The Boy With Strange Eyes

14 - Kami, The Earth Spirit

Kami, The Earth Spirit 🧌

"Continuing on is Power."

It is near dark. We can see two figures walking side-by-side. Both figures are silent as they trek toward the Master's palace, mansion, and dojo. They stop just outside the huge courtyard door.

The tallest silhouette is the first to break the comfortable silence between them. "Kimyo, Missus Ryoshi, and I, well, we were not blessed with any children. But if we did have any, I would have wanted a son, just like you. You just be yourself, lad. No matter what happens, be true to yourself, and everything will work out for you."

The figure hesitated, then continued speaking, "Just keep working hard, and never quit. The only shame is if you quit. Never forget the proverb Kimyo, 'Continuing on is power.' I am so proud of you, son. Here."

Mister Ryoshi hands a beautiful leather backpack to Kimyo. The bag is mounted on small wooden poles, hand-carved with detailed fishing scenes by Mister Ryoshi. Inside are the treasures, gifts, and small coins donated by his net family and Mister Ryoshi.

Kimyo hesitates before reaching for the bag. "I will make you proud, sir, I promise."

As he grasps the bag, the fisherman grabs the youth quickly into a smothering hug. He mutters, "You already have made me proud, Kimyo" As he turns, tears cover Ryoshi's cheeks, glinting in the waning light.

He held himself proudly erect and began his long, lonely walk home.

*****

Kimyo pauses for a moment. He thinks, "Today was my thirteenth birthday. Only Mizuko knew this fact. I hadn't shared it with anyone for fear of disappointment. It was the best birthday of my entire life."

Kimyo released a loud drawn-out sigh and turned his attention back to the courtyard door, his new home, and his new future. He hesitated before knocking. Kimyo heard Mizuko's voice for the first time since their fight the night before.

     🐉 ~ You did very well, my little man. Very well, indeed.~

"Mizuko! I am so happy to hear from you. I am sorry I was rude to you. Does this mean you have forgiven me?" asked Kimyo.

     🐉 ~ There is nothing to forgive, Kimyo. I am here. Look at the water bucket~

On Kimyo's right side sat an old wooden cleaning bucket next to the door frame. Hanging half inside and half outside the bucket was the outline of Mizuko, the tiny water dragon.

     🐉 ~ I have some terrible news Kimyo. I will not be able to enter the House of Masuta. For as long as you are inside these walls, I won't be able to see or speak to you~

Kimyo interrupted, "Are you mad at me, Mizuko, because of my decision? Are you trying to punish me?"

      🐉 ~ No, of course not, Kimyo. I love you. I will always love you. I will always be here for you. There is another reason why I can't enter these walls. This area is the territory of a powerful Earth Spirit. His name is Kami. He will not allow me to enter. I have asked him to watch over you while you are inside here, but he won't promise me. I am a Water Spirit. On the seas or the rivers, I could force him. But here in this compound is earth, ground, dust, and clay. Here inside these walls, Kami holds the upper hand~

Kimyo's voice was shaky, "So, I may not get to see- or speak to you for years, Mizuko?"

     🐉 ~ Yes, I am afraid that is so, Kimyo. But, if this is what you truly want...~

Kimyo nodded his head in affirmation. "Can you promise that you won't forget me, Mizuko?"

     🐉 ~ Yes, I promise you Kuni-Kimyo, I will not forget you, my little man~

No longer hesitating, Kimyo walked briskly to the broad wooden door. The boy boldly knocked on the massive door. He waited for a response...

END

Questions you might consider:

When you try to make a significant change, you risk losing what you might have. If you are poor and have little, does that make it easier or harder to take a risk?

If I am risking all I have, does it matter if it is a few copper coins or a pile of gold?

Aren't you risking everything, poor or rich?