Chereads / Children of the Kami / Chapter 1 - Chapter One: The Awakening

Children of the Kami

Tony_Afton
  • --
    chs / week
  • --
    NOT RATINGS
  • 289
    Views
Synopsis

Chapter 1 - Chapter One: The Awakening

The year was 2025, a time of advanced technology interwoven with the deep traditions of Japanese culture. The Keralis family lived on the outskirts of Tokyo, in a serene countryside nestled between rolling green hills and dense forests. Their home stood at the edge of a vibrant village where rice paddies stretched endlessly, glistening under the golden light of the sun. A narrow dirt road, lined with cherry blossoms that bloomed even out of season, wound its way from the village to their home. This idyllic setting was a far cry from the bustling chaos of Tokyo proper, offering a quiet sanctuary where time seemed to slow down.

The Keralis residence was a traditional Japanese house, constructed from dark-stained wood and topped with a curved, tiled roof. A stone pathway led to the genkan, where rows of neatly arranged shoes hinted at the family's love for order. The house was surrounded by a lush garden, complete with a koi pond and a wooden bridge. The air was thick with the scent of wisteria, and the gentle sound of wind chimes added a calming melody to the atmosphere.

Inside, the home was a blend of modern comforts and traditional aesthetics. Shoji screens divided the rooms, and tatami mats lined the floors. Each of the triplets had their own bedroom, decorated to reflect their personalities. Asahi's room was painted in warm shades of orange and gold, mirroring his fiery nature. Jason's room, the largest, was a cool palette of blues and greys, resembling a stormy sky. Monique's room was a serene combination of silver and lavender, illuminated by moon-shaped lanterns that cast a soft glow at night. Bookshelves lined the walls of each room, filled with texts on mythology, history, and science—a testament to their homeschooling curriculum.

Their mother, Reina Keralis, was a striking woman with long black hair always tied neatly into a bun, and sharp, intelligent eyes that seemed to see through any lie. She was a diplomat, often engrossed in Japan's political landscape, yet she always made time for her children. Her laugh echoed through the house, a warm, reassuring sound that made their home feel alive.

Asahi, the eldest of the triplets, was the most energetic and headstrong. He had short, spiky black hair and piercing amber eyes that seemed to glow when he was excited. Jason, the tallest, was more laid-back but fiercely protective. His dark blue hair and storm-grey eyes gave him an aura of quiet strength. Monique, the prettiest, was a graceful and thoughtful presence. Her long, silky black hair shimmered under the light, and her silver eyes held a mysterious depth.

The triplets were homeschooled, a decision Reina made to allow them to learn at their own pace while immersing them in the rich history and culture of Japan. Their days were filled with lessons in literature, mathematics, and Japanese mythology, as well as time spent exploring the forests and fields surrounding their home. Reina ensured that education was as much about curiosity and creativity as it was about discipline.

The day before their world changed forever, the Keralis household was filled with laughter and joy. Reina had prepared a feast of their favorite dishes: sushi, tempura, and bowls of steaming miso soup. They gathered around the low dining table, sharing stories and jokes.

"Monique, you have rice on your face," Jason teased, grinning.

Monique rolled her eyes but smiled. "At least I don't eat like a bear," she shot back.

Asahi laughed, almost choking on his food. "You both eat like amateurs. Watch and learn." He proceeded to demonstrate his "perfect" sushi-eating technique, which ended in him accidentally dropping a piece onto his lap.

Reina shook her head, chuckling. "You three are impossible."

That night, the triplets retreated to their rooms. Asahi stayed up late reading a book on solar flares, Jason worked on sketching a stormy landscape, and Monique wrote in her journal about a strange dream she'd had about the moon

The next morning, the house was eerily quiet. Asahi was the first to notice something was wrong when he went to the kitchen and found their mother's tea untouched. Her briefcase, always neatly placed by the door, was missing.

"Mom?" he called out, but there was no answer.

Jason and Monique joined him, their faces pale with worry.

"She wouldn't just leave without telling us," Monique said, clutching her journal tightly.

They searched the house and the garden, calling her name, but she was nowhere to be found. Fear crept into their hearts as the realization sank in: Reina Keralis had vanished.

As they sat in the living room, trying to figure out what to do, a loud knock echoed through the house. The triplets exchanged wary glances before Jason opened the door. A tall man stood there, dressed in a crisp black suit. His hair was silver, and his eyes were an unnatural shade of green, almost glowing.

"Who are you?" Asahi demanded, stepping forward protectively.

The man inclined his head. "My name is Hiroshi. I'm here to take you to safety."

"Safety? From what?" Jason asked, his tone suspicious.

Hiroshi's expression softened. "Your mother sent me. There are things about your family you don't know. Things she was trying to protect you from."

"Like what?" Monique asked, her voice trembling.

Hiroshi hesitated before saying, "You are the children of the gods. The Big Three, to be specific: Amaterasu, Susanoo, and Tsukuyomi."

The room fell silent. The triplets stared at him, disbelief written all over their faces.

"That's ridiculous," Asahi said. "Our mom would've told us."

"She wanted to protect you," Hiroshi said. "But now, she needs your help. And you're not safe here. Pack your things. I'll explain everything on the way."

Despite their doubts, the triplets packed their belongings. They each took clothes, books, and items of sentimental value. Asahi grabbed his solar flare book, Jason took his sketchpad, and Monique packed her journal.

Outside, Hiroshi stood by a sleek black car, its design unlike anything they had seen before. It shimmered faintly, as though it were made of light and shadow.

"Get in," Hiroshi said.

The triplets hesitated but eventually climbed in, their suitcases stored in the trunk. The car's interior was spacious, with seats that seemed to adjust perfectly to their forms.

As the car drove through the countryside, Hiroshi explained their heritage. "Asahi, you are the son of Amaterasu, goddess of the sun. Jason, you are the son of Susanoo, god of storms. Monique, you are the daughter of Tsukuyomi, god of the moon."

The triplets exchanged stunned glances but said nothing.

When they reached a dense forest, Hiroshi pressed a button on the dashboard. The car veered onto a hidden path and entered a cave. The walls glowed faintly, illuminating the way. The deeper they went, the more the air seemed to hum with energy.

Suddenly, the cave opened into a vast, breathtaking landscape. The Kami Academy stood at the center, its towering spires reaching toward the heavens. The building shimmered like a mirage, its walls made of materials that seemed both ancient and futuristic.

The car transformed as it approached the academy, its sleek design shifting to match the divine aesthetic. Hiroshi parked near the entrance, where dozens of students stopped to stare. Some looked at the triplets with awe, others with fear.

"Welcome home," Hiroshi said, smiling as he opened the car door.