Author's Note: This story collection will be coming to a close within the next three to five entries in order for me to continue other projects. For this entry, I have a bit of Aoshi and Misao as they remember their fallen friends and comrades, post-Jinchu.

Disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin.

Story 25, Remembrance

Aoshi Shinomori was relaxing in his meditation at Aoiya, trying to concentrate. For the past week he had been struggling to meditate and pray. Before he could handle this practice well, but lately not so much. The winter season was upon them and Aoshi could feel the chill in the air coming into town.

'It's more than that though.'

It had been almost two years since his friends had died in a brutal ambush by Kanryu. There were still times where he experienced nightmares about what happened. He could still see the blood and hear the sounds of the gun.

Aoshi shook his head and placed a hand on his forehead. 'I thought this would end at some point.'

Aoshi then decided to get up and leave his spot for the kitchen. 'Maybe some tea will help.'

Arriving in the kitchen, Aoshi grabbed a tea kettle and began the preparation for the tea. He looked out the window and saw Misao training. She was practicing her dart throwing with each one landing in the center. He smiled at her improved skills.

Aoshi placed the tea on the stove and waited for the kettle to whistle. He decided to sit in the dining hall which was quiet this time of year. 'Strange that I've come back here after all these years. I only wish that the others could be here now.'

It had been a year since Aoshi and Misao had buried the other Oniwabanshu, but in doing so it had caused pain. While Aoshi had managed to find his sanity again, he wanted the others to be here. He could imagine Hannya chasing after Misao for being a but reckless. 'He always looked out for her and guided her.'

Aoshi heard the tea kettle whistle then and went to the stove where he made some ginger tea. It was not a favorite of his but it would do. As he sat in the dining hall surrounded by the silence, he sipped the tea and allowed the hot liquid to run down his throat.

'The tea is warm like Hyottoko's fire breathing. He could probably warm up this day with how cold it's becoming outside.'

Hyottoko was always a towering presence due to his side and his camaraderie with Beshimi was a good match. 'Both of them connected in a strange way.'

Thinking of Beshimi made Aoshi recall his fast and swift pace. 'He may not have been a perfect fighter, but he could move with great speed.'

As Aoshi sipped his tea he thought of Shikiro. 'A great hand to hand expert and loyal.'

Aoshi stopped drinking his tea and listened to the silence once more. He found that thinking about his friends brought back fond but painful memories. He wanted them here now to see how much had changed. How he had changed.

"Lord Aoshi! Hey!"

Aoshi turned around to see Misao walking in from the kitchen, her cheeks slightly flushed from the cold air.

"I see you're having tea. Perfect for a day like today."

"I see you're not dressed warmly."

Misao looked down at her outfit and knew he was referring to her shorts and short-sleeved shirt. She smiled and rubbed the back of her head. "I still feel a bit warm when I go outside."

"Just be sure to dress warmly next time. I understand your training is important but so is health."

"Yes Lord Aoshi. Do you mind if I join you for tea? I could use something hot."

"The kettle should still be warm. I hope you won't mind ginger tea."

"Not at all."

Aoshi and Misao now found themselves sitting at a table in the dining hall enjoying their tea. It was quiet and simple, just the two of them. Misao, however, noticed that Aoshi seemed restless.

'Something's been on his mind lately. It has to be what happened with the others. It's been a year since we gave them a proper burial.'

Misao sipped her tea and placed down her cup. She looked at Aoshi who was staring at his cup in silence. "I miss them too."

Aoshi's face tweaked and he looked at Misao. "It's hard not to think about them."

"For me too. I miss Hannya the most. He was always looking out for me when I was young."

Aoshi sipped his tea as he listened to Misao. She stared at him, unsure of what to say and then sipped her tea. When she placed the cup back down, she smiled at Aoshi. "I would have loved it if I could show them how much I've improved in fighting. I bet Hannya would be impressed."

"I think he would."

Misao smiled and sipped her tea. She and Aoshi continued to speak about their fallen friends who were still with them in their memories. When Aoshi returned to his meditation later that day, he found it easier than before. Talking about his comrades and friends had helped ease the tension he had felt all week.

'I will remember you all but continue on. Maybe not as the strongest but as something else. There's still much to do at the Aoiya.'

End

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