they pretend not to have a presence in Tokyo, they're looking and those bastard Shadow Dagger's are looking for us."

"Those bastards!" a general chorus came from all round.

"Those bastards owe us! We covered for them during that Yukishiro fiasco," Oniji snapped, elaborating slightly on the feeling of injustice.

"I know, I know. But apparently they weren't happy that they got a visit from Zanza and someone else looking for her," Yujiro explained.

"But they're not the worst of them. The sword Police are looking for her too."

"They are not!"

"They are! I saw one of them anyway. He was tall, the bastard had the coldest yellow eyes I've ever seen and he was carrying a katana. He spoke to a couple of the others and they ran off, to do whatever he told them. If he wasn't sword police I don't know what he was. I'll wager my entire share of pay," Shiba lay down the bet, knowing he'd get no takers. His description was accurate enough.

"I know we're being paid, but this is crap. We can't go out because of one woman?" Oniji snarled. "Who the hell is she?"

"She is perfection but it is who she knows, who she controls that has determined that you are confined here," a silk smooth voice answered the question. It was not one they knew and although quiet, it was powerful enough to carry to all corners of the room, cutting through all conversation. Almost as one all heads turned toward the door at the speakers voice.

"Niijima-sama!" both Bairei and Inoue exclaimed, surprised, before they remembered themselves. They knelt and bowed as one. They had been expecting their Master today but not quite this early.

Our mysterious employer reveals himself, Oniji thought. But how the hell did he get into the room without anybody noticing? We do have watchers posted outside. How? Oniji examined the man. He had been siting, at ease but as he rose and waved his hand in acknowledgment of their keepers respects, his movements moved his manto revealing light armor worn over an intricately patterned shirt and blue hakama which were tucked into high boots. He wore a single sword. His manto was cream with a geometric pattern running along the edges. His hair fell in thick black locks to his shoulders and his eyes were green. He was a handsome man, tall and well proportioned but there was a coldness about him, something which brushed the edges of his awareness. Oniji shivered, suddenly cold. Something was indescribably evil about the man before him. Was the money worth it for such a man?

"I apologize for the necessity of killing two of your members but I am paying you to work for me and hurting her was something you were specifically told not to do. However, since the presence of this woman is causing you more problems than just that, I will remove her from here. Bairei." Niijima stood addressing his servants. His voice was rich and musical. It was incredibly pleasant but undeniably cold as he addressed them. He seemed to have utter confidence in himself.

Bairei moved from Akihisa's side, threading his way through the gathered Phoenix's to the corner where Inoue and Kaoru were. He gently knelt and picked up the woman. Kaoru, Oniji knew her name was now. She squirmed a bit, cuddling into his embrace with a murmur for the man named 'Kenshin.' Kenshin, the man she had been calling for, for four days. No doubt, the other man who had visited the Shadow Dagger's with Zanza. Who was he to inspire such love in a woman and what was she to him for him to be so ruthless in his attempts to find her. Oniji shivered. He didn't want to find out and soon, the Phoenix's and his role would be over. About time too. A small piece of dark silk fell from her sleeve, unnoticed by the rooms inhabitants. "Shhh, Kaoru-chan," Bairei soothed her as he turned back and walked to his masters side. Inoue followed, her presence drawing some dark looks but nothing more. Several of them had bandaged wounds, gifts from her daggers when they had attempted to subdue her, thinking she was asleep. Bairei continued passed his master, taking Kaoru outside. Inoue stopped before her master, accepting the small folder paper he handed to her.

::You have done well, Inoue. Leave this where the Battousai will find it.:: Akihisa's voice rang in her mind.

Inoue looked up at the sudden and unexpected praise as Akihisa bent forward placing a chaste kiss on her forehead, his hands warm on her skin. Her eyes opened wide, tears forming. "N... Niijima-sa... sama," she whispered, her voice quavering.

"You have done well Inoue, she is not distressed. Follow us to..." Niijima's eyes flashed around the room, as if noticing for the first time, the number of eyes and ears which were watching and hanging on his every word. His eyes darkened for an instant. ::Follow us to here.:: He sent the image directly to Inoue. The Phoenix's would never know where he went to unless he willed otherwise. ::But be sure to leave the message for the Battousai.::

Inoue moved aside as Niijima straightened and turned slightly to address the Phoenix's. "I will take the woman you have acquired for me. But since this particular task has been more problematic that expected," And has implications beyond your limited understanding, he added silently. "I will pay you a bonus as a storage fee, if you will, for housing her." With that Niijima turned and strode out the door left open by Bairei, leaving the Phoenix's to wonder about the man who owned their loyalty.

Once outside, Akihisa moved to Bairei's side, extending his focus and wrapping the three of them in the cover of anonymity. They weren't invisible, although Akihisa could ensure that if the need arose. No, they would be fully visible to everyone they would pass on their way back to Akihisa's Tokyo base, it was just that those people who saw them would be encouraged to forget them. They would see nothing but that which they expected to see and by morning the memory would be faded and there would be nothing left to find. He nodded to Bairei, careful not to look too closely at the woman, no matter how much he wanted to. Her power, the way she dazzled his senses was something he would feel again but here was not the place. Kouken had taught him of the importance of timing. Now was not the time. He settled instead for gently stroking her face, touching her for the first time and reassuring himself that such perfection as her was real. Yet even his brief caress brought a haze to his eyes. He smiled at Bairei, this was the woman he had sought for. She would sing for him, only for him. Her power would focus only for him, making him stronger and sustaining his vision. Joy flooded his soul. She would love him.

Inside none of the Phoenix's noticed Inoue stalking silently through the shadows, her eyes wet with unshed tears. But she placed the message for the Battousai as her master had instructed and left the Phoenix's to their diversions. Niijima had given her a part of what she wanted and that brief taste had left her wanting more. But he had only done so because she had not cause Kaoru distress because he cared for her more. A woman he had never met, a woman who would hate him for the truth. Iya! No matter how much it hurt she would continue to serve him. He would eventually see her in another light. He had briefly tonight, hadn't he?

Tokyo - Akihisa's Base

Akihisa sat quietly drinking his tea trying to calm himself. Euphoria was well and good but for the situation he was in, it was a feeling which could get him killed. No matter how much he wanted to, he deliberately steered his mind away from a certain blue eyed woman who awoke and touched every power he had ever possessed. He shook his head bemused. The brief glance at a distance before had only shown him part of the woman. She was so much more in person. He knew why the Hitokiri had stayed with her and no other. Iya! I have things which must be attended to now. I will have more than time enough later for thoughts of Kaoru-san...

"Bairei," he called quietly, aware that the young man was just outside the door, waiting for him to call.

"Hai, Niijima-sama," Bairei responded, sliding the door open and entering the room. He knelt and bowed before Akihisa.

"She is well?"

There was only one 'she' his master could be referring to. "Aa, Niijima-sama. She is well. Inoue looked after her while she was with the Phoenix's, although we did have to keep her drugged. Her will power is formidable. I put her to bed in the guest room. Tsuya is watching her," Bairei reported.

Akihisa smiled slightly. "Good," he sighed closing his eyes and feeling for an instant the glow which was her being. "I will start later tonight. I expect to be ready for the exchange in a few days. The Second Companion requires the finishing touches which I could not complete without her," he opened his emerald eyes, looking straight at Bairei. "Have you seen your old man lately?" Niijima spat the question, changing the topic and tone of conversation completely.

"Oyaji?" Bairei questioned surprise. You are a better father than he ever was. "Iya. I haven't seen him for about six months but I have been sending Oyaji and Kaachan money each month as you suggested, Niijima-sama," Bairei said thoughtfully. "I did receive a letter from Kaachan about a week ago though. She didn't say anything out of the ordinary though." I haven't done anything wrong, have I?

Akihisa nodded at Bairei's response and feeling his distress reassured him, "No, you haven't done anything wrong," he smiled slightly at the boy. Bairei was so contained that even Akihisa forgot at times that he was only sixteen and had very little experience of life. "Continue to send them money, since that is why you left, however I have to plan for contingencies so you may be seeing your family soon."

Bairei's eyes widened. The implications of his masters words becoming clear. "He hasn't..?" he blurted, outraged before flushing and hastily reassuring Niijima, "Gomennasai. It is not my position to question your plans, Niijima-sama. Forgive me." He bowed.

"Iya," Niijima shook his head, smiling fondly at him. "I would imagine the news is somewhat disturbing," he added delicately. "I informed you to warn you. This is a difficult operation and until I hold all techniques I do not want surprises," Niijima finished firmly.

"Arigatou for the warning, Niijima-sama." Master. The though carried the inflection of love. ::I will continue to serve only you,:: he projected the thought.

"Aa, Bairei, you were chosen thus," Akihisa responded. "Stay," he commanded, as Bairei made to leave. "I will deal with the Phoenix's now."

Bairei smiled, nodding. He shifted his position slightly as his master called for Hasekura. While he was not as good as Niijima-sama with the skills of Kouken, he too, had felt her arrive.

Inoue entered the room silently, taking deliberate care to be as graceful and smooth as possible. She kept her steps small and her eyes cast down. Although she had just arrived she had carefully repined her hair, making sure that there were no errant strands. She had washed her earlier tears away and with a little careful retying of her kimono had revealed her smooth white shoulders and a generous amount of cleavage. Her husband had never seen her thus and never would. There was no love there. She was a picture of beauty and control. She knelt before Akihisa, bowing low, deliberately hiding her thoughts. She felt his eyes on her and her heart rose. His gaze was appreciative.

"Inoue," Akihisa sighed, his eyes examining her form. She was a beautiful woman but to him, her mind was dead. She had nothing, not even a whisper of gift above that which he had granted her. He could not stay with her, not with one who couldn't share his mind. She could never hold his attention beyond a passing interest. Kamiya Kaoru-san was the one. Her very being awakened him and challenged his power. She was vitally alive and could share the power he wielded once he showed her how. She was the one he could live with, who could hold his attention. She would be the one to sing for him, her power focused only for him, amplifying his own, supporting him. But Inoue's affection ensured her loyalty despite the bonds he had placed and it was so easy to see and use, no matter how well she thought she hid her feelings.

Inoue smiled slightly, hearing the admiration in his voice. "Hai, Niijima-sama," her voice was soft, inviting.

"I think it was time you were a dutiful ninja," he instructed.

"Aa."

"If they haven't already revealed themselves, I believe it is time for you to report that you have found the Tanto Phoenix's base but that you are unsure whether Kamiya Kaoru-san is there. If you can, accompany the Battousai and the Police on their raid. If not, follow them anyway, I want to know the Battousai's reactions," Akihisa sat back with a smile. ::You continue to serve me well, Inoue. You were right to chose me over the Oniwa Banshu and you will be rewarded for that choice.:: He felt a warmth suffice her and the feelings of triumph. She was so easy to manipulate.

"Hai, Niijima-sama. I will most likely be returning tonight." Inoue bowed again before rising and quietly leaving.

"Naive, isn't she, Niijima-sama?" Bairei observed quietly.

"Aa, but she has proven useful. I will not discard her just yet. Her passions are easily manipulated and she does hold a position of some importance within the Oniwa Banshu. I know my Sensei, the Oniwa Banshu have made themselves too obvious for him not to at least contact. It will be useful to have someone on the inside," Niijima explained to Bairei, tacitly agreeing with him.

"Aa, Shishou." Bairei bowed and rose, sensing his master wished now to be alone.

Akihisa closed his eyes, slipping into a meditation. He felt Tokyo around him. He sighed, the city was so noisy, so busy, so powerful but it contained nothing as beautiful as the presence he felt closer, asleep but still glimmering white blue with power which at this distance eclipsed those points of focus he could feel. He identified them one by one, starting with those which were the most intense, even from this distance, who could impact upon his plans. Hitokiri Battousai. Mibu's Wolf. Bairei. Sagara Sanosuke. Another? Ah, one of the local Oniwa Banshu. I will have to ask Inoue about that one. There were others but they were minor. None of them though, had her presence. Her power was great enough to make him lose his centre but he knew her now. In the few minutes he had spent with her, watching her sleep he had learnt how to let her presence envelope him without consuming him. Akihisa remembered the feeling. The joy that was agony, knowing she was the only one and the touch of the world as his focus had been expanded. Perfection, in form and in thought. Owned. He smiled at the thought. But not for long. Soon her song will be only for me and she shall live only for me.

He sighed, sinking deeper into his meditation, focusing himself on the task before him, summoning his skills. Once this last task was accomplished he could go forth to claim Hiten Mitsurugi. Once the Battousai gives up is technique Murakami Seir will not be able to resist. I will hold all three!

Elsewhere - Akihisa's other Base.

Seir lay in the gap between houses, unmoving, quiet, avoiding the search he could feel and hear. Getting out of the house had been easier than he had thought it would be. He soon learned why. The entire village was loyal to his captor, amazingly so and everyone from young children to the gaffers were looking for him. He could have sworn that the swaddled baby was looking for him too, when it squawked, just as he was creeping by several armed men. He had gotten out of that only by leaping to the roof. Not a feat he managed easily but desperation lent him strength.

He was waiting now, at the outskirts for night to fall. When there was full darkness he would make a run for the forest and then continue on to Tokyo, if he was not too late. But this waiting, it gave him time to consider why couldn't Niijima take Tamashii Hitokken Ryuu. Akihisa was obviously a Kouken Sokuuchi Ryuu master and they could absorb techniques, any technique. But the ultimate techniques had to be taken in a certain way or not at all. He certainly knows the correct method. Tamashii is the ultimate. Seir reviewed the facts. Then why couldn't he, unless... He frowned at the thought. Masaka! My master and I would know if that had happened. We have been watching the others. No one's technique is even close to out level of skill. Shikashi... The thought remained. He shook his head and then silently cursed himself for the movement, projecting as best he could calming thoughts. There is no one here! There is no one here! He continued waiting, and although the sun was setting, night seemed a long way off.

Tokyo - Phoenix's Base

Dusk was gathering but even though the streets would usually be filled with people hurrying home, in this part of Tokyo they were strangely quiet. The reason was obvious to those few people who had ventured out. The number of uniforms on the street far outnumbered them and were slowly congregating on one particular building.

A man with a rickety cart squeaked his way through the streets, carefully lighting the lanterns, one by one. Tonight Sadao took extra care to make sure all the flames were lit. So what if he was late home to his wife, it was his duty to provide aid to his fellow public servants where ever possible. And tonight, despite the money he'd been paid to ensure that some sections remained unlit he was going to do that. There were too many Police about. He sighed. It looked like he was about to lose one source of income.

"I told you it was just a matter of time," a tall man spoke, addressing a shorter but striking figure.

Sadao flicked his gaze over, resting from his work. It was a strange group, made stranger by the fact that the Police seemed to be deferring to them. There were five of them standing with the Police Chief. Three of them stood slightly apart from the others but it seemed that all of them were watching the smallest figure with wariness, as if he was something dangerous coiled and ready to strike them down.

Sadao examined the man, a least he assumed it was a man from the sword which adorned the figures waist. He wore traditional clothing. white hakama and a midnight blue kimono. A haori of the same hue was covering his kimono and made his seem to become one with the gathering darkness. But the most striking feature of the man was his hair. He had the longest red hair Sadao had ever seen on a person and that including the gaijin. As Sadao looked closer he could see that the mans features were Japanese so it was not some gaijin playing at being a local.  He shook his head. That hair was probably the envy of every woman who laid eyes on him and his features, smooth and well positioned. The man was beautiful. Between his face and his hair he probably has the women lining up for him, Sadao thought until the man turned slightly and he saws his eyes clearly. They were cold, yet they burned like the touch of steel on a frozen winters morn. They were not the eyes of a man who enjoyed life but were those of one who took life. Despite the mans outward beauty and the impression of fragility if left, he was not soft. Sadao suddenly understood why the others were treating him so differentially.

The tall man, the one who had spoken earlier had short spiky hair. A red bandana was tied to his forehead, its long wisps fluttering behind him. He was dressed in white, white hakama and a white haori edged with black. His hands and feet were bandaged but his movements betrayed no injury. A street fighter. The thought was confirmed as the man turned to look at a building by the mark adorning his jacket. A street fighter, indeed, and one with a high opinion of his ability.

The other three stood together. They almost seemed unsure as to if they should be there. Although Sadao would have noticed them even if they were surrounded by the normal ebb and flow of traffic. He pushed the cart off again, squeaking along to the next lamp post, glancing frequently at the group. There were two males and one female but it was the woman who caught his eye. She was of medium height and like the red head was dressed in midnight blue, making her blend into the shadows. Her obi was green and her hair was pinned with precision. Her face was white but her lips and eyes stood out as startling points of color. He sighed, even if she was available there was probably no way she'd come to his bed, no matter how much he paid. Besides a knife in the night from his wife was not the way he wished to die. Give it up.

One of the men was short but his build was solid. The the other was tall and reasonably slender but all of them had the muscled physics of hard laborers or practiced warriors. Sadao hastened his steps. The whole group spelled trouble, deadly bloody violence. And although those gathered around the Police chief were fascinating, he would lose one source of income tonight. He didn't wish to lose anything else by staying and being caught up in the fighting. A section of road remained unlit.
 

"I told you it was only a matter of time," Sano repeated. He seemed jubilant. "Now, all we gotta do is collect Jo-chan, question the Phoenix's and get the Chief-san here to arrest that bastard Niijima and that will be that!"

"It's not going to be that easy, Sagara-san." The Chief broke in on Sano's one sided conversation.

Sano rolled his eyes, asking the silent question 'Why doesn't anyone ever let what I say be?'

"We have them surrounded," the Chief continued, ignoring Sagara's antics. "But they have barricaded themselves in. They know we're here. I'm sorry, Himura-san, we don't know if they have Kamiya-san in there and we don't want to risk her safety so we can't just rush them. It is unusual that they haven't offered us a trade but we can't assume because of that, that they don't have her. We will have to wait for them to approach us."

"Iya."

Five heads turned in surprise towards Kenshin. He looked up at them, a slight smile playing around his lips.

"Iya. Whether or not they have Kaoru-dono inside, I will handle them and be able to keep her safe," Kenshin stated, turning toward the Chief. "But I will need your permission, of course."

The Oniwa Banshu members stepped back. Between the smile and his golden eyes he looked and felt predatory. Even Takeru who was used to dealing with the special Police Officer Fujita Goro was taken back. The aura Fujita projected was amplified in this man.

"Himura-san! I cannot allow you to..."

Kenshin shook his head. "No. I assure you Chief-dono I understand that you cannot take responsibility if anything happens to either Kaoru-dono or myself."

"It's not that, Himura-san," the Chief sounded outraged.

"Aa," Kenshin replied, understanding in his tone. He closed his eyes briefly, making his face as peaceful and innocent as a resting child's. "I assure you Chief-dono," he stated, reopening his eyes, now a sharp blue edged in amber. "I will not kill anyone. I will not break my vow," Yet. The hitokiri added silently. He was waiting, eyes gleaming. Anticipation filled him with excitement. Soon it would be time to live again. "Besides Chief-dono, I cannot question the dead and I believe I will need to question these people because I doubt Niijima Akihisa will be here. I will not vouch for breaking bones or inflicting pain but that is all I will do Chief-dono."

"Aa, Himura-san," the Chief did not sound convinced.

"Chief-dono, the breaking of a few bones or knocking some of them unconscious is nothing more than could be expected from a raid," Kenshin explained patiently. "And this way is much safer for your officers. Just make sure that none of them escape," Kenshin said before leaping forward, his left hand at his waist, steadying his saya, a shadow speeding through the darkness, his long hair trailing gracefully behind him.

"Matte!" Sano cried, raising his arm as if to catch the disappearing man but he was far too late. "Kisama!" He snarled letting his hand fall. There was nothing to do but wait, he thought, turning back towards the Chief and the Oniwa Banshu in time to catch the woman surpressing an amused smile. Her face was serene but her eyes shone with a surpressed mirth. No doubt amused at how little attention Himura Battousai pays to his friends. Or those who are meant to be such. He didn't notice the figure in the shadows as they slowly withdrew moving on the outskirts of the Police line working their way around the perimeter.

"Dou Ryuu Sen!" Kenshin slammed his sword into the ground, and still running swung it forward. The resulting explosion of dirt and rocks, far larger than usual, slammed into and through the door, effectively clearing it and those who had been waiting to catch him on the far side. He didn't even bother with the watchers he knew were there. They would either enter the fight or run. They would be captured either way.

To his eyes the room beyond was brilliant with chi. They were beginning to move in defense. Too late. Kenshin leapt, following the barrage of dirt through the remains of the door and landed in the room before jumping again, penetrating deeper into their midst his sword flashing. He landed bringing his sword down on the shoulder of the Phoenix who was fast approaching. The man fell with a strangled cry.

A low snarl escaped Kenshin's lips. Now that he was inside he could feel that Kaoru was not here. He was too late. He ducked avoiding the swipe which came from behind his left hand flashing to his saya, changing its angle and slamming it into his attackers chest. He spun right, rising, sword tracing  a horizontal arc catching two men across their midriffs. He dimly heard them fall over the crashing that was coming from all around as the Yakuza gathered themselves to rid their base of the intruder. His eyes changed, amber outline consuming the blue and shining in the darkness. Several men stepped back. His eyes were startling in the gloom and feral in their intensity. Kenshin side stepped left avoiding a thrust and casually brought his pommel down on his attackers neck as the man flailed passed him. The man fell sprawled.

Kenshin drew himself upright, looking around, holding his sword loosely. A few lanterns had survived his initial charge and the subsequent scrambling of the Tanto Phoenix's to clear out of his way. Those which had tipped over had not set fire to anything. His lip curled back as anger rolled through him. These were the people who had taken Kaoru-koishii and beaten Yahiko. The had ripped apart his family. It didn't matter that they had been paid to do it. They didn't deserve his mercy. He watched them through his fringe, his anger changing, becoming focused, becoming cold. His ki changed. It didn't matter what happened to him. He would find Kaoru and no one would ever touch her again. The Hitokiri Battousai was awake.

He could see the chi surrounding him. They thought because they had him surrounded they would win. They would learn the price he demanded from those who disturbed his family. Their employer would pay it.

"Charge!" one of the Phoenix's screamed and most of the ring jumped towards him.

Kenshin waited until they were nearly on top of him before he jumped. Beneath him three unfortunates crashed into each other. The others were quick enough to pull back, not far enough though. "Ryuu Sou Sen," his voice was cold as he fell among them. His sword was a shining arc of silver, a talon flickering its way between his opponents, as he expanded the move, striking anyone in range.

Ni, san, shi... He counted those that fell before he jumped again, flipping back out of the range of the daggers which came from either side. But even as the world spun around him he lashed out and felt his sword impact. The man fell, his eyes rolling back into their sockets and for an instant his sleeves made brilliant banners that fluttered to the ground beside him.

Kenshin landed making no noise even on impact and turned to face those yakuza who remained. Wisps of hair had escaped and hung over his shoulders. They flowed with his movements. He watched those remaining through narrowed eyes and carefully stepped over debris. Their chi, so sure and gloating before was darkened by panic. Inside he smiled. They were no match for him. Five remained but all of them were trembling, the movement transferring itself to their weapons as they regarded the demon before them and the ease with which he had cut down their fellows.

Kenshin allowed the smile to surface, the expression at odds with his eyes, as he raised his left hand and gestured to the remaining men. "Come," he added quietly. There was no amusement, no irony in his voice. It was a winters gale with the sting of wind borne ice.

Oniji had wrapped himself in a blanket early. He had the dawn shift on watch and was not looking forward to it. Still keeping lookout was something they all did and it had come around to him. He had managed to fall asleep after forcing his mind away from their visitor this afternoon. But while he could sleep through a lot, the sounds of the doors exploding inward followed by the unmistakable clash of swords was something he was alert for. In his line of work you had to be ready to run or fight anytime.

He had rolled out of his blanket drawing his sword. It took him a minute then before he saw or rather felt the intruder. He had been expecting uniforms on a raid or an enemy gang on an extermination run, not one lone man who radiated rage. Oniji watched, entranced as the man casually avoided injury, almost negligently taking out his foes. But then even as Oniji joined the ring surround the man, the rage disappeared. As the man leapt, waiting until the last instant, Oniji knew they had lost. Three fallen from their own stupidity but even so, their foe slashed at them to be sure before cutting down another four with a sword that moved like lightning before the man leapt again, casually taking out another his magnificent red hair trailing behind him like a wing. Oniji slinked away, quietly resheathing his blade to avoid being given away by its flash in the darkness.

There was only one reason the man was here. He had come for the woman, Kamiya Kaoru. This demon whose body was one with the shadows, whose gleaming yellow eyes were the one feature which could be clearly determined was the man who owned her, who protected her. He was presumably the heart of the sword she had been calling for. This was the man Niijima Akihisa had set them and himself against. But while it was a battle Niijima may be able to fight, it was one the Tanto Phoenix's had lost. Niijima could keep his money, he never said anything about fighting demons and with an aura as cold as the one he had projected... Oniji shivered, remembering the evil he had felt. It was time to find a new allegiance. He crept toward the far door, slowly. He didn't want anyone noticing him.

He froze when for the first time the man smiled and spoke the challenge, "Come." Oniji held his breath, he hadn't been seen. Those of his brethren who were still standing charged and Oniji watched in fascination as the man seemed to disappear, his only visible presence the disjointed arcs of silver which seemed to hover in the air, criss crossing the bodies of his brothers. The man reappeared, his sword held loosely and his head bowed. He's not even breathing hard! The five men crashed to the floor. Oniji didn't wait. He didn't want to be caught. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the man go through the motions of chiburi before resheathing his blade, turning to examine his handiwork. The roof. Gotta get to the roof. Those dumb cops never look up. And from there... Iya Gotta get away... His thoughts were a jumble as he scrambled upwards.
 

Kenshin turned, taking a deep breath to calm the almost painful joy he felt at the battle. Bodies were strewn over the floor, those few he knew were still conscious had the sense to pretend otherwise. I am too late, something inside him wailed. The pain of loss was a sharp contrast to the quickly dissipating joy. But even the pain was pushed aside, acknowledged and tallied with other pains and its price determined. It was then pushed aside by cold, calm, merciless calculation which was the Battousai. Niijima has enjoyed leaving me notes behind. I doubt he will have failed to do so this time. But in the end they will be his undoing.

Kenshin flicked his eyes over the room, ignoring the bodies, looking only at the debris for something which should not be there. He extended all his senses allowing the information to flow through him. The room was starkly lit. Those few surviving lanterns were islands of light, leaving dark shadows in most of the room. Various weapons were scattered over the floor. Rice and sake were scattered in isolated patches, usually accompanied by an empty dice bowl. Mats and tangled, half unfolded blankets were for the most part discarded along the edges of the room. It was all as it should be. He turned, continuing to survey the room. Something was here. He was sure of that.

Huh! What was that? He jerked his head back, staring at a corner. Lilac? He breathed deeply. It was definitely there. Kenshin stepped lightly, nimbly avoiding all obstacles as he made his way there. He narrowed his eyes, meticulously examining every inch of wall and floor before reaching out. Beneath a blanket, there was piece of purple silt. The tiniest fraction was peaking out. He pulled it out and watched it as it unfolded in the darkness. But Kaoru was wearing green and I have that ribbon. The ribbons silkiness was smooth against his skin, safe inside his kimono. But this purple ribbon was Kaoru-koishii's. It smelled like her. He turned slightly into the light, and saw it. Wrapped around the ribbon there was a single long black hair. It's texture was smooth. Kaoru-koishii. He refolded the silk around her hair and tucked it into his sleeve.

Kenshin rose, examining the room again from a new angle. And then he saw it, wedged high in the cross beams, a small folded piece of paper. It was what he had been looking for. Six quick strides and he jumped, his right hand snaking out, grasping the paper before gravity took over. Kenshin landed quietly, examining the paper. In small neat black strokes the words 'To Hitokiri Battousai' were adorning the bottom right hand corner.

Kenshin pulled his arm back, depositing the note inside the folds of his sleeve. He could read it later and he had already lingered here long enough. It turned and jumped back toward the remains of the door. He noticed the cool night air, streaming in but it did not concern him as he lightly stepped through the door and walked back to the gate, avoiding the farrow his Dou Ryuu Sen had carved into the ground. He heard the uniformed police begin to move when he became visible and soon he was surrounded by a stream pouring into the building behind him. They flowed around him, giving him a wide berth although several paused to look at him curiously before shivering and continuing on to arrest yakuza.

Kenshin walked back to the Chief, aware of several wide eyed glances he was attracting. It wasn't that his aura bespoke rage, it was the fact that he had none. The Hitokiri was awake and was hiding his presence and emotions. There was just the cold and quiet. A stillness even when he moved. A shadow.

Several dejected looking yakuza stood with the Chief, their hands bound and several officers were guarding them. They were the watchers he had ignored, caught in their attempts to run by the Police net. The Oniwa Banshu members had disappeared.

Kenshin shook his head and the Chief nodded in understanding. "It appears someone was here earlier today and they took Kamiya-san with them. They claim," the Chief indicated to the Phoenix's, "that it was Niijima Akihisa. His servants said his name but their description is not useful. Tall, good cloths, medium length hair and green eyes. Apart from the eyes, it describes many people in Tokyo," the Chief sighed. Kenshin gave no response.

"They can give us a better description of the person we believe is 'RB.' We are still not sure about the 'R' but the 'B' is for Bairei, a young man about sixteen or seventeen." The Chief paused before continuing. "I'm sorry Himura-san, while they can confirm that Kamiya-san was here, they do not know where she is now. They were told their role was over," the Chief finished, as his underlings began dragging out the unconscious or stumbling forms of defeated yakuza. Those captured earlier stepped back seeing their brethren beaten so and then they turned, eyes wide with fear, watching the man who had done this.

"Thank you for your help, Chief-dono," Kenshin spoke quietly. His eyes were still yellow but his voice was softer, its inflections kinder. "Please thank the Oniwa Banshu for me. But the Phoenix's are just pawns. This will not be over until Niijima Akihisa is found."

"Che!" Sano burst out. "He's playing us like a biwa! Dammit Kenshin, he's only letting us see that which he wants us to see." Sano was angry. His angry seemed to heat the air around him.

"That is the way of these things," Kenshin stated firmly. His voice the Battousai.

Takeru reappeared. His face looked grim, as he walked around the Police who were leading away the arrested Phoenixes. Kenshin turned towards him, "Himura-san," he said quietly. "We were checking on some things," he explained the Oniwa Banshu's absence. "We will of course continue looking but this Niijima Akihisa does appear adept at loosing pursuers. He has managed to avoid both us and the Police." He sighed. "We are also fairly sure that Fujita-san's group does not have any other leads," he finished.

Kenshin nodded, before turning away, walking back towards the clinic, his eyes hidden by his fringe.

End Part 7

Japanese Terms
baka deshi - stupid pupil/student
Onegai, Onegaishimas - Please
Naze - Why
Itai - Ouch
Chikusho - darn
Chiburi - the motion of flicking blood off a sword.
Oyasumi nasai - Good night
Sumanu - I'm sorry
Aku Soku Zan - I don't have to explain this do I? ^_^ Sin/Evil/Bad Swift/Quickly Slay/Kill
Ahou - moron
Shikashi - But
Masaka - It can't be. It's impossible.
Biwa - four stringed lute. (Thank you Jan Story-san!)
Che - Shit
Shi - four, also means death (I liked it better here than 'yon'.)
San - Three
Ni - two
Koishii - Beloved
Kisama - Bastard
Matte - Wait
Shishou - Master
Arigatou - thank you
Gomen nasai - I'm very sorry
Kaachan - mother, mummy
Oyaji - father (but not a very nice way to address your father; it means "old man" in a condescending, disrespectful way but then Bairei does not like his father, neither does Niijima.)
Hai, Aa - Yes
Iie, Iya - No
Anata - you, but when a wife uses it, it refers to her husband, beloved.
Doko - where

Tamashii Hitokken Ryu - Yasutake Ryuichi's and Murakami Seir's technique
Tamashii - soul
Hitokken - One Sword

Kouken Sokuuchi Ryu - Niijima Akihisa, Segawa Shinichi, and Ryusaki Masujiro's technique
Kou - Thought
Ken - Sword
Soku - Swift
Uchi - Strike

Fairly simple ne?
HUGE Thank you to Tatsuko for helping to create the names of some fighting schools.

Any other names that appear in this fic, eg names of people, while I'm sure they mean something, I did not pick them because of any meaning they may have. I picked them because I liked them when I was choosing names. Some I stole from other manga's and animes and one or two I made up myself.