Author's Note- Yippee for Chapter 2. To be honest, this chapter is a bit short, but there was no way I could have written another portion without the chapter becoming like 40 pages or something ridiculous. On that note, my internet is still down…waaayyy down. I'm working on the next chapter…which is already longer than this one, and that should be up in a week or two. (crosses fingers)

Other Note- Working hard on the next Things Left Unsaid chapter…yippee! BTW- I was nominated for an RK award over at Meiji Tales for Things Left Unsaid. Haven't accepted yet (which I will be doing), but everyone who loves Kenshin fanfiction should go check that place out. You can find some great reads there.
Rating: R/M

Disclaimer: Sorry, barking up the wrong tree.

Chapter 2

A Meeting

Kenshin sat in his guest quarters trying to ignore the stink of wrongness that seemed to pervade everything. Running a hand through his tied back hair, he rubbed briefly at his temple and resisted the urge to scrunch his nose. He had already tried it once before, and it hadn't helped. The smell was thick in the air, an almost tangible thing that he could reach out and touch, curling around his fingers in wide loops. The scent reminded him of rotten fruit and old blood and had started as soon as he'd entered the territory to Yumi's stronghold. It was rank, thick, and he wouldn't be surprised if it curdled milk.

It was a stench he was hoping to rid the world of during this trip. The reeking odor of Yumi's distorted magic. He was surprised that the other people living here weren't constantly sick from the smell. It was acrid and nauseating, even a person with very little magic would be able to feel it slithering over their skin. He could feel it now, clinging to everything in the room, rolling over him in some sort of twisted decaying wave. Most of the individuals he had traveled with had gotten sick at least once from it during their journey. He was one of the lucky few who hadn't, but it had been a close call more than once. He'd never seen his healer prescribe so many stomach settling mixtures.

Glancing out the window, he quickly estimated the time; it would be a few more minutes. He leaned back and stretched out his legs. The muscles stretched and he sighed at the good feeling. Settling back he then turned his neck back and forth in an effort to stretch it too. This trip was making him too tense, and the encompassing smell wasn't helping.

Kenshin supposed that was the first problem. Yumi knew how much her magic stunk. It would be impossible for her to have done so much wrong and have her magic remain untouched. It was like walking though knee deep mud and expecting your boots to stay clean. Ridiculous. Too much of anything and your magic changed to fit your needs, bending itself to your will. So she kept her courts filled with idiots that knew next to nothing about magic. He had observed their faces much of the day while in court, and seen the open looks of adoration and wonderment. The constant talk of fashion and petty politics that she fueled with small smiles and nods. Yumi had always loved being treated like a queen, but this was taking it much too far.

He still wasn't sure how such an ignorant class had thrived here. Magic, even the comprehension of magic, could make or break a nation. None of Yumi's sycophants had even a shred of magical understanding.

And those that did have magic…Kenshin's mood turned foul.

A soft rapping sounded on his door before it opened and a head peeked in. He shut out the sudden trail his thoughts had started down. He needed to stay in focus and in control of himself. The girl squinted at the light shining in her eyes, but didn't move any closer into the room. He locked away his last bit of anger, knowing even as he did it that it wouldn't last. Motioning for her to enter, the small woman shut the door behind her. Her eyes openly ogled the lavishly decorated area as she walked deeper into it, and he waved his hand towards a chair. Yumi must have given less extravagant lodgings to the others. He didn't think much of the room. Although decorated nicely in greens and blues, the ornamental décor couldn't detract from the smell. He already knew that trying to sleep was going to be hell. She sat quickly, the average sized chair making her appear even smaller and doll-like. She fidgeted under his gaze, and pulled at the thick braid of hair hanging over her shoulder.

"This dress is awful."

Her voice sounded forlorn and depressed.

"Misao, you know that while visiting here you are expected to wear one."

He watched her visibly deflate. The poor girl had spent most of her life running around and climbing trees- wearing pants and acting like a boy. The gowns had to be killing her. She pulled at the embroidered stitching on her skirt, and Kenshin discretely rolled his eyes. He'd told her to wear a dress, and she had dutifully done so. Kenshin didn't pity her predicament. He was aware that all her clothing for the trip had been modified in ways that an average gown wouldn't be. If a dozen soldiers got in her way suddenly, she'd have a weapon for each of them. She wasn't quite as fast with the extra fabric around her legs, but she sure as hell blended in better. And that was the main idea. Too bad it didn't stop her from pouting.

Misao ignored his gaze and continued to pick at the embroidery. He was certain that by the end of the day it would be destroyed.

She loved laughing, teasing, and playing tag. With her wide eyes, innocent personality, and tiny frame; she'd been mistaken for a girl of thirteen more than once. She had recently celebrated her seventeenth summer, and hated her youthful appearance. That didn't change the fact however that she was one of the best spies he knew. She'd gotten facts for him when everyone else had told him it was impossible. Misao was a paradox to him. Cute and open and then unreadable and probing the next; it was what made her such a good resource.

He watched her pull a ball and cup from the folds of her skirt, putting all of her attention into it. The dress was safe for now. She giggled or hoorayed with every successful attempt she had. Misao could even fool him sometimes.

"Where are they?"

She voiced the question he was thinking just as another knock sounded on the door.

"Come in."

He spoke just loud enough to be heard on the other side of the wood. Through the door he could feel the two individuals' combined magic; there was no reason to ask who it was. Sanosuke walked through first, holding the door for the woman following him. He shut the door after she was clear, and Kenshin noted the way the woman's eyes followed Sanosuke's form until he was seated next to her. The taller man ruffled his own hair and moved his arm so it rested behind the woman. He stretched out his long legs and tugged at the neck of his maroon tunic. Although he was clean, he looked rough around the edges; both his clothes and his boots were immensely frayed.

The woman next to him sat straight as a rod, her dress deep lavender and perfectly pressed. She carried a small fan in one hand, and the other lay motionless in her lap. Megumi's dark hair was perfectly styled in a simple up-do, and even the paint she'd applied to her eyes and lips was immaculate. Her husband moved his hand from the back of the couch to her shoulder. Kenshin was surprised that all she did was look at him from the corner of her eye. She had to be in a good mood.

At one time the two of them had been completely separate individuals. With marriage however, even their magics seemed to be mingling, weaving and bonding with one another. Kenshin found it fascinating to study, but the two of them didn't want to share. He knew a plethora of information on magic, but natural magical attachment was one of his weakest subjects.

"Kenshin, lets get this over with. I've been nearly sick more times today than I want to count."

Sanosuke's voice was loud and good-natured, but beneath his words Kenshin felt apprehension.

"I want this done too Sanosuke. But we knew that it would be this way before we came."

The tall man nodded his head, but didn't say anything. They both knew it was true. But neither of them had thought it would be so bad, like a wet blanket pulled tight.

"Alright," Kenshin's voice turned serious, he wanted to get this going. "We all know why we're here, Misao?"

Misao, who had been completely enthralled with her child like game, suddenly made it disappear into one of her many pockets. She put on her working face, very serious but still slightly cute, and started speaking.

"As requested I looked into both Yumi's background here, and also the background of any other prominent magic users that may give us trouble."

She looked at Kenshin for a sign to continue. He gave one.

"As you know after the fall of Lord Shishio, Yumi was thought to be dead. Which, of course we all know is false. However, it appears that she has been in and out of this area for over ten years- meaning she was established here even before her late husband's demise."

"Why haven't we heard of anything until just recently?"

Sanosuke spoke up, looking interested and angry. He really disliked Yumi, or as he affectionately called her- 'The Piss Drinking Slut.' He had such a way with words.

"Well," Misao looked thoughtful, "Actually I think it's because the people here are so magically ignorant. No one with strong gifts lives this far north, therefore it is rarely looked after in magical terms. Everyone who is born here with some skill eventually moves to gain training. Yumi is…"

Misao swallowed, looking suddenly green, "She is actually liked here, and unlike how she acted in the south- Yumi has done nothing bad in the eyes of the public. They don't realize that they have a cobra parading as a person. The only reason it was even obvious to us was because of the lack of immigrants from the north. I have found evidence that she purposefully seeks out those with the gift."

Kenshin felt his stomach twist. How many had she manipulated and used? How many peoples' lives had been ruined by the carelessness of his country?

"It is probable," Misao's face contorted into one of disgust, "That she has been killing any magic users she can find for power. A way to solidify and strengthen her magic."

The room stayed silent and Kenshin thought of the implications. Hurting others to gain strength wasn't a new concept by any means. But it was a vicious one that he hadn't seen in use for a very long time. People like him spent their entire lives dedicated to keeping such magic from ever occurring. Blood magic. It was powerful, yes, but it made you crazy as sin. He had seen people maim their neighbors, families, lovers, all for another pint of blood. And Yumi was mad enough already. He shut his eyes, took a breath, and then opened them.

"So, are there any magic users in the north left?"

It was Megumi who spoke, her words calm and controlled. It was one of her best traits. Kenshin had first seen it when meeting her, but everyone else very quickly learned that Megumi was no shrinking violet. Having a rather strong gift of healer bestowed upon her from before her birth, she was the only one Kenshin trusted with his health and those closest to him. And he paid her handsomely to do so.

"Yes," he spoke, remembering the events that had occurred earlier. "I'm not sure if Misao discovered any, but this morning I met two- both under spell bindings and enchantments."

Megumi raised a perfectly shaped eyebrow.

"What?" Sanosuke was fuming, "It's Yumi isn't it. Stupid bitch!"

Kenshin nodded his head as Sanosuke let off a string of curse words. Some of them even made Misao, a girl who knew the streets and those that lived there, pause in shock. Megumi reached over and placed a hand on Sanosuke's knee. The man turned sharply towards her, his tirade slowing before fading altogether. He immediately looked embarrassed, running a hand through his hair and giving her an apologetic smile. She hadn't even needed to turn her eyes on him to gain his attention.

"If I may, I have some information."

Misao's arm was partly raised, almost as if she were taking a class and asking permission to speak. Her legs kicked forward and back as if she were in a swing. Kenshin had a feeling her dress would be more than just ruined by the end of the day. It would be decimated. He didn't need to say that it was odd for Misao to be the one to move the conversation along. It was good that she wanted to talk, his anger was growing again. His hand clenched then unclenched at the chair. She played with the end of her braid, a sign to those who knew her that she was totally serious and uncomfortable- despite the rest of her body language.

He smiled at her in encouragement, never quite sure how to react to her conflicting motions.

"Well, from what I have gathered, there are two magic users under Yumi's care- a brother and sister. Both have been under her care since she came to live here permanently. Apparently they were the children of the lord who lived here before Yumi. After the lord died, mysteriously might I add, she was gracious enough to take them in."

Misao's fingers pulled at her skirt, and her mouth manipulated itself into a tight line.

"Of course, I don't see why she would object considering that one of them is a seer."

Sanosuke swore again, and Megumi actually looked surprised.

"A seer? This far north?"

"Yeah, she is being heralded as 'The Lady of Loss' and gives predictions at Yumi's court every fortnight."

The healer actually looked stunned.

"But how? Seers can't be bound magically like normal users. You can't partially bind them, and with a full bind the energy would build up until they died."

Kenshin interrupted the conversation, knowing that his next words would upset Megumi greatly. He ignored the bit of the wood in his hands as they gripped even harder. He'd be lucky if he didn't give himself slivers.

"She unbinds and rebinds her every fortnight so the surplus of energy is released much more quickly. I saw today at court."

His words came out calmer then he felt. Megumi looked at Kenshin, astonished at his words. As a healer, Megumi was dedicated to the individual- to their health above all else. The idea of someone being so deliberately cruel was revolting to her. Kenshin often had to remind himself that although she had seen a lot, there were some things still horrific that she had yet to see. This unfortunately was one of them. Sanosuke rubbed soothingly at her shoulder and she leaned into his touch. The two of them read each other perfectly.

"Her brother is also bound, I'd say about seventy five percent of his gift is locked away."

He rolled his shoulders until an audible cracking noise sounded.

Seemingly recovered from her repulsion, she asked the next sentence calmly. And although she asked it plainly, Kenshin could see the thoughts racing behind her eyes. How she could help them, what needed to be done first.

"How long has it been going on?"

Indeed, that would be the first question she asked.

"With the woman it's hard to tell, because Yumi undoes and redoes the ties on her so often. But, if both her and her brother were charmed at the same time, I'd say about eight years."

Misao added, "That's what I assumed. Yumi officially 'died' during that time."

Sanosuke turned his attention towards his wife. His mouth was a hard line.

"What sort of repercussions would that type of binding have on someone over such a long period of time?"

Kenshin froze inwardly at the question. He had been wondering the same thing. Having met the pair earlier, he could see the tightness in their frames, the sense of defeat in their postures. These magic users had been bound against their will, and they knew that they were being manipulated and controlled. They were pawns in her wicked and twisted games, and had been for a long long time.

"Well," Megumi brushed back a nonexistent stray hair before continuing, "I'm assuming that it was forced?"

Her words were spoken toward him, and he indicated his agreement. No way would anyone agree to be a willing slave of Yumi's.

She went into healer mode, her eyes focusing on the far wall as she shut out lingering thoughts and emotions.

"I have seen several similar cases in the far west, but that was when I was still an apprentice. And they were a different sort of magic. Suffice to say however, that the long term affects are not pretty. It would also depend of course on the type of binding."

Her head tilted towards Kenshin's in question. He felt repulsed simply saying it.

"A Black Mark binding I believe."

He watched her rub at her forehead as she took in the words. That wasn't a good sign. Usually she just nodded and then kept on thinking up a solution. But this was no run of the mill magic. This magic was old. Even he knew that a Black Mark binding was something not done anymore. It was painful, debilitating, and left the recipient with telltale marks. The binding was also one of the few that was intended to remain for life, and wouldn't be lifted even with the caster's death. It had been Shishio's favorite.

After several minutes of thinking, Megumi's eyes moved from the wall to her lap before turning back to Kenshin. She looked…frazzled.

"Well, the most prudent suggestion that I can make would be to remove them before the conflict with Yumi occurs. I haven't known anyone that can successfully disconnect such a bond without seriously injuring the person. Being that the woman is a seer, the situation is even more delicate."

He didn't need her to say the words that were just beneath the surface. If he killed Yumi and they were unable to help the seer, the pressure would eventually destroy her. Spilling up and out of her until she was nothing but a husky shell of who she once was. But first, Kenshin shut his eyes, first they would drive her insane, a pressure that grew and grew but couldn't be released. Being how much the siblings had already suffered, he wanted to do all that he could to help. His eyes opened. It was his kingdom's fault that Yumi had escaped, his kingdom's fault that they were leading the lives they did. And he would be damned if he let Yumi destroy even more people while he was able to stop it.

Kenshin watched Sanosuke bend his head near his wife's ear and talk softly. She nodded and some of the tension in her shoulders melted. Thank the heavens for Sanosuke. Kenshin wasn't sure what he could possible say to Megumi to make her feel better. Of course, this whole ordeal would be a difficult one for her. She knew what it was like to be helpless and dominated. He pretended not to notice the way Megumi had her hand suddenly wrapped very firmly around her husband's. Maybe he should have chosen another healer, this case was too similar to the one she had been rescued from.

No. Megumi would have fought like a wildcat if he had told her she wasn't going. She knew she was the best, and she knew that they needed the best.

"Right." He spoke decisively, "Sanosuke, I want you to become better acquainted with the guards' shifts, positions, and routines- Not to mention any prominent servants or citizens in residence. Misao, gather information on the siblings, especially the brother. We need to know what sort of magic he uses and his mental situation. While you're at it, see if you can get a look at Yumi's schedule. Megumi, I need everything you can get for me on the Black Mark spell. This one will have to be done right, and on the first casting."

They stood up, obviously taking this as a dismissal.

"But," his words now were much quieter, "We mustn't let Yumi know our thoughts. Nor can she know what we have planned for her. To her we must seem simply like nobility that have put the past behind them. She may attempt harm however, so be prepared."

Kenshin was aware he was being overly talkative about the subject. Everyone in the room knew why they were there and what had to be done. Misao smiled in assent however, the ball and cup from earlier again in her hand. She giggled softly and tugged at the uncomfortable clothing she wore. Megumi still held onto Sanosuke's hand, but they too both made a gesture of understanding.

"Anything else? I wanted to go get a snack before starting."

He heard the underlying words in Misao's easy sentences. She wondered about meeting again, about a time table for their operations.

"Misao, I'll let you know."

Tapping his head she made an 'Ahh' sound before exiting the room. Her own magic was barely able to lift a pencil, and he knew that she was still forgetful of the silent communication he often opted for. It was the one thing he wished was different about her. She was able to defend herself physically, beautifully in fact, but that didn't mean he never worried about her and magic. One spell at one wrong time and she would be in a lot of trouble. If he ever told her though, she'd think he didn't have any faith in her. He was hoping to find a magic user to work with her…but…so far she had more than just vetoed his suggestion. She'd flat out refused, and she was too good for him to really complain. It was a no win situation.

Sanosuke started for the door, his free hand fidgeting with impatience. The man was physical, and sitting around gathering information was not his idea of a good time. He'd been that way from the first time he'd met him. Too young to know better, Sanosuke had made some awful messes by using his fists.

Too bad that he wasn't going to use them yet. He would get is action later. With him halfway out the door, he suddenly stopped and turned. Megumi disengaged herself from her husband and came back towards him.

"Kenshin."

She spoke to him in a slightly worried tone. Coming from Megumi, it made the hair on the back of his neck rise. Megumi was never worried.

"Are you going to try and contact either of the siblings? Maybe they will be able to help."

"Don't worry about it Megumi, we'll talk again soon."

Clearly not satisfied, she turned and briskly walked toward Sanosuke. He had never seen her stroll or saunter. No, she walked with a clear purpose behind each powerful step. As she passed by Sanosuke, he looked over his wife's head toward him. Kenshin had never met two such different people that melded together so closely. They seemed like oil and water when they had first met; arguing, fighting, and calling each other names. The two were bitter enemies.

After several months of trying to get his closest friend and best healer to work together, his mouth had dropped when he'd caught them near the servant's quarters one night. They hadn't noticed him, but he had seen their argument turn into a lovers' tryst. Four months later to everyone else's astonishment, they'd married.

It still boggled him at times.

Alone again, he let his mind digest the day's events. The sun set behind him through the windows, and the room was cast in a red orange glow. Through the windows the light cast half rainbows across his walls and ceiling. His nose wrinkled. Pretty enough, but it still didn't detract from the smell.

Slouching in his chair he reached for a forgotten glass of water. After checking it for impurities and poisons, he took a small sip. Although lukewarm, the wet liquid slid easily down his throat. He'd been revolted by Yumi and her court, the decadency and disorder running rampant through it. It, like the smell, hovered in the air, contaminating everyone in the area. People that would usually lead decent lives were now scrounging around for scraps at Yumi's table. He had hoped to come here and simply kill her, bringing the others along for insurance.

He longed for her blood, wanted desperately to spill it so this could be over. But, like Shishio, Lady Yumi would never go quietly or willingly into the afterlife. Her filth had spread deep into the roots of this area, poisoning it as her power grew, and the people under her had become nearly as twisted as her. Even if she were removed, things here would never go back to the way they were. They didn't even deserve to be saved.

And once Yumi was removed? Kenshin let out a heavy sigh. He wouldn't be surprised if either of the previous ruler's children wanted nothing to do with their homeland after this was over. They had been made into objects less than slaves in their own home. Any good memories he was sure Yumi had tarnished or blotted out beyond recognition.

His mind paused on the scene he had witnessed earlier.

The seer, a woman whose face couldn't even be shown was frozen in his mind. Megumi had been right earlier. People who could see the future were rare, even in the most magically thriving communities. Seers were hounded after by rulers who were desperate for the power they could gain. They could be born in squalor, and have after only a few short years of visions, made more money than most in their entire lives. He had only met a few in his life, but they had all been so tired and knowing.

But the woman he had seen earlier. Kenshin felt another sigh escape his lips, this one of longing. The dark cloth surrounding her form, the heavy veil that shrouded her like a corpse. Unable to communicate with the one person closest to her and trapped under a vicious Yumi- he was surprised she had lasted so long. The drive, the purpose she must have possessed to keep going year after year. She was weak now, frail and delicate, and so close to giving up. But she had survived. He wanted to know all that he could about her, every little thing.

She had appealed to a part of him that he wasn't aware existed. The part of him that wanted for himself. He couldn't remember the last time he had desired something so badly. He wanted to wrap her up and hide her from the world, hide her from prying eyes and spiteful rumors. He wanted to her to smile, laugh, and finally be allowed to live. Kenshin knew that she had it in her. Beneath the layers of misery and weariness was something just waiting to emerge.

Every aspect of her drew his attention, and he hadn't even seen her face.

Her discomfort was obvious to him, as was the pain deeply rooted from Yumi's interference. When she'd tripped he had needed to catch her, needed to touch her. And although the fabric swathing her was thick and coarse, it could not hide the soft body beneath it. And the smell she had. He shivered despite the warmth in the air. She had cut through the sour smell of incense and filth, and filled his lungs with the scent of lilacs. The woman had tensed at his actions and words, sure that he was trying to make of fool of her. It tore at him. He hadn't been. How long had it been since someone had been kind to her? How long since an encouraging word or generous action had been directed her way?

He had wanted to peel away the veil covering her from him. It proved to him that her life had been one constantly undercut by pain. It was a mark of Yumi's control over her. He wanted to dress her in blue, green, pink, purple, and throw away every black article of clothing she owned.

Earlier, Kenshin had given into temptation when she'd been close. He'd leaned as close as he dared, and through the heavy material two large eyes had peered back at him. Deep, blue, they were filled with an anxiety that made his heart hammer and start.

Her brother had shown up, and he had been upset that their moment had been ruined. Not that it could have continued forever, too many individuals were close by. Still, he hadn't been able to control himself. As she'd left the room, his mind had reached for hers and Kenshin had nearly groaned. He'd forgotten that with her magic bound the way it was, she was unable to block anything. Instead of a melding of magic, he had unintentionally glimpsed the core of her. He shivered again and stood up.

She was pure beyond belief. A good, kind person that was stuck and desperately trying to survive. A bird trapped in a cage. His want for her doubled at that moment. He had sent warmth towards her, comfort, knowing that at that moment it was all he was able to offer. It was all he could do now to keep himself from reaching for her again.

He glanced out of the far window and approached it. The sunset had turned a blood red and covered the sky in a malicious hue. A bluebird sat on a branch outside, clearly out of place in the cold harsh climate. His eyes focused on it momentarily. It paused briefly then took off into the air, disappearing as it traveled further and further away. Kenshin turned away from the window, suddenly furious, and drew his curtains closed. The room was plunged into darkness.

Megumi would save her, she had to save her. The young woman couldn't survive much longer in this environment. Those blue eyes had reflected too much pain for someone so good. And after he freed both her and her brother, he was determined to guard that fragile heart with everything he possessed.

AN- Not the best chapter of all time, but hey I'm writing this to relieve stress. This is about having some fun… So…Review.

Next Time- A look at Aoshi and the past. Man, that guy knows how to brood.