Chapter 7: Two weeks of kenshin part 1

"Nani! Haname left the dojo? Doushite?" Sano asked as he hooked an arm around Megumi's slim waist. "Just yesterday he was flirting with Jou-chan in front of us and now he's gone? That insane creep!"

Doctor Gensai smiled. "Actually, Shuichi leaves like this quite often. He told me that this trip would at least take two weeks. Kaoru was not very happy with the last trip he made though," the old doctor replied as he glanced at the couple.

"Doushite?" Kenshin asked in interest at this new piece of information. A lot of things were running in his mind but the thought of having Kaoru all to himself for the next two weeks delighted him. "He came back with a couple of broken bones. She freaked looking at his wounds and refused to allow him to do anything. The poor man was under bed-arrest for nearly a week!" The old doctor laughed as he remembered Shuichi's pleading face.

"What are you going to do, Kenshin?" Yahiko asked his voice detached. His eyes had a far-away look but it was evident he still cared about Kaoru at the interest he unwillingly showed during the conversation. Kenshin gave him a worried glance before he replied. This time his voice was deeper and lower. "I am going to woo Kaoru back. I'll do anything to get her back."

Megumi shook her head. She knew that Kaoru only resented the three men. The younger woman still smiled and talked to the female doctor but promptly ignored the guys. Her attention was fixed on the handsome young man beside her. But Megumi knew Kaoru. She was easy to read. Though it was apparent that she had changed a bit, Kaoru's first love is Kenshin. No one can forget their first love. Megumi tilted her head and stared at Sano. A small smile bloomed on her lips.

No one can.

Kaoru walked up the stairs leading to Fujita Goro's room. She nodded occasionally to the policemen that passed by and stopped short in front of a brown door. Kaoru was about to knock when the door flung open and a policeman brushed past her in a hurry. She stood rooted to the ground until she noticed the looming figure near her. Turning, Kaoru gave a weak smile at Saito who signaled her to come in.

The office was decorated coldly. There were no flowers or any picture save that of a small frame on his table. Kaoru had a knowing smile on her face as she glanced at it before shifting her eyes to meet the golden ones of Saito.

The Mibu wolf took in the form of the slight woman in front of him before his mind wondered once more. How could a woman so innocent in her ways be involved with something so big as this? He knew Battousai had no clue as to what the Kamiya girl had gotten herself into. He had no intention of telling him either. Kaoru had pleaded to him to keep it a secret. From the first time, she had not wanted the guys to know. Saito had an illusion that Battousai would always be around. Unfortunately, that idiot took of and he found himself in a position to protect the brave but weak woman in front of him. Tokio will have his head if he does otherwise. The thought of sleeping in the hall for the rest of his life was not a happy one. It's not like he could not get any other woman. He just wanted that one.

"You called?" Kaoru asked curiosity in her voice. Saito opened a drawer and took out a large brown envelope. He pulled out a picture and gave it to Kaoru. She studied it before nodding her head in affirmation. Saito put the picture back and looked up at her.

"Do you have anymore?"

Kaoru nodded again.

"Arashi Sawamura."

Saito cursed under his breath. This one is going to be really hard. He had to tread carefully. He nodded his head and stood up to walk her to the door. Suddenly, he felt his shirt being pulled. He turned behind to find Kaoru standing closely to him. Her eyes closed and she was looking down.

"Nani?" he asked coldly, uncaring at the fact she winced at the tone of his voice.

"Arigato. You're help has brought me a long way." She looked up and him and bowed slightly, showing her genuine gratefulness. Before Saito could say a word, a policeman rushed in. The young officer stared in shook at seeing his usual detached and married senior in an interesting and close position with the young lady everyone came to know as Battousai's woman. Kaoru immediately backed away.

"Gomen Nasai, Goro-san. I'll wait outside," the man stuttered as he closed the door. Saito let out a low growl. Damn it! There would be rumours circulating everywhere. Then again, a small sadistic smile appeared on his lips. It would be interesting if Battousai heard about this.

Kaoru apologized and slowly made her way out. But before she left, she turned to meet Saito's eyes. There she found the security she needed and she walked out.

What is she doing in the police station? He wondered as he saw he walking into the brick building. Minutes later, she came out. A small but satisfied smile on her lips.

Kaoru happily headed back to the dojo when she felt like she was being followed. It was a very familiar feeling and she knew who it was. "Himura, I know you are there," Kaoru said her voice low and dangerous. Kenshin smiled as he followed her openly.

"Maa, maa, Kaoru-dono. You are getting pretty good nowadays. You can actually sense sessha," he said the rurouni mask safe in place. Kaoru's eyebrows twitched in irritation. What does he want with her? And why bother placing the rurouni mask?

"I know when you are around, Himura," Kaoru said as she focused on the road instead of the man beside her.

Kenshin let out a small laugh. "Himura? We were never in second name terms, Kaoru-dono." Kaoru shivered involuntarily. She knew he had purposely rolled her name making it sound heated and possessive. Damn him!

"We are now." Kaoru turned to meet him. "We have arrived. Is there anything you need?" Kenshin took note of her eyes darting away from his face. "Why are you avoiding sessha, Kaoru-dono?"

Kaoru looked at him in shock. "You really need to ask that question? You know why I'm avoiding you. You made it clear that night, didn't you? It's you who is acting all innocent and surprised, Himura. You got your wish so why are you mad at me?" Kaoru bit out irritation evident in her voice.

"So, to get even with me you jump on the first guy who lavishes you with attention?" Kenshin asked back studying the beautiful shihandai who grabbed his attention.

Kaoru let out a disbelieving 'hmmph!'. "How dare you accuse me of such thing?! Let me tell you something, Himura, who I sleep with is none of your business!" Kaoru snapped at him before turning to walk away. She didn't get a chance. In a split second, her wrist was a prisoner to Kenshin's hand and he gripped her firmly. His eyes blazing with a tint of gold that both excited and scared Kaoru. "If he has touched you in any way, he will answer to my sword," Kenshin rasped out making it clear that Shuichi was not going to get Kaoru. Kaoru belonged to him.

Kaoru stared dubiously. A small tint of joy bloomed and spread in her entire being at the possessiveness in Kenshin's voice. Then, Shuichi's face appeared in her mind and she felt guilty that she still harboured feelings for Kenshin. "You are such a jerk, Himura!" she yelled as she slammed her bokken (which materialized from thin air) on his head. "Oroo!!!!!!!!!!" Kenshin exclaimed as he stumbled backwards. He did not anticipate Kaoru's move and was quite surprised at the force of her hit. Man, she didn't hold back! Kaoru took the advantage and slipped into the safety of her dojo. She shook her head at the baka rurouni outside her house. He created all the mixed feelings and confusion in her and she didn't like the lost feeling she had.

Turning on her heels, she decided the best thing needed for her was a good hot bath and a long sleep. Okay, maybe a bit of sword practice too. Hopefully, the day would end soon bringing the idiot with it. Then, she could forget anything has happened and concentrate in helping Saito until Shuichi came back. Besides, tomorrow she had to teach Eiji-kun the basic of swordsmanship. Saito decided that teaching him something easy would help before he taught Eiji to master his own technique.

Kaoru walked out of her bath with a happy sigh. A nice hot bath after a cold morning was just heavenly. Since Shuichi was not around, she walked out covered with only her wet yukata and her hair messily covered with a towel to dry it. She stretched languorously as she made her way to her room.

"You look sexy in that, Kaoru-dono."

Kaoru's eyes snapped open with horror and saw Kenshin watching her with heady eyes. "You! What are you doing here?" Kaoru yelled, her face red at the sight of the red-haired man on her porch. Kenshin smiled as he held up her bokken.

"You forgot this outside, Kaoru-dono. Sessha merely wanted to return what is yours." His eyes practically devoured her wet form. The yukata suggestively clung to her body revealing the curves she had. The V gap in front showed a slight swell of her chests as she breathed deeply. Kenshin watched a trail of water with fascination as it went down from her hair to her cheekbones, her creamy neck down her shoulders before disappearing at her cleavage. Kaoru saw his eyes focusing on her and shrieked when she realized what he was looking at.

"Hentai!" she yelled as she attempted to hit Kenshin but this time he grabbed her hand before she could make contact with his skull. This position gave him more access and Kenshin would love remaining there but the time has not arrived. "Please go and change, Kaoru-dono or sessha will not be responsible for his actions," Kenshin said softly trying hard to look away from her chest. Kaoru felt him let go of her hands and briskly went to her room to change. She leaned at her door, feeling tired and drained out. Her face was still flushed from the attention he bestowed upon her.

What does he want with her? One moment she is nobody and when she starts receiving attention she becomes somebody? Oh, Kenshin! What are you doing to me?

On the other hand, Kenshin had to take several deep breaths to control him burning desires and thought of many cold water baths. Seeing Kaoru so vulnerable and easy had woken up all his emotions and for a while Battousai seemed stronger and nearly won the unending battle. He just didn't want to frighten Kaoru away. He wanted to win back her affections and love like he unconsciously did nearly a year ago. He leaned back and sat down on the porch, smiling as the jasmine scent filled his senses. It was good to be back.

A few minutes later, Kaoru walked out of her room hoping to see the red-haired swordsman gone. To her dismay, he still sat there fingering her bokken. Kaoru growled. "What are you still doing here, Himura?" she was never going to use his first name. Since he added –dono to distant himself from her, she will not use his first name too. That way it will place some distance between them. That way, she will never forget how deeply he hurt her.

"Ah, still playing this game are we, Kaoru-dono?" Kenshin said as he looked at her. The intensity of his gaze was unnerving and Kaoru looked away. Was this not the rurouni? Why was he speaking in the tone of Battousai? "By the way, Kaoru-dono," he licked his lips as he focused on her. "Sessha brought your bokken back. You should at least invite sessha to dinner. Gensai-sensai said your cooking has improved. Sessha would like to taste it de gorazu."

Kaoru glared at him. "Fine! But just dinner. Then, will you please leave me alone?"

Kenshin smiled sadly. For a moment, her words cut deeply into his heart. He got up and turned away from her. She didn't need to see his eyes to see the hurt they had.

"There was a time sessha thought you will never ask sessha to leave. Sessha guesses, sessha was wrong. Oyasuminasai," Kenshin said as he went away. His face down and his eyes covered by his bangs. His shoulders were slumped and his heavy steps showed how deeply her words affected him.

Kaoru stood frozen on her spot. A single tear fell, followed by another one before she finally slumped at her place sobbing. She did not want to hurt him. She never did. But the young woman was confused. Kenshin came back into her life demanding her attention in a way he never had. However, what about Shuichi? She could not just dump him after all he has done for her. Now, she had hurt Kenshin's feelings. She really didn't mean to chase him away.

Otou-san, please help me! Onegai! Tell me what to do!

Kaoru closed her eyes. The evening rays lighted her still form. Kaoru fell asleep on her porch, traces of tears very visible on her face.

The sun's blinding rays woke Kaoru up from a very deep slumber. She stretched lazily and purred. She pushed aside her blanket and sat up, raking a hand through her long hair. What a sleep! She had not had a good sleep like that for some time. And last night...

Kaoru's body froze. Her mind flew to incidents the previous night. Kenshin had stalked...no he followed her home, barged into her house and left in the evening. She was supposed to still be on the porch, not in her room. Her hair, which was in a ponytail last night, was now free from their bindings. What was she doing in her room? She had never sleepwalked before.

The smell of miso soup cooking drifted into her room making Kaoru close her eyes in bliss at the smell. Only one person can make miso soup like that and it was...

KENSHIN!

What was that baka doing here? She thought as she jumped to her feet and walked out of her room. Her first thought was to go to the kitchen and kick Kenshin out but then she changed her mind. Yelling at a man who kindly cooked breakfast the first thing in the morning without a bath and looking as messy as she could be was not a wonderful thought. Sighing, Kaoru made her way to the bathhouse to find the hot water already waiting for her there.

Kenshin was not making this easy for her.

Kaoru immersed in the water deep in thought of her new dilemma. Shuichi loved her and made it clear. She had tried to care for him too and she did really care. But she loved Kenshin. She always had. But when he left, she vowed never to rely on men again. Being with Shuichi opened a new door of opportunities to re-evaluate herself and change. When Shuichi has started wooing her, she agreed. She wanted to give him and herself a chance to perhaps lead a life together. Now, Kenshin is here showering her with attention. This was what she had always wanted but what about the man who had taken care of her? How could she turn her back on the man who readily took care of, protected her and loved her unconditionally? It wasn't like Shuichi thought himself to be perfect. There were times one could detect an underlying feeling of insecurity and fear etched deeply in his heart.

Kaoru got up and dried herself. She slipped into a clean kimono and made her way to the kitchen. First, to fill her empty stomach that was already growling. Then, she is going to have a heart-to-heart talk with Kenshin. Hopefully, he will be co-operative enough to make her understand what was he doing here. She needed to know that he came back for her and not the feeling of responsibility of taking care of her. She really didn't need that right now.

Kenshin closed his eyes and savoured the scent of Jasmine that floated into the room the moment Kaoru stepped in. How long had he missed this? He had longed to return to the dojo just for this feeling of immense peace and security. Now, he had it. Kenshin shuddered at the thought of never seeing Kaoru again. He was an idiot. He could not even imagine Kaoru with Shuichi. How did he expect to live without her in his life?

"Ohayo Kaoru-dono," Kenshin greeted as he set the table. "Breakfast is ready."

Kaoru glared at the smiling rurouni and took her seat. She nearly sighed in content at the smell of delicious cooked miso soup. Ever since Shuichi had started teaching her how to cook, she had to prepare every meal even if she returned really late at night! Shuichi would not have his meal unless she cooked. That included a few poisonous days for him.

They ate in silence. However it was not an awkward silence but a peaceful one. Suddenly, Kaoru remembered something and put her bowl down.

"Ken...Himura, how is Misao?" Kaoru asked as she looked at the rurouni. Kenshin's brows knitted together in confusion. "Misao-dono is fine. She looked normal. I can't tell for today though. I was here the whole night and have not gone back to the inn."

Kaoru's eyes widen. "The whole night?" she asked in disbelieve. "What were you doing her the whole night?" Kenshin smiled sheepishly. "I left my sakabato in the kitchen. When I came back to fetch it, you were...hmm...sleeping in the porch. So I had to move you and felt tired."

Kaoru nearly groaned out loud. No wonder he happily made himself comfortable. He had seen her crying and knew she still harbored feelings for him. Uggh, What an idiot she had been! Now he was going to take it as an invitation and enter her life again. Kami-sama, why is this happening to me? She thought as she shifted her weight.

"Anyways," Kaoru said stirring away from the subject. "Misao seemed awfully distressed and she didn't join us for the festivities. It was such a shame she had to miss it. By the looks of it, so did Aoshi-san." Kenshin remained quiet. He knew there was a bit of problem before Aoshi left to take care of the business Kenshin had asked him to do but he never probed into it. Whatever it is, he was sure Aoshi would be able to handle it.

"Whatever it is, sessha is sure he would be able to manage." Kenshin finished his breakfast and got up to bring the plates to the kitchen when he nearly missed Kaoru's soft voice.

"Whether he can handle it is not the question. You men always think you are right and forget about the women's feelings."

A stab of guilt settled inside as he left. Kenshin knew she was talking about him when she said that. Wasn't it right? Didn't he make the right decision when he decided to leave? Hadn't she been safer? Had he not left many more like that idiot would have shown up. He had managed to take care of that problem but what if he wasn't there to take care of her another time an enemy comes to hurt her? Would it be like Enishi's Jinchuu all over again? The thought of spending his live in Rakuninmura (sorry if I got the spelling wrong!) was not a happy one. Neither was the thought of being away from her. But the second one had its benefits. She would be alive.

Apparently Yahiko's idea worked as well. She really did hate them. Their words...his actions must have hurt her more than he imagined. How could he have done that? All he wanted to do was keep her safe but he ended up hurting her in ways he never thought possible. Her tears that night caught him of balance. He wanted to comfort her then and there and take her in his arms but he knew the damage had been done and all he could do now was fix it. Perhaps if they just left without hurting her...his coming back would be much more...awaited. Then again, who knew his coming back was when she had got hurt and fallen for someone else?

He broke away from his thoughts when he heard her come in and silently washed the dishes. There were a lot of changes in Kaoru he had failed to notice the night of the festival. She seemed so mature and relied on her own two feet more than she relied on others. Was it because of what they had done? Had she lost all confidence in the world and the people around her?

She had changed a lot.

Those words rang in his mind. He had to admit she had changed. Not in the sense that she fell for another man but the fact that she could still go on her daily routine without worrying or hurting inside. A shell had grown and cowered her so closely, he felt like he was seeing another person. Someone more like him and less like the woman he had loved.

It was his fault.

Taking a deep breath, he cleaned his hands and leaned back at the counter, studying her features. He knew that Kaoru would avoid answering his questions directly. The only person who can get any desired answer from anyone was his other persona and Kenshin was a bit reluctant to let go of his other self that easily since Battousai had been very keen in making an appearance since the night of the festivities. However, desperate times call for desperate measures and Kenshin knew that all he had to do was have a little control on himself and he would be able to lock up the Battousai as soon as he got his answers. Another deep breath and he relaxed himself enough for Battousai to appear.

"What happened the night you were ...hurt, Kaoru?" His voice was no longer the rurouni's but the hitokiri's. He wanted answers and he knew that Kaoru would not give them to him on a silver platter. She was never an easy woman to deal with but before he could use her feelings to his advantage. Though he would not admit it, more than once Kaoru had fallen for his charms and the man with the mask that she had failed to realise when he was diverting her attention to the less scary things of life. Now, he wondered if his voice would do the trick as it had done so many times ago.

However Kaoru seemed to have sensed where he was heading because she just wiped her hands and walked away. Battousai growled menacingly. This woman was challenging him in ways others were afraid to do. His patience limit was growing shorter and the fight between rurouni and battousai was finally won by the latter. He approached the kenjutsu shihandai who was calming walking back before grabbing her slim waist. He turned her quickly and pinned her body on the wall. His gold eyes starring into her azure ones, demanding to know the truth that only she knew and kept quiet about it.

Kaoru gasped in surprise. She had known that Kenshin was diverting to his more possessive persona to gain answers she had denied others and would continue to deny them no matter what they asked or said. Saito didn't know about it and neither do Gensai-sensei or Tae. She didn't want them to know and tell anyone especially Kenshin and here he was asking about it. Why does he want to bring her back to that night? There is nothing he can do about it. When Kenshin pinned her on the wall, all Kaoru could do was stare shocked into his demanding eyes that was ordering her to tell him what he wanted to know. She could feel the racing of his heartbeat against her palm, which was on his chest. Both his arms secured her within them allowing no means of escape. His head was so close to hers that Kaoru could feel his steady breath playing against her skin. She closed her eyes, shielding herself from the ember preying ones. Sandalwood and ginger filled her senses making a smile grow on her face. Security and calmness washed over her and she unconsciously leaned towards him.

Battousai was taken back when Kaoru changed from determined to relax. When she leaned against him, he tightened his hold on her; the feeling of intense peace surrounded him. This was what home had felt when he was a little boy. Now, that feeling was present giving him a sense of belonging. Battousai breathe in the intoxicating smell of the woman in his arms. He buried his face in her hair, feeling the soft strand press against his skin. He hugged her closely; placing non-existent kisses on her neck and shoulders. Kaoru moaned softly, unknowingly tilting her head giving him more excess to her shoulders. He didn't disappoint her. Butterfly kisses spread across her neck and shoulders teasing her skin as she leaned closer, moaning Kenshin's name softly. Battousai smirked. Who said that she had gotten over him? Kaoru was still in love with him or this response would not be present.

The rurouni watched in horror as Battousai took advantage of the woman in his arms. He did not want to take Kaoru like this, not when she was unaware of what was going on. He'd rather if she came to him by her own will.

Stop now! The rurouni commanded as Battousai trailed his kisses lower. The sound of Kaoru's soft encouraging moans rang in his ears and he felt himself harden every passing moment.

Relax. I'll just go as far as she lets me to. The Battousai replied as he continued his ministrations. He trailed his fingers at her sides feeling the sides of her breast behind the fabric of her kimono.

Kaoru-dono does not know what is she getting herself into. The rurouni growled hiding the deep sense of delight in the way the heady eyed woman melted in his arms.

Oh, but she does know. Battousai grinned. Shuichi didn't get her and this proves that.

I know he didn't get her. Kaoru-dono can never forget us.

Oh, suck up the –dono already. Battousai grumbled as he gazed at the dazed woman. His eyes focused on her cherry petal lips and he leaned closer to kiss her.

Just as he was about to kiss her, Battousai felt a very familiar ki and growled angrily at the disruption. Knowing he had to let go of Kaoru now, he tightened his grip on her for a moment before whispering huskily in her ears.

"Koi, I think you have a visitor. I don't think you want them to see you all...hot and ready, hmm?"

Kaoru's eyes snapped open in horror. She starred at Battousai, still holding her prisoner in his arms as her blush deepened. Struggling, she released his hold on her and rushed into her room just as Yahiko rounded the corner.

Battousai looked down, calming himself before his eyes changed back its original colour and turned to pay attention to the young teenager.

"Heyya Kenshin. Where's busu?" Yahiko asked as he sat down on the porch. Kenshin smiled his famous rurouni smile as he pointed to her door. Yahiko nodded before throwing his focus to the koi pond.

"What's wrong, Yahiko?" Kenshin asked as he watched the boy's sad face.

"We're all having problems, ne? If not because of my suggestion, you and busu would be together right now instead of her hanging round that Haname guy. And if I didn't leave, I would not need to sit here thinking about Tsubame and what's-his-name!" Yahiko said sadly before he frowned. "This stinks! The only person happy is tori-atama and kitsune!"

Kenshin smiled. "True. But we did all that because we wanted Kaoru-dono to be safe. I guess we were wrong in thinking she would be better without us. As for Sano, he is unhappy that Kaoru-dono is not talking to him. After all, he really cares about Kaoru-dono and loves her as any older brother would if not more. We...I...care about her. But since it took me awhile to sort out my feelings and even longer to express them, the fact that I almost lost her is due to my own fault."

"Almost?"

"She still responds to me like before and blushes when I look at her. But she has changed, Yahiko. I can't say for which. Better or worse."

"Do you think she'd ever forgive us, Kenshin? You know that thing called guilty conscience...well it's bugging me now."

Kenshin only laughed. But in his happiness to be there, he failed to realise Kaoru listening to their conversation. His mind at that moment wondered what Aoshi would have found.

Kaoru felt the tears falling silently down her face as she listened to Yahiko. She had missed that kid and was glad to hear he missed her too. Apparently, he suggested a way for the guys to leave. Why? Kaoru had no idea. But she had a feeling, she'd find out soon.

"What are you doing here, you ungrateful brat?"

Yahiko and Kenshin turned to see Kaoru standing tensely at the doorway. Her hands were clasped tightly and her body was turned defiantly away from Kenshin and more to Yahiko. The thought that she had given in to her raging hormones and accepted Kenshin's embrace and kisses remained in her mind and Kaoru was ashamed of herself for giving in so easily especially when she felt she needed to torture him more. Then...there was the emerald-eyed man who left in hopes of seeing her as his again.

"Just drop by to see Kenshin. You are as ugly as ever, busu!"

"Shut up, Yahiko-chan!"

"Make me. And don't call me –chan!"

"Yeah? Well, you are a small bratty kid!"

Kenshin was sure his eardrums would blow.

Misao felt the tears in her eyes well up once more. The last scene between her and Aoshi played back over and over again in her mind. She could not help but whimper pitifully as loud unstoppable sobs made their way out of her throat.

"Where are you going, Aoshi-sama?" Misao asked cheerfully as she saw the ex-okashira pack a few things he usually brought when he was leaving for a job.

"I need to check out some things."

"But tomorrow is Tanabata. Can't you wait for another day and leave the morning after the next?" Misao asked, her puppy facemask on her face.

"No."

"Aoshi-sama, the festival will be nice and a change. We have not to a real Tanabata Day festival. Come on. Go with me." Misao held her breath. She had finally asked Aoshi out. It was up to him now.

Aoshi looked icily at her. His face had no change whatsoever. "There are many men your age to ask, Misao. I have work to do. Enjoy yourself."

Misao felt her heart break at the emotionless detachment in Aoshi's voice. For a moment, she felt her childhood dreams, which she had been harboring, crushed to a million pieces. Just as the door shut, separating her from Aoshi, Misao fell to the ground.

Whatever Aoshi had to investigate might be really important. But that did not heal her heart as the words rang in her ears.

There are many men your age to ask, Misao.

He made it clear he didn't like her. He never cared for her or loved her, not like how she loved him. That thought alone was enough to break the small fragile girl. Somehow, she felt like she would never be able to smile again.

Illusion watched as Kenshin, Kaoru and Sano teased each other. He examined the situation keenly. In his mind, he felt sure that his plan would work if it was executed perfectly. That means only he could do it.

His eyes rested on Kaoru as he watched her hit Yahiko over his head with her bokken. He took in her slight form filled with energy and spirit as she yelled at the boy. His mind wondered to how he could end her life interestingly. It would be fun to kill someone who would not give in easily. After all the lives he had taken, not many girls put up a good fight. It seemed almost pointless to kill them. Then again, it was the old man's orders.

Once she is gone...once I am gone too, you would be the one to inherit it.

Those words...so casually said lit a fire in him. All he had to do was end her life and it will be his. He had always dreamed of getting it since he grew up. Stories of the ex-leader flashed in his head. He wanted it...he really wanted it. The power was too great to resists. He would even rule over the police.

She was the only hindrance to his dream. After her, he will take that old man's life. For now, he needed that man to control the other two.

Illusion smiled evilly. He had staged the whole play well. Black and Ice will face a gruesome end. If his plan went well, he will end their life without much problem. They were too stupid anyway. And they too are eyeing it. Illusion laughed. Those two had no chance.

It wasn't like he did not know their secrets. He knew about Ice's family. His wife and daughter. The old man didn't know Ice even had a family. That was Ice weakness. His breaking point. His downfall.

Black is having a secret affair with a geisha. And geisha's are not reliable. That woman will be a good asset.

Hearing screams and yells from the dojo, Illusion looked up and his eyes wondered over Kaoru's form.

Yes...her death will be one that is slow and painful. He needed to prove he could have it. And no one who is humble or nice can have it.

Kamiya Kaoru, all hell will break loose for you...my love.