Hey all. This plot suddenly and irrevocably took hold, and while I hoped to up-date to two stories today, I have been battling sickness and am only now hoping I can write through this headache that has finally subsided enough to allow my attempt at writing at all this evening. So, before this story idea consumes completely, or vanishes without my say, here I am. I hope you enjoy~!

I, Sapphire Midnight, claim no rights over these Rurouni Kenshin characters.

Note: While this started as a tale taking place in Victorian England, it has now flourished to mix with a hint of Japanese sword-culture and Victorian England with a supernatural spin. I hope this world pulls you in as completely as I. Also, I only have the beginning plotted out, so please bear with me when it concerns up-dating. I am officially back and will be up-dating to my stories regularly again, but I will be up-dating randomly and where I see fit. Please be patient with me. Thank you.

True World: Topside

Prelude:

Everything has a price. That is what the daywalkers of the True World began to realize after the stunning discovery of a Realm deep and vast and eerily dark in its magic-filled tunnels that led some to believe it was a world forgotten beneath the ground at their feet. Those touched by magic knew otherwise. They who ventured forth into the perplexing new Realm found time traveled a bit differently there. Their abilities were grander. God-like. Those who left the True World could maneuver through dreary tunnels and deeper into abandoned cities only to come out again at another Rift between Realms, finding they traveled a far greater distance in a more timely manner that could not have been possible otherwise, had they remained in the True World for their journey.

They first called this Realm the Sister Realm, for it was a world similar, yet very unlike their own. Later, after the Madness set in, daywalkers began to call it the Shadow Realm—insisting the world to be simply one step away from tripping and falling into Hell. Smart mages would not set foot into the Shadow Realm. Those honorable attempted to do all they could to prevent others from entering upon mere curiosity. The Shadow Realm was like a drug—a drug of power. It preyed upon those weak of mind, soul, and body, making them feel strong—invincible. The magic of the place fed as easily as it gave, and soon those whom ventured into the Shadow Realm stayed for more frequent visits, and for longer periods of time. Shady businesses were created. Un-policed streets often saw brawls, blood, and murder. Soon the True World gained the nickname of 'Topside,' for those whom preferred to meddle in the Shadow Realm in their thirst for power, or their greed and miscreant behavior. Order began to falter, and with it—hope for any kind of salvation.

Then rumors of a man unlike any other arrived and spread like wildfire through both Realms. He was feared as much as he was revered. They called him Battousai. He was the first to begin policing the streets of the Shadow Realm—though he was more a messenger of Death than an officer of Law. He was a man-slayer, pure and simple. He killed all who crossed his path in the Shadow Realm, for the chaos of the True World was too great now that those tainted on their own prowess in such a dark realm would turn Topside and stir up trouble. It was said the Battousai answered to one man—and one man alone: the King. While turmoil and unrest rendered the True World to bits, the King's reach finally penetrated the Shadow Realm through the Hitokiri, and chaos at once began to settle.

One power-hungry man was not pleased by this, however: Makoto Shishio. He was, by far, Battousai and the King's worst adversary. It is said, after an attempt at the King's life gone horribly awry, the Battousai followed Shishio into the Shadow Realm and the Fires of Hell unleashed from Battousai's sword, swallowing up the madman, finally leading to his doom. The end of the tale concerning Battousai varies from telling to telling. Either the man was consumed by the same fire that resulted in Shishio's death, or the Shadow Realm had finally wrecked havoc on the once-daywalker, leading the Battousai to his own Madness and demise.

Most whisperings of the Tellings of Old pray most fervently that the man-slayer, who seemed more demon than man, had been lost to the flames' fiery clutches. For who in the True World would wish to have a Hitokiri—especially the Battousai—wandering their streets or existing in their very realm?

After all: those who stayed in the Shadow Realm too long would become victim to the Madness, and those touched by the Madness would lose pieces of their soul simply upon re-entering such a foreboding realm.

A decade passed. The High King, having fully recovered from the attempt on his life, had formed a strict new Code for all his subjects, enforcing new Laws with exceedingly intimidating Police forces that cycled rotation between the True World and the Shadow Realm, so none would stay too long and become victim to the Madness. The King retained a great many enemies during that time, but found he had a greater number of allies he was able to call upon whenever the time was needed.

Then, when all began to finally tip the scale toward balance, the unthinkable happened:

Makoto Shishio was seemingly raised from the dead.

Shortly thereafter, panic and chaos once again consumed a troubled people:

The High King Katsura was missing.

… … …

Well, I was hoping to get the first chapter out now, but I will aim for it being up by tomorrow instead. Please tell me what you think~!