Sorry about not updating! Lots of stuff going on and it's finally slowing down for us...hopefully.

PLUS, I didn't really like the direction I was going the first time I wrote this chapter so I re-wrote it and I like it much better!


Anyway, read on and enjoy!


Disclaimer: Not mine. OOC.


^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^


The Reunion

Chapter 11: Okaasan's True Past


^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^


Okaasan took a few deep breaths, eyes closed as if she were meditating standing up. The group waited patiently, her previous words silencing any comments they would have made, stilling any protests that could creep up.


Now, I need to tell you what really happened during my search for Shinta.


Rather ominous and very attention grabbing. She opened her eyes and exhaled one last deep breath.

She started right into her story without any preamble.


"After I regained my strength, I started off on my search. I would go to every house I saw, asking for any information they could give me. It was agonizingly slow for a mother looking for her child, but I pushed on. However, I wandered a bit off course one day. I got lost and no matter how hard I tried I couldn't get back on track. There were no houses, no people, no water to follow, nothing. It was winter and snow began to fall. I went to sleep one night and never woke up."


Everyone stared at her, wondering what she was trying to say. Finally, Sanosuke voiced the question everyone wanted answered. "Are you telling us you're dead?"


Okaasan sighed. "I knew this wouldn't be easy. But please listen and try to have an open mind. It's true that while I am solid flesh and blood right now, I'm not exactly alive anymore. I did die that night in the forest. When I awoke, I was in a lovely white room. Everything was white. The bed I was in, the walls, the curtains hanging from the windows, all of it. I even realized I was wearing a new kimono that was all white. A woman entered the room and welcomed me to the after life. It was surreal and I almost laughed at her, but then I noticed she wasn't touching the ground. She was floating. It was amazing. So, for years I watched my son grow up from the celestial realm. I saw everything happen to you, love."


Kenshin was close to tears. He thought his mother was still alive, but come to find out, she's not really alive. He didn't know what to think, but he didn't like where he thought this might go.


"Shinta, I didn't want all of you to know about this. I know it's hard to believe, but it's the truth. I was hoping I could just do a little match making and everything would work out. Listen, I was able to see where your future would lead in the celestial realm. In the direction you all are taking now, all that's waiting for each of you is pain and sorrow. Should you allow yourselves to love each other, it's a very different story indeed."


Misao whistled. "Don't you think that's kind of a harsh reality to just drop on us all of a sudden? Especially Kenshin?"


"Dear, I know it is hard to accept and I can understand if you are mad at me. But, I don't believe in sugar-coating the truth. It's easier just said outright. The truth and pain are the same either way. You just prolong it with pretty words." Okaasan smiled gently and Misao nodded in understanding.


Aoshi caught Akino's gaze. "What do you mean by seeing our futures?"


Akino giggled and gestured to the white cloth. "I can show you what has been and what will be. I'm not exactly supposed to do it, but in extreme cases I can bend the rules a bit. And may I say, this is an extreme case. Perhaps I can clarify things by telling you why I'm here."


Kaoru shifted to make herself more comfortable. "Please do because I'm really confused right now."


"Alright. In the after life, you can watch your loved ones as they continue their lives. It's either a blessing to see them flourish or a curse as some of them suffer without you. I had mixed emotions while watching Shinta. He was a strong young man with solid ideals, but he was miserable in the way he made his dreams reality. It was tough to watch. But when he came here, his life brightened considerably. Good friends, a place to call home, a daily routine. Life was coming together for him. But, he made a detrimental mistake after Enishi.


"I was so curious as to where his life was headed, so I peeked into his future and saw two paths he could take. One, was to admit his love for Kaoru and live happily ever after and the other was to do as he is doing now, and live in misery. After lots of pleading and begging with the authorities in the celestial realm, I was allowed to come down here and set the lot of you right. It wasn't just Shinta I could see, all of you were less than happy. I'll just put it that way."


"Are you sure this is a good idea, Okaasan?" Megumi twirled a lock of hair nervously.


"I know it's not supposed to be done and it will spoil some future surprises, but it has to be done so all of you will be happy. Now, I'll only show you what you need to see. Sit back and relax.

Enjoy the show!"


A puzzle of colors appeared on the sheet and everyone gasped in surprise. It all came together and Kenshin and Kaoru were standing watching the fireflies just before he left for Kyoto.


^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^


A/N: I know, I make you wait and then it's a short SHORT chapter. But, I'm just planning to revise the next chapter and post it tomorrow. So, no long waits! Please review and let me know how you like this one. It was either, she knew magic, or this. I kinda like this one better. Only because the magic one was coming out REALLY cheesy. Not that this is my best work, but it's better than the other one. Anyway, please review! Hugs & Kisses!