Chapter 5
One week had passed since Tasuki's disappearance. Life on the street seemed like bliss compared to the mundane lifestyle at home. He always contemplated returning to the place he abandoned. Yet, the past memories of discomfort festered in his heart always seemed to anger him so. It angered him to the point of bitterness and discontentment towards his siblings and his parents. The seed of hatred that harbored within their souls had no doubt migrated into him. A requiting feeling he regretted to own.
His appearance was menacing and sickly. Beyond the complexion of ivory, he looked ghastly pale as if blood was absent from his veins. Two steps away from just canting over, he dropped to his knees to regain the little bit of breath he had, the little evidence left of life flowing through his mangled body. 'Why should I allow myself to continue to live like this?' he thought. He stared at the clothing draped upon his frame ashamed of its soiled and ragged appearance. He lifted himself from the ground slowly and continued to walk in the direction of the Konan market. The fleeting thoughts of self-loathing would soon be withered away.
The streets of Konan Country had become his home. Sleeping in abandoned houses and living off the wastes of others was how he managed to survive. He had made an oath to never steal from anyone and had been able to keep that promise to himself over the past 7 days.
He spotted a small, empty stall in one of the market sections nearby and situated his butt unto its dusty benches. Although it was daylight, sleep seemed to beckon his eyes to close. Using his left arm as a pillow he nestled his head unto his lap.
"Young man, are you alright?"
The soft voice of a woman penetrated Tasuki's thoughts. The drowsiness that had drugged his entire body confused his sense of judgment as to if it was a dream or reality. He battled with his droopy eyes forcing them open, annoyed that he was being disturbed by this stranger. A stranger, who to make matters worse, was nothing but a pestering young girl.
"Go away! Why do you women always have to be so nosey?" His head remained positioned on his lap to avoid diverting his gaze to the young girl's attention.
"Things would get better soon," she comfortingly responded. And she left his side disappearing almost like a phantom amongst the noisy market crowd.
Tasuki's inquisition got the best of him and he raised his head to get a glimpse at the young girl who dared to console him. And a glimpse was all he received as the crowds of people soon engulfed her in the streets. Never had he seen such radiant beauty so he stood in an attempt to get a better look at her face. His heart raced as he contemplated whether to pursue her. His procrastination only serving him disappointment as he stood there questioning who the girl could be. Little did he know that this young girl will soon become a part of his future. And little did this stranger know about the responsibility that will soon rest on her shoulders. Their paths were destined to cross again whether they liked it or not.
B r e a k
"Mitsuki, can you please check the oven. The bread may be just about ready to come out."
"Ok mom," she obliged. But she was consumed by annoyance from her mother's unrelenting pestering. The past week had been hell since her brother's disappearance. She felt herself slowly being ostracized as it became apparent that her siblings held her accountable for their recent living conditions. The atmosphere had been tense. And though no one dared to whisper a word of it, all of them knew that their mother was worried.
Mitsuki's secret on the other hand was still unknown, sheltered by her thoughts and the womb shielding the being inside her. She knew it won't be long before she started to show. And a plan had to be devised to keep the truth from ever being revealed. Every day she cursed her brother's existence passing blame in his absence knowing fully well that this tragedy was because of her. Yet, she refused to accept it. Vengeance consumed her heart entirely. All she longed for was the day when Tasuki would return to exact her pain.
"Mitsuki!"
"Coming mom," she replied. She made her way into the kitchen stumbling over her heels trying to make haste. She removed the bread from the oven placing it on the kitchen table for it to cool off. She was infuriated. Her mom was close by in the living room, but because of her laziness she had to summon her to do her bidding. She wanted to tell her off, to let her know she did not feel well, that she was prostrated on the ground outside earlier puking her guts out when she disturbed her. But she hid her defiance and staggered away from her presence. She sought refuge in her room, the only place she seemed to gain peace of mind. Till noon that day was when her stomach came to ease and feeling terribly exhausted, she decided to take a rest.
B r e a k
Nightfall had soon cascaded over Konan Country blanketing the town in a sea of black. It was not the usual starry night with only a few stars sparsely lit in the sky. The moon was in its crescent shape barely visibly behind the rooftops and tree branches. The lights from the open windows were the main source of illumination to the loiterers that congested the streets.
It was somewhat abnormal for the town to be so vivid, especially around nine o'clock at night. But what seemed to grab Tasuki's attention even more was the commotion he witnessed occurring right outside the abandoned building that he sought temporary residence. Three bandits were attacking a young woman with her child and had cornered her at knife point. It's not my business, Tasuki tried to convince himself even though his conscience was willing him to go to her aid. "Oh, what the heck," he mumbled defeated. "Even though I'd quicker raise a finger to help a man, a lady once a while shouldn't be that bad." However, what he witnessed next impacted him immensely. He huddled back inside quickly to camouflage his presence.
Standing before the ruffians was a young man very tall and lean in stature. He appeared so quickly from behind them and knocked them down to the ground instantly. It was a sight to behold his offensive and defensive movements performed with such ease and precision. His robes were weaved with some of the finest threads Tasuki had ever laid his eyes upon. It was obvious that the stranger had money. It was obvious that he was a formidable opponent as well.
'That guy was amazing' Tasuki thought to himself excitedly. He eased in a little closer to eavesdrop on the conversation he was having.
"Thank you," the young woman replied very relieved. "With the threats those guys were spewing, I thought my child and I were one step in the grave." She laughed very nervously as she chatted with the young man in front of her.
"You're very welcome Miss," he replied. He bowed his head in respect and turned to walk away.
"Young man – I'm sorry," the young woman fumbled shyly. "But, may I know the name of my rescuer?"
"It's Hakurou Miss," he replied candidly and he continued to walk away.
Tasuki stood there consumed with strong admiration. He was working up the courage to approach the stranger but his feet seemed to turn to lead fastening him to the ground. He did manage to finally follow him but he lost him the crowd soon after. 'Hakurou', he thought. He decided that his next objective would be to track down the young man and to find out who he is. Although he did not say it out loud, deep down inside the red head already wanted to be just like him.
B r e a k
A/n: Sorry for taking so long to update. You don't even want to know when and where I did this chapter.
Other than that, I promise the story is going to become better for Tasuki soon. I know it's a bit dragging but you'll see where everything leads. Ok… review time!