Author's Note: Well, here's the big moment and another step towards the future. I just had this picture of Kenshin going to Tomoe's grave to get her blessings before he asked Kaoru to marry him and since it is May 14th, I pictured him proposing among fireflies, just as he had said good-bye the previous year. Thanks for all who have read and especially those who have reviewed.

Glossary of Japanese words and terms:

Tenshi—Angel

Aishiteru—I love you

Gomen nasai—Sorry (formal)

Hai--Yes

CLOSURE

Kenshin and Aoshi walked wordlessly back to the Aoiya and as was the case when one was silent, both men's minds were full of ponderings about the words exchanged at the shrine. Kenshin felt himself drawing to a crossroad, and felt as well that necessary decisions needed to be made yet in his heart there was with the anxiety, a peace that permeated him heart and soul. And he was feeling that nothing would give him greater joy than to share this peace with his koishii, Kaoru.

Aoshi himself was filled with a sense of wonder at the transformation that came over the man who had defeated him with amakakeru ryu no hirameki when he was in the depths of bitterness and fury that had him in league with the demon called Makoto Shishio. Himura had then reached into the dark boiling pit that had been Aoshi's soul and shone a sliver of pure light that broke through the dank darkness like a crepuscular ray breaks through the clouds of a storm. And now his light was appearing to be purified by the words of the Christian faith, a faith that was new based on the hope of sins forgiven. It was a concept that held a hope that reached him and caused a hungering in him as well.

They entered into the Aoiya and were immediately greeted by their respective objects of affection as Kaoru and Misao were the two that they first saw. The girls came forward to receive their men eagerly.

Misao danced before Aoshi, causing a tenderness to enter his heart at the sight of the tiny girl that was blossoming into womanhood right before his eyes. "Aoshi-sama, it's so good to have you back, did you have a good morning of prayer?"

Aoshi's eyes sparkled although his expression remained impassive. "Hai Misao, I did."

Kaoru approached Kenshin and asked, "Kenshin, I'd like to speak privately to you if I may?" Her earnest expression caused a trickle of concern in him.

Kenshin nodded smiling, "Of course, Kaoru." She made her apologies to Misao and Aoshi then led him down the hall. He followed her into an empty room and slid the shoji closed, stood and waited for her to speak.

"Kenshin, I know you've had a reason we've traveled all around Japan these two months and I've agreed to come without truly knowing the reason why. Yet, at the same time as I've sensed us getting closer, you still keep yourself shrouded in secrecy and refuse to share what is troubling you. And it appears you made arrangements for us at Hiko's and now here. Something feels very strange and I feel like I'm totally in the dark about it. So I'm asking, what is happening?"

Kenshin closed his eyes and sighed deeply as he realized the time to tell Kaoru everything was drawing near. She had every right to be annoyed but as he opened his eyes, all he saw was a pleading in her eyes, a difference from her usual fiery and demanding temperament. But the time was not right just yet.

"Forgive me, Kaoru. All will be clear to you shortly, I promise, just bear with me."

Kaoru sighed impatiently. "All right, Kenshin. But I warn you, you'd better come clean with me soon or I'll head back to Tokyo alone. I've been away from my dojo long enough."

Kenshin agreed, "Hai. Let's go inform our hosts that we have somewhere to go now, that we do." And he took her elbow with quiet authority as they exited the room.

Back in the parlor, Misao was nearly in tears as she sat with Okina and Aoshi and relayed her faux pas with them.

"I almost told Kaoru-chan about Himura's plans before he did, I'm so, so sorry!" She bowed her head down in shame as she mentally chastised herself Stupid, stupid, stupid! Himura would have had my hide if I had spilled the beans before he had asked Kaoru to marry him. Sometimes I'd like to glue my mouth shut.

Okina reassured her gently, "Calm down, Misao-chan. You didn't and there's no harm done. Kaoru-san knows nothing and you needn't be so upset."

"But she suspects something, I know it! Oh, I'm so impulsive and should think before I speak." She began to sob as tears streamed down her cheeks from her teal eyes in crystal rivulets down her ivory cheeks. A deep yet compassionate voice silenced her sobs.

"Misao," Aoshi said quietly. "You worry unnecessarily. The Battousai is ready to declare himself presently." He then reached and with a soft hand wiped away her tears.

Misao gazed at her Aoshi-sama in gratitude and love as the moment was interrupted by the entrance of Kenshin and Kaoru. The couple drew up to those residents of the Aoiya seated and bowed.

"Okina-sama, Misao-dono, and Aoshi, Kaoru-dono and I have a short journey to take here in Kyoto so please excuse us," Kenshin stated.

Misao shot to her feet and protested, "But you just got here, don't tell me you're leaving already!"

Okina rose as well. "You haven't eaten yet and we insist that you at least dine before you're off again."

Kaoru glanced at Kenshin, as she said, "Kenshin, couldn't we at least eat first, then go?"

Hunger gnawed at his stomach so Kenshin relented, "Aa. We will eat first then be on our way. But we will return later, that we will."

Misao hopped excitedly as she grasped Kaoru's arm. "Oh I'm so glad! I want you to stay for a while with us."

Kaoru laughed at her friend's bounding enthusiasm. "We'll stay a while but not too long. I have to get back to my dojo and Yahiko and Sanosuke must be wondering when we'll return."

The meal was served and all sat and ate, chatting pleasantly about light subjects as Misao studied Kenshin and Kaoru who as usual were seated side by side appraisingly as if she were trying to figure something out.

Aoshi caught her scrutiny and admonished, "It is very rude to stare, Misao."

The young ninja sputtered, her cheeks pinking with a blush as she stammered, "I-I wasn't staring!"

Kaoru hastened to her friend's defense. "I didn't notice you staring, Misao," she said brightly.

Aoshi stated bluntly, "She did and my apologies for her lapse in manners."

Misao lowered her head in shame, as her blush intensified. There was an awkward silence as Aoshi closed his eyes and Kenshin and Kaoru rose to leave.

"Thank you for the meal but we must be going, that we must," Kenshin said as he took Kaoru's elbow. "We'll be back later so do not worry."

Kaoru bowed and thanked the leadership of the Onewabanshuu for their hospitality. "Arigatou," she said and then she and Kenshin left.

They walked through the center of the city and toward a wooded area not far from Lake Biwa where the sound of the birds serenaded them. It was late afternoon but the sun was still high in the azure sky, surrounded by puffy white clouds. Kenshin led Kaoru over to a group of flat rocks that overlooked the lake. The two sat and watched as swans and ducks swam across the mirror surface of the water, leaving rippling trails behind in their wake.

Kaoru sighed softly as a sense of anticipation came over her as she waited for Kenshin to speak. When they had left the Aoiya, she got the strong and certain feeling that the flame-haired samurai had something pressing on his mind. Yet he remained as reticent as he had been all along, just the determined light in his violet eyes giving notice of his intention.

Kaoru felt as Kenshin took hold of her right hand and it sent involuntary shivers up her spine in spite of the spring warmth. "Kaoru, I have several things to say to you, that I do."

"Hai, Kenshin?"

Kenshin took a deep breath and went on. "I'm sure you've been wondering why I've asked you to accompany me on this trip around Japan to certain places that I've or we've gone. And I'm going to tell you, that I am."

Kaoru waited and as if time itself stood still, the noises of birds chirping and even the wind rustling the leaves on the trees halted as he began:

"Kaoru, it's been a over a full year since that night we met as I wandered into Tokyo after ten years of traveling throughout Japan. That's a night that will remain in my heart for as long as I live."

Kaoru nodded, a lump in her throat as she agreed, "Me too."

Kenshin continued, "Before that night, I spent ten long years as a rurouni, with no home, no family, and no friends. I distanced myself from all people believing myself to be too tainted and wicked a person to associate with those who might have been the families or friends of the ones whose lives I took. I lived in the constant probability that I would find someone who wanted to avenge their loved one's death. I despised myself so that I felt that I didn't care what happened to me as long as I could protect the weak so I fought any and all who would chose to oppress them and destroy their peaceful lives. I spent many nights in the deep wilderness, with only my dark thoughts to keep me company."

Kaoru sat there listening to what she had waited so long for him to share. Her heart pounded as it constricted in compassion for his lonely journey, isolated from all human contact as he anguished inside for the lives he took. She gazed at Kenshin as he stared ahead in the distance and she could see that he was still carrying the burden of guilt.

"Kaoru, I've lived my life these nearly thirty years from one extreme to the other, seeking atonement and forgiveness for the many, many sins I've committed. I've truly believed that by helping those in need, I could erase the stain of my sins. But I realize that all I did these ten years, was nothing more than an act in total futility."

Kaoru's eyes widened in shock as she saw a strange light enter Kenshin's eyes. Yet she shook her head vehemently as she cried, "Oh Kenshin, that's not true. You've done so much to help people and you saved Japan when you fought Shishio. It was not futile."

He shook his head. "Maybe not, but those things won't wipe out the fact that I took too many lives." He reached in his sleeve and pulled out the small black book that had become like a talisman to him. "But reading the words within these pages, I have realized that true forgiveness and repentance can be obtained by following Christ."

Kaoru's eyes trained on the former assassin in rapt interest as she whispered his name, "Kenshin."

"I've made a decision for my future and for our future, so I want to accept Christ and receive true forgiveness for my sins. I want you to experience it with me, but it must be your decision entirely, I will not force you to do the same."

Kaoru saw the earnest and quiet steadfastness in Kenshin. It was apparent that he had been deeply touched and subsequently affected by the words in the bible, for he had been seeking atonement for his prior life as an assassin that took lives so ruthlessly. Yet the times he shared the words in the book that seemed to shed the light to split his inner darkness, she too found comfort and an ease of the ubiquitous loneliness that had been her companion since her father's death. Her heart was lightened by the promises within and the fact that the bible was another thing that she and Kenshin could share was drawing her even more. She smiled a serene smile that caused her eyes to shimmer with the crystalline veneer of unshed tears.

"I know that the words you've shared with me from that book have brought you great peace and for that I am grateful. And I want you to know that I support any decision you make that brings you to a point of going forward. I too have seen the hope in the words you've shared with me from that book, and that has brought me a freedom as well, freedom from the fear of being left alone."

Kenshin smiled as he squeezed her hand. "It says in here that Kami-sama will never leave us or forsake us. These words are hope filled words, that they most certainly are."

Kaoru nodded as she took a deep breath. "So what do we do next?"

Kenshin replied, "It says here in Romans that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. We confess with our mouths and believe in our hearts, I'm ready to do so."

Kaoru stated softly, "So am I so let's do it."

He gazed at her lovingly as he asked, "Are you sure?"

She answered without hesitation. "Hai."

The two joined hands and with the bible between them said the words from the chapter known as the letter the apostle Paul sent to the Romans that solidified the vow in their hearts, to follow the Christ of God and as they spoke the words, a placid sense of joy enveloped them. And as if sensing the hearts of the man and woman below, the birds resumed their songs, surrounding Kenshin and Kaoru in a woodland symphony that sounded like an angelic choir.

The couple smiled at each other, genuine smiles that, for once were not masks to hide the individual deep-rooted sorrows that they carried. Kenshin then closed the book and put it back in his sleeve as he rose and offered his hand to assist his beloved to her feet.

"Come, koishii. We have another place to visit this day, that we must."

The sun was setting by the time they got to their next destination, painting the sky in gold tinted hues that bathed the landscape in a warm glow. Kenshin and Kaoru strolled up to a withered old man who was selling flowers.

Kenshin leaned down and addressed the man with a polite smile. "I'd like to purchase some flowers, that I would."

The old man gave him a toothless smile. "Of course, good sir."

He gathered some blooms and a bamboo bucket with some water, placed the flowers in the bucket and handed it to Kenshin who handed the man the money and nodded his thanks. He went to Kaoru and taking her elbow again, led her to the shrine nearby and to the memorial garden where the small stones marked the remains of those who had departed to the afterlife. He stepped to a stone located at the front left corner under the spreading tree and knelt, placing the flowers before the stone and then leaned back as he bowed in prayer.

Kaoru stood a bit away, sensing the need for Kenshin to have privacy. Although he did not say specifically who he was paying respect to, she knew instinctively that they were at the final resting place of his late wife, Tomoe. Her heart pounded both in trepidation and a slight twinge of envy for the woman who had won Kenshin's love and even dead still possessed it. A tear inadvertently slid down her cheek that she impatiently brushed away.

At the memorial stone, Kenshin completed his prayers and with his eyes closed, began from his heart to speak to Tomoe:

Tomoe. I'm here again as I promised last year to come again to see you and speak to you. I do miss and think about you constantly and again deep in my heart I beg your forgiveness for taking your life. I've lived daily with the knowledge that it was my hand, my sword that pierced your heart and ended your life. I still remember that snowy day as if it were yesterday and because of that, I despise the winter and the snow it brings. I still see the way your blood stained the snow and the scent of white plum and blood stays a bitter stench in my nostrils to this very day. For that reason, I wandered for ten years and avoided coming here to Kyoto until last year when I came to defeat Makoto Shishio. After he killed his love as I had killed you, by slicing through her body with his blade to get to me, I knew the time had come to see you. And after I did, I promised to return so here I am.

But there is also another reason I have come here and that is to ask for your blessings. I have been granted a new life by Kami-sama who in the light of my shedding of innocent blood, showed me redemption through the shedding of his Son's innocent blood. And has allowed me to experience the unspeakable joy of loving and being loved both by him and by someone else, a sweet, lovely girl who allowed me to have a home again. Her name is Kamiya Kaoru and she is a courageous compassionate woman who helps others without hesitation. Understand Tomoe, she isn't like you and could never take your place but I love her with every fiber of my being. And with your blessing, I plan to make her my wife.

Tomoe, I know that you loved me deeply and in such I hope that you would know that I returned that love. But I also know that in such you would want me to be happy, as I would always want your happiness as I once told you. And Kaoru makes me happy, when I'm with her my soul is refreshed and I see hope in my life. She gave me a home and she has given me even more as she has been by my side this entire year and fought with me, she has been the healing balm to my soul. Even when your brother Enishi tried to take her from me, she still fought with me, her love sustaining me and helping me to be victorious. She has become the light of my life and I know that if you had ever gotten the chance to meet her, you'd like her.

Tomoe, I have shared all this with you because I want your blessings. As I said before, Kaoru is not taking and can never take your place, nor would she want to. So please show me that you are happy for me as I go forward in this life.

Kenshin opened his eyes and noticed that the sun had sunk below the horizon, leaving a red glow as its parting gift to the night and the air was suddenly filled with the green pinpoint lights of fireflies swaying about. He then noticed as one landed lightly on his left hand as it rested on his knee and blinked gently. It was then he felt a sudden breeze stir the tree and with it a sense of release as the firefly flew off.

"Thank you, Tomoe," Kenshin whispered and rose to his feet turning to where his future awaited.

All this while, Kaoru stood quietly and watched as Kenshin knelt at Tomoe's grave and the dying light of day enveloped them. She sensed the heaviness of his heart almost as if it were tangible and she could reach out to touch it. Suddenly feeling intrusive, she turned her attention to the setting sun and watched as it slowly disappeared.

She was startled out of her reverie by a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Kaoru."

She turned and faced the diminutive samurai. "Kenshin."

"I'm sorry to have left you alone. Are you all right?"

She smiled reassuringly as she replied, "Hai, I'm fine."

Kenshin smiled then it faded as he asked, "Do you know what this place is?"

She nodded as she answered softly, "Hai, we are at Tomoe's final resting place."

Kenshin was amazed by the quiet acceptance behind her words and he took her by the elbows. "You knew?"

Kaoru nodded "Kenshin, we're in Kyoto, I knew this was a place you would visit. Tomoe was your wife, you loved her very much," she stated.

"Aa, I did," he agreed. "Onegai, Kaoru will you come with me?" He took her by the hand and they approached the gravesite where Tomoe's remains were buried. He knelt again and then after saying a short prayer, pulled Kaoru forward.

"Tomoe, this is Kaoru."

Kaoru stood before the simple stone monument and then she too knelt before the stone that had the flowers laid before it. The soft glow of the stars and the pulsating points of the fireflies that surrounded them illuminated the site adding to the dreamlike setting. She was filled with not only the customary reverence that paying one's respects for the departed garnered, but a feeling of responsibility, as if a torch was being passed to her. She bowed her head in prayer then she rose and spoke.

"Tomoe, I know that you loved Kenshin very much. I want to tell you that I would never try to take away from that. And that you would be proud of the fact that for ten years since the time of your death, he has not taken a single human life and has been true to his vow to you."

She went on as Kenshin studied the tableau before him. "Tomoe I want you to know that I'll always be around if Kenshin needs me and he'll always have a home with me. He'll never have to wander again."

Kenshin came forward and spoke softly, "Tomoe, I am happy now and it's all because of Kaoru. You gave me your blessing so now the time is right." He took Kaoru's hands in his and he gazed deeply into her eyes, as the moon rose and sparkled in their sapphire depths while the fireflies encircled her, making her appear ethereal in her beauty.

Kaoru held her breath as Kenshin reached into his sleeve and pulled out the velvet box. "Kaoru, from the day we met, you made me feel like a real person instead of a monster that murdered. You told me over and over that my past meant nothing and finally made me believe it. You stood by my side and helped me fight the demons of my past and I see you as the hope of my future." He smiled lovingly and took the ring to hold it before her luminous and amazed eyes. "Aishiteru, Kaoru, will you marry me?"

Kaoru was struck speechless, believing that she was in a dream, a wonderful dream that she did not want to wake up from as the fireflies created a celestial atmosphere that added to the phantasmagoric scene. The surrounding flora was silvered, as were the trees that were bathed in moonlight. She blinked her eyes as Kenshin's expectant face came before her as he lowered his hand that held the ring out to her.

His soft baritone was laced with concern. "Kaoru, are you all right?"

Kaoru blinked her tears away as she shook her head. "I-I'm fine. I-I just can't believe you've asked me to marry you."

Kenshin's face faded a bit as he said like a small boy. "I-I'm not sure I understand."

Kaoru's eyes flew open as she saw the beginning of disappointment in his violet orbs. She hastened to assure him, "Oh Kenshin, gomen nasai. I mean I never thought that you would ask me to marry you. I'm not like other Japanese women, fragile and refined."

Understanding lit up in Kenshin's eyes as he reached and gently caressed her cheek. "Tenshi, you are more exquisite and beautiful than any other Japanese woman I know. You dazzled me from the first time I laid eyes on you."

Kaoru whispered, "Oh, Kenshin."

He smiled tenderly as he again presented the ring. "You haven't given me an answer."

Kaoru returned the smile. "Hai, Kenshin. I'll marry you, I'll be honored to be your wife."

He smiled wider as he took her left hand in both of his and slipped the ring on her finger. "It's me who is honored, koishii. I promise to love and protect you with my life."

Kaoru watched transfixed as the ring sparkled in the moonlight then Kenshin cupped her face in his hands and drew her mouth to his for a slow lingering kiss. His lips gently and insistently teased hers to gain entry and taste of the sweet nectar of her as her scent of jasmine filled his nostrils with its heady perfume. Kaoru snaked her arms around his lean torso as she melded to him, his strength encompassing her as the fireflies strobed about them.

NEXT----EPILOGUE—SHE WALKS IN BEAUTY