Chapter 195 - The Threefold Battle Part 2 of Section 3

Otowa: "An Ch'i" is a killer style that relies on hidden weapons... thus, a crucial aspect is
where to hide them... but a master of An Ch'i knows that it's "how" and not "where" the most
important aspect! Sometimes calling the weapon as a "magical sword" and showing it drearily!
Sometimes disguising the weapon as an exquisite ornament and showing it ostentatively! 
(Yahiko is prey of the Rokudoko) The "Human An Ch'i", Hyoko Otowa, hides his weapons in 
psichological dead angles of the oponent!

(Yahiko is released from the Rokudoko and falls to the ground, bleeding heavily.)

Otowa: It's over! But your fighting spirit, that made me use my most powerful hidden weapon was
amazing! Young boy, I'll never forget you... but (laughing maniacally) THAT'S JUST A JOKE!!!

Kaoru: Ya...hi...ko...

(a hand lies on Kaoru's shoulder. It's Kenshin's)

Kaoru: Kenshin...

(Otowa looks to Kenshin)

Kaoru: Kenshin, Yahiko's ...

(Kenshin points to Yahiko)

Kaoru: He's still holding the shinai... 

Kenshin: Probably he's unconscious but he's alive. (to Yahiko) you fought well... now leave it
to me.

(a faint voice surprises everybody)

Yahiko: ... wait...a... lit..tle... (trying to stand up) I...can still... fight... please...
let... me... keep... fighting... (he stands up) If I keep on being protected, I'll never ever
be strong!

(Yahiko's knees fail and he falls to the ground)

Kaoru: Enough, Yahiko! You fought terribly well! Now don't move and leave it to Kenshin! Yahiko!

(with trembling hands, Yahiko grits his teeth and holds tightly his shinai)

Kenshin: Yahiko. Do you remember why I walk with a sakabatou?

Yahiko (without looking at Kenshin): ... "not killing"... to comply with your vow to never kill
people again...

Kenshin: If I agree now to let you fight and you die as a result, it's the same as watching you
die. And I'll never have again the honor to use the sakabatou.

(general silence)

Kenshin:... Yahiko. I'll leave my "not killing" vote upon your shoulders now and only this time.
SO FIGHT AND WIN!!

Kaoru: It's impossible! What are you saying, Kenshin?! I can also understand Yahiko's feelings,
but a battle to the death cannot be won just by willpower! Can't you see? He can barely stand
on his feet! And see how his guard is lowered, it's easy to kill him with a blow to the head!
(suddenly she realises and thinks to herself) it's easy to kill him with a blow to the head... 
the head... it can't be---

Kenshin: ...Kaoru-dono. The "growth" of boys of that age is maybe much more faster than the 
adults can imagine...

(Yahiko is panting heavily.)

Otowa: Damn, he's still trying to fight, even after the Rokudoko... (looking at Kaoru and 
Kenshin, thinking) And a third-rate side show... my dear amusement is messed wi--

(Kenshin returns a fierce glare to Otowa. Otowa feels a chill in his back.)

Otowa (thinking): Well, if you call it a good chance, it is a good chance. Seeing this guy 
fighting with Gein, I'm sure I won't stand against him. I don't want to be hurt in a fight 
that I engaged just to have pleasure.

Yahiko: Where are you looking? I'm your opponent.

Otowa (thinking): Now the best is to finish this brat and say goodbye... (aloud) damn, what 
a talkative brat... I'll finish you with this (he draws his sword). I'll split your brains in
two, I who knows nothing about kenjutsu. It must be the most shameful death for you.

(Yahiko says nothing.)

Yahiko (thinking): Now this is the third time I risk my life in a battle. Just the third time!

			--- I want to be strong in the true meaning of the word ---

	To fulfill that vow, and to reach that back ---

(Otowa attacks)

	I'LL WIN!! AND I'LL KEEP ON FIGHTING!!


 			  -- KAMIYA KASSHIN STYLE --

		-- THE PROTECTION OF THE HIDDEN TECHNIQUE --
   			   
			    -- THE "HADOME" !! -- 

(Yahiko parries Otowa's sword)

		-- And while keeping the opponent's sword under control -- 

    -- you slide the back of your hands in the blade and strike with the hilt! This is --

		    
 		     -- THE ATTACK OF THE HIDDEN TECHNIQUE --

		            -- THE "HAWATARI" !! --


Otowa: You petty bastard brat!! An Ch'i! (Otowa pulls some strings)


				-- ROKUDOUKO !! --

Otowa: DIIIIIIEEEE!!!!

(Yahiko is on the verge of being pierced, but he remembers his talk with Tsubame)

		 	-- Don't worry, nobody's gonna die. --

	-- Everybody's gonna stay alive and we'll see each other again --

Yahiko: I CAN'T DIE!!

(Otowa is striken with fear. Yahiko hits Otowa in the jaw!)



-- end of chapter 195 --