ALTERING RULES
By: Chiki Yumeshisa

Disclaimer: Rurouni Kenshin is not mine…..all original characters/ideas are mine to claim.

AN: Thank you all for your inspiring reviews! I am sorry I'm so late coming out with this chapter, but I finally stopped being lazy and went back to fix this chapter up. I hope you enjoy it!

Warnings: Strangeness…..no flames please as you have already been warned.

CHAPTER 6
-An Attempt -

Consolence never bothered to answer the questioning glances that Kenshin and Cyus were giving to each other.

Rather, she opened the door to one of the rooms in the west wing. There stood Tomoe, hands folded in front of her delicately. She was no longer wearing a traveling cloak, but a fine robe of white material. A purple shawl hung off her elbows, her black hair neatly combed back and placed up in a ponytail. Unlike the rest of the women, her hair was short. She was still elegant though. Hiko was standing there too, the expression on his face unreadable.

"Sir Cyus, Sir Kenshin, excuse the short notice." Tomoe said, her voice quiet. She hadn't expected to see the former there, but she decided it was a small matter. With scrutiny, she eyed Kenshin from head to toe, distaste at his attire, apparent. He was still wearing breeches, a plain shirt, and his hair wasn't exactly in the greatest state.

He felt himself go red. Luckily, Sir Cyus spoke. "My Lady Yukishiro. How are you?" He was ever the gentleman. She returned a thoughtful smile.

"I am fine, for the time as it is." She answered slowly. "Congratulations, by the way – I spoke with the Lady Naomi. You are to be a father again, it seems."

"I am most pleased." Sir Cyus said enthusiastically.

Leave it to Sir Cyus to be able to keep up a decent conversation with the likes of Tomoe. Kenshin couldn't help but feel a little in awe. All Tomoe managed to do to him was make him speechless, or very uncomfortable. He was glad that she wasn't directing her rather harsh tongue at him.

Consolence suddenly spoke. "The child will be a girl – and she will not live long."

The man spun to face her, his blue eyes blazing in anger. "I do beg your pardon, my lady." He told her, upset. "I will not allow you to speak ill of my family."

"Even if it is the truth?" Consolence asked, not at all ruffled at his outburst. Had it been anyone else, they would have fallen to their knees with apologies spilling out of their mouths. She stood there casually though, her cold blue eyes looking absent.

Sir Cyus straightened. "I suggest you remember who it is you are speaking with." He told her, dangerously.

Consolence was about to say more, but Tomoe interrupted. "Consolence, hold your tongue. I will hear no more of you."

The girl looked away, setting her jaw together, and said no more. It was evident that she was not happy. Instead, she stood back behind the whole party, running a hand through her long pale blue hair.

Trusting that she would remain silent, Tomoe gave Sir Cyus an apologetic look. "Now then, we may continue."

Hiko took the cue to motion for Sir Cyus and Kenshin to have a seat. They both took seats on a soft cushion each. Kenshin leaned against the wall he had sat beside, a silky green drapery adorning it. His hand absently stroked the material, and he took a moment to observe it and the room it was in.

The room was green, as was most of the castle. The window was uncovered, the curtains tied with silken ropes to its sides. A white carpet lay unruffled on the floor, the only object that was not green.

Though he was not fond of the color much himself, he didn't mind it so much. At the moment it was a better thing to look at than the two women in the room, however beautiful the women were.

Kenshin's parents hadn't really shown their love for each other, as Hiko was a strict and arrogant man, who liked to be revered. Himura Michiko had been a quiet girl, with long red hair, very different from the rest of the palace girls, and had been the one chosen for the King to marry. She had violet eyes that had always seemed to read through all of Kenshin's naughtiness and lies when he had been younger. However, she had been a great mother, always so gentle and always so caring.

Hiko loved her, he knew….but then he sent her away….

And then he had married that woman…..

"...So, I'm sending troops to Chusuro: they must make sure that the outskirts are protected."

Kenshin blinked. What? He had just missed everything of importance due to his daydreaming. He could see Consolence staring at him, her eyes lighting up with what seemed like laughter.

"Understood." Sir Cyus said, nodding.

All eyes turned to Kenshin, who had begun to shift in his position uncomfortably. "I… He started to say. "I beg pardons….."

Hiko stared at him like he had just grown another head. "Were you not listening! Honestly!" He threw his hands into the air. "For that, I'm going to keep you out there double time."

Kenshin panicked. "What was it that I missed?"

"His Majesty was saying how he was going to send you with the army to protect one of the key cities. Apparently, the Lady Yukishiro and Consolence saw that it was under attack on their way here. Our fears about the scroll is true: it is now in the hands of Shishio.

"I will be staying here to take your place with the remaining troops in training, and so forth." Sir Cyus filled in.

So, it was true then, the rumors that had spread. How devastating! But if he could help, he would. "I understand." Kenshin finally said. It was enough that he was trusted for such a mission. Already, he had plans formed into his head on how to attack and how many men to bring.

Tomoe's voice cut in. "If I may say, Your Majesty, I would suggest that specific actions be taken. The daytime would not be the best to attack. Consolence has told me that it would be foolhardy to do so."

"I will leave it up to the judgment of Sir Kenshin, and leave you to speak with him." Hiko said, after a while, getting up. "I have something needing my attention. If you will excuse me, men, and ladies." He made his way out of the room, leaving Kenshin alone with the two women and his superior. And luckily for him, Sir Cyus never made a move to leave. Gratefully, Kenshin shot him a smile, to which Sir Cyus merely nodded.

Consolence got up, shooting them all a small glare. "I will not stay here if I am not needed." She said, each word seeming to leave a chill in the air that just bit at their skin, and affected everyone save Tomoe.

"Do keep to yourself." Tomoe warned her. "We do not need trouble, Consolence. I will confront you later with the tidings."

"I do not like this place or its people." Consolence told her coldly, in her own tongue. "Let us leave, and soon."

"Soon, my dear." Tomoe answered back, the foreign language seeming to roll off her tongue. She could tell that Consolence was hurt and she felt bad. She tried to soothe her. "But we have so much yet to do. And for heaven's sake, keep your hands to yourself."

Consolence turned with what seemed like a huff from the room, making it a point to stuff her hands into the opposite sleeves before stalking off. She was ever graceful, and ever frightening. She had not changed from her travel stained cloak or robes. Smudges of dirt and mud lined the cloth, but it seemed that she herself was in no way touched.

Thoughts swirled in her head, and memories……those were always the worst…..memories of then…..and memories of now……she walked quickly, despite her fatigue. Her face, as always, was a calm mask, showing nothing of her thoughts or feelings. A rock…..cold and what people thought, heartless……

They were scared.

Always scared.

Her footsteps echoed in the vast hallways as she weaved her way through the countless rooms. If ever she encountered anyone, they would shy away from her, and clear her path. Her eyes took in the arching ceiling above her as she entered the main hallway of the palace, heading toward where the soldiers were gathered outside.

Perhaps……those who would go with Sir Kenshin would not survive. Or, maybe they would…..her hands went out to clutch at the balcony as she watched them train. Lord Akira looked to be a strict commander. She surveyed them with silent scrutiny.

Then, she felt a presence behind her. Someone…..staring at her. It made her feel uneasy, as most people usually averted their gaze when she was around. The feel of unfamiliar eyes on her was like burning flames scorching her skin.

Consolence turned abruptly to face the person.

Kaoru, who had been sent on an errand by Megumi, was coming back from the kitchens with an earthenware pot. She had gotten sidetracked because Misao had been there, and had talked with her a mile a minute.

She had been sent to bring down that morning's breakfast plates, and she had encountered her fellow servant, elbow-high in greasy, soapy water.

According to her friend, everything was fine – their mistress was not exactly the greatest person, but way better than their previous master. Tae had been found successful in the art of cooking, so she helped alongside the cook, along with her sister, Sae.

Misao was set to doing the disgusting chore of washing the dishes. She complained about how much people liked to eat, and how she detested the hot soapy water already. However, she was not the only one working there, as there were many other helpers. Still, she wished that she could have had a kind mistress like Kaoru.

Despite her complaining, Misao looked well – her bright blue-green eyes were still sparkling, and she was still as genki as ever. Not that anything seemed to get her down. In the short time Kaoru had known her, she felt as if her spirits were lifted by the girl's optimism.

"You'll find strange people here in this castle, Kaoru!" Misao had sung, shoving her hands back into the scalding water to scrub at a rather stubborn plate that refused to give up traces of that morning's breakfast. "I've never before seen anyone the likes of Master Iwanbo - why, just the other hour, I saw the most striking handsome figure of all! He was tall and had dark black hair…….and the most darling eyes….." Her face had flushed at the mere thought of him.

At that moment, the Lady Eilwy had come in, holding the earthenware pot that was filled with apples. This she flung into Kaoru's arms, telling her that it was a small gift for the Lady Takani, to bring some color into the woman's cheeks. Then, she began scolding Misao not to bother others. The girl merely grinned and apologized, telling Kaoru that she hoped to see her again.

Kaoru had left the kitchens and the scullery, and hurried back up to where the Lady was probably waiting. She hoped she would not get into too much trouble for taking long. It had taken a while to find the actual kitchens, and a while to find her way back to her Lady's chambers.

She found someone standing at the balcony, overlooking the field with the men. Her pale blue hair fascinated Kaoru, and the servant girl couldn't help but stare. That was the first time ever she had seen hair of that color. It was beautiful – Misao was right: there were many strange people in the castle.

The piercing blue eyes made her forget that she was carrying the earthenware bowl, and it nearly slipped from her fingers, as she was caught, entranced by the cold gaze that met her. What snapped her out of her shock, was when she heard and felt the apples in the bowl fall, as it tipped.

Gasping, she regained her senses. The stare never left. "I……uh……I……" she stuttered. She quickly gathered her robes and bent over to pick up the fruit, quickly putting them into the bowl once more.

"Why do you stare?" Consolence asked, finally.

Kaoru's fingers stopped, and she turned her head to face the elder woman. "If I was rude, I apologize, my Lady." She responded, dipping her head. "I couldn't help but notice your hair, if you must know."

That was the first: an honest response and without a waver at that. Consolence tilted her head. "Is that so?" She fingered her blue tresses thoughtfully. "Tell me, Daughter of Kamiya ……" She raised her eyebrow when Kaoru froze at the mention of her last name.

How did this woman know it…..?

"…..Are you not afraid?"

"A-afraid, my Lady?" Kaoru repeated, confused. "Whatever for?"

"Of me?" Consolence insisted.

Kaoru registered her question for a moment, before slowly shaking her head. "Have I reason to be?"

Once again, Consolence raised her eyebrow. Very intriguing indeed. She dared not speak what was on her mind. "I suppose you would not be: you have no idea of who I am."

"Then, may I ask, my Lady, who you are?"

"I am Sei Consolence." Was the answer. It was as if a cold wind suddenly chilled the room. She watched as Kaoru stood her ground. Most men would have folded at the first word that Consolence had spoken. She reached out a hand, wondering if this girl would flinch at her touch. "Would you like me to tell you of your death?" She asked. "How you are to die? When you are to die?"

Kaoru hesitated before answering. "That is quite all right, I've already had it planned out for quite some time now."

Her breathing grew ragged as she finally managed to touch Kaoru's forearm. The girl did not flinch, or back away. Instead, curious blue eyes met hers. A small smile formed on Consolence's lips. Withdrawing her hand, she laughed a bit. For the first time in a long time – she laughed.

"You are intriguing." Consolence said. She stared at Kaoru hard, thinking. She pursed her lips after a while, the smile disappearing. The girl was a good foot and more shorter than her. A servant girl, it seemed. A very pretty servant girl.

Kaoru wondered what it was that she was thinking. Those blue eyes may have seemed cold and scary to others, but to Kaoru, she felt there was an untold story behind this Lady. A long, and rather sad story.

"Do not think to befriend me." Consolence said quietly, watching her. "It cannot happen."

"Why?" Kaoru asked, a bit stunned by the way she had somehow read her mind. Consolence shook her head. "It simply cannot be." Kaoru went back to putting the apples into the bowl, her thoughts in a turmoil. When the last apple was in the bowl, she stood with it in her hands.

She gave the Lady a small bow. "If you will excuse me then, my Lady." She said, and was about to walk away, when Consolence called out.

"Oh, Kamiya! I do have something else to say: do warn Sir Kenshin about this trip he will be going on – I believe you know that it will not be safe."

Kaoru watched as the woman began to leave. "I'm afraid I don't undertand…?" She asked.

She never answered, leaving silently, as she had come.

Confused beyond words, Kaoru walked slowly back to her mistress' quarters. She wondered who the Lady Consolence really was…….after all, it wasn't every day she was asked questions like that. Or spoken to like that. And how did she know her name? And why had she asked about death?

Though Kaoru had to admit that she had thought and contemplated about committing suicide more than once, it surprised her to find that she had been scared by the woman's words. She was not yet ready to die…...

0-0-0-0-0

Megumi was waiting for Kaoru to return, when a knock came at her door. She hurried to it, and opened it eagerly, expecting her servant girl. She was worried about her, as servants were to be given freedom, but not enough so that they could be mistaken as a Lady. She hoped that the girl hadn't gotten into any trouble.

She found herself staring, not at Kaoru, but into the chocolate brown eyes of Sanosuke. She blinked, wondering if she were dreaming.

"S-Sano….."

"Good afternoon, Megumi." He said, quietly, a small smile on his lips. "I came by to tell you something."

Megumi's hands came out to touch his shirt. Her heart ached at the mere sight of him. He had a stubble of a beard growing, and her fingers reached out to trace his jaw line, the small hairs tickling her fingertips. He stood motionless, as she did so. It hurt so much that she was secluded, far from him. "What are……"

Kaoru finally found her room, and nearly dropped the whole bowl of apples again when she saw a soldier standing there. But she realized that it was Sanosuke and she relaxed. He seemed to be in deep conversation with Megumi, so she tried to be as quiet as possible. Maybe she could wait until they were done.

That wasn't going to happen though, because Sanosuke caught sight of her. "Well, if it isn't the little miss! I see you're free of your chains."

"Yes, sir." Kaoru responded, clutching the bowl in her arms a little tighter to herself. "My Lady has been kind."

"That's good." Sanosuke said. He allowed Kaoru to slip past him to put down her burden and spoke quickly with Megumi.

His voice was hushed and urgent. "I must go." He said. "I came to say goodbye. I've been sent on another task, with Kenshin again. Something to do with a town under attack, and we may not come back quickly – if at all."

Megumi breathed slowly. "Don't say that……..you shall come back, and hopefully with haste."

He smiled. "Just in case I don't, I want to say that I love you." He said, dropping a small kiss to her lips. "Take care to remember me, my Lady."

She blinked back tears. "I will, my lord." She whispered.

And Sanosuke left.

Kaoru had overheard everything. They were being sent out again? To battle most likely. When would the war ever end? It was so common it was getting overwhelming.

Consolence's words, "……..warn Sir Kenshin about this trip he will be going on – I believe you know that it will not be safe." Rang through her head. A cold rush of fear ran through Kaoru. What was it that she meant to say? What was to happen? Her mind raced a mile a minute to register and remember what it was that was important.

Finally, she remembered: the Hunters! They had allied with the Torrins!

Quickly, she asked, "My Lady….where is the Lord Sagara going?"

"Out to battle, against the Torrins……as always……." Megumi said, turning to hide her face. "And every time he goes away, he always tells me goodbye." She choked back a sob. "I'm tired of it……I'm sick of worrying for his safety……."

"Forgive me for speaking out of place," Kaoru said, "but you must stop him, for if he goes out, he will surely not come back."

Megumi gasped and looked at her. "What did you say?"

"Please, you must! Before it is too late! You must trust me!"

An eternity hung in the air for a long while. Kaoru waited breathlessly to see if her mistress would get upset, or if she would do something.

Instead, she asked, "Who told you this?"

"The Lady Consolence told me to warn Sir Kenshin that something perilous will happen there. And since Lord Sagara is going out with him……."

"The Lady Consolence? Why would you listen to such a woman?" Megumi asked, with a sneer that she could not hide. She was not fond of Consolence or her companion for that matter. It would take a miracle before she could learn to trust either of their words.

Kaoru almost collapsed to her knees. She knew Consolence hadn't been lying. Would she dare to tell what she had overheard in the glade? Or would she be punished? She stiffened her resolve: if her life would be forfeit in the attempt to save others' lives, then so be it. "You must stop him!" She cried. "If you want, you may beat me, you may whip me, or deprive me of meals, but I will not let you stand here and let him walk away."

Megumi was surprised. "And what, my dear girl, are you going to do if I do not stop him?"

Kaoru raised her chin defiantly. "Then I will stop him myself." Again, that uncomfortable silence hung in the air, like a thick heavy cloud. What would happen?

Her mistress made a move, and Kaoru closed her eyes, waiting for the impact.

To Be Continued…….

AN: Gee golly gum…I'm on a writer's block. I honestly don't know what is wrong, but I tried to fix it up. Reviews keep me going. Therefore, onegai, keep the reviews coming and the chapters will keep coming!

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