Koji - The White Dragon - 1. Chapter 1

Chapter One - The Past – The Sukiyama Barrier

I – His Brother’s Shock

Rain fell in sheets. The night was darker than black. Alarms blared through the five-acre Sukiyama Estate. Constant, and deafening enough to make his brain hurt. None of it stopped Tama Sukiyama.

At fifteen years old, Tama’s determination was stronger than most. He could move a mountain if he wished it. On this night, he cut across the Northwestern lawn, running to the unsettling bamboo forest on the outskirts of the property.

On a normal night, Tama preferred the neat laid-out paths on the forest's edge to get to the dirt road. On this terrible night though, Tama decided to cut through the bamboo forest. Night was thicker in the forest and Tama hated the darkness. He pushed aside his fear, running into the trees without hesitation. His breath came in gulps, his chest heaving with exertion. His muscles burned, and his heartbeat filled his ears. Sweat poured down his forehead and neck to his back, making his shirt cling to his slender body. His black pants were muddy at the bottom, his shoes sloshed with water from the grass, and now from the muddy forest floor.

Tama swiped his left wrist over his forehead and pushed hair strands out of his eyes. Branches swatted at him, stinging nettle swept across his ankle, the painful sting not enough to break his focus. Tama ignored all discomfort, gritting his teeth, determined to get to the dirt road.

His mind filled with one thought, saving his little brother.

Koji was eight years old. Earlier in the afternoon, Koji visited their neighbor, close family friends who loved having Koji over. The Takadas were like family to the Sukiyama Clan. Koji loved visiting the Takadas because the family had children his age. Nana and Rei. No one at the Sukiyama Estate had worried about Koji staying at the Takada home too long. When it got late, Shizuka Takada would usually call the estate either to say she’d drop off Koji or to let them know he was sleeping over.

Tonight was different.

Tonight, the Sukiyama Estate was under attack.

The thought renewed the waning adrenaline through Tama’s body. He pushed through thick bamboo trees hoping to see the dirt road soon. His brain filled with his mother’s panicked order.

Misato Sukiyama never panicked. When she did, Tama imagined the world was ending. She had screamed for him to get Koji home as fast as he could.

“He must be safe, Tama-kun!”

Tama tasted the bitterness of panic just as he exited the forest onto the wide dirt road. Crossing the road, he climbed a gentle slope with green grass to find a smaller compound fenced with trellis panels. Tama hurried along the cobbled path that led to a side gate on the property.

The alarm from the estate was distant.

Tama imagined Shizuka Takada would meet him to ask what was wrong at home.

The wooden gate into the compound was partially open.

Tama didn’t give it a thought. He walked up the path, around a beautiful garden, and reached the back of the house. Climbing the short steps to the deck, he didn’t bother removing his muddy shoes.

Shizuka would have his head but it didn’t compare to delaying his mother’s orders. Aware of the mud tracks he left in his wake, Tama promised to make it up to Shizuka later and entered the warm kitchen.

“Shizuka-san, Koji-kun,” Tama called, looking around the clean room.

The silence was unnerving.

It was never this quiet in the Takada household.

Shizuka’s two children, Rei and Nana, teamed with Koji, usually filled the house with activity and noise. Shizuka would have appeared to yell at him for messing up her clean floor.

Frowning, Tama hurried into the short hallway that would take him into the living room.

“Where are you guys? Okaasan is calling,” Tama said, the last comment added to impress urgency.

Shizuka would understand.

When Misato Sukiyama called, everyone obeyed.

Touching a fern growing in a pot on top of a high stool by the living room entrance Tama wondered why Shizuka wasn’t on him yet. The sound from the television was welcome. The kids were watching their favorite anime. It was only eight o’clock. Koji would be very upset with Tama for dragging him back home.

Entering the living room, Tama smiled to soften the coming argument and froze.

His heartbeat, which had calmed from the run, revved up and flung itself into a volatile beat that threatened to deafen him. A hoarse scream escaped his lips and his vision narrowed down to colors.

Red, on every corner of the living room. The walls, broken furniture, television screen, carpet, and flowers Shizuka liked to place in vases on stools.

Tama gasped, his lungs failing him. His chest felt too tight. He couldn’t breathe. His stomach lurched. His dinner felt alive and it wanted out. His brain finally managed to process that the red color was blood.

Blood was painted on the walls. Nausea rose with a vengeance and Tama bent over, letting out the contents of his dinner.

Where was Koji?

Panic sucked away vital energy, his hands braced on his thighs, Tama looked around the room. He had to find his little brother. There was so much blood. Was he too late?

No. Koji was safe.

Tama shook his head and straightened up, fingers clenched into tight fists. He just needed to find Koji first.

The room was a mess. Couches were overturned, the coffee table broken, and shelves emptied.

Tama saw a woman lying in a mess of broken glass near the windows. Her hair was all he could see on her face. There was a large map of red on her pink dress. The fabric ripped in the middle of the blood spot, it looked like a stab wound.

“Shizuka-san,” Tama hurried to her side, knowing even as he shook her that she wouldn’t be lying so still if she were breathing.

Sorrow filled him. He loved her like a mother.

Tears filled his eyes and he looked around the room.

Please let Koji be alive, the chant started in his head.

His little brother couldn’t be dead. He was alive. Looking around the room, Tama frantically searched through debris.

Koji had left the house in a blue T-shirt. He caused such a fuss over it too. Misato had laid out a green t-shirt this morning for him, but Koji wanted the blue one, something about the color being Rei’s favorite.

Koji had wanted to match Rei today. Their mother had given in after a short fuss. It was always like that with Koji. No one wanted to disappoint his sweet face.

“Please, let him be alive,” Tama murmured.

He pulled at broken wood panels and tugged on torn curtain fabric. His heart was hammering so loud he wished it would stop. The harder he wished the louder his heartbeat got, sending him into panic. His hands were shaking.

Tama took in a deep breath and forced his brain to focus.

Shizuka had gone down with a fight. She left nothing standing in the living room.

Tama felt despair fill him when he spotted little Nana.

The little girl was lying on her stomach like her mother, in the corner of the room, behind the television stand. She was in a green dress, her hair in a messy ponytail. Tama jumped over broken chairs to get to her. Grabbing her small shoulder, he turned her over, and a cry escaped when he found two stab wounds in her stomach. Her eyes were still open, the fear in them frozen forever.

Screaming, tears tracking down his face, he closed Nana’s eyes gently and reached for a throw blanket tucked behind a bookcase to cover her. His heart clenched painfully when he revealed a boy in a blue shirt lying under the blanket. The back of his shirt was red; the stab wound in the middle was sickening.

Tama’s hand froze, and a second ticked before insanity filled his brain.

“No.”

He abandoned Nana and reached for the boy. Lifting him, Tama turned him to see his face.

The wave of relief that filled him when he recognized Rei was traitorous.

Rei's eyes were closed, his body too still.

Tama bit his lip, carefully laying Rei beside his sister. Taking the blanket, he covered them both and turned to the bookcase. He pushed it further away from the wall, and a gasp of relief escaped when he saw Koji tucked into the corner. He gave the bookcase a hard shove and hurried into the space.

Koji sat on the floor with his head buried into his knees and his arms wrapped tight around his knees.

Tama gripped skinny upper arms too tight and with barely controlled strength, he shook his little brother.

“Koji,” Tama said, his voice heavy with tears, kneeling beside his little brother.

There were no wounds on Koji. He looked whole. Still, when Tama shook him, his head fell back, to reveal open unfocused eyes.

Sitting back on his haunches, Tama pulled Koji onto his lap, holding him like a baby. Touching his forehead, Tama hissed. Koji was cool to the touch. He did not look like he was breathing, so Tama pressed his fingers to Koji’s neck, seeking a pulse. He took in a deep breath when he felt a slow pump against his fingers.

Tama stared at his brother puzzled. Koji was too still. His eyes open but no reaction to light or him. Koji’s black pupils were dilated. The peculiar blue of Koji’s irises was such a contrast. Tama felt relief flood him when he caught the small flair of Koji’s nostrils proving that he was breathing. Shaking, Tama decided the best option right now was to carry Koji back to their mother.

Whoever had done this would pay, their parents would see to it, but first, he needed to take Koji home. Misato would know what to do to help Koji.

***

II –The Woman with a Fierce Heart

Tama carried Koji on his back, hurrying along the dirt road. Thankfully, the rain had stopped, but the night was cold. He had found a blanket in one of the bedrooms at Shizuka’s house and carefully wrapped Koji with it. He hoped his little brother was warm.

Before leaving home, Tama had heard his mother say she was heading to the shrine near their home to meet their father. The dirt road would lead him to the shrine. Tama held Koji tighter just happy his brother was alive.

A line of bamboo trees grew along the spring that flowed through the Sukiyama property to his right. Those bamboo trees thickened into the forest he ran through earlier. On his left was a grassy field turned into the shrine entrance marked by red Torii. The entrance was empty, and for a moment, Tama wondered if the adults had returned to the estate.

A grief-stricken cry filled the night, and Tama stopped at the Shrine gates, staring at the stairs leading to the temple.

The panic he felt at the Takada house returned.

Tama started up the stairs into the shrine, needing to know who had made the terrible cry. He climbed up the stairs barely feeling the weight of his brother on his back. Clearing the stairs, he walked up the lighted walkway to the sanctuary ahead.

When he reached the entrance, he paused before entering the partially opened double doors.

His mother, Misato Sukiyama, knelt on the floor in the middle of the large prayer hall. Her long hair fell down her back in an untidy wave. His aunt, Saya Matsumoto, knelt on the other side of the prone figure between them.

Saya’s face was the only one Tama could see. It shook him to see Saya’s face wet with tears.

The air filled with the despair he heard in the scream.

“Where is Yuki?” Misato asked, her voice raw with emotion.

It suddenly occurred to Tama that the scream might have come from her.

Walking closer, Tama recognized the man lying between the two women. It was his father. His mother’s hand was pressed against a wad of cloths on his father’s stomach. The white fabric turned a deep red.

Misato’s other hand stroked strands of hair away from Syaon Sukiyama’s face. He seemed in peaceful sleep.

“The perimeter guards report that Yuki is still trying to find the main entrance into the estate,” Saya answered. “Thank goodness the shrine obscures our boundaries. Our men are doing their best at the front gates, but Yuki came heavily armed.”

“Has anyone seen my children? Did they return to the house?” Misato asked.

“No.” Saya’s answer was quiet. “Please don’t face Yuki. Think of the children. Koji is only eight. Tama just turned fifteen. He needs guidance to run this place now.”

“They have you,” Misato said, her tone firm. “These attacks won’t stop. We’ve lost too much, so many people we love, our friends, and now my husband is gone. I refuse to give Yuki my children too.”

Lost?

Tama frowned.

His father wasn’t lost. He was right there. What did she mean?

“Misato,” Saya started but stopped when she glanced up and noticed him.

“Tama,” Saya gasped.

His mother turned to look at him. The shock on her face reflected his. He had never seen his mother cry. Tears tracked down her soft golden skin. Her eyes were red. Her shoulders slumped with defeat. It was impossible.

Misato Sukiyama was the rock of the family. She always remained unmoved in the worst situation.

“Oh no,” Misato sobbed, scrambling to her feet, she rushed to him. Her hands moved over Koji’s back, shaking her head when Koji remained unresponsive.

She looked at Tama for answers.

“He’s alive. Shizuka-san and her children are not," Tama said, his voice trembling with the weight of his news.

His gaze moved to his father. Syaon did not move. Syaon would have sat up when he saw them.

“What’s wrong with Dad?”

“Let’s put your brother down first,” Misato said. “Saya, come and help. They’re both freezing. We need to get them warm.”

Misato took Koji from him. She had to remove Tama’s fingers one at a time as his grip on his brother was tight. Once he let go, Saya and Misato laid Koji on the floor.

“What did you find at Shizuka’s?” Misato asked.

“Someone attacked their house,” Tama said, his gaze on his father as he knelt beside his mother next to Koji. “Shizuka, Nana and Rei are dead.”

Saya rubbed a hand over his back to comfort him.

Saya turned her attention to Koji. She looked into Koji’s eyes and touched his little brother’s left wrist. Meeting Misato’s gaze, Saya said, “He’s in shock.”

“My poor baby,” Misato said, rubbing Koji’s right arm. She leaned down and pressed a kiss on Koji’s forehead. Sitting back on her haunches, she closed her eyes and sighed

Tama worried, seeing his mother this way, he couldn’t take it.

Then she pulled off the ring she wore on her right index finger.

Tama’s eyes widened. He could not remember a day his mother had removed that ring.

“Okaasan, what are you doing?” Tama asked.

The gold ring had blue stones intricately embedded on the surface, with a large blue/green stone as the centerpiece. His father once jokingly referred to it as Misato’s light.

“I’m saving you and your brother,” Misato said.

She took Koji’s right hand and paced the ring on Koji’s right index finger.

Tama watched in awe as the ring fitted itself to the size of Koji’s index finger.

“Tama, stay here and look after your brother. Saya will stay with you.”

“Where are you going?” Tama asked, unable to keep hysteria at bay.

His father was gone…dead…it hurt to think the word concerning his father.

“You can’t go,” Tama said, shaking his head. “Who’ll help Koji if you go?”

“You, Tama,” Misato said, looking at him. “Okaasan needs you to stay strong. Take care of your little brother. You are his guardian now. Teach him the things your father and I have taught you. Be there for each other. You must always do this, promise me.”

“Okaasan,” Tama shook his head, sure she would stay if he refused.

She was everything now. Without their father, she was their world.

How could they be without her?

Misato cut into his fear when she moved closer and held his shoulders. The warmth that seeped into his skin through his damp shirt made him want to make the promise, even though it felt like their world was ending. It seemed like their mother would not return if she left. He met her light blue eyes and found strength to answer her.

“I promise to take care of Koji,” Tama whispered.

Misato gave him a swift nod of approval and hugged him tight. She enveloped him in a warmth that rejuvenated him. Then as quickly as that warmth wrapped around him, it was gone.

Misato pulled back and leaned down to Koji. Her fingers trailed over Koji’s cheek.

“The ring will protect him until he’s old enough to remember,” Misato said to Saya. “Like me, and every second child born into previous generations in our family, he’s the keeper of the Seiryu Spirit. Guide him well, and Koji will do much good for others, Saya-chan. It was easy for previous generations in the family because we only had this power to protect and wield. It will be harder for Koji because he has also inherited his father’s gift of sight.”

“The stone contained and hid your power. Will it not do the same for Koji?” Saya asked.

“Until he’s twenty. It gets harder to contain without help. I planned on assisting him through his coming-of-age year,” Misato said, her voice trembling. “You will have to do it for me, Saya-chan.”

“Misato—”

“Listen,” Misato cut her off. “Syaon was more than my husband, Saya. He was my mate, a part-holder of my power. The Seiryu Spirit keepers love young. When we turn twenty-one, the power multiplies and we share it with the right person. The right mate. Fate is useful in finding such a partner, but I botched the process during my time.”

Misato shook her head, her gaze on Koji.

“I led Takino Yuki into believing he would be my mate. By the time, I realized it was Syaon, Yuki was obsessed with possessing what isn’t his to have. I caused this massacre upon us. Koji’s life will be in danger if Yuki finds him. Yuki will try to force him to share this power, if not try to take it away altogether. Saya, you must not let this happen.”

“Which is why Koji needs you to stay,” Saya begged. “Stay, Misato. We’ll go into hiding.”

“Yuki has breached our home and murdered my husband. I have no choice but to stop him. I need to protect my family, and you,” Misato said. “Tama is Koji’s guardian. Teach my children everything you know until they’re old enough. Their lives depend on it.”

Misato hugged Saya then.

“My dear Saya, please guard my treasures fiercely.”

“I will,” Saya promised.

Tama hated the finality of the moment.

He squeezed Koji's shoulder, hoping his brother would wake up and their mother wouldn’t have to go. Koji stayed still, unseeing. Tama watched helplessly as Misato stood, and went to their father. She stood over Syaon for a moment, her head bowed.

When she turned away from Syaon, her eyes were filled with resolve. She didn’t pause when she reached them. Instead, she walked by without looking at him and headed for the exit doors.

Tama jumped to his feet ready to run after her.

“Okaasan!”

Strong arms wrapped around him and he struggled.

“Let me go,” he demanded of Saya.

“Okaasan,” he called, watching his mother reach the double doors.

Misato gave him a slight smile and closed the doors with a slam.

“Your little brother needs us here,” Saya said when he started to struggle in earnest determined to go after her.

Saya refused to let go no matter how much he fought against her. She held firm. So tight was her hold, that he started to cry. The tears fell fast. His sobs were hard and wrenched from a part of him that felt damaged.

His mother was going to her death.

Why would she do it so calmly? Why was all this happening? What were they to do without the woman with a fierce heart?

***

III – Head of the Sukiyama Clan

“Sign here,” Saya said, the next morning.

They were in Koji’s bedroom on the second floor of the main house. Koji was asleep. His eyes finally closed. Tama wasn’t sure what his brother dreamed about, but Koji sleeping was better than looking at the unmoving Koji with open eyes.

Tama looked at the papers Saya held out to him and frowned.

"Why don’t you sign them?” he asked.

“I can’t. You are the head of the Sukiyama Clan now. It is your birthright, Tama. You need to sign this so that we can start the funeral arrangements.”

“Funeral,” Tama said his voice a whisper.

His gaze returned to his brother.

Koji would wake up to a different world. At some point in the night, Saya had confirmed their mother’s death. The man Saya called Yuki had stabbed her to death at the main gates. She lost a lot of blood, and no matter how many times Tama begged Saya refused to let him see her body.

Tama wiped a palm down his face.

“There are more formalities to get through, but we’ll wait for your brother to wake up,” Saya said. “I know you are worried about him. For now, sign the paperwork so that we can start making arrangements to put your parents to rest.”

Tama shivered.

There were no tears left. He had changed into comfortable clothes: a black t-shirt, sweater and black slacks. His feet were in warm thick socks. His hair was dry. The room heated.

Yet, he felt so cold, that he could hardly move his fingers to take the pen Saya offered.

Tama had so many questions to ask Koji. His brother must have seen the people who attacked the Takada house. Investigators assumed the same intruders attacked the estate but they needed proof to start a case against Takino Yuki.

If Koji could remember—

Koji moaned slightly and Tama forgot the documents. He moved to Koji’s side, as his brother turned his head from side to side and then opened his eyes.

“Koji-kun,” Tama said, leaning over him. He took his brother’s hand and gave it a slight squeeze. “How do you feel? Does anything hurt?”

“Nii-san,” Koji said, his voice filled with pleasure, the single word like manna to Tama.

Koji’s trust in him was so clear. Tama closed his eyes, feeling like he didn’t deserve it.

Koji’s best friends were dead and he had not been there to protect Koji.

“Are you okay?” Tama asked, in a strained voice.

“I’m fine,” Koji said, his voice heavy with sleep. “Why are you so sad?”

Koji’s gaze found Saya and he smiled.

“Saya-san, you’re here too.”

Tama stared at his brother in shock.

Did Koji not remember? How? Tama turned to Saya in panic.

How was he supposed to tell Koji?”

“Why are you frowning, Nii-san?” Koji asked, taking Tama’s hand, and squeezing it. “Did I fall and hurt myself again?”

Koji sat on the large bed, rubbing his eyes with a small yawn.

“Koji, do you remember what happened at Rei and Nana’s house last night?” Tama asked gently.

Koji stared at him.

“Did Rei hurt himself?”

“He can’t remember,” Saya said. “Tama, don’t force it.”

“But why?” Tama shook his head.

He looked away from his brother, conflicted.

How was he supposed to explain that their parents were dead? What explanation could he give? He was trying to formulate a story when Koji gripped his right hand tight. Turning to look at his brother, Tama stared at the tears running down Koji’s cheeks.

“Koji, what’s wrong? What hurts?”

“They are dead,” Koji said, sobbing hysterically. “Mom and Dad, they are dead. You were thinking about it right now. They are dead!”

It took hours to calm Koji down after that.

He cried so hard, Tama worried it would make Koji sick. Tama climbed into the bed and held his brother while he cried.

Saya had to find a mild tranquilizer to help calm Koji.

Tama rocked his brother until he slept.

Leaving the room, Tama followed Saya downstairs to the dining room. She laid out the documents she wanted him to sign on the table, and he started pacing.

“Why can’t Koji remember?”

“I don’t know,” Saya said. “We should take it as a blessing in disguise.”

She pulled out a chair, sat, and watched him.

“You need a strong shield for your thoughts. I'm not without power of my own. I will work on protecting your thoughts. If Koji can’t remember, we won’t have him reading the truth of you so easily.”

“These abilities mom talked about have started too early,” Tama said, his knees suddenly feeling weak. He pulled out the chair at the head of the table and sat. “What will happen if someone tells Yuki about Koji?”

“You let me worry about that,” Saya said. “Tama, your parents left you their estate. As the head of the clan, the responsibilities on your shoulders triple. I promise to guide you the best I can.”

Saya’s words were important.

Tama knew that but could not process it. His brain was stuck on the fact that the Sukiyama Family was now down to him and Koji. There was no one else.

Saya was not a Sukiyama. They called her aunt because she had been a part of their lives all his life.

“Your father’s position has both enemies and friends. Some will kidnap you or your brother for money, or leverage. Our world is quite unreasonable. Now that your parents are dead, these attempts might increase. Tama, you must grow your strength, keep Koji’s existence quiet, and show no cracks even when it seems impossible.”

“Enemies,” Tama murmured, his dark gaze moving to study Saya. “Do you mean enemies like Takino Yuki? The man who killed our parents last night? What exactly did he want?”

“Takino Yuki is dangerous. He wanted what was inside your mother, what is inside your brother. He will do anything to get into this estate to accomplish his goals,” Saya said. “Your mother, Misato, died casting a protection spell over this estate. You are both safe for now. But, I don’t know how long it will last. No one can enter the estate without invitation.”

“Spell,” Tama said, rolling the words on his tongue, trying to digest them. “Does it mean anyone who enters the estate uninvited will die?”

“Yes,” Saya said. “She created a sanctuary for her children and those who would protect them. No one can find us at random. It is a good thing for now, not so much when you are grown up and want to have friends over. We’ll need to find a solution to that barrier in time. Right now, we need to move forward. First, Tama, please sign these papers so I can start on the funeral arrangements.”

“Saya-san,” Tama said, terrified.

When she looked at him, he sighed.

“You won’t leave us. Right? Please stay with us. I can’t do this without you.”

Saya smiled then, and got up, moving to where he sat. She placed a hand on his left shoulder and squeezed.

“This is my home too, Tama. I will not leave you.”

Tama nodded. It was enough. If Saya was here too, he could be strong. He would fight through the fear and face what was coming. He would protect Koji for a lifetime.

Reaching for the papers, he took the pen Saya offered. Giving them a short perusal, Tama signed his name on the designated lines.

****

IV – The Hidden Card

A week after the Sukiyama funeral, Tama and Koji visited their parents’ grave, leaving Saya in the estate. Once she saw the car leave the main compound, Saya left the main house using a side door and hurried to the Sukiyama storehouse used for food storage decades before.

In recent years, Misato had renovated the building wanting to use it as a warehouse for a gallery she wanted to open, one of her many projects that was left incomplete.

Keying the code into the doors, Saya walked into the large open room and sighed when the doors locked behind her. She turned left and went down steep stairs leading to a hidden basement.

She, once again, keyed in a code into the lock and the door hissed open into a well-lit room. The man sleeping on a stiff metal chair jerked awake and stood when he saw her. She closed the door and her gaze moved to the large hospital bed in the middle of the room. The machines around the bed hummed steady rhythms.

Saya was unsure whether she should feel relief or despair. This scenario was far from ideal.

“Well?” she prompted the sleepy man in a white lab coat.

“Touch and go,” the man said. “Only time will tell now.”

Saya took a deep breath and let it out slowly with a small nod, her gaze on the figure on the bed.

Yes, time was all they had now.

***