Chains of Fate - Preview

Chains of Fate - Preview

It was a cool day in late spring. The sky was blue, with wisps of clouds lazily going past. Down upon the earth, the grass was turning a vivid green, and the trees were in bloom. Across the ground, a track ran off into the distance, allowing a train to pass over it. Upon this train was a girl, a book open in her lap. She did not read it. Instead, she gave a tired look out the window, watching the scenery pass by. A long night’s journey had spent her, and she was looking to reach her destination soon to eat breakfast. When she finally arrived, she wheeled a rolling suitcase to a bench, plopping on it a backpack she had with and waited for her ride.
“Yoohoo~” exclaimed a middle-aged woman. “Tomoko-cha~n!”
The girl closed her eyes and smiled. She opened them to look upon her aunt.
“Aunt Kagami,” said the girl as she bowed. “Good morning. I hope you are well.”
The woman chuckled. “Humble, aren’t we? And what about you? Being on a train late at night must have been tiring.”
The girl named Tomoko chuckled before answering. “Oh, I’m fine. It wasn’t so bad as you said. But how are you? Mother worries about your health.”
“Really, what‘ll I do with her?” said Kagami. “She’s ALWAYS worrying about my health.” She approached the rolling suitcase and wheeled it towards the parking lot. “Well, come on. We can at least get you some breakfast before you get to know the town. It’s not far.”
Tomoko lifted her backpack from the bench, and followed her aunt.

After getting in the car, an open convertible, the two drove down the country road towards a town. It was not too small, having all the essentials of a clinic, a school, and groceries. There was also a shrine placed on a hill.
“But still, I can‘t believe it,” stated Kagami while driving. “You’re telling me that you graduated from high school at the age of 15?”
“Uh, yes,” said Tomoko. “I skipped a lot. I got very high marks because I was very studious.”
“Well, then. Are a good portion of your friends older than you?”
“Uh… not really,” said Tomoko dejectedly. “I didn’t really have time to make friends.”
Kagami looked over at the girl for a second before returning her gaze to the road. “Well, let’s not worry about that then. You’re spending a good three years with me until you go to college. A good break, I might say. I’m sure you’ll make lot’s of friends in our little town.”
“That would be nice…” mumbled Tomoko. She leaned on the door, watching the fields and plants whiz by as they drove on. Kagami stayed silent the rest of the trip.

They stopped in a parking lot and got out. Kagami took out the rolling suitcase while Tomoko grabbed the backpack.
“Your stuff should be here within the week.” said Kagami. For now, I at least put aside a room for you. It isn’t much; I was using it for storage. But it’ll do for a nice room. I got an extra futon at least, unless you want a bed.”
“I think I’d rather have a bed, sorry,” said Tomoko apologetically. “I’m used to them more.”
“Well, I know a place where we can get one. Comfy, too. I’m using one from there myself.”
They walked down the walled-in road until they got to Kagami’s house. It was a traditional Japanese house, raised off the ground, and screens lining the outside walls.
Tomoko was amazed. “Wow. I’ve never been in a traditional house before.”
“Really. You grew up in a mansion. I wonder if you’ve even seen one.”
“No, I’ve seen them in books.”
Kagami shook her head. “Books are nothing compared to the real thing.” Suddenly there was a beeping sound, and Kagami pulled out a cell phone from her pocket. She greeted and began taking to the person. “What? An accident? That bad, huh? I’ll be right there.” She put it away and bowed to Tomoko then went straight again. “I’m so sorry. It appears some kid did something dangerous and got hurt badly. The clinic’s understaffed, so they need me. You’ll be alright, won’t you?”
“Don’t worry,” said Tomoko. “I’m a smart kid. I’ll be fine. I’ll take a look around, and you can give me a formal tour later.”
Kagami sighed. “That’s good. I’ll make sure to pick up some good stuff for dinner.” She then ran back to the parking lot; “I’ll see you fairly soon. Won’t be too long at least;” And thus, was gone.
Tomoko stood there as her aunt ran away. She set her backpack down on the porch, lifted the suitcase next to it, and then sat down to look at the sky. For some reason, she thought it looked prettier and clearer; Much different than the city area. She listened to the wind, noting how it didn’t carry any voices or sounds; only the silence that was the wind. It blew her hair a bit, but she didn’t notice. She watched the bright white clouds drift by; wispy and clear against the blue sky. She told herself that she would enjoy this place.
And maybe find peace and relaxation for once in her life.

After some time, Tomoko left the house, remembering how to find it. She came across the food store, taking a quick look around and greeting the owners. She came across the school, noting the students still studying for their futures. She remembered her own time in school, the people she said hello and goodbye to. Only people, she told herself. She came across the clinic, and was able to greet her aunt at work, before she had to run off to check on the wounded child.
Finally, Tomoko came across the steps of the shrine. She mounted them, and rose to the top. Over her was the gate, and sprawled out before her was a clearing with stone steps, as well as the shrine complex.
It was fairly large. In front was the temple for praying. Over to the side appeared to be general living quarters. There was another large building beyond that, but what it was Tomoko couldn’t tell. On the other side of the temple was a farm area, where it appeared vegetables of various kinds were growing.
She gazed out at the shrine while heading for the temple. It was quiet; the wind barely even whispered. The trees were the only indication that there was a sound. The stones made a clacking sound as she moved forward.
Tomoko reached the temple, took off her shoes, and stepped up to the door. She slid it somewhat, and went inside. She took in her surroundings again, noticing the various elements she had heard about and not seen. She stepped forward to the main altar, and kneeled in traditional style. She stared at the statue in front of her for what seemed like an eternity.
Something inside said that this place would change her life.
Tomoko was suddenly startled by a sound from behind. She got up and whipped around to see the door had been pushed all the way aside to meet the wall. She was flipping through her mind, wondering what it might be. An old priest, seeing if someone had come to pray, or a miko checking up on the temple. At first glance, she thought it was the latter, yet…
Standing there, holding the door open, was a ghostly boy with glowing red eyes, draped in matching red and white. They gazed at each other, a moment as frozen as the boy’s stare.