A Parent's Responsibility
I don't remember when exactly when it started. I've always had a feeling since I was a child that I've lived another life in another country. I assumed for a long time that these were just random dreams but it began to get confusing when I started school that I could always understand English lessons even though hardly anyone I knew of in my family ever spoke English in front of me. I even got praised by my teachers for having good grasp in English and assumed my family taught me fluent English but I could never explain to them the real reason which would only have seemed weird to them. But the weirdness didn't end there.
Sometime in Middle school I became increasingly convinced that my 'dreams' was in fact memories of another life as I got an increasingly clearer picture. There was a family,not Japanese but very loving,none of the reservedness considered typical in Japan. It felt like looking into memories of someone very familiar,almost like a close friend. I considered telling someone but decided to keep it my little secret. I doubt anymore would believe and think I was being ludicrous.
Now High school was really the time I started investigating this strange situation. I looked over various articles on the internet of people claiming to have lived another life and had memories of it.I read books of all sorts from scientific to well,seemed like literature from New Age cults. Telepathy, Reincarnation, Premonition,you name it. Yet still I couldn't find a satisfactory answer and my interest dwindled as my family and school friends showed concern in by my lack of interest in people around me and looking into stuff which seemed like the occult. In any event, my college examinations were getting nearer so I got too busy in that and even stopped paying attention to my dreams and it really seemed like they were finally about to go away and I just had gone through a phase. These memories never really stopped but I set them them aside as I prepared for the daily grind of what was going to be my adulthood.
The head of the Sohma Family, Akito Sohma summoned me to his room deep in the family estate where few Family members are allowed.
The Main House had always been a mystery which was always looked after by rather stern looking servant women in kimonos which I swore doubled as guards to keep away prying eyes.
The elderly servant lady which I believe to be also the Head servant lead me around empty corridors of the Main House and with heavy showers with thunder outside this afternoon it was a bit dark and the creaking of the wooden floor made me uneasy. I tried to lighten the mood,really to keep myself calm in this situation and tried to do small talk.
"Is Akito-sama displeased about something? Is this...something to do with my son?"
Because of a certain situation of my son,Kyo Sohma my family were really not welcomed here and had to live in one of the more distant houses in the Sohma Estate.
"Patience, Kazama-san. Akito-sama wishes to speak to alone."
The Head servant said sternly. Not to be rude but most servants of the Main House seemed approachable so I never bothered to know their names.
"I understand"
I really didn't want to go through with this. My wife,Kanae (I love that we have same initials) was worried when a younger servant came on our doorstep and told about my being summoned without telling the reason. She was scared about by well-being and our son, Kyo. I must stay strong,for their sake.
She stopped a few paces from a slide door to the right of the corridor and I followed suit.
"Wait here"
She said and walked forward and slid open the door slightly.
While she informed the person inside the room of my arrival my nervousness began to bubble up again slightly.
I had been here before a few times and none of the visits were pleasant. Something about the Head of the Sohma family always made him uneasy and he had gotten worse over time.
"Akito-sama will be seeing you now."
The head servant said firmly.I thanked her,walked passed her and entered the room while she slid the door closed behind me.
"Thank you"
I did the polite thing for the servant but the door had been closed by then. I turned and laid my eyes to the dark part of the already dimly lit room.
It was quiet with sound heavy rain still happening outside. There is a brief flash of lightning and I see the person waiting for me wearing a dark kimono with a cloth draped over and his back turned to me. The sound of thunder reaches after a moment.
"Is it true that you wish to leave and you're taking the cat with you?"
Said the Head of the Sohma Family and known only to a select few,the 'god' of the Zodiac curse.
He was barely a teenager but he could be ruthless and intimidating.
Damn it! So he went straight for the jugular. Of course he had his eyes and ears on everyone living in this Estate.
His father and previous family head,Akira was a sickly but kind man. Ever since his death Akito had become something dark and twisted.
Well,It's now or never.
"Master Akito" I took a deep breath "I believe living here is taking a toll on my wife and son"
Akito stared at me with lifeless eyes,his expression full of contempt like I'm someone completely insignificant to him.
I continued
"I'm sure you know my son,Kyo has...circumstances which makes things very difficult. Even among the Zodiac members he is ostracized and not allowed to even attend the New Year's banquet."
He stayed quiet and didn't interject. Good,he's got my full attention.
"I swear to protect the secret of the Zodiac curse and take all measures to ensure that Kyo's true form never gets revealed."
I didn't think convincing him was going to be easy. Unfortunately I was right.
"I forbid it."
Akito said revealing his venomous side. This kid could be terrifying.
Of course he would react badly to this. He was very possessive of his 'property', even the cat.
"The Zodiacs belong to me. I'm their God and they have to obey me. Nothing can break our bond!"
He was practically grinning now. I squeezed my wrists in anger without realising and was just able to calm down. This kid was a snake and I couldn't loose my cool right now.
"It is very difficult for my family right now. We can compromise by promising to visit you from time to time. However, I believe it's doubtful Kyo would be missed here."
Even among the Zodiacs he is treated like a monster. Not that I wasn't guilty of that too. Kyo,oh my poor,darling son. I'll never leave your side again,even it costs me my life.
"Why do you even care? He's a monster. An abomination. He will be locked up in the cat house for the rest of his-"
"I will not allow it!"
I yelled,cutting him off and unable to contain my anger. This kid is really a psychopath.
Akito looked surprised for a moment and then immediately looked extremely pissed. Looked like I bruised his ego since everyone around him practically worship him.
"How dare you speak while I'm talking!"
Akito chided me like a child throwing a tantrum.
"The Zodiacs are all mine! You think he's a monster too,right? If not for him always wearing those beads he's an ugly, repulsive and unspeakable creature. All of those with the cat's curse ended up alone in the Cat house. What possibly could you see in that... thing!"
Surprisingly,after such vulgar things he just said I took deep breaths and stayed calm.
Since he's being so honest with his feelings then it's a better reason for not staying here.
I'm going to have to bait him to make him agree.
End of Part 1
