After Kageya defeated the boar with his uncontrollable power of shadow dragon both Kageya wounded and Reikatsu exhausted collapsed laying against each other suddenly they heard a soft voice yelling father father come here this one is badly wounded.....
The sun was out, the air fresh. Leaves cast dappled shadows and the forest exhaled quietly in time as if nature herself stood guard over those sleeping there.
Six endless days Kageya remained in a coma, lying unconscious.
On the seventh, his eyelids flickered open.
They were all at first a blur wooden beams, faraway light, the sound of birds singing in the distance. His head was heavy, clouded. For a moment, he did not even know where he was, or what had happened.
And then it returned the fight.
The massive boar. The killing blow.
And then…blackout.
But how did he end up here?
He rolled over slowly. The wood and bamboo frame house had plain, but strong walls. There was a faint scent of herbs in the air. Next to him was a wooden table on which was a small steamer tilted lid, releasing a pungent cloud of vapour drifting about the air. The bed springs below him were coarse but clean, covered with hand loomed sheets.
Outside the window, a soft wind was passing through the leaves of a small field and softly swaying in the morning sunlight.
Then growl.
The growling of his stomach.
Kageya stiffened, his face flushing slightly. The succeeding silence made him even more flushed.
Just as soon as the door creaked open.
A middle aged man entered perhaps in his mid-forties, his white beard trimmed neatly. His body carried the build of a warrior, though age had softened his expression. He wore a leather battle outfit, faded and mended at the shoulders.
"So, you've finally woken up," the man said with a faint smile. "And if I'm not wrong…" he paused, hearing the faint rumble again "you're hungry too."
Kageya blinked, struggling but understanding what had occurred. Bandages covered his chest from shoulder to shoulder, arms held in place by tight wrappings. The soft voice of the man cut through the fog whirling in his head.
Kageya could only manage a word before his stomach betrayed him once again with a growl.
The man smiled gently.
"So you're hungry. Wait there I'll get you something warm."
He turned around and left the room, his footsteps disappearing down the bamboo corridor.
Kageya took deep breaths, battling thoughts of relief and uncertainty.
"Where… am I doing here?" he breathed softly, gazing again at the window.
He had not stood up that long a time ago, but nevertheless, his body bore the weight of war. With each breath came the reminder of the battle he had fought the bellow of the boar, the crash of energy, the instant darkness closed in around him.
Peace now was all that he could hear.
Peace, however, without Reikuro was disquieting.
Kageya shifted in bed, wincing at the jolt of pain that shot through his ribs. Bandages held in place across his chest, immobilising it, limiting his movement. Yet his gaze flashed about the room, darting into every shadow and corner for that too recognisable black shape.
"Reikuro…," he whispered on the air. "Where are you?"
The room was neat but cramped woven bamboo walls, a plain wooden floor, and sunlight streaming in through tiny crevices. There was a little table next to his bed, some jars neatly placed on the shelf, and the soft glint of metal tools maybe for healing or crafts.
He attempted to sit, but his muscles rebelled. His equilibrium faltered, and the searing agony in his chest forced him back against the pillow.
The door opened creakily at that moment.
A recognisable face appeared into sight the same middle-aged man he'd previously seen before he lost consciousness. He was carrying a wooden tray, steaming from a bowl set on it. The aroma immediately filled the air porridge and freshly grilled meat, uncomplicated but reassuring.
"You're awake in good earnest this time," the man said, a peaceful smile on his lips. "Again. You need strength."
Kageya blinked, still half shocked.
The man edged closer and put the tray down next to him on the table. "Eat it hot. Your body's been put through hell."
Kageya didn't protest. He picked up the bowl in shaky hands, took one helping of porridge. The heat seeped into him like a burning coal in an icy heart. He ate quickly too quickly his hunger overriding any sense of decorum.
The man smiled, chuckling softly, crossing his arms.
"Wait, boy. You'll choke if you eat like that."
Kageya stopped mid-chew, his cheeks reddening. "S-sorry… I just it's been days, hasn't it?"
"Six," said the man with a grin. "You've slept for six consecutive days. Frankly, I didn't expect you to survive the first two."
Kageya attempted to eat less frantically, swallowing hard. "Then I owe you… my life.".
"Not me," the man shook his head. "Thank my daughter. She's the one that discovered you."
Kageya looked up, his eyes wide. "Your daughter?"
The man nodded. "Reiji that's my name."
He offered a hand, and although Kageya was too frail to shake it in the usual manner, he nodded respectfully.
"I belong to no clan," Reiji spoke softly. "No longer."
The words lingered in the air, thick with a burden only a shattered person could grasp.
Reiji sat beside the other chair and leaned forward, just a little bit. "You lay there by the eastern ridge, badly injured, with a deceased boar lying next to you an animal that could level a house. My daughter found you, and she thought you were dead. But you had a weak and steady pulse. Next to you lay a black wolf, unconscious but alive."
Kageya's eyes widened. "Reikuro…"
Reiji smiled weakly. "So that is his name. He is well, by the way. After he got better, he would not stay in one place. He is currently out hunting with my daughter and her white spirit wolf."
Relief spread across the face of Kageya. He closed his eyes for a moment and blinked them open. "That fool. always wandering about."
Reiji smiled gently. "I know the breed."
There was a moment of silence in the room. Kageya chewed another spoonful of porridge, this time more slowly. The warmth comforted him.
Eventually, after some time had passed, he finally spoke, saying, "Why are you staying here, so far in the jungle? There is no village for miles. It is not safe."
Reiji's face became a little harder. "That's. a complicated past. One that I'll tell you when the time comes." He leaned back in his chair, looking out the open window. "For now, it's enough that I'm here because I have no other place to be.".
Kageya watched him for a few minutes. There was something in Reiji's eyes a pain that he recognised all too well. The sort of pain that never departs, yet conceals itself behind a peaceful veneer.
"Then what about me?" Reiji shouted, lurching back into life. "Who are you, kid? And what were you doing so far in the jungle, bleeding and half alive?"
Kageya hesitated. The memories hit him like a wave fire, screams, blood, betrayal. He clenched his fists tightly, his knuckles whitening under the bandages.
"My name is Kageya Kurokammi," he said at last, his voice low but firm. "I'm from the late Black Wolf Clan."
Reiji's eyes narrowed slightly, recognition flashing within them. "The Black Wolf Clan… I've heard of them. Fierce warriors of the north."
Kageya nodded slowly. "Not anymore."
He hesitated, catching his breath. "They slaughtered them. All of them. Men, women, even the kids. My mother and sister… they were among the victims of the massacre. My father, our clan chief, was murdered in front of them to save them." His voice shook but did not crack. "And there was nothing I could do about it because I was also running for my life in the jungle after they assassinated my master while were between my training."
Reiji didn't interrupt him. He simply listened the kind of silence that is an expression of understanding, not condescension.
Kageya went on, his voice growing darker. "It was the Tsukihana Clan. They came after us because we were the one leading the army against the tyrant one but it was greed and fear. They coveted our land, our power… and our secrets." Reiji's fists curled on his knees. The name hit him like a lightning bolt.
"Tsukihana…" he growled, half-whispering.
Kageya didn't notice at first, his voice steady with rage. "Now, I'm going to the Kingdom of the Moon to gather troops, to build strength, and one day, to destroy the Tsukihana Clan completely. I'll make them feel what they made me feel."
Reiji slowly rose from his chair. His own eyes were no longer tranquil they seethed with a buried rage. "The Tsukihana Clan." he spoke again, and louder this time. "That accursed name still curses these lands."
Kageya gazed up in shock at the intensity of his tone. "You know them?"
Reiji slowly gritted his teeth. He turned around, his gaze out the window at the branches swaying in the wind. He stood there for a very long time, not saying anything. Then, in a soft voice, "I know them better than anybody. Because I was one of them."
Kageya stood stock still, his eyes staring in shock.
"I am Reiji Tsukihana," the man finally said, his voice laced with both pride and sadness. "Once the rightful heir of the Tsukihana Clan now nothing but runaway who is accused as a murderer by my greedy for throne younger bastard brother."
Kageya's heart skipped. The name resonated in his mind like a curse.
"You're… the heir of Tsukihana?" he said slowly, disbelief clouding his words. "The very clan that"
Reiji raised a hand. "Yes. The same clan that wiped out yours."
There was silence choking, oppressive. Only the soft hum of the forest beyond dared break through it.
Reiji's expression softened, but his eyes continued to smoulder with the burden of years. "I was charged with killing my own wife and twenty men of my clan. Deceit on the part of my younger brother to take the clan throne. Before I could restore my honour, I was banished, marked with no name, and pursued by the very people I had sworn to keep safe.".
He breathed deeply. "I've lived here since then, free of politics, blood, and lies. The jungle doesn't judge. It doesn't care what you used to be, only what you are now."
Kageya gazed down, taking it in. The man who'd rescued him the man who'd spoken to him with courtesy belonged to the same clan he'd sworn to eradicate.
And that's why I'm staying here in hiding from assassins and the clan member who previously supported me also murdered along with their families ruthlessly under wrong accusation after they had a long conversation Kageya told Reiji that he was the heir of currently the chief of late Kurokammi clan......
Golden sunlight of the setting sun streamed in through crevices in the bamboo wall and painted soft lines on the floor. Air was still save for the rustle of leaves and the far off song of birds. Kageya lay on the bed, his bandaged arm still, his eyes at the window. The view outside seemed serene too serene for what had brought him there.
It was a whole day that he stayed awake since waking up in this peculiar mansion way deep within the jungle. His injuries were mending, yet whenever he tried to move fast, pain shot through his side.
Reiji, the man who had looking after him, had gone out earlier, saying he would be back before sunset. Kageya assumed he had gone hunting again. He hadn't seen Reikuro since he woke up either the black spirit wolf had gone with Reiji's daughter, Ayaka.
Kageya leaned back, his thoughts drifting.
Reikuro must be fine… he's strong, he told himself. But deep down, he missed the wolf's silent presence.
And then, by the trees, a faraway, recognisable howl arose. Low, proud, unmistakable.
"Reikuro…"
Kageya drew breath slowly, his eyes sparkling. He slid off the bed and made his way silently to the window. Then another, higher howl the pitch higher, ethereal, almost song like.
Kageya furrowed his brow. "That will be. her wolf."
A minute or so later, came footsteps to the house two sets, one more heavy and slow, the other lighter and cautious. The door creaked open, and Reiji came in, his hunting bow strapped on his back. Behind him came in a little girl.
Kageya bristled, his gaze on the girl coming in.
She seemed his age, nine, but had an otherworldly air about her. Her hair was snow white and long and moved smoothly with each step. Her eyes, this new to me hue of dark pink, glowed softly in the dying light. She had a light blue mage's throb cinched around her waist by a brown belt, and a small quiver strapped to her back.
And he saw her ears grow narrower and finely tapered, pushing out through clots of her silver-white hair.
An elf? No… she is not one, he thought, observing the giveaway plumpness at the back.
A half elf.
Standing beside her was a white wolf, over her waist in height, its fur gleaming with spirit light. Its silver-flecked eyes were quiet and watchful. Reikuro entered behind them, his black fur rumpled from hunting.
Kageya smiled faintly. "Took your time, partner," he breathed.
Reikuro snorted softly and approached the bed as though to say, You ought to rest.
Reiji set his bow against the wall and stood facing Kageya. "Looks like you're back to normal. Good, you're back in business again."
"Yes, this sir is the one deserving the Thanks for all that he have done," answered Kageya.
Reiji smiled. "No need to address me as 'sir.' I'm not that old. Just call me Reiji."
And then, gesturing towards the girl standing by his side, he added, "And this is my daughter Ayaka."
Kageya turned to her. For a moment, neither of them said anything. Ayaka stood half hidden behind her father, her head slightly lowered, her hands gripping the edge of her cloak. Her pink eyes darted to Kageya for a split second before looking away again.
She seemed… nervous.
Kageya bowed his head slightly, his voice soft but polite. "I'm Kageya. Kageya Kurokami. It's nice to meet you."
Ayaka shivered and took soft, nearly inaudible breaths, "N nice. to meet you too."
Reiji smiled hesitantly and took soft breaths into her ear, "Go ahead, Ayaka. Don't be shy."
Ayaka crept forward slowly, her slow and reluctant feet making almost no sound on the bamboo floor. Yuki, her white wolf, crept behind her.
When finally she did look up, she met Kageya's gaze for a second and he saw how there was such an enormous kindness in her eyes, even though naturally she didn't have the remotest idea what to say.
"thank you for healing and helping me I owe you my life" Kageya murmured.
Ayaka's fingers danced with the edge of her sleeve. "A ah… y yes. F father did mostly it. I just… helped a little bit."
"Still lots, I suppose," Kageya replied softly. "Thanks. I might've. not have lived without your help."
She blushed a tender pink and quickly looked away again. "It's. no big thing. Anyone would've done the same."
Reiji smiled warmly at her response. "You'll have to forgive her," he told Kageya. "She doesn't generally talk to anyone except myself. You're the first visitor we've had in years."
Kageya smiled slightly. "I can understand that. I'm not very good at talking either."
Ayaka glanced up for a moment, her lips curving into a small, unsure smile just enough to show she appreciated what he said.
The two wolves suddenly barked once, and everyone focused on them. Reikuro approached Yuki and leaned forward slightly; so did Yuki, and for a moment their fur shone faintly with spiritual energy.
"They're fine, I guess," Reiji smiled. "That's good."
Kageya folded his arms. "Reikuro doesn't take kindly to people just running up to him."
"Yuki doesn't either," Ayaka gulped. "But… I think she likes him."
Kageya narrowed his eyes at her, taken aback by the gentleness in her tone. "
She was shying away from her eyes now her golden hued ones twinkled faintly against the setting light.
He couldn't help but smile unconsciously. "Then maybe. they'll be friends before we will."
Ayaka blinked quickly with large eyes for a second when she heard him speak so. She looked away again, but there was a small smile on the corner of her mouth this time before she could cool down. "M..maybe…"
Reiji, who remained in the corner, released a silent laughter. "Well then, I'll leave the two of you alone for a bit. I'll go fetch water at the stream. Ayaka, clean up and then take Kageya out to the garden, okay?"
Ayaka nodded hesitantly. "Y..yes, Father."
As soon as Reiji stepped outside, the room returned to quiet again. The atmosphere of the two children was tense but kind.
Kageya rubbed his head softly. "Uh. sorry. I'm not that good at. talking to people either."
Ayaka blinked, and then murmured, "That's alright. I don't. talk much either."
He nodded. "Guess that makes it easier."
Ayaka let out a soft, muffled chuckle. Kageya eased up a bit to hear it.
She asked softly after a while, "Do you… hurt anymore?"
"Not much. Your bandages worked," he answered truthfully.
"I used… light magic," she said blushing and turning away. "It's not very powerful yet, but Father says I'll improve."
Kageya's eyes were surprised a little. "You're a magician already? That's incredible."
Ayaka nodded her head again. "It's just healing magic… I can't do anything else yet."
"Still, that's something. I can't do any magic at all," Kageya confessed with a feeble laugh.
she gazed at him with curiosity. "But… you possess a spirit wolf. That indicates you possess strong spiritual abilities."
"Perhaps," Kageya replied with a tight smile. "Reikuro claims that I just happen to be fortunate."
Ayaka smiled gently her smile was the sound of the wind chime's creaking with the wind. For an instant, the sorrowful atmosphere always and always following Kageya felt less heavy.
Outside, the two wolves stood side by side in the deepening twilight, their tails whipping gently against the grass. The white fur of Yuki shone like a beacon in the light, and the black coat of Reikuro seemed to draw light away from his skin.
Kageya watched them through the window and gasped, "Your wolf is white and healthy looking."
"She is," Ayaka said softly but proudly. "Her name's Yuki. She's been with me ever since I was a little kid."
Kageya turned to face her. "Reikuro's been with me since I left the clan, too. Guess we're kinda the same."
Ayaka gazed at him, surprised for a moment then smiled again, more easily. "Yeah… kinda."
The silence that came after was no longer strained. It was serene, with only leaves creaking and wolves breathing softly in the distance.
Then Ayaka stood up and spoke to her in her gentle voice, "Father instructed to take you around the garden… uh, if you want to go outside."
Kageya agreed. "I don't know but I'd like to.".
She turned back at the door, silver hair flowing behind her, the sunlight of the evening glinting in it like silver threads. Light sparkled in her elven ears, and Kageya couldn't help sneaking a peek at least once before hastily averting her eyes.
She emerged, accompanied by Yuki and Reikuro.
The tiny garden in the back yard was aglow in the fading light beds of healing herbs, herbs, and vegetables murmured in the wind. The fireflies had begun to sparkle, their light wafting lazily in the air.
Ayaka paused where a flower bed rested. "Those are spirit lilies," she whispered. "They only bloom when the forest spirits are appeased."
Kageya knelt among them. "Then this is an appeased area."
Ayaka smiled gently. "It is."
They stood there, silence between them now relaxed rather than taut.
For years, Kageya had known nothing but agony or fury. And this is little, frail but it is peace.
And the wolves standing at their feet so he thought to himself in a moment of stillness
Perhaps… it isn't so terrible after all.