"They're………" Kenji hesitated, realizing the potential impact of his words.
"Yes……… happy………" Yahiko said, his eyes lachrymose with grief and loss.
Kenji could only watch as Yahiko's attempt at putting on a strong front failed. No longer could he hold back the pain and angst in his heart. Even the smiles on their faces could not prevent the tears. Kenji, however, felt nothing. How could he feel anything towards a father he never knew and a mother he never truly loved? Kenji looked down at Yahiko, writhing in agony. Was this the same Yahiko who had defeated him, now crying over an undeserving man? To Kenji, not even his mother deserved sympathy. In his eyes, she was weak. She was weak for awaiting his return. She was weak………
Yahiko was emptying his heart of sorrow. Ever since Kenshin left, he witnessed Kaoru's deterioration. Day by day, the ache within him grew. He was no longer a boy, but he wished he were. He wished for the freedom to cry when one felt like it. He had to remain strong, however. He could not afford to let anyone see him cry, especially Kaoru. Now, he did not care about the consequences. He had been through enough torture and suffering. For the first time in many years, he felt relief. A burden had been lifted, a burden he had never expected to bear. As a flashback of Kaoru's smile illuminated his mind, the tears continued with no end in sight.
Megumi was still waiting in the dojo, her hand clasping her heart in anticipation. "What was the stupid girl thinking, running off like that." Megumi thought that Kaoru cared too much for Kenshin to impose any physical strain on her frail body. All she could do was wait for Yahiko and Kenji to return………
Original Creator: Nobuhiro Watsuki
Please read with all your heart, the story of Rurouni Kenshin: Distance