I'm so tired. I'm lying up against the walls around a building, a dojo. I do not bother to look up at the people passing by me. My face is smudged with dirt, my long white hair turned a dull brown with the mud and grime I have become coated in. My stomach gurgles out its protest to me, telling me about how empty it was. It's been talking non-stop for a few days now. I struggled just to drag myself here and now I am resting against the wall, wanting only to fall asleep to never wake up. The snow is piling up, deep and cold to the touch. I cannot feel my fingers or my toes and the snow bites my skin like sharp needles. I try to regenerate warmth by curling up into a tight ball, hoping to keep in the warmth. "Hey look, Kaoru! Who's that?" a voice called out and someone hushed him. "Yahiko, don't get her attention. She's just another beggar waiting to take anything and everything we have. Don't make eye-contact and keep walking."
"Hello?" a voice questioned, both soft and gentle. I opened my eyes and barely lifted my head to look up. In front of me crouched a small man with long red hair and violet eyes. He smiled at me and I noted the scar on his cheek. "I-I'm sorry," I stammered, my voice raw and cracking from the lack of use. "I'll go find somewhere to stay. I didn't know this area was lived on." I tried to push myself up but my arms could barely hold, trembling with the strain, and I fell back down. "Let this one help you." I looked up again and he smiled at me, calmly and with kindness, and I was shocked into silence. With great care, the man picked me up bridal-style and carried me inside the walls and past a woman who watched with interested eyes. "You may not recognize me but I recognize you, Hitokiri Gin. Welcome to my home." My heart skipped a beat and I stared at him, unsure of what to say or how to react. I stared at his face, trying to read his eyes, and he let out a laugh, his eyes kind and caring. "Wh-who?" I started and he silenced me with a smile. "You once knew me as Hitokiri Battousai. Now, I go as Himura Kenshin." Battousai? Of course. I stared at him, my mouth dropped in shock as the realization of who he was washed over me.
"Do you still go by Hitokiri Gin or do you go by something else?" he asked as the background slowly changed from that of a hallway to a room. I hesitated, unsure if I should tell him or not. Finally, I squeaked out, " Akatsuki Ane." "You go by Akatsuki Ane?" he asked, surprised slightly. "Yes. But it does not matter. No one but you and I know my real name now." I felt myself being lowered and I was laid on a futon. Weariness overcame my body and I struggled to keep my eyes open. "It's okay. Sleep. You'll be safe with this one." I don't know why but something told me to trust him so I did. I closed my eyes and fell asleep.
