Finally, some context from Kenshin.

- And political things I said I wouldn't include -

Disclaimer: In this chapter there is an oath found in the Bible, from the mouth of Ruth, which seemed appropriate to me.

"Past"

Sayo had always admired the ceremonies of the clergy; to be honest, everything related to the cult of the goddess fascinated her. Her element - like that of her brothers - was fire, but she was not a user. At an early age, the young princess revealed that she possessed divine power, and since then, she decided to dedicate herself as an acolyte to the goddess of the empire. It was perhaps because of this that upon watching her older brother's wedding ceremony, she felt overwhelmed with emotion.

After the last war, there were small kingdoms freed from the rule of the enemy empire, Belum - with an anarchist government - which had managed to maintain their sovereignty. However, it was a fact that they were mostly weak nations. From all of these, the largest - almost half of the Lumas Empire - had made a marriage offer, and after months of courtship, an agreement had finally been reached.

"Congratulations, your highness, imperial princess, on this very special occasion!"

Sayo turned to attend to Duke Kamiya and his eldest daughter, Megumi. Both had attended as witnesses of the empire, since the wedding took place in the bride's kingdom.

"I appreciate your good wishes, and I also congratulate you on Kaoru's wedding," she responded.

At this, Koishijirou remained impassive; Megumi, however, could not help but look away with pity. Sayo noticed this thanks in part to the nature of her divine power. The brunette took the young Kamiya's hands.

"I know you're worried," she said, to the black-haired woman's surprise, "but there's nothing to worry about. All the omens for your sister's marriage are prosperous," she assured.

Megumi didn't know what to say.

"I thank your highness, the imperial princess, for your attention to my family."

Sayo smiled.

"Things seem to be getting better little by little," she said, glancing at her brother Shogo with his now wife, Auria. "Even Makoto seems to have a better character."

The latter put the Kamiya on alert because, in recent months, the prince's expeditions had caused division among the aristocracy, with grave repercussions for the people. The princess, however, seemed to either know nothing of this, or not care about it.

"Although this year he had to choose a partner due to our brother Shogo's wedding, it was not possible. We all expected Makoto to react with his usual temper again but, he remained calm and even agreed to be part of the event. -The princess's smile grew. -I think my father was right; he just had to grow up a little."

Koishijorou swallowed with difficulty.

"As always, the emperor brims with wisdom," the man said, laughing without meaning.

Sayo laughed with him, as did Megumi, and after a brief exchange of pleasantries, the meeting ended.

"The delay in the second prince's engagement, could it be that he has already found someone he wants to introduce later?" Megumi asked as she and her father advanced towards the room where the banquet would take place.

"No." Her father said, his gaze sharp. "On the contrary, he is looking for the pawn who will give him the power he needs. Even if it's on enemy territory."

Megumi was shocked upon hearing this.

"Aren't you exaggerating, father? As cruel as he may be, what would be the point of attacking his own empire? How can you be so sure?" She questioned between doubt and fear.

The man stopped in his steps, subconsciously making sure that no one heard them; his gaze was lost on a distant point on the ground. He looked defeated, and that mass of dark emotions stole his daughter's warmth.

"I can't even reveal to you how I know." He told her with sadness and a certain resignation. "It's not just because of what I have investigated about him... I can tell you that I've already suffered the world he wants to build once, and I am not going to allow it to happen again." He concluded with determination, all previous emotions evaporated, and only the firm decision to win remained in his eyes. "And the first step is to ensure that he and Kaoru do not cross paths. At least not until her and Himura's marriage is consummated."

Megumi's heart squeezed in her chest. Her father stopped her from any argument she could start by squeezing the hand he was holding.

"I know how this hurts you, my daughter. But Kaoru is your sister, and you heard it even from our imperial princess, and she is incapable of lying. You've seen it too." He reminded her, looking at her with intent, to which Megumi lowered her face contrite. "The only complement for an original elemental is another original elemental of opposite power."

The black-haired girl held back the urge to cry. She had no words to contradict her father; in all the divinations she had done over the last few years, Himura Kenshin kept appearing as Kaoru's ideal partner.

"Kaoru was conceived for Himura. That is a fact that we have to accept," said his father, not without some sadness. "And it is our duty to prevent them from being separated again."

Megumi jumped when she heard this, but said nothing. Her mind, active like mother earth, suddenly seemed to understand her father's secret.

"When you say that you suffered in that world..." she asked, afraid of the answer. "Do you mean that you already lived it once?"

Koishijiro closed his eyes tightly; he seemed to be fighting against something. After dueling against that ghost for a moment, he opened his eyes again.

"We have already been delayed for a long time. Let's go to the banquet before provoking room for rumors," he said.

They made good their stay for the rest of the event. Her father didn't talk about the matter again, and Megumi knew he wouldn't mention anything again, no matter how hard she pushed. But that didn't mean she could forget it... So she forced herself to keep that fear at the forefront of her mind, and continue searching the cards for the possible future.

Contrary to what it was expected, the trip by sea lasted just two days, and they didn't encounter a storm during any of them. The road after there was actually short. Except for the extra rest days in the next port city, it only took them half a day longer to finally reach Himura Castle, in the heart of the Northern country. Both, Kaoru and Shura were surprised by how vast the territory was - after all, the last two cities were already northern territory - and were excited to finally arrive at their new home.

After crossing the wide esplanade of gardens, they arrived at the main patio in front of the main entrance of the Castle, where two long lines of employees were waiting for them standing on either side of the main road.

"Welcome." They all said, as soon as the young duchess got out of her carriage - helped by Kenshin - and stood in front of the group of people.

Her heart was fluttering in her chest, her eyes shining with excitement. An older couple was in front, Kenshin approached them, guiding his young wife as well.

"Kaoru, meet Okina, the castle butler, and Okami, the housekeeper." He told hier, introducing each one of them, who made the appropriate bow. "Anything you need, they will be there to support you."

"It's a pleasure to meet you." They both spoke.

Kaoru, cheeks flushed, greeted in the same way, making a short bow.

"The pleasure is mine. My name is Himura Kaoru; I will be in your care. She said, smiling.

Both adults were enthralled with the image of the little duchess. Okina was the first to speak, much to Okami's annoyance.

"Without a doubt, you won the biggest prize boy." He said laughing while patting Kenshin's shoulder. To Kaoru's astonishment, he did not seem to take offense at his butler's lack of decorum.

Okami, on her part, sighed impatiently.

"Don't pay attention to this old pervert." She said to the duchess and then turned to Kenshin with her hands on her waist. "Himura, as always, you forget the basic rules of courtship, you disappoint me." She growled, Kenshin smiled somewhat contritely, but Okami did not give him the opportunity to answer, as she turned her attention to Kaoru once more. "Surely she is tired from the long trip. Allow me to take you to your room; the maids are ready to serve you."

Kaoru blinked, somewhat overwhelmed, not knowing exactly what to think of that exchange. She turned to look at Kenshin with insecurity reflected in her person. The redhead smiled understandingly at her.

"Go ahead. This is your home now." He assured her.

Kaoru took a deep breath, nodded firmly, and then turned to the woman.

"I'm in your hands," she told her.

Kaoru, Shura and Katsu advanced towards where Okami led them.

"I insist..." Okina repeated, when the duchess was far from listening. "I think she was a magnificent acquisition." He said with intention.

Kenshin - aware of what the man was referring to - nodded.

"Nothing escapes you, old friend." He said.

Okina chuckled.

"Considering such a vision, it is impossible for me." He pointed.

Kenshin looked at him, confused. Then Aoshi came to him and answered in Okina's place.

"You've been releasing waves of your element every time you are in her presence, and she as well. And these have become linked until they merge the more time you spend together."

"Gah, don't even tell me," Sano interrupted, complaining, "it's been quite annoying."

Kenshin looked at him irritably. "You're complain?" He accused him.

Sano frowned in annoyance.

"I'm still resentful to you"

"Be grateful that you are still alive." Kenshin completed under his breath. Even if he would not say it openly, he was equally resentful of the brunette.

"From what I see, it's a good omen." Okina said as they began to advance into the castle. The rest of the workers spread out in the performance of their duties. "By the way, everything you ordered has already been arranged. And we have received a response, too."

Kenshin stopped when he heard that.

"They found him?" He inquired expectantly.

Okina looked at him reproachfully, however.

"Will you go see him now? If you'll allow my advice, perhaps you should wait for the young duchess to adjust to life in the castle." He warned.

"I think the same." Sanosuke contributed, hands behind his neck. If you leave her now, the progress you've made could go overboard."

At his side Aoshi nodded likewise. Although meeting that person was necessary, strengthening his marriage and alliance with the Kamiya clan had to come first - especially if he sought to raise the clan to the level of the rest of the empire's nobility clans.

"Keep him in your sights for now." The General ordered.

Okina nodded.

"It will be done as you say."

Kaoru shifted for the second time in her new bed while admiring each of the nooks, and crannies of her new room in detail. She had a feeling of unreality that made her somewhat anxious. It was the first time she would sleep in a foreign home without the presence and company of both her father and her sister, so it was not surprising that nostalgia dominated her to the point of feeling like crying.

Going from their arrival to the point where she currently was had been a big odyssey in itself, even more than the whole trip to the North. True to her word, the housekeeper Okami had taken her to a large, spacious bathroom, with a large, vast pool in which to wash. Since her introduction as a user, Kaoru had not had assistance during her showers. So, receiving attention again caused her some discomfort, but she tried to relax.

After the bath, which had lasted quite a while with everything and the body massages, her new group of ladies had taken care of dressing her. Despite her age, Shura had made herself stand out above the new ladies and ensured that the clothes chosen were to her friend's taste; something that secretly made the little duchess feel proud.

Kaoru internally prayed that such attention would not be an everyday occurrence. Although she secretly enjoyed the attention, she knew that receiving it daily, would exasperate her sooner rather than later.

Once ready, Okami set about introducing her to each of her new ladies, explaining how they would take care of her in terms of meals and daily activities. The woman did not skimp on the details of her young duchess's new role, but she did not impose these on her. "Everything will be in its time." She had told her, and Kaoru had breathed a sigh of relief. As soon as that was clear and the girl had no more doubts, they proceeded to the dining room, where Kenshin was already waiting for her. The banquet was attended by Lieutenants Aoshi and Sanosuke, as well as the rest of the company including Kaoru's. This was a contrast to the traditions of her home, but it was well received.

Dinner stretched into a feast; however, the youngest soon felt tired. Although she tried to resist, she had finally agreed to Kenshin's insistence to go rest. Shura had gone with her. And, after she was once again assisted by her new ladies until she was in her nightgown - a simple light blue nightgown with long sleeves made of cotton and wool, which would shelter her from the cold of the North. The fireplace was lit by the time she entered her room.

Suddenly, tiredness felt comfortable in that niche made for her. Shura stayed in their company for another hour while they talked about everything and nothing. Soon they both began to nod off, until they considered it prudent to say goodnight and go to sleep.

However, when the door had closed, and Kaoru was standing in the middle of the room, she felt more awake than ever. The fatigue was still there, but its heaviness seemed to have evaporated. SHe forced herself to lie down and try to sleep, but it was useless.

Kaoru sighed, suddenly feeling alone.

Tears came to her eyes, and her light cried into her soul.

After a few moments of fighting her own emotions, the young duchess stood up and walked over to the large window near the balcony. She looked through the glass at the new group of stars that she didn't know.

The light of the Moon illuminated her until it seemed to recognize her.

The door suddenly opened, and Kaoru jumped startled; out of inertia, she ran towards the bed, but she stayed in the middle of hiding under the covers.

"Kaoru."

Since her now husband's voice brought her back to herself. The young woman looked at him, startled.

"Kenshin..." She whispered.

The redhead closed the door behind him and advanced towards her. His clothes were loose, as was his hair, highlighting the fine features of the General's face. For a moment, Kaoru was breathless.

"You can not sleep?" He asked her, sitting next to her on her bed.

She shook her head, cheeks flushed.

"Everything is so new..." She confessed as she felt the tears return. Then she looked at him pleadingly "Could you?" She asked.

He understood instantly and settled on the bed with her, sitting more than lying down; Kaoru leaned against him at chest height while he hugged her.

"Okami said this was your old room. -She said suddenly. -Where will you sleep now?"

Kenshin felt like laughing at his little wife's tender but silly concerns, amused to think how she would imagine him.

"I'll be in the room at the end of the hallway." He said smiling.

Kaoru pouted.

"Why the distance?" She complained.

Kenshin hesitated for a moment. Even if there would be no problem in confessing things as they were, he also didn't think it would be wise to end up saying something that might make her feel less loved or even make her think that the way he saw her was very different from the vision she had of him.

"On the way to the North I sought to protect you from threats; we are safe here. -He confessed. -Also, Shura claimed the front room." He completed in a hurry.

Kaoru smiled.

"Thank you for allowing her to stay in the main mansion." She said looking at him. Her eyes were shining.

He admired her in detail. This close, it was much more difficult to reject her. Okami's words - said after dinner - kept repeating in his mind.

"I hope you behave as I raised you -The woman had warned him -For at least a month, your only obligation must be your young wife. Your honeymoon will consist of making her feel at home until she understands that this is her new home. Walk with her through the gardens, show her the greenhouse, tour with her the halls of the castle and the solar where you work. You must guide her in what her next obligations will be; instruct her in her new role. And if one month is not enough to get her to move on these lands as if they had always been hers, dedicate another month to her. Take her around the town, let your people know her, and let her know them. Train with her. But above all, stop marking your distance."

The General suddenly felt a knot in his chest and sighed. Okina's opinion had been the same.

"She's your family. I couldn't send her away. Furthermore, she is of noble birth just like you." He ended up saying instead. "We'll talk tomorrow, Princess. I promise you that I will answer each and every one of your questions."

Kaoru nodded and settled down to sleep.

As had been happening during the last few days, dust of light slowly fell off the minor's body. Soon, the boy's own power was present, as if responding to a silent call, and the specks of his own power merged with that of his companion.

As soon as Kaoru had fallen asleep, Kenshin retired to his chambers.

Five months had passed since Kaoru arrived at the castle. That November afternoon was turning out to be strangely and exquisitely warm despite the season. Kaoru had dedicated himself to touring the main mansion within the castle - the one that remained secluded despite their return - the private area designated for the dukes. Without knowing why she had suddenly felt the desire to check that area. Kenshin had not yet explained to her why they remained in a smaller area of the castle, and she had not wanted to pressure him. Besides, she now had other occupations.

Her training as a duchess began just one month and three days after her arrival. And although she had grown accustomed to spending almost the entire day in Kenshin's company, Kaoru was nothing if not resilient and independent. It took her little time to adapt to the new pace and her new duties, working side by side with Okina on the Castle's accounts. There had also been two governesses in charge of educating her in both: etiquette and the customs of the North, and both had been pleased with such a committed student.

The little duchess was still in contact with her father and sister, too. The latter continued with her conspiracies against the General, except that now, she had turned from divorce to dominance in marriage. Kaoru supposed that this change was good.

On the other hand, she had also continued training. Megumi had not lied when she promised her that she would inherit their father's sword, and Kenshin had not resisted her continuing with her family's tradition; on the contrary, he motivated her not to abandon it. This had helped her become close to the soldiers, as well as being able to meet her husband and have more opportunities to spend time together.

Maybe, in the future, it could be different. She thought, stopping suddenly. She blinked in confusion. Only then did she realize how far she had come, noticing the absence of servants in the area. She had reached a wide hallway, a kind of bridge that joined two buildings. The young duchess, moved by a feeling she did not know how to recognize, decided to move forward.

Her steps took her to a tall wide building that looked like a temple, a chapel although larger. The enormous mahogany doors were ajar, and before she even considered entering, trails of light began to dance around her until they moved like fireflies towards the interior of the building as if ordering her to move forward.

Kaoru followed such order.

...

And she was left breathless.

...

Inside, the roof was concave and high, like the domes of the cathedral in the capital of the empire. Arches and arches walled with figures carved into the rock. On the walls, in every space and in each of the nooks, tablets were erected, metal plates on rock structures, each with a name.

The fireflies of light multiplied in favor of her curiosity and illuminated the areas her blue eyes followed. As they did so, however, they soon ended up illuminating another figure; Okami was almost at the back of the room.

Kaoru jumped, startled and somewhat embarrassed.

"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to invade." She apologized, her lights returned to her equally scared.

Okami looked at her for two seconds before answering.

"My lady is not invading, I can assure you of that." She told her without smiling; her hands were busy holding a rosary and what seemed to be a handkerchief. "It's just that this is a mausoleum, so it's normal that it is closed." She highlighted as a scolding.

Had she imagined the doors open? The young duchess questioned herself. Okami then assured her with a look and a brief gesture that she could stay; in response the black-haired girl approached the old woman.

"All those plates..." She asked just a second after silence, unable to contain her curiosity.

Okami's face seemed to become equally sad and upset. Kaoru was afraid she had said something impertinent.

"They represent each of the lives lost during the siege. -The woman responded, her eyes filled with nostalgia. -Although I must admit that after the fall of the clan, many were not here yet."

The duchess's lights gathered around her again, melting until only two specks remained.

"Do you mean they were arranged after Kenshin returned?" Kaoru asked.

Okami nodded.

"That's how it is." Her gaze was still lost in the past. "It is incredible how much our lord is able to remember." She laughed softly and started walking; Kaoru walked with her. "I am sad to admit that I'd already forgotten several of them... it was more than a decade ago after all." She concluded, stopping and looking up.

Kaoru followed the path of her gaze, and her lights jumped and flew towards the discovered object. A large painting with the portrait of a couple, the woman was holding a baby as the features of the three were illuminated, Kaoru's eyes opened in admiration.

"Are they Kenshin's parents?" She questioned.

Okami nodded; there was the hint of a smile at the corner of her lips.

"She's beautiful," Kaoru murmured before the image of Kenshin's mother.

The woman had dark red, wavy hair, her warm blue eyes had purple highlights, her complexion was clear, and her face was serene; one could see that she had been someone extremely kind. The man had golden eyes, the same color that Kenshin's shone when he used his power; his hair was brown, and his expression was grim and serious. The baby, with scarlet hair, was sleeping in his mother's arms.

"I would have liked to meet them," she blurted out without meaning to.

Okami smiled sadly and somewhat bitterly, but the young duchess had her gaze locked on the portrait.

"If they had not died in that horrible accident, they would undoubtedly have been proud to see that their son's companion is a worthy young lady," Okami said.

Kaoru looked at her embarrassed and secretly happy to be accepted... With Okami's answer, and a last look at that portrait - in which its lights were still fluttering - Kaoru dared to ask, also recognizing the woman's desire to reveal that history.

"...How did they die?"

The woman had to sigh and took a deep breath before she could begin the story.

...

"It is said that it was an accident." The story began; it was obvious the rejection in that phrase and what it represented. "But everyone in Akai knows it was a hidden plan against the North."

"A betrayal?" Kaoru questioned.

"A plot actually by someone whose identity has been kept hidden. Ten years ago, the rise of the North was evident. Its growth rivaled that of the capital of the empire. Like the Kamiya clan, the Himura clan was in its own way close to the royal family and the leader of the imperial army in charge of the expansion wars. It is normal, therefore, in such a large empire, to receive envy and hatred from less fortunate clans.

"How could a clan so close to the royal family be attacked in such a cruel way?"

"Precisely with slander and rumors, fears planted in the ears of people with the power to tarnish the name of even the purest clans. After the oracle, demonic activity began to grow, mainly in this area so close to the edge of the spiritual realm. Soon, the Duke's younger brother was accused of having committed acts of black magic."

"But, what about the evidence?"

2It can always be fabricated, I'm afraid. We already knew it then. That fabricated evidence was the siege itself, a massive attack by specters and demons."

"What?!"

"The earth fell after this, hundreds of people lost their lives. And when someone had to be blamed, the youngest son decided to take the blame, firmly believing that his brother should prevail to take care of the son who had awakened as an original elemental."

"Do you mean that Kenshin's power awakened during the siege?"

Okami nodded regretfully, her mind still remembering that unleashed anger, that mist of thick blackness, and the terrible power with which it eliminated all life in its path.

"So, the intention was to finish off Kenshin," Kaoru concluded in disbelief. After all, an original elemental is discovered as a user from the moment of his birth.

Okami nodded.

"However, no one expected them to attack so soon after the execution. Less than a year, there was a terrible snowfall as the land was contaminated; there were fissures between this plane and the other. It was supposed to be a routine campaign, but the dukes' carriage was buried after a sneaky avalanche... Accusations rained down after this event. Our poor boy, Kenshin, could barely deal with the blasts of his own power. It is impossible to fight fire with more fire, in this case, darkness. He was declared unworthy and a danger to the empire. With no one with the power to eliminate the plague, the North was soon abandoned, and new boundaries were set."

"What happened to Kenshin? How did he survive in the meantime?"

"He had a benefactor, a distant relative who was in charge of protecting him and training him. However, by then, the value of his name had been lost. For years, he struggled to raise what had once been lost. Our young duke, stubborn and foolish as the day he was born, swore one day to do justice to all the lives that were lost then. 'If they died to protect me, then I must live for them,' he said."

Then, the woman finally smiled and looked at Kaoru with a different emotion in her eyes.

"When he recovered the Castle, the Mausoleum was the first thing he restored. Each of the names that have been engraved in his mind for ten years now rest here. However, my young duchess, I am sure that finding you has been the first happiness in this new life, that has been offered to him, a second opportunity to achieve that which marks his destiny."

The two specks of light became one.

"My lord is someone gentle, but insecure of himself. It doesn't seem like it, but he is constantly putting himself down. That boy requires a strong companion who reminds him to smile, but above all, to live, always wishing for a new day. And I believe that you, my young princess, are the right one for such a noble cause."

...

Kaoru stayed for a long moment looking at that portrait again. And in some moments her gaze wandered over the plaques around her. Inevitably, her eyes returned to the image of that family, the same that had been deprived of a dignified life, full of happiness. The young lady thought of her own mother, of the ephemeral way her life had turned out; but even she had been blessed with a death in her bed, surrounded by the people who loved her. Looking intensely at the image of that baby who had been her companion - without being able to avoid it - the little duchess imagined how hard and difficult... how sad and distressing it must have been to suffer such a fate.

Kaoru then recognized the gentle soul of her husband that Okami had painted for her, finally understanding how to see the pain hidden in his understanding smiles; those that never reached his eyes.

Her light fluttered around her until it stopped next to her, at the level of her face, almost as if asking her, "What will you do now?"

The young lady looked around her, letting herself be enveloped by the voices hidden there, resting in their eternal sleep. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, feeling those souls. She absorbed them all, creating within her the spark of a star for each one of them. When she opened her eyes again, a new determination shone in her pupils.

"Okami-san." She called the old woman, using the nickname indicated in her culture.

The woman turned to look at her, attentive to her words. Kaoru continued to stare at the Himura family portrait.

"Bring incense." She ordered.

Okami looked at her with interest.

"How much do you need, my duchess?" She questioned.

Kaoru finally turned to see her, and her lips formed a smile, clear as crystalline water.

"As much as you can find." She answered.

The housekeeper's eyes widened in astonishment, and then she smiled pleased.

"As my duchess commands."

For the next few hours, Kaoru dedicated herself to giving light to those little stars while Okami - along with several ladies, including Shura - dedicated themselves to handing out and lighting incense. After hearing the news, many others joined. Okina looked from the entrance with a touched smile.

"Without a doubt, our young duke is in good hands" He thought to himself.

When Kenshin and the small company he had arranged for exploration arrived at the Castle, a whitish fog had enveloped the entire area, illuminating it to such a degree that it made it appear that the sun had not set.

"What's going on?" Several questioned with admiration.

Kenshin dismounted almost instantly after reaching the front, as did Sanosuke and Aoshi.

"It's already night, and here it seems like day." Sano noted with curiosity.

"It's too dim." Aoshi stressed, with an idea of who could be causing it.

When Kenshin had approached the direction where such a glow was coming from, his heart jumped in his chest, and he couldn't help but run in its direction. He ran quickly, with an excitement that overwhelmed him to the core, an excitement that grew as he recognized where he was going.

The doors were open. Okina was still at the entrance in the company of Okami and a few others who were in charge of cleaning up and then leaving. The older couple gave him a meaningful look as soon as they saw him arrive. Kenshin trembled in his place for a moment and then entered the room.

...

It was as if a dove took flight.

...

"Ah!" The strength of what he felt almost left him breathless; the emotion was such that he was on the verge of crying like a little child.

...

The mausoleum was illuminated by tiny stars made of light; each of the tablets had incense burning and a perpetual candle made of its companion element. Warm and serene lighting, dim but firm.

Kenshin stumbled in his steps, overwhelmed by so much beauty.

"Kaoru..." He called as soon as his eyes landed on her.

The young woman, kneeling on the altar in the center, prayed while specks of light danced around her. The shadows of each star danced equally, marking the rhythm of a song with echoes of laughter from happier times. A time he'd almost forgotten...

"Kenshin..." The youngest recognized him, looking at him surprised. She stood up and shook the skirt of her dress. She came down from the atrium and walked up to him to "Welcome home." She told him as soon as they were facing each other, smiling. "I hope you like it. In my home, it is customary to honor the dead with a lit candle; we even have a festival where we send lights in the river... But since there are so many, I thought my element would be more appropriate. They will shine for at least three nights."

Kenshin looked at her like she wasn't real. As if his mind had conjured the image of the goddess herself, with the intention of numbing the sorrows of his past.

Kenshin saw her in a different light. He saw the woman she would become; and he felt like worshiping her right then and there.

"Honestly... I have no words..." He said with a tremulous voice, with emotions on the surface. "Thank you..." His voice broke. And when he knew he couldn't hold back his tears, he hugged her to the lady's surprise. "Thank you very very much." He murmured in a soft sob.

This hug was different, Kaoru noted.

Unintentionally, Kenshin had hugged her tightly until he pulled her towards him and, being taller, had forced her to remain on her tiptoes... But it was not only the closeness, but also the emotion, the vibration of Kenshin's power that took refuge in her's.

...

When he had released her, they both remained seated, side by side, in front of the portrait of the previous dukes; Kenshin's right hand held Kaoru's left. He shared secrets about his childhood and details about what his parents had been like.

"Do you miss them?"

"All the time... I hope that wherever they are, they are proud of what I have done so far."

Kenshin's smile was fragile, she realized; beautiful and honest and so fragile and shy. Kaoru finally understood what Okami had asked of her between the lines.

It was a big weight the one he carried on his shoulders, but maybe...

"Kenshin." She called him, determined.

"Hmm?" He responded without stopping to see the portrait of his parents.

It was perhaps because of the latter, that he could not hide the surprise that enveloped him when he felt Kaoru kiss him on the corner of his lips - so close to being a shared kiss...! - while holding his face with her free hand.

He looked at her stupefied, speechless and moved. Kaoru's eyes were a starry sky that threatened to kidnap him.

"Your family is my family now." She told him with emotion. "Wherever you go, I will go. Your God will be my God, and where you reside, I too must rest." She swore. Then, she became shy again after acknowledging the promise made her cheeks flushed, but she kept her gaze fixed on him, determined. "Maybe, one day, you will tell me your story. And maybe by then, it will stop hurting..."

Then she gave him the sweetest smile she had given him until then. One that transformed her face and made her look even more beautiful. Kenshin's heart flapped its wings in preparation for flight, and his element rejoiced at his core.

"Oyasumi." She said goodbye, this time placing a kiss on his forehead.

So overwhelmed and moved was he that he could not move. Still, frozen even, he resigned himself to watching her leave, haughty and confident like that first time he had seen her; when she was just a little girl.

And sighed.

A quick sigh that released the breath from his excited heart.

"How much longer will I have to wait?" He questioned himself internally. Then, his fingers touched that area next to the corner of his lips, where her kiss had been placed... "Maybe it won't be long now," he murmured. His face turned a red shape that rivaled that of his hair as he understood his own desire, and he reproached himself the next moment with his head in his hands.

Inside the mausoleum, hundreds of stars twinkled as if giggling.

A/N: That's the extent of my intention for this story to be fluffy.