Yami

Wandered through the lifeless streets of Kyoto, the darkness seemed to embrace my solitary form. The city, now devoid of its usual vibrancy, mirrored the void within me. My steps led me, almost unconsciously, to a desolate park where I found solitude on a lone bench under the moon's watchful eye.

Sitting there, my thoughts, usually so focused on my plans and the thrill of power, took an unexpected turn. They drifted to Hiro, the young sorcerer who had shown remarkable resilience and strength. In him, I saw an echo of my own son, long gone from this world. The realization was unanticipated, stirring memories I had long suppressed.

Both Hiro and my son shared a stubborn streak, a defiance that I once admired and battled against in equal measure. I couldn't help but draw parallels between them - the same fiery spirit, the same unwavering determination. It was an unsettling comparison, one that brought a rare flicker of something akin to sentimentality.

"Sitting here, under the cold gaze of the moon, I find myself reflecting on paths taken and choices made," I thought to myself. "Hiro, you are so much like him, unbowed and unbroken. It's a quality that both intrigues and infuriates me."

In the stillness of the park, with only the night as my witness, I allowed myself a moment to dwell on these thoughts. It was a rare instance of introspection, a brief lapse where the ghost of my past brushed against the present.

As I sat on the bench, enveloped in the stillness of the night, my mind drifted back to a time long past, a memory from when I was a mere child of seven. It was a pivotal moment, one that had set the course for my entire life.

I remembered the day when I first discovered the extent of my power, an event that forever changed the way people around me perceived me. It was a sunny afternoon, and I was playing in the village square, the laughter of other children filling the air.

Suddenly, a surge of energy welled up within me, unbidden and powerful. It was as if a dam had broken, releasing a force I didn't fully understand. I extended my hand, and to my amazement and the horror of those around me, a pulse of dark energy radiated from my palm, shattering a nearby water jug into a thousand pieces.

The square fell silent, and all eyes turned to me. I could see fear, suspicion, and awe reflected in their faces. I stood there, my hand still outstretched, feeling the remnants of the power coursing through my veins.

A villager stepped forward, his voice trembling. "What are you?" he asked, his eyes wide with fear.

I didn't know how to respond. I was just a child, suddenly thrust into a world of fear and misunderstanding because of a power I didn't ask for. The innocence of my youth clashed with the reality of what I had become – something other, something feared.

As I sat there on the bench in the present, reflecting on that long-ago day, I realized that it was the moment my destiny was sealed. The path I had walked since then had been one of isolation and power, a journey that had led me to become Yami, the entity I am today.

That day of my childhood revelation marked the beginning of a life of solitude and fear from those around me, including my own clan. The memory of their reactions still echoed in my mind as I sat on that bench, lost in the past.

In the days following the incident, whispers filled the air whenever I passed by. My clan, once a place of belonging, became a cage of wary glances and hushed tones. Even within my own family, a distance grew, an unspoken chasm borne of fear and misunderstanding.

One evening, I overheard a conversation that crystallized my fate. Hidden in the shadows, I listened as the clan elders spoke in serious, hushed voices.

"He's too dangerous," one elder said, his voice laced with fear. "That power... it's unnatural. He could bring ruin to us all."

Another added, "His own family fears him. What chance do we have of controlling him?"

The discussion turned to whispers of exile, a decision that would sever me from everything I had ever known. Even as a child, I understood the weight of their words. They were casting me out, branding me a pariah.

Heartbroken, I returned home, only to be met with the pained eyes of my own parents. My mother, her face etched with sorrow, approached me. "You must leave," she said, her voice barely a whisper. "For your safety and ours."

"But why?" I asked, tears welling in my eyes. "I didn't choose this."

"I know, my child," she replied, her own eyes glistening with unshed tears. "But the world isn't kind to those with powers like yours."

That night, I left, a child ostracized from his own clan and family.

Lost and alone, cast out from my own clan, I wandered aimlessly, my young mind grappling with the reality of my newfound isolation. It was during this period of solitude that my path crossed with the Kamo clan, a renowned family of sorcerers. Among them, one figure stood out – Noritoshi Kamo, a man whose reputation was known even beyond the boundaries of his clan.

As I hesitantly approached the Kamo compound, unsure of the reception I would receive, Noritoshi Kamo himself emerged to greet me. His demeanor was calm, his gaze assessing yet not unkind.

"Young one, I've heard of your predicament," Noritoshi Kamo began, his voice measured. "And of the power that you possess."

I looked up at him, wary and defensive. "Are you going to cast me out too?" I asked, bracing myself for rejection.

Noritoshi Kamo shook his head. "No. The Kamo clan does not fear power. We respect it, nurture it. You have a gift, though it may not seem so now."

I was taken aback by his words, so different from the fear and suspicion I had encountered thus far. "Why would you help me?" I questioned, my curiosity piqued.

"Because I see potential in you," he replied. "Potential that should be guided, not shunned. Come, let us help you understand and control what you are capable of."

By the time I turned sixteen, my reputation within the Kamo clan had grown complex. While Noritoshi Kamo continued to mentor me, the rest of the clan regarded me with a mix of awe and fear. My peers kept their distance, and conversations would cease when I entered a room. I was an enigma – a part of the clan, yet apart from it.

One evening, as I walked through the compound, feeling the weight of isolation, Noritoshi Kamo found me. "You're becoming quite the topic of discussion among the clan," he said, his voice betraying a hint of amusement.

I scoffed, my gaze fixed on the ground. "They fear me. Just like my own clan did."

Noritoshi Kamo nodded, acknowledging the truth in my words. "Fear often accompanies the unknown, and your power is unlike anything they've seen. But fear can turn into respect, in time."

"How? They won't even look at me," I replied, my frustration evident.

"With patience and understanding," Noritoshi Kamo advised. "Continue to hone your skills and use them wisely. Show them that your power is not a curse, but a gift."

I looked up at him, his words offering a glimmer of hope. "And if they never see it that way?"

"Then that is their loss," he stated firmly. "Your power is unique, and it will be your strength. Don't let their fear define you."

Those words resonated with me deeply. Noritoshi Kamo's guidance gave me the strength to embrace my abilities, despite the fear they incited in others. He taught me not just to control my power, but to understand it as a part of who I was.

At seventeen, amidst my solitude and the complex relationship I had with the Kamo clan, an unexpected encounter changed my perspective. A girl from within the clan approached me, her demeanor void of the fear that others harbored. She was different – her eyes held curiosity rather than apprehension, and her smile was genuine, a rarity in my world.

She was slightly younger than me, with long, dark hair that cascaded over her shoulders and eyes that sparkled with a mixture of intelligence and warmth. Her presence was like a breath of fresh air in the stifling atmosphere of fear that usually surrounded me.

"Why aren't you afraid of me?" I asked one day, my voice laced with the confusion and skepticism that had become my constant companions.

She looked at me, her gaze steady. "I only fear the darkness in people's hearts," she said, "and in you, I see no such darkness."

Her response took me by surprise. "Everyone else thinks differently," I pointed out, unable to hide my bitterness.

She shrugged, a gentle smile playing on her lips. "Maybe they're not looking closely enough. People often fear what they don't understand."

Her words resonated with me, providing a contrast to the narrative I had been told and had begun to believe about myself. We began to spend more time together, her company a solace from the isolation I usually felt. She showed me a different perspective, one where my powers were not a source of fear but of intrigue and even admiration.

During one of our early encounters, which could be likened to a 'first date', she suggested we go to the park to feed the ducks at the pond. It was a simple, innocent activity, far removed from the complexities of our lives within the clan.

As we approached the pond, she pulled out a small bag of bread crumbs and handed some to me. "Here, they love these," she said with a smile.

I took the bread, feeling slightly out of place with this mundane task. "Just throw it to them?" I asked, unsure of the etiquette of feeding ducks.

"Yes, just like that," she encouraged. I scattered the crumbs towards the ducks, and they immediately swarmed towards us, quacking loudly.

Suddenly, one particularly bold duck waddled right up to me, pecking at my feet. Startled, I stepped back. "Seems they've taken a liking to you," she laughed.

I looked down at the persistent duck, a mix of amusement and surprise on my face. "Or they're just really hungry," I joked.

She laughed again, her eyes lighting up with joy. "It's nice to see you like this, away from all the clan politics and power struggles."

I found myself smiling genuinely, something that had become rare. "It is nice, isn't it? A bit of normalcy."

As we finished feeding the ducks and they waddled away contentedly, I turned to her, feeling a profound sense of gratitude. The simplicity of the afternoon, the normalcy of it, was something I hadn't realized I'd been craving.

"Thank you," I said sincerely, looking into her eyes. "For spending time with me... for seeing me as more than just my abilities."

She smiled softly, her eyes reflecting the gentle light of the setting sun. "I enjoy being with you, Yami. You're not who they think you are. You're kind, thoughtful... and you deserve to be happy."

Her words struck a chord in me, filling me with a warmth I hadn't felt in a long time. In that moment, I saw not just the girl from the clan but someone who truly understood and accepted me.

Before I knew it, I found myself leaning in closer to her, driven by a mixture of affection and a newfound sense of connection. She didn't pull away; instead, she met me halfway. Our lips met in a gentle, tentative kiss, a symbol of the bond we were forming, beyond the realms of power and fear.

As we parted, I felt a flutter of something new and exciting. It was a moment of genuine connection, a rare instance where I could be myself, unguarded and open.

"Thank you," I repeated, my voice barely above a whisper. "For seeing me."

She reached out, her hand lightly touching mine. "Thank you for letting me see you," she replied, her smile both warm and reassuring.

Three years after that fateful day by the pond, our relationship had blossomed into something deep and meaningful. Against the backdrop of a life filled with power struggles and clan politics, our bond had been a constant source of comfort and understanding. It was a connection that defied the expectations and fears of those around us.

As time passed, it became clear that what we had was not fleeting. It was a profound companionship that stood steadfast in the face of challenges and the passage of time. Eventually, we decided to solidify our relationship and step into a future together.

We married in a small, intimate ceremony. It was a quiet affair, attended by only a few close friends and those who had come to accept me for who I was. The Kamo clan, with its rigid traditions and structures, might have expected a more lavish event, but we chose simplicity over spectacle. It wasn't about the clan or its expectations; it was about us, our journey, and our love.

Our wedding day was a blur of happiness and emotion. I remember looking into her eyes as we exchanged vows, feeling a sense of completeness I never thought possible. She was my partner, my confidant, and the one person who saw beyond Yami, the feared sorcerer, to the person I truly was inside.

A year after our quiet wedding, our lives were blessed with another joyous event – the birth of our son. He was a healthy, vibrant boy, with his mother's gentle eyes and a hint of my own stubbornness. His arrival marked a new chapter in our lives, one filled with the responsibilities and joys of parenthood.

Holding my son for the first time was an indescribable experience. I, who had always been defined by my power and the fear it instilled in others, was now a father, responsible for a new life. His tiny fingers wrapped around mine, and in that moment, I felt an overwhelming sense of protectiveness and love.

"We have a son," I whispered to her, my voice filled with wonder and emotion.

She smiled, tired yet radiant. "Yes, we do. Our little miracle."

We named him, choosing a name that signified strength and hope. Watching him grow in the ensuing months brought a new dimension to our lives. His laughter filled our home, and his curious eyes saw the world in a way that reminded us of the innocence and beauty in life – things that the complex world of sorcery often overshadowed.

I remember walking with him in the gardens, showing him the flowers and the sky, and feeling a sense of peace I hadn't known was possible. He was our bridge to a normal life, a life where power and fear were not the defining factors.

Three years after the joyous arrival of my son, a profound change occurred within the Kamo clan, particularly with Noritoshi Kamo. The man who had once been a mentor and a guiding light for me had transformed into someone unrecognizable. One day, he appeared with a stark scar across his forehead, a physical change that mirrored a deeper, more sinister shift in his persona.

This new Noritoshi was cold, his eyes devoid of the warmth I had known. His demeanor was harsh, his actions increasingly cruel and ruthless. The kindness and understanding he had once shown me and others were gone, replaced by a darkness that seemed to consume him.

I didn't realize it at the time, but this change marked the beginning of Noritoshi Kamo's infamy as the worst sorcerer of all times. Unbeknownst to me, he was no longer himself; he had become a vessel for Kenjaku, a being whose intentions and power were far beyond the ordinary.

Noritoshi, or rather Kenjaku, began conducting grotesque experiments, using his knowledge and power for sinister purposes. The clan, once a place of learning and growth, became a ground for dark and unethical practices.

Seeing these changes, I knew I could no longer stay. I decided to leave the clan, to take my family away from the growing darkness that had enveloped it. When I informed Noritoshi of my decision, he tried to dissuade me.

"You have a power that is yet to be fully shaped," he said, his voice eerily calm. "Embrace the darkness within you, and you will become even stronger."

His words sent a chill down my spine. The mentor I had once admired was advocating a path I knew I could not follow. I refused, choosing instead to protect my family and preserve the values I still held dear.

When our son was just ten years old, tragedy struck our family in the most unexpected and cruel way. My wife, the woman who had seen through my fearsome exterior to the person I truly was, fell ill. It was a sudden onset of viruela, a ruthless disease that swept through her with a ferocity that left us reeling.

I remember the days of her illness, a time marked by a helplessness I had never known. Despite my power, despite all the knowledge I had acquired, I found myself unable to change the course of her fate. Each day, I watched as the disease took more of her, her once vibrant spirit fading before my eyes.

Our son and I were at her bedside when she passed. Her last words were whispered in a voice barely audible, filled with love and a sorrowful acceptance. "Take care of him," she said, her gaze resting on our son. "He needs you now more than ever."

After she passed, the world seemed to lose its color. I was engulfed in a grief that was all-consuming, a pain that went beyond physical sensation. Our son, too young to fully comprehend the finality of death, looked to me for comfort and guidance, his young eyes filled with confusion and loss.

In my heart, I vowed to protect and raise him, to honor the last wishes of the woman who had been my companion, my confidant, and my love. But her death left a void in us both, a void that was more than just her absence. It was the loss of warmth and light in our lives, a reminder of the fragility of happiness.

As the years passed, my son grew into a remarkable young man, his character shaping into something that often reminded me of his mother. He had her spirit, her kindness, and an innate sense of justice that shone brightly, even in the darkest times. In him, I saw a beacon of hope, a light that kept the shadows at bay.

He was inherently cheerful, a trait that seemed almost miraculous considering the loss and sorrow we had endured. His laughter and optimism brought a semblance of light back into our lives, a gentle reminder of the joy that once was. His presence was a comfort, a balm to the lingering grief that hung over us like a shroud.

As he grew older, he began to exhibit a strong sense of duty towards others, especially in protecting them from cursed spirits. Unlike many in the world of jujutsu sorcery, he did not exorcise curses for money or personal gain. Instead, he did it out of a genuine desire to help, to make the world a safer place. His actions were selfless, driven by a moral compass that was both admirable and pure.

This altruism, however, did not sit well with other sorcerer clans. His willingness to exorcise curses without compensation disrupted what many saw as a necessary system of commerce. To them, curses were not just threats but also opportunities for profit. My son's actions, noble as they were, threatened this longstanding practice, causing discontent and criticism within the sorcerer community.

Despite the disapproval from other clans, my son remained undeterred. He continued his work with a steadfast dedication, his actions speaking of a belief in a greater good. His approach to sorcery was a stark contrast to the path I had walked, and in him, I saw the hope for a different future, one where power was used not for personal gain but for the protection and betterment of all.

I recall a particular day that stood out poignantly in my memories, a day when my son's words cut through my hardened exterior. We were walking through a bustling market when a young boy, no older than six, tripped and fell a few feet ahead of us. People passed by without a second glance, caught up in their own lives. I, too, watched indifferently, making no move to assist.

My son, however, immediately rushed to the boy's side, helping him to his feet and checking if he was hurt. The boy, slightly dazed but unharmed, nodded in gratitude and scampered off to his waiting mother.

As we resumed walking, my son turned to me, his expression serious. "Father, why didn't you help him?" he asked, his disappointment evident.

I shrugged, a typical response of mine, "It's not our responsibility to save everyone."

He stopped, looking at me with a resolve that seemed beyond his years. "But it is, especially when it comes to children. They are the purest form of goodness in this world. They are our future."

His words struck a chord in me. In his view, every act of kindness, no matter how small, contributed to a better future, a world where compassion and empathy prevailed.

"They look at the world with wonder and trust. We should strive to make it a place worthy of their hopes," he continued, his voice filled with a passion that resonated deep within me.

At that moment, I realized how much my son had grown, not just in age, but in wisdom and character. He saw the world not as a battleground for power and sorcery, but as a place where small acts of kindness could make a significant difference. His belief in the goodness of children and their importance to the future was a perspective that I had lost along my path.

The memory of what happened when my son was twenty is forever etched in my mind, a turning point that pushed me further down the path I walk today. It was a tragedy that not only broke my heart but also ignited a flame of anger and bitterness that has never since been extinguished.

My son, whose only fault was his unwavering kindness and his belief in a better world, fell victim to the ruthless ambitions of the Zenin clan. In a brutal and cowardly act, they took his life, a young man filled with dreams and goodness, and hung his body in the village square for all to see. It was not just a murder; it was a statement, a show of power intended to instill fear and assert dominance among the three great clans – Gojo, Kamo, and Zenin.

The Zenin clan aimed to demonstrate that they feared no one, not even me, Yami, the one chosen by the legend of chaos. They sought to prove their strength by striking at what they perceived to be my weakness – my son, my heart.

When I found him there, lifeless and displayed as a trophy of their cruelty, something inside me shattered irreparably. The sight of his body, a once vibrant life reduced to a tool in their power play, filled me with an indescribable rage and sorrow.

My son, who had always seen the best in people, who believed in the inherent goodness of children and the promise of a better future, was gone. His dreams and hopes were snuffed out by those who valued power over humanity.

That day marked the end of any semblance of the man I once was. The loss of my son drove me into a darkness that consumed any light left within me. The Zenin clan's actions ignited a fury and a desire for vengeance that transformed me further into Yami, the embodiment of chaos and power.

In the wake of my son's brutal death, the desire for vengeance burned fiercely within me. I yearned to unleash my fury upon the Zenin clan, to make them pay for the atrocity they had committed. However, as I stood at the precipice of this dark path, the memory of my son – his beliefs, his kindness, and the life he envisioned – held me back. He would not have wanted a legacy of vengeance and bloodshed; he believed in a world of compassion, not one consumed by revenge.

Despite this understanding, happiness eluded me. Plunged into a deep depression, I found myself grappling with an overwhelming sense of loss and emptiness. The thought of ending my own life crossed my mind more than once. Yet, I couldn't bring myself to do it. The thought of facing my son and wife in the afterlife, having to explain that I succumbed to despair, was something I couldn't bear.

My days and nights blended into a monotonous cycle of grief and regret. I was haunted by thoughts of what could have been – a life of peace and fulfillment with my family. The realization that such a life was now forever out of reach was a torment that no amount of power or fear-inducing reputation could alleviate.

Years passed in a blur of grief and solitude, each day a monotonous echo of the one before. The memory of my family was the only thing that provided me with a semblance of connection to a world I no longer felt a part of. In an attempt to feel closer to them, I would often visit their graves, seeking solace in the quiet conversations I held with their spirits.

However, one day, as I approached the resting place of my wife and son, I discovered a sight that shook me to my core. Their graves had been desecrated, the headstones shattered, and the sacred ground disturbed. This heinous act was more than a mere act of vandalism; it was a direct affront to their memory, a violation of the sanctity of their final resting place.

Staring at the desecrated graves, a cold fury began to boil within me. The pain and loss that I had carried for so long, suppressed and contained, now surged to the surface with a ferocity that was all-consuming. The last vestiges of restraint and the desire to honor my son's beliefs crumbled away in the face of this abomination.

It was at this moment that I fully embraced the darkness that had been beckoning me for so long. The time for mourning, for holding on to ideals that the world around me continually desecrated, was over. I would become the harbinger of retribution, a force that would exact vengeance not just for the desecration of my family's graves but for all the injustice and wickedness that plagued the era.

As Yami, I would no longer be bound by the constraints of morality or the hope for a better world. My path was now one of darkness and power, and I would use that power to put an end to the corruption and evil that had taken everything from me.

The memory of that day, standing before the desecrated graves of my wife and son, marked the final transformation in my journey. From that point on, I was no longer just a man who had lost everything; I became a symbol of vengeance and chaos, feared and revered in equal measure. The legacy of my family was no longer one of hope and kindness but a catalyst for the unleashing of Yami, the darkness incarnate.