Disclaimer: Nope, don't own RK. Sorry there.

To Everyone- So, I know that the Prologue was a bit of a teaser, but you get more of an actual introduction this chapter to characters and all that happiness. A bit of a jumble, but it'll smoothe out as we go. Hope you enjoy it!

Chapter 1

Another murder. It was the talk of the entire building, raising hairs on the backs of everyone's necks. A murderer had been circulating through the many political bosses of Japan within the past few months, taking out those with bad reputations and too much abused power one-by-one. While this normally would have almost been something of a relief to see such feared and loathsome men disappear forever from the corporate world, many were also men that balanced the chain of power between rival businesses and offices. It did not matter how crooked or low those men were, they had helped to keep each other at bay. Now, with the quickly diminishing population, there was been a rash of disruption and power-struggle. It was dangerous to even be employed in one of the top corporate offices at this point, no matter how low the position.

The latest victim had been a well-known millionaire who was rumored to have made his fortune by underhanded means: Hiroyuki Toshi, a despicable little man who was not well liked, even among his own associates. His death was in no way mourned. But, it was the fact that he had also succumbed to the seemingly inevitable fate that was befalling the upper class of Japan.

They had found him sprawled gruesomely across his bedroom; blood everywhere (or so it was said), locked up tight in his own home with only a malfunctioning security camera as evidence. There had been no other trace of the killer save for the knife wounds left upon Hiroyuki himself. Whoever it was, he had obviously done the job without mercy or regret towards the man- a fact that left half of Japan's corporate world open to investigation, for who would not have done the same to the skeezy little bastard if given the chance to get away with it? Everyone knew there had been more than enough attempts so far.

But Hiroyuki Toshi was not the only one, and that left the question to be silently asked:

Who was next?

It was this thought that plagued Kamiya Kaoru as she walked purposely through the stark, white-washed halls of the corporate office, a folder gripped in one hand that swung freely by her hip while the other played with the small blue pendant that hung around her neck, turning it every-which-way. She was apprehensive of the situation, and anyone who knew her in the smallest way would realize that upon a glance. She only played with her pendant when she was nervous, distressed, or in deep thought.

It had been becoming increasingly more dangerous to even be known as a part of the corporate world since the murders began, especially someone of high standing, and it had everyone on edge. Lately, work had been carried on in almost complete silence; co-workers apprehensive and unwilling to even discuss mundane routines with each other. No one wanted to say something wrong and end up dead the following day, news for the morning papers. There were rumors that the murderer had to have been some disgruntled city worker looking to pay back corporate Japan for the unfairness in his life, starting at the top, and so people were ill to say anything that might inadvertently travel back to the murderer. It was silly, when one thought about it, but it was the mentality that ruled Kaoru's workplace of late.

Kaoru herself was more skeptical of the situation.

The killings were calculated, she was sure of it. Besides Hiroyuki Toshi, the businessmen who had been hit had all been notorious for seedy dealings and underhanded methods. They had also only been top officials, each one in charge of a great deal of money, power, or people. They were not necessarily the most influential men, but they were the type who could make things happen if they were so inclined to do so. Destroying them, although it upset the balance of business, was actually a blessing for many small-business owners and law-abiding citizens. The loss was only felt in the chaos that resulted from their deaths. It was because of these reasons that Kaoru felt neither she, nor any of her peers, were in any sort of danger from the murderer. He was not looking at the peons, only the slave masters.

This was also the reason why Kaoru moved cautiously when dealing with her superiors.

Unlike her co-workers, the higher-ups of Kaoru's particular firm, along with many other men that were associated with the firm, were smart, sharp men and women who did not let the details of the murders go unnoticed. The CEO himself had already observed more than his share on the matter, and said as much.

They knew that, eventually, if the situation kept up in the way it had been going, the blade of that rumored sword would soon be pointing their way.

Approaching a pair of polished black double doors, Kaoru knocked quietly and waited for the low, commanding response to 'enter' before pushing aside one of the doors and letting herself slip in.

"Sir, a folder packet arrived for you just a few minutes ago, I thought I'd bring it to you."

She found herself in a moderately sized corporate office, the walls adorned by various pictures of her boss with men of power and interest. None showed him smiling. There was an entire wall of bookshelves, each filled to the brim with novels and texts alike of every size and color. In the center of the room was a large, polished black desk, complete with computer, papers, stapler, pencils and pens, and a variety of other everyday office supplies that a businessman might use in his endeavors. The desk itself held no personalized items such as the pictures upon the walls, and even those seemed distant from the man she knew in them.

It was behind this desk that sat Kaoru's boss, leather chair turned so that she was unable to see him while he faced towards the far wall. He did not turn to greet her.

"Leave it here, I'll look at it later." She merely nodded in response and stepped forward enough to put the manila envelope on the desk. Glancing briefly at the back of the leather armchair, she turned and headed back towards the open doorway, preparing to close it behind her. "Kaoru."

She stopped, "Yes?"

"We will be having guests today; Katsura and one of his employees-- I'm sure you know the one. They'll be arriving within the next hour. I expect everyone to be on their best behavior, as usual." Ah, so that was why he was acting tense.

Kaoru's employer was an outspoken man, to say the least. He did not speak in excess, but he was certainly the type of person to intimidate when given the chance. For him to not even look at her upon entrance was unusual, but the clipped sentences allowed her to recognize the shift in what would be considered his normal mood. It was quite obvious now.

Katsura Kogoro was not a welcomed guest when it came to Kaoru's work. He was a necessary evil, if anything. He came and went with the required formalities, leaving much more than ripples in his wake, and his presence unnerved more than a few of her co-workers. Her boss was another matter. He was not the type of man to be intimidated or unnerved, but he was certainly irritated by the presence of the prestigious businessman and infinitely more cautious when confronted by him.

Katsura made it a habit to "visit" every couple of months, and Kaoru knew that the influential businessman was well aware of the effect he had upon her company. She also knew that there was a long past between her own boss and Katsura. The two men did not like each other, and furthermore had some sort of vendetta against each other. Kaoru did not doubt that they suffered from a more personal battle than that of the business world, but she did not dare to ever inquire. Her only hint was in Katsura's most favored employee.

"I understand." She closed the door quietly and started off down the hallway, throwing orders out as she went with an apologetic smile and a few jokes about their coming guests. In no time, the entire office was a bustle of moving bodies making ready for what they all knew would be a tornado.

Kaoru had been dealing with Katsura's comings for almost half a decade, since she was only just fourteen. She was the youngest of all the employees of her firm, even the interns, at eighteen, but she knew more about the business of running such a firm than most. Her employer often said – in his own way, of course – that she could out-argue any lawyer in Japan, and in all her modesty Kaoru could not disagree. It was simply a fact that she was talented when it came to her job, even her co-workers had said as much. But Kaoru also knew that many older businessmen and –women resented her for her success.

She was not naïve enough to believe she was loved by all of those surrounding her, for she knew that was not the truth by far, but Kaoru counted on the fact that they at least respected her ability, if not who she was. It was the same with Katsura Kogoro.

When she had first met the man, she had been unsure of what to think of him. She had been barely a teenager at the time, just newly introduced to the world that would become her life after a long chain of foreign homes and foreign faces that switched often. She had been more than eager to learn a trade for herself beyond the art of kendo her father had taught her as a young child, and had been elated when offered the chance by the tall, stoically cynical man that had become her employer. Kaoru had not expected a man like Katsura to appear on the scene.

She had been doing mail runs and taking notes at that time, too inexperienced to do much more than basic secretarial work. She had not even learned how to type yet the first time Katsura had shown up with that carefully masked, but not-quite-unkind expression on his face, toting his taciturn lackey behind like some mobile piece of granite. Kaoru had stared discretely from behind her notepad as the two men had entered the office, found amber eyes staring back at her like knives in her body. Katsura himself had spared a fleeting glance before smiling in a knowing manner.

"I see you've found yourself a little assistant."

His words had not been cruel or derisive, simply a statement. Her boss had not reacted in any way other than a controlled nod of confirmation, but she would later on identify the irritation. Katsura was straightforward, knowledgeable, and self-assured. But Kaoru had learned quickly that these were all the result of Katsura's distaste of boasting what could not be supported or completed. The man did not make promises or deals he could not fulfill. Perhaps that was one of the most agitating facts about the businessman: he was not underhanded in the ways of others.

"Kaoru, they're here!" Kaoru snapped out of her memories and thoughts about her visitors as she suddenly felt the sharp bump of one hip to her own, jolting her to the side. Her head snapped upwards, an accusing grin already stuck on her face as she recognized the chipper voice warning her of the oncoming doom.

"Misao, I told you to stop doing that!" She blinked and stopped. "And how do you know they're here?"

A small braided girl grinned at Kaoru as she hurried by, a stack of paper bags and boxes overflowing in her arms. "Lunch delivery. I saw them on my way in. Himura-san looks as creepy as ever! Good luck with that!" Kaoru scoffed incredulously and made a grab for the girl, only to miss horribly as the slippery little delivery girl suddenly hop-skipped out of reach, laughing good-naturedly.

Misao was a 17-year-old high school student who worked afternoons, summers, and weekends at her family's restaurant, the Aoiya. The Aoiya itself was located almost across town from Kaoru's firm, but many of the downtown residents and companies enjoyed ordering from the private restaurant for the sheer quality of the food. Others ordered for the company that came with the deliveries; Misao, to be exact. The girl was a ball of energy with an infectious personality that could brighten anyone's day. She was especially effective, and noticeably present, whenever Katsura came to visit.

"Misao, get back here! Misao-" Kaoru came to an abrupt halt as she heard the distinct ping of the elevator down the hall, followed by the voice of the general floor secretary brightly greeting 'Katsura-san' and 'Himura-san'.

She turned and plastered a gentle smile on her face as the two men came into view, one solemn with brown hair pulled back into a short, neat ponytail while the other was ramrod-straight, with fiery red hair which was jagged at the ends but undeniably beautiful. Katsura and Himura. Boss and lackey. The second gave her goosebumps, especially as his gaze locked onto her own in a blaze of glinting gold.

Katsura approached with his own calm almost-smile, Kaoru bowing respectfully. "Kamiya-san, you are doing well?"

"Of course, Katsura-san. Thank you for asking. Please, follow me, my employer is awaiting your arrival." She moved as if to lead them onwards, but was stopped by a placid hand on her forearm. She paused, glancing up to see Katsura attached to the hand.

He shook his head, that quiet half-smile still in place. "That won't be necessary, I think I know the way by now." He turned to the redhead, the smile fading. "Stay here. I won't be long today." It was an order. The redhead nodded as a response, and Katsura turned and disappeared down the hallway towards the office of the building's CEO. Kaoru found herself left alone with the stony Himura.

She immediately dropped her gaze down and away from him. The man unnerved her. Even with her face turned from him, Kaoru could feel the burn of his gaze on her back, watching her like some golden-eyed hawk. He took the chance to stare at her every moment he had seen her since that first time, and she was convinced that he did it just for the sheer fact that he knew the effect it had. It even seemed a little more intense today. At the same time, that gaze annoyed Kaoru. Had the man no shame? Did he ever do anything more than stare? For all the years she had had run-ins with the gold-orbed piece of marble, she had never heard him speak. How would his voice sound? Could he speak at all? He was unmoving, and unmoved. The man did not seem to have emotions, for he never expressed any. He was simply a servant – a lapdog for Katsura. At least, that was the impression she got.

She was unable to say how old he was, for he truthfully looked like he could not be much older than she, but for the life of her Kaoru had never seen him age in the four years she had known him. How old could he possibly be to still look so young? She did not even know his first name, and doubted anyone but Katsura probably did. So, in the end, Himura was a mute, emotionless, nameless living organism with the most unusual, most piecing eyes she had ever seen. And those eyes were always on her.

Yes, he most definitely unnerved her.

"Himura-san," she ventured, lifting her gaze just enough to glimpse the set of his jaw and his suit-clad chest, "would you like something to drink while you wait? Somewhere to sit? I know Katsura-san said it would not take long, but it seems that is never the case with those two." She smiled in spite of herself, before raising her gaze higher to finally meet that unmistakable stare. She took the time to try and read those eyes, but found that she could only see a sharp intelligence glaring back at her, nothing more. There was no warmth.

He hesitated, as though considering the offer, before nodding his head decisively and motioning her to lead the way. She took him down the hallway opposite the direction where Katsura had gone, showing him the sitting room before venturing off to go retrieve cups of tea from the employee lounge. She did not rightfully know if he preferred coffee or tea, but felt that the latter was generally more appropriate. By the time she had returned, he was sitting rigidly in one of the recliners, refusing to actually 'recline'. Kaoru nearly laughed.

Restraining herself, she set the tea down on the coffee table nearest to him, settling on a couch residing next to the same table. "I wasn't sure if you preferred coffee or tea, but I think I remember once that you took tea." His only response was to take the cup she offered to him, sit back in that same unyielding posture, and take a sip. His eyes, she noticed, did not leave her for a second. She felt goosebumps rise all over her skin.

Kaoru felt the need to fidget as she sat quietly sipping her own tea. She was not sure why she had asked Himura if he needed a drink. She had always found an excuse before to disappear from beneath that intense gaze, but today… Perhaps it was all the recent murders that made her ask for his company. With the look in his eyes, Kaoru highly doubted that he was a weak man. Such concentration… It made her wonder if he knew anything of sword techniques. As a student of her father's school, Kaoru knew something of a warrior's gaze. Himura had that.

"Himura-san-"

"Ah, there you are. I told you it would not take long. Come, we have other engagements, Himura." Both Kaoru and the golden-eyed statue turned to regard Katsura as he suddenly appeared in the doorway. It took no time for Himura to rise and set down his empty cup on the table, following Katsura out the door. The older man said a quick farewell as he went, and Kaoru watched as the younger followed, pausing in the doorway. He glanced back at her.

"Thank you for the tea, Kaoru."

Silk and steel; ebony and ivory; deep and lilting -- his voice was like a song. Kaoru gawked as he disappeared from sight.

Had… Had he just spoken to her? For the first time in all of four years? Surely she had been hearing things… His voice was smooth like melted chocolate, and just as rich as it resounded in her ears. She was going insane, right? The murderer had actually killed her at her desk the previous night, right? She was dead now, right? Dreaming?

What had brought that on?

She blinked. Then blinked again. She could hear Misao coming down the hallway, calling for her by name.

Wait…

HOW had he addressed her! The JERK!

"Himura, it is not wise to go around calling young women by their first names. Especially the right-hand employee of our largest rival." Katsura's voice was neutral as he spoke to the taciturn man, but Kenshin could not mistake the tone of warning that lingered there. It was in the fact that Katsura had said anything at all. "Beside that point, I do not believe Kamiya-san will appreciate such an informal address."

Kenshin said nothing as they stepped out of the office building and towards the limousine that awaited them, the chauffeur already prepared to open the car door. He was not sure why he had been suddenly so bold with Kaoru. He waited for the businessman to step in first and settle himself before climbing in behind him and hearing the door close with a decided clap. He watched as the driver rounded the car and climbed into his own seat to start the vehicle before observing his boss. Katsura suddenly seemed preoccupied with his laptop as they pulled out into traffic, but Kenshin waited patiently in his seat across from him.

Finally, "I have a new assignment for you tonight, one that will get your mind off the present. The information is already prepared and will be at the proper location when you arrive. I know this is soon, but things have been brought to my attention lately, and we need to move quickly now. I trust you can handle this?"

"Of course. I'll have it taken care of tonight."

They fell to silence again, and Kenshin turned to stare out the window of the limo, eyes locking on nothing in particular before closing altogether.

She had spoken to him today, which was a rare act. He had not been expecting it. Usually, she excused herself with a few choice words and disappeared from sight with little more than an apology concerning her responsibilities, but she had actually offered him a seat and a drink today. He had accepted suspiciously, and he had ended up talking back in the end. It was the first time he had spoken to her, and he was unsure what to think.

Kamiya Kaoru was, by all means, the enemy. She was the pet employee of Katsura's number one competitor, and a rather knowledgeable source when it came to arguments and politics. Kenshin did not know exactly how intelligent the girl was herself, but she had become capable enough over the years since she had started working at the firm. He had heard rumors of her abilities from more than one of the people working under Katsura, and after four years his interest was peaked on the girl. Just how much of a threat was she? He felt unguarded when even taking his eyes off of her while in the same room, so surely she was not someone to take lightly. But, still, she was just a child… A very intriguing child…

"What did he say today?" He ventured to ask the question, just to get his mind off the puzzling girl as suggested.

Katsura shrugged absently, typing on the laptop. "The same as always: a threat, a warning. He asked after you, of course." It was a normal answer to the question. Katsura was not exaggerating when saying it was 'the same as always'. It was.

He had been working with Katsura since he was seventeen, but it was an arrangement that not many approved of. Many looked at him disdainfully, called him a lapdog. He was not trusted among his own people, but in the end he was unphased by all of it. He held little concern for the opinions of others concerning his work, but the opinions of some were determined to haunt him wherever he went. Either way, Kenshin performed his job flawlessly.

"Himura," Kenshin opened his eyes, "Do not ignore what he says. My ideals are my own. You must choose all things for yourself, not just base your decisions off those you follow. Though, I will say that you should start ignoring that girl. Four years is long enough to watch one child, Himura."

He frowned, an expression that was both dangerous and unusual. "I go nowhere I do not wish to go. You should know that by now. It does not matter what he says. I made my decision long ago, and I believe it is no business of yours who I do or do not watch on my own terms."

No, it did not matter. Kenshin knew what he wanted – needed to do in his life. It was the reason he was with Katsura at all, the reason why he was disliked and untrusted by normal men and women. Yes, he had made his choice long ago, and no matter the consequences he would carry out the job he was paid to do. For that, he had to ignore all distractions, which meant he could not think about anything else but his orders. Not even the girl, Kaoru. He knew better. Had always known better.

Although… she was a suspicious girl, that one…

AN: I know, the chapter is a bit awkwardly written, but I'll get further into the actual plot next chapter. Thanks for reading and I'll see what I can do about getting out the next chapter!

-Sar