Last modified: 08/13/98 This is a teaser and introduction to my own ALTERNATE REALITY universe which I've called "The Nightwitch Tales" -- think of it as Rurouni Kenshin mixed with various supernatural and paranormal elements. Other stories in this alternate reality are: "Night Visitor" "Romancing the Wolf" "That Which Lingers" This story takes place after the end of the Kyoto story arc. After that, it takes a sharp left turn into its own world. As always, C&C is greatly appreciated! ^_^ ====================================================================== ALL IN THE FAMILY: A Rurouni Kenshin Fanfic by MadamHydra ====================================================================== --------------- Disclaimer All rights and privileges to Rurouni Kenshin belong to Nobuhiro Watsuki, Shuiesha, Sony Music Entertainment, and associated parties. The characters of these series are used WITHOUT permission for the purpose of entertainment only. This work of fiction is not meant for sale or profit. Original portion of the fiction included here is considered to be the sole property and copyrighted to the author. --------------- Text Conventions ( ) are character thoughts ********************************************************************** The observer stood hidden in the small grove of trees. Even though it was a sunny afternoon, the thick foliage provided excellent cover. Undetected by normal eyes, she watched another woman who sat upon the porch, placidly sewing a dark blue garment. Dressed in a rose-colored kimono and with her long black hair carefully pinned up in a bun, the woman on the porch was the very embodiment of serene beauty. A young boy approached her, a shinai in hand. He bowed politely and the woman put aside her sewing. The dark-haired boy was thin, almost scrawny. There was a harshness to his face which told of a difficult childhood and many sorrows. He didn't smile but as he and the woman spoke, his mood visibly became less somber. The woman gave him a warm smile. He bowed again and hastily departed the garden. She watched him leave, then returned to her sewing. She didn't look up as the watcher emerged from her concealment and approached. "Your husband is a pain in the ass. I don't see how you manage to deal with him." The watcher's voice had a faint trace of annoyance, but it was clear that she was mostly amused. The woman on the porch continued sewing as she calmly replied, "He's never been difficult with me, little sister." Maki, Nightwitch and hotokiri, ruefully said, "Nobody's ever difficult with you." "How was he doing? I hope his legs weren't bothering him." "I'm sure he hasn't fully recovered from those stab wounds, but he seems to be managing just fine." The other woman sighed. "He's very hard on himself. I wanted him to take more time to recover, but he's so very dedicated to his work." "You mean he's positively fanatical about it." Maki glanced toward the garden gate. "Who's the boy? He has old eyes." "A child my husband brought home recently. His brother and both parents were recently killed. Unfortunately, the boy was rejected by the others in his village. He had no place to stay." "Does your husband often do that? Bring home strays?" "No. I wouldn't mind in the least but sadly, he's not a very charitable man." "I never did understand why you married him." "I fell in love." "Are you happy?" "Marriage suits me." The woman looked up at Maki. "You'll understand what I mean when you meet the right man." Maki snorted. "So you spoke to Himura Battousai last night." Maki blinked. "I never did understand how you know these things. Yes, I paid him a visit last night. I wanted to ask him some questions about Yumi's death." "And your decision?" her older sister gently prompted. "He may have indirectly caused her death, but he didn't kill her. The silly girl sacrificed herself to give Shishio Makoto a chance to launch a surprise attack on Himura." Maki's sister smiled. "You seemed favorably impressed by him." "Unlike your husband, Himura's changed a great deal in the last ten years." "So I've heard. At least, you seem to like the change. My husband doesn't approve at all." Maki actually looked a bit flustered by her older sister's comments. "Well, Himura's definitely become more friendly...." Her sister held up the policeman's jacket she had been sewing. As she carefully inspected her work, she murmured, "I'm glad you've found a man that you're interested in." "It's not like that. Besides, he's in love with someone else." "But she's mortal. Be patient. A man like Himura Kenshin is definitely worth waiting a few decades for." Maki gave her sister a hard look. "Are you just being encouraging to your little sister or is this one of your fabled premonitions? How long do you think he'll survive, considering his refusal to kill?" Her sister carefully folded the dark blue jacket away. "You might be pleasantly surprised." "Well, I better inform the clan of my decision regarding Himura Battousai. Some of our clan-sisters hold Himura responsible for Yumi's death, even though any reasonable person could plainly see that it wasn't his fault she died." Maki frowned in irritation. "I know. They seem to positively loathe men in general. That's too bad. They're missing out on much of the good things in life, such as love, children...." "That reminds me. Any good news? Am I going to become an aunt any time soon?" Maki's sister blushed prettily. "Sorry! We're still working on it." "But I have to seriously wonder what sort of father your husband will turn out to be." Maki gave her sister a dubious look. "Oh, I'm sure we'll manage," was the placid reply. "I'm sure you will." Maki smiled ruefully at the woman on the porch. One of the most powerful and subtle of the Nightwitches, NOBODY crossed Maki's older sister. Even the extremists in the clan hadn't dared to comment about her marriage or her choice of husband. "Are the more... hostile... clan-sisters going to abide by your decision?" Maki's smile developed a faintly sinister edge. "I promised Himura that he and his friends would not suffer any retaliation from Yumi's death. If some of our clan-sisters are foolish enough to go against my word, they better be prepared to face the consequences." As she disappeared into the shadowy grove of trees, her sister said, "Take care of yourself, Maki." "I always do, Tokio." ********************************************************************** Author's notes: ::evil chuckle:: Saitoh's wife Tokio is such a mystery,.... well, I couldn't resist. ^_^; -------------------------------------------- madamhydra@aol.com /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/:E http://members.aol.com/madamhydra/index.html