Chapter 3

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"I still can't believe you'd destroy the dojo, Kenshin."

Yahiko was sitting next to a very sore Sojiro who was rubbing his head. Kaoru's reaction hadn't been what Sojiro had been anticipating, and his aching reminded him of this.

"This one didn't do it on purpose, Yahiko, but merely underestimated the effect of the move." Sojiro smiled weakly.

"Kaoru doesn't seem to think that. She's so-"

Suddenly, Sojiro watched as the world turned black, plunging him into its darkness. The darkness was everywhere, and it seemed to be alive. What's happening? Sojiro thought frantically.

You have come to me. Finally. The voice was cold and echoed throughout the night.

Who are you?

One you know well. That is of little importance. Look about you and learn.

Sojiro felt himself turn around. The light from the scene before him blinded him as he looked, but the effect was temporary. Beholding what he saw, Sojiro gasped. It's….

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Kenshin rested, his body curled up tightly, about five feet from Isuzu. For the first time in a while, he was in a deep sleep, Sojiro's katana pulled close to his chest. His flickering eyes beneath his eyelids were the only sign that he was dreaming.

Kenshin stood in darkness, silent and foreboding.

What's happening? A voice echoed through the black.

You have come to me. Finally.

Who are you? This one sounded like himself. It's Sojiro! he thought.

One you know well. That is of little importance. Look about you and learn.

A light flashed, and Kenshin was looking up at himself. The other Kenshin stared down at the crumpled Kenshin on the ground, obviously recognizing him as more than Sojiro. The Kenshin standing above smirked, and a transformation began to take place.

Kenshin watched himself as his scars faded, and his hair grew shorter, until it was pulled up into a high ponytail and his face was unmarked, making his golden eyes stand out. Battosai.

Did you really think you could trust Isuzu, Kenshin? You're weaker than I thought. Do you not remember your days as Hitokiri Battosai?

Kenshin shook his head. It's not that. This one has no reason not to trust her. She has not proven hostile in any way.

Yet. Need she prove that she is?

Suddenly, Isuzu appeared next to Battosai. She looked frightened, but at the sight of Battosai, her fear turned to anger.

Remember this, for it shall come to pass, Kenshin, Battosai informed him.

With that, Isuzu charged Battosai, a wakizashi in her grasp. Battosai easily avoided her, and struck with his katana, but the blade was blunt, and the blow merely glanced off of her, providing her with the perfect opportunity to strike. The wakizashi pierced Battosai's skin, lodging itself in his chest, just above his heart.

Kenshin could do nothing but stare in horror as Battosai died before him. No, Kenshin thought. Not Isuzu-dono. No.

If you don't do something, this shall come to pass. Battosai spoke, though his dead face didn't move. Now get out of my realm, rurouni scum.

Kenshin felt himself falling back into the darkness and finally hitting the ground where he slept.

Gasping for air, Kenshin tore open his eyes. He shivered, breathing heavily, and noticed he was covered in a cold sweat.

Looking over to where Isuzu dozed, Kenshin found himself placing a hand on the katana and drawing it. Walking over to her, Kenshin stared down at the sleeping girl. He studied her, and was suddenly hit with a scent. The scent of Hakubaiko.

Falling back quickly, Kenshin sheathed the katana and placed his hands out to catch him. What fresh hell is this?

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Sojiro watched as the other Sojiro stared off into the distance, clearly talking to someone. What's Himura-san up to?

Suddenly, Sojiro heard a noise behind him. Turning quickly, he beheld someone of years long gone by.

Floating before him was a beautiful woman, wrapped in a silver kimono. Her hair was swept back into a knot upon her head, and the shawl she wore around her shoulders matched the ivory pins used for this style. Her eyes were beautiful deep blue pools that bore into Sojiro's soul.

Mother.

It's me. It's been a long time since I've seen my son, but I never thought I'd see him in another's body. Her eyes glittered with this remark. I died when you were quite young, Sojiro, and I will never forgive myself for that. I saw what they did to you at that home, and I beg forgiveness.

It's all right, Mother. Why do you come to me now?

She reached out to hold his hand, her voice shaking. Well, I hate to alarm you, Sojiro, but I think I have to. This curse Makoto Shishio has set upon you is, well...how should I put this? Sojiro, if you can't figure out how to reverse this curse, you and the man whose body you are in will die.

Sojiro gasped. Surely not? I'm aware that Shishio was angry with me, but to wish me to die?

He's new around the realms of the dead and doesn't know just what is caused by his actions. He doesn't know the consequences of what he thought was a little prank spurred by revenge.

Shaking his head, Sojiro asked the question that had been nagging at him. How long do I have?

When at last his mother spoke, her voice was calm once more. No more than a week. Perhaps less. You must use the time you have right now. The other man is being instructed, as far as I know. Unfortunately, my time with you is over. Goodbye, son.

A bright light filled his vision.

I loved you, Sojiro.

I wish I could say the same.