I meant to update sooner. But, stupid computer wouldn't even let me ACCESS my stories! Man! But, I'm back, so I'll try to be more regular about updates.

Disclaimer: I own not the Rurouni Kenshin series, nor do I own Robin Hood, in any form.

"Kill him!"

The cry echoed throughout the hall as soldiers and men and servants all grabbed their weapons to destroy Kenshin. Swords were drawn, and the guards' spears were lowered to attack the uninvited guest.

Kenshin just continuously glared at Shishio, his amber eyes never breaking contact. "Kill me? A noble? A man dubbed a lord by your own flesh and blood? Why, Shishio, I didn't think even you could be that sadistic."

"How dare you disrespect him!" shouted Yumi, defending Shishio. "My Shishio-sama has defeated many legions of men single-handedly! He is second best to no man in the world!"

Kenshin moved his haunting eyes to Yumi. "So, you say he is even better than Hitokiri Battousai?"

Yumi's cheeks flushed. "Battousai is a legend! A myth!"

Kenshin smiled mercilessly. "Then perhaps you should witness his power." With that, he drew the sword that hung around his waist. But something about the sword's design was wrong….

"What kind of pathetic sword is that?" asked Shishio, laughing at this boy's foolishness.

Kaoru stared at it for a minute. "A reverse blade…a sakabatou."

Kenshin looked at her. "You are very knowledgeable, M'Lady. Yes, this sword is a sakabatou, for I would not want your men to get hurt, now, would I? No sense in increasing my charges over worthless swine as these." With that, he jumped and moved out of sight.

"Where did he go?"

"Where is the bastard?"

"What sort of magic was that?"

"Where is he?"

Out of nowhere, he appeared in front of the high table, his sword at Shishio's throat. Kaoru and Yumi gasped as Hoji jumped up and Enishi grabbed the handle of his sword. Shishio didn't look the least bit startled.

"Impressive," he said, looking between the blade and the wielder. "You move fast."

Kenshin glared. "Leave the people alone, Shishio. I will not allow you to destroy Japan."

"Japan is mine to do with as I wish."

"Last time, Shishio. If you do not leave the Gaijin alone, I will kill you."

Shishio just smiled at him, cold and sadistic. "And if I don't?"

Kenshin narrowed his eyes. "I'll see to it that you rot in hell." He moved again, and was gone.

"Where the hell did the bastard go?"

"Where's the redhead?"

"Where did he go?"

Kaoru let out a sigh. "He's gone. He left."

Everyone in the hall tensed. All eyes were on the high table. Shishio stood completely still. One of two things could happen: (a) he could explode in anger and start slicing everyone in sight, or (b) he would calm down and give a rational plan for the others to follow.

He chose the latter. "Hoji, take your men and search for him in the morning. Start with every inn, then continue your search from there. I will not question your methods, but find him."

"Yes, Shishio-sama," said Hoji, bowing.

Aoshi was furious. And when he was furious, he was FURIOUS. As it was, the four Oniwabanshu that were with him presently were cowering in fear as far away from the Okashira as possible. In fact, they were trying to melt into the walls.

Aoshi was waiting for Kenshin in the back of the Akabeko with Tsubame, Yahiko, Tae, Sae, Yutaro, and the afore mentioned Oniwabanshu. They were all sitting, growing more nervous as the minutes ticked by.

Aoshi caught a movement out of the corner of his eye when the moon was practically overhead and the children had gone to sleep. Kenshin had just jumped from one of the roofs into the back yard storage area of the Akabeko.

Aoshi stared at Kenshin. Kenshin stared back for a minute, then shook his head.

"Hannya."

"Yes, Okashira?" asked the ninja as he came forward.

"Begin searching for men who will be loyal to our cause. Start with whom you know and expand your search from there. Understood?"

"Yes, Okashira."

"The rest of you understand?"

"We understand, Okashira."

"Good. Gather as many as you can and report back to me in a week. You may begin tomorrow. For now, prepare what you will need."

The Oniwabanshu left, leaping on roofs and blending in with the shadows. Aoshi smirked; he was proud they were his men and as loyal to the old regime as he was.

"There is a complication."

Aoshi raised an eyebrow.

"Kamiya Kaoru is back."

CLIFFHANGER! I felt like it. Once again, thank you to those who reviewed. If you didn't, I would just abandon this story.(maybe…not sure…) I will try to update soon. CYBER-COOKIES TO MY REVIEWERS! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!