Aurora Whisperwind: I really thought I should change the category, as this had nothing to do with Rurouni Kenshin at all.

Disclaimer: I do not own Peacemaker Kurogane or any of its characters.

Kyoto was so big. I was sure that it would take me weeks to see the entire city, walking through the unending maze of streets. The people were so different too, I saw all sorts of them, elegant ladies in the most exquisite kimonos, strange men who smelt of sake all the time, and playing children. But somehow, there was an aura of fear in the city, for all its outward calm. Just like that night.

I groaned inwardly. No matter how I tried, I couldn't wipe those images out of my head. I was such a coward! I could have, maybe I could have saved them. I started walking faster now, anything to keep the blood and the screaming and the terror out. There was nothing you could do. She was already dead. The thought was like a mantra I uttered, and chanted it with every step I took. I managed to push the matter out of my head, and tried hard to focus on finding uncle Kondou. It was getting dark, and people had warned me against even stepping out then. Oh, I could if I was a skilled warrior, but in reality, much as I hated to admit it to myself, I was pathetic.

The evening started to end, as the tension in the air rose noticeably. People spoke in frightened whispers as they hurried back into the safety of their homes. I had no clue as to where to go. As the sun began to set, I finally decided to abandon my search and start looking for an inn or some place to stay. I had a little money, enough to let me stay outside for a few days. I went inside two or three inns, but was either turned out by harassed looking inn-keepers who complained of no room, or asked me to pay a price so high I nearly fainted right there.

Morose, I stepped out into the semi-dark street, when the sounds of fighting came to me. I was too late already! Panicking, I started running to what I thought was away from the clashing swords, but instead ended up right in the middle of it. I gazed, bewildered, as drunken men slurred insults at each other and struck each other down. I almost shrieked when one man fell right at my feet, making them notice me. Dumbstruck, I tried unsheathing my sword, but it was stuck and much too heavy. As a heavy set man lunged at me, I hit him with the sword, sheathed and all, and stepped out of the way, only to find myself in a corner. I let out a scream as the sword threatened to behead me, but instead heard a growl and felt warm blood spray over my face as I looked into the faces of my rescuers.

"You alright, kid?" one of those angels asked me, giving me his hand. I nodded; horrified as I noticed that there were at least ten dead men around me. "Run off now" the other man said, "it's not safe around here" I nodded dumbly, and muttering a word of thanks, ran off. Heaving, I turned a corner, now extremely nauseous. I vomited in the alley way, and sat there shaking, wiping my mouth. As more screaming reached my ears, I got up and starting walking again. Tears stung my eyes as fear overcame me, and I prayed to god to take me to safety. God seemed merciful enough, as the third corner I turned led to an inn I hadn't tried yet. Grateful, I stepped into it, and was soon face to face with a tired but king looking middle aged woman. "Please" I begged, tears stinging my eyes, "Do you have room?" she looked at me with some disgust at my breath, but proceeded to smile. "No boy, I'm sorry. But you look hurt. Did you get into a fight?" she questioned, as she peered into my face. I nodded at her and gulped "I don't want to get back out there, please! Any small place would do" She sighed and led me to a small back room, where a dirty futon was laid out. "No blankets. Will this do?" I smiled gratefully at her. "Thank you"

It was a most uncomfortable night, as the futon was thin and smelt bad, and in addition it was cold. But I was lucky to be safe. Morning dawned, and after a quick breakfast and wash, I was ready to leave. Before I left, I asked my hostess where the Shinsengumi headquarters was. "What do you want to go there for?" she asked me sharply, raising her eyebrows, "Why would someone so young want to associate with such beasts?"

"They're not beasts!" I protested "My uncle-" I stopped there, mercifully remembering not to reveal myself. "And what did your uncle say, young one? That the Mibu Roushi Gumi protects? No boy, they don't. They kill. They're nothing but heartless murderers!" she almost shouted this out, and quite a few people turned to look at us. She softened "Listen child; don't taint your innocence by associating with them. It is for your best" she patted me on the head, and then went off to attend to her customers.

After I had paid my bill and stepped outside, I thought about what she had said. Could it be true? Could the people who attacked me yesterday be the Miborou? I kicked a stone aside. But then who were the two people who saved me? As I walked along wondering, I saw a worn paper on the ground. It was dirty, many people having stepped on it, but the kanji was clear. It was an invitation to join the Shinsengumi! I checked the address and paper in hand, headed there.

I must admit that was completely overwhelmed by the huge fortress like place. Two men stood as still as statues at the entrance, guarding the dojo inside. "Excuse me" I stammered, "I found this and I-" my sentence was cut-off when someone shouted, "Hey kid, its you! You're alive then!" looking behind me, I saw them again, the men who rescued me yesterday. "Ohayo" I greeted, bowing. It's okay. If such nice men where in the Shinsengumi, then the lady was wrong.

"So what brings you here?" one of them asked me, throwing a friendly arm around my shoulders. "Don't tell me you're thinking of joining? No offence, but you fight horribly" my heart sank. "Please let me join!" I begged, "I'll become stronger, honest!" They grinned at each other. "Kid listen, everyone says that. But face it, you don't have the ability" His voice had genuine sympathy in it. I shook my head stubbornly, "But I have to join! I have to! I promised someone that I would" The memory of Hikaru-san brought tears to my eyes, and I quickly looked away.

I heard them sigh. "You know anything about accounting?" the first one asked, who I then discovered was Yamamoto Kane. I thought about it. This could be my only chance. "Yes" I nodded not meeting his eyes, "I used to help my brother do it" the other man, Aoki Akira, lifted my head. "Really? Then maybe you could help our new bookkeeper, Ichimura Tatsunosuke. Come with us, we'll take you to Kondou-san" Saying so, they led me away. I just hoped uncle wouldn't recognize me, not that I recognized him. However, the thought that worried me the most was different. Was book-keeping and accounting the same thing?

"You want to help Ichimura, eh?" uncle Kondou asked me. I was quite taken aback when I saw him, I expected a tough looking man. "Yes" I stammered, bowing. "What's your name?" he asked me, a twinkle in those eyes, just like Hikaru-san's eyes. "Ishikawa Isamu" I answered. It was our neighbor's name. "Well, if you really are good, then I guess you can help Ichimura around" uncle conceded, "he could use some assistance. Take him to Ichimura-kun. Let him decide" I bowed in thanks, and left with Yamamoto-san and Aoki-san.

Next chapter, the interview. Let's see how'll she'll try and pull that off. Suggestions and criticisms are welcome.