Here is the new story you've all been voting and waiting for. The ideas are crowding in my head and all sorts of scenarios appear...thus why I have delayed the fic for as long as possible.

Summary: In ancient times of darkness and magic, demons and monsters roam the Earth challenging the human race for supremacy. The only salvation lies in those who possess the forbidden arts. They will be the ones chosen by fate to participate in a tournament, which will change the course of their lives...and maybe even their hearts. BKK AM SM SS

Disblaimer: Rurouni Kenshin is not mine! Better that way...

Chapter 1
By royal blueKitsune

"Hiko-sama please forgive me for interrupting you, but this has just arrived." A small maid stood before her master, her long pointy ear twitching slightly beneath the long mane of black and red hair. Trying to control her tail from swishing nervously, she took a few steps forward.

Her lord and master truly was a magnificent creature. Now if only he weren't a mere human...she blushed. Who was she to talk? After all she was but a mere low ranking demoness and he could most certainly overpower her.

"Yes thank you Midori. Put it on my desk; I'll have a look at it." The man's violet eyes shifted to her and the small woman parted her lips in a smile, only to reveal long pointed canines.

"Will there be anything else milord?" large crimson eyes blinked, as Hiko Seijurou chuckled softly.

"Tell the others I wish not to be bothered for the rest of the night." He waved his hand dismissively. Taking this as her queue to leave, the demoness hurried out in a flurry of kimono folds. Her small hands closed the shoji door and the room was enveloped in complete and utter darkness.

A match was lit and soon after, a few small candles glowed eerily throwing black quivering shadows over the white walls.

His long black hair was tinted with yellow and orange lights and the violet in his eyes was almost replaced with a blue color so deep it was black. Long graceful fingers formed a pyramid in front of his face as he stood contemplating the scroll sitting so innocently on the small table.

Although such a message was unexpected, Hiko knew almost immediately what it contained. It was hard to believe that such an insignificant piece of paper could value its worth in blood and death.

Written in kanji were the names of the most powerful and important people in the entire Japan. The hope of humanity, if there ever was such a thing. And he, he was the fated messenger of the gods

Leaning forward, Hiko lifted the folded scroll, looking at it almost reverently. Burned where the two ends met, was a seal baring the insignia of a black dragon in a blood red circle. The symbol of lightening was clearly observed in the background...the well-known signature of his dearest friend.

Smiling, the black haired man opened the folded paper, his black eyes landing on the first few lines written in kanji at the top.

Old friend,

I hope this finds you well. I'm afraid that as much as I wanted to be there personally when you read this, it will not be possible. The time is approaching and as day-by-day passes the possibility of war arises again. I can only hope that this information reaches you earlier than later...

Courteously,

Kogoro Katsura

After a moment's hesitation, the man's eyes moved further down to the names imprinted with red kanji on the yellow paper. Eight names. Eight chosen people.

Himura Kenshin: Former assassin. Went by the name of Hitokiri Battousai before he stepped down from his position ten years ago. Trained in the form of Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu, he possesses the power of fire and the ability to maneuver it freely. Currently traveling around Japan as a rurouni. Easily recognized by the kanji for fire, located on his left wrist and the cross shaped scar on his face.

Shinomori Aoshi: He is a ninja and leader of the Oniwabanshu, a secret organization that remained neutral even during the TWR (The war between the realms) Trained in the art of Kodachi Nito Ryu, he possesses powerful mental and telekinetic abilities. Resides in Kyoto. His kanji is strength, located in the middle of his forehead.

Kamiya Kaoru: Former Shinodai at her father's dojo now travels throughout Japan along with her best friend Makimachi Misao. A master of the Kamiya Kasshin Ryu, her weapon of choice is the sakabatou and sometimes the katana. Her elements are lightening and water. Both kanji symbols, water and thunder, are located on her forearms.

Makimachi Misao: Full-fledged ninja. Trained herself in kempo ever since se was ten years old. Her weapons of choice are kunais, which she constantly carries with her and also a long black whip camouflaged to appear as a belt. Her feet and hands can also prove to be lethal weapons. Her ability is to shape shift into any animal form existent and her kanji, tiger, is located on her left shoulder.

Sagara Sanosuke: Former gangster and famous underground personality, Sanosuke Sagara, also known as Zanza, is the only living heir to Sagara Souzo, the ex-leader of the Sekihoutai. The organization was destroyed during the TWR by a raid of demons. The weapon of choice is the zanbatou and his style is the Futae no Kiwami. Special ability: can manipulate the earth from which he draws his strength. The symbol, earth, can be found on both his fists.

Sagara Megumi: Also known as Takani Megumi, she is the daughter of Kenichirou and Megara Takani, both renowned healers. Uses no fighting style or weapon. She is able to heal using solely her hands and she possesses the ability to control plants. Her kanji symbol is nature, and can be found in the center of her palm.

Seta Soujiro: Also known as Tenken in the underworld. His fighting style is the Tenbo No Sai Nyioru Ken. No real background is known. Possesses the speed of the gods, able to manipulate the winds after his whim. He is recognizable by the kanji symbol wind, on his right ankle.

Seta Shura: Background is unknown. Powerful sorceress, she can manipulate any inanimate object or even control people and demons alike with her mind. Uses no fighting style or weapon. Wife of Soujiro Seta, together they have a five-year-old girl named Sakura. Possesses no kanji or symbol.

It was quite shocking actually. Despite all their attributes, most possessed such humanlike qualities. In one way it gave Hiko a sense of closeness...he felt like he could relate to these souls.

So engrossed was he in reading that he didn't even realize when Midori entered the room, bringing with her a small tray of food and drinks. Her master had not requested any...but he was bound to need them sooner or later. After all he was only human.

In all her years of serving the Seijurou clan, and especially lord Hiko, Midori had gotten to know his habits almost better than she knew her own. His kindness wouldn't allow him to call for her in the middle of the night.

Biting her lower lip, Midori took a glance at him and sighed ever so softly, snapping Hiko out of his trance. Sometimes she really forgot how sharp his senses were...he wasn't demon but he wasn't completely human either.

"Thank you Midori-san. It is very kind of you to bring me dinner, but I can assure you that I would've not starved myself." He smirked and the demoness could feel the blush rising all the way to her ears.

Hiding partially behind her long bangs, Midori watched his amused expression, recognizing the arrogant the look in his eyes almost immediately. A very minor set back considering his other better traits.

Kindness. Gentleness. Even to her, a lowly servant...and a demon too. The kind that had slaughtered his years ago.

Oh the war had been brutal.

Once, ten years ago, the only smell that could be felt was the smell of death and destruction. Be it day or night, you could never turn a corner without finding at least a dozen or more corpses: humans, demons or monsters. So much blood had been spilt then, that Midori still had nightmares about drowning in the thick liquid.

And she knew he did too...

'Oh Midori, you twit, stop thinking like that.' Putting on her best motherly smile, Midori set the tray down.

"I sincerely doubt that Hiko-sama. I think you would've done just that instead of waking me or any of the servants." The demoness smiled when a small blush marred Hiko's cheeks.

"Sometimes I think you know me too well Midori." Midori's smile faltered slightly, gaining a sad quality.

'Only better than you know yourself milord.' Her heart whispered. Shaking her head, she tried to put on the best cheerful smile, hoping to convince him that she hadn't noticed his slip up.

"I'm tired of that word." Hiko grimaced at the word. Hired. Yes she nothing but a servant. Nothing but...

'And I am nothing but a messenger.'

The blizzard had just gotten worse. The wind howled, sending a biting frost towards the man who was currently trudging through the knee-high snow. A large round hat covered his entire face, hiding his identity from curios eyes.

Strangely, he was wearing nothing but a navy blue gi and a silver hakama, seemingly not noticing the cold surrounding him. Nothing affected his determined strides and no cold air came out of his mouth as he took deep breaths of the clean fresh air.

Passing by, people threw him strange looks but he continued to ignore them, raising his head only to search for a place to spend the night. If it was one thing he hated now more than ever, was hiding in the shadows.

Even though he was used to it.

His movements were fluid even as he turned a corner, tabi sandals walking on the snow with a soft crunch. His ethereal eyes landed on a smaller, better inn and he shrugged internally. It would have to do...

Inside the inn, the atmosphere contrasted greatly with the one outside. Lights lit the small room in which more than twenty people sat at their table talking or laughing freely.

The air stung with the bittersweet smell of alcohol mixed with sweat, but nobody seemed to even care. Waitresses walked briskly through the small crowded tables, getting orders or simply trying to evade the wandering hands of those who had already drunk more than their fill for the night.

So it came of no surprise to the stranger when no one noticed him entering. His face scrunched up in disgust. These men seemed ready to drop dead on the floor at any given time.

"May I help you sir?" a small waitress stood in front of him, wearing one of those flimsy kimonos that showed too much up as well as down. Basically it didn't quite cover much.

Her brown eyes looked at him inquisitively. She was obviously trying to peer beneath his hat. He smirked.

"I would like a room for the night." The stranger took out a small pouch of money and threw it to the girl who caught it clumsily.

"H-hey wait. Wait! What's your name?" she cried after the man who had started going up the stairs. Turning his head, he revealed striking amber eyes with specks of violet in them.

They were simply mesmerizing. And very very frightening. The girl shivered under his scrutiny.

"Himura Kenshin."

"Brr it's cold." Kaoru Kamiya shivered, clutching her arms. Moving one slender pale hand, she moved a fallen wisp of hair from her face. Her long hair blew behind her freely, as it was free from any confines.

"You're telling me. My but has practically frozen here." Misao complained, her green eyes sweeping the white scenery warily. "At least you..." she pointed at Kaoru's garments. "Are wearing something that preserves some body heat."

Kaoru cocked an eyebrow, looking down at her clothing. "In case you haven't noticed Mi, it's split up on both sides until mid thigh. That's why it's called a qipao, you know." And indeed it was, revealing a bit too much of her legs. She was saved from lewd attempts only by the cloak covering her from foot to toe, thank God.

But then again she would never give up her style for anything.

The smaller woman laughed. "Yeah well in case you haven't noticed...there are no sides here." Misao's costume was that of a ninja's, basically reaching to her mid-thigh altogether. "Pity I can't shape shift these clothes to suit my needs."

"Well think of it like that. We wouldn't be able to kick monsters into the next dimensions wearing those damn constricting clothes some women wear." Sapphire eyes met emerald green, as both burst out laughing.

"I swear this cold is going to be the death of me. " Sano sneezed powerfully, alerting his wife immediately,

"Are you catching something Sanosuke Sagara?" Uh oh, he knew that tone. A woman's most powerful weapon was using the full name of someone. That someone automatically knew that he was in big trouble.

Smiling sheepishly, Sano tried to convince his wife that he all right. Unfortunately, Megumi didn't buy it.

"Okay that's it. You get inside mister...you have a cold. Again!" her small arms pushed her husband inside the small house, also - ironically enough - a clinic for patients.

"Aw come on Megitsune. Can't you use your powers to just heal me...?" Sano's words were muffled as his wife pushed a thermometer in his open mouth. So much for any protest.

"Sit there and stop babbling. I'm not using my powers to heal a simple cold rooster head." Megumi rolled her cinnamon eyes. Why did she take this anyway? Oh yes, she loved him.

"Mmmpf mmm..." Sano crossed his arms in front of his chest pouting like a child and Megumi struggled not to pinch his cheek. He could be so adorable sometimes.

Pecking his nose Megumi signaled him to stay put, than skipped into the next room, no doubt searching for her medicine kit.

Leaning back on the wall, Sano waited patiently. His wife really could be something...he smiled roguishly. That's why he loved her.

"Mommy, mommy, look at what I made." A small child tugged on his mother's hand, blue eyes eager and full of happiness. "Isn't it the most beautiful snow angel you've ever seen?"

So much for modesty's sake...

Shura smile proudly, ruffling her daughter's brown locks lovingly. "Of course it is, sweetheart. It's wonderful."

Sakura beamed at her mother like any five year old being praised by his parents. Her eyes shifted to someone behind them and she emitted a small squeal of happiness. Letting go of her mother's hands she ran into her father's open arms.

"Papa! You're back." Soujiro chuckled as he swung his daughter around in circles. Shura watched them from the side, feeling like she could burst with joy any moment.

Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined having such a wonderful, loving family. Her green eyes locked with her husband's sky blue ones and a silent message passed through them.

"Sakura, sweetheart, your father must be tired. Why don't you go and play with Keitaro instead?" as if on que, the dog barked and the girl nodded before giving her father a kiss on the cheek and running into the house.

"Ah, thank you. My arms and feet are killing me. These groceries are really heavy." Shura chuckled and used her power to lift the things from his arms, into the kitchen where they set themselves on the table.

Soujiro wrapped his arms around the petite frame of his wife from behind, tenderly kissing her cheek. She sighed and let herself fall back into his chest.

"Weren't you supposed to be tired?" Shura's lazy smile did nothing to hide her content and the fact that she didn't feel in the least bit sorry for tiring her husband further.

"It passed...now that I've got you in my arms." She giggled as Soujiro kissed the shell of her ear.

"Not that I particularly mind but we are in the middle of a field and out daughter could come out and see us." Twisting in his arms, she looked into the eyes she had fallen in love with at first sight. Six years of blissful marriage could not change her mind about how much she loved him.

Soujiro groaned like a child being denied candy. "That is not fair."

"Papa! Mama! Keitaro has barged into the tofu again."

Shura smiled mischievously while Soujiro only groaned harder.

"Tease..." he whispered into the crook of her neck.

"Ah but you like it..." they moved closer, so that their lips almost touched.

"Father, stop trying to kiss mommy. I need some help!" Sakura's voice came louder this time, making the couple break apart.

"Who suggested we get a dog anyway?" Soujiro walked hand in hand with his wife, unholy thoughts flashing through his mind.

"Do I have to remind you that you did?"

Soujiro smiled painfully.

Well...this is an amteurish attempt. Hiko could've come out much better, I swear. But you might as well review to tell me that. (que wink here) xD