Reminiscing The Past • Rurouni Kenshin

Chapter 23 | The End - Our Battle Is Over

Blood.

It dripped effortlessly to the ground, slightly echoing. The colour red was stained on The Bloody Jasmine's clothes, and it splattered on her face.

She, the woman you knew as Mei Hayashi, has unleashed the assassin that once lied within her. Chimamire no Jasūmin, has emerged - She has returned with the aura of War.

The man dressed in black has fallen to the ground, a blade was sent right through his chest, and his body was now lifeless.

Mei, the sweet waitress who worked at the Akabeko and lived for peace, has returned to her former self - Her assassin self.

"Mei..." The gentle voice that belonged to Kenshin has finally spoken. He furrowed his brows in a sad manner, for he has tried to block her strike - But Mei pushed his helping hand away.

"Oh no..." Kaoru and Sumiko muttered in union, earning a sigh from Murata. Sanosuke, who was standing opposite Mei, was as shocked as ever.

"Missie...what did you do...?" He asked, seeing the dead body on the ground. Mei used her sleeve to wipe the blood that splattered across her face, her breathing unsteady.

The voice in Mei's head which forced her to silence the man, has slowly faded away - And Mei came back to her senses.

Seeing the body on the ground, Mei gasped - Dropping her sword in the process. "I..." She began.

"I didn't...K-Kenshin, I didn't do that...right?"

The tone of her voice, made Kenshin's heart break. "Mei..." He didn't have the strength to tell her that she has just assassinated a human being - Something she vowed to never do for the rest of her life.

Soon, Kaoru and Yahiko slowly began backing away, fear rising within them. "Yahiko...get my wooden sword..." Kaoru whispered, earning a nod from the boy.

Sumiko, who was in plain shock, was on the brink of tears - For her best friend had just taken a human life away.

It was as if time had stopped; The tragic cries weren't heard, the dreadful sound of metal wasn't present, and the war had stopped.

Even if just for a moment - All eyes were on The Bloody Jasmine.

Mei widened her eyes, all the attention was making her nervous, "Oh no..." She finally realised.

"Wh-What did I do..!? What did I do?!" She exclaimed, the sobbing episodes were beginning.

"Miss Hayashi! Calm down!" Murata exclaimed and immediately ran to her side.

"Th-They're all afraid of me...I took away a human's soul...I...committed...murder." She stammered, staring at her palms which were now stained with blood - And they will be forever.

"Mei! Please calm down, that you must!" Kenshin rushed to her panicking state. Her hands trembled vigorously as her tears streamed down her face.

"Ken-"

"Shhhh, don't say a word, that you must not." And so, he held her figure close to his for comfort.

Sumiko watched from a distance, "No, Mei...no..." She spoke to herself quietly.

And soon, members of the police who were witnesses of the scene had interfered, "Men! Our conclusion was correct! Mei Hayashi IS Chimamire no Jasūmin!" A male voice exclaimed.

Kenshin shot his gaze to the police men and noticed that all members of the Black Birds were arrested and were being taken to a carriage.

Hajime Hiraoka, the man who once fell in love with Mei, walked over to her figure with handcuffs in his grasp. "Mei Hayashi..." He began.