Chapter 22

"You have to understand Master," Kimiko insisted, "It was thanks to my work that you'll live and she'll disappear. I was the reason you call these two here. You should thank me instead of being angry. Everything I do is for you."

/ Could it be that Kimiko loves him? / Tetsu looks over to O-Hana. She was watching with anger and hatred.

Rie sighed softly, "The reason I call them here was because I want them to witness the end. I didn't call them here to vanquish O-Hana. I knew about O-Hana from the day I was born into the Yashiko Family. I also knew it was the fault of my ancestor, Jio."

"Jio?" O-Hana voiced it out confusingly.

"Jio was the twin brother of Jin. Since they look so much alike, The Yashiko Family tricked O-Hana into thinking it was Jin. Jio was away aboard, so O-Hana never met him until that day. Jio as well didn't know anything of O-Hana that is why he denies any connection with her. I had already explained everything to Hijikata-san and Tetsunosuke-kun." Rie explained after seeing Kimiko's confused expression.

"Then what happened to Jin?" O-Hana asked as she appeared before them.

Rie smile sadly, "Jin hung himself at this very spot after he found out what happen to you. The reason why you were trick was because at that time Jin was accused of murder and was put in prison. O-Hana, you remember the half heart pendant you gave to Jin before he left? "

She nodded. "He always kept it with him, even when he died," he continued as he pulled the half heart pendant out of his pocket. She gasped and tears escape her eyes.

"Jin wrote a story about you. He named it, Tale of Miko. It also said in the book, that Miko was your maiden name." Rie smiled.

Half of the half heart pendant appears in her hand. She walks up to him and reaches out her open palm with the pendant. Rie put the other half on her open palm and connects them. She smiles and looked up at him. She gasps in shock as she clearly looks at him.

"J-Jin?" she stammered. He chuckle lightly, "You finally realize it was me. Took you long enough, O-Hana."

Tears make their escaped as she jumped into his arms. He wraps his arms around her tightly, "I wanted to see you so badly when I was born. I waited and waited for the moment when I'll see you again. You truly are cruel making me wait."

She giggles slightly. "I Lov-"he didn't get to finish when a sharp pain ripped through him like ice. Blood gush out as the sharp object was pull back. Rie stumble onto O-Hana who manages to stop him before he hit the ground.

"Jin!" she shouted in concerned and tears.

"Jin!" Tetsu shouted as he approached them with Hijikata-san right beside him. He bends down beside Rie and glared at Kimiko.

There were tears in her eyes as she held the knife in front of neck. "I will never allow you to be happy. I will make sure you suffer with me through hell, O-Hana." She laughs weakly and crazy-like, and then, out of the unexpected, she slit her throat.

Hijikata-san managed to catch her and lie her down gently on the ground. He then moved on to the little girl inside the shredded black bag. "Are you alright?" he asked. She nodded, frighten to death. He untied her and helps her up.

"O-O-Hana," Rie choked through the blood coming out of his mouth. He slowly touches her cheek and smile, "Your warmth… still hadn't left you."

She nodded in tears, "Jin."

"I… love how you … said my name." he said weakly.

She nodded again, "Jin. Jin."

He chuckle lightly, "Be free O-Hana. I'll… be with you… soon enough." He turned to Tetsu, "I knew… that you remember… the past as well. The way… you look… and tone at that time… I could tell you know O-Hana. I'm glad she knew you. You made her change a bit… over all these… centuries of suffering. I'm glad."

Just then, a light shine upon the ocean. The sun was coming up to announce the beginning of a new day. "O-Hana," Hijikata-san said, "If you're going to rest in peace, now is the right time to do so. If you wait, you wouldn't be able to be with Ri- I mean Jin."

O-Hana looks at him and then to Tetsu. Tetsu nodded, "Rest in peace O-Hana-chan. I promise I'll get Saya back."

She smile and turn back to Jin (Rie), "I'll wait for you. Always."

He smile and nod. She lean down and kiss his forehead before handing him to Tetsu. She got up and step back until she was standing near the edge of the rocks just as the sun surface above the ocean. "Good-bye," she said just as she disappeared into the light.

"T-Tetsunosuke-kun," Jin said to get his attention. Tetsu turn to him instantly.

"Yes?" he replied with concerned.

"Take… Take care… of Tale of… Miko," he said quietly as he took his last breath. Tetsu's eyes widen a bit before he accepts the truth. He held Jin tightly with tears. / Be happy, O-Hana… Jin. /

"You ok?" Hijikata-san asked as they got into the car on their way towards their destination. Tetsu nodded, "I think." He clenched the Tale of Miko close to his chest. / I wonder… since Jin was able to remember O-Hana… could it be possible that Saya remembers me as well? /