The wanderer - run

I found myself facing a planet partially engulfed in darkness. I wondered if I was back in Anhedonia. A quick search of the star map told me that I was in Comorebi in the Bushido system. The residents were either artisans or warriors. They are ruled by a just Emperor who did everything possible to make sure each and every citizen had equal rights. This was the beginning of night time living or Yakō-sei no katsudō. According to the computer explanation of planetary facts as the sun disappears for a few months every year the residents have come up with a festival to celebrate the aesthetics of darkness. As they believe the darkness is the richest of beauty. The Wabi Sabi lifestyle which means less is more was being enforced. This festival celebrates and appreciates moments of happiness and understands that everything has a fixed time after which it will disappear. I first announced my arrival to the head of the planet's security called Yoshiro. He insisted that I take off my mask as they don't take kindly to strangers. I took my mask and to his astonishment I looked no different from him. Angular eyes with an epicanthic fold, heart shaped face with long raven hair. He asked me if I was from the mountain regions of Yamabito. It is difficult to register everyone as they keep moving from one place to another depending on the seasons.

I took a deep and said that I was sent away as a child for better education and better opportunity but I have returned to understand my roots. He gave me an understanding nod and also the go ahead. So as I descended I saw the people were outside in their best clothes. Each one dressed according to their rank, status and wealth. The warrior class dressed in two piece robes held by a sash and a cord with their family crest. They were dressed in either dark blue or shades of gray with a darker robe over it like a coat with their hair tied on top to designate their rank. Two swords strapped to one side honoring the traditional values of their ancestry. With the air of seriousness that denotes high respect. The upper class was dressed in red and gold robes with elaborate hair styles decorated with multicolored hairpins. Ice silk with intricate embroidery and brocade sash holding the outfit firmly shut. Meanwhile the lower class dressed modestly with plain pale blue or mahogany exuded a sense of kindness, friendliness and a profound humility. All them merrily walking towards a bon fire holding a basket filled with food and drink. Ready to say goodbye to the bright sunlight with paper lanterns. The children were flying kites with bioluminescence painted on them.

As I lowered my ship to the designated parking area. A few locals stepped forward curiously. But the moment I stepped out with my backpack they bowed to say welcome and ushered me to join them in the festivities. I asked permission to change my outfit so I fit right in. I was directed to a shop about to close so they join the festivities. An elderly man dressed in a charcoal robe happily asked me how much I could afford. I gave him a crystal that is about the side of a cherry and he called a jeweller to authenticate it and he asked me to choose from the expensive end of the clothes. I chose a peacock blue leaf printed ice silk robe with gold threading. As I was dressed in the outfit one person noticed a tattoo on my lower back. I smiled, "It is my grandmother's family crest. She was a Nin." The assistant explained in a hushed tone that Nins are the deadliest assassins that live on this planet. If I am discovered as a Nin that warrior clan will behead me without a moment's hesitation. After the dress up was done I was sent to make up and beauty. I was painted in white representing the light and my lips barely painted red. My hair took some time to tame and it was shaped and pinned. Afterwards I was given traditional sandals and ushered to join the crowd. As I approached an arched bridge there were a few people who bowed as they offered food and drinks as they politely directed people. I was sent towards the archways and for a moment it seemed endless.

It ended with the sight of an orchard with night blooming flowers pale pink in color. There were no leaves on these trees only pale pink flowers. The elderly and young were holding decorative tiny bowls towards the sky. As the wind blew the flowers would join them in a dance before falling gracefully to the floor. Everyone planted in their respective places held out their decorative bowls in the hopes that a flower would fall in. A cheer if one fell in and a sigh if it didn't. There was a raised platform where artists were decorative robes and masks as they performed traditional plays. The round of applause was unanimous as people shuffled to let the next batch of performers on stage. The performance was midway when the light doused and people dressed in black started assaulting the attendees. I had limited movement in this outfit but I still used earth to pull them back with each step to slow their movement. Then I quietly used water to make the ground slippery so these intruders had no choice but to leave. There was a war cry to say that the place was now cleared of intruders. People walked back to their homes in an orderly fashion.

I was new here so I was directed to a family owned hotel. The view changed from trees to iron jungle. I saw a bustling metropolis. I saw a building a traditional house that stood proud and defiant against the giants. It was a single storey house with a stunning manicured garden. On the front steps I was greeted by a woman and her young son that owned this establishment. I was told that Valuta isn't recognized here so I paid with a precious stone. The size of a cherry stone. As I moved in the tailor walked in with a few boxes. Apparently I had bought twenty outfits and their relevant ornaments. So he had me sign the delivery note and wished me goodnight. My room was spacious and functional. A lovely mattress was laid out for me. On the side were two sliding doors that opened to extend the room. The other two slid open to show a decorative garden and small pond. The entire garden was centered around a single tree. Sand was being raked in an artistic manner. A young boy came with a request that I join the other guests for dinner. A lovely young lady came to dress me in plain blue robes and she directed me to the dining area. It was an open space with a view of a rock garden. A wind chime chimed along with wind. All in all the room was in perfect harmony with nature. We were offered seasonal delicacies. A steam broth with locally sourced vegetables. A grilled fish, a deep fried goods and a mild sweet bun. A refreshing beverage was poured delicately. The woman kindly asked us to enjoy our meal. I requested that she join me as I am new here. She politely sat down and offered me the house special distilled beverage. I had sworn not to consume such a beverage so I politely declined. She offered me Cha instead. It was a leaf that dried up and ground to a fine powder. The lovely lady made me a cup in a ritualistic manner.

After dinner a young man walked in with a scroll wrapped in leather. He asked me pointed questions and I answered as honestly as possible. I told them that I was raised in Arcane in the Minon regions. This was a militarized colony and so the people of Bushido system had mixed feelings. One side felt traditional values are being trampled on. While the other were appreciative of innovative procedures. He clicked his tongue as a sign of contempt. He wrote everything down with a brush and ink. Afterwards I was given an elaborately wrapped box the length of my arm. Unwrapping the paper revealed an intricately carved and lacquered box. Inside was a stamp with my name on it and a few other amenities. The man wished me goodnight and glided out of the room. The man sat down humbly as the doors slid close fluidly. I happily sat down to enjoy my privacy. Thankfully no notice came about a young woman escaping the Fjords. So for now I can live a decent life. The lovely lady assisted in changing my outfit but I made sure she didn't see my tattoo otherwise it is off with my head. She gave me a beverage to ease my sleep. I obviously didn't take it. I quietly glided to the nearest pot and emptied the contents. Then I happily slept on the bed.

The next day I walked to the bank and exchanged three small gems into local currency. It was added to my account and as I withdrew some I saw that it was a gold coin with a square hole in the middle with local language stamped on either side. I opened a bank account and since I was partially local. By the orders of the governor I had to get a new name. Kikuyu was the name given by the local judge. I got new stamps and was directed towards the apartments. I chose to stay in the hotel instead. I was asked which was my specialty. I said that I was forced to work as a combat medic but I would prefer to learn to be a confectioner. I was directed towards the city center where locals were now wearing outfits that everyone else in the galaxy wears. I was taken to a medical facility where I was trained in using technology. I was allotted a locker, work clothes and my work station. It was a sterile off white room with cyborgs and robots roaming. The beds extended from the wall. The patient was monitored twenty four seven for any changes minor or major. As a government employee I was encouraged to get an apartment and I chose one where I can plant the seeds that I was given. My apartment resembled a miniature forest. The landlady was curious till I mentioned that they have medicinal properties. She gave me a knowing smile as she waved me off. The medical kit was arranged in the bathroom cabinet. My outfits were arranged according to relevance. Ordinary clothes in my go bag and the rest in the closets. Money and gems in the hidden compartment in the floorboards.