Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ Kazuyuki - Kazuki's Origin ❯ Out of the Forest and into the Desert ( Chapter 8 )

Chapter 7

Out of the Forest and Into the Desert

 

The morning light was just breaking over the tree tops causing whatever snow was left to melt in the early spring morning. The forest floor was mostly shaded by the trees but a few rays broke through. Some of these rays of light happened hit the unfortunate sleeping form of Kazuyuki waking him up. He woke with a grumble at the light on his face and then with a jolt remembered that he wasn't in the comfort of his home anymore. He sat up and then moved over to the tree Chise was sleeping in. He climbed the tree and gently shook Chise awake.

“Chise, it's time to get up. We have to keep moving.”

She was a little slower waking up then he was so he went back down to his pack and pulled out the parcel of food his mother gave them. Inside it held dried salted meat, bread, and a few herbs and vegetables from what they had collected for the winter. Kazuyuki gave a small portion for each of them. If everything went well they would be in Hikari Kuni long before nightfall but he didn't want to take any chances. After they had eaten their small meal they set out again though the forest.

So far they had made good timing because Kazuyuki grew up in the forest and knew his way to the point where they stopped last night. Now it was a matter of picking their way though because they couldn't use the roads which he used the last time he came this way with his father. They made pretty good progress until they hit a large melting stream. Usually this stream flowed rather smoothly so travelers could cross it safely but with all the melting snow and ice the current was moving dangerously fast. Chise looked over at Kazuyuki.

“Are you sure this is the right way? It doesn't look like we can cross this even if we look for a place where it is shallower…” Kazuyuki sighed and knelt down by the edge of the stream.

“Yeah this is the right way. On the path there is a sturdy bridge for travelers to pass over, but in here we won't be able to.” He replied.

“So what can we do? Wait…you are not suggesting…”She stared at him. He looked over at Chise.

“We don't have much of a choice do we? With all this melting the current may only get worse. We're going to have to go on the path. I don't like it either but the alternative looks pretty bad. If we play it safe I think it will be alright.”

“So what are you planning to do?” She asked. Kazuyuki smirked slightly.

“Pretend to be someone else. We have relatives that live in Hikari Kuni. I could pretend to be their son.” Chise looked at him.

“Are you sure that will work?” Kazuyuki nodded his head.

“My aunt and uncle don't have any children. I could just say that they made me their heir and I'm heading over to join my new family. I'd have to make new name of course.”*1.

“Looks like you've been thinking this through. So what name are you going to use?” She asked.

“I wanted to make sure I had a plan if the worse should happen. The name I was thinking of using is Nakajima Kazuki. It's an adaptation of my name but it's far too common for anyone to make a connection.”

Chise hesitated.

“What about me?”

Kazuyuki gave her a sad smile.

“I'm sorry Chise. You would stand out too much and only a select few have Shikigami partners besides the fact that we are the odd pair.”

Chise sighed looking defeated.

“So...I guess you want me to go into hiding again?”

“If only until we get well into Hikari Kuni. If they're after us at all they'll be looking for a male and female pair. My hope is, once they found out we were gone they would have let it go but I'd have to be a fool to let my guard down now.” He replied. She sighed again and disappeared.

`Alright but the minute we get there I'm appearing again!'

Kazuyuki or Kazuki as we now have to call him didn't argue with her knowing not to anger her any more then she already was. Kazuki left the forest and started on the main path. He knew that he going against his father's advice but they didn't have much choice in the matter. As he walked he started making plans for what they would do once they got into the country which he shared with Chise.

They would make part of their lie true by paying his aunt and uncle a visit. After that he would try to blend in and find a job. If the Anti-Shikigami tried to attack them again they'd have to find someplace else to go but Kazuki wanted to stay optimistic at the moment. About an hour later they were nearing the border. He had not seen anyone the entire time he had been on the road but the sound of a busy marketplace could be heard.

The border was guarded by two well built men. They both carried spears and had a look about them that seem to say `don't even try it'. Kazuki got more nervous as he neared the bridge. Chise's voice came through his mind.

`Relax and speak as if you have said this to many.' He felt something warm flow through his and calmed down. As he approached, one of the guards called out,

“Halt!”

Kazuki stopped and waited, his heart pounding but he stayed calm.

“State your name and business in Hikari Kuni.” The guard said in almost a bored voice as if he'd done this all day long.

“Nakajima Kazuki.” He was about to continue but the other guard piped up.

“Nakajima? Are you by chance related to Nakajima Soujiro?” He asked suspiciously.

“Yes, that is who I'm headed to see actually.” The guard still looked at him with suspicion.

“Last I checked Soujiro had no children or those with his name.”

“That's why I'm headed there. Nakajima-san has made me his heir. I know the Souma family and they made the arrangements. The Souma are relatives to Nakajima-san.”

Kazuki waited wondering if he had said too much. Using his family name was a dangerous card to play but he hoped that it would prove that his story was legitimate. From the expression on the guard's face he had heard of the Souma name. The guard nodded to the other one and they both lowered their weapons and stepped aside.

“You man enter,” Said the first guard. “Welcome to Hikari Kuni.” The other guard smiled at Kazuki and nodded to him.

“The name's Sai. Give Soujiro my regards.”

“I'll be happy to.” Kazuki replied and then headed past the guards entering into the country.

Now I feel that you, the reader, should know a little about this country. As you know Morinaka is a country dominated by trees, wild life, and is ideal for agriculture. Well Hikari Kuni is just about the opposite in terrain. This country is mostly made up of deserts and mountainous regions with only a few fertile plots of land that are highly valued. I bet some of you are wondering if these people also have Shikigami. The answer is yes and no. The original inhabitants did not have Shikigami partners but Shikigami began to appear as travel between the two countries for trade occurred.

A result of this is that people there are at least accustomed to the sight of Shikigami unlike other countries where they are feared and hated; though Hikari Kuni has never shown Shikigami the same kind of reverence that they get from the people of Morinaka.

So Kazuki recognized a Shikigami here or there as he walked pass and frowned at what he saw. Not far from him was a young boy he could tell was a Shikigami. The boy wore clothing that looked little more than rags and was covered in dirt. It appalled him that he appeared to be more like a slave then a part of a family. Shikigami would look up at him as he passed as if they could tell that he was bonded to a Shikigami though they looked away the moment eye contact was made.*2

It took about a half hour for Kazuki to get to his destination and it was a place vastly different then the rest of the country. This place was one of the precious farm plantations of Hikari Kuni and it was owned by his uncle. Kazuki took a deep breath and called out,

“Good Evening! I wish and audience with the master of this plantation!”

He only had to wait a few minutes before a man came to the gate and said,

“Good Evening sir. My master bids you welcome and would be happy to take audience with you. Please follow me.”

With that the gate opened and Kazuki was shown into the plantation. He was lead to a fine looking house in the center. Once inside the servant offered to take his things and Kazuki, not wanting to be rude, allowed the man to take his cloak, pack, and weapons. He was then shown into what Kazuki guessed was a dining area. It was a finely decorated room used for visitors and had a large low table used for meetings and eating. He was told to make himself comfortable and the master of the house would be with him shortly. The servant excused himself and Kazuki was left in the quiet room.

Chise didn't speak to him and he guessed that she was as nervous as he was. He was about to tell his uncle everything that happened and his uncle could very well turn them away. Indeed he didn't have to wait long as the door slid open and in walked his uncle. The man stood tall, by Kazuki's standards anyways; people there were taller then those of Morinaka. He had darker skin of someone who spent long hours outside. He was a man in his later years so he had a hard look about him. His face was set in surprise but quickly changed to a smile and he opened his arms wide.

“Kazuyuki! You are the last person I expected to see! How are you doing? It has been too long since Shizuka and I last saw you!”

Kazuki got up and accepted his uncle's hug.

“It is good to see you too uncle. I only wish that this visit was under better circumstances.”

His uncle pulled back from the hug and looked in the eyes.

“Come, sit down, and tell me everything.” So Kazuki did just that.

He told his uncle everything that happened from not getting a Shikigami partner when he turned fifteen, later summoning Chise, the encounter with the Anti-Shikigami, being forced to leave the village, and coming to Hikari Kuni. Not once through his story did his uncle interrupt him. Kazuki was grateful for this because it was like a heavy weight on his chest was lifted as he told his story. Once he finished his uncle finally spoke.

“Well I think you made a good decision coming here. If I remember anything about Morinaka is that they have a very efficient information network. If you had remained in the country they would have easily found you. May I see your Shikigami?”

“If she'll agree to it but I'm sure she wants to come out.” He replied and then used his mind speak to talk to Chise. `Chise my uncle would like to meet you.'

`I have no problem with that but I could use something to eat…' she said.

`Don't worry, we'll get something to eat I'm sure.' He replied. Chise appeared next to Kazuki and sat down.

Soujiro nodded his head in slight greeting to Chise.

“Greetings Shikigami. Kazuki has already told me everything and I am willing to take him in but I am curious to know what you will do if those creatures show up and attack people here.”

As he was speaking he was looking at Chise sternly as if she didn't deserve the same treatment Kazuki got or that she was somehow beneath him. This upset Chise but she kept her temper in check; being angry with the man wouldn't help things.

“I do not want to put anyone's life in danger. In light of the situation I thank you your wife for taking us in. If those demons do return then Kazuki and I will find someplace else.”

Soujiro raised an eyebrow at Chise's response. Kazuki was beginning to realize that the view of Shikigami had taken a bad turn since he was last there. It seemed that Shikigami were no longer treated like people but belonging to their human partner akin to a slave.

“This is your plan Kazuki?” His uncle asked, confirming Kazuki's fears.

“No, uncle, this is a plan we discussed and agreed on. Together.” Kazuki replied.

At first his uncle seemed taken aback and then ashamed. He looked over at Chise and sighed.

“I forgot that things are different in Morinaka. Forgive me Chise, it appears that this old man has lived in this country for far too long and has forgotten how to properly treat your kind.”

Chise accepted his apology knowing that it was an honest one.

“What has happened here uncle? Things are different then I remember them.” Kazuki asked. His uncle sighed again. Stress was evident on his face making him look more like the old man that he was.

“Indeed things are very different here. Shikigami are treated like dirt, food is scarce, and war could happen at any time. I'm just as guilty as everyone else concerning the treatment of Shikigami but the rest is out of hour hands. A few weeks ago the Daimyo himself was in town to discuss the issues with our headmen…” Chise looked confused.

“Daimyo?”*3

“The regional lord.” Kazuki replied. “He oversees the land and people in his portion of the country and he commands the town heads those areas as well. The Daimyo are the Emperor's representatives. If he came all the way here then that's bad news.”

“Yes and he has put more pressure on the farmers to produce more but we are at our limits already. One cannot rush Mother Nature.” Soujiro said. Kazuki frowned.

“Is there anything I can do to help uncle?” He asked.

“Hmmm… if we had another hand in the field we could increase the amount of food we could collect. You would be paid of course.” Soujiro replied. Kazuki smiled at him.

“I would be happy to help uncle.” Soujiro turned to Chise.

“Nothing would be required of you Chise. You don't have to do anything.” Chise shook her head with a smirk.

“I want to do what I can to help. If I do nothing I shall become fat and lazy.” Both Kazuki and Soujiro chuckled at her comment only to be interrupted by Kazuki's stomach grumbling. This caused a second round of laughing and then Soujiro stood up.

“All can be decided later. If I don't get you two something to eat Shizuka will have my hide. I'll go find her.” He then left and Kazuki and Chise had the room to themselves. Kazuki turned to Chise.

“Well…things turned out better then I thought they would…”

“Yes, I didn't really like your uncle at first but he is a nice man.” She replied. Kazuki smirked at her.

“If you like my uncle, wait `til you've met my aunt.” She raised an eyebrow at him.

“What, is she nice?” She asked.

“Let's just put it this way, she makes my uncle look like an evil blood-thirsty land lord.” Their discussion was cut off by a cry of,

“KAZU-CHAN!!!”*4 and then he was glomped by the sweetest looking woman you've ever seen. Before he could say a word she started barraging him with motherly concerns.

“Oh how are you? Have you been eating well? You look so thin! Are you feeling well? You look a little pale! Oh how you've grown! Your mother must be so proud! How is your family doing? Did Hiroshi ever marry that nice girl?-“She would have continued but her husband cut her off laughing.

“Shizuka, give the boy a chance to breath, he won't disappear on you!”

Shizuka released her death grip on Kazuki and looked over at Chise.

“Ah a Shikigami! Why I haven't seen one like you in ages!” She paused and look them both over with keen eyes. “The both of you look just starved! I'll make some supper right away!” With that she left the room. Soujiro turned towards them.

“It will be some time before we eat. Would you like to freshen up a bit?”

“That sounds great uncle.” Kazuki replied.

Soujiro showed them to the upper level of the house. The architectural style of the house was very different then what they were use to. In Morinaka the weather was usually mild beside winter so the house had many outside hallways; here because of the constant heat, shading and cool air flow was essential. The house had an upper level to save space for plantation instead of a spread out one level house that Kazuki had because of the abundance of fertile soil. Soujiro stopped at one of the many rooms that occupied the upper level.

“Kazuki this will be your room. Chise, your room is a little further down.” Kazuki and Chise looked at each other.

“Actually uncle…Chise usually just uses the same room I'm in…” Kazuki replied hoping that his uncle didn't take his statement the wrong way. His uncle gave a laugh.

“I forget again! I'll have someone bring your clothes over Chise.” He said. Chise looked down at her clothes and back at him.

“But these are the only clothes I have.” She replied. Soujiro shook his head.

“Chise unfortunately your clothes will stand out too much here. Shizuka is providing you with some of her clothes.”

“Oh! …I guess you are right…” She said looking a little abashed. Soujiro turned to leave but stopped and looked back.

“Oh I almost forgot, the bathroom is across from your room and the toilet is at the end of the hall.” He then shut the door and left them alone. This allowed Kazuki and Chise to take in their surroundings. The room was large by their perspective. It had a large bed and a small low table for eating or writing on. On the side of the room opposite of the door were two windows that over looked the plantation; one of the windows had a weird contraption that blew in cold air. Kazuki excused himself so he could wash up since he had been exposed to the elements the most. When Kazuki came back from his bath he found that the room was a mess of clothes. Chise turned around when he came in.

“What's all this?” He asked shocked. She looked down at the current mix of clothes she was wearing and looked back up at him sheepishly.

“They are all so pretty I had to try them on…” Kazuki just laughed and shook his head.

“I'm pretty sure the ones you currently have on are not suppose to be worn together.” She gave him an annoyed look.

“Well excuse me. I've worn the same outfit for almost two millennia!”

Kazuki was saved the task of replying when there was a knock on the door. Kazuki opened it and there stood his aunt with a comical expression on her face.

“I had a feeling that this would happen… Kazuki please wait outside while we get this all sorted out.”

Kazuki nodded trying not to laugh and left the room. He didn't have to wait too long before the door opened up again and his aunt came out followed by an embarrassed Chise. The chosen outfit wasn't fancy but it looked good on her. Kazuki smiled at her and said,

“Much better; it's not as colorful as your normal outfit but it looks good on you.” She smiled at him and looked less self-conscious. Shizuka smiled in approval.

“And dinner should have cooled down enough so lets head back down to dinner!”

They followed her back down into the dining area. Now the table in the middle was laden with lots of food. Kazuki looked at it wit surprise and concern. He looked over at Chise and she seemed to have the same feelings as he did. His uncle stretched out his arms.

“Come! Sit down and we can eat.”

Still dumbfounded Kazuki did as he was told. His aunt and uncle started eating but looked up at Kazuki and Chise in concern when they noticed that the two were not.

“What is wrong? Is the food not to your liking?” His aunt asked. Kazuki looked at the two of them.

“If there is a food shortage then how can you have so much food to waste on a simple dinner?” He asked standing up. His aunt and uncle's expressions turned serious. Kazuki's body tensed and he cursed himself for not noticing sooner. Their story didn't add up to the kind of lifestyle they had. His uncle looked at him sadly.

“Please understand Kazuki, we had no choice…”

Kazuki back up and was about the run and get his stuff so they could leave when some thing hit him from behind knocking him to the floor. He heard Chise cry out and everything went black.

 

 

 

Things you may not have understood:

1. I'm not sure if it is done now, but in the past in Japan if a family did not have a male heir they could in a way adopt a man to be the heir of a family trade or business. [A/N: this is something I picked up in anime. I'm not sure how factual it is.]

2. In Japanese there are very few plurals. An example is ringo which means apple. There is one ringo and there are many ringo. The word doesn't change but how many there are depends on the counter attached to it.

3. Daimyo were war lords that had a lot of power, land, people, and status. The height of their reign were from the Muromachi period all the way to the Edo period (1336 - 1868) - Wikipedia. The Daimyo in my story are a little different but carry the same idea.

4. -Chan: It is one of many attachments that can be used with a name. It can be attached to a child's name to show affection like Kazuki's aunt did or it is used with a girl's name by her close friends or if she has a boyfriend.