CHAPTER 11. The Elite's Finale

The sun was up. It's heat scourging… penetrating to every individual that walked on the streets of Tokyo.

They were silent. All were engrossed in their own thoughts… all were worried of their own thoughts. Yahiko is worried that he might be forced to pick up a real sword and that it will destroy the new principle that he already started and lived upon. Sanosuke is worried if he could make it out the upcoming battle alive. He is already a father and a husband and he loves his family so much: these are facts that needed careful consideration. Kenshin walked silently and calmly as always though his mind is also filled with anxiousness. What awaits them at the assassins' lair? He doesn't want to lose any of his children. Kenji is still so young to see violence. Miyako is a daughter that he had lost all this time. Soujiro's thoughts were basically consumed with worry about the woman walking alongside the Battosai. Needed not to be repeated, he loves Miyako much and his worry is concerned on the truth that he might not be able to save her on the time she might need him the most. Miyako looked down, her thoughts are about the upcoming battle. She doesn't want to bring death to anyone accompanying her… not to Yahiko… not to Sanosuke… not to her father… and certainly not to Soujiro. She closed her eyes and silently prayed that if there is God just like Shogo told her that He hears her now and spare her friends and family from death. Her thoughts were temporarily disturbed when she felt her father's hand on her left shoulder.

"We're here," Kenshin said.

Miyako looked at the dojo that once she considered home. She can almost hear her heart raced as mixed emotions began to overwhelm her.

"Soujiro," Kenshin called, "did you remember the exit?"

"One on the right end, Mr. Himura," Soujiro replied seriously.

Sanosuke, to relax himself, spat, "let's get in and get the party started."

Yahiko smiled and opened the gate.

They were greeted by a woman with a smile. Soujiro closed the gate behind him.

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"I see you brought some allies, white plum," The woman gave them a stare with a mischievous smile not leaving her. She was leaning on one of the pole of the dojo peeling a green apple with one of her tantos.

"Who is she?" Yahiko asked Miyako.

The woman smiled, "I will introduce myself, kiddo," she said then took a bite on the apple as she held the dagger with her right hand. With a swift movement, she directed it to Yahiko. The latter, though shocked, managed to block the dagger through receiving it with his wooden sword. The woman chuckled, "Call me Yoko… the assassin expert with tantos of the house of the black blood," she said then tossed her apple away and expose her 12 daggers that are tied on her waist.

Yahiko, feeling challenged stepped forward.

The assassin grinned evilly, "I like your attitude kiddo… but…"she said and looked at him with abasement. "… do you think I'm a dog that you brought a stick to defeat me?" she said then laughed.

"It is not with the weapon that a swordsman is called a swordsman but what is in his heart," Yahiko replied.

Yoko laughed more, "you amuse me little one… but then again… you challenged me so prepare to die," she said and raised her left brow.

Yahiko made his stance. Yoko narrowed her eyes and swiftly released three daggers towards Yahiko's direction. Yahiko released three quick slashes and successfully blocked the daggers but he was surprised when Yoko immediately attacked with another. He might have blocked it in the end but not entirely. He felt sore in his left shoulder. It was bleeding. Yoko spun around and caught her other three daggers with her hands and quickly placed them on their place on her waist.

"We're only starting… yet you're bleeding already. Wipe yourself up," she insulted.

Yahiko wiped the blood with his hand and made his stance again. Yoko waited. Yahiko grew impatient so he made the first move. Yoko shook her head and grabbed six daggers placing them in between her fingers so she looked like she has claws.

Miyako couldn't stop herself. She knows the next move. Yoko calls it the first step of the dance of death. She readied herself to draw her sword but Sanosuke stopped her.

"What do you think you're doing, missy?"

Miyako looked at him with eyes filled with seriousness, "it's the first step of the dance of death."

Kenshin smiled, "you have to trust Yahiko on this. He will finish the fight."

Miyako put her hand down and looked. Yahiko's attack is full of flaws. She can actually manage to kill him by attacking into the spaces exposed during his attacks. She knows Yoko is aware of it. Miyako watched as Yoko waited for the right timing and when Yahiko is near enough, she performed her technique. She spun around with her arms stretched. As she does the blades made a contact on Yahiko's flesh. She finished her first routine with a slash on her opponents back. Yahiko because of the impact was hurled off the tree nearby. Yoko laughed.

"I told you I'm not a dog."

Miyako drew her sword. "Stop it already. I am the one you wanted."

Yoko glared at her, "as much as I want to end your life. I was tasked to eradicate the allies you recruited. Starting with that kid. Watch as your friends die one by one," she said then took her other six daggers. Now, she has twelve claws.

Miyako was about to attack but Sanosuke stopped her for the second time, "it seems that you do not know the first rule on a duel."

Miyako looked at him confused. He chuckled, "as long as the fighter lives, you are not allowed to substitute."

Miyako grudgingly put her sword back to her sheath and looked at her father, "are you not going to stop this?"

Kenshin did not answer but looked at Yahiko. The young man stood up.

Yoko laughed, "now the final step of the dance of death," she said and made her formation.

Yahiko pointed his sword on her direction. Yoko began her technique. It was so graceful, that one wouldn't recognize the danger of it. As time sped up so are the steps of the dance of death. Yahiko though weak and tired alerted himself. He waited… patiently… carefully looking at the amiss of the technique. It was perfect, yet he figured out how to make it imperfect. When the claws were near him. He intentionally attacked on her left hand directing toward the daggers. She laughed and stabbed his sides with the other six tantos.

"Yahiko!!!" he heard Sanosuke yelled. But Yahiko has plans. He twisted his wooden sword and to Yoko's shock, all of the six daggers went with the sword. Yahiko using the opportunity whacked the woman on the neck with the sword. Yoko dropped on the ground unconscious.

Yahiko looked at them as the other four rushed to his side for support.

"Are you okay, Yahiko?" Soujiro asked with voice full of concern. He put Yahiko's right arm around his shoulder.

Yahiko smiled, "do I look okay to you, Soujiro?" he asked and put his right hand on his six stab wounds.

Soujiro smiled at Yahiko's response while Kenshin checked the young man's wounds, "it isn't deep," he said as he tied a garment around it. "Just hold it and stop it from bleeding and you'll survive," he said.

"Since when are you a doctor?" Sanosuke asked Kenshin. "Are you secretly seeing my wife?" he added jealously.

Kenshin adorably (hahaha) scratched his head, "Now, now Sano… of course not. Miss Megumi is a friend to me… I am married to Kaoru… you know that very well…" he tried to explain himself.

Miyako giggled but after a second, both her and her father stopped and became serious.

"Is something wrong?" Sanosuke asked.

"Look out!!!" Soujiro said and grabbed Miyako by her waist and directed her to the sides so she will not be a victim of the coming blow. But after that, he fell due to the heaviness of the now, unconscious Yahiko and the added weight of Miyako.

Kenshin quickly dodged the attack by a high jump. But Sanosuke didn't. It was a huge concrete wheel thrown at them. However, due to his reflexes Sanosuke caught it with his right knuckles and he smirked. He performed his secret technique, thus crushing the concrete wheel into fine dusts.

"Amazing…" a well-impressed voice, told him.

Sanosuke grinned and blew off the dust left in his knuckle, "you impress easily… you haven't seen it all." He said then looked at the opponent with challenging eyes.

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The man continued to laugh and caught a glance of Yoko lying not too far away unconscious; "wow… you actually did that to Yoko?" he said amazed.

Sanosuke crossed his arms, "not me. The little dumb man over there," he said then tilted his head to the direction of Yahiko, Miyako and Soujiro who had already managed to stand up, still supporting the unconscious Yahiko by his shoulders.

"You mean the sleeping one?"

"Uh-huh."

"Well, at least Yoko gave him a hard time," he said then smiled at Sanosuke again.

"What's with you guys and the smiling?" Sanosuke remarked annoyed. "If you try to use that to make me go easy on you… you have the wrong guy to trick… but… if you're trying to use it to annoy me… it is pretty much working. And you don't like me annoyed," he said and ended it by giving a punch on his open left hand.

The man grinned, "good. Now, you present a challenge," he said and narrowed his eyes. He drew his sword as he introduced himself, "I am Nashi, the Wakizashi's lightning and thunder… of the house of the black blood." He said and ended on his stance.

Sanosuke, "I don't really care. I am Sanosuke Sagara and you will remember that name once this fight is over." He said and attacked with his right hand clenched and ready to punch.

Nashi grinned, "as you wish," he said then delivered a number of swings and slashes in the air.

For some reason, the air pressure on the slashes and swings made, hindered Sanosuke from penetrating. Instead, the pressure was so strong, it ripped the bandages on his waist, ripped some part of his shirt, made small cuts on his body and in the end threw him off on the wall.

"That is the lightning… Mr. Sanosuke Sagara. See, I remembered your name." He said.

Sanosuke laughed and stood up. He might be in tremendous pain due to the impact but he will not allow it to show that he is weak. Never!!! "Is that all you've got?"

Nashi sneered, "Impressive."

Sanosuke chuckled again, "I told you not to impress easily." He said then stood up straight. "Are you ready for the second round?"

Nashi placed his sword on a horizontal position covering his chest and the blunt side of it atop of his open left palm. "Ready if you are."

Sanosuke attacked again like the same time-- with his right knuckles on the air ready to deliver a powerful punch.

Nashi slightly pushed his sword with his left hand and delivered a quick slash forward, followed by several swings in the air. For the finale, he delivered a strong push in the air that made a loud sound throwing Sanosuke to the wall's direction for the second time. This time it literally incapacitated his right knuckle. It is bleeding terribly.

Miyako clenched her jaw.

"Don't think about attacking," Soujiro told her.

"I won't. I trust…" she said then looked at Sanosuke, "…unc…" she said hesitantly, "… uncle Sano."

Soujiro smiled and looked at Sanosuke.

"That is the thunder." Nashi said.

Sanosuke shook his head, "lightning and thunder," he said and stood up, "what are you a weather report man?" he said then smirked. "If weather whatever is what you want, I'm gonna give you a storm." He said then attacked again.

Nashi narrowed his eyes, "Now the lightning and the thunder together," he said then with a scream, he made several slashes and swing again and created a pressure.

"I don't care about your lightning and thunder being together. I told you I'm gonna give you a storm and here it comes!!!!" he yelled and swirled his left knuckle and punched the pressure hard. The vacuum seemed strong and unyielding. Nashi laughed. "Don't you laugh at me you buffoon!!!" he said then punched it hard again. The vacuum remained solid. Sanosuke grew more and more challenged. He clenched his right wounded and bleeding knuckle and together with his other knuckle he made a punch and a quick maneuver wrecking the vacuum into pieces. His punch landed on Nashi's sword. Sanosuke smiled, "Now this is a storm," he punched and the sword broke. "And my name is Sanosuke Sagara!!!" He said then delivered an uppercut to Nashi. Nashi's body fell with a thud on the ground face first.

Miyako smiled and rushed to Sanosuke and hugged him, "I know you can do it Uncle Sano," she said.

Sanosuke chuckled, "Oh I know you doubted a little bit," he said then let go off the embrace. Now, let's get in," he said then led the way inside the dojo.

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In contrast with the light outside, the inside of the dojo that greeted them was very dark and eerie.

"Kakashi…" Miyako uttered.

Soujiro placed the sleeping Yahiko on the floor and massaged the back of his shoulders, "what do you mean?"

"Still afraid of the light, Kakashi?" Miyako asked.

They saw a match fell down and sooner candles that surround them were lighted one at a time.

"How did he do that?"

"My name is Kakashi," a man in a gray cloak appeared. His countenance exudes danger. His eyes are currently closed, his head bowed and his arms crossed. His sword handle visible on his waist, " I am the shadow of the dark night… of the house of the black blood."

"So you are the next one…" Sanosuke said readying himself.

The assassin sneered and looked up with eyes opened, "I challenge Soujiro Seta."

"Are you afraid with my punches?" Sanosuke commented.

"Not at all," he began. "My challenge is personal and you have nothing to do with it broom-head. I'll deal with you later if that is your wish," he said seriously that somehow silenced Sanosuke.

Soujiro scrunched his forehead but he stepped forward with his hand ready to draw his sword.

Kakashi glanced at Miyako, "Watch at how I will end the life of your love, white plum."

Kenshin looked at Soujiro. His hunches about the possibility of a disturbed relationship between his daughter and Soujiro proved to be true. As a father, he somewhat is a little concerned.

"So it's you…" Soujiro said.

"What do you mean?" Sanosuke asked.

Kakashi chuckled, "he knows I was the one who retrieved Miyako from him," he then pulled out his sword.

Soujiro tried to read the mindset of his opponent, however the only thing that the aura was exuding is danger. That's it… nothing more. If he couldn't read his opponent, he might as well give him the same burden. He smiled innocently and made a stance. "Whenever you're ready Mr. Kakashi," he said in a blissful tone.

Kakashi chuckled and attacked. Soujiro quickly drew his sword to deliver a perfect Bato-jitsu but to his shock the man disappeared. He heard a whisper. "Behind you." Soujiro immediately spun behind him but as he did so, he received a blow on his face. The handle of Kakashi's O-dachi made contact with him. He slides back. Once his concentration was back on the duel, Soujiro felt something leaking from his lower lip; he touched it and saw that it was blood.

Kakashi smiled at him mysteriously. He couldn't read him. He smiled again at Kakashi.

"You are trying hard to disclose your emotion from me," Kakashi began, "but what you do not know is that I know your emotion too well. You cannot hide it with your smile. You cannot hide the burning passion inside of you to protect Miyako and that is your weakness… your emotions…" he said.

Soujiro closed his eyes. What will he do? He opened his eyes again and attacked. He heard Kakashi laughed, he was near him already but his eyesight blurred and he vanished, then the last thing that he saw was a blade making a swift movement towards his eyes. He quickly made an effort to dodge it but he didn't succeeded completely. Blood were dropping quickly on the top of his eyelids and the blood is blinding him. Knowing that he couldn't see, Kakashi delivered a punch on his right cheek. Soujiro was thrown off with his back on the floor. He lifted his right hand but the blood is gushing…. He couldn't see!!!

"Stop!" He heard Miyako.

Kakashi chuckled, "if you can stop me, go ahead Miyako."

Soujiro closed his eyes. He will not allow anyone to hurt her. He then remembered the night before she left and her letter in the morning:

My dearest Soujiro… Please forgive me for leaving you. I love you…However, I chose this path... Maybe I missed being an assassin… maybe you were wrong about me. … I beg you to forget me… live on and be at peace and happy at all times… The past months that I spent with you were my happiest… Goodbye my Soujiro… Goodbye…

She is not going to bid him farewell again. With his sword, he stood up. He will not allow anything to happen to her, "Stay back Miyako, this is my fight," he said. Soujiro put back his sword on its sheath. He led his hand on his sleeves and tore a piece of garment from it and tied it around his eyes. HE concentrated on the environment around him. He was before an expert assassin. He prepared his footwork to do his Tenken.

"Are you ready to die?" He heard Kakashi said.

Soujiro didn't answer but waited patiently. He sensed someone moved to his right, he smiled for his blindness allowed him to see the emotion of his opponents heart. Kakashi's heart is full of hatred and disappointment, mostly about his unrequited love for Miyako. Soujiro began his Tenken and disappeared in sight.

Kakashi was shocked he roamed his eyes back and forth and was surprised when a sword made its way to his back. He felt the pain. Kakashi backed off. "H-how did you?"

"I once had a comrade that is blind. I watched and listened to him in his techniques. He often said that he always hear innocence in my heart… the dangerous kind. I used the same principle, I listened to your heart… you were in great pain and hate… mostly with your love for Miyako," Soujiro said then removed the piece of garment on his eyes. The bleeding stopped. He could see now that the slash he made was very fatal. "I could help you with your slash. It's not that fatal…" he told Kakashi.

Kakashi looked at Miyako with every pain in his eyes, "What for?" he said then took his O-dachi and readied to stab himself with it.

"Don't be a fool Kakashi… you know you can start anew," Miyako found herself telling him.

"Goodbye my love," he said then stabbed himself. Miyako looked away.

Kenshin walked beside Miyako and tapped her shoulder, "it wasn't your fault."

Miyako nodded her head, "there are two more assassins," she said then led the way to where she knew the two were waiting.

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"Aren't you scared little one?" Azumi asked Kenji. The poor boy was tied to a pole nearby.

"NO ma'am. I am not." Kenji replied bravely.

"Leave the boy alone Azumi, they are on their way." Ryu said.

The door opened and in came the five--- Three of them, not in a good condition to fight.

"Papa!!!" Kenji said with a smile.

"Shut up, little one!!!" Azumi said.

"Don't tell my brother to shut up," Miyako replied sternly.

Azumi smirked, "Miyako…"

Miyako retaliated with a smirk, "Shall we?" She said then stepped forward.

Azumi chuckled, "My pleasure…" she said then took a sword from the shelf nearby. "But tell me dear, what are you going to copy? Just like you, I am not a master of anything."

Miyako drew her sword and made a stance, "Don't worry about me Azumi, I can manage," she said then shrugged her shoulders.

"Aren't you scared? You know very well that I am the secret weapon of the black blood…" Azumi attempted to taunt her.

But Miyako knew better, "I should ask the same question. You know very well that I am everyone's weakness."

Azumi chuckled, "Don't flatter yourself much, Miyako. I know exactly what you can do. And I know your limits." She said and narrowed her eyes.

"Enough with the introduction, let's begin this fight," Miyako said and attacked.

Azumi laughed. She knows what Miyako is trying to pull. Miyako's first attack is a simple gesture forcing her opponent to show his/her technique. Azumi, once seeing that Miyako's sword is nearing, received it with her sword and quickly blocked it. They were in the center with contrasting force.

"I know what you're up to…" Azumi said.

"I know you do," she said then put her right foot forward and spun to land a slash on Azumi's back. However, Azumi's words prove to be true, she read the movement long before it was executed; therefore, she had the advantage and delivered an upward slash prior of Miyako's attack… on her open position. The duelers seceded.

"Come on now Miyako, don't disappoint me," she said and pointed on the cut she created on Miyako's upper body that cut off her cloak and some pieces of her assassin clothes.

Miyako shook her head and stood up straight. She closed her eyes. When she was an assassin she was very certain and confident on her movement but now… now… that she wished to put down her sword, she felt nervous and unsure of herself. She opened her eyes once more. Azumi is waiting for her to move. The assassin was holding her sword downward with her freehand on her waist.

"Ready?" Azumi asked.

Miyako took a deep breath. She ran to her with her sword upward. Azumi shook her head again and was about to retaliate with a swift movement when Miyako changed her hold of the sword, bended her knee and released a swing upward.

Azumi's eyes widened, "Yamamoto." Because she is a skilled swordswoman herself she managed to adjust a wrong angle but the pressure was so strong that it broke both of her sword and Miyako's Machi-Okuri. Azumi smiled, she still has the advantage, and so she turned around and delivered a high kick to Miyako's sides. Miyako was thrown off the table nearby and destroyed it.

"Miyako!!!" Kenshin, Sanosuke and Soujiro shouted in unison.

Miyako stood up slowly. She is clueless of what to do next. She closed her eyes.

"Miyako…" Kenshin called her. She did not respond. She remained immobile, "clear your mind…" Kenshin added.

Miyako opened her eyes and looked at Azumi. Is she ready for another fight? She closed her eyes once more but stepped forward. As she does, she remained in thoughts and in consideration of his father's words. True, her mind is full of hate… hate for those who mercilessly killed her mother… regrets… for ever holding a sword… pain… for finding her father and knowing that he didn't knew she existed… love… for Soujiro… worry… for her future and guilt… for all the lives she killed. Unknowingly, her eyes began to shed tears.

Azumi seeing Miyako walked towards her with eyes closed and that the latter appeared to be in an emotional turmoil, reflected. Is she faking it? Azumi readied her final attack, her wrist. Miyako still kept on walking towards her. Seeing that she is so unstable, Azumi scoffed, "let's put an end to your misery." She said and ran to meet her, when she was at a proper angle on Miyako's sides, she turned so she could face the woman's back. She led her hands to Miyako's spinal cord and was about to break it with a swift hand movement when her hand received a blow. She gasped upon realizing it was the sheath of Miyako's sword. Miyako then caught her hand and pulled it to her and with her other free hand she traced the Azumi's spinal cord and with a swift hand movement, she pulled it. The breaking sound was heard and pushed it back. Azumi dropped on the ground gasping for air. Miyako opened her eyes and saw Azumi on the floor. She looked up and saw Kenji looked at her with such a dreaded expression. She looked away.

Ryu stood up, "so this leaves the two of us Miyako," he said threateningly.

Miyako looked down. She doesn't want to fight anymore. Ryu drew his sword and attacked. Miyako didn't move. If death is the way to repent all of the things she had done in the past then so be it. She closed her eyes and was ready to accept her death when she heard a clashing sound. She opened her eyes and saw a sword with a reversed blade near her neck contrasting the force of Ryu's Moroha which is directed to her throat. She looked on her side and saw her father's determined and serious face. Then, Kenshin successfully pushed his opponents sword away. Ryu backed off a bit.

"Soujiro, take Miyako," Kenshin said without breaking the stare he already gave Ryu.

Soujiro heeded to Kenshin's direction, he took Miyako out of the way.

"Battosai…" Ryu said and made his stance, "to whom do I owe this great pleasure of a fight with you."

"No one…" Kenshin replied in a quiet, serene but scary (sexy) voice. "…I wouldn't allow you to hurt any of my children again," he said then narrowed his (lovely) amethyst-colored eyes.

Ryu attacked. He has a speed that matches Kenshin's speed. Their movements almost the same. Ryu indeed has a dragon style but so is Kenshin. They have equal strengths. When Kenshin attacked with a Doryusen… Ryu countered with the same blow on the ground but called it a different name. Still, Kenshin didn't wish to forfeit. Many times, he fought for the government… many times, he fought for his friends… but this is the first time that he will fight for the safety of his children… and he will not fail.

Kenji looked worriedly as his father struggle to survive in the fight. He looked at his long lost sister and saw that she is teary eyed.

Miyako saw as her father defended her and was moved by the passion her father gave. All those efforts were for her and Kenji…. For their safety. She readied her sword in her wish to help her father but Sanosuke, Soujiro and the now awake Yahiko stopped her.

"Trust him…" they said.

She does trust him. She just doesn't want him to get hurt. Ryu and Kenshin both are wounded and bleeding… they are both in the verge of losing their strength but they kept on. Then finally, they seceded.

Ryu smiled, his intention is to kill the battosai and to be made known throughout history as the man who killed the legend. That is what keeps him moving on. On the contrary, Kenshin struggle to survive for his family and he knows that those that awaits him… that those who need him… will be his strength.

The battle is now the end technique versus the end technique. Ryu readied for his final attack called the dragon's fire. Kenshin readied for the Amakakeru Ryu Hirameshi (if I'm correct). Then in the center they gave it all.

"Papa!!!!" Kenji shouted as he saw the impact.

Miyako couldn't look. She immediately closed her eyes.

There was silence for a moment. No one moved. Then they heard Kenshin spoke.

"Soujiro, the police will be here any moment. You know what to do."

Soujiro nodded and pulled Miyako to the exit door. Miyako need not to ask why… she already knows. As they went to the exit door, she glanced at Ryu. He was on the ground unconscious… with a huge, ugly scar on his chest.

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By the distance, Miyako saw how the police squad raided the place and came out with the three living assassins in their handcuffs and the two dead bodies on a stretcher. They saw Saito in the distance talking to Kenshin, Sanosuke and Yahiko.

"Let's go back to the Kashin dojo," Soujiro told her.

Miyako shook her head, "I need to go somewhere first."

"Where?"

"To the place where all of these began…" she said and closed her eyes and a tear escaped from her right eye. She immediately wiped it and stood up. "Tell my father, I'll be back in the end of the month." She said then walked away.

Soujiro smiled. He knows that she needs to find her inner peace again so she can start all over… just like him. He watched her as she disappeared from her sight. Once she was gone, he walked towards the Kashin dojo. He will not leave that place until she's back. Whatever it takes, he will wait for her.

CHAPTER 12. Sayuri Himura

Miyako opened her eyes. It is her last day in her mother's hut. She needs to go back to Tokyo to her father… just like she promised. She stood up and took one of her mother's favorite kimonos that happened to be preserved by time. It was a simple white Kimono. She smiled and went to dress herself with it. After which, she went to her mother's burial place. Her neighbor told her where Tomoe was buried and she went everyday to pay her respects. This is the last day.

She opened a bottle of a white plum perfume and poured it to her mother's memorial stone. She closed her eyes and remembered the happy eight years of her childhood with her mother and for some reason she felt a thorn lifted from her heart. She opened her eyes again and smiled, "goodbye mother. I will always love you," she said then turned around and walked away.

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Kenshin was walking a snowy trail… on his hand was the sash of his beloved Tomoe... He couldn't understand… he looked up. He saw footsteps… footsteps he knew very well were Tomoe's. He followed them until he reached a shrine. He went inside and saw an iris in bloom then he smelled white plum.

"Thank you, Kenshin," he heard Tomoe's voice. He spun around and saw her.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

Tomoe's spirit smiled, "it is not important anymore. Take care of Miyako… goodbye." She said then vanished.

Kenshin felt a tear flow down his right cheek so he stood up. He smiled; somehow he knew where the state of his heart is… AT PEACE. He looked at his wife and carefully stood up to go outside. He passed by Kenji's room and checked if he disturbed the sleeping boy, Kenji moved but maybe feeling that the presence was his father, continued on his sleep. Kenshin walked to the end of the dojo and saw Soujiro sitting on the wooden floors staring at the stars above. He went to him. Soujiro smiled upon seeing him.

"What were you thinking?" Kenshin asked as he sat down.

"She will be back tomorrow."

"Yes, and Saito will be here too."

"Mr. Himura, I love your daughter. I wish to marry her. Yet, I know that as a father, who never knew he has a daughter, you want to spend more time with her… and I respect that Mr. Himura. I will wait, no matter how long it might be."

Kenshin smiled and mysteriously said, "good."

Soujiro was expecting more than just 'good'. He looked down.

"Are you willing to labor for her?" Kenshin asked again with a mischievous plan running to his mind.

Soujiro looked at him seriously, "yes sir, I am."

Kenshin shrugged his shoulders. At long last, someone will the do the laundry for him. "laundry, maybe?"

Soujiro nodded.

"Let's see…" Kenshin put his hands on his chin. "You said… you could wait… even how long it may take."

Soujiro nodded again but prayed silently that it will be more sooner than later.

"Ten years?" Kenshin (cutely) taunted him more.

Soujiro's face saddened but still he nodded.

"I am just kidding Soujiro. Give me two years to spend time with my daughter then you have my blessings…"

Soujiro smiled and bowed, "thank you sir."

Kenshin chuckled, "but you need to build her a house or at least buy her a property."

Soujiro looked at Kenshin and said, "I will… that I promise you…"

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The next day, everyone was busy preparing for the return of Miyako. Aoshi and his family came to celebrate with them. Megumi and Kaoru are busy cooking. Kenji, Yahiko and (the poor) Soujiro were cleaning the dojo.

"After that Soujiro, fetch some water," Sanosuke ordered knowing the deal Soujiro had with Kenshin.

Master Heiku, who was apparently there to celebrate too, shook his head. "Poor boy, being a slave to stupid people."

"Hey watch it grandpa!!!" Sanosuke said.

"Soujiro," Heiku called.

"Yes sir," Soujiro replied.

"After you finished with your errands, buy me some Sake…" Soujiro nodded. "…but…" Heiku added "… with your own money."

Soujiro scratched his head. He has no choice but to obey. These people are going to be his in-laws in two years. He smiled and nodded and went back to his work.

"And you said…" Sanosuke was about to say something.

"Hey… broom-head. At least, I am making sure that my granddaughter doesn't end up with a broke man like my stupid apprentice here," Heiku cut him off.

"Master…" Kenshin said.

"Shut up stupid!!!" Heiku told Kenshin. Ayo who happened to hear what her uncle Kenny, Father and Master Heiku are talking about giggled.

"Hey kiddo. You're not in the proper age to hear this. Go back to your mother," Heiku told Ayo.

"Don't be mean to my daughter," Sanosuke said displeased.

There was going to be a debate coming when the gate opened and in entered Saito, finally with a woman beside him. He introduced her to them as his wife.

"Finally… I saw your wife… it's about time," Kenshin joked when the men were separated from the women.

"Here is the document you requested," Saito said and handed it to Kenshin.

Kenshin opened it and smiled after reading.

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They waited a little while longer until the person they are expecting arrived. She opened the gate and was surprised when Kenji rushed to her and hugged her. Her brother held her hand and led her to the group. Megumi, Miyako, Kaoru and the other ladies present there smiled at her.

"Soujiro, enough with the household chores, come and look who arrived," Kenshin called.

Soujiro wiped his forehead and blushed after seeing Miyako. He longed to rush to her but he knows that the overly protective father figures that are present there are guarding his actions. He controlled himself.

"Welcome home, Sayuri," Saito greeted her.

Everyone looked at him surprised, "Sayuri?" everyone asked.

Kenshin stood up and gave the document to Miyako. Miyako opened it and saw that it is a new birth certificate of her stating that her name is Sayuri Himura. That her mother is the late Tomoe Himura and her father is Kenshin Himura. "I don't understand…" Miyako said.

"Miyako Yukishiro, though I staged her death is still a murderer as considered by the government and by the family of the victims she killed. On the other hand, Sayuri Himura is a simple girl living with her father peacefully," Saito told her.

"Besides, it is a new beginning. Let us all start anew," Kenshin added.

Sayuri couldn't help but smile, "thank you," was all she had to say. Tears fell from her eyes as a sign of joy… at long last…. She has a family… A family who cares.

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That night while Miyako is resting under the cool, dark night, Kenshin approached her.

"Sayuri…" he called.

Miyako smiled. She is Sayuri now. "Yes… Mr…"

"Father…" Kenshin corrected.

"Father…" Sayuri repeated.

"You have so much of your mother in you," Kenshin began.

"I miss her," Sayuri said.

"We both do," Kenshin looked up on the stars. "I am so sorry about not knowing you… but I promise you that I will make it up to you… that I do."

Sayuri closed her eyes in happiness, "Oh father…" she started to sob. She was overwhelmed. Kenshin put her in his embrace.

"I love you, Sayuri. You are mine… my daughter… I will never let any harm come to you…" he said.

Sayuri remained in her father's embrace. She has longed for that all her life. Now, it came true. It felt wonderful… now she has someone to protect her. He might have been late but he is here now…

Seeing to it that his daughter is still crying, he lifted her chin and teased, "Soujiro told me something."

Sayuri forgot all about her father-drama and blushed. Kenshin laughed at his daughter's reaction.

"He told me, he loves you and he would want very much to marry you…" Kenshin said smiling… His eyes showing a hint of mischief. "Do you love him?"

Sayuri blushed more. She doesn't know how to respond.

"Do you? Because if you don't then I could… well… tell him to leave."

"Don't…" Sayuri heard herself saying.

"Don't? You don't love him?" Kenshin asked with every intention to tease.

"Father…" Sayuri heard herself whining.

"Yes…"

Sayuri sighed, "I do love him and I will marry him."

"Good…" Kenshin said.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Now… now… Sayuri… do not be surprised if you see your Uncle Sano, Yahiko, Aoshi. Master Heiku, me and even Kenji being mean to Soujiro or treating him as a slave…"

"huh?"

"Now… all of these are just tests… to see if he can endure… If he can… then he really loves you. And we all love you so we will make sure that you will marry someone that will not hurt you…" Kenshin said and smiled.

Sayuri laughed and gave her father a great big hug.

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A week passed by. Miyako was used already of people calling her Sayuri. She never held any more swords. Instead, her Auntie Megumi taught her to cook and sew and do things normal women do.

"Hi…"

Sayuri looked to the direction of the voice and saw Soujiro standing. She blushed hard. She quickly looked down to hide it, "Hello…"

Soujiro smiled and sat beside her, "I told your father about us."

Sayuri smiled and nodded, "he told me about it."

"Two years… after that will you marry me?" Soujiro asked her and bent down on his one knee and held her hands.

Sayuri looked up and noticed that it is full moon and that there are only few stars on the skies. She looked back at Soujiro again. His eyes were hopeful… Hopeful and full of love.

"I love you Miyako Yukishiro… I love you Sayuri Himura… and I would not lose you again…" Soujiro said.

Sayuri chuckled, "possessive much…"

"Can you blame me?"

Sayuri shook her head, "I understand… I am really that beautiful…"

Soujiro chuckled, "now… now… now… aren't we so confident?"

Sayuri giggled.

"Back to my question," Soujiro said seriously and sincerely, "will you marry me?"

"You already made arrangements with my father…"

"I know… but will you marry me?" Soujiro persisted adorably .

Sayuri looked into his eyes and whispered, "I love you… and I will never marry any man but you. Yes, I will…"

Soujiro was about to bridge the gap between them and kiss her but someone cutely disturbed the magical moment.

"Papa!!!! Soujiro is trying to kiss Sayuri," Kenji yelled and not later than two second, All of the father figures scolded Soujiro while pulling him away from Sayuri.

Sayuri couldn't help but giggle. Kenji winked at her.

FIN