"Kotonoha... Kotonoha!" A woman who looked to be in her early forties dressed in a blue deel dress yelled out as she walked around her Yurt."Sorry about that Mom! Hehe I was just visiting Makoto." A young woman with chest long black hair, black eyes, and a Lilac colored Deel Dress said, coming to her mother."Makoto again? Sweetheart I do not want you messing with that boy." Kotonoha's mother said crossing her arms."I know mom~ but he's not all that bad ok?" Kotonoha said with a blush and small smile as she twirled part of her hair."Young lady I do not want you to mess with that boy. Do you understand?""Mom I'm eighteen years old I'm practically an adult now. I'll be fine." Kotonoha said as her mother frowned and then clocked Kotonoha over the head."Would an Adult still get smacked over the head?" Her Mother retorted her right hand in a fist."OWIEEE... Ok I get it... Sorry." Kotonoha said puffing her cheeks and holding her head."Good. I'm heading to the garden with some of the older women to gather. The younger women including you are doing laundry at the river today... Since the winter is coming we'll be out later than usual. Can you start dinner tonight?" Her mother asked while crossing her arms."Yes ma'am. I'll make sure all the clothes are clean today!" Kotonoha smiled."Good... And stay away from Makoto.""Okay Mom~" Kotonoha says as she entered the Yurt.Kotonoha was an ordinary village girl just like the rest of everyone. She did her task and chores throughout the village. To the Village she was a classic Beauty. Sweet and kind she was. Much like every girl she would fall in love with a boy young and handsome. However the problem was that the boy she fell in love with had also captured another woman's eyes.And that woman's name is Sekai... The village chief daughter. She is a beautiful young woman with cheek long brown hair worn in a bun, light brown eyes, and she wore a beautiful pale yellow deel dress. Being the Chief's daughter came with many ups and downs, however Sekai loved to involve herself into the matters of the village and to partake in chores they'll do around the village.As Kotonoha made her way to the river the other wives, and daughters made their way to the river collectively doing Laundry while most of the men attended the sheep, the farms, or hunted. However Kotonoha was a bit different from the others. She had typically tended to her chores separate from the other women not because she had a bad relationship with them, but she didn't know how to communicate with the others, especially when she wasn't with her mother."Ok wait. What exactly does this have to do with the story?"~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~"Hisuinome I was just getting to it!" Mekara exclaimed looking at her."Ok But why're you being so Cryptic about it and just get to the point?!" Hisuinome said as she crossed her arms with a bit of a pout."It would be wise of you to get to the point. Mekara after all I haven't learned about this yet it'll be nice to learn why everyone is so passionate about disliking Takara." Nomin petted her son's head as he slept on her lap. The Feast was still going as a farewell to the soldiers and knights."Hm ok ok ok.... I'll shorten it... Makoto was set to marry Sekai however Kotonoha claimed Sekai stole Makoto from her and had even accused Makoto of rape. The problem was Sakei and Makoto were engaged to each other which is a vow that everyone in the village has to respect. Especially involving the Chief's daughter which was taboo to accuse or even claim the things Kotonoha had claimed." Mekara said as Hisuinome listened thoroughly as she held her chin."However things came to light and Makoto revealed that Kotonoha drugged him with Moonlight Berries and had her way with him. She would've been executed however her mother had stopped it by appealing for the Chief's forgiveness. And it had worked; that and she was pregnant with Takara at that time as well..." Mekara said with a deep sigh."Wait wait... How long ago was this?""Nineteen years ago." Mekara answered Hisuinome as she glanced at Takara in the distance for a moment then back to Mekara."And what happened afterwards?""Kotonoha Sullied her family's reputation and they had moved their Yurt farther from the rest of the village... So Takara was born shortly after and that's when things started becoming uncomfortable with Kotonoha. She would frequently argue with Sekai anytime they saw each other. And day by day she got worse, one day Makoto disappeared without a trace and matter between m- Sekai and Kotonoha grew worse. Sekai accused Kotonoha of murder however it was a stretch... And no one could believe it... Til one day...T-ten years ago She... K-K-Kotonoha stabbed Sekai into her stomach and cut her open..." Mekara said struggling to get his words out for the last part."W-what?" Hisuinome held her mouth shocked."The Men of the Village were done with her nonsense and they stormed her tent only to find something horrible... Blood everywhere inside Kotonoha's Yurt... Her throat was sliced, everything was thrown into disarray... Her mother laid with her torso cut open like Sekai... And in the middle of it was Takara sitting in a pool of blood holding the broken hilt of a knife..." Mekara said looking at his dining knife before placing it on his plate."Ok wait... If that's the case then why is Takara being mistreated for his mother's sins?" Hisuinome asked him as she looked at Takara for a second as he talked to his Captain."Have you ever heard of Generational Curses?""No... What is that?""A generational curse is believed to be passed down from one generation to another due to rebellion against God. If your family line is marked by divorce, incest, poverty, anger or other ungodly patterns, you're likely under a generational curse." Mekara explained as Hisuinome held her chin."Rebellion against God... But... It doesn't mean we should treat Takara any different from a human... I never heard of Generational Curses but I know Sins are forgiven by God. So Takara should be good.""Won't be that easy... Especially now... Look he's learned how to fight. He knows how to kill even before he learnt how to fight... A person can't change their nature... His nature is his very curse. And that's something you change..." Mekara said putting his plate down."You say that but... I don't know... Something Just doesn't sit right with me... For instance why are we only hearing things from Sekai's point of view?" Hisuinome asked with a serious and thoughtful look on her face."What do you mean?""I mean I know you gave us the short version which was explained enough. However... Moonlight Berries I thought were only myths, then there's Takara where was he during those times Kotonoha caused trouble? And then Makoto's disappearance... There's not many ways to disappear in these mountains. Bears aren't that big, wolves are easily frightened with the flash bombs of this village. Garuk-Nai only appeared recently... And now I think about it... What if Makoto is actually at fault and responsible for all this? Maybe He did Rape Kotonoha. Or perhaps he coaxed her into it as was two timing Kotonoha and Sekai. Or maybe-""No! That's not it! It's already a fact!" Mekara yelled at drawing some attention to them as he interrupted Hisuinome who scooted back a bit in shock."Ok I'm sorry... But I'm just not sure... And forgive me for saying this but... It sounds very biased. I mean... What led Kotonoha to act in that extreme way?" Hisuinome asked calmly."It's simple. She was jealous of M- Sekai.""But what if it wasn't. What if something just poof! Pop! Snap! You know what if something in her head finally snapped?" Hisuinome says with several cute expressions as she was trying to make her point across to Mekara, however her doing so only attracted eyes towards them."Hisuinome. Can you take Kouki home?" Nomin asked her daughter with a gentle lady-like disposition."Hm? Oh sure thing Mom." Hisuinome said standing up and picking her little brother up carrying him like a baby as his head fell on her shoulder."Hah... Man you're getting heavy kid. Goodnight you guys!" Hisuinome chuckled a bit as she waved at her mother and Mekara goodbye."Hey need me to hold-""Nope I got him." Hisuinome said with a sweet smile as she pretty much sat Mekara down with her words."B-but it's ow ow ow!" Mekara said about to stand up if it wasn't for Nomin who had a closed eye smile and grabbed his ear rather harshly."Mekara...""Y-yes ma'am!?" Mekara replied to Nomin as the refined and calm woman looked at his direction without opening her eyes."My Daughter can handle herself... Now be a dear and help clean up with the rest of us." Nomin said with a smile that for some reason scared Mekara."Y-yes ma'am!" Mekara saluted as he went to collect plates."Hah... I swear that boy..." Nomin sighed as she pinched the bridge of her nose.Soon the farewell feast came to an end once the soldiers and knights finished eating they began packing all their things to prepare for the long journey ahead. The night was over taking the day as the Moon was shyly appearing above the mountains lighting the valley with its full moon light."Thank you for accompanying me on this journey. I know the fallen brothers would've been just as happy." Takara said with a stoic tone to the Captain."It's our pleasure Takara. And I commend you on your dedication to defending this place." The Captain said while he mounted his horse."Yea... A part of me wants to leave this place... But... After today... It wouldn't be right for me to leave not only because my grandma loved this place... But because if any threats come here they won't have anyone to defend them..." Takara said looking at the Villagers as they worked to get ready for the night."I think the heroes made an excellent choice in choosing you. No matter what anyone says here you're the right person to defend this village, granted your journey will be hard but I think you'll be able to change the hearts of these villagers." The Captain stated as Takara nodded his head."Yeah... It's... It's going to be hard..." Takara sigh putting his head down but then lifted back up to the Captain."I wish you luck on your Journey.""And I wish you luck on your Journey Takara." The Captain says as he saluted Takara before he rallied his men and they started to leave."Hah... And just like that I'm alone agai-""Excuse me Takara..." A Woman said cutting off Takara's train of thought as he turned around to see a beautiful woman with Raven black hair, a grey deel dress, amber yellow eyes, and a smile that reminded Takara of another woman."You're Hisuinome's mother." Takara calmly says as the Woman gave him a smile."That is correct. You can call me Nomin, or if you're inclined to Ms. Nomin is also fine I don't mind it either way so feel free to call me as you wish." Nomin said walking close to Takara as he noticed she's closer to his height than her daughter."Y-yes Ma'am." Takara nodded with a calm disposition."Thank you. Well I wanted to take this moment and Thank you properly for saving me Daughter and my Son." Nomin said putting a hand on her chest showing her sincerity."Hm... There's no need for thanks... I simply would've done what any man and soldier would do." Takara said with a humbling tone making the woman giggle."Hehehe. How humble of you, you remind me of someone I used to love dearly." Nomin says with a slight giggle making Takara slightly embarrassed."O-oh... Hm... I-Is that a good thing?""Of course it is. Listen Takara, My Children and I haven't been in this village often as they took us under their wing. And no one has expressed the kind of courage you've displayed." She turns away as she looks back with a smile gesturing him to follow.Takara nodded and picked his things up along with the basket of Boortsog from earlier."I doubt anyone else would thank you which is why I intend to express to you my intentions." Nomin says catching his attention."Your intentions?""That's right. And you don't have to worry it's nothing bad... Or now that I think about it... It's more of a request for you." Nomin looked at Takara as he walked next to her see she has his undivided attention."A request?... I... I... Hm... I can-""Hehehe... You don't even know what this request is yet." Nomin giggled a bit successfully making Takara even more embarrassed."Hm...""Hehe... Well this makes it easier... Listen, Hisuinome, Kouki, and I have lost our previous home before. As a mother I can only do so much to raise my Children, and Hisuinome is eighteen years old which means she'll become her own woman very soon... So my only fear is that there won't be anyone to defend our home and I was worried about that fact for a while. Then when you defended my daughter and my son. I was relieved to see we have a defender so please. Please keep protecting our home Takara." Nomin said catching Takara a bit off guard as he was taken back by her request and the beauty of her request."Would you... R-really put your trust... In... Me?... B-but I'm just... I'm just a cursed-""I'm Sorry Takara... But do you truly believe that? Are the stories the other villages share really true to you Takara? Are you really the Sadistic destined Takara they say you are? Or are you Takara the young boy whose Lilac colored eyes show kindness?" Nomin asked with a smile as Takara's eyes widened for a moment as Takara's words choked up and his grip tightened on the basket firmly yet gently."No need to worry Takara. I think I know the answer. And I thank you for your service and for your upcoming hard work." Nomin said as they continued to walk which Takara then saw they were heading to Nomin's tent."I don't mean to pry Takara but you have been gone for a long time. Would you like for me to clean the inside of your Yurt? I'd be more than happy to do it." Nomin said softly as Takara looked at his Yurt at the distance."N-no it's fine... When I arrived a few days ago I... I took the time to clean it... My... Grandmother... She would've hated it to be... Dusty." Takara said in a low and polite tone."Your Grandmother huh? She must've been some lady." Nomin asked as Takara nodded keeping his head down."Oh I'm. Sorry I didn't mean-""It's ok... Honestly... Grandma is the only reason why I stay..." Takara said reassuring Nomin. When he suddenly looked at the basket he was holding."Oh and here... Can you... Thank your daughter for me... The Boortsog was amazing..." Takara said holding out the basket to Nomin."Did you eat it all?" Nomin she smiled looking at the boy."I... I did...""Oh my~ you have quite the appetite huh? Then again consider your soldier and a man of this village it's not surprising." Nomin stated as she took the basket gently from Takara and saw all the Boortsog's were eaten."Hm hm... Thank you... I should head back to my Yurt." Takara said about to step away before Nomin grabbed his shoulder."Behold you go Takara. If you're comfortable with it. I'd like for you to share with me and Hisuinome about everything you know about this village and these mountains." She smiled before letting go as Takara rubbed the back of his head his face showing uncertainty but he kept quiet and nodded to her."Thank you Takara. And have a good night." Nomin said entering her Yurt and giving Takara a smile."She's so nice... I don't know whether to be worried or hap-""Hey it's you!"
"Hah!" Takara yelped in surprise as Hisuinome suddenly appeared from a Window right next to where Takara was walking.
"Oh Hehe sorry for surprising you." Hisuinome said with a smile her bang covering her right eye as she has a joyful look about her."I... I... Was caught off guard... It's... Ok..." Takara said rubbing his right arm slightly embarrassed."I can imagine... Hey how was those Boortsog's?""Hisuinome leave him be! It's time for bed." Nomin said inside the house as Hisuinome smiled and nodded to her mother before looking back to Takara.
"To be continued...""They... Th-they we're good... I... Hm... I ate them all...""You did? Oh amazing! Thank you! Goodnight!" Hisuinome said with a joyful look as she gave him a small wave and smile before she headed back inside."G-goodnight..." Takara said before he started to walk to his Yurt."Are... Are they?... I... I hope they're this nice... That'll be... Nice..." Takara thought while he walked home his mind being filled with Hisuinome and Nomin's smile."The only other ones who smiled at me were the soldiers and the heroes... I guess more smiles isn't bad... I just hope they're genuine... My mom would smile at me... Her smile was beautiful but... I knew it was fake... Thankfully my Grandma's smile was real... I wish she was still here..." Takara then closed his eyes as he walked forward knowing the distance to his Yurt as it was separated from the rest of the Yurts. While his eyes were closed a memory came into his head.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Sun started to rise behind the mountains and into the valley of Sheep Aria Village. The birds sang in the coming morning the grass shifted and swayed with the morning wind. A Woman with Raven black hair and light brown eyes with light blue Deel dress on made her way inside with a disappointed look but smiled as she gazed upon a young boy who slept holding his pillow."Takara time for you to get up." The woman said softly shaking the boy to wake up."Hrmm... Morning Grandma... Where's... Mommy?" The Young boy groggily woke up as he rubbed his eyes."She's... She should be gathering berries. But you and me are going to the Lumber House." She said picking the boy up."Ok...""I'll carry you for now child but you better wake up and start walking." His Grandmother said with a playful tone as Takara rubbed his eyes."Ok... If I make Mommy a present do you think she'll be happy?" Takara asked holding his grandma's hand with an innocent smile."Oh.... I believe she will... After all being a Carpenter is no easy feat.""Feet?" Takara asked looking at his feet as he almost tripped."Hehe no Silly Feat. Not Feet." She said looking at him as he returned the look with an even more confused look."Will I know more words when I'm Ten?""Hehe. Maybe. Have you been reading?" She asked Takara as he looks down."Noo... It's so haaarrrrddd!""Hehe it's quite alright. Would you continue to read. For me? It makes me very happy whenever I see you learn something new." She told Takara as he looked at her smile with a look of awe."Ok... I'll... Continue to read and Learn!" Takara said with a determined look any child his age would have."Good. You like smiles don't you Takara?""Ya! Smiles mean happy!""Hehe. Well did you know there are fake Smiles and Real Smiles?""There are?" Takara looks up at his grandmother curiously."That's correct. Fake Smiles are used to hide and trick. When you learn how Fake smiles look you'll love the real smiles even more. Because the people who give you real smiles are the ones you must keep close." Takara's Grandmother said with a genuine and loving smile as Takara stared at her face as his eyes sparkled."A real smile."~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"So what did you find out?" Hisuinome asked her mother as she neatly hung up her Deel Dress and was wearing a white tunic with her hair down."He's definitely not some cursed child everyone makes him out to be. He's a nice and respectable young man. Honestly I have to say this village is lucky to have that boy... Young Man here." Nomin said taking her Deel Dress off revealing a white tunic underneath while she let her hair down as well."Is that so?... You know I think Dad Would've liked him. Takara is definitely a Strong guy He fought off Garuk-Nai and a Barli." Hisuinome stated grabbing some dried meat and munching on it."Hisuinome..." Nomin gave her daughter a stern look as Hisuinome softly giggled."Sorry. This'll be it." Hisuinome said finishing the dried meat."Good. And did he really? Garuk-Nai I can understand however a Barli? I've only heard stories and read reports back in the Kingdom. Those monsters are incredibly dangerous... And you saw him kill one?" Nomin asked her daughter as they started getting the bedding area ready with Kouki already sleeping in it."Yeah it was a sight to see... Used his size and speed against the monster and was able to get a clean strike against it." Hisuinome says recalling the events."I can tell we're going to be seeing a lot more of him around here then.""You think so? I mean I wouldn't doubt it if he leaves because of how the Village treats him." Hisuinome said as they sat across each other."I don't think he will. He told me the reason he stays is because of his Grandmother. When he spoke about her I can tell she was very important. Hehe it reminded me of your father." Nomin smiled at Hisuinome who tilted her head curiously."They are both strong. And Takara seems nice enough. I swear this mystery needs to be uncovered soon. I feel like there's more to this story." Hisuinome said as she laid down before looking at the basket in the kitchen area with a smile."Your Journey is only starting." Nomin smiled as she laid down bringing Kouki close to her as they slept."My Journey huh... Goodnight Mom.""Goodnight Love."
"Darn my Cat-like curiosity... I need to know what happened. That story Mekara told me was too one sided."