Chihiro glanced sideways, trusting the sword in her hands to keep pointing at her enemy. The blade was growling in her mind like an enraged dog. She was concerned for Snaffu, worried the water-horse might try to defend her and get hurt. It was her that Kenshin had come for; she did not want to have her remaining companions harmed.

The pool the nygel had thrown himself into was covered by something. It took a moment for Chihiro to realise that the pool was now covered in a thick layer of ice. Kenshin had trapped the nygel underneath it. Strangely, this eased her mind slightly. She would not have to think about his safety.

She looked back at the shadow before her. She concentrated on getting her anger under control. She had to be able to use all her wits to survive this encounter.

"The sword is not necessary," Kenshin said evenly. "You know I cannot harm you directly." The sword snarled in her head, sounding very like Haku's old blade. It would not let her move.

"Interesting blade you have there," said Kenshin conversationally. "But it really should learn its place. You are the master, not it." A pale, long fingered hand, attached to a finely boned wrist, moved out of the shadows and curled around the top of the razor sharp blade. No blood bloomed on the creamy fingertips and the owner of the hand showed no sign that he had been cut. The sword howled, then fell silent. The hand let go and Chihiro suddenly became aware how heavy the sword she held actually was. The muscles in her arms and shoulders screamed at her. She yelped at the sudden pain and dropped the blade.

Now defenceless, she backed away from the shadowed form.

"What do you want?" she hissed. She reasoned that there was no point in insults or threats. Even weakened as he no doubt was from his gargantuan spell, he was still more powerful than she. All she could do was listen and hope she could find a way out of this situation. He spoke the truth; he could not hurt her directly. She rubbed her aching arms and waited for a response.

"I have an offer for you," said the silken-voiced shadow. "I credit you with enough sense to at least consider what I have to say." He stepped forward into the moonlight.

Chihiro's jaw dropped. She could not help it! Her mental picture of Kenshin had been so wrong! Midnight wisps of hair framed his face, the rest was pulled back into a neat braid that snaked down his back. The colour was such a deep black that it reflected no light at all. It really was the colour of the darkest night.

By contrast, his skin was alabaster white. If he had stood still for long enough, Chihiro thought she might mistake him for a marble statue. Just like Haku's skin, there was not a blemish, scar or imperfection to be found anywhere.

He was dressed simply, in beige trousers and tunic that looked as if they would blend perfectly with the landscape around him. He was tall; she realised she was having to tilt her chin up to look at his face. He was also barefoot, which made her skin crawl slightly. She hated it when Haku refused to wear shoes outside, even if he could ensure that no dirt would adhere to the soles of his feet.

It was his eyes that were most striking; grey, an odd colour. Chihiro had never seen a human or spirit with grey eyes. The eyes themselves, however, were emotionless. They showed nothing of what their owner was thinking or feeling. The only thing Chihiro could discern from those eyes was age. This spirit was truly ancient. Not even his mother's eyes held such a sense of antiquity. He had seen much and endured much. Chihiro could not help wondering what he thought when he looked at her. Did he see her as insignificant? Her life span was so brief compared to his that he should barely notice her. The only reason he now spoke to her was because she was an annoyance. A stinging insect he could not squash himself, but had to have others swat at for him. Chihiro smiled internally; she liked that idea. She schooled her features to try and match his stoic expression. She would remain calm! She must be able to think!

The spirit before her gave a mirthless smirk, exposing very white teeth.

"You are much more composed than you were at our last meeting. Perhaps this quest has..."

"Get to the point," Chihiro interrupted. "You have not come to philosophise about the value of my journey." The spirit's grin widened.

"Quite right," he agreed, then gracefully sank to the ground, crossing his legs.

"Please sit," he offered with a gesture to the ground opposite him. "There is no reason why we cannot treat each other civilly."

"You have shown little civility to me so far," said Chihiro as she sat. "Falling down the canyon was particularly memorable."

"A necessary evil, I assure you," said Kenshin without a hint of remorse. "I considered lethal measures, but decided it was better to slow your progress."

"Why?" asked Chihiro, suddenly interested. "If your minions had killed me it would have been to your advantage."

Kenshin nodded.

"I could not order your death, but I could have let it be known I did not care if you were killed either." The grey eyes did not move from her face. It was quite disconcerting. Chihiro was sure he was not blinking enough. "You are correct in saying that I would profit from your demise. With you gone I would have none to oppose me." He fell silent, still not glancing away for a moment. Chihiro wondered if he was trying to read her mind, then dismissed the idea. Very few spirits possessed such an ability and even fewer could read the minds of the unwilling. Haku could, but it cost him dearly and he disliked the sensations he experienced while attempting such a thing. He had said it was very easy to lose your own mind in the process. Add to this all the protection she carried... Kenshin was probably just trying to read her body language. He would use anything to keep her at a disadvantage, of that she was sure. She realised he had not actually answered her question, he had merely agreed with her point of view. He had almost diverted her from the topic. She met his stare; it was difficult, but she did it. She silently demanded an answer to her question. Why was she still alive?

After what seemed like an age, Kenshin smirked, then shrugged.

"My mother is a razor sharp tactician, despite her behaviour," he said at last. "She taught me everything I know abut strategy so I could be of use to her. She chose her weapon against me very well indeed. I am honour bound not to kill you, that is all I can say."

Chihiro rose an eyebrow. Not killing was open to interpretation. Not killing could mean placing her in a hibernation trance until she died of old age, or imprisoning her to the same end. He had also said he was honour bound not to kill her. If he decided not to be honourable then her life was forfeit. Her mind turned to other, more pressing concerns.

"Where is Haku?" she asked suddenly. Kenshin's smirk melted.

"He is alive; alive but weak. If you accept my proposal you can even see him."

Chihiro's heart leapt! Her mate! After all this time she could see him again! She took a deep breath and squashed her emotions. Kenshin was not going to reunite them for free.

"I will speak plainly," said the spirit, his velvety voice caressing her ears. "Your sister is doomed." Chihiro swallowed, her eyes flicking to Linca briefly. She was still combing her hair, using the now icy surface of the pool as her mirror. She did not seem at all concerned by the change in the water, nor the presence of a massively powerful spirit. She must have been able to sense he was near. She would often complain when Haku was not controlling his magical aura as he should. She claimed it gave her a headache. She had even punched him in the arm once over his "lack of consideration."

"There is no cure for what ails her," Kenshin continued, bringing Chihiro's attention back to him. "However, her need for her lover can be superseded by a higher calling."

"What do you mean?" whispered Chihiro, her heart lifting again.

"I mean I can replace her need for contact with the love-talker with a need to do something else. A duty she cannot ignore. This will maintain her will to live."

"You can keep her alive?" asked Chihiro, sceptical.

"I can," he replied firmly. "She will not be exactly the same as she once was, but while she lives there is hope for a cure." Kenshin glanced briefly to the sprite. "But if she dies then..." He left the statement hanging.

Chihiro's jaw clenched. She knew that he would not be offering her this hope for free.

"So, what do you want from me in return?" she asked. "You orchestrated this situation... You must have done it to get me into a position where I would be willing to listen to your offer."

Kenshin shrugged elegantly.

"I may not be able to harm you while you quest so diligently against me, but your companions are another matter." The mirthless smirk came back to his lips.

"I once said that the next time we met I would be accepting your unconditional surrender. Well that has turned out to be partly true."

Chihiro frowned, he certainly liked to play with words.

"You mean that if I don't surrender to you then you will let Linca die?" she asked softly.

"Yes," he replied simply. "I will also ensure your nygel will be trapped under that ice for a century. It is very simple for me to make ice that will not melt." Chihiro's heart stilled. The nygel had been a loyal companion to her. He did not deserve such a fate.

Kenshin leant forward. He rested his chin on his hands and his elbows on his legs. The grey eyes regarded her coolly. "If those facts do not sway you, think of my earlier words. I intend to return you to your mate." Chihiro tried not to react to this, but she felt her lip tremble slightly and her eyes mist. "The separation symptoms must now be getting very uncomfortable for you both. Just being in one another's presence again will ease all the anguish you feel."

Kenshin's smirk broadened and sharp white teeth peeped at her. For a moment he looked truly demonic. Chihiro shuddered. "A father should be with his mate when she is carrying his offspring." Chihiro's heart wailed at his words. He was right! Her mate should be at her side. But the cost? Kenshin held his head on one side, as if interested in the emotions that flickered across her face. "What can you do alone, little human?" he asked in a gentle tone. "You are without power and have no plan from this point forward. Did you even prepare yourself for our meeting?" A black eyebrow rose above his left eye in question.

"Of course I did!" Chihiro snapped, but her anger drained away almost instantly. It was pointless getting angry. She glanced once more at her sister. She knew what Kenshin said was no bluff. He would let her die if Chihiro did not give into him. He also had made another valid point. What did she do now? She had just wanted to get here, now that she was, what did she do? "This all went very differently in my head," she murmured. Chihiro could have sworn she saw a brief flash of sympathy on the face of her nemesis, or what looked like sympathy... His eyes still remained as cold and dead as iron.

"I am sure it did," he sighed. "Unfortunately, this is no fairy tale. There is no rescue; no-one is coming to aid you. There are lives riding on your choices. The lives of people you love. What is that when weighed against my plans for this world? You can save those you care about or continue with the idiocy you have been forced to follow and quite probably fail." His almond shaped eyes widened and she was treated to the full force of his cold stare. "If you do fail then both those you love and the faceless people you quest to save will perish. From a purely logical point of view, you have but one option." He sat back and his eyes narrowed, as if considering her. "Just because the heroine has faced many dangers and surmounted them all, does not mean she will succeed in the end. This is reality, where the kind and the courageous have to make decisions they would rather not."

Chihiro swallowed. Again, what he said was true. As harsh as it was, it was still truth. No one was going to save her. She had to do the best she could on her own. She moistened her lips.

"Are you willing to let me set the terms of my surrender?" she asked in what she hoped was a strong voice.

"I am," replied Kenshin in a neutral tone. "What are your terms?"

"Neither myself nor my companions can be harmed by you or your minions."

Kenshin merely nodded in agreement.

"You will treat any you take prisoner fairly and keep them in good conditions."

"I have no intention of imprisoning you," scoffed Kenshin. "You will be free to move around my home as you please. As will your sister. The water-horse will be set free. The desert is no place for such a creature."

Chihiro frowned. Kenshin must be either very confident in his abilities or just plain arrogant. How could he possibly think she would not try to sabotage his plans if she had the freedom of his home? Perhaps that arrogance would be his undoing? A small hope was rekindled within her. She may still be able to fulfil her quest after all! She tried not to smile. At times it was good to be underestimated. She continued to name her terms.

"You will release my mate..."

"That I will not do," he interrupted her sharply. "He is an integral part of my plan and I need to keep him from opposing me." Then his tone lightened. "I will let you visit him. When the spell is complete you will both have your freedom. I swear that on my own life." He gave her a hard look. "I know what you hope for, human. I am not being careless, I know you will not act against me within my home. Cling to your hopes if you wish, but they serve only to delude you."

"There is still a chance!" she thought at him defiantly. "Even if I can't think of something then Haku will! It is a mistake to let me see him! We can overcome whatever protection you have devised for your spell!" She was troubled, however, by the fact her nemesis was even considering her comfort. If she had been in his position she would have locked up her adversary and kept them guarded until the mission was complete. Even so, could she perhaps exploit the weakness he had for her, or was he deliberately letting her think that?

Outwardly she showed none of her thoughts and tried to copy his elegant shrug, as if dismissing his words.

"Do we have an accord?" he asked, raising both black eyebrows.

"Almost," she said, locking her gaze with his. "I want proof of your word. I don't trust you."

He actually laughed. It was not a pleasant sound.

"Very wise," he chuckled. He rose in a fluid movement. Chihiro remained seated, watching him warily. She scrambled to her feet when she realised he was moving towards Linca. The sound of his approach roused the sprite from her stupor. She turned to look up at him.

"You're pretty, but you are not him," she said blandly. Kenshin smirked.

"No, I am not him," he said gently. "But I know where he is."

The effect his words had on Linca was almost immediate. She jumped to her feet, completely unaware of the effect this had on her anatomy. Kenshin had the decency to ignore her state of undress. She clung to his chest, fisting the fabric of his tunic in her hands.

"Where is he? Can you tell him I love him? I'm still waiting here like he asked!"

"I can contact him," replied the spirit, lying so smoothly that Chihiro almost believed him too. "Whisper to me what you want to say to him and I will pass on your message."

The look of elation that covered Linca's features made Chihiro wince. The sprite rose onto her toes, shamelessly pressing her naked body against her would be errand boy. Kenshin bent his head so her lips could reach his ear. He rested his long fingered hands on her bare shoulders. Chihiro realised he had distracted Linca so he could hold her still. She felt a change in the air. She could almost taste the magic in the atmosphere. Her head swam and she had to ensure her feet were firmly placed. She felt like she would faint! There was a bright flash and Chihiro had to shield her eyes. The Tac'tal burned at her throat in warning. The spirit that had just cast a spell was incredibly strong.

When her vision cleared she saw Linca kneeling before Kenshin. She was dressed in a white, shapeless dress with a frayed hem that brushed her heels. It was the garb of servitude.

Kenshin spoke.

"Spirit, you abandoned your quest and abandoned your sister. For that I sentence you to a year and a day of servitude in your sister's name. The natural laws have accepted my judgement." He paused, glancing down at her in disgust. "As you are a weak creature and may try to escape this sentence, I add to this an extra condition. I remove from you all forms of communication. You will not speak, write or gesture in an effort to make yourself understood. I will not have you burdening your sister with your self inflicted sorrows. You will suffer with your addiction in silence and serve your new mistress's every whim."

"What are you doing?" cried Chihiro. "I did not ask you to..."

"She now has a purpose," said Kenshin, patting Linca's bowed head as if she was a valued pet. "She must serve you, therefore she must live. If I allowed her to communicate she would eventually persuade you into freeing her from her servitude so she can pursue her lover and feed her addiction. As she is now, she will serve with no complaint. This will keep her alive and close to you, despite her craving."

Chihiro could understand the logic of what he had done but that did not mean she liked what had been done to her sister. From this day forward until the servitude ended or Chihiro could find a cure, Linca would be an unwilling slave. Forced to serve when she yearned to find the man whom she craved. Chihiro comforted herself that Haku might have some insight into Linca's condition; he was very well read. Or even Yubaba might know something. Chihiro supposed she would be meeting the witch again soon.

This brought her thoughts back to her own situation.

Kenshin extended a hand towards her.

"I have saved your sister and accepted the majority of your terms. I have proven that I am honourable and will uphold my end of this bargain between us. Now, will you uphold yours?"

Chihiro pursed her lips. He had saved Linca. It was time to capitulate. He still held her mate and the nygel captive. She could fight no more.

"Discretion is the better part of valour," she reminded herself. "I have run out of options." She approached her nemesis and allowed him to take her hand. His skin was soft, but cold.

"I surrender to you," she whispered. Kenshin's face remained emotionless.

"Thank you," he said softly. "You have made the correct choice." He cocked his head and a chilling smile touched his lips. "This is worthless now, but I will say it anyway. I am sorry." Chihiro opened her mouth to say she did not care for his apology, but then the darkness descended. She felt herself fall, and she felt hands catch her.

"I am truly sorry," his velvet voice echoed in her ears. It was the last thing she heard before she lost all awareness.

Bonus chapter! But also I have some news

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