Author's Note: This entry takes place when Kenshin and Kaoru are visiting Tomoe's grave and the aftermath. I had originally planned to add Hiko into this chapter but at the end decided against it as I felt it was not necessary or fitting to the chapter. Perhaps in the future I will write a chapter in this story collection or separately bout it.

Author's Note 2: I am fascinated by that chapter in the manga as Kaoru says her thanks to the woman she never met and Kenshin's own goodbye to Tomoe as he begins to move forward in his life. That hand hold at the chapter's end as he and Kaoru leave the grave says so much. A subtle gesture of love and moving forward without words.

Disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin.

Story 26, A Start to Something New

It did not take long for them to get to Kyoto from Tokyo, but Kenshin and Kaoru had kept up their energy enough for travel. They had gotten often the train and left the platform to purchase the necessary items. Flowers were in a bucket carried by Kenshin while Kaoru walked beside him to the grave.

As Kaoru stood in front of Tomoe's grave and knelt down to pray, she thought of a simple thank you to the woman she had never met.

'I believe you did protect me on that island. Had you not, I know I wouldn't be here at your grave to pay my respects. Which is why I say thank you. For protecting Kenshin and I. I know you were looking out for him too.'

Kaoru was holding his hand tightly as they walked through the streets of Kyoto. They planned to make a short visit to say hello to Okina and the other Oniwabanshu before they left later that afternoon. Holding Kenshin's hand felt right for Kaoru as they walked side by side towards their destination. His hand fit hers perfectly even through his bandages. Megumi had been concerned about what the travel would do to Kenshin's recovery but thankfully the swordsman was healing up nicely. Enough to make the trip.

'I better check on his wounds while we visit the Aoiya. They may have healed well but I want to make sure they are treated before we go.'

"Miss Kaoru?"

"Hmm." Kaoru looked up at Kenshin who was smiling brightly like at the grave.

"We're here."

Kaoru looked up to find that they had arrived at their destination and Kenshin let go of her hand as he led the way to the Aoiya. She had felt strange when he let go of her hand. A sense of loss.

'It's not though.'

Kaoru followed Kenshin to the front door of the Aoiya and was looking forward to seeing the Oniwabanshu again before leaving. She looked at Kenshin again and thought of his words to Tomoe at the grave.

"Thank you. And sorry. And goodbye."

'Are you finally leaving the past behind?'

Kaoru was unsure. So much had happened within the last month and a half to her and the others. The appearance of Enishi and his Jinchu had opened deep wounds in Kenshin, and while he had found his answer, there was still much healing to be done.

'We'll do it together though.'

It was a quarter to three when Kenshin and Kaoru arrived at the train platform to leave Kyoto for Tokyo. The visit with the Oniwabanshu had been pleasant and although they had offered a stay overnight, both Kenshin and Kaoru had declined. They wanted to get back to Tokyo as soon as possible and after Kaoru had checked on his wounds in a spare room at the Aoiya, they made their departure with good wishes to the Oniwabanshu.

Kaoru had stood on the platform next to Kenshin who sat on a nearby bench overlooking the tracks. The train would be here within fifteen minutes and both were looking forward to going home. Kaoru decided to sit next to Kenshin and moved the bento box to her lap as she sat down. The Aoiya was kind enough to give them some rice balls to enjoy on the journey and Kaoru made sure to place them safely on her lap.

"I hope Yahiko and the others are doing alright."

"I'm sure they are Miss Kaoru."

Kaoru smiled and held the box a little tighter. She used her fingers to fiddle with the cloth tie at top and looked towards the left side of her to see if the train was approaching.

"You are anxious for home that you are."

"Yes. Being away from the dojo for so long was a lot. I want to be back home quickly."

Kenshin smiled at her and then looked down at his feet. He felt a small pain hit his chest when Kaoru talked about being homesick. The memories and nightmares that plagued him of that time still haunted him. The painful memories of Tomoe, the doll that resembled Kaoru so much, and his time in the fallen village.

'How can I tell her about what happened? Should I?'

Since coming back from the island, Kenshin had been focused only on his recovery and trying to get well. Having Kaoru beside him once more, and alive, was making his healing quicker. Her smile and scent of jasmine was welcomed to heal his soul, damaged by his grief over her supposed death. When Kenshin stared at her, the only thing he could think about was how he could keep her smiling. It was her smile that he wanted the most. She had become the most important person to him and he would not lose her smile again.

Kenshin placed a hand over the one Kaoru was holding on to with the cloth tie. She had felt the touch and turned to Kenshin who was smiling with a twinkle in his eye. Everytime he looked at her it was with a new feeling in his soul. That she would be there with him always in the future.

'It's why I said goodbye to Tomoe. She's forgiven me, given her blessing to me, and I want to be with you Miss Kaoru. Always.'

End

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