Devil's Child Chpt. 6

"What do you have to say in you're defense?" an elderly man sat at an elevated desk. He was dressed in a black judge's habit and held a gavel in his hand as he stared down at the defendent. This was the village leader, Kentetsu.


Hashirama was in the middle of the court room, wrists bound together, staring back into the judge's cold eyes. He had been charged with treason, escaping the law, and for acting as an accomplice in all of Kijima's crimes. The evidence had been laid out before the entire court. The witness was indeed Chikuru, who saw him warn Madara of the danger. Chikuru now stood at the back of the room.


"You're Honor, if I may. We're over looking someone!" came a voice from the door of the courtroom. The door burst open as Hashirama's parents and brother were pulled in. "I'll bet they knew all about his excursions and let him do it! They kept quite this whole time."

"No, they have nothing to do with this!" Hahirama shouted.

"Prove it, traitor!" the man yelled back.

"Order in the court!" Kentetsu slammed the gavel down to reorganize everyone. "Now, what evidence do you have that supports this charge?"

"They have no connections at all," Hashirama turned back to the judge. "I'm the only one that goes to the forest, but I do not associate with demons!" The spectators jeered at his words, calling him a liar and a traitor.

"Hashirama, what is the meaning of this?" Goshin asked.

"Father, I..." Hashirama couldn't bring himself to look him in the eyes.

"Does anyone have any supporting evidence of their aiding him?" Kentetsu asked once again. Still no one could say anything. "If no one has any viable reason to bring such charges against them, then release them. As for the defendent, unless you have anything more to say in your defense, we will move on to the verdict."

Oh no... How did this happen? It was so fast. How did I not notice Chikuru following me? How could I have been so careless? What if it had been someone else following me? Someone that would've taken it upon themselves to attack Madara and Izuna without letting anyone know? I'm such a fool... a careless fool. Why can't they see that he's not a demon? Why can't they see he's just like us? If I say anything, I'll prove I'm guilty... but if I don't say anything I'll still be declared guilty. Either way it's the same result, so I might as well fight for him, if not for myself. Hashirama looked back to Kentetsu with new conviction in his eyes. "I do have something to say..."

When Hashirama paused, Kentetsu coaxed, "Go ahead. What is it?"

"Kijima..." Hashirama wanted to choose his words carefully. "Kijima is not a demon. He's human and he's good."

One of the hunters spoke, "How can that be? He's--"

"I'm not finished!" Hashirama wanted everyone silent so they could hear him. "Kijima steals because that's the only way he can live! He's not blessed with the gifts and profits of the village and fending for himself in the woods is difficult when he's alone. His demon's magic is not demonic at all! It's called jutsu and anyone can use it!"

"Enough! You're honor, he's clearly gone crazy. Kijima must have taken control of his mind!" the hunter interrupted again.

"No! He's just like us! He needs food, water, shelter, he experiences feelings! He passes through the boundaries of spelltags. He is no demon! YOu must believe me!" The spectators were shouting insults and obscenities, shaking their heads in disgust. Hashirama's mother was in tears, and his father's eyes were cast down in shame. Tobirama stared uneasily at his older brother, silently praying that the crowd would listen.

"Order! Order!" the gavel came down with a thunderous bang. The room went silent. "I hereby declare the defendent guilty. The defendent is sentenced to flogging and life in the stocks!"

"No! You must listen to me! It's true!" Hashirama struggled against the officers dragging him to the stocks. "Give him a chance!" The door was slammed in his face. Please, just give him a chance...

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Night cast its shadows acrossed the land. It would be three days before he was allowed to rest in jail during nights. Hashirama stood locked in the stocks in the middle of the village. His feet hurt from standing. His back still stung from the flogging and ached from accomodating the stock's shorter height. The wood scratched at his neck and wrists and he was cold, hungry, and lonely. Only the stars kept him company.

My parents... they were so ashamed. I'm so sorry. I was so careless and this is all my fault. I lied to everyone... I'm so sorry. Hashirama felt the weight of the world hanging on his shoulders. His ears picked up footsteps approaching, but he remained absently staring at the ground in front of him.

"Hashirama," came a whisper. Then Kentetsu came into view. When he received no response, he continued, "Look, I know Kijima's not really a demon."

"What?" the teen's voice was defeated and confused.

"I don't know why I'm telling you this, but I feel it needs to be said. I know Kijima isn't a demon. However, he will remain shunned by this village."

"...Why?"

The old leader sighed, "Well, years ago there lived a man. His name is unspoken. He was a violent individual, always looking to cause trouble and picking fights simply for pleasure. He tempted evil spirits with his very nature and lead them into the village. He would taunt and ridicule others, mocking their deeds as though they were nothing, but no one could stop him, because he was truly strong and cunning. One day, the former leader's daughter caught his eye. He would come bearing gifts for her and speaking in sweet tongues. They were married in secret and she soon became pregnant with his first son. The former leader became infuriated and banished them both. However, this man would often violate his term of exile and would come back to the village. He tormented the leader, threatening his life if he didn't allow them back into the village. But the old leader stood firm in his decision and he was murdered for it. The people of the village were enraged and took up arms against the evil man. With his wife fully with child, he couldn't risk fighting the whole village so he fled. He claimed he would get his revenge someday, but no one has ever seen him since. Kijima is his son and he now plagues this town like a curse. We will not have a repeat of his father's acts."

"But the younger generation is ignorant of this. I was ignorant of all of this. Why am I being punished so cruelly for it?" Hashirama looked up at his leader, painfully.

"Because we can't have the truth getting out and if I were to give you any other sentence people would grow suspicious of me showing favoritism. I'm not going to risk what little I have left of my life's career on you," Kentetsu turned and continued walking down the path. "I suggest you keep your mouth shut."

Hashirama fell back into his thoughts, forgetting the pass of time, losing himself in darkness. Yet another set of footsteps brought him back into reality again. "Nii-san?" came a small voice.

"Tobirama?" the brunette waited for the snowy haired boy to come into view.

"Nii-san, are you ok?" he asked, looking around for witnesses.

"I'm alright, don't worry. Tobi?" Hashirama tried to get a better look at his brother's face. "Tobi, have you been crying?"

"Wha? Oh..." Tobirama wiped his face and looked away. "It's nothing, really. I... I just got into a bit of an arguement with father... but I'm ok," he tried to make his voice match his words but he couldn't hide his emotions. "Just need a shot of liquor and I'll be back to normal," he joked.

"I'm so sorry, Tobi. This is all my fault," Hashirama looked him in the eyes.

"No, I don't blame you, Hashi-nii. But... well... I'm scared, Hashi," Tobirama confessed. Hot tears were creeping back into his eyes and he wiped them away quickly. "I-I'm just as guilty as you are. I trained in jutsu and I talked with them and everything. I... I don't wanna be in the stocks. I'm only fifteen, I was supposed to become a master ship builder and fisherman--"

"Shh, Tobi, it's ok. You'll be alright, I promise. And no matter what Father says, stay strong. We'll fix this... somehow. We'll think of something. Believe that, ok?" Hashirama comforted.

Tobirama nodded and took a deep breath. "Ok... heh, Kentetsu looked more like a demon sitting in that judge's seat than Kijima." They laughed soberly.

"Tobi, it's late. You need your rest."

"Yeah... I know. I wanted to wait until our parents went to sleep before going back. I don't want to talk to father again tonight. He was saying nasty things about you, Nii-san."

"It's alright. Don't let him get to you, no matter what he says. Now, you need your sleep. Don't worry about me though, I'll make it out of this just fine. We'll think of something, but for now go rest."

"Ok. Good-night then."

"Thanks for coming, Little Brother. Good-night." Tobirama nodded and hurried off. At least one of us will sleep well tonight. Now, how are we ever going to fix this?    

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He spent two days in the stocks. Everyday passersby would mock him and throw things at him. Nothing but bitter looks in his direction and even more bitter words. Night was  his only reprieve- when he was alone. But this night he had yet another visitor.

It was quiet at first, like the scratching of mice in the walls, but slowly became more distinguished. A figure came sauntering down the street, then it split into two different silhouettes. "Well, well, well, if it isn't Hashirama," the first one said as it approached.

"Madara?" Hashirama looked up.

Madara stood before him with his arms crossed, his twelve year old brother mimicking him at his side. "You didn't come visit the next day like you said you would."

Hashirama chuckled softly, "Sorry, I got a little tied up."

"Che... stocks, huh? What'd you do?"

"I got caught."

"Got caught?" Madara raised an eyebrow.

"Because of us?" Izuna looked shocked.

"Yeah... that night I tried to warn you about the hunters, one of them followed me," Hashirama admitted.

"What?!" Madara kept his voice down, but still sharp. "So now they know where we live?! Did they--"

"No. They know where you live. They still have no idea about Izuna," Hashirama assured.

Madara relaxed. "Great... so now you're a fellon."

"Sorry for getting oyu in trouble, Hashi," Izuna apologized.

"It's not our fault, Izuna," Madara rolled his eyes. "Whatever." He moved to the stock and began inspecting the locks and bindings.

"What are you doing?" Hashirama asked.

"I'm getting you out. The way I see it, none of us are safe here. Besides, you can't tell me you'd rather stay like this."

"I can't leave. They'll come looking for me for sure. And if we run away, they'll never learn the truth about you."

"Doesn't matter. We'll go somewhere else. Somewhere far away. I know a place we can go where they'll never bother us. It'll be a long journey, but we'll make it just fine," the locks clicked open quietly as Hashirama was released. "You'll need to gather clothes, any personal belongings you want, etc. I'll meet you at my place when you're done. We'll leave tonight."

"Guess I don't have much of a choice... alright, I'll be there soon," Hashirama turned to go.

"Hashi?" another voice called softly behind him.

"Tobirama? What are you doing here so late?" Hashirama turned around.

"I was just coming for a visit, but--"

"What? Are you too ashamed to visit him in daylight?" Madara spit. Tobirama seemed hurt, but hung his head in guilt.

"Madara!" Hashirama chided.

"What? There's no place for cowards in this world. Especially cowards who won't even support his own family."

"Enough. It's better that he not visit me in the day. There's enough suspicion of our family going around that we shouldn't take chances. You should understand the dangers of his open association with me."

"Yes, I understand the dangers, and what I'm saying is that if it had been my brother in the stocks, I'd be standing right next to him. Looking on from afar while someone takes the full blame is cowardice."

"I'd be there for you, too, Mada-nii," Izuna chimed in.

"It's true..." Tobirama spoke up. "I never thought we'd actually agree on something, but..."

Hashirama stepped closer to Madara, "You've said enough. Go prepare yourself to leave, I'll be there shortly." Madara took one more distainful glance at Tobirama before gesturing to his own brother to leave. Hashirama sighed before bringing his attention back to Tobirama. The white haired teen was sulking away. "Tobi, where are you going?"

"Home..."

Hashirama jogged up next to him, his body still sore from the stocks. "Hey, don't let what Madara said get to you."

"But it's true, Nii-san."

"No it's not. Besides, you're much more help to me out of the stocks."

"'Help'? What do you mean? How am I helping?"

"Tobi, I'm leaving. I'm not exactly sure where to yet, but I'm leaving. I'm going to come back one day though. I need you here when that day comes, because then I'll know I have at least one friend waiting for me."

"Can't I just go with you?" Tobirama's eyes were pleading.

"No, you've got to stay here. You've got to take care of Mother. And I might not be going somewhere near the water. How are you going to become a master ship builder and fisherman without water?"

"Yeah, I guess so..." Tobirama stopped at the gate to their front yard. "You're going to need some supplies if you're going to leave."

"Yeah, I'll grab those really quick and leave," they both entered the house and gathered plenty of supplies for Hashirama's journey. "Alright, I think that's all I need. Now, you stay here and stay out of trouble, ok? I'll be back someday," the brunette had one foot out the door already.

"Wait," Tobirama held something out to his brother, "take this with you. I have a feeling you might need it more than I do."

Hashirama recognized the object dangling from the string, "You're lucky medal?"

"I always wear it when I get my biggest catches and it's kept me out of trouble. I think it'll do the same for you. Take it with you."

Hashirama took the amulet and put it on. "Thank you, Tobi. This means a lot to me. Alright, I'm going now. See ya, Little Brother."

"Bye, Hashirama," Tobirama watched Hashirama race off into the night.

**************

"The other side of the world?" Hashirama blinked. "That's really far away, don't you think?"

"Hence, I stole the horses. There's only one other village in the world and that's where it is so that's where we're going. But by all means if it seems too much for you, you can always go back to the stocks," Madara tied the last bit of luggage to the horse's saddle. "I have a friend in the other village who'll help us out. Well, I'm pretty sure he will."

"Come on, Hashi, it'll be fun! An adventure!" Izuna was sitting on the horse Madara was preparing.

"I just hope we have enough supplies to make it. You guys have gone there before, right?" Hashirama looked over his own horse.

"Nope," the brothers said in unison.

"What? How do you know where to go?" Hashirama felt a bit uneasy.

"I've got a map," Madara said and mounted the third horse.

Hashirama sighed and mounted. "Alright, I guess just lead the way then."

"Yes! We're going on an adventure to new lands! Fighting monsters and braving the elements!" the twelve year old fantasized.

"There are no monsters, baka," Madara took the lead.

"Aaw... you ruined the story."

Thus their travels to the new village began. The horses fared well through the dense forest and across vast meadows. Rain came and left occasionally, but sunny skies lit their path on most of their days. Meadows gave way to drylands and drylands gave way to deserts. Desert storms ravaged the sand, blinding them and forcing them to lose days. The horses began to grow week from thirst, one collapsed and perished in the dryness. Yet onward they fought the wind and rationed their food. For a month they travelled seeing nothing but desert sands.

"Are you sure this is the right way?" Hashirama asked.

"Uh..." Madara looked around.

"'Uh'? What do you mean 'uh'? Where's the map?"

"Well, that map is in my head," Madara continued looking around.

"I see... ok, so when we get there, who are we supposed to find?"

"Um, he's a friend of mine. I'm not really sure if he's actually there though. And before you ask, I don't know what he looks like either. I've never met him-- or if I have, it's been a really long time."

"Oh great... so you mean we've been travelling all this way on a map you've never read by land marks you've never seen, to a place you've never been to, to see someone you've never met?"

"Yes."

"Lovely," Hashirama pulled the lucky amulet from his shirt and fiddled with it.

"Don't worry, I just know things will work out."

"I hope you're right."

"Hey, what's that?" Izuna was sitting infront of Madara in the saddle.

"Hm?" Madara strained to see what the younger one was pointing at. "It looks like... dryland? Maybe the beginnings of sparce grassland?"

"Grassland? That could mean we're actually really close!" Hashirama dropped the medal back into his shirt.

"Let's hurry!" Izuna shouted, then the horses took off. It was indeed the beginnings of grassland. The grass became thicker and thicker untill soon they were in a meadow of rolling hills. There off in the distance, was the village they had been seeking. Running right through the middle of it was a clear, flowing river. They made it.

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