VIDEO CAMERA

The afternoon was placid, the overcast sky unmoving, unchanging. This fact was also true for the sizzling heat that plagued the Kamiya Dojo that very afternoon. Kaoru was relentless in Yahiko's training despite the horrid condition outside. Yahiko strengh and vigor was rapidly depleating as the day progressed - Kaoru chose to pass this as 'laziness' on Yahiko's part.

Kenshin had begun doing his usual chore - laundry - and took advantage to 'accidentally' splash as much soap water on his arms as possible. This, by the far, was the only source of refreshment in the entire Dojo. Ayame and Suzume were in their usual frivolous banter accompaning Dr. Gensai who was having an amicable conversation with Megumi.

Everyone was absorbed in their own world, scheming in different ways to not fry under the watchful eye of the sun. The silence, was soon interrupted by the girlish shrill coming from afar. Kenshin stopped abruptly, suspecting danger. Everyone became tense. However they were all surprised to see Sanoske was the source of the shrilling, and that Sanoske was coming direcly for the Dojo.

All logical train of thought would have said to use the door of the Dojo to enter it, but Sanoske was too frightened to think and went straight into the wall. The blow to his head was enough to stun him and let him regain his senses. He headed straight for Kenshin.

"Kenshin, you've got to help me!"

The anxiety in his voice was enough to alarm the swordsman and he rose to his feet quickly.

"What is it Sanoske?"

Kenshin's voice was serious, commanding, calm. Sanoske's was not.

"It's horrible Kenshin, horrible! You remember that damn contraption they use to trap people souls that we saw the other time, well now they've created one that traps peoples souls and people can watch them! This guy in the village was following me trying to show me but I knew better. Then this red light went on the machine and he started following me with it. Thats when I ran here -"

"Calm down Sanoske, take it easy."

Kaoru said as she paused Yahiko's training, Yahiko immediately collasping.

"Sano, I'm sure you're perfectly safe now. Let us go inside and talk this over some tea. Perhaps that will calm you down."

Instead of agreeing, the ex-fighter for hire eyes widened and he began to shake.

"Your with them Kenshin! You all are!"

Sanoske said as he pointed at Kaoru and the others that had assembled to watch the spectacle. Dr Gensai carefully approached Sanoske and said;

"There, there now. I'm sure what you are talking about is a new invention that has been rumored. It is, I believe, called the 'video camera'. It can capture motion and be replayed for the entertainment of others. It most certainly will not take your soul or anyone else's for that matter."

"You're lying, Sanoske shrilled, I dont believe you. I cant believe that you guys would do this to me! I knew you were up to something when Missy wanted me to get on that train!"

Sanoske took one last look at the shocked occupants of the Kamiya Dojo and made a run for it.

Everyone stood, paralized. Then, when Sanoske was a far distance away, they all laughed.

FINISH