The Village Disciples

*KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK*

"The King requests your presence, immediately!" A muffled voice came from behind a huge wooden door.

Currently, Kaminari Nozomu was getting prepared to go out and explore the village of Furusato; guided by the King himself. Nozomu nearly got lost in the number of clothes he was ordered to put on, maids offered to help clothe Nozomu-- but Nozomu's pride went into full gear and declined every time someone asked if he needed assistance.

The outfit Nozomu was putting on was an ink-black undershirt, then sporting a cloak that was colored with the brightest, purest white he had ever seen; blinding any onlookers. The leggings Nozomu wore were black as to match his undershirt, as well as wearing white boots that rode up to his calves.

*KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK*

"I'm Coming! Damn." Nozomu irritatingly called out to the persistent guards outside the changing room door. Before leaving the room, he quickly looked into the mirror; feeling strange due to never wearing such high-end clothing and being so clean from using the royal showers. His black tinted, white hair matched perfectly with his clothing. Making him look like one of absolute royalty.

Nozomu then opened the door to exit the changing room, to then be greeted by two armored guards that will be guiding him to the King personally. "This way!" One of the unnamed guards ordered; having Nozomu follow him throughout the castle halls.

As Nozomu was being directed through the castle, he glanced out of every window they passed; giving Nozomu a wonderful view of the beautiful village. After a few minutes of walking through the halls-- they finally made it to a room on the first floor of the castle. In the room was Kokoro Kangae: King of Furusato. The King then turned around from looking out a window and spotted the young Nozomu, his eyes were filled with monumental glee at seeing Nozomu be presented in such an exemplary style.

"Nozomu, there you are! I was wondering when you were going to get here," The King stated, making Nozomu slightly irritated.

"Do you know how much clothing you made me try on!? It was like I was back out in the forest again, but indoors!" Nozomu yelled, making the King laugh heartily.

"So, are you ready to leave, Nozomu?" The King proceeded to ask, getting a nod from Nozomu in return.

XXX

The moment Nozomu and the King left the castle's premises; people swarmed the both of them-- fortunately, guards were there to hold the crowd back. As Nozomu was traveling with the King, he constantly spotted various people in the crowd staring at him in confusion; being reasonable-- he was walking with the King.

Nozomu also noticed some of the girls his age and up staring at him weirdly; he watched as their faces got progressively warmer and go red. Being eyed like he was-- made Nozomu feel very uncomfortable. When Nozomu asked the King why the girls were staring at him, the only response he got was another familiar hearty laugh.

Continuing to walk through the village, Nozomu noticed how every building they were currently near was huge, bright due to the several strung-up lights, and overall wealthy looking. They then entered a part of the village that had lower quality housing and buildings-- not too impoverished, but certainly worse than the rest.

"We're planning on bettering this part of the village soon. A village doesn't need to be segregated by class or wealth, just by action." stated the King, making Nozomu look up at him; then look all around him once again.

After walking through a few districts; they entered an area that was full of kids that were roughly Nozomu's age. The King then patted Nozomu's back, "Go talk to them, I have someone to speak to; try to be a little social for the time being." The King suggested, sending Nozomu off.

Nozomu looked all around and noticed how most of the kids were in huge groups, ranging from ten to 15 kids speaking to one another. Feeling overwhelmed; Nozomu hesitated and stood still-- not moving an inch.

After contemplating on how to continue, Nozomu heard footsteps behind him-- turning around, Nozomu saw a kid who is most likely his age with short black hair.

"Hey! Why are you just standing there?" The kid asked, throwing Nozomu completely out of thought; resulting in him not being able to speak.

"I also don't recognize you from anywhere." The kid continued, analyzing Nozomu for any hints of familiarization.

"I-i'm new here." Nozomu finally spoke, making the black-haired kid make an 'oh' sound and nod.

"My name is Oritsu Ketsueki, what's yours?" The kid now known as Oritsu asked,

"K-Kaminari Nozomu" Nozomu informed, making the kid smile.

"What a strange name!" The kid then playfully mocked, making Nozomu's eyes widen.

Lightning started to cackle and form all around Nozomu, Oritsu only watched in awe; never has he seen something so spectacular. As lightning was forming around Nozomu, Nozomu glared at Oritsu-- then realized what the kid was doing.

Smiling.

He was entranced by the lightning dancing around Nozomu, the bright blue shine that sparkled, the warmth that emitted from each spark, also including the satisfying sound of the lightning crackling.

Nozomu's temper slowly decreased as he then moved lightning to his palm, tempted to see what reaction he gets from Oritsu. Nozomu continued to do various tricks with the lightning; using both hands, one hand-- even creating a little ball of electricity.

With each new trick, a new marveling expression occurred on Oritsu's face; making Nozomu wonder how many expressions of one emotion someone could do.

"Nozomu!" A voice from far away called, looking out to where the voice came from-- he spotted the King with wide eyes; running towards their direction.

Oritsu's eyes widened when he saw the King of Furusato running towards them, seemingly knowing the white-haired kid in front of him. The King finally made it to the kids, then stopping immediately once he saw Nozomu's expression.

It was calm, mixed with a little fear from the King running; but other than that, he was calm. He seemed to momentarily forget about his surroundings and speak to a kid his age.

The King cleared his throat, "I apologize, I thought I saw something going on." The King clarified. He then turned to the wide-eyed Oritsu, "What is your name young one?"

Oritsu nearly missed what the King said, he was too busy admiring the leader of his village; never being so close to someone so powerful. "Oritsu Ketsueki, my lord!" Oritsu then yelled with a bow.

The King smiled at the courtesy of the young man, "Was young Nozomu being kind to you, Ketsueki?" The King asked,

"Yeah! He was showing me a cool trick, what was it!?" Oritsu excitedly yelled/questioned.

The King then turned to Nozomu, making Nozomu look straight back at him, "Why don't you explain Nozomu?" The King suggested, making Nozomu hesitantly nod in agreement.

"I'm able to produce lightning anywhere on my body, I'm still learning how to fully grasp the ability. But all it's ever really been to me is a curse." Nozomu explained, making Oritsu adorn a confused expression.

"A curse? I've never seen anything cooler in my life! You're probably really strong with a power like that!" Oritsu exclaimed, surprising Nozomu and the King.

"How generous; thank him, Nozomu." The King ordered lightly, making Nozomu look at Oritsu in the eyes and proceed to slightly bow.

"Thank you, Oritsu," Nozomu stated,

"Good job, Nozomu; alright, we still have to introduce you to other places!" The King Informed, getting a nod from Nozomu in response. "Say goodbye to Oritsu, Nozomu."

Nozomu obliged and said a farewell, "Goodbye, Oritsu. I hope we meet again."

Oritsu noticed how closed Nozomu's expressions were, the only visible emotion he could see was a blank face. An idea popped into Oritsu's head, causing him to smile gleefully.

"Goodbye, Nozomu. I hope we meet again as well!"

This was the start of the friendship between Kaminari Nozomu and Oritsu Ketsueki.

XXX

Hey! I hope you're enjoying Nozomu's backstory, I think it's really fascinating to write. This is explaining certain parts of the past and how some things came to be. Be advised, this doesn't include or spoil everything in the past, you still don't even know what fully happened to Nozomu prior to coming to Furusato. Stay tuned to find out more!

Have a Good Day!

Peace - Cr1ticalz_