ATSUKI

CHAPTER ONE : THE BLACK SHEEP

Asuki's earliest memories were of her mother's disapproving glares and sharp words. Even as a toddler, she could feel the weight of her mother's disappointment and anger. Her father was no better, always distant and uninterested in her.
It wasn't just her parents who treated her this way. Asuki's extended family and the other villagers looked down on her, whispering behind her back and avoiding her. Her sister, Aiko, was the golden child, beloved by everyone. Asuki couldn't help but feel jealous of her sister's effortless charm and grace. Aiko was a natural at everything she did, from singing and dancing to cooking and sewing. Asuki, on the other hand, always seemed to stumble and fail at every task she was given.
It wasn't that Asuki wasn't intelligent or capable. She was actually quite bright, with a keen eye for detail and a natural curiosity about the world. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't seem to live up to her family's expectations.
As she grew older, Asuki began to retreat into herself. She spent most of her time alone, exploring the woods and mountains around her village. The natural world was her sanctuary, a place where she could forget about her problems and be free. She discovered that she had a gift for communicating with animals, and she spent hours talking to the birds and squirrels, rabbits and deer that crossed her path.
Despite her love for nature, Asuki couldn't help feeling like an outsider in her own village. She longed for a sense of belonging, a place where she could feel accepted and valued. But the more she tried to fit in, the more she seemed to stand out as the black sheep of the family.
One day, Asuki overheard her parents talking about her in hushed tones. "She'll never amount to anything," her mother said. "She's just a burden on our family."
Asuki felt a sharp pain in her chest at those words. She knew that she had to get away, to leave this village and start a new life. She had heard stories of far-off lands where people like her could use their gifts and talents to make a name for themselves.
That night, Asuki packed a small bag with some food and a few supplies. She didn't have much, but she knew that she could survive in the wilderness if she had to. As she crept out of her house and made her way towards the forest, she felt a mix of fear and excitement. She didn't know what lay ahead, but she was determined to find her place in the world.
Asuki walked for hours through the forest, following the winding path that she knew so well. She stopped to rest by a stream, where she washed her face and drank some water. As she sat there, listening to the sound of the water rushing over the rocks, she felt a sense of calm wash over her. For the first time in her life, she was truly free.
Asuki didn't know where she was going, but she had a sense of direction. She headed towards the mountains, hoping to find a way over them and into the wider world beyond. She walked for days, sleeping under the stars and living off the land. She encountered all kinds of creatures along the way, from friendly foxes to territorial bears. But she never felt scared or alone, as long as she had the forest around her.
Finally, after several days of hard walking, Asuki saw a break in the mountains ahead. She picked up her pace, her heart pounding with excitement. She climbed up the steep incline, using her hands and feet to scramble over the rocks. As she reached the top of the ridge, she gasped in shockAsuki continued to walk, lost in thought, until she reached a clearing. There, she saw a group of children playing a game. They laughed and shouted with joy as they ran around, completely unaware of her presence. Watching them, Asuki felt a pang of longing in her heart. She had never had friends or companions growing up, and she had always longed for someone to share her experiences with.
Suddenly, one of the children spotted her and pointed, drawing the attention of the others. Asuki froze, uncertain of what to do. But to her surprise, the children didn't run away or shout at her like the villagers did. Instead, they cautiously approached her, their eyes filled with curiosity.
"Who are you?" one of the children asked.
Asuki hesitated for a moment before answering. "My name is Asuki," she said softly.
The children looked at each other, whispering among themselves. Asuki could sense their apprehension, but she didn't know how to reassure them.
"We don't want any trouble," another child said.
Asuki felt a pang of sadness in her heart. Even these children, who had nothing to do with her family's hatred, were afraid of her. She was truly alone.
Without a word, Asuki turned and walked away, her heart heavy with sorrow. She didn't know where she was going, but she knew that she couldn't stay in the village any longer.