Disclaimer: Rurouni Kenshin is owned by Nobuhiro Watsuki. I claim no ownership over this wonderful series.


What Lies Beneath

By: Beyond Doubt

August 6th, 2012


Chapter 1

Kenshin chewed thoughtfully on the chunk of rice left in his mouth as he sat gazing into the clear blue sky. The sakabatou leaned against the trunk of the towering maple, unused by the swordsman who had yet to draw the blade from its' inky black sheath. Many thoughts currently preoccupied the inexperienced wanderer's mind, thoughts that were leaving him with more questions than answers.

Shakku-dono says that the sakabatou is a failure. If it is as he claims, could it be possible to use at all?

He eyed the weapon dubiously, bearing in mind the blacksmith's words as he observed the sleek scabbard inquiringly.

"It's a gift. It's a failure, but for you, right now, it's enough. Try being a swordsman with that at your waist! Soon, you'll see how naïve you're being!"

Naive.

Practically anyone would think Kenshin immature these days, though, Shakku's words rang bitterly true. He was nothing more than the shell of a man he had once been. Hitokiri Battousai was a figure of the past, a remnant of Kyoto's darkest days left in the carnage of the Bakumatsu. He no longer desired to hold ties with his former reputation; it was best for himself, and for the sake of Japan, that no one know the name of Battousai.

Kenshin rose to his feet and picked up the sakabatou with ease. He carefully slipped it back into its' rightful place in his hakama sash, keeping his amber eyes locked on it a while longer before casting them away to the road that lay ahead.

"I best be on my way," he murmured. "A long journey rests ahead of me."

Tsuzuku...


Authoress Notes: Yes... I know. I'm starting yet another story when I'm not even finished with 'The Taste of Good Sake'. The writer's block for the upcoming chapter is horrible on my brain, so to diminish the pain, a new fresh idea hit me and I couldn't help myself but to write it down. For the time being, 'The Taste of Good Sake' will be put on hold until further notice. Now, back to this story. I have an idea of how many chapters it will span for but I'll have to see where Kenshin takes me on this one. One of my favorite things to write as a fellow fanfiction author are the times set during Kenshin's Battousai years to Rurouni years. I think it's fun to see what people can come up with to fill in the holes left in the manga by Watsuki-sensei. It gives us a chance to experiment, and I happen to enjoy imagining the possible scenario's that Kenshin could have gone through as a wanderer. Before I give my farewells, I'd like to say to please review with your thoughts on how it is so far. I'd love to hear from you! Thank you.

-Beyond Doubt