I wasn't planning on creating another chapter to this poem. The first chapter was created merely on impulse after a journal entry. But all American stories need a happy ending, ne?

But now, I have reached a conclusion...

That despite the unforgiving memories

I will pledge to do what I can

To help the present hope

Thus easing the pain.

-

"I know I can't change the past, but neither will grief do anything."

-

And so, I've reached a conclusion...

That to die is to run away from the consequence of fate

Denying responsibility for my actions

-

Breathing new air

-

I know that I'll never bring back those lives that haunt my dreams

But that is the price I'm willing to pay.

-

Taking new steps

-

For I have reached a conclusion...

That in the shame that overshadows me

I'll dedicate what life I have left of me

As an offering…

God knows where.

-

Walking new paths

-

And I've reached a conclusion...

That I can no longer live in seclusion

Far away, from myself

Facing this confrontation,

I'll live,

Knowing life has done more than I deserve

-

Breathing, walking, living

Breathing new air

Walking new paths

Living a new life

Free from the name that binds me

-

For while a battosai can only live in war

A rurouni can wander both the battlefield and farmer's fields

And save new lives,

And breathe new air

And walk new paths

And live new life

Free from the past.

Reviewer Response:

PraiseDivineMercy: Thanks for reviewing, your stories are awesome. Nice to know some fellow Christians on I understand your reasoning. I just HAD to place Kenshin in a "what if..." scenerio in order to fit in this monologue.

Mystical Vampire: Heh heh, your comment was another reason that I was compelled to finish this off. Don't want to leave the readers hanging.

The ending was orginally much shorter, but it has been rewritten, you lucky people. And, PraiseDivineMercy, if you look carefully, I've taken some lyrics from "Every Move I Make" and molded them into here. Note, look VERY carefully.

Yes, this is the end. I hope you like it because I surely did. "One does what one can."