Onmyou 3: Sage and Memories

“Ugh… where am I?”

I slowly opened my eyes, and all I saw was nothing, just a blank white space.

The last thing I remember was that I was strangled to death…

“Ah, what about Hyoka!? Wait, that means I’m dead?”

“...” Suddenly, an old man wearing a black cloak appeared in front of me, staring at me with his sharp gaze.

“Hi, where am I?”

Without saying a single word, the old man slap me in he face

‘SLAP’

“What the heck was that for!?”

“It’s been 16 years, and you only barely remember things.”

“Huh!? Wait… you look familiar… You’re the sage in my dream!”

“Took yer long enough. Can’t believe I reincarnated into such a shabby-looking kid.”

“Shabby? No… reincarnated?”

“Those dreams, how does it feel to you?”

“...It felt real, as if I was there. Experiencing every single event like it’s a part of my life, every emotion moved my heart, any pain and injuries hurt my body and soul.”

“And the latest dream?”

“...you defeated a dragon, then headed back to the mansion and used the newly created spell.”

“That’s right. I think you should know the answer now.”

Those dreams, those voices, and what the sage just said to me just now… it was quite obvious, wasn’t it?

“I’m your reincarnation.”

“That’s right. You’re supposed to have my memories, making me, you. But seems like the spell wasn’t 100% perfect. Plus, I’ve reincarnated into another world.”

“Then the voices in my head, and the enemy detection spell.”

“Was my warning to you.”

“I see. Thanks.”

“I’m just helping myself, and look at you, know, barely alive.”

“Eh? I’m still alive?”

“You just fainted, but you’re barely breathing.”

“I see.”

“But you’re gonna become that snake’s food soon. So, are your friends.”

“...We’re the same person, right?”

“Well, yes, but no.”

“I’m able to use magic as strong as yours, right?”

“For now, no. But in the future, you might get even stronger than I am in my prime.

“Then, is there a way to return all of your memories into me?”

“That’s what I want to hear.” The sage smiled brightly; however, a few seconds later, his smile turned into a frown.

“But, you have to promise me one thing.”

“What is it?”

“Never use magic.”

“Why?”

“What we want isn’t to get stronger.”

“...right. We were tired of fighting, and lived a quiet life…”

“Yup. Promise me that you won’t use magic unless in a dangerous situation ,like where you or your loved one is in danger. Of course, don’t stand out as well.”

“I promise.”

“Good.” The old man put his hand out, and I responded by shaking his hand.

The sage’s body slowly dispersed into small particles and flow into my head.

“With this, the reincarnation will be completed. I’m merging my spirit, containing with all our spells and memories into your soul.”

“Won’t that mean you’ll disappear?”

“Disappear? You really are stupid. We are both the same person! We may have different personalities and all, but our souls are the very same.”

“Got it.”

“You better keep your promise. Live a life only for yourself. Find a girl you like, get married, have a child, and live happily. Ignore all those onmy or whatever business.”

“Yeah yeah old man.”

“Apart from that, remember one more thing.”

“What is it?”

“You and I may be the same person, but we’re still different people. Even if you remember everything, you don’t have to become me. Become your own person.”

“Got it….Great Sage, Blaise.”

“Haha!!” The sage’s body disappeared fully, and a rush of many different scenes started to play in my head all at once.

“GAH!” It hurts… my brain… is overloading with memories… but, apart from some, it’s all memories I’ve seen before…

Those memories I’ve now seen before are all about magic. Basic magic, advanced magic, magic elements, etc…

With these memories… I’ll protect them.

“Don’t worry, Akaki, Kaki… Hyoka. I’ll be right there to save you guys.”

Once again, my consciousness started to fade away, and the pure white space became black.