Akuma vowed for revenge on those that slaughtered her family. She knew a hunter never sought revenge. It was against the laws, against the Gods above. She didn't care.
She seeked advice from her village elder. He told her this, "If you go searching for blood, you will find it. You will regret what you're about to do." He shifted his weight to his other leg, "I haven't come across someone yet who felt good, felt whole, after doing such a thing." He stared at Akuma, stared long and hard. He saw that firey determination that had always got Akuma in trouble but kept her going after all that happened.
Akuma flicked her tail and gripped her spear tighter. She stamped it hard into the ground as she grimaced at his words. She rose her head to meet his gaze, "Well, maybe I'm the one who will find redemption in my search for blood. Maybe I'll be the one to finally repair my mind and heart. What happened to my mother," she pursed her lips and moved her head to the side to hide the anger, "It wasn't fair and it wasn't how anyone is supposed to go."
She stared into his eyes and saw fear. For the first time she saw fear in the Elders' eyes. This man of peace and harmony, was now fearful.
"Are you scared of what I'm going to do?" she asked him with that determined gaze of hers.
He replied, "I'm afraid of what will become of you. You know your soul will be tainted with the blood you're about to spill. You know you'll never be able to enter the world after this. Murder is the highest of sins and you know this." She swallowed back tears because she knew this, she knew there'd be no turning back. She'd be erased from the village, banished in shame.
"Elder, I know this and I am ready to accept the consequences," she stood proudly, "I am a hunter, a seeker for those who died in vain. The stories," she paused, "you always told me I was the one who would bring vindication to us. You said I was the one who will help us rise once more." She seemed to be pleading now.
Her brain was screaming this is not logical, this doesn't make sense! Why punish yourself for this? In her heart though, she knew this was right. She would bring salvation for this declining species.
She turned around and grabbed her bag of supplies. With her knowledge of medicine and the world, combined with her hunting skills, she would survive.
She spoke with determination, "This is my story Elder, and I am ready to write it."

Akuma + drawing + story © me