Already In Shadow
Beginnings are not always what they seem.

The wagon bounced roughly in the warm summer night, the young boy huddled in its rear among the crowd of sake barrels, following the stern instructions. Why the middle of the night, like a fugitive?

The wagon moved slowly. The fire in his breast seethed and surged, urging haste. I could walk faster than this.

Two new masters in as many weeks—the times were finally moving. No matter—soon, soon! my sword will fulfill its true purpose.

He shut away memories of his shishou—and the warnings at their bitter parting.

More Responses: Skenshingumi, Do NOT apologize for that excellent phrase. I am quite fond of that which others might term "overwrought", and found your phrase powerful and evocative—you should use it in a fic sometime! Wow, I LOVED "the young dragon"—just sends chills up my spine. (Quick, use it before I do! grin). Yes, this "haste to doom" feeling was just was I was pursuing here--I'm so glad it worked for you! Terry-McElrath, yes, I imagine that, periodically, Kenshin looks back on the turning points in his life, and this would certainly be one of them, wouldn't it?