Disclaimer: I own nothing and no one

Sorry I'm late

I had to write two separate reports

Plus obligatory letters home to family

Still swear I can write faster than I type

Don't care what the others say

Chapter Four

"And that is what happened," Kenshin finished. Patiently waiting for the information to soak in. He couldn't blame them for taking some time. It was an incredible story.

During this pause, Methos deeply regretted not following though with his previous plan. He could have found a way to make it work. When the pair, or rather Kenshin, had said friends, he had been expecting a smaller, much more intimate, group. Say three people, four at the most.

It didn't help that they weren't your average group of peasants either. It was obvious to the ancient's trained eyes that almost all of them were proficient in some sort of combat. The tall silent one especially looked like he could give some immortals a run for their money. Heck, maybe most immortals.

Then Sano cracked his knuckles. The sound far louder than logic suggested. "You better not be planning on running off without me Kenshin." They had settled that after Kyoto. The white-clad man half turned to point at Saitou. "And that goes for you too you squinty eyed bastard. The wolf was an asshole true, but he was their asshole.

"Not to worry Sano," Megumi gave a foxy laugh. "Ken-san isn't going anywhere." A leather collar complete with chain emerged from somewhere within her voluminous sleeves, along with a package of sedative. She knew it had been a good idea to keep these. They had been bound to come in handy someday.

"Erk!" Kenshin ducked frantically. Barely avoiding the collar which had been flung at this throat. Times like this he couldn't help but think that his friends were far more dangerous then his enemies. The latter at least he was allowed to flatten with a well placed Ryu Tsui Sen. And he hadn't even been planning on leaving. It just wasn't fair.

Violet eyes locked with amber, the two fledgling immortals sharing a look of complete accord. They had no intention of taking the fall for this. In unison, Kenshin and Saitou each pointed a single finger at their new teacher. "It was his idea!"

Traitors. Methos thought to himself resisting the urge to glare. He could feel the sweat running down his neck as several dozen pair of hostile eyes focused on him. Their owners didn't seem friendly in the least. At the same time though, he could feel a sense of rueful amusement creeping up on him. His students had shifted the blame quite well. A useful skill for any person, immortal or not.

However, these feelings evaporated rather quickly as a petite young woman stepped out of the crowd. Verily bristling with weapons. She also, in spite of her youth, held a clear air of authority. Try to take Kenshin from them would he. "Get him guys," she ordered.

Methos was no fool. He ran. Followed closely by the screaming horde. A vicious curse escaping his lips as a dagger flew over his head (the immortal had ducked or it wouldn't have missed). Even if he had known this was the treatment Misao gave everyone who displeased her, it was doubtful he would have been mollified. Just because such a wound couldn't kill him permanently didn't mean it did not hurt.

Fortunately, it wasn't long before Kenshin called them off. Diffusing the situation with his usual calm and suggesting they all discuss the situation rationally over tea. At least, Methos thought he was fortunate. Until that is he took his first bite of the onigiri. It was awful.

For a moment, the ancient thought this was some sort of subtle revenge. A conclusion that was quickly reconsidered as he noticed the slightly fixed expressions of his dining companions. Forcing himself to swallow, Methos took another bite, thanking his hostess politely.

It wasn't that big of a hardship. The immortal had eaten far worse things over the course of the last five thousand years. The winter he had spent trapped in an ice cave came to mind. After the game had run out, he had made the unpleasant choice between starving to death and taking extreme measures to keep his belly full. Caspian would have undoubtedly approved. But then, Methos had never denied his brother was insane. Besides, it wasn't as though the rice snack would kill him.

His sacrifice was rewarded when Kaoru beamed. An expression that transformed a pretty woman into a truly beautiful one. Not that Methos made a point of noticing. It was clear their was something between this woman and his red headed student. The rest of the table relaxed at this. The atmosphere becoming much more amicable, taking the first step towards welcoming the newcomer into their circle. The conversation becoming more casual as time went on.

When Aoshi finally spoke, it caught Methos by surprise. The tall ninja hadn't said a single word the entire afternoon. "There is still one matter to be settled," he said softly, taking another sip of his tea.

The others looked at him curiously. To be honest, the ancient was a bit curious as well.

"You have not considered all the ramifications of your new nature," the ninja went on. "As you and Saitou move on to new lives," he spoke directly to Kenshin. "You will require resources. Papers, money," he paused. "Intelligence." Aoshi rose to his feet, before abruptly dropping to the ground into a deep bow. "All this can be provided for you."

"Aoshi!" Kenshin sounded horrified. "Aoshi what are you doing? Get up."

The ninja didn't. He did however raise his head to meet his friend's gaze. "I, Shinomori Aoshi, the leader of the Oniwabanshu, swear our loyalty to you. Kenshin Himura." His dark eyes shifted to settle on another figure. "And you Hajime Saitou, for as long as a single member of our line draws breath." In less flowery terms, forever.

One after another, the ninja knelt at the two fledgling immortals' feet. In spite of their submissive posture, it was clear from the stubborn set of their jaws the group would not take no for an answer.

The two sword masters exchanged looks. One resigned, the other amused. I will leave you to guess which was which. Finally Kenshin sighed. "If you are sure," he hedged, half hoping the Oniwaban would recant.

Okina grinned. "Things have been far to dull around here," the old man said. "We need some excitement in our lives or we will lose our edge." Things were never boring around Kenshin and Saitou. Besides, their group had been formed to serve, and the spy could think of far worse masters.

Another chapter done

Not my best, but I wanted to get it up

Next chapter will be more humorous