Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Rurouni Kenshin.
Reviews are welcome as this is the first fan fiction that I've ever written. I'd like to know how I'm doing so far.
Faster, faster. I have to run faster. They're gaining on me. I'll never let them take me back, not even if death is the only other option. Increasing her speed and looking back, Maki didn't see the sudden drop-off. With a scream, she went off the side landing in the water twenty feet below. Maki disappeared under the rippling waves.
The sun was nearly blinding. With his free hand, Soujiro wiped a trail of sweat off his brow. He used his other hand to shield his eyes from the sun as he scanned the horizon. In a few days he'd be back at the Kamiya dojo. As soon as I'm over those mountains, I'll be able to see Tokyo. Finally, I'll be able to tell Mr. Himura how thankful I am. Soujiro smiled at his thoughts.
Women stopped and stared at this incredibly handsome young man who was smiling. It's no great wonder that they couldn't help gawking. Soujiro had thick, shiny silvery-blue hair that was ruffling gently in the cool summer breeze. His big blue eyes look innocent but at the same time they looked dangerous. His eyes were haunted as if troubled by the past.
Looking up, Soujiro noticed that people were staring. Thinking it was because of his dirty appearance and wooden sword strapped to his belt, he quickly moved into the sunset.
The sun had finally set and all was quiet. Suddenly, a splash was heard as a wet girl climbed up on to the riverbank. Maki tried to blow the wet hair out from her eyes, but it was too wet and only clung tighter to her lashes.
I'm actually still alive after that fall from that great height. Better yet, they haven't found me yet. Someone is finally watching over me. Hopefully, this safety lasts. But that'll never happen. If only I could be another person, one the master won't recognize. He surely wouldn't recognize me if I were a boy. Struck by that sudden thought, Maki had a brilliant idea. Great idea Maki. I'll become a boy. All I need do is cut my hair shorter and wear those clothes I borrowed from a clothesline.
Maki stood up and looked down at the water. With the moon shining down, she could see the outline of her features reflected clearly. Wide blue eyes set in an innocent looking face stared back up at her. Eyes beginning to glisten with tears, Maki reached into her bag and withdrew a small knife. Without giving another thought to what was coming next, Maki began to slowly cut her hair. In no time at all, the glorious long brown hair of hers was cut away, leaving a haircut that resembled a boy. Tears began to fall, tears of sorrow for her only claim to beauty was now gone. She looked at her reflection once again. I do look decidedly boyish. All I need now is to put on some clothes and I'll no longer be myself. I can't believe I was crying over cut hair, even if it was the only thing saving me from being a plain girl. But, I'll do what I must to survive.
Maki searched through her bag for her clothes to make her charade complete. Finding what she was looking for, Maki quickly donned the clothing, which was a moss green color. Finally, she was now she looked the part of a boy. Maki packed her things and left the spot by the river.
Soujiro cocked his head to the side and listened. Another faint scream pierced the air. Soujiro took off running in the direction that the scream originated from. Half a mile away, he entered a clearing in the forest.
A group of thieves surrounded a young boy who couldn't be more than ten years old. The boy was holding a knife whose blade gleamed dully in the moonlight. Slashing at a nearby thieve, the boy narrowly missed his target. The thief, sensing easy victory, swung his sword in a downward slash, but the thief was too late.
Soujiro, moving with the lightening fast steps of the Sekuchi, had grabbed the kid by the collar of his clothing and pulled him back. Releasing the boy, Soujiro closed his eyes and smiled. Drawing his sword he faced the thieves.
Maki could hardly believe what was happening. A hero had come to rescue her. Never had anyone done such a selfless thing. Yet here this gorgeous young man was protecting her.
The thieves chuckled gleefully. This puny boy had only a wooden sword, but he was still trying to save another worthless kid. With a last laugh, the thieves attacked all together. This would be an easy battle for them.
One blink of an eye, and it was all over. The thieves lay sprawled unconscious. Maki didn't know what had happened. This mysterious man was so fast; she couldn't see his movements with his sword.
Soujiro calmly sheathed his blade. Looking at the boy he asked, "Are you alright?" Soujiro was surprised by the look of adoration on the kid's face. Usually, he only inspired fear in the eyes of others. Smiling, he asked, "What's your name kid?"
"M-my name? It's Mak—Aya. My name is Aya and I'm not really a kid. I just turned seventeen last month."
"Sorry Aya, but you look awfully young. I'm Soujiro."
"Mr. Soujiro, I want to thank you for protecting me. Never in my life has anyone ever helped me. I owe you my life." After finishing her speech, Maki made a small bow.
"Where are you heading Aya?" Soujiro asked.
Maki's eyes widened. She had expected Mr. Soujiro to walk away now that he had saved her, but he was actually staying to talk.
Soujiro smiled at her again as he waited for an answer. With that heart-stopping smile, Maki positively melted. Wow, so this is love at first sight. I just wish I were pretty enough to capture his attention in the same way. If only I didn't have to play the part of a boy. If only I could be a beautiful girl then I might have had a chance.
Ceasing her daydreaming, Maki answered his question. "I'm thinking of heading toward Tokyo, Mr. Soujiro."
"As am I, Aya. Well, let's travel together so you won't get in any more trouble."
Under the light of the full moon, they walked deeper into the forest in a companionable silence.