((yuu performs shoryuken on him for stalling x'D))

"I will wait for her then.." at this point in time, he wasn't going to take no for an answer unless he could somehow convince Toshi to accept her lineage, then he might have had some different feelings about proceeding with his plans. He looked down at Toshi, stroking her hand, almost wanting her to wake up then and there.

His father watched the tenderness that was shown to the girl, and smiled "I'll leave you two be" he say walking out of the room noticing the girl stirring

Toshi moved slightly opening her eyes as she felt Yuu's touch on her face, and smiled in a sleepy way "have I over slept?" she ask quietly, her eyes going around the room she darted up quickly forgetting where they where "Y-y-yuu" she seemed kind of distressed to be gin with but then slowly came to her sences as her mind took in everything

"It's alright, we're safe here," Yuu tried to comfort her, reassuring that there wasn't anything to worry about. He wanted to get her to calm down before talking about anything about what he was planning for. "My father is on our side, and this is his room. He's allowing us to stay here until our own rooms are prepared."

Toshi higged into Yuu and closed her eyes, just being near him like this made her feel safe, it didn't matter where they where so longs it was together. Letting out a deep sigh as she relaxed she looked up to him as he spoke but she got confused when she said his father, believing him to be one of the elders and not the elder that had been nice to them

"Your father is in this temple to?" she sounded confused "Is he nice too?" she smiled a ;ittle thinking perhaps if there was more than one nice elder there could be some nice changes made within the race "Our rooms?" once again she seemed confused, she didn't think they would be staying here

"You already met my father," though it probably didn't seem like that when Yuu mostly acted as though his father were a stranger while he was in front of Toshi. On the other hand, it probably would have been easy to figure out since he was the only male tengu that they had decently long contact with, "He was the one who sent the two to bring us here." He sighed, thinking that he was probably saying the wrong words since the two had endangered them earlier, almost killing them..his father wouldn't look so nice after thinking back to that.

"Listen, Toshi.." he had trouble trying to speak about Toshi's tengu part, since that would probably make her distressed again, "My father can erase our memories of all those bad times. We can be happy together." What he didn't mention was that it would also erase the good times that they did have. He was certain Toshi wouldn't take it if she knew that the good memories were included.

Toshi looked to him as he spoke, but blinked “That person who's room we are in is your father?” she seemed both surprised and confused on this matter as she though the elder of the shadow tribe was his father, this tibe leader seemed to be more caring than what she thought the shaodw tribes elder was “What tribe are we in then?” she asked her voice showing confusion once more

on hearing how he was the one to send the psycho twins on them her blood red eyes filled with fear “He seems nice, but he almost had us killed” she sounded panicked, she didn't know what to think but she was thinking it was a bad idea to stay here as they might be attacked once more “We should leave, I don't need to know I just need you and I'm happy” her voice retaining her panicked tone as she spoke on the matter

Toshi stopped moving as Yuu spoke of what his father could do for them, looking down she shooke her head slightly “Our memories make us who we are, if you remove them then you would become a different person” her voice sounded mixed on this subject, she did want to forget but she knew their had to be some sort of catch to it “Do you want to forget the bad things?” she ask him her voice showing she wanted to know what he wanted

"This is the tribe of the moon," he spoke, though he wondered if she would be thinking that it was his father from his previous life or the one from his current life. Then he listened to the rest of what Toshi had to say, but still, he was very compelled to do what he can to convince her, for he was a stubborn picnic ((I needz colorfulness OAo...for I want a sammich)), "Toshi, you've already tried to forget something bad. We came back here to get answers for you, and you tried to reject what you heard, about your heritage. He can make it so that you won't have to be upset about that anymore."

blinked to the name of the tribe “Tribe of the moon?” she seemed confused again “Why do they all have such strange names? Do they gain their magics from what they are close to?” she wanted to try and find answers and at the moment the only tengu she trusted was the one that has his arms wrapped around her like a protective wall

“Removing memories does not answer questions, it hides them under a mat” her voice showing some conviction in what she was saying “it doesn't solve problems, as part of me will be lost with no way to return” she looked down to the glowing seal on her hand and knew it was her own rejection to her tengu heritage that placed it there, but still she had to wonder if it was for the best “What happens if it's a trick and he takes away everything?” her voice sounded scared she didn't want to forget about him and all the happy memories they had together

"Most do. They are strongest with their elements," Yuu answered the first set of questions. Though he wondered if that would mean that he and Toshi had strength in two elements, since they both came from the tribe of the moon and were born into other tribes. "Refusing to accept answers is just as bad," it was like back in the old life, where he had been giving people lectures on his views. He remembered just how his father had the shrine and how he had shown regret without knowing that his own son was alive, and then his trust in his father was strengthened, "I have faith in him. And aside..that seal.." He looked down at the seal that was on her hand, "If we can't take it off, it will kill you. I don't want you to die..."

“so this tribe uses the energy's of the nine moons...” she looked out to the window to see the moon it was big and bright a small smile came to her lips, “My mother and father said it is the moons that give spirits the greatest amount of energy and that the element spirit is what binds everything” she seemed pleased that she could share that little piece of information with him even if it wasn't helpful

Toshi looked down hearing Yuu's point of view on rejecting things, she knew it was wrong deep down, but she was scared and who could blame her she thought she was human for over two hundred years “I'm not refusing answers Yuu... I'm... I'm scared of them I guess” her voice filled with sorrow as she spoke on it, this race scared her considering how it had been when she first met Kaito and how he treated Yuu

Toshi now looked at her second hand, and seen the second seal, she hadn't even noticed she had until it was brought to her attention, hearing what it would do she hugged tightly onto Yuu out of fear “How do we get rid of it, I don't want to be separated from you” her voice was shaky and in a panic, it was understandable, she realized if she died as a spirit then there would be no way back, her death would be true and permanent

"Just because of what you are by blood doesn't change what you are on the inside. And you can choose how to live," choosing, just like Toshi's father did. And choosing, just like how they had lived away from the village and getting along with he humans back in their past lives. "The seal is meant to block off your power, but it also kills you slowly. Both you and..." he trailed off. He heard that Toshi had gained balance between herself and Fumiko, that they were one spirit, but it didn't say anything about the memories, "You have to accept the tengu part of yourself.." His muscles tensed, getting ready for some sort of horrible reaction from Toshi after he had spoken something she probably didn't want to hear.

Toshi stood up and backed away from him “MEMORIES MAKE US WHO WE ARE!” she yelled, tears flowing from her eyes, she knew the spirit had something to do with it but she was scared of losing who she was be them good or bad the memories where still part of her “I AM HAPPY WITHOUT THE TENGU RACE... I WAS HAPPY NOT KNOWING MY HERITAGE... I WAS HAPPY BEING HUMAN!” she fell to her knees and held into herself, she was scared and it showed, she had never raised her voice again... but then again it wasn't only her own fear she was dealing with it was also Fumiko's

Her eyes when to the second seal which was now glowing a deep moon blue, her eyes following suit “Moons above, earth below, air all around, fire with passion, water with clensing.. hear me speak” she began to glow a misty white as her eyes closed “The gentle rays that protect me, show me things I can not see... clear the bindings, release me now... help me not to bow...” she began the glow grew brighter around her as she spoke the words the light from the moons outside seeming to react to her words “show me what I need to see, to keep me from this painful destiny” she spoke the glowing coming to an end, the moons light dimming once more, her eyes turning to a blood red once more

She looked to her hand and seen the seal gone “The moons have always protected me, my mother said only to call on the spirits when I was scared when something bad was going to happen, she said I would know how when I needed to” she stood but fell down on her knees once more she hadn't expected such magics in her form “I will not accept my tengu heritage, though I do not wish to be sorrow filled for the rest of my life Yuu” her words where soft as she closed her eyes “The spirits have stated it would be best to forget as if I remember I will never know peace” Once again she tried to stand up it was almost as if she had given up fighting on the subject and was willing to follow through with it

The elder rushed into the room his eyes filled with worry, though seeing them both there he was relieved and let out a sigh. He had felt the difference in energy’s and he was quite sure the other five elders within the temple would have also “Did you both see that?” his voice now showing happiness “That has never happened before... ever” he moved towards them both but was confused to why the young toshi was on the floor “Nobuo?” he sounded confused and his dull amethyst eyes showed he wanted answers

At first he was shaken from the reaction, and then his heart dropped. If it weren't for him, Toshi would have never found out about what her family's background was, and then she wouldn't be in so much suffering. So he felt guilty for what Toshi was going through and he clenched the area around his chest as though someone had stabbed him, but it made him feel a little more at ease to grab a hold of something.

He was certain Toshi wouldn't have known that he had a completely separate lifetime, where he was called Nobuo. But it was a relatively minor matter compared to what Toshi was going through. He was hesitating to tell his father just what happened, in fear that Toshi would start feeling more upset. After a brief moment of silence, he spoke up, "Toshi used a spell to gain guidance from the spirits.. They told her that it would be best to erase her memories. But.." He knew well that Toshi wasn't 100% willing to give up, and this would be too tough on her, "Toshi, do you need more time to think this over?"

The elder looked astonished by what he was told “A summoning though she is bound?” his voice showing disbelief on the matter “How is that possible, her mother only managed to do it once and it almost killed her” he moved over to them and sat at the table just watching for the moment, it was unbelievible the power the girl had, he noticed her hand “Seems she also removed an elders binding... that isn't so normal Nobuo” his voice showing concern on the matter, but there was nothing to be done for it now

Toshi tried to stand once more, she managed it though was shaky on the first step she took she fell to her knees, the elder going to move to her but knew just how proud her father would have made her and in doing something like helping would end up causing nothing but problems “I don't need time to think, the spirits said that it's best I don't remember and I will follow there guidence” with that she used her hands and pulled herself to Yuu “I'm tired” she said her eyes closing as she placed her head on his lap

Yuu instinctively stroked her shoulder, trying to comfort and calm her so that she could sleep more easily. Even though his father was surprised by such a huge feat performed by Toshi, Yuu wasn't all too surprised since both he and Toshi were part of the experiments, who were meant to be stronger or better than most other tengu. Just maybe, it went beyond the expectations of the ones who had forced the fate of the experiments' before they were even born, "I think it's best for all of us to rest before we do anything else."

Toshi opened her eyes which glowed a gentle moon blue at the moment, before closing them once more, her breathing slowing to show she was going into a slumber, her head moving into shos's hand as it stroked her form almost instinctivly

The elder looked to her then to Yuu, seeing his son's eyes also glowing a moon blue at the moment "When you wake up neither of you with have memories" he say gently as he stood, the moon spirits had already done the task, though a sad occassion to see this being the path that had been choosen for them, he was also glad as it meant he could get his son back

Yuu wasn't too sure he liked the idea of having it all done in a night's time, but then again there wouldn't be anything to worry about by the time they woke up. Yuu gently put Toshi into a better position for her to rest in, and also making it so that he would be able to lie down as well. Soon after, he joined her. ((and thus, Toshi and Yuu learned a new skill: making babies x'D))

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The window had been left wide open during the night, and he could feel the chill of the morning air drifting over his skin. Nobuo stretched and yawned, moving closer to the lump of warmth that was beside him. His arm moved across it to squeeze it closer, but then he noticed something odd..he could feel the up and down motions of something breathing. Immediately, his eyes flew open and he pushed himself out of the bed and right onto the floor, "What are you doing in my...bed?" Nobuo looked around, noticing that it was his father's room. He had no recollection on how he had gotten there and quickly stood up, staring at the one whom he had been paired up with in bed.

Toshi felt the breeze from the night air as she slept but thought nothing of it in her dreamed filled state, as she moved closer to the warmth she felt around her. Though on hearing a raised voice her eyes darted open her safe feeling now gone as she looked around her surrounding she had no idea where she was, all she knew is that she was in the temple

Looking to the boy on the floor her eyes widened she hadn't been expecting to see the lord Nobuo near her, let alone on the floor as if he where tainted "N-n-nobuo" her words stuttered she was in to much shock to realise she hadn't placed his title in, she looked down when she was asked a question she was nervous and couldn't think of an answer, all she could think of was the many ways she would be punished for sneeking into the bed

"Get..get out!" and instead of waiting for Toshi to get off the bed, he aided her by standing by the bedside, yanking up the blankets and forcing her to roll onto the floor, at least gently enough where it wouldn't hurt her but enough to make it appear as though he didn't approve of what happened. With that, at least he made it look like he wasn't trying to sleep with Fumiko on purpose. He looked around to see if there was any signs of other people in the room, and then walked over to her and bent down a bit, "You left your fruit on the table..get it before someone else takes it." He stood straight up again and pointed to the door, "Out with you!"

Nobuo had a lot of blanks, not knowing how he got into his father's room with Fumiko there, and not knowing how he had knowledge that Fumiko had brought fruit into the temple and left it on top of one of the tables outside. He shrugged it off and assumed he had most likely eaten some sort of fermented fruit to induce such a memory loss and the strange actions. Nobuo thought the same thing might have happened with Fumiko since she would have never slept on top of his father's bed, even if she was ordered to.

Tumbled out the bed and landed with a dull thud on the cold floor looking up and nobuo "I-I-I..." she tried to appologise but she was to frightened to, she had heard storys from others that if you annoyed the elder or his family they would punish sevearly and she didn't want to be harmed she didn't even know how she got there, it wasn't by her own accord as she would never have rested in the elder's room let alone in his bed even if ordered

She looked down tears welling in her eyes she was in so much trouble and she knew it, hearing his words on the fruit she held onto the kimono's sleeves "Tainted don't eat fruit... it's forbidden" her voice was a whisper as she spoke, she then realized that the matterial she was wearing wasn't what she normally did and looked down to it seeing the colors to be bright 'i'm fucked' she thought to herself backing away slightly unsure of what was going to happen next

The elder was having breakfast with his associates as he heard the yelling coming from the room "Seems my son is awake" he say gently taking a sip of his tea, he had actually slept well for the first time since his son died and it wasn't till after he spoke those words he realized what he had said

Nobuo stood there, hearing what Fumiko had to say. He froze. The son of an elder who had forgotten that such a rule existed for the tainted would be an embarassment to him and his father if anyone else found out. He tried to think about what other rules she was breaking but he couldn't think of any. If anyone had found out that he didn't know the rules well, he would have gotten a tutor, and that was something he wasn't looking forward to.

Nobuo hastily grabbed Fumiko by the arm and pulled her up to her feet. He leaned over and whispered to her after crossing his arms. "I'll make a deal. I'll let all of this slide... Just don't tell anyone about it," of course at that point he was more worried about his skin than Fumiko's, trying to avoid any new tutors, "Deal?"

Fumiko gave a small yelp as she was brought to her feet, and blinked hearing what he had to say "L-l-lord No-Nobuo... Ha... have you forgotten our laws" her voice show disbelief on such a mater as she believed that all high born where flawless, though of course she was scared to be harmed, but he was the next elder of the tribe so needed to know this

"I-I-I need to tell y-your father" she stuttered turnung away from him to leave the room, this in itself was bad as she hadn't been dismissed but she had to let his father know no matter the punishment that befell her for her actions, she knew her pain would better him and that was fine with her

"No! You absolutely cannot!" he rushed around her, blocking her way, "We would both be in trouble if you do!" He looked around the room, and then spotted what he was after and rushed to it. A collection of large scrolls held inside an elaborate wooden case, all almost looking exactly the same. He took one scroll, opened it to see what was inside and set it down, then repeated the same process, "No..it has to be here somewhere.." A panicked look spread on his face despite how he tried his best to stay as calm as he could, "See..I can do self studying...'if' I can find the scroll. Then there would be no need to tell my father about anything, right?"

She looked to him as he path was blocked and blinked, she had never seen a higher born panic in such a way before "I can take my punishments if I deserve them... it doesn't seem like you can though" her hands instantly came to her mouth as she remembered who she was speaking with

Watching him go through the scrolls she tilted her head a little seeing him panic as he couldn't find the one he wanted she shook her head "You would ebbaress your father if he found out" she sighed she knew who she was speaking to that time but she didn't care, she was tainted and was embarressed to know the next elder was a boy who couldn't remember their tribes laws and traditions

"What happens if for one day the heir's where given the opertunity to see what it was like to be elder for a day or two" she sounded serious as she said those words, turning once more to walk out of the room only to see the elder leaning against the door frame, and moved to her kneed quickly to bow

"What an enchanting idea... I'll bring it to the attention of the other elders..." he began with a smile, at that point and even now they where looking for ways ti help stimulate their eldest children for the responcibility of bwing elders, he paid little attention to anything else as he walked off

"Wait! Father! No!" Nobuo rushed out of the room and took a hold of his father's shoulder to stop him. He was going to do whatever it took to avoid the trouble, "Father, listen. I think it is far too early to even consider making me take your place, even if it is just for a day." He walked ahead and paced around in a small circle, trying to come up with an alternate solution that would make both him and his father happy, and then a smile set on his face, "I have an idea. Instead of being elder for a day, how about I start taking missions instead?" He had already given it some thought, but he was planning on doing it so that his father wouldn't be aware of him taking such dangerous tasks. He could get away from the responsibility of the elder, and earn money for other things he wanted to boot, "It will make me stronger and more knowledgeable, I'm sure. So it will help me be more prepared for the elder position." He had no recollection of ever going on the missions, which was where he started getting the idea that the way their society worked was beyond bad, and inevitably led to his and Fumiko's downfall.

The elder stopped as his shoulder was touched, turning he lookedat his son and smiled hearing what his son was waying to him "A day will give you an out look... It will be a good learning curve" his voice was gentle as he hissed his son on the forehead "You'll understand one day" his voice showing he was proud of him and always would be

Though on hearing him talking about missions he shook his head "You are forbidden from any such tasks Nobuo, and that is the end of that discussion" his voice while still warm showed his foot was down on the matter and no matter what he said wouldn't change his father's mind "The priestess before she died had a vision of you falling in love... but that love was a forbidden one..." he looked down and closed his eyes "You began to do missions and collect money so that when you passed on she would never have to return to her old life"

Tears began to fall, his voice was shaky as he continued "Because of this your mate was killed and you used taboo magic on yourself" he finished, he let him know basically what had happened before, but making it seem like a profacy that had been fortold for him "Stay away from your missions and when you find your mate, she can be tended to" his voice showed he was fightened of losing him and if it meant he had to forbid such actions from taking place he would

"Forbidden love, huh? That sounds kind of exotic and romantic.." he pondered about it a little before his father completed. He frowned at the fact that this priestess even said that he would use forbidden magic at all, because he was highly opposed to such taboo things, "Father...You know I would never use such magic. Such things always come with a heavy price."

Then it struck him. He was feeling fine. Unusually so. To the point it worried him just a little, even though it was a good thing, he wanted to know the reason why he was feeling well after having his illness for so many years, but he knew he wouldn't get the answer anytime soon. "I think I'm..feeling better today. I would like a feast," He loved food, and even if it was a small thing for him to be feeling better, he still took advantage of it to try to get something good to eat since he was usually restricted to eat only what he needed or things when others were present to eat with him.

Still, he would still be interested in going on missions despite what his father said. It was better than being stuck inside the temple most of the time doing things that didn't interest him a lot. He was already starting to plan ahead, to go out when his father wasn't looking.

The elder nodded “You are from separate casts...” he began to move out of the room “It is said your mate will be tainted” he say warmly, amongst the other elders he was like the one that was classed as the black sheep, he was more free flowing and understanding of things than the others. Though they believed, he was too weak of heart to hold the position of elder he was accepted because of the wealth of knowledge he had.

He stopped hearing his son’s words and sighed “If only you knew some of the waking nightmares I’ve had since I was told Nobuo... Please remember your words if anything unforeseen happens” his words filled with sorrow and worry. He had to live with the loss of his child once and was more likely to end his own life and ruin his position as an elder than let his son fall into the despair (Dis pear XD) he once had.

He smiled brightly hearing him state that he felt well “I am glad, it seems like the medicine is working after all” he sounded excited that he had asked for a feast. His eyes now went to Fumiko “Go prepare food...” he then noticed what she was wearing and with her memory gone this could be bad as she wasn’t wearing what tainted did “I will not permit you to wear anything but the color white, the garments you wear will be made from silk” his words holding authority.

He knew she wouldn’t ask questions and even if she did, he didn’t have to answer them but it was more the other elders he worried about, but that was a matter he would deal with as the need arose. “As this is a joyful occasion my son is allowed whatever he wants to eat” his voice warm and if not a little flighty as he moved out of the room

Seeing the female elder that he had had tea with the day before he danced around her slightly, his normally dull amethyst glowing in a way they hadn’t since his son was alive. He knew she would have questions about the night before and how their ‘tools’ where and he’d happily answer he was just so happy at the moment he couldn’t care less if the rest of the universe was falling apart his world was complete once more.

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Fumiko remained bowed she felt the elder’s gaze upon her and believed a punishment was on it’s way for being in the room, for disrupting Nobuo and for wearing materials and colours she wasn’t permitted to. On hearing his words her eyes went wide she felt blessed that she was given such gifts though it crossed her mind why she was given them, but she wasn’t about ask in case he changed his mind.

Waiting till the elder left before standing, her blood ruby eyes looking to him “What would you like to eat?” her words where calm her voice respectful as she spoke heading to the box filled with scrolls, moving a few she held out one “The scrolls on the laws and traditions...” she looked down and bit her lip for a second “If you want I could tutor you” her voice showed she was scared since such a thing was never heard of and she had no idea how he would take to being taught by a tainted

"What has gotten into you?!" she hadn't seen him so happy in many years. She felt uncomfortable with such a sudden change in her comrade that she lifted an arm to stop him from prancing around her like a fairy. She then forced him into sitting down into a chair, "Listen..we may be working together, that doesn't mean I would permit such antics. And those two..have you already gained their cooperation so that we may proceed?"

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Nobuo's eyes lit up when he was asked what he wanted to eat. He was thinking that his father would be the one ordering the spread, but this was the first time he had been allowed to choose what he wanted to eat at the table, "Anything! I mean..hmm..maybe something new and exciting." He rubbed his chin, just imagining it made his mouth water and nearly put him into a daze. But Fumiko had continued on with the thing about the tutoring and he took a few steps back, trying to pass on having another tutor, "Maybe I can self study.." On the other hand, he was very surprised that someone like Fumiko had offered to help him at all, especially when she was so loyal to the laws and traditions. At least with Fumiko, he wouldn't get scolded as harshly and he would have someone there in case he had any questions on the materials, "Okay..but we have to do it in secret. I don't think the others will like it if they catch you trying to teach me the stuff."

Blinked as he heard his companions words “It’s a wonderful day!” he exclaimed moving around her, only to be taken by the arm and being forced to sit down on the chair. His eyes keeping the healthy glow that would normal for an elder of the tribe “Yes we do work together, but if you do not like my antics you know where the exit of my temple is” he smiled happily knowing in this temple his word was law even to other elders

“Those two?” he said after her for a second he forgot what was going on “Nobuo and Fumiko are not to be touched by any elder” his eyes narrowing, his happy voice growing colder almost with a killer intent. “If anyone touches my son or his destined mate and I swear not even the spirits will prevent my wrath” with that he moved to stand, he meant every word of what he said and that showed with the aura that was coming from his form

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“Do you like sweet things? Or savory? Do you like things that are juicy? Things that are healthy or things that you normally class as good for you? Perhaps you'd like a bit of everything” she would ask him as she heard his words, she was surprised he seemed so excited over choosing food. She thought that it would be normal for him to choose after all he was a high born and so got all the best foods.

“I don’t want to seem like I am pushing you into this Lord Nobuo” her voice was humble “But it is expected of you as you are the next tribe elder” she placed down the scrolls, she was trying to work out how she knew that was the scroll that contained the law. She had never been taught to read and she had just read. It was just too much for her to take in

She slowly moved to the chair that was by the desk “I want to help you become an elder your father could be proud of” she covered her mouth unsure if what she said would be taken as an insult. “Who better to teach than someone who needs to have them all memorised by the age of five” she smiled a little, her eyes soft though they help she was proud to be a native to the tribe even if she was tainted.

“If we get caught you could lie and say that you are testing me on my understandings of the laws and traditions” she say gently looking down, she was forbidden to lie, but she also knew that his word was beyond reproach by anyone but the elders.

"Have you gone mad? Those two have been dead for a long time. What I'm talking about are the two experiments that we needed to retrieve," she began to think that he was losing his sanity, and may end up reporting it to the other elders. They couldn't possibly have someone who wasn't completely right in the head to be one of the elders. It would not only look bad, but could be dangerous as well.

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"I like all sorts of things. I want to try everything," he knew it was an unreasonable request, but he especially enjoyed trying out new things and exploring. Then Fumiko started talking about how he was going to be the next tribe leader. He finally sat down in a chair and crossed his arms, "I don't intend on becoming the next elder so soon.. It's more responsibility than I care to have.."

Quickly, his eyes had locked onto something that was wrapped in a thick cloth and was placed on top of a large chest. He didn't know why, but he felt that there was something important there, and it distracted him away from the thoughts of having to learn the laws and traditions. Nobuo stood, walking over to it and then unwrapping the cloth, bringing out the sword in plain view...the very same family sword he had in his possession just hours ago. He had no memory of seeing it before, but it was clearly well crafted and had a strange aura coming off of it, one that made him feel secure, "What a pity..my father should have gotten a sword stand for this piece." He moved it around, inspecting it, and then finally placed it on top of the cloth, "Do people such as yourself carry weapons passed down by their families?"

“No I haven’t gone mad!” his voice raised as he showed he was insulted by such an accusation from the old bat “Nobuo and Fumiko where reincarnated within those two” he continued as he headed back to the table and sat down “She done something remarkable” his voice showing he was still getting over everything that happened

“She was bound by her own marking and somehow managed to remove the marking that Fumiko had placed on her and speak to the spirits of the moon, erasing her memory and that of Yuu.” he picked up the teapot and poured them both a cup. “Right now they believe they are Nobuo and Fumiko as she wiped out all memories of their actual life” he say taking a sip of his tea sighing a little “He is my son and I will not allow him to be used in such a way... I put up with it when it comes to others, but he is my family” his voice growled showing he wouldn’t back down on such matters.

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“I can do that Lord Nobuo... I learned how to cook really early and really well” she sounded almost excited to be cooking for him as she looked out the window, it was a nice warm sunny day and she was looking forward to going out to find her own food for once. On hearing his words about not intending to be the next elder anytime soon she looked down “I didn’t mean anything was going to happen to your father, but when the moon spirits intend for him to return to them it would mean you would have to take his place. It’s your birth right” her voice showed she knew what she was talking about, though she looked down.

Fumiko watched Nobuo as he moved seeing the sword it made her heartache a little but she couldn’t remember why, moving to him she placed her hand on it closing her eyes for a second before backing off afterwards “That sword is of the branch family” she say her head drooping a little, she shook her head “Tainted don’t do such thing, our weapons are crudly made” she closed her eyes. In truth she had never even held a weapon

She was obviously irritated. Whether they had been Nobuo and Fumiko in their previous lives didn't matter that much to her. Her partner was living in the past, and what she was concerned with was the present and future. And they had spent far too much time into the project to just let them go back to living their old lifestyles, "They were born as experiments and will be used as such. I doubt you can convince the other elders to hand them over to you so easily since they had invested so much into making them." Obviously she had talked about herself as well. She was certain that the others would back her up as well.

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"Birthright or not, I just don't think it's best to continue doing this. We need people there who are qualified for the job, and not just because that they had inherited through their blood," though, he stood and watched her touch the sword. Her reaction intrigued him since he believed that none of the tainted would have the sensory abilities, but clearly Fumiko did and proved him wrong, "What is the branch family's sword doing here then?" Though that answer didn't put him at ease. The sword, he knew, was special at least, but something that was better than the any of the swords that he had been into contact with, "Then maybe we should return it to its rightful owner."

Knew she would be irritated, knew it would bring a lot of stress coming this way and also knew if he wasn’t careful he could be manipulated by the others. None the less be it in a new form or their old ones they where back and would risk everything to keep them safe. His eye grew cold at the mention of the experiments “I never liked them to begin with... my idea’s where manipulated” his voice growled “His form this life time might have been that of an experiment... but she was born outside the race and thus isn’t an experiment now get such foolish thoughts out of your mind...”

He stood and walked to her “While Nobuo’s consciousness is there... He will be respected and treated as such...” his voice showing an authority it never had before. “Do not forget I hold a lot of knowledge that has been missing for millennia...” his voice grew lower “So don’t fuck with my family or I will make you pay” his words showed this wasn’t a threat but a promise.
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“Don’t think it best to continue what Lord Nobuo” she showed confusion at what he was saying, she closed her eyes and let out a sigh ‘You have no idea how easy you have it... Try being tainted for a day’ she thought to herself but smiled brightly believing perhaps that would change his mind on being an elder “Lord Nobuo...” she began moving to the window “Perhaps being tainted for a day... Pretending something you are not” she giggled it was unheard of and could easily taken as an insult

Shrugged “Do I look like a higher born... I’m just tainted” she smiled, though she was classed as lower than cattle she seemed happy in her role in life, her blood ruby eyes glistening in the morning sun “You are it’s owner... At least that’s what the spirits within it say” her voice was warm as she spoke “There are twenty four before you ask how many” she had no idea how she knew that she just did

"You just wait until the other elders hear of this! You won't be able to get what you want, you fool!" and with that, she stormed out of the room. After all of this time that they waited for the experiments to blossom, he just had to step in and try to ruin all of their work just because his son and Fumiko had been reincarnated. If worse comes to worse, she would end up taking matters into her own hands despite what he had said.

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"I would far rather be tainted than a noble. At least you don't have to worry about tons of people always staring at you, you don't have as many tutors, and.." he raised a brow when he heard Fumiko talking about the sword. How was it possible for him to own a sword that he never once laid eyes on before? Unless it was meant as a gift from the branch family or from his father, and he just wasn't presented the gift yet. And how was Fumiko even able to tell how many spirits were inside of the blade? Were tainted allowed to learn such abilities? "That's horrible! I wouldn't want to carry something like that around!" he quickly covered the sword with the cloth so that it would no longer be visible. He didn't like the idea of having so many people..or so many spirits always keeping a watch on whatever he does. It just made doing things he wanted to do that much harder, because they would probably prevent him from doing them, "That sounds like my father though..wanting to give me something that would keep an eye on me and prevent me from doing..things.." He didn't want to elaborate those 'things', in fear that Fumiko would report it to his father. He walked away from the sword and then sat down in a chair, upset at knowing that sword was his, and also that it was in the same room, "I wonder how much money I can get from selling it.."

He grabbed her wrist quickly and with enough force that he could break it as if it was nothing more than a mear twig “You can go tell the others I don't mind that, because as our traditions state, we MUST treat each others family with respect MEANING while his memory s are Nobuo's he is my son and can not be harmed” he smiled sipping his tea.

“So just on that one you are in fact the fool but let me continue with this lesson shall I” he placed his cup down and started placing some fruit onto his plate “The two were powerful with their memories and we had no idea of their abilities...” he stopped to eat a piece of fruit “refeashing” he saw with a smile on his face, taking a second to enjoy the delicate flavor “Anyway as I was saying... we didn't know enough about their abilities before this... they have no memories of who they are meaning they could become unstable” he sighed a little and took another sip of his cup

“The only way what you are suggesting could be done safly is removing all memories and that can't be done to the boy as he has Nobuo's memories and is protected by the previously mentioned tradition” his voice was that of stating facts, he then let go of her hand yawned a little “And before you do something stupid ad try and go against laws and traditions... just bare in mind that I have a son and daughter that love to rip things apart” he smiled slightly knowing that they would be awake soon and causing the havoc they normally did


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Fumiko's eyes went wide hearing what he said, he had no idea what it was like to be tainted and as it stood he wouldn't live long enough to see lunchtime “You wouldn't want to be tainted Lord Nobuo... take it from one who knows” her words where gentle as she spoke “We might not have the tutors and people staring at us, but we are always the first awake and the last to sleep, if we break laws or traditions we can be seriously harmed if not killed” she continued her voice showed that non of this truly concerned her as she watched the clouds float by

“All tainted usually have all laws and traditions memorised by the age of five as if we don't we usually don't live to see six” she continued with a small yawn “We have to scavenge for our food, and most of it isn't nice... you should see the other side before saying you would rather be something” her eyes closed as she spoke. Hearing his voice she looked around to him “That's just plainly disrespectful to those within the weapon, apologise” she say moving over the to the cloth she uncovered the sword and bowed her head slightly “Please forgive lord Nobuo, his manners went on vacation it seems” her voice was respectful as she spoke only to see a white glow she giggled

On hearing his next words she moved around the sword and hugged it protectively, she didn't know why she had done it but it hurt her heart to hear such words tears began to fall from her eyes “The swords spirits are there to guide you and protect you...” she yell at him, picking up on of his scrolls and flinging it at his head, she was to upset and angry to even think of how many laws she just broke “This weapon was given to you by a descendent of their line a young girl who no longer lives...” she picked up another scroll and flung it at him, always keeping the sword close to him “She gave it to you to protect and guide you... THERE IS NO WAY IN THE BLESSED SPIRIT'S RADIENCE YOU ARE GOING TO SELL THIS!!!” She yelled at him

"He is no longer related to you by blood, and you still call this creature your son?" she knew there was a loophole, and she wasn't going to have him scare her. His actions were just as well punishable for sending out people to attack an elder without the counsel of the other elders. Then he would just be shooting himself in his own foot, "Good heavens.." She rubbed her temples, the stress was getting to her and he was the cause of it.

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The first scroll caught him by surprise and hit him square in the forehead, and when he raised his hands to rub the now-red spot, he found that there were other scrolls thrown right at him and then he stood up to dodge them. And when it stopped, he had his hand covering his forehead and he was staring at her with cold eyes. "Just because we were exposed to each other for the past few doesn't mean you can just go on as you just did. I know for a fact that attacking a noble would bare a high cost," he moved forward swiftly, grabbed her shoulders, and flung her onto the bed. One of the few things he tolerated was having someone physically attack him, unless it was something like an agreed fight or spar. He growled, reaching down for his sword, but was surprised to find that it was not where it was. It upset him more to find that his own sword was missing more than the fact that Fumiko had just physically hurt him, and he ended up walking out of the room in frustration. He was going to head outside for a breather before returning to find the misplaced sword.

“You are correct, the physical form is no longer related to me, but you forget this tribe works a little different from all of yours... it isn't physical relation that matters to up but the spiritual relation and all elders have accepted that since this tribe was created” he poured her some tea “Or have you forgotten this?” he moved a hand forwards to gesture for her to join him

He sighed hearing the yelling from his chambers “Yes I can still call him my son, he will forever be my Nobuo no matter what form he is in” He was curious to see what was going on but knew if he did one of them would end up hurt and the other in lessons they didn't want to be in “Besides as you can here their relationship is having to start from the beginning once more, meaning again they are not balanced against one another and their bond must happen naturally, if we wish it to be strong” he didn't like the idea that he was speaking like this but if it was to keep them safe he would play along for now

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Fumiko calmed after a moment, and brought her hand to her mouth her ruby eyes showing fear as she lowered her head, she had no idea why she got so upset over the weapon it was instinctive. She could feel his cold gaze on her, it didn't make her feel to safe “I-I-I...” she tried to to apologise but her mind was running over time to what she had just done

Feeling her shoulder grabbed and been flung as if she was little more than a rag doll she let out a small scream and whimper as she backed away from him, as the was thrown she dropped the sword, seeing him this angry made her breathing shallow she was petrified, she had never done such a thing before and was wondering why she done it without even thinking on it.

Seeing him move out of the room she took a moment to calm herself before picking up the weapon she almost lost her life to protect, the one he seemed to hate so much and followed. Seeing the two elders having tea together didn't make her feel any safer considering she was walking to the temple's entrance with the blade of a noble, bowing to both she dashed off again “L-l-lord N-Nobuo” she called out

"Another delay..always with the delays!" she complained. They had it so well before and now they're starting from scratch again. The outcome could very well be different this time around and might go in the opposite direction from what they wanted. Of course, the yelling almost confirmed her suspicions that whatever he had done to them, they were no longer as close to each other as before, "A quarrel?"

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Nobuo sat down on the front steps of the temple, with his head tilted to gaze at the clouds passing in the sky. There was anger, for sure, but there was also something else that bothered him and he couldn't place his finger on it. He tried hard to figure out what it was, until Fumiko had called out for him and appeared as he turned around to look at the temple entrance, "What? Now you're trying to make me take the sword?"

“Yes another delay... I didn't ask her to do this, she couldn't accept her tengu heritage and so erased both their memories” he say taking a sip on his drink “And she managed to do that while sealed... then there is the fact she broke the seal that someone placed on Fumiko, with that same seal she had on herself” he let out a gentle sigh and nodded back to Fumiko as she bowed to them

“They have bonded twice so far without any help, think of this as another trial... if they are able to bond again it means that no matter what happens in the future they will be perfect for whatever these experiments where designed for” his voice was gentle as he spoke but nodded to what his companion had said “She hit him with his scrolls on the race's laws, after he said something about selling the sword she's carrying” though he should be angry he chuckled a little “The spirits work in mysterious ways, we just have to trust their guidance” even she must have known since they where of two different casts their relationship would be a troublesome one but more likely to bare fruit than if they tried to force it

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Seeing him she bowed low in front of him, they where in public now and knew that everything would be watched if not by the elders then the others walking around. Hearing his words she shook her head and raised so she was on her knees, though looking up her eyes never made eye contact with his. “No I am not here to make you take it...” she began though her tone was respectful her eyes showed anger and defiance “You are not worthy to carry such a weapon” her words where cold as she stood up

“The blade is meant to be carried by someone kind, can see things without the tunnel vision you so openly show” her words though quiet where bold as she looked down “A girl was worried enough about you to give you this weapon... and you treat it and her with disrespect. Have you no shame?” she didn't even wait for a reply she just turned around and walked off towards the training hall where the branch family trained