Post by Tenju on Jul 15, 2023 12:21:35 GMT
Tenju Okashiya stood at the edge of Dolle Harbor, his eyes scanning the unfamiliar surroundings. The salty breeze tugged at the brim of his white and green bucket hat, the comforting weight of the Okashiya family crest reminding him of his purpose. He adjusted the strap of his green haori, a mirror image of his father's, and took a deep breath, steeling himself for the journey ahead.
The young man made it a point to separate from the other hopeful hunters as soon as he could. Rushing out of the city, he ventured deeper into the forest. Tenju's mind swirled with a mixture of determination and doubt. The weight of his family's legacy bore heavily upon him, and he couldn't help but wonder if he was truly following his own path or merely fulfilling his father's expectations.
Lost in his thoughts, Tenju almost missed the sound of rustling leaves and the flicker of movement in his peripheral vision. He quickly snapped his attention back to the present and saw a small creature darting through the trees. It was one unlike any beast he had ever seen. Tall and lanky with large claws and a furry body. It's snout seemed to sneer at him with a look of derision before it took off.
With a surge of adrenaline, Tenju dashed after the creature, pushing his doubts aside. His accupoint-trained body could not keep pace with the nimble Kiriko. But the creature seemed to by intentionally staying just within sight and so his body's incredible endurance was able to show its worth. The chase continued, the Kiriko shifting directions and leading him through a maze of trees and undergrowth.
Finally after hours of running, he emerged into a small clearing where the majestic Lone Cedar Tree stood tall and proud. Its branches reached towards the sky, casting a dappled shade over the grassy ground. Tenju's heart raced with anticipation as he realized that he had reached the heart of the Kiriko's territory.
His gaze swept across the clearing, and there, standing near the tree, was a figure that seemed out of place. A young woman with emerald-green hair, dressed in a simple yet elegant white kimono, stood with an air of poise and grace. Tenju's eyes widened in surprise. Another Kiriko had taken the form of a human.
Before Tenju could approach, the tranquility of the scene was shattered by a sudden commotion. From the shadows emerged the first Kiriko, snarling and baring its teeth in a menacing display. The disguised Kiriko let out a cry of pain, clutching its side as though it had been injured.
Concern filled Tenju's eyes as he hurried toward the injured Kiriko, his training as a medical specialist kicking into action. However, as he reached the transformed Kiriko and began to assess the supposed injury, doubts began to creep into his mind.
The pulse beneath his fingertips was calm, far too calm for someone who had just sustained a serious injury. And as Tenju examined the supposed wound, he noticed something amiss—the blood was too vivid, too red to be real. The hand that was reaching for his sewing kit paused.
A realization washed over him, mingling with a rising tide of anger. The Kiriko had deceived him, playing on his empathy and desire to heal. It was all a trick, a test to see how he would respond. And he had fallen for it. His hands clenched into fists, Tenju's voice was laced with frustration as he looked at the disguised Kiriko, "You tricked me! This was all a game to you!"
The injured Kiriko, its illusion shattered, stood upright with a mischievous grin. The first Kiriko emerged from the shadows, its golden eyes gleaming with a mix of amusement and curiosity. The two creatures exchanged a knowing glance before the first Kiriko turned and darted away, disappearing into the depths of the forest. The other one shapeshifted out of its human disguise and asked, "How did you know" It's curious gaze staring at Tenju intently.
Tenju seethed with anger and disappointment. He felt a surge of betrayal at the hands of the Kiriko, who had toyed with his emotions and exploited his desire to prove himself. Without another word, he stormed off, his footsteps heavy with frustration. The Kiriko stuttered, "W-Wait! You've passed our test, we will guide you through the forest to the site of the exams now!" The magical beast called after. But the grumpy Tenju merely grunted and waved a dismissive hand.
As he made his way through the forest, his thoughts raced. In that moment of anger and confusion, Tenju vowed to find his own path towards the Hunter Exam. With each step he took, Tenju's determination grew stronger. He would continue his journey, guided by his own instincts and convictions. The Kiriko's test had not broken him; instead, it had ignited a fire within him, propelling him forward with renewed purpose.
And so, Tenju Okashiya disappeared into the depths of the forest, resolved to uncover his true path and redefine what it meant to be a hunter. The lone cedar tree stood as a silent witness, its branches whispering secrets that only time would reveal.
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