Chapter 7~The Foretold King's Awakening Part 2~

The journey from the cherry blossom tree to their valley felt long for the boy. He no longer looked at the world the same way. Everything was now more vivid in his eyes like he can see everything much clearer.

The trees and fields came alive around them, the vibrancy, a stark contrast. A welcomed one. He couldn't remember the last time if ever, he appreciated anything about the weather. It had always been just another aspect of the environment, no more interesting than a table or a door.

Chizuru could spot it easily, the boy riding with his father. Something changed within her boy. He is happier. He is not the same Kondo who left the valley a while ago. She does not know where this happiness came from but she couldn't be happier for him.

Maybe telling him about his nature put something at ease in the boy's heart and mind. If that was the case, they should have told him about his true nature long ago.

"Alright, son, can you repeat the values I taught you?" Toshi broke the silence as the rhythm of their horses carried them along.

"Never fight the unarmed and the innocent. Only fight unless I have no other choice or to defend my beliefs," the boy repeated.

"Well done," Toshi chuckled. "Don't you ever forget them."

"Papa?" He asked, his voice shaking.

"What is it, son?" Kondo's face was seriously flushed from embarrassment. Wondering how he will start this conversation.

"I think I need to speak with you alone," he said and looked at his mother. "I don't mean anything Mama, I just need Papa for this."

Chizuru wondered but smiled and understood. "It's alright, I will ride ahead of you," she said and started making distance from them.

Toshi wrapped his hand around the boy.

At first there was nothing but silence.

"You can tell me anything, my son," Toshi reassured his son.

Kondo bit his lip and exhaled. "Well, you see, I met a girl back there. I think she was the lord's daughter and well..."

Toshi placed his hands on his boy's shoulders. It was heartwarming to see his boy all grown up and started to ask about girls. He held the instinct to chuckle and say what he was thinking that Kazama might not share the same sentiment as they would towards his half-demon son getting close to his full-blood demon daughter. Instead, he just nodded for his son to continue.

"It is okay, tell me what happened."

The flush in his face burned his pale skin, making him look like he was cold.

"We had talked. She was a sweet girl."

He pulled out the flower from his pocket and showed it to him. "She gave me this as a gift." The boy fidgeted slightly with his fingers.

"When my fingers touched hers I felt something…strange. I can't explain it."

The boy reminded him of something that happened in the past.

Long ago, Chizuru was trying to convince him to drink her blood to help ease his pain when they camped in the forest with their army.

He held onto her wrists and there he felt it, even Chizuru froze. "The spark" - right then and there, he knew he wanted her to be by his side forever and he vowed to protect her while he still had breath in his body and never leave her side. She recalled feeling the same. He exhaled and his heart felt a lot of love and happiness for his boy. His boy really is growing up. Too fast, if you ask him, but growing up nonetheless. His boy is experiencing his first love.

Toshi placed his hands on his boy's head and brushed some slight hairs that fell over his eyes. There is no need for Kondo to turn around, he knew what kind of expression he had.

"Son, what you felt there could mean you met your love," He said with a smile. "I felt the same way about your mother."

Kondo allowed the words to play in his mind. He hadn't expected this answer from his father.

Love?

"Are you saying that girl might be the one for me?" The boy asked.

Toshi nodded and explained, "It could be that she would be your best friend for life." Toshi left out the part that best friend for life also means becoming his wife. Chizuru is his best friend as well as his wife. But they could have that conversation at a much later time when he grows up a bit more.

At last Kondo's mind was at ease. "Thank you, Papa," he whispered.

"You're welcome, son," Toshi answered him.

Chikage Kazama's daughter - the idea that the two rivals could be in-laws is most hilarious. On the contrary, he doesn't see the world as he used to so this won't be too far-fetched of an idea.

The family took a new path to reach their home, they wanted to avoid meeting anyone who might know about Kondo. It led them to a farming village. Their home was nearby, the long journey was finally over.

Toshi dismounted and helped his boy down. Kondo felt like his bones were cracking. Walking sounded far better than riding a horse at this very moment. He would be glad to walk the rest of the way back home. The streets were hustling and bustling with so much chatter and laughter. Stall owners yell out the goods and wares they sell. Clothes, food, kitchen necessities and so much more. On the right side of the street, four boys playing ball with one another.

"Fancy meeting you here," A cheerful and familiar voice welcomed them. To their left, they could see Master Akira coming in. He used a cane to help him walk, his clothes were a bit thick on his frame like he was wearing an outfit for cold winter.

"Master Akira, it's been a while," Toshi said with a smile.

"How have you been, my good sir?" Chizuru said. "Did you come here to prepare for winter?"

The old man rubbed the back of his head, slightly embarrassed by her question. " Yeah well…" His eyes drifted to the boy standing behind his father, fear evident within his eyes. Akira knelt down slightly to take a closer look at the child.

"Look at you. My how you have grown so much?" He said and ruffled the child's hair. " How are you doing my dear child?"

At last, a smile graced his pale face. "I'm alright, master."

Akira searched through his pocket and pulled out a piece of Dango wrapped up to be safe.

"Take it, boy. It's good," Akira said as he handed it over to the child.

"I appreciate it. I shall invite you someday for dinner," Toshi replied.

Akira nodded. "I will be looking forward to that. Now, if you'll excuse me. I need to be on my way."

The parents watched their strange ally walk away, grateful for what he have done for them in the past. " Watch over yourself, master Akira." Chizuru yelled as she waved goodbye.

"Can I go play with them?" Kondo tugged at his mother' sleave..

Chizuru gladly beckoned for him to go and enjoy himself until they were done with their shopping. With a smile the boy ran towards them. Once he was a distance from them, Chizuru asked.

"I guess I need to try to guide him and help him with his powers. I hope I can do something."

"Careful not to make him abstinent," he chuckled. "We cannot afford that."

He has a point, Kondo can be a real piece of work if he sets his mind on something. She could recall that one time he had set his mind on climbing the side of the waterfall to see what was in there. No matter how much she tried, he found a way to do it without her knowing.

"I think he is enjoying the thought of his powers now. It would be fine," she replied at last.

…

The boys stopped playing when they saw Kondo approaching them.

"Hello," Kondo said with a smile. "Can I play with you?"

The boys were silent for a moment, their eyes watching him with strange observation as if they were trying to understand him.

The smile vanished from Kondo's face, wondering if there was something wrong with his face.

"Umm…" he tried to say something. The tallest of the boys spoke up at last. "Sorry, it's just your skin is so pale, I've never seen skin like this before."

The other boys agreed with him, with a simple yeah. Kondo rubbed the back of his head relieved.

"Oh, I was born like this."

The tall boy threw the ball toward Kondo and he caught it with both of his hands with ease. "Let's go," the tall boy said and pointed at the direction behind him where the goal was.

The boys started playing, tossing the ball between each other.

Kondo maneuvered the ball around two boys who wanted to snatch it from him. He went to the left and straight to the goal at the end of the alley. Other boys followed behind and slid under, catching him off guard and he fell on his back.

"Gotcha." The kid laughed and maneuvered the ball to the other side.

"Come on kid, we shouldn't let them win," the boy from his team yelled.

Ouch. Kondo thought to himself before he was on his feet and started running immediately.

He caught up and slid his leg under the boy, catching the ball. He chuckled and maneuvered back toward the goal, enjoying the moment. Without hesitation he kicked the ball with all of his strength and it went straight through the wooden goal, breaking it.

"We won!" he cried happily and looked back at the boys. His laughter was cut short. All eyes were on him, watching. There was fear in their eyes. It was a fear that wormed its way into Kondo's heart. Right behind them, there was a woman leaning over a boy on the ground. The boy who had the ball before.

"What are you?" The tall boy asked. Hints of fear are evident in his voice.

"What do you mean what am I? I'm a boy like you. I was just … playing," Kondo stuttered. He didn't understand what was going on, it was just a game. He walked closer to take a look at the fallen boy. He was crying and holding onto his mother. His ankle was dangling, broken, with a pool of blood under it.

"My goodness, I'm so sorry," said Kondo as he kneeled down to the boy. "I didn't mean to harm you, let me help."

The boy's mother slapped his hand away. "Back off!" she cried with a venom-laced voice.

Looking back at the boys, all of them kept their distance from him. Whispering and pointing at him. He could feel tears in the corner of his eyes. He didn't know what to do. He didn't mean for any of this to happen.

"But it was . . ." he stuttered, "an accident."

Other men and women gathered around the scene, wondering what was going on. Kondo felt like he was caught in the middle of a trap. A monster waiting to devour him. All eyes were observing him, whispering words he could hear clearly.

"He looks like a ghost," one of the bystanders claimed.

"What a scary kid."

He couldn't handle their eyes anymore, he covered his face while tears of anguish and fear seared his eyes. He heard sounds all around him.

"That sickly pale skin and raven hair," someone whispered. "He must be the monster we heard about."

"He is the demon! We should report this so we can prepare for the burning."

"May god have mercy on our souls."

"He is the monster!"

"How dare you hurt my baby!" the woman cried.

Kondo felt strong hands hold both of his shoulders and started dragging him away, that was the moment his emotions spiraled. He started screaming. "Papa…Papa!" Tears streamed down his cheeks.

His cries were cut off when something plunged into his chest and it brought a horrific burning sensation to his bones. The hands let go of him, his body has no strength anymore and he fell.

"Hurry and tie him up, we must prepare for the ritual."

"Call the village masters here, now."

He heard footsteps hurrying towards him. He could recognize that sound anywhere.

"What have you done to my child?" Chizuru cried.

"You cowards," Toshi's voice trembled, more from anger than anything else. "You dare attack my child?!"

"That thing is not a child," A man accused. "He is Michaelis, the false god that would ruin us all."

The boy felt his mother's arms pull him onto her lap. Her hand was holding his chest tightly. He wanted to scream to her that it hurts, but it felt like his tongue was tied. He couldn't move any part of his body. Again that name Michaelis comes up about him. That's not his name. It's never been his name.

(…)

Chizuru focused on her blood-soaked hand, holding Kondo's wound to stop the bleeding.

A large crowd gathered around them.

"Watch your tongue, you imbecile!" Toshi yelled. "Another word about my boy and I swear you will pay for it."

A group of women drew closer to the scene and saw the stunned boy on the ground, his chest was covered in blood. One of the women screamed at the sight of the boy and she pulled something from her pocket.

"He is just a boy, please stop this and let me get him help," she pleaded to the men and women there, set to crucify or burn the boy alive. She sat next to Chizuru and offered her something to help stop the bleeding.

"You cannot do this to a child!" Another woman pleaded.

"This is too much, please stop."

"He broke my child's ankle, this monster deserves it," the mother of the boy with the broken ankle screamed.

Other women agreed with her sentiment. It was chaos.

The crowd was torn into two sides over this.

A side that felt compassion for the injured boy and the angry side that sees not a boy but a monster and must see the monster destroyed in front of them.

"That's enough!" Toshi screamed, finally earning silence from everyone. That was it, he can't stand by like this anymore.

"You harm a child just for skepticism?!" Toshi said with his cold tone. "You treat other people like they are predators that must be killed to appease whatever fairy tale you believe in?" He paused for a second, looking at the crowd. "You all are hypocrites!."

That was everything that needed to be said. If anything should happen to his boy, this whole village would face his wrath. Justice, no matter what it takes. That was the last straw. Toshi drew his sword towards the angry crowd. He would protect his family no matter what the cost. Seeing an angered Toshi whose hair had turned silver and eyes glowing bright gold, brandishing his sword towards them as if ready to cut the whole village down without a blink in his eye. The villagers looked at each other and finally took a step back

Seeing the villagers back down, he sheathed his sword away. He knelt down and picked up his son in his arms. Chizuru looked at her husband with pride and love. This was the man she married. They walked away, intending to find somewhere safe to take care of the wound.

With every step they took, Kondo was making strange wheezing sounds. With every breath, Toshi would reassure his son, "You are going to be fine. You are my son. You're also a Yukimura royalty. You won't be broken easily."

Chizuru nodded next to him. Her hand was on her boy's head. Once they were out of the village, Kondo finally found the strength to move his body.

He reached over to the wound in his chest and held it. He could feel the heat coming back. It felt like it was coming from his brain to his wound like a fire had been lit.

Slowly but surely, he felt the pain begin to decrease. Blinking, Toshi stopped. "Kondo?"

Chizuru faced them and stared at her boy. The stab wound was closing.

"Is he using his powers to heal?" She asked and chuckled.

The boy's breathing returned to normal. "I'm fine," he whispered. He rose slightly, his body still felt strange but he was alright. He felt fine like the attack never happened. As a matter of fact, he felt better than before.

"How is that possible? You lost a lot of blood," Toshi asked but shook his head. "It does not matter. I apologize, I should have watched over you. I failed to protect you from them."

Chizuru's finger ran through his hair. "My child, please do not get the wrong idea. It just so happens that these people are prejudiced against people like us. Not everyone is like this."

Kondo was silent, watching her with a strange look in his eyes.

"Why do you care so much about human feelings, Mama?" Kondo asked, his brows furrowed. His tone was completely different from what she is used to - more serious and with a hint of pain and anger. "They just tried to kill me when all I wanted was to play. I didn't mean to harm that boy, but they didn't listen and I got called the monster Michaelis anyways."

Toshi knew where the boy was coming from. He was partly right. They wanted to harm his boy for doing nothing wrong but be a boy. He was angry enough to kill the whole village for even thinking of doing such a thing to his boy, Was this the world he and his comrades worked so hard and gave their whole lives for? He saw what bitterness and anger can do to a man. He didn't want this for his son. He needed to fully understand his son. Toshi touched Kondo's chin and made him look. " Please don't talk like this."

Anger started to creep on Kondo's face. There are no more tears. "Every time I go somewhere, people look at me differently. I can't even play like the other kids without being called Michaelis once again. I don't even know what that means? What is Michaelis? What does that name have to do with me?!"

Toshi pushed the child back to his chest. Worried for his child. He felt helpless. He wishes he could wrap him up and place him in a protected bubble so no one can harm him. He chuckled silently. He finally understood what his master, Kondo, meant when he sacrificed himself so that the rest of them could get away and survive. It hurt him deeply to know that his master died but now, as a parent, he understood. He would do anything to protect this child, even give his life. "Please, no more talking. Get some rest, we are almost home."

The parents walked to their valley in complete silence, neither one of them wanted to talk about what just happened. Even though they know that now they must be extra careful, for the sake of their child's safety.

Even though it was afternoon, Kondo was fast asleep in his father's arms as they finally reached their house. Toshi placed him on his futon and made sure he was covered before he left the room and joined Chizuru in their own room. Once again, they were in complete silence, resting on their futon but unable to take a nap.

"What are we to do now?" Chizuru asked. "Do you think they are right? That the so-called prophecy is coming true? What will happen to our sweet boy?"

"Because of their actions, ironically, we will have to do something to help our boy, " Toshi replied. " However I do not wish for my boy to be consumed with bitterness. I will talk with him once he wakes up."

"No, let me do this." Chizuru cut him off. "It is his mother's turn to offer him guidance. I hope I can do something."

A smile graced Toshi's face as he leaned in and kissed her.

They tried to kill him when all he wanted was to play. He never meant to harm that boy.

These thoughts never left his mind, even during his slumber.

Once he opened his eyes and glanced back up again, he could see nothing but the plain ceiling of his room.. His emotions were too tired to care much, he simply left the bed and went out of his room. The house was normal, there was no orange tint to the floor. The front door was open and he could see his parents sitting by the hearth talking. Once Chizuru saw her child coming out of the house, her face brightened and she opened her arms.

"Come, my dear child," she beckoned to him. Kondo could never say no to his mother's embrace, nothing needed to be said when he was in her arms, his face buried in her chest. Her warmth always made him believe everything was going to be okay. Finally, he smiled. Looking down at him, Chizuru was glad to see a smile on his handsome face. "My sweet handsome child," she chuckled. "How are you feeling?"

Kondo touched both of her cheeks. "I feel better now that I have felt your warmth, Mama."

Touched by his sweet affection, she embraced him once more. "I love you darling. Please listen to what I have to say." She let go and looked him dead in the eyes.

She held his face in her hands. "Your anger and fear are absolutely valid. What those people did to you is horrific. But you cannot take your bitterness on innocent people who had nothing to do with this incident."

The smile vanished from Kondo's face, he wanted to understand her reasoning, but that incident wasn't something that could be forgotten.

"Please my darling. I do not wish for you to be consumed with anger." She paused for a moment and her eyes locked on Toshi, her loving husband. He was watching her with a look of admiration. "If it wasn't for humans, I would have never met your father and you would have never been born. I would never trade my life with your father for anything in this world."

She glanced back at her boy, trying to read his expression however, just like Toshi, he was like a closed book at that moment. "This life, gave me the greatest gift I could have asked for, and that is you, my beautiful son."

Kondo exhaled and laid down on her lap, "I understand mama. Maybe I need time to cool off and forgive what happened."

That's all that Chizuru needed to hear, and she gladly accepted his resolve and talked no more about the subject.

Toshi reached over and ruffled his son's hair. "Come with me, we will go to train near the waterfall. It will help relieve your stress."

The boy had no energy to argue, so he accepted his father's hand and walked with him to the waterfall. During their walk, Kondo decided to ask about something that has been in his mind for a while now. Something he heard when he was attacked. "Papa?"

"Yes?" Toshi replied.

"Was it true, you almost fought the people in the village?" That was a question he hadn't anticipated and deep down he was worried if Kondo would take this as an excuse to attack random humans. So he carefully chose his words. "I was afraid I might lose you at that moment. I was willing to do whatever it takes to save your life, I had no other choice. Once you're a parent, you will understand. Remember the lesson I taught you?"

Of course, Kondo remembered. He had been tasked to repeat it a couple of times a day.

In that situation, his father was willing to fight for both defense and because he had no other choice. It wasn't a mindless violent threat.

"I think I understand." The father and child reached the other side of the lake and prepared for katana training.

…

Nightfall rolled in. Kondo felt sore all over from the rough training he had with his father. He laid down on his mother's lap, watching the crackling fire in complete silence.

Toshi changed his clothes and prepared to leave, he went over and stood near the fire. "I am going to the village where I work and bring some much-needed supplies for tomorrow. I was hired by a doctor to help out with the medicine."

Chizuru stood and got closer to him. "Alright, dinner will be ready when you come back." She whispered and leaned in, her lips touched in a kiss full of longing for him. The motion of her lips began to turn him on, he held onto her hips and pushed her closer to him.

"Excuse me," Kondo interrupted, giving a faint cough. The parents looked at him, a bit embarrassed. "I don't think I'm old enough to be seeing this. I'm about to barf everything I ate."

A smirk preached Toshi's face. "This is what created you."

Kondo held his stomach and knelt down slightly with a motion like he was about to vomit.

Chizuru's face was bright red at that very moment. Where did this bluntness come from?

She nudged him in the arm, a failed attempt to urge him to stop with this kind of talk.

"Goodbye for now, we will continue this upon my return. Who knows son, you might become a big brother after tonight." that mischievous smile never left his face as he carried his bag and walked away.

"Toshi!" Chizuru cried angrily to her husband.

Chizuru apologetically tapped her son's head. Too embarrassed to say anything else at that moment. Who knew that there was a perverted mind just like any other man inside the Demon Commander of a husband?

The boy was confused and speechless. Where were they going to get a brother or sister for him?

Time went by as Chizuru prepared for dinner, her son on the other hand remained near the fire, watching in silence. After she was done, Chizuru noticed the obvious look of sadness on the boy's face.

She decided to switch the subject. " What would you say if we played together?" She said and held her hands in front of him like she was waiting for a high five.

Understanding what she was about to do, he held her hands and started to sing.

"Bamboo leaves are rustling, rustling!" He laughed.

Chizuru followed with the second verse. "Most definitely, incredible!" She chuckled and leaned closer until their noses were touching.

"Hey move," Kondo said and let go of her hand, he started to backtrack, waiting for her to continue.

Chizuru stood and curled her fingers like they were claws waiting to catch him. "Oh, how the stars are twinkling, twinkling," she continued to sing.

Kondo's laughter went louder as he repeated her line and he started running away to hide from her. Walking out of the hearth, he chose to jump over to the other side of the lake. There he could hide among the trees. His favorite spot, was where his butterfly friend showed up numerous times. He heard the sounds of crunching leaves behind him, a sign that his mom is very close. "You won't get me, Mama." He laughed and started to jump over to the other side.

"I'm coming to get you, my baby boy," Chizuru called.

Kondo jumped to the other side and fell to the grass. He crawled on the dirt. Rocks tearing his knees but he didn't care. The smile never left his face, he reached over to the tree trunk and hid his small frame behind it. There he stood, waiting for his mom to come. He could hear her steps clearly as they were getting closer.

He leaned over to look where his mother was at the same moment, his heart skipped a beat. He gasped and held his chest. That feeling again? What is going on? The last time he felt like this was when he was threatened to be crushed in the waterfall. He left his hiding spot and called out.

"Mama, something is wrong."

Chizuru has just reached the other side and was shocked to see him standing there.

"What do you mean darling?" She asked as she walked closer to him.

"I feel it." He trembled and ran toward her. Chizuru welcomed him with open arms, he held onto her like a lifeline. That feeling in his heart is getting stronger.

"I can feel something bad is coming." His voice was cracking.

"Please relax," Chizuru said as she ran her fingers in his hair. " We will face this together, we will be okay." Chizuru watched the valley, her eyes scanned the area but she could see nothing that could have triggered her boy's sense of fear. It was silent except for the sound of the thundering waterfall close to them.

"Come on darling, let's go back to the house." The boy nodded and held onto her hand. As they stopped over the rock on the lake, something made a swoosh sound close to them, startled, both of them stopped and looked to their left. There they could see an arrow lit on fire stuck on the grass.

"Mama." Terrified, Kondo held onto her waist. Chizuru's eyes once again observed the area to locate the source of the arrow. Right within the path to the right of the house, she spotted a number of men coming in carefully, with scythes and pitchforks, others, with torches in their hands.

"Kill the demon!" One of the men yelled. He held his bow once again and prepared to fire another torched arrow.

Chizuru felt her blood run cold, for she couldn't believe her eyes. They were under attack.

"Mama, what are we to do now?" Kondo cried, his face was red from fear. Out of options, she did the only thing she could do at such a moment. The mother picked up her boy and started running toward the house. Lit arrows rained down all around her, she have to go to the house.

Jumping the last step, she took off to the front door and slammed it shot behind her.

Kondo crying in her arms, she took him to the end of the hallway and placed him down, Right next to the threshold to the backyard there was a loose wooden floor. A secret spot, large enough to hide a child. She placed her fingers and with all the strength she could muster, Chizuru pulled it open and it revealed a dirty hiding spot. The sounds of men got closer and closer, and multiple thuds followed, where a smoke snuck into the house. Chizuru held unto Kondo's shoulder. " Darling, no matter what happens, you mustn't leave, understand me?" She said with her eyes full of tears. " If I don't return, I want you to know that I will always love you. Please be safe and strong."

Kondo was about to protest, but she cut him off and pushed him down. Looking at him one last time, she said. " Mama will always love you my dear Kondo." and she placed the wooden piece in its place, hiding him from view. What she didn't know, Kondo could see what was happening from the small crack left there. Silently crying, he watched his mom go to her room, as the front door was broken off its hinges. Chizuru walked out of her room, holding her kodachi. Kondo could see his mother was absolutely terrified, but she still stood her ground and held unto her sword. The men stopped for a second when they saw her, contemplating what they should do next.

" Let me through." A familiar voice spoke and the men moved to the side to give him space.

A loud gasp escaped Chizuru's lips when she saw the face of the man who came with them. An old wrinkly man with white hair, and frail looking body. Master Akira, is the man who wanted to help them when they first arrived in their village.

"You," Chizuru's voice broke. " Akira, why?" she screamed the last word. The old man smirked at her misery.

" Nothing personal my dear, just hand over the boy and I promise they won't harm you."

The words almost made her chuckle. This man betrayed her trust and then told her to sacrifice her boy, for her to stay alive. What kind of ridiculous mindset was this?

" You will never touch my child. " Anger replaced fear, her hand tightened around the hilt of her sword. " You want my son, you will have to get through me first."

Akira shrugged, " I tried to spare you since I like you and your husband." He said and then beckoned for the men to attack.

A hand wrenched the sword out of shape.

She flinched out of reflex. Chizuru knew she wasn't a warrior, but she had to try to hold them off. Maybe Toshi would be coming back at any moment and he can take care of them. No way she would allow them to reach her child.

"Toshi . . . " She muttered.

Like an amateur, the woman used her left fist to punch his grip off her.

He let go ahead of time, letting her sail awkwardly past her own sword.

Another man grabbed her exposed wrist and tugged her forward, thrashing her to the floor. She rolled and drew her kodachi from its hilt, aiming and slashing as she stabilized into a slide. A couple of them were injured during the process, through their arms and chests.

A man with a pitchfork kicked her in the back, sending a horrible pain in her body. Her strength was draining, but she pushed herself off, and slashed toward him, catching him in the forearm. Another man grabbed her from behind and tried to stun her in the place. She cried out and she tried to push and punch, but there is no use. The man with the pitchfork raised his weapon, fear gripped Chizuru as she thought about Toshi, thought about her scared boy hiding behind them. The weapon slammed unto her, gouging out her eye and slashing her cheek and forehead open. Blood seeped to the ground as her eye fell off her face along with pieces of her flesh. Her cries were nothing more than sickening gurgling sounds.

The man let go of her arms and she fell to her knees. Akira knelt down to her eye level, smirking.

There were sayings about a mother bear and how ferocious she could be when her babies are in danger. With the little strength left in her body, she plunged her kodachi into Akira's shoulder. " You…..are…..not…getting, my child." With every word she spoke, blood spilled out of her mouth.

The man let out a loud animalistic scream. The pitchfork slammed unto her again, slicing through her back and coming in front of her chest. Once the man retreated his weapon, she fell on her back, trembling like it was a painful seizure. To the men's surprise, she was still alive. Her eye moved, looking at them one by one, those golden iris felt like they glanced into their souls. Judging them for the sin they just committed here.

Two men came in and stabbed her in the stomach until they felt their swords touch the floor under her. Blood flooded out of her mouth like water, followed by a sickening wheezing sound. At last, her head fell back like there is no bones in her neck, and she moved no more.

" Stay dead you whore." The man with the pitchfork spat on her corpse.

" Search for the boy." Akira urged them to move, afraid Toshi might come back at any moment and bust them.

Under the floor, Kondo was covering his mouth, afraid they might hear his terrified breaths. He heard the sound of his mother getting attacked, he saw the weapons charging at her and the sickening gurgles that followed, but he didn't want to believe it.

Maybe if they stepped away from his view, he would be able to see her, maybe she was handcuffed or something. The moment the man with the pitchfork moved to his parent's bedroom, he saw her. Right at that moment, everything went silent.

" No…" He cried and didn't care if they heard him. His eyes couldn't believe what he was seeing. The corpse of his mom, face mutilated. " No.." He cried again, the men were trying to locate the sound. Kondo felt his body heat return once more but in a greater sense.

He made fists, and jumped through the wooden floor, breaking it in the middle. A loud ear-piercing scream escaped his lips. His small body started to change, and the wings of a raven sprouted from his back until they opened like a bird ready to fly. Black horns appeared from his forehead, his pale face was filled with purple veins, his arms started to change into the color black, and claws grew in his fingers. All the men were stunned and held their ears, crying in agony. His voice held power over them. One by one they fell to their knees, while Kondo still screamed without a sign of ever stopping. There was nothing but the color white within his eyes. One man tried to raise his bow, the pressure increased within his head like it was bloating.

His ears exploded and He fell to the ground, bleeding to death.

Akira started to drag them behind, urging them to run or else they will die one by one. Slowly but surely, the men crawled out of the house, they started to run out of the valley.

Kondo stopped screaming, his eyes never left his mother's corpse. Gone was the warm smile that always comforted him no matter what. Her beautiful face was gone.

Nothing was left of her.

He fell to his knees and touched her unharmed cheek. " Mama?" He sobbed, his tears washing some of the blood on her mutilated face. " Get up, please?"

Even though, deep down he knew she was dead, still he couldn't accept it. The cry of a raven broke the horrific silence. Birds flew to the house, until a flock gathered around the son and his dead mother, singing a lament for the mother of the king.

" Mama." He cried and fell on her bloody chest. " Please don't leave me, you promised that I won't be alone." He remembered it, the sense of loneliness he felt when he dreamed of that demon.

He hoped maybe this would change what happened and she would wake up, still, there was nothing but a corpse.

The boy cried until his tears were spent. He left his mother's corpse and started to walk out of the broken front door. The birds followed him. He stood outside and looked at the star-filled sky. Two of the ravens landed on his shoulders and their eyes glistened bright red in the dark. Waiting for his order.

" You think I'm a monster?" He said, " Fine. I will show you what nightmares are made of."

Hiding behind the trees in the path that led out of the valley, stood Akira holding his injured shoulder, watching the scene before him.

" Thus awakened the foretold king Michaelis. It has begun." he turned on his heels and started heading back to his home, satisfied by the results.

Thank you to anyone who is reading this.

Thank you lilc77 for your help.