Chapter Text
It was said that deep inside the Forest of Hanasaki lies an old house. An old house shrouded with mystery and horror stories. Despite the rumors, no one was brave enough to check if the stories were true let alone even to set foot inside the mysterious forest.
The Forest of Hanasaki by its name is owned by the Hanasaki Family. A large clan that was believed to have a long history in this country. It was said that the clan would serve Gods during the time when Gods still come down and walk among mortals. And because of their loyalty and hard work, the Gods were pleased and blessed the clan with strong spiritual abilities to continue their services. The Ability was proof that amongst all mortals the Gods favored the Hanasaki Clan and in return for the service, the Gods promised to continuously protect and bless the family, as long as there is at least one ability user in the family.
The family earnestly tried to produce ability users. These children would undergo special education and training for them to be able to master their abilities. But as time went on they noticed that the ability users gradually decreased. This alerted the whole family, thus they created a ceremony wherein the remaining ability users would call upon the gods to know what the family had done wrong. But to their dismay, none of the Gods they had served answered their calls. They tried for 40 days and nights but no one granted them an audience. One by one the ability users in the family passed out in exhaustion, where some didn’t make it alive due to old age. Finally, on the 40th day, a god answered their call.
The god Identified himself as Aragami Oga the god of Harvest and Fertility. He told the clan that the gods were displeased with the clan. The family treated the ability as some sort of business by using the ability to make money out of people. The greed of the family was seething through the pureness of the heart and was tainted thus the ability can no longer manifest, that’s why the ability disappears.
With the knowledge, they have acquired the head of the family decided to build a small house in the middle of the forest. This house will become the house of the ability user. They decided to build this house in the middle of the forest in fear that if the child will become close to normal humans the worldly desires of humans might affect the purity of the child. Thus the family monitored closely all pregnancies of wives in the family but to their dismay, none of the children born were gifted.
Months turned to years, the family wasn’t able to produce a single ability user.
Until today, on the 3rd of March. A healthy baby boy was born.
The cherry blossom tree in the family’s backyard that never flowered was in full bloom during the birth of that baby boy. It was a sign that this child no doubt inherited the ability that had forsaken the family throughout the generations. Thus naming that child Miyabi which means refinement; to remove all the impurities of the family is what this child ought to do in the future.
As Miyabi grew up his abilities grew as well. He was able to see and converse with sprites and even the guardian Sprite Kyoumu Suzume, who was believed to be a difficult sprite to encounter was able to become close to Miyabi. There is no doubt that his ability was strong. And this made the elders more reluctant. True, there were some who were happy that the young master was born with the ability. But there will always be some who won't like it and they were afraid that these kinds of people will have a negative effect on Miyabi, so they decided to take Miyabi away from the main house and into the house in the middle of the forest.
News about Miyabi spread across the whole mansion. While some were worried that a young child of only six years old was to be left alone in a secluded area there were still some people who would spread malicious gossip from all over the place.
"Have you heard? The young master will be banished from the main mansion." A servant whispered to another while cleaning. "It is to be expected! He is a Monster after all!" Another interjected.
Not only do the servants gossip about Miyabi this way, even in the inner courtyard more malicious comments can be heard amongst the ladies.
"Talking to air is just downright creepy!" One of the ladies chatted while enjoying a cup of tea in the garden.
"Ability?! More like a curse!" Another lady added.
"No wonder, that woman doesn't even go out of her room nowadays" another commented.
"Hah! If I was the mother, I would really kill myself for producing such an offspring." Another lady exclaimed.
Day by day, the severity of the gossip that shrouded the whole compound worsened. And no matter how big the Hanasaki estate was, gossip will tend to reach its topic soon.
"Y-young master, please pay no attention to those gossips." Yui smiled at Miyabi apologetically. Miyabi just looked at her and smiled back.
Yui was a servant in the Hanasaki Household that was appointed to Miyabi upon his birth. The elders put her in rearing the young Miyabi despite her young age of fourteen back then. It was said that since she was a child herself she wouldn’t be able to corrupt the young master’s innocence. But being a servant she wasn’t exempted from the harshness of the other servants and people inside the estate. She would be a target of mockery and bullying due to the fact that she was the personal maid of the young master. But nonetheless, she was determined to serve her master wholeheartedly.
“Young master, I have brought you some tea and snacks. You should rest up a bit before continuing with your studies.” Yui smiled as she placed the hot tea and a plate of castella cake beside Miyabi. “I snuck outside a bit to buy this castella cake since I thought the young master would like to taste something different for today’s afternoon tea.” She explained.
“Yui nee-san…” Miyabi began.
“Young master, I told you not to address me as such... I am just a servant.” Yui sighs. “If people were to hear that you’re addressing me as sister, they might think that I am not minding my master’s position,” she added.
“But we are the only ones in this room, and there is no one who would like to visit this place anyways... They all thought that if they set foot in this place they would get cursed. Plus, you are like an older sister to me. You took care of me when mom was not able to. In this estate, you’re the only one I could consider as family. So let me call you sister at least when we’re alone.” Miyabi defended as he took her servant’s hands into his.
Yui sighs in defeat. How can she be able to win against such an adorable child?
“Only if we’re alone.” she pointed.
“Thank you, Yui nee-san.” Miyabi nodded and smiled.
He then dragged Yui to sit beside him as he enjoyed the tea and cake.
They spent their days like this peacefully. Like what Miyabi had said it was true that no one wanted to step inside Miyabi's place due to the rumored curse.
But that wasn’t always the case when suddenly the head of the knights appeared. Yui suddenly stood up and bowed towards their unexpected visitor.
Yui knew who the guest was, but she still trembled slightly as she asked what their purpose was, suddenly barging in without prior announcement.
“It is quite rude to the young master, suddenly barging into his quarters without prior announcement let alone without even knocking and introducing himself,” Yui stated as she looked towards their visitors.
“We don’t have the time for pleasantries, let alone speaking with that tone towards the swordmaster of the Hanasaki Clan, how bold of you. But if I must introduce myself. I am Shien Kageyama and I am here to escort the young master Miyabi Hanasaki to his new residence.” Shien announced.
Yui was shocked by the news, she didn’t know that those rumors that his master was going to be sent away were true after all.
“Will she also come with me?” Miyabi spoke softly, placing his amber-colored eyes on Shien.
“I was only instructed to escort you alone,” Shien answered swiftly.
“I see.” Miyabi nodded. “Then, will it be alright for me to tell her my goodbye before we go?” he asked.
Shien nodded. “Make it fast,” he added as he left the room.
As soon as Shien left the room Yui faced her master. "Young Master…"
“I will be alright,” Miyabi said as he comforted his servant.
“It is not alright, young master… they will be putting you in a more secluded place. It's no different from imprisoning you. You didn’t do anything wrong… why are they treating you like this?” Yui sobbed.
She looked at Miyabi, he is no more than a small child with a frail body. She also knew that there will come a time that she'll be apart from her master but she didn’t know that the time had come for that. It was too fast to take everything in. She breathed in and out to calm her nerves and wiped her own tears and began. “Since we won’t be together, you must remember the things that I will tell you, okay?” Miyabi nodded and looked up to her.
Yui then went around the room to gather Miyabi’s things as she instructed her master how to survive on his own. “I don’t know what kind of place they will be bringing you, but just to make sure I have packed a thick blanket just in case the climate there would be cold. Remember not to get sick or catch a cold, okay? I also packed some thin clothes and thick ones as well just to be sure.” Yui instructed.
She then placed the luggage in front of his master. “Lastly, here.” Yui brought out a small pouch from her pocket and placed it into Miyabi’s small hands. “I want Miyabi to have this. Inside there is a small knife. It was my mother’s but now I am giving it to you, treat it as some kind of lucky charm if you may... if it’s with you I will be at peace.”
As soon as Miyabi hid the small pouch in his pocket Shien came in to tell them that it was time for them to leave. Miyabi nodded and hugged Yui for the last time. “Be healthy and be well onee-san,” Miyabi said as he broke from the hug and went to Shien’s side. Shien nodded to Yui and took her master’s luggage and went off. Yui stared at their figures as they slowly disappeared from her sight.
The distance of the small house from the main residence was quite a distance. The directions were tricky and one can easily get lost. That's why no one will dare go inside this part of the forest without purpose. That’s why the elders specifically ordered Shien Kageyama for this mission. If it is Shien Kageyama he won’t get lost inside the forest of Hanasaki since Shien knows the forest just like his own backyard.
After a long while, they have finally reached their destination. It was a strenuous journey for a grown-up let alone a child but Miyabi didn’t voice out a single complaint.
“We’re finally here,” Shien announced as he guided the young child inside the small house.
Miyabi looked at his new place. It wasn’t as bad as the rumors had said. True, it was small and kinda old but the house looks sturdy.
Shien opened the front door and ushered Miyabi in. “As you can see, the place is not that bad as it looks. I have cleaned and prepared this place for your occupancy. It might be small but it is warm inside and even if the location is in the middle of this forest I assure you that this place is safe.” Shien briefed.
Miyabi looked around the place. The house was fully furnished, it wasn’t grand but it wasn’t shabby either. He slid the door to his new bedroom, the tatami mats smelled fresh, and he walked towards the window and slid them open. The view was breathtakingly amazing. The garden that can be viewed on his window was filled with wildflowers, their fragrance coming inside the room.
“I hope it is to your liking…” Shien spoke as he went inside the room bringing Miyabi’s luggage.
“If you need anything let me know, I would personally deliver them to you on my next visit. Food is stored in the kitchen also, once I leave make sure to lock the door. With that, I have to excuse myself.” Shien bowed and escorted himself out of the house.
Miyabi stared at the front door for a bit, finally gaining composure. He turned around and walked some more around the house, familiarizing each nook and cranny.
That night, as Miyabi was lying down on his soft futon, tears suddenly blurred his vision. Soft sobs formed as he cried silently.
“Loneliness is really scary nee-san…” Miyabi thought.
It was the first time Miyabi cried.
He cried till he got tired and fell asleep.
In his dream, Miyabi was sitting alone when suddenly a man appeared beside him.
“Child, why are you sad?” The mysterious man asked.
Miyabi looked at the man. He was tall and had tanned skin, his hair was as black as the night and his eyes sparkled like peridots. He then opened his mouth and answered. “Because I am alone… I don’t know what my parents look like, they left me and never once visited my room. My one and only companion who I looked up to and treated as a sibling was taken away from me… Mister, I wonder what good it can bring in having this kind of ability? If I will be left behind by people?”
The mysterious man then patted Miyabi.
“You have been through a lot.” the man consoled as he patted Miyabi’s head.
“Don’t worry, you won’t be alone anymore okay? I’ll be with you from now on.”
The man then extended his hand towards Miyabi. “You can call me Oga, I’ll be with you from now on so that you will no longer feel lonely. Until the time comes I’ll be by your side.” Oga promised to Miyabi. “So stop crying now, okay?” he added.
Miyabi nodded with a sniff and introduced himself. “I’m Miyabi, a child from the Hanasaki family.” Oga nodded in acknowledgment. “Now, now you should rest some more. Let’s talk tomorrow once you have woken up.”
Oga carried Miyabi and put his head on his shoulders as he lulled him to sleep once more, Miyabi’s sight grew blurry and soon he sunk into a dreamless sleep.
Six years had passed since Miyabi was brought to that place. Miyabi, now twelve years of age, had grown accustomed to taking care of himself. Shien drops by to deliver goods like wood, food, new clothing, and sometimes letters from his former servant Yui who now owns a cafe after being relieved from her services as a maid in the main house.
Miyabi grew with the help of Oga and the sprites who guarded the forests. Kyoumu Suzume who once guarded the mansion also left the mansion to live with Miyabi. Oga believed that Suzume and Miyabi’s affinity is really high, that's why Suzume feels at ease around him. Miyabi doesn’t mind but rather he welcomes the thought that with Suzume and Oga with him and the rest of the residents of the forest he will no longer be lonely.
One afternoon, after Miyabi cleaned the house, he decided to relax and have tea on the veranda. He prepared some tea and the Dango that Shien brought for him a while ago. “Everyone will be pleased to see these Dangos later.” Miyabi thought to himself as he placed the Dangos on a plate and made his way to the veranda.
As he sat down to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the garden, the residents appeared one after another.
“Hello, everyone. Today I have Dango that Mr. Shien brought for me.” Miyabi greeted. First to appear were the Suzume siblings who perched on his head and shoulders.
“How was your sleep?” Miyabi asked the Suzume siblings.
“I see, I am glad that you got plenty of rest,” Miyabi replied as Kyoumu Suzume who was sitting on his head tucked making himself comfortable.
While Miyabi was engaging with the siblings another came in walking towards Miyabi.
“Oh! Dolphin Itou, I am glad you didn’t lose your way this time.” Miyabi smiled warmly.
The Guardian held its head like it was shy. Whilst another guardian was snickering from behind.
“Mimimimi, please don’t laugh at Dolphin Itou like that.” Miyabi scolded lightly. He then picked one stick of Dango and handed it out to the blue guardian. “Here, Dolphin Itou, it’s delicious.”
Dolphin Itou took it shyly and sat beside Miyabi as he nibbled the sweet snack.
Soon, the Guardians who guard the forest all came to Miyabi to enjoy the snack and time with Miyabi.
While they were chatting an unannounced visitor suddenly appeared from the bushes. Everyone looked at that side when a young child with light blond hair glistened under the sunlight. The child looked around then suddenly placed his eyes on Miyabi, his eyes sparkled like sapphires as relief and pure wonder enveloped him.
“Yosei san…” the blonde child called Miyabi.
"Yosei?" Miyabi thought.
"Yosei san, I apologize for entering without permission but please help me. I am Kishido Temma and I was being chased by bad people. I somehow managed to lose them but now I don’t know how to go back. Do you know the way out of this forest?” Temma confessed.
Miyabi was surprised by the sudden flow of events. He stroked Kyoumu Suzume’s feathers to calm the sparrow down since he felt that their visitor didn't intend to harm them in any way. He then cleared his throat and spoke. “I’m afraid I haven’t left this place either. I am sorry I am unable to help you.”
Temma came a bit closer to Miyabi, still reluctant to actually come closer due to the sprites that surrounded the red-haired child. Temma can see the sprites due to the sprites having more power inside the forest and he knew that those sprites he is seeing right now are those a normal human should be careful not to anger.
The sparrow with void eyes suddenly hooted like it was calling Miyabi’s attention. Miyabi’s face lightens up at Kyoumu Suzume’s suggestion and places his amber eyes on Temma.
“Kyoumu Suzume has an idea. We can have the guardians escort you until you reach the entrance of the forest.” Miyabi relayed Suzume’s suggestion to Temma.
Reluctant, Temma accepts the suggestion. “Yosei san, thank you for helping me. I will repay your kindness someday, so if it’s alright, can I come again?” Temma asked.
Temma’s words made Miyabi happy. It was the first time after twelve years of living that a person aside from Yui and Shien would treat him without any hidden intentions. Temma was not scheming nor afraid of him. It made him really elated.
Miyabi nodded to Temma’s question and spoke shyly. “A-actually, my name is Miyabi. I am not a fairy, sorry.”
“Miyabi…”Temma spoke Miyabi’s name with care and nodded to himself. “It suits you. Your name... it means elegance and beloved.” Temma commented on Miyabi’s name innocently.
“Then, if I will be calling you Miyabi, you can call me Temma,” he added, to which Miyabi nodded. “Well then, I better head home, my teacher will get worried if I get home late. Thank you for your help again, Miyabi.” Temma bid farewell.
“Take care on your way home,” Miyabi said as he waved Temma goodbye.
Miyabi watched Temma as he was escorted by Mee-chan. Soon their figures were no longer visible. Miyabi looked up into the sky.
“Today is really a good day,” Miyabi mumbled and nodded in agreement to himself.
It was said that deep inside the Forest of Hanasaki lies an old house. An old house shrouded with mystery and horror stories. Despite the rumors, no one was brave enough to check if the stories were true let alone even to set foot inside the mysterious forest. It was the rumors back then, but now it was said that deep inside the Forest of Hanasaki lies an old house. An old house that is enveloped with a sweet fragrant smell of plum blossoms. It was said that in that house resides a fairy with eyes as beautiful as polished ambers, skin as fair as snow, and hair as red as red Camellias. But no one can easily spot the fairy as it was guarded by the residents of the forest.