Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ Lost in the Dancing Darkness ❯ Prologue ( Prologue )

~~~~~~ Prologue ~~~~~~

 

The thunder rolled over head, smacking its loudest praises to the great Gods. The land lay still, as if it was silenced by a powerful spell conjured from the wickedest of men. The moon's face was drowned out by the black of clouds. The air was stifling in the hot summer's night. A soft echo of foots steps birched the night air as it crackled twigs and leaves among its wake. Their echo grew faster as they approached the small village ahead. The nocturnal birds of night grew silent for they knew that night the Imperialist army spilt blood open the summer's night.

 

They ruthless went about town slaughtering everything in site. Their eyes held no remorse. Their blades thickened with the blood of innocence all for the name of “liberty”. A squadron of men approached a small village home. Outside the screams and echoes of friends and family could be heard outside the Sato home. Akiko clung to her mother, hot tears streaming down her face. Yet her whimpers were held in silence.

 

“Akiko…hide yourself. Don't let them see you. Don't make a nose until I can reach you.” Her mother's voice trembled while her eyes pleaded with her. Yet the little girl didn't understand. She was only five, death and war made no sense to her. The sound of a door bursting up shook their attention. Unfamiliar voice could be heard in the other room where her father stood. A shill scream cut through the air and the voice moved closer. Akiko's mother forced her into a closet. Akiko's heart pounded against her chest. She didn't understand what was happening, but obeyed her mother's wishes and remained silent.

 

Three men dressed in Imperial clothing entered the room cautiously. Their swords were drawn and already tainted. Akiko peered through the key hole. Her mother backed up slowly to opposite wall as the wicked men approached her. Their faced shrouded in shadow, yet she could clearly see their demonic eyes piercing fear into her heart.

 

“Why…? Why are you people doing this! We have nothing to do with your fight for liberty! Leave us alone! Please… just leave” the women's voice wavered. They demons merely snickered at her futile plea. All hope and color drained from her face. Tears sprang to her eyes and fell down her cheeks. One of the figures stepped forward raising his sword to the heavens.

 

“No…! Please… I beg you! Plea…” The man swung his swiftly across her neck. Blood poured all over the front of her body, down her kimono, all over the floor. Her body slumped to the side, and then flopped to the floor with a sickening squish. Her eyes still open, still begging for life. Akiko gasped for air. She quickly bit her lip and covered her mouth with her hands so she wouldn't be heard. The fragile little girl trembled with fear. Her golden eyes transfixed upon the corpse of her mother. Tears streamed from her eyes, yet she held her whimpers. Her brown hair stuck to the sides of her face clinging to the tears. The three men carelessly stepped over the corpse and continued their carnage through out the defenseless village.