Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ Love and Vengeance ❯ Tomoe ( Chapter 9 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Another update! Hope it's not too badly done!

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word list:

bira-bira kanzanshi- Pronged hair pin with either metal or silk strands and comes in variety of designs. Given as gifts and signs of affection from men to women.

Nihon-Bashi Bridge- Bridge over the Sumida river in Edo where all roads led from and were measured.

Tokaido Road- Great road that led from Edo down to Kyoto. 300 mile stretch that took 12 days on foot to travel. (And yes, I do know that women were forbidden to travel alone in the Edo era... but she did run away and go to Kyoto as per the manga so she either forged documents or the guard posting stations were getting lax.)

Mimawarigumi- A rival to the Shinsengumi and like that group, sought to bring order to the streets of Kyoto and hunt down Ishin Shishi supporters.

Chapter 9-Tomoe

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Third Year of the Bunkyu Era July 1863

"Nee-san! Look what I caught!"

Tomoe looked up from her diary, closing the cover as she spied her little brother rushing towards her, his hands held up together in front of him. "What is it, Enishi?" She asked in a soft and curious tone, watching as he skidded to a stop before her.

The dark haired boy opened up his small fists, a red hued dragonfly fluttering to life as it lifted into the the air, zooming outside once more.

Tomoe watched the iridescent insect as it escaped back out into the open, admiring it's strength and beauty, turning her attention back to her brother as he spoke,

"Wasn't it beautiful nee-san?" Enishi asked. "I spent all afternoon trying to catch the red one and I finally did!"

She reached out, patting his head gently, smiling inwardly at the display of such simple and child-like joy. This is the Enishi I love and understand best. "It was very beautiful, Enishi. Thank you for sharing it with me."

Enishi beamed at her praise, his expression shifting into a scowl at the sight of a young man that now approached them. He's here again? Why does he always have to interrupt my time with nee-san?! He growled silently.

Tomoe saw the change in her brother's demeanor, sensing his irritation and she turned around, her eyes falling on the lean form of Akira Kiyosato, her childhood friend and sweetheart. "Akira, it is nice to see you again." She called out in a soft and even voice though her heart fluttered at being in his presence.

The young samurai smiled and gave a slight bow which the lady returned, coming to a stop before her. "Tomoe... it has been too long since we last spoke."

"Not long enough..." Enishi grumbled under his breath as he glared at the older male.

Akira shifted his gaze over to the boy, giving a friendly smile. "Hello again, Enishi-kun. You've been doing well, have you?"

I'd be doing better if you left! His mind snapped as he shrugged his shoulders and answered grudgingly. "I guess I have."

Tomoe looked down at her brother, noting his terse tone and she worried. I know he is protective of me and jealous of my time, but I wish he wasn't so angry around others. Especially with Akira.

The samurai was not offended by Enishi's rude response, understanding the boy's reaction. Tomoe is like a mother to him so he is protective of her and her time, though I hope I can win him over and become like a brother to him someday. "That is good to hear."

"Would you like some tea?" Tomoe asked, drawing her friend's attention back to her.

"That would be lovely, thank you." Akira replied, waiting patiently until the tea was brought in.

Enishi crept out of the room, not wanting to participate in their discussion, though he watched with furtive eyes through the crack in the shoji door, listening intently to the conversation between his sister and the samurai as the tea was brought in and the pair sat down.

Akira sat opposite of Tomoe, seiza style, watching as she poured the tea, taking the proffered cup and they engaged in small conversation before the samurai lowered his cup back to the tray before him. "Tomoe... There is something I'd like to talk to you about... Something important."

Tomoe lowered her cup, her ears detecting a bit of nervousness in his tone and her brow furrowed slightly in concern. "What is it, Akira?"

The samurai fidgeted a bit, unable to calm the pounding of his heart as he steadied himself. "Tomoe... I..." He started then stopped, frowning at how tight his voice was and he cleared his throat, trying once again. "That is... we've known each other since we were children. And in that time I've come to know you as a dear friend... but... also... someone... that... that I love..."

The lady listened to his babbling, finding it rather endearing though she could not express it well enough. "Someone that you love?"

"Hai." Akira replied with a nod. He reached inside his kimono, drawing out a white cloth, his hand shaking a bit as he handed the long and thin package to her.

Tomoe took the cloth, looking down as she gently unfolded it, surprise and delight filling her. There, inside the fabric, lay a simple but beautifully crafted bira-bira kanzashi. Does this mean... what I think it does?

Akira watched her unfurl the cloth with anxious eyes, worry in his heart though he managed to speak in a tender tone. "Tomoe... I love you... and I want to be your husband... I want to take care of you and your brother... I want to make you smile and be happy... So will you... will you marry me?"

Yes! Her heart sang in joy even as she brought her gaze up, staring at him, speechless at the sincerity and the devotion she could hear in his voice.

No! Enishi's mind cried as he listened, panic rising in his heart at the thought of her leaving him. Don't do it, nee-san. Don't abandon me.

Akira, meanwhile, saw no spark of emotion from the woman he loved and his features fell at her response. "Tomoe? Do... Do you not want to marry me?"

"I... I want to... yes... it's just..." She started, her voice dying out. She felt shy and unable to express the love she had for him properly. Why can I not tell him the truth of my heart? She wondered.

"Just what?" He asked, studying her expectantly.

"I am just... surprised... is all.." She managed to answer, looking back down at the kanzashi. "I accept your proposal, Akira."

Her reply was confusing to the young man but he managed to smile, blinking at the sound of Enishi's voice as he burst into the room and screamed.

"Nee-san! You can't marry him! If you do, I'll be all alone!"

Tomoe snapped her head up, eyes widening at her brother's outburst. "Enishi... please... Akira is a dear friend... you're being very rude..."

"I don't care!" Enishi snarled. "I won't let him take you from me! I won't!" The boy cried then ran off and out of the room.

Akira watched the boy go. "I didn't mean to upset him..."

"I apologize for his behavior," Tomoe said softly, drawing the samurai's attention back to her. "Enishi is judgmental and harsh at times but also very protective of me."

"I understand," Akira replied. "He's afraid I'll take you from him, as he said. But Tomoe... I want to take care of him too. He needs some steady male guidance in his life and I am willing and able to be that for Enishi."

Her love for Akira grew even more at his words and she whispered, " I know that you will be able to provide a steady influence in his life which he needs. I am his sister and also a mother figure to him, yet he needs someone... like a brother... to guide him on the path to adulthood. I want that person to be you."

Akira smiled at the lady's comments, taking that as a sign she was at the very least interested in his proposal on a more personal level. Though I wish she would smile for me... at least once. He thought as he rose. "I will make preparations then. We can discuss the details at a later date, if you so desire."

"That will be fine, Akira," Tomoe said in a gentle tone, rising as well. She walked with him to the entrance, giving him a bow of her head. "I thank you for your affection and your support and I look forward to our next visit."

He returned her bow, his own tone gentle and loving, even as he felt a pang in his heart at the lack of affection from her as he replied, "You are welcome, Tomoe. I look forward to being in your presence once more." Akira turned away from her then, slowly walking down the path, disappearing from view.

Tomoe remained standing for several moments, watching him go, longing to tell him how she felt, her shoulders dropping at her inability to express her emotions in an overt manner. She trudged back inside, returning to her diary, closing her eyes for a moment before opening them once more, grabbing the nearby brush, dipping it into the ink as she began to write her thoughts:

Today, Akira proposed to me! I thought my heart would burst with happiness! He gave me a beautiful kanzashi as a token of his affection and I will always treasure it and his love. I know Akira will make an excellent father. Our children will be even of temper and kindhearted and I look forward to the day I can call him husband. I only wish I could tell him how much I love and adore him. Perhaps someday I will be able to show him the truth of my heart. For now, I am content to know he loves me and I hope he can be patient enough to learn and understand more about me.

She closed the cover and rose, feeling better about her situation though there was still the matter of Enishi's acceptance of the match. Tomoe headed out into the garden, searching for her brother, calling out his name softly, "Enishi? Enishi are you here?"

When he didn't answer, her heart sunk. "Enishi please... don't hide from me... it's not very nice..."

She heard rustling in the nearby maple tree and she walked over and under the lowest boughs, tilting her head back, finding her brother sitting on one of the many branches high above. "Enishi come down and talk to me."

"I don't want to!" He replied, a pout on his face as he glared down at her. "You want to run away and leave me... just like father did..."

She gave a start of surprise and shook her head. "No, Enishi. I don't want to run away from you. You're my brother and I love you. So please... come down here and talk with me."

"You want to marry Akira and run away with him, I know it!"

She sighed at his childish reaction. But he's only 8 years old. That's to be expected. "I want to marry Akira, that is true. But when I do, I won't be running away. He'll just become part of the family. Part of our family, Enishi."

The boy looked down at her. "Part of our family?"

"That's right," She said with a nod, her eyes softening. "Akira wants to be part of our family. He wants to be a brother to you and take care of you, too."

"How do I know he's telling the truth?" Enishi asked, his young mind trying to process what his sister was telling him. "How do I know he won't abandon you... or me...?"

Tomoe understood her brother's fear of abandonment. But this is different. Akira won't leave... and he won't stray. "Because he makes me happy, Enishi," She replied softly, giving him a very rare smile as she lifted her hand and rested it over her heart. "I feel such joy... here... when I'm in his presence... I love him and want to be with him... And he loves me and wants to be with me... I love you as my brother... and he wants to love you as a brother as well. Please don't turn away from him, Enishi... for my sake... please try to accept him... and learn from him... as you have from me."

The boy's features softened, seeing the joy in his sister's eyes, the rare and beautiful smile warming his heart and he climbed down, dropping to his feet as he stared up at her. "You promise he won't leave us when things get rough, nee-san?"

Tomoe nodded, reaching out to wipe the tears from her brother's eyes. "Hai, Enishi. I promise Akira won't leave."

Enishi held still as Tomoe dried his tears, nodding at her request, wanting to please her, even if he was unsure of Akira's intentions. "Then I will... do my best... to accept him as my brother."

The lady crouched down, resting her forehead against his crown. "That is all I ask for, Enishi," She whispered then straightened her frame. "Now then, why don't we go inside, hmm? You can help me to prepare dinner, alright?"

"Okay." Enishi said with a nod, following his sister inside. After dinner, the went out onto the engawa, content in the silence of the coming evening as the air filled with color as the sun set slowly giving way to the dark of night, the sky alive with pinpoints of white light and the boy marveled at the beauty of the heavens above.

"This is my favorite part of the day," Tomoe whispered, breaking the silence between them. "Night is tranquil... and quiet... I feel... more alive... in the dark..."

Enishi looked over at Tomoe, smiling, happy at her more expressive behavior. "I like the stars most. They seem close... but they are so far away... and they never fade..."

Tomoe was happy at her brother's calm demeanor, nodding her head as she looked up into the sky. "The stars are lovely... and bright... sometimes I imagine I can reach out and touch them... though I know it's a silly thought."

"Nothing you say is silly, nee-san."

Tomoe looked over at him fondly. "You say that because you're biased, Enishi... but I thank you just the same."

"I love you, nee-san," Enishi said with a bright smile. "So you can never be silly to me."

Tomoe tilted her head to rest against his for a moment. "You're a good brother, Enishi. I love you, too."

There the siblings remained until the boy fell asleep and Tomoe carried him to his room, laying him on his futon, tucking the blanket over his small frame. She leaned down, kissing his forehead. "Goodnight, Enishi." She whispered, rising and sliding the shoji door behind her. The lady headed to her room, laying down to rest, falling into the arms of sleep where Akira roamed and nothing held Tomoe back from expressing her love for him.

Third Year of the Bunkyu Era October 1863

Tomoe sat quietly across from Akira as they enjoyed a cup of sake in one of the many inns that lined the streets of Edo. In the months since his proposal, Akira had spent more time with her and Enishi, even teaching him a few basic sword katas and her heart felt great warmth at her brother's acceptance of her beloved. But now, Tomoe saw the sadness in Akira's eyes and she was about to ask what what troubling him when the samurai spoke,

"Tomoe, I know I'm not the most wealthy man but I do love you with all my heart and I fully intend to marry you," He began, lowering his gaze as he continued. "But these past few months have taught me that your happiness is something I have not achieved yet. To that end I have decided to postpone the wedding until such time that I can secure that happiness."

His words jarred her and she parted her lips to say something in response but her voice would not comply and she stared at him, no emotion on her face as he continued.

"I am the second son of a samurai, yet that is not enough. I must prove myself to you, Tomoe. So I have decided to join up with the Mimawarigumi in Kyoto. The Ishin Shishi there are targeting Bakufu loyalists and causing chaos in the streets. I plan to become a bodyguard for one of the government officials. If I succeed in this endeavor, I will improve my status. Perhaps then, I will see a smile from you."

No! Don't go! Don't leave me, Akira! She wanted to scream and rage but could not voice her fear for him as she asked softly, "When do you plan to return?"

He lifted his head, studying her as he answered. "If I've done well enough, I will return in March and we can marry then. Will that please you?"

She gave a slight nod to indicate her acceptance of his words, taking his hand as the samurai rose and helped her to her feet.

They walked side by side back to the lady's house and Akira stopped near the gate, voice soft and tinged with sadness. "I love you, Tomoe. I want you to know that," He whispered, reaching out to caress the young woman's cheek with the back of his fingers, feeling a bit of hope when her eyes widened at his touch. "This is my way of proving it to you. I do this for you and our future together."

Tomoe was surprised at the contact but did not draw away. She kept her gaze locked on his handsome face, never blinking, even when the samurai lowered his hand and brushed his lips against her cheek.

"Goodbye, my love." Akira murmured, hoping she would tell him to stay, hoping she would try to stop him, anything to prove how much she loved him in return. But his beloved would not reply and he pulled away, turning slowly around before heading back the way he came.

Wait! Don't leave, Akira! Stay here with me! Tomoe cried silently as she watched him walk away, her arm stretching out as if to pull him back but it was too late. He was gone and she was alone. What have I done? Why couldn't I tell him? Why?!

"Nee-san, you're back!"

Tomoe lowered her arm, turning at the sound of her brother's voice, watching as he raced up to her, eyes bright and full of energy as he looked up then beyond her. "But where is Akira? I was hoping to practice some more katas with him today."

"He's returned to his home," The lady answered as she walked slowly past Enishi and through the gate, the boy followed as she explained further. "He needs to prepare for his trip to Kyoto."

Enishi shifted his gaze back up to his sister, staring at her in confusion. "Kyoto? Why so far away?"

"There are important men in that city in need of protecting from the rebels threatening the bakufu. Akira thinks that if he becomes a warrior of renown then he'll have secured my happiness," Tomoe lowered her gaze. "He's postponed our wedding until March."

Enishi frowned. "But... he already has your happiness, nee-san. Doesn't he know that by now?"

Tomoe kept her eyes downcast as she stepped onto the engawa, heading towards her room. "I never really told him... how happy he makes me feel, Enishi."

The boy followed along behind her, a puzzled look on his young features. "But you love him... I don't understand how he can't see that in your eyes."

"It's not easy for me to show Akira my feelings towards him, Enishi," She whispered. "I always freeze up," She stopped outside the shoji door to her room, pain laced in her voice. "I want to tell him how I feel. I try and try but the words won't come out," She lifted her hand to her heart, eyes watering in frustration. "I feel... so much in my heart and it hurts that I can't share that with him."

He could hear the emotion in his sister's voice and he studied her in concern. "You have to tell him, nee-san. He hasn't left yet so go to him and tell him how you feel!"

Tomoe shook her head. "It's too late now. He's made up his mind to leave," She turned away from her brother, reaching out to slide the door open. "I need... to rest for a while, Enishi. We will talk later, okay?"

"Okay..." Enishi murmured, standing still as his sister entered her room, watching as she slid the door quietly behind her. Nee-san, I know you're hurting inside. I just wish, I could help in your happiness, too. His features darkened and he marched to his room, grabbing the shinai Akira had given him as a gift and he stepped out into the back garden, lifting the bamboo weapon up and over his head, bringing it down, repeating the kata over and over again, letting out is frustration and irritation at his sister's wounded heart. Don't you worry, nee-san. Akira will come back to you... and if he doesn't, I'll hunt him down and drag him back myself!

Tomoe, meanwhile, sat in front of the small table in her room, drawing out her diary, dipping the brush into the ink as she wrote out her thoughts and feelings:

Akira has postponed the wedding. He will be leaving tonight for Kyoto and hopes to find work as a bodyguard for one of the many Bakufu officials in need of protection from the Ishin Shishi. But what about his own life? I'm frightened that I will lose him to the madness of war. If he dies, then my happiness will die with him. I wanted him to stay with me but I couldn't even bring myself to shed a tear when he left. I don't know why I can't express myself better to him. I want Akira to know how much I love him. I want him to know that he already has my happiness but now matter how hard I try to smile and tell him, the words won't come out. And now he's leaving for a far off city, determined to make a name of himself to impress and please me. He's breaking my heart but it's my own fault that he doesn't know the depths of my feelings for him. I only pray that he returns to me safe and sound so that I may at last smile for him.

Tomoe lowered her brush, shifting to lay down, feeling very tired all of the sudden and she closed her eyes, her mind shutting down as she was consumed by the darkness of sleep.

First year of the Genji Era Late February 1864

Tomoe sat quietly in the inn, enjoying a cup of tea, needing a little time away from her home, even as her thoughts were preoccupied with Akira. Since his departure in October of last year, the young samurai had sent letters weekly to her. She always replied, her voice more expressive in written form, telling him that she missed him and she could tell that her betrothed at last began to understand her better. But her last letter had gone unanswered and her worry grew. Had something bad happened to him?

"I tell you, this news in Kyoto just keeps getting worse."

The sound of an older man's voice broke through her thoughts, the mention of Kyoto drawing her interest and she listened silently, unable to help herself.

"Ten more assassinations of Bakufu officials just last week! That's got to be a record," Another man's voice chimed in, his tone turning a bit hesitant as he whispered, "They say it was the work of the Hitokiri Battosai."

"That assassin?" The first man murmured. "He's killed over a 100 men so far."

"Yeah, but is he a real man... or some demon sent to punish the Bakufu for their transgressions?" The second man asked in a hushed tone.

"Whatever he is, he's no one to mess around with," The first replied. "He's skilled enough to cut down groups of bodyguards with ease, leaving no trace save for the Tenchuu letters he drops on the corpse of his targeted victim. If this keeps up, there will be no one left to run the current government."

"I feel bad for the poor saps that have to defend against such a man. Whoever his next target is, they won't stand a chance." The second man commented before rising, his friend following close behind.

Though her features remained impassive, the news of murders in the streets of Kyoto caused her worry to shift to anxiety and her mind went off on dark tangents. Bodyguards in Kyoto, that's what the man said. They were murdered defending their retainer. Akira is a bodyguard for a high official there. Could it be that he... that he was... killed?

She rose up, exiting the inn, walking swiftly down the street as she headed for her home, trying to calm the fear that grew in her heart over her beloved. Night soon came and Tomoe fell into an uneven sleep, the whispers in the dark corners of her mind coming alive, her dream shifting, becoming a nightmare and she found herself running, lost in a sea of mist, unable to gain a sense of direction, even as she ran and ran, stopping at the sounds of steel clashing and the cries of pain and death echoing all around her. "Akira! Akira where are you?!"

A scream pierced the veiled air and she jumped, frantically searching the fog, trying to trace the source. Goosebumps burst along her arms at the sound of something scraping against stone and she looked down, eyes wide with horror at the sight of her beloved, dragging himself to her. His face was bloodied and his body broken, tears streaming down his face as he reached out with a shaky hand. "To... To..moe..."

Too petrified to move, the lady could only watch in terror as something else moved through the mist, a man in blue, features hidden in the fog, though his eyes nearly glowed in the darkness as he stared down coldly at the crawling form of Akira. Tomoe gasped at the flash of a katana, her heart breaking as the sword was thrust violently downward, straight through her betrothed's neck, cutting off his voice, a gurgling sound emitting from Akira's throat as he grew still. Tomoe stared down at her now dead fiancé, the color draining from her face and she fell down, reaching out to him, shaking him, tears in her eyes,unable to stem the rising tide of her grief as she screamed,

"Akira!"

Tomoe bolted upright from her futon, driven into the realm of waking by her nightmare. Frightened eyes darted about, heart hammering in her chest as a wave of panic began to rise within her. It's a dream... just a bad dream. But the feeling would not abate, growing stronger and stronger until it was all she could do not to scream. I have to do something or I will go mad waiting for his return, constantly on edge, wondering whether he's alive or dead. I need to know he's alright. I need to see him. No matter the risk, I must find out for myself what has happened to him.

Tomoe threw the blanket off her legs, rising to her feet. She dressed quickly, looking over her belongings, knowing that she had to be careful in what she took. Her eyes fell on her diary and she snatched it up, sliding it into her kimono. Her tanto was next and she tucked it behind her obi. The lady then grabbed a small bag of coins, stuffing it under her obi as well before she sat down, drawing out a piece of paper, writing a note for her brother. Tomoe rose, moving out of her room, walking down the engawa, slowly opening the shoji door to Enishi's room.

She peered inside, spying his sleeping form and she crept over to him, carefully laying the note by his head. Reaching out, she gently caressed his hair, voice soft and sad. "Forgive me, brother... but I have to do this alone," She drew her arm back and stood, pivoting around as she walked back the way she came, looking one last time over her shoulder. "Goodbye, Enishi." She whispered, sliding the door closed behind her. She disappeared into the night, heading towards Nihon-bashi bridge that led out of Edo and onto the Tokaido Road.

Enishi woke up to the sun filtering through his door and he sat up, rubbing his eyes, lowering his hands to the sides only to frown when his palm brushed against something unusual. He looked down, finding a folded piece of paper near the head of his futon. What is this? He wondered, reaching out, opening the note, eyes widening as he read the contents:

Enishi,

By the time you read this letter, I will already by on my way to Kyoto. Forgive me for leaving you behind but the way is fraught with peril. I cannot risk losing you, my only brother, to my impulsiveness. But I fear something has happened to Akira and I cannot sit idly by waiting to hear any news of him. I want to smile for him, Enishi, and show him the truth of my heart. Mrs. Kiyosato-san will take good care of you in my stead. Please be mindful of your manners as you are the first son of the Yukishiro family and must behave accordingly. I will return to you soon. Either alone or with Akira at my side. I love you, Enishi. Be a good boy and know I will come back to you as soon as possible.

-Tomoe

Enishi dropped the note in shock, frozen in his spot, trying to comprehend what his sister had done. She left me... She left me to go to Kyoto... And she didn't take me with her. Tears brimmed in his eyes and he began to sob. Why would you do that? Why nee-san? Why?!

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Yokohama

"Nee-san," Enishi whispered in the dark, his shoulders dropping as he drew his gaze away from the stars to the floor below his feet. "If only you had taken me with you. We could have found Akira together." His pale features twisted into a look of rage as he snarled silently. But it was too late. The Battosai got to him first!

Kamiya Dojo

Kenshin winced at the searing pain that erupted on his left cheek and he reached up, pressing his palm against the burning skin, his voice dying out as memories of his first scar flooded his mind. Tomoe... He thought with a heavy heart. That night brought you to me in a way I would never have wished upon you... If I had known the truth... if I had only listened to my master... you would be alive and with your first love. He felt a hand rest on his right one and he lowered his head away from the sky, his gaze falling on the concerned features of Kaoru.

"Kenshin, are you okay?"

Her touch was comforting, the light of her love chasing away the darkness in his heart and mind and he loved her all the more for loving him. "Hai, Kaoru-dono, this one is fine."

Kaoru met his gaze, favoring him with a tender smile, her heart fluttering a bit when he returned her look, getting lost a bit in his eyes.

Sano looked between the two lovers and cleared his throat in irritation. "You guys going to make goo-goo eyes at each other all night or are we going to get to hear the rest of the story?"

Kenshin blinked. "Oro?" He sounded out, turning his attention over to his best friend.

Kaoru shot a glare at Sano but withdrew her hand, voice soft. "Please continue, Kenshin."

The swordsman turned his gaze back to Kaoru, missing the warmth of her touch but nodded. "As you wish," He replied, continuing where he left off. "Katsura-san valued my skill as a swordsman, assigning me to be an assassin for the Ishin Shishi, giving me the surname Himura and I became the Hitokiri Battosai, bloodying my blade in the name of Tenchuu, seeking to bring about a new age in a land of oppression," Kenshin lowered his gaze, features morphing into a look of sorrow. "But the more I killed, the more I died inside. Nothing I did seemed to be helping anyone at all and I became disillusioned...cold and distant... cutting myself off from the world, my soul darkening, threatening the light in my heart." He paused, shaking his head. "I was at war with the world and with myself. Torn between my idealistic sense of duty and a longing for the quiet solitude of peace. But something happened to me the night I received the black envelope identifying my next target: Jubei Shigekura. Something that would take me down a path I never imagined I would follow and set me wandering for 10 years after the end of the Bakumatsu." He murmured, drawn into the past and the sins he committed as a hitokiri long ago.

Another chapter completed. Not the most exciting but certainly different. Am a bit worn out from writing two longer stories at the same time. Lack of sleep and 12 hour work days are killing me. Next time we'll get into the assassination of Jubei and the death of Akira along with Tomoe and Enishi's various reactions.