It was said with any city at nightfall changed its very nature. Tokyo was no different; as the evening grew darker yet and the good people of the city went to sleep, other people would take to the alleys and dark places.

The dark places were amongst those well familiar to Aoshi. While Shirotome retired for the evening, Aoshi had quietly put on his Oniwaban uniform and slipped out of the comfort of the hotel to become part of the blackening night. He had not told Shirotome he would do so, although the man surely had heard enough about his own nature from Okina to know that it was inevitable. Before Aoshi would reveal more of his thoughts openly to Shirotome, he wanted to see what he could uncover for himself.

He did not choose to enter into any of the typical places of gathering that the night dwellers would go to. Oniwaban were masters of intelligence, but they often chose to gather it from the shadows and through indirect means. He could adapt a disguise, but there was no need to enter into these places. Instead, he left that to Sagara who he knew had a fondness for gambling places and whose presence would not be questioned. Sagara would help assemble the pieces and fragments of the small-time criminal element that often fed off pieces of what the larger overlords left behind. That was how he understood the criminal world to work -- at least, that was how it was during his time working under Kanryuu Takeda.

It was almost offensive to think that anything good could be salvaged from his employment with Takeda. But due to Takeda's paranoia, Aoshi had mined extensively through Takeda's contacts and networks, looking for something in their background that posed potential threats to his employer. And it was with this list of old contacts that Aoshi was steadfastly running through now.

Although he knew Internal Affairs had cleaned up much of what had been left of Kanryuu Takeda's network of clients and partners, there were the underlings who had escaped imprisonment. Shimada may have had his roots here amongst them - those who emerged and filled the gap of crime. But Shimada had insinuated that even he worked for someone else from time to time; someone in Tokyo with perhaps even more resources than Shimada - someone who perhaps had their finger on many of the illegal things in Tokyo. It would not be unlikely for this unknown person or persons to network with these same persons who Takeda had both used and feared.

Five years had not erased the list of addresses and businesses from his memory. His memory after all, was notoriously flawless. And so, as the hours waned into morning, he began a process of systematically moving down that list, going first from those he knew to deal with black-market goods, then drugs, and secretly evaluating their storerooms and watching the comings and goings from their warehouses and homes.

He was looking for something unusual; a link either to Shimada himself or to someone with a penchant for strange drugs. That was the logical clue to look for, based on what he knew of Kenichi Takani's past and the talents of his sister. Halfway through the list, he realized that it was nearing dawn and that this process would require more than just one evening's work. There would be no easy clues to find here. He resigned himself to laying things out more clearly for Shirotome and trusting the efforts of Sagara.

~~

Sano had spent his evening well. A few rounds of dice (where he conveniently lost money) and drinks on the house had made many persons in the Black Dragon Tearooms rather friendly towards him.

As he left, he promised to come back shortly. And that was something he intended to do later in the evening. When alcohol and money were flowing; people were quite talkative about many things. . . including those looking to hire streetfighters, runners, and all sorts people for various odd jobs. But he had heard nothing yet on opium or bigger jobs. But he made it known that that was exactly what he was interested in now that he was back in Japan.

Once he had left the teahouse, he made his way over to a set of buildings set in a poorer part of town. Katsu would be here somewhere, at least until his next issue of his underground paper emerged and it was time for him to move again. Sano whistled a familiar tune as he walked down the streets, waiting for Katsu to make himself known. A few minutes later, a door slid open and a hand beckoned to him.

Sano quickly moved towards the door and slid the door shut behind him.

"What brings you here, Sano?" Katsu's abrupt words not unwelcoming but, rather, were concerned. "Are you in some kind of trouble?"

Sano snorted. "Can't a guy just stop by and see his friend before he goes running off to who knows where?"

"Don't be an idiot, Sano." Katsu gave him a relieved smile. "Speaking of which, my next issue will be out soon and I'll have to move again once the flyers are distributed."

Sano eyed the pile of papers that Katsu had pushed aside to make room for him before sitting down. "That bad huh?"

"Nothing too surprising," Katsu shrugged. "But I know that stuff bores you, so just tell me what's on your mind."

Sano coughed. "I don't know where to begin. It involves a woman-"

"Oh," Katsu's eyebrows shot up. "That's a first. Since when do you come to me when you have women trouble? Surely by now you know enough-"

"Katsu," Sano folded his arms across his chest. "About a dead woman. Or rather a woman who is supposed to be dead."

"And whose not-dead status is bothering you at this time of night?"

"It's Takani-sensei." Sano looked away for a moment. "Someone I knew . someone I know rather well."

"Takani Megumi." Katsu paused. "I remember her-or hearing about her. Wasn't she supposedly found washed up on some riverbank?"

Sano forced himself to look back at Katsu and tried to sound nonchalant. "Look, someone came to me with information that that wasn't her and that she was alive."

"Sano-" Katsu wasn't fooled whatsoever. "The police identified the body and everything. Are you sure you're not being fooled by your informant and that you're buying into this incredible idea because of wishful thinking on your part? I know that you and the doctor had some history together."

"Don't make me sound like some lovestruck idiot, Katsu. Besides, Shinomori would never mislead me, nor would his source."

At Sano's slip, Katsu appeared to reconsider the idea. "Shinomori, eh? Your circle of acquaintances is rather interesting, Sano. That man was of some importance during the wars. Since then, I have heard both good and bad about him."

Sano shook his head. "He's not the lackey of anyone anymore. He wouldn't lie,"

"Yes, it seems that the Oniwaban has gone legitimate as well." Katsu supplied. "But-"

"And there is this." Sano reluctantly took out a few of the packets of opium and placed them on the table. "It's her work or a damn good replica of it. But it just turned up in the past week or so."

"Hmm." Katsu took one of the packets and made a face when he tasted the powder for himself. "Definitely professional. Nothing like the usual stuff here in Tokyo. But it's not something I've heard about Sano. I'm sorry, but I don't think I can help you all that much."

"That's alright, Katsu." Sano sighed. "But while you're here in Tokyo, I wouldn't mind another pair of ears just listening to what's going on. Shinomori isn't really native to here, and although I suspect he has other help, I don't want to rely on him all that much."

"Is he unreliable?"

"No, it's not that-"

Katsu gave him a small smile. "Then, do I sense a bit of rivalry here?"

Sano shrugged. "He came to me for my help, and I intend to give it."

"Oh," Katsu gave him a knowing look. "And it's just like that, is it?"

"Well," Sano grinned at his friend. "That and I don't want the man to find Megumi all on his own, you know."

"A very beautiful Megumi Takani, or so I've heard." Katsu grinned back. "Beautiful enough that maybe I ought to be joining you and this Shinomori in your mission."

"Don't be silly, Katsu." Sano shook his head. "Shinomori won't even let Kenshin help on this. And besides -- I'd be dumb to let you in on this. She'd run off with you in an instant."

Katsu grinned. "Doubt she'd like the lifestyle, Sano. I'd always be running off to who knows where... although if she's that beautiful, maybe I'd give up my paper and just devote myself to painting and writing poetry again. Women seem to enjoy that sort of thing."

"Hmph. Some friend you are."

"I know. I'm the more respectable one, you know."

At that, they both laughed aloud.

"By the way," Katsu's voice returned to its usual tone. "Who told Shinomori that the doctor was alive? And why now of all times? I mean, it's been more than month now. It makes no sense-"

"Sai-" Sano started to reply, but then realized it was meaningless to supply the name of someone who for all purposes did not use it. "Someone from Internal Affairs."

"Internal Affairs?" Katsu's expression turned dark. "That bunch of secretive government lackeys? Why do you want to believe anything anyone from that group has to say, Sano?"

"Katsu." Sano knew his friend absolutely detested the government, but Internal Affairs by far was one of the arms of the government he despised the most. "That man hates the Meiji as much as you and I do. Although he's one of the most irritating people I've ever known, he can be trusted."

"You better be damn sure of that, Sano." Katsu picked one of his flyers of the stack that sat next to him. "You might want to read what my newspaper has to say in this next issue about them. The problems in Tokyo and in Japan that I mentioned to you the other day? Internal affairs is as usual in the middle of all this. You better watch your back."

~~

"Aoshi." Shirotome prodded his shoulder gently. "The housestaff has arrived for today."

Aoshi sat up with a start. "My apologies, I did not mean to sleep long."

"They have set up the table in the main room for you. As for me, I am going to make my rounds this morning."

"Shirotome," Aoshi stood up and tightened his yukata. He had decided to speak openly of what the man already knew. "I went out yesterday."

"I know." Shirotome gave him a ghost of a smile. "And?"

"And I found nothing." Aoshi sighed.

"Well, you know that Shimada isn't going to be all that easy to catch. You'll have to let me look for him. I promise I will do my best for not only that little girl's sake but for all of you at the Aoiya."

At Shimada's kindly expression, Aoshi felt his resolve to keep Shirotome in the dark slip. "I have to be upfront with you, Shirotome. Shimada is only one part of the reason I'm here. The child isn't the only reason I want Shimada, and the information I need must come more quickly. I received information that Takani Megumi may not be dead from a reliable source."

Shirotome could only blink for a moment. "But the police said she was dead. And yet you say it's not true. Did Shimada confirm this?"

"No." Aoshi shook his head.

"Well," Shirotome frowned. "This makes everything rather complicated. Should I be concentrating on Shimada after all? "

Aoshi turned away for a moment, thinking carefully on his last conversation with Shimada. "Shimada made it clear that my quarrel was not with him, but someone here in Tokyo with many more resources at his disposal. I need information on someone bigger than Shimada. The person who, I believe has Megumi Takani within his grasp."

"I see," the elder man answered softly. "This was something you had not wanted to tell me initially, Aoshi. But I do not begrudge you for it. And I will honor the trust you have placed in me by keeping this to myself. However, I am glad that you told me what you did, for it will change how I go about looking for information. Shimada is one thing, but those greater than him may be untouchable and far more dangerous, Aoshi."

"I want you to be careful, Shirotome-san." Aoshi pressed his lips together grimly. "Innocent questions may trigger an unexpectedly large and negative response. Only consult that you trust most."

"Of course. And what will you do today, Aoshi?"

"I'm going to pursue a different lead today. Although, I'm not sure where to start. If the doctor isn't dead, then there is someone else who died in her place."

"Ah, I see." Shirotome nodded. "A woman of no means, no connections but of apparent beauty."

Aoshi colored slightly. "Forgive me, Shirotome-san for the crudeness of my request. But, I checked the house of Madame Itashi last night and noticed it had closed."

"Nearly three years ago." Shirotome coughed delicately. "Not that I was a personal customer of theirs, nor do I hold it against you if you were a visitor. Do you have a desire to see a geisha or courtesan?"

"I do not." Aoshi glared at the man for the insinuation made. Takeda had been a patron of the lady, and had often made a point to take his clients there. Aoshi most certainly had no interest in any of the Itashi women. "It occurred to me that perhaps our dead woman would have arisen from such company."

Shirotome gave an embarrassed laugh. "Of course, how sensible. We rarely have young men your age stay here, so I'm afraid the only places I know of are teahouses and other tourist gatherings."

"I guess I'll have to ask Sagara then."

"Sagara?" Shirotome looked at him curiously.

"Never mind." Aoshi shook his head and then bowed. Shirotome was looking even more confused. "Please forgive me detaining you. "

"Of course." Shirotome bowed in return and then made a hasty exit.

Aoshi sighed, knowing by the expression on Shirotome's face that Okina would likely hear of the last part of their conversation by week's end.

~~

He whistled an aimless tune as he wandered the marketplace looking at what food the vendors had today. He had slept only an hour or so before his stomach had told him it was time to eat.

He had thought perhaps to go over to the Akebeko, but rather than giving Miss Tae a heart attack by showing up and demolishing whatever food she was preparing for lunch, he decided to indulge here a bit longer. Japanese food was something he still couldn't' get enough of after having been away so long.

"Sagara."

Sano blinked as Aoshi Shinomori suddenly emerged from the crowd. And in a western suit, nonetheless.

He obligingly followed Aoshi as he ducked into an alleyway. "Did you find anything?"

"Not much." Aoshi shook his head. "My sources need more time. And you?"

"Not yet," Sano sighed. "My source had nothing to add. The opium is definitely new to the market. With a little more time, I think I can find some people to help me."

"I hope we have that much time, Sagara." Aoshi looked, at least as far as Sano could guess, concerned.

"How will I find you if I find out something?"

"I will find you again tomorrow."

Sano twitched slightly in irritation. "It's not exactly efficient to do things this way, you know."

"Perhaps. But for now, there is little to go on."

Aoshi was being rather elusive.

"So what's with the getup? And why are you out here in the middle of the day?"

"I would like to pursue another lead. The woman who we think was identified as Megumi was never reported missing."

"Yeah so?"

"I believe it is a clue."

"Well the police won't be of any help."

"No. Women of that status rarely concern the police."

"-of that status?" Sanosuke blinked as it suddenly dawned on what Aoshi was referring to. Was the man serious? Did he intend to go interrogate every brothel owner, madame, courtesan and geisha in town? It did make sense, but still - the idea of Aoshi Shinomori heading into those kind of environments made him either to want to start laughing or just cringe. Suddenly he realized exactly why the man was standing here talking to him.

"And you have no idea where to start, do you?"

"I do not."

Neither of the two men knew exactly whether that admission was a good thing or a bad thing. There was an embarrassingly awkward pause, as the men didn't quite know how to continue.

"Alright, I'll help you out then, Shinomori. But only after you agree to two things."

Aoshi gave him a wary glance. It was obvious that Aoshi did not particularly want his company on this outing. It was a very strange situation as it was, and this would make things even stranger.

Sanosuke crossed his arms over his chest, indicating that he would do absolutely nothing otherwise. "You take me with you. And after today, you start telling me more of your plans."

Both men knew that in this case, Sanosuke would be far better at determining where to go and what to say and do. Aoshi wavered only for a moment. "Fine."

"Good. Then, follow me."

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a/n: What evil muse possessed the author to set this up?! It just struck me as an opportunity for two characters to bond under an extremely awkward situation, and just get developed more as characters while I tie up another plot end. And of course I plan to write up their misadventures in the next installment. How can I not? (But do I need to change the rating of the fic though now to PG-13 even though both men will behave? Hmm.)

Now for the random shoutouts to the homegirls. Make sure to go read their profiles and stories now. And hurry up and R&R before I put up that next part. It hopefully will be up this weekend ^_^ . Or sooner.

Mij: You can now see how the two are going to work together. Aren't you terrified?

And junyortrakr, uh.. after this upcoming incident, both might be at a serious disadvantage.

Cherie Dee: Yes, the popsicle/icicle's lack of ability to express himself is nothing short of amazing. And uh, inevitably that is the next problem I have to deal with. BTW Update your fics before you go off on vacation!

EEevee: Thank you for updating your fics like crazy. As for the popsicle not being sweet, well, yeah. not going there!

animefreak5483 meet Digbaka , Digbaka meet animefreak5483. You are fellow S/M shippers. Shippers unite!

LiLianJieGurl, Curlz and Mirune - thanks for your general praises and all that wonderful stuff. Thank you for hanging in there with this insanely long story.