Chapter 6 ~ The Warning~

The locked room was small and filled with boxes from a time long gone. Treasured memories that could never be erased. He could almost hear the sound of his father calling out to him.

Now everything remained in this room - dust laid thick like Kyoto snow except this one was a depressing grey color.

Kazama covered his mouth and started looking over the box to his left. If his memory served him well, he stored his father's collection there.

Opening the box, the first thing he saw was a drawing of a shadow man, nothing could be recognized other than its silhouette. Down in the corners of the drawing was a white color, while behind the figure was darkness as if this figure was bringing darkness with it.

"Goodness," he whispered and started checking the parchments and books along with the drawing. At first, there was nothing extraordinary to note except for a mention of the Satsuma's debt. Worry started to creep within him with every second.

He reached the bottom of the box and there he saw what looked like an old and torn book. "Finally," he almost commented, pulling the book out.

Checking through its pages, he couldn't help but call to his wife, "Sen, come over here. This is urgent."

The sound of her running footsteps echoed and she was there within seconds.

"What is going on?" she asked. He pointed with his finger and started reading the passage.

"A chain of events would lead to the troubles that would befall them all. The heart of the demon would be broken and he shall summon the forgotten ancestors and light shall become dark. Death shall follow all…and the honorable one would be lost."

"I have no idea what this means but…" Kazama said. Sen placed her hand over her mouth, deep down she knew what he was about to say.

"But it does not sound positive at all."

Sen knelt down next to him, her eyes never left the page opened before her.

"Maybe there is something more to look for." She was fearful, he could tell. Especially because of the fact, no one knows anything about the supposed ancestors, are they friends or foes? What kind of powers do they have?

Kazama assumed what he felt from that boy is an example of what they are like, which meant that they are very powerful and have a darkness that he couldn't quite grasp.

"This is terrible. This isn't just about Chizuru and her family. This could wrap us all in darkness and we would be faced with whatever is within it."

Kazama leaned over until his forehead touched his wife's, this would be one of the rare moments where he would express his love for her, with no sarcasm.

"Never ever leave my side, understand?" He whispered. "Promise me, you will follow me in this uncertain path no matter what?"

Sen's lips curled into an affectionate smile and she touched his cold cheek.

"I promise. We'll be together no matter what. This has been my vow on our wedding day remember?" She leaned in and her lips connected with his in a fiery kiss.

Their love has been the oddest of them all, especially since they hated each other when they met and he insulted her on numerous occasions. She stood in his way to stop him from pursuing Chizuru and even refused his request that night in the Shimabara place.

"Do you want me to steal you away?"

His cold heart never felt anything for Chizuru, just a simple likeness adds to the fact that full-blooded female demons are very rare these days with Chizuru and Sen being one of the few. That night he reunited with Sen, finding her injured and bloody. This is where it all began. Almost a decade of a happy marriage and being blessed with a daughter, a full-blooded demon from two of the oldest of the royal clans. May the gods help the males who pursue his daughter. None of this would have happened if he forcefully married Chizuru. Ironic how fate gave him the life he deeply yearned for but was too arrogant to admit it to himself. He would protect this life and the two most precious beings he cares for in the world, no matter what it takes.

She pulled from him gasping for air to question him.

"Are you sure Michaelis is that boy?" she paused for a moment. "You don't think our daughter is tangled in this mess do you?"

Kazama shook his head. "I won't allow anything to happen to her, you know that. She is blessed. As for the boy…I never felt such power from a demon before, I do not know what to believe."

Sen's head dropped slightly. "Poor Chizuru."

"Should we tell the parents?" he asked.

"Of course, they should know about this," his wife answered.

...

Kondo remained there and dangled his feet in the pond hoping that it'll put his heart at ease but nothing could quell the feeling of unease that thrummed inside him like a taut bowstring. He didn't feel like going back to the house. He could sense the girl was watching him in silence. He wanted to talk and say something but didn't know what.

Sara crossed her legs and just sat on the grass. "I can sense that there is something troubling you," she said with a smile. She reached for a flower that was left near the pond. The flower was brown and its petals were twisted on themselves, with Sara's touch a crunching sound echoed ever so often.

"Watch," Sara whispered.

Kondo glanced at the flower wondering what she was trying to do. The girl started to hum a song. A silver mist flowed from her fingers, the enchantment healing the withering white flower before him. Kondo reached for the flower and the moment he touched the soft petal he shivered slightly. It was a real flower.

"How did you do that?" He asked.

"I knew this would cheer you up." She placed a hand on her heart and continued. "I was told that I'm blessed since the day of my birth, my touch and voice can heal."

Kondo couldn't help but stare at her with admiration. He knew this girl was special and his hunch was correct especially after seeing what she just did.

Sara held the flower in front of him and whispered. "Go on and take it. To remember me when you go home."

Kondo reached for the flower and the moment his fingers touched hers he felt a rush of something in his body. He couldn't understand what it was, he slightly staggered back, confusion on his face. Judging by the look in Sara's eyes, she felt it too but she didn't show any fear, only warmth, and kindness.

"Umm thank you," he said and placed the flower in his pocket with its petals poking out.

"Not a problem," the girl replied. For a while, there was nothing but silence and the occasional birds chirping nearby. The two kids stared at one another, unsure of what to do or say.

"Uh … so," Sara finally spoke and avoided his eyes. "You want to talk about what is bothering you? I'm a good listener."

Sara could see a slight smile finally showing up on his face, as he came closer and sat in front of her. His eyes dropped to the ground for a second, collecting his thoughts.

"People called me a monster. I…don't know why they would do.."

He was cut off by Sara holding his hand and placing it on her chest. He didn't say anything because he was confused. His palm could sense her heartbeat.

"You can feel my heart beat right?" asked Sara.

Unsure about her point he answered, "Yeah."

She guided his hand and placed it on his chest.

"You can feel your own heartbeat right?" Sara asked again.

Kondo could feel warm tears gather at the corner of his eyes, he understood her meaning clearly. He has a heart, he was no monster, despite what those people said.

"But I….. don't."

Sara drew closer to him and pulled him into a much-needed embrace, she could feel the boy trembling in her arms. "You are fine," she whispered.

"Sara," Kazama called out to his daughter, interrupting the moment. The kids let go of one another and stared at the blonde man with the air of arrogance that is always within him.

"You are needed inside," he beckoned for her to go to the house.

"Yes, father." Sara looked at the boy again. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Lord Kondo. I'm glad you are alright." She excused herself and went back to the house.

"Are you not well?" Kazama questioned the boy standing from behind, watching him with curiosity.

"I guess I'm fine," he replied.

"Do not be afraid of who you are," Kazama whispered as he drew closer to him. "Think about it. You could be your mama's little knight, she could be safe with you no matter what."

'I could protect my mama?' He let the words sink in for a moment, a smile broke across his face.

Kazama smirked and beckoned toward the house. "Come on, she is awake." Kondo glanced back at the house and found her at the top of the stairs. She changed her clothes and her hair seems slightly messier than usual.

She called out to him. "Kondo!"

His heart fluttered and a smile graced his face. The first since his awakening. He pulled his legs off the water and bowed before the man.

"Excuse me." Then he bolted toward his mom.

"Mama!" he screamed and jumped in her arms. Chizuru gladly welcomed him with a broken laugh.

"Baby, I'm so happy you are alright." She whimpered. The boy could feel her shaking, and her warm tears staining his hair.

It was the first time he saw her like this. It has always been her smile that he sees every day. He reached with his fingers to wipe her tears.

"Do not cry mama, I don't want you to be sad."

Chizuru's heart fluttered with his sweet action. Toshi ruffled his hair, a wide grin broke across his face.

"My boy is a gentleman, that is so adorable." He said with an enthusiastic chuckle. Everything is back to normal.

Kazama followed shortly, watching the scene before him.

"I will never forget this. I promise," Toshi addressed him.

Kazama shook his head, assuring the two of them that it was not a big deal, the boy was a Yukimura after all.

"Can I please have a talk with the two of you before you leave?" Kazama asked.

Toshi and Chizuru exchanged looks for a moment before they signaled to their boy to wait for them near the entrance. Kazama escorted them back to the room where the boy slept and closed the door behind them. At first, there was silence, unsure of how to start the discussion. After all, parents are very sensitive when it comes to their children. How would he feel if someone were to discuss his daughter? They probably would not live as long.

The silence was broken by Sen coming through the door, the serious look in her eyes was not lost on the parents.

"What's going on?" Toshi asked. "Is there something wrong with my boy?"

Kazama exhaled, he might as well be blunt about it since it wouldn't help otherwise. "No, he is fine and it seems like he recovered his strength…but." He paused for a moment.

"Please remember Chizuru," Sen spoke and glanced at Toshi. "You too master Hakouki. We are your allies, you can come to seek us if there is any trouble. We will help."

Chizuru placed her hand over her heart. "Why are you speaking like this?"

Kazama crossed his arms and chose to say everything. "I regretfully have to inform you. There is something off about your boy, I have never sensed such great power from a demon before. It reminded me of a lost folk tale my father told me when I was a lad. I imagined it was just a children's tale, but It goes like this:

Light becomes dark with their appearance.

They slept within the darkness.

Sorrow shall move

The ravens shall watch.

Michaelis shall bring forth thy wrath."

He paused for a moment to allow the parents to think about it.

Toshi couldn't help but remember what Akira told them when he first came into their house. About how it was foretold the sun would vanish - the eclipse.

"What little Kazama knows about this tells that your son is destined for greatness as we have never seen before, however, this speaks of a possible great tragedy as well," Sen spoke.

"I will look into this and inform you of anything I find. You have my word," Kazama said with a smile. "However, you should not hide the boy's true nature from him. You need to have a talk with the boy. I'm sure he is confused as to what is happening within him and he will need your support and guidance."

Both of the parents had a look of surprise on their faces. Is this the same arrogant man who has tormented them and gone after them a few years back? Now he's giving parental advice? Silence dominated the room for what seemed like an eternity before Toshi finally spoke.

"Thank you so much for this. We knew little about it from the village where we used to live, a truth that for some reason made us outcasts. We didn't believe this at first, however, when Kondo was born I started to wonder." He paused for a second. "How is this possible? I wasn't born a demon. I don't have any special powers."

"This could be the reason. You have transcended into a demon," Sen answered. "You are one of a kind."

Chizuru bowed before them and spoke. "Please, anything you find out, inform us immediately. I will do anything to protect my boy and give him the life he deserves."

"We will. I promise."

…..

The parents stood in front of the entrance to the house to say their farewell to their new and strange friends. Chizuru gave her absolute appreciation once more.

Kazama leaned over and tapped the little boy's head. "You feel well boy?" he asked, concern evident on his face.

Kondo's smile grew. "Yes, I'm fine. Thank you."

The old rivals looked at each other. Toshi bowed his head to his old rival. He never thought that this stubborn and hard man would ever do such a thing and toward him at that. The thought made Kazama chuckle.

Kazama chuckled slightly and his signature smirk returned to his face receiving questionable looks from the women.

"Although, we are grateful, don't get used to it," Toshi remarked, returning his smirk.

This made Kazama laugh out loud. "Your boy is acceptable for a half-demon."

Toshi laughed. The women just looked at each other. Some things never change. The women hugged each other goodbye and the men nodded at each other. Kondo looked around and Kazama noticed.

"She is in the family room if you want to say goodbye," Kazama answered. Kondo looked at him with awe, wondering if the man could read his mind.

Kazama chuckled and nodded toward the house. Kondo bowed and ran inside the house to say goodbye to his friend. He found her reading by the window. Upon entering the room, he stopped in his tracks. The way the light is reflecting around her is making it seem so angelic and beautiful. She is so engrossed in what she is reading that she doesn't notice him. He shakes himself out of his stupor and entered the room.

"I don't mean to interrupt but I just wanted to say goodbye," claimed the young man.

Startled, the young girl dropped the book. Kondo rushed to pick the book up causing their heads to knock against the other as he stood up. They both rubbed at their heads.

"I'm sorry," Kondo apologized, handing the girl's book back to her. Wondering what kind of book it was to enrapture her so much.

The girl shook her head. "No, it's okay. I'm sorry I didn't know you were leaving so soon."

The boy didn't want to admit it, but he didn't want to say goodbye. He hoped he could stay with her a little longer. There was a bit of awkward silence but the girl just hugged him, catching him by surprise. A mild blush started to creep on his face as he inhaled her flowery scent. He hugged her back but let her go right away since he was afraid that if he held her any longer he might not want to leave.

"Don't worry, you can come to see us again anytime. Remember what I said, if you feel lonely, just look at the flower and think of me," Sara said.

Kondo nodded and smiled. "Thank you."

He waved and turned around and ran out of the house where his parents were waiting on him. At last, the family waved goodbye and left the house.

Once they were out of the village, Chizuru was the first to break the silence.

"So are we still going to see Aiya?" she asked. Toshi watched their boy jogging ahead of them, watching his new surroundings.

"Maybe we should go home," he whispered. "I'm worried about what happened to him."

He has a point, his powers caused him an unknown illness, almost killing him. They had to think of something to face this. Chizuru felt warm tears stain her cheeks once more. She never hoped for any of this. She always dreamed of a good life for her boy. Let him be a child like all the other kids, but it seems this cannot be.

"I will inform Aiya and apologize to her through a message," Toshi replied, knowing her answer.

….

The family had been on the road for quite some time before they saw the cherry blossom tree in the distance that signified their home. They were getting close to home, however, it was their choice to stop by the tree and stay there for a time and enjoy the scenery - like snow the petals were flowing in the wind…

After a few minutes, the family made camp under the cherry blossom tree. Enamored with its great beauty. The branches of the tree were so long that it was the Queen of the Forest and they were peasants seeking shelter under it. The amount of happiness Chizuru felt made her think how all of this is going to end someday. She never wanted the end to come. She could keep sitting under this tree with Toshi and their son for years to come but it cannot be.

"You cry so easily," Toshi heaved and reached with his fingers to wipe her tears. "It's my job, to make you smile." He said and pulled her into him where she could rest in his lap.

She knew he was trying to comfort her and make her forget the fact that maybe he does not have much time left and their amazing life was getting close to the end. She closed her eyes and took a breath to calm her nerves and just let it go. They have to make the most of their time after all.

Soon, darkness covered the world leaving only the orange light of the crackling fire before them.

Toshi started to pull out some of the supplies they got from Kazama, at least what was left of it for dinner. Chizuru sat in the space near her child and she held onto his shoulders.

"Darling, there is something we need to tell you."

"What is it, Mama?" Kondo asked with a smile.

Chizuru was silent for a moment contemplating on how she should start the conversation. "I want to talk to you about your powers."

The mention of this made Kondo feel unease in his heart again. He almost forgot about his own confusion. His eyes glanced back at the fire, avoiding his mother's eyes. His mother, of course as any mother would, noticed her son's body language, she rubbed his shoulders.

"Do not fear, it is alright," she said. "Honey, you were born a demon. Just like me."

Confused he looked into his mother's eyes, there is no way she would joke about something like this.

"I'm a demon?" He asked. "For real?" The boy looked at his father waiting for another confirmation. Toshi only gave him a smile.

"Listen to me baby," Chizuru continued. "You are from the Yukimura demon royal bloodline. Your father is a demon too but he wasn't born one. He only became one as an adult. Unlike you and me."

"So…" the boy's voice broke slightly. "I'm not a boy? I'm a monster?"

Toshi reached over and pulled the boy into an embrace. "Don't you ever think like that, do you hear me? You are a boy, you're just not human."

"Your father is right. You are not a monster." Chizuru said. She closed her eyes and heaved a breath. Before the boy's eyes, Chizuru's hair turned white, horns burst from her head.

"Do you see now? If you are a monster, so are we," Toshi said and gently touched the boy's chin making him look up at him. His father's hair was also bright white and his eyes were golden.

A smile broke across the boy's face, it was like a weight had been lifted from his heart. It all made sense now.

"I'm a demon," chuckled Kondo. "Why did you wait until now to tell me?"

Toshi's fingers ran through the boy's hair in a comforting motion.

"I wanted to spare you from this, wait until you grew up to tell you," Chizuru said. "Turns out that was the wrong choice, I'm sorry."

Kondo pulled himself off of his father and went to his mother, he buried his face on her shoulder. "It's okay, Mama. I forgive you."

Chizuru's voice broke, and her emotions were spiraling. Her boy was an absolute gentleman. She returned the embrace. "I love you, baby. Don't you ever change."

Toshi placed his hand over his heart at this. He was worried about what the boy's reaction was going to be like. All that worry was unfounded, it was the right thing to do, to let him know about his true nature.

"So the reason I was sick is that I'm a demon?" Kondo asked again.

"Yes," Toshi replied. "But now that you know the truth, maybe you won't be troubled again."

It all made sense now, that's why he was able to push those men off into the tree, and the reason he felt pain in his head was probably because of his own horns showing up in the heat of the moment. However, there is the darkness, where he was called the -

Kondo let go of his mom and chose to tell them what happened that night. "Before I was sick, I had a dream of darkness. It spoke to me and called me the King of Corruption. What does that mean?"

Toshi and Chizuru exchanged looks, unease was evident on their faces for they had no answer to such a question.

"Darling, I'm not sure what it means but I promise I will tell you if it's important," Toshi answered him.

Chizuru left the bench and went over their supplies, urging them to let it go for now and that they should prepare for dinner so they can rest afterward.

…Morning rolled in and Kondo was the first one to wake up to see Toshi waiting for him…

"Good morning Papa," he said happily.

The sky was an extended expanse of blue with gray clouds gathering here and there. The weather was beautiful at last. There is no chill in the air.

"Good morning son," Toshi said with a laugh and beckoned for him to come closer.

Toshi was standing under the shade of a nearby tree, a bit far from their camp, his sword placed on the ground next to him. He had a large bag in his arms.

The boy ran to him, happy and energetic. All the pain he felt in the past few days was gone. "What is it?" the boy asked.

Toshi knelt down to his eye level and said, "I think the two of us need some alone time together, while your mother rests."

The boy nodded and held his father's hand. Toshi then pulled something from the bag he carried. A small sword with a slightly decorated hilt.

"I want to teach you how to defend yourself," he said and placed the sword in his hands. "This blade here is called a Wakizashi."

Kondo rubbed the blade in his hands enamored by its shape. He never imagined someday he would touch a sword, let alone own one.

"Now, watch my stance," Toshi pulled his sword from its sheath and bent his knees slightly, the sword horizontally pointed at the boy's face. The hilt of the katana was almost close to his cheeks. "Try to do this form."

"Do it again."

The words shook Kondo's resolve as he once again was punished by a rough slap in the palms of his hands with Toshi's hilt of his sword.

They practiced sword forms for quite a while. No matter how hard he tried, the stance was still not perfect. Every time he made a mistake Toshi would punish him. His shoulders cried out in pain as the sword grew heavier and heavier. It felt as though his muscles were on fire. Kondo focused on his breathing. He swung the blade downward in one long sweep and sidestepped an imaginary strike. He brought the blade back up for a parry and then drove it into the ghostly attacker's abdomen.

"Stop."

His knees dropped onto the damp ground. A wave of relief flooded over him. Pangs of hunger pained his stomach.

"This is too much," Kondo murmured.

"Go warm yourself and eat. I will spar with you later."

Chizuru watched from afar, feeling sorry for her poor boy. His father was the demon commander for a reason after all. It was his turn to experience it. Toshi came in and sat next to her on the bench, he stretched his arms for a moment. It has been a while since he used his sword. That training was good for him as well.

"Don't you think you are a little hard on him?" Chizuru asked.

"Not really, he needs to learn to be tough," He replied, ", especially after what was said about him in that village. He cannot let his guard down."

Chizuru raised an eyebrow, a bit surprised by his reaction. "I had almost forgotten how much of a sadist you are."

A smirk grew on Toshi's face. "I'll take that as a compliment."

Kondo finally came in and by the way he walked one could tell the boy was in a lot of pain. The parents chuckled at his expense and he pouted in their way.

"That's not funny," he complained.

"I'm sorry, son. It's going to be worth it later." Toshi said between chuckles. "You will become strong and no one can stand in your way."

…After having breakfast and resting. Toshi called out to him once again…

"Kondo, it's time."

"Now?" The boy asked sighing. "Can't I sleep a bit more?"

Toshi rolled his eyes, he barely had the patience for such moments. This would not be tolerated in the Shinsengumi. However, this is his boy, he must take it easy with him. "I just want to have a word with you."

Kondo swallowed the last bit of bread he picked up and he sat in front of his father while Chizuru took care of the leftovers, cleaning up the camp.

Toshi placed his hands upon his son's shoulders. "Listen to me, you must never raise your weapon against someone innocent or unarmed. Nothing is honorable about that. Understand me, little one?"

Kondo nodded and smiled at his father before answering. "Yes, Papa,"

"Another thing, although I taught you to fight, this does not mean you can go and pick fights with other people. I'm teaching you to survive, never to indulge in needless violence. Murder isn't something to be taken lightly," Toshi continued as he brushed the boy's hair over his ears. "Promise me you will hold these values no matter what happens."

He held his hand in front of the boy, waiting for him to answer and accept.

Kondo without a hint of hesitation shook his father's hand and spoke, "I promise to be an honorable man who never harms the unarmed and indulges in needless violence unless I have no other choice."

Relief washed over Toshi like a heavy burden has been lifted. Now that he made sure to teach his boy about this, he can rest easy, especially if the end of his life is coming at any moment.

"Go take a nap."

Kondo gladly accepted it for he was tired and sore all over from the training he went through.

He laid down on his blanket and was fast asleep immediately.

" Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the lord, my soul, to keep."

Kondo heard the rhythm clearly but he didn't know where it came from. He could see nothing but darkness.

More importantly, what does that rhythm even means?

"Give unto me the word you die before you wake, then pray the lord your soul that I take."

Black, beating wings filled the air. The demon revealed itself to him, descending from the darkness. stygian wings black as a raven, body built for destruction and abuse, wide and thick in muscle, leather armor of an embittered warrior adorning its broad chest.

Two black spikes decorated its bulbous chin, and those red eyes were watching him closely.

It revealed a forked tongue, which flicked out and rattled like a snake's. Across its chest coiled its gothic battle armor; a tunic of leather and small-sized skulls woven in. Likely children.

Kondo felt like his brain was freezing from the absolute terror he felt at that moment. He started backtracking, crying. "No…no…please." He whimpered. "Leave me alone."

"Pathetic." The demon hissed. "This is the king of corruption? A helpless child begging me to spare him. How pitiful."

A wide smirk broke in the demon's face, "if I killed you, I would be king." he said and dived down towards Kondo in a blur.

Kondo's cries got louder as he saw the terror charging directly toward him. He started to scream. Once the demon was hair's breath away from him, he felt his body heating ever so slowly, from his legs to the top of his head. Veins started to form in his palms.

A burst of energy once again. Kondo made a fist and slammed it onto the demon's face, a loud crack can be heard. The demon was hurtled a few feet away from him and crashed like shattering glass. Breathing heavily, Kondo watched the demon and the heat in his body was increasing like there was more energy begging to be let out. "Stay…away…from me," he breathed the words. At that moment he felt arms pulling him back, a loud gasp escaped his lips.

Toshi held the boy's hand worried. "Easy boy, it's just me." He said to the terrified boy trying to fight him.

Kondo opened his eyes and tears immediately slid down his red cheeks. "Papa?" Realizing it was just a dream, he jumped into his arms crying. "I was so scared."

Toshi patted his back and held onto him tightly, reassuring him that everything was fine. He was safe. Chizuru knelt over to check on her trembling child. " Do not fear, we are with you."

Once Kondo saw her, he let go of his father and went for her warm embrace, shaking.

"I don't want to be alone, Mama. Please, don't ever leave me," he pleaded.

The parents were positively confused by the sudden fear he felt. Why was he afraid to be alone? They weren't ever going to leave him. He never had this fear before.

"We will never leave you, Kondo. I promise. Why are you so afraid? Please relax," Chizuru reassures him. It breaks her heart to see her son like this.

Kondo started telling them about his dream and how he handled the demon who tried to attack him. The parents were hopelessly confused, they had no answer to such a nightmare.

It frustrated Toshi so much how he cannot comfort his boy and assure his safety.

"Why are they targeting me?" Kondo cried. " I'm not a king, I don't want to be king."

Chizuru buried her face in his shoulder. "Please, that's enough. We will figure this out I promise."

Thank you to anyone who is reading this.