ALTERING RULES
By Chiki Yumeshisa

Disclaimer: I don't own Rurouni Kenshin……….all original ideas/characters are mine to claim. No stealing please.

AN: Major thanks goes out to Jason M. Lee for the supplied help dealing with the Mitsurugi Ryu! Thank you all for your reviews and inspiration! And here is the next chapter. Long again - wow, I'm on a roll!

Warnings: None. Please be kind not to flame. Thanks.

Chapter 5:
- Meetings -

So it wasn't just something that Sanosuke had picked up.

It was a clear message for him.

Sei Consolence was coming to the castle, along with Yukishiro Tomoe.

Just when things were bad, it just had to get worse.

It was just as bad as ever: they were coming the very next day, and he had had no clue of it until that moment. There had to be a reason why His Majesty did not bother to inform him of the turn of events. Unless he himself had had no idea….

Biting back a groan, Kenshin flopped onto his bed, the letter still clutched to his fist. His first thought was to hide. But where? If he did that, he'd be labeled a coward. But in truth, he couldn't stand Consolence…..she just had a way of creeping under his skin, and of course, the maiden Tomoe was almost the same. It ticked him off that he could be so craven in the presence of a woman. He plopped a pillow over his face.

Despite the problems running through his head, he managed to fall asleep. What his nightmares were, he would rather not have to remember.

The next morning dawned clear and bright. A few dew drops glistened on the windowsill. Even if it was open, he had not woken to the call of that annoying bird. Still, the sun was enough to make him wince and blink in realization that it was time to get up, and that the nightmare of reality had come again.

Events from the day before came back to him, and he climbed stiffly out of bed, his robe falling open in a rumpled mess to reveal the pale golden color of his torso. Shivering, he hurried to grab some clothing – he was already late for the usual morning meeting between all the soldiers. Perhaps, just this once, Sir Cyus would let him off the hook.

Hurriedly, he jumped into a pair of breeches and pulled on his boots. He didn't bother to tuck in his shirt as he ran down the hallway, calling an occasional greeting to some who took the grace to say good morning.

He was thinking to skip breakfast all together as he rounded the corner to get to the main field where everyone was scheduled to meet. It was only early morning and the heat seemed unbearable.

Brushing his fingers through his hair to get rid of the tangles, he tried to make himself look respectable. It would not do to have his subordinates see him in such disarray. Just as he was tucking in his shirt, a child came hurtling toward him, her long brown hair trailing out behind her.

Her laughter rang through the halls as she cried out, "Sir Ken! Sir Ken!" She threw herself into his arms, and he willingly accepted her fierce embrace. He was laughing too, the morning's stress melting away just at the feel of her arms around his neck.

"Welcome back, Sir Ken!" She said, happily.

He took her face in both of his hands and brought his lips down to hers for a quick kiss. She seemed pleased to have him back as she did not seem to want to let him go. He gently pulled away though, and set her back. "Sayo…." He sighed, "you're supposed to be a lady – and ladies should not run in the halls."

Sayo frowned. "I don't like being a lady! My Lady Mother always makes me do things I don't like: like sewing and courtship and…."

He placed a finger of her mouth to silence her. "I know, little one. I'm sorry you don't like learning courtesies and that sort, but you must obey your lady mother." She pouted and he smiled. "Every time I see you, you become more and more beautiful, my princess." At that, Sayo blushed, a soft red spreading across her young face.

She was already five and two years, and she had a beauty all her own. A woman grown was what people called her, teasingly, because of the way she was so serious at times.

Kenshin brushed his hands slowly through her hair, fixing it where it had become wind-blown. Before she could say something, Sanosuke arrived, and Kenshin came to his feet slowly.

"Madam Myranda has been looking for you, Your Highness," Sano told the girl, "Her Majesty won't be pleased when she finds out that you are neglecting your duties."

Sayo lifted her chin stubbornly. "I wanted to see Sir Ken."

Kenshin smiled, patting her shoulder gently. "Go on, my princess. I shall come to see you later. Make me proud," He added and he had to lean down as Sayo stood on her toes to leave him a kiss on his cheek, before running off in the direction she'd come.

Sanosuke looked him up and down, scrutinizing. "Good morning, kid. You look terrible."

Kenshin scowled. "Thanks." He said, hastily stuffing the tails of his shirt away.

"They've started the day's lecture without you." Sanosuke rambled.

"Sir Cyus saved your ass, you're lucky."

The redhead sighed. "Was he mad?"

"Did you get my letter?" He asked, ignoring Kenshin's question.

He nodded. "Yes. Has the women come?"

"Not yet, that I am aware of." Was the reply. He sighed again.

"Then, if I am not needed right now, I shall like to get a bite to eat before I pass out." He was exhausted. He had woken up in the middle of the night time and time again, plagued by nightmares, and had only gotten a few hours of rest. Bags of fatigue were evident under his eyes.

Sanosuke followed as Kenshin set off toward the dining hall. There, a round man was wiping the dark wooden tables of the remaining mess that had been missed by the other servants. Master Iwanbo, was his name, stood twice as tall as Sanosuke and three times the height of Kenshin. Despite his wide smile, he was an intimidating figure.

"Breaking your fast just now, Lord Himura?" He asked merrily, as Kenshin took a random seat. The big man gestured with a dirty rag at the long tables in the dining hall. "I'm afraid all the good food has already been eaten as you've come this late in the morning. If you'd like…."

Wearily, Kenshin locked his fingers together on top of the table, as Sanosuke took a seat next to him. "That's alright, Master Iwanbo." He said. "I have not come to feast. If you'd kindly tell the cook to scrounge me whatever he can find, I am in a little bit of a rush. Anything will suffice for now, don't trouble yourself."

Bowing, Iwanbo ran off to do his bidding, leaving Sanosuke and Kenhin alone in the room.

In a few moments' time, the cook came in and served them with a bowl of hot soup, bread and butter each. "Sorry, master Himura!" the cook called out gaily. "But you were late, so you've missed the good stuff."

"That's quite all right, sir." Kenshin replied, and he received a huge smile as a response and a chuckle, before turning to finish his duty of making lunch, calling out for his helpers to make it fast.

Master Iwanbo went back to cleaning the hall up, leaving the two alone to converse quietly amongst themselves.

Ripping off a huge chunk of his bread and dipping it into the soup, Kenshin asked, "I wonder what business they have with us today……." He was referring to the letter's contents.

Sanosuke coughed. "No, what business they have with you. I should not like to have any business with either of them. They're both scary."

And Kenshin couldn't agree more. He quickly finished off his meal, before getting to his feet. There was much to do, that the momentary break had been relished. And he had no more time to waste. It was his own fault for being late at rising.

Mapping reports, training, lectures, briefings, meetings……..the list could go on and on. It made the poor guy's head spin.

Amakusa was making his way down the hall, his cape swishing against the floor. Both Kenshin and Sanosuke stopped and bowed. "Good morning, Your Highness!" Sano called out cheerfully.

"Yes, a good morning……or rather..." He trailed off. "It's such a mystery. I received news that two people would be arriving…..yet I cannot put my finger on where I could have possibly placed that note……."

"V-Visitors, my prince?" Kenshin stammered, shooting Sanosuke a glare. Sano merely smiled and shrugged.

"Yes……well, it matters not, I do suppose. Though it worries me that they are not yet here." He seemed absent-minded. He waved his hand in the air as if to erase the worry and began to walk away.

Both Sano and Kenshin hurried away. Once they were outside, the young commanding officer said eagerly, "Perhaps they will not come after all. I can't stand either of them, especially that Consolence….."

"That's a relief for you." Sano said, smirking.

"Which will be very brief!" A woman's voice said. It was monotone, mocking and quiet. It came from behind him.

Jumping, both of them turned around, startled by the voice.

There stood Consolence and Tomoe, the former with her arms crossed. Her pale blue hair fell over her shoulders in long strands, most of it fell in tresses. Tomoe's black hair was pulled back into a simple bun, and the two maidens were wearing traveling cloaks. They looked worn and tired, but still poised proudly.

Kenshin could feel his cheeks heat, and he covered it as much as he could by bowing. "Ah…….my Lady Cosolence, what a surprise to see you."

Consolence smirked a bit, her ice cold eyes watching, and seeing everything. She made no mistake about his blush. "I would say it is." She said quietly.

Tomoe stepped forward, motioning forward two horses that the men noticed for the first time. "Would you be so kind as to tether our horses for me, Sir Sagara? I'm afraid we came here with much haste, and I would have tethered it myself if I was not so tired."

Sanosuke nodded, quickly taking up the reins, glad to be doing something to get out of the company of the two women. He shot Kenshin a pitying look, walking away with the beast, leaving the redhead alone with the two figures.

He turned his attention to them. "Where have you traveled from this time?" He asked, politely.

"That will be discussed later, Sir Kenshin." Consolence said evenly, in that same quiet voice. She always spoke like that – it gave Kenshin goose bumps. Her gaze was always so cold, and Tomoe's was always so unforgiving. "As for now, you will direct us to the audience chamber."

He almost snapped for her to go there herself, as she very well knew where it was, but he held his tongue wisely. It was never good to start an argument with her. He merely nodded, and went to lead them. He met her eyes before he did though, and he lost his breath. It was like her eyes were ripping him apart.

Yes, he couldn't stand her.

She seemed to get his reaction and she smiled to herself, falling into step behind him. In a low voice, she spoke with Tomoe, in another tongue, which sounded hollow and haunting.

"He is a strange one, this one."

"Stop teasing him, Consolence. He is just a boy."

"He intrigues me." Consolence said thoughtfully. "I wish to find out what his thoughts are."

Tomoe let a ghost of a smile cross her lips. "I can assure you, that they are not of you, and if they are, they are not pleasant ones."

Kenshin tried his best to dismiss their lost courtesies. Unlike the other maidens, these two seemed to have been taught none. They were probably making curses of some sort on his back. They always managed to bring trouble.

The last time Consolence and Tomoe had been there, a huge battle had taken place on the borders of Torr and Daikan. And after the battle, the two were nowhere to be seen. Now, they came with haste to the castle. He didn't want to find out what they had up their sleeves. He hoped that they would finish their business quickly, and disappear – not just for a few months like last time, but forever.

They had come from a land in the north, where some said it snowed throughout the whole year, and where rumor had it that it was ruled by women and men were considered property.

Kenshin led them to the throne room, and took his leave, glad to part from them. His Majesty welcomed them warmly, but Kenshin saw no more as he hurried to join his part of the army.

News of the ladies' arrival had already spread through the ranks, and he heard some men conversing with each other about the tidings from the north. Talk of a huge war was heavy in the air, and it seemed that Daikan was calling in reinforcements.

The end seemed to be drawing closer….

Kaoru woke to find herself strangely comfortable. She had overslept, as the sun was shining in the sky brightly. She was used to being woken by the crack of a whip, or if not, then by the crowing of the rooster. Instinct made her wince, upon thinking that a whip lash was headed her way.

She was lying in a bed, her thin frame covered with a luscious cloth of yellow. She remembered everything from the night before, and she jumped out of her coverlet, seeing Megumi standing by her window.

"Good morning, Kaoru!" She said, eyeing her servant girl from head to toe.

Kaoru bowed. "G-good morning, Mistress Takani." She replied, her bones and muscles protesting to the sudden stretch.

Megumi motioned to a low table, which was surrounded by big pillows. "Would you care to join me for some breakfast? I have not yet eaten, as I have gotten up late myself."

Kaoru felt her stomach growl at the mention of food. And she had to admit that the food looked great. Muffins and toast, along with eggs and cheese were piled on top of three dishes.

She bit her lip and looked away. "I….."

However, her mistress sat herself down. "Please don't feel embarrassed." She delicately picked up the teapot whose stout was letting out a thin stream of steam. Out poured hot tea, into tiny little cups. "I will not hurt you."

Cautiously, Kaoru stepped forward, taking the opportunity to stretch a little, rubbing the kinks out of her neck and arms. Her arms still hurt a lot, the flesh where the chains had been was swollen. Ever so slowly, she sat down on the soft cushion.

Megumi watched her as she did so. "It must be hard for you to trust anyone." She said sympathetically. "And, even more so break your habits….I hope that that will soon change." She began to set apart some breakfast for her servant.

The poor girl sat watching in dismay. "Why would you do this?" She asked finally.

Her mistress was just in the middle of taking a bite of her food when she stopped and answered, "Surely, Kaoru, you do not wish for me to treat you like a servant? I can do that easily, but instead, I chose to befriend you. Is that bad? Would you rather….?"

"No! Of course not, My Lady...I thank you, for your kindness… " Kaoru couldn't help but stare at the floor beneath her. No words could express her gratitude.

"You may call me Megumi, if you wish." The lady said thoughtfully. "I'm tired of all the bowing and scraping…"

Kaoru blushed. "But…."

Megumi gently pushed a plate toward Kaoru. "It will take time, I know, Kaoru. Find your place, that is all I ask." She gestured toward the food, and said no more as they ate.

The rest of the meal was silent, and Kaoru savored every bite. It was still hard to trust, Megumi was right. There was always the caution that she might be lying, and might choose to punish her.

Of course, Megumi could understand that it would take time for her to realize that she meant every word she said. She would have to be patient.

After breakfast, Megumi got to her feet. "I want to go for a walk. Kaoru, do you wish to accompany me?"

She was using that as an excuse of course, to go watch Sanosuke train, as she did every morning. It would be better if she had some company. Days at the palace were dull and long. She often hated it, despite all the comforts it held.

Kaoru got up as well, dusting herself from the crumbs of the bread. "Yes, if you wish me to."

How obedient.

Megumi nodded, and pulled a veil around her head, and handed one to Kaoru as well. "It's to protect your hair from the direct rays of the sun." She said simply. "And the face covering to protect the skin of your face. Though, you do not have to wear either, if you wish not to."

Kaoru took them wordlessly, mimicking how to put it on, before slipping out the door with her new mistress. The veil and face covering smelled of roses. The material was made of light material, pink in color, the face covering somewhat transparent, covering from the cheekbones and down, leaving the eyes free from any constraint. She supposed that was the reason behind Megumi's flawless skin.

She really felt like a lady too, keeping a step behind Megumi at all times, taking in everything around her with awe. Huge arching ceilings were in one part of the palace that overlooked a garden. There, Megumi leaned over a railing to watch the rows of men start practicing.

"That man over there." She pointed to a soldier. Which one, Kaoru could not tell since they were all clad in the same thing. "That one is Sanosuke."

"You are in love with him." Kaoru heard herself say.

Megumi looked up at her, and realizing what she had just done, Kaoru lowered her eyes and gasped. "I mean…….."

"Yes, I am." Megumi told her. "Very much….."

She began to watch him again. Kaoru still couldn't pick him out amongst the swords, armor and capes.

Her eye caught a girl, walking by, with red flowing robes. Her hair was woven with pieces of ribbon, and flowed down her back like a veil on its own. It shimmered with a golden color under the sun's hot glare. "What a beautiful Lady….." Kaoru murmured.

Megumi saw her too. "That is the Lady Naomi. A very kind person too,

I may say. She is the wife of Sir Cyus, the officer at the front – did you know

they are 13 years apart?"

Kaoru gasped. "Really?" She glanced at the man at the front. He was

a handsome figure, who looked no more than four and sixteen.. If that was the

case, then his wife was not yet even a woman.

"She is sixteen and two years." Megumi announced, as though reading her mind.

Kaoru watched as Lady Naomi made her way to her husband to speak with him for a moment, before slowly gliding away. The whole army stopped to bid her a good morning, and then, resumed their training.

"We can not judge a person by their looks." Megumi told her, laughing.

Kaoru turned around to lean against the railing and caught sight of a long tapestry on the wall. It was decorated with various characters and colorful thread. She slowly walked toward it, her hand reaching out to touch the figure of a man. Beside him were a couple of figures that were dressed as soldiers.

She felt Megumi stand behind her. "The Tapestry of Legends."

"Tapestry of Legends?" Kaoru asked, looking at the figure that was no bigger than a finger of hers.

"It tells the story of Daikan." Megumi said. "The History – the Legend." Her eyes searched the wide tapestry. "If I remember correctly from what my Grandfather told me, the story goes back centuries ago, when Hiko Seijuro the first ruled the throne.

"Daikan was a land of great riches. The land was fertile, and was teeming with life. Many people were happy, content to live in such a land. However, there were others that wanted it too. And so, a war broke forth between the surrounding countries. Daikan saw dark times, as it does now. This time, though, they were up against not one kingdom like Torr, but various others. The King was desperate for a way to fight back, as his land was very precious to him – for what is a King without a Kingdom?

"One day, an old man came to the palace doors, begging to stay there for the night, to keep out of the rain. He had heard that the King was kind and good." She was looking at the picture of a hunched man, dressed in simple brown robes. It reminded Kaoru of the three monks she had seen in the glade. That thought went clean out of her mind as Megumi continued the story.

"In return for the King's kindness to him, the old man left behind what he promised to be a great asset in helping to defend Daikan's lands. 17 Scrolls, containing the secrets to a technique so great, it could be used to not only defend, but destroy. The old man warned them not to use it too carelessly, and with that, he left.

"Hiko Seijuro put it to work right away, having a small select part of his army learn the techniques to test it first. That small select part was all it took to save Daikan. And it was all it took to destroy many neighboring lands. The secrets were kept firmly in the palace and not spoken of outside of it. Those who had knowledge of it, knew that it was a vital thing to protect. If the enemy were to find out about the techniques, then they would stand no chance…..thus, very few people knew, and in a very short time, Daikan rose in tremendous power. Greediness soon seized the throne, and Hiko Seijuro wished to rule all.

"A few years later, the old man returned, having heard how Daikan had become so powerful that it had started destroying others instead of rebuilding itself. He did not spare a life in the palace, making sure every man, woman, and child was dead after personally taking the scrolls back from the king. This was so that the information in the scroll would have no way of being passed down.

"History does not say how he was able to slay those many people on his own. Most probably it is because the man had mastered the techniques already. He cursed the land of Daikan; and from then on, unto this day, it was a land that was always troubled with war and various other things."

Kaoru realized she had been following the whole story through the pictures on the tapestry. "But…..then…..if the King was dead, then how is it that there is a 13th inheritor on the throne today?"

Megumi smiled. "It is rumored that the son of Hiko Seijuro the first had been out and so was not killed along with his father and his subjects. He had been overlooked, and luckily for him, he knew of the scrolls, but not of the actual techniques. He was left to live, and try to rebuild his throne." She pointed at the picture of 17 scrolls. "What was history became myth, and myth became legend….."

"Then, it is believed that these 17 scrolls still exist?" Kaoru asked.

"Well, legend says that the old man hid them, and they were forgotten in time." She said. "That is what I know anyway, if I still remember……."

Kaoru frowned. So that was why Daikan was in such conditions. The tapestry did not appear to be finished, as it hung loosely, in threads. It was probably waiting for a happy ending, or at least, for the mystery of the scrolls to be finished. Whatever it was, she was certain that it was all just a story. Surely, there were no such things as scrolls that beheld such power? Since when did witchcraft ever help one?

"Lady Takani! What a pleasant surprise to see you!" Another maiden came ambling up to them, her long, pale orange robes trailing the floor. She was beautiful too, with long brown hair and dark brown eyes. Those eyes looked Kaoru up and down disdainfully, and quickly went back to Megumi.

"Lady Chane, the pleasure is all mine." Was the sweet response. They hugged each other fondly, before the Lady Chane pulled back to admire her friend.

"You look well, and that is good."

"Thank you." Megumi replied, absently fixing the clasp to her face covering. "I hope you have been well."

Lady Chane smiled wistfully. "The castle can be a dreary place, sometimes, but we must live with it." Her eyes again turned to Kaoru, who was rooted in the spot, not knowing what she should do. "And this is…?"

"My servant, Kaoru." Megumi said, also turning to face her. "Kaoru, please wait for me by that fountain down there. Lady Chane and I have some things to catch up on."

Obediently, Kaoru went away, relieved to be away from those scrutinizing eyes. She hated that the most, and wished that she could be a lady too – one that everyone would admire for her beauty and noble worth instead of a lowborn no one.

She went down the steps leading to the garden slowly. They were white and made of marble, winding and close to the side of the building. It led right to the garden, past all the knights in training. She was suddenly very glad for that veil – perhaps she would be mistaken as a lady who had gone out for a walk. It would be most strange if a servant was out taking a walk instead of doing work.

Kaoru had a lot to be grateful for, as she had slept, eaten and dressed well since her service under her new mistress. She supposed her mistress was kind at heart.

She sat down by the water's edge, enjoying the coolness of the breeze by it. The statue of the fountain was of a beautiful woman, who was holding a child. It was fairly new, as there were no old cracks and vines that were growing. The sun's light reflected off of the Lady's head.

She was about to dip her hand into the water, when she heard the sound of barking, and almost fell into the water when a small dog suddenly leaped into her lap. She let out a cry of fright, and felt herself falling backward, when an arm reached out and steadied her.

The dog jumped off her lap, and was propping itself up on her leg instead, barking.

"Are you okay, my lady?" A familiar voice asked.

Kaoru glanced up to see none other than Sir Kenshin staring down at her, his hand at her elbow, steadying her. His purple eyes up close and in person was much more breathtaking than from far away. His long red hair was pulled back into a ponytail, and he was not dressed in armor, but rather, a normal pair of breeches and a shirt.

Sir Cyus had said he'd take over the army for the day, and that it was high time he had a little break. So, he had taken his dog outside to play. He was fond of animals, and it was rare he had any time to himself.

However, the little mutt had caught sight of a maiden sitting by the well that his father had stood up, as a memorial for his mother, who had died when in Kenshin's youth.

The dog had jumped up onto Kaoru, nearly knocking the poor girl into the water. "Kuro! Stop! Sit!" He cried, and obediently the dog sat, its tail lowering.

"Are you okay?" Kenshin asked again.

"I…I'm fine." She managed to answer. "Thank you……."

He was surprised to see her eyes were the most brilliant blue…..where had he seen the likes of them before? He searched his mind, but couldn't quite remember. He picked up his dog easily in one arm. "I'm sorry about that, my lady – Kuro usually doesn't do that to people. He must like you."

Kaoru didn't know what to say. He had called her a lady! She was too shocked for words. That had never before happened.

Nervously, she got to her feet. "Thank you again, Sir….er, my good lord." She corrected herself.

"Are you new around here? I haven't seen you before." Kenshin cut in. "Are you brought in as a court maiden for the Prince?"

Kaoru made a face, not knowing how to answer. How could she lie to him? Those eyes would not let her. "Ah, yes…….well…..what brings you out here at this moment, my lord?"

"I have free reign to do what I will." He answered smoothly. "I haven't had the honor…. If I may, might I ask your name?"

Her mind panicked at those words. His eyes at the moment though, were soft, as was his voice when he spoke to her. It was just a simple request of a man to a woman. "Ah…it's…….Kaoru….." She answered lamely. "Kamiya Kaoru."

"That's a pretty name." He answered. "For a pretty maiden as yourself."

Kaoru felt herself go red again. His compliments tended to make her do so. "T-thank you, my lord."

"Himura Kenshin." He said, extending his hand.

She placed her own in his, and he dropped a small kiss onto it. She felt like she were floating, and wondered vaguely if she were dreaming. Having someone like this man kiss her hand as though she really were a lady….she withdrew her hand quickly, not wanting him to see how her wrists were still swollen. Thanks to the garment she had on, it had partially covered it. Luckily too…..if he had seen that, then for sure he would have gotten suspicious.

"It is a pleasure, Sir Kenshin." She said, more at ease using his name. Kaoru tried to remember the courtesies that a proper woman would use, and was relieved when she saw Megumi standing over the rail of the balcony, waving for her to come up. She must have been done with her chat. "If you will excuse me, my lord, I left something unattended to. Good day." She bowed slightly and very nervously, running up those stairs again as fast as her legs could go. Her heart was still beating rapidly at his earlier comment to her.

It only occurred to her then, that she had given him her real name.

Kenshin was watching Kaoru leave, thinking that he wanted to see her again, and wondering why she had left in such a rush, when he saw Consolence walk out into the yard. He suddenly wanted to get away as fast as possible.

However, Consolence saw him first, and gently called out his name. She might as well have shouted it, because the whole army stopped training, to see her step into the gardens. They pushed back a bit – no one was very fond of her, and didn't want to get in her way.

Even Sir Cyus had a hard time smiling. "Why, hello my lady Consolence. What a surprise that you are with us again."

She said nothing to that, holding his gaze with her cold eyes. "I wish to speak with Sir Kenshin, please. If you will excuse us."

Sir Cyus nodded, secretly relieved that she would be leaving. Kenshin suppressed a groan, and followed Consolence back into the palace.

So much for free reign for the day.

"Actually, Sir Cyus, I wish to speak with you too." Consolence said, half turning, as she changed her mind.

It must be confessed that Sir Cyus swallowed hard. "Of course, my lady." He stepped off his raised platform and the Lord Akira took his place.

The two walked away with Consolence, glancing at each other worriedly. What now?

As much as they disliked being in her presence, they had no choice but to follow.

"I bring bad tidings." She told them both. That didn't come as much of a surprise to Kenshin.

She turned around and reached out to stop them both in their tracks, but both men flinched back. They did not want her to touch them.

She paused, and then told them both firmly. "You will wait here. Prepare yourselves – the end is near…….."

Kenshin met her gaze, the look in her eyes striking him in the heart.

What had she meant by that?

He knew he would not like what he would hear……..

To Be Continued………

AN: And there's chapter 5. Thank you all for the reviews! Again, I'm still depending on them, and so do kindly leave me one by clicking that little button down there. I hope that this chapter answered some questions, and I somehow know there will be ones that are going to be asked again. Please don't forget to leave me a couple of words! (And now, the exams are upon me...thank you all for the support. I will email anyone who wants to know when the next update will be. Please let me know. But, the next update will be a while in coming. But it will come! I promise!)

Sei Consolence, Madam Myranda, and Lady Chane are my own characters.

Arigatou!