Chapter 4 Homecoming

As soon as Sarachi's journey was nearing its end he felt his heart beating faster while his breath quickened. He felt his blood calling out to him and through the open window he heard the wind calling as well. It stirred the leaves of the trees, whispered of the seasons passed since his departure and its gentle caress welcomed him home. His cousins had fallen asleep soon after they had had made their stopover and had gotten on the shuttle bus. Since there was only one more stop he decided to wake them up. He laid a hand on Grace's right shoulder and Moira's left and gently shook them awake. Both of them reacted rather sluggishly. "No mom. I don't want to", Grace mumbled.

"Grace, Moira, come on girls, we're nearly there." Sarachi gently shook them again while urging them to wake up. This time it had the desired effect. The girls opened their eyes and stretched and rubbed the sleep out of their eyes.

"We're nearly there, huh Sarachi? Wow it sure has gotten dark quickly", Moira said. About 5 kilometres from Crossgate town the area around the Hyashi family farm had a lot less artificial lighting than the townspeople were used to.

"Final stop Crossgate outskirts, Hyashi farm", the bus driver called. The bus came to a stop. The trio thanked the bus driver for the ride and got off the shuttle bus. As the bus was driving away Sarachi took a moment to take in the ambiance. The light of the bus disappeared in the distance and soon the only lighting came from the moon and stars and a few light-posts marking the path to the Hyashi family farm. The clear night sky showed familiar constellations; and while the moon looked down on them kindly and a soft breeze filled their lungs with the rich forest air, Sarachi reverently turned his head towards the path. Only a few more metres separated him from his home. He released Sabre who appeared in a red flash.

"We're almost home Sabre. Can you feel it? The energy of this place?", Sarachi asked. Sabre closed her eyes, tilted her head and seemed to concentrate for a moment. When she opened her eyes a strange light shone within them. It's as if she shared his feelings. They started walking and every few minutes Sarachi quickened his pace. The girls only had a weekend traveller's bag between them, but they still had to put in some extra effort to keep up with him. The trunk's wheels sounded loudly in the night. The path wound through the woods and split a few times. Sarachi had little to no trouble finding his way though. Memory and instinct were his guide. And as they rounded the last corner and the farmhouse came in sight, they saw that a small group of people was waiting for them. They were bathing in the light that was pouring from the open front door. One of the figures detached himself from the group and ran towards Sarachi. It was his kid brother Kasuto who rushed him and jumped at him, forcing him to drop the handle of the trunk to catch his brother.

His voice was vibrant with joy as he spoke, "Sarachi! You're home. You're finally home. I'm so glad. You know grandpa he … isn't feeling so well lately." As they embraced Moira and Grace caught up and his older brother approached.

"You made it in time bookworm", he said. They clasped each other's forearm.

"You know you can count on me grease monkey", Sarachi responded. "How is everybody? How is gramps?"

"Well the farm is doing well enough so mom and dad are less stressed out. Gramps is still holding on. He was determined to speak with you and Alessa before passing on."

"Is he awake?"

"No, but he usually is pretty active in the morning. Well, you know, all things considered. So you can see him then. But go on, say hi to the rest. We'll catch up later. And don't worry about the trunk ok? I'll carry it to my room."

The next few hours were spent greeting all family members and swapping stories. He started with his parents, Yasushi and Imari. Afterwards he moved on to his uncle Jinsei, aunt Haruna and cousin Hiroki. He finished with his other uncle, Aedan, Kathryn's husband and father of Alessa, Grace and Moira. Sabre got some attention from everyone, but after a while she was tired of the attention and went to nap on one of the comfy chairs in the living room. Aedan and Jinsei in the meantime had started talking animatedly. They were fast friends since their shared Pokémon journey. They never made it to the big leagues though. They settled down, had a family and a regular job. Aedan took up teaching and Jinsei started working at the family farm. However they spent most of their free time training with their Pokémon and participating in tournaments. Sometimes they won a prize, sometimes they didn't. It kept them in touch with the dream they share. Their children grew up with their stories and at least two decided to follow in their footsteps, Hiroki and Grace. Grace still had to start obviously, but Hiroki had 7 years under his belt already and in that time he had managed to surpass his father and pass the 'Double trouble elite four challenge'. This challenge was like a normal elite four challenge only every battle consists of two vs two battles. He was a good trainer, but had difficulty micro managing his team in the triple threat division. He hadn't figured out how to battle with three Pokémon at the same time. Making sure they battled as a team, complementing each others' strengths and weaknesses without becoming over reliant. As Sarachi and Hiroki were discussing different viewpoints most of the family had gone to bed. Only his brother and father remained who were talking to one another about farm business. After Sarachi finished his argument in favour of letting your team battle more autonomously Hiroki replied saying. "It might be you're on to something Sarachi, but I'm not entirely convinced. I'd like to continue this talk another time, but right now I'm going to bed. I train my team every day and I start early."

Sarachi's interest was piqued. He immediately asked, "Ok, can I watch you train sometime? Not tomorrow, but say the next day? I'm curious to see how you train your team."

"Sure cuz, I can show you. Still thinking of becoming a Pokémon trainer then?" He smiled and winked at his younger cousin.

Unbidden memories of his dream came to Sarachi. He shook it off and said, "You know I'm not Hiroki. I'm going to help dad and Xuyon create the best and most productive farm in the Hoen region and afterwards the world."

Hiroki laughed and said, "You do that! Sleep tight."

And then it was just Sarachi, his brother Xuyon and their father, who started speaking. "So, you're planning to revolutionize the farming scene Sarachi? You should know that not everyone may be ready for your vision. It may take a few years. But in the meantime you can help me and Xuyon out with setting up some product lines for the local market. We have had good harvests for the past year and many small catering companies have found us recently. Some wish to set up a factory that runs on what they call clean energy. I need you to think up recipes for products like juices, spreads, etc. for human consumption. Xuyon will think on mechanic ways to transport our produce to a warehouse and the factory. That will save us manpower and enable us to train some of our local employees to work in the factory. In half a year I want out factory and all logistics on the farm ready. That will mean that the next harvest we can deliver part of our produce to the local market and the other portion will be processed right here for our own products."

Sarachi was silent for a moment as his father awaited his reaction. "Wow, I guess we surprised him dad", Xuyon said. "Sarachi, are you still with us?"

"I am. It's just that …"

"You wanted to start on your project", Xuyon finished his thoughts.

"Well, yes. It's just that I don't think you need me much with your initial plans, dad. Mom is as good as, if not better than, I when it comes to creating recipes for the products you mentioned. I thought you would let me…"

"I know what you want son", Yasushi interrupted his son, "but the world is not ready."

"But if we don't change the world it will never be ready dad." Sarachi was starting to raise his voice. He saw his dreams put on hold again and this time he could not let that happen. "I did not come back to help out with recipes after working so hard to get my degree!"

"I'm sorry son, but that's just the way it is right now! The world simply isn't"

"You mean you're not ready to let me take over." Sarachi sighed. "I…, I'm going to bed dad."

"Sleep on it Sarachi and tomorrow we'll discuss it again. But know that I have my reasons."

"You always do dad. Come on Sabre, let's go." Sabre had been startled awake by the argument and after looking puzzled from Sarachi to the man who had once laid her in Sarachi's arms she stood up, stretched and followed Sarachi as he exited the room. No sooner had he reached his brother's room than he started venting his feelings. "It's just not fair Sabre. He always does this. Whenever I have a dream he crushes it or puts it on hold." Sabre rubbed affectionately against his leg. "You know I did dream of becoming a Pokémon trainer once. He said I was the future of the farm as Xuyon clearly wasn't interested. And now that I actually want to take over and it is my dream to do so he puts it on hold for some half-baked plan to start a juice factory." Sarachi spent a good ten minutes venting while he got ready for bed before he finally turned in and fell asleep. Sabre decided to lay right next to him as she had always done.

In the big room Yasushi and Xuyon were still talking. "Why is he so short-sighted Xuyon. Why can't he see that I want him to follow his dream. The world …", he sighed, "well we're also not ready yet. We can't risk a complete overhaul right now."

"I know that dad, but Sarachi doesn't. And you know he gave up his dreams before for the future of the family farm. It took him a while to find a new dream and now that he has he feels like he has to let it go. Again." Xuyon replied pointedly.

"You may be right Xuyon. Still, if he only has a little patience and plays his role his goals may be realized sooner rather than … well never. I hope he sees reason tomorrow. Let's get some shuteye. Tomorrow it's another busy day."

"Alright dad."

As Yasushi and Xuyon went to their respective rooms Xuyon wondered if his brother was still awake. He quietly opened the door to his room to see two glowing eyes looking at him. He whispered his brother's name quietly. "Sarachi" There was no response. "Guess all the traveling tired him out. Oh well, I'll talk to him tomorrow. Good night Sabre." Xuyon did his own nightly routine and also went to sleep.

The morning's glow of sunshine found Sarachi in the dojo. He was practicing his sword drills as diligently as ever while Sabre watched. His father and brother had already left for the farm by the time he awoke. Apparently they wanted to ease him back into the fold. For some reason this had annoyed him even more than he already was and it had taken him less than five minutes to gather his combat gear and make his way to the dojo with Sabre on his heels. He did a short warmup, impatient as he was to get his frustration out of his system. Once he considered himself warmed up he started with the basics; his crosses and plusses he called them; the simple oberhouw, unterhouw, mittelhouw, sheitelhouw and untercleaver. Then he complicated his routine. Every strike was to be finished in a guard stance either the ox, the plow, the fool's guard, the tail guard or vom tag. In this way he fluidly let attack and defense follow each other as if he were fighting an imaginary foe who countered his every move with one of his own. Just like his father did. As he played back conversations of the past his frustration flared up again and suddenly he changed to another flow. A flow drill that was all about aggression and overwhelming your opponent by letting one strike be followed by another taking care to always close any line an opponent might have for a counterstrike. Suddenly an old voice, soft and frail broke the sound of Sarachi's bladework. "Your technique is impeccable my pupil. Yet I sense anger behind those strikes." Sarachi stopped midblow. He slowly turned to regard his beloved sensei and grandfather who stood in the doorway to the dojo.

"I know you taught me to never give myself over to negative emotions sensei, I just …"

"No need to explain yourself, my grandson", the old man interrupted him as he slowly walked towards his grandson leaning on his favourite walking stick. "We can talk later. Now show me what you have learnt and we'll talk afterwards." The next hour or so Sarachi sped through all the drills with longsword, shield and sword and dual swords. At some point Sabre rushed in. She recognized her favourite drill. The one Sarachi and her always did together when no one was around. Sarachi looked startled but continued his drills with a minor shrug of his shoulders. While thinking, well cat's out of the bag now anyway… And smiling at the unintended pun he performed his and Sabre's dance of blade and claw. They moved spinning and striking in perfect harmony. When Sarachi attacked Sabre spun around in front of his blows as if harrying their invisible opponents. Then once their imaginary opponents fell they struck finishing blows in unison. When Sabre leapt clawing the air in her vicinity Sarachi danced around her flowing from one guard to the next as if defending her from blows she would not be able to dodge while on the offensive. Their execution was flawless and Sarachi felt a thrill he had never felt before. He started to speed up his movements and picking up on his mood Sabre sped up as well. Sabre started to become a blur as their dance reached its crescendo. Sarachi suddenly yelled, "Now Sabre! 'Fang Claw Blade Hurricane!' " And what they had never been able to achieve suddenly became a reality in front of his mentor's eyes. Sarachi was thrilled as he felt how Sabre rushed all over his body from legs, to his torso, to his arms. Before each of his strikes Sabre would be at his arms, ready to launch herself at an enemy. He felt the energy she used emanating from her as she used her fangs and claws to force a breach in their opponents' defences. He would follow up with a mortal blow before flowing through guard positions to his next target. In this manner they took out a score of imaginary enemies before their energy started waning and their focus wavered. They ended exactly in front of Musashi who looked approvingly.

"That's much better." Musashi said. "Now, let's talk. Tell me about your time in Europe and tell me what's bothering you."

As soon as Sarachi started talking it's as if a dam burst and thoughts and emotions he had felt came pouring out. "So you see grandfather. Every time I think I have found my calling and I wish to set out to realize my dreams something interferes and I'm told to be responsible, and sensible and I, I just … I don't think I can do it again grandfather."

Musashi looked at his grandson; a thoughtful look on his face. Suddenly a smile tugged at his lips. "Young man", he said, "do you have any idea how many times in my life things did not go as I had planned? Do you know how often I had to start over? I always found another path to travel. Sometimes in life you are forced to go to a crossroads where all options seem to lead away from your original route; and you need to choose a direction. When you do you can try to pick a road that is most likely to take you back to your dream lies or … you can choose a new direction. Even if you pick the road that is most likely to lead you to your dream you may get held up at a toll bridge and you need to pay a fee in order to continue on the road you had been traveling or if the fee seems to steep you must go back and abandon the path you had been following for so long. Now I know not every man, due to his character and his talents, has an equal amount of paths he can travel, happy or unhappy. I have travelled many. I have found joy only to lose it, find it and lose it again until I wound up here and met your grandmother. Life with her and our family was my final dream and it was the most beautiful and fulfilling one."

Sarachi was a bit puzzled. He did not know much of his grandfather's younger years. "What are you trying to say grandfather?"

"Just that life may take you on unexpected journeys if you keep an open mind and listen. Sometimes you find new dreams while chasing others. Yet sometimes you have to pay a price if you are determined to see a dream through to the end. No one can tell you what to do on those occasions. All you can do is listen to your inner voice and let your instincts guide you. And don't worry. If you do not like the scenery the path takes you through you can always go back and choose again."

"But what if someone forces you to take a road you don't want to take? I mean dad…"

"Has his own road", Musashi interrupted his grandson. "He has found travel companions; your mother and his wife, your brothers and his own brother. Now travel companions can stay on the same path for a while, but sometimes the dreams they chase causes their paths to diverge. That does not mean the companions do not like, respect or love one another. They just say goodbye for a while and hope their paths may someday converge again in the future. And in the meantime they save as many stories as they can for when they are, for however brief, together again."

Suddenly there was a knock at the door. A soft yet clear voice called from outside: "Sarachi, is your grandfather with you?"

"Yes mom", Sarachi answered.

In response the sliding doors to the dojo slowly opened. "Father, the notary is here to see you. Shall I send him to your study?"

"You may, daughter. Please tell him that I'll be with him shortly."

"Very well. Sarachi, will you keep your mother company when you are done training? I've hardly spoken to you last night."

Sarachi smiled warmly saying, "Sure thing mom, I'll be with you as quick as I can."

"I'll be in the kitchen", his mother replied before sliding the doors closed. Musashi regarded his grandson again.

"Well, I'm off to see the notary. Some final changes need to be made to the will. Don't forget what I said Sarachi."

"I won't grandpa."

"Good, good." The old man walked slowly to the door. He opened the doors, but before walking through the doorway he turned once more and said, "don't forget your dreams Sarachi. I think that if you follow them you will lead an interesting and wonderful life." He winked and left leaving Sarachi slightly puzzled. What was that about, he wondered. He hadn't told anyone of his dream on the plane. Oh well. He smiled and shook his head. I guess I'll never know.

After a quick shower Sarachi went to the kitchen with Sabre riding his right shoulder. As he approached the kitchen doors he smelt freshly baked Nanab bread. His mouth began to water as his stomach growled. He grinned, opened the doors to the kitchen and went straight for the nanab bread that was still warm from the oven. Just before he could cut himself a nice slice he heard his mom clearing her throat behind him. "Straight for the prize I see. Some things never change. Before you stuff your face I want you to catch me up. How was your final year? Did you meet some cute girls at University? Maybe someone special?" As she interrogated her son Imari shoved him to the table and started to make him breakfast.

"Mom!" Sarachi was surprised. "You know that Sabre is the only lady in my life!" As Sarachi said this Sabre nuzzled his cheek, closed her eyes and started napping.

"Just like your brother I see. Well, you have made some friends, haven't you? His name was Tageki, right? Why don't you invite him over for a visit?"

"Thanks mom, maybe I will; just not now."

"Why not?"

"I don't feel like having friends over. With grandpa's condition. Also I have too much to think about."

Imari shot her son a shrewd inquisitive look. "Your father has told you I see. And you're not happy."

"Well what did you expect, mom? Just when another dream is in sight, one I have worked hard for to start on, he takes it away again."

"He's just postponing it. Besides it's all a ploy to gather enough funds for you to start your program."

"Why didn't he tell me that straight on then?"

"My guess is that sometimes your father forgets that you and Xuyon are no longer boys. He just needs to be reminded that you two are supposed to take over from him someday and you can't do it if he doesn't share the burdens of management early on."

"Well if he keeps on doing that he might have to find someone else to do his bidding, because I refuse to blindly do whatever he tells me to." While Sarachi talked his mother nodded and smiled. But as he talked on her smile turned into a broad grin and not long after she started laughing. Sarachi was dumbstruck and a little hurt. "What's so funny?", he demanded.

"You, it's as if I'm talking to your dad about thirty years ago."

Sarachi was nearly speechless. "What… what do you mean?"

"Well son, let's just say that your dad once thought he'd never be a farmer. Now why don't you go hang out with your cousins for a while and don't worry too much about your dad. I'm sure that during a good family discussion we can talk it out."

"Okay mom and thanks."

"For what dear?"

"Listening!"

As Sarachi left in search of his cousins Imari shook her head. "Those two", she muttered. "More alike than they know, but unable to have a conversation without butting heads."

While Sarachi hung out with his brother Kasuto and Grace and Moira in the countryside, they were enjoying some Pokémon spotting, and all the other members of the younger generation of the Hyashi clan were busy on the farm or around the house, the eldest member of the family was in his study with the notary. He was making decisions that would influence the future of his family for generations to come. As he concluded his business with the notary the official looked baffled. "Mr. Hyashi, are you sure?"

"Yes, I am", was the short reply.

"Well, this is most unusual. It could cause some … complications. You know the only reason I am going along with this is my knowing that you are without a doubt completely sane. Still, your son may not like it."

"Well it's not like he can do anything about it, now is there?" The men stood at the window that overlooked the farming land which stretched on for miles. Afternoon had nearly given way to evening as the men were working in the study and now they were finally done. "See Edaru, just as the sun is setting on this day causing it to end and night to fall, just so is my time as head of the clan coming to an end. In fact my son has already taken over in all but name. Upon my death he will get that as well. However his dominion will be as that of the moon during the night that is about to fall. His time will be mostly spent in paving the way for a brighter sun to herald the dawn. Like the moon and the stars my son will give light and guidance during the otherwise dark moments of the night."

"And the new sun is to be your grandson?" "He does not know it yet, but he will be a symbol of hope for many before he will come to take his father's place."

"How …"

"Do I know this? Let's just say that I have been notified by one more knowledgeable than us all. I thank you for your help Edaru. Stand firm upon my passing, Make sure my wishes are kept."

"I shall sir, I shall." And with these words the notary left, leaving Musashi alone in his study.

As he watched the last rays of sunlight fade at the window the old man spoke. "The board is set, new pieces are placed. Your champions are ready to start their journey Arceus. May they grow to their full potential and achieve their appointed goals."

*Disclaimer: This story is a non-profit, fan-made written work of fiction made for my own amusement and that of others. It is nothing more than fanfiction. I do not, nor do I claim to; own any of the content of the Pokémon franchise. Pokémon (including but not limited to the characters, the creatures and the fictional world of the tv-series, game series, films and manga) is owned by the Pokémon company, a consortium between Nintendo, Game Freak and Creatures. Please support the official release*