ALTERING RULES
By: Chiki Yumeshisa

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

AN: YAHOO! Update from me finally! Even I am happy. How strange is that?

scratches head Anyways, sorry for the loooooong wait, I hope this makes you guys feel better. THANK YOU for your wonderful, wonderful inspiration!

Warnings: None.

CHAPTER 9
- Acquiesce-

Megumi was not too pleased with Kaoru's decision. In fact, she was mortified. She didn't believe it was lady like for any woman to go around in armor and a sword, regardless of status.

She came into her room late that night. Kaoru was still awake, waiting for her Lady's return. It was not proper for the servant to fall asleep before the mistress, so she stood by her cot, nervously pulling at her fingers, thinking about what to tell her.

She had set out Megumi's bed clothing and prepared her mistress a bath, knowing that she would want one before retiring to sleep. Her blankets were already pushed down, ready and inviting a body to slip in and fall away from the real world.

When Megumi entered, she noticed Kaoru right away. The girl was staring out the window, nervously shifting. Her long black hair had been undone, and was trailing down her back. Despite the fact that she was a servant, she was beautiful. No amount of beating, it seemed, could mar her. The very spirit she possessed seemed to radiate from her, and she stood tall and proud. She could be timid, but there were times…..there was more to this girl than she let on. Kaoru could have passed very easily as a Lady, but fate chose instead to make her a slave.

"I'm back." Megumi announced softly.

That earned a gasp from her servant, and the girl whipped around. She was speechless and Megumi had to smile a bit. She hadn't meant to frighten the girl. She crossed the room toward her bed. There, she daintily stretched her arms. "What seems to be the matter, dear?"

"M-matter, my lady?" She asked.

"There is obviously something that is bothering you."

Kaoru hung her head. What were the words she had recited? They seemed to have disappeared the minute her mistress walked in. As much as Megumi had already shown her kindness, this was probably one liberty too many.

Megumi sat on the edge of her bed, watching as the younger girl looked for the words to say. It was apparent her charge was still very frightened, despite the fact that she had promised not to hurt her. "If you are afraid to tell me….." She soothed.

Kaoru smiled a bit. "Ah, well…you see…..the soldiers are leaving for war."

And they were. She had seen a small section of the army, dressed regally in their blue capes and armor, marching out in their neat rows, in an organized fashion. Some were on foot, and others were walking. Flags and banners with the Daikan crest were proudly being displayed and waved in the night air.

Aoshi had been at the lead atop of his war horse, now dressed as any other soldier. Behind him a little ways back was Soujiro, who sat atop his own horse, holding a large shield by his side.

Kenshin, thankfully, was not there.

But soon, he would be….

Megumi had a look of worry by that time. Kaoru decided a different approach. "My Lady, if there was a way to stop them, would you not do so?"

"If there was a way, my dear, I would do anything." Was the response.

Kaoru twisted her fingers again. Gathering her courage, she blurted, "Then, what if, I were to try something….?"

There was a moment of silence, and then finally, Megumi shook her head. "What are you talking about, Kaoru?"

Taking a seat on her cot, as she could feel that her legs would not hold her up as she began to explain, Kaoru leaned forward a little. "I mean just what I said, My Lady…..you told me to be truthful with you, and I am. I mean to try something to stop them."

Megumi had heard of servants who were crazy enough to run away. She had heard there were some that had given up all hope of ever getting anywhere with their lives. Then there were those that lived their lives as the Ancient had given it to them. But this servant was a different case all together: this one seemed to want to die. She could hardly believe her ears. Trying to be patient with her, she asked, "Like what?"

"I must speak with the captains. I must tell them that there is trouble."

That earned Kaoru a stricken look. "And what, my dear, do you suppose they will say? They will not listen to you, and I do not mean to spite you with that phrase, I am merely stating the truth. You know as well as I do that women are scorned - we are nothing but rags in the sight of men."

"I do not think that is fair." Kaoru blurted. "I already know that fact, my lady...I just...then...do you suppose - if I were a man, he would listen?"

Megumi raised a perfectly plucked eyebrow. "He? Who is that?"

Heat flushed across Kaoru's face, causing her to turn as red as a beet. "Sir Kenshin, mistress."

A knowing smile crept over Megumi's face. Yes, the Lord Himura was a very handsome man, and many of the maidens and ladies were rather fond of him.

She had been too……until she had met his friend. Only Kenshin knew of Sano's love for her, and he had chosen to keep quiet about it. "He is a good man," she said, hesitantly, "but he has been known to be rather touchy too. I suppose he would rather listen to the advice of a man than a woman." She paused, and then realized by Kaoru's look what the servant girl meant to do.

"Kaoru – how would you become a man!" She cried. "That is simply….."

"-Unheard of?" Kaoru supplied. She had lost count of how many unheard of incidents had happened to her already. She glanced down at her wrists, which had begun to throb a bit, painfully. They were still not fully healed. The ointment Megumi had given her for them though seemed to be working. Still, Kenshin had seen them and she had been so close to being revealed. She remembered his arms around her waist.

Not wanting to be caught blushing again, Kaoru quickly looked up again. "If I were to dress up as a soldier – temporarily, just to let him know about the dangerous news I heard – then he may listen to me."

Megumi still didn't seem convinced. "You may as well start: what dangerous news?" She began to brush out her hair, readying herself for her bath, as Kaoru reluctantly began to convey what she had heard in the glade during her attempted escape. After a while, Megumi put the brush down, her fingers lingering on the handle of it for a moment. "Kaoru….I also think that the news is very suspicious, but….."

Kaoru stared, hotly. "You mean…..you don't believe me, do you?"

"Kaoru….."

"Oh but you must believe me!" She cried, coming to her feet in dismay. She ran over to Megumi's side, her hands together, imploring. "I did not just make that up! I really did hear that! And there were three monks! There are spies - there is one in the castle…..and….."

Her mistress put her hands up, to pacify her. "Kaoru – I did not say I don't believe you. What I am saying is, what you plan to do is very dangerous. The lords will not just take any unknown man's report to heart. You must know that if you lie, you might be found out."

"I will take the chance, if you would give me leave." Kaoru begged. "If it means saving the lives of many," She paused before she added, "if it means saving the life of the man you love."

Megumi's face flushed at the last sentence. A haunting look passed through her eyes and she blinked back the sudden onrush of tears she felt building up behind them. "This is outrageous……a girl like you….it is unladylike….." she was at a loss on what to say. What could she say?

Kaoru fell to her knees beside her mistress. "Please! I know I am not a Lady, nd I know I will never be. Since I am a nobody, this awful job suits a person of my rank."

Megumi's answer was slow in coming. "Even if it would mean your death?"

The younger girl grasped the truth behind those words. If she messed up, she would be killed without a doubt. Now, it was her turn to hesitate. Then, remembering Kenshin's words, she stiffened her resolve. "Yes, even if it means my death."

It looked like there was no way to convince her otherwise……Kaoru seemed adamant. Megumi could only stare in fascination and shake her head.

"Please……honor me……" Kaoru whispered, still on her knees.

"Why me?" Megumi asked, meeting her eyes.

"Because you are the only one who has treated me as something other than a servant: because you treat me like a friend."

Seemingly, Kaoru had the power to make Megumi acquiesce – she had done it before, and she was doing it now. For a long moment, she stared at the girl before her. Then, she reached out and touched a slim finger under Kaoru's chin, forcing the girl to look up. "Then, I honor you in this. Though, you must promise me that you will be safe: take extra caution……"

A small smile touched Kaoru's lips. "Thank you, my lady." She dropped a kiss onto the back of Megumi's hand, and rose to her feet. "I will be sure to be aware of what I do. I promise."

Megumi nodded, shakily. "I will not tell a soul." She announced. "But I fear for your safety……"

"Well, we both have a secret from each other." She assured her. "I will tell no one of your relationship with the lord Sagara."

At that, the both of them grinned, and her mistress got up to go and take her shower after Kaoru requested to retire to bed.

She would have to put her plan into action and quick: Kenshin was going to be leaving…….

0-0-0-0-0

The night was still, as if the world was on pause. Other than the sounds of horses' hooves, the clink of armor, and a few whispers, everything was fairly silent.

Aoshi did not like that. Something was amiss, he could smell it, he just couldn't tell what and he was irritated by that fact. What was even more irritating was the fact that Soujiro seemed to be as absent minded as he always was. Did he do that just to spite him? If so, it was working.

Of course, he could say nothing, since the boy wasn't exactly doing anything wrong. For that matter, speaking too loudly could give away positions and it was not quite mature to argue in front of his troops.

It was rare that Aoshi was asked to go scouting with more than a handful of 3 men. But this time, he had a fair section of an army of at least 25. He was responsible for every man, he knew, and he couldn't afford to be distracted by anything, or more importantly, anyone.

The problem at hand was how to keep that large number hidden safely so they wouldn't be seen. It was quite easy to do with a small amount of people, but this time, it would prove to be a little bit more difficult.

He looked behind him at the column of men, who were now awaiting his instructions. They had been riding for a good two hours already, and had made it to the bottom of the slope, leading up the mountain. He had to do something, and fast.

Rearing his steed back a bit, he glanced around at the surroundings. Yes, Sir Cyus' plan would go well: the Daikan army would have a much better chance of victory over the small army if they were atop the mountain. Charging down and bearing on the enemy while the Torrins were struggling up the mountain.

On foot, it would take too long to climb the mountain's side, and it looked steep: the horses would not be able to keep step. His ice cold eyes scanned the terrain, and for a long moment, he sat, pondering.

There was no time.

Suddenly, there was a shift in the line, and Aoshi turned his horse around to see what was going on. Shouting started and, irritated, he went to go tell them to keep it down. Their position was not supposed to be known, yet with the blundering fools, surely they would be found out. He would not fail the King.

It was a young man and a small band of men who was being detained. By the youthfulness of his face, Aoshi assumed him to be no more than at the brink of manhood. He wore a cap of a rich red color, his clothing regal and his horses were pure bred. This was obviously someone who was important.

Big brown eyes and fair skin with a full mouth were what the boy possessed. Despite the obvious trouble he had gotten himself into, he smiled up at Aoshi. "Hallo, hallo." He greeted, warmly. "My word, this is quite a welcoming party that Daikan offers."

Aoshi sneered down at him. "And who might you be? Speak quickly, my men and I have rather short tempers right now."

"I am Prince Kaiden from the land of Mintril. I come to bring word to his majesty, Hiko Seijuuro of my father's passing, and to let him know that Mintril still regards his ties fondly."

Soujiro rode his horse up too, now curious as to what was going on. Now restless, the horses began neighing softly, pawing at the ground impatiently. They wanted to be off, and so did the men, apparently, because they were bristling with steel in no time.

"I do not trust your word." Aoshi announced finally, after much scrutiny. "Daikan does not welcome strangers openly."

At this, Kaiden frowned. "Oh, that is most strange. My word, I do not tell you a lie. We were avoiding a larger army who seemed to be coming from the west, and we stumbled upon your small band."

"You will leave our land," the officer announced, as if ignoring Kaiden, "and we will let you go in peace."

"Aoshi!" Soujiro cried. He was frowning. "We should not turn him away: we should bring him to His Majesty. If he truly is….."

The taller soldier turned his gaze to the smaller one. He swept one arm out to indicate his men. "Do you think we have time for that, right now, Soujiro? We can spare no arms either."

Soujiro regarded the young prince coolly. "Then, if he truly is a friend of Daikan, he would stand and help defend it."

At this, Kaiden's company started murmuring amongst themselves. However, Kaiden himself was more than eager. "My word! I have never before fought in an actual battle. Do let me see if I can be any help at all. How soon would we be able to see the King again, if I may ask?"

Today was just not Aoshi's day. He could not believe what bad luck he was going through. If this 'prince' did not know how to fight, there was no use in asking them to help. He was scrawny enough as it was, and he doubted the boy could lift a sword.

"We will see him soon enough, Prince of Mintril," Aoshi said darkly, "but you will not fight today: I can not stand to see a botched job."

With that, he turned his horse around. He had just gotten an idea. He began calling out some men, telling them to go on ahead and spread out atop the mountain. If they would make their way slowly up the hill and divide themselves up, they could keep an eye on the field below with better clarity.

Prince Kaiden's face was puckered in confusion. "I do not understand……"

"My apologies, Your Highness." Soujiro said, dipping his head a bit. "The lord Shinomori has a rather…nasty tongue. Please, it is in our best interest if the future king of Mintril were not to be hurt in this battle. However, it is also in our best interest to escort you ourselves to the King. It seems you have received an unintended party to welcome you in."

"And well met, may I say!" Was Kaiden's ready answer. He began to lead his hrse alongside Soujiro's. His group of men followed behind him, ready to aid in any way they could.

It was a slow struggle up the mountain's side, and the horses were not pleased. The men were not very happy about it either, but since their commander had ordered them, they were going to do it, no matter what.

The ground was muddy at first, making their shoes slip and slide. It was difficult to get up the slope without much noise. The men pushed on, however, not wanting to back down. A simple mountain was not going to stop them.

It did not help that it was pitch dark outside, making it almost impossible to see. Soujiro turned to get a bramble of burning pitch from another soldier, as he jumped down from his horse. Behind him, the young prince followed his example, helping lead the mare forward. Taking up the reins in his gloved hand, Soujiro held the makeshift torch up with his other, scanning about.

The ground began to get rocky, and it was very dangerous: some rocks were not sturdy in their places and fell quickly with every step. More than one man fell, sliding painfully down the side of the mountain. Luckily, they were not badly injured and began to pick their way slowly back up again.

As they continued their way up, it became very dangerous, as the fall would most likely send some to their deaths. This made the progress up the slope much slower, as the men became more cautious.

Aoshi didn't seem to have any difficulty at all, as he nimbly avoided all the crevices and the loose rocks. In no time, he was up on the ledge, overlooking the valley below.

Soujiro whirled around, as Kaiden lost his footing and nearly went down. His hand grasped the prince's holding him securely. The burning pitch fell to the rocky stone.

"My word!" Ejaculated the boy, "How very dangerous this all seems."

Soujiro couldn't help but frown anxiously. The young prince apparently, had not yet grasped the full concept of how dangerous it could be. In no time at all, the peaceful silence of the night would be turned into a night where blood would be spilt.

Muscles flexing, he hoisted Kaiden back onto his feet securely, and, not wanting to risk any more noise, did not answer back. Picking up his still glowing torch, he began to make his way up the mountain's side again.

"That is a fair piece down." Kaiden was saying to one of his men, ruefully. "Imagine should I have fallen!"

Aoshi glared down at them as they approached him. "Do keep your tongue still!" He commanded. He watched as the rest of the men managed to clamber up. He nodded toward the valley. "Take a look at that."

Down below, an army of men were gathered, making ready to go use the mountain trails to invade the city behind. The black flag of Torr flapped proudly in the wind, its message not welcome, but strong nevertheless.

Soujiro blinked in surprise. "I'd say three hundred strong….." he murmured, in a daze. "…..we cannot fight them by ourselves."

To this, Aoshi did not answer. Even he, so usually silent and composed, seemed worried. They had not expected this large of a section to be sent. Torr seemed determined to take over Daikan if it was the last thing they did. Kenshin's thought of a small section had not included this number.

Down below, the army seemed to be getting ready to fight. They had not seen Aoshi's small troop of soldiers; they had another thought for the village behind.

Massacre.

Swords were being sharpened, and ranks were being filed.

They would come in the night, swiftly, unsuspected to kill and destroy.

Kaiden looked below too. Even he was reduced to a whisper. "The Ancient protect us……" he whispered. He turned big eyes to Soujiro. "Surely you do not mean to fight them?"

"Their numbers are more than triple that of ours." Soujiro told Aoshi, ignoring Kaiden all together. Anxiety was clear in his voice. "We will not last the night."

"We can do no more than fight." Aoshi told him, firmly. "There is no other way: help will not reach us in time – and we must try to keep them from coming or the village below us will not last the night either."

The truth of his words sunk in. There was nothing they could do. But they were trained soldiers, who were ready to die in battle….for their pride…….for their country….for their king……

After a long while of watching, Aoshi straightened, getting on his horse, pulling his helmet onto his head. "It is decided: we ride tonight. We have more of an advantage this way. We fight – even if it's to the death." He stirred his horse, and spread the word through the group.

Kaiden stood, stunned at the news. "My word….." he murmured.

Soujiro swung atop his horse, letting the pitch fall to the ground. He too put on his helmet, then took up his shield on one arm. With his right, he made to flex his hand upon the pommel of his sword. "Your highness, do you have a sword?" he asked.

Speechless, Kaiden nodded, reaching over to his horse to show his proof.

"Then take arms: tonight, you will participate in the first battle of your life – I pray that it will not be your last."

0-0-0-0-0

Kenshin could not sleep. He was restless. In his mind, he could not help but feel anger at being kept behind. By all rights, he should have been out there with his troops. He was mad at Sanosuke: why had he suddenly become so adamant over their protection?

He wondered what the troops were doing, if they had made it to the mountain's pass. He wondered what news would come from the East, if the lands had agreed alliance. Again, he was troubled, and thought to get up out of bed. After some long debating, he did so, shrugging on a robe and deciding to walk around.

Maybe, afterward, he would be so tired he would fall into a dreamless sleep.

He lost track of time as he wandered about he palace grounds. It was so late into the night that even the bards had stopped singing and the gardens were still. It was a surprise when he came upon the figure of none other than Amakusa.

"Oh, Sir Kenshin, what brings you here?" he asked, sitting up straight.

"I am restless this night, if you must know, my prince." Kenshin replied truthfully. "If I may ask, what are you still doing awake?"

Amakusa seemed pensive. "I received notice from Mintril, that their prince would be arriving."

Kenshin looked down at the grass, at the blades touching the hem of his robe. He pulled the cloth tighter against him, trying to cover the exposed flesh of his chest. "I do believe that is what attendants should be for – my prince should get some rest."

His brother shook his head, his long hair flying. Wisps of it fell over the circlet around his forehead. "He was supposed to have come a while ago, yet attendants have come in telling me that there is no sign of him. I am afraid to find out what has happened." He turned to face Kenshin. "I am not as experienced as you in the art of war, Sir Kenshin. Though I do know that Mintril will be wanting their prince back in one piece. I hope that he hasn't fallen victim to our war – or else, Daikan will have a new enemy."

He could see where Amakusa was getting at. Since Mintril had expected their prince to be received and taken care of, it would not be happy to learn that their heir had been caught up in the midst of all the turmoil. For sure they would blame Daikan if he was hurt in any way.

"Did you not send riders out to receive him?" Kenshin asked.

"I did so." Amakusa replied. "But they came back, saying the prince

and his company were no where in sight. I fear the worst."

Kenshin straightened. "Very well: I shall take a band of my men and ride out to look for him."

Amakusa shook his head again. "No, my father will be very upset…."

"I will not engage in any meaningless battle." Kenshin insisted. "It is in my best interest that Daikan keep its allies. I am merely doing my part in all this."

"You would go against the king's wishes?" Amakusa demanded.

Kenshin had already begun to leave, and froze in his tracks when he heard those words. Slowly, he turned a bit. "No, my prince. In this, I go against my father's wishes. Not the king's. I, too, have a duty to this country, and I will do my share, the Ancient help me.

"I told father long ago that I would do all I could to keep Daikan from falling. The throne was not my place. Since I am a commanding officer, I am doing my duty to him." He bowed, meeting Amakusa's eyes with his when he stood. "Live long and prosper, my prince."

With that, he left the yard, with Amakusa watching. "And you……..my brother."

Kenshin made a beeline toward his chambers, and struggled into breeches and a shirt. He left his hair down, as he was in too much of a rush to find anything to tie it up with. In his opinion, this day had to be the longest one of all.

Slipping on his shoes, he bolted out his doorway, letting the door crash against the wall noisily. He almost ran over a servant girl, who was making her way down the hall. She let out a cry of fright.

"I am most sorry." He said, breathlessly. She watched him with terrified big brown eyes. Her rags were in tatters and her whole body trembled.

"It is I who is sorry, my lord." She told him, shaking. "Please forgive me, I did not mean to……"

Kenshin had no time to listen to her apologies. He had more important issues at hand. "Do you know the servant girl, by the name of……" He had to wrack his brain for the right name. He'd be damned if he couldn't remember. Angrily, he ran his hands through his hair. "Ah…the servant girl of the lord Sagara."

"Tsubame?" The girl supplied, meekly.

An image of a small girl with a white apron wearing orange came to mind. "Yes, that is exactly it." He told her, snapping his fingers. "I need you to send word for her at once, and tell her that I wish to speak with her. She will come here and meet me – and tell her to make haste. I have no time to spare."

The servant bowed again. "Yes sir, my lord. I will do as you ask….but if she might ask who is sending for her…."

"Tell her that Sir Kenshin needs the aid of her master."

With that, the girl ran off, in search for the young child.

While that was being attended to, Kenshin went to go find himself a well. He wanted to wipe the signs of fatigue from his face. When he returned, Tsubame was standing there, nervously. Her eyes were blood-shot red, her hair a mess. She was dressed only in a worn yellow robe, her feet bare. She bowed.

"My lord, you summoned me?"

Kenshin nodded. "Listen carefully: you must give your master an important message from me. Tell him that we must leave on a different mission, and to meet with me in the south wing of the castle. I will be waiting by the pedestal. Tell him that it is very urgent."

He repeated his message once more, just to be sure that the child understood and would remember, before letting her go do her duty. As she went to do that, Kenshin turned his direction towards the barracks in the east wing.

Even there, it was very silent, except for the occasional snores from the men who were sleeping. Of course, Kenshin knew that they were not to be blamed for their exhaustion. As much as he didn't want to wake anyone up, he knew he had to.

He made his way towards the chamber of Sir Cyus. He froze when he saw a hunched figure standing outside it. Berating himself for forgetting his sword, he peered closer, cautiously.

Looking back at him from the shadows was Lorien, Cyus' son. He had his thumb in his mouth, his blue eyes sharp and clear like glass.

Squatting down, Kenshin reached his hand out to the boy, who shied away from him. "Hey, there, Lorien. What are you doing here?" He whispered.

Lorien stared at him wordlessly, refusing to say a word.

It was then that Kenshin heard the ring of steel and a voice cry out. "Who goes there!"

He heard Naomi gasp, and Kenshin got up, straightening. "It is I, Sir Cyus."

There was a pause, and then, "Kenshin?"

The door opened, to reveal the man whom Kenshin regarded as his superior, wearing a loose sleeping garb. In the background, Naomi was sitting up in bed, clutching the bed sheets to her, trying to cover herself up as much as she could. She blinked red tired eyes in his direction.

Blushing, Kenshin bowed his head toward her. "My apologies, my lady." He mumbled.

Sir Cyus angrily sheathed the sword he held in his fist, the sharp metal making a clang as it met the scabbard. It was encrusted with fine gold linings, and in silver, the words "Streng Leip" were engraved. "What are you doing here at this ungodly hour?" He demanded.

"I came with news, Sir Cyus, if you would have it." Kenshin told him calmly. He felt bad for waking the man up – he knew how hard it was to get sleep, what with all that was on his mind.

With a sigh, Sir Cyus ran a hand through his blond hair. "Let's have it then." He said as he grabbed a robe from the post of his bed, and donned it. Tying it closed, he turned a bit to speak with Naomi. "My dear, please get your rest, I will be back."

Closing the door behind him gently without waiting for a response, he scratched his chin idly. It was then that he saw his son staring up at him. "Oh, Lorien!" He snatched the boy up in his arms, giving his son a crushing hug. "Were you waiting out here long?"

Of course, the boy would not answer. Instead, he curled up against his father's big body and put his head down on his shoulder. In moments, the child was asleep.

Sir Cyus contemplated returning the child to his room, but thought the better of it, instead, falling into pace with Kenshin, listening intently as the younger boy recounted his plans and his frustrations.

They came to a bridge, overlooking a small pond. Small colored lights decorated the cobblestones, and a few leaves that had fallen from the trees surrounding the enclosed garden danced in the water, slowly, gracefully.

Crickets kept their song to a dull whisper, making the place feel magical and enchanted – standing there, one would never have guessed that just outside the palace walls there was a war taking place.

"These are the end days." Kenshin finally murmured, watching as another leaf eagerly fell to join its dancing friends atop the smooth surface of the water. "I fear to see how the tapestry of legends will finish.

"Perhaps it will be on a happy note – perhaps not. But I know that this war will end everything. I just want everything to go well, yet, his majesty is intent on keeping me walled. My place is among the soldiers in battle….."

Sir Cyus lovingly ran a hand down his son's back as the child hiccupped in his sleep. "He has his reasons, my boy. I do believe you are right about the war though: and we must not have any more enemies." He fell silent, pensive. Finally, he said, "Take a band of men with you to search for the prince of Mintril. If ever you get into a fight, or must free him, you will need to have men to back you up.

"Go swiftly, and don't tarry: the king will have my head. Remember your mission - you're to find the prince and come back. I have my duty to his majesty and I will not allow you to dishonor me."

Kenshin beamed. He knew Sir Cyus would understand. Nodding, he clapped his fist to his heart in a salute before he bade his commanding officer a good night, running to go meet with Sanosuke.

His task seemed easy enough, but he shouldn't have thought that too soon.

0-0-0-0-0

Down in the valley, an alarm was raised. It sounded in the darkness, piercing the stillness of the night.

On top of the mountain, Daikan's troops stood ready. They would fight……

……even if it was to their deaths.

One lone rider started forward, his steed picking up pace, urgently moving down the mountain.

To Be Continued….

AN: I hope you enjoyed. Hopefully the next chapter will be out soon. Thank you for your reviews and encouragement. A shout out to all my lovely supporters! (hugs)

Please click that button, tell me what you think! Prince Kaiden is my original character