The Beginning
As Tsubame's cries faded away, Kenshin's thoughts began to roil. Unbidden memories flooded his mind, and as he found the strength to stand, he understood.
He knew what it meant now to live, to atone. He didn't know why he'd never seen the answer before, because it had been staring him in the face for at least months if not years.
Broken chains trailed behind him as he strode forward on unprecedentedly sure footing. As each torn link fell away, his answer solidified in his mind. It had always been there, on his mind and completely in the power of his hands.
It was his power to protect, his prerogative to fight for those he loved or that needed his help that spurred him onward in this life and ultimately influenced his choices in it. That was why Kaoru's death had sent him spiraling into despair; he'd failed, again, to protect that one person he'd throw down his own life for without hesitation.
He realized now, his mind as fresh as newly fallen snow, how the real tragedy was not her death, but his hopelessness. Giving up would not bring her back.
But going after her would.
And right now, Yahiko needed him.
That was enough to send him into a hard and fast sprint, away from Rakuninmura and a past of self-abandonment.
Like that night in the fight against Jin-e, Kaoru was once again the one to help him return to being the man he wanted to be.
After expressing their gratitude and saying their good-byes at Tomoe's grave, Kenshin offered her his hand.
And the fact that she took it with a shy, happy smile meant so much more than it seemed.
If only to hold her hand for one more day, or just to see her smilng so, he knew he'd do anything. Rising from the filth of his fallen away past had been only the beginning. He made himself a new vow in that moment, that he'd learn to stand by her side and live the life he'd always meant to. They both already knew it would be a struggle. But, Kaoru was everything he needed her to be, and more. If she could forgive him, and smile for him, he just knew that he'd find his way.
As the days went by, and things changed, Kenshin was glad that some things never did.
Kaoru never stopped smiling, it seemed. And even when he knew she did it for his benefit alone, he appreciated the chance to make it worth her while.
She was his wife, after all, and he saw it as his job to make her just as happy and secure as she made him. In many ways, Kaoru was more than his love and his life, as if that weren't already enough. She was also a part of his redemption.
With such unwavering support that she gave, and so many reasons to live, his vows and beliefs could remain strong. As his ability to wield Hiten Mitsurugi deteriorated, his immersion in Kamiya Kasshin and its healing teachings increased.
The life of battles would go on. But that was all the future he needed.
A/N: I definitely recommend checking out "The Beginning" by ONE OK ROCK! It's a great song :). Thanks for reading!