my very late submission to the sadness with in challenge ^^;
I wanted to emphasize the moment where Kenshin got his X-shaped scar which became sort of a cross for him to bare, he couldn't truly forgive himself until he had fully redeemed himself. the scar served as a reminder and that's why it fades away in the end...
the quote is my interpretation of the events, though Tomoe did call Kenshin her new/2nd happiness =3