Post by Deleted on Sept 27, 2014 2:02:54 GMT 8
Look here, what Do you see? Are You Looking Forward to Get Tangle Up in Me? FULL NAME Takeshi Hino (日野 武) AGE & BIRTHDAY Fourteen born on birthday in 14-FEB-2010 OCCUPATION Fourth year Ravenclaw BLOOD STATUS Halfblood FACE CLAIM Matsuzaka Tori WAND TYPE 12', Aosaginohi feather, Redwood PATRONUS Heron PETS N/A ABILITIES N/A Tell me who you are, I'm sure you're some kind of superstar. Free Style 0 - 3 years February 14th, 2010. Valentine's day. This is certainly the busiest day of the year for that little bakery up the Northern Honto of Okinawa Island. Streams of customers coming in and out of the shop, picking up the chocolate they've ordered or purchasing some heart-shaped chocolates right off the shelves for their Valentine sweet hearts. 16-year old Fujimoto Kazue has worked hard on that day. Since 8 in the morning she came into the shop and her hands hasn't stop since. Greeting customers with her friendly smile, making small talks with the regulars, packing up their purchases and collecting cash. Before she knows it, hours flew by and evening rolled around, bringing towards the tiny bakery some quiet moments finally. What's remained to do then was to clean up the store and get ready for closing. Kazue who was then 9 months pregnant was given the lightest job that's to count the float and make record of today's sales. Once she has done, the girl carried them into the office and passed them to her uncle. Fujimoto Kenji, the owner of the shop. He always wears a straight face like a guy who would never make a joke in his life. Only those who knows him knows how he actually has a gentle heart and loves her niece like no one ever would. Upon finding out the news of Kazue's pregnancy, Kenji has went through lengths to protect her from the rage of her father, he took her in at the end, letting her stay with his family and offered her a job at his bakery. Being far away from her hometown helped her conceal the shameful truth, the truth that the only daughter of Fujimoto Saburou was pregnant before marriage. And as if to make things worse, the father of the child is the son of the Hino family, one who runs black businesses in Japan. Hino Shoutarou, a young man at 25 years old a known playboy in town, as if he would admit his deeds, as if she would get a happy ending with him, especially when he's already engaged to another. No the truth is better kept quiet, abortion isn't an option in Japan either, not unless she wants to do it illegally and risk having the news spread. Nothing stays secret in this land. There was a lot of fears, more unknowns Kazue has to face. Moving to a new place and earning her own living with her own hands seems so much a better life, at least she feels like she is in control of her life, even for just the smallest part of it. What kind of future would she has though, a girl who hasn't even finish her high school, it remains to be unfold. A kick from the baby in her stomach has the mother-to-be smiling, daily she felt him growing, stretching inside her abdomen, she could feel his every heartbeats, each and every small actions marked by her. Reaching a hand up padding her swollen stomach, Kazue asked her uncle if there's anything else she should help before she goes. Yet before he could answer, an exclamation of surprise escaped her lips when she felt water trickling down her legs, Kazue stared down at the wet floor, shock has her slow at grasping what just happened. "Ojisan..." finally, breathlessly she stopped her uncle mid-sentence, her wide eyes reflected a hint of fear, "I think... I think my water has just broken." *** 10 minutes later, Fujimoto Kazue was sent to the nearest hospital. 1 hour and 23 minutes later, at 6.47pm, the sound of a baby crying came flowing out of the room announcing his existence, oh and what loud cries he has. "Do you want to hold him?" a moment later, after the baby has stopped crying too, came the nurse asking Kazue if she wants to hold the baby. Although a little uncertain, the new mother nodded. The first time her eyes met him, she couldn't help thinking he's the most beautiful thing in the world. Carefully she folded her arms around him, awkwardly, but the smile came onto her face was natural, it's a smile out of love. Unwelcome as he is, the world may be against his existence because he is the product of two person not loving one another, yet at that moment, he was loved. As she carefully touching his smooth cheek with the back of her hand, her smile widened watching him pouted in his sleep. Such small life, so fragile. He to her is a surprise, an unexpected miracle. Kazue held him until he was needed to be taken away. *** Takeshi, that was the name she chose for him at the end. A fierce warrior, because he should be strong enough to protect himself and fierce enough to protect others. His mother has hope for him to grow up be a strong man who can stand on his own feet, a warrior who fight for justice and freedom. Takeshi grown up healthy, months flew by and slowly came to a year; he shown good speed at learning to walk and speak, Even Kenji has commented that he will grow up to be a smart kid. After Takeshi turned one, Kazue decided to move out to live on her own. Part of her wanted to test how far she could go, while the other part of her was unwilling to bother her uncle and his family anymore. However caring they are, and even though they are a part of her family, it is not okay for her and Takeshi to keep staying with them, especially with the baby keep waking up everyone in the middle of the night. She moved out, against her uncle's and aunt's protest, into a little apartment which she rented with the money she borrowed from her uncle. Finally, a home belongs to herself and Takeshi, even though it isn't big, just a room with small cubicle being the bathroom, everything else will have to make do within that small space, it is still that one place they belong. Kazue soon found a job at the nursery as a kitchen staff, that's how she manage to look after Takeshi while she works to keep them both alive. *** "Kaka, daisuki!!!" on the day Takeshi turned two, he walked up to his mother and wrapped his arms around her legs declaring. "I love you the most, mom," the simple sentence which hammered right into Kazue's heart, enough to erase whatever unfairness she felt in life, those regrets, the longing for a normal life like what all other teenage girls at the age of seventeen have. The edge of adulthood she never get to enjoy, the freedom to make mistakes which she can afford no more. But if she hasn't make that mistake which changed her life, she will never have Takeshi. Perhaps, God has given her the best gift in the form of a young boy, her boy, her child. Her brilliant Takeshi. "Okaasan mo, Take-chan daisuki da yo (Mommy too, love Take-chan very much)!" she told him, reaching down to wrap him up in her arms. Life for the mother and son was simple, occasionally punctual by struggles but mostly fulfilling. Kazue has her day job at the nursery and does simple sewing at home to earn some extra cash. Soon the boy turned three, he has shown spectacular speed at learning. In the nursery he made some friends too, most of the time though he prefers to hangs out at the backyard by himself, looking at the plants and tress and bugs. Everything in the nature fascinates him, like every kids, he has the world's curiosity within himself, like hunger, readied to consume every piece of interesting new knowledge he laid his hands upon. 4 - 7 years Takeshi was an avid learner and it was quickly shown by the ways he loves to fill his waking hours reading. Book after book, be it stories, encyclopedias, history, science, National Geographic... he loves them all, he enjoys learning in the purest way. Around the age of four Takeshi started showing strange abilities, telekinesis, empathy, he sees things others couldn't, like transparent human walking on the street turning around to grin at him, strange looking cats which is pale blue in color. At one point of time he could even start fire with his mind. Or well, he think he did, maybe everything just have to do with him thinking too much, at least his mom told him that. He never realized how special he is then, and how natural it is to be able to do things he's able to do. Because of the others kids calling him a liar when he claimed able to a certain thing yet unable to do it when attention is on him, Takeshi soon learned not to tell what he could do, most of all he attempted to deny what he could do, concealing his magic like one would hide his biggest secret. Maybe he's different, does that makes him a nutcase like those kids called him? It's every kid's fear to not be accepted. Day by day, his secret haunted him. Longing for an explanation yet unable to bring himself to tell his mother, afraid that he will be abandoned if he's really different. Fears does strange things to the boy, that with day pass he's grown quieter, pulling himself in. It lasted for almost a year before it was discovered, just as Kazue started spotting the differences and worrying about her son, she caught him at the backyard that one day. Some other kids had grown old enough to dwell into an act of bullying, making Takeshi do silly works for their entertainment. Those rich kids, those mean parents taught them the wrong ways to live, they call Kazue nasty names too when she approaches them. Provoked, for the first time Takeshi gained control of his magic. Out of nowhere came a flash of blinding white light, and the three kids were hanging upside down on their ankles, screaming for help. "If you call my mom names again, I will do worse than this to you." The young boy at the age of five was so angry that he was shaking with the effort to contain such rage in his little body. His face red, dark eyes glaring fiercely at the three screaming boys who perhaps knows nothing about life and how tough living could be. It was under Kazue's kind persuasion only the boy willing to let them down, those three kids ran scared, calling Takeshi a devil. They were ill the next few days, and when they came back again, they have not a single memory of the incident, strangely so. *** It was fearful, unable to explain what happened that day at the nursery backyard, Kazue just managed to stay calm enough to comfort Takeshi, promising him an answer to explain what happened to him. Wasn't sure where and when but she has sure heard about these bizarreness before, the next day Kazue brought Takeshi back to her uncle's hoping to get some answer from the older man. The older man has not as much as raising an eyebrow after he heard Kazue's story. It is rare, he told her, but it isn't unheard of. Stories of magic and voodoo existed in Japan, it has often surrounded the Hino's family. "The best to help him control it," he told her, though easier said than done. How would one control magic without guidance? "Never let him near spell books, black magic could ruin the boy's life." her aunt added in, in hope to help. "Maybe we should engage him into a new hobby, a particular thing he would love to learn so he would not think about this magic flowing inside himself." Kenji suggested lastly, and that's an advice Kazue heeded, that's how Takeshi ended up practicing gymnastic. While the extra lesson fees isn't easy on Kazue she was willing to give, as long as it would keep Takeshi away from his harmful magic. *** At 6 years old, Takeshi won his first silver metal in SEA game, he loves gymnastic, even though he was aware why his mother sent him for practice in the first place. It isn't like it helps a lot in controlling his magic. Small little incidents still happened, like when he has fear about not reaching the Parallel Bars, he felt like it has came closer to himself moment before his hands grasp the thin air; when he though he would be falling down the Pommel Horse he has miraculously stayed on it. It could be skill, but this boy knows better. If only there's someone around who he can get some answer from. Kazue was very proud of him, and the year following things has became easier on the mother and son, following his won his practice fees were waved, he's got a sum of cash along with his win for Japan; His mom has found a better job too, now working as a receptionist in an office. Things are looking up and perhaps it will just keeps on getting better. Accidents happened though, three months after his win and back at training, Takeshi dislocated his shoulder on one of his fall. He was being told to rest for the rest of the season. As painful as it is physically, the intensity of it a thousand times less than how he felt being left out of the game. It felt like a part of him was taken away along the way. That's about the the time Takeshi found himself a new love: Music. A seven years old not willing to stay still, Takeshi went out to find himself a part time job in a shop selling music instruments, wanting to earn some extras to help out at home and to get his mother a decent birthday gift this year. Daily that the shopkeeper's daughter would come into the shop to play violin, the beautiful melody has this young boy captured and soon he grown curious about the instrument. Of course Takeshi realized he can't afford the lesson, let alone a real violin at that time. But he watched every time she practices, read up on books. Violin became an obsession, one he admired from afar. *** It happened on a rainy day, caught in the middle of it without an umbrella, Kazue waited under the tiny shelter outside a shop, her arms wrapped around herself in attempt to keep herself tiny and warm under this cruel weather. On her mind her boy who was staying home alone, whether is he hungry and whether he had finished his homework? It's getting late that the last light was fading out, the pack of rice in her bag was getting cold fast. Out of nowhere came an umbrella shielding her from the rain, looking up, Kazue found herself looking up at a young man who lives in her neighborhood, one she always sees on her way to and from work, waiting for the same bus, he would get off a few stops earlier than she is at the office districts, and get on the bus a few stops after hers. He will turn to walk left at that junction when she took right. "A-Arigatou," she told him, as he handed over umbrella, she took it, giving him an embarrassed smile. He nodded, turned and walked away into the rain, shielding himself with his jacket. Words to stop him died on the tip of her tongue, doesn't even know his name, she watched him walk away. *** Takeshi turned seven, he started school for the first time. In order to keep up with school works, which seems to be a better route to success at anytime, and one which would cost his family less money and pain, Takeshi decided to quit gymnastic to focus on school. He has won a metal, it was a legendary moment. Every legends has a time they should retired too though, and Takeshi choose this time to get back into the normal life. Smart and independent, Takeshi took care of himself as much as he can so not to worry his mom. He prepares his own meals, do homework by himself after school, those he doesn't understand either he ask his teachers at school or waited for Kazue to return home and ask her. Takeshi's excel in school, teachers praise him as a bright student, polite, rather caring for others and charismatic. It was easy to tell that many among his peers sees Takeshi as a pretty boy, with that high cheekbones, huge eyes and that sweet smiles, young Takeshi already knows to work his way into many ladies' hearts at the age of seven, the teachers adores him along with many of his female classmates. That could be proven by the amount of chocolate he receives on his birthday - which also happened to be Valentine's day, hence why the chocolates. One day after school, a few days before term break started, Kazue suddenly approaches Takeshi. "Take-chan, would you like to meet your grandfather?" Of course the trip back to Osaka isn't pleasant, Saburou refused to admit his daughter or grandson, firmly told the girl to never return unless she gets rid of that bastard child, be it to abandon him elsewhere or to give him back to his father. For as long as she's bringing him around, he would never admit her existence or his. Years had went by, yet apparently it wasn't enough to change a stubborn man. When they got home to their tiny space, Kazue held onto Takeshi and let herself shed silent tears. *** While Takeshi thought things would return normal soon, it never quite did. There was an obvious crushing weight hovering around his mom, who was obviously upset about the uneventful trip back home. Silent grown heavier, not knowing how to comfort his mother apart from getting things done by himself, he made sure his life doesn't burden his mother more than he already does. That was one afternoon, he was returning home late, helping his teachers with errands for the upcoming drama performance. Just around the corner before he was reaching home when Takeshi saw another man holding his mother close to him. It felt like a bucket of cold water poured on him, the world went white, he couldn't move, not even calling out to Kazue, not even to run away from where he stood, watching. To a young boy at seventh, he could barely contemplate what was happening, apart from her mom being in another man's arms, a man who's not his father. He has never even seen his father for once, how his mom always avoid talking about him Takeshi doesn't know who his father is, where is he? Why has he never once come visit him? Doesn't he love them anymore? Doesn't he cares about him? Isn't he proud of how smart Takeshi is? He studied so hard after all, he ranked 3rd in his school in midterm. Betrayal, confusion, fear... for he has only his mother in his life, he isn't sure if it's natural for him to feel as he felt then, anger and fear pulsed through him, so much that he shook. Underneath that calm, gentle surface a boy who has issues controlling his emotions. *** "Okaasan, why have you never mention about otousan? Who is he? How is he as a person?" A clatter of plate so loud it filled their tiny living room. Frozen, Kazue has definitely not an answer to this question. Who is his father? Perhaps she should expect this question to come out sooner or later, this is already way later, late enough for Kazue to get comfortable with the silence, taking it for granted. Who is his father? He's the second son of the Hino family, a rich person perhaps dangerous to be around with, due to the nature of business that family dwell into. Perhaps he has something to do with the strange incidents happening around Takeshi, perhaps he is a good man, a bad man, she won't doubt that he's not a simple man. Words she caught spoke of him taking over his father's business, and that's enough to make him a dangerous man. "Take-chan..." "Okaasan, who was that man you were holding downstairs?" Kazue sucked in a deep breath, surprised probably even shocked to find him knows. How did he find out? What had he see? And most importantly, what he thinks about that? "Take-chan..." "He is not my father, isn't he?" There's no other answer to that, "No." There was a long stretch of silence. "Are you going t- are you going to be with him?" "Maybe, Takeshi, maybe." she doesn't want to lie to him about this, if the truth might one day come back and bite her. "I don't need a father replacement. I have never a father and I will never need one. Just so you know." Simple words out of that tiny lips, just a child's angry words, who knows it could hurt so much? That night lights out earlier than usual in that home housing the mother and son, however even long hours after everything went dark, a sound of muffled sobbing could still be heard from within. *** Has Takeshi regretted what he said? Yes, definitely. But that doesn't make him feel more acceptable of another man in his life. He doesn't need a father, never had one and doesn't want one. *** Of course, all bad things would come in a string like God has specifically planned it this way to test out a person's patience. What Kazue initially thought as normal exhaustion of an overworked body soon turned into something more serious. That afternoon after Takeshi confronted her about his father, she was sent into the hospital after she fainted in the middle of her work. "It's lucky for you to be nowhere near anything dangerous right then, said if you're holding a knife or something right then, imagine how badly things could end." the in-charge of the nursery nagged, "Why didn't you tell us that you're not feeling well in the first place? You should've gone to the doctor and avoided such hassles." She apologize, tried to explain how she doesn't feel much worse, probably with some rest and she will feel fine again. The truth is she rather not waste the money to go consult a doctor, not to mention the hours she won't get paid resting. Making ends meet is tough, who knows life is going to get tougher. It was under the insistence of the doctor and her boss, Kazue went for a checkup, the whole time her mind was on her son though, worrying what is Takeshi doing? Is he feeling alright? He must've gone home after school, way passed noon it is now... Who knows there's so much to worry about another person? *** He should apologize, the way he yelled at his mom isn't right. He should properly say sorry, he should make up for the cruel words he yelled out of frustration... Should haves... They does not help anything. As soon as the bell rang signalling the end of school today, the young boy rushed home. He first checked through what has left in the fridge and carefully measure out the portion he needed to cook dinner for the two of them. Growing up in his home what he learned best is to never be wasteful, especially of food. Each and every rice would be clear from the bowl, seeds, vegetables, the choice of food put on table every evening isn't for it's taste but for its nutrition. Life isn't easy, but when one grown up this way they will get used to the plainest way of living. By the time Fujimoto Kazue stepped into their little house, Takeshi has singlehandedly laid out the table before them, boiled cabbage, carrot fried eggs, miso soup and two lukewarm rice sat there waiting. The boy stared at his mother with eyes reflecting guilt, for his unreasonable actions the previous night. This is an apology, but he doesn't know how to say it. "Take-chan..." as the sigh escaped the lips of his mother, the young boy looked down on his laps, guilt threatening to overwhelm him making his voice choked up behind his throat, his eyes welled up, he swallowed with difficulties, desperate to control his own emotions. When he felt arms and that familiar warmth came wrapping around him, tears which he tried so hard to hold back burst over the brim, rolling down his cheeks. Apologize which he couldn't said before came flowing out of his lips as uncontrollable as his tears. He thought he was old enough to not cry anymore, and yet he still do. *** If life is going to give the Fujimotos mother and son a break, it certainly isn't giving it to them soon. Two week after she was admitted to the hospital, Kazue got a phone call asking her to go back to take her results. 8 - 10 years The year past without more unpleasantness for both, though the occasional days when food are scarred, lying in their letter box are unpaid bills, Kazue and Takeshi had worked hard to keep their head above water. In school, Takeshi was discovered to have raw talent for gymnastic, and under the teacher's advice and guidance, he joined the school gymnastic team and started practicing. Throughout the months he spent in school, Takeshi ever been our for 2 competition, and won a consolation prize and a second runner up respectively. In a blink, February rolls around, as the chill started to go away, there came a sense of sweetness in the air once again. Valentine's day is near, which is also Takeshi's birthday. It has never mean anything much, his birthday, what he often gets to look forward to are the chocolate from his classmates, chocolates which he would save for later, to eat when food is scarred. His grand uncle Kenji would bake him cakes too, that he looks forward to, though he doesn't holding high expectation to it, of sweet and savory food, he prefers the latter which is more fulfilling. What he looks forward to is having a nice, lovely dinner with Kazue and count with her how much chocolate they've got. "Take-chan, would you like to come find me after school next Sunday? Okaasan would like to bring you to meet someone." "Roger." he agreed without giving that any further thought, focus on a particularly nicely wrapped chocolate he received from his class representative. A small smile appears on his face as he thought of that girl always come to school in her two braids, his thin finger carefully lift off the lid, revealing several chocolates inside, though not in the most beautiful shape like many others he received, each and every one of it was carefully made, he could tell. "Take-chan? Who is that from?" when his mother asked him the question, it came out sounding like a whisper, breathlessly, like she wasn't sure if she should ask. "Niko-chan," he carefully put the lid back on, putting it aside with even gentler actions. Though he doesn't know what is blushing it, his cheeks were sure burning red. "Do you like her?" Takeshi shrugged at that question. "Let's put these away," he told his mom, picked up the chocolates and busied himself with putting them away instead. That particular box of chocolate Takeshi left in the corner of the fridge separate from the others. He would spare a glance at it whenever he opened the fridge, it was the first he tasted, and kept the last for the longest. *** The next Sunday arrived in bright, sunny morning, not a trace of what's about to greet this young boy. "Have you been sleeping well?" Kazue asked her son as he stirred, her hand smoothing his dark curls lovingly. Turning around the boy took the chance snuggling close to his mother's arms, holding tight, rare weakness he allowed himself to show. "Get up, it is a rather long trip we have to make." she prompted, ruffling his hair, planting a soft kiss on top of his head. It took him another ten minutes to be fully awake, happily eating his breakfast enjoying these rare chance to see his mother on breakfast time. After which they've pack up needed items for the trip and headed to the train station. They're heading back to Osaka. Silently the boy ponders is his mom going to visit her home again, though he does not agree of that, he does not agree it because he knows she'll get hurt in the end, again. And yet Takeshi kept his lips tight, afraid that he himself will upset his mom if he said as much. Arriving in Osaka, it was already passed noon. The mother and son had a meal at her favorite restaurant, where he gets to try her favorite food. When she told him that they are heading to see a close friend of hers, Takeshi nodded, secretly relieve that she's not going to visit her parents again. Relieve, and guilty, because his existence is after all, a burden for Kazue, he's what's all keeping her from going back to her mom and dad, and to have a good life. They arrived at a giant house. To call that house, perhaps it's not enough to describe it; it is more like a mansion, no... an estate. The Hino Estate. How does his mom has friends this rich? Has she given up all that for him? A life in poverty, spending each day to worry about the next, if money is not enough, if they can't get food, if they've went over budget... His mom rang the bell, they were greeted by a servant. "I am here to see Hino Shoutarou, she said firmly, squaring back her shoulders and held her head high. "If you have any business with the young master, make an appointment by his offi-" "Tell him it- that it is Fujimoto Kazue, that girl who helped him when he was beaten bloody by his brother. I am sure he will be interested to see me." Though suspicious, his dark eyes darted between the mother and son, at the end he still made that call, discussing the matter with his master over his walkie talkie. Roughly five minutes later, he came back out to lead the pair into the house. If the outside is grand, the interior of the house is magnificent. One could compare it to a Western Palace. Victorian design, paintings decorating the pale cream walls, expensive looking leather sofas, soft carpet which muffle their steps, antique looking chinaware and tables and chairs and cupboard... this isn't a house, Takeshi thought he was taking a walk in a museum. They were led into what looks like a library and told to wait there until their young master is free to see them. Takeshi sat close to his mom, while they've not been hostile towards them, he kept having a bad feelings about these guys running around in the house, the lacking of that metal butt of a gun protruding from their waists doesn't make them less dangerous, it was a feeling, could be the way they're looking at both Kazue and him, could be the soundless way they walks or the way they scan the room like they're looking out for danger jumping from every corners; everything here, they just put him on edge. It didn't take too long for the mysterious man to reveal himself, it was clear to the plainest eyes how he's no easy figure, who everyone called the young master isn't just running around with a meaningless title. The way he narrowed his eyes, the way he hold himself, and even his slight limping and the scars on his face; every part of this man spoke of power which makes one cowered in fear. He breezed into the room, his dark eyes laid on Kazue first, clearly reflecting in them appreciation... and longing, those gaze alone enough for Takeshi to want to jump on him and beat him up. What foolish desire, for a boy to jump on a man picking a fight. Hands on his arms was the only thing which kept him sitting tight, not enough to keep Shoutarou's attention from landing at the boy. Such fierceness in his eyes, the shape of his jaw, it seems strangely familiar. "It has been a while, Kazue-chan," finally he said, dragging his eyes from the boy who stared back, unblinking, which has somewhat earn his approval. Shoutarou has never know a boy can have such courage, even half of the strongest fighter he hires trembles at the mere sight of him, yet look at this pair, look at their fierce eyes on him, even as he pulled up a smirk which was rumored to be sending chills down people's spine didn't get them wincing. "Not long enough if you still remember me," Kazue's voice was clear and strong as she replied, tilting her head up to stare at the man. "Perhaps not," that man laughed, though laughter doesn't quite touching his eyes, "Who's he?" He asked, eyes flicking towards Takeshi and back to look at his mom, "Last I know, your taste in man who's much older, Kazue-chan." "He's my son!" she said, raising her voice to cover Takeshi's protest, her hand placed on his chest to keep him in his seat. This is the time, there's no other for her to tell the truth. "Our son, Shoutarou." It went so silent in the library that even a needle drop could be heard, like the truth has sucked away everything. The young boy, shocked, turned his huge eyes onto his mother. Their son, this man is his father? Unwillingly, but he somewhat made himself to look up at the man again, such intimidating man, his father? How? "I think we need to talk," words coming out of her lips quiet but commanding, offering no arguing ground, "Alone." Shoutarou nodded, his facial expression grim but carefully composed as he called for a guard to take Takeshi away. He started to fight when hands came to land on himself, "I am staying here!" he told them, reaching out to grab his mother's hand. He wasn't sure why then, why he felt such cold fear gripping his heart at the mention of leaving his mother, perhaps part of him has already anticipated what's to come. Perhaps he has already know that would be the last time he sees his mother, that last touch of her hand on his cheek, gently, carefully, her eyes staring at him, lovingly, and the last time she said his name... "Take-chan, it's alright. I'll be alright. Go along and wait for me outside." a pause, like she was carefully measuring what she's going to say next, "I love you." That last sentence she told him, along with a hug which felt more urgent and longing than a temporary parting calls for. *** "Our son eh?" It was a long moment after Takeshi was taken out of the library that Shoutarou asked, pouring two glasses of whiskey, one offering to her as he took the seat opposite her. "You don't believe me?" "I do, but I know that bringing him here just to pay his old man a visit isn't your intention. What do you want?" He asked with such casualty that makes goosebumps raise. Leaning back, the man stared at the woman he loved. Loved, but she has left him, disappeared into thin air. It's not like he could ever have her in his life, but he has been watching her, always watching her since that time they bumped into each other on the street, such beauty. He learned later that beauty on the surface isn't all there is a person could offer, beauty could be cruel too. She'll never know how her sudden disappearance helped changing him into the man he is today. Startled by his bluntness, though she should've know this side of him. Kazue took a sip of alcohol to compose herself. She has after all made the decision to come to him, it is best for them to be straightforward and get this over with. "Yes. I have two things to request from you." *** Takishi waited in the dinning room meanwhile, the guards who took him down here has ordered the maid to bring him sandwiches and a glass of orange juice, both of which sat on the table untouched. He waited, eyes frequently dashed up to the clock on the wall, what took them so long? An hour passed and then another, and another, when evening came by there walked into the room a boy not too much younger than he is, but definitely well tended to, dressed in a clean set of suit that looks brand new and expensive. In fact, everything in this house looked brand new and expensive, a place he doesn't fits into, he as just a normal kid who earn his living with his own two hands. Inside that young mind a lot of thoughts, wondering what could it be bringing his mom here to this house, to this man. Is he really his father? Does he has such scary man as a father? He has always hope to know him though at that moment he wasn't so sure he wants that anymore, perhaps sometimes it's best leaving the unknowns as it is. An unknown won't hurt, an unknown won't trigger the ripping storm inside his heart. So much thoughts, so many questions he carefully filing into the back of his mind, planning to ask his mom later. Thinking helped him pass time, yet time couldn't pass slower than it is, second by second slowly ticking away. Until finally there was a stir of movements, guards bowing respectfully towards Shoutarou as the intimidating man walks in. He stopped at the other end of the dinning table, eyes steadily looking at Takeshi. Though he doesn't wants to feel helpless, fear pounding in his heart. All Takeshi could do was to stare back defiantly like he did before, teeth gritting tight. A moment passed, there appeared a ghost of smile on Shoutarou's face. "You're impressive, boy-kun, I give you that much," he said, pulling the chair back and took his seat, action graceful in ways one can't imagine a man this big to be "Meanwhile, I am sure you have more impressing to do in the future. You can sleep in one of the room in West Wing meanwhile, until I find a way to deal with you." A frown found its way up on his face, the boy scowled in a manner he will never show another adult, "Find a way to deal with me, what do you mean? Where's my mother?" "Your mom left you with me, which means you're already a nuisance to me, so stop giving me more trouble, stay in your room unless I give you permission to leave it." his tone signalling it was an order, not a request. "You're lying," without thinking there came the accusation out of his lips. His mom won't leave him, she will never ever leave him with this man, this scary man who he never even seen before in his life, "You're lying, she won't, my mom will never leave me." His father's composed expression just confirmed otherwise; it only trigger stronger emotions from this young boy who's unwilling to accept it, such cold truth, impossible. He directed his emotions into anger instead. Before he could stand though, two man appeared on both side of him, pressing him down onto his seat with force he couldn't fight. "Let me go!" thrashing with all his might and yet couldn't break free, Takeshi bellowed in frustration. Strange things happened then as strong wind started whipping in the dinning room, magic his anger evoked, sending first light items like paper flying, then the heavier stuffs like paper clips and eraser, "I said, let me go!" "Let him go," the man's tone as he spoke again was calm in the face of this bizarre scene, little people would have trouble seeing why he was chosen to lead the Hino family, even though being the younger son, even though he was never as good a student as his brother was back in school; his capability to hold onto his calm demeanor at the face of danger has most of his opponents trembles inside with fear. The strange wind stopped as soon as he was released, Takeshi jumped our of his seat immediately. "Sit down!" He did, although all he wanted to do was to run, to go off searching for his mother, this authority he found himself couldn't disobey, legs gave in and he fell back on the chair. His heart hammered in fear as he looked up at the man again, burning at the back of his eyes signalling the danger sign of him nearing tears, which he held back in desperation. No weaknesses, no way he's showing weaknesses in the face of this man, his head held high a clear sigh of defiance. "Your mom, is gone," said the man, his eyes like black holes burning into his, stating the fact so clear that he couldn't deny even if he wants to. Words of argument escaped him even if he wants to find something to say, "Believe it or not, I will not allow you to behave like a nuisance like this is my house, so stop throwing tantrums." Unmistakable, Takeshi has inherited magic from his blood, he should've known, "I mean what I said, go to your room and stay there. Your mom won't be back, so if give me any trouble, I can and I will make your life very miserable, get it?" Giving the boy a final glare, the man turned and went out of the room, leaving the boy and all his new-found problems behind, he has still a client to see an hour later. Takeshi, having lost words for the moment, bit his lips and sat on the chair quietly. It felt like winter has came early, and at the same time it felt like nothing at all, too numb for real emotions to hit. Swallowing once with difficulty, Takeshi allowed himself a shuttering breath in relieve. *** He was led to a room that day, not a bad room, it is at least twice as big as the whole house he grown up at, trice if you count the toilet too. Though the luxury Takeshi doesn't know how to enjoy, sitting inside there trying to think why his mother had left him, worst of all, why has she left him with this father he has never met before? Life became tougher for him when there came Shoutarou's pair of children, his half-brother Raito and his half-sister, Riko, hand in hand walking into the West Wing just to see him, there's no secret in a house this big perhaps and it is certainly not a casual visit. "So he's the bastard child isn't he, Onichan?" asked the young girl who was giving him glare one would give a rabid dog, Takeshi turned around pretending busy with his reading, hoping by ignoring them they would go away. "I heard that he's a halfblood, it must be where the stench comes from." Oh, how he wished to teach her a lesson about stenches by stuffing her pretty little braided head into the toilet bowl. "Rika-chan, you can't be rude to our guest you know?" his voice suggesting sneer which is just the opposite of his words, Takeshi's fists tightened, "His mother has left the poor boy here because she can't afford him any more, such a sad story. Those poor mudbloods, lives in poverty and can't even afford a kid, don't you know how pitiful they are? That's perhaps why he smells too, look at what he wears, sister, such rubbish, like he is." Those mean words, those cruel laughter, those hateful glares like his existence here in this space itself is forbidden; Takeshi swallowed them only because he ever promised his mother to not fight with another again, a promise he eventually broken when the boy decided to tease him about his mom running away with another man. It resulted in a very angry Shoutarou entering the room and a punishment for Takeshi to not have food for three days. Three days, what a joke. He ever not have food for a week before. Hunger does nothing to prevent his mind from wandering down to pit, to the scene where he caught his mother hugging another man, could that be the reason? Could it be why his mom is leaving him? For another man? Perhaps a better life, happier life? Tears which he has desperately held back fell at the thought, when he realized he was just a baggage in his mother's life, one she finally had enough and abandoned. *** It was two months later that Shoutarou approaches Takeshi again, this time he offered him a choice, to pick a way to live his worth. He could of course, remain in this house, in the West Wing tucked away in the corner. He will be sent oversea to study when he's of age (by that time, Shoutarou has too, taken the time to explain to Takeshi he's a wizard. In fact there are no one isn't magical in this household, a fact which Takeshi was still trying to wrap his mind around) and live a life in secret, as there's no way he could admit him, a halfblood, as a true heir of the Hino family. Second choice, he could head off to live with his uncle, Shoutarou's brother lives in London where troubles is now brewing and he would need some help under him. It would not be an easy life but rather one which promise danger, perhaps even life and death situations and a long hard years of training. He was given two days to consider his options. He chose to leave Japan behind. *** It was raining, that day he left for London, like the sky was sympathizing him, or maybe it was mocking him, it has been a pretty ironic ride so far. Who would know that after all these years of hardship he lived though he's actually the bastard child of a powerful pureblood family in Japan? And who would imagine the mother he loves best would actually abandon him to this family who sees him as nothing but dirt? Takeshi was young then, at the age of nine, yet he was old enough to know hate. His love for his mother has slowly darkened and turned into burning hatred, so strong that it hurts. He met his uncle for the first time that day, a man in expensive suit and a smile which doesn't quite reach his eyes, Takeshi wondered if that's a result for the way they live or simply genetic, yet the cold smiles are where the brothers' resemblance stopped. After a quick greeting, and a briefer introduction for him and his uncle Hino Hideyoshi, the boy was to follow the man to London. It isn't like there's anything else he should stay for, he has certainly hoped and only got disappointed. The boy holding onto his uncle's arm and apparated for the first time in his life, it was so uncomfortable he has to barf at the side of the road the moment he arrived. *** Kazue knows that he's departing that day, off to the foreign land of England, Shoutarou has taken the trouble of telling her. She has too make up her mind about never seeing her son again, her bright, smart, good-manners Takeshi will have to walk down this path without her in the future, a future she wasn't sure how far herself can walk. Using the hem of her shirt, the young mother wiped away tears fallen on that old photograph of her and Takeshi, taken on his fifth birthday, she didn't meant to cry, she meant to face it bravely. She made this decision after all. Two knocks sounded on her door before it was opened the the nurse peeked in, "Are you readied for your treatment now?" her soft voice asking, gently, she has probably notice the tears in Kazue's eyes. "Yes," putting down the photograph, the woman wiped away those remaining tears and proceeded to lie down on the bed. It was cancer, what the doctor found out that day she fainted, the scan confirmed it as a brain tumor. And although she wanted to keep Takeshi by her side, she came to realize it was a selfish act she could no longer carry on, she chosen the best route she could've taken, and to make sure her son has a bright future even though hers lying ahead is unclear. She chose to part with the best thing in her life. *** Standing in front of another equally grand mansion, Takeshi's frown was deep. Does these people always lives in places like this? he wondered. Their lives felt like the exact opposite of his, or well what he was leading before now. Takeshi followed his uncle down the long corridor. This mansion he arrived at has a modern style to it that's no less impressive than the one he saw in Japan. White walls, marble floor, black doors. In replace of the expensive paintings hanging on the walls are black and white pictures of the world. Wide open space seems to be the theme, everything in black and white. It is perhaps the coldest place Takeshi ever seen anyone called a home. He was brought to look around the house, the dinning room with straight back chairs and expensive looking crystal table, chandelier hanging on the ceiling looks equally expensive as the rest of the house. More black and white furniture in the library, music room, and even bedrooms, Takeshi starting to think he might appreciate the toilets more than the rest of the house, the toilet floor is blue, probably the only color he ever get to see in this house. Uncle Hideyoshi has his own children, although he never get to meet his wife that day. Takeshi later learned that his wife has actually ran away several years prior, couldn't handle the pressure of living in this household. He wonder who could, living in this cold nature. What caught his attention best on that first day in London was not anything expensive or impressive, but a young girl about the same age as he is walking around in two braids. She's probably the only one who's wearing sensible clothes here: T-shirt with the big pink words across the front saying "sweet" and a pair of faded blue jeans. He was not introduced to her though, the girl probably just one of the many staffs living here. It doesn't matter, he was already intrigued and attempted to search her out the very next day. About half the day gone when Takeshi wandered around the house, hoping to bump into her, it wasn't until evening came by and he found her in the back garden. "Aren't you cold? Wearing so little out here?" he couldn't help himself speaking, shinning in his eyes rare curiosity as he looked at her, like he was looking at a strange creature he never seen before. "Come on, wear this," he told her, taking off his jacket and putting it on her. Perhaps she's the first kid he met who's around his age, or perhaps it is because she's the only other Japanese here apart from his uncle's family, it could also be the way she's staring up at him with those big, innocent eyes, somehow Takeshi felt protective of her. "Konichiwa, my name is Takeshi, Fujimo- I-ya, Hino Takeshi." he should started getting use to his new identity now, especially when his mother decided to abandon him in pursue of a better life. "Nice to meet you." *** He fought with his cousin that day, unwilling to stand still when the other boy was taunting him with those cold words designed to hurt, to insult, to harm. Maybe he was plainly stating the fact when he said his mother abandoned him for another man, it is the truth within his words which hurts the most. Rushing over to Takeshi aimed to throw a good punch on his face. Needless to say that didn't end well, ended up having he be the one who was being hit badly, subsequently being brought to see his uncle and punished for picking fight. It was unfair, then again who says life will ever be fair? On that day Takeshi made a promise to himself, to take control of his life so no one else can treat him unfairly anymore, and those who ever did will pay the price for it. *** Takeshi was soon put into various classes, from languages to etiquette, swimming lessons, simple magic lessons like potion making, and then basic defense classes like judo and aikido. Life in England is certainly no game, like his father had promised him. Every mistakes made here were punished by physical sufferings. There were days he was not given food for getting bad grades in English, three nights in a row which he was put on duty to carry water from that old well located miles away from home, just to fill up water for his uncle's bath. What little he doesn't know is these punishments were designed to put him into some tougher trainings. The Hino family, generation running businesses in the black market, every males were treasure here, either trained to be fighters or leaders. In Hideyoshi's eyes, perhaps Takeshi is just a bastard child, one who is only halfblood, yet that doesn't diminish the fire inside him. The way his eyes light up upon as he glares at those wronged him, the way he would focus hard on his lessons just to catch up with his peers; he might be starting a little late, at the age of nine, yet with the right training he could probably turn into something good, someone worthy, perhaps even more suitable a candidate to take over this business than his own children could ever be. Children grow from the wild are better equipped to survive after all. And Hideyoshi wanted to give Takeshi that chance to prove himself; he trains the boy hard. *** He spent his tenth birthday standing under the waterfall, letting strong current hitting his tiny body mercilessly. Takeshi could think of no better way to spend this day which marked his birth, the day when he came into this world, his unblessed existence which caused so much troubles for his mother, father and everyone around him. The water hitting his tiny body almost crush him down on his knees, being still skinny from the years he spent living on minimal food, it isn't something which could be fix with just a few months of full meals and good rest, especially for a boy who is still growing up. The force was merciless, with the force which could break someone perhaps twice as big than he is. The tougher part is to balance on one leg under this crushing force, but he maintained his balance. Determination is his savior, it allowed him to surpassed many who trains alongside him and perhaps even some who has already several years of trainings before himself. Tirelessly Takeshi worked, with the heart to improve, it wasn't enough, he was told, he started too late and there are lots more he needs to do to be on par with everyone else. But he wasn't giving up. Some might call him stupid, there are much easier ways to get success in life. Fighters lose their lives easily, this is a path filled with blood and horror, a life which you'll either kill or be killed. To inherit this family's business it takes more than courage, one has to rid of their emotions and mercy to get success in this life, he doesn't have to live it, he has every rights to choose living another, simpler life. Simple however is never an offer in his life, he sees now. Against all odds, the boy does improved in his skills, it could be because of the many gymnastic lessons he had when he was younger, it could be because he has inherited the good fighter gene from the Hino bloodline. The rate which he came from one who goes down easily to someone who able to handle three opponent at once. His agility and flexibility are his gifts, and Takeshi seems to have realized that. It was soon that the boy was being put into advance class with his cousin, officially on the path to be train as one of the family heir. *** A katana, generally 23 5⁄8–28 3⁄4 inches long, curve to the back, sharp at the front. A well-made Katana could cut through flesh and bones like a piece of paper. That first time Takeshi held a katana in his hands, for the first time since he came to London, Takeshi felt powerful. In his hands a deadly weapon which could end a life, he has the power to decide someone's life and dead, or just making them suffer. Perhaps this is why power feels so good, because it let one feel in control. Not just of life and dead, but of a situation, he has the ability to control his environment, an ability he has never given before, just one taste of it is enough to make one craves for more. *** The owl arrive to him that lovely morning one summer, carrying a letter which would send him into yet another new journey. He was accepted into Hogwarts, a magical school. Truth to be told, this boy isn't that eager to go into a school teaching them magic. Magic, what more could magic be of use to him? He has good enough control over it now that he is able to tab into it to assist his fighting; learning how to do magic properly doesn't necessarily make him a better warrior. Takeshi has a choice, and he has his decision made, he wanted to stay and further mastering bujutsu rather than joining a bunch of innocent teenagers trying to cast spells with their wooden sticks. And yet she changed his mind, her, Nadeshiko Ai, the servant's daughter. Who would guess that she is a witch? Or perhaps he should've guessed, with her mom working in their family magical blood sure flowing in her veins. It just never occur to her that she could be someone more that that sweet little thing he found looking at the roses in the back garden, that idiot who make him smile for no reason but just at the sight of her big grin. It changes his mind, the fact that she has too received an acceptance letter, the urge to protect her made him wanted to follow her to school, just to keep her out of harm's way. And he did just what his desires told him to, that three days later the family were brought to the Diagon Alley to get their school needs, the books and ridiculous school robes - thank god they are black - and wands. His wand was made of Redwood, with a rare core from a Japanese magical creature, an Aosaginohi, blue heron fire, a night heron with a mysteriously illuminated body, with an ability to heal and bring luck to whoever finding it. Perhaps that's what he's needing in his life, some healing and good luck, though according to the wand lore, an Aosaginohi would only recognize someone who has the same ability within him as it does. September 1st, he boarded the Hogwarts Express, he made it his duty to stick with Nadeshiko, claiming that she needed protection. Though perhaps he just doesn't want to admit that hidden fear at the back of his mind, afraid of how life's going to change for him once again. And she is the only thing familiar he would get to keep beside himself through this journey. She's just a girl. And he learned enough to know that females are not to be trusted. Perhaps what Kazue did to him, by sending him away has actually left on his heart a deeper scar than he anticipated. *** "Hino, Takeshi," a frown seized his eyebrows quickly released, Takeshi was a little annoyed by the way his name was called, with the accent marring the proper pronunciation. He is perhaps the only kid standing in the line who has the extra time to worry about how his name was pronounced, most of the boys and girls standing there are both nervous and eager to learn the house they would be in. And while he is no less anxious to know the answer, Takeshi has enough practice to know how not to let a hint of his emotion show on his face. He went up the steps, sat himself on the stool, and let the professor to put the old hat on his head. "Ah... I see, so much potential." sounded a voice at the back of his mind, like his own thoughts, only in a different voice and so much more clearer than his own voice it startled a gasp out of the young boy. "So much potential, you would probably does very well in Slytherin, ambition, the desire for power, though not with a bad intention; you have a darker self , beware hold it off from letting it consume you whole. How complicated, and so many qualities, I could put you into Hufflepuff too if not for the fact that you have leadership skills. Leader my boy, and the desire to protect, what a life you had and will have in the future. Gryffindor though, hmm..." His subconscious was probably thinking about Gryffindor because that's where exactly Nadeshiko was sitting, sorted before himself, her last name starting with A. There's no doubt part of him wished to be in the same house as she is, easier for him to protect her, yet it seems like the hat has its own arrangement for this boy. "Ravenclaw!" The house of intelligence, probably the best fit for a curious soul like him. 11 - current year School isn't as easy as he thought it would be, it needs more than just sheer determination to cast spells, even simple ones like Alohomora and Wingardium Leviosa. Spell casting requires a more delicate state of one's mind, and patience which Takeshi seems to have trouble keeping at times. Things have been so easy for him for so long that the sudden turn makes it difficult to adjust at all. While he has not say it out loud, during this time he was rather grateful of Nadeshiko's company, be it just hanging out keeping each other's company, studying together or simply just helping one another with their latest assignment, she remained that one cheerful constant in this new environment where one sees another with prejudice. Things the other Hino - his cousin - did or said in school before Takeshi came joining Hogwarts left on this young boy a mark. Of course his lack of friendliness towards the others or simply lack of words has given others a false impression too, thinking that he is just another brat from another pureblood family, it's hard to explain yourself when your peers has already decided your crime. It's better not to waste energy over some matters you can't change. Busy himself to keep up with everyone else instead, he's not one who is willing to be left behind. Being in the house of Ravenclaw has actually brought out his curiosity to learn once again, the craving for knowledge he has though ceased to exist within himself. Days and nights passed with every day packed with tight schedules, between school work and his personal training, before he knew it there went the winter, the Christmas and then new year, here is once again on February 14th, the day Takeshi hated to be reminded of, the day he planned to get lost in whatever activity he could busy himself with, so to forget all the memories and the resentments, the regrets pulsing through him everytime he thought of the woman who gave birth to him. She probably was just trying to drag him out of that dark place, or she actually thought he cares about his birthday, it is because that being Nadeshiko who owled him that he bother to put down his book and went up to the Astronomy tower to meet her. That evening he has gotten a gift he treasures till day, a beautiful telescope, nothing too fancy but he could see her handicraft making it special for him. He probably shouldn't do what he did to her next too, it was an impulsive action that when he realized what he was doing, he leaned forward to cover her lips with his, the kiss was short and sweet, and it opened up a part of him he doesn't want to understand. He shouldn't be trusting woman, however pure and innocent they seems to be. That night, he has probably left too soon, just walked away from her after breaking off that kiss, without another word to this girl who without noticed, came inside to stay in his heart. The heart he has kept so closely protected. And fear is probably why he has not mentioned about the kiss the next day, and he made no further move on her either, changing subject everytime he felt that she's going to bring it up. That night soon become the past, and Takeshi and Nadesiko stayed friends, even though he was sure he probably doesn't deserve that friendship. *** The summer before his second year starts, the Hino's home received an unexpected owl. The letter was from Kazue, requesting for a meeting with her son, Takeshi. The letter which he later left to burn in the fire without even bother to write back a reply. *** Takeshi changed when school started again. Usually the quiet boy just looking out for ways to improve himself, like he had a makeover during the summer, now become the boy active and talkative boy in class. Most who say the change is a good thing, if only they would feel the emptiness he felt inside. No one stopped to think that the change is just a cover up story, it distracts him, interacting with another. He helped him convince himself that he's not hurt by the letter from that woman who has not spoken or care for him the last 2 years, sending him away without even saying a goodbye. He was not hurt, because he does not care. He doesn't care even if her words to request this "urgent meeting" is because she's pulling in her last breath, he doesn't care. But he does. And he doesn't want to know. And hence, he was out there, busy charming his way up to the popular groups, busy making friends, busy letting that smile spread out on his face and telling himself that it is a true one. If only someone would see through the mask he put on to convince the world. *** "It's none of your business," Probably the millionth time he told her, that one person who actually see through his act and confronted him about. He thought his change is a good one, because everyone is approved of it. Everyone except Nadeshiko. "I'm fine," Another which he often let out of his lips too, because he doesn't know how to be fine if he can't tell everyone he is. "Let's just talk about something else," Yeah, anything else but about him, and the friends he came to make, and the girls who seems to like hanging around him which he doesn't mind, the kisses he allowed them to steal. He doesn't have any true feeling for them but they helped him to forget the mess of his life. He needs those distractions, he needs a lot of distractions, especially if he wants to drown not just his resentment for his mother, but his feelings for Nadeshiko too. "I'm sorry," He probably would never forget that cold two words replied he said to her when she confessed her feelings to him that day, he wasn't sure how to accept her heart, wasn't confident in himself to trust, or perhaps he doesn't trust himself enough to say yes back to her. They should stay friends where everything are safe, where he can keep her around for a longer time. And Takeshi wants to keep her around for as long as he could. Storm is brewing though, right out of sight hiding under the horizon. Perhaps the next change comes nothing in his world would stay the same again. Let's us all just be friend, And together we can start a new trend. ALIAS: Paige AGE: 24 DISCOVERY: I made this place CHARACTERS: I am lazy. NOTES: You've read this far! XD made by paige |