True Courage-

By Samuraiduck27

Hi minna-san! This is my first ficcie, so please be gentle... constructive criticism is welcome, no flames please!

Disclaimer: Don't own it, but I really wish I did!

As I walk down a lonely road, I can't help but remember all the things I've done. All the blood I have shed, and all of those whose lives I took. On the outside, I wear a cheerful face- my 'Rurouni grin, as some like to call it. I pretend that nothing is wrong and I am fine, when in truth thoughts such as these are tearing me up inside.

When once I gave seldom a thought to those whose blood I spilt upon the streets, the blood that now stains my hands, I regret killing each and every one. How can I possibly atone for all the pain brought forth from my blade?

The answer is simple- I can't.

Even though it has been a decade since I last took a human life, I know deep down that it is hopeless to try to keep my vow going; the hitokiri inside me still lives, and I don't know how long I can keep him there. I know it is hopeless to believe I can still atone for my sins- for I've committed far too many. And I have come close- so close- to breaking my vow time and again, even if it was to protect and help those dear to me. Those who have been caught in the crossfire of myself and an opponent who hopes to use them to get to me.

Why must everyone I love get hurt because of me?! Physically, emotionally, it doesn't matter anymore! They always get involved in the end. It's best to harden my heart and forget them- for my sake and their's.

I cannot afford to grow close to and love another- for in the end, they will suffer. No matter what I do- how hard I try to protect them- they always pay a price.

Someone like myself doesn't deserve happiness anyways.

Maybe I should end it all- make sure no one else gets hurt because of me. My gaze flickers down to the sword at my side...a sakabato, crafted to prevent me from taking another life in battle, that is, unless I flip the blade. How easy it would be to do so, to take one last life- my own. No more pain, no more guilt, no more false hope.

I draw my sakabato and flip the blade- positioning it right above my heart. As I prepare to drive it in, words echo in my mind- a memory from what seems so long ago...

"You can die at anytime, but living takes true courage..."

I smirk in irony as I recall who said those words, as it was myself. I lower my blade and resheathe it, before continuing on my way.

I will not take the coward's way out, and I will stay true to my word and show true courage. I will continue on the road ahead, no matter how desperate things seem to get.

I will live on.

Well, that's it. Kinda depressing, huh? I think I liked how this turned out. Tell me whatyou think!Thx 4 reading, please click the little blue button!

Ja ne!

Samuraiduck27