Past Life

Written by Justine JBV / Chibi Botan

Chapter Two: Two weeks ago…

II

Eisha Village is an overcrowded place at the foot of the mountain. The inhabitants of the village came from different parts of the country, most of them relocated here from far off slum areas that were closed due to the war. A lot of these people do not know each other. They were all here to seek refuge from the chaos of war. It didn't seem to matter that they came from different races. Different language, different culture, different skin and hair color.

This is why Kino decided to move his family here. It is so easy to get by unnoticed. At first, he was afraid for her two daughters and only son. But they have been traveling— no, running— for three months now, camping in different mountains, and he could see that the children needed to have a decent place to stay.

Decent.

How ironic. The hut too shabby, their wooden beds too uncomfortable. But then, it's better than having to camp in the wilderness.

Kino watched his eldest daughter, Ren, gaze out the window. She was waiting for her husband, Rinji, who had traveled with them too. As soon as Rinji arrives from the mine, he will take Ren with him to his father's village. For the time being, Ren stayed with them. With Ren's condition—she had just discovered she's pregnant--she has to stay somewhere safe. They will have to split paths from then on.

Outside, happy shrieks can be heard. His second daughter and only son were playing. Fifteen year old Botan, who got her mother's sky blue hair and mauve eyes, was playing tag with six year old Keitaro.

Kino felt pride just looking at them.

Botan reminds him so much of his late wife, Hana. She had died soon after giving birth to Keitaro. She had natural sky blue hair, mauve eyes, and a warm smile that is the same as Botan's. Botan had a sunny disposition about her that was also her mother's trademark. She could be at pure bliss for something as simple as morning sunshine. Her cheerfulness keeps them all from depression. She seems to be the only one who could make Keitaro, who is often shy and quiet, shriek with laughter. On the othe hand, Keitaro and Ren had taken their features—raven black hair, emerald eyes—and reserved attitude from him.

"Sister!" Keitaro's voice disturbed Kino's line of thought. He dropped the firewood he was carrying in front of the old table and watched as Keitaro and Botan happily ran towards their sister.

"Rinji's here!" Botan happily announced. Everyone looked at the door as Rinji entered. Botan and Keitaro assisted Rinji by getting the duffel bag he was carrying and taking it to the table beside him. Ren, of course, welcomed her husband in a warm embrace. As Botan and Keitaro started to run back outside to play, Kino could not help but be worried with the look on Rinji's face.

III

A few minutes after that, Ren stepped into the kitchen to prepare their supper. Kino and Rinji stepped outside. Rinji has not yet spoken to his father-in-law, and Kino dreaded what he had to say. Once they are out, Kino immediately asked Rinji what was bothering him.

"There were rumors," Rinji started, staring at the two children who were playing nearby, "those strange creatures were spotted at the Dead Creek. They were wearing black cloaks. Miners believe that they are responsible for the disappearance of dozens of children in the nearby villages..."

Rinji looked at Kino. He was awfully quiet.

"Father. I think it's them... If we don't move fast, they might catch up on us. It will only be a matter of time, and they will search this village too. We have to leave."

They had to leave. Again. For three months now, the strange group wearing black cloaks had pursued them. From their hometown, the group tried to take Keitaro while Kino was teaching him how to fish. Kino fought for his son, and the group was not able to take him. At the time, war reached their village and people started to leave.

Before they found refuge, another dark-cloaked group tried to snatch Keitaro from them. They have a clue, as to why the group wanted Keitaro. But that was beside the point. They will protect Keitaro, even if it meant running away. Knowing they will be outnumbered, it was only smart to keep away from fights.

But then again...

"We cannot keep on hiding." Kino turned his back on him. "They want Keitaro. They want to take my son. And I will not let them... But we can't keep running away. We have to fight, but not with our family nearby. The girls' lives will be endangered. Rinji... Go home to your family. Take Ren, and Botan, too. They are running after me and my son. I'll keep them busy running after me, while you..." Kino turned to Rinji, and tapped his shoulder. "You take care of my daughters."

For a while, Rinji did not answer. It hurts him to see his father-in-law look like this. He's a strong man, a great warrior, but they are fighting against unknown forces. They do not know what life has in store for them. He has every right to fear for his family. He knew, because he feels the same fear growing inside him.

To be continued… Thank you for reading!