Self
"Will I still be me afterward?"
The moment she whispered her question, she wished she hadn't. It was a terribly weak, childish question; she didn't want to seem ungrateful for the chance he offered. The last thing she wanted to do was imply that there was anything wrong with spirits, or that she had any objection to becoming a spirit herself.
"Yes, Kaoru-dono." Kenshin's arms tightened reassuringly around her. "In a way, you will be more yourself than you ever have been."
She wasn't entirely satisfied with this answer, but was too drained to kick up much of a fuss. He meant well, even if he was being somewhat cryptic.
"Forgive me, it was not my intention to be cryptic."
Had he read her mind, or had she said it out loud?
"A potter digs his clay from a riverbank, slakes it, and strains it. Then he shapes the lump into a vessel, dries it, and fires it. When the task is done, the impurities are gone and it has a new form, but it is still made out of clay." Kenshin shifted her slightly, letting her head fall against his shoulder. "There is nothing to fear, so rest now."
She wondered, idly, if mind control was among his powers. As he carried her up the mountain, the swing of his steady stride soothed her fevered mind, and soon she was asleep.
A/N: Originally, I really really wanted to write a Kenshin/Kaoru romance. But their love in the manga/anime (to me, anyway) is such an understated, slow-growing, and deep love. I didn't think my grasp of the characters was quite enough for a romance-centered fic. Also, it's impossible not to love the other members of the Kenshin-gumi. So next time, perhaps.
Thanks to all those who've reviewed and followed, and to all those who are simply reading! The support is addictive and encouraging, and it keeps me wanting to write more.