#1 — Part 1: What is loved is lost, Forever

Chapter 1: What Is Loved Is Lost, Forever

It was a warm summer night. The moon was covered by clouds, and there was a subtle breeze. Mother had just finished cooking dinner. As the spoon was approaching my mouth, that was when it happened.

"Come out! We know that you are in there!" a mysterious group of men said.

"Yeah, it has taken four years to find you, and we will take your life just like how we have taken your husband's," they said.

Suddenly, the atmosphere in the room changed. There was a look of despair on my mother's face as my spoon dropped to the table.

She whispered to me, "My beautiful son Kazuki, you must run from here. Make it to the town over the mountain. My son, I am sorry."

She said that with tears running down her face. She knew that this would be the end for her.

"Mother, I can fight. They have already taken Dad from us, and I won't let them take you from me!" I said, bursting into tears.

"Kazuki, lead a beautiful life. When you find love, never let go of it. Your father was a good man, and I know that's what he would say at a moment like this. I'm sorry I was never able to tell you the tales of the past, but promise me you will make it out alive!" she said, holding me closely.

"Yes, Mother. I will do as you say!" I said, feeling my soul churn.

"Now take this. This is a precious family heirloom. Keep this close to you, my son. Remember always, Kazuki, your mother loves you. Goodbye, my son," she said as she kissed me on my cheek.

She let me out of the back of the house and pointed in the direction where I needed to go. Then she gave me a deep hug filled with love and sadness, and closed the door with a beautiful smile while tears poured from her face. That would be the last time I would ever see my mother, and I could not look back.

"I have to run and never look back. Goodbye, Mother. My love for you and Father will never waver."

This journey would indeed be so scary and long. Not knowing if I was being trailed, I moved as fast as I could and as quietly as possible. All of these questions went rampaging through my head. Once I made it to the town, where would I seek shelter? Who would even believe such a thing could happen?

"Will they come for my head next? Why must my mother be killed? For what reason are they after us?" All those things I thought.

I could hear the screams of my mother. Little did I know that those sounds would come to me in so many dreams for years to come. But I had no choice but to continue running deep into the night.

I was traversing the mountaintop as I walked toward the entranceway to the other side of the mountain. The night was as black as the sky, only with faint light from the full moon. As I made my way across the top of the mountain, I began stumbling, small rock formations constantly making me trip. I was trying as hard as I could to keep up, and suddenly, I tripped on a large rock covered by what I assumed to be a shrub. I fell and started tumbling down the rock formation, hitting my head, thus rendering me unconscious.

Chapter 1: Part 2

An Unfamiliar Place to Call Home

Days had passed, and I had been asleep this whole time. I had awoken in an unfamiliar place, in the presence of a man I did not know.

"Young man, are you okay? I found you caught up in some rocks, bruised and beaten!" the old man said.

"Sir, I will tell you the truth, but the story is rather unbelievable. My mother has been killed by unknown people. I do not know their reason for doing so. And I have not the slightest clue as to what to do next. My life has come to a standstill. I feel so lost," I said, crying with a vengeance.

"Poor boy, I'm sorry to hear that. I know your heart must be in so much pain. I will offer you some guidance, but first, if I may ask, what is your name?" he said as he held his hand on my shoulder.

"I am Kazuki," I said, wiping the tears off of my face.

"I am Fuji, an elder of this village. Do you have no last name?"

"No, I do not know of my last name. Mother said that it was forbidden to know," I said.

"Ahhhhh, I understand. Listen to me, Kazuki, and extend your hand. This is your mark, I assume?" Fuji-san said.

"Yes, my mother once told me this would have been my source of great power. But I was born with the curse of the dead mark," I said.

"The dead mark curse? That curse is very rare, and to my knowledge, no one has been afflicted by that for hundreds of years! Pay close attention, young man. You have a choice now. You can either accept your fate and give up, or conquer it and grasp fate into the palms of your own hands," Fuji-san said sternly.

"What do you mean?" I said, looking closely at his next words.

"Fate is something that is uncontrollable for most, and yet some take fate by storm and control it. Do you wish to seek vengeance? Do you wish to find answers? Do you wish to find purpose? All these questions are something that you have control over. You will have to train your mind, body, and spirit in order to come to a conclusion. What will you choose, young man?" Fuji-san said.

"I will choose to fight and find myself and my future deep within the storm that awaits me," I said.

Not knowing what the future would hold, or if I would even find answers, I had to learn how to become strong and, most importantly, complete the final wish of my mother. If I find love, I will make sure to keep it close to me and never let go of it.

"Young man Kazuki, I offer you the chance to stay here and let me train you. I haven't had a student in quite some time, but I will do my utmost best to make a fine swordsman of you. That is, if you are interested," Fuji-san said.

"Yes! I will fight. And I would be happy for you to take me on as an apprentice," I said with a look of ferocity in my eyes.

This was the future I had chosen. For now, I was on a path all on my own with no true direction, and yet the only true direction was to conquer my fate. And that alone, I could do.

"Alright then. You have made a wise choice, young man. We will start training tomorrow. Prepare yourself, Kazuki. This will not be easy," Fuji-san said.

"I will. Thank you for your hospitality," I said, thinking deeply.

As day turned to night, the next day was approaching. I lay in bed thinking about my mother, my unresolved past, and the mystery of the future. I knew that this training would only be the first step to finding out the truth, but I didn't know what was to come after that. No mere sword would be able to help me. And my mark was the one hope I had left, an inhibitor of power that resided deep in me, that I could not use due to being cursed.

As I thought to myself, "What are my limits and capabilities? There are those who exist who are so strong. How did they triumph and overcome their misfortunes?"

And then it was as if I had heard my mother's voice.

"Kazuki, just breathe. Everything will be okay. I promise you," she said.

Those soothing words brought tears to my eyes, and yet they were so comforting. My eyes slowly drifted to the back of my head. My future had been set. Either way, I could not turn back now. I could only embrace the future.

Chapter 2: Mastering a Lost Technique

"Kazuki, can you keep up? I will explain it once again. Swing with the flow of silk like water, but with the ferocity of the grand flame. Now, two thousand more swings with that wooden sword!" Fuji-san said.

I was using all my concentration to keep up. For the next few months, I continued training. I noticed that all of my muscles had become more toned. I was now starting to become more aware of my surroundings, and my hands were extremely calloused. I still had much more training to go.

Master Fuji-san had given me these ancient books that contained information about the masters of this lost sword technique, and they all consisted of the same thing. It was said they all went to a top-class school, Wisteria Academy. I thought I should keep that in mind for the future. But at this point, it would be smartest to learn everything I could about this style and add my own touch when I mastered it.

Day after day, I trained until the sword had become a natural part of my body. It had gotten to the point that things did not feel right if my sword wasn't at my side. It had taken months for me to be able to wield a real sword. Fuji-san had often said I was not ready. With the complications of this sword style, I believed him.

After around six months, he gifted me a sword made by the local blacksmith. It was very light, but beautiful and extremely well made. It was the first gift I had been given in such a long time.

"This will be the first of many gifts you will receive from me, Kazuki," Fuji-san said.

"Thank you, sir. I really appreciate it. This sword is so very light. It feels amazing," I exclaimed.

"Yes, I asked for it to be made this way. It fits perfectly with this sword style. And this sword is quite similar to the first sword that my master had given me such a long time ago," he said.

"Now is the time for a quick impromptu training session. Come with me!" Fuji-san said with excitement.

We made our way out to the courtyard, and there were two body dummies waiting there.

"Now, with this new sword, I want you to finally see the power of your training. This takes no power, and any man can do it, that is, if they have been sufficiently trained. So, with a blade so thin and speed so sharp and precise, I want you to cut these two dummies with one swing from a distance. Without ever touching them, and without moving from your current location," he said with a look of enthusiasm.

"Okay, I think I have an idea as far as what I should do. But for someone like me, this seems rather impossible," I said.

"Kazuki, believe in the impossible and see what you can accomplish, my dear boy," Fuji-san said.

I took a deep breath, looking at both of my targets. With the flow of everything, I had become consumed until my targets became one. I slowly widened my stance, unsheathing my sword, then proceeded to lift it right above my head, pointing toward the sun.

One vertical slice on two targets.

With the power of my whole body, I swung my sword, leaving no trace or sound. Fuji-san's eyes became enlarged. The two of them dropped to the earth, cut in half, while I was still there on the other side of the courtyard.

"Very well done! That was a near textbook example of this style, and I am very happy to see that you have the aptitude for it. Some come to me with the will to make change, but this style tends to choose its wielder. It's not something that just anyone can pick up," he said with such happiness.

After that gift was given to me, I decided it was time for me to go back to the other side of the mountain. I had to see what was left of my home, if my mother had left anything behind. It was naive of me to think that night I would have been able to traverse the mountain before daybreak. In reality, I was lucky that I did not die.

I had told Fuji-san that I was going to make a short journey back to my old home to see if anything was left. He gave me a bag and told me to be back within three days. And so I set off.

The last words Fuji-san said to me were, "Do not fall in love with your past. Take a glimpse and move on. That is the only way we can prosper. That is the only way we can grow, Kazuki. Farewell. I will see you when you return."

Making my way on horseback, I went up the mountainside. Spring was approaching right after the death of a frightful winter that had made training harder, but it had made me stronger. I had grown exponentially stronger in a short time, and I still had a lot to learn.

After one day, I had made it to the top of the mountain, near where I had fallen. I saw myself laying there helpless long ago.

"That was a different me. My body has changed, but my heart will stay the same," I thought to myself deeply.

"Excuse me, young man, do you think you could lend me a hand?" a woman yelled at me from the other side of the mountaintop.

"Yes, ma'am, of course," I said.

I hopped off of my horse and walked in her direction. I could tell that they were not from around here. She looked as though she had traveled a long way to get to this very spot.

"I'm sorry, young man, but I must ask for your help. You see, my wagon has broken down, and my horses can no longer pull the extra weight. Do you think you could help me replace my wagon wheel?" she said, looking desperate for help.

"Yes, I would love to be of any assistance to someone in need," I said happily.

"Thank you, kind sir. My children and I come from the far east seeking refuge. We have come long and far. Do you know of anywhere we might be able to buy land and find a place to settle down?" she said.

"Well, yes, I do. Right beyond the peak of this mountain, at the bottom, is a village I call home. Make your way to the town hall, and I am sure that someone will be able to help you. Make sure that you tell them that Kazuki sent you," I said, lifting the entire wagon up and placing the spare wheel onto the wagon.

"I thank you so much, Kazuki, sir! You seem to be abhorrently strong. I have never seen someone lift a full wagon with one hand!" she exclaimed.

I had not realized that what she was saying was true. I had become stronger, faster, smarter, but it only told me that I had much more to learn.

"No, thank you. If I may ask, what is your name?" I said.

"I am Chyra, and these are my daughters, Naiomi and Kia," she said.

"Hi, hi," they both said.

"I will make sure that I repay you when the time comes, Kazuki. Once again, thank you. Your kindness will never be forgotten. Good luck on your journey."

I bowed as she hopped back on her wagon and issued the horses to usher on.

"Farewell," I said.

Now I would finish the rest of my journey back down the other side of the mountain. I had made it by daybreak. Walking up to what once was my old home, I saw it was gone. It had been burned to the ground, with very little remaining. I knew that we had a cellar underground, so I checked there first, and there was nothing there. As I went to leave the room, I made one final glance and saw an envelope on the table covered in dust and dead ember.

It read:

"Dear Kazuki,

If you are reading this, I am long gone from this world. Your father and I are watching you from the great beyond, hoping that you lead an exciting life filled with mystery and happiness. I will leave it to you to learn about the past of us and where we came from. Just know that we are different, and unlike any other, my beautiful son Kazuki. I love you and wish you luck in finding someone who will adventure with you to find the truth.

Goodbye, my son.

From Fuyashi, your mother."

I was drawn aback. She had probably written this from the first time we fled after they killed my father. The only thing I could do was cry and move on.

"Goodbye, Mother. May peace be with you and Father," I said as I walked away, wiping the tears from my sad face.

Now to journey back to Fuji-san.

Fuji-san had been a real mentor to me, not just in learning to fight. He had helped me prosper in becoming more of an intellectual. Fuji-san said that strength is superfluous, but being able to use your brain instantaneously in any situation will help more than just brute skills. So I have been taking my studies very seriously, and I will continue to do so here forth.

Since I met Fuji-san, it had been a total of three years, and I was now sixteen. I had taken zero rest days besides the short journey to my old home, and I had curated my mind and fortified my strength. Fuji-san had mentioned this fabled gift I would receive upon my graduation. I would graduate in ten days. I did feel significantly stronger, but it felt like I was missing something. I had been so focused on training that I hadn't realized how lonely I had been. All I knew was that I really missed my mother. But I had to stay focused.

"Congratulations, Kazuki. The day of your graduation is here. You have been such a help to those around here. It would seem as though you have helped everyone in this village and touched their hearts. And with that said, I want to give you something. But first, let me explain. There will be no more I can train you, but I will reveal the name of this sword style and explain the possibilities of what is going to happen next," he said, holding something in his left hand.

"Suki. The sword style is Suki. I believe that even without using your mark, you have the power to change your destiny. So I would like to give you something that can change your destiny. I do not know the extent of what you will gain, but I know that this spirit crystal will change everything for you. Take this, young Kazuki."

I thankfully accepted it and received it from him, then waited for further instructions.

"The power to change everything? What does Fuji-san mean?" I thought to myself.

"Kazuki, envision yourself sinking to the bottom of the ocean, and within your hands, you are carrying the weight of all of your ideals. Vocalize those ideals deep within your soul," Fuji-san said.

As I did what he said, the soul crystal started to glow rapidly. I drifted into what felt like a dream, sinking into the bottom of the ocean, holding my ideals close. All of a sudden, I heard a voice.

"Boy, what do you seek?" a strange voice said.

"I seek the power to change my destiny, the power to help me learn the truth of my past," I said sternly.

"What if I told you I could offer you that power? What would you say?" she said inquisitively.

I suddenly jolted. "I would do anything if that meant pleasing my mother's final wishes," I said.

"And what were her final wishes?" she asked.

"My mother told me to fall in love and create a strong bond, so that my loved one and I could find the secrets of my past together."

"Well, I think it might be possible for me to help make some of those wishes come true. My name is Hikari O Tsuranuku, and yours?" she said.

"I am Kazuki," I said, strengthening my resolve.

"First and foremost, I will explain a few things. Your power is different from any of those I have ever seen. In fact, it is very similar to my own. It will allow for me to take human form when we return, something that is indeed very rare. But for everything that exists, there are consequences. I will be bound to you, to your soul and your heart, thus intertwining our fates into one. I have selected you and will stay with you. Will you stay with me?" she said to me in a serious tone.

"Yes, let our fates be intertwined!" I said courageously.

"So be it. Farewell. I will see you on the other side, though I am sure I will not look the same," she said.

The woman I saw was beautiful, with long black hair and dark but golden eyes, wearing an elegant white and gold dress.