Kaoru, currently in her swan form, floated atop Swan Lake. The sun had begun its descent some time ago and she knew any minute now she would turn back into a human. She didn't precisely mind being a swan, but missed her human shape with a passion, feet, arms, hands, fingers. When she had first fallen victim to Shishio's spell, she had ached for her human form during the day when she was a swan, but she'd slowly grown used to it over the years.

It was hard to believe she'd been under this spell for three years. And still Shishio came to her at least once a week and asked her if she had relented and would marry him, as if she'd shackle herself to a man as cruel as Shishio, who had long since stolen away her life.

The nice thing was that now, after being alone for so long, other actual swans had begun to use the lake as their primary nesting spot.

Red magic sparkled around her, she felt her wings stretch out into human arms and her feet hit the bottom of the lake. She stood up, fully clothed in trousers and a long white blouse as she always was. She was at least grateful that Shishio had bothered to tie clothing into her transformation. She would hate to transform naked and have to go in search of clothing. As it was, she had to go in search of boots. She didn't know why but she also always ended up without shoes and had long since begun stashing an extra pair of boots nearby.

Kaoru donned her boots, and dug into the crumbling wall next to her, moving the loose rocks and pulling out her bokken. With it in hand, she began to walk through Swan Lake forest to an open meadow she used for practice. As she neared the meadow, her eyes locked onto a large white form laying on the side of the meadow. She knelt down next to the dead swan, gently turning it over and finding its cause of death easily, a large arrow protruding from its breast. Gritting her teeth, Kaoru took several deep breaths, fingering the fletching on the arrow. She knew from the colors, two white and one blue feather, that it was a royal arrow. This was the third deceased swan she had found in the past week, and that was enough for her. Knowing the royal family was currently staying at Kubota castle for the summer, which wasn't far from Swan Lake, Kaoru knew she had to do something about them hunting swans. 'Them?' she thought angrily, 'I know exactly who it was.'

His Imperial Highness, Crown Prince Kenshin slipped inside the smaller feasting hall of Kubota palace. The hall was packed with people and hummed with music.

Walking around the outside of the room towards his cousin, Sano, Kenshin stopped near the refreshments table, pausing to watch several couples dance. His mother suddenly appeared beside him.
"Hello, darling." She said with a smile.

"Mother." He grinned

"Are you enjoying your spying?" She asked.

"Actually, I am." He answered.

"Any girls catch your fancy?" She wondered.

"Not really." He said, shaking his head.

"I hate to tell you this, darling, but it's about time you found yourself someone."

Kenshin nodded. "She's out there somewhere."

"I know dear, but you're the crown prince. You need to get married and insure the next generation." Kenshin sighed, thinking that she was pushing at him to keep her mind from his father, who was currently away attending a summit in Marioka.

"I know Mother, I will. Any word from father?"

"Not yet. I hope all is going well, Kami knows we need help if we are to expel Sorcerer Shishio."

"Don't remind me." He grimaced, his mind already latching on and beginning to worry about his realm's biggest threat.

"Well, don't let me keep you over here sweetheart. If I'm not mistaken, you have a host of ladies anxious to dance with you."

Kenshin smiled, kissed his mother's hand, and then strode out to take his turn on the dance floor.

The hour was now late and, after saying farewell to the guests, Kenshin was grateful that the evening was over with and he could head for his bed. Strolling past a grotto of trees, he paused when he saw something white flash among the greenery. When a girl flung herself from the trees a moment later, landing in a crouch on the stone path in front of him, he raised both eyebrows.

She was a mixture of fascination and beauty, for she had long raven hair that was tied back and bright blue eyes. Her features were playful and almost roughish, though that might have been the half-smirk she wore.

"Hello your highness. I'm here to deliver a message."

The prince opened his mouth. Kaoru sprang forward and clapped her hand over his mouth.

"Ah-ah. No calling for help. I don't wish to be arrested, after all. And don't worry, I mean you no harm as long as you follow my advice. Stop hunting swans. Swan Lake has become a sanctuary for swans."

His eyes crinkled with amusement and his lips brushed her palm as he spoke, "Oh, you must mean my cousin, Sano."

Frowning, Kaoru asked, "It isn't you who hunts swans?"

"Sano is the hunter, I prefer the sword." He offered.

"Well, whichever of you it is, just know that shooting at the swans must stop."

Prince Kenshin nodded. "I'll tell Sano."

"Thank you."

"Why do you care about the swans?" The prince asked from behind her hand.

"Because no one else does. Remember, tell your cousin."

He nodded as she darted into the trees, fleeing back to Swan Lake as quickly as she could.