A/N: This is my first attempt at fan-fiction so it might not be that good. Plus, it's based on a dream I had so it might be confusing and I'll probably have to edit it.

I don't own Rurouni Kenshin and I never will.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 1

The residents of the Kamiya Dojo were busily preparing for the days festivities. It was Kenji's fifth birthday and his family had planned a party for him. The party was to last the entire day for it was also a celebration of Aoshi and Misao's marriage, which had taken place a week earlier in Kyoto. At present everyone was preparing for the guests.

Yahiko and Tsubame could be seen running back and forth between the Akebeko and the Dojo with food for breakfast since no one had time to cook and they had guests to feed. Sanosuke and his friends were arranging decorations as well as tables and chairs for the guests throughout the dojo and front yard. Kaoru was supervising all this, giving directions when necessary, while being followed closely by Ayame and Suzume whom nodded at her every word. In the midst of all this, Kenshin was hopelessly chasing Kenji around trying to dress him in a new navy blue kimono.

"Kenji-chan, please get dressed, the guests will arrive soon." Kenshin gasped.

Not only was Kenji fast, but also very cunning. He would run under chairs, tables, between people's legs, anything to slow his father down and put as far a distance as possible between him and the kimono. He despised kimonos, mainly because he found them to be restricting, making it impossible for him to run around and play.

"No! Father, why can't I just wear my normal gi?" Kenji innocently inquired

Kenshin sighed, "You know that today is a special day and guests will be coming, that they will. Now will you please get dressed?"

"NO!"

As he turned to escape he ran right into Sanosuke who grabbed him and lifted him high into the air.

"LEM'ME GO!" the child yelled desperately attempting to kick his captor.

"Get dressed first" the gangster replied

"Arigatou Sano, will you please get dressed now Kenji-chan?" asked Kenshin

"NO!"

"Listen kid, you really should get ready because lots of people will be coming and we all have to get dressed. Even me!" Sanosuke informed

At this Kenji took a good look at his uncle who was wearing a green gi instead of his normal clothes.

"I DON'T WANNA WEAR THAT THING!!!" Kenji yelled, pointing at the kimono, as he viciously kicked at Sano who was struggling to keep hold of the squirming child.

Kenshin lost his patience. "Kenji -chan, if you don't go inside and put this kimono on I'll tell all the guests not to give you your gifts." He said this in a low tone of voice that wasn't scolding yet demanding. Kenshin was extremely busy and his sons' whining was beginning to aggravate him.

Sano dropped Kenji in astonishment for he had never seen Kenshin use such a tone with his son and Kenshin immediately regretted his action once he saw Kenji's expression change from anger, to surprise, to sadness as he took the kimono from his father and trudged inside with his eyes downcast.

"Whoa Kenshin! I'd never thought you'd speak to Kenji that way, Jou-chan, maybe but you? Your always a big softy with kids."

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kenshin sighed, "I'm just tired."

"There, that's better."

Kaoru examined her son who was now wearing the kimono along with a pout on his face. She began to comb his hair.

"Now, I want you to be on your best behavior. When a guest comes I want you to smile and say hello to them. If they have a present for you, say thank you first, then you take it, ok?

Kenji's face brightened at the thought presents

"Who's going to come?"

"Hmm, lets see, Megumi-san and Dr. Genzai-san will be here after they finish at clinic. Okina and the others from the Aoiya will arrive by lunch. Hajime-san and his wife will come and so will Tae-san and others from town. Plus some family friends."

"Ok!" Kenji beamed and left the room

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the evening, after all the guests (and presents) had arrived everyone sat down for dinner at a table put up in the front yard. In the middle of the meal Okina stood and raised his cup of sake. "I would like propose a toast to Aoshi and Misao on their marriage."

"Here, here." Everyone proclaimed and downed their sake. Kaoru stood and began refilling the empty cups.

"I would also like propose a toast to our birthday boy." The old man continued

"HERE, HERE!"

Kenji giggled

All of a sudden the front gate opened and a man stepped in. He was wearing a western style black shirt with dark blue pants made of an unfamiliar, tough material. The man was also wearing heavy boots.

"I'm looking for Kenji Himura"

Kenji immediately got up and went up to greet the man before anyone could stop him.

The man grabbed Kenji by the collar and took out a dagger from his boot.

"Kenji Himura, prepare to die."

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A/N: How is it? I'm not that good with Japanese so I'm trying to make a list of word and translations. And will someone please tell what kind of clothes they wore in the Meiji era? (Sigh) I'll be finished with the next chapter soon. That's when the story begins to unfold.