AN: Ok, so here is my newest story, an idea that was brewing inside my head and demanded to be released. Anyway, enjoy!

Disclaimer: Ok, pay attention, for this is my disclaimer for the entire story, I DO NOT OWN RUROUNI KENSHIN, just the plot bunnies running around in my head, got it?

Chapter One

An imposing figure sat on the throne, listening to one of his court counselors drone on and on about something or another. Decidedly bored, Hiko drained the last of his wine. There were more important matters on his mind, but nothing could be done about that until the wolf got back from his mission. 'Stupid wolf, always keeping me waiting,' he thought irritably. 'I heard that Kingy. You shouldn't worry so much, I am here at last.'

Pulled out of his stupor by the annoying voice in his head, and he would really have to talk to the wolf about eavesdropping on his thoughts, Hiko looked towards the door. A moment later the mahogany double doors flew open and the wolf came striding towards him, cigarette in his mouth, completely ignoring the spluttering man who had been droning on and on a moment before. "Out!" he barked, waving his hand dismissingly. Gathering his things, the man left in a huff, muttering about ungrateful kings as the doors closed behind him. Looking down at Saitoh, he waited. Unfortunately, Saitoh was in one of his 'moods' and would not talk without prompting.

"So, have you found them?" he asked, eagerness in his voice as he leaned forward slightly in his chair. "Yep." Was all the answer he got in return. Starting to get annoyed he waved his hands in a frustrated motion, "Well?" Smirking slightly, the wolf said simply, "Well, the six of them are coming down and should be here sometime tomorrow, hopefully separately." Hiko stared at him incredulously, "You just invited them without talking to me first? Smoke puffing from his cigarette, Saitoh's answer was another simple "Yep."

Hiko glared at the insolent wolf, but begrudgingly admitted that he would have sent for them right away anyway. "Well then I'd better get rooms ready…" he trailed off as something Saitoh said came back to him. "Wait, did you say SIX people?" When Saitoh nodded he glared at his empty wine glass, thinking. "But, there are SEVEN elements."

Taking a slow, deliberate drag, Saitoh said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, "Well, one of them must have control over two of the elements, and no, I don't know which one has two or which elements they have at all." Frowning slightly, Hiko thought over the gifts. "Well, one of them can't have light and dark, to much control and power, so that scratches those two of the list. Tell me, who are these six people and which do you think would be most likely to hold two powers?" Heaving a sigh, Saitoh leaned against the wall, preparing for a long talk.

"Six people, three girls and three guys. The first I discovered was one Sanosuke Sagara, previously known as Zanza, fighter for higher. His reasons for quitting are unknown. Brash and hot tempered pretty much sum it up. A known gambler, he drinks, although is not a drunk, and gets into fights almost daily.

Next comes Megumi Takani, assistant doctor to a Doctor Gensai. She is very accomplished, especially for her age. She is usually calm and even tempered, but once she's mad it's hard to cool her down. She is also really good at holding a grudge.

Weasel's next, a Misao Makamachi. Bubbly and cheerful at ALL times when she's around people, she look's incredibly naïve. She just proves that you can't judge a book by its cover. A lone ninja, she has the ability to kill or knock-out anyone with no notice. She tends to wander a lot.

Aoshi Shinamori, a ninja skilled in the use of the twin kodachi's. He hires himself out from time to time for odd jobs. He doesn't seem to like to stay in one place for any long periods of time. Cold as ice pretty much describe his personality.

Kenshin Himura also has the tendency to wander. Flaming red hair, color changing eyes, cross shaped scar, and a katana strapped to his side makes him stand out, yet he seems to slip out of your mind even as you're looking at him. Seems polite enough, but he has a split personality called by the name Battousai. You can only tell when his personality shifts from his eyes, they change from soft purple to hard amber.

And last id our dear tanuki, Kaoru Kamiya." Here a smudge of affection slipped into his monotone voice, instantly interesting Hiko. "She lives at her fathers dojo, uses the Kamiya Kasshin style, and refuses to kill, although she does not condemn all who do, depending on the person and reason. Both parents are deceased and the only person who is close to her is a bratty little boy she 'adopted', Yahiko Myojin, who will be coming as well. She said that they shall share a room."

"So, they should all be here sometime tomorrow, correct?" Before Saitoh could answer, a guard came in. Hiko recognized him as one of his best, a man who refused to be harassed or ruffled. At the moment, he looked extremely ruffled and hassled.

"A Miss Kamiya to see you sir."