The Answer You've Been Searching For

"This scent is a trail. Follow it carefully," he instructed. "The 'answer' you've been searching for is there."

Kenshin began running again, adrenaline born of desperation coursing through his veins, speeding him along.

'Kaoru-dono!'

"Take a good look..."

'Kaoru-dono!!'

"Mourn, scream, regret, then cry yourself to death."

'KAORU-DONO!!!'

At that moment, Kenshin had a revelation. In the sudden stab of grief that pierced his heart to the quick, he realized what Kaoru had come to mean to him. He would have admitted that he liked Kaoru -- even that he was very fond of Kaoru. But now he knew as he dropped the Sakabatou and crumpled to his knees, that Kaoru had been dearer to him than anything in the world.

"Hiten Mitsurugi is worthless. Himura Kenshin is worthless. Once again I couldn't protect the woman I loved. Kaoru-dono. Kaoru..." Kenshin sobbed brokenly, his mind and senses shutting down.