My name is Nakashima Chiaki. I have an older brother whom I constantly fight with, a mother and a father. I come from a line of samurai, well at least, my great-grandfather was. My grandfather wasn't interested in fighting and all the other samurai things, so he became a merchant in a small shop on the streets of Kyoto. Naturally after his passing, my father inherited the shop. My father never spoke much about our samurai heritage, but the katana as a tokonoma decoration in our main hall made me understand it all. I didn't want to be a samurai either. After all, I was a girl. I wanted to live a peaceful life like all other commoners too, especially in a period where poverty and fighting are prominent.
After learning about the news of ronin activity, I began to worry about the safety of this town. My father wasn't particularly against being a samurai, and since young had arranged fencing lessons for me and my brother. I didn't enjoy my fencing lessons, and soon after I stopped going to the dojo.
Chiaki: They're gone…?
I couldn't believe it. I was only out for a while, but it seems like my whole house was almost wiped clean. Although the furniture was left untouched and the beddings were neatly put away, but their clothes, their valuables, they are gone. They left a sum of money in the middle of the main hall, and as I walked towards to pick it up, the katana caught my eye.
Head of Nakashima: No matter how poor we may become, I will never sell away the samurai status that my grandfather worked so hard for! This sword is the pride of our family. Be proud, Chiaki!
I was reminded of those words father had told me when I didn't want to attend the dogo.
Why did they leave? A couple of days ago, mother and father were discussing about their plans to leave Kyoto because it was getting too dangerous, but leaving me alone so suddenly? Just what is happening? Did something happen?
My heart throbbed violently as I knelt down. It was so silent, and the only thing I could hear was the loud beating of my heart, my breathing, and the birds chirping outside. I was trembling, I was scared. What should I do? My eyes lifted to the katana in front of me. What does this mean?
Neighbor: Ah, Chiaki-chan! You're back!
It was the sound of my neighbor next door. I had a glimmer of hope in my heart.
Chiaki: Shimizu-san!
That was all I could say. I was afraid, but relieved to see a familiar face I know.
Shimizu: I wonder where your parents went? They took your brother and left in a hurry with luggage. I was worried when I didn't see you around.
Chiaki: My parents left? Did they tell you anything?
Shimizu: I called out to them, but it seems that they didn't hear me. They walked so fast that I couldn't catch up. I'm sorry, I should've stopped them. Did something happen?
Shimizu-san couldn't be lying. I couldn't stop these tears that were flowing out. Shimizu-san is saying comforting things to me now, but none of them reached my ears. Why did my parents take my brother and abandoned me? Why did I have to leave this morning? I should've stayed so that I could have gone with them. There were so many questions in my mind. What exactly is happening?
Shimizu-san had invited me over to his place for dinner with his family. I politely refused, saying that I needed time alone. I was still kneeling down next to the katana at nightfall. My legs were cramping, but I no longer had the energy to stand. It got to the point whereby I was too tired and fell asleep on the tatami.
Chiaki: (gasp) was it all a dream?
I looked around, and my eyes landed on the bag of money still on the floor. I reached over and opened the pouch, looking into it. It was quite a substantial amount of money, probably enough for me to get by for a few months. I was puzzled as to why my parents would leave me such huge amount of money.
And then it hit me. I felt a surge of energy surging as my legs carried the weight of my body, although wobbly at first and ran. It was the time where the streets of Kyoto was busy with women buying groceries and shops opening. I was running as fast as I could, careful not to trip over baskets of produce. I pushed away the people who blocked my way impatiently, and I could hear them sigh in annoyance. When I finally saw it, my steps were slowing down until I stood in front of the closed door with a seal that said "sold".
Chiaki: Sold?
I mumbled in disbelief. My parents sold their shop and left? Something is not right. Something is not right!
Chiaki: It can't be!
I heard myself shout, and soon enough, a small crowd gathered around me and the shop.
Woman 1: Hey, isn't that the Nakashima's shop? I heard the man wanted to have it sold as soon as possible for some odd reason.
Woman 2: Yeah, and that must be their daughter. I also heard that the Nakashima was gone all of the sudden. To think their daughter is still here.
Woman 3: Oh, but she doesn't seem to be alright. Maybe she was abandoned?
Woman 1: Shh! Don't let her hear you!
Woman 2: Poor kid, she must be going mad. The disappearance of her family is sure a mystery.
By now, I was down on my knees, tears falling nonstop. I could hear the voices of the women clearly, and it made me angry. Were the people of Kyoto this heartless and nosy? A small part of me acknowledge that as a reason to leave.
Woman 3: We can't do anything about it either. This kid's got to accept the hard truth.
I stood to my feet and sent her a glare.
What could you possibly know? How could you say something like that?
Woman 1: L-Let's go! The Nakashimas are from a line of samurais right? I don't want any trouble!
The crowd soon dispersed, leaving with lots of mutters and glances. Am I already the talk of the town? What a cruel joke.
The days went by too slowly that it was so painful. Night times were the worst. I would read books every night to make me sleepy. Sometimes I'd hear weird noises from my room, and that made me very scared, but I forced myself to read on. It was the only thing I could do— to distract myself until daybreak.
I went over to the Shimizu's often, mostly because I hated being alone in that house of mine. Whenever I'm alone there, those memories would haunt me so much that I think I may be going mad. Shimizu-san and his wife offered to let me stay, until my parents would return to pick me up. I didn't want to trouble them, and the fact that we all know that my parents will never come back. Playing with the kids took away my troubles for a moment, until I had to return when it's time for them to sleep.
Shimizu: How about making your house an inn for travelers to stay in?
Chiaki: An inn?
It's not like I don't know what he meant, but am I ready for this? Although having people to stay over could make me feel more relieved, but I don't know those people, what if they tried to rob me or kill me?
Shimizu-san explained carefully on why I should make my house an inn. Part of the reason, no, it seems like earning my source of income and surviving was the main reason. It seemed like he was trying to convince me. Did he find me a bother? Did he wanted a share of the money since it was his idea?
Chiaki: Thank you for the suggestion. I will consider it.
I know Shimizu-san isn't a bad person, and surely he'd rush to my rescue if something were to happen? It'd be nice to have people walking around in the house again, though. But how was I supposed to get people to come and stay over for a small fee? By going around the streets and advertise that my house is open for people to stay? I'm pretty sure those people there have already condemned me as a lunatic.
… So what am I doing here?
Chiaki: My house is open for rent.
Storekeeper: … A-Ah, I see. How can I help you then?
Chiaki: If you and your wife are interested in a vacation, you should come over and stay for a while. It's a really cozy place.
Storekeeper: I-Is that so? But we already have a house, so I kindly refuse.
I should have known that it was useless. I've been around the streets, mustering as much courage as I can to ask just about every single person I see, and of course, everyone rejected me. Some kindly, some rudely. It seems that if the townsfolk didn't think I was crazy then, their suspicions will have been confirmed now.
Townsfolk 1: It's the Shinsengumi!
I turned around to look. The Shinsengumi, a special police forced organized by the Bakufu, distinguished by the bright blue haoris they wore during their patrols. They were the talk of the town a while ago, but it seems that people are starting to recognize their work.
Everyone was making way and staring at them as they walked past. This is bad. They are heading for my direction. Lately there's been this "crazy girl of the Nakashima" rumor spreading around town and needless to say, that girl is definitely me. What if the Shinsengumi were to arrest me for being a nuisance to the people of Kyoto?
I scooted around the alley, silently praying that they didn't see me.
Chiaki: Honestly, what did I ever do to deserve this? Now I'm like some fugitive hiding.
My voice was sour, and I felt like I could break down any moment. My life had become a joke, but it wasn't laughable to me. The alleys were the most dangerous place to be in, but I could care less as long as I could escape from those judging faces of those commoners.
After a while, it felt like I was being tailed. My heart started to beat wildly. Could it be a ronin? What should I do? Should I scream and pray hard the Shinsengumi comes before I am cut down? What if I screamed and the ronin ran away, and then people would think that I'm screaming like the mad woman I am and the Shinsengumi will eventually take me away?
I picked up my footsteps, dashing across the narrow alley as fast as I could. The alley isn't wide enough for me to run and jump onto the roof.
Chiaki: Ah!
I spotted a couple of crates stacked against the wall. This was my chance! Quickly, I jumped onto the crates, attempting to climb up.
?: Please wait!
That voice sounded like a female. The crates shook and I lost balance and fell. I was lucky the crates didn't hit me. If the ronin didn't break my leg then this stupid thing would have. Groaning, I got up and looked to my right.
It was a beautiful lady, dressed in expensive kimonos. I gasped. I haven't seen such beautiful kimonos in a while. I had been so down lately that I didn't bother dressing up, such that I looked like I was wearing male clothing.
?: You ran so fast. Was someone chasing you?
She was panting, but her voice was cautious.
Chiaki: I ran because you chased me.
A woman can still be dangerous. She will deceive you with her pretty and innocent looks, and then when you're not looking, she will strike from behind.
?: That's because I needed to talk to you urgently! You're… Nakashima, right…?
Did she know something about my parents' whereabouts?
Chiaki: Where are they?
The woman had a puzzling look mixed with hostility. I suppose she didn't come to talk to me about that then…?
Chiaki: Never mind. What is it?
?: I overheard your conversation with the storekeeper just now. You mentioned that your house is open for rent?
Although it wasn't the news of my parents, I felt something strange inside of me. It felt like hope.
Chiaki: Yes! I am!
I must have sounded too loud and enthusiastic. The woman lifted her hand and covered her smile with such elegance.
?: How rude of me, I have yet to introduce myself. I am… Well, please just call me Reishi.
Chiaki: Reishi?
That name sounded familiar. Where have I heard it before? Ah, never mind about that! I finally have a guest who's willing to stay over!
Chiaki: That's great! Let me show you the way!
Reishi: If it's okay with you, I'm looking to stay on a long term basis.
Chiaki: No problem! That's even better, actually!
Rent fees didn't really occur to me at that moment. I was more than happy to have someone, and a female especially, to stay with me. Finally, those nights of being alone were no more!
Reishi was a good natured and graceful person. I assumed that she was from a wealthy family, but I was curious as to why she was alone. She never liked talking about her background, but she seemed nice and had money to pay, so I left it at that.
It had been about a week since then, and mornings were becoming better to look forward to. I had something to occupy my time with, such as cleaning the house, changing bed sheets, preparing the baths, cooking… rather than sitting in front of the katana and staring into space, thinking about how miserable I am.
Reishi-san was always outside until it was time for dinner. I wonder what is she up to? She didn't seem like a bad person, I was actually starting to like her. These were my thoughts as I laid the dishes on the table. The sky was getting dark, but Reishi-san was not back yet. Did something happen to her? I thought nervously. Maybe I should go take a look?
Chiaki: Ahh!
I heard the sound of shouting from the main gate. It sounded like men… Were they in front of her door? I ran to my sword, grabbing it tightly, and walked cautiously towards the gate. I made sure to keep silent.
Man: Oi! Is anyone here? Open the damn door!
I was scared to my wits. The gate wasn't locked so that Reishi-san could enter, but it wouldn't take long for those men outside to realize that. Shivering, I drew my sword, taking very small steps towards the door, when it swung open. I dropped my sword and fell on my back. About two men rushed inside, one of them who looked seemingly injured and his clothes were stained red.
His companion glared at me, as if he could kill me anytime. Who are these men and what are they doing here? I felt around the ground for my sword, all the while keeping eye contact with them.
Man 1: You! Show us the room! And don't you dare tell anyone we're here, or your head will roll.
I didn't know what to do, so I scrambled to my feet, sword in hand, and rushed to the main hall. Somehow something didn't feel right. They were not the Shinsengumi, were they? Of course not, they weren't wearing their haoris. Then, were they enemies of the Shinsengumi? My mind ran wild as they stumbled into the main hall, the badly injured one moaning in pain.
Man 1: Hurry up and help me with his wounds! Are you dumb?
Chiaki: I… I don't know how to…!
Man 1: You're useless. *draws his sword* I'll have to finish you off.
I was going crazy. A one on one duel on this man? I'm definitely going to die! Should I run away? No! This is my house! No way am I letting him steal my house!
Chiaki: Wait! Let me try!
I had to at least try, in order to live. I've been reading medical books during the nights before Reishi-san stayed over. Speaking of which, I wonder if she's unharmed? I hurried to my room and grabbed some bandage, and then to the kitchen, some sake. I'm no expert at this, but I'm going to try!
The man screamed as I poured the sake over his back wound shakily, all the while with a sword just at my neck. I was scared. Why was this happening to me? The man with the sword grabbed my collar roughly, gnarring at me.
Man 1: Give us a room to stay! Move it!
He tossed me aside roughly, snatching my sword.
Man 1: What is this? You're a samurai eh?
No, is he going to take away my sword, my family's heritage? I grabbed his feet, but he kicked in the stomach. A sharp pain rose in my body. My body was trembling violently, and he squatted down to look at me. I could see that sinister grin on his face. Is this going to be the end of me? I shut my eyes tightly, clenching my fists.
I felt something tear on my head, like it was being ripped out in that split second. I opened my eyes, only to see that man grin even wider as he sheathed his sword. He stuffed something into my mouth, to my horror.
Man 1: It won't be your hair that's going to fall off the next time!
I cried silently. The two men were making their way into one of the rooms now. I held my stomach with a hand to suppress the pain, and I took out my hair from my mouth with the other. The tatami mat was stained with sake and blood from that scoundrel. It made me so sick to know that terrorists are in my house.
Chiaki: Why…?
I couldn't finish my sentence as I found myself giving in to my unconsciousness. It's not like I could finish my sentence anyway. There were so many questions on my mind, I couldn't think of just one to ask.
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*Most of the Hakuouki titles have "-roku (録)" at the back, which means "record". So in short, the title of my fanfic 変化録(Henkaroku) means "Record of Change". If it makes sense, since my fic is totally different from the real Hakuouki.
My fic is in no way related to the real Hakouki and its producers, or Idea Factory.