A/N: -blows off six months worth of dust- Phew! Eheh ^^ hi! Remember me? *cough* I'm terribly sorry for the delay in update though you're not really here to listen to this right? Anyways, without further ado, Chapter 7 of GH!

Warning: Some mild gore at the end.

Chapter 7: My Name is Kamiya Kaoru

The early morning was filled with sounds of soldiers breaking camp. A soft lull of conversation echoed through the area as warriors helped one another to pack tents and ready the caravans.

Most were close to finishing with their packing but Akira struggled with one arm bound to his chest. He tried again, bending down to roll his bedroll with one hand only to have it slip from his grip and spring flat on the ground.

The young soldier couldn't help the long sigh that slipped from his lips as he bent down listlessly, frowning at the mattress that refused to be tamed. It was funny how he never realized how much he relied on the functionality of both his arms on a daily basis until he actually lost the ability to use one.

"Let me help."

Akira jolted in surprise as a soft voice chimed in, a pair of hands sweeping to claim the bedroll that had been troubling him. Glancing up, the young soldier's face blanched at the sight of his captain bending down towards his belongings and he immediately stuttered a refusal.

"No, no, I should-" his hand reached out frantically to take the mattress only to have it pulled from his reach.

"Too late, I'm folding it already." Kaoru chuckled and Akira could only sit and watch in shock.

"So what's your name?" she asked conversationally, her eyes trained on the mattress she was compressing.

His mouth gaped open and closed a few times, unable to form a coherent sentence until he finally stammered his name. "K-Kiyo-sato Akira, ma'am!" his voice cracked with his nervousness, his arm held awkwardly by his side as he began panicking slightly.

Should he salute? Should he stand? But wouldn't that place him on a higher plane than his captain? Oh why is she bending down to fold his things? Akira could feel the curious glances from the other soldiers and his cheeks began to pink with embarrassment.

The captain however seemed oblivious to the awkwardness and even smiled, repeating his name to commit it to memory. He watched uncomfortably, shifting in his spot as his superior tied up his mattress but he hastily stepped in when she began to move towards his other belongings.

"I-I can do the rest ma'am! The captain shouldn't bother herself w-with such trivial matters!" he fretted, blushing with embarrassment as he lunged for the set of clothes the captain was reaching for.

The captain's actions baffled the soldier; he knew that she didn't exactly fit the description "common" from the moment she stepped into their campsite. He often found it quite disorienting when he couldn't predict what his superior would do next. It made him that much more nervous around her, being unaware of the lines he might unexpectedly trigger because she's so unpredictable.

Blue eyes looked up and met his, her smile never wavered an inch and instead of commenting on his awkwardness she asked another question. "How's your arm?"

His mind blanked as the question tugged at the recent memory…

Akira rotated his shoulders as he attempted to alleviate the ache that had been building up all morning. The heat was driving him mad and his sweat was running down like rivers down his back. His garments were sticking to his back like a second layer of skin and the armour he wore dutifully became a prison that threatened to slowly bake him alive. The soles of his feet ached from all distance they covered that morning and his back seem to bend over from the weight of the heat and his duty.

Time was lost to the foot soldiers as they plodded mechanically to a rhythmic marching, left, right, left, right, left. The valley echoed back their footfalls - the metallic sound resounding within his skull gave him a headache.

The soldier tilted his head up, dirt covered and slimy with sweat as he took in the position of the afternoon sun. The light was bright and piercing and Akira silently cursed the ball of light for the discomfort it gave when suddenly a black shape speared through the sky; a black raven that arched gracefully into the light of the golden yolk. Akira stilled, squinting at the strange phenomenon, eyes snapping wide with realisation and body twisting in response - but it was too late, within a second the raven bared its sharpened edge, then pain was all the soldier could register as the ground rushed up to meet his face.

Akira flinched as he withdrew from his dark thoughts, a sudden pang of shame and guilt washing over him as his head sank low in defeat. "I'm sorry, I should have noticed the attack earlier-"

A strong grip landed on his uninjured shoulder, interrupting him and Akira glanced up in surprise.

"That was not what I was asking, Kiyosato." the captain said softly, her blue eyes gentle and calm.

"I-"

His captain shook her head lightly, a wry grin on her face. "Do not apologise for something we couldn't have predicted. You sensed the arrow and moved just in time to block it from reaching vital points, saving your life."

Akira blinked. "I suppose so…" he said hesitantly.

Her eyes seem to glitter with mirth as she laughed. "Suppose so? Soldier, do you doubt my words?"

He shook his head immediately in denial, his hands raised nervously. "No, no. I would never doubt the captain's words. It's just that-" he paused, snapping his mouth shut suddenly.

Kaoru's gaze turned curious, propping her arm on her knees as she waited. Akira sighed, his gaze returned to the ground as he shifted uncomfortably.

"I could've done better. I had been distracted, if I hadn't, perhaps there would've been less casualties." he muttered softly.

"Is preserving your life not good enough for you?" She asked curiously and his expression blanked in confusion. "You're much too harsh on yourself Kiyosato."

She turned to his belongings, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear as she began picking up his things again. "Perhaps you could have done better; sensed the attack sooner and alerted the division, thereby reducing our losses. But what is done is done. What matters is that everyone is alive and well - though a little bruised. We all learned something from this scrimmage with the bandits did we not?"

"I gue-"

"I know." Kaoru interrupted with an air of finality, she smiled then patted his shoulder lightly. "You're a fine soldier, I'm glad you dodged that arrow Kiyosato. I'm glad you're well and that I am able to talk to you." Her tone softened as she withdrew her hand, turning back to the carefully stacked items and picked it up. "All wounds will always heal with time, but the flame of life can't be relit once extinguished."

He sat back on his haunches, speechless as he watched his captain clean the area with a relaxed smile on her face, a swing in her steps despite the larger problem hanging over their heads and the burdens they bear.

Her words shocked him, not because of what she said but how she effortlessly managed to break the invisible barriers and reached out to him, helping him up. She did things her way, followed her ideals, unaffected by the curious glances and words she garnered.

He let her help him without further complaints, shifting to douse out the fire and helped break camp and ready the caravans. After a few moments of peaceful silence, he glanced over to the captain by his side, watching as she wiped her arm across her forehead; that smile still on her face.

Tentatively, softly, he spoke. "May I ask a question captain..?"

She turned towards him, intrigued, dipping her head in encouragement. "Yes?" She breathed, tucking a strand of loose hair behind an ear.

He inhaled slowly. "Why did you choose to join the army?"

Her eyebrows rose and she crossed her arms across her chest, leaning backwards against the caravan, a thoughtful expression on her face.

A mysterious glimmer entered her eyes. "Why did you join the army Kiyosato?"

Akira stiffened in surprise at the return of his own question and fidgeted in his spot. Why did I join the army? Isn't it obvious?

"To stop the war. To protect Eloria," He said without hesitation, the words he learned to repeat in his mind and heart. But his words were hollow, with a lack of emotion and conviction. His expression turned into a confused frown.

Kaoru waited patiently.

"I.." Was it only that? Flashes of faces bobbed to the forefront of his mind, the laughter and warmth he had to reluctantly leave behind…

"..To protect others…" Brother, brother, come play! The smell of a home cooked meal, the embrace from a loved one. Brother why do you have to leave?

Brother why?

Then as if a sticky layer had been peeled off, lifting the confusion from his expression and thoughts and he turned towards the captain with a determined gaze.

"To protect my family." And this time, his voice stayed strong.

Kaoru smiled.

"Then you have my answer, Kiyosato." she said as she turned her gaze towards the rising sun on the horizon.

"To protect."

Somehow the answer didn't surprise him as much as he thought. What did I expect? He chuckled lightly and Kaoru turned to him with an amused expression.

"You're amazing." he admitted, smiling openly for the first time in a long time.

The captain laughed.

"No, I'm just your captain."

x x x

She relaxed her grip on the reins, stretching upwards as her spine gave a satisfying snap. Kaoru sighed as she relaxed into the saddle, rocking along with the movements of her horse.

She glanced towards the red speck that marked out the colonel far ahead. Watching his stiff back made her thought of his mysterious absence the night before. It was unusual for anyone to be wandering up into the forest unless they were up on watch. The colonel was needed to lead the division with a clear mind and therefore was excused from watch shifts. Yet he had disappeared in the middle of night without notifying anyone before hand.

She had shared her doubts with Sanosuke earlier in the day, but the second in command only gave her a weird look and brushed the issue off, suggesting that the colonel probably got up to address 'nature's calling'. She didn't prod him for more information after that and Sano had been only too glad to veer their conversation elsewhere.

From her peripheral vision she could sense another presence following close by their unit and she easily picked out the nimble shadow leaping from tree to tree as Misao. Curious, how she could pinpoint the girl's location in the trees when she couldn't even sense her before.

She turned towards Aoshi, a question on her lips to find her second in command glancing towards the shadows of the forest, following the shape of a ninja hopping from perch to perch.

Her jaw dropped. "You knew?" She gasped, shock and a flick of annoyance ran through her as she pulled her horse alongside his. "And you didn't tell me?" Kaoru accused, more surprised than disappointed that her childhood friend kept this knowledge from her.

Aoshi slowly turned to return her gaze, his expression calm and neutral and as usual betrayed none of his thoughts. "She was not a threat, I saw no need in troubling you with such trifle matters." he stated calmly.

Kaoru frowned, turning her gaze towards the front fumingly. While she acknowledged the truth in Aoshi's claims, as he would never let any harm come to her, she couldn't help but feel a bit put off that he didn't inform her. He could've saved her from all that embarrassment the night before.

Feeling a bit petulant and vengeful, she glanced to the side and casually commented to no one in particular. "She said she likes your butt."

Aoshi's form stiffened slightly, his expression turned into one of mild shock and Kaoru had to hold in her laughter. For she knew a slight stiffening of body posture for her childhood friend was the equivalent of a big stumble for others.

Snickering, Kaoru snapped her reins and trotted to the front, leaving Aoshi behind, stunned and bewildered.

x x x

They had finally reached the end of the valley by late afternoon and the colonel had finally called in a rest as they reached a forest. It was great opportunity to hunt as their dry food supplies were running dangerously low - not that the soldiers were complaining.

Several hunting patrols had been assembled for the task while the rest of the division stayed behind and prepared camp. Kaoru found herself in the colonel's patrol with two others, Han'nya from the first unit and Cho from the second. Crouching in the bushes, they waited for the command from the colonel as they edged closer to the herd of deers they tracked.

The herd continued grazing, but some began looking around as if aware of the new threats posted around them. The largest buck of the herd glanced towards her direction, black, beady eyes seemingly able to identify her from her hiding spot. She watched with her heart in her throat; its nostrils flared in a loud snort, then it tossed its head a few times showing off its set of massive antlers before it turned and lowered its head to graze once more.

She released the breath of air she had been holding onto unconsciously and unclenched her hands. Whether they were clenched from fear or anticipation, Kaoru would never know.

They had discussed the method of hunting on the way and each knew their individual roles. At the small wave of the colonel's hand, they separated quietly and went to their designated spots. She and the two other soldiers began moving ahead of the herd, splitting apart towards opposite sides as they moved quickly and silently. Finding an appropriate spot in the shadows, she crouched behind a bush and watched as Cho did the same as well. Han'nya however, continued traveling further, disappearing into the depths of the forest up ahead. Now came the tricky part, the waiting.

Though she had hunted before, it had always been small prey - something that could be caught by traps and small ditches dug into the ground. However, as they have hundreds of soldiers to feed by morning, they couldn't afford the leisure of waiting for small game to fall into traps and ditches.

She glanced backwards, catching a flash of red before it disappeared again. Her hands clenched and unclenched nervously as she counted down the seconds, breathing softly through her nose.

Suddenly, a battle cry ripped through the air and the forest erupted in a cacophony of sounds. The ground shook with the thundering of hooves as the frightened herd began stampeding towards their direction, herded by none other than the colonel himself.

Kaoru forced herself to wait as the herd roared past her hiding spot, her eyes quickly scanning the deers until she found the one they had chosen. The young doe was lagging behind, baying frantic cries to a herd that was quickly distancing themselves from danger. As the colonel continued chasing it closer and closer towards their spots, they were galvanized into action and she and Cho bursted out from their hiding spots, joining the chase with the colonel.

The doe, distraught with fear, began leaping from side to side in an attempt to lose its pursuers. But whenever it began to veer to one side, the one running closest to it would holler and yell, scaring it and cutting its escape route, herding it towards the last trap.

Already her legs were beginning to tire from the short sprint alongside the frightened doe and to the captain's dismay, the distance between them and the deer grew wider and wider as the sprinters exhausted their remaining strength. Any time now…she told herself, pushing her legs to work faster.

By the opposite side, Cho's speed faltered leaving the left side wide open for escape. The deer sensing the opportunity began to veer and Kaoru panicked crying out a warning as she attempted to change her direction despite knowing she won't make it in time to confront the animal.

She heard a loud puff of air, a grunt of exertion, and her eyes widened as the colonel put on a spur of speed and drew up to the fleeing doe's side. The sound of steel being withdrawn from its sheath startled the animal and the doe abandoned the route, putting on a last burst of speed that drew distance from the chasers to escape from the front.

Just when she thought they would lose the animal, the bushes in front of the doe exploded outwards as a dark figure leaped from its cover and crashed into the unexpecting deer.

Han'nya's arms locked around the doe's neck, his body weight dragging the deer to its knees and sent it crashing to the ground in a cloud of dust. When she and the colonel caught up, Han'nya had already ended the deer's struggle with a well placed stab.

It took them a moment to realize it was over before they relaxed in their stances and collapsed on the grass to catch their breaths. Her lungs burned with the need for more oxygen but that didn't dim the victorious smile breaking over her face. For her very first big hunt, Kaoru thought everything went pretty well.

Cho, who had been left behind when he faltered during the chase, finally stumbled over and flopped over on the grass, wheezing like a fish fished out of the waters. His face was red and puffy and his once immaculately groomed hair wilted like a dehydrated plant. "And I thought…marching all day… was exhausting."

His muttered comment seemed so out of place in an atmosphere that had just been laden with tension, it drew a bubble of breathless hilarity from her. Once started, Kaoru found herself unable to stop and soon she found herself with her arms wrapped around her chest as she tried to control her laughter. Her giggling had been infectious as Han'nya began chuckling along and even the colonel had a small smile on his face. Cho looked rather annoyed that they were laughing at his expense but in the end he too, gave in to the lighter mood.

The tension that had built up during the chase slowly drained away through their laughter. Relaxed and proud of their work, the members of the patrol began to prepare the carcass for transport. First the ropes were brought out as Han'nya bound the legs of the doe together. Cho was sent out to forest to find a sturdy limb from a tree to carry the carcass with as Kaoru and the colonel stood watch over the bloodstained area watching the shadows for signs of predators.

The scent of blood was heavy in the air and despite the years and experience she had on the battlefield, Kaoru couldn't help the uncomfortable shift in her position, which the colonel didn't miss. Though she had been trained to accept death early on in her army life, the fact that she still practiced her father's teachings and ways of the sword made sure she would never get comfortable with the idea. It became both an anchor for her sanity and a heavy burden to her.

A rustle from the forest drew her attention and she immediately stiffened, narrowing her eyes at the noise. The colonel seemed to have heard it as well as his hand moved cautiously towards his sword. The kill hadn't been made cleanly, blood had spilled over a large area of the grass and the scent of the fresh kill would have been carried by the wind through the forest. They had expected curious predators to come inspect the inviting smell but not quite so soon…

Kaoru took a cautious step towards the darkness and barely managed to dodge the sharpened end of an antler as a large buck bursted into the scene. Kaoru staggered backwards, putting herself out of the swinging antlers' range as her eyes widened in surprise. It was the stag from before, bucking and swinging its pronged weapons around the area in its enraged panic. The heavy scent of blood seem to have sent the buck into a wild frenzy as it began charging and kicking furiously, attempting to gore and bludgeon the distractions around it.

There was a sharp sound of steel as the colonel attempted to unsheathe his sword but unfortunately hadn't been fast enough. Kaoru watched, with her heart in her throat, as a stray hoof clipped the side of his temple and sent the man crashing to the ground, his sword fly out of reach. Her cry of distress had been quickly cut off as she was forced to leap back to avoid slashing antlers, warding her off as she got too close.

It snorted and bellowed, catching Han'nya's shirt on its antlers and flinging the large man aside. Then it tripped, legs and hooves flailing in the air, crashing to the ground in a cloud of dust and dirt, over the carcass of their abandoned kill. It recovered quickly, climbing to stand over its fallen companion, incensed and agitated by the confusing events.

A cornered animal reaching its limit, it reared high up on it's hind legs, nostrils flaring, spittle flying, seconds to crushing the colonel beneath its massive body. She would never reach him in time.

Their eyes meet over the distance and a message was conveyed. Her sword was suddenly sailing over the air, caught by adept hands, twisted, angled, then the buck descended.

Stillness.

Silence.

The dust settled and the first thing she saw when her vision cleared was the slumped form of the stag, piled mountainously over a very still body.

Is that it? She daren't breathe, she took one shaky step forward, eyes scrutinizing the pile. Waiting. Did he…

A loud groan echoed through the area, shattering the suffocating silence and the large buck was shoved aside, revealing the colonel, blood drenched but very much alive.

"Sir!" Han'nya had rushed over immediately, supporting the dazed man up. Her breath rushed out in one gust, relief washing over her like a tidal wave and her knees shook with sudden fatigue.

She watched silently as he bent to the fallen stag, his hand curling firmly against the hilt that stuck out from its chest and pulled. Her father's sword slid out cleanly, releasing a flow of blood onto the ground and she couldn't hide her cringe this time.

He held it within his palm, silver stained in red, balanced and dangerous, then with a quick swing to the side, he dislodged the offending liquid. Gently brushing aside Han'nya's help, he walked over, turning the hilt towards her and handed her the sword.

"Thank you."

She smiled, though it was shaky, and took her weapon back. The sword slid silently, like a ghost, back into its sheath, its familiar weight settling back by her side. The colonel seemed to let out a soft breath, as if satisfied the steel blade has been returned to its rightful owner and began to turn away.

A curious bubble of emotion rose within her and before she could stop herself, her hand was thrusted out in an offer and words tumbled out in a hurry. "We never really formally traded names did we?"

She would've laughed at their startled, confused expressions if she weren't so nervous. For a long moment, the colonel didn't react and only stared at her outstretched hand like it bewildered and offended him at the same time. Embarrassment began to color her cheeks and she was just about to retract her hand when slowly and warily, his hand stretched out and encompassed hers in a careful but firm grip.

"Himura Kenshin."

If Han'nya's expression had been shocked before, his current expression was priceless. Even Kaoru couldn't help the surprised sound from her lips at the colonel's surprising responce. She honestly hadn't expect him to accept her handshake, even less so, to formally give his name.

She stared at their joined hands in amazement and then she smiled, lips stretching into a delighted grin as she returned his sturdy grip.

"Kamiya Kaoru."

For the second time that day, their eyes met and an understanding seem to connect. A barrier seem to fall from between them and suddenly, the man with the thousand masks, became much more approachable.

The bushes rustled and their hands fell apart to their sides guiltily like children caught with their hands in the cookie jar, turning towards the shadows to find Cho emerging from the depths of the forest.

The disgruntled soldier took one look at the bloody scene, glared at the new carcass and dropped the sturdy branch he was carrying over his shoulders.

He turned almost desperate and pleading eyes towards them, his shoulders sagging with defeat.

"Another one?" his comical whimper drew laughter out of all of them.

x x x

The soldiers back at camp rejoiced at the sight of their large hauls. It was a rewarding sight to return to as soldiers cheered and clapped for them. The other hunting patrols had long returned with their smaller hauls and units had began preparing and sectoring the kills. The other patrols had hunted enough prey to feed the entire division for the night. The sight of their deers were very much welcomed though as the soldiers celebrated the thought of retiring to bed with full, satisfied bellies tonight.

It was one of those rare moments where everyone dropped the heavy burdens they carried and feasted for the sake of enjoyment. The deers they caught were prepared by the cooks, roasted over a campfire and sprinkled with herbs as hungry warriors huddled around, watching fat drip and sizzle into fire.

The colonel and his hunting patrol received the honor of taking the first slices before the rest of the division. Kaoru had refused at first but under the insistence of everyone else, she took a small piece and escaped just in time to avoid the flurry of men rushing to grab their portions.

She laughed and joked a lot with her unit that night and learned names and backgrounds about the soldiers she led. She felt a kinship build between them and the barriers that once separated her from her unit, melted away under comforting atmosphere. Their battle was far from over and the next morning they would wake and don their armour, ready to hike miles and miles to reach their enemies. Some might not ever return to these lands again but still they feasted, cuddling and nursing the small flame of hope for victory. Kaoru smiled, a warm emotion enveloping her. These were brave men she fought with and she was glad she got the chance to meet them.

To the side, Sanosuke's loud laughter reverberated through the air and the cause for his delight was apparent. The colonel for the first time in many months sat together with his unit, looking all out of place with his bowl and utensils. He stayed silent throughout the meal, but Sano didn't seem to mind and continued gesturing and talking loud enough for the both of them. This was her first time seeing the second in command so excited and she smiled despite herself.

It's been a great day. She thought, turning back to her unit sipping her soup.

x x x

He was back at those hills again. Peaceful, quiet, serene.

There wasn't a single soul in sight. Not his division, Sanosuke nor the bloody corpses of his nightmares. He was alone with only the windy breeze to keep him company.

It rustled through the gaps of his clothing, twirled through his hair and lifted him. Then he was flying, held up by the wind and carried, weightless as a feather. It was a strange feeling, floating that is. When he willed it so, the wind would carry him farther, higher, past clouds and birds, but no matter how hard he tried, it would never let him reach the ground.

The scene before him began to shift, a yawning wound of black opening up in the atmosphere and pulled at him. He could hear the screams echoing from the dark depths, the poison that frothed and sang for him. The wind turned vicious, pulling him into the jaws of the nightmare and he was hurled, thrown into the abyss.

The peaceful feeling was ripped from him as he tumbled, tossed and turned through the air and landed harshly on the sticky ground.

"Help!"

He turned to the voice and was splashed in red. His heart dropped to his stomach as he watched, the shadow of a man split in half and fell apart, his organs slapping messily over his feet. His choke of horror lodged in his throat and he struggled to stand, to get away. He tripped over a rope and crashed painfully on his side, the hilt of a sword digging into his gut. The object burned him as he grabbed the blunted weapon and he swallowed down the bile as he worked to sever the cord that tripped him. It was the intestines of the man that fell before his eyes.

He found himself crying, hot, translucent tears rolling down his cheeks flaking with drying blood. His shoulders shook and his chest heaved with pain, but not one sound came out as he gripped the burning sword and sawed at the restraining bonds. Freed at last, he stood to run, his mouth open to take in large gulps of air that was thick with death. He ran and ran, ignoring the burning pain of the sword in his hand, ignoring the wet slapping of his feet, ignoring the cries of help behind him.

He slashed at the shadows that blocked his path, leaping over bodies and sliding away from bony grasps. He was gasping, the smoky air clogging and blocking his airway and his lungs burned with the lack of oxygen.

'It's not real.' he told himself, tears blurring his sight, sliding down his neck. 'Not real.'

The ground shuddered and heaved, throwing him off balance and suddenly gave way. He was falling again, the painful sword ripped from his grasps and he was dropped in red.

Suddenly he was drowning. Viscous liquid sloshing down his throat, filling his lungs with rust, it turned thick and slow like glue, dragging him down, trapping him within the sea of blood.

He flailed and tried to swim to find the current pushing against him, forcing him back into the dark embrace. His eyes burned and his lungs felt like they were ready to give in. Darkness creeped around the corners, mocking, pointing fingers.

Through the turbulent waves, a hand reached for him. Muted sounds filtering through the murky waters. "End.."

It was strange how he could still feel his tears despite drowning in a sea of blood. Strange, how he could clearly pick out these few words despite the roaring in his ears. Strange, how he still remembered the tone of his voice even after all these years.

"End.."

"..you must.."

'No, please don't...'

"..End the cycle…"

He cried out in despair as he sunk, the waves pulling him down and the hand disappeared from view.

He returned to the conscious world violently, jerking awake, golden eyes flashing open in the darkness. His hand reached for his chest, clenching around the sweat drenched fabric of his shirt as he centered himself, gasping and shuddering from the aftermaths of his nightmare.

Fire. Smoke. Sleeping bodies.

Kenshin took a deep breath, closing his eyes as his body shuddered. It's just a dream. He consoled himself, breathing slowly, in and out, in and out. Just a dream.

A tortured groan slipped from his lips as he fell back against the tree he was leaning on and closed his eyes warily.

It was a long time before he finally slipped into a dreamless sleep.

Phew! How was that? I've been stuck on a terrible writersblock and haven't been able to write a lot recently due to finals and universities and what not. The writersblock refused to budge for six months and I was beginning to despair. I think the writers block is also partly caused by the fact that I know the story and know what will happen in the future and therefore, sometimes I just can't get the motivation to write. Because unlike the readers of this story xDD I'm not always hanging at the edge of a cliffhanger.

Anyways, enough of that! I hope you enjoyed this chapter! ;u; Finally it seems there's some progress with Kenshin! xDD I'd love to hear your opinions on this long overdue chapter, please do drop a comment or two if you have time C;

Thanks for reading! and see you next chapter!