Chapter 1: Family matters most.
Do you believe in the supernatural that beings of immense power exist in our world and walk among us? For many they're nothing but legend though to some they know the truth and those people are either born or pulled into the supernatural world. My Clan know as the Akai was given our name due the blood on our swords from our enemies. We're famous amongst the supernatural world and known as strong magicians and equally skilled swordsmen our name is said with respect and bears much weight. With our skills my clan is tasked with the preservation of the human world and protecting the inhabitants from being harmed by supernatural beings. We've mostly stuck to ourselves and remained neutral in any conflicts that are fought between the factions so long as it doesn't involve the humans. We do have a treaty with the angles to help in humanity's aid if the need arises but so far nothing of the sort has happened.
Akai clan compound:
Unknown man: Come on Kenjin that's the spirit!
Kenjin: Hiyahh!
Kenjin yelled as he rushed at his instructor swinging wildly he was easily parried and disarmed before being shoved to the ground.
Kenjin: "Argh! Oji Masuda did you have to be so harsh?"
Masuda: "Haha...I'm sorry but in a fight you can't expect the enemy to go easy on you."
He once once more laughed when he saw me puff my checks at how cruel he was being but I knew he was just being honest and thoughtful. My parents had assigned Oji to be my tutor in the sword since he was one of the most noble masters in the clan.
Masuda: "Well I think that's enough for now brat go run along."
My eye twitched at the brat part but I nodded and bowed in respect before running out of the dojo and off to see what my parents were doing. Usually, they were in the garden relaxing from clan affairs, you see my parents are both the heads of the main branch making me the successor to the clan.
Kenjin: "Haha, Chichi!
Father: "Ah so your lesson is over did you learn anything new today?"
I scratched the back of my neck in memory of the beat down Oji gave me.
Kenjin: "Not really Oji just taught me basic sword techniques and handling. Though I cant, seem to land a hit on him."
Mother: "Don't worry to much about that Aji is a better sword master then even me."
Father: "It's true plus he's older and has more experience. If you continue your training diligently, you will reach his level one day."
He added a little emphasis to the last part to make sure I understood that skill didn't appear in a day. I spent the next few minutes with them reading a book with Haha till a voice spoke up.
Unkown voice: Kenjin-san!
A girl around my age ran into the garden with a smile she was my distant cousin and best friend from one of the branch families. We had met at one of the clan meetings and had slipped away with the other children to play games.
Father: Kiko good to see you so well how are your parents doing?
Kiko: They're doing well Otosan and wish you the best in the next few weeks.
Mother: Well dear lets not keep them Kenjin you and kiko-chan make sure to stay out of trouble.
She said this while pointing a finger to the both of us to which we both just grin sheepishly as we both have been know to pull pranks on the other clan members. After the lecture and saying goodbye Kiko dragged me out of the clan compound and into the woods to play as we usually did.
Kiko: So Kenjin-san do you want to play tag or hide&seek?
Kenjin: Kiko-chan just call me Kenjin.
Kiko giggled at me pouting as she would ordinarily call me that to tease and mess with me knowing I loathed it. I decided to get back at her for mocking me by tickling her.
Kiko:K-ken-njin s-top hahaha.
Kenjin: Nope not till you apologize.
It carried on for 5 minutes before she finally gave in and said sorry and I grinned in victory at her. With that out of that out of the way, we decided on tag and played for the next few hours.
Unison: Pant Pant pant
Kiko: I'm super tired!
She wined to which I laughed at her and she pouted at me. We both walked around the woods a bit more before making it to a hill. This hill was one of our favorite spots to star gaze, and it was turning night fast so we came at the right time. Laying down in the grass we watched the stars twinkle and dance in the night sky.
Kiko: Kenjin.
Kenjin: Yeah Kiko?
Kiko: I got this for you.
Pulling out a locket from her pocket, she handed it over to him. It was a gold locket with trimmings on the side with a tiny crimson jewel in the middle of it. Inside of the locket was a picture of me and Kiko at one of the clan parties. I was speechless it was very pretty and looked like it was new.
Kenjin: Kiko-chan why are you giving this to me?
Kiko: Well, we're friends and not only that your my best friend. I wanted you to have something to remind you of me in the future.
Kenjin: That's silly I will never forget about you!
While laughing he didn't notice her blushing as she turned her head to look away from him. Calming down he pulled her into a hug to thank her with a beaming grin.
Kenjin: Well, it's getting late we should head back.
Kiko: Hai!
It didn't take long to reach the clan compound and after quickly saying goodbye he ran off to his house to hopefully make it in time for dinner. When he reached the house, he heard voices of his father and Oji talking.
Masuda: So do you believe the news we got is true?
Father: I hope not I truly do.
Masuda: Hmm...I don't see why they would I mean we haven't done anything.
Father: Sigh. Sometimes this world is crazy, but we just have to prepare ourselves if the worst is to come.
I didn't genuinely comprehend what they were talking about so I decided to enter and to place my shoes at the front before heading over to Oji and Chichi.
Father: There your are did you and Kiko have fun?
Kenjin: Hai! We played in the woods and went to watch the stars!
Oji had a eyebrow cocked as he noticed the locket I was wearing with my father still oblivious.
Masuda: Oh and I take it Kiko gave you that.
He said with a sly grin and causing my father finally notice the locket.
Kenjin: Hai! She said it was to symbolize out friendship.
My father just smiled while oji laughed for some reason at my explanation.
Father: Well, Kenjin go run along and get ready for dinner.
Kenjin: Hai!
After he had run up the stairs Masuda still had his smirk while looking at the other man.
Masuda: Seems he's a lady killer just like his old man huh? Hahaha.
Father: Sigh. I wasn't that dense when I was young, was I?
Masuda: Oh you sure where epically when my Imouto was vaiying for your attention. Truly are father and son.
This sent Masuda into laughter at the memory of how his sister basically had to bash him over the head to realize her feelings for him. The man in question was blushing in embarrassment at the memory. They carried on with their talks a bit more before heading over to the dinning room yo eat.
Dinner went as it routinely did with Oji telling jokes and father to a drink off only to have mom strike them over the head before they got carried away. She also noticed my locket and made sure I keep it save and to not lose it. After dinner I went to my room to think over the events of training and what father said earlier.
'Should I be worried both chichi and oji were tense at dinner. Hmm...it's likely nothing.'
He thought as he stared out his window and to the stars before calling it a night and soon fell fast asleep.
Timeskip: 2 weeks.
Kenjin: Hiyahh...ha!
I yelled running at oji and deflected his upper strike before twisting myself and landed at hit on his left side. I jumped back to get distance, but he wasted no time as he rushed me and jabbed at me with his sword. I managed to parry the jab and counter with a downward slash but he sidestepped this and twisted his body and smashed the end of his sword into my stomach. Winded I couldn't block the swing that disarmed me and was soon pushed to the ground once again.
Masuda: Hehe look at you squirt you've improved to be able to land a hit this time.
Kenjin: Thank you Oji-san.
I slowly got off the ground ignoring the squirt comment oh I would get revenge for all those comments later. Bowing I left the dojo heading for the garden only this time neither of my parents were there.
'huh I guess they had a meeting.'
I didn't waste much thinking about it and headed off home to quickly shower before heading off to Kiko house. I arrived to see her alone seems her parents were in the meeting as well, we decided to wander around the forest a bit till it was time to go back. We walked in silence before she spoke breaking the silence.
Kiko: Hey Kenjin?
Kenjin: Yeah?
Kiko: Do you know why the other adults are doing?
Kenjin: Hmm...if I had to guess it's likely a clan meeting holding everyone up.
She nodded her head at the awner both of them had went to the meeting before only to fall asleep. It was boring and some times lasted for hours in all honesty how did the others managed to do it. We walked some more before heading over to our spot to observe the stars as usual.
Kiko: Kenjin If something were to happen would you always remember me?
Kenjin: Huh, of course you're my friend and I also have this to show our friendship.
I said holding up the locket and flashed her a broad grin to which she smiled at before turning away. We both had sat in silence again looking up at the stars before we both left for home and said bye halfway.
Kenjin: 'I wonder what was wrong with Kiko she seemed nervous?'
I walked into my house and found both Oji and dad in a drinking contest with mom scolding them I laughed as I passed them. Dinner was more quiet then usual which made me a bit curious but when I asked they just said it was a clan meeting nothing more.
I left said night to them and went to my room, and I began to feel something weird that something might happen soon. I shook the thoughts away before turning in for the night wondering what It might be.
Next morning:
I woke up and did my morning schedule and got dressed and headed over to the dojo to spar with Oji. Only when I got there he wasn't anywhere to be seen just shrugging I decided to practice my stance and strikes a little. Hours passed Oji still didn't show up and after practice I decided to go see if he was busy assisting my parents or passed out drunk again. Oh yes, that happened before to as he was passed out on our couch when mom found him and let's say gave him a beating he would never forget.
On the way to my parent's office, I noticed everyone seemed to be in a rush and I had no idea why. Thats was another thing I was going to ask them when I got there, then suddenly I heard a boom. I jumped at the sound coming from the main gate before I hear bells and shouting in the distance. Easing my worries, I swiftly ran to their office to understand what was happening as I busted through the doors I saw my parents with oji and some elders.
Kenjin: Something happened at the gate what's going on?!
The elders look at each other before running out of the room with oji in tow I looked back at my parents expecting an awnser.
Father: Kenijn I want you to take this!
My father handed me a sword the scabbard had was blue with gold trimming running along the sides. I examined the sword before looking up at him and mom.
Father: Kenjin I know you're confused at the moment but listen closely to to I need you and Kiko here to escape into the woods.
He said pointing to the corner of the room where Kiko was standing in light armor and a headband with a katana to strap to her back. I neither had time to process on why she was in armor nor why they looked so concerned.
Mother: Kenjin listen to your father I know you have question but we will awnser them later alright.
She said giving me a small smile before pulling me into a hug and my dad placing a hand on my shoulder. I was soon pulled out of the room and towards the back of the compound and to the woods by Kiko.
Kenjin: Kiko where are we going and what's going on?
Kiko: ...
Kenjin: Kiko talk to me!
She never uttered a word as she pulled me to our secret spot up on the hill where we could see the compound. Looking to it, I saw it ablaze and thoughts of my parent's, oji and the others filled my head and tears started to build up. Kiko stared at the sight and didn't say a word we stood there a few minutes before a snap was heard behind us and we spun to identify a man with black wings.
Únkown: Huh looks like two managed to get away. Pff seems like Azazel lost his touch ha.
The name stuck with me is that the man responsible for this whole mess. He summoned a spear of light and hurled it at us I was still in shock and was nudged to the ground. Kiko dodged the spear and dashed at the winged man with her katana in a downward slash. He merely dogged it before throwing two spears at her, she sidestepped one and parried the other with that she quickly ran to him and slashed shredding some of his clothing before kicking him into the gut and pushing him back some. Angry he threw more spears at her to only just have them miss and his frustration grow he then noticed me on the ground before a smile appeared on his face and launched one at me.
I had no time to respond as the spear shot directly at me I closed my eyes knowing this was the end and I wouldn't see the others. I kept them close but didn't feel the spear strike me slowly opening my eyes I saw none other then Kiko standing over me with a smile and spear through her chest. I busted into tears as she fell to the ground the man laughed at the display and this had me seeing red.
Unknown: Oh, does the wimp want to fight now?
Standing up and unsheathing' the sword father gave me I rushed at him with a yell he threw a number of spears at me and I twisted and parried the shot before getting close to him. Once there I slashed upwards and landed a cut on his wing he jumped back and threw cursed at him before rushing me this time. He landed a punch to my jaw which staggered me, and I dodged his follow up with a punch to the stomach winding him. While stunned I took the time to slash him across the chest not deep but good enough to leave a scar. Dashing at him again I sidestepped his punches and kicks to deliver a few of my own and some slashed to his arms and legs. We again parted looking at each other I saw hate coming from his eyes.
Unknown: Damn brat when I get my hands on you I'm going to mount your head on my mantle.
He rushed me and I got into a stance as I felt a weird felling rushing into my body from somewhere. Parrying his spear once more and striking him here and there I took a slash at him only this time the blade glowed green and a energy blast made it's way to him and cut him on his right side leaving scar running up and down where he eye was.
Unknown: Dam I going to get payback for that when we next meet human!
He shoot up into the sky before flying away leaving me a little worse from wear with a bunch of cuts and shredded clothes. I rushed back over to Kiko to still see her conscious but In a great deal of pain.
Kenjin: Kiko it's going to be alright I'll go get some help from the clan.
Kiko: Kenjin I don't have a lot of time so please listen.
Kenjin: W-what do you mean you're fine.
Kiko: You were my first friend and showed me such kindness even in a strict family such as ours. I cherish the memories we had together and all the fun we had but I wont be able to be there for you anymore.
Kenjin: N-n-no
Kiki: Kenjin your strong but not strong enough you need to get better. Remember my aunt and uncle who live in the city I need you to go there it will be safe for you.
Kenjin: I can't just leave you here!
Kiko: You're a kind person, but I guess that's what I liked about you.
Kenjin: What?!
I was soon shocked as her lips meet mine and everything seemed to freeze before we parted. She gave me one more smile before she slowly closed her eyes as I cradled in my arms.
Kenjin: Kiko come on don't fall asleep.
Kiko: ...
Kenijn: Kiko come on this isn't funny.
Kiko: ...
Kenjin: Ki-iko please don't leave.
I sat there crying for who knows how long with Kiko in my arms before I carried her with me and placed her on the hill. Taking the time I made my way back to the compound it was quiet no sound just the wind blowing through the remains. Building collapsed and bodies scattered around the compound they didn't stand a chance. I looked around some more but I didn't find my father nor my mother I hoped they were fine but deep down I knew. I found my way to my house, and it was in good conditions since it was near the back of the compound. I went inside and saw oji slumped up against a wall with a puddle around him. Tears once again filled my eyes and in the kitchen I saw the sight of both my parents like oji they were dead. I again cried the sounds of my sorrow filled the silence before quieting down. I went to my room and began to fill a sack with clothing and other essentials I also went down to the living room and took the family picture book.
Going to the shed, I got a shovel and began digging three holes for my parents and oji it took awhile but I finished and said a quick prair for them before heading with my sack and shovel to the hill where Kiko was. She was still where I left and her and taking the time I dug a grave for her on the hill and then gathered some flowers from nearby and placing them on the grave. Looking back to the compound while holding the locket and remembering the past and shed a few more tears.
Kenjin: Kiko, haha, chichi, oji I will become stronger and a man you can be proud in!
I said while bumping my fist on my chest I took a few more minutes on the past and my promise before I took my sack and began the hike to the city to go where Kikos family where.
Kenjin: Don't worry Kiko I will get the back for this and Azazel!
I hoped you've enjoyed this first chapter of the series and keep up with it as it updates in he future. Do note this will be updated at a slower pace then my Naruto story until that story reaches a certain point.