Unexpected Update-ness: Convergence #6
Since I forgot to update on Friday, I decided to randomly update something today. So here's Convergence!
Chapter Six-
The festival was well underway, and Haruo was frowning. He had commandeered a spot at the window of the attic apartment, practically leaning out into the sky to get a better view. It was a dangerous angle, but he was still having trouble seeing anything, but what he could see…
Well, he was not a happy student mage.
She was Town Princess, dressed in a beautiful flowing gown, and was dancing with the Headman’s son. They were so close, laughing and playing.
And Haruo was here, stuck in the attic room, invisible and inaudible, and alone.
Itazura had gone out to take in the sights and grab some free food, and Haruo, who wouldn’t be able to make it through the crowds, was locked up, separated. Forced to sit here and watch, unable to get any closer.
He sighed and leaned back, forcing his clear eyes away and leaned back against the wall, curling in on himself. It was a beautiful day, the festival looked like so much fun. But every year he was forced to sit here and watch from the sidelines. It was times like this he wished the spell wasn’t on him.
Of course he understood why he had this spell placed on him, what it meant for his future, but for now… For days like this, why not take it off, just for a while?
Haruo had asked his master this before, but apparently, the spell, once placed, could not be removed. It was a safety feature.
It was frustrating.
Haruo sighed again, his eyes drifting shut, the frown still covering his features.
He didn’t bother to open them even when the door opened.
“Oi, brat, let’s go.”
One eye popped open, suspiciously peering at his master standing in the doorway. “Go… where?” Haruo asked carefully. He couldn’t fight that little glimmer of hope; it was persistent.
“We got a job to do.”
And the hope was thoroughly smashed. Haruo sighed, then picked himself up and nodded. “Yes, Master.”
“Here.” Itazura tossed something to his apprentice, and Haruo just barely caught it. He held it in his palm and frowned at it.
“What’s this for?” the boy asked.
Itazura grinned, and Haruo wanted to take a step back at the suspicious look. Then Itazura came at him, almost before he realized it, and the white flower was whisked out of his hand and placed in his dark hair. Haruo blinked up at his Master, then frowned. “I’m a boy, you know.”
Itazura shrugged and walked off, as if it was the most unimportant information he had ever been subjected to. “Looks good! You’re a cutie, after all!”
Haruo could feel his face burning, and while just a few moments ago he was wishing the spell on him would break, he was now ridiculously glad he was invisible. In fact, at the moment he wished not even his master could see him, especially as he listened to the raucous laughter coming from the mage as he followed him down the stairwell.
Haruo’s behind hurt. He fidgeted again, shifting his weight in the saddle he had been forced into. He clutched tighter onto his Master, who held the reins of the horse as they pattered along, getting closer to their destination.
It had been a grueling few hours, stuck on that horse. These past few years with Master Itazura had been the first times he was subjected to riding, and his behind was still getting used to the irritation of it. Now, even with the practice he had so far endured, long journeys were more trouble than Haruo considered them worth.
He was beginning to grumble, even while he knew no matter the amount of complaining, his Master would just let it drift over him, in one ear and out the other. Haruo wouldn’t be surprised if his Master was actually just tuning him out.
The boy let out a breath in a heavy sigh, resigning himself to his fate. Today was just a terrible day. First no festival, and now a long ride on a hard horse. And no doubt next came dealing with his Master and his troublesome immoral ways.
Just as he was about to let out another sigh, the horse pulled up before a large building and stopped. Itazura murmured something and jumped off, nearly pulling Haruo along with him. Just barely catching himself and managing not to fall off the horse, Haruo looked around.
They were in a courtyard at the edge of a town. He could see the few buildings that lined the main street not far off from where he continued to sit perched on the horse’s saddle. The courtyard where they were was lined with fresh smelling flowers and greenery. It was still cold, but the flora made it clear spring was on the way.
Haruo let loose that sigh he had been holding. Spring was supposed to be a time of renewal, a time of youth and happiness and cheer, but all he wanted to do was curl up in his bed and hibernate till the next winter. All the colors were making him nauseous.
Or maybe that was just the bad feeling he was getting at that rather sadistic look on his Master’s face as a man appeared from behind the gated entrance to the courtyard.
“Higan! Long time, no see, hm?” Itazura greeted the man cheerfully. Even from the slight distance Haruo could see the scowl of disgust on the man named Higan’s face. He was a tall man, thin framed, with a long wispy white beard and mustache. The eyes were a dark, muddy brown, and his skin was tanned. He had scars on his face, but his clothing was neat and pressed.
Haruo shivered at the sight, and he hesitantly dismounted. He tucked his cloak tighter around him as he went to stand beside his mentor.
“I see you are still alive and… unchained,” Higan replied in a deep voice dripping with scorn. The look of disgust on his face only increased as he scanned Itazura up and down.
But Haruo’s master was unfazed and only grinned wider. Jovially, he patted Higan on the back and began to make his way down the courtyard walk toward where a small group stood huddled together. “As pleasant as always, Higan! And you should know by now,” he paused and glanced back, “No one can lock Master Itazura Zaiku up!” He winked at Haruo who remained in place and laughed heartily.
Higan only scowled and began to slowly follow Itazura down the walkway, Haruo finally picking up the pace and catching up to his master.
After a few stumbles and bursts of speed, Haruo was trudging along beside his master, his eyes continually drifting back to glance at the still scowling older man.
“Master,” Haruo began, his voice low, as if afraid the man might see through the spell and spot the boy. “Who is that man? How do you know him?”
The wolfish grin on Itazura’s face seemed to grow, mischief radiating off of his features. “That guy,” Itazura spoke loudly, unafraid of being overheard by the glaring older man, “is an old acquaintance of mine. In fact, back in the days of my youth, not that I’m old, mind you brat, when I was just a lowly student runt, much like you now, that old geezer, who was an old grouchy geezer even then, was on chummy terms with my old master.”
Haruo’s eyes widened, not just because of the loud tones of his master, or even just due to all the insults the man had thrown in, but with the new information. Haruo had, of course, known Itazura had had a master himself, but the idea had never really struck in Haruo’s mind. But now that it was there, he began to wonder about this man who was Itazura Zaiku’s master. This man that had trained and raised this immoral man who was now training and raising him. He really had to wonder about what kind of a person that man was, and where he was now…
He glanced back again at the old scary man, who was looking even more fierce than he had before, if that was possible.
“And whom, might I ask, though I have no idea why I bother, are you speaking to in such tones?” Higan demanded scaldingly.
“Who? Oh, no one in particular. Just my student mage, here.” Itazura patted Haruo’s back roughly, nearly knocking the small boy over, but to Higan, it looked more like Itazura was patting air, and his scowl intensified furiously.
“Disguised? Or are you merely making it up? Of course, what student would want you as a mentor?”
“Now, now, Higan, old teacher,” Itazura grinned, “I ain’t making anything up. But, you know my reputation, it isn’t all that highly regarded, so anyone who would deem to be my apprentice would have a hard time of it. So my little Haruo here is under a spell to disguise him until the appointed time when he can come into his own and begin to travel the world and do good…” A fake tear sprang to Itazura’s eye and he wiped at it dramatically. “Ah, the day when my little Haruo grows up, how depressing…”
Haruo rolled his eyes, aware Higan couldn’t see his reaction and Itazura was too busy containing his laughs to bother noticing. “It won’t work if you keep advertising my name, Master,” Haruo grumbled.
“Eh?” Itazura paused in his dramatics to respond to his apprentice. “Oh, you ain’t got nothing to worry about, brat. Higan here isn’t gonna stunt you just cause he knows you’re my student. Well, rather, because you’re my student, even if I had a spotless reputation, you know?”
It was Haruo’s turn to scowl. “That’s hardly worth boasting about, Master.”
Itazura shrugged, uncaring. “Whatever, brat. Don’t fall behind!” And he took off to the group of people now only a few steps ahead. “Now, what’s all the trouble about?” he asked, popping up amongst the group.
Haruo blinked at his Master, his head shaking and a sigh escaping him yet again at his irrepressible Mentor. A hand on his shoulder made him jump, and he looked up to see those muddy eyes staring vacantly in his direction.
“I see, so you are real. Hmph. I cannot see you, but I can feel you, and can dispel Itazura’s magic enough to hear you. Pay attention. Though I have no hope for anyone who would follow that man.” Higan released his hold on Haruo and strode forward. “Keep up, boy.”
Haruo frowned and gave a huff of his own. Jerk, he muttered to himself. He crossed his arms over his chest and stepped up beside his Master, who was staring off into space as the supposed client went off on a tangent over whatever. Haruo sighed at his Master’s disregard for his own client. If he wasn’t going to pay attention, why were they even here? He could still be back in the attic apartment, trying to get a view of the festival and lamenting his current invisible/inaudible status in society. It was better than dealing with his Master and his old “acquaintance”.
If that’s really what the man was… Not that Haruo quite bought that story.
What he didn’t know then was that Higan was quite the respected Mage, even if it was only by those who respected the darker arts. A specialist in curses and poisons, the man was the one to call to solve such cases. And Itazura was his most hated rival. Rival, because though much younger, when still a child his skills had rivaled the older Mage.
Itazura’s Master was proud, of course, but the man who had been acclaimed by many from a young age was suddenly being compared to some brat with horrendous manners and no tact. And the ultimate betrayal…
The title of Master was given to any teacher by their students, but those who held the Honorary Title of “Master Mage”, complete with certification and approval and recognition by the High Council of Mages was not easily obtained. Any mage could be a “Master” to a student, but not all were “Master Mages”.
It had taken years, decades to obtain that title, and then this little unrefined, disrespectful brat had come along and made Master Mage almost as soon as he began on his own. It was unthinkable.
It was unforgiveable.
And so in this case, at last, he was planning on proving his superiority, on showing the crude brat who thought he was the Master Higan’s equal and his little apprentice with no future. So unlike the lazy Master Mage Itazura, Higan was paying attention as the client, the mayor of the town on whose border they stood, ranted about his garden and all the beautiful flowers growing so well, and the lovely shade of purple his irises had reached until…
“What the hell is the point?” Itazura spoke at last, interrupting the heavyset man. The mayor stopped mid-rant, and blinked at the disrespectful mage.
He frowned and with a turned-up nose, he looked down upon the young man and spoke haughtily, “And who are you to say such things to a client, sir?”
Itazura grinned. “Itazura Zaiku, at your service!”
The man looked like he had bitten something particularly sour and turned to the other mage. “And you?”
Higan took on his own haughty, overly dignified look and replied, “Kengai Higan.”
The mayor’s eyes widened at recognition of this name as well, but this time with a pleased, reassured look in his features. “Ah, a man of talent. A man worthy of aiding us in our time of need.”
Higan nodded in agreement.
“Father, please. We shall need all of the help which we can get,” a softer voice pleaded. From behind the mayo came the owner of that sugary voice, a woman just about marriable age, with long, silky dark hair and almost obsidian colored eyes. Her skin was fair and flawless and she moved with delicate grace. She wore elegant, rich clothing, bundled up in a fur-lined cloak. Obviously the daughter of the Mayor of a fairly rich town.
The mayor scratched at his bear and muttered something under his breath. Haruo couldn’t say he liked the mayor much, and Itazura obviously thought nothing of the man. And that… meant trouble.
“Master,” Haruo scolded under his breath, sensing Itazura was ready to go on a rampage about something or other, definitely disrespectful and likely to get them in trouble. He had been forced to come all this way, riding on that dreadfully hard horse. He wasn’t going to let his master mess it up so soon.
Itazura turned his attention to his apprentice and frowned.
“Ha! A man like this Itazura fellow is unnecessary. He will only mess things up further,” the Mayor continued unabated. Higan nodded in agreement.
The girl bowed apologetically to Itazura, then gave a small bow to Haruo as well, startling both the Master and his student. Just as the Mayor was about to go off again, Itazura broke in, turning to the girl. The mayor hadn’t noticed Haruo, so Itazura had lost interest in him. Obviously the girl was the client.
“So, what’s the trouble then?” Itazura inquired. Haruo, too, turned his attention to the girl.
“I’m… being stalked… by a demon.”
Until next time! (whenever that is...)
Chapter Six-
The festival was well underway, and Haruo was frowning. He had commandeered a spot at the window of the attic apartment, practically leaning out into the sky to get a better view. It was a dangerous angle, but he was still having trouble seeing anything, but what he could see…
Well, he was not a happy student mage.
She was Town Princess, dressed in a beautiful flowing gown, and was dancing with the Headman’s son. They were so close, laughing and playing.
And Haruo was here, stuck in the attic room, invisible and inaudible, and alone.
Itazura had gone out to take in the sights and grab some free food, and Haruo, who wouldn’t be able to make it through the crowds, was locked up, separated. Forced to sit here and watch, unable to get any closer.
He sighed and leaned back, forcing his clear eyes away and leaned back against the wall, curling in on himself. It was a beautiful day, the festival looked like so much fun. But every year he was forced to sit here and watch from the sidelines. It was times like this he wished the spell wasn’t on him.
Of course he understood why he had this spell placed on him, what it meant for his future, but for now… For days like this, why not take it off, just for a while?
Haruo had asked his master this before, but apparently, the spell, once placed, could not be removed. It was a safety feature.
It was frustrating.
Haruo sighed again, his eyes drifting shut, the frown still covering his features.
He didn’t bother to open them even when the door opened.
“Oi, brat, let’s go.”
One eye popped open, suspiciously peering at his master standing in the doorway. “Go… where?” Haruo asked carefully. He couldn’t fight that little glimmer of hope; it was persistent.
“We got a job to do.”
And the hope was thoroughly smashed. Haruo sighed, then picked himself up and nodded. “Yes, Master.”
“Here.” Itazura tossed something to his apprentice, and Haruo just barely caught it. He held it in his palm and frowned at it.
“What’s this for?” the boy asked.
Itazura grinned, and Haruo wanted to take a step back at the suspicious look. Then Itazura came at him, almost before he realized it, and the white flower was whisked out of his hand and placed in his dark hair. Haruo blinked up at his Master, then frowned. “I’m a boy, you know.”
Itazura shrugged and walked off, as if it was the most unimportant information he had ever been subjected to. “Looks good! You’re a cutie, after all!”
Haruo could feel his face burning, and while just a few moments ago he was wishing the spell on him would break, he was now ridiculously glad he was invisible. In fact, at the moment he wished not even his master could see him, especially as he listened to the raucous laughter coming from the mage as he followed him down the stairwell.
Haruo’s behind hurt. He fidgeted again, shifting his weight in the saddle he had been forced into. He clutched tighter onto his Master, who held the reins of the horse as they pattered along, getting closer to their destination.
It had been a grueling few hours, stuck on that horse. These past few years with Master Itazura had been the first times he was subjected to riding, and his behind was still getting used to the irritation of it. Now, even with the practice he had so far endured, long journeys were more trouble than Haruo considered them worth.
He was beginning to grumble, even while he knew no matter the amount of complaining, his Master would just let it drift over him, in one ear and out the other. Haruo wouldn’t be surprised if his Master was actually just tuning him out.
The boy let out a breath in a heavy sigh, resigning himself to his fate. Today was just a terrible day. First no festival, and now a long ride on a hard horse. And no doubt next came dealing with his Master and his troublesome immoral ways.
Just as he was about to let out another sigh, the horse pulled up before a large building and stopped. Itazura murmured something and jumped off, nearly pulling Haruo along with him. Just barely catching himself and managing not to fall off the horse, Haruo looked around.
They were in a courtyard at the edge of a town. He could see the few buildings that lined the main street not far off from where he continued to sit perched on the horse’s saddle. The courtyard where they were was lined with fresh smelling flowers and greenery. It was still cold, but the flora made it clear spring was on the way.
Haruo let loose that sigh he had been holding. Spring was supposed to be a time of renewal, a time of youth and happiness and cheer, but all he wanted to do was curl up in his bed and hibernate till the next winter. All the colors were making him nauseous.
Or maybe that was just the bad feeling he was getting at that rather sadistic look on his Master’s face as a man appeared from behind the gated entrance to the courtyard.
“Higan! Long time, no see, hm?” Itazura greeted the man cheerfully. Even from the slight distance Haruo could see the scowl of disgust on the man named Higan’s face. He was a tall man, thin framed, with a long wispy white beard and mustache. The eyes were a dark, muddy brown, and his skin was tanned. He had scars on his face, but his clothing was neat and pressed.
Haruo shivered at the sight, and he hesitantly dismounted. He tucked his cloak tighter around him as he went to stand beside his mentor.
“I see you are still alive and… unchained,” Higan replied in a deep voice dripping with scorn. The look of disgust on his face only increased as he scanned Itazura up and down.
But Haruo’s master was unfazed and only grinned wider. Jovially, he patted Higan on the back and began to make his way down the courtyard walk toward where a small group stood huddled together. “As pleasant as always, Higan! And you should know by now,” he paused and glanced back, “No one can lock Master Itazura Zaiku up!” He winked at Haruo who remained in place and laughed heartily.
Higan only scowled and began to slowly follow Itazura down the walkway, Haruo finally picking up the pace and catching up to his master.
After a few stumbles and bursts of speed, Haruo was trudging along beside his master, his eyes continually drifting back to glance at the still scowling older man.
“Master,” Haruo began, his voice low, as if afraid the man might see through the spell and spot the boy. “Who is that man? How do you know him?”
The wolfish grin on Itazura’s face seemed to grow, mischief radiating off of his features. “That guy,” Itazura spoke loudly, unafraid of being overheard by the glaring older man, “is an old acquaintance of mine. In fact, back in the days of my youth, not that I’m old, mind you brat, when I was just a lowly student runt, much like you now, that old geezer, who was an old grouchy geezer even then, was on chummy terms with my old master.”
Haruo’s eyes widened, not just because of the loud tones of his master, or even just due to all the insults the man had thrown in, but with the new information. Haruo had, of course, known Itazura had had a master himself, but the idea had never really struck in Haruo’s mind. But now that it was there, he began to wonder about this man who was Itazura Zaiku’s master. This man that had trained and raised this immoral man who was now training and raising him. He really had to wonder about what kind of a person that man was, and where he was now…
He glanced back again at the old scary man, who was looking even more fierce than he had before, if that was possible.
“And whom, might I ask, though I have no idea why I bother, are you speaking to in such tones?” Higan demanded scaldingly.
“Who? Oh, no one in particular. Just my student mage, here.” Itazura patted Haruo’s back roughly, nearly knocking the small boy over, but to Higan, it looked more like Itazura was patting air, and his scowl intensified furiously.
“Disguised? Or are you merely making it up? Of course, what student would want you as a mentor?”
“Now, now, Higan, old teacher,” Itazura grinned, “I ain’t making anything up. But, you know my reputation, it isn’t all that highly regarded, so anyone who would deem to be my apprentice would have a hard time of it. So my little Haruo here is under a spell to disguise him until the appointed time when he can come into his own and begin to travel the world and do good…” A fake tear sprang to Itazura’s eye and he wiped at it dramatically. “Ah, the day when my little Haruo grows up, how depressing…”
Haruo rolled his eyes, aware Higan couldn’t see his reaction and Itazura was too busy containing his laughs to bother noticing. “It won’t work if you keep advertising my name, Master,” Haruo grumbled.
“Eh?” Itazura paused in his dramatics to respond to his apprentice. “Oh, you ain’t got nothing to worry about, brat. Higan here isn’t gonna stunt you just cause he knows you’re my student. Well, rather, because you’re my student, even if I had a spotless reputation, you know?”
It was Haruo’s turn to scowl. “That’s hardly worth boasting about, Master.”
Itazura shrugged, uncaring. “Whatever, brat. Don’t fall behind!” And he took off to the group of people now only a few steps ahead. “Now, what’s all the trouble about?” he asked, popping up amongst the group.
Haruo blinked at his Master, his head shaking and a sigh escaping him yet again at his irrepressible Mentor. A hand on his shoulder made him jump, and he looked up to see those muddy eyes staring vacantly in his direction.
“I see, so you are real. Hmph. I cannot see you, but I can feel you, and can dispel Itazura’s magic enough to hear you. Pay attention. Though I have no hope for anyone who would follow that man.” Higan released his hold on Haruo and strode forward. “Keep up, boy.”
Haruo frowned and gave a huff of his own. Jerk, he muttered to himself. He crossed his arms over his chest and stepped up beside his Master, who was staring off into space as the supposed client went off on a tangent over whatever. Haruo sighed at his Master’s disregard for his own client. If he wasn’t going to pay attention, why were they even here? He could still be back in the attic apartment, trying to get a view of the festival and lamenting his current invisible/inaudible status in society. It was better than dealing with his Master and his old “acquaintance”.
If that’s really what the man was… Not that Haruo quite bought that story.
What he didn’t know then was that Higan was quite the respected Mage, even if it was only by those who respected the darker arts. A specialist in curses and poisons, the man was the one to call to solve such cases. And Itazura was his most hated rival. Rival, because though much younger, when still a child his skills had rivaled the older Mage.
Itazura’s Master was proud, of course, but the man who had been acclaimed by many from a young age was suddenly being compared to some brat with horrendous manners and no tact. And the ultimate betrayal…
The title of Master was given to any teacher by their students, but those who held the Honorary Title of “Master Mage”, complete with certification and approval and recognition by the High Council of Mages was not easily obtained. Any mage could be a “Master” to a student, but not all were “Master Mages”.
It had taken years, decades to obtain that title, and then this little unrefined, disrespectful brat had come along and made Master Mage almost as soon as he began on his own. It was unthinkable.
It was unforgiveable.
And so in this case, at last, he was planning on proving his superiority, on showing the crude brat who thought he was the Master Higan’s equal and his little apprentice with no future. So unlike the lazy Master Mage Itazura, Higan was paying attention as the client, the mayor of the town on whose border they stood, ranted about his garden and all the beautiful flowers growing so well, and the lovely shade of purple his irises had reached until…
“What the hell is the point?” Itazura spoke at last, interrupting the heavyset man. The mayor stopped mid-rant, and blinked at the disrespectful mage.
He frowned and with a turned-up nose, he looked down upon the young man and spoke haughtily, “And who are you to say such things to a client, sir?”
Itazura grinned. “Itazura Zaiku, at your service!”
The man looked like he had bitten something particularly sour and turned to the other mage. “And you?”
Higan took on his own haughty, overly dignified look and replied, “Kengai Higan.”
The mayor’s eyes widened at recognition of this name as well, but this time with a pleased, reassured look in his features. “Ah, a man of talent. A man worthy of aiding us in our time of need.”
Higan nodded in agreement.
“Father, please. We shall need all of the help which we can get,” a softer voice pleaded. From behind the mayo came the owner of that sugary voice, a woman just about marriable age, with long, silky dark hair and almost obsidian colored eyes. Her skin was fair and flawless and she moved with delicate grace. She wore elegant, rich clothing, bundled up in a fur-lined cloak. Obviously the daughter of the Mayor of a fairly rich town.
The mayor scratched at his bear and muttered something under his breath. Haruo couldn’t say he liked the mayor much, and Itazura obviously thought nothing of the man. And that… meant trouble.
“Master,” Haruo scolded under his breath, sensing Itazura was ready to go on a rampage about something or other, definitely disrespectful and likely to get them in trouble. He had been forced to come all this way, riding on that dreadfully hard horse. He wasn’t going to let his master mess it up so soon.
Itazura turned his attention to his apprentice and frowned.
“Ha! A man like this Itazura fellow is unnecessary. He will only mess things up further,” the Mayor continued unabated. Higan nodded in agreement.
The girl bowed apologetically to Itazura, then gave a small bow to Haruo as well, startling both the Master and his student. Just as the Mayor was about to go off again, Itazura broke in, turning to the girl. The mayor hadn’t noticed Haruo, so Itazura had lost interest in him. Obviously the girl was the client.
“So, what’s the trouble then?” Itazura inquired. Haruo, too, turned his attention to the girl.
“I’m… being stalked… by a demon.”
Until next time! (whenever that is...)