Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ marionette ❯ marionette ( Chapter 1 )

disclaimer: don't own it…. XD

marionette

by misaoshiru

People have always been prone to saying, for a variety of reasons, that I "cannot possibly be human". They generally don't say it to my face, mind you, some out of respect, others merely out of fear, but don't think for a second that I don't hear the hushed whispers, the murmurs spoken softly over the warmth of sake. A few, mostly enemies, say it with intent for me to hear, yelling it at me at the top of their lungs. Either way, I admit that they are at least partially correct. I am not human, but I am also not the hellish demon that their accusations would lead you to believe. So then what am I? I am but a mere puppet, a toy, plaything of the gods. Invisible, metaphorical strings control my every movement. All a Choushuu leader, Katsura-san, for instance, would have to do would be to pull a single string and yet another shogunate-supporter would lie dead.

Do not be deceived, however, into believing that my superior, the puppeteer, Katsura Kogoro, is responsible for all of this. I willingly agreed to be his tool, allowed these strings to take control of me. Had I known how little freedom I'd have, would I have still taken the job? I have no doubt that I would. Ah, such is the fate of a naïve, idealistic youth with sword skills that easily rivaled those of the most skilled masters.

Really, I must wonder if all soldiers aren't mere puppets themselves, dedicated to serve the greater cause…I probably could have freed myself from these agonizing binds years ago, but I gave my word to Katsura-san, and I refused to go back on it. Yet as a result, I ended up breaking a promise I made to someone else. Wretched strings…

I will probably always remain a special plaything to those cursed gods who take such joy in messing with my life, but I will at least escape from these constraining, controlling strings someday, once this war is over, and I will be free of this killing and death. A toy can't escape its master, but I'll damned well try, for Tomoe. I won't break a promise to her again. Even if I am just a pitiful little toy.

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end marionette

author's notes

Probably one of the strangest, shortest things I have ever written, but it called out for me to write it! Really! I was just lying in bed, thinking, and boom, this story idea hit me! What can I say, Kenshin as a little marionette is such a cute visual! But, it also makes sense, at least to me. Ow, sophomore orientation was yesterday and I had to hold all five of my heavy textbooks for at least ten minutes and my arms still hurt! I'm certainly no strength person… ::sighs:: Constructive criticism is highly appreciated, and reviews in general would help! Look forward to hearing from you.

~misaoshiru