Author's Note: I would like to thank everyone for sticking it out through
the end of this little piece of fanfiction. I wrote an epilogue to the
story because the ending seemed too abrupt. For those who have read and
reviewed this before, this chapter is a repost. As always, I do not own
Rurouni Kenshin but I will always be thankful to Watsuki-sama for the
creation of such characters.
Epilogue:
Tokyo
May 1868
I was initially hesitant in writing you a letter, perhaps because I do not know you as well as I would have hoped. I rely only on a fading memory that happened a lifetime ago and yet, here I am. I offer you my condolences on the passing of your father and though I only met him briefly, I do believe that he was an honorable man.
I had fervently wished that I would be able to see you one more time but I fear it is not to be. Much of my strength had been spent early in my youth and my body cannot endure this world any longer.
These past months have been kind enough for me to witness the end of the wars and the restoration of peace in our country. The fall of the Tokugawa shogunate not only meant the conclusion of war but also the end of my life as a swordsman. My sword is no longer needed in the coming era of peace.
My mind cannot recall if I had ever expressed my gratitude for meeting you in the marketplace that day. That chance encounter has given me strength in my battles and comfort during the quiet times in between. I often wondered if the blue in your eyes still sparkle with life and if the kimono fabric has faded over time.
Still, I am hopeful that you will find the happiness you so richly deserve and that your spirits remain strong despite the hardships of war. If it had been simply a matter of chance that we met, then my heart is lightened by the lasting image of your beautiful smile.
Senshouji Temple
Spring of the 16th year of the Meiji Era
A young woman stood just inside the temple, clutching a faded letter in her hand. She slowly approached the altar wearing a dark blue kimono that was still bright as if it had been bought yesterday. Cherry blossoms dotted along the hemline as her footsteps barely disturbed the surroundings. Reverently, she lit the incense sticks and closed her eyes to offer her prayers. She whispered softly that only the wind was able to catch it – I've found my happiness.
Waiting patiently at the temple entrance was a man with red hair and a fading cross-scar on his cheek. In one arm, he was holding a child bearing his resemblance and, at the moment, fidgeting in his arms. The picnic basket was carefully balanced on the other arm as he watched the gentle breeze flowing through the leaves, unmindful of the child tugging not so gently on his hair. The young woman emerged from the temple and smiled at the pair before taking the child from his arms. The man captured the woman's free hand and held it as they made their way down the garden path to meet their friends under the cherry blossom trees.
~Owari
Epilogue:
Tokyo
May 1868
I was initially hesitant in writing you a letter, perhaps because I do not know you as well as I would have hoped. I rely only on a fading memory that happened a lifetime ago and yet, here I am. I offer you my condolences on the passing of your father and though I only met him briefly, I do believe that he was an honorable man.
I had fervently wished that I would be able to see you one more time but I fear it is not to be. Much of my strength had been spent early in my youth and my body cannot endure this world any longer.
These past months have been kind enough for me to witness the end of the wars and the restoration of peace in our country. The fall of the Tokugawa shogunate not only meant the conclusion of war but also the end of my life as a swordsman. My sword is no longer needed in the coming era of peace.
My mind cannot recall if I had ever expressed my gratitude for meeting you in the marketplace that day. That chance encounter has given me strength in my battles and comfort during the quiet times in between. I often wondered if the blue in your eyes still sparkle with life and if the kimono fabric has faded over time.
Still, I am hopeful that you will find the happiness you so richly deserve and that your spirits remain strong despite the hardships of war. If it had been simply a matter of chance that we met, then my heart is lightened by the lasting image of your beautiful smile.
Senshouji Temple
Spring of the 16th year of the Meiji Era
A young woman stood just inside the temple, clutching a faded letter in her hand. She slowly approached the altar wearing a dark blue kimono that was still bright as if it had been bought yesterday. Cherry blossoms dotted along the hemline as her footsteps barely disturbed the surroundings. Reverently, she lit the incense sticks and closed her eyes to offer her prayers. She whispered softly that only the wind was able to catch it – I've found my happiness.
Waiting patiently at the temple entrance was a man with red hair and a fading cross-scar on his cheek. In one arm, he was holding a child bearing his resemblance and, at the moment, fidgeting in his arms. The picnic basket was carefully balanced on the other arm as he watched the gentle breeze flowing through the leaves, unmindful of the child tugging not so gently on his hair. The young woman emerged from the temple and smiled at the pair before taking the child from his arms. The man captured the woman's free hand and held it as they made their way down the garden path to meet their friends under the cherry blossom trees.
~Owari