Journey of Natsume Takeshi

Chapter 5: Captive

Chapter 5: Captive

Natsume woke up to the drummings and the metal clanking noises outside his room. His head hurts. Headache, it seems. "This isn't my room. Where is this?" he muttered to himself. "This is the Matoba Residence, Takeshi." the exorcist entered the room. "It seems you have awaken."  Takeshi glanced at the exorcist in front of him. "You're..." "Yes. I am. The one and only one." said Matoba. "Why am I here?" said Natsume. "Because you belong here." replied Matoba. "Bullshit." said Natsume in spite. Matoba smirked. He doesn't know anything. Not even himself. People who are powerless are so conceited. They seal what makes it his identity. Well, now he is in my hands. With him here, no one can lock him away anymore.

Natsume was handed clothes and food. At least they treated him well. "Oya, is this the rumored Natsume?" said Nanase. "Yes," Matoba smirked. "Natsume...huh, it's been a very long since an exorcist have seen one." said Nanase. "What are you talking about?" Natsume was confused. "You didn't know? You were very famous in the world of exorcists and yokai. In fact, the Natsume Clan was infamous for their natural abilities to excel in something with ease." said Nanase. "We are cursed. No one wanted us." Natsume glanced at the window. "That is why we're taking you in." said Matoba. "How about it? No one will curse you anymore. Those so-called friends that turned their back from you the moment they found out the truth, this won't happen anymore."

"That's...." began Natsume. "Enough Natsume. You are already part of us." said Matoba. "What? I never said I will join you!" said Natsume. "Look at your wrists." said Nanase. Nanase finished piling the books on the table. "Well then, I'll be going." She knew Matoba had something in mind. A child from the Natsumes, this is certainly interesting... "What is this?!" Natsume saw the mark of the Matoba Clan carved into his wrist. "You are now one of us." Natsume was speechless. He could only stare at the mark the Matoba Clan engraved it into his skin.

Matoba took out a few books from the shelf. "Read this through. You have no right to say no anymore. Until you truly realize who you are, you are not allowed outside of these walls." "And you think I'll comply?" said Natsume. "Oh, you will. Soon enough. Read these and you'll understand." said Matoba as he put the pile of books in front of Natsume. "No one bothered to tell you the truth, all because the Natsume Clan once half-destroyed the world."

Natsume was piqued by Matoba's words. What was the msytery of the Natsume Clan they say all the time? How can I be the last heir? It's impossible! Sighing heavily, reluctantly, Natsume picked up the first book from the pile.  It said: Records of the Natsume Clan. As Natsume leafed through the records, he found names familiar. Natsume Reiko...  That name has appeared numerous time not only in a book, but many of the books. That name seemed very familiar, but Natsume couldn't recall where he had heard of that name. "Interested, are you?" said Matoba. He had returned and seated at his desk. Apparently, Natsume was brought to Matoba's study room upon his orders. "Intrigued by the name Natsume Reiko huh? That is not surprising." "Why?" asked Natsume. "Because, she is your family and one of the last of the Natsumes. She was very infamous in the world of exorcists."

"And that is her?" Natsume glanced at the portrait picture of Natsume Reiko in the book. "Come, Natsume. You don't want that tragedy to repeat right?" said Matoba. "Why me? There are many others you can choose from." said Natsume. "Because you are from the renowned Natsume Clan." said Matoba. "Come to us, you'll find out why." Natsume, speechless, took Matoba's hand. The mark on Natsume's wrist glowed and changed its shape. "Welcome to the Matoba Clan, Natsume Takeshi."