A/N: This is a new story I had a few years back, but I did not have the time to really write up more about it. So yeap, thought it will be interesting to attempt it again.
Hope you enjoy the chapter. Chapter 1 will be out soon so there will be a clearer picture.
Disclaimer: Don't own Rurouni Kenshin.
Year 1883: London
11th November 1883. The night was cold, dreary and miserable. Similar to any other normal winter night the residents were used to.
The silence of the night was soon broken as the clock tower struck midnight, echoing its loud chimes throughout the streets. As the remnants of the sound drifted off with the wind, running footsteps were soon heard from a distance. The loud rapid steps coupled with the gentleness of another belonged to a man and his daughter.
The man looked disheveled, with a fearful expression smeared across his face. The little girl, thin and tired, attempted her best to keep up with her father.
"Father, I can't run anymore."
"Just a little bit more my child! A little bit more and we would be safe." He assured her as he clasped her hand tighter, never once slowing down.
Then…as sudden as their appearance, a howl was heard. Chills were sent down the man's spine, as he quickened his pace. The man knew that deep down in his heart, there would be no escape…not for the two of them. As the duo turned into a blind corner, they found themselves in a dark alley.
The man scanned the area, and soon found what he was looking for: A small opening in the surrounding walls, covered by a metal grill. With no time to lose, he ran to it, and with the remaining strength he had left, he forced the grill out and pushed his daughter into the narrow passage. Once he was assured that she was safely tucked in, he returned the metal structure back in place.
"Stay here. You will be safe."
"But what about you?"
"Don't worry about me. I will be fine. Just remember, no matter what, don't make a sound; don't leave this place until morning has come. Do you understand?"
"But…"
"No 'buts'! Promise me you will live. Promise me!"
"I…I promise you…" The little girl replied with tears welling up in her eyes.
The father looked endearingly at his daughter, as he bent forward to give her a hug through metal barrier. He knew…that this would probably be the last time he would hold her in his arms. The last time before he faced that monstrosity.
The little girl watched as her father slowly made his way out of the dark alley, and as he turned to give his daughter one last look, he disappeared once more into the mist.