There is a note at the end of the chapter.

Chapter 5 ~ Michaelis~

It was a beautiful, sunny day. The family spent little time inside for their favorite place was outside under the sky where Toshi had made a hearth close to their dwelling. Over the years their house has changed from what it used to be.

An additional sleeping quarter was built in the corner of the house, a space for their son to have. Chizuru sat near the fire, warming herself from just taking a bath, her hair had grown longer and reached below her back. Still, she refused to trim it down for she has grown to like this style.

Loud giggling echoed and her heart fluttered to the sound. It was her joy, her music.

She tilted her head slightly to look outside. Right near the lake stood a boy with his arms open, welcoming the sunlight.

His dark hair was like a shadow glistening. A crimson butterfly was flying around him, her chaotic movements seemed like she was calling him. The boy lowered his arms and giggled again.

"I'm going to catch you today."

He laughed and started jogging after it. His small frame made it easy for him to jump over the rock in the lake that created a path to the other side of the valley.

"Kondo, darling, careful not to fall in the lake okay?" She called out to him.

The boy stopped and gazed back at her, his eyes were hauntingly dark orange.

"Yes, Mama," he replied and waved at her before returning to chasing the red butterfly.

It has been a routine for him. That butterfly has shown up almost every day near him to play, almost like a friend. The chase had led him near the waterfall where all sounds vanished.

He could hear nothing but the sound of the waterfall thundering down into the lake.

The boy stopped in his tracks, confused. There was a dull ache in his heart, every breath he took the ache increased with it. He tried to hold his breath a bit. He wanted to cry out for his mom, and alert her that there is something wrong with him.

"Ma…"

He was cut off by a sound. Something clattering, getting closer and closer. The boy gazed at the top of the waterfall and saw rocks sliding down his way at an alarming speed, threatening to rain down and crush him. The butterfly was right in front of him flying chaotically.

"No!" Chizuru screamed on the other side. Kondo felt his blood freeze, he wanted to move but his legs wouldn't listen to his command. The rocks were almost right upon him when suddenly something happened. He could hear his mom's running steps invoking a sense of suspense within him. Reality faded away as time stood still.

Instead of the rocks crushing him, they were frozen in the air, and the bubbles from the waterfall were floating all around him as if he was under the water. The crimson butterfly has stopped with her wings pulled back. It took him a second to realize what just happened. He placed his hand over his heart, the pain subsided, and his eyes still focused on the sight above him. He felt Chizuru's arms pull him off of the spot and the two fell to the side upon the grass.

The moment his eyes drifted, the rocks fell and slid into the lake. Chizuru pulled the boy in front of her and examined his face and arms. His eyes were bright red, like the eyes of fury. "Are you okay baby?" she asked almost crying.

A smile graced his baby face as his eyes returned to normal color. "I'm okay mama, I did that," a sense of pride was in his voice.

It took Chizuru a moment to calm down and think about what he just said. She has seen it of course, like time itself was frozen long enough for her to pull him out of harm's way. Worry settled at the pit of her stomach. It seems his powers are beginning to appear.

"How did you do that?" she asked.

Kondo raised his head slightly and explained. "Right at that moment I was terrified, my mind was yelling for time to stop before they harm me and it happened."

He said it so casually, for he didn't realize such power does not really exist for her or his father or any other demon she has heard of. No one can freeze time.

"Did I do something wrong, mama?" Kondo asked. "Are you scared of me? I see it in your eyes." Chizuru's face softened and she tapped the top of his head gently.

"No baby, it's alright. Be careful and don't come too close to the waterfall, okay?" She gestured for him to go on and continue playing.

The boy was about to go when he remembered. He didn't tell her about what he felt. "Mama," he broke the silence.

Confused, Chizuru answered with a smile. "Yes, Darling?"

He bowed slightly and started fidgeting with his fingers like he was unsure of how to say it. "Before that happened, I felt….pain in my heart," he said.

Chizuru drew closer to him again and asked. "What do you mean a pain in your heart?"

Once he glanced at her again. His eyes were glistening, he was about to cry. "My heart was hurting," he whimpered. "Am I going to die mama?"

She pulled him close for a hug. "Don't talk like that. I'm sure there is a perfect explanation for this." She looked him in the eyes again. "If you feel like this again, immediately shout for me or your father."

Feeling slightly relieved from the experience, the boy nodded and started looking for his butterfly friend once more. Chizuru remained there for a while. She always prayed this wouldn't happen until at least four more years. So it begins.

…

It was mid-afternoon when Toshi finally arrived home. He was pushing a cart filled with medicine. Over the years, he returned to selling the medicine his family was known for in order to make ends meet. His sister Aiya helped him out a couple of times and he was able to earn a good living. On the other side of the valley, there was a dirt path leading to the other side of the road. He explored it alone and discovered another village. At first, he was worried they might know of him and whatever Prophecy was known about his son. But that wasn't the case and so he was able to buy supplies every once in a while and sell his medicine among them. He placed the cart down and heaved a sigh. It was a long day. A lightly trimmed beard has adorned his face. It was his choice to let it grow for a change, and Chizuru seemed to agree with him.

" I'm home." He shouted.

"Papa!" The boy yelled as he bolted toward him with his arms wide open.

Toshi chuckled and knelt down to welcome him. It has become their routine. The boy jumped in his arms, the force made Toshi stagger a bit.

"Hello Kondo, have you been good to Mama?" He asked with a chuckle. The boy nodded with a wide smile on his face. Chizuru strolled towards him, high on gratitude, and lightly pecked his cheek.

"Hey darling, was it a fruitful day?" She asked.

"Yes. I did buy some good outfits," he said and patted the boy's head again. "For our little man."

She helped carry the bags toward the house, as he went to wash up and relax in their bedroom. Once she placed the last bag in their room, it was time to tell him, so they can understand what could be done. Toshi was on his back on the bed, silent. Not really in the mood for anything. She knew this would annoy him, but she was too worried for her own good, maybe he can help her relax.

"Toshi, something happened today with our boy." She laid it out immediately.

He pulled himself to a sitting position, stress lines evident on his face. "What happened?" he asked.

She closed her eyes for a moment before she started telling him everything she witnessed so far. "Then he told me, he felt pain in his chest and wondered if he was going to die." Toshi started scratching his head in frustration. "So it is real. He has powers like no one ever knew before?" he said. "We have to watch over him no matter what, I'm sure with time we can understand this power and guide him on how to manage it."

His logic was sound, it was their responsibility. They cannot start to fear it and seek someone else for help.

Toshi let out his signature smile. "From what you described here, maybe he can control the time when he is under extreme fear. That's a cool power."

Chizuru chuckled in response, it was indeed a very unique ability. "I told him to call for us anytime he felt something."

Her face fell once again though, she didn't forget how the villagers called him a false god. Maybe they were wrong after all and he is just simply a demon like the others of her clan, it's just he was gifted with more. There is no way he would be the monster people portrayed him as.

"Are you thinking about the Prophecy again?" Toshi asked. He knew all too well what she had been worried about. He leaned over and touched her cheek. "There is nothing wrong with our child. They can label him a monster all they want, he is just a living breathing kid, just like the two of us."

Chizuru placed a hand on her heart and exhaled. She can still remember how troubled her own self-esteem and identity were, back when she didn't understand her true nature. Now it's up to her to be there for her son and make him feel like a living valued person no matter how different he is from other people. Finally, she corrected her posture and a smile returned to her face.

"You are right. There is nothing to be afraid of." A wicked smirk grew in Toshi's face.

"I'm going to need a special meal tonight."

Chizuru followed with her wicked ideas. "Oh yeah, maybe you could use ropes this time. They are interesting."

…..

Close to nightfall, the family prepared to leave with Horses he borrowed from a nearby villager. Toshi wanted to Take Kondo out for a trip to Edo to meet his aunt, for it has been a while since he traveled. The boy changed into a slightly warm green kimono and ran toward his parents." Let's go." He yelled.

They traveled from sunrise to sunset, only stopping to rest the horses and eat some dried meat and cheese. Kondo couldn't remember the last time his body had felt a futon.

He had never thought riding a horse could cause so much agony, but he was wrong. Chizuru felt bad and tried to carry him a number of times and let him rest in her lap, however, the rough road took a toll on him, it was obvious.

It was nighttime when the family rested around the fire. " Kondo honey, I know you hate this. But this is good, you get to see parts of the country."

The boy still pouted, and refused to look her in the eyes." If I know it would be like this I would have stayed home."

"Son," Toshi replied." I'm saying this in the sweetest way possible, I'm not in the mood for your complaining sessions tonight."

Kondo crossed his arms mad. He could say nothing to that. While Chizuru started to prepare their dinner meal.

Kondo sat against a nearby tree slightly far away from his parents who sat in a clearing. His eyes watched the foliage, the way the light of the moon snuck through, oh how he wished to be home at this moment.

..

" Michaelis." A voice broke through his train of thought. It startled him and made him jump on his feet.

The boy observed his surroundings but he could see nothing but darkness. His parents were still around the fire talking.

Maybe I'm imagining it. He thought to himself as he rested his back against the tree trunk.

"Michaelis." The voice spoke again right next to his ear as he fell flat on his back.

He could see nothing but pure darkness. He tried to locate his parents but there was nothing but the harsh sound of the wind flapping past his ears. He couldn't see anything and, altogether, lost his senses. It was utterly perfect darkness; a never-ending abyss. He thought he was dead.

"What's happening?" He whimpered." Mama, papa?"

" Do not be afraid." The voice hissed." I have been waiting for you. You are the king of Corruption."

King? He couldn't comprehend such a word. This has to be a nightmare from exhaustion. He closed his eyes tightly and whispered.' wake up, wake up.'

" Listen to me, Michaelis. There was a time when I thought you didn't exist, I'm joyous to be proved wrong." The pain in his heart returned once more, choking and corroding him. Why wasn't he waking up? What kind of nightmare this was? "Danger follows you. Do not be afraid to lay waste to those who stand in your way."

Kondo shot straight up like a bolt of lightning. In pitch darkness, he felt a cold sweat wash over his skin, It seemed to be lately that most nights hadn't been at all kind to him. Ever since that day, he saw the rocks sliding down to the lake.

A secret he hadn't told his mom, even though he promised to let them know if anything happened. He was covered in a blanket, right next to his sleeping mom. Toshi was sitting a few feet away, watching over them. Like usual. It was his turn to stay up late.

He wanted to say something, maybe warn his father about the possibility of something following them. But…how could he say it? He breathed and laid down again, watching his mom. He reached over and held her hand. It was comforting to feel her warmth. Slowly but surely, he drifted back to sleep.

"Cowards! He is just a child." The shout pierced through the night, jolting Kondo awake.

It took half a second for the grogginess to clear from his mind.

His eyes were still in a hazy blur. The ringing shrieks of steel colliding with steel brought him back to the waking world. He leaped to his feet, only just stopping himself from tumbling to the ground as he tripped over a loose tree root near their fire. His brain was still in a scattered daze. He saw flashes of fighting in front of him. Toshi was holding back a group of men circling him. He felt Chizuru's hand pull him back." Stay back, baby." She quivered.

" But mama?" He cried out. Fear started to consume him.

"It's the demon." One of the men screamed as he pointed at Kondo.

" The monster has been born."

"Take the monster."

Monster? The word stung. Why were they calling him that? One by one they started to yell while parrying against Toshi's rough strikes.

"Who are you calling a monster," Kondo screamed with all the strength he could muster, though it sounded like a kitten trying to be a Lion. Chizuru could feel it, he was about to cry. Her arms tightened around him.

" Leave us be," Chizuru screamed. Two of the men broke free from the battle with Toshi.

The bigger man of the two spoke first." Shut up monster. How dare you speak to your superiors like this." He addressed Kondo. The other one charged toward him in the blink of an eye." Hand him over now."

Kondo hit the ground faster than he understood what was happening. His head hit off something. Hard. It erupted in a piercing pain. He saw stars.

A blurry haze clouded his vision. The only thing he could see was Chizuru standing between him and the two men with their swords raised high. She was holding her own kodachi.

" You want him? You will have to go through me first." Her words burned in Kondo as he leaped to his feet.

Screaming, long black horns protruded from his head. A great shadow erupted from within his arms like thick smoke from a fire.

The unsuspecting men were sent hurtling through the air, snapping the trunk of the tree clean in half with the impact. The muscles in Kondo's legs seized, and he struggled to hold himself upright. His heart felt like it was about to explode in his chest, the pain was unbearable.

Someone was approaching him, but he couldn't tell if it was his mom or another man trying to attack. They were running. At least, he thought they were running. It was hard to tell.

His vision blurred as if he were underwater. He felt a crack of pain as his other knee gave way. He fell to the flat of his back, hitting his head off something solid. The figure had almost reached him. They were definitely running.

….

There was nothing but complete silence after the boy fell. Toshi was lost in his own thoughts. An opening that allowed two of the attackers to escape.

Did he just see that? Did his boy send those men flying and crashing like that?

" Oh, my baby." Chizuru cried. She was holding the boy in her arms. He looked paler than a ghost, almost like he was sleeping. He knelt down and touched the boy's forehead. His hand was burned like he just placed it in an oven.

The same heat that could be felt from a burning building.

" My god." He whispered under a bated breath. There is no way this kind of heat was sensed by his boy. He placed his hand again and it couldn't help but remove it immediately for how hot it was.

Chizuru's sobs increased, and tears came as if her pain had at last condensed into a deluge of rain. Holding the boy close to her heart while looking at Toshi.

" Do something please…" She yelled." Our son is dying." she choked at the last word. Chizuru laid him upon his blanket, his eyes were twitching nonstop as if he were in pain.

"Come on baby." She whispered. Carefully she used her Kodachi to cut through until he was topless. She touched his stomach and it burned her hand immediately.

Toshi went to retrieve the canteen he carried with him. Unfortunately, they are not close to any lake. He stood over him and removed the straps. With no hesitation, he spilled some of the content upon the piece of cloth and placed it on his torso.

Chizuru took the canteen and spilled some of it on his face.

However, the boy didn't even flinch at that. Chizuru touched his forehead again and it seems like the water did nothing to help with the fever.

"It's not working." She whimpered." We have to use more water."

"Chizuru calm down." Toshi spoke at last." He will be fine, we need to help with breaking his fever. We have enough water for that."

There was no choice but to sacrifice all of the water they carried with them from their last rest. Hakodate is their best bit of help if he didn't recover. They were close after all.

….

A time went by and the family reached the shores of Edo, Kondo is half dead in Chizuru's arms. The parents had obvious signs of a lack of sleep. dark circle under their eyes. No one would understand what they have gone through. An idea popped into Toshi's mind however he didn't really relish it much.

There is no other choice. His own personal feeling shouldn't get in the way of helping his son. " Kazama, you do know where he lives right?" He shouted as they left the harbor. Chizuru's silent sobs subsided slightly, thinking about his question.

Kazama?

" Yes…..I know where he is." She answered. He held onto her shoulders and explained to her what they could do. They must pick up the pace and find Kazama, he might be the only one who can have a way to cure him. With that, they set out on their way immediately.

.

.

.

The enchanted forest beckoned them into its pulsing heart. They couldn't resist such a lush deep, haunting ballad of its ancient song called out to them. Right at the entrance, there were two arching trees with their pink crowns covering the other side. Two armed men stood in the front, guarding the gate.

The men pulled their swords out of their sheaths immediately." Identify yourselves, why do you seek out the Kazama village?"

Toshi took Kondo from Chizuru's arms and hurried toward them, his face turning red from the amount of pain he hid within himself.

" I'm seeking lord Chikage, my boy is dying." He cried out." I don't know what to do anymore."

Chizuru followed." Lord Kazama knows me, please let us through."

The two men didn't have to think about this much. Just looking at the pale as a corpse boy was enough to convince them of the legitimacy of the situation. They moved to the side to allow them entry.

Toshi didn't wait much longer and he bolted forward toward the mansion in the distance with Chizuru following behind. They passed through a number of houses, eyes following their every move. Whispers were heard of what is happening. Until they reached the lord's house at the back of the village.

Toshi reached the stairs of the place and halted at the door, cradling his limp child in his arms. He screamed at the top of his lungs.

" Kazama, please come out. We need your help." He couldn't stand still for a moment and he started to pace back and forth with his eyes watching the boy in his arms.

"Do you hear me demon? The boy has fallen ill. Kazama." He screamed again. Chizuru was on her knees crying, with her hands clasped together as she called out his name.

The door slid open, banging the side of it. A woman with long loose brown hair that reaches her knees rushed outside, her pregnant belly making her movement slow, but still." My dear, Chizuru." and welcomed her with a hug." I'm so sorry for the circumstances."

Kazama rushed out, immediately toward the father laying the back of his hand on the boy's forehead. Then he slid it down to his chest to evaluate his breathing.

"He is ill." Toshi whispered." I don't know why."

Kazama wore his signature outfit but with a different color, his blonde hair seemed to be longer now, going below his shoulders.

" Inside." Was the only word he spoke to them. Princess Sen helped the grieving mother to her feet, while she whispered encouragement in her ears.

Kazama escorted the parents to a room in his house where they placed the boy on a futon. Sen called out for the servants to bring in cold water immediately.

Kazama knelt down and touched the boy's eyelids, he moved his fingers slowly in circles. "This is no ordinary illness. The boy's true nature fights within him."

"What do you mean by that?" Chizuru asked, barely able to allow herself to sit still. Kazama closed his eyes, the obvious signs of concern were evident on his face. Sen patted her shoulders. " It means the boy is too powerful for his own good," she whispered.

"Maybe I did this to him…" Toshi paused as the truth sank in. "Will you help me?" The look in his eyes was the most sincere gaze Kazama has ever seen from anyone.

"I know we aren't on the greatest of terms, however…" Toshi continued.

Kazama raised his hand to stop him." No. We might have had our problems in the past. But I will keep him safe and help out with all that I can. That's a promise from one father to another." Sen couldn't help but be proud of her husband and how much he matured over the years.

His words were what Toshi needed to hear. At last, he felt his stress ease up slightly.

Chizuru bowed before him until her forehead touched the ground. Greatly thankful for his hospitality." I would never forget this. Thank you." She said.

Kazama smirked before he replied." Really? I would want you to join me for a threeway."

"Watch your tongue," Toshi replied in his deadpan tone. Chizuru was not sure if she should feel amused or annoyed.

Typical Kazama's attitude, it's almost comforting that he hasn't changed much over the years. Sen's smile vanished, and she leaned forward and slightly nudged him in the arm with her elbow." My goodness, you cannot speak to our guests like this." she whispered.

"That was a joke." Kazama chuckled."Sorry."

Sen rubbed her temples before she stood over him. "Chikage Kazama how much will it take for you to learn some manners? I swear."

A wide smirk that resembles that of a wolf was evident on his face. "Well, I could think of a way or two."

"Huh," She gasped.

Toshi cleared his throat and the couple glanced at him." Excuse me, Guest, here." Sen heaved a sigh and chose to leave the room. Both amused and impressed.

" You two go get some rest. I'm sure your room has been prepared already. I will watch over the boy." Kazama addressed the two Chizuru was already asleep on Toshi's lap. finally.

Toshi watched his boy one last time before he asked." How are you going to help him?"

"I'm going to use my child's blood sample and mix it with a herb. It should do well." He explained.

His child? He is actually willing to go that far to help him. He didn't know what to feel about this. It felt deeply unsettling to see Kazama be helpful like this.

" Yeah, I'm a good person." Kazama chuckled." You are welcome. Now get out of here." No more words are needed, he carried Chizuru in his arms and left the room.

…..

Kondo tried to move but he felt sluggish and heavy as if weights were attached to his limbs. He felt his head throb, and he noticed a slow aching pulse at his arms. Finally, he cracked his eyes open and felt a slight pain from the light. The room was dimly lit, but it was enough to hurt his eyes.

'Where... am I?' He thought to himself. until his eyes adjusted and he saw an unfamiliar ceiling.

The last thing he remembered was an unimaginable amount of stress. Again, he attempted to recall what happened. Outside the room, the wind bellowed like a roaring wolf. " Are you awake?" an unfamiliar voice broke the silence. Kondo felt a rush of energy again as he bolted to a sitting position. He gasped, then bit down on a scream as pain tore through him. He felt the man hold unto him.

"Don't try sudden moves. You're only going to hurt yourself." Once the pain lessened, he was able to see the man who helped him.

A blonde man that seems to be close to his father's age."Who are you? Where is my mama? What happened?"

Kazama smirked. The boy seemed to be attached to his mom He wondered if there are psychology behind it. Still, he couldn't help but be in awe of the similarities between him and Hijikata. "You have been sick, your parents brought you here to recover."

Kondo thought about it for a moment, his memory seemed to be hazy, and he couldn't recall what happened. The last thing he could remember was a group of men attacking them…and, Something flickered in his mind. " I don't….know." He whispered.

Kazama patted the top of his head, a motion that startled him a bit. " Take it easy, kid, you need to eat something, and try to sleep again."

He just realized it, Kondo didn't even know what time is it or how long he was asleep. He could do nothing but obey. Kazama handed him the tray filled with food." You better eat. Got it?" Then he left him alone.

..

"Take the monster."

That word won't leave his mind no matter how hard he tried. Was he a monster? As far as he knows, he was just a boy. Then again maybe other kids can't freeze time or cause someone to crash, removing the tree along with them.

Then there is that dream, the darkness that called him." King of corruption."

Hot tears streamed down his cheeks. He was a monster. Those men were correct about what they said. His choppy breathing and watery eyes remind while his hands played with the food. He didn't have an appetite anymore.

He returned the trey to its place near the door and he left his room. Outside in the hall was filled with people he didn't recognize. Some of them were carrying sheets and clothes, others were moving with baskets filled with fruits. He sighed and went for the opened backyard door.

There he could see the cherry blossom petals dancing in the wind. The moment he stepped outside he felt a slight chill.

He could no longer look at the world the same way, something inside him has been switched.

The backyard of the house was far wider than the one in his home. Right at the distance, he could see a pond glistening. Maybe he can go play there. Pretend he was at home, with nothing to worry about. Maybe his butterfly friend would be there.

He reached the pond, and through the trees, he saw a white figure in the water.

At first, he thought he was seeing an illusion. It was a beautiful image of a girl with her sandy hair shining in the sunlight. Her dress, white as daisies, clung to her body, bedewed from the water. He could not tear himself from this beautiful sight.

The girl noticed him and stopped in her tracks." Who are you?" She asked. Her lips just moved, this must be real.

" Um…" He stuttered slightly." My name is Kondo."

" Oh.." The girl chuckled as she pulled herself from the water.

" You are the boy who was brought here." She continued and offered her hand to him." My name is Sara."

Kondo shook her hand in complete silence for he didn't know what to say anymore. Sara noticed the obvious shyness in his demeanor and tilted her head slightly." That's cute. You may want to let go of my hand."

"Um..sorry." He realized. Once he let her go, she almost chuckled aloud. His face was bright right, the most severe blush she'd ever seen.

A young man went passed them. Heading for the field nearby, he wore dark green clothes Kondo saw before along with a helmet.

"You want to get your brains dashed in already, milord?"

The man seemed like he hadn't seen the kids, but there was no mistaking her lilting accent, which she'd striven to maintain despite her times of traveling around.

He Enjoyed listening to her talk for he was assigned to protect her on many occasions, even if some of her words made absolutely no sense to him.

Haru's smile broadened, and he turned his head.

" You may be standing too close to the edge of the water, lad. She's just the kind of sprite who's liable to shove you in." He addressed Kondo.

"You're more likely to trip and fall out of sheer clumsiness, Milord Haru," she said with a saucy smile." We will be traveling again soon."

Haru's eyes brightened." Oh yes. I missed our trips. I would prepare some meals and stories to tell."

She crinkled her nose. "Are you trying for my hand, lord Haru? I'm only nine years old. Give me a few years yet before showing your ambition so nakedly. You're embarrassing yourself."

Kondo sputtered out a laugh, knowing that it wasn't the man's intent, but she had a way with words and could turn someone upside down before they knew what had happened.

"It's almost creepy how you are a copy of Lord Chikage." Haru waved goodbye and went on his way.

Sara sat again and dangled her feet to the water." Come join me." She told the boy.

Thank you for reading. This might be my last chapter to post...I'm not sure. I don't have an audience.

Sorry if there are errors in this chapter I will have my beta reader look at it when I have the chance.