When Kenshin was thrown into the cell, he found out two things - one, that that the cell was completely dark inside, with none of the dim lighting surrounding the corridor. Two, that there were others in here, because he landed on someone. As he landed, he groped franticly, trying to find if they had thrown his sabeto in here with him when he found something. Something that was very, very squishy, and then an irritable and defiantly female voice yelped and screeched, "You pervert!" and shoved him roughly. He sat up, in time to have to duck as something whistled past his head to land in the wall with a dull thud. Holding up his hands, he said "Peace! I meant you no harm!" and stood up only to find his sabeto was under his foot. He slipped, and fell right back onto his rear end with a soft thunk.
A masculine voice rang out, "Leave him, Misao." Kenshin breathed a sigh of relief, and said, "Thanks - I'm Kenshin, by the way." The same clipped, precise voice rang out and said "I'm Aoshi - that's Misao." Glancing ruefully around him, and seeing only darkness, he clutched his sabeto tighter. To his left he heard someone shifting around, and then passing by him in a flurry of wind. A scraping sound was heard, then several curses as someone tried to dislodge something stuck in the wall. Trying to break the silence, Kenshin asked, "So - what are you doing in here?" From the wall he heard Misao say, "Oh - we were the assassins that caused all that commotion earlier. I guess we're going to die tomorrow - and apparently, so are you." Kenshin sucked in an uncomfortable breath, then started talking to fill up the empty space. Soon, all three of the prisoners were talking, and becoming fast friends.
Three beggars stumbled through the fading light, hunched over and clothed in rags. The tallest one, (who was obviously male) held on to the arm of another, one leg covered in bloody rags. Had the guards paid any attention at all to the trio, they might have noticed the glance that passed between the three, or that the smallest beggar looked slightly similar to their Princess Karou. But, since beggars were not uncommon here, they paid them no heed, and one even threw a coin at them. Leaning low, the tallest beggar quietly whispered, "Are you sure he is in there?" The small beggar nodded, then quietly touched the dagger hidden beneath her rags. She had become practically another person, what with all the mud on her face, and the twigs in her hair. The only thing she kept of her old life was a golden locket her mother had given her, and a dagger that was forged for her by a friend. Before of course, her father had the smith put to death for being friends with her. She winced at the thought of her father, and how angry he would be when he found out that she was running way, and taking his future bride with her. Making her way over the cells, she silently beckoned the two others to shield her from view, and then picked the lock. Fortunately, it was an easy lock, rusted over and poorly made. She swiftly tugged on the door, then entered, the other beggars creeping behind her. Motioning for them to stop, she began the second phase of her plan.
As sounds were heard of people moving about, Kenshin instantly quieted, then felt his way over towards the cell door. Cupping his hands around one ear, he pressed it to the cell door and waited. A faint sound was heard, then became clearer as it went on. It was a tune that friend had taught him, a heart wrenching song about a maiden who had waited for her lover for so long, that she eventually turned to stone, clasping her hands to a rose that he had given her the day he left. The song abruptly stopped, and Kenshin began to whistle the second part of the song, where her lover returned, only to find that his true love had turned to stone. The story went on, telling how the man kissed the lips of his love one more time, then put his arms around her and begged the gods to turn him into stone, to be immortalized forever with his love. The gods granted his request, and they still stand, forever watching the sea.
"Kenshin?" hissed Karou, peering into the darkness. A hand reached out into the dim light and gently cupped her cheek. Then she heard "I am here." Karou almost sighed with relief, then fumbled around in her rags for the keys. They dropped to the floor, and as Karou was reaching for them, she heard the high whine of the alarm. Sanosuke swore vividly, and Megumi looked around frightfully up and down the hall. Karou managed to get the key in the lock, and as she was turning it, Aoshi slid next to Kenshin, peering closely at Karou. "So. You escaped alive, I see. Hmph. Fear not - neither I, nor Misao shall another attempt on your life."
Megumi gasped, but Karou only stared calmly at the assassin, and said "You'd better not. This time, I'm not wearing a dress." Kenshin chuckled, then stepped into the dim hallway. Sanosuke quietly grasped Megumi's wrist, and without a glance back dashed down hallway to freedom. Kenshin grabbed Karou's hand, then dashed after the pair, not waiting to see if Aoshi or Miaso would join them. Misao glanced hopefully at Aoshi, who coldly glared at her, not moving. Misao sighed, then started slowly down the hallway, with Aoshi by her side. As she walked, something brushed her hand, and as she looked down, she saw that Aoshi had gently clasped her hand between his. She smiled, and they began to run towards the others, each promising slightly to themselves that they'd never let go.