There Are Only Strangers In My World
A Rurouni Kenshin Fiction
= Chapter Three =
~ Transformation ~
Disclaimer: Rurouni Kenshin does not, in any way, belong to me…
He, a lone assassin, swept through the household, kKilling everyone in sight. Man, woman, child. Screaming. Endless screaming. But he didn't notice, or if he did, failed to care. Giri. A matter of honour.
A young man stepped out of the shadows, holding a katana, still sheathed. His eyes burnt with fury. His whole family, young and old, had just been mercilessly slaughtered. And he, in turn, had killed the assassin. But not before the assassin had revealed who had sent him. Giri. A matter of honour. In this case, revenge.
Murashino Junichi killed an assassin, and became one in his place. He never really knew why his family had been killed. If he did, he would have been saddened. At the betrayal of trust. At his father's misdeeds. His father had been dealing with the underworld. And two-timing certain key players. And when those key players found out that their business partner was shady, they did what they had to do.
Murashino Junichi lived by the sword. Nine months after Sakata Yumiko left the Murashino household, it had been turned upside down. And nine months after she left, Murashino Junichi was a changed man.
Word spread, and Yumiko got to know of Junichi's actions. First, she was saddened by the changed. Then she wondered how much had changed. Would he remember his promise? The man she was travelling with was Himura Kenshin. He had proved to be an utterly enjoyable companion, with deep insights and profound thinking. He was a man ahead of his time.
Transformation. From man to beast. It had taken hold of Kenshin before. He had fought and won. He was now no longer the Battousai, though many thought him to be. He was now, plain and simple, Kenshin.
But Murashino Junichi was still fighting. And seemed to be losing. She could only hope.
Murashino Junichi sheathed his katana after the last drops of blood had been expertly flicked off. The blade flashed in the moonlight as it slid into the sheath. Three men lay dead around him. In the whole room, he was the only one left standing. Someday. Certainly. Revenge. It was still incomplete. The person who had ordered the kill was still breathing. Still breathing when his family was not.
Murashino Junichi looked up at the sky after emerging from the killing ground. In a now rare moment of pointed reflection, he seemed to see the eyes of Sakata Yumiko looking down at him from above. Chiding him. He brushed the thoughts aside. Revenge.
Author's Notes:
First and foremost, I'd like to thank everyone who's reviewed this fic! Thanks!
As you should have found out, this chapter is pretty dark, as it chronicles the transformation of a man into a beast, in this case, Murashino Junichi. When I re-read this chapter, there was this sadness that enveloped me, because when someone turns into something lower than an animal, no offence to the animals which I love very much, he loses all essence of humanity. Just some reflection, hope it didn't scare you away! :)
Replies:
darkangelwings: Thanks! I guess this chapter's short as well, sorry! Glad you're liking the story!
Sunny: Hajimemashite! We haven't crossed paths yet! Really appreciate your review! Maybe you'd like to check out my other fics?
Susan: Hello again! It's always nice to hear from you! I find writing about Kenshin's wandering days very fulfilling, because there's so much to expand on. You can bet on having more fics written on this topic! :)