This takes place after Sanosuke finds Kenshin in "Reflections". I thought the part where Kenshin didn't catch the fish Sano threw was sad. Very sad actually. Especially where Kenshin stared after it... I felt really strange, and I can't really describe how I think he looked as he watched the fish fall to the ground.

;;; Okay I'm done being weird now...lol Okies, enjoy yourselves reading this fic, and let me know what you think in a review! Even if it's just two words, XD -

Warning: Slight spoiler, and a crappy title. I couldn't come up with anything better, sorry.

Kenshin, My Friend

Kenshin! My mind screams the name.

What has become of my lifelong friend...

He's so pale...so weak...

So... unlike himself...

In my mind, I remember all the times he'd fought our enemies... the strength he possessed, the power he had...

All reduced to what is before me.

I pick up the fish he didn't catch, and wipe it clean for him. I try to keep the sadness in my eyes from showing...I don't want him to know that I am feeling sorry for him. He would have said, if he was talking still, that he deserved it.

But that would be a lie.

I decide that I need to send him home.

Back to Kaoru, back to Kenji...

And back to those I wish I could see again soon...

Megumi...Yahiko...Tsubame...Tae...Misao...Hiko... all of the friends I left behind in Tokyo so long ago...

I notice him staring at the chimes again. He seems to do that a lot...I wonder why...

But I will not ask.

His memory... It's not what it once was.

He's so very sick, his body and mind weakened by the disease he is living through.

I tell him that I am sending him home. He looks confused, but sort-of nods along.

Don't worry Kenshin... you'll make it home to Kaoru and Kenji...and the others'. I know how much Kaoru must miss you...she must be worried sick... when did you leave her last? Oh Kenshin! You need to get back to your family...before.......

------

I wave at him from the dock. My horse is tethered not far away...

"Goodbye Kenshin!" I yell as the ship leaves. "The best friend I ever had...!" My words are swept away in the wind as the ship moves out of the port.

The sad man, the pitifully weak version of a man I once knew...The man riding a cargo ship home...my best friend... I don't care what he is now, everyone changes as they get older. And Kenshin needed my help. He truly needed it. And he accepted it. For the first time in my whole life, I feel as if I was actually of some use to the ex-hitokiri...

After being called a hindrance by the Mibu Wolf, I feel as if I've done some good.

Go Kenshin, make it home for Kaoru...make it home for her!

I sadly watch the ship leave the harbor. The water treading behind the large vessel leaves a trail of tiny waves.

I turn and mount my horse, giving one small wave before I gallop off.

Goodbye Kenshin, my friend...

But I know... I will never see Kenshin alive again...

Hopefully though, the next time I do see him, he'll be up in Heaven, dancing on the clouds... Happy and carefree...and nothing like the man I had just seen off the dock.

Till we meet again...

By: Kitten Kisses

leave a review and let me know what you think! And check out my other new pieces of writing and poetry if you have the time, onegai. =)

BIO:: UPDATED MAY 19TH, 2004!