Tsuikyuu

By: Rono Nathaniel Sair

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters from the Rurouni Kenshin series. Some characters, such as those from the Shinsengumi family, are actual historical persons. However, I have molded them to fit into my story, similar to the writers behind the Rurouni Kenshin anime and manga. Also, this is an entirely different story as opposed to the manga and anime. Don't try to make comparisons, because I'm not basing this off of either in any form. Enjoy!

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The wind rustled the leaves in the trees overhead as Kenshin strolled down the narrow dirt path. There was a slight mist lingering in the air around him, as it was only halfway to noon. With this peaceful atmosphere almost entirely silencing the surrounding world, Kenshin was left to entertain himself only through his thoughts.

It had been about seven months now, since he had left Tokyo. With the events that had occurred, he could no longer call the Kamiya Dojo a home. He had murdered Saito in cold blood, and seen his body lying on the hard, wooden floor, blood dripping in between the seams of the boards. He had had no choice though. Had he not acted, those ones around him that he loved dearly would surely have been hurt. Kenshin knew, though, that it was a different side of him which had flipped that sword and pulled it perpendicular to sever the strands of life which endangered Kaoru and the children - a ravenous, bloodthirsty consciousness which he had been unable to control.

Now the entire Shinsengumi family had their eyes set on Kenshin. So that he would not put Kaoru's life at further risk, Kenshin decided that the only clear path for him was to leave. And so it was that Kenshin became a wanderer once more. However... it occurred to Kenshin that the safety of his wife and children was not his true reason for leaving the dojo. Kenshin knew that he was perfectly capable of handling any problems that arose. The real reason he left was because he didn't want his family to see such a side of him ever again.

"I promise to you Kaoru, when I find my true self again... I will return to you, that I will."

"Kenshin... aishiteru wa..."

Kenshin drifted out of his transient meditation and came to a halt. With his right hand, he reached for his reverse-blade sword and slowly pulled it out of its sheath. Raising it into the air a ray of light, which had shone through a small gap in the canopy, caught the side of his sword. Traces of dried blood were visible in the groove that ran along the edge of the blade.

"Shall this blood I've shed serve as a reminder of my real self?" Kenshin wondered. "I can only blame myself for what has happened. There is no one that controls my actions, other than myself. Now it is that I must pay penance once more to those I have taken..."

End of Introduction