Chương 4: Awakening

*Yawn* "That was a good nap, now I should be on my way." Haruki smiles. 'Now all I need to do is go to the nearest village and stock up on supplies I need.'

"Ahhh, okay I can see it from here now.." Haruki looks and smiles wide, "Finally I'm here."

The village is neat and traditional, you can tell everyone knows each other by all the voices. 'Everyone is speaking so loudly.' Haruki smiles nicely at everyone he passes.

Everyone stops and looks at him, "Have you been here before young man?" an old lady asks him from the shop.

"Ah, I lived up at the mountain top. I need more supplies for my journey. Is it okay if you give me these items?" Haruki gives her a gentle smile.

"Of course young man, here you go." She smiles at him while handing him the supplies.

Haruki then starts walking away from the lady's stand then smells food. The sweet and savory aroma of fresh takoyaki and gyoza being made fill Haruki's lungs. "So delicious, this smell. I can taste it." Haruki starts salivating. "I think I will get some takoyaki!"

Haruki heads to the stand with the takoyaki being made, "Hello! Can I have a order of 12 takoyaki please!" Haruki smiles at the owner. "Of course young man! Coming right up." The old man says.

Once the food is done the owner gives the batch to Haruki, "Thank you so much! I will enjoy the food!" Haruki bows and smiles at the owner.

"He is such a lovely kid." The owner says to himself.

Haruki walks away from the stands then finds a tree to lay under, the breeze of fresh air and a savory scent from the takoyaki feels perfect. 'So enlightening.' Haruki glances at the grass.

Haruki starts to eat as he is relaxing. "Hm, I wonder where I should go next."

Once he finished eating he saw a group of people walking where he was heading to, "Hello! Can I join you on your journey?" Haruki smiles while talking to them.

The group of people look at each other whispering, "wasn't he the kid that was getting burned at that village? I would definitely remember that white hair.."

"Yes of course you can join us!" The kid says while smiling. "Did you live on that mountain in the village?"

"Yes I did! But it was burned down while I was unconscious. I'm not sure what happened, but it led me to you guys so! I'm considering myself lucky. Haha." Haruki smiles at the leader.

"Since we're on the journey together, may I ask your name?" The leader says.

"Of course! My name is Haruki Kanaki!" He smiles wide.

"My name is Hiroshi, I am the leader of this group. Asahi is the guy with the katana on his hip. Daichi and Daisuke are the twins, don't worry about remembering who is who. We don't even remember that, HAHA! And Touji is the one that is wearing all black, just like you Haruki!" Hiroshi laughs.

"We also noticed you got burned but survived, do you know what that means Haruki?" Asahi grins.

Hiroshi scoffs, "You're like us, we don't die either. Which means you are yokai just like us. You are an outcast. But we're your family now, get as comfortable as you want to."

Haruki looks at them surprised, "You will really accept me as I am?"

"Of course, you are one of us now Haruki!" Hiroshi smiles.

Haruki looks at everyone with a smile, "Thank you for being my first family.."