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Kyuushutsu (Rescue, Deliverance): Chapter Five

by Terry L. McElrath ::: 04.May.2005

Captain Isayama's oily voice virtually purred as he said the Ishin Shishi leader's name. To have caught one of the Ishin no Sanketsu during a routine raid was an unbelievable stroke of luck. Not only would he receive a commendation for the successful capture of the Commanders, but he might very well earn a promotion for this night's work.

Upon hearing his name, Katsura stiffened, drawing himself to his full height. He had known that this moment would come sooner or later and he fully intended to face his uncertain future with dignity. Coolly, he considered the Shinsengumi Captain standing before him. Perhaps it was because of the way the man was gloating, or maybe it was the look in his eyes, but Katsura felt that the Captain was not a man to be trusted. In fact, if he were a member of the Ishin Shishi, Katsura would never put him into a position of responsibility.

Katsura Kogorou? Squad leader Oshima was shocked to learn that the prisoner wasn't an Ishin Shishi Commander, as he had thought, but one of the three leaders, instead. Oshima was surprised by the prisoner's – no, Katsura's – behavior. He had certainly expected a member of the Ishin Shishi triumvirate to be more concerned about his own safety than his men's welfare.

"We have been looking forward to this for a long time, Katsura Kogorou." Isayama repeated the Ishin Shishi leader's name with relish. "Your capture will prove the Shogunate cannot be beaten!"

Despite his anxiety about his situation, Katsura could not completely hide his amusement at the Captain's dramatic announcement. He sounded so pompous!

"Once you have given us all the information we require," Isayama stated with thinly disguised contempt, "your precious Revolution will be finished!"

"It will take more than the loss of one man to defeat the Imperialists," Katsura responded evenly.

Isayama's face darkened in reaction to Katsura's comment. He's acting like he is the one who's in control here! Perhaps an object lesson was in order. One that would impress upon the traitor just what he could expect, now that he was a prisoner. His eyes lighting up with malevolent pleasure, Isayama turned to speak to the guard standing at his right. His voice was pitched too low to be heard, but the guard nodded and quickly left the cell.

"My men are seriously wounded. I request that they receive medical treatment," Katsura said, hating to have to ask for anything from the devious Shinsengumi Captain. However, for the sake of the Commanders, he would do whatever was necessary.

"You are in no position to ask for favors," Isayama sneered, his dark eyes glittering. How dare he try to tell me what to do! "However," he continued, sardonically, "in this particular case, I'll make sure that they are taken care of." Of course, he had no intention of treating the prisoners' injuries. The Commanders would indeed be well taken care of, just not in the way that they hoped.

Captain Isayama's comment made Oshima look at him sharply. He knew the Captain had no intention of honoring Katsura's request, so why had he suggested that he would? It bordered on dishonorable, and once again Oshima found himself uncomfortable with the way that Isayama treated prisoners.

Noting the cruelty that lay deep within the Captain's eyes, Katsura became concerned for the Commanders' welfare. He had not missed the squad leader's reaction to the Shinsengumi Captain's statement and it did not bode well for their future.

Just then the sound of footsteps and metallic clinking echoed down the corridor. The guard entered the cell carrying two sets of manacles, drawing the eyes of all those present. Oshima looked disbelievingly at his Captain. Surely he wasn't serious! The prisoner had done nothing to warrant such treatment! Before he could voice his disapproval, however, Isayama spoke up.

"Restrain him!"

Katsura met the Captain's eyes deliberately, judging his intentions. So it begins, he thought, calmly. From the corner of his eye, he saw Commander Miwa tense. Raising his hand slightly to get the angry Commander's attention, Katsura shook his head, wordlessly telling him not to interfere. Looking dismayed, Miwa slowly relaxed in obedience to Katsura's unspoken order. Assured that he would do nothing foolish, Katsura returned his attention to the men standing before him and stepped forward.

One of the guards drew his sword, keeping an eye on the other prisoners, while the other hefted the heavy shackles. Warily, they walked toward Katsura, stopping when he moved. However, when he simply stood waiting, they quickly completed their task. Katsura offered no resistence as the guard roughly clamped the cumbersome manacles around his wrists and ankles.

When he was finished, the guard moved aside and violently shoved Katsura towards the door. Caught off-guard and severely hampered by the leg shackles, he stumbled forward, unable to keep his balance and would have fallen if Oshima had not reached out and grabbed his arm. Katsura glanced up, startled by the unexpected aid. He could see that the squad leader was angry; although not at him, surprisingly, since he was glaring at the guard. Oshima did not release his hold until Katsura was steady on his feet.

"Arigatou," Katsura said, softly, grateful for the assistance.

The squad leader's eyes flicked to meet his briefly, before nodding and stepping aside. Taking a deep breath, Katsura clumsily shuffled through the door. Surrounded by guards, he was led down the corridor towards another high security cell. He stood quietly as the jailor unlocked the door. This time no one interfered as he slowly made his way into the dark cell. Behind him, the reinforced door slammed shut with an ominous clang.

After Katsura had been placed into the maximum security cell, Captain Isayama assigned extra men to guard the prisoners. He then went back to his office, followed by squad leader Oshima. Isayama immediately ordered that the station's security be doubled. He was taking no chances that Katsura might be rescued. His next duty was to notify Shinsengumi main headquarters that his plan had led to the Ishin Shishi leader's capture. Summoning a courier, he quickly drafted a report. He was affixing his seal to the envelope when the man rushed into his office. Instructing the courier to deliver the document as swiftly as possible and wait for a response, Isayama dismissed him after delivering a stern warning that he would be assigned permanent kitchen duty if there were any delays.

Thinking of the excitement his message would create brought a smug smile to his lips. He had succeeded where no other had! Isayama was almost certain that he would receive the coveted promotion and be reassigned to main headquarters. Of course, he preened, it is only right for a man of my caliber. A soft cough interrupted his reverie and he looked up to see that he wasn't alone.

"You're still on duty, Oshima? I think you've done enough for one night. Go to bed and sleep in, but don't forget to see me later."

"Yes, sir," the squad leader replied, bowing.

He left as quickly as possible, before he could ask any of the many questions he had that demanded answers. Answers he wouldn't like, even if the Captain deigned to give them, which wasn't likely. He tried to clear his mind, but the images of the Ishin Shishi leader wouldn't go away. He had protected his men in any way possible, even if it meant putting himself at risk. That they gave him their full loyalty was obvious. They had been willing to die to protect him, and seeing him so dishonorably treated had enraged them. They were disciplined, though, obeying his unspoken orders implicitly. Katsura's serene dignity had made Captain Isayama's behavior seem childish and petty.

Angry and disgusted with himself, Oshima returned to his quarters in the barracks behind the district station. He kept reminding himself that the prisoners were traitors trying to overthrow the Shogunate. For that reason, their lives were forfeit. They were enemies and he would do what needed to be done without hesitation. That they were honorable warriors did not change that. But there was no reason they should be treated with dishonor. He had done all that he could, hadn't he? Besides, it was out of his hands. In a few hours Katsura and the Commanders would most likely be transferred to Shinsengumi main headquarters for questioning. Just as he drifted off to sleep, he wondered why he felt slightly ashamed.

By the time Kenshin reached the inn, his anxiety had reached painful levels. He had been enraged by Uchida's failure to protect Katsura, but had come to realize that he had done so out of thoughtlessness, rather than ill will. However, Kenshin was even more infuriated with himself that so far he had been unable to find out anything about the whereabouts of Katsura and the Commanders. Perhaps by now Uchida's network will have discovered where Katsura has been taken, he thought, hopefully. While he did not trust Uchida – especially after tonight's disastrous events – Kenshin had to admit that Uchida had excellent resources. He had taken the spy network that Katagai had created and rebuilt it into an extremely efficient organization. If anyone could locate Katsura, Kenshin was certain one of Uchida's spies would be able to.

When he entered the inn's common room, Kenshin paused a moment to allow his eyes to adjust to the bright light. His bleak gaze roamed across the crowded room, noting the unsettled fighters standing in shifting clusters.

For their part, the Ishin Shishi fighters knew as soon as the Battousai stepped into the room that he had been unsuccessful in his search for Katsura. The stiffness of his posture mirrored his frustration, making it obvious to even the most casual observer. Those few men brave – or foolhardy – enough to actually meet the Battousai's eyes, quickly looked away from the searing guilt blazing within. Why the Battousai would feel guilty, none could guess. It was a well-known fact that he had virtually no emotions. From his very first assignment, he had shown absolutely no feelings. No fear. No pride. And certainly no regret. Anger? Yes, the Battousai's rage could be overwhelming when it was directed at an enemy and was to be avoided at all costs. But it was his very impassivity, after all, that made him such a superlative assassin. Well, that, and his incredible sword skills.

Having located Uchida's ki, Kenshin crossed the room, moving through the watchful crowd with unconscious grace. The aura of barely suppressed violence that surrounded him was sufficient to silence the subdued conversations and clear a path through the uneasy swordsmen. He headed down the hall towards the room that Katsura used as an office when he was here. The painful reminder of Katsura's absence caused Kenshin to hesitate momentarily before knocking on the shoji. A muffled "come in" filtered through the rice paper.

Uchida did not look up from his paperwork for a long minute after hearing the soft rasp of the shoji opening and closing. The continuing silence finally broke through his concentration, forcing him to glance up impatiently to see who had disturbed him. His irritation died instantly upon seeing Himura waiting.

"Himura-san. Did you have any luck finding Katsura-san or the Commanders?" Even though the expression in Himura's eyes told Uchida that he hadn't, he couldn't keep from asking.

"No," Kenshin replied, his voice completely neutral.

"Sou ka." Uchida sighed, he had hoped that the hitokiri would find them and even be able to rescue them. Then he wouldn't have had to inform him of the latest orders from Okubo and Saigo.

"Have your people found anything about where they have taken him?" Kenshin noted Uchida's sigh with concern and focused on his ki. Uchida's emotions swirled anxiously in muddy colors. There was a problem.

"Not yet, Himura-san," Uchida said, uncomfortably, as he looked at the assassin standing before him.

Himura was watching him with that incredibly intense concentration only he seemed to possess. That look always unnerved Uchida. Damn! I hate it when he does that! It always made him feel as though Himura could see right into his mind. Uchida would not allow himself the luxury of shuddering and forced himself to sit still. He knows something is wrong, Uchida thought, nervously. The hitokiri's instincts were always frighteningly accurate. It would be an understatement to say that Uchida feared Himura's response to the unexpected orders from the other Ishin Shishi leaders. He desperately wished he had some information to distract Himura with, it might temper his reaction slightly.

"I sent a message to Saigo-san and Okubo-san informing them of Katsura-san's capture," Uchida began, hesitantly. When Himura made no comment, Uchida swallowed and continued. "I received a communication from them just minutes ago."

Kenshin had never seen Uchida behave this way. He was acting like he expected to be killed at any moment. Kenshin felt fear shiver its way down his back. Whatever Saigo and Okubo had to say could not be good.

"Their orders are that you are to rescue Katsura-san once he has been found. However, if you are unable to successfully rescue him – perhaps because of his physical condition – you are to kill him, to prevent the Shogunate from gaining vital information from him." Uchida finished somewhat breathlessly, the words having tumbled out faster and faster in his haste to deliver the fateful message.

Shock hit Kenshin with such intensity, all he could do was close his eyes to hide the overwhelming pain. Kill him? Kill. . . Katsura? It had to be a mistake! They could not believe that he would kill a man he so highly respected. The only person he felt closer to was his Master, and he had destroyed that relationship. Not only had he disobeyed his Shishou, he had dishonored the First Principle of Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu by becoming nothing more than a murderer. He could never go back. The pain of that admission twisted deep within him. Yet Katsura had understood his need to protect the innocent even more than his Shishou had. Rage flared within, and his first instinct was to refuse the order. Kenshin wanted to face the two leaders and show them exactly how he felt about their orders. Who were they to give him such orders? Kenshin had sworn his sword to Katsura, not them! Katsura had protected him when the Ishin Shishi became afraid that the Battousai might turn on them, and they expected him to kill Katsura?

The memory of Katsura defending him calmed Kenshin's fury enough that he began to think clearly. Could this be a test of his loyalty to the Ishin Shishi? Did they want to know if he would continue fighting for the Imperialists if Katsura were no longer alive? Having considered the possibility that Katsura might be killed nearly a year ago, when the Ishin Shishi had been forced to scatter after the Ikedaya massacre and he had gone into hiding with Tomoe in Otsu, Kenshin knew that finishing the task he had set for himself was the only honorable choice he could make. He had willingly committed his very soul to freeing the people of Japan from the corruption of the Bakufu. To quit because of the loss of one man – even if that man was Katsura – would render meaningless not only his ideals, but all of the death and misery he had caused. Another thought made him pause in his reflections. If he refused the order outright, it was a certainty that his life would be forfeit. How could he rescue Katsura if he was running from the Ishin Shishi? Yet how could he accept the orders if he had no intention of killing Katsura?

Uchida saw Himura blanch and quickly close his eyes, his hand grasping his katana reflexively. Having delivered the orders, there was nothing Uchida could do but wait anxiously for Himura's decision. Given Himura's extreme loyalty to Katsura, Uchida was a bit surprised that he hadn't exploded with rage, although he was grateful for Himura's self-control. After an interminable length of time, Himura opened his eyes.

"I will rescue Katsura-san," Kenshin stated decisively, watching Uchida closely to see how he would respond. Would Uchida demand that he swear to follow the orders in their entirety?

Uchida found himself releasing a deep breath he hadn't even known he was holding. The declaration had been delivered in such a cold, flat tone that chills ran down his spine and this time he could not prevent himself from shuddering. The fierce determination burning within Himura's eyes was almost enough to convince Uchida that nothing could stand between the assassin and his goal of rescuing Katsura. Uchida noted that Himura had not actually agreed to follow the orders. Under the circumstances, however, he considered it prudent to not point that out, since he really did not want Himura to have even more reasons to be angry with him. Of course, he hadn't refused to follow the orders, either, and that was all that Okubo and Saigo needed to know.

"Excellent, Himura-san. My best men are searching for Katsura's whereabouts and I expect to get a report soon. Meanwhile, why don't you get some rest. I'm sure we will be rescuing him soon and you will need to be ready to leave at a moment's notice." Uchida noticed that Himura seemed to relax slightly before nodding and leaving the room. Was he expecting me to make an issue over the orders? Uchida was greatly relieved that everything had worked out as well as it had, especially since it could have turned out so much worse. After all, there was a reason why ‘don't kill the messenger' was a cliche.

Kenshin left Katsura's office and headed down the hall, glancing at the clock mounted on the wall. He was surprised to see it was only four thirty, it felt like it should be much later than that. Shaking his head, he went upstairs to his room. Closing the door behind him, Kenshin slowly walked across the floor. He didn't bother lighting a lamp, choosing instead to slide open the shoji that led to the balcony, illuminating the room with silver moonlight. Preoccupied with thoughts of his meeting with Uchida, he automatically set his swords on their stand. Moving on their own, his hands untied the obi on his hakama, changing out of his bloodstained uniform and into a clean one. Setting the soiled clothing aside to be laundered, he briefly wished he had the time to take another bath to wash the smell of blood off of his skin.

For the second time tonight, Kenshin walked out onto the balcony and leaned against the railing. This time there was no peace to be found. The inn echoed with the rumble of voices. To his keen senses, the fighters' auras pulsed darkly with anger and frustration. Looking up at the bright moon, Kenshin could hardly believe that only a few hours ago he had watched Katsura reflecting upon the moonlit garden outside his room. Katsura, where are you now? I should have convinced you to let me guard you! Forgive me. . . Shoulders slumping, Kenshin finally gave in to the anxiety that had been eating away at him since he had learned Katsura had been captured. Tiredly, he closed his eyes, only to have them snap open again in a vain attempt to banish the horrific visions of Katsura being tortured and killed that danced behind his eyelids. NO! I will not allow it! The towering rage that suddenly enveloped him burned through the last of his depression, forging his determination into a weapon every bit as deadly as his katana.

Unwilling to stay in his room, Kenshin decided to see if he could get something to eat. He really wasn't hungry, but he had learned that a soldier always ate and slept whenever the opportunity arose. Kenshin knew that he couldn't sleep right now, but it wouldn't hurt to eat. Wandering into the kitchen, Kenshin found the cook had started cooking early because of all the excitement. Armed with a bowl of miso soup with udon noodles and tofu, he retreated to the dining hall to eat in peace.

When he had finished eating, Kenshin drifted through the inn, too restless to stay in one place for long. He found himself jumping every time someone entered the inn. The third time that happened, Kenshin forced himself to sit quietly in an out of the way corner of the common room as an exercise in patience. That sorely tried patience was finally rewarded when one of Uchida's spies reported in. It took all of Kenshin's self-control to not charge after the man and demand that he tell him everything he knew. In a matter of moments, however, Kenshin felt Uchida's ki approaching and he could tell that he was excited. Smoothly standing up, Kenshin slid his swords through his obi and walked forward to meet him.

Uchida entered the common room at a near run, frantically searching for Himura. To his surprise, he saw the hitokiri walking towards him as if he had already known that Uchida was looking for him. Nearly chuckling at the absurd notion, Uchida loudly announced, "They've found him, Himura-san! Katsura-san and the Commanders are being held at the Higashiyama-ku Shinsengumi district station!"

Higashiyama-ku station? Why would they take them there? Dismissing the thoughts as irrelevant, Kenshin stopped in front of Uchida. "Prepare the men to attack, Uchida. I'm leaving now."

Before he could say anything, Uchida found himself staring at Himura's back as he strode out the door.

It was shortly after five and the deep indigo sky was just beginning to lighten in the east, when a closed carriage arrived at the Higashiyama-ku Shinsengumi district station, accompanied by two squads of mounted Shinssengumi. Two men stepped down from the carriage and were met by Captain Isayama, who had been waiting anxiously since the return of his courier.

"Captain Isayama?" The senior Shinsengumi officer spoke first. "My name is Hokusai Narihira and this is Matsushina Reijiro. We have been sent to transport Katsura Kogorou to Shinsengumi main headquarters."

"Of course, sir," Isayama replied, leading them into the building.

Going directly to his office, he waited for the Shinsengumi officers to enter first and seat themselves in comfortable chairs before he sat behind his desk. Trying hard to not appear as excited as he actually was, Isayama sat back, lightly tapping his fingers together. He was preparing to begin his report of the Ishin Shishi leader's capture, when Captain Hokusai began speaking.

"Did you question the prisoner?"

"No, sir. Of course not!" Isayama replied, somewhat testily. Did they think he was stupid? He had standing orders regarding what to do should one of the Ishin Shishi leaders ever be captured. There was no way that he would disobey those orders! If he did and anything went wrong, he would end up being grateful for the opportunity to commit seppuku. "I assumed that someone would be dispatched from headquarters to handle the situation."

"What is his condition?" Hokusai ignored Captain Isayama's veiled criticism.

"He has several wounds, although only one that is serious and it has been bandaged." Isayama was confused when the two Shinsengumi officers stood up. "Sir?"

"Take us to Katsura," Hokusai stated, turning towards the door.

"But, sir, don't you want my report?" Isayama protested, seeing his opportunity to take credit for Katsura's capture slipping away.

"You will be debriefed later, Captain. Right now it is more important that we get Katsura back to Shinsengumi main headquarters. The sooner he tells us his secrets, the sooner the enemies of the Shogunate will be defeated. Now, take us to the prisoner!" Hokusai was relieved that the Captain had not interfered, it was one less complication he would have to deal with. It was his job to question Katsura and, given the delicate nature of the situation, he didn't need anyone else meddling in the Shogunate's affairs.

Hokusai and Matsushina stood waiting impatiently as Isayama hurried across his office to open the door. Nervously leading the way, the Captain escorted the two officers to the cell block. In a matter of minutes, they were standing before a maximum security cell, surrounded by guards.

Hokusai watched avidly as the jailor eased the heavy door open. Katsura was revealed, blinking owlishly in the sudden bright light. Slowly he stood up and began walking awkwardly towards the door, the heavy leg shackles clinking with each step. Hokusai took in the Ishin Shishi leader's appearance with one sweeping look. Although Katsura stood in the doorway with his head held high and met the Shinsengumi officer's eyes steadily, he was pale and his gi was slashed and bloodstained. From the way he held himself, it was obvious that his shoulder wound had become painfully stiff.

Hokusai glanced at Captain Isayama approvingly. The manacles were unexpected, but a nice touch nevertheless. He was quite certain that the proud Ishin Shishi leader had never anticipated being treated like a common criminal. Indeed, this early treatment might make it easier to break Katsura's will. Time was of the essence in this matter. In order to do the maximum amount of damage to the Imperialists, it was important that whatever information Katsura possessed be obtained as quickly as possible. It was Hokusai's mission to secure that information, and he was very good at his job.

"Katsura Kogorou, you have been judged guilty of treason against the Shogunate. I am here to take you to Shinsengumi main headquarters, where you will be questioned." Hokusai recited the official statement clearly, so that none could question his authority.

Having been led through the district station under close watch, Katsura was helped into the closed carriage by two burly guards, the leg shackles making it impossible for him to step up into the carriage on his own. The two guards took their places on either side of Katsura, while Hokusai and Matsushina sat across from him. With the door closed, they sat in darkness and, with a lurch, the carriage moved off.

Hidden behind some crates, Kenshin observed the heightened security surrounding the Higashiyama-ku Shinsengumi district station. The sentries had been increased and the lights were on in several rooms in the building. There was no question that the prisoners were being held here. Dropping his shields and opening himself to receive impressions, Kenshin tried to pick out Katsura's ki, but there were simply too many auras present to be certain.

Kenshin began exploring the compound, looking for a suitable way into the main building. He had considered several plans of attack while on his way to the district station, but had ultimately discarded them all, since he did not know the layout of the district station.

Having completed his reconnaissance, Kenshin made his decision. The lack of patrolling guards made his task very easy. Starting at the back of the complex, he once again became the infamous Shadow Hitokiri. Death stalked silently through the compound and every man he met died without making a sound.

Having worked his way through the district station's grounds, Kenshin cautiously approached the two sentries stationed at the front entrance to the main building. Concealed within the shadows, he paused to consider the situation before him. The sentries were standing on either side of the well-lit double doors that led into the building. This posed a serious problem. Kenshin did not want the guards to give any warning, yet they were standing too far apart for him to be able to attack both at the same time. Reaching down, he picked up a pebble and threw it a short distance away.

"What are you doing?" the older guard said, when the nearest sentry looked around and stepped away from the building.

"Thought I heard something," the young sentry replied, walking a little further away from the door.

"Yeah, sure. Like last time?" the other man grumbled. "I may be bored, Mitsui, but I'm not falling for that old trick again."

"No, not like last time. Now shut up!" the sentry snapped, peering uneasily into the darkness.

Kenshin waited, firmly controlling his impatience, to see if the older guard would join his comrade. Amber eyes narrowed when not only did the one guard refuse to leave his post, but Mitsui started to turn away, apparently deciding he had been mistaken. Quickly, Kenshin took a deliberate step forward, making sure that his sandal scraped softly against the rocks. The young guard's head turned instantly, searching the darkness.

"Kaibara? Is that you?" he called out, uncertainly.

Kenshin kept silent, watching the older guard, who had obviously heard the footstep. As the silence dragged on, Mitsui turned back, unknowingly facing Kenshin. The other guard walked over to join him, drawing his katana as he did so. Running forward with assassin's stealth, Kenshin's battoujutsu took both guards' heads off in one swift stroke.

Flicking the blood off of his katana with a quick motion of his wrist, Kenshin walked to the doors leading into the main building of the Shinsengumi district station. He paused before opening the door, focusing his senses forward. He felt a strong swordsman's ki just inside, with another ki to the right. Jerking the door open suddenly, Kenshin was attacking the man standing in front of him before the door had slammed into the wall. The man's body hadn't even hit the floor and Kenshin was already spinning to his right, spotting a man staring at him, openmouthed, from behind a desk. With a lunging leap, Kenshin ran him through before he could utter a word. Tugging to remove his katana, which had become embedded in the back of the chair, Kenshin retrieved his sword. Released, the body slumped forward, blood flowing over the papers scattered across the desk.

Leaving the office, Kenshin walked swiftly down the hall, seeking Katsura's ki as he went. Surprisingly, he could not sense Katsura at all. There was a grouping of many auras up ahead, although they were weak and laced with pain. After a moment's thought, Kenshin realized that the auras must be emanating from an infirmary. There was no threat there, so he continued on deeper into the building.

Detecting three auras approaching, Kenshin prepared to attack. Turning the corner, he evaluated the position of the men walking towards him in an instant. Kenshin ran forward, his movements a blur. The first man fell, nearly cut in half from a powerful strike to his side. Turning to face the second swordsman, Kenshin converted his follow-through from his first stroke into a devastating downward cut through his adversary's shoulder and deep into his chest, killing him instantly. By the time that Kenshin had pulled his sword free from the second man's body, the third Shinsengumi fighter had drawn his katana. Shocked by the deaths of his two comrades, the swordsman wildly threw himself forward into a thrusting attack. Kenshin easily avoided the thrust and effortlessly parried the awkward side slash, spinning to bring his blade sweeping up from behind his opponent, smoothly taking his head off.

Kenshin walked away from the bodies without a second glance, once again casting out his senses, searching for Katsura's ki. He still could not detect Katsura, but he did recognize the auras of two Ishin Shishi Commanders, proof that the prisoners had been brought here. The fact that he could not sense Katsura worried him greatly. Had he been injured when he was captured? Could he have died from those injuries? His anxiety drove him forward, determined to get either answers or revenge.

Silently, Kenshin continued down the hall, heading towards the location of the auras of the two Commanders. He felt two auras in a room ahead and cautiously advanced towards them. The door was partially open, so Kenshin could hear voices as he slowly approached.

"I'm surprised that Hokusai only took Katsura to Shinsengumi main headquarters. I expected him to take the Commanders, as well."

Katsura's not here? At least he's alive! Kenshin thought, relief washing through him.

"I agree, sir. It does seem odd. It's too bad you weren't allowed to question the prisoners, though," the other man responded.

"Hai. I would have liked to be able to provide information, as well as the prisoners. It would look good in my report," the first man said, sighing. "Oh, well," he continued after a moment, his voice darkening with malicious amusement, "at least we know that they will make sure that Katsura is thoroughly questioned. How I wish I could be involved in his interrogation. He acted so noble! I'd like to see how noble he is when he's screaming in agony."

Kenshin literally saw red for an instant. You honorless bastard! Kicking the door fully open, Kenshin stormed into the office, taking in the positions of the two men in an instant. The officer standing in front of him had spun to face the unexpected threat, grabbing the hilt of his sword. Before he could finish drawing his katana, Kenshin had disemboweled him with a vicious backhanded slash. Turning his attention to the man seated behind an old desk, who was wearing the uniform of a Shinsengumi Captain, Kenshin raised his katana. With one incredibly powerful downward stroke, he cut the desk in half.

Scrambling out of his chair, Captain Isayama frantically tried to get away from the fierce swordsman. With his burning amber eyes and flowing blood-red hair, the man looked like a vengeful demon. The realization of who was before him chilled his soul and sent convulsive tremors down his back.

"Battousai!" Isayama gasped, automatically reaching for his sword. When he realized that it was on the rack next to the wall, he paled. He couldn't believe it when he heard the Battousai say "Get your sword," in a soft, venomous voice that was both hard and cold; promising a slow, painful death. Edging towards his weapons, Isayama never took his eyes away from the hitokiri. Once he had his katana in his hands, he began to regain his confidence. The assassin should not have underestimated him!

Kicking half of the desk aside, Kenshin began advancing on the Captain. Sensing the building tension in the man's ki, Kenshin knew that he was about to attack. With his lips curled in a silent snarl, the Captain charged forward with a variation on the Hiratsuki thrusting attack. Noting the inherent weakness in his sloppy form, Kenshin almost casually blocked the thrust, instantly countering with a two-handed, overhead ‘pear-splitter' stroke that cleaved through the Captain's skull as though it were a melon. Still angered by the man's cruel comments about Katsura, Kenshin cleaned his blade on the Captain's haori before he left the office.

There was only one more grouping of auras in the building, and it included the two Ishin Shishi Commanders. Assuming that he would find them in the detention center, Kenshin proceeded through the quiet building prepared for the worst. When he arrived at the entrance to the cell block, he was surprised to find it unguarded. Apparently, all of the guards were gathered together at one of the cells.

Taking a moment to open himself to receive impressions, Kenshin confirmed that there was no one else in the building other than the men grouped ahead and those in the infirmary. Reassured, he slipped noiselessly down the cell-lined corridor. Four men were clustered before a maximum security cell. Three of them were Shinsengumi swordsmen, two of whom were holding up a battered and bleeding man wearing a Choushu uniform. The third one drove his fist hard into the prisoner's stomach, driving the air from his lungs in an explosive "huff!" Other than that, though, the prisoner made no sound.

"Come on, Sarumara!" One of the men holding the prisoner exclaimed. "That's enough! If you keep this up, you'll kill him! And how will we explain that?"

"These traitors killed my friends! I'm going to make certain they suffer for it!" Sarumara growled, landing another blow to the man's ribs.

Enraged, Kenshin ran silently down the corridor, his katana already drawn. Before the group knew that he was there, he had already struck at Sarumara, severing his spine with one blow. Neatly avoiding the body, Kenshin swung two-handed at the man on the right, slicing diagonally through the fighter's left shoulder. The stroke sheared through the man's chest, separating his head, right shoulder and arm from his body. Continuing the follow-through into a full circle, Kenshin faced the last Shinsengumi fighter. The third guard let go of the prisoner, who collapsed at his feet, but just stood there staring down stupidly at the sword Kenshin had buried in his chest.

With a swift jerk, Kenshin pulled his katana free and stalked into the cell, where two more guards stood, their swords already in defensive position. They were obviously terrified, but at least they weren't going to go down without a fight. Without a word, they separated as far apart as they could, to present two targets. Yelling fierce battle cries, both men charged at once. They almost ran into each other when their target vanished.

Having jumped straight up, Kenshin twisted himself end-for-end in mid-air so that he could push off from the high ceiling. Transferring his katana to his left hand, he drew his wakizashi. As he fell towards the two Shinsengumi swordsman, his swords flashed to either side and two heads flew in opposite directions. Impossibly, Kenshin somehow managed to flip before he hit the floor and landed crouched between the two guards.

Rising gracefully, Kenshin shifted his wakazashi to his left hand, holding both swords in the one hand, while he reached into the sleeve of his gi and removed a clean cloth. He wiped the blood from the blades and sheathed them before looking at the three Commanders.

"Commander Gushiken, Commander Miwa," Kenshin politely addressed the two Commanders he knew, looking expectantly at the third man.

"Sumimasen, Himura-san," Gushiken spoke up, "I don't believe you have met Commander Kamata. Commander Fuschida is the man who was being beaten."

"Commander Kamata," Kenshin said, moving aside as Miwa left the cell to check on Fuschida.

Walking over to stand before Gushiken, Kenshin considered the manacles and chains that festooned his wrists and ankles. He must have been the one who held off so many Shinsengumi. They obviously fear his strength. He thought the chains were a bit much, considering that Gushiken was covered in bandages.

"Can you stand, sir?" Kenshin said, offering a hand to Gushiken.

"Hai," Gushiken replied, hesitating to accept Himura's offer. However, after meeting Himura's steady gaze, he grasped the proffered hand and was surprised at the strength he displayed as he effortlessly pulled him to his feet. "Arigatou, Himura-san, for freeing us."

"Douitashimashite," Kenshin responded, softly. "Where are the other Commanders?"

"They are dead. Katsura-san was captured, too, Himura-san. We were unable to protect him," Gushiken said, looking ashamed.

"I know. What condition is Katsura-san in?" Kenshin asked, concern evident in his voice.

"He received several wounds during the fight, but he should be all right," Gushiken said, reassuringly. "He was taken to Shinsengumi main headquarters less than an hour ago."

"Don't worry, Commander Gushiken, I will rescue him," Kenshin stated, turning as Miwa entered the cell holding up a ring of keys.

Gushiken did not doubt him. He had heard the note of conviction in Himura's voice and seen the determination in his eyes. The words had felt something like a vow, and Gushiken could easily believe that nothing short of death would prevent Himura from fulfilling his oath.

"Commander Fuschida was pretty badly beaten," Miwa said, walking over to where Gushiken stood. After flipping through the keys, he selected a small one and used it to open the manacles on Gushiken's wrists. Squatting down carefully because of his wounds, Miwa unlocked the shackles, while Gushiken cautiously stretched.

"Come on," Kenshin urged, "we've got to get out of here."

Kenshin watched as Kamata slowly stood up and began walking across the cell. He hadn't said a word and didn't look good. He was heavily bandaged and from the look of his eyes and how unsteady he was, Kenshin surmised that he had a major concussion. Gushiken wasn't in much better shape and was moving very carefully, although he was much more alert than Kamata.. With Miwa helping Kamata, they left the cell. Once in the corridor, Kenshin assisted Fuschida in standing up. He was bleeding through his bandages and was obviously in a great deal of pain, but other than hissing through his clenched teeth once, he never made a sound, enduring his pain stoically.

Kenshin scanned the surrounding area for auras and was relieved to detect Uchida's ki coming near, along with a large group, some of whom he also recognized. Kenshin led them through the halls as quickly as possible, but that wasn't saying much. They had just reached the main hallway, when Kenshin felt the presence of a strong fighter's ki approaching the building's back door.

Much to Commander Gushiken's surprise, Himura suddenly looked concerned and then ran down the hallway, towards the back of the building. Turning to see what had attracted his attention, Gushiken was amazed to see Himura arrive just as the back door opened. With one flashing battoujutsu, the unsuspecting Shinsengumi swordsman was dead. In moments Himura was back, once again wiping his blade clean.

As they walked towards the front doors, Gushiken reflected on what Himura had just done. What kind of instincts did a hitokiri have to possess to be able to survive as long as Himura had? Certainly his skills were on a level far above Gushiken's own, and he was considered a formidable warrior. Gushiken had noticed the bodies they had passed. Including the five guards in the cell block and the man Himura had just now killed, Gushiken had counted eleven bodies. Just then he saw the two men near the front doors – make that thirteen bodies. No alarms had been given, so that meant that Himura had taken care of the sentries posted outside, as well. Gushiken knew the security had been doubled, so did that mean that Himura had killed another ten or twelve guards before he entered the building? Gushiken discreetly looked at the hitokiri walking beside him. His face was impassive, displaying none of the emotions one might expect from a man who had just killed at least twenty-five men. And if rumor was correct, Battousai was only fifteen. Incredible!

Kenshin escorted the Commanders out of the building and away from the Shinsengumi district station. The sky had lightened considerably, with the clouds glowing pearlescent pink, and the air was fresh and sweet. All he could think about, though, was going to Shinsengumi main headquarters and freeing Katsura, but he couldn't leave the Commanders. He could sense how near Uchida and the other Ishin Shishi were. They would be here in a matter of a couple of minutes. It took all of his self-control to stay calm and relaxed.

"Himura-san? Why are we waiting here?" Miwa asked, nervous about remaining so near to the district station.

"A troop of Ishin Shishi will be here in a minute. They will take you to safety," Kenshin replied, quietly. The four Commanders stared at him when the troop did indeed show up in only a minute, but he completely ignored them.

Uchida was confused when they came upon Himura and four of the Commanders a short distance from the district station. "Himura-san! Where's Katsura-san and the other two Commanders?"

"The two Commanders are dead, Uchida, and Katsura-san has been taken to Shinsengumi main headquarters for interrogation. I'm going there now. Follow as soon as you can."

"Himura-san!" Uchida called, but it was too late, he had already disappeared.