The Return Of Kanryu Takeda

Part X--Epilogue

by

Chibijem

Disclaimer: See Part I

A/N: Well, sorry to say this is the conclusion to my story. I just want to extend my thanks to all of you who have read it and for all who have sent reviews and comments. Your loyalty and patience is greatly appreciated. A very special thank you to my Imoto-chan who encouraged me and gave me ideas to ponder over when I was stuck. Thank you all.

Over the next several days, Aoshi regained his strength and with Misao watching over him, managed to make it downstairs on the third day after he awoke to join the others for dinner. Although a bit slow, he made it with just a bit of help from Misao and Okina. His leg was healing but still pained him the most. Megumi checked on him daily and was very satisfied with her patient's progress.

"You're probably going to have some scarring from the bullet wounds, but the leg will definitely scar." She told him as Misao helped him pull on his haori.

"Aa," Aoshi merely nodded. When he felt Misao's slim, strong hands rest against his shoulders carefully, he let out a breath. He turned his head to look into her deep blue eyes. He saw the love in her gaze; it seemed to have gotten more pronounced since they had talked. During the past days,while he was confined, he had told her everything. His days with Kanryu, the deaths of Hanya and the others, his fall into mad grief, his training in the mountains, his wanting to defeat the Battousai; he had spoken of everything. He had even told her she had been the one to save him; he repeated the Battousai's words to him and how it had opened his eyes.

Misao laid a finger against his firm lips, "All I care about is you survived. Besides, now there's more of them to kiss." She finished, softly whispering the last against his ear. Her eyes lit up when she saw a shy smile come over his face.

As Aoshi pressed his lips against hers, they never noticed Megumi leaving the room.

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Aoshi stood with the aid of a cane on the train platform, the late fall sun glinting off his hair. He relished the feel, however weak the warmth was. He had demanded the right to accompany Misao and Okina as they went to see off Kenshin and the others. He approached the short red-haired man. "Battousai...Himura." Heads turned; Aoshi had never called Himura by name. "Kenshin-san, domo arigato gozaimas." Aoshi bowed as low as he was able.

Kenshin smiled and laid a gentle hand on the tall Okashira's arm, subtly helping him retain his balance. "Friends help friends, that they do, Aoshi." The former rurouni started. "You look well, at peace."

Aoshi straightened and gave a shy smile," Aa, my nightmare is over. Hanya, Shikijo, Beshimi and Hyotoko: they can rest now."

"Hai, and so can you." Kenshin began a slow walk towards the train. "Have you and Miss Misao decided on a date?"

"Iie, not yet. We've been talking about other things." Aoshi replied resting against a pillar. "I've told her everything." He let his head fall back and closed his eyes. "I've asked Misao to go with me to the graves to lay flowers."

"And you feel lighter for it." When the taller man turned his head and opened his eyes, Kenshin continued. "When you share the burden, it's easier."

"Aa," Aoshi sighed in agreement and closed his eyes again.

"You should be back at the Aoiya, resting." Kenshin told him.

"Yes he should, "Misao's voice along with Okina's came up to them.

"Koi, all I've been doing..." Aoshi began.

"And that's what you should be doing now." Megumi came up to them along with Sanosuke, Kaoru and Yahiko.

Aoshi shook his head, "I will; as soon as we see you off." He looked down at Misao, "I promise."

The conductor began calling for everyone to begin boarding. Megumi thanked Okina for their hospitality and dragged a complaining Sanosuke to board, Kenshin and Yahiko nodded as Kaoru hugged Misao and promised to return for her wedding to Aoshi. Yamagata who had stood apart, came up to them and bowed. He handed a folded paper to Okina, "In thanks and gratitude."

Okina and Aoshi stood quietly as Misao waved everyone off, yelling her promise to send invitations as soon as the wedding date was set. Okina unfolded the paper and saw many bills of currency. "We'll send it back to him." Aoshi said firmly.

"Keep it, for your troubles." Okina rebutted. "Save it for you and Misao. Or for the future okashira..." Okina said watching the train in the distance, tucking the paper into his yukata. He watched as Aoshi cast a side glance at Misao as she began walking towards them, knowing Aoshi took his words into serious consideration.

Misao came up to them, wiping her tears. "Ready to go home?" She asked, taking Aoshi's arm.

"Aa, let's go home." He smiled down at her.

FIN