Disclaimer: Rurouni Kenshin is the creative property of Watsuki Nobuhiro and all companies affiliated with its license.
Trodden Path
Rurouni Kenshin
by D. Reed
Haunted
There were times when his cold stare and quick sword stance would scare trouble away, and there were times when he came across stubborn foe.
This one was stubborn.
Kenshin hadn't run across many actual fights in quite some time, but his master's training made sure he wouldn't lose his stride with some time off.
Hopefully.
The opponent took an all-too-familiar stance; Kenshin's heart sank. He recognized the stance from the Bakumatsu – many Shinsengumi members used it. Perhaps this man was ex-Shinsen?
If the man was Shinsengumi, his identity as Battousai would be revealed.
This is bad…
"You should leave," the man hissed. "Your hands are stained."
Kenshin hid his flinch well, but the comment still stung fresh scars. "If I leave, will you promise to quit picking on innocents?"
The man paused; Kenshin didn't miss the flicker of shock in his gaze. "Very well," he replied. "Even devils can be agreeable at times, eh?"
Kenshin bowed his head lightly, relaxing his stance. "I left that life some time ago." Carefully-chosen words.
The man bowed his head in reply. "Then we both made deals with the devil. Take care."
The rurouni left, hoping for better luck at the next village.
200 words.