Rurouni Kenshin; The Last Hellhound

Twelve

I walk to where they are. Everyone looks afraid. I can see fear in everyone's eyes. People were muttering. The town smells like ash and smoke. I grip my nose. People were whispering something. What happened? What did I do? What did I miss?

"Kenshin!" I hear a yell.

I turn. Kaoru runs up and hugs me tightly. My eyes widen. I haven't received a hug in I don't know how long. She pulls off from me and examines me. Her hands feel so smooth. They feel as soft as silk yet hardened by the sword.

"Where have you been? We we're worried sick." Kaoru says.

"I'm back now. What does it matter?" I ask. 

"Didn't you hear the news?" Kaoru asks.

I look at her. 

"Mr. Okingwa is missing. They say he was taken by a creature made of flame with red eyes." She says.

I look at her surprised. 

"Why are you covered in ash and why were your clothes burned?" She asks.

I look down.

"I don't know. I don't remember." I sigh. 

I grip my fists. I don't remember how I got into the woods. I don't remember what happened. She takes my hand. I look at her surprised. 

"Let's go. You must be starving." Kaoru says.