Disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin or Harry Potter.

"He's a monster! He should be executed, saviour or not!"

"Did you see what happened?"

"Oh yes, ghastly wasn't it?"

"Hard to believe the one who offed the previous Dark Lord would go dark himself…"

"What a horrid way to repay all who fought and died for him!"

"…The juries have voted and found you guilty. Your execution date has been set. Out of respect to your accomplishments and commitments to the Light, we have agreed to allow for a painless death. Thus, a week from now, you will face the Veil. Merlin have mercy on your soul, Harry James Potter, for no one else will…"

Green eyes jerked open, staring up at the wooden ceiling for a few seconds before the owner forced himself into an upright position.

Calm down, he chided in his mind. That was a lifetime ago. I am Yoshida Hideaki, surrogate younger brother of Okita Souji. Nothing more, nothing less.

But even so, it has been almost two decades since his life as Yoshida Hideaki began, nearly two decades since he landed in this world. And half the time spent fighting yet another war and adjusting to a place so different from what he was used to.

A sigh escaped. No matter where or who he was, fate seemed to love throwing him into the deep end without any warnings beforehand.

But still, Shishio Makoto, the one man responsible for the numerous, preventable deaths of Shinsengumi's squad members… If the bloodthirsty assassin really was on the move, going to Kyoto would be a perfect opportunity to stop his schemes. For better or for worst, Hideaki's mind was set. The raven haired swordsman would not delude himself into thinking he wasn't doing this for revenge. This would be payback on his comrades' behalf, but he was also willing to acknowledge the true purpose of this mission, the reason Okubo wanted Kenshin and him to assassinate Shishio. The country's future was at stake, after all.

Quietly changing out of his sleepwear, Hideaki stowed the futon away and retied his long hair, hands automatically sliding the katana into his obi. Taking a moment to regain his bearings, he gently slid the shoji open and stepped out into the early morning sun.

"Eh, Himura-san?"

The red-haired man looked up from his laundry, offering a bright smile, "Yoshida-san, up so early?"

"I can say the same for you. Do you need a hand with that, Himura-san?" At the rurouni's slightly apprehensive look, Yoshida laughed. "Don't worry, I've done housework before, trust me."

"Okay, here, I'll leave this half to you. And please, call me Kenshin."

"Then you must call me Hideaki."

The two swordsmen worked in silence, before the green-eyed one spoke, "I'll be taking my leave later in the morning, Kenshin-san. Would you mind doing me a favour and passing on my thanks to Kamiya-san?"

"Of course, but why don't you wait a little longer? I'm sure Kaoru-dono would be far happier receiving your gratitude in person."

A small smile appeared on the raven-haired man's face, "Ah, I guess so."

"The offer, you are thinking of accepting, aren't you, Hideaki-san?"

"It depends. I may have a grudge against Shishio, but I also need to know why Hajime-san is willingly following a member of the Meji government," Hideaki frowned down at the tub. "If Okubo-san was a corrupt politician, the Hajime-san I know would have killed him already."

To his right, Kenshin hummed in agreement, "Before our fight, Saitou said three words: 'Aku. Soku. Zan.' Only a true Wolf of Mibu will be able to speak those words with the same conviction as he did. I do not think you ought to worry about his intentions, Hideaki-san."

"So what about you, Kenshin-san? Are you planning to pay a visit to Okubo-san later? It is the 14th already, after all."

"Well, I – "

"Of course he's not!" A loud voice interrupted the redhead, courtesy of one fight merchant. "That Okubo guy cannot be trusted! And I thought you used to be enemies with him as well, Hideaki!"

Over his short one week stay, the raven-haired man formed a sort-of-friendly bond with the other occupants, and they slowly began to open themselves to each other. Although there was still little trust, Yoshida did not mind. They had only known each other for a little while, after all.

"I am willing to give him a chance, Sagara-san. Besides, this is a good opportunity to keep up to date on what has been happening for the last five years since I've been away."

"I am going by my own free will, Sano. I need to see for myself if Shishio is as big a threat as they say."

"Kenshin, I don't like this one bit," Kaoru stepped out of the dojo, Yahiko on her heels.

"Yeah, it could simply be a ruse to rope you into becoming a dog for the government!" the boy huffed.

"That it may be, but…" the rurouni stood, brushing off his kimono and gave a smile. "Rest assured I will not involve myself in something petty. However, I need to determine the situation for myself."

Having completed his task during the brief conversation, Hideaki glanced at the sky, "If you would excuse me, I think it's time I left to see Okubo-san. If things go well, I'll return to collect my belongings, Kamiya-san."

"I'll come as well, Hideaki-san," the two turned to leave, only to be stopped by the female kendo instructor.

"Wait! Isn't he coming here?"

"Okubo-dono is a busy man, it would be more convenient if we were to go to him. Furthermore, I heard he was on his way to the cabinet meeting in Akasaka. We'll meet him there."

"Then we'll come with you!" Sagara announced, only to be rejected.

"Things could get complicated. It's better if we were to go alone."

"Now then, shall we, Kenshin-san?"

Yoshida's eyes narrowed as he spotted a crowd gathered at the streets of Kioisaka. Gasps of horror and sharp commands could be heard over the general commotion. As the two drew closer, the scent of fresh blood caused them to stiffen.

"Stay back!" An officer yelled as a few spectators shuffled forward to get a closer look.

Craning his head, the raven male took in the overturned, partially destroyed carriage and the splatters of crimson on the ground beside the wreck. Kenshin's sudden intake of breath drew his attention towards the two bodies on stretchers, the policemen tugging a cloth over the corpses, but not before green eyes fully took in the facial features of one particular victim.

"Okubo-dono…" Kenshin whispered. "Who could have done it?"

"If the both of you value your lives, do not defy Shishio-sama."

Hideaki's head whipped around to locate the owner of the soft voice, only managing to catch a glimpse of blue before the crowd swallowed the mysterious person.

"Kenshin-san?"

"Yeah, I heard."

"It's best we returned, Kenshin-san. Hajime-san may be the only one able to fill us in during this situation right now."

The two swordsmen found themselves following Saitou as the tall man led them into the late Director of the Department of Internal Affair's office exactly thirty minutes after the assassination.

"Dammit! This is Shishio's work! I just know it!" The chubby officer who accompanied Okubo during his sudden visit yelled as a hand slammed the sturdy desk in frustration. "Okubo-dono…"

"Excuse me…" all four occupants of the room looked up as an old man entered.

"Who is that, Hajime-san?" Hideaki whispered.

"That's Yamayoshi, Governor of the Fukushima Prefecture. He's here as the last person to speak with Okubo."

"Ah, I was indeed the last to meet with him before this unfortunate event," the governor sighed. "Okubo-san…he and I always saw eye to eye. He wanted my help to organise the government and perfect the domestic administration now that the period for setting the foundation and growth of this country is over. He admitted to having a successor who would oversee the reforming of the government should anything happen to him. I guess…he knew something like this would occur."

Saitou snorted, "A nation where the people decide their own fate instead of living in the hands of their superiors…that's but a dream."

"It is Okubo-kyo's dream! It was an idea he believed in," the officer argued.

"Hmm…there was something else which bothered me," the old man confessed. "The Okubo I knew was a usually reserved man, however, he was quite forthcoming during our conversation. I seemed as if something big was to happen today…something that would have changed the future of Japan."

With that, the governor and officer excused themselves, leaving the three to ponder the new information.

"So, the last of the Ishin-Shishi is gone," a dark shadow passed over green eyes. "I've never really liked that man, but even I have to admit he makes a great leader. From here on out, chaos will befall the Meji Era."

"It just gives us the more reason to put a stop to whatever plans Shishio is cooking up," the third squad Shinsengumi captain agreed.

As both former comrades talked, Kenshin stared out the window, eyes absently tracking the numerous leaflets already announcing the assassination of Japan's most powerful man. He knew that this situation has taken a turn for the worst. This will affect the future, he realised, and must be stopped. But, can he go back to being the cold assassin he was before?

Violet orbs focused on the serious face of the other small male, and a sigh escaped. Of course not. He refused to return to being the Battousai, but for the sake of his precious ones, he will have to brave this journey as a mere rurouni. Kenshin just hoped that it would be sufficient.

So…those times have begin again…

"I'll see you soon, Yoshida, Kenshin," Saitou gave a stiff nod and retreated back into the headquarters.

"That we will, Hajime-san. Goodnight," Hideaki glanced at the unusually silent redhead. "Kenshin-san?"

He gave a small smile as the other visibly snapped out of his thoughts, "We had best head back, Kenshin-san, least Kamiya-san and the others be worried."

"Aren't you afraid, Hideaki-san?" Kenshin questioned suddenly as they walked.

"Afraid? Of what?"

"Of losing yourself, of falling back to the mindset of a killer during the Bakumatsu."

There was a brief silence, before Yoshida murmured, so softly that the red-haired male had to strain his ears to listen, "My brother once told me something, a few months after the war ended. 'War embeds itself into all survivors, especially those most deeply involved, Even the gentlest of them will fall prey to losing themselves.' I have experienced it numerous times during the ten years after the Bakumatsu. Even now, I cannot fully guarantee total control if I were to face Shishio in battle."

Green met violet, and a deep, mutual understanding passed between the two.

"Then I guess we'll need to rely on each other during this journey, Hideaki-san."

"Eh? You are planning on going to Kyoto? But what about Kamiya-san? And the others?"

"I have seen what the continued existence of this man will bring. I'm sure Kaoru-dono and the others will understand."

"Alright, I'll wait for you here. Give Kamiya-san my regards as well and apologies for looking after my other belongings for the time I'll be gone."

"Ah, will do."

And in the silent night, a heartbroken cry rang out, heard but unheeded by the slowly departing figure.

Sorry for the bland chapter. The real adventure will begin soon!

Later!

Kagetsuki-taicho