Midoriko and Kenshin were having dinner with Yahiko when there was someone at the door.
"Sanosuke what is it?" Kenshin asked.
"A terrible demon is ravaging the land." Sanosuke said. "He has been using an orb he stole from this shrine to take the souls of children and eat them. His name is Gouki."
"He stole and is using that orb for evil!" Midoriko said, outraged, putting her sword on her belt.
"Now now, Midoriko-dono, this isn't something you should go rushing into." Kenshin said.
"He leaves notes to the families before he breaks in and takes the child's soul, only after killing everyone in the home." Sanosuke finished. "I need you to go to Lord Daimyo's manor and protect little Himeko."
"Of course." Kenshin agreed.
"I'll be going too." Sanosuke said. "After all, the fool only got the orb because of me."
"Me too!" Yahiko said.
"Yahiko you would be a target of the orb." Kenshin said gently. "You need to remain and protect Midoriko-dono."
"Who said I wasn't coming?!" Midoriko countered.
"K-Midoriko-dono—" Kenshin attempted.
"The orb can trap any ningen." Sanosuke said. "That is likely how he is murdering everyone so easily. You will NOT be going."
"HN!" Midoriko picked up Yahiko and stalked off.
Xxx
Kenshin and Sanosuke entered Daimyo's house and stood guard.
They did not have long to wait.
Soon an eerie stillness swept over them as the souls were drawn into the orb.
"So you have come to kill me?" Gouki said. "Can you resist the Orb of Baast?"
It pulled at their souls, and Sanosuke lost the fight.
"Sanosuke!" Kenshin cried but to no avail.
He broke free of the orb's pull and drew his blade.
Xxx
Midoriko's eyes opened, blazing silver.
She was caught in their battle, soul to soul with her brother Sanosuke.
"Brother...please...wake up!"
Xxx
Sanosuke's soul pulled from the orb and returned to his body.
"How..." Gouki said.
"I have a miko for a sister." Sanosuke snarled.
He moved to attack, but Kenshin stopped him. "The Orb is the priority here. Allow me."
Kenshin lunged, stabbing Gouki in the hand and causing him to drop the orb.
The souls cascaded out of it, returning to life all the stolen.
Gouki smiled at him. "You are a doughty warrior, Kenshin. I want to face you again...as the true Battousai."
He snatched the Orb.
"If you come to me alone by the river tomorrow night...we will see if the legendary Battousai can steal away the Orb of Bast...or if his soul will be forfeit."
Laughing, the demon disappeared into the night.
Xxx
Midoriko gasped, gripping her chest and coughing.
"Midoriko! What did you see?" Yahiko patted her back.
Eyes wide, Midoriko choked out: "My death."