AN: Oh my god, I've been gone for over a year. I'm so sorry! School got in the way of my writing and my writers block didn't help. Not to mention, my laziness (above all, god). I reread my old Michiyuki: A Puppet's Tale, and to tell you the truth, I hated how I wrote it. So I decided to redo the plot. No worries, I still have some ideas that were from the last story but this story is darker. So I hope you stick around till the end of this one… nun'
Warnings: Extreme graphic gore, non-con, mentions of child abuse (I might add more later).
My special thanks to my Beta, TsunShiori. Love you girl! ;3
Michiyuki: A Puppet's Tale
Len surveyed the room, blood splattered all over the walls and floor. Lumps of flesh and bodies lay scattered around the room, filling it with a putrid stench of iron and decay. The hatchet Len was carrying was coated in thick blood and small pieces of dripping flesh.
His soulless eyes finally landed on a surviving whimpering woman, who was struggling to get up. Her left foot was almost hacked off, hanging loosely from her ankle with only the remaining skin and muscle attached. He walked over to her slowly, the hatchet in hand. The brunette noticed his piercing gaze on her and shrieked in terror.
"P-Please, No! Don't-! Do-Don't come any closer!" She dragged herself away as fast as she could knowing she was fighting a losing battle with only one leg and tons of blood in the process, crying out hysterically as he closed in on her.
Len finally stopped over her, a small smile forming on his blood soaked face. He raises the hatchet and then slams it down with all the force he has onto her lower spine, a loud snap is heard. She chokes out in agony, her nails breaking as she tries to get away. Len yanks it off, making her wail at the excruciating pain. He repeats the action over and over until he hits the wooden floor. By then, blood was soaking around the woman's body, her dull eyes wide with horror. Len grins at the beautiful 'art' he produced. 'Red is a beautiful color, isn't it?' He thought to himself.
The door slammed open, a grinning red-head figure entering. "Look at all of this! Marvelous!" They examined the room with a wide grin as they walked up to Len. Pulling him closer, giving him a chaste kiss on the lips before pulling away; leaving Len flushed, wanting more.
"Never fall for their tricks. They are demons concealed by sheep's wool. Their sins have only made the world dirtier. But now that they're gone…the world is less dirty. All thanks to you." The red head smiled proudly down at the small blonde boy. "Are you hungry? Let me treat you to yakisoba! It's all on me!" The red head chirp, heading out the door.
Len stood alone, the ache of loneliness bubbling in his chest. But the second it became stronger, he shook it off. He followed after the retreating figure, "Yes Master…"
Chapter One: Fate of the Red Marionette
(KAITO'S POV)
I leaned back into the car seat, gazing out the window at the passing trees. It felt uneasy having so many trees around. I missed the city, where buildings and people surrounded me the bustling of life made me feel safe. However, the trees around here made me feel unsafe, like someone was watching me. I release a sigh I didn't know I was holding in, looking away from the trees to turn my attention to the people in the car.
My adoptive father, Gakupo, was the whole reason why we were moving to the small country town of Higurakoro. He was probably the best detective in all of Japan; he's won plenty of awards to prove his skill. He's solved all of the cases he's ever gotten in little of three to five months. The small town's deputy had called on him, about the mysterious disappearances throughout the years, about a few months back. From what I heard none of the cases have never been solved. My dad accepted the offer because of the "new adventure", he said, and so now we're here.
My adoptive mother, Luka, has supported him for every step he's taken so far so I doubt she's complaining about the move. She didn't have a job but she was the boss of the house no matter what. She was an angel to me, my savior. It was all her doing when my younger sister Kaiko and I got adopted.
Kaiko was sitting between me and my other adoptive sister, Miku. They were closer with each other than I was with Kaiko. It was strange since they both were practically polar opposites; Kaiko was a sweet , kind angel while Miku was a feisty, annoying demon. She always picked at me; it made me grit my teeth! Ugh, let's not talk about this; it just leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
"Are we there yet?" Miku suddenly chirped excitement etched onto her face.
Luka shook her head, smiling lightly. "Almost, we'll be there in about two hours."
She cheered, leaning back into the seat. She chattered on about all the things she was going to do there.
"Er, how long do we plan on staying there?" Kaiko asked curiously.
"Possibly for about two years or less, it depends on the cases." Gakupo replied thoughtfully.
Luka turned to look at me, "You excited, Kaito?" She had a hopeful smile on her face.
I cracked a smile, "Yes, can't wait to get there." I wasn't telling the truth, if anything I was nervous about the new life ahead of me. But I didn't want to spoil it for everyone, they all looked excited.
I think Luka felt my nervousness because she commented, "There are kids around your age, don't worry. It may seem small but there is a school full with students.
My unease still didn't go away.
Higurakoro was small town mostly based on family business, a small sheriff's office, and their famous hot springs, The Yanagi Springs. I didn't see any famous brands like McDonalds or KFC; instead I saw places like Yui Teahouse and Haku's Inn. I think a small restaurant also, but I'm not sure yet since I didn't catch its name. The houses looked old and rich with history, architecture like the old Japanese houses.
The town looked tranquil but the heavy atmosphere killed the happy family atmosphere. The sky was grey and showed no hint of sunshine peering through the grey clouds. The surrounding trees around the town looked like old moss, none were a vivid emerald. I became more anxious, what if this whole town were the murderers and brought in people in for their next kill? Okay, now you're thinking crazy, you idiot.
The car finally stopped a few feet from a nice looking house. It was like the others, maybe a little bit older. A small shrine was set next to the house; on the other side was what looked like a small garden. We all got out of the car, gazing upon the buildings in awe. Gakupo was grinning proudly, his hands placed on his hips "Like it? It was only 500,000 yen."
Luka turned to him in utter shock, "Really?! That's very little for such a nice house; well, it is a small town..." She shrugged and grinned, hopping over into Gakupo's arms, "I love you!"
He kissed her happily, making me and my sister's walk up to the house quickly to avoid the mushy scene our parents presented us with.
I stepped up the smooth rock path to the house. It was a plain looking house; there were small cracks in the white paint, the door appeared run down, the windows caked with dust; this place seriously needs a makeover. The small old shrine besides the house had a strange, unsettling creature-like statue looking straight ahead. It looked like the eye sockets were pitch darkness. A shiver went up my spine, turning away with a thought of 'Gotta get used to it or get rid of it'. The garden had nothing but dark soil with small weeds sprouting at the surface, an old wooden fence surrounding the small plot.
Miku and Kaiko had entered already so I decided to follow suit. The inside looked way better than the outside, with a spacious living room, to the right side of it led to the fairly medium sized kitchen with a door to the garden. The inside walls were also a plain brown but the living room's doors changed into paper walls that slid. I stepped towards to the doors which led to a hallway with more doors. 'Rooms?' I thought as I was about to call out to the girls, when I saw a whisk of blond hair going into the room at the end of the hallway.
I took cautious steps to the room, had someone broken in before we got here? Once I got to the end, I swiftly opened the door to find the room empty. I entered the room, looking around then my eyes settle on the closet. Once again I took slow alert steps before sliding the closet open to reveal nothing. 'I must be seeing things...' I mused as I closed the door.
Suddenly Luka appeared from the around door with a smile, startling me a bit "You want this room?" she chimed in warmly.
I looked around, taking in my surroundings. The room was a decent size, had one closet and a window that showed the fence then the dark forest beyond a small plain of grass. I turned back to her, nodding. "Yeah. "
"Alright! All we got to do is wait for the movers to arrive and then your father will take us out to eat!" She chirped happily, going down the hall to investigate the remaining rooms.
Even though I was by myself in this room, I felt like someone was in here with me.
It took days to unpack everything in my room, I was fortunate school didn't start in another few weeks. Everything in my room was blue, bed sheets to the small plush toys I've gotten over the years. I couldn't help but be fond of that color, it was soothing. It was pretty much the same for Kaiko, although she had lighter tones of blue. Miku was still trying unpack her room mostly consisting of her teal items and plush leeks, along with my parents since they have a lot of stuff.
A knock was heard from my door, "Kaito?" Kaiko muttered almost inaudibly from the other side of the door.
"Yeah?" I huffed setting down a box I was working on.
"Miku and I are going for a walk. Wanna come?" She said with a pleading tone.
I glanced outside the window, the sun was already setting. Kaiko was afraid of the dark, not to mention it would be my ass if something happened to the girls. We were new around here, so I didn't want any creeps touching them.
"Yeah, wait up." I slip on my shoes then head outside with Kaiko where Miku was waiting impatiently.
"Come on, before it gets too late!" She huffs, starting forward down the path with Kaiko beside her.
Cicadas sang their tunes and small lights of fireflies flew around as we walked down the smooth path. It was a warm night that I didn't mind sleeping out here.
"When does school start? Miku suddenly blurted out, a hint of nervousness in her tone as she kicked a pebble.
Kaiko put her finger to her chin, "In two weeks I think according to the schedule. Why? Are you nervous?" She looks at her with a raised eyebrow.
"A little…what if I don't make any friends?" Miku looked conflicted but I didn't know why. She was a cute girl with a feisty but positive attitude. Plus she was very friendly and had an inviting aura that drew people in. Only jealous assholes would hate her.
"Huh? Why would you say that? You're good at making friends," Kaiko smiled, "Just smile, you'll win their hearts!"
Miku still looked doubtful but managed a smile and nodded. "Yeah, alright." She then grinned deviously, "You plan on getting a girlfriend?" She was grinning at me while poking my side
I gaped at her, "Really? I barely got here and you're bugging me with this crap again?" I huffed, annoyed.
A couple of months back; she asked me the same thing and set me up with one of her friends. It all resulted with a slap to the face and a cry of pedo! She was only fourteen!...Okay, that is so wrong on so many levels. I only asked her on a date though! It was seriously unfair.
Miku was still looking at me expectantly with Kaiko smiling sheepishly.
I groaned, "I don't need one, it can wait for a while. I am going to graduate this year anyway."
"And you're still a virgin?" Miku snickered.
I felt a certain heat rush to my face, "S-shut up!" I want it to be 'special' with my 'special' someone, okay?" I blubbered; I knew I was making up excuses. Wow, I'm so lame.
Kaiko giggles, "Oh, but I thought you are a perv who hides porn magazines under his mattress."
"What! I do not!" My face was on fire.
Miku gasped then laughed. "Oh my god! Wait till mom and dad hear about this!"
Why sisters, God? Why not at least one brother?
(LEN'S POV)
The small fire around the partying, drunken teenagers warmed the area. The air smelled like cigarettes and alcohol, terrible in Len's opinion. The stench is going to hang onto his kimono.
He glanced around the small camp, disgusted of what he saw and heard.
Men and women drinking alcohol as if their life depended on it, their sin Gluttony.
Feverish moans and gasps from a tent nearby, their sin Lust.
A man too lazy to stop anyone from wrecking the area, oblivious to everything, his sin Sloth.
A man surrounded by women and was showing off loads of money, his sin Greed.
A man nearby envious of the 'Greedy' man, his Envy.
A woman too prideful to apologize to her friend for sleeping with her boyfriend thus creating a rift between them, her sin Pride.
An angry man who fights men relentlessly, his sin Wrath.
Len watched from above the trees utterly disgusted by these people. These were all the sins for them to be punished. He clutched his hatchet tightly before slowly jumping down quietly.
The screams were never heard outside of the forest, not even when he dug his hatchet into a girl's stomach nor when he sliced a guy's throat out. He almost laughed at their horrified faces, blood splattering onto his face.
He kicked around the bodies, looking for a surviving soul. He found one, a small blonde who looked about fifteen, what a waste of life. She choked out sobs, gripping her bloody chest. "Someone h-help! Please!" She screamed.
He gripped his hatchet as it gleamed with fresh crimson blood, looking down at her with a smile almost pitying her pathetic state with a smirk. "Oh, why would we want that? Something dirty like you doesn't deserve to live~"
"F-fuck you…Fuck you!" She screeched in rage, "Why are you-!" She didn't get to finish her sentence when he slammed the hatchet down into her skull, blood spluttering out with a gooey substance coming. Brain fluid? Probably.
He tore it away, a layer of her skull falling. He then began hacking at her head, the sounds of her neck bone filled the silence along with the crackle of the fire. He whipped her head off her body with a snap, her eyes rolled up into her head. Len giggles, holding her head up.
A shot is heard, making Len fall to one knee with a surprised gasp. Pain shot through his left ankle. He looked behind him with wide eyes to see a man fumbling to put the other bullet. "Sh-shit…!"
Len grinned dropping her head limping towards the man. He swung the hatchet into his stomach. The man gasps, dropping the gun, pulling away quickly. He clutches his red stained stomach, gasping in pain.
Len gave the final blow to his face, his hatchet caking into his left side. The man fell to the side, a shock look on his face.
Len's grin faded away when he fell over, his leg burning. "D-damn…" He hissed through his teeth.
He got up shakily, leaving the gory scene. He needed to get back to Master, he would help him. He got into the main path. Suddenly thinking it was a bad idea with his bloody kimono leaving a trail and injured leg. He stumbled forwards again, fingers digging into the soul. He was losing a lot of blood and it was difficult to push himself up.
That's when he heard voices.
"The Tenpomaki serves good dangos!" A high pitched voice chirped, making his ear hurts.
"I prefer the pork buns." A deep voice stated, a man?
"The teppanyaki is the star in the place for sure." A soft voice remarked, a girl.
Up ahead, he saw a faint outline of three figures, the one on the left was tall and had short hair, and he guessed that one was a guy. The one in the middle also had short hair but her small shoulders made her female. Finally the one on the right with her big pig tails that almost reached the floor. Definitely a girl.
Len chokes a pained groan, gripping his leg. He hoped that they didn't notice him.
(KAITO'S POV)
As we argued about the good food in Tenpomaki, I heard a faint voice. I turned toward the sound, mildly curious. "Hey, did you hear that?"
"Hear what?"
I headed over to the noise only to trip over a soft log. I yelped, crushing onto my face. "Ugh."
The soft log made a pained noise, making me whip around, along with Miku whipping out her phone to shine over to me.
Both girls gasped, running over back to the…log?
"Oh my god!" Miku's panicked voice along with Kaiko's concerned shaky chirps, "A-are you okay? Oh my god, there's so much blood…!"
That made me jump to my feet, "Blood? Did I kick someone that badly?" I
Miku shoved her phone to me; I lit the way to the log I stumbled over.
The 'log' was a smaller blonde who had his hair up in a ponytail. Blood was coating his left thigh, staining his short kimono. It went up to his knees and it was a blue, well it was with all the blood staining his kimono currently.
He had pained expression gripping his thigh. "G-go away…" He says through grit teeth.
Miku scowled at him, "What are talking about? We're not leaving you here, you'll bleed to death!"
"We got to take him home." Kaiko suggested in a hurry, "Should w-we carry him home?"
I swallowed, "Maybe we should call the cops or something."
The blonde boy opened his eyes making me freeze in horror. I wasn't sure why.
The dark circles around his eyes brought out his piercing icy blue eyes that had no sign of life. He looked dead inside, making me step away slightly.
"No. No cops." He rasped out coldly.
Kaiko got up, "I'm gonna call dad to come help!" she quickly mutters as she sprints towards the house.
The blonde boy got up to one knee shakily with Miku shrieking in concern and panic.
"No! You'll hurt yourself! Please st-!" Her sentence is cut off when he roughly slaps her away, panting.
Miku gasps as she fell on her behind, clutching her now red cheek. "W-what?"
"Back away or I won't hesitate to slit your throat." He muttered, looking away as he limped towards the dark forest.
I gaped, but I couldn't move, not for Miku or the blonde boy, I was terrified and I wasn't sure why.
Both me and Miku didn't stop the kid, we only watched him disappear into the darkness.
When Kaiko and Gakupo came by in a panicked rush, we all got a scolding for trying to prank him. None of us had the heart to fight him on how it actually happened. When we were escorted home, Luka had given us a second scolding before sending all of us to our room.
The fear never subsided; staring into darkness of my room as I tried my best to sleep, trying to will away the images of that boy. When I came to I fell into a restless sleep, my dreams were filled with cold, icy dead eyes and a bloody hatchet.
To be continued in Chapter 2