The beginning to a story:
A child of the beginning:
Born between an island of humans and spirits. A young girl was brought into the world. Karakura, an island spoken in her family’s name for millenia. Dragged on by history and drowned in its secrets no one knew the story behind it. However, the young girl chose to unravel the secrets buried in time long ago. But she’d never know it was her meaning until she grew older…
Koizumi was one of the two children of Rei and Takei Saiky. Her older brother is Thao Saiky. Koizumi’s name was twisted between the words wise and kind, and for her nickname she was called Koi. Which resembles the sacred fish that glided between the rocks of the world underwater. For Rei and Takei it wasn’t a hassle to have Koi with her brother. They found Thao was old enough to look after his little sister when needed. Or he’d step aside when his younger sister cried for her mother. But the young Koi took interest in everything. This included the tales and secrets that laid in a book Takei owned, far beyond young Koi’s reach. Rei would always sit down with the young girl, beside her bed or at the dinner table and tell Koi and Thao of the stories about the kami and yokai of their world. The kami who brought the world from the ground and the yokai who sought to destroy it all. Koi was always showered in stories as a child from the beginning by her mother. Since Koi could walk she believed these spiritual beings lived around her. With every breath she took, she shared it with another being. With every step, another would echo behind hers and with every heartbeat she was never alone. She was safe, hidden behind the tall walls that guarded the estate. The walls were built of wealth and built from power. Koi was forever showered in praise by her own family.
Koi became concealed away from the world that sat beyond the large walls. A world beyond a space she knew like the back of her hand. But a wall could never keep a reckless soul tame… Koi wanted adventure. She wanted the thrill and rush of excitement, the stories and wonders far beyond what her mother could show her. Koi wanted to see the world herself. She desired to meet the kami, and desired to see what lived and breathed with her and beyond her. Her brother got to go out beyond the walls. He could come and go without any worry. Yet she couldn't, they wouldn't let her. To Koi it felt like she was a bird in a cage, locked away from the world she wished to see. Hours every day Takei would go off to work, leaving Rei with Thao and the responsibility to teach Koi the language that started it all. A language spoken only amongst the Saiky’s. It was created between two cultures and bloomed as the world grew around it. Like a lotus flower, it broke the water's surface and opened its petals to the world. It shared its knowledge and its secrets. Only… if Koi would listen would she see the importance behind the language spoken only by her family.
At the age of 2 koi found her brother was gone one morning. The hazy memories of his face were all she was left of and as she grew older she’d began to familiarise herself with the pictures of him on the walls. For Koi her brother was still her brother but she only saw glimpses of the brother she wished to know by what Rei and Takei told her.
The one who learns all:
Every morning Rei would wake up to find her daughter missing from her quarters. Or Rei would hear servants telling her she ran off. Instead Rei found her daughter racing the birds that dived and darted in the blue skies. Or, Rei found her on the banks of the stony c****s, as they peered down into its pristine blue waters anticipating the arrival of a fish to dart by. Some days, Rei would find Koi again nestled amongst the large roots of the towering willows mesmerised by their dancing leaves. Koi was entranced… focused on every little thing in the estate. It may have been a petite rock… or a tiny insect. It was all it took to have Koi dashing off to see it.
Rei watched her daughter grow alongside her and Takei as they aged. But Rei never believed or imagined that the stories she’d told Koizumi as a child would shape who she was. Never did it cross her mind that trying to drown out the fantasies between mythology and reality would drain every inch of Rei’s body. When Takei came home he’d choose to help his wife. Catching his daughter was no issue as she’d freeze still and squeal with joy as he’d snatch her off the ground and dragged her back to their house. It was a small house. Overlooking the world that laid below them, and shadowed by the sky that stretched above them. Unable to refuse her fathers wishes Koi would sit there for hours drained in a world of education. Images flashing through her mind of characters and accents that were fused together to make a sound… a word that others could understand.
Takei was firm and direct. He taught his daughter how he had taught Thao and how his father had taught him. Takei knew that Koi couldn’t get away from him if she knew the consequences. Rei on the other hand was softer with her daughter and sometimes let her off for running away. They never had issues with Thao as he was more open to learning and doing study. Thao had wished to speak and interact with others, unlike his sister Koi who was more of a struggle. Rei found Koi’s mind raced like the waves of the Karakurian coasts and she viewed the world from a view like no other. The excitement, wonders, and interest in the world for Koizumi both spiritually and physically were worlds that clashed against one another. She was born of magic and born by the wishes of those who atop the world looking down at the world. However, growing up was not something Koi could avoid, or try to stow away from. Clocks would never stop ticking and time never would pause. The world forever aged each day and so did she.
Admitting she wouldn’t get anywhere in life if she was running free amongst the lush grasses, and fields of soft snowflake flowers, or hiding away under the towering willows. Koi succumbed to the reality of learning. Rei and Takei rejoiced at their daughter’s wishes to learn, and together Rei and Takei spent their time teaching their daughter. Some days a servant would step in to help teach her, and so Koi learnt. Jin and Japanese. The two languages that were close together but different by far. Jin was spoken only by the Saiky’s. It was said to be born between two cultures that collided together in time that had passed. Then Japanese. The language had formed over millennia. It had been shaped and changed by modern times, but remained true to its roots. Both languages were different yet alike. Hour’s upon hours passed every day. The clock's hands never stopped for a second in time to let Koi breathe. She was choked by reality and time, having to grow up. Koi watched as her childhood faded and she grew to become a teenager.
At the age of 15, Rei chose to take Koi with her out to the local market. These markets were a tradition held in Karakura. It was born from the newcomers of Karakura and aged with each passing generation the times ticked over and the markets changed. Koizumi had never stepped outside the towering walls of her estates fortress. It was a labyrinth. Built on ancient solids and protected by walls of wealth and power. The estate was unknown to the peering eyes of the world and a mind of puzzles and games, lost in housing and nature to all who were not titled to the name. Her brother however had been out to see the world. Thao had been beyond the walls and seen the city that towered around them. Yet, Rei had chosen to take her daughter beyond the estates walls of safety and into a world of greed and pain. Karakura was cursed by the kami and brought down by those who sought wrong. The city was never safe at the slightest. Rei wanted her daughter to see the beauty and brutality of the world beyond the estate. Rei wanted her daughter's inquisitive mind to flourish beyond what had blocked her both psychologically and physically. Rei never kept Thao from leaving the estate. However, Koizumi was a different story.
A child of the entwined soul:
When the doors of strength and elegance had closed behind her Koi looked up and out. She viewed a fresh world, one touched by many cultures and religions. A world shaped by the hand of human and wielded by the kami. The air was heavier than in the estate and tangy with the smell of anticipation and determination. Rei looked over to her daughter and began to walk off. Away they headed, away from the walls Koi ever knew to be. Cautiously Koizumi ran after her mother. She followed her mother quickly as they weaved through the streets and small alleyways. Rei followed a mental map, every turn, street and house was familiar to her. Koi chased after them both. But Rei knew for Koi a world had just opened up for her. Walking carefully Rei grabbed her daughter’s arm. She then darted through the sea of people. Like a koi in a stream they darted and twisted between the crowded stalls and walkways. Rei had an idea in her mind, a place she wished her daughter to experience while she was out of the estate's arms. With care Rei took Koi out of the crowd slightly. She spoke to her carefully explaining she must look but never touch what the stalls had to offer. These were all new rules Koi had never heard before. Rei could only hope she’d listen.
Rei had business to do and needed to grab what was needed from the selected stalls. She had entrusted her daughter wouldn't stray too far from where she’d been left. Rei said she would come back in a few minutes to put them at ease before ducking off into the crowd leaving them at the small rickety bench. Koizumi stayed there while she waited for her mother to return. Eventually Koi’s curiosity possessed her and she chose to run off. While she was on her feet running Koi marvaled to the traditional dancers who were performing amongst the crowd. Eventually while she was darting through the crowds, Koi spotted a small rat ridden looking market store.
Intrigued by what she saw she ran over to the odd store. Slouched against the wall it sat at, it breathed almost as she neared beaconing her closer to see. Small stones, gems, crystals and herbs were sparsely scattered along each of the aged wooden tables, and like the store an old lady slouched in the back of it. Her head tilted to the sight of the young girl and she waved her over. Koi’s senses drowned out her thoughts and blinded her rights and wrongs, like a deer possessed by a yokai she snuck over to the old woman. With a brush of her hand and a breath of air the elderly lady handed Koi a book… Its crusted pages folded over years became displaced and yellow. The old cover, slowly being eaten away by time. Koi looked at the woman confused, why was she given a relic? What would something so ancient do for a young soul like her. But the elderly woman refused to take it back and ushered Koizumi out of the store. She spoke in a language Koi recognised but did not understand.
The calls of her frustrated Mother snapped Koi’s thoughts and she ran off with the book in her hands. Her heart drummed against her ears like the stories of the drums that played to ward off yokai. Rei stood there and relief washed over her face when she saw her daughter reappearing from the ocean of people. In her expression and why she spoke she didn’t want to stay long and once again dragged Koi away, not glancing at the book she clutched a book in her hands.
Born to become a herbalist:
After passing below the doors of the estates walls Rei allowed Koi to run freely. Released finally she ran away from her mother frantically and up the stairs that hugged the cliff face off into the gardens drizzled in flowers. There, Koizumi sat and opened the book she’d been given. Every page of the book was inscribed with a drawing and description of herbs, spices and prayers to help create charms, talismans and incense sticks of different kinds. Each of the pages had something to tell and something to offer Koi. Its language, written in Jin, allowed for Koi to fluently read each page. It felt like the elderly woman at the store had known Koi’s story and mind. From warding off yokai to healing burns and cuts the book knew all. While Koizumi was reading, something within her soul ached and a light sparked again within her mind. The next hours she spent sitting amongst the lush grass and beautiful flowers while reading the entirety of every page. Koi lost herself in a book and what secrets it held.
When the annoying bell rang out to beaconing Koi to come home she eventually moved from her hiding space and got up. Running back to her house. As she ran along the fleet of stairs the images of what Koi had recently learned stayed present in her mind. Their inscriptions burned in her eyes and a feeling of pride engraving itself into her heart. A sharp turn around the exit of the cave's mouth and Koi’s feet hit the wooden oak floors of her home. She didn't hesitate and ran upstairs, shoving her book beneath her poorly made bed before darting to the dinner table. Once Koi made her appearance the small table was already bustling with activity. Quietly sitting down, Koizumi listened as her mother spoke about taking Koi to the market today and how she’d run off. Takei responded back to her reminding Rei her daughter was a reckless soul, and he completely ignored anything else Rei had to add.
Like the sun slipping down beneath the mountains that encircled Karakura, time passed by. Day after day they rolled over, and Koizumi grew older. After every dinner she followed her routine of studying what was handed to her, then sneaking a glance at the old book she’d earned in the markets long ago. Driven by interest and captured by curiosity Koi learned every inch of the book's pages. All from different herbs that could put someone to sleep to different woods used to stop magic. Koi wanted to learn everything. When she heard her mother ascending up the stairs or even her father, she’d shove the book behind something or under her bed hoping they’d never find it. Only it never crossed her mind that her parents would soon find her dearest secrets.
For the next few days Koi’s normal routine persisted: wake up, have breakfast, farewell your father, study, lunch break, and finally be released from school work. Koizumi would sit there watching her hourglass drain of sand from top to bottom. Sometimes it reminded her of her mind, drained of what it knew and filled with empty air. As time ticked over and Rei released Koi from her lessons, Koi within seconds was on her feet and out the door. Finally after so many hours her soul could run recklessly and quicker than a flame Koizumi ran out of the house with a book latched in her hands. Only, she left her special book alone beneath her bed in the dark bedroom. Coincidentally Rei decided today she’d clean Koi’s room while she was out, probably chasing birds. Instead of the estate keepers doing it Rei chose the independent route and began to clean her daughter's room.
Books about learning the Jin language Rei found along the floor she placed back on the shelves, candles that sat on the floor near Koi’s bed were shifted back in their small nooks. Rei then turned her focus to Koi’s bed and began to shift around the soft sheets. After completely taking the sheets off her bed Rei discovered the old book. Exactly how Koizumi had received it, the book sat there with its frail frame. Curious Rei opened the book. As she scanned its yellow aged pages her eyes opened to a world of secrets and ancient traditions, relics and small pendants or talismans forged by old traditions and prayers. Born from traditions long ago and written down meticulously in the book told the story of evolution, change and survival. Surprised by what her daughter possessed, Rei took the book and set it aside while she finished cleaning. As she continues to clear out the room Rei kept digging up attempted trails of what the book read. Beyond her dreams Rei never believed her daughter would attempt something that demanded so much spiritually. It wasn't just traditional, it drained people of their energy. Every word and fibre twisted with magic. The ancestors of Karakura were born of magic and lived alongside the kami. Yet millenia later a daughter was born of title. A daughter of Rei who was born into the world where magic and beliefs were beginning to be forgotten. Their remains only lay in books like these that spread far and wide, and sometimes the yokai who breathed their sweet autumn air in October. Rei decided she’d take the book and attempts Koi had done to her room. Rei wanted her daughter to be educated in the past and in magic that once existed but not so early on in her lifetime.
The one to discover:
Koizumi raced home, her shoes hitting the floor in a rhythmic style. They beat to the sound of her heart and she raced up the staircase that hugged the wall as the wind blew through her hair. Racing back up she ran into her house and halted there looking at her mother who stood in the doorway. From where Rei stood she held the book up for her daughter to see, watching closely as panic ran through Koi’s veins. Kois face gave her away and desperately she tried to explain why she had the book. Almost instantly dismissing her daughter's excuses Rei handed the book back to her. She had decided to allow Koi to keep the book and learn from it. However, rules would be put in place to stop her daughter from pushing her limits. Over time, Rei watched Koi’s mind flourish and develop, her interests grew further than the touch of a kami’s magic, and Koi spun her life like a thread, weaving into a strong interconnected web. Takei would see his daughter and understand her love for the world. Like him, she grew up with a passion to see and learn all. He’d watch as she created things born from an era where magic lived and breathed. Takei witnessed the excitement, joy and surprise in everything she tried and everything she learned. In that moment where his daughter showed pure joy he knew deep down, she would take the book which he possessed.
The book was brushed by the ageing of time and blessed by the kami, it told the story of an ancestor which then was handed down over time. One for each generation, one where they wrote their stories… their findings and their feelings. But, because of its age Takei would have to teach his daughter, like his father had taught him how to read ancient Karakurian. A language forgotten by the ones who knew and changed by foreign tongue. He wanted his daughter to continue on his legacy, like his father and the father before his father. The book held secrets and knowledge, stories and tales of a time before time itself. Shaped by the ones who desired change and touched by the kami who wished for peace. This book was like no other. It was born from war and shaped by time, it saw the first clans to the last peoples… but it opened its pages to only some in the Saiky family… the ones who remain true to their roots.
Time moved forward and so did she:
Like every day in Karakura behind the estates walls. Koi continued to follow her routines and listen to her parents. But one day while she was sitting in the gardens and her hands freely weaving a small crown of flowers, a shadow cast over her pages. Looking up across where the shadow had led Koi’s sight landed on a small amphibian. A little brown frog. No smaller than a charm it sat there proudly in the flowers as he stared back at her with soulless eyes. As it stared into her soul she felt an unsettling ease and stood up running away. For whatever reason the soulless eyes of the frog was enough to send shivers down koi’s spine. Once she burst through the doorway exclaiming to Rei of her findings to her shock her own mother dismissed her.
As Koi, like every other child grew older, Rei and Takei allowed her to leave the estate's arms more freely. They both knew their daughter was safe and that if she did not mention her name to others she’d remain safe and protected. One day, bright and sunny, or so it looked to Koi through her window. She was fiddling and fumbling around with her books as she packed up after her study lesson. With the window slid open ever so slightly she heard distantly the ringing of a bell. Curiosity and excitement struck Koizumi and she grabbed her bag and raced down to see the students leave school. For Koi she was 17 years old now and knew about the school in her town. All her life she’d grown up behind the estate and was intrigued to see other students her age. Koi was well aware as well they spoke other languages that she didn't know, and probably took no interest in a teeneger who never had a life outside her home. But, she was determined to see the characters the city was known for. Sitting in the dancing sun rays that showered the city and pressed by the warm summer air, Koi was sitting alone on the railing. It was directly across from the school's back entrance giving her a clear view. It was the small fence that protected the stomping feet that wished to crush the intricate patterns of the sand zen garden outside her estates entrance. For Koizumi it was a prime viewing point, with light shade and a pretty surrounding. She watched silently as young adults of all sizes walked out the back gates. Watching closely in wonder as everyone left in their own way. Some walking like a feather, quiet and skilled others trugging along, having a bad day or normally just sour. Everyone who passed the gates caught her eye. The overwhelming colours and personalities made Koi’s mine ache to be in school like the rest.
A friend of mind and something at heart:
While Koi sat atop the railing watching each of the students, one young male about her age took notice of her across the street. He chose to make his way across the road and towards her. As he got closer she came into view and to his surprise he had never seen her before. For him she was completely different compared to the other students and never had attended or been around any of the classes he partook in. Before he could get any closer Koi had noticed him crossing the street towards her and sat there curiosity flowing within her.With her lack of social skills and her own curiosity and nervousness flooding her mind she didn't speak much to him when he started talking.
Syouki was the first to introduce himself, when he reached the mysterious girl on the railing. Her hair was tied up with a traditional pin threaded through her hair and a long summer kimono flowing around her. For some reason to Syouki, Koizumi was more interesting to him than his classmates. While she spoke little to nothing and seemed to struggle with speaking anything. After a few failed attempts to start a conversation, Syouki turned away, preparing to walk off. Catching him off guard she finally responded to his questions. Frozen in his tracks he turned around to face her. Studying her closely he could tell she had never had come to Karakura High. But something about her voice was interesting. It was quiet and very soft, if he hadn’t been listening he may have missed her voice. But the hint of a heavily unique Japanese accent kept him drawn in. With the little words she spoke, Syouki was lucky to have learned her name quickly. He referred to her as Koi, like everyone else in her family. Asking Koi if they could meet at the zen garden after school everyday, maybe he could become her friend. Joy filled Koi and she nodded vigorously to him telling him she’d be happy to.
Once again the clock would tick over and another day happened again. From the first meeting every day from there on, Syouki and Koizumi would meet outside the zen garden after school. They both had become fond of each other and were close friends. When they had to separate ways Koi would run home and tell her mother about her wonderful time with her friend. Koizumi, like Syouki, had a close link to each other, tied together by something that they both believed and held onto. For every day, weekend or not they would meet at the same time and hang out. They didn't need to leave the zen garden as they had fun telling stories or sharing secrets. It was like the kami themselves had blessed Koi and wished that she knew the outside world instead of the walls she grew up behind.. Or so it was until time ticked over again.
On Koi’s 18th birthday, like every other day, Koizumi raced through the estate. Disturbing the estate cat who purred contentedly on the pavilion, and the small birds who scattered as she flew past them running to the door. Her mind was focused on meeting Syouki at the zen garden like they always agreed on. The air was fuzzy and warm with a sign of good fortune and light, but there was a back hand feeling of suspicion as well. With her delight setting in, Koi threw herself over the fence and sat there waiting for Syouki to show. She’d told him it was her birthday on this exact day and he said he’d celebrate with her by taking her around Karakura. Sitting on the fence Koi kicked snow up with her shoes and pulled her winter kimono tighter around her body. Minute upon minute passed and as they did, they changed to hours and hours never stop flowing.
Koizumi had watched the students leave and as well as the teachers, only she stayed there waiting for Syouki to show. The sun slipped below the mountains and she chose to retreat back into the estate, unaware of the actions caused by darkness beyond its walls. As time passed, Koi would return again and again. Walking to the railing and waiting after school ended, and again and again he never turned up to see her. It had almost been a year and Koi chose to give up. On the same day she swore to herself that never again would she try and befriend people until she was ready. Instead, Koi would stay with her dreams and believe in what she believed until the end of her days.
Bound to the roots of blood:
Koizumi’s disappointment and hurt flushed through her family house like the welcoming of a kami. She rarely left her room and studied all the time. Rei and Takei saw glimpses of the girl they used to know when she managed to achieve something from her book. Rei’s son had not come back and after years of letters and texts she worried. Both Rei and Takei would lose their daughter that was once spiritual, bright and hopeful, a light to their lives. However, only Rei wished to see her son again. But she knew their days were numbered and time would tick over again for them to be nothing more than a memory to their children. One night Takei took his book and walked upstairs to Koi’s room in the attic. He sat down beside his daughter and placed the book on top of the one she was reading. The startled expression on Koi’s face made Takei laugh and she looked up at her father. The book he’d placed on hers was the one he always carried around. The one with a title mysterious to all and a book that had seen the world, decades before she was born. Why would he give her something so dear to him? It was like he knew that in time he would no longer be here to hold the book physically.
Takei spoke, in his years of raising one daughter he wished he had more time. Her smile and mind was something that reminded him of his own and of kami. Koizumi, to him, was elegant in every form. Gliding around the estate and sharing the world with animals and spirits like. She was also the most knowledgeable within her mind compared to those he had met. When he told her his days were numbered and that time would tick over. That he’d be a memory, Koi’s emotions were washed by worry. Worry for her parents. He explained he wanted his daughter to continue on his legacy like his ancestors had before him. As a father he wasn't there for her like he should have been. Most of the time he buried his life in work. Or he would ignore Rei’s requests for help and leave Koi with her. But from every day forward would he be. That would be through the old aged pages of the book he loved and possessed so dearly. Koi looked at him with such worry it broke his heart. He told her that the last thing he wanted to do before he disappeared was to teach Koi the first language spoken in Karakura. This language was something no one knew, no one other than her and the people who possess the book and her ancestors to know and to understand. To speak the language spoken by native tongue, to speak a language aged by time and shaped by those who see and believe… is a gift. A gift of time and a gift of knowledge. One generation to the next only one child could know the language spoken and written in the book. Koi was the next to speak the language.
Washed away by what she heard Koi promised her father she’d be the best student towards him and learn the language she was meant to learn. Koizumi may have been one of two children in the family. But Thao wasn’t as spiritual or believed so deeply in the kami like Koi had. Leaving Rei and Takei destined to hand everything they owned and worked for to their children hoping they’d split it separately. In hopes they believed their daughter would carry on what they wished to see in her. To discover and continue their stories to their family and the world beyond the walls. For days moving forward Koi began her lessons with her father. She learned how to first read the ancient language and understand how to speak it. Hours upon hours she’d sit there with Takei and learn everything she could. Then, after she had learned everything that was set, Koi would take her own old book, the one the old lady had given her and sit with her mother. For a half an hour together they would read upon a talisman, or small amulet, then with care replicate them. Only Koi wrote in Japanese unlike her mother who chose to write in Jin keeping true to her family's name. After the time ticked again, Koi would take what they had made and leave her mother alone. With care she took the small gifts to those who may not be there physically. But they still were embodied in the mind and soul of some they watched. The dead who had passed on long before her.
An adult of time:
Every evening before the sun would set, before time was lost and a new day began. Koizumi would walk to the back of her house. In the young tree that grew there she’d hang a few talismans on its youthful branches. Then kneeling down she’d pray to the small tree. Prayed it would grow strong and live a beautiful life. Returning every morning, she’d remove them. Praying again to it and giving good will and the hope of long everlasting growth to the young tree who chose to grow slowly. Or a wish to her brother who had been away from their family for years. She prayed to her brother that he was safe. Koi hoped the kami would see her hope for the young tree and her brother and protect them both. Soon every day was the repeat and Koi grew closer with her parents, like she had as a child. Only… nothing in life could live on forever, and when the physical form dies the spiritual form must move on with the kami to a new life. She had known it would happen but only three months after Takei had shown her how to weave magic into the words on a page and speak the tongue people forgot long ago. His time passed and his soul moved on. A small amulet was placed in his place, the cursive letters of Takei’s name engraved onto it. Koi grieved her fathers death like her mother did too, but the yokai were out to play. They played a dangerous game, a game that happened to also take her mother. When Koi did take her mother to the doctor to get her checked the doctor refused to do anything. The truth was he couldn't do anything and he told the worried women that her mother would be lost anyway.
Accepting the situation, from the next few weeks Koi tended to Rei and looked after her like she had looked after Koi. Together they made talismans, small offerings and other assortments of small trinkets and herbs to keep them distracted. Koi even tried to reach out to her brother for the first time with her mother. Only to fail to not get through to him. Once again, time then ticked over once more and like Takei, Rei moved on with him. Leaving Koi with only the memories and amulets of both her parents and alone in the small house on the hill.
Family by story, not by blood:
A summer, and winter passed and Koi grew from eighteen to nineteen and then twenty. She read from the books of time and spoke in the language of magic and mystery. Documenting anything she found interesting and praying to her parents and the kami when she could. During her time alone as well she hoped her brother would appear too, only he was never around. Continuously Koi would sit and wait every day outside her house hoping to see him again. Any sign of family would be a warm welcome to Koizumi after the passing of her parents. While she wasn’t alone in the estate her house atop the mountain was rarely passed up and many people turned a blind eye to a daughter of deceased parents. As time being alone set in, Koi decided she’d find a friend or child that could accompany her and give her something to do. But because of her statice and her family's reputation she had to visit the Advisors first. Family members who were trusted by all. Some of them were raised by the flourishing time and others by hand of kind hearted. Each knew of the family's history like she did and held a high and well known reputation and respect amongst the rest of the Saiky’s.
Koizumi sat amongst them all and spoke on her behalf on what she wished. Deep down she knew family by blood was accepted in a lifetime any time. But to have the title of Saiky and not be of pureblood or born in blood was rare. She had grown up as a child of blood and promised by fate that she would be special and live a childhood of safety and title. But the children outside the walls of gold were unknown to her luxuries and unknown to her family name and story. Eventually the Advisors agreed they’d allow her to have a child from another bloodline, and that there would only be one. One that would be worthy of the Saiky name and who embodied the power, elegance and mindset that all of them conveyed. Koi agreed and bowed her head in respect, she was gifted a chance to bring someone who was special into the family. While not born a Saiky they would be raised like one, they would learn the traditions and ways and learn to speak like them while being themself.
For the first time in a few weeks, Koi stepped out of the estate for something other than getting food. She moved at a quiet pace and quickly, after Hirano and her parents were no longer there for her she didn't want to be reminded of the memories. Quickly, like her mother once had, Koi passed through the streets and walkways to a small house. She did not expect much from the parents and did not expect much from the child, only she knew that the boy who was hidden behind the white pristine walls of the house was one of a kind. A boy of a bloodline whipped clear, he was the only one remaining. Koi knew about the Otori family and had heard about them while she was reading through her book. However, only until recently had they been claimed as dead. She knocked on the door looking down at the floor. She’d never met the child or even the caretakers for him. They knew of her but nothing else, all they knew was she was a young woman who was interested in taking the young boy and giving him a safe home.
When the caretaker, assumed to be a motherly figure, opened the door at first she stared at Koi. Remembering her formalities Koi bowed her head to her, in return she allowed her walk in. The house compared to hers was not as pleasing and the halls were dark giving Koi an uneasy feeling. She trailed behind the lady who had let her in before they walked into an open room. Curiosity flooded into Koi when she saw the traditional paintings and photos that framed the walls. However she focused her mind and turned a blind eye to them remaining in the present. The woman spoke to her telling her the young boy had been found in the forest. They had taken him in because he was so young, but knew as time changed they’d need him to find a better parental figure than what they could offer him. The women had hopes for Koi introducing herself as Chiharu and prayed that the young adult would take care of the young boy they had found. She explained that the young boy's name was Kimura Otori and he was 11. Koi nodded along taking notes before she looked at Chiharu again and bowed her head.
After they had discussed what was going on Koi stood up and waited as Chiharu went to fetch the young boy. Like a shadow Koizumi stood there in silence watching the hall Chiharu had disappeared down before she came out with the young boy. Kimura reminded Koizumi of some of her cousins, he was curious and determined, reflecting her own personality sometimes. She spent an hour with the couple and young boy before she looked at Chiharu. Family by blood was important but sometimes there can be family without blood relation. Family bound by emotions and by love. Koi adored the young boy and looked to Chiharu, and she spoke carefully and respectfully saying she’d take the young boy. Kimura was unknown to what was going on, however he learned when his caretakers began packing his things he’d be leaving with Koi. He didn’t know Koi at all. For him she was a stranger who had come in and spoken to him, dressed far too formally to be an average person. But her kind heart and welcoming soul made him feel safe and he was able to talk to her.
Koi waited as Kimura said goodbye to Chiharu after she took care of him for a few months. Then when he was ready she took him with her back to the estate. The large doors to the estate opened at Koi’s touch and she held her hand out to the young boy if he wished for support. From the first foot that brushed the floor his story would begin to shift and change as he was raised by a Saiky to become a Saiky.
For the next years onward Koi spent her time teaching Kimura how to speak Jin like she had and the formalities of the family's title. However, Kimura reflected so much of Koi’s childhood personality. He rebelled against her when she announced they’d be doing some lessons or learning something new. While she was teaching sometimes as well he’d run off saying he needed to go to the bathroom when really… he was just on the run. Kimura wasn't like Koi, which she accepted. But his mind didn’t race like hers spiritually, his raced with the desire for adventure and the desire to be free. One way or another would Koi have to teach him how to be like the family his name now rested under. With a child of the world outside the estates walls. A child with the memories, knowledge and visions of the brutality and beauty of school life and a normal childhood, she saw that he would never listen to her and instead would he continue to try and run.
While Koi was drifting off and her pen scratched the surface of her book did she hear the annoyed grumbles of someone in her family and the complaints of Kimura. Noise was a distraction to her, something there to drown one's mind and take their focus away from what they wish to do. Koi was taught this by her father and as the noise crept into her room did she choose to leave to silence it. To her, noise was a yokai of sorts, chiming in to annoy her from the work she had to do and the story she was bound to write. The story of her life so that when the book she now possessed would be handed down. The next possessor would know the story of Koi, and Takei, and Takei’s father and the father before Takei’s father… Her grandfather, a man of word and of mind she had learned.
Banished from all she knew:
When Koi had some into the clearing did she realise what had happened. Kimura had clearly angered an Advisor and with his power and his heart and mind had the Advisor dragged him up to his mother to speak. With all formalities she knew Koizumi spoke in the tongue of the past and the language painted by the Saiky’s. She asked for forgiveness as to what her son had done, and asked she would train the boy so he would learn correctly the manners of his family for the final time. But denial was all he gave her and the Advisor said one word Koi dreaded to hear. For the consequences of Kimura, he’d be sent to the farms to learn correctly how to be a Saiky and learn of their traditions. Disappointed Koizumi looked at the young boy. She only wished for him to have a home of peace and love, but yet, he rebelled against her wishes and now was doomed to the Handan farms in China.
Leaving her no choice, Koi stepped forward telling the Advisor she’d go with him. While not her son and never would be by blood she wished to over watch him, making sure he learned. She would pack like he did and be sent to the highlands where cranes glided overhead signalling winter and blossoms coated the trees in spring. Reminding the Advisor as the mother of Kimura she’d follow him so he may learn the rights to his wrongs and she may guide him in a path he was yet to learn here. Dismissing her, the Advisor left them to pack. Koi was left to follow her son to the lessons he had to learn from which she could not save him.
A place of comfort and peace:
When they arrived at the Handan farms their extended family ignored Koi’s presence completely and shot straight for Kimura. Koi was a shadow to them and only there to watch over Kimura. Like an unwanted guest, they taught him all he had to know. She’d sit there on the veranda from atop the hill once more and write like she had before. In her dreams she’d seen this place but never thought to see herself sitting there on the farms. Every night Koizumi would sit down waiting for Kimura to return from working out in the fields. Like every other night Koi would greet Kimura and ask him how the day had gone. Sometimes he’d sit down with her and complain about their annoying traditions and other times he’d drop down in his bed and mumble something to her.
While she stayed in the farms Koi spent her time out in the fresh air or out in the local forest studying herbs in the area but also taking in the forests of China. She’d never left her home or the walls of safety. Now, in a completely different country, she glided with light feet across the forest floor. Like she had gone back in time, Koizumi started to connect back with the world she knew. Running through the forests, mimicking the calls of birds and taking interest in any small herbs and plants she knew the names of came back to her. Koizumi never thought she’d take so much interest in the world around her or enjoy her trip to the Handan farms.
Returning home:
The next fifteen years she spent her time at the Handan farms with Kimura. While he worked out in the farm gardening, Koi went back into the forests and touched with the wildlife around her and reconnected with her mind. As always time ticked and the child Koi was reconnecting with left her when she turned to face the reality she had to go back to Karakura. When they landed, Koizumi put her mask back on and walked with Kimura back to the estate. Once a small boy she’d taken in out of nowhere, he towered over her and his frame was strong from farming. He now was 20 while she walked silent steps of her emotions being 35. Only she faintly remembered her time being in his footsteps coming back to her home.
As they entered, the doors opened at her touch once again and a young estate keeper greeted her. While Kimura trailed behind her unaware of the estate like she had remembered it, the young estate keeper led them up the hill and back to their house. Atop the mountain the house sat and alone once again was reunited with its owners. Koi dismissed the young estate keeper telling them she wished to speak to no one of her blood or of her family's name. While their arrival would be known she doubted they’d care for the daughter of Rei and Takei Saiky. Her parents had been known, but she was a shadow compared to their figures. Their footsteps echoed back to them as they walked into their house. It did not have the same old, open, warming, feeling the building used to share.
Instead the house felt like a haunted home, its walls empty and drained of life. The walls echoed their voices and steps and the pressure slowly began to press on Koi. Finally after she’d had enough she dismissed Kimura and went to work slowly fixing what was broken. Like the holes in her outfits she worked slowly organising her books and redoing the once open room of their living and kitchen area. For being away, the house had changed. Additional walls were added and furniture moved around. The most significant change was the huge cave that was carved out with doors to spacious rooms. After hours of being alone and fixing the house Koi gave up trying to repair the tattered and broken memories of her home.
The current time to the story:
Koizumi never liked Karakura, the doors that lead to the home beyond the Saiky walls always concerned her. Crime was known and was spoken in every mind and mouth that lived along Karakura. Only the ones that swore their life to never fall to the dark grasp of Karakura’s dangerous underworld would be ones clean of blood and clean of heart. Koizumi swore to the kami and to her parents she’d never become one of them. They disliked them, despised them for her; they were people lost to corruption and desperate for power but looking in the wrong places. Keeping to herself she walked through the Ochiba forest in silence. The trees held their shape differently, the plant life was dead or dying and for most places she looked. It was rather bare and plain. The wildlife like always in the island was never present, died by time and feared by those who ran the floors of these forests. They never show their faces unless they know you.
She wandered the forest quietly. Like every other day her book was tucked under her arm, her mind wandered to the places she had been and the places she wished to be. But her mind focused on returning back to the Shinsei Seinaru Monastery. A place that held her family name for longer than time itself and the people who walked the grounds. When she came up the stairs to the monastery’s entrance and paid her respects to the kami she found no surprise that she stood alone in the grounds. Many people never came around to the Monastery, its time had aged too slowly with modern time and therefore was washed away in the past of stories and of memories. Her patience grew and slowly she wandered the monastery once again.
