Midnight Encounter [Kazeshin]

[//Yamaneko]

[Note: This takes place before the series, back when Kenshin was still Hitokiri Battousai.]

Kenshin sat quietly by his window in the room he was staying in. He blinked out at the setting sun, thinking. His sword was drawn up, held loosely in his arms. The orange sun lit the room with a dim, melancholy glow. Until it started to turn red.

Kenshin stood up suddenly and opened his door. There stood I'izuka, his fist up in a position that showed he was about to knock. I'izuka blinked. "What is it?" Kenshin asked.

I'izuka's face immediately turned serious. "Tonight. Don't be late." Kenshin eyed the black envelope in I'izuka's hand. He took it, then closed his eyes and said, "Thank you." He then went back inside his room, slipped his longer katana into his belt, then walked past I'izuka.

//*content sigh* That was a pretty long post if I do say so myself...//

[Zoro]

Far off in the city, Kazeshin stepped in front of the government official he was supposed to be guarding. He was only twelve years old at the moment. Yet his skills were unrivaled by any he had fought yet. He knew that there were people who wanted the man behind the doors he stood before dead. He was getting paid a lot to protect him. Money he could send off to his village to help it fluorish.

[//Yamaneko]

Kenshin slipped on a straw hat before leaving. 'I am still early...oh well, might as well get it over with.' Kenshin touched the scar on his cheek before stepping out. He slipped the black envelope into his sleeve as he walked, his koutetsus clinking together as he did.

[Zoro]

Kazeshin made sure his gaunlets were in place, and that his Kodachi were loose in their sheaths. He had a feeling of aprehension. Something was going to happen.

[//Yamaneko]

Kenshin sat at the top of a tower until the clock struck midnight. Without a word, he took off towards his destination, keeping his straw hat on.

[Zoro]

Kazeshin heard the sound of the clock striking midnight. His shift would be over in an hour. His hand rested on his sword hilt for comfort.

[//Yamaneko]

The night was slightly foggy; perfect. Kenshin walked down the street towards the gate. Only his shadow could be seen by Kazeshin.

[Zoro]

Kazeshin focused on the shaky shadow he saw. He could make out that it was a smaller figure, but what drew his gaze was that the form of the shadow indicated a sword was in the persons posession.

[//Yamaneko]

Kenshin kept his gaze lowered so that his hat covered his eyes. He walked ever closer until he could see Kazeshin and vice-versa. Slowly, he raised his gaze, showing a blank, murderous look in his eyes.

[Zoro]

Kazeshin hadn't drawn his swords, but he eased into a Battoujutsu stance.

[//Yamaneko]

Kenshin drew his longer sword slowly, then held it with one hand in a lower defense position as he walked. Smoothly, he sped up his footsteps until he was running at Kazeshin.

[Zoro]

Kazeshin focused. "Kazeshou Nitou Ryu: Crucify!" He performed battoujutsu with both his swords, the two slashes forming a cross.

[//Yamaneko]

Kenshin disappeared, then reappeared behind Kazeshin. "Hm. Don't tell me you're the only one who's guarding him," he said in a blank tone before sending a wind-breaking slash at his neck.

[Zoro]

Kazeshin ducked, only his swordsman training telling him not to panic. He was amazed at how fast his opponent was though. "Who the hell are you!?" He tried a series of rapid slashes at the Battousai.

[//Yamaneko]

Kenshin seemed to phase between the slashes. "I am Hitokiri Battousai. I am here for the life of the one who hired you," he said dully, sending another straight thrust at Kazeshin's heart.