Disclaimer: I do not own any characters in this story.
Hello guys, Caelus here. So this is the 3rd chapter of the story. My apologies for taking it a long while before posting, I ran into some problems in real life that I need to take care of. Anyways, let's go first to the reviews.
To TrD, I think the proper question should be "how many" when it comes to his wife. If you read my Band of Brothers fic, there are some info of his wives there alongside his children, which happens to be the main characters of that story. The case between the Yotsuba twins, Honami, and Eisaku's daughter was different though like most of the others, his "curse" had something to do with it. The scene where he was "communicating" with wind is also a hint.
To RizomataNyan, the first chapters will focus on Hakuno since he is somewhat an enigma to most characters of the series mostly to the mothers of his children and his daughters except for Tatsuya who grew up under his care however, in the next chapter the story will shift to Tatsuya. And if you're asking me if Tatsu will have a harem, then yes though his main partner would be Mayumi. He is a Kishinami, and as a male Kishinami he is bound to inherit the same "curse" that his father have.
To Kinunatz The Eternal, yeah its short. I'm not better in writing stories with long chapters but I'll try my best for lengthening every chapter as much as I can.
To Judgment of the Arbiter, thank you for reading this story.
To wahyubison, who knows. :D
To Mythfan, to the next chapter of course.
To The Rupture, the same to wahyubison but all I can say is that the flash drive is a product of Second Magic. But who is responsible for doing such thing? Zelretch? Or someone else? That will be answered in the next chapters to come.
So without any further ado, let's go to the story.
CHAPTER 3: Tatsuya
Himawari Shiiba couldn't articulate the rightful words as the reel of the video came to an end, her eyes still glued to the blank screen as if she was questioning its legitimacy. She was a woman with the same age as Maya, with long jet black hair lay straight downward and red ruby eyes. A facial appearance denoting her Yotsuba lineage from her late father Eisaku Yotsuba. Like Miya and Maya she was also woman with refined beauty and character.
"This is... are all of these true...?"
The youngest child of the late 2nd Head of the Yotsuba clan asked, her tone overlaid with a mixed surprise and confusion as her eyes dawned over to Miya. It was Monday morning, around 9 o'clock when Miya Yotsuba came to her house and invited her to Maya's office. As a member of the Yotsuba clan and the representative of the Shiiba Branch Family, Himawari gladly accept the invitation, thinking it was some kind of business venture.
She wasn't expecting something like this.
"We believe so. The man that you saw, Hakuno Kishinami-dono is the sperm donor to all of us. As you have witness, his striking resemblance to Tatsuya is a valid proof that the contents of the video are solid and legit."
Miya replied before sipping the cup of tea that was prepared by the Yotsuba Head Butler Tadanori Hayama.
"Maya...?"
Himawari gazed on the current Yotsuba Head, who was for some reason, portraying a radiance that can be surmised a bright aura. Miya and Tadanori knew exactly why Maya was displaying such ambience. Last time they saw her like this was when she was head over heels for Kouichi Saegusa.
"Yes, absolutely."
A short yet sure response. One might thought that Maya should reprimand Himawari for not addressing her in a respective manner but something like that act could only be implemented in the outside world. Himawari was the Yotsuba twins' playmate and childhood friend. Addressing her in a casual manner is something that Maya could tolerate since they are inside her office. Himawari was not just a cousin to her, but also a sister.
"I see... how I wish that Himari is here..."
The beautiful Shiiba sighed. This was something what her daughter wanted to see. Unfortunately, her daughter have to go to Tokyo early morning to attend the opening ceremony of First High School, a magic school where Miya's daughter is also currently enrolled at.
For the past years, Himari kept on asking her about her father, to which Himawari couldn't give a definitive answer since like her daughter, she also had no clue of who he is. She tried to probe her late father about it but the only words that Eisaku could give to her was "he is a good man".
Now, being presented and having watched two episodes of the video on the screen that Himawari could see it clearly with her own eyes the face of the father of her daughter. And honestly, despite seeing the average looks the guy had, the Shiiba Mistress couldn't help but feel a warm sensation on her cheeks everytime the image of Hakuno came up in her mind.
She was perturbed about such reaction. It was the first time she saw him but Himawari wondered why she was displaying an emotion that a teenager would do every time her crush would appear on her glance. There was no way that she is somehow, attracted to him... right?
The twins and Honami didn't fail to notice the red tinge appearing on Himawari's face especially Miya and her Guardian Honami. They knew exactly what Himawari was feeling right now for they too were in the same boat as her. They didn't knew when it happen but the moment they woke up, they could feel some butterflies in their tummy every time Hakuno's face came to mind. Though they might have found a way to hide it, they could feel a pair of eyes peering at them every now and then.
"Now then..."
Maya voiced out in trailing manner, her eyes gazing at the screen as her hands gesturing to Tadanori, who immediately grasped the remote control.
"Shall we watched the next episode?"
At the Yotsuba Head's query the people in the room nod their heads. Tadanori then pressed the play button, prompting the screen to reveal the title of the next episode.
EPISODE 3: Tatsuya
"Tatsuya?"
Maya almost squeaked from her seat as the title of the episode came to light. Does this episode is about his Tatsuya?
The others just silently gaze at the jazzberry jam eyed woman before going back to the television.
When Maya Yotsuba became pregnant, the clan and mostly Genzou, were overjoyed by the news. Being a grandfather is a new game for him and embracing such prospect was something he was looking forward to. Though most members of clan wondered the father of Maya's child, it was a topic that never came to light and holds no further discussing. During the 9 months of Maya's pregnancy, the clan prayed for the yet to born child to have the ability to protect the family, to be the strong pillar that the family can rely on, to be the foundation that is worthy of being a Yotsuba.
The viewers know about that certain time. Almost every members of the Yotsuba would pray at night and wished for Maya's child to be born with an unusual feat however they also know what happened after Tatsuya came to their lives.
Maya couldn't help but to bit her lip in frustration and guilt. Even though she was Tatsuya's mother, she feared him like most of her kinsmen due to his innate talent. However, she know her failings as a mother and she wanted to make things right with her son.
And so their prayers were overheard by the heavens and thus Tatsuya came into the world. However, the clan's overwhelming joy became an instantaneous fear when they found his innate abilities and the destructive potential of his "magic". Some heads of the branch families proposed on killing him, but Eisaku, Genzou, and Juuzou protected him.
"WHAT!?"
Maya screamed as she immediately stood up, her aura almost encapsulate the entire room. She may feared her son and try to avoid him but never did once the idea of killing Tatsuya crossed her mind.
The others were also shocked by this. It may be a logical decision to kill a child who has the potential to destroy everything but it was morally incorrect to suggest such daring option.
"Maya, don't worry. We know that it didn't happen thanks to Otou-sama and the others."
Miya tried to calm her younger twin sister who was gritting her teeth in anger. As mother, Miya knew what Maya is feeling right now and if she was in her position she too would also be furious.
"But still, to suggest on killing on my son... Tadanori, I want you to contact the former heads of the Branch Families. Tell them I want to speak with them tomorrow morning."
"Yes, Maya-sama."
Though Maya's voice was calm, there were still fury in her speech. Himawari, Miya and Honami could only surmise that the former heads of the every Branch Families will have to endure an earful of sermons tomorrow.
Naturally, the child was the heir apparent for the Yotsuba Family but due to his lack of ability to wield "magic" as it was intended to, Eisaku was forced to reduce Tatsuya as a mere Guardian much to Maya's protest. As the current head of the clan, Eisaku had to enforce that decision for some obvious reasons. One is that to prevent the entire clan from falling into an internal strife. The second was to lessen the fear that majority of his kinsmen felt for the kid.
However, the emotions still linger in the air.
The spectators were surprised about this revelation.
"I didn't knew that..."
Miya voiced out and everyone agreed to her sentiment. It seems that they were kept in dark during those times by their fathers about the potential strife within their family.
For the past 6 years, young Tatsuya was subjected to various kind of training. When Tatsuya was a baby, he was separated from his mother, who was announced as the heir at that time, and was raised to be a warrior. As early as when he was able to stand up, he was subjected to training in the optimization of his body. Tatsuya soon became able to walk and the combat training began. No matter how hard the kid cried and screamed, his will was ignored. As the family always resorted to locking him up, Tatsuya soon gave up on his rebellious attitude.
"Tatsuya... I'm sorry for not standing up for you..." Maya inwardly thought while trying to quell the bitter feeling that was swirling heavily in her heart. She really need to step up and make up with her son.
If anyone would ask how Eisaku felt for the past 6 years, he would immediately tell anyone that he's an awful person. The 2nd Head of the Yotsuba clan dreaded himself on every decision he made involving Tatsuya. He was sure that his brother Genzou felt the same way but they had to do it. Unlike a few people in the Household, most members of their clan were still sticking on the old ways.
"Otou-sama..."
Himawari whispered to herself as she learned the thoughts of her father. To her, Eisaku was a kind of father who rarely shows his emotions to other people. She understand why her father had to placate such action considering the circumstance during that time.
Oh how he wish that he could change the outlook of the clan with just a whim or a flick of a finger, but Eisaku knew better. Something like that wasn't practical even if he was the clan head. Change isn't an instant development, it is something that must be implemented in gradual.
Both Tadanori and Honami agreed on Eisaku's thoughts. They were the beneficiaries of the changes that Eisaku had implemented during his time as the head of the Yotsuba Family.
The year was now 2083 AD and Eisaku alongside Juuzou Kuroba and the 6 year old Tatsuya were standing in a clearing located far away from the Yotsuba residence. There was a reason why they were in that part of the forest and it was for Tatsuya's sake. A month ago, Maya and Miya were about to perform an Artifical Magician experiment to the child. It was something that they weren't aware of, if not for the sudden appearance of Tatsuya's dad in their front door. Though it still bewildered him and Juuzou how the man was able to bypass the Yotsuba's defenses, they didn't give much thought about it.
"Knowing Hakuno-dono's abilities, it seems giving much thought on the subject is moot point to begin with."
"You're right, Ane-ue."
Maya supplemented her older twin sister's opinion. She could still remember the image of Dhan being swallowed up by the raging waters as if it was trying to devour a bite-sized cake.
"I guess this would be for the best. I'm sure that my brother would want this too, he died regretting he didn't make much effort to fight for Tatsuya's sake."
Saying these words, Eisaku gently patted the kid's head who was carrying a backpack on his back filled with his belongings, which were mostly combat oriented.
"Otou-sama..."
A sad whisper came from both twins' mouth. Their relationship with their father was somewhat strained due to their conflicting ideals.
"Though I'm disappointed seeing my son honed as a living weapon, I understand the reasons behind it."
"Our apologies, Hakuno-sama."
Both Juuzou and Eisaku bowed their heads to Hakuno who only waved his hand in the air. Seeing the wondering gaze that Tatsuya was portraying, Hakuno knelt in front of the 6 year old kid and placed his hands on the kid's shoulders causing Tatsuya to look at him with somewhat a querying look.
An unfamiliar feeling echoed within Maya's heart as her eyes saw the scene, the scene where her son meet his father. Maya tried to put at the back burner the fantasizing image that emerged within her imagination.
"So Tatsuya, do you know me?"
"Eisaku-sama and Juuzou-sama said that we will be meeting with my biological father..."
Tatsuya trailed off as his eyes wander on Hakuno's facial appearance, before his orbs received an understanding glint.
"...You're him..."
With a nod of his head the dark brown haired man took the boy's heavy luggage and carried it on his back while grabbing his hand.
"We'll be going then, Eisaku-san, Juuzou-san."
"Yes, Hakuno-sama. We apologized for the trouble that we cause you."
"It's okay. I understand why Maya did that. She's a mother and mothers hated to see their child being mocked in front of them. Please look after Miyuki, Minami, and Himari for me."
"Hakuno-dono..."
The jazzberry jam eyed woman said to herself, her left hand grasping the fabric of her cloth on her chest.
Miya, Himawari, and Honami were glad that Hakuno was concerned about their daughters.
The Heads of the Yotsuba Family and the Kuroba Branch Family bowed their heads in response. Bowing with his own, Hakuno left the clearing with Tatsuya. Feeling the disappearance of the two, both Eisaku and Juuzou lifted their heads and went back to the Yotsuba residence.
They have some things that needs to be taken care of, for the sake of improving the Yotsuba clan.
"Magecraft...?"
The boy tilted his head. Seeing his son's confusion, a soft yet warm smile glazed on Hakuno's face. They have been conversing for a while now, though the start was something awkward with Tatsuya being hesitant to talk to him. He couldn't blame his son. After all, it was the first time that the kid saw him and establishing a connection with him wasn't something that can be placed in a whim. However, he was delighted to see Tatsuya being considerate and giving him a chance to do so.
"I think it's normal reaction for someone like Tatsuya. He maybe somewhat stupefied about the father ordeal."
Himawari said as she watched the screen and everyone agreed to what she said. It would be normal to see Tatsuya being hesitant on accepting Hakuno as his father since during his childhood, no one had the courage to show some compassion on the kid.
All of the adults were disappointed on themselves for being a part of Tatsuya's unjust upbringing.
"Yes. It's Magecraft or Thaumaturgy, not Magic."
"But they refer to the same thing, right?"
At Tatsuya's query, Hakuno gently ruffled his son's hair.
"No. Magecraft and Magic are entirely different. I'm gonna teach you everything I know once we get home. That aside..."
"I wonder what is the difference between the two..."
Maya wondered while she was hoping that Hakuno might give an explanation about the difference between the two terms since to her, they were the same thing.
Without warning, Hakuno carried Tatsuya and placed him on top, with the boy's legs resting over his broad shoulders. This of course, cause the kid to be surprised.
"Otou-sama... I'm a big kid now. You don't have to carry me like this."
Tatsuya said, in a slight protest, after recovering from the bewilderment from his father's actions. He's been addressing the man in such manner after their few minutes of conversation. The boy didn't knew why but the man, who he deduced was his father, somehow give him a warm feeling in his heart. As if something inside him is resonating to the man.
"Nonsense. Despite the 6 year training you had as a Guardian, you're still a child. My child. Besides, take this as a start of our father and son bonding for the years to come."
The 6 year old Tatsuya had to stare at the man with widened eyes for a bit, before conceding to his biological father's wish, his hands resting on Hakuno's forehead as his eyes gazed forward on the clearing leading outside the Yotsuba's area.
Seeing this scene, Maya couldn't help but portray a small gentle smile on her lips. The image was displaying a strong foundation between families, that the 3rd Head of the Yotsuba began to imagine being a third member of such image.
Miya, Himawari, and Honami despite being happy for Tatsuya, were somewhat jealous on the projected scene in front of them. Each of them wanted to see their daughters in the same position that Tatsuya was, with them also being a part of such wonderful scene of course.
"I can only use two magics, though..."
Tatsuya replied, as his eyes were still fixed on the pathway that he and his father were traversing.
"Are you talking about your Decomposition and Regrowth?"
"How do you know that?"
"I'm your father, of course I know. And to make it clear, what you have is not "magic" but an Abnormal Ability."
"Abnormal Ability?"
Himawari questioned as she gazed to Miya and Maya for answers, who were also confused by Hakuno's statement.
"Abnormal Ability? I thought what I have are Superpowers as most of my mentors told me so..."
Tatsuya retorted. Being a Guardian he was tutored about the classifications of "magic" including Superpowers.
Superpowers or Supernatural Powers are magics that directly cause phenomenon without Activation Sequences or any other ritual, unlike Modern Magic or Ancient Magic. However, Superpower users can only use one type of magic, any differences will just be variations of the original. It can be considered a specialization, to a point where the magics that can only be used are few. Superpowers can be activated with pure thought regardless of intent or will, unlike modern magic, where unintentionally creating a magic sequence and activating it is impossible for magicians using dozens of types of magics, like most modern magicians. However, unintentional magics from people capable of multiple types of magic indicates a strong phenomena rewriting ability.
"That is what the International Magician Association's standard definition for Superpowers."
Maya said as her mind remembered the terms that the IMA had established for the conventional use for all Magic Technicians and being the Head of the Yotsuba, she knew about these things.
Tatsuya was an exception of the definition, since he have at least two Superpowers.
The term 'Supernatural Power (Superpower)' was initially used synonymously for Magicians as their ability was then purely inherent, but the term is now no longer synonyms to Magicians because the magicians are now a product of sudden mutation and has been spread around to the public due to "systematization as a technology".
So the term Abnormal Ability was something that he wasn't familiar with.
Everyone agreed to the boy's thoughts. Just like him, they were not familiar with the term despite being a part of the Magician society for quite a long time.
"In a sense Superpowers and Abnormal Abilities are synonymous or the same but contrary to what all people believe, they're not Magecraft or Magic."
"They aren't?"
The boy asked in confusion, to which the dark brown haired man nod his head.
"Then what are they if they are not Magic or Magecraft?"
"They are what you call Psychic Powers, or more commonly known as Extra Sensory Perceptions."
Hearing this, Tatsuya gained a puzzle look.
The same reaction can be said to the people inside the room.
"But ESP or Perception-type Magic are magics that, as the name suggests, perceive or sense things or persons..."
Honami had to agree to the kid's retort. What Tatsuya said was the very definition of Sensory Magic or ESP.
"That is one of the flaws of "Modern Magic". Labeling such supernatural phenomena as "magic" is wrong since ESP and Magecraft are two very different types of Mystery."
"Mystery...?"
"Mystery?"
Everyone said in unison as if echoing Tatsuya's own query. The word was something that was new to them.
"Hmm... well, Mystery is a sliver of power of many different types that comes from the "truth". Magecraft and ESP are one of those types. Unlike Magecraft or Thaumaturgy, which can be taught and practice, inherent ability is an absolute necessity for ESP. Psychic Powers are the ultimate ability of humans, who have become an existence independent of nature. Clairvoyance, Pyrokinesis and your Decomposition and Regrowth abilities are examples of Psychic Powers."
The people watching the video were surprised by such explanation.
"So Superpowers are actually Psychic powers and are different from magic as we were taught. Though I wonder, what is this truth that Hakuno-dono is talking about?"
"I don't have any idea about it, Himawari. Let's hope that Hakuno-dono gives an elaborate explanation on this "truth"."
Miya replied to her cousin as she focused back on the screen, still intrigued about the "truth" that Hakuno was talking about.
"So that means I'm a Psychic... an Esper then... Still, it doesn't change the fact that I can't learn magecraft because of my predominant abilities."
"Hey, all Psychics can become Magi, but not all Magi can become Psychics. Under the Eidos Thaumaturgical Theory, you will have a hard time becoming a Magus considering your Magic Calculation Area are dominated with your Psychic Powers, but it doesn't mean that you can't be a Magus. Remember this Tatsuya, a Magus doesn't stick with only one Thaumaturgical Theory."
"Thaumaturgical Theory...?"
Miya wondered while gazing at the people inside Maya's office who only shrug in response to her inquiry. It seems that Hakuno-dono knew some things that they aren't aware of.
"When Hakuno-dono said Magus or Magi, is he referring to Magicians?"
"We aren't sure about that Himawari..."
Maya trailed off, her mind being bogged about these terms that her savior was throwing out in the open.
Looking up, Hakuno could see the frown on the boy's face indicating that he wasn't able to understand fully what he said. With his hand he grabbed his son's legs firmly, reassuring the kid.
"Don't worry, sooner or later you will understand everything that I am saying."
As Hakuno said that, they were able to leave the Yotsuba's area unscathed, with cemented pavement lay in front of them. The man then looked left and right for a couple of minutes before looking up to his son, who happens to look at him.
"Say, do you want to have some ice cream before going to my place?"
Tatsuya stared at the sky then at the ground, and Hakuno could see that his kid was pondering for an answer. A minute later, the boy gave a nod despite his stoic face. The father and son began trekking the road before vanishing without a trace.
The video then turned black, ending the 3rd episode though the contents of the video somehow left them with some questions.
"Mystery... Truth... Thaumaturgical Theory... These terms, I never heard of them up until now."
"You're not the only one, Ane-ue. This is all new, even to me."
"And there''s about the differentiation about Magecraft and Magic, and Magus and Magician. Does Hakuno-dono referred Ancient Magic as Magic and Modern Magic as Magecraft?"
Himawari added her 2 cents in the mixed and her question somehow made all the people inside the room more confused than before.
"Dwelling on these things might not be appropriate at this time. Let's just move on to the next episode and hope that there are answers there."
"And if not?"
"Then we do our own research. Tadanori-san, if you please."
Maya replied to Miya while gesturing to Tadanori to play the next episode. However, her mind was still pondering on the findings that they had just uncovered.