Chapter 3

When I came to, I was in a bedroom. I had no idea where I was. Thoughts began to flood.

“What am I doing here? Where am I? Where is everybody?”

My body felt light, like floating through clouds. I inspected my body, and I had no signs of wounds, Was it all a dream? A hallucination? No, I was sure of what I had gone through. I felt slightly uneasy. Before I could finish my next thought, someone was coming inside the room.

“You’re finally awake Hayato! You idiot, sleeping for so long!” Akari said, with a tearful but scolding tone.

She ran towards me and hugged me. I didn’t know where I was, but we were together and we were okay, that’s all I needed. I hugged her with all I had, tearful but grateful she was okay.

After a moment the man that saved us back in the village came into the room. He had a slight grin on his face, almost as if the sight of me reuniting with Akari made him happy.

“Seems like you’re recovering just fine.”

Even though I was grateful, I couldn’t let things slide that easily

“What was that for! Why did you knock us out!? Where the heck are we?”

The man chuckled and responded.

“Sorry about that kid, it’s protocol. The place where we are now is a well-guarded secret from the world, so we needed to take some safety measures just in case. Now let me introduce myself properly. My name is Ryouma Hoshigawa, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

As he bowed before me, I felt embarrassed that a person of such caliber showed respect for someone who he barely even knew. I quickly got up, to bow back in respect.

“Excuse me Mr. Hoshigawa, but where exactly are we?”

“Well Hayato, I brought you and that other kid here to treat Akari?”

“Yes! How is Akari doing? Should she even be standing? Where’s the other kid?”

“Akari’s just fine. She was up the next day. She’s a strong girl.”

“The next day? How long was I out?”

“Five days and eighteen hours. Quite a nap if I do say so myself. The other kid got up in just two days. He’s currently out in the garden. He seems to like flowers a lot. He spends a lot of time there, quietly watching them.”

I was glad everyone was okay. It really made me feel a little bit better. But... there was still something I needed to attend to.

“Mr. Ryouma? I need to know what happened in the village, what that thing was.” Tears began to fill my eyes and Akari grabbed my hand to support me. “Whatever that thing was, I ask for your help to kill it...”

Ryouma came and stood by our side. He exhaled and said.

“Well, that’s an interesting request, Hayato. But I fear I have no authority over that decision. I think I’ve told you as much as I can for now. But we’re doing as much as we can to help. Now, it seems we’re running kind of late to an important meeting. Shall we?”

With a sharp snap of Ryouma’s fingers, the world around us rippled.

Puddles started to form beneath us and the world around us distorted like images inside water. Before we knew it, we were no longer in the room. All of us, including the other boy, stood in the heart of a vast sanctum. Its wall stretched, lined with three towering pillars, each one carved with their own symbol that seemed to shift if you stared too long.

At the far end, sat a man unlike any I had ever seen. His presence weighed on the room itself, though giving me a feeling of safety at the same time. On his left and right sat two hound-like dogs. One with black fur and the other with blonde fur. They didn’t move, almost as if they were statues. Both had different sets of eyes. One crimson, the other cobalt, as their expressionless eyes fixed on us. The silence pressed in. I gulped, realizing this was no ordinary meeting.

“You’re now in the presence of Master Mizuhara, the Tenshin. Please show some respect in his presence.”

As soon as Ryouma said that, he kneeled before him. Head down, showing nothing more than courtesy. We all did the same.

“Ah. I see you’ve all recovered well, Akari, Kenji, Hayato. Please, stand up and relax, all of you. Also, I see that our robes fit you very well, splendid!” He said, giving off such a welcoming, warm smile.

I didn’t even notice the three of us had changed clothing. All of it was happening so fast. But I didn’t hesitate. I knew whoever this person was, he could help with my dilemma, so I stepped forward, bowed and spoke.

“It’s an honor, Master Mizuhara. I thank you for your hospitality and for helping all of us, but if it’s not too much to ask, I would like answers to some questions I have.”

The two dogs growled in response to my sudden movements. I stumbled back nervously to not provoke them even more.

“Now, now. Noa, Tetsu, that’s alright. I’m sure you’re confused as to why all of you are here, so let me try to explain it to you. First things first, we are currently in the Mizuhane Temple. This temple has been one of three temples which all act as central pillars of all earth protectors and balance keepers since the beginning of time; we are the Kojin.”

“Kojin? Since the beginning of time? How could a secret society keeping balance in the world stay secret for so long?”

“The world is bigger than you think Hayato. But you don’t have to worry. I will take the time to answer as many questions as I possibly can. So please, ask away!”

I was too stunned to speak, but not Kenji. He opened his mouth and asked.

“What do you mean by Kojin? What is this place?”

“The Kojin Order is a secret hidden from the world since its founding generations ago. As I said, the Kojin work as balance keepers, silent guardians fighting the battles no one else can. The Kojin work by harnessing Seishin; the essence of our spirit. Every living being in this world has Seishin. Kojin have the ability to project and shape Seishin into offensive, defensive and support abilities we call ‘Arts’, which in hand give us the ability to control our elemental affinity.”

Akari, Kenji and I were all flustered. So many words were thrown at us. We were barely capable of keeping up with such complicated concepts.

“I think I might have gone too technical with my explanation, sorry about that! I get this might be a bit much to take in, but to put it simply, we Kojin do whatever is in our power protect the ones who need it. I think you can understand that, right? Tell me, Hayato. Do you think what happened in Amahara village feel natural to you?”

Even though it was hard to believe, he was right. There was nothing natural about what happened that night. Akari then stepped forward and asked.

“Excuse me Master Mizuhara, but why keep yourselves hidden from the world? Why not act in the name of justice like the police? Or maybe create an alliance?”

A sad face struck Master Mizuhara, as if the question had reopened old wounds. Akari noticed this. Even though she had nothing but good intentions with her words, she couldn’t help but wonder what was going through Master Mizuhara’s mind.

“I get your feelings young one...but you see, the world isn’t as welcoming as we think it is. After experiencing such events, people became scarred by the memories of said events.

Death, loss, nightmares disrupting sleep, scars reopening caused by post-traumatic stress. The world shut us out. Even though we only tried to help and save lives, we were called heretics, hell-bringers, devils. We tried as much as we could, but it was no use. Some even told us that they preferred to die than to keep such horrid memories.”

Akari was shocked at Master Mizuhara’s response as a pensive sadness struck her face. She was nothing but grateful to master Ryouma and the Kojin for taking such good care of her. The thought of brushing them off as anything but saviors was insane. Master Mizuhara then resumed his explanation.

“The Kojin couldn’t live that way, knowing that we had the means to help and carry on the wills of our forefathers by keeping balance in the world.”

I nervously raised my hand. Though I was more curious than confused, I didn’t hesitate to ask.

“But Master Mizuhara? How exactly do you help without causing a commotion?”

Master Mizuhara lifted his sights towards us. We knew that whatever he was about to say at that moment, it would reshape our knowledge of the world.

“The Kojin developed techniques to soothe the minds of witnesses. During the aftermath, we intervene. Though we can treat the mind and dull its edges, grief for what was lost cannot be removed. Removing said grief may sound merciful, but its human nature to experience it and grow.

Through grief, their minds reshape the truth into something survivable. A raging beast becomes a storm, fire monsters become nothing more than wildfire. No monsters, no arts, no Kojin. It is a cruel kindness, but without it, the world would not endure.”

I was astounded by his words. To many others all of it would seem insane, and at first, I admit I kind of felt the same.

But through it all, I found a way to protect the ones I cared about. A path to redeeming myself from what happened in the village.

“Master Mizuhara. I believe that you’ll do what’s right and we wish you and the Kojin the best of luck.”

Akari and Kenji followed in my actions and did the same. But what they didn’t expect, was for me to get up and make a request.

“Master...I humbly ask to be trained in the ways of the Kojin.”

Akari and Kenji gasped in shock. I stood firm, waiting for a response.

“Now this is rather interesting don’t you think, Ryouma?”

Akari, Kenji and I stood there looking at him, confused as to what he meant.

“Normally, those who see too much of our world are given peace through forgetfulness, but you three are different. Ryouma reported on the details of the Amahara village incident and the Enkijin attack. I’m happy to say I was very surprised. Fearless, selfless, all of you. Ryouma saw qualities in you three like no other and I thank him deeply for it.”

“Enkijin?” I asked confusedly

“Yes. We call monsters such as the one Ryouma and you found in Amahara village as Enkijin; A twisted monster born of hate and malice. Also known as a Wraithborn.” Said Master Mizuhara.

“But that’s not important right now. What’s important is this: From the moment you were brought into these grounds, we felt how Seishin clung to you as if it had been waiting. Even now, it stirs in your bodies, shaping your nature.”

He paused for a moment to study our reactions. He looked happy, almost ecstatic.

“That’s why, if you are willing, we would like you to stay here, the three of you, to learn the ways of the Kojin. It seems you beat us to the question Hayato!”

I was pleasantly surprised. Knowing that the world wasn’t what we thought it was, it meant I could protect the ones I cared about, and those who needed it. Akari then asked.

“And if we refuse? What would happen to us?”

Master Mizuhara responded.

“If you believe that this life isn’t for you, we will escort you back to your village, memories untouched. And if you need time to think about it, we can gladly wait a few days to decide.”

We bowed in unison, showing how grateful we were.

“Thank you, Master Mizuhara. We will give it some thought.”

Master Mizuhara snapped his fingers, transporting the three of us back to the room where Akari and I were earlier. The three of us looked at each other, blank expressions waiting for someone to open their mouth, until Kenji did.

“Phew... That was quite a story. Honestly, those two dogs by the master's side were way scarier than the story itself!”

Akari and I laughed at his comment. Then I turned to him.

“Hey, I want to thank you for what you did back in the village. It takes gut and one heck of an arm to do what you did. I’m Hayato Takagi, nice to meet you.”

Kenji’s eyes lit up. He smiled back and responded.

“Don’t you worry about it. It all worked out in the end. My name is Kenji Shibata. Nice to meet you as well!”

I then looked at Akari. I expected to have a discussion with her at that moment.

“Look Akari. I know this might sound crazy, but... I get the feeling that it’s destiny that we are here. I get how dangerous it may seem, but if I have the chance to help even one person through this, I will. Gramps’ last moments haunt me. I don’t want to ever feel helpless and incompetent again. Especially with that monster roaming around, I can’t just sit by, and I hope you understand.”

Akari looked at me, smiled, and hit me on the head.

“You are crazy if you think I’m just going to leave you out there unsupervised. I’m also joining. I know you feel guilty but so do I. At least you had the courage to face that monster thing. Gramps had to protect me while I did nothing. I don’t want to be a burden; I will do my best to be helpful so that nothing like that happens ever again.”

I smiled in relief. I knew that we’d be stronger together. Neither her nor I would be able to concentrate being apart, especially if one of us is out there risking their life. We then turned to Kenji.

“So, what do you think of all this Kenji? It sure is an interesting proposition, isn’t it?” Akari asked.

“Yeah, it sure is. All of this happened so fast. But I guess I’ll stay. Got nothing better to do back in the village and you guys are my only friends so, why not!”

I laughed at what he had said. He seemed so unbothered by anything.

“Hahahaha, really? That’s it? No deeper meaning?”

“Well yeah, also the food here’s really good. Can’t wait for dinner tonight!” Kenji responded.

The three of us had made up our minds. We knew that from this point on, our lives were going to change. Everything that we knew of the world would be flipped on its head.

“I’ll go look for someone to tell Master Mizuhara of our decision.”

As soon as I stepped out of the room, I got transported back into the hall where Master Mizuhara was.

“Well young Takagi, it seems you’ve made up your mind, haven’t you?”

“Geez this guy is a hell of a lot scarier than he may seem.”

“Master Mizuhara with all due respect, you give me the creeps.”

“Ho-ho! It’s not the first or the last time I’ll hear that I’m afraid. So, would you mind telling me what you decided?”

“Yes! On behalf of Kenji Shibata, Akari Takagi and myself, Hayato Takagi, we accept your offer to join the Kojin Order. We hope to help with as much as we can, and we will give it our all!”

“That’s splendid Hayato. But I do need to warn you about something. The world is a dangerous place. Everything you thought you knew about the world? Throw it away. Keep your loved ones close, they will be of great use to you.”

“Yes sir, I understand.”

“Great. Now please rest up. You have officially joined the Kojin Order. All of you have been placed in the Shoden rank; the lowest of all. I congratulate you and pray for your success. I will have an instructor pick you up in three days and begin training the three of you. There is only a handful of students in the Mizuhane temple currently, so please take some time to get to know them better later.”

I thanked him and left. Once again, I was instantly transported back into my room.

That transportation technique always gave me chills, but I had to get used to it. The next three days went by flying. Even though Kojin training wouldn’t start for a few days, we took advantage of the spare time we had at hand. For starters, we got a tour of the temple grounds, and it was awesome.

It was huge, it felt like there had no end to it. The temple was hidden in a huge maze-like forest, so anyone could lose their way easily if not familiar with it, so it was a priority for us.

We got to see a lot of areas including the kitchen, medical wing, warehouse and training grounds. There weren’t a lot of students besides us, but I knew that no matter how many we were, everyone fought for the same thing.

The night before our first day, Kenji, Akari and I hung out in my room. Every Kojin gets their own room, but we stayed in mine getting to know ourselves as a group a little more.

Every night a maid distributed the meals to everyone in the temple, so we decided to eat together. That night we ate a bowl of rice, miso soup and a few simmered vegetables.

“How’re you feeling Kenji?” asked Akari.

“I don’t know honestly. I’ve never had a purpose to my actions up until now. I’ve always gone with my gut, but my gut isn’t telling me anything right now. But I guess it won’t me long before we find out.” Said Kenji while lying down.

Akari laid in my lap and fell asleep as well. In that moment I thought back to the days when we were younger. Looking at her, all grown up motivated me even more to give it my all, for her.

“I just hope that you’ll be there always, as I will be for you.”