Author notes: Hope you enjoy this chapter. There is no Misao/Aoshi action, but I promise there will be some eventually.

I like starting everything out with a quote or verse or something so here it is:

What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us.
--Ralph Waldo Emerson

Disclaimer: *tear* I do not own Rurouni Kenshin, or the characters.

From the last chapter:

I couldn't help myself. I kicked him in the shin and then flew off my cap revealing my long hair for a last dramatic effect.

"Wow, she told you off."

I liked this girl already and offered her a smile. Her brother, however, just stood there with his eyes narrowed in a deathly glare.

Chapter 2:

A New Friend (or Misao kicks ass and Karou has a plan)b

"What the hell were you doing a forest with those clothes on?"

"It's really none of you business and -"

"Aoshi, stop questioning her. I think you've givin her enough trouble, so get out."

"Hn." After a scrutinizing glance at me, he turned and left.

"Sorry about that. He can be a little over protective at times."

"I would call it being a jerk."

"Only sometimes, but he usually means well. My name is Karou, it's a pleasure meeting you."

"My name is Misao. You have a nice castle."

"So what's your story Misao?"

I looked at her and realized she really wanted to know. I usually never talked about my past with anyone, it was too personal. But I looked and her and for some reason I wanted to tell her. She looked sincere.

So, we both sat on her bed and I told her my story, all of it.

"…and so I ended up here."

"Wow, that's a pretty exciting life."

"I'm not sure it can be called that, but I make do with what I am given."

Since I told her my story, she told me hers. Though we were completely opposite, we connected. Here I was - dirty, not a penny to me, and in boy's clothing - and she was clean, rich, and in a dress. Despite all of that, we decided to become friends. We talked for a couple of hours about everything and anything.

"My life is sooooo boring. I really shouldn't complain, but for the last couple of months I have to have bodyguards with me constantly and can not stand it!"

I noticed by the door stood two guards who looked rather bored.

"Your guards look pretty bored."

"Yeah, I know. I feel bad for them. One small threat, and my parents go psycho protective."

"Hmmmm, I haven't had a good fight in days," I said as I started to walk toward the guards.

"Misao, I don't know…."

"Don't worry," I said rolling my eyes.

"Hey, you two. You looked a little bored, how 'bout a little sparring for fun? Who wants to take me on first?"

The two guards just stared at me like I was insane. I was like a half of their size and a girl. I kept egging them on until one finally realized I wasn't going to stop until they decided to fight me.

He tried a quick attack that he figured would get me to stop, but didn't expect me to dodge it and hit him in the stomach. I could see the surprise, then the flash of irritation in his eyes. He finally took a serious stance.

He was too slow and not skilled enough. I took him down with ease. The second guard stood there for a minute shocked, but got up with determination.

He was a little better, but not a skilled fighter. Most think size is everything, but speed and skill can easily overpower size. He took me a little longer because he got in a cheap hit on my arm, but I defeated him easily.

Both guards still looked shocked and a little embarrassed, but laughed it off and said it was a good fight.

"Misao, that was awesome!"

"Ah, thanks."

"No, seriously. If you can fight like that then -" Karou smiled and had look in her eyes that made me a little cautious.

"Then what exactly?"

"Nevermind. I'll tell you later, but you have to stay for dinner tonight with my family."

"I don't think that would be a good idea. One, I don't really fit in here. Two, I'm a mess and these are the only clothes I have. So I think I'll pass."

She gave me a brief look and replied, "Don't worry. I'll take care of everything." With that she called in two older maids, quietly gave them orders, and left.

"Karou, just wait a minute - auggghhhh, what do you think you are doing?"

"We have been told to clean you up and make you suitable. You can either make this easy or difficult for yourself."

I looked at the maid and decided she was serious, so I told myself I may as well make the best of it.

That was chapter two J Sorry, it was a little short, but I wanted to update quickly. Next chapter will take a little longer, but hopefully it will be longer and you can find out what Karou is planning!

Thanks for all of you that reviewed (I love reviews)!!!!!!!