It had been four years since he told her to wait for him. Four years since she had last seen him, his retreating back the last thing she could remember about him. So she had waited. She had waited for him all this time, constantly wandering the roads, knowing that when he would come, he would find her, no matter where she was. She had seen her old companions a few times and they had recounted the time they had traveled together. None had seen him since he had departed. And in her mind, doubt began to grow. Would he ever come back? She had realized that the longer he was away, the more her heart deteriorated, as though she had an illness only his presence would ever heal. So there she was, crumpled in a heap in the forest, completely and utterly incapable of moving even a limb, fever running on her brow. She awaited death, wishing she had seen a last time the one her hearth desired. She was lying under a blooming sakura tree, unmoving, her shallow breath the only thing that could indicate that she was not dead yet.

It seemed to her weakening mind that a shadow was spreading over her, but of course, that could have been the night coming in. A soft sigh escaped her full lips and her chest constricted painfully. Death loomed above her, waiting patiently for when she would let herself go, but the young woman didn't seem inclined to abandon herself so soon. She had to wait, because he would come, or at least that's what she convinced herself of.

The shadow had not departed and it seemed that it would never leave. A soft voice whispered gently that she had to wait and hang on to life a little longer. The girl frowned and murmured the name of the dead man who was talking to her.

"Muramasa? "

"That's right, child, wait for him, he's not far," answered the man as gently as ever.

Beat beat. Beat beat. Beat. Beat. Beat…Beat…

Beat………

Urgent steps. Rustling sounds. Swishing garments. An aura flaring to life amidst the trees. A body moving faster than any human could possibly imagine. A body stopping beside another one on the ground and bending down. Lips murmuring softly a name. Lips against lips. Emerald meeting ruby at last. A smile. A whisper.

"So you came back…"

"I said I would, didn't I? I forbid you to die, stupid woman. You are my dogface, and only I can decide when you die. "

She smiled faintly and thanked him.

"I won't leave you alone ever again."

It was his way of saying he cared for her and she was used to it, otherwise she might have retorted something to his seemingly cold words. She knew he wouldn't leave her, for Onime no Kyo always respected what he said he would do. And under the blooming sakura tree, she finally began to heal in the arms of the fearsome killer who would always be there by her side to protect her, the demon she had grown to love and who loved her back.

It's been a long time since I've posted anything, so please don't be too hard on me. I accept flames, though, so whatever you think, Read & Review! Thanks.