The Timekeeper: Prologue

Year 1887

Kyoto Japan

"Shiyo!" his desperate call echoed in the vast field while his feet continued moving, trying to reach the unknown destination deep within the woods.

"Is anyone here?" he called once again.

"I am here to make an offer," his voice was becoming more frantic as his time seemed to be running out.

As soon as the words left his mouth, a strong breeze wheezed past him, whipping back the branches of the trees nearby. The surge of air swished and swirled through the trees around him, the flame on his torch swayed with the flow of the wind while he remained on his spot in disarray. The leaves rustling and scratching onto one another, intensified as the wind got stronger almost creating a whirlwind. The blaze on his torch ebbed and the menacing force came to an abrupt stop.

"Young man, haven't anyone warned thou how dangerous it is to wander in the forbidden forest?" a croaky voice whispered in the still night.

He stiffened on his feet, eyes widening in alarm at the sound of the unfamiliar voice. Slowly, he moved the torch towards the direction of the voice. Before he could get a better look, the shadow swiftly moved back to hide behind the trees.

Composing himself and hiding the uneasiness away, he took a few bold steps forward, "I am looking for a woman named, Shiyo,"

"How did you know about me?" the woman replied

A small hope graced his face, "Are you the one capable of curing the sick and bring anyone back to life?"

"Yes," She let out a shrill laugh, "But everything comes with a price," she moved out of her concealment and stepped forward into the light to reveal herself. His emerald-green pools caught a glimpse of her eyes and a cold chill ran down his spine. His hold on the torch tightened as he tried to ease the fast pounding in his chest. The iris of her eyes was as black as the night sky. She took notice of his reaction and he garnered a smile from the old woman wrapped with a black cloak.

"I will give you anything just bring my beloved back to health," he pleaded with a shaky breath. His fear of the strange woman was put aside he tried to cling onto his last hope.

"Let me think about it. Such good offer needs more time to reflect upon," she let out a toothless grin

"We are running out of time," he begged, "I can give you all the money you need. You can take anything you want from me, one thing I ask of you is your word that you bring her back to health. She doesn't deserve to die now,"

"You are a brave man to make a deal with a sorceress," she brought her long nails to his face and traced the side of his cheeks while be broke into a cold sweat, "But you are weak. Blinded with love," she spat in disgust

Ignoring her insult, he stood his ground, "I have made my offer. I need your word."

"I never go against my word,"

"How can I make sure?"

"Once the clock strikes at 12, her youth and health will return to its prime and she will continue living while yours will come into a halt and trapped in this form," she moved her face closer to his, "E-T-E-R-N-A-L-L-Y," the corner of her lips turned into a lopsided smile.

"What do you mean?" his brows creased in frustration, "What kind of nonsense is this?"

"A deal has been made," she bellowed out as she tapped her staff on the ground twice. The earth beneath his feet began shifting and strong gust of wind circled his being. Branched lightning lit up the clear, night sky followed by the loud rumble of thunder. He was powerless in his mortal form as he gazed around him in bewilderment.

"What is happening?"

She let out an ominous cackle as she slowly vanished into the darkness of the night. Before he could react another lightning split across the sky and struck him down on the ground. Unable to move, the sound of leaves swaying in sync of the gushing wind, lulled him into oblivion.