Chapter 1: Family matters most.
The supernatural is a concept many consider to be nothing but mere fantasy. What if I told you the stories of angels and devils, monsters and gods were true. This is a story surrounding the supernatural and the hardships a boy who lost it all. This boy was a member of a famous clan called the Akai. They gained their fame in the heat of battle, the blood of their enemies coating their blades red. This clan's purpose was to maintain peace between humans and the supernatural. Amongst other clans the Akai we're a noble ranking clan with much sway in both worlds. Sadly over time, they gained many enemies who desired their destruction. The child will be tested and if he can stand strong he will find what he seeks.
Akai clan compound:
"Come on Kenjin that's the spirit!" A man cheered while a child with a sword slashed at him in a downward stroke. "Hiyahh!" He roared as the slash got close to the man's shoulder until they parried it and pushed him back. "Come on, that can't be it~?" he stated in a sing-song voice which instantly annoyed the youth. "Aaaahh!" Rushing towards the grinning man he swung widely in a rage no longer using his head. "I got you!" he yelled as he sidestepped a thrust and slashed horizontally at his ribs. The man responded instantly flicking his sword up halting the slash and grasped the end of the boy's sword and planted a fist in the boy's abdomen winding him and dropping him to the floor.*Whistle* "Almost got me with that last move but you're still not faster than me~"
"Argh...do you have to be so harsh Uncle Masuda?" the youth questioned the man as he sent a glare his way. "Sorry, but if I went easy, it wouldn't prepare you for a real battle. Besides, it's amusing to mess with you~," Masuda answered and chuckled as the boy puffed up his cheeks at his answer. "Now you understand why you lost just now Kenjin?" He questioned while squatting down next to the youth. "I wasn't fast enough and my defense was weak," Kenjin responded with a hand on his chin in thought. "True, you are lacking in those areas but that's not all. In the middle of the match, you lost your cool thus allowing me more leeway to plan my next move." He informed the boy next to him as he rustled his hair. Kenjin pouted at being treated like a child but admitted his anger got the best of him. "Come on, that's enough for the day you should hit the showers before meeting up with your parents," Masuda spoke while helping the boy up. "All right and thanks for the lesson uncle." He bowed before running off.
Taking his uncle's advice he took a quick shower before changing back into his regular clothes that comprising a black T-shirt and blue jeans and combing his bushy brown hair. Taking a few shortcuts he arrived at the main garden in the middle of the compound where the youth's parents usually relaxing at. Both of Kenjin's parents were the clan heads making him the clan hair though he was only 5, so he didn't have many clan duties yet. His parents were usually hard at work most of the day with clan business and other tasks which brought an immense amount of stress. "Mom, Dad!" the child shouted as he ran to where they were sitting, seeing him approach they gave him a big smile. "Ah, your lesson is over already, do you learn anything new today?" The man asked while stroking his beard and blowing out some smoke from his pipe. "Y-yeah I did. Uncle says I've gotten better but I still have ways to go." Kenjin replied with a sheepish grin as he rubbed his neck.
"Don't worry no one is a master at the start. Just keep up with your studies and pay attention to your uncle, and he will help you." His father informed the youth while wagging his pipe in enthuses. "Yes, father but is Uncle Masuda all that great...he's lazy and kinda weird?" he questioned while a picture of Masuda sleeping as he practiced came to him. His mother giggled at his on-point description for the man. "Kenjin your uncle and my brother may be weird but he is a gifted swordsman and a master in his own right. Even if he has a few...quirks." She sheepishly chuckled while rubbing her neck. "It's true my boy he is one of the best even more skilled than me in the sword." Kenjin eyes widened he believed his father was the best in the clan. "Really?" He asked giving his full attention to the man. "Yes, you see this." His father asked raising his shirt to reveal a light scar going across his chest to which Kenjin nodded. "I got this from your uncle when we spared during our promotion test for the rank of a master." Kenjin gasped at this revelation he recognized the scar noticing it a few times but didn't know uncle caused it. Just maybe his wacky uncle was more than he seemed he thought. Just as he considered that a memory of him throwing balloons full of paint at him while signing some pop songs made him rethink that thought.
Just as the youth had sat down to have some tea with his mother, a voice yelled from across the garden. "Kenjin!" a feminine voice spoke, turning he saw a girl around his age with a round face and black hair ran up to him. She was his distant cousin and his only friend, as many were nervous about his heir status. Her name was Kiko and was from one of the branch families, the girl didn't care about his clan status, thus making them great friends. "Kiko good to see you so well, how are your parents doing?" His father asked the girl. "They are doing well sir and wish you the best in the following weeks," Kiko replied in a polite tone. "Dear you need not be so tense around us were family." Kenjin's mother said in a soft tone and handed her some treats. "My apologies...I mean sorry," she responded embarrassed which got a small chuckled out of the couple. "I think we've kept you long enough you and Kenjin run along now." His father spoke before taking a seat and puffing on his pipe.
"Remember to keep out of trouble you two. I trust you to keep on eye on him Kiko," his mom spoke in a stern tone. "Hey!" Kenjin said as he pouted which got a giggle from his mother. "Yes mam," Kiko replied with a minute salute before taking Kenjins hand and dragged him out of the garden. "Well, she is energetic today isn't she?" She questioned her husband as he snickered as she took her seat next to him. "Very I almost feel for the boy," he laughed, and she giggled before returning to their relaxation.
With Kiko and Kenjin:
As Kiko dragged him through the gates as they passed, some guards were laughing at his predicament. She pulled him for a few more minutes before they arrived at a forest near the compound. "So what do you want to play tag, hide&seek or should we explore?" Kiko suggested to Kenjin who was still catching his breath. "Hmm...how about hide&seek," He asked his companion. "Only if you're not afraid to lose again," she stated with a smirk. Kenjin puffed his cheeks at her statement which earned a got a giggle from her. Deciding to get his revenge for the teasing he got closer to her. "I have an idea." He said which got a raised brow from the girl. "what?" she queried oblivious to the danger soon to befall her. "This!" Kenjin shouted as he started to tickle her to death. "Ken-Kenjin sto-op!" She yelled with tears in her eyes as she laughed loudly from the tickle torture. "Nope, not till you apologize." He smirked at her. This carried on for 5 minutes before she finally caved in and apologized which ended the torture.
Both Kiko and Kenjin were laying on the ground panting from their game of tag. It was a few more minutes before they caught their wind. "I'm super tired!" she shouted childishly getting a small chuckle from the boy. "How about we explore some before we head home?" He asked with her nodding in agreement and began to walk around the forest. As night fell, they arrived at a hill this being one of their favorite spots to stargaze. Lying down in the grass, the duo watched as the stars danced and twinkled in the night's sky. "Kenjin?" she spoke breaking the silence. "Yeah, Kiko," the youth responded. "Could you close your eyes for a second?" She begged him, while confused he nodded and did what she asked. He felt something being placed around his neck before she told him to open his eyes. Upon opening, he saw a golden locket with trimmings on the side with a tiny crimson jewel in the middle. Opening it he saw a small picture of him and Kiko at one of the clan parties. He was speechless the locket was beautiful and likely expensive.
"Kiko why are you giving this to me?" he asked with a lifted brow. "It's symbolizing our friendship. I wanted you to have something to remind you of me," she replied. Still speechless he took a moment before speaking. "This is beautiful but I have nothing to give you," he replied sadly, staring downward at his shoes. She shook her head before putting a hand on his shoulder. "You need not get me anything as I cherish the time we spend together, plus this way you won't forget me," Kiko spoke. "That's silly. I can't forget you you're my best friend." He responded and hugged the surprised girl. "Thank you." She replied whilst he hugged her as she blushed. "Kiko you okay your face is red?" He asked in concern and leaned his face close to her. "Eep! Ye-yeah I'm fine nothing to worry about," she replied as she nervously laughed. He eyed her with some suspicion before accepting it. "We should likely head back it's getting late." She stated and started pulling him along. It didn't take long to reach the clan compound and after quickly saying goodbye he ran off to his house to make it in time for dinner. When he reached the house, he heard the voices of his father and Uncle talking.
"So do you believe the report is correct?" a voice inquired. "I hope not or things will become chaotic." A voice sighed in reply. Kenjin could now identify both voices as his uncle and father. "Agreed, but all we can do is wait, gives me enough time for my naps." Both his father and Masuda chuckled. Not understanding the conversation and caring he entered the house. "There you are Kenjin did you and Kiko have fun?" He asked with a smile. "Yes, we played in the woods and went stargazing," Kenjin responded as his new locket swayed a little catching the eye of his uncle. "Oh, and I take Kiko also gave you that locket?" He asked with a knowing grin. "Yeah, she said it was to symbolize our friendship." The youth replied, which got a chuckled from both the men to his confusion. "Well, go wash up and prepare for dinner." His father stated before he bowed and ran down the hall. "He will be a lady killer just like his old man," Masuda stated with a laugh. "Sigh. I wasn't that dense when I was young, was I?" He questioned the man to his left. "Oh, you were especially blind to those girls around you. She had to bash you over the head to make you realize her feelings." Masuda laughed as Kenjin's father blushed at the memory.
The duo carried on for a bit until dinner was ready and they all gathered around the table to say praise before digging in. It went as it usually went with Masuda telling jokes and challenging Kenjin's father to a drink with his mother smacking him upside the head. During dinner, she also noticed his locket and told him to keep it safe since it was a gift. After helping clean up Kenjin went off to his room to sleep for the night. As he lay in bed, he thought back to the conversation his uncle and father had. And the tense atmosphere during dinner. Deciding that they knew best, he quickly banished the worries from his mind and soon fell asleep.
Timeskip: 2 weeks.
"Hiyahh" Kenjin roared as he swiped at Masuda and then to parry a jab and counter another blow before landing a slash on his arm. Jumping back to get distance was a mistake as his uncle instantly capitalized and bolted in front of him parrying his sword and jabbing it at his gut before disarming him. "Looks like I win again~" he stated with the sword at Kenjin's neck before sheathing it. "Yeah, but I got a hit on you this time!" He declared with a grin to which his uncle chuckle at the enthusiasm. "Yes, yes, you did. You've gotten better in these few weeks soon you'll be better than your old man. he responded with a grin. "What about you?" Kenjin asked. "Pff you'll never best this old-timer." He laughed as the youth sighed at his uncle's antics. The boy bowed and headed off to the shower before headed towards the garden. Looking around, he noticed neither of them was present. 'Hmm...must be in a meeting again.' He thought before deciding to head off to Kiko's house. Knocking on the door he waited a few minutes before she answered. "Hey Kenjin what's up?" The girl asked. "My parents are in a meeting. I think so how about we take a walk?" He asked, and she nodded and locked the door before following the boy to the woods.
They both walked in silence before Kiko broke the ice. "Hey, Kenjin?" she asked. "Hmm?" He simply replied. "Do you know what the meeting is about?" She asked while glancing at him from the corner of her eye. "If I had to guess it's likely another boring meeting about finances and other stuff," he answered. She just nodded before they resumed silence as they walked through the forest. They soon arrived at the hill they usually stargaze and sat in silence looking at the stars. "Kenjin if something were to happen would you remember me?" She asked out of nowhere. "Huh? I would never forget you're my friend. Plus I have this to remind me." He stated lifting the locket. She smiled and blushed a little as they continued to watch the stars for the next hour. Afterward, they left for home and split up upon reaching the gate. 'I wonder what was wrong with Kiko." he questioned as he walked into the house.
Waking up and performing his routine he got dressed in his training gear and headed off to the dojo. When he arrived, he didn't see his uncle anywhere so shrugging he practiced his stances and strikes until he did. Hours soon passed and Masuda was still hadn't come by, and at that point, he questioned whether he was drunk again. Let's just say last time Kenjin's mom wasn't too happy to hear he blew off the session to get drunk. Many that day heard the girlish screams of a man in pure torture. Deciding to head off to his parent's office in case he was there he heard voices from the inside and politely knocking he entered. Inside, he saw his parents and uncle with some clan elders and Kiko for some odd reason. As he was about to ask what was going on, a loud boom rocked the room and sounded like it came from the main gate. Wasting no time, the elders with Masuda rushed out of the room towards the explosion. Looking at his parents the boy was about to ask but the look of worry stopped him. "Kenjin I want you to take this." He said as he handed him a sword with a blue scabbard with gold trimming. Looking from the sword to his parents he worries began to grow.
Before he had time to ask what was happening, his father hushed him again. "Son, follow Kiko out the back and hide in the forest until it's safe." He said in a firm tone and pointing to her. Looking at his friend, he noticed she was in the clan's light armor with a headband on her head and a Katana on her back. "Honey, I know you're worried but please don't fight and follow Kiko," His mother said in a soft voice before hugging him and ruffling his hair. Having no time to respond Kiko grabbed his hand and dragged him to the back of the compound and out a secret door.
They walked through the forest for a few minutes before the boy broke the tense atmosphere. "Kiko what's going on?" He asked only to get silence in response. She then dragged him to the hill they usually stargaze at. Noticing the smoke he quickly made his way to the top of the hill and once there his eyes widened. Their home was in flames, broken and destroyed. 'What happened? Mom, Dad, uncle I hope you're safe.' The youth silently prayed. Both he and the girl stood in silence until they heard a snap and spun around.
A tall man with long black hair and black wings stepped out of the woods and over to the hill. "Well, two rodents fled, did they? Pff Azazel is losing his touch. The guy grunted. 'Who is this man and who is Azazel' The youth quietly questioned. The man summoned a weapon of light and threw it at the duo. Kenjin still in shock didn't move and Kiko acting fast shoved him out of the way. Wasting no time, she raced towards the man with her Katana and with a downward slash she forced him backward. He merely smirked at the challenge before summoning two more javelins and hurled them at the girl. Kiko keeping clam merely sidestepped the first strike and parried the following. Closing the distance, she slashed him across the chest and kick him in the gut propelling him back. Growling the man launched more spears to no avail then an idea came to him. Summoning another weapon he propelled it at the still troubled boy who had no chance to run out of the way. Closing his eyes in acceptance he quickly grew confused when the pain didn't reach him. Opening his eyes they widened, he saw non-other the Kiko his friend standing over him in defense and a spear in her gut. Breaking into tears he grabbed her as she slumped to the ground.
Staring at her wounded form, the youth saw red as he heard the man speak. "Nothing but trash and here I believed she was a challenge," he laughed. Grasping the sword his father gave him he unsheathed it and took up a stance opposite the feathered man. "Oh, does the coward desire a fight? Surely, you'll be more of a challenge than that girl there." He smiled as Kenjin balled his fists. Racing at the winged man Kenjin evaded weapon after weapon as he closed the distance and landed a slash on one of his wings. "Dam, you!" He screeched while hopping back. Taking the initiative this time he struck the youth squarely in the jaw propelling him back. Avoiding a second punch he countered with one of his own and embedded it into the man's gut winding him. While dazed, Kenjin took the opening to slash at the man earning a large but not fatal gash on his chest. Both Kenjin and the man exchanged blows a few more times each racking up cuts and bruises with the boy the worse for wear. "You can't last any longer just give up!" He smirked. Kenjin didn't reply but only narrowed his eyes at the raven-haired man before taking up his stance and rushing him. "Aaaaaah!" The youth roared as he slashed horizontally only for him to parry and to have a punch embedded into his gut winding him. The raven pushed the child down with a laugh. "You did well, but this is it, die like the vermin you are!" Yelling before performing a downward slash. As Kenjin saw the sword come barreling down at the boy as time appeared to slow down. 'I can't die! Not like this, there has to be something I can do.'
His mind was racing in panic...until he heard a voice who sounded as if they were far away. "Resolve. Bring forth your courage and strike once more!" The voice roared at him snapping him out of the trance. Raising his sword with an unprecedented speed he parried the blow stunning the foe and driving him back with an unknown pressure. "What is that sword!" The raven man seethed. Looking to the sword, he saw the weapon radiating a strange red light. Disregarding the sword, for now, he took his stance once more preparing his defense. "No matter you'll be dead soon enough!" He roared appearing before the youth and jabbed at him. Narrowing his eyes he immediately countered with a flick of sword deflecting it to the side and taking the opportunity. Slashing him across the face leaving a scar down his right side from his eye to the cheek. Firing a spear at the ground and making a temporary smokescreen he took to the air clutching the right side of his face. "Grr. Dam vermin! I will remember this." He shouted before disappearing in a flash of light.
Kenjin stood there speechless still gazing at the spot he vanished from with one thought in his head. 'I won, I did it!' Quickly spinning around, he ran to where Kiko lay and began to shake her. "Come on, wake up. I'll go get some help from dad and uncle." He cried getting up to leave before a hand grabbed his arm, halting him. "Ken-njin I don't have a lot of time, so listen." She said in a whisper. "You were my first friend, and I enjoyed the time we spent together. I thank you sincerely for being my light in the dark." She hacked and blood started to flow down her lips. "I'm almost out of time so Kenjin I ask of you to live for me and to carry the name of the clan to new heights. I apologize for not being there to help but know I believe in you. Now you must go to this place is no longer safe for you." She stated while smiled at the crying boy. "B-but I can't leave you. I know I'll help carry you to safety." He yelled in reply. She slightly shook her head. "I sorry but it's too late for me. Kenjin you're too soft but I guess that's what made fall for you." She said before she kissed the boy, his eyes widened. Parting Kiko gave him one more smile before shutting her eyes and drifting off to the land beyond.
Seeing how still she got, he started to shake in attempts to wake her. "Kiko please don't leave...please don't leave me!" He bellowed to no avail. He spent some time just sitting there with his late friend. Bringing her to the hilltop and placing her down gently, he set off for the compound. Arriving at the gate, he noticed several corpses of all members of his clan. Some he recognized from meetings or who came to visit. Moving on he saw the scorched earth and burnt walls as he wandered in silence. Arriving at his parent's office, he saw neither them nor his uncle. The youth checked around before arriving at his wing. The hallway was in better shape than the others. Noticing a pool of blood and coming around a corner he gasped. He saw non-other than his uncle back against the wall and Impaled with his sword. Fearing the worst he entered the room to see both his mother and father lying still on the ground. For the second time that day he broke down.
Finally composing himself he drugged both his parents and uncle to the garden before getting a shovel and began to dig. He made a modest grave for both of them and piled some rocks on their resting place as a marker. Saying a quick prayer for them and the others, he set off for the hill and arrived to see Kiko still laying there. Taking the time he dug her a grave there on the hill in their spot so she could watch the stars once more. Saying a prayer for his friend, he also made a promise. One to grow stronger so no one precious to him would die again and the second to find out why his clan was attacked. Kenjin returned to the compound to gather what supplies he could and took some mementos with him before leaving. He stared for a long time at his home before turning to the forest and began to walk and never looked back.
Chapter end.