A very nice introspective piece! I liked how you compare Kenshin's "blood-stained hands" to scars since in a way they really do represent mental scarring. Misao was an interesting choice to play opposite him here but, with the background you gave, it made much more sense for her to play this role than anyone else. I also liked how you incorporated the Oniwanbanshu and the memory of their habits to aid Misao's reasoning. It's nice to see the others (aside from Okina) actually being recognized as seasoned warriors who have moved on to ordinary lives but are still occasionally haunted by their pasts. Good job and thanks for sharing this piece!

Very nice comparison between Kenshin and the other Oniwaban.

Oh. Well, it's not so blatantly Kenshin x Misao that canon freaks wouldn't be able to stomach it. In fact, given the bit of background context this story provides (in the italicized braces), even blatant KxM would've been fine. As it was, this is much more than fine. It's a very introspective, inevitably insightful look into Kenshin's condition. Dark where it needs to be dark, but overall wonderfully optimistic and hopeful and very well-written. Really an enjoyable read.

OK, i forgive you for killing aoshi, putting kenshin and misao through hell in 'ainieuru'... or not... O.o

that was very insightful, you could become a therapist... or not, 'ainieuru' scared me.

i have been reading all of the rk fics by author, alphebetically and i haven't stumbled across a misao/ken story other than yours (i didn't consider this fic a pairing). i did however come across a misao/hiko(dirty old man!): Tanabata, Author: Chiruken -good fic.

i like your writing... i've only read two of your stories so far. on the dark side, but intense and riviting.

I really liked this fic... it was sad but fluffy and nice. If that makes sense.

I like this.
It didn't really sound like a pairing fic, just a fic about two frinds. One helping the other because that's what friends do.

I love alternate pairings and this one was very well done. I was sad to see it end and I liked the way you did things, though I was a bit confused by the flashbacks at first. Cheers:)

I like K/M fics too

Hi! I loved your style. And I loved your fic. I started your other M/K fic, but this one is really wonderful. Good job indeed.

wow very good, very symbolic i liked it

How beautiful. Sigh... THis is a very well done piece. I'm gonna have to take a look atsome of your otherwork

misao and...kenshin? go for it! i think its a great idea. i never considered this pairing before but now that i do...it sounds pretty good. i hope you write some more.

hEY! nICE fIC i just wanna say that i support you. Seriously there are too many KXK not that i'm complaining...much. Anyway at one time i think it should be Misao and Kenshin but then Aoshi turned up but heck i still like MxK pairings and i don't care what people say. Finally don't forget to write more. Ganbatte!

I may be a die-hard KxK fan, but I like this one-shot of yours, Very symbolic, and I'm a sucker for angsty deep stuff (and the unusual idea, too!). Keep up the good work )

I've seen this idea done before.. (not saying anything mind you) but yours is so well written...

Really good job. I enjoyed it.

P.S. 'Owari?' indeed. You *should* do a continuation.