《Soul Mender》
Prologue - Tis but a scratch
Hello RRL,
It¡¯s my first fanfic but don¡¯t hesitate to point out faults as English isn¡¯t my first language.
I¡¯m all open to advices and constructive criticism as I hope to improve myself as a writer.
I hope you enjoy my story.
**********
Two young boys were sleeping in the corner of an empty room, small toys in their hands. Nearby, a young woman stood arms crossed by the open door looking at the children, annoyance showing on her face. Her appealing yet severe figure as well as her black hair clearly showed her Asian heritage. She wore casual clothes, a simple blue skirt and a white shirt.
"There they are," she declared. "Those two make me think of Matt and you, always trying to escape chores and scheming by yourselves," she added before throwing a glance at a man behind her.
"We never really dodged chores, Akiko. People simply often forgot to tell us what we had to do," the man answered while scratching the back of his head. A roguish smirk could be seen on his tanned face.
"Right... I¡¯m like your older sister, you never fooled me. You never will."
She walked toward the youths and then knelt beside them. After checking their condition, the woman took one the children in her arms. Then she stood, intending to leave the room.
After turning around, she stared blankly at the man in front of her. Peter was of average stature and wore short brown hair. His clothes were fine trousers and a black velvet jacket. While he couldn''t be called handsome, he definitely had a certain charm to him. Akiko always wondered how the lazy boy she remembered could have gotten so far in life. One day, he simply declared he wanted to become a doctor and dedicated himself to studying. It was similar to the time they started learning martial arts with his friend Matt. To everyone¡¯s shock, he succeeded.
No one really knew how he got the money and no one really dared to ask him. During their teenage years, the two comrades often spent full nights on the streets. The following morning they would come back with multiple wounds and stupid grins.
Although he was now very well off, Peter never forgot about the orphanage they both grew up in. They stayed good friends, and he often came to their old living place, donating significant sums. Still, she found that dumb smile of his as irritating as ever.
The woman shrugged, leaving those though aside.
"Take the other one, please." Despite all his money, she would still make use of him of course.
"Hey, that''s your job you know. I''m not going to..." the man started replying before being stopped by a murderous glance.
"Okay," he reluctantly agreed.
Both carrying a child, they reached the common room. The few kids still up at such a late time were standing in a small group and looked at them.
As the two of them were walking on the tiled floor, whispers and laughter could be heard. Peter raised an eyebrow. He could guess what they were thinking. Honestly, he himself did not know the truth of the matter.
After going up the stairs to the next floor, Akiko asked mockingly, "Why couldn''t you just stay with the others? You caused too much trouble to the others. Tell me so I can fix those two."
"Useless gossip and stuff. And you were just too noisy for my taste back then... You still are."
"Asshole," Akiko rolled her eyes. "Shut up and walk faster."
"You''re starting to sound like old Susanne you know," Peter added with a shrug.
A look of astonishment appeared on the woman face and she suddenly stopped. Susanne was one of the women taking care of them during their childhood.
"Do I?" she asked with a worried look.
Peter just grinned and went past his friend. He enjoyed teasing her.
After a long sigh with a tint of annoyance, she followed the man in the kids'' chamber.
The room''s walls were white and decorated with colorful drawings. Multiple toys were scattered on the floor in a joyful mess. After putting the children in their respective beds, the two adults left the room and headed to the kitchen.
They were silently enjoying a cup of coffee when a phone rang. Peter took the terminal out of his pocket and answered the call. As the discussion went on, his look went grimmer.
"Okay. I''ll be right over," he sighted.
"Work?" The woman asked after taking a sip of her drink.
"You remember Rodrigo Jimenez?" Peter stood up and put his jacket back on.
Akiko nodded. She recalled fondly the slightly overweight boy whose bedroom was just under hers. He often made cookies for everyone and stopped fights between other children.
"His daughter was caught up on the ether cloud accident near Port Four a few years ago. The kid has been in my charge for a few weeks. Her condition suddenly worsened so I got to go."
She brought her hands to her mouth in shock.
Genuinely saddened, Akiko tightened her lips.
"Terminal phase?"
"Most likely," the man put drank his remaining coffee in one long mouthful before putting the cup in the sink.
"Then it''s one more. I don''t know how you can keep doing this..." she shook her head. "One more is passing away in your care without you being able to do anything."
"Take care."
With a look of determination and no further explanation, he quickly left the orphanage.
**********
Peter drove his car at a fast pace through the dark streets of the city of Selen. Steel lamp posts hanged from the huge grey walls of the buildings and lighted his way. The builders of this city were obviously pragmatists and the gloomy vibe of the town was reinforced by the late hour. Due to the cold, only a few people were outside at this time and behind the transparent dome of the city the man could see the peak of the Selenean Summit, the highest point on the moon. The huge form of the ether refinery was sitting on top of it.
In 2107AC, ten million souls were living in Selen and half of them were working in the ether business. It began when some researcher found out about the existence of ether fifty years ago. It was an energy that dwelled in all things but invisible to the naked eye. The purest flows could be found on the highest points on a planet. After years of experimentation they found the means to technologically harness its power to create different kind of energy. Many devices were invented to render the process more accurate.
Thus Earth¡¯s energy production became clean to some extent. After use, ether will corrupt itself and follow the natural streams going around a planet. If it came in contact with a living being, it would affect it. Even with the careful rules and security measures, accidents would often happen. Then humankind decided to try producing this new energy somewhere else: the moon. The business was so lucrative that many overlooked the risks and came in Selen.
A few minutes later, Peter reached the private hospital. Two ambulances went past him as he signed on the security post. After parking his car in the subterranean lot nearby other luxurious vehicles, he took the elevator leading to his office.
Elegant wooden furniture filled his workplace and the atmosphere felt warm. The man had paid a ridiculous amount of money to get those. He simply liked the genuine feeling of it.
He then sat in front of his computer and checked the latest data on his patient, Feliz Jimenez.
''Acute pain in the whole body.
Difficulty to breath.
Weakened motor functions.
Skin color turning to a dusky blue.
The ether diagram shows extreme activity
Tainted ether ratio over eighty percent.''
Of those symptoms, the pain was the worst. A big part of his job as a doctor etherologist was making it bearable so the patient could still live an ordinary life. That is until the third phase, when the other symptoms start kicking in. Some people could live fifteen to twenty years before reaching that point. Money was an important factor though as the medicine was expensive. To get the maximum effect, the drug, Essence, had to be custom made since the affliction followed different ether patterns for every individual. Most people could only afford one of the twelve standardized versions made for every archetype known of the sickness.
''It''s all as expected. Well, it''s not like we could have been wrong. There is no other ending after those symptoms,'' Peter thought while stretching his arms.
He went to take a quick shower in his private bathroom.
¡®I planned this carefully I can¡¯t be too rash,'' he thought under the hot water.
After drying himself, he put on clean clothes and a white coat before heading to the chamber of his patient.
Behind the reception desk, a female nurse was typing on a keyboard. When she heard his footsteps, she raised her head.
"Good evening Anaya. How are you holding?" Peter asked after looking at her forced smile.
"Good evening Doctor. I¡¯ll be fine. You get used to it like you said," the young Indian nurse answered.
''That''s actually the scary thing,'' the doctor said to himself.
"Anyone else knows about it?¡±
"Only I, the four other nurses on duty tonight, the family and you," the woman replied as she tilted her head.
"Good. Is the family here?"
"Yes, they arrived a few moments ago," she nodded.
"I''ll go check up on them then."
Inside the white room, two people sat by the nearby bed. The only touch of color in this asepticized atmosphere was a flower bouquet on top of a small table. The huge frame of the man overshadowed the woman¡¯s who was holding the hand of their daughter. Both of them turned their head at Peter¡¯s arrival. The father put his hand on his knees to help himself stand up and came at the doctor
¡°Rodrigo, I¡¯m¡¡± Peter started with a pained expression.
"Thank you Peter. Without you, she would have never been able to live that long and like a normal girl," the big man said while shaking his hand, a weak smile on his lips.
Peter had used his connections to allow Feliz into his sector. He was actually quite renowned as both a doctor and a researcher. His diagnostics were extremely accurate and his patients¡¯ lifespan after being afflicted was one of the highest on both the Earth and the Moon. They looked at each other for a while. Afterward, the etherologist went toward the bed and met the blue eyes of Mary, Rodrigo¡¯s wife. Though her messy blond hair were somewhat covering her face, he could definitely see she had been crying.
¡°I¡¯m sorry, Peter. It thought I had prepared myself but I guess I still not ready for this,¡± the woman said weakly after standing up.
¡°Sorry I can¡¯t do more,¡± the man put his hand softly on her shoulder.
¡°You did plenty. We already can¡¯t thank you enough,¡± the genuine smile of the woman almost broke his countenance.
In the bed, the girl was looking at him with her blue eyes. Her skin had taken a bluish tint and she had lost weight those past few days. She was eighteen. The girl had spent ten years of her life under constant medication.
¡°How long Doctor?¡± Feliz asked under her breathing device.
¡°Six hours at most.¡±
There was no use lying about that. Peter knew the strong willed girl so he answered honestly. When Mary gasped, her husband hugged her and she did her best to keep herself together in honor of her daughter¡¯s courage.
¡°It will be as painless as possible; I will make sure of it,¡± Peter reassured her.
¡°Okay, thanks,¡± the girl simply nodded and stared at the flowers. The man felt his heart twitch.
¡°I¡¯ll leave you for now. You probably need some time alone.¡±
Peter left the room and did not look back.
In his office Peter was seated, head in his hands
¡®I planned it all. It¡¯s too risky now,¡¯ he thought with conflicting emotions.
For several minutes, only the ticks of the old styled clock hanging on the wall could be heard. Suddenly, he struck the desk with his fist.
''No more shit. I''ve had enough. All those years, I''ve played the nice little dog. I won''t let another one die like this. This is a friend we¡¯re talking about. Screw it. It should work out.''
Since Peter had a high status in the firm, most would just let him do as he wished. So he spent years, studying multiple ether pattern combinations and experimenting by himself. A few weeks ago he succeeded, a mouse he was experimenting on fully recovered and then many more.
At that time, he was 38 years old and he was thrilled. But he knew his employers and their backers. He killed the mice and hid his work. They would never allow him to publish his work as producing the drug simply generated too much money. Despite all the praises, Peter knew he was under surveillance. So he had contacted some of his relations to find a way to escape the cartels sponsoring the firm.
He took out his phone and contacted his allies.
¡°I¡¯m thinking of doing it tonight.¡±
¡°On such a short notice? What happened?¡±
¡°It has to be now.¡±
¡°Okay, we¡¯ll follow the plan. We should be in position three hours from now on. Be careful.¡±
Afterward, Peter spent the two following hours carefully planning and arranging his data. Since the man knew the copying of such heavy data would trigger an alarm in the security system, he had to be as fast as possible. When he deemed everything was ready, he went back to Feliz¡¯s room.
The family was talking quietly. Despite the fact that the girl was shivering, she was smiling and giggling. She had two hours left at most according to the readings on the diagram.
The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
¡°Do you trust me?¡± Peter asked his friend.
¡°Of course. I¡¡± The big man started answering.
¡°Then follow me. We¡¯ll save your daughter.¡±
Rodrigo¡¯s eyes clearly showed his surprise.
¡°What do you mean?¡±
¡°Follow me we have little time left.¡±
Then Peter began pushing the wheeled bed, the confused family on his trail. They made their way to the synthetizing area, where Essence was made. While Rodrigo and Mary were waiting near the control desk, he cleared the protocol and put Feliz on the scanning table. Next, he returned beside the parents.
¡°Once I start the procedure, everything will have to be fast. We¡¯ll move as quickly as possible toward the parking lot. Friends will be waiting for us but it will be dangerous. Do you understand? ¡± Peter asked the couple, somber.
¡°Can you really heal her?¡± Rodrigo took a big breath.
¡°Yeah.¡±
¡°Then I¡¯ll do whatever you say.¡±
You had to create the right patterns with the exact frequency and make them enter resonance with an exact energy output. For Essence, you had to make three different kinds. The initial sequences had to be input manually and then the program would take control. Since Peter discovered the arrays, he knew them by heart but it still took him thirty minutes to enter everything and launch the process.
While the scanning disk was moving the girl, he copied all this research data into two small storing keys. During that time, only the humming of the machine could be heard and the parents watching the scene with a worried look.
Eventually, a small vial of translucent liquid popped out of a hatch. The base solution was actually simple water but it was different when it was overcharged with ether.
¡°You have to drink,¡± the girl nodded and Peter brought the bottle to her lips.
After drinking it all, the girl began to scream and her mother rushed in to hold her in her arms. The formula had no pain inhibiting factor.
Meanwhile, Peter silently watched the screen, hopeful.
¡°What is happening? Answer!¡± Rodrigo had grabbed his friend sleeve.
After a whole minute, the girl finally fainted and the taint percentage on the screen had decreased by 2 percent in a short amount of time.
¡°It worked. Carry her, we are going now.¡±
¡°Is she really¡?¡±
At this moment, fast steps could be heard in the hall. Peter began scanning around, is heart was pounding at a furious rate. There was only one exit, he knew it and fear was making its way to his mind. However he could not let himself panic.
¡¯I wasn¡¯t fast enough. Fuck.¡¯
Before long, three men entered the synthetizing room. One was apparently medical staff while the other two wore the blue security guard outfit. The two sentry faces seemed to have ben sculpted of rock and their body looked well trained. While they were evaluating the situation, Rodrigo came out from behind scanning device carrying his daughter in his arms. They blocked his way.
¡°You thought we didn¡¯t know about your little games? We didn¡¯t know exactly what you were up too but there is too much at stake and you know it. Why don¡¯t you just stop this folly? We¡¯ll just go to a cabaret, drink and get a girl or two like we always do. All will be forgotten,¡± the smaller man declared almost pleading.
"There is more to life than just money and pleasure, Chen. Just let me pass before I punch you, I know you¡¯re not that bad," Peter shrugged.
¡°We can¡¯t allow you to leave. You know that it isn¡¯t just about me. You¡¯re too arrogant and confident,¡± the Chinese man shook his head before pointing his hand at him.
Afterwards, the two goons took out electrified truncheon and carefully advanced toward him.
¡®Good, both are right handed,¡¯ Peter thought, trying to steady his breathing.
Before they had time to get in range, Peter took out a pencil off his front pocket and rushed the rightmost one. He sidestepped to the right, blocked the incoming strike with his left, grabbing the wrist, while gouging his opponent¡¯s eye with his improvised weapon. His street fighting days were long past, but there are some things you never forget, especially after having practiced the same moves thousands of times. His old Japanese martial arts master was a traditionalist and made sure Peter would remember his teaching all his life. The guard instantly went limp and Peter took the dead man¡¯s weapon in his hand.
You do not survive in the night district of Selen without learning a thing or two. Firstly, you should always take the initiative if you could.
Then before it could fall, he kicked the corpse toward his comrade who took a step back, astonished. The guard¡¯s eyes hardened and he took a fighting stance. Without waiting a second, Peter grabbed a pile of papers and threw it toward his opponent face. The guard shielded his eyes with his left hand and swung blindly to defend himself since his vision was impaired. Peter struck the hand wielding the baton with his own weapon. The discharge stunned him and the doctor put all his power in a kick to his opponent¡¯s groin whose body then arched. Finally he thrust his electrified rod into his adversary¡¯s shoulder. The man passed out. Secondly, using your surroundings is key when fighting multiple opponents and screw fairness.
¡®I¡¯ll never complain anymore about paperwork. For some time at least,¡¯ the doctor was panting heavily, feeling dizzy. He knew it couldn¡¯t be avoided, they would have not let him live anyway.
Seeing that unexpected scene, Chen ran away. Despite his retreat, Peter knew the Chinese man would come back. He was lucky they didn¡¯t immediately draw they guns. Next time around, they would not make the same mistake.
Nonetheless, Peter could not stop now so he knelt beside the unconscious guard and took his gun. Hopefully, he wouldn¡¯t have to use it. Afterward, he looked at the Jimenez who stared at him incredulously.
¡°We have to get going now!¡± He shouted.
¡°Peter this is crazy¡¡± Rodrigo was staring blankly at the small puddle of blood beneath the dead man¡¯s head. Next to him, his wife was on the verge of tears
¡°It is. But it¡¯s needed right now,¡± Peter stated before getting up. The two data keys in his pocket felt heavy. After some thought, he took one out and willing to give it to his friend.
¡°It¡¯s better if you have this. I got another; we never know what can happen.¡±
The big man looked uncertain.
¡°We¡¯re already in that shitty situation so let¡¯s get going.¡±
¡°You drew us in this mess!¡± Rodrigo shouted angrily.
¡°So you would have left you daughter die?¡± Peter asked, expressionless.
At that time, Mary came in between looked at his husband. She then took the key and smiled wryly.
¡°He¡¯s right. If we can really save her life, I¡¯ll do whatever is needed.¡±
¡°Thanks, let¡¯s go now.¡±
The three of them looked at each other before making haste toward the room¡¯s exit, Rodrigo carrying his daughter. The few people they met looked at them curiously but no one stopped them since Peter was well known.
While they were climbing down the main stairs, they heard heavy gunfire coming from the lower floors. The whole hospital was in anguish and people mostly ignored them. Meanwhile, the doctor was leading them down and his phone rang.
¡°Hey Mat.¡±
¡°Where are you?!¡±
¡°I¡¯m almost there.¡±
¡°Things are heating up down there. Be careful and hurry up!¡± Peter heard gunfire before the call ended.
As they reached the last set of stairs, the stairway door suddenly opened and three men burst out. As soon as they identified them, they started shooting. The doctor took cover behind the concrete handrail, but not before getting shot in the thigh. Gritting his teeth, he returned fire. One of the men collapsed and as a result, the remaining guards took cover behind the door. Luckily when the fight started, the Jimenez were already crouched at the bottom of the stairs, unhurt.
¡°Go down. This way should be safe. I¡¯ll hold them back.¡±
¡°But you¡¡± Mary said while looking at his bleeding thigh.
¡°GO!¡± He shouted.
Most people moved away from the doorway, only a few curious people were still present in spite of the warning of the guards. Due to his limited amount of ammunition, he would not be able to hold for very long and his suppressing fire would soon die out. But the time he had won was already plenty. Soon, he stopped firing.
¡°Surrender! You¡¯re outmatched!¡± one of the guard yelled, causing Peter to laugh loudly before shooting one last time causing the men to fall back.
Taking advantage of their hesitation, Peter silently went down the stairs. A few seconds later, the guards decided to go down the stairs and gradually caught up with him due to his injury. Once they saw him, they began lowering their guns but before they could take aim multiple blasts resonated in the stairway. The two men collapsed, bullet holes in their back.
Afterward, Peter could hear footsteps and a woman wearing a nurse outfit revealed herself on top of the stairs, pistol in hand. After having recognized him, she went down and met with him.
¡°You are¡¡±
¡°I¡¯m with Mat and you¡¯re too early. We weren¡¯t ready yet and you caused a real mess,¡± Anaya cut him short.
¡°I know, sorry.¡±
¡°You are wounded.¡± The woman looked at Peter¡¯s thigh.
Peter was bleeding heavily and his sight was getting blurry.
¡°Tis but a scratch.¡±
The woman was stronger than she looked and she ripped off one of the doctor¡¯s sleeves to bandage his wound. Meanwhile, Peter was looking at her.
¡®So she¡¯s part of the dissident group¡ Mat had it all planned and I made such a mess. My stupidity almost made the operation fail.¡¯
He then thought of the brave girl facing death with dignity and trying her best not to look sad in front of her parents.
¡®A sacrifice for the greater good, ha-ha¡¡¯
¡°Now, cut the stupid act. Let¡¯s go down,¡± the woman said.
Then Anaya helped him walk and after a minute they reached the parking lot. It was a warzone, two groups were facing off: their allies near the security post and the guards near the elevator. Behind a car, he saw his friend Mat and the Jimenez family.
¡°We have to go fast before the cartels block the roads. We have to hurry,¡± Anaya stated.
Behind them, reinforcements were coming down the stairs so they began making their way toward their group before being caught in a pincer attack. Crouching, they hide themselves behind cars. However Peter was too slow and luck was not on their side. When they were halfway, a bullet caught him in the shoulder and he fell. The reinforcement coming from the stairs were already in position. The Indian woman tried getting him up to no avail.
¡°Go! I won¡¯t make it anyway,¡± he shouted while putting his data key on her hand.
¡°Stop the heroic bullshit!¡±
¡°You know I¡¯m right. Tell Mat I¡¯m Sorry.¡±
¡°You are such a¡¡±
Despite her reticence, Anaya knew Peter would not make it. His injuries were too severe. The woman shook her head but still went as she was told. Soon she was out of his sight and he heard multiple cars going off.
Nonetheless, the man grinned. The cure was safe so all in all, they succeeded. You could even say it went as expected. They knew the guard would be heavy since many influential people from both the underworld and the popular scene were hospitalized there. Though you could not say Peter was happy with that outcome but he was somewhat satisfied. He smirked, making fun of himself.
¡®A sacrifice for the greater good¡¡¯
At some point, the gunfire ceased and he knew it would be over soon. Finally he coughed and then looked at the ceiling. His only regret was never having seen the sky. Ever since he heard Mat talking about it, he would have liked going down to the planet but it was simply impossible. Despite all his money, he could not go Earth or more like he was not allowed to.
Lost in thought, the doctor did not notice the men looking at him. Only when they fell without any sign of struggle did he see them.
¡®What¡¯s this?¡¯ Peter mustered the last of his strength and looked around.
A slender black cat stood on top of a nearby car. The animal stared at him with his emerald green eyes. Then it jumped off and walked toward the doctor.
The feline got on top of Peter''s chest and put its paw on his forehead. He could barely feel the cold pad on his skin.
Suddenly, he felt an electric like discharge and heard a feminine voice in his mind.
"Hello there! Good work saving that little girl! And most likely thousands other people."
''What the...''
He tried getting up but he was obviously too weakened. The man was astonished and he gritted his teeth. The cat was actually smiling at him.
''I must be going crazy. A cat is talking to me.''
"Now¡ how about saving a world?" the voice rang, amused.
The cat purred loudly.
And everything went black.
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Chapter 1 - The Sky
A small child woke up with a headache. All he could remember was the silhouette of a black cat but everything after that was blurry.
After some unknown time, the boy brought his hand to his head and tried to move his body. He felt no pain, simply weariness.
When the kid opened his eyes, the strong light made him blink. After a while, he could see where he was. He was lying down on a mattress and a white blanket was covering him. The chamber¡¯s walls were made of wood and thick white paper. The floor was covered with tatamis.
In the room, there was a low table with small cushions around it and a carefully arranged bouquet which was in an exquisite porcelain vase was standing in an alcove. Behind the plants, a scroll was hanging on the wall with ¡°health¡± written on it.
¡®How can I even read this? It¡¯s not a language I know¡¡¯ he thought, confused.
Then the child looked at himself. He was small or rather... young. His body looked a few years old at and his skin tone was very light, almost white. Also, long black hair was falling on his shoulders. Covering him was a white yukata, held at the waist by a red sash.
¡®What the hell is this?¡¯ he thought, trying to understand his situation.
Suddenly, the youth heard a small thud behind him, so he turned around to face the source of the noise. The cat was sitting there, looking at him.
¡°It took longer than expected. I guess I¡¯m still not that good at this soul stuff,¡± the feline said in his mind, before jumping on the human. The black cat rubbed his head on his hand.
¡°You¡¯re supposed to pet me.¡± the animal declared.
¡°What are you?¡± the boy actually could not resist and did pet the feline. That was one of the stupid things about cats.
¡°I am a cat.¡±
¡°And apart from that...?¡±
¡°A black cat¡±
The boy felt a bit of annoyance but his curiosity took over.
¡°Right¡ What happened to me?¡±
¡°I¡¯m such a nice cat, I granted your wish. Follow me so I can show you.¡±
Afterward, the cat exited the room by a slightly opened sliding door. The kid tried to stand up but ultimately failed. Grumpy, he began to crawl on his four limbs but even that took him a lot of effort. Seemingly, his body was extremely weak as of now. Finally he reached the door and opened it before going out. Panting and light headed, the boy sat on the outside hallway surrounding the house. To keep his balance, he put his hand on a wooden pillar close to him. The polished wood under him felt nice. After resting for a while, he raised his head.
Small white clouds were wandering in the endless blue sky and small birds nearby. For a long time, the boy just stared at the heaven. The real thing was clearly different from simply looking at pictures or virtual reality worlds. Despite the pain in his limbs, he was amazed and thrilled.
¡®It¡¯s beautiful¡.¡¯
He then looked around him and saw he was surrounded by greenery. All around him stood carefully trimmed bushes and flowered trees. Multiples paths made of flat stones crossed the garden and a wooden bridge was going over a huge pound. It was definitely a Japanese styled garden like he had seen on some pictures. A bit farther away, he could see two other houses similar to the one he was in. The weather was warm and many scents stimulated his senses.
As the boy was taking a deep breath, the cat rubbed itself against him. The youth looked down at the slender feline.
¡°What did you do to me? Did I die?¡± he asked.
¡°Aye. Your previous body died at least. But when this child was born, his soul was already dead so I decided to put yours inside his body instead. Though the whole thing took me five years.¡±
¡°And you decided to do that without even waiting for my answer and no explanation?¡±
¡°I¡¯m a cat. I¡¯m selfish.¡±
¡°Wait¡ How can you even do that?!¡±
The cat¡¯s eyes became slits, mocking him. Seeing that, the boy angrily tried to grab the animal but it was too fast. It had already taken its distance from him and was sitting defiantly.
¡®The bastard¡¯s purring. What the¡ I want to strangle it!¡¯
However, the boy was powerless. He couldn¡¯t even stand by himself so he had no other choice than trying to calm himself. If you excluded the unnatural reincarnation part, the cat had not visibly harmed him and he would have died in any case. Still, the whole thing was eerie and his mind could not understand the implications of it all. Many questions were swirling in his mind. What happened to Mat, Anaya and the Jimenez? Did they make it?
¡°Where am I?¡±
¡°I¡¯m not going to spoil it for you. Where¡¯s the fun in that? Besides, I gave you a little gift so you can understand stuff. Be glad!¡± the cat declared before its ears twitched.
¡°I got to go now. Good luck in this life,¡± the cat said in his mind, before jumping off the wooden hallway and disappearing among the vegetation.
¡°Wait!¡± he tried to shout, but his throat was so dry he coughed.
For a long time he stared blankly at the unknown scenery, lost in his thoughts.
**********
A few minutes had passed when the boy heard a gasp behind him. Alarmed, he turned around on his knees. A young woman with a tray on her hand stood in the middle of the room, her green eyes full of confusion. Her dark brown hair was cut shoulder length, a thin braid falling alongside her spine. She wore a white hakui and a dark blue hakama.
She kneeled and put her tray on the ground before rushing at the boy¡¯s side. With a worried look, she carefully checked his condition with a gentle touch. Peter could see her face closely, she had a fair healthy skin and her slightly slanted eyes gave a kind of feline beauty. Her features were neither Asian nor Caucasian so she was probably of mixed heritage. All in all, she was pretty.
She gently took the boy¡¯s head in her two hands and looked into his eyes.
¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± he stated, trying to reassure her.
Her confusion became even greater.
¡°You are speaking¡¡± she whispered.
¡°I think I am, yes,¡± the boy could not stop himself from replying mockingly.
However this made him realize something: the fact that he could talk was not normal. He was confused and cursed the cat for abandoning him without any real explanation. The weird thing was that he could not shake the feeling that he knew that person.
The woman carried him carefully to his bed and put a cushion under his head before covering him with the blanket. Because his earlier efforts tired him tremendously, he did not resist. Rather, he was glad being back in bed. Afterwards, she took a few steps back and joined her hands before her.
¡°Please stay here Young Master, I shall go look for the Lady,¡± she bowed and left the room.
Speechless, the boy stared at the door. Things were getting more and more confusing.
Eventually, the door opened, revealing the previous servant who then bowed, giving way to another woman. She was slightly taller than the maid, around 176cm (5¡¯9¡¯¡¯), and her slender appearance was striking. Her long raven black hair was joined together by a scarlet ribbon near her lower back. Her features were elegant and her skin was similar to the boy¡¯s, almost white. It was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Her loveliness was emphasized by the gorgeous red and black kimono she was wearing.
Deep red eyes were looking at him. The boy sat on the bed looking at her, speechless. The black haired woman gasped, and brought her left hand to her mouth. Shock could be seen on her face.
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¡°Kira¡¡± she whispered before her eyes moistened.
Soon after, the woman rushed toward him, knelt and took him in a warm embrace close to her chest. At first, the boy stiffened but he soon left himself melt. The warmth had a somewhat nostalgic feeling and the sound of the steady heartbeat was soothing. He remembered that faint jasmine scent. He knew her. Was he actually partially conscious during those five years the cat talked about? Could he recall events from that time?
¡°Do you recognize me?¡± the woman asked after releasing him.
¡°I think I do¡¡± he nodded.
She gave him the brightest smile before hugging him again.
¡®Damn she is beautiful¡ But she is my¡ mother? And my name¡¯s Kira?¡¯
In his past life, he never knew his mother and his childhood friends were his family. The situation felt awkward to him and he did not know how to react. He tried to speak again but he coughed instead.
Hearing that, she held him gently by the shoulders and looked at him.
¡°Water please¡¡± Kira requested weakly.
Realization struck the maid, and she hastily knelt beside them and lowered her head deeply, hands joined in front of her.
¡°Lady Kaguya, I am very sorry I forgot my duties. I am deeply ashamed. Please allow me to¡¡±
¡°It is fine Shizuru. Do not worry. Hand me the tray, ¡± the lady ordered after she raised her left hand and smiled.
As the servant carried out her demand, Kaguya gently put the boy¡¯s head on her lap. She then brought a small cup to his lips and Kira gratefully drank the water.
¡°Thank you,¡± the boy said.
The lady answered with a smile. Following that, she took the bowl of gruel and began to feed him. Actually, the reborn boy felt a bit awkward to be treated like child, but he was a child at this moment so he simply complied with the silent request. The genuine smile of the woman was simply too endearing and he could not refuse.
After finishing his meal he sighed deeply, feeling warm and content. As the woman started gently stroking his long black hair, he felt drowsy and soon fell asleep.
**********
Kira woke up the next day. Opening his eyes, he found himself in a new place. The room was larger than the previous one, but arranged in the same style. Colorful and elegant tapestries were hanging on the wall, representing landscapes and flowers.
The boy felt way better than previously. Perhaps the conclusion of the soul transfer had taken a heavy toll on both body and mind.
The youth sat on the mattress he was lying on and he stretched his arms.
Then, he noticed Kaguya who was looking at him. His mother was seated behind a low table where various scrolls and books were scattered. Behind her, the sliding doors were open and Kira could see the garden. The woman was holding a writing brush and smiled at him.
¡°Good morning, Kira,¡± the lady said joyfully.
¡°Good morning,¡± the boy answered after standing up.
Afterward, the woman put her brush aside and came to hug him. As always, Kira felt awkward in her embrace but did not protest. He would not deny her happiness for no reason. Being a cute little boy brought some opportunities. He knew that from his past life. Also the woman looked nice and kind to him.
¡°Are you well?¡± Kaguya asked him.
¡°I think so but I still am a bit confused.¡±
¡°Is that so? Please wait here.¡±
She stood up and left the room. Then Kira went to the table to satisfy his curiosity. The books and scrolls were obviously written in different languages, but he could understand most of them: the one he was talking with Kaguya and three others. That was probably due to the gift of the cat.
¡®At least, he left me something useful¡¯.
Among the documents, he found some intriguing titles like ¡°Cases of soul sickness¡±, ¡°Strange behaviors¡± and ¡°The purge of Garesh¡±. The boy was looking at a book full of drawings of sick men and women. Pain could be seen on their faces and veins were showing on their whole bodies. On the side, you could read words like ¡°blue skin¡±, ¡°pain¡±, ¡°weakness¡±, ¡°difficult breathing¡±.
¡®Is this?¡¯ Due to his past knowledge, Kira knew what all of this meant and he began sweating.
¡°Little children should not be looking at such pictures,¡± a soft voice said from behind him.
Due to the implications, he was so deep in his thoughts he did not notice his mother came back. The lady closed the book and Kira stared at her. She smiled and led him by the hand to a small black tray with sliced fruits and a cup of tea.
¡°You should be hungry. It is frugal, however lunch should be served soon. Please eat.¡±
Kira realized she was right so he sat gratefully. Meanwhile, Kaguya worked on her writings.
¡°How was it?¡± she asked after he had finished.
¡°Delicious. Thank you,¡± he replied honestly. He had rarely eaten fruits that good.
¡°Good.¡±
¡°What were those drawings?¡± the boy asked after some time.
¡°We shall not speak of the matter for now as you are too young.¡± Kaguya answered coldly and her expression darkened.
It was the first time Kira heard her speak with such a definitive tone so he was taken aback. He decided to change the subject.
¡°What was I like before yesterday?¡±
¡°Ever since you were born, you were unwell. You understood words and learned however you neither talked nor expressed yourself.¡± She told him with a sad look.
¡°I am sorry. I can¡¯t remember¡¡±
¡°It is fine. Yes, it should be fine now.¡± Kaguya stated.
¡°Can I look around?¡±
¡°Why are you so in a hurry to leave me?¡± she asked as amusement could be seen on the corner of her eyes.
¡°I am not! I am just¡¡±
¡°It is fine. However please do not leave the house.¡±
Kira expression brightened. Because the boy had never seen so much greenery in his life, he was actually very interested in the garden.
¡®She might be my mother and nice and pretty but I¡¯m not going to do everything she says. There shouldn¡¯t be any problem if I take a stroll around the garden. I might even get a bit more information about this place. I¡¯d rather not ask and look too suspicious.¡¯
Also, he needed some time alone to think. The books and scrolls had stunned him and he was troubled.
As Kaguya was staring at him, a glint of amusement appeared in her eyes.
¡°Rest assured, if by ill luck something unpleasant happens, I would make sure to address the matter so we never speak of it again,¡± the lady announced before she gave off a crystalline laugh.
¡®What the¡ can she read my mind?¡¯ Kira thought when he felt a chill and a somewhat dangerous vibe.
¡°Yes,¡± the boy gasped. Perhaps the woman was more than just a caring mother.
¡°You may go,¡± Kaguya declared.
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Chapter 2 - Rabbit
Kira was walking around his new home. The house was rather big. It was composed of a dozen of rooms similar to the two he already knew. In the middle of it, there was an open garden with a large sandy area. Everything felt traditionally Japanese, like his old dojo.
There were no signs of modern conveniences like electricity or running water. Oddly, the people did look somewhat Japanese, but at the same time it was different. Since Selen was a kind of melting pot from all over the globe, he knew a bit about facial features but he could not put a finger on it.
After a while, Kira stood on the exterior hallway. Apart from a handful of servants, who respectfully greeted him and were working on their chores, there was not much going on. Though the boy was very much interested in a few closed rooms, he had to hold his curiosity in check for now since too many people were around.
After looking around to make sure no one was around, Kira jumped off the wooden floor. Then the boy strolled in the garden, not going too far off the house. He was amazed by the plants and bugs. He stared at the ground avidly, looking for some signs of movement. Due to the artificial nature of Selen, this sight was new to him.
¡®Maybe I am still a kid inside after all,¡¯ Kira thought while he chuckled.
After a while, the boy found a small rock near the pound. He sat on top of it and looked into the water. Fishes were looking at him with their round eyes. The event made him frown, but he soon relaxed when he saw nothing happened. In the water, he saw his youthful figure and red eyes. Kira then released a long sigh.
¡®What is this seriously? I don¡¯t understand a thing about what is happening. My soul got moved into another body? What kind of bullshit is this? Apart from that fact, I¡¯m not even sure how I should act with the people here¡¡¯
He picked up a stone and threw it in the pound. The fishes did not seem bothered one bit.
¡®Should I just go with the flow? I guess it would be the easiest way¡ I don¡¯t know much about this place anyway and I can¡¯t do much with this childish body. It can¡¯t be worse than my own childhood anyway¡ Well, my past one that is.¡¯
Nearby, a bird landed on a tree and the boy stared at the rainbow-colored volatile.
¡®Whenever that woman calls me Kira I just know it is me. Well¡ she is my mother. Those past five years must have affected my mind to some extent. I do feel a bit different, a bit more childlike¡ Damn. And that bloody cat¡ What did it mean by saving the world? Is it related to the ether affliction depicted in those books?¡¯
Suddenly, something hit the boy¡¯s head so he turned around. He had not heard a thing and two women were standing before him.
One he knew, it was the maid as for the other one... At first, Kira thought it was his mother. However he could see some slight differences, notably in her fierce red eyes. Also, she was slender and moved in a lithesome manner. Her black hair, cut in straight bangs suggesting a hime cut, reached her waist. She wore a black kimono with fine silver motifs and held a closed fan. If Kaguya was the sun, she would be the moon. But he somehow knew her as well.
The woman put a hand on her hip and stared at him.
¡°What do we have here? A lost rabbit?¡± she asked, expressionless.
¡°This is the Young Master,¡± the maid replied.
¡°Obviously it is. I am not so dull I cannot recognize my own brother.¡±
¡°Sometimes I wonder,¡± Shizuru said while looking away.
¡°Are those words coming from the mouth of the one who forgot to feed the rabbit?¡±
¡°Please do not remind me.¡±
While the two of them were talking between themselves, the boy stared at the women angrily.
¡°Why did you hit me?¡± he said grumpily.
¡°So you do talk.¡±
¡°So what about it?¡±
Her lips curved up in a predatory smile.
¡°Maybe I should start by teaching you to respect your older sister.¡±
The woman raised her arms and claw-like hands, obviously wanting to grab him. Panicked, Kira tried to get away but she was just too fast for his little legs.
¡®Damn it¡ I¡¯m just too short. I can¡¯t do anything.¡¯
Unexpectedly, she hugged him tightly.
¡°Nice to meet you. I am Ren.¡± she said in his ear.
The boy gulped. He was not expecting that.
¡°Nice to meet you, I guess?¡± he answered hesitantly.
She looked at him with a faint smile before patting his head twice.
¡°Why are you here by yourself? Does Mother know?¡±
¡®Oh crap¡¡¯ He thought with a poker face.
¡°You are such a naughty boy.¡± Ren said, before she hit his forehead with her fan, causing the boy to cover his face in pain.
During this whole time, Shizuru had watched them silently, a few steps behind his sister.
¡°I do not think it is a good idea for the Young Master to stay alone,¡± she said with a worried expression.
¡°You are right,¡± Ren declared, after she threw a glance at the maid. ¡°Come with us,¡± she bid her brother.
Not waiting for an answer, the lady stood and started walking toward the house. The servant looked at the boy who then went after his newly acquired sibling. He pouted.
¡®I fear this sister of mine might be kind of troublesome¡¡¯
After a nod, the maid followed him.
**********
Inside the house, the three of them were walking in the interior hallway.
¡°I am very sorry for yesterday, Young Master,¡± the maid said.
¡°You worry too much Shizuru. Mother would never take offense of such a small matter. Anyone would have reacted that way at that time,¡± Ren declared after she rolled her eyes.
¡°I still made a mistake,¡± Shizuru added.
¡°Just forget about it.¡±
¡°If you say so¡ I shall take my leave then. I must attend to my duties.¡±
¡°I will see you at practice.¡±
¡°Yes.¡±
The maid bowed then left them.
¡°We are going to see Mother. We have important matters to discuss.¡±
Not knowing what to do, Kira unwillingly complied with his sister¡¯s demands. He was still very much lost in this new environment, and his family seemed to hold greet authority in this place. The siblings stopped in front of Kaguya¡¯s room.
¡°Mother, it is Ren.¡±
¡°You may enter.¡±
The two of them entered.
¡°Mother, good morning,¡± the woman said before she bowed.
¡°Good morning, Ren,¡± Kaguya smiled brightly. She came to meet her daughter and hugged her. ¡°Where did you find your brother?¡±
¡°He was wandering in the hall.¡±
¡°Really?¡±
She looked maliciously at the boy. Kira smiled brightly at his mother trying to look as innocent as possible.
¡®They look more like sisters than mother and daughter. How can she even seem this young? When she has a daughter as old as Ren?¡¯
¡°Aunt sends her thanks for your records.¡± His sister declared.
Their mother nodded before continuing. ¡°Could you get more information about the accident?¡±
¡°It happened near the mining village of Namuya. According to the villagers, there has been an explosion at night and then a dark cloud spread.¡±
¡°How many casualties?¡±
¡°At least two hundred and fifty. The physicians and priests are having a hard time.¡±
Kaguya lips tightened.
¡°The salt production is still steady and has not been affected yet, however the news is spreading and people are talking. We have reports of similar events in a few other places. Most of those have connections to the major clans.¡± Her daughter continued.
¡°Could they find the culprits?¡±
Ren shook her head.
¡°Unfortunately, they killed themselves as we were about to subdue them. We are actively looking for any information or clue related to this issue. The Empress has been informed and the ley lines should be moved soon. The dark clouds should be purged quickly. All our clan¡¯s resources have been deployed. Aunt is taking this very seriously.¡±
¡°As she should. Any matter related to clouds is a serious one.¡±
¡°But this time is different, Mother¡ The soul sickness is spreading too fast. In the span of a week, it has already reached a serious stage in most cases.¡±
¡°That is¡¡±
¡°Unprecedented. Aunt asked me to go assess the situation. I will be going with the supplies tomorrow. She also asked if you would be willing to go.¡±
Stolen novel; please report.
For some time, the two women remained silent. Kira was thinking at a furious rate. He did not know any kind of ether affliction capable of spreading that fast. Even without any kind of treatment, it would normally take years to fully take effect. The boy was intrigued. How could someone stealthily create a cloud? Even in his old world, one would need a serious amount of equipment and preparation.
¡°Fine, I will go,¡± Kaguya eventually declared.
¡°Can I go as well?¡± Kira asked.
The two women looked at him curiously.
¡°No,¡± his mother said bluntly. ¡°It is too dangerous and you are too young.¡±
¡°At his age, I was already learning about those kinds of matter,¡± Ren stated.
¡°The circumstances were different,¡± his mother said as she frowned.
¡°Priest Naizen is taking his son with him. They are about the same age.¡±
Kaguya shook her head. She looked at him with a sad look. The boy could understand her reluctance but he had to know.
¡°Would you leave your son so soon after his recovery?¡± his sister then asked.
For a while, the women simply looked at each other. Then Kaguya sighed.
¡°I raised you too well.¡±
¡°Do you regret it?¡±
¡°Not one bit,¡± their mother said while she smiled. ¡°Very well, you may come.¡±
She then looked at her son. Kira grinned.
¡°Thank you.¡±
At this time, a servant presented herself and announced that lunch was ready.
¡°Since the matter is settled, we should go eat.¡±
The dishes were filled will oriental meals he could have ordered on one of the finest restaurants on Selen. Rather, they were even tastier than what he could recall and he could not stop eating. When the lady saw he could eat by himself with chopsticks, she smiled. For fifteen minutes, they silently enjoyed their food.
After some time Kaguya stood, followed by Ren. The boy imitated them and left the room. Once outside, their mother looked at her children.
¡°I shall start preparing for the trip,¡± she declared before she left.
Kira watched her walking slowly down the hall
¡°You owe me, little rabbit. Twice over,¡± his sister said softly, looking down at him.
¡°I guess I do. And I¡¯m not a rabbit,¡± he commented while he shrugged.
¡°What are you going to do?¡±
¡°I do not know. I have nothing to do.¡±
¡°I¡¯ll start training with Shizuru in an hour. It will be good reference for you.¡±
¡°What kind of training?¡±
¡°Blades¡±
A surprised look appeared on the boy¡¯s face.
¡°Blades?... Swords ?¡± Kira asked as he frowned.
¡°Well, you will just have to see it,¡± his sister declared. ¡°I will meet you in an hour in the interior courtyard.¡±
Afterward, Ren pated her brother¡¯s head strongly, making his hair a mess. He looked at her with fury.
¡°Don¡¯t run away little rabbit.¡±
She left him.
¡®She¡¯s annoying and I¡¯m getting bossed around. The worst part is she knows what interests me and how to deal with me. Akiko was right; I might have been a little boy all this time. Older sisters... such bullshit¡ damn.¡¯
*********
At the arranged time, Kira was seated on a bench inside the courtyard. The fresh weather felt nice and the sun warmed his skin. The interior garden was as well-kept as the one outside with flowered trees and trimmed bushes. Eventually he saw Ren and Shizuru walking toward the sandy area in the middle. Both of them were wearing a dark blue hakama and a white hakui. They carried a katana at their sides and bore wooden swords. The two beautiful women looked dignified and the swords seemed natural on them.
¡°Good afternoon, Young Master,¡± the maid said while she bowed.
¡°Good morning, Shizuru,¡± the boy answered.
Hearing her name, the servant was somehow shocked and she bowed again.
¡°I consider an honor that you remember my name,¡± she declared earnestly.
Kira smiled at her.
¡°Do not mind the rabbit.¡± Ren stated, after rolling her eyes.
¡°I am not a rabbit.¡± Kira grumbled.
¡°I can tell the rabbit is insanely happy I allowed him to watch us.¡±
¡°I am overjoyed,¡± he said with an expressionless voice.
¡°Really?¡± her red eyes looked down teasingly on him.
¡°Cannot you feel the bliss in my voice?¡± he said with a bored look.
The sister laughed heartily. She then tied her long black hair with a red ribbon and took her wooden sword leaving the katana on a wooden bench.
After she respectfully watched the conversation, Shizuru also grabbed her practice weapon and took position in front of the lady.
Afterward, they ritually saluted each other. Slowly, the women began with a few basic strikes to warm up. They seemed to practice arranged forms and katas, which was the norm in most martial arts in his old world. Kira¡¯s interest went up since he always liked to watch traditional martial artists practice. He observed attentively and tried to understand the moves. After twenty minutes, they were standing two steps apart from each other.
¡°Ready¡±
¡°Yes.¡±
Ren struck first. She raised her sword above her left shoulder and swung it downward, aiming for the neck. Shizuru dodged to her left and parried with her weapon in a cross-arms block. The maid pushed and slashed toward her opponent thigh. His sister stepped back and blocked the blow by below.
Immediately after, she lifted her weapon close to herself and swayed her hip. With the added strength, the maid¡¯s sword got driven upward dangerously, causing the servant to fall back in order to avoid the incoming attack. Ren¡¯s sword missed her neck by a few inches and the servant replied with a slash to the head. The black haired woman stepped forward, evading the blow, and swung her weapon horizontally, making use of her body rotation. The wooden sword struck Shizuru¡¯s side, thus ending the match.
It all happened in a few seconds.
¡°Nervous?" Ren asked. "You should not mind the rabbit.¡±
Shizuru took a deep breath.
¡°It is not that, I am sorry. I will focus now.¡±
The fight went on for several minutes. No one could visibly take the advantage.
But they were fast. Their defenses threaded dodges and parries together, to minimize impacts and get into advantageous positions.
Their footwork was masterful and they used compact forms with quick, accurate strikes aimed at vital points. He could see no flaws in their moves, all strikes intended to deal a serious wound and they used aggressive defense. The style was flowing, elegant and deadly.
¡®They are far better than my old master,¡¯ he thought with an amazed expression.
After a while, the fencers stopped and stared at each other. Then the women saluted and put down their wooden swords, replacing it with the katanas. They slipped the scabbard in their belt and took back their position. After the greeting salute, they closed their eyes. White smoke was released from their bodies and swords, small sparks dancing on the edge of the blue blades.
Kira¡¯s eyes opened wide.
Suddenly, they started. Their movements were faster and the two of them became blurred silhouettes. The hits reverberated on the walls and the boy could feel the wind getting moved from their movements.
To this, the boy could only hold his breath as he tried to follow their movements in vain. At most, he could see their position but the swords were streams of light, impossible to grasp. The scene was unfathomable.
Eventually, they took their distances and halted. Sweat dripped down their faces and their soaked clothes clutched to their bodies.
The two beautiful swordmasters smiled.
At this moment, Kira¡¯s view of the world changed forever.
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Chapter 3 - The City of Okachi
I''m trying to correct the many faults I had when I started and I''m getting faster at this. Hurray.
I''m still eagerly waiting for constructive criticism.
Things should slowly heat up after chapter 4.
Thanks for reading, guys!
________________________________________________________
The following hours went by and Kira was completely mesmerized by the sight of the two women training together. Meanwhile, a few servants were working around the house and did not even glance at the scene, as if nothing unusual was happening.
The boy was looking at the fight, round-eyed. ¡®What¡¯s this?... Is this serious? That¡¯s damn impossible!¡¯
The swords whistled, sang and clashed. Hot gusts of wind were scattering fallen leaves and petals in the air. Sometimes, the two of them paused, looking at each other. After taking a few breaths, they carried on sparring.
When the women finally stopped, the sun had covered a huge part of its course. They wiped the sweat off their faces.
¡°We will go get ourselves cleaned up. Wait for us,¡± Ren said.
Eventually a servant brought drinks and food on a black tray. Then the swordmasters came back and kneeled on a wooden platform located in a corner of the garden. They had changed clothes and Ren was back in her black and silver kimono. Afterward, the servant put down the drinks on the stand and poured some tea into three cups. Ren glimpsed meaningfully at Kira so he went over and sat at his sister¡¯s side.
The servant put small platters of fruits and delicacies on a table in the middle of the platform. She bowed.
¡°Do you need me for anything, Lady Ren?¡±
¡°It should be fine. Thank you,¡± Ren replied.
The servant bowed again and left.
Shizuru waited for the siblings to start eating before helping herself. They simply enjoyed the food and drank their tea in silence. Kira considered them. They seemed to be ordinary women, though beautiful, but the previous demonstration clearly taught him not to judge a book by its cover.
¡°So what do you think?¡± Ren asked him.
¡°How can you do this?¡±
¡°For most people, the body moves the soul. For us, it is the other way around.¡±
Hearing this, Kira frowned. ¡°What do you mean?¡±
¡°I do not expect you to understand yet. However if you are a nice little rabbit, I might teach you when you are older,¡± Ren answered after she smirked.
¡°How old must I be?¡± Kira asked eagerly.
¡°When one is seven, one can start training his Will. However as a member of the Tsuchiya clan, you will have to be diligent. We cannot have one weak little rabbit in the main house.¡±
¡®Tsuchiya? Oh that¡¯s my family name. Those memories are a bit troubling but somewhat useful¡ So I¡¯ll be able to learn that ¡°Will¡± thing in two years, might not be too bad.¡¯
Kira had a gleeful look on his face.
¡°Do not be too happy. It is not easy and you will have to endure much. It will be amusing to teach you,¡± Ren declared as her lips curved in a predatory smile.
¡°Cannot Shizuru teach me?¡± the boy asked with a worried look.
¡°Why would she? Unlike me, Shizuru is quite busy,¡± his sister answered.
¡°Besides, I am unworthy. I would not be allowed to teach you,¡± the maid added.
Kira¡¯s hope was shattered.
**************
Afterward, the rest of the day was rather uneventful. They dined quietly and Kaguya did not talk much. His mother seemed absorbed in her thoughts. Then Ren left them to prepare herself for the next day.
During the evening, Kira was sitting on the border of the exterior hallway. The moon was reflected on the pound and fireflies were flying on top of the water. He simply enjoyed the cool night and listened to the sounds of nature. At some point, he heard rustling and Kaguya sat beside him.
¡°You should sleep early. Tomorrow will be a long day,¡± She said after hugging him.
Kira looked at his mother with a sad smile. He did not feel tired and he was thinking about the events of the day.
¡°What is bothering you?¡±
¡°I am lost.¡±
¡°What do you want to do?¡±
¡°I do not know.¡±
¡°Then find the answer.¡±
Hearing this, Kira chuckled. The answer was so simple. The boy had gone through the same phase in his previous life. As a teenager, he had wandered aimlessly in the streets of Selen before fate forced his hand and his early life was decided for him. This time he would find his purpose by himself.
Kaguya glanced at him curiously and then started humming a peaceful tune. They spent the evening enjoying each other¡¯s company.
Eventually, Kaguya stood.
¡°It is time to rest, please come so I can give you a bath you before we sleep.¡±
His mother worlds struck him like a cold shower and he instantly sobered up.
¡°I can bath by myself, do not worry about me,¡± he pleaded.
¡°Is that so? I think not.¡±
A few minutes later, he found himself naked in the bathroom and his mother was pouring warm water on his head. The white yukata she was wearing enhanced her natural beauty. While Kaguya was scrubbing him with soap from a green brick, she hummed a playful melody.
Feeling awkward, Kira tried to ignore the situation and hoped it would end soon. He tried to resist at first and had wanted to show the woman he could do it by himself but to no avail.
**********
When his mother woke him up, the sun had yet to ascend and only a reddish light covered the garden behind the opened sliding doors.
¡°We will be going in an hour. Please rise,¡± she declared.
Kira felt her warm hand on his cheek and he slowly opened his eyes. Obviously, Kaguya had been up for quite some and had already prepared herself. She wore a red and black kimono with golden stylized birds and mountains. Under her bare forehead, red eyes were smiling at him.
¡°Good morning, Mother,¡± he said with sleepy eyes.
Hearing his words, her expression brightened.
¡°Good morning, Kira.¡±
¡®That¡¯s actually the first time I call her Mother?¡¯ he thought.
Kira stood and his mother hugged him.
¡°Let us get you dressed.¡±
Kira had kinda resigned himself. He would never win against Kaguya. During his school days on Selen, the boy had mocked some of his comrades for complying with their mother demands but he now knew he had been simply ignorant.
¡®You cannot win against Mom. Right.¡¯
Then the boy let her dress him with a dark blue hakama and a carmine shirt. The design was simple but the materials were of good quality. She combed his hair and tied them with a strand of leather behind his neck. The fact that she obviously took pleasure grooming him accentuated his defeat.
¡®Good bye, street urchin. Hello mommy¡¯s boy,¡¯ he thought, with a slightly bored face.
Afterward, they met with Ren. His sister wore a black and purple kimono with two fans slid inside her large golden obi. She was obviously worried.
¡°Did you sleep well, Mother?¡± the lady asked.
¡°Yes. It should be fine,¡± her mother answered.
¡°How about the little rabbit?¡± Ren asked him.
¡°Do not worry about me, Sister,¡± he replied with a smile.
¡°I would be a horrible sister if I did not.¡± She replied.
Then they ate breakfast together before leaving the house.
Outside, they were joined by Shizuru who was wearing a red hakama and white hakui, similar to a miko (priestess) outfit. Holding a katana at her side with one hand, she bowed.
¡°The preparations are mostly in time.¡± The maid declared.
¡°Very well, shall we go then?¡± Kaguya said after setting a red Japanese umbrella on her shoulder.
The four of them started walking and followed the stony path. They passed by a few other houses similar to their own and people respectfully saluted them. Eventually, they reached a tall stone wall and a huge wooden gate. The building was five meters tall and its roof was covered by blue tiles.
When they came close to it, six burly guards bowed to them.
¡°Lady Kaguya, Lady Ren. We humbly greet you.¡± One of the soldiers said.
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The other men opened the door to allow them passage.
After the family and the maid went through the portal, they found themselves in the city. Their domain overlooked the town and Kira could see its whole size.
Close to him, Japanese wooden houses stood on both sides of the streets and were lit by small paper lanterns. The residents were already active and working, filling the area with a busy atmosphere. From some chimney and stalls, smoke was rising toward the orange sky. A river crossed the middle of the town and boats were already sailing on its waters. A huge wall surrounded the whole town and far away on the horizon, one could see tall peaks behind screens of mist.
The boy was amazed by the view.
¡°That is the city of Okachi.¡± Kaguya said to him.
¡°It¡¯s beautiful.¡±
¡°Yes, w$e are working to keep it so.¡± Ren continued.
¡°So you are not just a violent bully.¡± The boy stated, rubbing his chin.
¡°Of course not¡.¡± His sister hit his head with a closed fan.
The boy put his hand on its head with a frown. Meanwhile their mother watched her children with a smile and Shizuru stood behind them, attentive to their surroundings. While they were walking through the city, people made way for them. Food stalls emitted appetizing smells.
As they drew away from the center, the districts changed. The townsfolk were visibly not as wealthy as before but the atmosphere was still cheerful. People greeted their group respectfully and offered them warm smiles, though they looked at Kira with curiosity. The boy¡¯s eyes were avidly observing the town but he had to keep his enthusiasm in check for now.
Eventually, they arrived in front of a huge wooden building where several men were eating around tables. The building looked well-kept and clean. Sun had finally risen and darkness was fading away.
A stout and bald man went to meet them, a box in his hands.
¡°It¡¯s been a very long time since we last saw you, Lady Kaguya. We¡¯re all glad to see you¡¯re doing well.¡± He bowed deeply.
¡°It has indeed, master Shojiro. I thank for you concern though I am sorry I do not have the time to enjoy your fare.¡± Kaguya replied with a smile.
¡°Please accept this gift as a token of our esteem.¡±
¡°I gladly accept.¡±
Shizuru took a step forward and took the box from the man¡¯s hand. The man then tied his hands together and a worried look appeared on his face. Most of the customers paused in their meal and they focused their attention on the group. Many of the passersby also stopped to hear the conversation.
¡°A lot of peddlers and merchants from outside the city come to eat in my place and the news they bring really aren¡¯t good.¡± The owner said.
¡°We are aware. The Elder is handling the matter and it should be taken care off soon.¡± The lady stated with a clear voice before facing the crowd. ¡°Rest assured the Tsuchiya clan and the Empire will do anything in their power to put this matter to an end.¡±
¡°Thank you Lady Kaguya,¡± the bald man said.
He then bowed and took a few steps back.
After they left, they could hear the crowd talking loudly. Kira looked behind him and he could see the people getting somewhat rowdy.
¡°They probably know almost as much as us. We have tried keep the problem under silence but it is simply too huge,¡± Ren stated with a soft voice.
¡°Yes. It is quite possible,¡± her mother declared while slowly spinning her umbrella on her shoulder. She seemed pensive.
Kira was impressed by the power and influence of his mother on the people of the city.
¡®So they really are nobles¡ Then what am I? Damn¡¡¯ the boy thought.
Then they reached the city gate. Up close, the wall was huge, both in height and thickness. It looked built to withstand sieges and battles. A long column of people were waiting for clearance. Farmers were carrying bags and peddlers pulled wooden carts to sell their goods.
Unlike them, Kira and his companions just walked through the portal and no one stopped them. Rather, the guards in station bowed to them.
Outside the city, they headed toward a convoy of a dozen of loaded wooden carts pulled by oxen. Many men at arms were guarding the group and bore the crest of the Tsuchiya clan, a fan with a stylized mountain engraved on it. A brown-haired man was giving instructions to the workers who were filling up the vehicles. After seeing the group, he swiftly came to meet them.
¡°Captain Iwamoto, we will be in your care.¡± Kaguya announced.
¡°I, Iwamoto Ry¨ma, humbly accept the honor.¡± The officer bowed deeply.
¡°How are the preparations going?¡±
¡°We should be ready in a moment, Lady Kaguya.¡±
¡°Very well.¡±
Afterward, the soldier left them to manage his men and finalize the loading. Nearby, a man wearing a grey priest outfit stood by a cart. He was sturdily built and towered most of the people in the area. A varnished black staff was resting on his elbow. As he noticed the group, he turned to face them and raised his head. Under his bamboo hat, you could see his shaved scalp and his brown eyes looking at their party. A smile appeared on his cheerful face and he bowed.
¡°Good day, sir Naizen,¡± Kaguya said.
¡°Good day, Naizen,¡± Ren continued.
¡°Lady Kaguya, Lady Ren, good morning,¡± the priest replied before he nodded at Shizuru. ¡°I was just about to¡¡±
Then the priest noticed Kira and looked at him with curiosity which was then replaced by astonishment.
¡°Good day,¡± Kira said.
¡°How is that?...¡± the man¡¯s eyes opened wide.
With an excited look on his face, the man approached his hand to the boy. Kira stepped back but Naizen was stopped by a firm grasp.
¡°That is somewhat rude, Naizen,¡± Ren stated as she held the priest¡¯s wrist.
¡°Ha-ha sorry I often forget myself when I see such unusual things,¡± he declared after the lady had released him. Then the priest crossed him arms and rubbed his chin.
¡°This is something that...¡± The man continued.
¡°There is nothing unusual.¡± Kaguya stated, cutting him short.
¡°But this is¡¡±
¡°There is nothing unusual.¡± She repeated with a smile.
The man was obviously dubious but he complied with the implied order. He shrugged.
¡°I guess, it is fine. Do you have any guess on the origin of that new sickness?¡± the priest asked.
¡°Perhaps. However, it is only mere speculation,¡± Kaguya answered.
¡°I see.¡±
Kira was listening intently since the problem interested him as well. But the conversion did not go any further because a child joined them. The newcomer looked like a younger version of the priest. He was also wearing grey clerical clothes and wore a white bandanna on his shaved head. His eyes had a malicious shine.
¡°Pops, did we really take enough food?¡±
The priest lightly struck the boy¡¯s head with his black staff.
¡°Why?¡± his son asked with a shocked expression.
¡°Sorry Lady Kaguya, I am trying to instill manners in this fool but the task is as hard as his head.¡±
¡°Kaguya¡¡± the boy whispered. His eyes opened wide and he looked frightened. He swiftly bowed. ¡°I am very sorry. My name¡¯s Takeshi.¡±
¡°It is fine. Do not worry,¡± Kaguya declared softly.
¡°I understand the problem. I am going through the same ordeal with this one,¡± Ren added while looking at her brother.
¡°I never did anything¡¡± Kira said before the fan hit him.
As the two boys were rubbing their head in pain, they both shared a glance in solidarity.
Then they smiled at each other and laughed.
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Chapter 4 - Nightfall
The convoy advanced slowly up a road on a green hill. Below them, the rising sun was reflected on a huge lake and the morning mist was dissipating. A black-haired boy was seated on top of a cart and looked at the scenery with a smile. At his side, another youth wearing religious clothes was eating an apple.
¡°That¡¯s Lake Mizuba, one of the twelve of this valley. Most of the rice we eat in Okachi comes from around here. That¡¯s my home there.¡± The apprentice priest said while pointing at a structure.
A red gate stood in the middle of the water and multiple birds were standing on it. A path started from the border of the lake and led to a temple-like structure. Around it, there were some wooden houses with thatched roofs. Their inhabitants were already tending to their fields.
¡°It¡¯s beautiful. It must be nice to live around there.¡± Kira replied to his companion.
¡°Well, I¡¯d rather live in the city. Always seeing the same bald men¡¯s getting boring. Also, the best food comes from the town. You¡¯re lucky.¡± Takeshi shrugged.
¡°I guess you¡¯re right.¡±
Kira looked forward. His mother, his sister, Naizen and the captain were walking in front of the convoy. They were probably talking about some important matter. The boy felt a bit annoyed to be put aside like a child but there was nothing he could do.
The soldiers all around them were watching their surroundings and Kira saw some of them glancing at him with curiosity. Shizuru was walking next to his cart and he knew she was attentively keeping an eye on him. The guards respectfully kept their distance from the woman.
¡°Why did you come?¡± The boy asked to his companion.
¡°Pops said I should see some things for myself. And I get to leave the temple.¡± Takeshi answered, after he threw his apple core. ¡°For once, I¡¯m actually happy to do what he wants. My father¡¯s too old. He doesn¡¯t even remember what it¡¯s like to be young. Do this, do that. Blabla.¡±
¡°He doesn¡¯t seem that old.¡± Kira said, grinning.
¡°He¡¯s 427 years old.¡±
Kira¡¯s eyes opened wide. ¡°He¡¯s that old?¡± He was astonished.
¡°If I remember well, Lady Kaguya is even older.¡± The little priest said in a low voice.
Hearing that, Kira was shocked. ¡®Is that even possible? Can people really be that old?¡¯ He thought, looking at the back of his mother.
¡®And other people know more about my family than I do. Damn.¡¯ Lost in his thoughts, he stared blankly at the sky.
¡°Are you alright?¡± Takeshi asked.
¡°Oh, yes. Sorry.¡± Kira answered, suprised.
¡°Did you already see someone soul sick die?¡±
¡°Yes. I did.¡±
¡°Is it really that bad?¡±
¡°It¡¯s horrible.¡±
Then, the bald boy crossed his arms and said no more. Kira looked at him. The young priest had a casual and straightforward aura that appealed to Kira.
The rest of the trip was uneventful. The weather was warm and the fresh wind felt nice. Kira enjoyed the slow pace of the convoy and he observed the changing landscape with delight. He even laughed when he saw a family of rabbits on the border of the road and Takeshi mocked him for being so childlike.
**********
Eventually, the convoy arrived in the neighborhood of Namuya. The fields were empty and the roads deserted. As they neared the town, a company of soldiers patrolling around the area stopped them. After a word with captain Iwamoto, they let them through.
¡°Those are Imperial crests.¡± The young priest said, looking at the soldiers.
Kira had seen the white flower. ¡®Ren did say the Empress had been warned. So they are looking for information as well.¡¯
When they finally reached the town, the sun was setting. Two camps, composed of huge war tents, were facing each other on its borders. The convoy headed to the eastern one, where a flag bearing the emblem of the Fan had been erected.
In the middle of the bivouac, the carts finally stopped. The two boys jumped off their vehicles and went to meet their parents, carefully dodging the workers who were already unloading the supplies. Shizuru closely followed them and moved aside any obstacle with her sword handle. As he got closer, Kira heard a faint rumbling and felt the hair on the back of his neck bristling.
The adults were standing just outside the camp and were looking at the same direction. After Kira arrived at their sides, he turned his head toward the bottom of the hill.
Then, he saw the cloud. It was a huge mass of dark mist, like ink in water. He gritted his teeth. He had already observed that phenomenon on Selen multiple times, but it was the first time he saw one that enormous. It covered an area of more than fifty meters in radius. Even from five hundred meters away, the boy could hear its growl.
Naizen stared grimly at the huge mass.
¡°I will be going now. My fellows are not many so they might need some help containing it.¡± He declared, while pointing at the mist with his black staff. ¡°Takeshi, you are coming with me.¡±
The bald boy looked at his father with horror and gulped. Kira would never want to get closer to that horror so he could understand his companion¡¯s fear. But after looking closely, he could see a few people moving around the cloud.
¡®It is really odd that the mist is so compact.¡¯ The boy frowned. ¡®Can they actually imprison it?¡¯ He thought with wonder.
¡°Be careful.¡± Kaguya said to the priest.
¡°I always am.¡± He replied.
¡°Later.¡± Takeshi said to his friend.
¡°See you.¡± Kira answered.
Father and son slowly walked toward the haze. Even if the small boy was shaking from fear, it did not undermine his resolve. Kira looked at the backs of the two priests and felt awe at their courage.
¡°Are they confining it?¡± The boy asked his family.
¡°That is one of the main duties of the Shih¨ Temple.¡± His sister answered.
¡®So they really can do this¡¡¯ He thought, while looking at the religious men around the cloud. They were performing some kind of ritual and had planted staves connected by threads around the mist. On the wires, paper talismans were fluttering in the breeze and sparks sometimes lit the area.
¡°What are clouds?¡± Kira inquired.
¡°When different kinds of Will clash, it creates a disturbance. If fighters from different schools trade blows, it can cause various consequences but the after effect is always the same. A dark cloud is formed.¡± Ren explained while waving her fan.
¡°It is the actual principle of spell casting. If one can use multiple Wills at the same time, one can cause disasters. That is probably the case right here.¡±
¡®So it¡¯s really similar to ether, they might even be the one and the same. Wills could be ether patterns. Damn.¡¯ The boy thought.
¡°Let us rest for a while.¡± His mother eventually declared while spinning her umbrella.
On the way to their tent, they came across a group of soldiers bearing the imperial crest. A huge man was seated on a bench. He looked weary and his clothes were dirty but he had an aura of authority. While tying his brown hair, he was talking with several other men and then dismissed them. He stood with difficulty when he saw the ladies approaching.
¡°Lady Kaguya. Lady Ren. If I had known you would be coming, I would not have showed you such an appearance.¡± The soldier declared after bowing.
¡°It is fine, captain Ogata. One would not expect you to dress formally in such circumstances.¡± Kaguya replied.
¡°Would it have made a difference?¡± Ren asked.
The man face faintly reddened. It took him a moment to regain his composure.
¡°We just came back from a chase.¡±
¡°Was it successful?¡± Kaguya asked.
¡°Partly. We caught up to them but they gave us a hard time. We had no other choice but to kill them.¡± The man rubbed his thick beard. ¡°They used powerful mediums. As you know, such things cannot be acquired easily. The crafting style is similar to the one used in Hirase so we came to your camp to ask if someone had any idea on whoever made them. No one knew for sure so we sent some agents to get information a few moments ago. They should be back by the end of the week.¡± He sighed. ¡°Those men were skilled and knew the area. We were lucky Master Takano was present at this time or we would have failed.¡±
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¡°I see. Why were they still around?¡± Kaguya said softly, as if asking herself.
¡°That is the troubling part.¡±
¡°Indeed. Is Master Takano still here?¡±
¡°I do not know. She left us on the way back.¡±
Kaguya nodded. ¡°I heard you got married.¡±
¡°Ha-ha, yes. I even have a daughter.¡±
¡°Congratulations. You have earned it.¡± She smiled at him.
¡°Thank you very much.¡± He deeply bowed.
After rising, he noticed Kira who was looking at him curiously. The man glanced at Kaguya and then at back at the boy.
¡°Good evening.¡± Kira said with a grin.
¡°Good evening.¡± The man answered hesitantly.
¡°That is my brother, Kira. Be careful not to step on him.¡± Ren declared.
¡°I would never¡ I must go back to my camp now. Lady Kaguya, I am glad you are doing well. Lady Ren.¡± The huge man bowed and left.
During their short absence, the soldiers had swiftly raised a purple tent the size of a small house. Inside it, Kaguya knelt on a beige carpet and took a deep breath as she put her umbrella aside. Kira sat cross-legged beside the small table on the carpet and he looked at his mother. She smiled at him but she seemed weary. On contrary, her kimono and sandals did not seem to have been stained by the trip. The boy glanced at the two other women and noticed their clothes were also unsoiled.
¡®Even if the weather was good, there should at least be some dirt.¡¯ He frowned.
¡°Are you well? You should sleep.¡± Ren asked her mother.
¡°You know I cannot do that.¡±
¡°Shall I make tea?¡± The maid asked.
¡°Please.¡± Kaguya answered.
The maid knelt beside a jug of boiling water in a corner of the tent and brewed tea.
Ren sighed. ¡°This whole matter is more complicated than expected. Should I try to find Master Takano? ¡±
¡°Kei will most likely come once she knows we are here. Do not waste your time trying to find the wind.¡± Her mother answered.
¡°You are right.¡± She put a hand on her hip. ¡°That woman is annoying.¡±
¡°Who is Master Takano?¡± Kira asked.
¡°She is one the Tsuchiya clan¡¯s spymasters.¡± Ren answered.
¡®A damn ninja? Well, I¡¯m not even surprised.¡¯ The boy thought.
The soft fragrance of green tea filled the room and they silently enjoyed the beverage. For several minutes, Kaguya closed her eyes and nothing could be heard inside the tent.
¡°I will go see the town. I will not be able to rest until I clarify some points.¡± Kaguya eventually declared.
¡°You are too stubborn.¡± Ren shook her head.
¡°I want to come. If Takeshi can go with his father near the cloud, I can at least do that much.¡± The boy said.
¡°Fine.¡± His mother answered.
**********
Some moments later, the four of them were walking inside the town.
Soldiers were patrolling in the ruins of the village. Half of it had been either blown away or destroyed. Most of the residents were building shelters or scavenging in the remains of the houses. A handful was cleaning bloodied sheets in big pots of steaming water. Once in the undamaged area of the town, the party headed toward a huge makeshift building, made of battered wood and thatch.
Kira had seen many afflicted persons in his previous life, but never so many at the same time. The sight was horrifying. Under the refuge, dozens of soul-sick residents were aligned on mattresses. They were moaning in pain and sweating. Sometimes, a loud cry resonated on the walls. Under the faint light of the torches, he could see that the skin of the afflicted had already turned a dusky blue.
Their families were looking out for them but they were not unscathed, most had visible wounds and wore bandages.
¡®It is that advanced after a mere ten days? How can this be? I never saw anything like that¡¡¯
People made way as Ren approached one of the wounded. She briefly talked with one of the physicians in place and then knelt beside a sick woman. The woman panted heavily, looking at her with a fearful expression. The lady took her hand and closed her eyes. Meanwhile, Kira was looking at the young boy and girl on the other side of the mattress. Hopeful, they were watching his sister, while shaking in their ragged clothes. Eventually, Ren slowly put down the arm of the villager and stood. She gave a wry smile to the children and came back to her family.
¡°It is as you feared, Mother. It is almost impossible to get a steady resonance with the usual purifying methods. I have tried with Swirl, Wave and Lightning. It is most likely¡¡±
¡°A three-way resonance?¡±
Ren nodded. ¡°The feeling is the same as in Garesh but stronger. They have been given soulsilver tea but the effect is nowhere near as effective as it should normally be. What we see here is only a quarter of the casualties.¡±
¡°This is what Sister wanted me to confirm. So the method survived¡¡±
Someone started to weep loudly and everyone looked at the source of the noise. An elderly woman was cradling a lifeless body in her arms.
Kaguya¡¯s lips became a thin line. ¡°He passed away. Ten days¡¡± She whispered.
¡®That¡¯s ridiculous! Even without support, it shouldn¡¯t be that fast! None of the types I know spread like this!¡¯ Kira was horrified.
All around them, the townsfolk started falling apart. They were crying and hugging each other.
The boy clenched his fists. ¡®I am powerless again.¡¯ His eyes moistened. ¡®It¡¯s always the same thing, the same people who suffer.¡¯
Kira wanted to help so he took a step forward but Shizuru held him by the shoulder. Her grasp was gentle but firm. He raised his head and saw the maid solemn expression as she watched the scene.
Ten more villagers had passed away when they heard a commotion outside. The women of the party, as well as some physicians, turned their heads at the same direction. They looked troubled.
Suddenly, a scream resonated nearby. The old woman from before had retreated all the way to a makeshift wall. She pointed at the body she held in her arms a few moments ago.
Shizuru swiftly surged forward and took position in front of the group. She entered a fighting stance, ready to unsheathe her katana at any moment. A faint white mist came out of her priestess outfit and swirled slowly.
Kira only glanced at her as a horrendous scene captured all his attention.
The blue corpse stood slowly. The face of the creature was a mask of dread and saliva dripped from its mouth. It observed his surroundings with bloodshot eyes and started to growl. People had already moved away from the monster when it roared. Black mist leaked from its dreadful form as it jumped on a nearby man with unnatural speed and swung its arm at his head.
They heard a loud crack and the villager flew a short distance before he fell lifelessly on the ground.
The night had fallen.
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Chapter 5 - Emergence
The villagers silently watched the scene before them, breathless. The unlucky man¡¯s face had been crushed and a pool of blood was widening on the sandy floor. The dim light of torches and lanterns revealed the fear in their eyes. The only sound one could hear was the moaning of the sick resting on the ground.
¡°Do not engage Shizuru.¡± Ren whispered as she grabbed her brother¡¯s hand. ¡°We have to get away at once.¡±
The maid glanced back and nodded. ¡°I understand.¡±
Never leaving the monster out of their sight, the group slowly made its way to an exit. Kira was as shocked as the denizens and unconsciously followed his sister. When they were a few steps away from the doorway, another corpse twitched and screams filled the room. Hell broke loose. Ren pulled her brother strongly and then the group was outside.
The pain in his arm brought Kira back to his senses. ¡®What the¡ WHAT THE FUCK!¡¯ The boy thought as a cold sweat was forming along his spine. All around them, people were running in a disorderly fashion, panicking. Nearby, a howl resonated and was answered by similar cries.
¡°That black aura was a kind of Will, but it felt¡ defiled.¡± Kaguya said with a shocked expression. She shook her head and her black hair reflected the light of the torch Shizuru had just taken.
¡°We are leaving. Their numbers are unknown, the situation is too hazardous.¡± Ren announced while taking out a black and gold fan out of her obi.
Her mother¡¯s red eyes grew somber as she witnessed the nightmarish sight.
¡°We cannot, Mother. Shizuru will not be able to handle all the clouds by herself if we were to fight. It would increase the casualties even more. And we cannot carry you or Kira.¡± Ren looked at her brother, whose arm she firmly held.
Kaguya eyes hardened. ¡°We are leaving. Let us go to the camp.¡±
As they reached a crossroads, Kira felt a warm wind and smoke entering his nostrils. In the next street, a building was in flames. Suddenly, five black forms rushed out of the growing fire and stopped in the middle of the road. Their crazy eyes were observing the group and one of them tilted his head. Two of the monsters were on their four limbs, growling like mad beasts.
The middle one roared and charged at them. The maid stepped forward, her shoulder-length brown hair fluttering before her severe green eyes. She threw away her torch and reached her sword handle. Once the creature had crossed half the distance, she slightly bent her knees and small bolts of lightning were dancing around her. She dashed forward in a blur and the monster swung its darkness-empowered arm at her. Shizuru¡¯s fast draw severed the creature¡¯s arm in an arc of lightning. The maid side stepped then slashed horizontally at the abomination¡¯s body. A blinding light illuminated the area and the monster was split in two.
Even before the brilliance went out, she had retreated to avoid the incoming disaster. A black mist formed itself just above her previous position. Then ink-like tentacles emerged and shuddered in the air. Shortly after, each appendage had reached five meters in length. The miasma was blocking their way out.
Some of the villagers who had watched the battle were staring at the dark mist as it formed. One did not back off fast enough and a stream of shadow hit him. He yelled loudly before he fell on the floor, unconscious.
¡°Stay back! All of you!¡± Ren bellowed. ¡°This size is ridiculous. Just from two hits¡¡± Ren commented, aghast. ¡°We cannot fight here.¡±
Kira had seen horrible things in his previous life but this was a totally different kind of fear. His grasp on his sister¡¯s hand strengthened.
Ren smiled faintly. ¡°It will be fine. We are getting out of there.¡± She claimed, while she pated his head.
The remaining creatures roared and charged at a blinding speed on the villagers, unbothered by the cloud. As their group retreated back to the crossroads, one of the monsters attacked them. It was immediately cut down by the maid and the mist started forming almost instantly. The bravest villagers tried fighting the abominations with various improvised weapons to no avail.
¡®Their attacks can¡¯t even penetrate that black aura¡ That¡¯s ridiculous.¡¯ Kira thought as he watched the fights.
Behind them, another cloud had been formed. They were not the only Will users in the village that had fought the creatures. The patrolling soldiers had also engaged the monsters to defend their lives as they tried to lead the people to safety. Due the battles, the miasma had already reached an enormous size and the tentacles spanned ten meters in length. The fire was also slowly spreading to nearby buildings and the smell of smoke filled the area.
Close to hem, a group of four soldiers was defending some townsfolk. As a cloud was approaching the fighters, Shizuru raised her left hand. Kira felt a warm wind and the cloud backed off several meters. For a few seconds, powerful turbulences repealed the dark swarm. Under the protection, the soldiers defeated the monsters. They gave the maid a grateful look as they passed their group. Eventually, the sheer number of black streams overpowered her repelling capacity and she backed off.
¡°I cannot hold those clouds back by myself. I am sorry.¡± Shizuru shouted, so her voice could cover the tumult of violence and fear.
¡°We do not expect you to. Even Naizen would not be able to contain this by himself.¡± Kaguya reassured her. ¡°If this keeps up we will be caught between the clouds and the town.¡± She continued before turning to observe the scene behind her.
Around the ladies, children were grabbing their parents¡¯ clothes and crying. Most of the thirty villagers presented various wounds and the soldiers, who bore the Fan, were trying to comfort them, with little success. During this brief moment of respite, all their eyes were turned toward Kaguya with expectation.
Of the three streets forming the crossroads, only one was still free of clouds. However creatures were already gathering on the sandy path. Their black eyes reflected the huge blaze that was now taller than most of the town¡¯s buildings. Seeing this, an officer went to meet them.
¡°We will follow your orders, Lady Kaguya.¡± He declared after bowing with difficulty due to his injuries.
¡°We will break through here. Run fast and do not engage them.¡± She ordered in a clear voice.
Kira was shocked, as was the soldier. They understood what the order meant. So the majority could get away, they would have to willingly sacrifice some villagers.
¡°It is the best solution. You know it.¡± Ren softly said to Kaguya as she put a hand on her mother¡¯s arm.
¡°We will be going first. We will try to lure away as many as possible. Leave it to us.¡± The soldier declared, determination showing in his eyes.
¡°Your resolve is praiseworthy. You honor your family.¡± Kaguya lauded him with a sad smile.
The man¡¯s gaze brightened and his back straightened. He bowed before joining his fellow warriors. Kira observed them as they prepared themselves for their task. When the officer explained their orders to his men, the soldiers stayed silent and no one complained.
Some of them glanced at the terrified villagers at their side and the boy felt a chill as he saw their resolution.
¡®So honor is not dead.¡¯ He smiled faintly.
Suddenly, monsters emerged from the two blocked roads. The soldiers did not delay their charge any further.
¡°Follow us!¡± The officer yelled to the villagers before rushing toward the unobstructed road. His three men followed him closely. Most of the monsters on the road went after them.
¡°Hold on tight¡± Ren said as she carried her brother in her arms.
¡°Yes.¡± Kira hesitantly replied before putting his arms around her neck.
¡°We are going now.¡± Their mother shouted.
In front of them, some of the villagers had already gone after the warriors in a panicked and disorderly crowd. The four of them bolted in the same direction. In Ren¡¯s arms, Kira examined her sister serious expression before he observed the road ahead. Unfortunately, a few monsters had abandoned the chase and others had come after the ruckus. They rushed into the group of people and mercilessly killed anyone within their reach.
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One of the creatures jumped toward them and Ren swiftly dodged the creature without slowing down. Looking back, Kira could see it had already chosen a new target. By the time they had reached the next crossroads, dozens of monsters were on their trail. The group had efficiently evaded the assaults however ten of the thirty villagers had already succumbed to the onslaught.
More and more of the creatures filled the road and were catching up to them. As Ren was dodging a monster, a stream of mist surged from a side street. The woman lithely eluded its embrace. However the creature had already recovered and leaped at the siblings. While evading, she stumbled on a corpse. Due to added burden of carrying her brother, she could not recover her balance. She fell rolling on the floor while protecting her brother¡¯s head with her hand. Still, the impact stunned the boy so he let go of her neck.
¡°No!¡± Kaguya yelled with a horrified expression after she noticed the danger.
Without waiting, the monster attacked again and Ren quickly stood to fight back, leaving her brother on the ground. She drew her fan and opened it. With fast swings, she killed the first monster in two arcs of lightning, eviscerating it. As Shizuru rushed to grab the boy, she was stopped by another creature and had no choice but to slay it.
As his consciousness came back, Kira saw the clouds quickly forming above him. Panicked, the boy crawled to avoid the haze. He stood and saw his situation. He was isolated. His heartbeat went faster.
Between the black tentacles, he saw the women¡¯s horrified expressions. They were actively looking for a way to get to the other side but the mist already covered the whole width of the street and all around them, blood-shot eyes were looking for preys.
Kira opened his mouth to talk but a roar caused him to turn around in a hurry. A few villagers were also stuck and a herd of monsters was closing in. The boy saw one of them rushing toward him and he dodged the arm by a hairbreadth. He rolled on the ground and glanced behind him. After the creature had killed another man, his attention went back to the boy. Without thinking, Kira bolted in the nearby building.
The place was dark. In order to see his surroundings, Kira grabbed one of the flaming branches under a huge cooking pot in the middle of the room. The place looked like a kitchen with working tables and multiple containers, filled with vegetables and other ingredients. He noticed another opened door and ran toward it. However, the creature did not let him rest. It entered the building and roared when it saw its prey. Using steps he learned during his training, he dodged its charge and the monster crashed into some clay jars. A dust of rice floor rose and oil poured on the floor. The boy threw his improvised torch at the monster. After he swiftly exited by the back door, an explosion made him stumble.
¡®What the¡ A dust explosion! I didn¡¯t even intend to do that!¡¯ Kira thought astounded while a fire started in the building. However his hope was short-lived as he heard the beast¡¯s howl.
Panicked, Kira entered a wooden house to his left. The boy¡¯s heart was pounding as he observed the gloomy interior. Many sandals and hats hung on the walls. In a corner of the room, the moonlight lit a pile of straw. Without waiting any further, he concealed himself inside the thatch and covered his mouth. The creature entered the dwelling, full of fury. It was growling and its mad eyes were scanning the place.
The youth was sweating heavily in his hiding place and he observed the blue man¡¯s movement. ¡®Don¡¯t move. Don¡¯t move. Don¡¯t move.¡¯ Kira thought as the monster was pacing around the room. It swung its arms randomly and shattered multiple objects in the house.
After a dreadful minute, it left the building. However, Kira dared not leave his shelter and enjoyed a moment of rest within the straw.
¡®That¡¯s the worst thing that ever happened to me. Damn it. What am I even supposed to do now? I must join with Mother and Ren, or at least get out of the village.¡¯ The boy said to himself while trying to steady his breath. ¡®I called her Mother.¡¯ He chuckled at this realization.
Eventually, Kira left the pile of thatch. While standing in the middle of the room, he removed the strands of straw in his black hair before attentively listening to the noises from his vicinity. The town was still in a mess and by the small window, he saw the neighboring house burning brightly.
¡®There must be dozens of those things out there¡ If I wait too much, their numbers will be too high.¡¯ The boy thought as he checked himself. His carmine shirt was soaked and his left arm was bleeding lightly. He picked a small knife on the floor and cut a strand of his sleeve, before bandaging his injury.
¡®The wound isn¡¯t really big, it¡¯s probably better to leave it like that for now.¡¯
Kira stealthily glanced outside. The area looked safe and he slowly exited the house, dagger in hand.
¡®If the big fire is there, I must go this way.¡¯
The boy slid between two houses and watched the street in front of him. The monsters were avidly chasing people and clouds were slowly drifting in the air. The crossroad to his right looked familiar; it was the one where he got separated from his family.
When the road got cleared, Kira rushed to the other side of the street and avoided a stream of mist. He again found himself between two ruined buildings. After several meters, he walked into a small courtyard. A well stood in the middle of the area and charred trees surrounded it.
¡®This is the destroyed area of the town; this means I¡¯m getting closer to the camp.¡¯ He guessed, hopeful.
On the ruins of a nearby dwelling, two small children were seated on the floor and wailed. Suspicious, Kira cautiously went around them. He was a few steps away from leaving the place when one of them turned around. A horrible blue face stared at him and showed his teeth. The imp leaped at him and Kira raised his knife, stabbing under the chin. The corpse fell on the youth and the weight of the creature made him lose his balance.
The boy pushed the body and knelt. The remaining monster stared at the corpse with his head tilted. Suddenly, it shrieked loudly and charged at Kira. When the creature lifted his fist to strike, the boy swept the floor from under the monster with a circular kick. Without waiting, he quickly mounted the fallen creature and put his knees on its shoulders. Holding the blade with two hands, he struck twice at its head.
¡®You fucker!¡¯ Kira thought while he slowly stood. ¡®Damn! This is sick.¡¯ In the fall, he had lost his leather lining and his long black hair fell in front of his eyes. ¡®I¡¯m going to cut this as soon as I am out of there. Seriously.¡¯
Kira looked at his bloodied knife. ¡®Those little ones didn¡¯t have any black aura. Is that why I could kill them?¡¯ Suddenly, he heard a howl nearby. ¡®I can¡¯t stay still for too long. Damn.¡¯
The boy stealthily crossed the remains of a house. Far away, Kira could now see the white tents of the camps over the destroyed buildings. In the plains, several clouds were drifting and soldiers were fighting the monsters. Nearby, people were running away toward the camps.
After checking his surroundings, Kira continued his escape. In the next building, he saw another small silhouette crouched in a dark corner. Kira stealthily approached it, holding his knife in a reversed grip, blade under his forearm in order to hide the sheen.
A few step away from his target, he readied his weapon. Having noticed Kira¡¯s presence, the small form turned around. As the blade was dropping, Kira stepped back.
A boy wearing a white bandanna faced him with a surprised look.
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Chapter 6 - The Howling Blade
In a ruined house, two boys were staring at each other. Only the moon lit the area, so it took a moment to Kira to recognize the person in front of him. Still in a fighting stance, dagger in hand, Kira broke the uneasy silence.
¡°Takeshi? What are you doing here?¡± He asked his friend.
The young priest observed him for several seconds, fear in his eyes. Due to the sudden appearance, he seemed confused and his breathing was erratic. Eventually, he answered with a low voice. ¡°I was getting some water from the well for my dad. I was with another priest but he is¡¡±
¡°I see¡ Are you alright?¡± Kira continued, after lowering his weapon.
Takeshi visibly relaxed but he still looked quite shaken. ¡°Yeah¡¡±
Kira slowly came beside the other boy and observed his surroundings. He gave a smile to his friend and, still crouched, he glanced over the broken wall, careful not to draw any unwanted attention. From their vantage point, he could see the streets around them clearly. In the ruined area, the number of monsters had clearly increased. Dozens of them had been attracted by the battle taking place on the plains, just outside the town. Yet, even more roamed in the town and were actively looking for preys.
Kira was thinking furiously. ¡®Should we stay here and wait for help?¡¯ He sat down and examined Takeshi. The boy was looking at him with hopeful eyes. ¡®But what if they just leave? If the reports are correct, there are hundreds of those here. Against what? Thirty soldiers or so in each camp? Can they really hold them back?¡¯ Then, Kira remembered his sister and the maid. They had defeated those monsters with surprising ease. An unexpected thought came to him and he felt uneasiness in his chest. ¡®Did they leave me?¡¯
Puzzled, he was staring at the starlit night when he heard a piercing shriek nearby.
¡°We have to get out of here. Follow me.¡± Kira declared to his companion, now fully aware.
¡°What if we get caught?¡± Takeshi answered while he looked for the source of the sound.
¡°We¡¯ll get caught if we stay here too long.¡± The black-haired boy replied as he stood. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±
After Kira had climbed over the wall, he hid behind a pile of rubble. The youth glanced behind him and grinned. His friend was a few steps away and joined him soon after. In the next street, two monsters were barking at each other under the light of a torch.
¡®Are they having a quarrel?¡¯ Kira pondered, intrigued. ¡®But unless we make a huge detour, we have no choice but to cross this road.¡¯
Kira picked up a pebble and considered it. ¡®Can I make that throw? That¡¯s a bit clich¨¦ but would it work? Well¡ Here goes nothing!¡¯
The boy hurled the rock toward a mound of debris, several meters away. Hearing the sound, the creatures raised their heads at once and rushed at the pile, fury in their eyes. Without waiting any longer, he pulled Takeshi¡¯s sleeve and ran across the street. The two boys found themselves in dark alley and were welcomed by the corpse of a villager, who stared at them with empty eyes.
¡°She isn¡¯t blue, it¡¯s¡ fine.¡± Kira declared, uncertain, before he stepped over the unfortunate woman.
¡°I knew it was a bad idea. This is crazy.¡± The bald boy muttered before he leaned against a wall, breathless.
¡°Stop whining. Look, we¡¯re getting closer.¡± Kira announced as he pointed to the camp.
Hopeful, the young priest looked at him. ¡°Do you think we¡¯ll make it?¡±
¡°Of course! And there aren¡¯t many clouds in this part of the town, it should be easier.¡±
As the two of them continued their road, they noticed a loud commotion. Nearby, a lone monster was fighting against several of its peers. Though it seemed to be stronger than them, it was steadily losing ground before the sheer number of opponents. Grateful for the fortunate diversion, Kira did not hesitate and dashed to the building in front of him, Takeshi on his trail. While he ran, he saw a small silhouette kneeling behind the monster.
¡®What¡¯s this?¡¯ He said to himself, doubful.
¡°What are you doing?!¡± Takeshi asked with a shocked expression. He was already at the other side of the path.
¡°There is something I need to check. Stay here.¡± Kira said before he moved away stealthily. From behind a farm cart, he observed the scene.
¡®My eyes didn¡¯t fail me. There¡¯s a little girl there! How can it be! Is that monster protecting her?!¡¯ He thought while he watched the battle.
The rogue creature howled in fury as he backhanded one of his foes, causing it to crash on the ground several meters away.
¡®Damn¡ What should I¡? I can¡¯t, it¡¯s too dangerous. Enough hero crap. The last time didn¡¯t work out so well.¡¯ Kira shook his head.
As he was about to leave, the girl noticed him. Her amber eyes silently pleaded for help and he could see the trail of tears on her dirty cheeks.
¡®Damn. No!¡¯ The boy gritted his teeth.
The boy crossed the road and walked along the wall. Wary, he advanced at careful pace. When the boy was a few meters away from the fight, he concealed himself inside a building. The monsters were still fighting with savage fury. However the battle would soon end as the defending creature bled heavily from multiple wounds. Kira gestured to the girl.
¡°Come!¡± Kira said as loudly as his courage allowed him too.
The girl looked at him with round eyes and shook her head. Next to them, the monsters were still trading blows with utmost savagery.
¡°Come quickly or I¡¯m leaving!¡± He added with urgency.
Fear appeared in the girl¡¯s eyes and she started to crawl toward him. After a moment, she joined him in the dwelling. When Kira put a hand on her shoulder, he could feel her trembling. He knelt beside her and looked in her bright amber eyes.
¡°We¡¯re getting away.¡± He declared with a soft voice.
The girl threw herself in his small arms and she wept. She was the same height as him and her boyish brown clothes were torn in several places.
¡®I was never good at this. Damn.¡¯ Kira thought as he stroked her black hair.
Suddenly, a howl resonated on the walls and Kira felt her gasp. The boy gently pushed his new companion.
¡°We have to go now.¡± He said with a clear voice.
The girl nodded and the two of them escaped by the back of the building. After a while, they joined with the bald boy who had been waiting in an alley. When he saw his friend, the young priest had almost jumped in relief.
¡°Are you crazy?!¡± Takeshi asked after he came to meet them.
¡°I think I am.¡± Kira answered honestly. ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± He inquired.
¡°Setsuna.¡± She answered in a low voice.
¡°I¡¯m Kira and this is Takeshi. We¡¯re going to the camp.¡± He added.
Setsuna rubbed her eyes and nodded. She smiled.
**********
The three of them threaded lightly through the rest of the ruined town. No more human cries could be heard within the town and silence replaced the earlier tumult. They felt a lot of movement coming from the heart of the town and the fire burned brightly. After a while, they were at the edge of the village.
They could not see much of the fighting in the plains due to the many clouds that hindered their field of vision. The miasma also seemed to float toward the town and approached them dangerously. Crouched between two buildings, the children were trying to find the best place for their escape. Kira, who was in the lead, had no idea how to leave the town without attracting trouble.
¡®It¡¯s too dangerous to just run across that.¡¯ The boy thought while looking at the numerous dead bodies on the grass.
¡°There you are.¡± A feminine voice said from their rear.
Alarmed, Kira swiftly turned around and raised his knife. His two companions were also surprised by the sudden appearance and looked at the form with fearful eyes. Ren was just behind them, her body stooped low. She looked unscathed, her black and purple kimono was stainless.
¡°You run too fast little rabbit so I had trouble finding you.¡± The woman said before she patted her brother¡¯s head. ¡°And drop that knife, you could hurt yourself.¡±
The boy simply stared at the woman, motionless. His heart was pounding fast and his thoughts were fuzzy. Then Ren smirked and took him in a warm embrace.
¡°Well done staying alive.¡± She whispered in his ear.
¡°Thank you.¡± Kira responded weakly before he handed her the blade. ¡°You startled me, Ren.¡±
¡°I sure did. Are you gathering an army?¡± His sister asked as she observed the two children. Setsuna stared at the woman with hope and her eyes moistened.
¡°I found them on the way here.¡± He answered.
¡°I see. Good. It should be easy from here on. There is enough room for you to run outside the town. I will take care of those things. Just be careful of the clouds.¡± She stated before standing up. ¡°Now go!¡±
Kira nodded and soon after, the three children were dashing toward the camp on top of the starlit hill. The sandy ground of the road was even so their course was unhindered. Just outside the town, a creature had noticed them. In the blink of an eye, Ren was beside it and a single sweep of her black fan, she beheaded the monster before it could even react. Kira was amazed at the display of speed.
¡°Do not stop!¡± The lady yelled.
On both sides of the road, the tall grass made Kira wonder if an abomination could be lurking within its shadow. His fears were answered when he noticed the bright flash nearby along with the crackling of his sister¡¯s lightning. A cloud immediately formed itself, black streams fluttering in the wind. Several corpses laid on their path, mangled in several ways.
¡°This is crazy!¡± Takeshi shouted when he witnessed the formation of the dark mist.
¡°Yeah I know. No need to tell me!¡± Kira replied.
Behind them, the girl simply ran and tears were pouring on her cheeks. With a surge of adrenaline, the three of them simply ran forward without caring for their surroundings like Ren had requested. Eventually, they reached the camp. Soldiers, who wore both emblems, formed a line of defense all around the white tents. They greeted the children with loud praises as well as laughter when they passed them. A few moments later, Ren came out of the grass and the warriors immediately bowed when they saw the lady.
When the group of four stopped in the middle of the camp, many people were looking at them with expectation.
Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.¡°It went rather well.¡± The woman said with a hand on her hip.
The three children let themselves fall inside the camp and they panted heavily. Kira felt lightheaded and stars were dancing before his eyes. The boy felt pain in his stomach as he lay on the ground.
¡®I¡¯m not in good shape, that¡¯s for sure. Tomorrow will be hell.¡¯ He thought while holding his side.
After a while, Kira sat and he looked around him. The camp was crowded. Dozens of villagers were able to escape the town and they were resting next to them. The townsfolk were in a bad shape but his appearance was not much different. Some of the denizens were gathered around a huge jar and were filling cups with water. Several torches had been planted in the vicinity of the bivouac and on every side, soldiers were in high alert, ready for combat.
¡°We made it!¡± Takeshi shouted in good spirits.
¡°Of course, I told you we would!¡± Kira declared before he stood up.
While the two boys laughed, the little girl looked at them with a faint smile.
¡°We are going to see Mother. She is worried.¡± Ren declared ¡°Naizen is also there.¡± She added for her brother¡¯s friend.
The bald boy¡¯s eyes brightened and he quickly got on his feet.
¡°Do you have family?¡± Kira asked the young girl.
Setsuna stared blankly at the ground, clutching her clothes.
¡°Well, you are coming with us for now.¡± Ren said before heading toward the meeting place.
**********
As soon as Kira entered the purple tent, he was welcomed by a tight hug. The boy had expected the event but it still made him chuckle.
¡°I am so glad you are here.¡± Kaguya said as she took her head in her hands. Then, she noticed his bandaged arm.
¡°It is but a scratch.¡± The child told her while he put his hand on the dressing.
¡°There are no little wounds for you.¡± She said before glancing at Shizuru, who was kneeling in a corner of the tent.
¡°Please come, Young Master.¡± The maid asked after she came to them. Kira followed her, accompanied by Takeshi and Setsuna.
In the tents, three men and Ren stood in a straight line. His mother was slowly pacing around the place. The interior was lit by a handful of lanterns and their shadows danced on the colored canvas. The bald boy had wanted to greet his father but the stern appearance of the two men surrounding the priest had stopped him. The young girl simply sat beside them, without muttering a single world.
As Shizuru was carefully removing the wrapping on his arm, Kira gritted his teeth and endured the pain caused by the dry blood. The woman opened a small wooden box with exquisite carvings and took out some vials and pots. She then proceeded with cleaning and treating his wound. Meanwhile, the boy listened to the conversation of the adults next to him.
¡°We just withstood the first wave. If they really are the sick villagers, there should still be hundreds inside the town.¡± Naizen stated.
¡°It has not been an hour and we have sustained many casualties. Such phenomenon was impossible to foretell.¡± Captain Ogata, of the Imperial Army, remarked on the situation.
¡°We cannot allow them to leave this place. We cannot allow this to spread. It would be disastrous.¡± Kaguya declared.
¡°We have only fifty available soldiers who would be able to fight them.¡± Captain Iwamato declared. The officer was standing in martial manner, back straight, hands joined behind him.
¡°Do you think you could handle the clouds with the other priests, Naizen?¡± The lady asked after a moment.
¡°If they are not too concentrated, it should be possible to hold them for a while. Not too long.¡± The priest replied with his arms crossed.
¡°My men reported that some are clearly stronger than the others, we have to be careful.¡± The huge officer added.
¡°I will take down as many as I can. However I won¡¯t be able to fight for very long. Then, it will be up to you.¡± Kaguya stated after a sigh.
¡°What do you mean, Lady Kaguya?¡± Ogata asked while he frowned.
¡°Exactly what Mother said. You do not need to know more.¡± Ren answered with a cold glare.
¡°Then, please prepare for the battle to come. You are dismissed.¡± Kaguya
The three men bowed and left, Takeshi on their trail. From inside, they could hear the yells of soldiers outside as well as the clatter of blades and armor. Eventually, Ren broke the silence inside the tent.
¡°Mother, are you sure?¡± She asked with a doubtful expression.
¡°Shizuru, hand me my katana please.¡± Kaguya ordered, ignoring her daughter¡¯s question. The maid complied and she undone the red wrapping containing the blade. The varnished black scabbard was covered with golden mountains and flowers. She delivered the weapon to her mistress. Kaguya picked it up and unsheathed of few inches of the blade. The blue sheen reflected the light of the lanterns as well as the wistful eyes of its owner.
¡°Ren¡ You always think of the Tsuchiya. Sometimes however, it is not only about politics and survival.¡± Kaguya declared before she stood, blade in hand. ¡°Do not do anything rash.¡± She added with a smile. Then, she left the tent.
Seated on a carpet, Kira clearly saw his sister¡¯s displeased look as she stared at the exit. The maid had finished to treat his injuries and was now taking care of Setsuna.
¡°Shizuru, we will wait for Mother to come back. She is our priority.¡± Ren declared, resolute. ¡°How will I explain the matter to Aunt? How should I handle this?¡± She added after a long sigh.
¡°I understand. I will prepare soulsilver tea.¡± The servant answered while she cleaned one of Setsuna¡¯s wounds. Shizuru also seemed troubled by the turn of events. The young girl was watching the scene with anxiety and indecision.
¡°Good. You two are also coming. You will be safer with us.¡± Ren crossed her arms and held her chin. She then paced around the room, in deep thoughts.
Kira accepted a cup of water from Shizuru and drank avidly. All the tension from the past hour made him forget his thirst. However, the meeting had bewildered him. Rather, her mother decision did not make much sense to him.
¡®I didn¡¯t know she could fight, or even handle a sword. She seemed more like a scholar than a fighter. Well¡ Ren also doesn¡¯t look like a combatant, but with her personality, it fits her more...¡¯
¡°So Mother will be fighting?¡±
¡°Yes. Without Mother, victory is uncertain.¡± Ren glanced at him before she left.
Perplexed, the boy enjoyed a moment of respite and he was falling asleep when he heard a commotion in the camp. Soldiers were shouting battle orders. The two children and Shizuru went out of the tent and joined Kaguya, who was silently watching the town from the edge of the camp. Once Kira stood next to his mother, he saw the reason for the ruckus. Hundreds of monsters were gathering outside the village. The fire had spread to a huge part of the town, uncontrolled, and the smoke was covering the sky.
The warriors had formed a line of defense around the camp. Behind them, priests were firmly clutching their staves. All their expressions were grim. Yet, Kira could not shake the feeling that they were eager to fight. The two officers examined the gathering.
¡°We are not equipped for this kind of battle.¡± Iwamoto said while he joined his hands behind his back.
¡°We will have to make do with what we have.¡± The imperial soldier added.
When the beasts roared, the villagers in the middle of the camp expressed their fear and uneasiness. The horde of monsters began to run toward them. They dashed within the meadow at the bottom of the hill. In the darkness, one could only see the tall grass getting flattened by their advance.
¡°It is time.¡± Kaguya announced as the monsters were closing in. Then, she faced the two captains. ¡°I will be counting on you.¡±
The men bowed and met up with their men.
¡°Mother¡¡± Ren¡¯s voice was almost pleading.
¡°Do not worry. I will pull back in good time.¡± Her mother reassured her. After Kaguya unsheathed her sword, she held it in front of her eyes.
¡°It has been a long time since I last drew you.¡± The woman closed her eyes and smiled.
A single drop of sweat poured down her chin and Kira could see her jaw tighten. Bolts of lightning danced around her and the boy heard a faint humming. The light around her sword condensed and emitted a sharp screech. In pure reflex, Kira put his hand on his ears. The lady expired and then, in a blinding flash, she was gone. A cloud of dust was hindering his vision, so the boy moved to the right to see what was happened.
By the time it took him to make a few steps, his mother had already closed the distance and was fighting with the group of monsters. She was a ray of light and every time she went through the swarm, the grating intensified. Five times she literally pierced the mass, leaving behind her a trail of blue corpses and black mist.
¡®That¡¯s Mother? Even from above, I can barely follow her!¡¯ Kira watched the scene without blinking.
¡°The Howling Blade¡± He heard a nearby soldier whisper. In the span of a few seconds, she had killed around eighty of the creatures. Still, the herd did not falter and continued its furious charge.
After the fifth assault, Kaguya swiftly overtook the monsters and came back into the camp. Ren immediately came to meet her and caught her mother as she fell. Breathing with difficulty, she clutched her hand to her chest. When Kira went to the women¡¯ sides, he saw the pain on Kaguya¡¯s face. Her skin was unnaturally white and she let go off her sword. The woman screamed in anguish as she buried her face on her daughter¡¯s chest.
¡®This is? No¡¡¯ The boy observed his family and he had a sudden realization.
The people around them looked at the scene with astonishment but they had no time to ponder it.
The horde was on them.
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Chapter 7 - Foes
In the cool night, the soldiers had formed a tight semicircle around the camp. Even before the monsters¡¯ appearance, they had drawn their weapons and glared at the meadow with resolution. With every instant that passed, the growls grew louder and they could sense the horde getting closer.
Suddenly, countless forms emerged from the tall grass outside the camp. Under the dim light of the torches, they seemed more like pale blue demons than humans. They had lost all pretense of their former existence and their eyes were filled with demented fury. Without an ounce of hesitation, the corrupted beings charged toward the line of guards in a savage clatter.
¡°Hold the line!¡± The two officers shouted as the creatures approached.
While they got into a fighting stance, the soldiers answered their orders with a war cry. Then the darkness disappeared.
Spears became aflame. Swords radiated. Blades sang.
The men met the monsters with their Wills and the battle began. Since the horde attacked them in a reckless charge, the experienced warriors repealed the first wave with ease. Their infused weapons sliced through the monsters¡¯ bodies in outbursts of energy. Once they dispatched their first foes, the fighters yelled in triumph.
After the first clash, the priest began their work. When they raised their staves, the gentle breeze became a gale and the newly formed clouds backed off. Following this, the main body of the horde arrived and the battle grew fiercer.
Speechless, Kira watched the exchange. He had seen Ren and Shizuru fight before, however the scene before him was something entirely different. From behind the soldiers, the diversity of auras was fascinating to watch. Not only were the manifestations of Wills beautiful, but also the discipline they showed inspired awe. He could feel his hair flutter in the strong wind summoned by the priests. It almost covered the fear that the monsters caused him.
Meanwhile, Ren was holding Kaguya in her arms. The boy could see her red eyes examining the flow of the battle, but he also noticed her glancing several times at the imperial captain, Ogata, with severity.
¡°Shizuru, you stay back and take care of Mother.¡± She ordered while she drew two black fans. ¡°I will assist them as much as I can from here. Mother thinned their ranks in a smart manner. The priests should be able to handle the clouds since she actually made layers. It is fortunate they are not intelligent.¡±
¡°Yes, I understand.¡± The servant answered as she came at her side.
The maid took her mistress in her arms before she laid her on the ground, a few meters back.
¡°Setsuna, the gourd, please.¡± Shizuru asked while glancing at the young girl.
Until now, she was watching the battle with fearful eyes but upon hearing her name, the young girl started. She complied timidly and stood next to the woman. While Shizuru opened the flask, she observed the battle and then the villagers. They were assembled next to a white tent, powerless before the tempest of violence.
¡®Is she suspicious of the villagers?¡¯ Kira turned his gaze on them. ¡®Would they?¡¯
The townsfolk were visibly frightened by the battle but some of them looked at the ladies with singular expressions. When they saw Shizuru looking at them, fear overwhelmed the denizens so their attention shifted to the battle.
Uneasy, the boy knelt at his mother¡¯s side before he took her hand. Kaguya¡¯s skin was ashen and her breathing was erratic. The lady tried to smile at him as a sharp pain submerged her. Instead, she clenched her son¡¯s wrist and stifled a cry.
The servant gently raised the lady¡¯s head before she brought the flask to her lips. Kaguya slowly drank and a trickle of the liquid spilled from the corner of her mouth. After a moment, Kira felt the grasp on his small arm lessen in intensity as his mother¡¯s gradually relaxed.
¡®So this is soulsilver tea.¡¯ He pondered as he glanced at the melee nearby. The battle was still going but the soldiers had suffered losses. ¡®Its effect is similar to that of the medicine I could produce before. How do they make it?¡¯ He looked at the gourd Setsuna had taken back.
While Shizuru wiped the sweat from her mistress¡¯ face, Kira thought about the situation. ¡®It all makes sense. Ren was often worried about her health when we came but I just thought it was because she didn¡¯t exercise much. Even before fighting, she was already in pain when she used her Will.¡¯
The boy bit his lips. ¡®And the very fact that I¡¯m here¡ The cat did say the boy¡¯s soul was already dead. A newborn whose mother is afflicted does suffer from a psychological disorder. At the time, I was so disturbed I didn¡¯t make the connection¡¡¯
A loud detonation interrupted his thoughts. In front of him, he saw Ren pointing one of her opened fans toward the mass. Every time she waved her weapons, a shockwave flung a group of monsters backward. The blasts of air appeared amidst the monsters, disturbing the flow of the horde.
¡®Is this?... So she can spellcast.¡¯ Kira wondered as he saw a blast throw back a creature several meters down the hill.
Though she spells did not inflict much damage, it stalled the horde thus allowing the soldiers some breathing room. Also, it gave the priests more time to push back the clouds. However, Kira could clearly see that his sister was concentrating the majority of her spells on the right side where the soldiers of the Tsuchiya clan were fighting.
¡®What is she doing?¡¯ The boy frowned. ¡®Don¡¯t tell me she¡¯s¡¡¯
A sudden howl resonated. On the left side, several soldiers flew in the air and then crashed into a white tent. The canvas collapsed around them before it took fire. From the hole in the formation, two blue beasts dashed into the camp, full of anger. They only wore short pants and their huge auras were ominous flames of pure black that seemed to absorb light itself.
In the blink of an eye, one the two monsters leaped on backline, its arm raised high. As the first dropped, the priest activated his Will and tried to block the strike with his staff. Small threads of energy whirled around him, but his strength was still insufficient. When the closed hand hit the man¡¯s skull, Kira heard a loud crack. Black streams formed themselves inside the camp, immediately behind the soldiers.
¡°Do not falter!¡± Naizen yelled as he pushed the cloud upward with his power. ¡°Keep your attention on the front line!¡±
He left the line of priest and defied the monster. Enraged, the beast attacked the tall priest with a wild swing. As the two of them were trading lightning fast blows, captain Ogata had engaged the second powerful beast with his flaming katana.
¡°Five steps back! Reform the ranks!¡± The Tsuchiya officer bellowed without waiting any further.
In order to prevent the weaker monsters from getting through, Ren focused her attention on the gaps in the defense line. Kira could see her grit her teeth under the effort. While resisting the onslaught, the soldiers slowly retreated.
Seeing this, Shizuru twitched. She glanced toward the terrified villagers and then at her mistress.
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¡®Even though she could help, she¡¯s not going to leave Mother by herself.¡¯ Kira thought as he watched the dreadful scene.
Kira could still feel her pushing the clouds formed by the fight between the imperial officer and the beast. Soon, dark clouds covered the sky above the camp. The tent was also burning brightly and smoke drifted along the strong winds.
The four of them fought around the camp and the villagers panicked. When the fight got too close, most of the denizens of Namuya scrambled in dread, shoving aside and trampling their peers. Within the disorderly crowd, a small child wearing a bandanna evaded a fierce swing by a hairbreadth.
¡®Takeshi! What is he doing here?! He must have been with the villagers all this time.¡¯ Kira thought as he clenched his fist. He hated being so powerless. Even if he got up, he would only be a hindrance with his feeble capacities.
¡°Get outta here!¡± Naizen shouted to his son who watched him, round-eyed.
The tall priest furiously pushed back the monster while defending the fleeing people. However, the rowdy mass was overtaken by fear as the monster grabbed the leg of a villager, before it wielded the body like a weapon. The unfortunate man¡¯s scream stopped when the creature swung him wildly toward the priest. As the villager¡¯s head collided with the staff, blood sprayed on Naizen¡¯s eyes.
The abomination hurled the corpse toward the priest and vaulted forward, its arm above its shoulder. Naizen evaded the throw and prepared to intercept its opponent with a thrust. Blinded, the tall man stumbled on a panicked villager as the monster attacked him, relentless. Still, the end of the staff struck under its chin. However, the strike hit too late and the fist did not stop. Even though the priest blocked the blow with his staff, Naizen rolled of the ground for several meters before he crashed against a wooden cart. The vehicle was destroyed by the impact and the man was buried under the wreckage.
The monster held his throat and gargled. Then its dark aura faded and he fell heavily on the ground. Some villagers rushed toward the priest and started to remove the scraps.
At that time, captain Ogata had also taken care of his foe. Without waiting any further, he joined his men on the front. Eventually, the fighting ended. The whole battle had not lasted more than fifteen minutes. Yet, Kira was exhausted even if he did not take part in the melee. Little by little, the tension left his shoulders.
About twenty of the fifty soldiers had fallen before the horde. On the ground, Kira saw the countless corpses of the blue monsters. Without their dark aura, they looked like simple sick people. The white tent had burned in its entirety, exposing the equipment and supplies it previously protected. The villagers laughed and wept as they slowly assembled in the middle of the camp.
¡®This result is still miraculous.¡¯ The boy smiled faintly and he turned around. Setsuna was still standing close to the maid, but the girl seemed at ease. ¡®But more importantly¡¡¯ Kira still held his mother¡¯s hand and her breathing had returned to normal.
Without any warning, the imperial soldiers separated themselves from the others and formed another line. They still firmly held their weapons and their glares seemed even fiercer than before. The men¡¯s expressions looked grim and their eyes were fixated on the other warriors. On the front, the imperial officer held his blade before him and stared at Ren with intensity.
The multitude of clouds above the camp made the scene even more ominous. The denizens did not understand what was happening and whispered between themselves.
¡°This is not going to end well. Please stay back, young Master.¡± Shizuru muttered at his side before glancing at him. The servant looked worried and she held her scabbard with her left hand. She placed herself between the imperials and Kaguya.
¡°What do you mean?¡± Kira asked her with a troubled expression.
¡°Too many witnesses. Lady Kaguya¡¯s condition must not be known. She is one of the Tsuchiya clan strongest assets.¡± Shizuru replied without leaving the soldiers out of her sight.
¡®So that¡¯s what Ren meant. Damn.¡¯ The boy shook his head. ¡®Is she really going to?¡¯
The soldiers bearing the Fan, who outnumbered the imperials, formed their ranks behind Ren. All the while, the priests had stood aside, obviously not wanting any part on this matter. For a while, the two parties silently observed each other.
Ren stood before the soldiers in a noble and proud attitude.
¡°I know what you are thinking.¡± She finally said with a cold voice. ¡°You are right.¡±
¡°Is lady Kaguya really?¡± The huge officer asked with a tired but resolute expression. He had lowered his weapon before he stepped forward. ¡°We would never directly harm her.¡±
¡°You know this is not the problem. I know where you allegiance lies. You will speak. Sadly, it is enough.¡± ¡°Would you betray your liege?¡±
¡°Lady Ren, would you kill all those not belonging to the Tsuchiya clan?¡± Ogata inquired after he took a deep breath.
¡°If needed, yes.¡± The lady replied firmly.
¡®This is sick. I can¡¯t let this happen!¡¯ As he stepped forward, Shizuru pulled him back without any restraint. The move almost made him fall but he had seen the slight movements of some imperial soldiers. ¡®Damn, I am also a target.¡¯ He realized.
Beside him, Kaguya sat with difficulty. Kira could see she was still in great anguish but she endured. For a moment, she observed the standstill then shook her head.
¡°Ren¡ You cannot do this.¡± She pleaded before coughing.
Ren stared at her mother and, for a brief moment, her eyes clouded. Then her expression became steel. ¡°Mother, this is too important. We cannot allow this to be.¡±
¡°Please¡¡±
Her daughter simply ignored her demands and was about to give her orders when they heard a laugh nearby.
Seated on a pile of crates, a feminine silhouette wearing a tight dark green outfit clapped her hands, legs crossed. A stylized bird mask observed them from under a dark hood. No one seemed to have noticed her arrival.
¡°Such intensity¡¡± She said before she chuckled.
¡°You¡ What do you want?¡± Ren asked her with a displeased look.
The woman jumped off her seat in a lithesome manner and came to meet the lady.
¡°I bring bad news, lady Ren. Other people already know. This is pointless.¡±
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Chapter 8 - Flames
The next morning, Kira woke up inside the purple tent. The interior seemed untouched, exactly the same as before. The peaceful atmosphere contrasted with the chaos from the previous day. By the exit, he saw the daylight sneaking in from under the canvas.
After the altercation, Shizuru had brought his mistress in the tent. Without any fuss, the boy had followed them and almost immediately fell asleep. He had been interested in the conversation with the masked woman, but his young body could not endure any more strain.
When he sat up on his mattress, he felt pain in his whole body. ¡®I fucking knew it!¡¯ He thought as he held his head. Around him, two other persons were in the room. Shizuru was busy making their morning meals and bowed her head when she noticed his awakening. His mother was lying a few meters away from him, observing him with a smile.
¡°Good morning, Kira.¡± Kaguya said with a soft voice. The woman seemed tired and had dark rings under her eyes.
¡°Good morning.¡± Her son replied after he looked at her.
The lady closed her eyes and stayed still. In the silent room, Kira remembered the events from yesterday. More than the monsters, Ren ruthlessness had shaken him beyond belief. He would never have thought her capable of such a cold-blooded behavior. Even with her teasing, his sister had seemed a considerate person.
¡°Would Ren really have ordered to kill all the people?¡± Kira eventually asked his mother.
Kaguya¡¯s lips formed a sad smile. ¡°It is very likely. Within the clan, she actually holds more authority than I do.¡± She replied as she stared at the roof.
The boy took a deep breath. ¡®So this was all real. Damn.¡¯ He pulled back the blanket and looked at his dirty clothes. The night before, he had not bothered to remove them before he went to sleep. To him who was used to strict hygiene, the feeling was quite uncomfortable.
After some time, Kaguya gave out a long sigh. ¡°Ren is what we needed her to be. What she has to be. She is the heir of the Tsuchiya clan.¡± She declared in a sorrowful tone.
¡°However I can assure you, she will never harm you.¡± The woman added after she turned her face toward him.
When her son nodded with a smile, the lady seemed relieved.
For a long time, they could only hear the steady sound of Shizuru¡¯s cooking.
¡®It has only been three days since I woke up in this body but they felt like years. Now though¡ what am I supposed to do?¡¯ Kira frowned.
¡®As I am now, I can¡¯t do jack shit.¡¯ The boy stared at the red wrapping covering his mother¡¯s katana. He clenched his small fist and raised it before his eyes. ¡®Strength is a tool like any other and if Wills really are similar to ether patterns, I might find my first clue quite easily. It is probably what that damn cat wanted when he brought me here. Then I¡¯ll play along, you bastard.¡¯
The boy looked at the Fan embroidered on the piece of fine cloth. ¡®An iron fist in a velvet glove.¡¯ He thought as he chuckled. For him, it symbolized the dominion of the privileged. His sister¡¯s actions had remembered him of past events, when he was a young boy on the streets. On Selen, the strong and the rich exploited the poor for their purposes.
¡®It the same thing everywhere¡ It¡¯s kind of ironic that I¡¯m now part of something I hated back then. But I¡¯ll use whatever is at my disposition to break this curse. I did it once, I can do it again. Though this doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯m going to play by their rules.¡¯
Kira spent the rest of the day resting in the tent. Even if he had wanted to leave, his body would not have complied. Outside, the soldiers had come back and they could hear the banter of the men as they were eating.
When Ren came, the sunlight was fading and Shizuru had lit two lanterns under the tent. The boy could see she had changed her garb and had opted from something more practical, a warrior¡¯s attire. Since Kira had witnessed the previous day¡¯s events, the two fans slid in her belt did not seem as frivolous as before.
¡°Has your condition improved?¡± His sister asked Kaguya.
¡°I will be fine in a few days.¡± Her mother replied without moving. ¡°What did you decide?¡±
¡°We have swept the city looking for stragglers.¡± Ren answered after she knelt beside the sick woman.
¡°Most people hit by the clouds and¡ creatures from yesterday are already in an advanced stage of soul sickness.¡±
She took her hand in a gentle manner.
¡°I did not take any chance. We have gathered all the deceased. We will hold a funeral pyre tonight.¡±
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¡°I see.¡±
¡°Master Takano found this on one of the men she caught. They were watching the town from afar. Some of them got away.¡± Ren declared as she held a small scroll out to her mother.
For a while Kaguya stared at the document. Then she opened it and read its content.
¡°It is definitely imperial. However I do not recognize the writing.¡± She shook her head. ¡°The Empress would never openly offend the Tsuchiya. Even without me, the clan is too influential and powerful.¡±
¡°Yet here it is. I shall see the truth of the matter.¡± Ren announced, resolute, before turning her head toward her sibling.
As she was staring at her brother, her expression was uneasy.
¡®Could she be worried about my reaction to yesterday¡¯s events?¡¯ Kira thought while gazing into his sister¡¯s eyes.
¡°Would you teach me how to cast spells?¡± He eventually asked the woman.
Ren expression showed her surprise. For a while, she held her hands on her knees and pondered his demand.
¡°If you are able to learn, I will gladly teach you.¡± His sister answered after she chuckled. ¡°However you will have to learn how to handle blades beforehand.¡±
¡°Thank you, Ren.¡± He grinned.
¡°Do not teach him strange things.¡± Their mother declared with an unhappy look. ¡°Learning martial arts is enough.¡±
¡°You being old fashioned does not mean we also have to be, Mother.¡± Ren declared, a malicious smile on her lips.
¡°It is not needed.¡± Kaguya pouted.
*******************
Some moments later, Kira followed his sister outside. A huge funeral pyre had been erected at the edge of the camp and priests were adjusting the position on the lumber. He guessed that most of the victims from the previous day had been assembled for the ceremony. Their remains lay on top of the wood, waiting for the ritual to begin.
Nearby, the boy saw the group of surviving villagers. They seemed distraught and their ragged looks made them appear even more pitiful. They had realized the changes brought into their lives and did not know how to cope with them.
The soldiers from both factions stood next to the denizens in an orderly fashion, in homage to their fallen comrades.
The young Takeshi stood behind his seniors. The youth shoulders were dropped and he had a despondent look.
¡°You don¡¯t look so well.¡± Kira commented.
¡°It¡¯s my fault Dad has been hurt. I should have stayed in the temple.¡± He said while he watched his father manage the procession. Naizen¡¯s left arm was covered in bandages and was maintained by a sling.
¡°It¡¯s not. Your father just wanted to protect the villagers. He is a brave man and he will get better soon since he wasn¡¯t hit by the black thing.¡± He reassured him.
Takeshi looked at him and smiled.
¡°Have you seen Setsuna?¡± Kira asked him as he watched the crowd gathered around them
¡°Not since last night.¡± His friend answered.
¡®Where is she?¡¯ He wondered, worried.
Soon after, the priests lit the fire and started to chant. Soon after, the flames danced around the funeral pyre and the wood crepitated. Three hundred people had passed away in a day in the most brutal fashion. The solemn ceremony had a kind of eerie feeling and the deep voices of the religious men filled the camp. As Kira stared at the blaze, he clenched his fists.
¡®No more.¡¯ He swore to himself.
_____________________________________________________________
Author''s notes :
That''s it! I''m done setting up.
Chapters 1 to 8 can actually be considered one big prologue.
A major change was introduced into the world and the characters will now have to cope with it.
I wanted the MC''s resolve not to be superficial. Merely wanting to become strong would not cut it, I wanted something more. Not simply the will to protect or vengence, a true and noble ideal amidst a world of schemes and violence.
In the previous chapter, I often had to focus on the side characters. Now though, Kira will become the center of the story.
If everything goes as planned, next chapter will be up tomorrow.
Thanks for reading!
Do to the changes I made, you should go directly to chapter 9.2.
Please ignore chapter 9, 10 and 11 for now.
Chapter 9 - A Certain summer evening
A young man wearing a plain indigo kimono passed under the huge gate of the city of Okachi. A bamboo hat protected him from the light of the setting sun. Since the summer weather was warm and moist, many of the people around him cooled themselves with paper fans. The adolescent waited for his turn with a calm demeanor and once it came, he presented a small scroll to the officer before him. The soldier¡¯s eyes flared with recognition as he read the document. Without any further question, the guard let the youth through the guard post.
Within the town, the young man found himself at the bottom of the main street of Okachi. The road went all the way to the top of the hill where the domain of the Tsuchiya clan overlooked the city. On both sides stood old Japanese-styled shops whose employees welcomed their clients with energy. Though he carried a red bundle on his back, he avoided the passers-by with agility.
After the young man looked around, he headed toward a large wooden building. Inside, people were seated around low tables on top of wooden platforms. Though the setting was sober, the cleanness made for a pleasant atmosphere. The customers seemed to belong to a large array of professions, from peddlers to farmers, and were enjoying their meals in a cheerful fashion. Upon his entry, a middle-aged woman greeted the newcomer with a courteous smile.
¡°Welcome! Are you accompanied?¡± She asked after bowing.
¡°Unfortunately, no.¡± He answered while he watched the crowd, as if looking for someone.
¡°Allow me to show you to your seat.¡± The hostess continued before she led him to a small table in a corner of the room. The teenager removed the straps holding the package on his back and sat cross-legged on a square cushion. ¡°Can I take your order?¡± The woman asked as he laid his red wrapping next to him.
¡°Today¡¯s special and green tea, please.¡± The young man, who seemed in his late teens, put down his bamboo hat and revealed long black hair tied in a ponytail. Dark fingerless gloves with silver embroideries covered his hands.
¡°Understood.¡± She bowed and left.
The young man¡¯s red eyes followed her as she went back to the reception desk. A tall swordsman with a scarred face was being led to a table where three other patrons were already seated. The warrior was well-built and his wild appearance made him intimidating. While the teenager rubbed his chin, he tried to recognize some of the men, without success. Since he supposedly knew most of the experienced Will users in the area, he should have been able to identify them.
A few minutes later, the hostess came back with a tray. She set down a large clay bowl filled with a colorful stew on the low table. The dish emitted a flavorsome steam and the young man grinned in anticipation.
¡°Please enjoy your meal.¡± The woman said after she poured him a cup of hot tea.
¡°Thank you.¡± He replied with a handsome smile. As she bowed, her cheeks reddened a little. She then left.
After the young man waited a moment for his meal to cool down, he took his chopsticks in his gloved hands and began to eat with a joyful expression. The half-cooked radish, carrot and cabbage had kept a crunchy texture while having absorbed the flavor from the marinated pork. In addition, the soup had a slight spicy taste due to the ginger straps and pepper put into it.
As a piece of tofu was melting in his mouth, clamorous laughter echoed in the room. The adolescent frowned and raised his head. The disturbance came from the scarred swordsman¡¯s table. The men were drinking from various bottles while talking in a loud manner. Most of the customers seemed disturbed by the outburst so a hostess went over the noisy party. After her intervention, the rowdies calmed down but they still looked excited.
The young man shrugged and resumed his meal. After the adolescent had eaten the last bit of his stew, he heaved a delightful sigh. For a while, he simply enjoyed the feeling of having satiated his hunger. As he was taking a sip of his tea, a burly man came to meet him.
¡°Good day, master Shojiro.¡± Kira said before coming.
¡°Good day, young Lord Kira.¡± The innkeeper said before he sat next the table. The bald man set down two cups and the young man picked up one of them. As he held it before him, the older man poured sake from a white porcelain flask into it. Then the roles were reversed. When the two of them had been served, they toasted and drank their wine.
¡°Not bad at all. You are always so formal though.¡± Kira said with a grin.
¡°I would rather not anger Lady Ren. Or worse, the Elder.¡± The owner said as the young man chuckled.
¡°I understand your predicament, really. I did come back a bit earlier than intended because I really wanted to have a taste of your summer pot. The priests at Mizuba temple are nice people but their culinary skill is somewhat lacking.¡± The teenager said.
¡°I can understand that! Those guys only eat raw vegetables, bland rice and raw fish.¡± The bald man laughed before he finished his beverage.
¡°Your shop is always packed however it seems a lot of things happened during the past month. Who are those guys?¡± Kira asked while pouring sake into his companion¡¯s empty cup. His eyes watched the group of noisy people at the other side of the room.
¡°They are retainers of the Kitano clan. A lot of new faces came in town the last few weeks.¡± The stout man bore an annoyed expression. ¡°They¡¯re troublemakers but I cannot do anything about it. Those guys are getting more and more confident.¡±
¡°I see.¡±
While the two men were talking, the light outside faded and the employees lit various lanterns inside the room. Even with the evening breeze, the weather was still very warm.
¡°I wondered if you could check up on my nephew.¡± Shojiro asked with a worried look.
¡°Of course, there is no problem.¡± After his answer, the old man made a head gesture toward a child who stood next to the kitchen¡¯s entrance. The boy, who looked about seven years old, gave the bottles he was holding to a nearby woman and came toward them. Even though his clothes seemed of good facture, he looked tired and thin. When he bowed, the young lord could see his uneasiness.
When the boy came before him, Kira grabbed the wrist of the child and felt his pulse. The young man then closed his eyes. As his energy reached out to the boy¡¯s, he could feel the disturbance caused by the soul sickness. The negative energy was in a relative still state. ¡°You are getting better. As long as you do not put too much strain on your body, you are going to be fine. Is he still drinking the tea?¡±
¡°Yes. Thank you so much.¡± The older man answered with obvious gladness in his voice.
¡°It is nothing really, do not worry. It is really good practice for me.¡± Kira added as he shrugged. ¡°If I have enough time this week, I will try to help up a bit at master Togai¡¯s clinic. I will make more.¡±
After the boy bowed, he returned to his post near the kitchen with a more lively expression. A woman brought them a plate filled with thin slices of meat arranged in a neat fashion. The men enjoyed the grilled pieces of chicken marinated in sweet soy sauce while they drank their rice wine.
¡°Would you honor us by playing the shamisen?¡± Shojiro asked him when the dish
¡°Well, my skills are not really that good.¡± Kira answered with humility.
¡°They are still better than those of most musicians you can find around here.¡±
After Kira chuckled, he moved back a few inches and knelt. The young man reached out to the red bundle at his side and unwrapped its content. As he took out a black and white shamisen, he stared at it with loving eyes. The musician drew out his pick from his under his belt before he tuned the three-stringed instrument with swift strokes. Then he started.
The song started peaceful yet playful. Most of the customers in the restaurant went silent and enjoyed the unexpected performance with enthusiasm. As soon as the young man closed his eyes, he abandoned himself fully to the music. Kira thought of travels and unknown sceneries, majestic mountains and calm seas. As the tune changed and become more playful, a smile grew on his lips.
For a long moment, the musician went on and the stars began to shine in the dark sky. The only voices one could hear inside the room were coming from the scarred swordsman table. Meanwhile the other customers simply ate their meals with pleased expressions, though a good number of them often glared at the noisy men. Passers-by stopped in front of the building and peeked inside the restaurant with curiosity. Some even entered and took a seat to enjoy the melody.
¡®Aren¡¯t they a little too loud?¡¯ Kira thought without interrupting his song. He watched them for a while as they kept drinking and become louder. The bottles they were passing each other were not sold by the restaurant. The young man frowned for a short while as he saw money being exchanged between the men.
When the young man put down his shamisen, the customers resumed their discussions at a slow pace. A lot of men gave him appreciative looks and bowed their heads in thanks. At this time, the noisy group had just left the inn.
¡°Thank you for your performance. You are always improving at a steady pace, I really am envious.¡± The owner declared while he stared at the beautiful instrument.
¡°It was a pleasure. The merit is not mine, I had a good master.¡± Kira said as he returned the shamisen into its red bundle. ¡°Sorry, I have to leave.¡± He grabbed his belongings and got on his feet.
¡°Your meal is on me, young lord. It is cheap payment for listening to your music.¡± The older man announced as he stood.
While Kira walked toward the exit, he picked up a grey bottle from the noisy table with a swift hand. The owner accompanied him outside and bowed. The atmosphere was calm as a lot less people were walking on this district. The city gate had been closed.
The young man noticed the scarred swordsman silhouette a few meters away. He and another man headed toward a side street. Kira set his bamboo hat on his head and followed the group.
¡®What is this?¡¯ Kira thought while he looked at the empty flask. After the young man put a drop of the liquid on his palm, he focused his internal sight on the liquid. ¡®So it is infused liquor¡. Even back on Earth that thing was banned since the cumulated effects of alcohol and ether overcharge were disastrous. It wrecked lives no matter how it was produced.¡¯
He brought his hand to his nose to smell the beverage.
¡®It¡¯s quite possible to make soulsilver tea liquor but this is not it. The odor is different too and you don¡¯t get that kind of response with a normal infusing. How did they make this? There isn¡¯t enough left for me to properly analyze this.¡¯ He frowned.
After a while, Kira saw the two swordsmen talking with a group of denizens in worker¡¯s clothes in a dark alley. Again, money changed hands. The scarred warrior took out a small grey bottle from under his kimono and gave it to the other party. When the townsfolk left, the young man walked toward the remaining men.
¡°Hello there.¡± Kira approached, laid back. Only the moon lit the area and the youth could not even determine the color of their kimonos. From up close, the scarred man was very tall. His companion was shorter but also quite brawny.
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¡°Who¡¯s that guy?¡± The scarred man asked his friend.
¡°It¡¯s the whelp from the Tsuchiya clan.¡± The other man answered after he stared at the newcomer.
¡°So that¡¯s him.¡±
¡°Yes. People say he wants to become a priest or a physician. They sure have fallen if they can¡¯t even raise their own children properly!¡±
For some time, the tall warrior watched the adolescent with his arms crossed. His imposing stature as well as the katana at his side made a menacing combination. Meanwhile, the other laughed, a hand settled on his blade¡¯s sheath. However, Kira did not seem impressed by the two men.
¡°I¡¯m not looking for trouble. To be honest, I¡¯m kind of interested with what you have there. Care to show me?¡± The teenager asked with a grin.
¡°Mind your own business.¡± The big swordsman answered in a threatening tone.
¡°Come on¡ I just want to have a looksee. It¡¯s not like it¡¯s something illegal like infused liquor.¡±
¡°You bastard!¡± The other man almost shouted.
¡°I¡¯m not going to stop your little business and the Tsuchiya clan is surely already aware of your trade. Also, I¡¯m willing to pay for it. See, there is no reason for you to refuse.¡± Kira shrugged.
¡°No way, scram kiddo.¡± The bigger fellow gestured him to leave.
¡°I really want it though.¡±
¡°And what are you going to do? Are you going to hit us with your shamisen?¡± The other dealer grabbed Kira¡¯s collar with a firm hand and tried to lift his slender frame off the ground. He looked under the adolescent bamboo hat. ¡°Are you even a man?¡±
Kira raised an eyebrow.
¡°Why are you so contentious?¡± He asked while he looked at his aggressor¡¯s garb. He noticed a cylindrical item inside the man¡¯s vest. He smirked.
Suddenly, Kira kicked the man the between the legs. With a quick movement, he slid his hand inside the kimono and grabbed the object of his interest. The dealer grunted in pain as his body arched and did not notice the larceny.
¡°Are you all right?¡± The young lord asked as he tilted his head.
¡°I¡¯ll kill you.¡± The swordsman answered while he gritted his teeth.
¡°Don¡¯t be like that. Well, good evening gentlemen. It has been a pleasure.¡± Kira turned around before he started to walk away.
The scarred man glared at him but did not move. He even glared at his companion with a condescending expression.
¡®What¡¯s this? That¡¯s not a flask.¡¯ The adolescent thought after he examined his booty. It was a piece of rolled paper with a bird emblem. He heard rustling coming from the two men. Kira knew that symbol and his heartbeat went faster. It belonged to one of the major clans of the Empire of Iroha.
When Kira glanced back, the man groped his own body. He was looking for the document with an anxious look.
¡°He¡¯s got the scroll! Get him!¡± He shouted.
¡°We were not to openly clash with the Tsuchiya.¡± The scarred dealer commented.
¡°We can¡¯t let him go now that he knows!¡± His associate added before he charged at Kira.
Without waiting any further, the other man dashed after his companion. As their target began to run away, they both unsheathed their blades and used their Wills. The streets lit up as the dealers¡¯ bodies emitted unnatural flames. Due to their auras, they quickly caught up with the adolescent.
¡®What the hell did I just¡? Are they serious?!¡¯ Kira thought as he took out the long silver tant¨ hidden inside is kimono to parry the incoming strike. In his mind, he pictured a diagram and stabilized his breathing. When he welcomed the Will inside his soul, swirls of energy danced around him. With the fusion, his blade blocked his opponent¡¯s flaming sword in a blinding clash. The hit released a heat wave and Kira stepped back. They exchanged blows for a while and the young man¡¯s face showed intense concentration. On the contrary, the scarred warrior did not show any signs of tension.
Some of the denizens had been alerted by the battle, but ordinary people would not involve themselves in such a fight.
¡®He¡¯s good. Even with the defensive abilities of Swirl, I can barely defend myself. Damn.¡¯ Kira said to himself as he backed off to avoid the small black clouds formed by the strikes. Using the deflecting abilities of his Will, he parried the blows so as to minimize the impacts. However, his hand was starting to numb under the succession of hits and sweat trickled down his cheeks. After the smaller dealer finally arrived, he tried to get around him in a pincer formation.
When Kira noticed, his aura suddenly changed and bolts of lightning appeared on his silhouette. After a quick look around him, he charged toward a building on the side and smashed the door open with his shoulder. He had chosen the house because it was a blacksmith shop. Horseshoes, farm tools and various other metallic objects were put down on shelves around the room.
As his opponent caught up, the young man stood behind a big anvil.
¡®Even with Lightning, he¡¯s faster than me. Who¡¯s that guy? Damn. I hate those Fire and Earth styles!¡¯ The tall swordsman had been on his trail and had caught up quickly.
Kira¡¯s heart was pounding fast. He had not foreseen this turn of events. When the adolescent had decided to follow the men, he had expected a few hits but not a fight to the death. In Okachi, no one would attack him in fear of the Tsuchiya clan. He was not sure if stalling the fight any further would be at his advantage. His family did not fully control this part of the city.
¡°I have nothing against you but I need you to die.¡± The dealer said as he slowly circled around the block of iron.
¡°Next time, maybe?¡± The young man asked before he held his silver dagger between his teeth. He took a fighting stance.
When the scarred warrior raised his blade to strike, Kira channeled his energy into his gloved hands. They formed swift and intricate gestures. Swirl and Lightning cohabited within his soul as he dodged his opponent¡¯s blade. Then he released the two forces toward the anvil next to him. As bolts of lightning whirled around the slab of iron, it attracted the katana with an irresistible power and the weapon sticked on it. Various nearby metallic objects were also pulled toward it.
Immediately, the teenager¡¯s jaw released his tant¨. Kira grabbed the weapon and slashed at his opponent¡¯s forearm while the man tried to recover his weapon. The Kitano clan retainer¡¯s aura changed and became a compact dusty mist. He tried to evade the swing but it was a moment too late. The blade had already bit deeply into the limb and only a strap of flesh was keeping it from falling.
Without a pause, Kira charged at his foe and stabbed him the stomach as the dealer¡¯s aura was weakening due the anguish caused by the deep wound. After he twisted the screeching blade, the scarred man fell on his knees with a surprised look. Though a desperate punch hit the side the youth¡¯s head, the dagger had already done its work. When the agonizing swordsman tried to talk, blood came out of his mouth and the light in his eyes faded. Breathless, Kira moved back to watch the black mist form over the corpse.
At this moment, the second man entered the building and watched the scene with an amazed expression.
¡°How?¡± He muttered with a frown.
Meanwhile, Kira rubbed his bruised cheek and released the tension caused by the fight. He observed the man with an inquisitive look.
¡°You¡¯d better leave.¡±
His opponent¡¯s face betrayed his interior conflict. Then the man¡¯s eyes hardened and he strengthened his grasp on his sword. His flaming aura intensified and shadows danced on the walls.
¡°I will show you the secret techniques of the Molten Soul Style.¡±
¡°Okay.¡± Kira said with a nonchalant air before he sheathed his blade in his belt. He channeled his defensive aura and his energy was spinning around him.
When the man started to swing his katana, he released two discharges of Swirl next to the swordsman with quick hand gestures. The disturbance compressed the air before it released the force in an instant. Just as the blast threw the man off balance, Kira drew his dagger and deflected the blade. After the young man pushed the weapon upward, he passed under the sword, swaying his body. The swirls became lightning bolts and he moved forward to his foe¡¯s blind spot. With enhanced speed, he slashed deeply at his opponent¡¯s side. On impact, his aura condensed and the blade emitted a sharp screech.
The dealer howled in pain and stepped back to avoid the second strike.
¡°Earthen House Serene Tempest Style, Whirling Leaf. It was really crude though.¡± Kira declared with a smirk. After this exchange, he knew his new opponent was nowhere near as good as the previous one.
The dealer¡¯s face become distorted by anger and pain as he held his weapon before him with unsteady hands.
¡°You¡¯re a spell caster.¡±
Kira shrugged and moved forward, his tant¨ pointed at the man. The Kitano retainer turned around and exited by the door. The young man ran after him and heard a muffled scream.
Outside, the man was hanged on a wooden pole, sticking out of the building roof, by a thin thread. Clad in a faint purple aura, a young woman stood nearby and pulled on the end of the strings. As she released the wires, her amber eyes glared at Kira with an annoyed expression. The lifeless body fell on the ground with a thud.
¡°Hey Setsuna! You¡¯re late. I did not even intend this to happen, I swear!¡± Kira said with an innocent smile.
¡°You were supposed to wait for me at the gate. Then I would have brought you back home like we were told to. Remember?¡± The woman declared after she sighed.
¡°It was just impossible to pass up on this.¡± The young lord added while he searched the body. He found two items and put them in his kimono. ¡°I¡¯m lucky, two bottles are intact.¡±
¡°You¡¯re too reckless. I thought you did not want to show your little tricks.¡± After Setsuna shook her wavy black hair, she recovered her weapon around the dead dealer¡¯s neck.
¡°Well, nobody else knows about them but Takeshi and us. I doubt those guys will talk.¡± He shrugged.
¡°Right¡¡± The girl said after she concealed the thread inside her sleeve. ¡°I always have to clean up after your mess.¡±
¡°Are you going to cry?¡±Kira asked with a grin.
¡°I did not cry since¡!¡± Setsuna almost shouted.
¡°Sorry. Let¡¯s leave quickly.¡± The young man announced after they heard the clatter of metallic objects falling on the ground.
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____________________________________________
Author''s notes :
Hello!
Things obviously didn''t go as planned. I got aggro from family and friends during the week-end. Then the witcher 3 happened.
Sorry for the delay.
Thanks for reading!
Chapter 10 - A Family affair
Author''s notes :
Hello!
It seems I took a risk by going with a kind of "in media res" timeskip. I hope it will be fine this way.
We will see!
Thanks for reading!
___________________________________________________________________
The next morning, Kira awoke in his room within the Tsuchiya household. It was the same room as when he first came around in this world. After he rubbed his eyes, he stood on the floor composed of straw tatamis. The paper walls let the sunlight through and he could hear the joyful peeping of the birds outside. Wearing a white yukata, the young man stretched his body before he went over to a dark brown dresser.
In one of the drawers, Kira found the small bottles of liquor he had looted on his assaulters from the past day. Once again, he focused his senses on the flask to analyze the energy dwelling inside the liquid.
¡®That¡¯s definitely not the same thing. It feels too different from the method the priests and physician use to make their medicine. The medium inside isn¡¯t soulsilver.¡¯ He thought as he looked at the picture of a moonlit landscape hung on in the alcove¡¯s wall. His mother had painted it three years ago and had offered it to him.
After some time, Kira looked at the scroll laid next to the bottles.
¡®What do I do with that? Should I give it to Ren?¡¯ The young man pondered while he opened the sliding door. He looked at the garden before he read the document.
¡®A shipment will be arriving on the new moon. Due to the circumstances, you should soon be able to produce your own. We will provide you with qualified staff.¡¯ He scowled at the words.
Kira took out his shamisen before he sat on the exterior hallway. Facing the greenery, he began to play under the bright summer sky. Though the young man wanted to know how they produced the beverage, he was not sure he could find out on his own. The teenager still had a few days before the new moon, but he had to decide on his approach. He would not ask for the help of the Tsuchiya clan if he could help it.
While Kira was lost in thought, he heard a low voice coming from his chamber.
¡°Young master, it is Shizuru.¡± The maid announced from behind the paper door.
¡°You can enter.¡± He answered while he stood.
The servant opened the door and bowed. She brought a low table into the room with dishes placed on top of it. She then returned in the hallway to pick up other items.
¡°You have been summoned by the Elder.¡± Shizuru declared after she put down a basin of steaming water and a towel on the floor. Her feline green eyes watched him with intensity.
Kira put aside his shamisen and faced the woman.
¡°I see. How is Mother?¡± The young man asked before he knelt beside the table.
¡°Lady Kaguya is as well as she can be.¡± She answered after a pause.
¡°Thank you.¡± He said with a smile.
After Shizuru left, he ate his breakfast with enthusiasm. It was composed of a bowl of white rice with a nori topping, a cabbage salad with beans and slices of fresh fish. Over the years, he had gotten used to the local food and began to appreciate the healthy diet. However he would not refuse a good pastry or a cake if he could get his hands on one.
Kira washed his face in the hot water then he changed his clothes. He put on a fine blue kimono before he stashed his findings inside his drawer. He slid his sword in his belt and left the house by the exterior hallway. Soon, the young man stepped on the flat stones of the pathway crossing the garden. He walked among the trimmed trees and bushes while thinking of the incoming encounter with his aunt.
Eventually Kira reached the pound and he noticed a silhouette standing on the wooden bridge. Kaguya was gazing at the fishes swimming in the water. The carmine kimono she wore contrasted with the greenery surrounding her.
When Kira joined her, her long black hair swayed as she turned to face him. She had lost weight during the previous years. To him, his mother was still beautiful but, like this day, she often wore a weary look. He knew physical strain tired her at a fast pace and she seldom left their domain.
¡°What is this?¡± His mother asked after she poked his bruised cheek.
¡°I slept on my hand.¡± Kira answered as he rubbed the wound. He was now a bit taller than his mother so they looked straight into each other eyes.
¡°What have you done this time?¡± The woman continued with a dubious look.
¡°I do not know.¡± He shrugged.
¡°Is my son a fool or a liar?¡± Kaguya requested after she gave him a bright smile.
¡°I have to go. I am already late.¡± The young man replied while he averted his eyes.
As he reached the next crossroad, Kira glanced back and saw his mother still watching him. He frowned then continued on his way along the rocky path. Soon, the young man reached the garden¡¯s walls. The white fortification was three meters high and dark blue tiles crowned it. When he approached the gate, the soldiers guarding it let him through without any question.
After he passed under the portal, Kira found himself in the busiest area of the estate. The field was clearer than the residential sector of the domain as only a few trees surrounded a huge sandy courtyard where men attended to their business. Merchants, artisans and farmers waited in lines around elegant Japanese-styled buildings to present their grievance. The atmosphere was lively and people often shouted to confirm their presence.
In a corner of the field, a bare-chested man was being tied down on two large wooden poles for all to see. A group of soldiers bearing the crest of the Tsuchiya clan were posted around the yard and watched the scene. They all wore matching blue kimonos and held a katana at their side. A lot of the people also observed the proceedings with eager expressions. Some of them cursed the offender and joked about his situation.
As Kira crossed the courtyard, he saw his sister observing the scene from a wooden platform nearby. Under the shade of a cherry tree, Ren was waving a black fan to cool herself with a detached look. As the young man walked toward her, he could see the silver butterflies embroidered on her white garb. The adolescent stopped at the lady side and faced the display before him.
¡°Nothing like a good whipping early in the morning.¡± The adolescent declared in a sarcastic manner. His sister gazed at him, expressionless.
The last time the two of them had brought up the matter, they had not talked to each other for days. Though Kira did not agree with Ren¡¯s beliefs, he still felt deep affection for his sister. He knew she would not resort to needless cruelty or violence. Outside of her duties, Ren was a caring sister and a sensible person. But even after all these years, her impassive demeanor still troubled him.
While Kira looked back at the lady, he remembered their argument two years ago.
¡°So do you think I take pleasure in inflicting pain? Do you think me ruthless, cruel and wicked? Please leave.¡± The memory of her distressed expression was still vivid in his mind.
¡°Sorry. Good morning.¡± Kira said with a contrite voice while he turned his head to observe the scene before him.
¡°Good morning.¡± His sister answered before a wry smile appeared on her lips.
Eventually, the punishment began as a soldier flailed a whip. Every time the lash struck, the man¡¯s body arched and he emitted a muffled scream due to the piece of cloth on his mouth. After the tenth crack of the strap, Ren raised a hand and the soldiers unbound the convict. Two men lifted him under the armpits and they left the courtyard. As the group was moving away, Kira watched the red lines on the prisoner¡¯s back and frowned.
¡°I heard Aunt summoned you.¡± Ren stated as she crossed her arms.
The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.¡°Yes, she did. I am on my way to meet with her.¡± An annoyed expression appeared on Kira¡¯s face.
¡°Then I will accompany you. What have you done this time?¡± She asked with a smirk.
¡°I am not sure.¡± He replied after a sigh.
¡°Does this mean there are several possible reasons for her to request you presence?¡± The lady added before she hit his head with her closed fan.
After he pouted, Kira followed his sister in the courtyard. Soon, they reached the main building of the Tsuchiya clan¡¯s estate. It was a five-floor Japanese castle with ivory walls and dark tiles on its roofs. The edifice was magnificent and towered above the whole city of Okachi. Its base was made of large beige stones and it was as tall as the trees surrounding it.
The two of them passed under the guarded gate of the rampart encircling the stronghold. After they crossed an empty courtyard, they entered the castle. Inside, the sunlight went through the opened windows and reflected on the white walls. Officials and servants were striding on the polished wooden floor to attend to their duties. At the siblings¡¯ passage, they bowed respectfully.
When they reached the fourth level, they stopped in front of a room. Kira felt his pulse accelerate in anticipation.
¡°Aunt Amaya, it is Ren.¡± His sister announced without hesitation.
¡°You may enter.¡± A feminine voice answered.
Ren opened the sliding door and her brother followed her inside. The clan head merely glanced at them when they knelt in the middle of the room. For a while, she continued to write on scrolls laid on the low table before her. The woman looked similar to her sister and niece. She had the same slender build and white skin. A strand of her long raven-black hair covered the left side of her face and she had a mole on the lower corner of her right eye.
Eventually, the leader of the Tsuchiya put down her writing brush and stood. After Amaya smoothed her black kimono, she motioned her nephews to rise.
¡°What did you do last evening?¡± The woman asked as she stared at Kira.
¡°I came back from Mizuba Temple like you asked.¡± The adolescent answered with a carefree smile.
¡°Do not be insolent.¡± The clan head bid after she backhanded him. The hit had been light but it had surprised the young man. ¡°We do not have time to waste on irrelevant matters.¡± Amaya went over to the balcony behind her desk and placed her hands on the wooden railing. She gazed at the city below.
¡°We are busy enough these days without having to clean after your mess. I hope it is not one of your ridiculous quests for righteousness.¡±
¡°No. I did provoke them a little but it should not have come to arms. They may have been drunk. I was able to overcome them with Setsuna¡¯s help.¡± He declared after he rubbed his cheek.
¡°Your version fits with Setsuna¡¯s. Well done.¡± She said in a sarcastic tone.
¡°Is it linked to those apparitions people are talking about?¡± Kira questioned with interest.
¡°You not knowing is part of the problem.¡± The Elder added with an expression full of rebuke.
¡°In the countryside, people are seeing y¨kais everywhere: onis, kappas, tengus, inugamis and so on. Of course, we know the real cause of the matter but that is beside the point.¡± Ren answered before she stared at her brother.
¡°Telling the truth would make things worse.¡± The youth commented after he glanced at his sister.
¡°Yes, it would cause greater panic.¡± The lady continued after she nodded. ¡°We have been spared for years due to how we handled the matter in Namuya. But it seems the problem has diffused from the neighboring regions and is now within our lands.¡±
¡°Those incompetent fools always make things worse.¡± Their aunt commented with disdain.
¡°We are trying to prevent this plague from spreading however the task is arduous. The creatures are sly.¡± Ren continued while she crossed her arms. ¡°We have deployed a large part of our forces to uncover their whereabouts.¡±
¡°As a preventive measure, you are bound to the Tsuchiya estate. The Kitano clan is in an uproar due to last night events. We will take care of them after the current matter is settled.¡± She snickered. ¡°The minor clans of the region have gotten more confident since Kaguya¡¯s condition has been made public. It really is a bother.¡±
¡°You cannot bind me.¡± Kira declared while he scowled. Upon hearing his words, his aunt stared at him and her lips curved in a malicious manner. Then Amaya laughed heartily and drops appeared in the corners of her red eyes.
¡°What are you going to do?¡± He asked with visible annoyance.
¡°I am not going to do anything.¡± The clan head answered after she wiped her tears with a handkerchief. ¡°To you.¡± She turned her back on him and gestured them to leave. ¡°You may leave. Ren, stay.¡±
Kira scowled and a tint of anger appeared in his eyes as he understood Amaya¡¯s words. The Elder had one person under her total control that he cared for. It was his friend Setsuna who worked under her direct orders. He gritted his teeth and bowed.
¡°Wait for me outside.¡± His sister whispered as he went past her.
When the young man stepped on the hallway, he watched the two women¡¯s back and closed the sliding door. His heart was pounding while he went down the staircases. Kira ignored the people around him as his mind was focused on his aunt¡¯s words. Once in the courtyard, he took a deep breath and gazed at the clear sky.
Some minutes later, Ren joined him in the yard. She put a hand on her hip and sighed.
¡°If you had kept a low profile, Aunt would not have reacted this way.¡±
¡°So I should just hide somewhere and stay put?¡± Kira asked after he faced her.
¡°It is not the right place to talk.¡± His sister declared before she started to walk. The young man followed her and soon, they found themselves on the garden near their residence. The siblings stopped on the wooden bridge. For a moment, they stood side by side without uttering a word.
¡°She had great expectations of you.¡± Ren eventually said without looking at her brother. ¡°When you were younger, you were so diligent in your training and studies. You were so talented that your tutors could not keep up with you. When you wanted to learn the shamisen, she hired one of the best masters of the Empire of Iroha to teach you as a reward for your efforts.¡± She shook her head.
¡°Soon after, your interests strayed. You wanted to learn with a physician. Then you went to the priests. You wanted foreign books and scrolls. You never cared about your position and worked on your own without explanations. She does not understand you. She is disappointed.¡±
¡°Are you?¡± Kira asked after he turned his head toward the woman.
Ren¡¯s lips became a thin line and she gazed at the pound. As the young man observed his sister, he felt sadness at the lady¡¯s silence.
¡°You are now seventeen however we do not have the slightest clue on what you want to become.¡± She shook her head. ¡°But you do know. You simply do not tell us. Why, I wonder?¡±
¡®If I tell you, it will just become one more piece for you to control.¡¯ He thought as he clenched his fist.
¡°Would it harm the Tsuchiya clan?¡±
¡°No.¡±
¡°I believe you.¡± She said with a smile.
¡°It has been a month since we last trained together. Let us see how you fare with a blade.¡±
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Chapter 11 - Mirrors edge
Kira was kneeling on the tatamis within the dojo of his residence. It was similar to the rest of the house, with wood and paper walls. The sliding doors were open and both gardens could be seen from inside the room. After he opened his eyes, he read the words written a paper scrolls hung on the alcove¡¯s wall.
¡°Regardless of all skill, a despondent heart will always be defeated.¡±
When his sister entered the dojo, Kira stood up. He repositioned the practice sword slid in his belt as Ren grabbed one of the various weapons held on racks near the written school¡¯s principle. Like his brother, the lady wore training clothes, a dark hakama and a white shirt.
After Ren tied her hair with a red ribbon, she removed her sandals. The woman stepped on the straw mats and she bowed. After they greeted themselves in a formal fashion, as master and student, they drew their wooden swords. The practice weapons they wielded were coated with soulsilver to allow the use of Wills.
¡°I hope you are still in good shape,¡± Ren said as she entered a fighting stance.
¡°I should be,¡± he said with a grin.
The Serene Tempest was a three-Wills style. Each of the warming up kata was focused on the training of one Will.
The siblings started with Swirl, and soon white spirals fluttered around them. They practiced their defense as they deflected their partner¡¯s strikes before they counterattacked in fluid motions. Instead of abruptly stopping their swords, they allowed the weapons to come to the end of their paths and used the force to initiate their next move. For a while, the siblings traded blows in their family training room.
Soon, the young man fully committed himself to the training. He liked the repetition of moves and the constant focus needed to improve his technique. Kira pouted at his own mistakes and Ren teased him after every series. Practices were some of the best memories of his new childhood, when all that mattered was to improve his sword technique to master the use of Wills. When his family believed unconditionally in him and praised him every time he progressed.
After master and student finished the first set, they moved on to Lightning. Due to the enhanced speed and agility conferred by the aura, the blows were faster and sharper with swift step-ins. Bolts of electricity danced around them as they swung their swords. That part of the style was the most elusive. It involved evading your opponent¡¯s attacks by moving forward, to put yourself on in advantageous situations to inflict lethal strikes.
But now, things were slightly different. Ren did not smile. She was evaluating him with an inquisitive stare. His sister forcibly pushed him into making errors as they sparred.
Eventually, they reached the last set. The sparks disappeared and became a layer of blurry light on their garb. As their weapons clashed, they emitted a faint screech. Wave was the most offensive aura of the style. It had high penetration and strength, but its defensive capabilities were almost nil. The moves of the kata were composed of basic slashes and thrusts, performed in all the main stances.
Each time Ren attacked, her brother deflected the blow and riposted with an aggressive strike. Sweat began to pour on his forehead and his breathing accelerated. No wind was blowing in the courtyard and the weather was moist. The tree leaves were still and curious birds were watching the scene while peeping in a joyful fashion. The lady pushed harder and the young man slipped on the straw mat.
¡°Practice the sets one to three of the Harmony,¡± Ren said after he got up.
The youth was grateful the morning was still young. While Kira wiped the sweat of his face, he looked at his sister. The tip of her weapon touched the ground and her two hands were resting on the pommel of the wooden sword. She was watching him with a smirk.
The teenager took a deep breath and did as his master bid. Being a swordsman was not only about knowing the techniques of the blade. A huge part of it was being able to discern the proper moment to use each Will, and to switch fast to make the most of an aura strength. The next set of moves could not be performed in a pair, due to the nature of the auras. The clashes would create a disturbance and then form a black cloud.
Kira went on with the succession of moves. Wave succeeded to Lightning as he fought his imaginary opponents. Inside his mind, his foes struck at him with furious vigor while he performed the various techniques of the Serene Tempest. Due to its offensive nature, Wave was only used as a killing blow in those sequences. The move the young man used against his assaulter the day before, Whirling Leaf, was part of those series.
It took Kira ten minutes to complete the Harmony. His sister did not let him rest and positioned herself before him. They went through the ritual greeting and started their friendly fight, using only Lightning. Even though Ren restrained herself, she clearly had the advantage over her brother. She was faster and had better insight. Kira would at times find himself on the ground after a throw or a takedown.
After a mistake, she would often return to her previous position, and invite him to repeat the move until he got it right.
When they stopped, the sun was high in the sky. Their clothes were soaked in sweat and clutched to their skins. It had been a long time since he had such a workout. It felt good to him. The siblings went out of the tatamis and quenched their thirst with water flasks. They knelt on the wooden hallway, under the shade of a cherry tree.
¡°You understand the essence of the techniques, but your moves sometimes feel unnatural to you.¡± Ren commented while she slid her wooden sword in her belt. ¡°You are at a point where you should free yourself from your teachers¡¯ habits. You are trying to emulate Shizuru and me but it might not be the best way for you.¡±
She wiped her face with a white towel and joined her hands on her lap.
¡°We are all different in mind and body. Even in the same school, different practitioners have distinctive ways of realizing one technique. You should have noticed. Shizuru¡¯s footwork is faster than mine so she has a more offensive approach. She usually takes the initiative when the opponent has committed to attack, but has not yet done so. Due to that, it often looks like she attacked first.¡±
She was right. Though, he had often relied on various tricks to be able to succeed. Kira observed his sister as she was gazing at the pound with a distant expression.
He often missed the relationship they had before. A few times, he thought of giving up on his goal and ideals. He had wanted to simply live up to his family¡¯s expectations. It would probably spare his relatives and close friends a lot of troubles. The lady turned her head and stared at him with intensity.
¡°That is what you are trying to achieve, but fail to do so. Why, I wonder? It might be because your basics are horrible.¡± Ren declared before she shrugged. ¡°Your body movements are unrefined and you still apply excessive force when channeling the energy of your opponent¡¯s attacks. All of this slows you down. However I told you before, did I not? Should I remind you?¡±
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¡®You¡¯re a monster, that¡¯s fucking why!¡¯ he thought while he kept a stern expression.
¡°No, it is fine.¡± He answered with monotone voice. ¡°Learning martial arts is like building a tower. It will be only as strong as its foundations.¡±
¡°Good. Now... again.¡± Ren declared as she stood up.
When Kira followed her, she looked back and raised an eyebrow.
¡°What is it? Something on my face?¡± The young man asked after he frowned.
¡°It seems you do practice by yourself.¡± She answered as her lips curved slightly.
¡°Of course I do. I want to look manly.¡± Kira said with a grin.
¡°You have a lot of work before you then.¡±
¡°What is that supposed to mean?¡± he questioned before he pouted.
For two hours, they went on with their training. They practiced their forms and unarmed techniques. All those moves were needed when fighting people wearing soulsilver armors. Though you seldom saw those plates, it was part of the course as you should be able to handle any situation. It was more about destabilizing you opponent and thrusting your sword into the unprotected areas.
¡°So what will you report?¡± Kira asked after their practice.
¡°You would not have been able to defeat your last opponent by yourself with just a sword.¡± She answered with a wry smile.
**********************
After they had cleaned themselves, they joined their mother for lunch, like they usually did. The meals were always refined and they ate silently.
Eventually, Ren left to attend to a meeting with an influential clan of the region. Kira stayed in the room with Kaguya. The workout had tired him and he wanted to rest for now. The two of them were drinking tea in the common room of the house.
¡°You have improved,¡± Kaguya declared with a proud smile. ¡°I watched your training for some time this morning.¡±
¡°Ren does not seem impressed,¡± her son remarked with a shrug.
¡°A teacher cannot praise his student too much,¡± the woman stated after she glanced at him. ¡°Also, she might envy you a little. You grasped the concept of Wills almost like it was natural. You understood the steps needed to fuse your soul with your energy in a matter of weeks.¡±
¡°It simply happened. I do not know.¡±
¡°She thinks you are wasting your talents,¡± Kaguya added as she turned to face him. ¡°Well¡ I do not have to tell you something you already are aware of.¡±
Kira nodded. During a while, they simply stayed together without uttering a word.
¡°For years, I was nothing more than a keen blade for all to see, a weapon pointed at our rivals.¡± The woman told him as she stared deeply into his eyes.
¡°Your presence prevented conflicts,¡± Kira affirmed with a frown.
¡°Perhaps, or we might have disposed of the threats before they became significant. I have more blood on my hands than most.¡± She said as she joined her hands together. ¡°Several times I thought of giving up, but too many people relied on me. Even though we might not share the same point of view, Amaya is still my sister. And her rule is fair, if stringent. I sincerely believed she was the best choice to govern Okachi. I still do.¡±
¡°Aunt does not burden the people too much and she usually settles problems swiftly. She seems to care about the people.¡±
¡°Care? No, I do not think so.¡± Kaguya claimed while she shook her head. ¡°But she understands the well-being of the denizens is actually beneficial to her dominion. Now, the region is flourishing and one of the most influential of the Empire of Iroha.¡±
¡°What path do you want to follow?¡± She declared. ¡°Will you hold a sword or a brush? The choice is yours, and no one else¡¯s. I will talk to Sister. Do not get in trouble for now. ¡±
¡°Thank you, Mother.¡± Kira smiled brightly at his mother.
¡°Have a nice day.¡± His mother said before she left.
After the lady left, the young man crossed the exterior hallway and went in his room.
Kira took out a book from the bottom drawer. On its pages, he had written all he could remember of the different possible combinations of ether patterns. He was trying to recreate something similar to essence. Due to the nature of this world, it should be possible to produce the solution now that he knew spell casting. He had to find the Wills required to infuse the solution.
¡®Swirl is one of them,¡¯ he thought as he put the document on his thighs. ¡®The problem is I do not know the names of the two other Wills I need to create all that. I remember their codename back then, but that knowledge is useless by itself.¡¯
The youth turned the pages and read his notes, written in English. He slid his index on the paper.
¡®I have to identify them by their effects and then learn them. Most groups who practice spell casting keep their skills secret. It¡¯s going to be a pain to find out.¡¯
Kira closed the book. Using his knowledge, he had already developed a few spells with the three Wills he knew. The young man knew the exact timing required to blend two patterns together, and make them enter resonance. The algorithms he used were accurate even in this world. He simply had to picture the images in his mind and weave them together with the correct timing.
¡®The method itself requires being able to use a three-way resonance, but this technique is unknown. The only known occurrences are the war in Garesh eighteen years ago and most recently the appearances of those zombie-like creatures, like in Namuya. It would allow people to infuse an object without a medium.¡¯
He got up and opened his drawer.
¡®How did they make this?¡¯ the teenager said to himself while looking at the flask. He drank a drop of the liquid. ¡®The reaction is strong and it¡¯s definitely not soulsilver tea.¡¯
After some time, he put down the bottle and he sighed.
¡®Soulsilver tea is a significant part of the Tsuchiya clan income.¡¯
He remembered his sister¡¯s words. ¡°I believe you.¡±
Making that method public might be considered as a betrayal, so his heart sometimes wavered.
¡®But I¡¯m sure of one thing.¡¯
Kira looked at the painting his mother made.
¡®I will save you.¡¯
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Chapter 9.2 - Under the Brush
Author''s notes :
Hello!
Those who have been following my novel might be surprised by the number of the chapter.
Last week, I PMed some people and asked their opinions on my novel. Then I took a small break to think about it.
Even though most figured out the things I wanted, some readers felt a bit lost or simply disappointed by my choices. I wanted to advance a bit on the plot. It would probably have worked out this way but I started doubting. It wasn''t good.
Then I remembered Sanderson''s words : "Journey before destination."
It took me some time to figure out how to change the story without it feeling like fillers. I tweaked an arc I previously intended to start later, and put it there. I had to incorporate the major events of the MC''s childhood in the subplot and develop the training parts.
So I restarted at chapter 9 and previous 9-10-11 will be moved for later (I''ll probably remove them for now).
As you can see, I made a poll. I''ll be waiting for the results and maybe some feedback.
Another thing.
I didn''t write the poem in this chapter. It''s a translation of the Iroha by Ryuichi Abe. Wiki it if you are curious.
Thank you for reading!
_____________________________________________
Kira was seated on the exterior hallway of his family¡¯s residence in Okachi. The boy was arranging brushes in a black box while he observed a tree in the garden. Two squirrels were fighting on a high branch of the cherry tree, just outside the house. The rodents squeaked as they rolled over each other, quarrelling for some unknown prize.
After the youth closed the black case, the two animals glanced at him before they fled among the greenery. Kira scratched the back of his head and watched the cloudy sky. The morning was still young and a fresh breeze conveyed the many scents of nature.
¡°You should get going soon or you will be late,¡± a soft voice said behind him.
¡°Yes, I know.¡± Kira answered as he looked over his shoulder.
In the common room, Kaguya was knelt beside her working table and several writing tools were placed before her. His mother¡¯s condition had improved and her complexion had returned to normal. So her son could attend to his lesson, she had given him some of her tools. The woman was now painting a landscape on a piece of thick paper. After a light stroke, the lady gazed at her son.
¡°It is important that you learn words and numbers,¡± she declared with a solemn expression.
Kira nodded. It had been three days since they returned from Namuya. The day after the ceremony, they had left the town and came back to Okachi to allow Kaguya some rest. During this time, they had only seen Ren a couple of times. His sister was busy with matters relating to the Tsuchiya¡¯s clan and only came to take news of her mother¡¯s health.
The boy stretched himself out and stood, the box in his hands. As Kira was about to leave, he heard a cough coming from the room. Kaguya was looking at him with an eager look. The youth hesitated for a moment before he went over to his mother¡¯s side. After he knelt, the lady hugged him tightly and then smoothed his clothes.
¡°I cannot leave if you hold me, you know.¡± Kira announced, awkward. ¡°I thought you wanted me to learn. How indecisive you¡¡±
¡°You are cuter when you do not talk.¡± Kaguya said as she put a finger on his lips. ¡°Have a safe trip,¡± she added with a gleeful look.
The boy gave a smile to his mother, before he went on his way along the rocky path. Soon, the young man reached the garden¡¯s walls. The white fortification was three meters high and dark blue tiles crowned it. When he approached the gate, the soldiers guarding it let him through without any question.
After he passed under the portal, Kira found himself in the busiest area of the estate. The field was clearer than the residential sector of the domain as only a few trees surrounded a huge sandy courtyard where men attended to their business. Merchants, artisans and farmers waited in lines around elegant Japanese-styled buildings to present their grievance. The atmosphere was lively and people often shouted to confirm their presence.
The area seemed busier than usual. In the yard, many officials passed him in a hurry as he approached the exit. Farther away, Kira could see the main edifice of the domain. It was a five-floored Japanese castle with ivory walls and dark tiles on its roofs. The edifice was magnificent and towered above the whole city of Okachi. Even after the few days he had been here, the boy was still amazed by its grace.
Kira reached the doorway leading to the town. Two soldiers were waiting for him and bowed upon his arrival. The guards were wearing the Tsuchiya¡¯s garb, the Fan pinned on their chest.
¡°Master Kira, we are here to escort you.¡± One of the men declared, a hand resting on his sword.
¡°Very well, thank you.¡± Kira said after he nodded.
The soldiers accompanied him through the town. They walked in the richest district of the town. Ladies and gentlemen were spending their morning in fine taverns. Shops presented luxurious articles and various scents filled the streets. Several times, Kira stopped to observe a stall with curious eyes. The shopkeepers often invited him to look at their wares but he refused their offers in a polite fashion.
However, the city was restless. Kira could hear people whispering at his passage as they noticed the emblem on the guards¡¯ uniforms. The boy frowned while he tried to understand their words. Without doubt, the news about his mother¡¯s condition had already reached their ears. It even eclipsed the story of Namuya in importance. He remembered the horrors of the event and could not help but shiver.
Some minutes later, the three of them reached a large building surrounded by a wall. ¡°Homura¡± was written on a wooden sign beside the gate. When one of his escorts announced their arrival, a male servant opened the door. He looked down at Kira and bowed.
¡°The master has been waiting for you. Please follow me,¡± the attendant announced while he gestured them to enter.
The group crossed a small garden and entered the residence. Though the house was smaller than his family¡¯s, it was of large size by normal standards. The estate was well kept and gave off a peaceful atmosphere. After they reached the other side of the building, the two soldiers stopped and took position just outside. The servant led him to an open chamber and invited him to enter.
Inside the room, a bearded man was reading scrolls. The whole place was a joyful mess. Half-finished works were spread all around the study. Books were piled up on the floor and scrolls were arranged on shelves. Kira could see that the documents were written not only in Japanese, but in different languages as well.
When the youth entered, the scholar raised his head before he stared at the boy. The man¡¯s wrinkles emphasized his merry expression and his brown hair was tied in a disordered fashion. His ink-stained hands put down a writing brush and he stood. His fast movements betrayed his apparent scrawniness as he came to meet the child.
¡°Good morning, I am Tsuchiya Kira¡± the boy said after he bowed.
¡°Good morning, young lord.¡± the man announced after he answered the child¡¯s greeting. The scholar then pointed at a cushion near a low table. ¡°Please take a seat.¡±
After the servant saluted his employer, he left the room. Kira sat cross-legged beside the desk and laid his black box before him. The teacher took a seat in front his new student and observed him at with an affable look. The man seemed in his forties, but his eyes were joyful and young.
¡°I¡¯m Homura Shigeru and you are here to learn how to read and write.¡± The man eventually declared while he put his hands on his knees.
¡°Nice to meet you.¡±
¡°I often work for your family as a scribe or translator. Believe it or not, I¡¯m rather well known.¡± The man declared while he scratched the back of his neck. ¡°I taught your sister, a hundred years ago. She was brilliant, though a bit too earnest if you ask me.¡±
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
As Kira had not been aware of that fact, his expression betrayed his surprise. What¡¯s more, he had never asked Ren¡¯s age. Though he had guessed she was older than she looked, the confirmation made him chuckle.
¡°So she was always this serious?¡± the boy asked.
¡°Ren actually softened during the last decades,¡± the man answered after he rubbed his chin. ¡°Well enough about her. Let¡¯s get down to your lessons.¡±
Shigeru stood and moved toward a shelf. While the man was searching, Kira examined the room. The place emitted a warm atmosphere. The documents were arranged by theme all around the study. They covered several subjects like literature, science and medicine. The boy was quite interested by all the volumes, but the theme that held his interest was Wills. The rack was small compared to the others.
Eventually, the man came back with scrolls in his hands.
¡°You will start by learning the kana,¡± he said while he uncoiled a parchment on the table. ¡°This is a poem you will have to remember. It¡¯s called the Iroha and our country is named after it. It contains every syllable only once. Its author is unknown.¡±
Kira looked down at the piece of paper. As usual, he could understand the words. When the child raised his head, the scholar closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Soon after, he began to sing in the slow and steady style of Shigin, the art of reciting Japanese poems.
¡°Although its scent still lingers on
the form of a flower has scattered away
For whom will the glory
of this world remain unchanged?
Arriving today at the yonder side
of the deep mountains of evanescent existence
We shall never allow ourselves to drift away
intoxicated, in the world of shallow dreams.¡±
Meanwhile, Kira listened to the verses with an amazed expression. The tone was unusual for him but he could not help but be touched by the words.
¡°Well, I¡¯m not that good at singing but it is a good manner to start learning.¡± The scholar declared after he finished reciting the song. ¡°We¡¯ll sing together at first so you can remember it.¡±
The boy stared at the man with a dubious expression. He then looked down at the scroll on the table and frowned.
¡°Don¡¯t be shy. It¡¯s only the two of us anyway,¡± Shigeru stated after he chuckled.
¡°It¡¯s going to be horrible. You¡¯re going to regret it,¡± Kira told him with a pout.
¡°I have a really high tolerance, trust me.¡± The teacher said as he grabbed a shamisen. ¡°Let¡¯s try.¡±
Next, the two of them sang the poem while the teacher played the three-stringed instrument. A few times, Kira glanced at the document to read the words. He was rather surprised by his performance, in a good way. His child voice was quite different from his old one. The child was intrigued by the music, and stared at the man as he plucked the wires. The notes helped him to find the correct rhythm and he began to enjoy the exercise.
For some minutes, they repeated the verses until Kira could sing by himself.
¡°See, it went well!¡± the scholar claimed, joyful. ¡°You remembered that quickly.¡±
¡°So you¡¯re not just a weird old man.¡±
¡°Hey! I¡¯m an experienced teacher! Have some faith,¡± Shigeru said as he put down his instrument. ¡°Now that you know this, you will have to learn to recognize and write the characters. That part is up to you.¡±
The man unrolled some piece of paper on the low table and his student opened his box. He picked up a brush and began his work.
For a few hours, Kira memorized the signs. Since he already knew how to understand them, he found the task quite easy. Writing was quite different than simply reading, so it still took him some time to organize the information in his mind. The boy held his tool with an uncertain hand as he reproduced the characters.
Once, he paused and observed the garden.
¡°The people in town don¡¯t speak about the real problem,¡± Kira stated as he stared at a couple of birds flying around.
¡°Even though most don¡¯t care that much about who governs them, they appreciate the stability offered by the Tsuchiya.¡± The man said while reading a book. ¡°They know a shift in the balance means trouble.¡±
¡°Did they forget the circumstances behind the events?
¡°They do not feel concerned by them, since they do not affect them directly, unlike Lady Kaguya¡¯s condition. That¡¯s really a shame,¡± Shigeru answered after he glanced at the boy.
The youth resumed his assignment and his mind wandered. He was not exactly sure on the course of action he should take. Even with all his goodwill, he was still powerless. As a lone child, what could he possibly do?
Eventually, Shigeru looked at the boy¡¯s sheets.
¡°Did you already take lessons?¡± the man asked while he rubbed his chin.
¡°No, I don¡¯t think so.¡± Kira answered, uncertain.
The scholar dictated a few sentences and his student wrote the characters without mistake.
¡°Well, it seems you know most of them. That¡¯s surprising to say the least. How old are you?¡±
¡°Five years old,¡± the boy answered with amused eyes.
¡°Your writing is horrible though,¡± Shigeru said after he grumbled.
The man positioned himself in front of his student and uncoiled a blank scroll. He took a brush and soaked the tip in an ink bottle. He straightened his back.
¡°Relax your shoulders. If you are too tense, you will tire your arm quickly and loose accuracy. You have to be delicate, like when you are caressing a woman.¡±
Kira sneered at the man and crossed his arms. ¡°What do you mean?¡± he said in a mocking tone.
¡°Well, you might be a bit too young for this comparison.¡± The man¡¯s brushy eyebrows curved in a frown. ¡°Steady your breath and hold the brush lightly, without putting too much force. Do not think about the characters. Feel.¡±
The teacher wrote a few characters with an effortless grace. The strokes had certain sharpness in them, empty of any hesitation. It almost felt like he was holding a sword rather than a brush. Every move was assured and radiated confidence.
¡°Your strokes must be flowing and unrestrained,¡± the man declared while he gazed at garden. ¡°Your mind should focus on your task while still being aware of your surroundings. One with nature, peaceful.¡±
Kira compared his notes with his master¡¯s. The characters were the same, yet they seemed different. He had considered words only as a mean to convey information or data. For some time, he tried to copy the figures but he could not match the man¡¯s strokes. He felt annoyed but he persisted, stubborn.
At lunch, the two of them ate simple dishes before they returned to the study.
For the rest of the day, Kira practiced his writing. He tried to empty his mind of all his worries, of all his unanswered questions. He realized that he had drowned in an ocean of doubt and uncertainty. More than physical strain, his own thoughts had exhausted him. As the hours went by, the boy felt his hands untie. With every breath, he freed his consciousness.
When the sun had touched the horizon, Kira put down his brush and exhaled slowly. The man was staring at his student.
¡°That¡¯s the Void,¡± Shigeru said with a smile.
******************
The next morning, Kira felt something heavy lying on his chest as he woke up. When the boy opened his eyes, he saw a black form curled on top of him. As the youth moved on his mattress to examine the intruder, green irises appeared and glanced at him with an annoyed expression. The cat yawned before it licked its lips. The feline stretched itself out at full length and his paws tickled Kira¡¯s nose. It then settled its slender body in the hollow of Kira¡¯s elbow.
¡°What are¡?¡± the boy said in a low voice.
¡°How many times do I have to tell you?¡± a voice echoed in his mind, interrupting him. ¡°Start petting, I¡¯m a cat.¡±