by Max Jager
Though he didn't show it fully, Soichiro was more than a little down about this. Shone, Kiyoshi and Sanzo were talking about ways they could deal with the mikos when they became lord. Now that he was older, he did hope to be Lord one day. The same kind of Lord that his father is right now. But knowing that his mother and brother are out there somewhere plotting against them, he doubted it would ever happen.
But then he gasped as his eyes went wide. He had an idea on how to help them out. It was what his father told Hiro to do before they left for the South. "There is something actually that we can do."
All eyes turning to him, Kiyoshi was the one who spoke. "What is that Soichiro? You know as well as we do our parents aren't going to just let us walk up to them and ask that."
Looking him in the eyes Soichiro smiled as he crossed his arms. "That is true. But my father gave Hiro a job to do while we were gone. Once he kicked my mother and brother out of the North, he named Hiro, who is the son of my guard Kenta heir instead. That way if they did try to come back and kill the Lord to take it, they wouldn't kill me. But he is teaching Hiro how to be Lord. And that includes going on the rounds of the Northern Lands. You could all do that when you were big enough."
Looking around everyone looked at the cub like he had three heads. It was Ayame who half glared at him. "And how is that supposed to help them? It is a duty of the lords to patrol their lands every so often and take care of the lower class that cause problems. How could that help them?"
Laughing Soichiro turned his silvery blue eyes to her. "That is ture. And it is during those rounds, that if the miko population increases like they think it will and we think it will. The chances of coming across one is high. The chances of seeing her fighting a lower class would be high also. Observation is the best way to learn to fight a new enemy. That is what my father told Hiro when he started training him to fight. It would make sense. You could see what they do and then think of a way to counter it."
Closing his eyes, Kiyoshi smiled a rare, but true smile as he crossed his arms and looked down. "That is actually a really good idea. No let me correct that. That is a great idea. That way we can all see how they fight and what some of their moves are. The different ways that they use their purification. And then we can let each other know what we have seen and share what we all collect on them."
Her red hair and light brown feathers whipping around her face as Ayame looked at her brother then to Kiyoshi with worried eyes. "But wouldn't that be dangerous?"
Looking down at his sister with a half-smile as he sighed. "It would be more dangerous Ayame to fight with them and know nothing about them or how they fight."
Dropping her head with a sigh, Ayame curled her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them. "I know that but….."
Laughing as he winked down at his sister, Sanzo smiled at her. "Don't worry Aya. It isn't like any of us are going to make one of them our mate when we are old enough. It will all work out in the end you will see. Just trust us."
Looking up at her brother then rolling her eyes Ayame couldn't help but smile and laugh. "Alright. If you say so brother."
X
Standing, Sorae sighed when she looked through the flowers to see all the children sitting by the koi pond. Each of them just as serious talking as their father's were inside. Shaking her head as she sat back down she closed her eyes. "I swear. I wanted Kiyoshi and Yukani to have the happy childhood playing and being kids that I didn't get to get. And not think they have to deal with anything that me and their father do until they are grown. But the more I watch that son of mine, the less I see the little pup that he is that should be playing and laughing. But instead a miniature version of his father ready to take on everything. And he really worries me with this miko situation. He hasn't stopped talking about."
With a nod of agreement Sarigi sighed as she let her eyes half close. "I know. I have never had Sanzo trying to be grown up like this. Until that miko threw his father he would smile all day. Since then it is like he has grown up over night. And just as interested."
As she bounced Yukani in her arms Kintare smiled as she looked between the two of them. "Well you do know that with the boys, it shouldn't really be a shock to us. They all want to be just like their fathers and this is how they are about it. It just shows that they are truly going to walk in their footsteps one day and be just like them."
Dropping her eyes from Kintare to look at her sleeping daughter Sorae smiled as she relaxed. "I know that. I just feel like he is missing out on so much. I spent my childhood in constant fear about what my father was going to do to me or Mama next. I wasn't allowed to play or have fun unless he was gone which was never for long. My children have a chance to play and enjoy their childhood. That was what I always wanted. Not have them act like they have to be grown up before they are even waist height."
Laughing now as she reached over and laid her hand on Sorae's arm, Sarigi smiled at her. "But they all seem happy so it will work out. My mother used to tell me when I was little that she didn't care if we acted our age, younger or older. All she wanted was for us to be happy. They worry about the things they shouldn't worry about yes. But they are happy otherwise, and it isn't like even their father's would let them do anything about it. Just let them be and be happy."
Nodding as she sighed, Sorae reached over and took her daughter into her arms. "I guess you are right. He did tell me just the other day that he just wasn't interested in playing and running around like he used to do." Seeing her daughter's amber eyes open with a smile she rubbed her nose on hers. "I just hope that this little girl doesn't do what her brother did."
Blinking Kintare and Sarigi looked at each other then back to Sorae. "What her brother did?"
Giggling Sorae nodded as she looked up. "Kurosai called Kiyoshi the pup from hell when he was younger. He would never listen to him. He always managed to stay one step ahead of him when he would run from him. Like a little tornado. Until he turned ten years old. Then he flipped around and now is the perfect mannered adult in a pup that you see now when he was ten."
Resting her hands on her still flat stomach, Kintare looked down at the baby. "Oh no. You tell Mama Kintare. You are gonna put your daddy through more hell than your brother could ever."
All the girls laughing Sorae glanced up at the window where she could still see Kurosai standing with a bright smile. "I don't think he is going to like that if it happens."
"He will get over it."
X
Standing next to Kurosai as they looked out the window to the women and the kids, Koraen sighed as he shook his head. "I tell ya. The difference out there in the garden from the way our mate's and our kids are acting is like night and day. Even Sanzo and Ayame are serious about it now."
Rubbing his temple Kurosai dropped his head with a long sigh then focused on his son. "I know. Kiyoshi has always been a more serious pup since he was ten. But every once in a while I can toss him in the air or something like that and he will smile or giggle. But not since the miko thing come up. Once Torakus told the story it was like the pup that was once in him is just gone."
Going to another window, Torakus let out a sigh of his own and crossed his arms. "He isn't the only one Kurosai. Sanzo has changed too since that happened. He was there it happened and watched it all. Just think. Last time we were at your palace all he and Kiyoshi did was fight. He would pester him, make him mad then laugh about it. This time it is different. This time they are getting along and agreeing. Damnit! Not one of our kids has the same childhood we did."
Turning back to focus on first his daughter in his mate's arms, then his son as the ring leader so to speak of the other kids, Kurosai crossed his arms with a half-smile. "This is true. They all started out care free and full of life, and now act like they the same age as us. But at least there is one thing we can always rest easy in."
All eyes turned to Kurosai blinking and confused to see him standing there with a smile. It was Chirio who broke the awkward silence. "
What exactly about anything going on now can we rest easy in?"
His eyes never leaving his son, Kurosai let his smile get bigger. "The one fact that we forget sometimes all our kids have in common. Each of them have the same dislike and distrust for all humans. Especially the mikos that are popping up." Looking first at Torakus then Koraen then landing on Chirio he winked. "We can at least all rest easy in the fact that if they do have to deal with them, they will all be strong enough to handle them. We will make sure of that." Serious again he turned back to his son and sighed. "The humans are like cock roaches they just won't go away. We have to find a way to co-exist with them as much as the thought sickens me. Especially now. But hopefully we find something that works by the time we hand over titles. But knowing how much they hate humans we can at least rest easy with that."
Nodding in agreement now but his eyes were distant as he focused on Soichiro with the kids. "That is true. To them the mikos are just another threat that they will have to deal with. Motoichi and Yori. Kenji and Shinra. I see some shifting in the balances of the lands. But it will work out."
Turning to him, Koraen arched his eyebrows as him. "Shifting in the balances of the lands? What are you talking about Chirio?"
Looking up at him, Chirio had a glare now. "With all the stuff going on now, I know what I am going to do in the North. Once I get home I am resigning in just a couple of years when Hiro is of age. He is a good man and worthy of leaving the North to. I am taking Soichiro with me to my vacation palace and focus on his training. In body and mind. He will be strong enough to stand against his brother and a miko by the time that I am done with him."
With a sigh as his gold eyes met Chirio's silvery blue, Torakus gave him an odd look. "Are you sure that Motoichi won't just kill him because of who he is? I mean I get being a threat to the North. And possibly the rest of us. But with that much hate are you sure he won't just kill his brother and be done with it?"
Closing his eyes as he looked down, Chirio crossed his arms. "I know that he will try I am sure. He is his mother made over and she fooled even me. Even if it isn't right away they would be the kind to play mind games to make someone lower their guard. He is his mother made over and she was able to fool me into thinking she was someone she wasn't. I will not have Soichiro fooled the same way I was by them. I am going to make sure that he will be able to play them like a flute if anything was to ever happen to me and he is at their mercy." Opening his eyes he once again focused on his son as he took a deep breath. "I refuse. I won't risk the only good thing that came from mating with that wench."
Kurosai looked back out the window at his daughter and smiled. "I think that we should all do that as well. With their training. And not just the boys. The girls too.""
Nodding Torakus looked at his Ayame. "I can agree with that. Ayame isn't keen on fighting but she will have to get over that now. Ayame I know wants to do all she can to support her brother. I am sure that Yukani will be the same way." Then he gave a wink with his toothy grin over to Koraen. "And the girlthat Kintare is having."
Crossing his arms, Koraen growled with a half glare for the bird. "What makes you think she is having a girl then bird?"
Laughing as he looked back out the window at his daughter Torakus laughed. "Just a hunch is all. I had a hunch with Sarigi and it was right. I got a hunch with yours. I bet you have a daughter. I would focus on girl names."
Growling Koraen kept his eyes on the bird. "You can take that hunch and go to hell with it."
Joining in the others as they laughed at the argument between Torakus and Koraen about what his mate was going to have, Kurosai turned back out the window and let his eyes land on his small daughter and linger for a moment. Then they turned to his son. He was going to make sure just like Chirio said that they were going to be able to stand against anyone or anything that threatens them or the peace. And handle any mind game that someone wants to play with them by playing their own.
Just like Sorae has said many times. Kiyoshi is already showing that he is destined to be stronger than he is. He will make sure their daughter is as well. Then he smiled as his eyes softened. 'And when my kids take mate's. They will throw the lands for a loop. Stronger than our generation and producing an even stronger generation after that. Just watch.'
Making of a Lord Chapter 31
Her eyes as wide as they could go, Sorae just stood there looking at her stoic son like he had ten heads. She couldn't believe that at just eighty years old he would think that they would let him start doing the rounds of the South on his own! "You want to do what!?"
His arms crossed, Kurosai looked his son in the eyes. He was nearly as tall as he was now. Just shorter by a few inches. He could transform and hold it for days. There was no question or doubt in his mind that he could handle himself out there even if a miko attacked. But he had to wonder what the sudden interest in this was and if he had a hidden motive to it. Closing his eyes he sighed. "Tell me the true reason why you want to do this Kiyoshi and I might think about it."
Turning his iced blue eyes from his mother to look up at his father he blinked. He had to play this right if he was going to get at least his father to say it was alright. He would deal with his mother. "It is a duty of the Lord of the South. I am going to have to do it at some point anyway right? Well then should I not know exactly what to do when the time comes for me to be Lord? I have experience in everything else but that."
Growling Kurosai opened his eyes. He knew it was a lie. But at the same time it wasn't a lie. He just didn't say everything. "If I do let you do this on your own. Then what Kiyoshi?"
With a sigh Kiyoshi closed his eyes. "Then I will simply have the experience needed to do it when you decide to step down just as Lord Chirio has done with Lord Hiro."
Still glaring up at her son, Sorae then gasped as she turned it on her mate. "Don' you even dare!"
Looking down at her with a stern look, Kurosai sighed. "What?"
Her arms crossing as she turned to fully face him, Sorae growled herself. "I can feel that sense of pride you have in him. I am proud of how he turned out as well but I refuse to let my son go out and do something like this before he is even grown. It won't happen!"
With a sigh, Kiyoshi once again averted his eyes down to his mother. "With all the respect in the world Mother, you have already told me that I am never going to be more than that pup of a few days old you held eighty years ago. In twenty years I will be an adult and can come and go as I please. Wonder all the lands for years and not come home if I wanted and not have to ask permission to do so first."
Turning her glare back on him, Sorae was working herself up into a near frenzy. "That is then and this is now. And right now I will not stand for it. Do you understand me?"
Dropping his head as he rubbed his temples, Kurosai let out a long sigh. "Kiyoshi go outside and go through your training lessons with your sister and Umarus. I need to talk to your mother alone."
"Yes Father."
Turning her glare on her mate, Sorae was so angry right now that she was breathing as heavy as she would have been had she ran all day long. Soon as the door shut she growled. "If you think for one second Kurosai that I am going to just sit back and let you handle this on your own like I do all the matters of the South then you are dead wrong. He isn't ready."
Looking down at his mate with a glare, Kurosai knew this day was going to come and he has been dreading it. "No. He is ready Sorae and you know it just as well as I do. He transforms before he is grown and holds it for days. Even sleeping. He holds his own against me and I don't hold back in the least. When we go out to the fields I go after him like I am really trying to kill him and he holds his own. He has a good head on his shoulders. I am going to let him."
Her tears now streaming down her face Sorae just glared up at him. She couldn't believe that he didn't seem to care what she thought! "You don't even care what I think in this situation do you? Not at all."
His eyes serious Kurosai just stood there. She had
it dead wrong. But he wasn't about to budge. She had to learn to let go at some point. "Sorae. You of every being in this world should know that I would never take chances when it comes to Kiyoshi and Yukani. I wouldn't even think about it if I didn't think that he could handle it. You know that. Tell me where is your faith in your pup?"
With a gasp, Sorae turned away from him and hugged herself as she went to the window. Watching as instead of doing his own training, Kiyoshi was helping Umarus with Yukani. Tears still streaming from her eyes. "I do have faith in him Kurosai. I just don't want to risk him. I don't want to lose him."
Moving to stand behind her, Kurosai sighed as he wrapped his arms around her shoulders. "I know that Sorae. I don't want to lose him either. But we are going ot have to let go eventually. He is going to be Lord of the South soon. When he is we are taking Yukani and going to the Southern Shores Palace for good remember. He is going to be here all on his own and have to do this anyway he is right about that."
