“So you’re Take’s son…” Hideo’s tone was empty, as if contemplating. Hidden in his unfocused gaze was a sense of loneliness. “...Who would have thought there would come a day when his son would return…” His gaze shifted slightly to follow Ikazuchi’s sword spirit. “...like this.” Hearing this Ikazuchi realized that the circumstances were more complicated than what he had assumed. Despite that, Ikazuchi felt very little sympathy for the man or his family. He maintained his silence, indicating that he would listen to what Hideo had to say. After sharing so much, he felt that he deserved an appropriate response.
“I… no, we owe you a proper explanation.” Hideo’s expression was resolute as he spoke, determined to address his father’s separation on behalf of the clan. “After listening to your story, I think I know why your father never mentioned us to you.” There was a hint of bitterness in his tone as his gaze followed Ikazuchi’s spirit. “To explain that, I will have to start from the beginning…” Hideo took a sip of water from his cup in preparation before glancing warily at their observer. Ikazuchi felt like the older man was requesting him to shoo Yijun out of the room, but he made no attempt to do so. He wasn’t attached to the family in a way that meant he needed to protect their secrets, and pushing someone from the current ruling power out would only be suspicious at this point. ‘Get over it.’ This was the sentiment Ikazuchi expressed clearly to the old bachelor.
Seeing that Ikazuchi made no effort to remove Yijun, the man accepted defeat with a sigh before continuing. “Let’s see… The start of this story goes back thousands of years now, to the beginning of the country known as Joya.” Ikazuchi was intrigued to hear that the start of the tale seemed to tie into the creation of the country, and he couldn’t help but glance at Yijun to see if this had captured his attention as well. “You may not know, but this country’s origin largely consists of immigrants from Sin. Our clan was among those that came from Sin seeking Fame, Glory, and Power in a new land of opportunity.” Hideo’s tone was almost monotone, as if reciting a story that was unrelated to him entirely.
“Early on, using the legacies that were obtained and developed in Sin, we managed to establish ourselves. In particular, our warriors were highly sought after as what would later be known as Samurai today. With our magic legacy and martial arts, we continued to expand our influence.” Hideo seemed to realize he told the story in the same way that the elders of the past as he chuckled and elaborated. “We were far from claiming the land as our own though. Just one of many noteworthy clans…” A trace of disgust and frustration crept into his expression as he paused for a moment. “...at least, that’s what it seemed like on the surface.”
Ikazuchi’s brows furrowed at the man’s statement, unsure what this information had to do with his father abandoning the clan. “We were one retainers to the Emperor’s faction in Sin, and initially we moved here to maintain that influence even after the borders were withdrawn to what we know today.” This came as a shock to Ikazuchi who valued his freedom above all else. A sense of disgust bubbled up from deep within him as he came to terms with the fact that his family was essentially a group of servants in the past.
Seeing Ikazuchi’s disdain and disgust, Hideo was able to relax and smile as he continued. “Of course, not everyone was satisfied with the status quo. Over the years, as our connection to Sin weakened, some of us grew to desire true freedom and independence causing a divide in the clan.” A meaningful glance was directed at Ikazuchi by Hideo, but it was unclear what he meant.
“I won’t go into all of the details, but that division in the clan led to losses that the clan couldn’t recover from…” The man’s fists clenched as he stared more intently at Ikazuchi’s sword spirit. “...even after hundreds of years.” At this point, Ikazuchi had a certain premonition. ‘Maybe?’ His gaze shifted between his sword spirit and Hideo as he considered the man’s fixation.
“And what was lost is related to that?” Ikazuchi casually pointed at his spirit as he spoke, intending to confirm if his guess was correct.
“...Yes, that’s correct. What we lost was a crucial portion of the Spirit Formation technique that serves as the foundation for our magic heritage.” The two felt a mix of awkwardness and exasperation as they realized that the technique had appeared again. The relationship dynamic between Ikazuchi and his family was so estranged that it was unclear whether the clan would finally recover or collapse once and for all with his appearance today.
A long, silent, exchange occurred between Ikazuchi and Hideo before the older man acquiesced and continued. “After many years of refinement, our magic legacy developed into something more fundamental; hereditary, even. With the complete legacy, we were able to unleash one hundred and fifty percent with half the effort compared to others outside of the clan wielding a similar magic…” The man paused for a moment as he felt his frustration growing. “But-” At this point, Ikazuchi interrupted. “But, without the spirit, it became the opposite situation, right? More effort for half the results.”
“...That’s correct. Regarding that, I don’t know if I would consider you fortunate or unfortunate…” Ikazuchi didn’t need to hear the rest to know that the man was referring to the fact that he was born without the talent to wield magic. If he possessed the talent for magic, obtaining this technique would have allowed him to easily reach greater heights. On the other hand, he was only able to grow his strength enough to obtain it thanks to his other talents. “That’s not any of your concern.” It was a cold retort given as a warning. His pride wouldn’t allow him to accept pity from someone, especially not anyone from his clan.
“My apologies…” Knowing that he spoke out of line, Hideo wore a sincere and apologetic expression. Even if he felt that it was pitiful, there wasn’t any doubt that Ikazuchi had far exceeded his own capabilities with a weapon to be able to develop a weapon spirit. Although related, the criteria to create one was higher as it was based entirely on using the firm will of a master rather than the intricacies of the magic to support it. ‘Well, it’s good to know that I have a bargaining chip to use later.’ This was Ikazuchi’s thought as he silently accepted the apology.
“Back to the story; even now, there is a division in our clan. A minority are like your father, believing in their own personal freedom and pursuing other options. On the other hand, a majority of the clan believes we should latch onto either the rulers of Joya or attempt to reconnect with Sin to re-establish what we lost.” It was only now that Ikazuchi fully understood why his father kept him from his family. The political struggles and alienation would have led to him growing up as a completely different person. Even if Take still cared for his clan, it was clear that Ikazuchi and his Mother had been more important to him. Realizing that, Ikazuchi’s affection for his father only grew.
“Take…” Hideo’s expression grew complicated as his attention turned to Ikazuchi’s hand. “...Your father, he had a special position here. He was a representative figure in his generation; the Cloud Ring you wear serves as proof of that.” At this point, Hideo pulled at a string hanging around his neck revealing a similar ring to Ikazuchi. “Thunder, Lightning, Wind, and Rain; These are the four traditional representative figures and factions within the clan. Decisions are made based on votes among these four, but there is a certain authority given to the Cloud that prevents stalemates between the four.” Hearing this, Ikazuchi was quick to understand how significant it was for him to return to the clan with both the proof of representation and part of the lost heritage. ‘What a fucking mess…’
“Before your father left, the representative of Rain favored the independence of the clan. It was only after he left that they gradually shifted their stance to create a standoff. Thunder and Lightning continue to fight for independence, but Wind and Rain push harder for us to align ourselves with another power…” From the ring Ikazuchi saw, he was able to see that Hideo represented Lightning within the clan. Regardless of their personal relationship, based on the story, Ikazuchi now understood that this honest man was someone who was affiliated with his Father.
“...And now, before me is the son of Take with the lost proof of Cloud and the technique needed to resolve the internal strife of the clan once and for all.” The man’s eyes reddened slightly as hope was reflected in his expression.
“What does that have to do with me?” Ikazuchi’s blunt question brought Hideo out of his delusions. “You said you were here for your spirit, right?” The man shifted gears in an attempt to negotiate, bringing the focus back to Ikazuchi’s original intentions. In response, Ikazuchi nodded with furrowed brows. “I won’t hide it from you, the clan only lost the initial formation techniques and information in the past. You will be able to find the answers you seek here, that’s something I’m certain of…” Hideo paused and Ikazuchi cringed slightly as he realized he would be dragged into the middle of the clan’s issues if he wished to grow further. “...but you’ll have to earn it.”
“Before I even consider that, let’s address what you avoided earlier…” Ikazuchi’s finger rapped against the table. “...who or what drove my father out?”
“...That would be the Representative of Wind. That man, he was determined to change the clan even if it caused us to collapse. Your Father chose to leave as his unique authority made him a target that could be used to make or break the clan.” Hideo felt a growing sense of discomfort as Ikazuchi radiated more momentum, almost like a sword ready to be unsheathed. He couldn’t be sure how it would change, but he knew at this moment that this revelation would result in changes to the clan that could never be reversed.
“And if I help you take care of this issue, will I be able to obtain the technique?” Ikazuchi’s expression was hard to read, but his question suggested that he would be joining the internal strife. “That’s correct…” Hideo was slightly uncomfortable, but answered all the same.
Ikazuchi smiled in response and addressed Yijun directly. “Considering what you heard, are you willing to help me sort this mess out? Considering your position, it’s probably better if we prevent any other power taking root here in Joya, right?”
Word Count: 1,840 Total Word Count: 8,485
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