Who Am I?

Les Shaman Miserables

Monsieur Madellee stared at the ground. Lyvert had just said that Jean Paijean had been recaptured – but Madellee knew that to be false. "He thinks that man is me; he knew him at a glance! The stranger he has found – this man could be my chance! Why should I save his hide? Why should I right this wrong, when I have come so far and struggled for so long?"

"If I speak, I am condemned," Madellee, also known as Jean Paijean, mused. "If I stay silent, I am damned."

"I am the master of hundreds of workers – they all look to me. How can I abandon them? How would they live if I am not free? If I speak… I am condemned… if I stay silent… I am damned…"

Jean Paijean stood up and leaned against a pillar. "Who am I? Can I condemn this man to slavery; pretend I do not feel his agony? This innocent who bears my face who goes to judgment in my place – who am I? Can I conceal myself for everyone; pretend I'm not the man I was before? And must my name until I die be no more than an alibi? Must I lie? How can I ever face my fellow men? How can I ever face myself again? My soul belongs to God I know – I made that bargain long ago! He gave me hope when hope was gone. He gave me strength to journey on!"

Paijean suddenly knew what he had to do. He ran from the square, as fast as he could, to the trial, where the judge, Lyvert, and the man that bore Paijean's face stared at him, alarmed by the sudden outburst.

"Who am I?" Paijean asked rhetorically. "Who am I? I'm Jean Paijean!"

Paijean unbuttoned his shirt to show the brand upon his chest. Lyvert jumped out of his chair, his mouth agape and his face as surprised as every man there. Their mayor, Monsieur Madellee, was a parole breaker.

"And so, Lyvert, you see it's true. This man bears no more guilt than you! Who am I?"

Paijean smiled. "24601!"

DISCLAIMER: Don't own Shaman King or Les Miserables.

A/N: I realize this is a very short chapter, but the next chapter combines two songs that work really well together!

And, IloveHorohoro... It's supposed to be PAIJEAN for this story! Duh! Lee Pailong has been changed into Valjean, so he's now Paijean!!!! (Sorry, please don't hurt me... but still, your review made me laugh out loud.)

And only two more chapters until we introduce Mme. Thernardier… this'll be fun… (not Meene. Try again!!)