Once, a rurouni kenshin fanfic

I dedicate this work to my close friend, Elizabeth. Thanks for always encouraging me to test the limits of my writing capabilities to their fullest. May your own Muse be just as persistent as mine.

Disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin or anything, which might be related to the series, either in manga or anime. All rights and privileges go to the respective creator of Rurouni Kenshin and the characters held within said work.

Once

I once viewed the world in many colors

Now all my eyes find is gray and red

I once clothed myself in peace and tranquility

Now my form is shrouded in discontent and bitterness

I once accepted the world with an open heart

Now humanity has shown me the error of my judgement

I once felt the warmth of the sun on my skin

Now the icy breath of Winter exhales over me

I once touched the miracle of life with my hands

Now countless deaths have soiled them to numbness

I once caused a family's delight from a fireside chat

Now that harmony is destroyed, devoured within the flames of Revolution

Mothers despise me

Children fear me

Sisters mourn me

And Fathers and Sons respect me

Leaders lust for me

Soldiers envy me

My Master regrets me

And my soul forsakes me

I once stood beneath a gentle Spring rainfall

Now only the sticky sweetness of blood flows over me from the heavens

I once was awed by a child's soft innocent caress

Now I sleep hearing their cries in my dreams

I once worked for a leader to create a new-world

Now all that is left are the ashes from a dying regime

I once possessed an idea that left me humble in its nobility

Now I believe in nothing

I once wielded a sword with the knowledge of a god

Now I have found to protect and not kill is what appeals to me

I once walked the road of an assassin, the best of my trade

Now the only path I wish to trek is that of a wanderer