I can't cry any longer.

I can finally say that I have buried all my past demons to rest.

Enishi had been the last one of them.

Saito, well he was another story. I would probably face him again along the way, most likely our paths will cross, but that is not a fight with me, that is something that the battossai in me will have to deal with. That is something that I can't prevent. Battossai will emerge again, but I will only allow that, if and when we face Saito again.

I once again follow this lonely road, and I wonder where it will lead me to…

'Kaoru-dono…'

'Kenshin!' I could see the expectation in her eyes, the eyes that were going to show me the heart break that I am about to cause her.

Megumi-dono was standing a little ways from where we were. I had asked her that she not leave, I needed her to be there for Kaoru.

I start again, 'Kaoru-dono…'

'I'm so glad! I'm so happy that you are feeling alright now!'

I wish I didn't have to do this, but it would be unfair for her and I to go on like this.

'You and I were lonely souls that came together by coincidence. We bonded really well, and I learned to love you, but…' I see as her eyes lighten up then become clouded as I continue, 'Kaoru-dono, you are like a sister to me. I love you as a younger sister, nothing more.'

Tears spill out of her eyes, 'No, your joking right? It can't be true, can it? I must be hearing things…'she looks at Megumi-dono for support.

Megumi-dono lowers her gaze.

'Why?' she asks. 'Why would you do something like that?'

'I can't answer in a way that won't hurt you even more, all I can give you is the truth, or at the least my truth. I was lonely and I accepted your warmth with open arms, I needed to feel loved after all I have been through, and I never meant to use you in any way, I really thought that I loved you and I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you.'

'Then why don't you?'

'Because, I cannot. Megumi-dono helped me realize that I only love you as a sister and misleading you like that would do you and I no good.'

'Then, it was you Megumi?' she turned to ask Megumi-dono.

'Kaoru, it's for your own good. Ken-san has a good point, this situation will only hurt you both.'

'That's a lie, Megumi! You didn't do this for me! You have always loved Kenshin, right? You just want him for yourself.'

What Megumi-dono said surprised me.

Megumi-dono smiled, 'Yes, I must admit, I have always loved Ken-san, but I never tried to do anything about my feelings because you were there. I've always respected you Kaoru, and even if you chose not to believe that is the absolute truth. I know that there is no way that ken-san will ever return those feelings and I respect that too, and Kaoru, you should also respect Ken-san's feelings and accept them no matter how painful.'

Megumi-dono really was wiser than her age.

Kaoru-dono had cried a lot, but I am sure that she will find somebody that will suit her best, especially with the help of somebody like Megumi-dono.

'Ken-san, don't make heed to what I just said, I don't want you to feel burdened by what you have just heard. I just want you t be happy and I will be happy.'

'Thank you Megumi-dono.'

'Kaoru-dono, maybe some day I can return and you will forgive me. I hope you will be happy.'

Everybody at the dojo was surprised by the turn of events.

'You're really leaving?' Yahiko asked.

'I must, but maybe some day I will return.'

'I'll hold you up to that.' Sano cut in.

'It will all depend on Kaoru-dono.' I say.

As I walk without a destination, another chapter of my life closes.

I think I might visit Misao-dono and the people of the Aoyia.