Chapter 4
The City of Water and the Deeds of a Demon
As Kazuma undressed, he thought of how the Kings seemed to be ever so kind to him, even though he was of demon blood. The reason alluded him, as he wondered why he became the demon he hated when he sensed the Dark faction. He kept thinking, as he descended into a bathing pool. He thought about how long it had been since he'd been in city. As he washed the demon blood from his face and hair, he didn't notice that a woman had entered the bathing house. "Here is your clothes," she said, Kazuma jolting around, "Sorry to intrude. If you need anything else, just ask."
"Oh, thank you," he replied, watching as her face turned red, "Something wrong?"
She turned and fled the room, still blushing. "That was strange," he said shaking his head.
When he had finished washing and had put the clothes on, he left the bathing house and began to wander the streets. As he passed, people stopped to stare at him. "God, if this goes on any longer, I'm going to…" he thought, when he suddenly figured out why, stopping in the. He realized that there were very, very few men in the streets, so most of the people he passed were women. The men he did see were dressed in armor and jolted in fear every time they saw him. Also, the citizens in the Water nation had light or dark blue hair. His being white, attracting attention. He instantly calmed down and continued to wander around. As he walked, he looked at the plants and the architecture of the city. He marveled at its beauty, as he passed fountains and courtyards full of plant life. He stopped at a massive house. He automatically assumed it to be the King's, so he strode up the walkway to its doors. He knocked on the door and waited until it was opened by a servant. "Yes, the King said he'd like to speak with me," Kazuma said, the servant looking him up and down and then heading down a hallway.
Kazuma followed the servant until they reached a beautifully carved, blue door. The servant knocked and then left Kazuma. He then heard a voice from within telling him to enter. He entered to a live room, full of people. A table in the center took up most of the room. The people inside consisted of three young, beautiful women, two men in their late twenties, two elder men, and the King. They were all seated around the table, discussing some topic. They all stopped to stare at Kazuma. "This, my fellow counselors is Kazuma Ohtori of the Dark faction," the King announced aloud.
"He has obviously been to the Fire nation, by the necklace he adorns," said one of the women.
"He couldn't possibly be as evil as we have been told, for, as you all know, you can only acquire a necklace through a friendship with the owner," said a man in reply.
"My friend, this is the counsel of the Kasai Fortress. Together, we make the decisions of the city. I am their leader, so therefore I am called King. It all works for the best of the city," the King stated, happily, "So, how do you like the city so far, except for the destroyed part?"
Kazuma faced the window as he replied, "I admit this is the most beautiful city I've come upon. I want to thank you for the clothes and the hospitality. I have a few questions though. Why is there a short supply of men, and I was wondering if I could stay to help you repair this city."
"As for the first part," another of the women answered, "many of our men die in battle."
"As for the latter, the lack of men leaves the women to repair, therefore for you to help would be," said the last woman with a smile, "an honor."
Kazuma began to help repairing the next day. For the next three weeks he stayed in the city to finish repairing. He became popular to the women for his strength, for his kindness, and for how he kept to himself. He became well known to the men, by his courage and skill in battle. Never did he show his demon side, nor did he do an evil deed. No one in the city thought evil of him, but only wondered how he could possibly be a demon. He and the King became great friends, and on many an occasion, held great debates with the counsel. The women taught him many skills and things. They taught him to cook and to build and craft. When the repairs were complete, a feast was held for the occasion.
"My friends we gather today to celebrate the completion of the repairs. We also have gathered to thank our friend, Kazuma, for his help and effort he put into this city," the King said, as Kazuma walked up to him.
The people erupted in applause, as the King stepped back for him. When the noise died down, Kazuma turned his head as he said, "I am very grateful for the kindness you have shown me," turning to face the crowd, with a solemn look, "so I am sorry to say that I am to leave tomorrow. I regret my stay too short, but I must leave now or I shall never again want to leave this beautiful city and its wonderful people."
He began to walk towards his room, the crowd began to talk and converse amongst themselves. When he reached his room, he quickly began to pack his things. As he packed, the King walked in, followed by the other elders. "You said you were leaving tomorrow, so why are you packing now?" he asked, concerned.
"I won't lie to you. I must leave sooner because I will regret it later. Again, I am grateful for your help, and all I ask is for a horse, and for the hope of one day returning here. Maybe when I find what I am looking for, I will return here to stay. Only fate can tell. I am sorry, but I must leave now," he replied in a sad tone, as he turned to leave.
The King pulled off his necklace and handed it to Kazuma, "I give this to you not only as a friend or from the counsel, but to you as a reminder of a home to return to."
"I shall never forget you or anyone else, thank you," he stated, as he bowed.
One of the counselors brought him a horse. The horse was pure white with a long, flowing mane. As Kazuma mounted it at the gates of the city, the King told him, "This horse, is the fastest one we have, may she help you in your time of need,"
"Forever will this city and its people remain in my heart. Goodbye, my friend," Kazuma said as he rode off down the rode.
"Goodbye, Kazuma, the legendary demon warrior of old."
