A/N: So, this is under a new pen name... Cool, eh? Anywho, this tempting idea popped into my head just a few hours ago.. It's definitely not original, but it's going to be a hell of a lot of fun. ;D Enjoy the prologue.. Where, erm, nothing will make sense! Just be on the look-out for the first real chapter..

Disclaimer: I... don't own Rurouni Kenshin. ;; Poor me.

Before the Dawn

Prologue

Shadows and Details

-

"It is not yet repaid."

A pause, shattered by the the yells of a group of darkly-clothed men not five feet away playing an intense card game. Apparently, Ryuu had cheated Kyou.

The returning voice held a tinge of bemusement. "Even after... everything?"

The man's eyebrows were drawn down and together in a display of cool displeasure. "No. After all he did, after all the lies... the false loyalty... where he went was a mercy. I repeat, it is not yet repaid."

His associate gave a short, dark laugh – devoid of any real humour. He then ran long, graceful fingers through his own dark hair before narrowing his eyes in thought. "I suppose his lwhore won't be pleased any."

A raised brow was all he got in return, along with the steepling of fingers upon the dark wood of the table between them. "I wouldn't think so. Kidnapping usually isn't the predecessor to joy. Ah, well, you've obviously heard how she -"

Another low chuckle. "Of course. She brought it upon herself. Filth should not breed with other filth. It just creates more scum in the end. Though, she must be quite pretty if you've planned all of this. I know you wouldn't bother Shinobu otherwise."

Another pause, this one pregnant.

"... I've had some informative little birds set eyes on her before. She is apparently... eh... quite a comely little thing." The older man pursed his lips.

"If she were to make enough money -"

"Yes, I suppose everyone would finally be satisfied, after all these years. Undoubtedly, there is nothing more degrading than watching your most precious treasure be degraded in such a way."

"It's just too bad that he isn't here to watch, eh?"

"Yes, but even we cannot have everything that we desire."

"No... But a damn good chunk of the time, we can." He raised a hand to lazily signal to one of the scantily-clad waitresses. "Now, how about a drink? We all know how hard you've been working lately, and all for us underlings. Relax. I'll send Shinobu along to collect her in a few days time."

"Unacceptable. Tomorrow evening at the latest." As the more senior out of the pair, he accepted the small cup of sake from the waitress first, and then pushed the other towards his companion. "Tell Shinobu to make it subtle, as well."

Skillfully covering an eye-roll with a tip of the sake to his lips, the aforementioned companion took a long drink before setting the cup down and sighing. "Of course, whatever you wish. I'm sure he'll be pleased."

A piece of paper, innocently small and lined with neat cursive writing was pushed across the table.

"This is the address. He won't be able to miss it. Remember: It's an in-and-out job."

"I'll remind him. Now, how about another drink?"

"It would be a pleasure."