I know this is the shortest chapter in the history of chapters BUT

I have been sick and I have been completely flat out busy getting ready for my birthday but I still found time to update both of my stories. ::glaring:: better appreciate it! (even if the chapter is short)

"You idiots! Let us out!" they yelled simultaneously, Kenshin's mood bad enough that he uncharacteristically lost some of his temper.

"Nope, you have to have a nice, romantic dinner," said Megumi cheerfully before the sound of her footsteps walked away.

Kenshin and Kaoru just stared at each other

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I thought redheads were supposed to blush more, thought Kaoru, completely mortified.

So far they had only eaten in silence broken by the occasional stab of conversation. I can't believe they would do something like that, Kaoru thought as she stabbed her rice rather viciously.

"So… um, how are you enjoying a proper visit to Kyoto so far?" asked Kenshin, making a brave stab to break the silence.

Kaoru was more than willing to answer, hoping that just maybe this wouldn't turn into a certified disaster.

"Katsura-san, Okami-san, may I speak to you for a moment," Aoshi said to the two time travelers who had just returned from the Shirobeko. Yahiko had thought that it would be safer if they weren't near when Kenshin and Kaoru were let out.

"Hm? Oh, of course Shinomori-san," said Okami, slightly distracted.

They followed Aoshi to a slightly western style office with a desk and an armchair that was obviously not from Japan. Misao apparently quite liked the Western fashions and had bought quite a few things to 're-decorate' the Oniwaban Group Headquarters.

"I asked a few people to investigate what on earth could have brought you here," said Aoshi, obviously seeing their slightly bewildered looks as to why they were there.

At his words, both of the time travelers seemed to snap to attention.

"Obviously, an event like this is positively unheard of," said Aoshi.

"I would say that that's quite an understatement," said Katsura, snorting softly.

"Yes," said Aoshi, not showing his amusement on his face. "But the only way that we've found that it might be possible is with this," Aoshi said as he picked up a small picture of a very old sword that, even in the picture, seemed mysterious.

"Do you recognize it?" Aoshi asked, hoping they did because it was the only possible way that something so, well, impossible could occur.

"Yes," said Okami. "It was just the night before we ended up here actually," she said, looking at Katsura for confirmation."

"Yes," said Katsura slowly, "One of the raids that night brought back that sword. I remember it gave off a strange ki."

"And it had some sort of inscription on it," Okami added, her eyes narrowed as she tried to remember.

"It was something like… Tempus Vahere?" said Katsura, struggling to recall the exact words.

"Tempus Vehere," Aoshi said softly, his theory now cemented. "It's Latin for time travel," he elaborated.

"So wait a moment," said Okami incredulously. "You're saying that the sword pulled us through time?"

"That's ridiculous," Katsura interjected.

"Just plain time-traveling is rather ridiculous," Aoshi pointed out, making Okami and Katsura nod, conceding to his point – albeit grudgingly.

"So how could a sword, of all things, bring us to the future?" asked Katsura, still sounding slightly disbelieving.

"The sword is very old," Aoshi began slowly, "It was created hundreds of years ago, long before the Tokugawa Regime began. It was forged for a master of the sword arts. In fact, some rumours say that it was his descendant that first created the legendary Hiten Mitsurugi Style that Himura uses.

He was brilliant at what he did and also had an extremely powerful ki. Some people say that the sword is an extension of the soul. This man made it so the sword was truly a part of him. When he died, apparently his soul was left behind in the sword.

He had also had a particular curiosity for time, as was proved by the fact that the swords original name was Tempus – Latin for time. Over the years it was said that he worked out how to travel through it. It was his dearest wish – to be able to travel through it. He died with that wish in his heart and soul and the sword next to him.

Later on, the sword was renamed Tempus Vehere, according to legend because if you wonder about the future while holding it – and not for no reason either. There has to be emotion behind the reason – then that person is transported several years into the future.

Everyone has always called it just an old wives tale, but I think that it's to much of a coincidence that you show up right after encountering Tempus Vehere," Aoshi finished, looking at the two in front of them.

"You're quite right, that sounds completely unbelievable," said Katsura after several moments of silence. "Yet, it makes sense in a crazy way."

"So, we were transported through time because of a sword," said Okami. "Well, you can't say it happens every day."

"Do you know how we return?" asked Okami, seriousness returning.

"No," Aoshi admitted, hating to admit that there was something his extensive spy network hadn't been able to find.

"But," he continued, "I have asked them to find the sword and they are currently looking for it. Perhaps it will give us some clues."

"Perhaps," said Katsura slowly.

"Well, thank you for taking the time to find out how this happened," said Okami cordially, giving him a small bow.

"Not at all," Aoshi replied, inclining his head.

Suddenly the door flew open and Misao skidded in and said breathlessly, "Hey, come and check it out! Oh, sorry Aoshi-sama," she added, noticing her commander in the room for the first time. "Anyway, Himura and Kaoru are back!"

"Really?" asked Okami interestedly and following Misao out with a final nod towards the leader of the Oniwaban Group.

"Thank you again, Shinomori-san," said Katsura as he followed Okami out of the door.

Aoshi just nodded and then paused as though thinking about something as he looked at Katsura's retreating back. Oh, why not, he thought and followed them out to find out how the Trick Date had gone.

-----------Authors Notes

I know, incredibly short, I am so sorry! Thanks to all that reviewed last chapter as well, I have no time at the moment but I loved them all!

Please review this chapter and my birthday a good one!