The Chosen Path
Chapter 3
-Hey peeps! Just a fair warning, this chapter will be kinda sad because it deals with Usagi's and Kenshin's pasts. Oh yeah, I don't know if I remembered this last time, but I don't own anything! Wish I did, hee, hee, but I don't! Anyway! Enjoy the chapter!
*************
"I-"
"I-" they began.
They laughed, breaking the tension.
"You go first." Kenshin smiled.
Usagi chuckled. "I suppose I'll start at the beginning then. Do you remember the last day we fought together?"
Kenshin nodded. "Hai. How could I forget? It was the final battle that began the Meiji era."
She continued. "Hai. After I assisted you in your escape, I chose to sharpen my skills a bit further. I spent most of my time extinguishing the remnants of the rebels that stood against our newly established government. I was sorely disappointed as I was never able to attain the same rush that I felt during the revolution. My skills only grew more well-sculpted and I was disappointed to find that few people required more than a moment to slay."
Kenshin frowned. "So it was in boredom that you left the military?"
She smirked. "Hardly. As you know, I was officially promoted to General directly following your 'disappearance'. I stayed with the military for about a year or two before I left to find something worth my time. While I was in the military though, I trained a small sector known as the Cobras. I think it was then that I befriended someone I believe you already know. Anyway, I grew tired of teaching and ventured into the past to search out any sword techniques that I had yet to master. I found several worthy masters and followed them for segments of time. After several years of learning I returned to being the master as I accepted the apprentice of a dear friend of mine from during the revolution. The young man was very intelligent, but better cut out as a scholar than a swordsman. I gave him a large purse of gold coins, telling him to use what little he'd learned from me to protect it and use the money for an education. It was about then that I decided to work out an education for myself as well. Through the government I was given free admission to several high-ranking schools that I enrolled in for three long years. I took a part time job as an assassin and fighter for hire. I took my life as it came, until about a year ago, when I came across the one thing that bound me to you forever." She handed him a jeweled dagger. Kenshin's eyes widened in recognition.
"That's the-"
"Hai. The same blade you used on me when we first met. I couldn't get you out of my head after I found it again. Every night I'd stare at the scar." She showed him her hand. A thin curving scar stretched from her palm to her forefinger. "I decided then and there that I had to see you again. I had felt like something was missing from my life ever since the war ended, something that I needed. Ever since I rediscovered the dagger this emptiness within me has been growing. You were what I missed, what I needed, so here I am." She smiled slightly at Kenshin's shocked look.
"You saved it after all these years?" he managed.
She nodded. "Hai. I guess I thought it was pretty or something. I used it to slash my cloak and left the thing behind at the university, leaving a trail of blood in my wake as I left through the window. Eventually I joined the military for several months to get a hold of your file. When I found out where you were I set out to track you down. It looks like all of my searching has finally led me to you again."
"Why did you come back?" Kenshin asked softly, gazing at Usagi carefully.
"Ne, I suppose out of boredom. If you'll recall, I was a shadow during the war."
He nodded.
"That suited me perfectly because I was able to fight anyone I so deemed worthy of my blade. Of course, over time, my skills have become so flawless that I am barely able to find the same enjoyment as I did during the revolution. Back then I fought for the thrill and eventually for the same purpose that you did. I suppose it became rather pointless to fight after a time though. But the feeling of the hilt against my palm and the gi against my back; I wouldn't give that up for anything. I loved the rush I got from physical combat almost as much as the weapons I wielded. Although I killed only the men who deserved to die, I kept myself ready to defeat anyone. The punishment of death is too powerful to bestow upon misguided men. There was never a time that I killed a man simply for the pleasure of it. I fought men, but very few were killed. Maimed and beaten, but not killed."
"But why?" Kenshin asked again.
"Why what?"
Kenshin frowned, giving her a look. "I know you far too well to believe that that's the only reason. You couldn't have changed that much. Why did you really leave the military?"
Usagi stared at him. "I don't understand." She finally stated.
Kenshin looked up at the sky, sighing heavily as memories flashed before his eyes.
"Back during the revolution. Back then you were like a war god. You never fought simply to taste the scent of blood in the air, or to defend your beliefs. You fought like an animal with a sense of uncanny justice. Never have I known you to trust a person without knowing them for a long period of time. You have always acted on instinct, killed not for the blood lust but for the purpose of disposing of evil men. Why did you suddenly decide to stop killing now? The scent of blood still surrounds you, demo...it's not the same as it used to be. It's been tainted." Kenshin sighed, looking at her in confusion.
"I grow tired of your words of the past Kenshin. The game of war has long since left me thirsting for the thrill of battle. As I was I could have never laid down the blade of my past. I changed very little over the years. That wild beast of a slayer that you knew is still held within my shell. I've only learned to tame it." Usagi stated darkly.
She sighed.
"It may bring you some comfort to know that I did come to you in the hopes of rekindling our friendship, but I'm afraid that I have also come with news of a rebellion against the Meiji government. You are correct in assuming that my blade has touched the flesh of an innocent. The situation was a slaughter of men and beast that could not have been avoided and, though I never meant to slay him, the boy jumped in front of my victim and the sword went clear through him and into its target. You know how I can get when I'm fighting. It's every man for himself and those that are foolish enough to step into my web will be sadly disposed of."
"You say it like it has no meaning. Like you've never felt guilty." Kenshin observed softly.
"You don't understand." Usagi shook her head. "I searched you out in the hopes that once we were reunited I could forget my curse."
"Curse?"
"The memories, Kenshin. The memories that haunt me night and day. The sins that shall never be purged from my memory. I have trained men to die. That is what plagues my mind every waking moment. I could have trained them properly and saved their lives, but I chose to let them perish because I was afraid that they would become misguided and turn into ravenous killing machines as so many did during the war."
"What are you talking about?" Kenshin stared at her confusedly.
"During my time as a General I trained the Cobras well, but I always left out the most important techniques, the most mind-boggling powers and tricks. They learned just enough to stay alive, but not nearly enough to defeat a powerful opponent such as myself. They all lost their lives after I left."
"I don't understand. I thought you said you trained them well enough to survive."
"I did. But you see, my apprentice, the one I told you about before, came looking for me and when my Cobras refused to tell him where I was...he killed them all."
"But that doesn't make any sense!" Kenshin was pale now. "I thought you said he was made out to be a scholar."
Usagi nodded sadly. "Hai, he was. Demo, he set a trap that my men fell into without realizing it. By the time they figured out what was going on they were already as good as dead. And do you know what?"
"What?" Kenshin whispered hoarsely, closing his eyes tightly. He was beginning to understand the pain that Usagi felt.
"As they died, their bodies skewered by my apprentice's blades, they cried out my name. Screamed for me to come and save them. Cried for me. Do you have any idea what it's like to know that over thirty men died on your account; for you?" her voice was filled with raw emotion.
Usagi gasped suddenly as Kenshin wrapped her in a tight embrace.
"Oh Usagi-chan," he whispered. "I'm so sorry that I wasn't there for you. When you needed me most I couldn't help you. I'm so sorry."
Usagi slowly allowed her hands to rest on his back.
"Kenshin-chan...It's alright. I was getting heavy there. And anyway, there was nothing you could have done."
"How do you know that?" he pulled away, staring straight into her eyes. "Even if for a moment, a single life could have been saved if I had been there. I should never have left you alone. Why was I so foolish? The curse of regret has been placed heavily on us both, but your burden is far greater than my own. If I had stayed behind...I could have at least spared you the pain of your tormented mind." He whispered.
Usagi shook her head, smiling sadly. "Kenshin-chan, fate has tried its hand at ruining us both. Destiny has played with us to it's greatest delight. But we've overcome them both. I've come to you a wounded woman. I am here to heal the wounds of my past. If they scar, they scar. I would never expect any less. Will you help me heal Ken-chan? Onegai?"
Kenshin smiled now, nodding. "Hai. And perhaps my own mental wounds will heal as well. Let's get to the dojo. I'm sure that you must be exhausted from your journey."
Usagi grinned, her usual light entering her dark eyes. "Hai! And Kenshin?"
He glanced at her. "You're still an idiot!" she giggled.
Kenshin fell over.
He stood up with her and brushed himself off. They headed toward the dojo, hand in hand, side by side.
And the tracks were not alone.
To be continued...
-So did you like that? The next chapter will be more fun. I just had to clear up Usagi's past so everyone understands her a little bit better. That way you won't like, freak when she says or does anything weird. Please review and tell me if you have any ideas for future chapters!
Chapter 3
-Hey peeps! Just a fair warning, this chapter will be kinda sad because it deals with Usagi's and Kenshin's pasts. Oh yeah, I don't know if I remembered this last time, but I don't own anything! Wish I did, hee, hee, but I don't! Anyway! Enjoy the chapter!
*************
"I-"
"I-" they began.
They laughed, breaking the tension.
"You go first." Kenshin smiled.
Usagi chuckled. "I suppose I'll start at the beginning then. Do you remember the last day we fought together?"
Kenshin nodded. "Hai. How could I forget? It was the final battle that began the Meiji era."
She continued. "Hai. After I assisted you in your escape, I chose to sharpen my skills a bit further. I spent most of my time extinguishing the remnants of the rebels that stood against our newly established government. I was sorely disappointed as I was never able to attain the same rush that I felt during the revolution. My skills only grew more well-sculpted and I was disappointed to find that few people required more than a moment to slay."
Kenshin frowned. "So it was in boredom that you left the military?"
She smirked. "Hardly. As you know, I was officially promoted to General directly following your 'disappearance'. I stayed with the military for about a year or two before I left to find something worth my time. While I was in the military though, I trained a small sector known as the Cobras. I think it was then that I befriended someone I believe you already know. Anyway, I grew tired of teaching and ventured into the past to search out any sword techniques that I had yet to master. I found several worthy masters and followed them for segments of time. After several years of learning I returned to being the master as I accepted the apprentice of a dear friend of mine from during the revolution. The young man was very intelligent, but better cut out as a scholar than a swordsman. I gave him a large purse of gold coins, telling him to use what little he'd learned from me to protect it and use the money for an education. It was about then that I decided to work out an education for myself as well. Through the government I was given free admission to several high-ranking schools that I enrolled in for three long years. I took a part time job as an assassin and fighter for hire. I took my life as it came, until about a year ago, when I came across the one thing that bound me to you forever." She handed him a jeweled dagger. Kenshin's eyes widened in recognition.
"That's the-"
"Hai. The same blade you used on me when we first met. I couldn't get you out of my head after I found it again. Every night I'd stare at the scar." She showed him her hand. A thin curving scar stretched from her palm to her forefinger. "I decided then and there that I had to see you again. I had felt like something was missing from my life ever since the war ended, something that I needed. Ever since I rediscovered the dagger this emptiness within me has been growing. You were what I missed, what I needed, so here I am." She smiled slightly at Kenshin's shocked look.
"You saved it after all these years?" he managed.
She nodded. "Hai. I guess I thought it was pretty or something. I used it to slash my cloak and left the thing behind at the university, leaving a trail of blood in my wake as I left through the window. Eventually I joined the military for several months to get a hold of your file. When I found out where you were I set out to track you down. It looks like all of my searching has finally led me to you again."
"Why did you come back?" Kenshin asked softly, gazing at Usagi carefully.
"Ne, I suppose out of boredom. If you'll recall, I was a shadow during the war."
He nodded.
"That suited me perfectly because I was able to fight anyone I so deemed worthy of my blade. Of course, over time, my skills have become so flawless that I am barely able to find the same enjoyment as I did during the revolution. Back then I fought for the thrill and eventually for the same purpose that you did. I suppose it became rather pointless to fight after a time though. But the feeling of the hilt against my palm and the gi against my back; I wouldn't give that up for anything. I loved the rush I got from physical combat almost as much as the weapons I wielded. Although I killed only the men who deserved to die, I kept myself ready to defeat anyone. The punishment of death is too powerful to bestow upon misguided men. There was never a time that I killed a man simply for the pleasure of it. I fought men, but very few were killed. Maimed and beaten, but not killed."
"But why?" Kenshin asked again.
"Why what?"
Kenshin frowned, giving her a look. "I know you far too well to believe that that's the only reason. You couldn't have changed that much. Why did you really leave the military?"
Usagi stared at him. "I don't understand." She finally stated.
Kenshin looked up at the sky, sighing heavily as memories flashed before his eyes.
"Back during the revolution. Back then you were like a war god. You never fought simply to taste the scent of blood in the air, or to defend your beliefs. You fought like an animal with a sense of uncanny justice. Never have I known you to trust a person without knowing them for a long period of time. You have always acted on instinct, killed not for the blood lust but for the purpose of disposing of evil men. Why did you suddenly decide to stop killing now? The scent of blood still surrounds you, demo...it's not the same as it used to be. It's been tainted." Kenshin sighed, looking at her in confusion.
"I grow tired of your words of the past Kenshin. The game of war has long since left me thirsting for the thrill of battle. As I was I could have never laid down the blade of my past. I changed very little over the years. That wild beast of a slayer that you knew is still held within my shell. I've only learned to tame it." Usagi stated darkly.
She sighed.
"It may bring you some comfort to know that I did come to you in the hopes of rekindling our friendship, but I'm afraid that I have also come with news of a rebellion against the Meiji government. You are correct in assuming that my blade has touched the flesh of an innocent. The situation was a slaughter of men and beast that could not have been avoided and, though I never meant to slay him, the boy jumped in front of my victim and the sword went clear through him and into its target. You know how I can get when I'm fighting. It's every man for himself and those that are foolish enough to step into my web will be sadly disposed of."
"You say it like it has no meaning. Like you've never felt guilty." Kenshin observed softly.
"You don't understand." Usagi shook her head. "I searched you out in the hopes that once we were reunited I could forget my curse."
"Curse?"
"The memories, Kenshin. The memories that haunt me night and day. The sins that shall never be purged from my memory. I have trained men to die. That is what plagues my mind every waking moment. I could have trained them properly and saved their lives, but I chose to let them perish because I was afraid that they would become misguided and turn into ravenous killing machines as so many did during the war."
"What are you talking about?" Kenshin stared at her confusedly.
"During my time as a General I trained the Cobras well, but I always left out the most important techniques, the most mind-boggling powers and tricks. They learned just enough to stay alive, but not nearly enough to defeat a powerful opponent such as myself. They all lost their lives after I left."
"I don't understand. I thought you said you trained them well enough to survive."
"I did. But you see, my apprentice, the one I told you about before, came looking for me and when my Cobras refused to tell him where I was...he killed them all."
"But that doesn't make any sense!" Kenshin was pale now. "I thought you said he was made out to be a scholar."
Usagi nodded sadly. "Hai, he was. Demo, he set a trap that my men fell into without realizing it. By the time they figured out what was going on they were already as good as dead. And do you know what?"
"What?" Kenshin whispered hoarsely, closing his eyes tightly. He was beginning to understand the pain that Usagi felt.
"As they died, their bodies skewered by my apprentice's blades, they cried out my name. Screamed for me to come and save them. Cried for me. Do you have any idea what it's like to know that over thirty men died on your account; for you?" her voice was filled with raw emotion.
Usagi gasped suddenly as Kenshin wrapped her in a tight embrace.
"Oh Usagi-chan," he whispered. "I'm so sorry that I wasn't there for you. When you needed me most I couldn't help you. I'm so sorry."
Usagi slowly allowed her hands to rest on his back.
"Kenshin-chan...It's alright. I was getting heavy there. And anyway, there was nothing you could have done."
"How do you know that?" he pulled away, staring straight into her eyes. "Even if for a moment, a single life could have been saved if I had been there. I should never have left you alone. Why was I so foolish? The curse of regret has been placed heavily on us both, but your burden is far greater than my own. If I had stayed behind...I could have at least spared you the pain of your tormented mind." He whispered.
Usagi shook her head, smiling sadly. "Kenshin-chan, fate has tried its hand at ruining us both. Destiny has played with us to it's greatest delight. But we've overcome them both. I've come to you a wounded woman. I am here to heal the wounds of my past. If they scar, they scar. I would never expect any less. Will you help me heal Ken-chan? Onegai?"
Kenshin smiled now, nodding. "Hai. And perhaps my own mental wounds will heal as well. Let's get to the dojo. I'm sure that you must be exhausted from your journey."
Usagi grinned, her usual light entering her dark eyes. "Hai! And Kenshin?"
He glanced at her. "You're still an idiot!" she giggled.
Kenshin fell over.
He stood up with her and brushed himself off. They headed toward the dojo, hand in hand, side by side.
And the tracks were not alone.
To be continued...
-So did you like that? The next chapter will be more fun. I just had to clear up Usagi's past so everyone understands her a little bit better. That way you won't like, freak when she says or does anything weird. Please review and tell me if you have any ideas for future chapters!
