ALTERING RULES
By: Chiki Yumeshisa

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

AN: Major thanks to Vivi for this. Hugs Love ya tons girl! Sorry for the

lateness guys. Thanks for the reviews! No more waiting – here is chapter 9!

Warnings: Rated R – swearing and rape ahead. You have been warned, no flames please.

CHAPTER 8
- The Courage and The Night -

Kicking and thrashing, she screamed.

It was unladylike to do so, but she could have cared less. Terror and fear gripped her heart, as she was forcefully pushed down to the floor. Her pale and flawless skin became bruised and beaten as they punched her and slapped her, again and again.

Her small body was pinned beneath them. There were eleven, all together: there was nothing she could do.

Her clothes were ripped off her, with almost no effort, the material wasted, as it fell to the spoiled floor. It littered it like gold and white feathers, a hint of blue and pale cream showing here and there. Beads from the necklace she was given by a monk were thrown and they too, were unstrung and scattered all over the place.

But it wasn't so much the clothing or the materials she was wearing that she was worried about: it was what those hands were now doing to her naked flesh.

She shivered as the cold touch of the autumn breeze let its chilly touch run up and down her body mercilessly. And then, those revolting hands did the same thing.

Again, she tried to fight back, and she brought her knee up to kick the nearest one to her in the groin. That didn't work though, as the man simply caught it and pushed it aside.

Panting, the woman punched him, as hard as she could in the nose as he leaned his ugly head down to kiss her. He fell back with a cry and for a brief moment, she felt triumph at his pain. Only, the triumph lasted for no more than a mere moment as the others began to pin her arms and legs down, a few others entangling their fingers into her hair and held her head to the floor.

Tears ran down her cheeks as she screamed at the top of her lungs for someone to help her.

But no one came.

Anger and shame ran through her as the rest of her clothing was ripped apart, revealing herself to these revolting men.

She felt the bones in one arms snap, and she cried out. White hot pain seared through her vision, and she wanted to curl up in a ball, but she couldn't.

And they laughed.

Dark eyes peered into hers, and she tried to shy away from but she couldn't.

Don't touch me……

She tried to blink, as the fear grew, causing her to stop breathing. His hands began their journey toward her body.

Don't touch me…..

Gasping, she tried to suck in air, but was unable to do so, as she watched, for what seemed like an eternity, his fingertips touch her skin lightly.

She was terrified: she did not want to see his thoughts, she did not want to see……

His past. His present. His future…..

Don't touch me!

Pain exploded through her as he straddled her, forcing himself into her. Her back arched off the floor.

And the men laughed.

They jeered him on, telling him that they all wanted their turns.

Visions flew into her head, and the breath she had been unable to get was finally released from her lungs.

"NOOOOOOO!"

Don't touch me…

0-0-0-0-0

Knuckles turning white because of her tight grip on the veranda's railing, Consolence listened as footsteps sounded behind her. She turned around as Tomoe came into view.

"Are you thinking again?" The woman asked her, calmly.

"No." Consolence replied a little too quickly.

Tomoe smiled a little. "It seemed that way to me. Tell me, my friend, what is it you wish?"

"For all of them to die." Was the immediate answer.

The smile turned bigger. "Everyone will die one time or another. It is the Ancient's plan for all of us." She tilted her head to the side, a hint of amusement in her dark eyes. In a quiet reprimand, she said, "You show a lot of emotion of late, Consolence."

Consolence's face grew slack, and relaxed. The anger in her eyes winked out. When she blinked, the cold expression was back and Tomoe, satisfied that she had gotten through, pushed a lock of hair away from her friend's face for her.

Consolence returned her gaze to the gardens below. The peaceful scene was beautiful. The afternoon sun's dying rays gave a glow to everything, almost like a spell was being cast. Nature's wand was in the air, ready to dispel the light and bring down the darkness. Rest was calling, yet another long day done…..and another one ready around the bend.

A small, sound echoed in the distance. A sound played by a flute, most likely. There was always music in the air, by the northern entrance to the castle. Most ladies liked to go out and watch as the small band struck up a tune. However, these two in particular could do no such thing: everyone would leave once their presence entered.

"I saw them, Tomoe…."

"Was it really bad?"

"It's always bad."

Before she could sympathize, she spun around. There stood a man, who was tall and silent, having come out unexpectedly. He wore all black, nothing adorning his attire, save two short swords, equal in length, that hung by his side. In his getup, no one would be able to tell that he was a soldier. His blue eyes met with Consolence's, the two similar colors clashing.

Whose were colder, even Tomoe could not figure out. This man seemed to be a walking iceberg, and in all honesty, it made her shiver. Surely, this man was terrible.

"Aoshi! There you are!" Kenshin came running, oblivious to the silent war they were having. "There's been a change of plans……" He trailed off, when he saw Consolence.

Oh, just his luck! He couldn't stand being around these two, and here he was, always bumping into them. He kept his scowl from showing, and tried not to wince as Consolence brushed by, walking away quickly. Tomoe had to run to keep up. As they left, Tomoe glanced over her shoulder, curiosity getting the better of her, before turning around once more. Kenshin couldn't help but feel relieved. He turned back to pay attention when the man standing next to him spoke.

"Yes, Sir Kenshin?" Aoshi asked.

"I have been told that our plans will have to move: We have need of you," With a meaningful look, he added, "right now."

Arching one eyebrow over a cold blue eye in question, Aoshi said nothing. Orders were orders – it was his duty to carry them out. He seemed a bit surprised though. His unasked question was answered.

"A block of the Torrin army has turned westward: scouts have come in telling us that it is a secret group. Their main force was a mere distraction – and I almost got fooled. At that rate, we would have been stuck in the middle, and crushed. Sanosuke got it into his head to start screaming about how it was going to be the end of us if we followed through with our plans. I am sore to say that I did not see it myself."

Aoshi squinted down at the younger man. Kenshin was notorious for being the type of person who blamed all of life's problems on himself. "What do you wish me to do?"

"I need you to take some men, and go to the mountain's pass. Keep your eye on the enemy. There cannot be a lot of them – as I hear tell, it was just a small part of their army, probably no more than a handful. If there is a fight that ensues, do try and keep them back. We cannot let that key city fall."

"And you?"

"I will rally up the men into four groups. 2 will watch the main force. The others, will back you up. A small section to wipe out is better than a bigger section that we are unable to defeat. This way, there will be less casualties, and, two can play at this game."

Aoshi nodded, and fingered his sword thoughtfully. Kenshin breathed a sigh of relief, but then, hesitantly spoke up again. "You will be accompanied by Soujiro……"

Aoshi stiffened. He disliked Soujiro greatly – the two were very similar, but in many ways different. It cut at his nerves whenever the boy did things on his own. And then, when he was bailed out of trouble, he would give a hearty smile that spoke nothing of his regret. It was no wonder that he wasn't fond of the boy. But then again, Shinomori Aoshi didn't like anybody……

Kenshin gave him an apologetic smile. "I tried to argue, but Sir Cyus wouldn't have it any other way. It's strategically the best. Just keep an eye out for him." Great, and he was to be a babysitter while on the job. He couldn't help but scowl. Again, Kenshin flashed him that look. "Sou's a good kid: he'll listen to you."

When pigs fly……..Aoshi thought darkly.

"You will set out immediately, and waste no time." Kenshin said, back to the important problem. "Gather your men and then go speak with Sir Cyus – he will tell you of positioning. That is an order, Aoshi. I expect it to be carried out."

Smartly, the taller clapped a fist to his heart, and marched away, quickly and silently. As for Kenshin, his eyes wandered to the fountain he had seen the Lady Kamiya that morning. He wondered if they would meet again.

0-0-0-0-0

Kaoru, however, had no intention of running into him again. She had mixed emotions about him, yet there was still something……..

"You seem pensive." Megumi suddenly said. She was sitting on her bed, with a book in her hands. She had looked up from the pages at Kaoru's sudden stillness and quietness.

Kaoru dipped her head. "Excuse me……." She apologized. She had been absently running a damp cloth over a piece of furniture that needed polishing again and again. She had looked out the window and had seen Kenshin's figure cutting across the lawn of the gardens down below. The moonlight reflected off his armor, giving him an air of majesty. There was no mistaking Kenshin; the hair enough was sign that it was him.

Then, she caught sight of someone else. The long blue hair was not to be mistaken either: Consolence was watching Kenshin's every move, her friend by her side. Then, feeling Kaoru's eyes on her again, she looked up.

That was when Megumi had chosen to speak.

Vigorously, Kaoru swiped the cloth over the wood again.

Megumi suddenly sighed, and put the book she was reading down. She stared wistfully at the ceiling for a moment, and then toward her servant. "Fairy tales will be no more than what they are: fairy tales. They could never come true."

A bit confused by her mistress' words, Kaoru asked, "…….Fairy tales, My lady?"

"A prince cannot go running off with a peasant girl……nor does love's first kiss wake a princess. It's too easy: and unfortunately, it never happens in real life."

"It's about the Lord Sagara, isn't it?" She blurted. Then, realizing her impudence, she blushed and turned away quickly. "I mean, forgive me, my Lady…..I didn't mean to…….."

Megumi hugged the book to herself, wistfully. "Even if the Lord Sagara and I were in love, we could never be together."

"Why not?"

"I am promised to another…….." She looked away, and fingered one of the silk bed coverings sadly. "I'm promised to His Highness, Prince Amakusa."

Kaoru almost jumped out of her skin. "You're to be the next queen?"

Megumi laughed a little at that. "No, my dear. A side concubine – a court maiden. I'm just there for his needs should he need to have more children……or relieve some pent up stress."

A castle-whore. That was way better than being a slave for the rest of one's life, but at the same time, it sounded sad. Even if Megumi got everything she wanted, there was one thing she couldn't have: real love. There were many court maidens, at most 50, the least, 40. That was quite a number, even for a prince. Kaoru couldn't help but feel sorry for her.

It was like a second-nature for Kaoru to feel bad for others before herself. Angrily, she scrubbed at the piece of wood harder, until it squeaked in protest to her administering. She wished she could say something to make her mistress happy, but there was nothing to say.

Her fate was sealed.

Megumi suddenly stood, her long purple robes falling an inch or two above the floor. She crossed the room, her dress making swishing noises, as she put the book down on her mahogany table that sat snugly against a wall. She watched as her mistress absently ran a hand down the length of her hair while looking in a mirror. Then she smoothed out unseen wrinkles in her clothing.

Once satisfied that she was preened properly, she turned to Kaoru. "I'm going to visit a friend. I will be back in a while. Would you like to come along?" Kaoru glanced down at the cloth in her hands and then met her mistress' eyes. She had said to be open and honest……

"Actually, would you mind if I take leave to visit a friend as well?" She shouldn't have been surprised when Megumi nodded. Her mistress was so kind, Kaoru wondered what she had done to deserve such fortune. She silently thanked the Lord Sagara in her head. If it hadn't been for him, she'd still be treated like an animal, working in the fields of that horrid Shigekura. Just thinking about him made her blood go cold.

His beady eyes….

The crack of his whip…..

And his roaming hands…….

She went straight to the kitchens to find Misao after Megumi had warned her to be wary of getting into trouble. She wanted to go see her and make sure she was all right. She figured that they shared a lot in common, and was comfortable around one another despite the small amount of time they had known each other.

Maybe she could tell Misao what she had overheard. She quickly placed on the veil again, to hide her features better – she knew that some people had rather mean tastes when it came to servants.

The palace grounds were now dark, with only a few lanterns lit casting small glows. They burned brightly in their little cages, the fire danced, and the shadows leaped almost in beat with the tune that was being played by a band.

Whoops and cheers could be heard coming from a room, as people sang and waltzed, and kept time with the music by clapping or stomping their feet.

Kaoru wound her way past three guards who were chatting amiably amongst themselves. She couldn't help but stare up at the huge pillars leading to one of the palace gardens. A small pedestal was in between, cracked and old, yet still beautiful. She didn't remember seeing that earlier. Fascinated, she ran her fingers over the gritty edge of the stone, relishing in the fact that she was alone. It was a moment she thought she'd never again have – no orders, no pain, no people……

Her solitude was interrupted by the sound of voices. Alarmed, she looked for a place to hide, but was unable to find a room, so she quickly hid behind a green drapery that hung as a castle adornment.

"Gather your belongings and be quick about it. The night is still young – we must hurry."

"What are the battle positions, if I may ask?" It was the soldier that Kaoru had rescued the other day from one of the Torrin men. Carefully, she peeked out between the folds of the drapery to see for herself what was going on. It seemed to be a bad habit of hers, spying on people.

Aoshi sighed. He was like a young page that was bursting with questions and never seemed to tire asking. "Look Seta– I told you what I know, and all I intend to tell you. Stop wasting precious time and do as I ordered."

Soujiro's smile grew bigger. "Of course, Shinomori. But please remember that in no way am I your inferior, and I will not comply to being ordered around by you." He gave the taller man a gracious bow, before turning his heel and walking away. His face may have been smiling, but his tone of voice was hard and stinging. Aoshi could do no more than stare after him hotly.

Even Kaoru was confused. Weren't these two allies? Why did it seem like they were not very friendly with each other? She tried to shrink back more into the curtains as Soujiro walked past.

He stopped short, and she held her breath.

"What's wrong?" Aoshi demanded.

Soujiro paused, his blue eyes round. "I thought I heard something." He said. He stared at the green drapery for a moment before shrugging. "I must be tired." He muttered, swiping a hand over his dark hair absently.

"You'd better be alert tonight – it would be just like you to fall asleep when it comes time to battle." Aoshi told him.

Soujiro's smile never left his face. "Don't be silly, I haven't fallen asleep on the enemy yet. Though, it is a rather interesting thought: I should try it sometime." His light voice and arrogance nearly made Aoshi throttle him. He couldn't understand why Soujiro always made it so hard for everyone.

Gritting his teeth at the remark, Aoshi bit back his snarl.

Not able to stand him any longer, the tall - usually composed - soldier stalked off, his black figure becoming one with the darkness.

Soujiro stood there watching for what seemed like an eternity. "You can come out now." He said, directing his gaze to the material from which Kaoru watched in hiding.

Feeling her ears burning with embarrassment, she stumbled out. She was unable to look up – she knew she was in trouble. His smile meant so much more, and she dreaded what type of punishment she'd get. It surprised her again though, when Soujiro bowed. "There is no need to be afraid, my Lady." Before he could say any more though, another figure interrupted him.

All else seemed to pause, and it was as if the world hung still. There stood none other than Kenshin, dressed down plainly in a rich red shirt and a pair of gray pants. He wore sandals on his feet, his hair tied back casually with a ribbon. "There you are, Soujiro. I hope you got the instructions."

The boy nodded enthusiastically. "I was just about to go carry out your wishes, my Lord. If you will excuse me." He gave Kaoru a sidelong glance before running down the hallway in a light sprint.

In a daze, Kaoru heard herself blurt, "Are you not going to war as well, my Lord?" When his gaze turned to her, she wished she had held her tongue. He shook his head. "I will catch up with my men the day after tomorrow, as plans have changed." He sounded a bit miserable over that, but he waved his hand as if to wave off her concern. Secretly, Kaoru was relieved: she didn't think she could bear it if something happened to this man…. "I was hoping to see you again, Lady Kamiya."

Her heart skipped a beat: he remembered her name! She had to remember not to look up or else she would lose herself in his eyes.

"I was just out for a walk before retiring to bed." She answered, a bit lamely. "And yourself?"

He growled. "I was just about to go find someone. I am not happy with the orders I have received." He sobered a bit, and smiled gently. "Excuse me – I am in a bad mood." He decided to switch the subject, feeling a bit foolish in front of her. "Why don't you join the celebration? There is dancing and good food – some of our men from the east have returned to us and in good health. You are welcome to join. Please do not let my mood attach itself to you as well."

Kaoru blushed. "No, thank you, Sir Kenshin," she said, testing his name again. It felt good on her tongue. "I must confess that I know not how to dance."

Kenshin felt himself grin at her words. "Will you do me the honor of a small waltz, then, my lady? I hope you will not turn me down." His eyes sparkled teasingly and he held his hand out in invitation. She realized that she was holding her breath. Slowly, she let it out. What would it feel like to be embraced in those arms…….to be kissed by those lips……..to dance…….with a lord……

She jumped at the contact of his hand on hers, and she could feel her cheeks grow warmer. She was thankful for the veil covering her face, as it hid her blush from his view. She watched with fascination as his hand, rough and calloused, yet warm and gentle, entwined itself in hers, and struck up a dance position. His other arm gently clasped her around her waist, pulling her toward him slowly. The warmth of him almost hypnotized her. He chuckled at her reluctance and rigidity. "My lady, please relax: I have danced with many a girl, I hope not to disappoint you."

Poor Kaoru was too tongue-tied to say anything. She held her breath again, as he was about to begin. However, the laughter and the upbeat music suddenly stopped, and instead, a violin's strings filtered into the hallway where they stood, in a slow, sad melody. Kenshin's posture slacked in confusion for a moment. Then, he regained his confidence and drew her closer, placing her hand on his shoulder, and putting both his hands onto her waist, feeling the softness of the material of her clothing. A shock ran through Kaoru, and her first instinct was to pull away and run. Fear and uncertainty were washed away as he began to dance, swaying gently with the music.

Maybe…….

He smelled like pine and fresh air when she breathed in. And for some strange reason, it felt right. He reasoned with himself that he was just being a gentleman: dancing with a girl who was there. It was only just that he did so.

Then why was he being attracted to this woman in his arms? And why was he reveling in her warmth? He shook away the thoughts, concentrating on swinging her around and was about to dip her, but instead, he froze.

He was watching her eyes. He wanted to see her face, the beauty that she hid from him. His fingers slid up, to finger the thin pink sheet of material that concealed that from him. He began to lift it, his gorgeous purple eyes never leaving hers. "I……..I want to see…….." He whispered.

Panic flashed through her gaze, and she brought her arm up to take his hand away. She recoiled, almost as if he had slapped her, and pulled away. As she did so, he caught sight of something and grabbed her hand. Lifting up her sleeve, he saw deep gashes on her pale delicate skin that were still healing. He looked up worriedly. "What's this…..?" He asked, his voice low and getting dangerous.

Feeling her knees start to weaken, Kaoru stepped back. She didn't know what he was thinking, but she assumed that he had found out her secret. "It's nothing!"

She cried automatically, pulling her sleeve down hurriedly.

"Who hurt you?" He demanded. "How dare…."

"N-no……." she stuttered, scared and relieved at the same time. His anger was directed at someone other than her. He was mad at the person who had done this to her, not at her herself. Still, she was afraid he would guess and she quickly made up an excuse. "I must go – there is something I must……attend to. Good day, my lord. I beg pardons." With that she snatched up her robes and hurried down the hallway.

Kenshin watched her disappear suppressing the urge to run after her. He was reminded of Venus again, and he growled to himself. Women were so hard to understand. Why do I always do this to myself? He thought, running his hands through his hair. He let his hand rest on the back of his neck as he began to remember.

He did not want to remember.

After a few moments, he strode down the hall, his mind changed: he wanted sleep more badly than he wanted to confront the king.

0-0-0-0-0

When Kaoru reached the kitchens, she saw Misao being flung out. The poor girl's body hit the wall with a smack that resonated off the walls of the palace grounds. She let out a small gasp at the pain, her knees buckled, and, her legs, unable to hold her up, folded beneath her. With a small moan, she put her arms down on the floor, to push herself up, not wanting to reel over.

In a moment, a man came out after her, swearing a blue streak. He was livid with anger. He had a shock of coarse brown hair and a very large build. His fist to the side of Misao's face made even Kaoru wince. With a blow as powerful as that, she wondered how many teeth her friend had lost.

Not one to stand around and watch another get beaten mercilessly, Kaoru ran to the girl's side.

Misao glanced up, her blurry eyes taking in the form in front of her. What was going on? Hazily, she managed to make out Kaoru, who was shielding her from the man's next blow.

"Out of my way, bitch!" The man cried, but she refused to move. Whatever gave her the boldness to stand up to him like that, Kaoru did not know. All she knew was, that his face pulled back into an ugly grimace of rage, and his arm came up to sweep her to the side, fist ready for contact.

She squeezed her eyes shut and felt the rush of air as he brought his fist down to smack her.

A commanding voice rang out. "Raijuuta! Stop!"

His fist came inches from her nose, and Kaoru's eyes flew open. Her breath came in ragged pants. Her own knees were shaking so hard, she wondered how she was able to keep herself standing.

The man known as Raijuuta bared his teeth. "What do you want, Akira?"

Akira watched him, unfazed by his temper. Raijuuta was a mountain in comparison, but a blockhead as well, in his opinion. He had dealt with Raijuuta enough times to know that he was much faster and much more clearheaded in times of battle. At the moment, it was apparent that the latter of the two was drunk. Having just come back from making plans with Sir Cyus, he had seen the scene. His hand rested casually on the hilt of his sword, with clear intent that if he was not obeyed, the scene would get ugly. "I will not allow you to hurt a lady." He said, quietly.

"She's just another one of them useless bitches." Raijuuta spat. "Don't tell me you ain't rough with yours."

Normally, that would have gotten Akira to draw his sword, but today, he just couldn't be bothered. Even if he beat Raijuuta to a pulp, it wouldn't help: the blockhead would just turn and do it again. "I hope you learn to still that tongue of yours, or one day you may lose it." He said smoothly. His voice held a venomous sting to it.

Suddenly, Raijuuta turned and slapped Kaoru across the face so hard that she stumbled back a step. The veil covering her was ripped off as her head snapped violently to the side. She couldn't help but let out a little helpless shriek. With a short laugh, Raijuuta turned and stalked off in a swaggering manner.

Tears of pain had sprung to Kaoru's eyes, and Akira sighed. Raijuuta was known to be a vicious women-beater. Although the comment had been distasteful, Akira knew that it was rather true. He was not kind to his own servants either, but he knew he didn't beat them as much as the other man did daily.

"Are you okay, my lady?" he asked.

Instead of answering, Kaoru turned to Misao, who was still in a crumpled heap on the floor. One of her eyes were black, and blood was smeared down her cheeks, mixed in with tears she couldn't help but let fall. She gently tried to have her sit up properly.

In a small moan, Misao glanced up, grateful to see that Kaoru was still standing in one piece. Carefully, she got to her feet at Kaoru's prodding, and bent over in pain. It was all she could do to hold down the vomit that built in her throat.

Akira stepped forward, worriedly. He froze when he saw the figure of that very woman he had seen that afternoon. He felt himself go tongue-tied. He had rescued a servant girl.

Kaoru spoke first, dipping her head in a small bow. "I thank you, my lord, for being so generous." She backed away a bit. "If….."

"You are hurt." Akira heard himself say. "I'm sorry I couldn't stop him." His fingers reached out to touch her smarting cheek. Wincing, she turned her head to the side. He froze, and then withdrew, not wanting to hurt her any more. "Tell me, what is your name?"

She was about to answer, but Misao let out a small grunt, as her legs gave way again, leaning most of her weight on Kaoru's shoulders. Bending to see if her friend was still conscious, she answered quickly, "My name is Kaoru…….."

He cocked his head to the side. "That is a rather cropped name……."

"I was not given a family name." Kaoru lied, remembering the words Misao had spoken to her the other day. For some reason, she did not want to tell his man anything. He had a strange look in his eyes. He reached out, taking Misao from her easily, as if she were nothing but a mere rag doll that weighed nothing.

"Well then, Kaoru, next time, it would not be wise to step into a situation like that again." Kaoru's cheeks heated with both embarrassment and anger.

She couldn't help but fling back, "I would not stand around and see someone be hurt like that."

His voice was monotone when he asked, "And how many people stepped in on your defense, on your behalf?" She was taken aback, and the corners of his mouth turned up into a small smile when she didn't answer. "I see…."

She clasped her hands in front of her. "None but you, my lord….." She admitted finally. "And for that, I must thank you."

He inclined his head slightly at that. "As for this girl, we must get her to the doctor immediately." Misao tried to get to her feet and find ground solidly, but was unable to do so. Her head was spinning and her vision was fading in and out of darkness. She tried to squirm out of Akira's hold, but his grip only tightened. She let out a small moan, and finally managed to break free of him, colliding into Kaoru as she fell.

She didn't want to be carried around by a soldier. Any soldier meant trouble. More often than not, they were even crueler than actual masters, killing whoever they wanted on the spot. Her parents had been killed by them, and she could bring herself to trust them. Of course, she was not able to express her feelings, and she blanked out.

Kaoru was over her instantly, calling her name. The spell lasted for about two minutes, and in that time, Akira and Kaoru had been able to get her into a room, lying her down on the floor. "I'll go get the doctor then, if she won't come with me." Akira said.

Kaoru never answered, and bent over her friend again, who was dizzily staring up at her. She couldn't help but be fascinated over the color of Misao's eyes. They were a mixture of a soft blue and an angry green, the colors blending together nicely. At the present moment, they were wandering around the room curiously. Then they traveled back to Kaoru, who was still leaning over her, trying to check and see if any teeth were missing from Misao's mouth.

Thankfully, her lips had been cut open, but no teeth were gone. She was one lucky weasel – still it would hurt a lot to speak.

"Don't say anything." She cautioned gently. "The lord Akira has gone to find the medical aid."

Of course, Misao never listened. She gave Kaoru a bloody smile. "I was going out to find you….."

Kaoru silenced her again. "Yes, as was I." She really didn't want Misao to be in any more pain than she had to be in. "I'm glad I came when I did. Are you okay? Do you have any broken bones?"

Misao seemed to contemplate that question, rolling her head cautiously from side to side and then working her way down her limbs, trying out a few of her muscles. "I'm fine." She announced finally. "In no time, I'll be able to be on my feet again. In fact," She began to lift herself off the floor, but Kaoru's restraining hand was on her shoulder, pushing her back down.

So back down she went, though the floor was rather cold. Through the thin material of her dark kitchen garb, she could feel the hardness and chills ran up her spin. She let out a soft sigh. There was nothing the two could do but wait.

A silence settled over the two of them, and Kaoru began to wipe off the blood from Misao's chin with the dark material of the kitchen girl's garb. Finally in a small voice, the latter whispered, "Do you think Lady Eilwy will beat me…..?"

Kaoru frowned, and hooked a stray piece of hair behind her ear. She didn't know the whole story, and she didn't want to pry so she gently replied, "I hope not……." Then to lighten the mood, she winked and said playfully, "If so, I will have to intervene again."

She let out a wry smile at that. "You will end up killing yourself one of these days."

To that, she got no answer. Instead, Kaoru absently went to check if Misao had any other serious wounds. Other than a gash on her arm – from a broken bottle it seemed – she was fine. The aid would have to be the one to stitch that up though.

They both jumped to the sound of shouting.

"Why must I fall back!"

It sounded like Kenshin…..

"Because it is your order, soldier, and you will carry it out!" Another voice yelled back. It had a deep resonating sound to it, bouncing off the walls of the hallway, and echoing down the corridor. Maids who were walking by stopped, frozen in their steps.

Kenshin seethed. "I am a commanding officer! I will not flank to the end!"

"You will watch your tone with me." Was the reply. "Or you will not be a commanding officer for much longer."

His voice was still hard, but he began to reason. "But, my King, you must understand…."

"I will not have your life so carelessly wasted. Your men know what they are doing." His heavy footsteps were heard beginning to walk down the hall. "For sure, some of them will die on that battlefield."

"Then I shall die on that battlefield too!"

Kaoru's heart leapt into her mouth at his heated words. The sound of slamming doors were heard and angry talking. Then, slowly, the voices faded away.

Misao noticed her friend's face had turned paler than normal. "Kaoru…..what's wrong?"

He can't go…..she thought desperately. She didn't hear Misao's spoken questions.

"I must stop him." She whispered.

"Stop him?" Repeated Misao, incredulously. "Kaoru, what are you talking about? Don't get wrapped in this….."

Kaoru shook her head. "They have got to listen to me – Misao, they will be in trouble…."

Misao managed to sit up halfway, supporting herself with her elbows. She felt much better, the room no longer spinning. Though her jaw still ached, she ignored that and looked up as her friend made her way to her feet, ready to go out.

"They won't listen to you!" She cried, as Kaoru's hand touched the doorknob. "You are a woman – and what's more, a servant. He is concerned for his soldiers not over what you have to say."

She knew that this was true. She knew it, and it hurt hearing it. But that didn't stop her. If Misao said that he would not listen to her….a thought came into her mind. "Then I shall become a soldier - so he will listen."

Shock was clearly seen, when Misao's mouth opened in the slightest bit. Her friend was either absolutely crazy, or had guts of steel. Where she got the courage to stand up like that, she didn't know. But it was truly admirable. "Kaoru……how….."

"You will not tell, will you?" Kaoru demanded.

Shutting her mouth, all Misao could do was shake her head. "If they find out…."

"Then they will find out." Kaoru answered. "But keep it silent. Please, Misao…."

Misao's big eyes were filled with concern. "How will you….?"

Kaoru didn't let her finish. "I will find a way."

Their conversation was cut short as the doctor came in, followed promptly by Akira. He was the same aid that had helped Tae. The same aid that was with the army…….

The topic was dropped quickly, but it was still in Kaoru's head.

She had made up her mind.

To Be Continued…..

AN: And I hope that everyone understands now. The story will start to take place, and soon. Again, like before, I ask for your patience. Hopefully you guys will continually support me, and be patient.

I have also started a MAILING LIST so if you guys would like to be on it, and be e-mailed when I update next, please email me! For some reason fanfiction dot net is not allowing people's email addresses to show in their reviews. I'm pressed for time right now, so I have to make this quick and I can't thank all the reviewers individually. But please review before you exit the window! Thanks for reading! See all next Saturday!