Shirori's opportunity came a few days later. Akira told her that everyone in the temple was going to be busy for the day for a ritual, so she had the day to herself. So she decided to stay in her room and read the book.
She had made some progress with it. It was definitely an interesting read with a lot of information, but why would Scar point her to this book exactly. There didn't seem to be anything immediate about the book. Just an ordinary book with historical information.
She finished the book by early afternoon. Since everyone was busy, the temple was almost empty. She used the opportunity to sneak back inside the library. Her heart was drumming in her chest, and she was hyper-aware of her surroundings, but she managed to get there without being noticed.
She didn't want to explain how she had acquired the book. After making sure it was safely in place, she headed to the kitchen for a late lunch. She was so focused on finishing the book that she didn't notice how hungry she was.
No one was in the kitchen, and she didn't want to stay there for long, so she picked up a piece of bread and dried meat and decided to eat her lunch outside. Maybe she could see Scar again.
There was an old husk of a tree that provided good shade. She headed there and sat with her back, leaning against the tree. She put a small cloth on her legs, put the bread there, and picked up the meat.
It was hard and chewy, but traveling a lot meant that it wasn't unfamiliar to her. It also had a nice combination of spices. She should ask Kenji about it later. It was spicy and flavorful, with a mild citrus undertone.
She was focused on her food when she heard a sudden cawing. She looked up to see Scar near her feet. She quickly put down her meat in favor of grabbing the bread and breaking off a piece. She held it for Scar, and when he didn't run away, she slowly threw it in front of him.
He looked at her gratefully, and they both started to eat. When he finished a piece, Shiori would throw him another. They finished their food in silence. When it was done, Shiori cleaned her hand with the cloth and held it out for Scar. Maybe he would let her touch him?
Scar seemed to take the hint and jumped on her arm. His claws were a bit sharp, but they didn't penetrate her skin. Once he was settled, she gently brought her other hand, and when she was close enough, Scar seemed to take the hint and held his head for her to pet.
She gently rubbed his head a few times. He seemed content. "I read a green book like you said. It was about different historical clans. I'm not sure if it was the right book. Maybe next time, I shouldn't take my advice from a raven." Shiori said in a soft voice so she wouldn't startle the bird.
Scar seemed offended and started flapping his wings. His grip on her hand tightened. She tried to pull away, but suddenly, he let go and flew through her face. It was the last thing she saw as her vision went dark.
He was running in the fields as if his life depended on it. The tall grass should have provided adequate cover, but he wasn't willing to risk it. He kept running and running, pushing the grass out of his way as he made his way.
He was used to the terrain, yet he paid extra attention to the ground so his feet wouldn't get tangled in the tall grass and cause him to trip. His breathing was becoming labored, but he didn't stop. He could hear the ones pursuing him getting closer to him.
Suddenly, he was tackled to the ground. "You think you can run away? You filthy halfblood. We will show you your place," his tackler said. He was tall and quite big for his age. His features were angular and strong. He had black spiky hair and red eyes. His pale skin created a sharp contrast with his other features. He was wearing the black robes of his clan.
A few other boys with similar features joined him. They proceeded to beat him up. He did his best to protect himself. He didn't fight back. He wouldn't fight back. He hated violence, which was one of the reasons they hated him so much.
They finally got tired and headed back, which was also his cue to head back. It was getting dark, and he didn't want to be outside when it happened. His body hurt so much. Bruises littered his body, but thankfully, they didn't break anything this time.
Probably because they would get punished if he can't perform his tasks. He would also get punished if he wasn't there to do his tasks, so he ran back as fast as his body allowed.
By the time he got back to the compound, the sun was starting to set. His father was waiting for him near the front gate. His father was tall and muscular, the best warrior of their clan.
No one dared oppose him. His only shame was him. he was a child born out of wedlock. His mother was from another clan. An ally clan, yet one that mostly kept to themselves.
She was an ambassador, and she met his father in a meeting for negotiations between their clans. They fell in love and married. His clan wasn't really supportive of marrying outsiders. Still, this relationship could actually bring them trade benefits and solidify the relationships between their villages, so they allowed it.
They decided to live with his father's clan since his father couldn't leave due to his position. His mother still needed to serve her clan, so they made an arrangement. He would live with his father, and his mother would visit whenever she could, which was usually one week a month.
It wasn't the best arrangement, but he had two loving parents. Others may hate him because of his mixed heritage, but he had his parents, and it was enough for him. As he got to the front gate, he could see his father's concern flash for a moment, but he quickly pushed it back. He couldn't break the warrior act in front of people.
So they silently walked to their small hut. Once inside and away from prying eyes, his father put a gentle hand on his head. "Go take a bath; I will make dinner," he said.
He nodded and quickly went to clean himself. His white robes were dirty and torn in a few places when he hit sharp branches in his escape. He looked at himself in the mirror.
He had a lean build on his maternal side instead of the wider one on his father's side. He had pale skin like both of them and black hair, but his hair was straight like his mother's.
His face also resembled his maternal side. Instead of having strong and angular features, his were lean and sharp. Other children made fun of him, saying he looked like a girl.
The only thing he got from his father was the eyes. His eyes were red like the rest of the clan, instead of black like his mother's. He looked at himself some more for the injuries. His face was thankfully safe, but his body would be sore for a few days.
Hopefully, he would recover enough for his sixth birthday, which was in a few days. It would mark the start of his training as a warrior. He had some basic physical training before, running and exercising to get his body ready, but his birthday would mark the start of learning a fighting style and weapon training.
He would also learn to use their kekkei genkai. He would be given the black robes that signified him as an official member of the clan. When he finished his training, he would finally be given a name.
A name is for a warrior. Someone who had proven their worth. A luxury not many got to achieve in their small clan of around 100 people. His father always told him that it was his greatest honor when he finally received his name and was allowed to participate in wars.
Their small clan was not one for conflict, but they never backed down from a fight to defend themselves and their allies. Their unique abilities made them fearsome warriors.
He finished washing up, and as he got out of the bath, his father entered with some wraps and ointments. He didn't need to say a word. They were both used to it at this point.
His father inspected his injuries, wrapped the ones that needed it, and massaged the ointment into his skin. His big hands were rough from years of training, but he enjoyed the feeling of it.
He felt cared for, knowing his father was there for him. When it was done, he gave his father a hug, and they headed for dinner. His father was going to leave for a mission tonight, but he should be back in a couple of days.
Hopefully, nothing bad would happen at that time.
Shiori woke up to someone gently shaking her. She opened her eyes to see Akira's worried face. "Are you alright, Shiori-chan?" he asked, checking her over.
She looked at her surroundings. She was lying under the tree. The last thing she remembered was Scar flying towards her face and then... a dream? She couldn't remember all of it, but she believed she dreamed of a boy. It was scaping her as awareness took over.
"I'm alright. I must have fallen asleep after eating." She said. She didn't want to mention Scar for some reason. Plus, she wasn't sure if she did something to aggravate the bird. It was all so sudden.
Akira seemed to believe her as his expression softened. "Let's head inside. You can take a bath, and I will tell the kitchen to make you some tea to warm up. It's getting late, and I don't want you to fall ill," he said as he got up and stretched out a hand for her to take.
She took his hand and got up. She was a bit wobbly, but Akira helped stabilize her. He accompanied her to her room so she could take what she needed. After a quick bath and tea, it was time for her to sleep.
