Prologue

In a relatively unnamed country known as the Land of Lakes, in an unnamed Village. If an outsider were to look at this village, there would be no surprises or any shock to be had. The village was small, with craftsmanship older than in larger villages or cities, and the population was less than a hundred. One could quickly find out the people here lived in isolation, growing their food, and getting their water from a nearby lake. The people were peaceful, they were hardworking, and they lived a fulfilling - if simple life. If a stranger were to come upon them, they would be open, honest, and yet old-fashioned. Often-times using mannerisms, and phrases of speech that are over a hundred years out of date.

Sitting upon a tree-branch in this small village was a young boy about 10 years of age. With his back resting against the trunk of the tree, his eyes closed, and his shoulder-length black hair moving in the warm summer breeze… He seemed peaceful, if not a bit otherworldly. A relaxed smile was resting upon his young lips, and his tanned skin seemed to almost glow under the light of the sun. His white Yukata with black accents seemed abnormally still as he breathed in and out in a light manner, the end of his black obi fluttering in the breeze, and as he shifted a bit, three black magatamas were shown on each side of his collar.

The boy seemed to rest on that tree for hours, none of the villagers even as they passed him disturbing him, and if one were to look carefully, they would see looks of respect or even the occasional headbow.

The pattering of small feet is heard as a small girl perhaps four years of age runs in front of the tree before bowing to the boy and then saying, "Ashura-Heika, Hamano-Ojiisan told me to tell you that dinner was ready!" After saying that she would clasp her hands looking up.

The young boy addressed as Ashura-Heika did not flinch at the sudden interruption, nor did he seem surprised as he calmly opened his eyes. Chocolate Brown eyes would survey the young girl, his eyes were peaceful, and not at all showing childish mischievousness. If someone trained to read the eyes of a person where there, they would see an inner calmness not seen in children. They would see peace, serenity, and while at the front there would be a hint of youth, something positively ancient lurked in those eyes. Those sensitive enough to feel it would almost bow their head in reverence on instinct.

Finally moving, the boys smile would widen slightly before nodding his head slowly yet smoothly. "Alright then Miya-tan you can go play now, thank you for telling me." The girl would grin seemingly bouncing in place at being addressed, before bowing and running off, a small innocent blush of glee on her face.

Standing up on the branch, the boy would stretch lightly, bones not popping, nor any muscles seemingly sore. Lightly stepping off the branch, he would bend his knees only slightly, ignoring the dangerous twenty feet fall as he calmly, yet lightly landed on his feet. No broken bones, no damage, and no noise made. As he takes his first step one would notice that his Yukata was still perfectly clean, even though his bottom was resting on a branch and his back on the trunk of a tree.

As he walked through the small village those walking around would make sure to bow with a smile, no resentment, or unease at bowing to one so young. The boy would smile in return before continuing on his way, seemingly holding either some prestige or having some importance to this tiny village. Eventually making his way to the largest building in the village, he would see a wide and open wooden house. Sliding the Shoji doors open calmly he would step in, his unclothed feet perfectly clean. Not looking around his feet would pad against the wooden floor. A few moments later he would step through an open door before calling out with his youthful voice filled with warmth, "Taidama Hamano-Chan."

The old man sitting at the Chabudai in the middle of the sparse room would let out a smile, his hunched back hunching forward a little bit more, his old and drooping eyes would light up a little bit when he heard the greeting. "Okaeri Ashura-Heika, dinner is ready, and we can begin whenever you wish." As he said so, his aged-hands would slowly wave at the steaming bowls as if to point them out.

Letting out a sigh of seeming annoyance, although a soft caring smile was on his face, "You know you don't have to call me that Hamano-Chan, and you know you don't have to wait on me to eat." Shaking his head he would sit down picking up his chopsticks. "Before you say it, I know we've had this conversation many times… But I do care for you like a grandfather Hamano-Chan, and you're far too old to be doing things like bowing and waiting on me."

Breaking apart the chopsticks he fondly ignores the older man that begins to talk about respect, and how it's an honor to wait upon him. Letting out a small sigh as the warm noodles hit his tongue, he relishes in the slightly-salty taste and he shows a grateful smile towards his caretaker.

As dinner ends, and the chatter peters off into peaceful relaxation, the young boy stares at the ceiling, seemingly seeing through it and looking at unknown things. The ancient within his eyes would seemingly increase before he would sigh and it would recede. "I'm leaving tomorrow Hamano-Chan, and no matter how many times you refuse it, and say that it's your honor… I still wish to thank you and your village."

Hamano would appear sad, yet understanding as he slowly nods. His hands resting on the table, he would slowly nod before saying, "I understand Ashura-Heika, we all are sad to see you go, but we know you have a greater purpose… It was truly an honor for our small village to see you again, even if it has been a thousand years since you and your family last appeared here."

At that, both of them would once again stop talking, and when the night turned cold, and the stars would begin to twinkle in the sky, they would both stand up. Exchanging peaceful, happy, yet melancholic words of goodnight - they would both head to their rooms for rest.