Chapter 29

(Kaoru)

I sat quietly in the room, watching Kenshin silently. He was still sleeping, probably exhausted inside and out from his battle. I brushed a lock of crimson hair from his face, a gentle smile coming onto my face. He was so peaceful, when he was in rest.

He drew in a breath, shifting slightly at my touch. I could see his eyes moving beneath his lids, he was dreaming. About what I didn't know, but I didn't suppose I would find out either. Some things, like dreams, Kenshin kept to himself.

(Kenshin)

I opened my eyes to see a large green field. I sat up, blinking in confusion. I looked around, amazed at the beautiful scenery around me. I had never seen a place like this before, it was…mind-boggling.

"Kenshin…"

I looked up, and then gasped, tears automatically springing to my eyes. "Tomoe!"

My wife of long ago knelt beside me, smiling at me lovingly and wiping away a single tear as it fell down my cheek. "Hai anata, I am here."

I was speechless, and slightly afraid. "N-nani…"

She chuckled lightly, settling down on the grass beside me. "It's alright Kenshin; I'm not here to tell you that you're dead. This is a dream, and nothing more. I wanted to see you again."

I breathed a sigh of relief, but then looked away from her pretty face. "Are you angry with me Tomoe?"

She put a hand on my left cheek, her fingers tracing the cross scar as she turned my face so that she looked into my eyes. "Iie, never. I understand, and I know that you had no choice. Enishi was a strange boy all his life; he never seemed to be like others. He raised me much of my life, our mother died giving birth to me. As such he has an unnatural connection to me. I loved Enishi, he was my brother after all, but he was violent, hit me often, even going as far as abusing me. He used to…" She trailed off, and I understood instantly what she was implying.

Instantly I felt my anger spark, and my wings tensed, the feathers standing on end. "Bastard… I don't feel regret anymore…"

She shook her head slightly. "Please Kenshin, don't change the way you feel for my sake. Enishi was an evil man, yes, but he still was a human being, he was still alive. You should feel guilt for killing him."

This made me look at her again. "I…I killed him…" Shock gripped me as I finally realized what had happened. I hadn't known then, the excitement of battle hadn't worn off before I had fallen unconscious. My eyes widened. "I…I broke my vow…"

Tomoe's arms were suddenly drawing me close, tucking my face into the crook of her neck. "Kenshin, no, please, don't feel bad. I understand, and Kami-sama has forgiven you. You were doing what you were meant to do in the end; it was your path in life. Don't feel like you've broken your vow to me, because I don't see it that way."

I felt the tears well up despite her words, and I blinked them back valiantly. "I still shouldn't have done that Tomoe! I promised you! For your honor!"

She pushed me from her, taking my face between her hands. "Listen to me Kenshin. You do not need to fret about this." She suddenly tilted her head slightly, and then nodded.

I blinked, and then watched as she stood. "T-Tomoe?"

She smiled at me, leaning down and kissing my forehead softly. "You have another visitor anata, and my time is up."

With that she faded, and I was greeted next by my father. He smiled roguishly, as was his way, kneeling beside me. "Hello Kenshin."

"Tousan!" I said happily, throwing myself at him in greeting. "Oh tousan…How I've missed you…"

He hugged me back, to my great surprise, petting my hair gently. "I know Kenshin, I have missed you too. I've been watching you though, and I must say, you certainly chose a strange path in life."

I winced at that comment. "You…you're not disappointed in me, are you tousan?"

He shook his head. "Iie. Although I don't like the idea that you became a hitokiri, you did much for our country, and you brought about this era of peace. I am proud of you for your accomplishments."

The person I saw next shocked me. "K-Kaasan…"

My mother smiled gently, kneeling beside tousan and I with a gentle smile on her face. "Kenshin, you've grown up so much."

I scanned my mother's looks, looking over caring violet eyes, flame red hair, and a soft heart shaped face. Tousan had been right; I did look a lot like her. Right down to the crystal colored wings. "Kaasan…"

She put a gentle hand on my cheek. "You're such a strong man now Kenshin, you've grown up well. I couldn't ask for a better son. But our time is up; it's time for you to go back to Kaoru."

I nodded slightly, another tear slipping down my face. My father came closer, putting his fingers against my forehead. I blinked, but said nothing. "Kami-sama sees your doubt and fear, my son, and he knows that you must be helped. Forget…"

Everything faded into blackness.

(Kaoru)

I was leaning against the wall, resting my eyes for a moment, when I opened them again at the sound of footsteps. I saw a woman standing there, with black hair and bottomless eyes. I blinked. "Um…"

She smiled, shaking her head slightly. "Do not worry, Kaoru Kamiya. This is merely a dream. I am here to tell you something important."

I accepted this easily, nodding and standing. "Alright. Um, may I ask who you are?"

She smiled again, bowing slightly. "Forgive me; I did forget to introduce myself. My name is Tomoe Himura. I am Kenshin's first wife."

I blinked in shock. "You're Tomoe?"

She nodded. "Now listen please, I don't have much time. Kenshin's going to wake soon, and you should be there when he does. Kami-sama knows of Kenshin's vow, and because he killed Enishi Kenshin will feel regret and pain beyond imagining. It will never leave him, and he will never quite find a way to atone for this sin, the breaking of this vow he made to my honor. But Kami-sama has decided to show him mercy, and has allowed Kenshin's father to erase his memory. Kenshin believes that Enishi was still alive when you left, only severely injured. He will also think that the man agreed to leave him alone. You must not forget this, and make sure that Kenshin never knows of what he has done."

I nodded. "I will. And, arigatou Tomoe-san."

She smiled, and then faded.

I awoke, sitting up sharply from where I was leaning against the wall. Kenshin was stirring beneath his blankets, his eyelids flickering. I moved closer to him, putting a smile on my face.

His eyes fluttered open slowly, and he met my gaze. "Kaoru…"

I smiled. "How are you feeling Kenshin?"

He sat up, yawning and stretching. I leaned out of the way of his left wing, giggling slightly as he blushed. "Gomen… Um, well, I'm a little sore, but other than that, I'm okay. Tired maybe." His stomach suddenly rumbled loudly, causing his blush to deepen.

I giggled again. "Hungry too, it seems. Why don't we go get some food? Sano went to get some from the Akabeko."

He nodded, standing. "That sounds good Kaoru."

We walked out of the room, Kenshin straightening his rumpled gi absentmindedly. I had left him in his clothing, it had seemed okay. He had woken up fairly quickly anyway. He took my hand as we walked, and I smiled and leaned closer to his shoulder.

I felt his lips on my forehead. "I love you Kaoru."

I smiled. "I love you too Kenshin. I'm so proud of you koishii. You're finally free."

He nodded. "I'm just a little surprised that Enishi agreed to it that easily. But hey, I suppose people can always surprise you."

I nodded with a small laugh. "Hai, Kami-sama works in mysterious ways."

He laughed. "I think I know that better than anyone."

I smiled, leaning against him again. Life was going to get back to normal now, and without the hindrance of Enishi's constant threat to Kenshin's life, along with my own. We would live happily.

Kenshin suddenly spoke. "Oh Kaoru, there's something I wanted to ask you. Do you remember Karei?"

One more chapter to go! Yes, I know this one is short, but I wanted to explain that before getting to the last chapter. I'll update soon, I promise!