ALTERING RULES
By Chiki Yumeshisa

Disclaimer: I don't own Rurouni Kenshin……..all original ideas are mine to claim.

AN: Hi guys! This chapter has been edited and modified to suit my tastes better. As to Kenshin's character, it will be cloudy for a while since I want to develop it more later. Hopefully, the pieces will fall into place. Thanks to all those who reviewed last time, and here is the next chapter!

Warnings: None.

Chapter 4:
- Hired Hands -

The arrow did not hit.

Instead, it stuck solidly into the huge and heavy shield that Sanosuke was wearing on his left arm. He had intercepted it in time. He glanced back at Kaoru, who could only stare up at him with wide, frightened blue eyes. "Stay down!" He cried, trying to calm the panicking horse that was ready to bolt. It let out a high pitched neigh of fear, rearing up, and almost toppling the whole cart over.

There were a few more whistles in the air, and a rain of arrows came pelting down. A few men collapsed, while the others ran for cover or held their shields over their heads.

Kenshin came riding up then, his sword in hand. Already it was covered in blood. His red hair was wild, like a roaring fire with the way it flew all over the place. His once shiny armor now reflected with tints of blood in the dying rays of the sun.

His eyes were narrowed, intense as he scanned the battlefield. It made Kaoru shiver. He barked, "Get everyone to safety! Civilians are to be protected!" As he spoke, he was attaching a helmet onto his head, hiding his features.

"Move out!" Sanosuke cried, rearing his horse back and around.

"Okita! Gather those towards the east gates. They should also be prepared!" Kenshin shouted, pulling his horse to the right. He urged it away, his orders flying left and right, and his men who were locked in battle, fell swiftly to do his bidding.

She saw Sanosuke ushering the doctor and a few other people toward the gates of a nearby shrine. He caught sight of her and motioned for her to join. "Hurry! Now that you should be running, you're not moving!" He called out to her.

She scowled at him but she knew he was right. But for some strange reason, she wanted to help out instead of running away. She snapped back into reality when she heard someone close by let out a death cry. There were others with her and she couldn't be stubborn now: she had to help get them to safety.

Kaoru waited for the right time, before getting out of the cart, following the doctor, who had made it safely to the shrine. She was about to go in, but heard someone fall behind her when struck by an arrow. It was another slave girl.

She ran back, into the fray, to help her out. It had lodged into her leg, and she was crying out in pain. Kaoru fell to her knees next to her, pulling her up. It would hurt more if she got struck again. Suddenly, the gates to the shrine seemed so far away. She was almost struck by an arrow herself, but she managed to dodge it, flinging herself over the person she had rescued.

She pushed the girl through the gates before her, and out of the corner of her eye, she saw a Daikan soldier fall off his horse. A Torrin foot soldier was already ready to hack him into pieces. With a cry, Kaoru ran over, pulling the chains that were dangling by her wrists up. She jumped onto the back of the enemy, wrapping her chains around his neck, and pulling.

He fell away, with a grunt, trying to fling her off his back, but her grip on the chains only tightened to keep herself balanced. She pulled at them, until her already bandaged hands broke new with fresh wounds. Finally, the man went limp, dead.

Breathing hard, she hardly had time to calm her shaking nerves, when the soldier she had rescued, easily lifted her, and all but flung her through the shrine's gates. He had short black hair, and bright blue eyes. He looked to be a young man of four and ten years. He was a head shorter than Kenshin. He wore a small smile on his face and he nodded to her. Perhaps that was his way of saying thanks.

Why had she done that? Was it her nature to throw herself into danger all the time? No, she had just wanted to save his life. She saw the soldier retrieve his horse and return to the battlefield.

It was common for youngsters to be engaged in battle nowadays. There were too many breaking out all over the land, and she wondered whether the soldier had been given the title of a knight.

Her attention was riveted when she saw a crowd around the wounded girl. She ran forward too, all the while trying to get the chains wrapped around her waist again, securely. Her bloody fingers slipped, but she finally was able to tuck the chains away. She bent over her, and she heard Misao saying, "Tae? Tae? Hold on, the medical aid is here…."

"It may have severed the muscle." Genzai murmured thoughtfully. He reached out, cautiously wrapping his meaty fingers over the shaft of the arrow. "This may hurt," He said, "but it's for the best." Without warning, he pulled it out, and Tae screamed. It made Kaoru's head swim, and the blood made her feel faint.

He began to get bandages out, and try to clean the wound. They were bunched up under a little ledge, a statue of a girl who was praying by Kaoru's side. It was, after all, a shrine. She had seen something similar to it by her previous master's house. She had not been able to offer her prayers though, as it had been forbidden. All of a sudden, she didn't want to be anywhere near the statue.

They huddled there for a long while, until she heard the signal for retreat. She wondered if the Daikans were retreating, or if the Torrins were.

It took a while longer, before they were retrieved by a soldier, who was one of their own. He assured them that it was safe to come out now. He led them out into the battlefield, where a handful of Daikan soldiers lay, still forever.

Many more Daikan soldiers littered the ground, and the remaining troops began to try and gather their own dead from among them. They picked their way carefully around the others, and she could hear Kenshin ordering his men to gather around. He wanted everyone to get back into the wagons, and hurry to the palace. He told a few of them to come back to the scene with death carts.

With that, the slaves were loaded up again, and as if nothing had happened, and they continued their way toward their original destination at a quicker pace.

The army he led was more alert, keeping their eye out for the enemy. Their numbers had decreased, and they didn't want to be taken unaware again. Kenshin rode ahead of everyone, his mind in turmoil. What that slave girl had said had come to pass. He wondered vaguely who it had been, and how she had known what was going to happen. He didn't dwell on that too much though, because he was just glad that he had gotten to the Torrin army before they could strike.

Once at the palace, he jumped off his horse and met his men outside. They saluted, and he bid them well, before dismissing them and going to the inner courts. He ignored the looks that some maidens were giving him, and avoided bumping into anyone. He wasn't in the mood to converse with anyone – he just wanted to make sure that the King was safe.

He found him in the throne room, sitting on his throne. He was in the middle of a meeting, two men kneeling before him. Kenshin paused at the door, and dipped his head a bit toward the King when his dark eyes shot up to see who it was.

Kenshin knew he hadn't been announced, but he often disregarded the rule and entered anyway. He waited patiently for the business matter to be settled, before approaching the King's throne and falling to one knee, his blue blood-stained cape falling over his shoulder as he did so. He bowed his head, clapping his fist over his heart in a salute.

"Rise." The king ordered.

He was still staring at him with dark eyes, noticing the blood. His Majesty was dressed regally in green robes and his white cloak hung off his back. His long hair was tied back, showing his stern face. On his head was a crown of gold, emerald studs decorated the ornament and it looked to be heavy.

Hiko Seijuuro 13th had inherited the throne when he had been 23. He was a proud man, who ran his kingdom sternly. More often than not, a frown adorned his face and at the moment, it was no different. He glanced down at the redhead in scrutiny.

Kenshin got to his feet, holding his head up. "Your Majesty, live long and prosper."

"Don't worry, fool, I will." Hiko said smugly.

Kenshin nodded, used to the King's mild jests of arrogance. He reached up to pull his helmet off, letting his hair cascade down his back, in a tangled disarray.

"You could have changed before you came into my presence." He said haughtily.

"Forgive me, I didn't think to." Kenshin snarled back, feeling his anxiety and anger rise. Hiko leaned back in his throne, and grinned. The commanding officer continued, after clearing his voice self-consciously. "I wish to report that the battle next to the Sozuiken shrine went well. We had few casualties."

Hiko nodded. "It wasn't expected, but luckily, you got it into your head to return on time."

Kenshin thought twice about telling him that it hadn't been his original intention, but he held his tongue. He nodded instead, saying lamely, "We managed to get them to retreat. They will not bother us for the next couple of days; hopefully weeks."

"Well done, Sir Kenshin." He said finally, seeing an attendant enter.

She bowed. "Your majesty, His Highness requests a presence with you."

He waved him in, and in entered the young prince, Amakusa. On his head, he wore a thin crown, his long hair also swept back to show his stern countenance. His brown eyes took in the scene before him. He was in every way, like his father.

Kenshin bowed again. "My prince."

Amakusa made his way up to the throne smoothly, his robes swishing gently across the red carpeted floor. He was dressed in a lighter green than his father, to whom he merely dipped his head. "My father, if you will excuse me."

Hiko nodded, and Amakusa turned to Kenshin. "I see you did another fantastic job, Sir Kenshin. I hope you brought back the hands that were needed."

Kenshin slowly bobbed his head in affirmation. "Thank you, Your Highness. I brought back as many as I could." He turned his attention back to Hiko. "Your Majesty, I failed to mention that in my report."

"I wanted to announce that the opening ceremony went well too, my father." Amakusa said. "All is set for the fortresses."

Hiko let out a sigh. "Good. That will be all?" He sounded almost hopeful. He was drained out from the events of the day. Instead of going to the opening ceremony himself, he had sent Amakusa out in his stead.

"Yes." Amakusa bowed. "Live long and prosper." He bade, before turning to leave. He clapped Kenshin on the shoulder and made his way out of the room.

Kenshin was about to follow him out, when the King called him back. "Sir Kenshin. Be aware that you will be called out at anytime for battle."

"Yes, my king, I know." Kenshin answered respectfully. "I'm off then….." He met the king's eyes for a moment, before adding, "….my father."

Hiko smiled. "A good night to you." He acknowledged quietly. "…My son."

The slaves were lined up to be assigned their tasks. They stood straight, in one file in their rags and tatters. The men were separated from the women.

Kaoru had managed to gather their names. Omasu, Okon and Misao came from the same lord, thus none had last names. They all hoped that their new masters would allow them one.

Sekihara Tae and Sae were twin sisters who had come from the house of Careth. Kaoru was the most haggard out of all of them. When the sorter came around, she ordered Misao into the scullery and Kaoru into the kitchens.

Kaoru stiffened at the mere thought. The last time she had worked in the kitchens, she had been beaten so badly she had almost been killed. She was the worst at cooking; even peeling potatoes seemed to be against her.

The woman scowled down at her when she did not reply. "You had better do a good job, or you will find yourself cleaning up the stables of all the excrement."

I would rather do that, Kaoru thought, sourly. The woman was about to say something more when to her greatest relief, she heard Sanosuke's voice. "The Kitchens?" He called out in dismay. "I chose her myself, personally my Lady Eilwy! I did not pay 300 gold coins for her to be working in the kitchens!"

Eilwy stepped back with a bow. "Ah……..Sir Sagara……."

Sanosuke stepped up to Kaoru. "This one will work for the Lady Takani. My personal present." He said after winking at the poor misfit. "She's cut out for hard work, not some vegetables and rice!"

He gave Kaoru a scowl that was not portrayed in his eyes. "If you don't do well, then you won't be getting a meal, the Lady Takani is not as lenient as I, so work hard!"

With that, took Kaoru by the arm, leading her away from the rest, who watched her leave with big round eyes. She took a last glance at them before lowering her gaze to the rug beneath her bare feet, and followed behind Sanosuke, trying to keep up with his long strides. He had taken up her chains in his fists, and it hurt whenever they pulled taut, so she tried to keep the proper slack on them.

He turned to face her so suddenly that she almost collided with him. He steadied her though, and held something up between his finger and thumb. It was a small key. "This," he said quietly, "is your release. It was given to me along with my payment."

Kaoru nodded, already knowing this. All slaves were kept in chains, the masters held the keys. They could release them at any time they wanted, or bound them. Shigekura-san liked keeping Kaoru in her chains though, for various reasons. She shivered, thinking about them. She hoped that Sanosuke had no similar thoughts in mind.

"It will be given to the Lady Takani." He told her, "Don't be afraid, she is a nice person, and she most definitely will not allow you to stay looking like that. I'm sure she will release you from your chains if you prove to be a good servant."

In surprise, Kaoru nodded. "T-thank you, my lord."

Grinning, he picked up her chains again, this time, being much gentler. "I hope you like working here, at the palace. Anything is probably better than working for that Shigekura I'd bet." Sanosuke sounded sour. She had a hard time keeping up with him because of quick strides, but she said nothing, afraid that he might keep that key after all.

The hallways weaved in a maze-like pattern, making certain that any intruder would get lost. Soldiers milled around almost every corner, at attention at all times, their eyes scouring every corner and nook that was close to them. They had their weapons by their sides, ready for use.

Paintings and rich green tapestries hung off the wall. It was obvious the king had a favorite color. Even the hallway's main carpet was green. Overhead, chandeliers hung: this was beyond anything Kaoru had ever seen.

Elegant music filled certain hallways, and once or twice, she caught sight of dancers, dressed finely in their silk, accompanied by bards.

Finally, they stopped by a door. Sanosuke and turned to Kaoru again. "Remember what I told you." He said. He reached up and knocked on the door without waiting for a response from her.

It opened to reveal an elegant woman. She looked to be two or three years older than Kaoru herself, but much more mature. Her features were perfect; no blemish on her face whatsoever. Her gorgeous black hair fell like a waterfall around her shoulders. It looked like silk, and Kaoru found herself wanting to reach out and touch it. However, she stopped herself and returned her attention to the matter at hand as she spoke.

"Sanosuke!" The Lady Takani cried in surprise. She suddenly lowered her voice, "I mean, my lord, what are you doing here?" She asked.

He gave her a cocky grin. "Bringing you a present." He announced. He held up his hand in a gesture toward Kaoru, who now felt very demeaned before the eyes of a beautiful maiden.

She regarded Kaoru for a moment, and Sanosuke continued, "I paid a fair price for this girl, my lady, so please try and return her to me in the best condition."

Lady Takani heard the hint, and nodded, as Sanosuke dropped the key into her open palm.

"You're in good hands now." He said gently to the servant. Then he took Lady Takani's face in his hand. "Still looking as gorgeous as ever." He told her.

She leaned into it, putting her hand over his. "Oh, Sanosuke……..I waited for weeks to see you……."

"I know. This servant was the best excuse I could think of…" He answered. "I'm sorry – I was called out on duty. And I must go, because I have been put on duty again."

Lady Takani gave a little cry. "Say you'll come by again. The weeks are long…."

"I will." He promised. "I cannot be seen, Megumi, or you know what may happen." He said urgently, in a hushed tone. He pulled away from her, and she sadly let go of his hand, as he gave her a friendly salute and stalked away, his lean figure disappearing around the corner.

Kaoru stood behind Megumi, watching her silently. She was surrounded by luxury and a huge room. She suddenly felt even more vulnerable standing there alone with her new mistress than she had when she had been in the field with the rest of her fellow servants. Her chains clinked as she tried to pull them up off the clean carpet.

A few moments of silence seemed to pass before Megumi finally turned around. She had on the lightest makeup, and it didn't even look so.

Realizing that she was staring, Kaoru bowed, to hide her flushing cheeks. "My Lady, I am at your service. My name is Kamiya Kaoru."

Lady Takani absently flipped the small key in her hand. "It is a pleasure." She said quietly; thoughtfully. Her voice was just as elegant, and her courtesies were perfect. "My name is Takani Megumi. I suppose I am now your new mistress." Her hand tightened over the key. "May I call you Kaoru?"

Faltering, Kaoru answered, "Y-you may call me whatever you wish, my Lady….." She stammered. How strange it was to have been asked a question like that! Sanosuke was right: Megumi was going to be different.

Megumi stared hard. "I asked you what you wanted to be called: I am giving you a choice – something you must not have a lot of."

Kaoru held up her chains. "I'd like to be called Kaoru then, if it please you, my Lady."

Megumi nodded. "Kaoru it is then. Don't be frightened, I won't hurt you." She idly switched the key from her left hand to her right. "Do you want to keep those chains on or have those off?"

Kaoru didn't know how to answer her question. If she answered yes and it was a trick question, she could be whipped or punished. But if she said no and it wasn't a trick…then she was just going to miss something she'd always wanted: a small taste of freedom and higher class than other slaves who were dragged along like dogs. She gave no answer, just kept her head low and stepped off the carpeted area, not daring to make them dirty.

Megumi cocked her head slightly to one side. This Kaoru was certainly interesting. She wondered if this was why Sanosuke had decided to choose her. She couldn't help but wonder what amount he had paid for her. She held up the key. "Then, Kaoru, I will give this to you – and you may decide whether or not you would like those chains off, or if you will return that key to me. Though, I doubt I will have any use of you in those chains anyway….." with that, she dropped the small copper object in Kaoru's hand.

Speechless, the young slave girl just stared at the item.

What was she to do? A trick question again? This most certainly had never happened in the history of any other slave. Not that she was aware of anyway. A servant girl unlocking her own chains? That was unheard of!

"My Lady, permission to take a liberty?" She asked, cautiously.

Megumi nodded, and Kaoru continued, "I question your decision…."

The answer was laughter. A high pitched one that came in single syllables. She covered her mouth delicately with a hand as she chortled. "My dear girl, do what you wish!"

With hesitation, Kaoru undid her chains. They fell off her wrists with a clatter to the floor. After having it on for weeks the steel cuffs were tainted with dry, crusted blood. It was brown and chipped and dented in certain places.

Her wrists were raw and swollen. She stared with hatred at the cuffs, glad to have them off.

Megumi clucked her tongue disapprovingly. "You'll have to wash up. I'm sorry, Kaoru, but I am not fond of blood or dirt." She eyed the clothing Kaoru was in. "Or rags."

She looked down at herself. "I don't have any other clothing, my Lady." Kaoru apologized.

Her mistress began to rummage through the closet much to her surprise. "Well, I may have something that might fit you. Though, you are smaller….." She finally fished out a robe that was a soft yellow in color. It had small prints of pink flowers. "I suppose this will have to do……."

Kaoru could hardly believe her eyes. This was more than she had hoped for. Dressing like a lady….She felt tears come to her eyes. "My Lady…I… She whispered, as she received the cloth. She felt numb.

Megumi clucked her tongue again. "Now, now….don't get emotional. You'd better start cleaning yourself up, before I change my mind. You are my servant now, Kaoru, and in my presence you will look respectable: I won't have it any other way."

Kaoru bowed, and went into the adjacent room, to wash herself from the dirt and blood. She was even entitled to using the soap. She felt clean. After so long…….

And the material of the clothing was so soft, and though it hung off her bony self, it almost fit perfectly, like it had been made for her. Seeing that there was nothing to do with her wet, long, raven black hair, she let it fall down her back in damp strands.

Megumi was sitting on a ledge, watching the night start taking precedence over the day. She was looking wistfully out the window when Kaoru joined her. She caught sight of Sir Sagara, walking in the garden, dressed in armor. Beside him walked that soldier she had rescued that day, who was dressed casually in breeches and a white shirt.

"He's with Sir Seta again." Megumi said with a smile.

"Sir Seta?" Kaoru asked.

"The man he is with." Megumi informed her. "He may look like a child, but mind you, he is two years older than I."

In disbelief, Kaoru squinted at the small figure of said man down below. She had thought him to be nearing manhood, not blossoming in it.

Her thoughts were interrupted when Megumi suddenly stood, and closed her window.

Kaoru was surprised that she didn't ask her to do it for her.

"I'm tired." Announced her mistress, stifling a yawn. "I should like to retire."

Kaoru hurriedly rushed to the thick bed and pulled back the covers for her. "Then rest well, my Lady. If you need anything more, just let me know."

Megumi slipped into bed. "You need your rest too – I don't want a half-dead servant in the morning." She lazily gestured to a small cot in the corner. Perhaps it had been the previous servant's. "You may sleep there: there are coverlets and pillows in the closet. Though, mind you, take only one of each."

Stunned, Kaoru went to the closet and did as she was told. The Lady Takani was lenient, but she still had the commanding edge. However, this living condition was better than before. She arranged the cot to look like a bed, glad that finally, she'd be able to sleep.

Comfortable in new clothing, a bath, a bed, and best of all, free of the chains, Kaoru was fast asleep even before Megumi could ask her to turn off the lights.

Kenshin had had a nice hot bath, but did not get any sleep. For some strange reason, he was restless, and tossed and turned in his bed. He finally got up and decided to go find Sanosuke: drinking suddenly sounded good. Over a pint of beer, he could probably calm his nerves. He quickly slipped into a robe and pulled his long hair back into a ponytail at the base of his neck.

The floor was cold beneath his feet, and he looked for his sandals. The spring's night still had a biting chill to it, and he found himself wishing it were summer. The more he sat still, the more his mind spun.

Battle strategies, the army, the amount of injuries and casualties, and the mere prospect of losing the country to the Torrins were enough of a burden on his mind. With a growl of irritation, he crossed his room and went out the door.

Night had fallen, and the moon was up high in the sky, illuminating the gardens below. He would have to cross over to the barracks, where he knew Sanosuke would be. It was a pain to have to be so far away from the barracks, but Hiko would have it no other way.

He pursued being a commander of the army and excelled at it, but His Majesty was adamant that he receive better care.

There were two others above him though: Sir Cyus and the lord Akira. He had squired for Sir Cyus when he had been younger, and had dueled many times with lord Akira. But he was stuck in the palace when he was not with his part of the army.

It was hard being put apart from everyone else, and as much as possible, he kept his identity as the king's son to himself. It only made it harder, and it became a disgrace to others. His father and he were formal and polite around each other, Kenshin making certain that he showed the proper decorum no matter what.

Crickets sang a sad melody as Kenshin trumped through the garden, being careful that his robes did not touch the ground. He wasn't in the mood to take another hot bath.

Up ahead, he saw two silhouettes, one of a man, and the other of a woman.

Sir Cyus was dressed in his armor. His blue cape billowed out behind him. He looked dangerous at the same time brilliant. His armor cast off the moon's soft glow. Beside him stood the beautiful lady, his wife. She had long hair as most ladies in the palace grounds did. It was like gold thread that was braided many times and fell over her shoulders. She was wearing a blue dress that matched with her husband's cape.

They seemed to be in deep conversation with each other, their hands intertwined. Kenshin watched as he bent down to give her a small, secret kiss. He turned his eyes away when they noticed him crossing the field.

Sir Cyus broke into a smile and came forward. His wife strode alongside him. "Strength to you Sir Cyus." Kenshin said, tapping his heart in a small salute. He dipped his head in acknowledgement of his wife. "And to you my Lady." Her smile seemed to radiate.

"Strength to you, Your highness." Sir Cyus replied, returning a small tap on his heart along with a slight nod of his head graciously. He always made it a point to remind Kenshin of his royal blood. "What brings you out here at this time of the night?"

Shrugging, Kenshin answered, "I was not able to sleep."

The elder man nodded sympathetically. "I heard of the ordeals lately. If Naomi here were not to give birth, I'd be helping you in the battlefields. I trust you prove worthy?"

"Yes, sir. Of course, sir."

The Lady Naomi did in no way look pregnant. Although, looking closer, he was able to see a small bulge around her middle, but she still looked slender. He guessed she looked a little chubbier, but that was not to be said aloud. "I'm coping – I'm sorry to have interrupted you two……"

Sir Cyus shook his head. "Don't worry about that, my boy. We were simply discussing a few things that needed thought. Did you hear that the Torrins have found yet another scroll? That makes Shishio all the more powerful and that much more the nastier."

Kenshin hadn't heard of that. Since when did Shishio get hold of yet another scroll? That would prove to be a problem indeed. Yet another one to add to his growing list: so much for the distraction. He shook his head.

"It's rather annoying." Sir Cyus continued, absently brushing back a lock of his fine blond hair. "I think I'm beginning to hate that man's commanding officer, who thinks he's so righteous."

Naomi squeezed her husband's arm. "Don't say the word hate," She scolded in a hushed, reprimanding voice. "It's so vulgar….."

Sir Cyus smiled at her naivety. "Very well, then, I've come to begin to 'dislike' the man greatly."

One of the Torrin's commanding officers was a man by the name of Sir Houjo. Kenshin had never met him before, and so had no idea what the man was like.

"You be careful of the likes of him, Your Highness." Sir Cyus warned. "He is not a very agreeable person."

Kenshin nodded. "I'll keep that in mind." He suddenly wanted to be out of his commanding officer's presence. "A good night to you." He bade.

"And to you." Sir Cyus said. His wife dipped a small curtsy, and with a swish of his blue cloak, the two walked away, arm in arm.

He decided that he did not want to cross to the barracks after all – it was getting late, and he supposed Sanosuke was already too drunk, or passed out. Besides, he had to rise early. He hoped that he would be able to get some rest. Turning around and covering the land he had just managed to cross, Kenshin made his way toward his chambers once more.

The hallways were deserted, save for a few soldiers who were still on duty. They gave him small salutes as he walked by. Since it was awfully quiet, his footsteps echoed off the silent corridors.

As he reached his room, he felt fatigue sweep over him. Gratefully, he kicked off his sandals and was about to fall into bed and let sleep claim him, when a soft knock sounded at the door.

Irked at the interruption, he got up and opened the door. He had sent his personal maids to retire for the night, or else, he would have gotten them to open the door instead. Standing there, was a young girl, no more than ten years of age. She had big brown eyes and cropped hair that fell just below her jaw line. She wore a white apron over her orange and black striped dress.

"Can I help you?" He asked finally, seeing the girl bow.

"Sir Kenshin, an urgent message has been sent. I'm sorry to disturb you at this time of the night." She answered in a small voice. She held out the creased paper, and bowed again. "Strength to you, Sir."

Kenshin blinked blearily, trying to make sense of the greeting. "Well met…my pardons…"

"Tsubame." She told him.

"Yes, Tsubame." He filled in, as she had given him no last name. "Who sent this?"

"Sir Sagara." She answered. "He says you might be interested in the letter's contents."

Kenshin rolled his eyes. So Sano hadn't been sleeping or drinking after all – he was probably on duty. He hoped it wasn't another one of Sanosuke's sick jokes. He liked cracking those too often. Or he had a fancy of spreading false rumors around for the fun of it. It got him into a lot of trouble and Kenshin always had to risk his neck to bail him out of it. "Thank you." He murmured, taking the parchment from her. She bowed again, and ran off.

Making his way back to his bed, Kenshin tore off the seal on the paper and opened it. He nearly dropped the parchment when he read the words written.

Oh no…….. he thought, not now, this can't happen…..

TO BE CONTINUED...

AN: And where am I going with this? Who knows? LOL! I just know that it will lead somewhere, and forgive me if the chapters aren't coming out all too frequently, but as I've said before, I'm getting into the hang of it. Look! Longer chapter. WAY longer. I got carried away.

Sir Cyus, Eilwy, and Naomi are my characters.

Hopefully, I'll have the next chapter out soon. Unfortunately for me, exams period has come up, and I am in the process of studying for them. The next chapter will be out soon though let's cross our fingers and review by clicking that button:D