Shadows on the Waters

A Rurouni Kenshin Fanfic

"Kojin? Are you mad? The Elders told you . . ."

"The Elders? Heh. SCREW THE ELDERS! They may be older, but I have twice the power and expertise that they do. Ill be fine. If anything, you guys will have one less annoyance to deal with." Arilis sighed in defeat. There was no stopping Kojin once she decided to do something, her will and her strength was just too much.

"Fine. Do as you will. If you get yourself killed, don't expect me to mourn you."

"I wont." As Kojin walked out the door, a look of grim satisfaction on her face. The elders knew nothing of her strength. They only wanted to limit her, to control her. Anger and resentment burned within her as these thoughts passed. She would not be anyone's tool!

As she crossed the barrier that separated her village from the outlying forest, she thought back to what had brought her to this point. Her thoughts dissolved as she dived headfirst into the memory . . . . .

"Something must be done. After all, that is the third cow this week taken!"

"Kojin, we understand your concern, this is your job after all, but still . . . . Someone so young should never venture into this kind of a fight alone. You could get yourself slaughtered! We will talk over this problem and decide what we will do from there. However, we will take care of this problem. You continue to deal with the minor cases."

"TALK! ALL YOU GUYS EVER DO IS TALK! I know what to do about this problem, send me! I have more power than all of you combined! I am no fool, I know my own strength! YOU ONLY WANT TO CONTROL ME! YOU KNOW VERY WELL WHAT I CAN DO YET YOU HOLD ME BACK!"

"THAT IS QUITE ENOUGH! That right there shows why you are unequipped for a mission of this kind. You may have power beyond what any of us imagine, but within you are still a child. We stand by our decision, you are forbidden to go after the demon alone. That is final."

"But . . . . "

"Please take your leave, young Kojin."

She remembered how she had stomped out of there, choking back bitter tears of rage and resentment. Why wouldn't they let her prove herself? Why did they always call her a child? They had forced her to grow up, and then say she was not mature enough? Then, as the fog over her thoughts cleared, the resentment was replaced with resolve. An idea burned bright as the anger once was, a plan began to form. I will find that demon if it kills me.

….to be continued….