Redemption

Redemption

Part nine: Progress?

She slept sounder than she had in months. All the frustrations of the week before had come to a head last night but this morning strangely, none of it seemed to matter. Her dreams had been silent for once and she felt renewed and ready for a fresh start.
Rin went to the kitchen to find Shiori making breakfast.
“Good morning Rin.”
“And to you as well Shiori”
“Did you sleep better last night?”
“Much, thank you.” Shiori gave a bright smile and continued with her task. Her bright smile did not fool Rin “I see you did not sleep so well however...” Shiori turned pale “Oh goodness is it that plain? Do I look so awful?” Rin assured her she did not...she simply knew the look well. Shiori did not wish to talk about what was wrong but Rin insisted. After some time of pushing the subject Shiori broke down and began to explain.
“Last night, after you took your leave one of the spies came to call...A village was attacked at the base of the mountain a few days ago and the men were led away to the caves at the summit. Isamu is certain it is there the creatures are hiding.”
“What good fortune!! I can hardly believe it! Their base camp at the top of the mountain! I will put an end to those bastards once and for all no more waiting around time for action!”
“Yes...you can put an end to them. You have a special ability only you possess. You can kill them. Only you...but it is not only you who will go...”  Rin stopped herself as she caught Shioris meaning. Tears threatened Shioris deep hazel eyes turning them a vivid green. “You should have a walk in the gardens perhaps, or visit the library. I will send Tatsu to find you when breakfast is made. I fear I will not be pleasant company this morning. Perhaps I am coming down with something.”
Rin suddenly realized Shiori was more than simply upset, she was angry...at her.
“Shiori,” Rin broached carefully “we will have a plan. We are not simply going to go running in blades flailing. We are simply putting a stop to the problem. Besides Isamu has been working on this for years, surly this has not been a secret to you.” Rin should have taken the out. Shiori had now been pushed too far. She cast a murderous gaze to Rin.
“No but for years all of this was theory! And it was just fine that way! Now you’re here and suddenly they have appeared again. This whole thing has become a suicide mission! I didn’t believe they would surface again, that this would ever get this far. I thought you understood!”
Rin did understand...and all too well. She knew there was nothing she could do to calm the anger Shiori felt. She tried to look at her with empathy but it must have been sympathy that came across instead. Shiori bolted outside into the gardens. Before Rin could go after her Tatsu was placing her hand on her shoulder “Let her go child. She must face things on her own. It is not your fault and there is nothing you can do.” The old woman picked up and carried on making breakfast. She was wise and knew far more than she let on. Defeated and more than a little guilt ridden Rin decided to take a walk in the forest to clear her mind.