Truth, Lies, Betrayal And Love

Chapter 13

Suki and Shiro anxiously paced around, worry apparent on their faces as they walked about the main hall, "I hope they're alright."

"They are, don't worry." Shiro said soothingly to his nearly frantic wife.

At that moment the door opened and Kenshin entered the room and bowed his head to them, "Oh Kiyoshi I was so worried about you!" Suki said hugging him tightly

"Are you alright?" Shiro asked

"Yes sir, I'm alright that I am."

"Where's Naoto?"

"N… Naoto… Naoto's dead…"

"WHAT!" both asked in shock

"What do you mean Naoto's dead!" Shiro asked after he got over the initial shock.

"He… came to help me that he did and he fought against the stranger and they… killed each other that they did… I'm sorry…"

Kenshin handed Shiro Naoto's saber and everyone stood in silent shock and grief for several moments until Kenshin finally broke the silence, "Where is Lady Kiyoko?"

"She's… in her room…" Suki answered softly

Kenshin nodded and headed upstairs to Kiyoko's room, tapping on the door softly, "Come in." came the quiet reply

"Lady Kiyoko…"

"Oh Kiyoshi, I'm glad that you are alright, where is Naoto?"

"I think you need to sit down."

Kiyoko sat on her bed and Kenshin sat next to her, taking her hand in his own, "Lady Kiyoko… Naoto…Naoto's dead."

"WHAT! No! You have to be lying to me! Kiyoshi please tell me that this is a joke!"

"No, I wish it were a joke but it's not. Naoto's dead that he is."

Kiyoko broke down and started sobbing uncontrollably. Kenshin pulled her into his arms and ran his hand through her hair trying to soothe her, "Lady Kiyoko… I know that I can't replace him in your heart but I will take care of you, I promise."

A few days later the main hall was beautifully decorated and everyone was present to bare witness to the main event that had been put off for so long. The wedding was one that had been long awaited but had finally come, raising everyone's spirits as they watched Kenshin and Kiyoko make their vows and become one. After awhile Kiyoko had slipped to the side to catch her breath, tired from all the excitement then she felt a gentle hand rest on her shoulder. She looked up and saw the handsome face of her new husband and he smiled softly at her, as if telling her that everything would be alright. What surprised her was that she smiled back, feeling as though everything would be alright as well. But when Kenshin took her in his arms for a hug she let a single tear fall onto his shirt as his scent reminded her of her beloved Naoto.