"Your son is greedy for trying to sell a precious item. What does he intend on using that money for? Doesn't he already have enough?" she insinuated that he didn't raise his son well, and was the source of the trouble. She leaned against a door frame and crossed her arms, "Certainly not a suitable behavior for one who is the heir of an elder. You should start teaching him." She made it seem as though he were way too lax, and that Nobuo was just the same as every other normal tengu rather than one raised within nobility.

---------

"Maybe you're right, what you said back then..I should learn the laws and traditions, and live in the shoes of an elder. Then I would be just like the other nobility, who punish others without a second thought. And then, when I am like that, we can do this properly!" he wouldn't have kindness if he lived like the others, and that was something Fumiko was trying to help get through his head by teaching him the ways of the tribe. As far as he knew, the laws and traditions allowed no kindness, which was one of the few reasons he initially avoided it for, but later on was more like he avoided it just for the sake of trying to get around something that was boring and tedious. All in all, it would have been inevitable for him to be cruel, it was just the timing of the event that would have been different.

He had followed her far enough to make her hear his words, but then went into a different direction to retrieve his own sword. Nobuo went into the direction his room was at, hoping that the blade had been left in a proper place within the quarters. Once he had that, he could show more authority over the matter.

“Hmm?”he say finishing of a piece of fruit before standing and walking to her “That blade is Ken'ichi's family sword” he say pointing to the blade, he dropped his head back “Toshi, who fumiko was reborn into is the daughter of Ken'ichi and the priestess of the moon Misha” he say gently, “she will protect that blade even if it means her death... Her parents seem to have brought her up in traditions much like the ones of the race” he smiled, that alone showed that Ken'ichi couldn't have fully changed, that he required the structure

“Nobuo isn't like the others, but then again I am far dffrent from you all” he say smiling his eyes twinkling showing he was proud of his child “This life time he was born as a boy named yuu and is the son of the elder of shadows Nakil and the priestess of shadows Lunia... pure blood line once again” he smiled “Nakil put him into a house to be raised by tainted, to protect him from being killed like the others...” he say his voice grew cold at the thought of a high born raised in such away even for their own protection

“Even though he is Nobuo the instincts of Yuu are still there and though he doesn't understand why, it's like he has never experienced some of these things and it scares him...” he sighed closing his eyes “It's got nothing to do with his upbringing” his eyes shot wide as he then remembered something that had been said earlier “Fumiko had a good idea... letting our heirs be elders for a day to let them see what it's like” he thought it was a good idea he just wasn't to sure on his comanion


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Fumiko stopped hearing his words and sighed, shaking her head she turned and looked to him “I have been to every tribe, and this one by far is the gentlest and most understanding of tainted... The shadow clan would kill a tainted for the smallest infraction of the laws” her voice was low as she spoke “That was the tribe I was born into... but was traded into the family I have now” her voice was hurt as she talked about herself as if she was nothing more than an object

“The elder, your father has shown me nothing but kindness... you on the other hand are a bit of an air head” she giggled quietly as she was still trying to be mad with him “The elders set tribe rules, unfortunatly the racial laws and traditions are always kept in place but the way things are done within a tribe is the elders decision” her words where gentle

Sighing she followed him to his room “You have no idea what power you hold and to make matters worse you don't even care” her voice was slightly raised as she spoke “BECAUSE YOU ARE A SPOILT HIGH BORN!” she yelled she hugged the sword she was carrying close almost as if for safety, she had no idea what was going on she normally didn't act like this and it was scaring her deeply

"Absurd! Even if it is just elder for a day, he clearly doesn't have the qualities for it yet. He needs restraint and maturity, neither of which he has at the moment," she was trying to convince him that the whole thing was a bad idea, putting someone who wasn't qualified for the position into that place. Then she took a step forward, "The other children are much more suitable candidates for that plan. Nobuo would be the last one I would nominate for the position."

---------------

He stopped after reaching for his sword, his back was facing her. At first, he was going to lash out at her for continuing her verbal assaults at him, but then a grin slowly formed on his face, having just hit a potential opportunity. His fingers touched the blade, as though he hadn't laid a single finger on it for a long time, and then he lifted it up and turned around, drawing the sword out of its sheath and pointing it to Fumiko, "You have quite a tongue there. Perhaps I should cut it off." Of course he didn't mean to go that far, but he wanted to get the ball rolling, "If you don't take me outside and show me around this village, you'll find that you can no longer speak."

((magic carpet ride and song cue here ~ with a threat following close behind Fumiko x'D *is bad*))

“We will see” he smiled contently, hearing another yell he sighed “She's going to be the next priestess... I can see it” he chuckled, the thought of a tainted getting such a position was unheard of but then again, he had given her the right to where white and to wear silk “It wouldn't just be Nobuo, but all the heir's taking over there respective tribes's for the day” he say smiling

A deep sigh came from his lips hearing nobuo's words, he shook his head and looked to his companion “More to your liking?” he closed his eyes and sighed almost in disappointment but this was the way their race was “You think my father would be proud of me?” he asked her, he had very few memories of his father and she being one of the eldest would hope had the answer a question that was constantly on his mind

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Instinctively seeing the blade drawn at her she drew the sword that she was carrying and pointed it back to him, he was now a threat to her, it was almost as if her form was acting on it's own to try and protect itself her ruby eyes showing pure panic considering what her form had just done “I-I-I...” her voice seemingly panicked at tears fell from her eyes

Ken'ichi walked into the room after feeling the spike in power and looked to them both “Yuu... Toshi... Are you both feeling alright?” his words showed confusion, though his jade eyes fell to his family's blade “We can not be used against family!” he snapped and watched as the red glow left as he walked to fumiko

Taking the blade from her he opened his hand and cut the blade across it quickly flicking the blood off before sheathing it “Never draw a weapon unless you are going to use it... either of you!” he say moving over to Nobuo and doing the same thing “what has gotten into you both” he seemed somewhat confused, this whole ordeal had just made him late for his class but he didn't care

"That's..." she almost wavered in disbelief after hearing Nobuo. She had always thought he was frivolous, but hearing him threatening someone after an order, and a heavy threat at that, just shocked her to the point where she couldn't bring words out to express it. Even she wouldn't go as far as trying to punish someone to the point it disables them or harms them beyond fixing. To her, he now resembled a person who would be a potential dictator. "Your father was a man filled with much pride, and also highly respected by all. You don't match up to him, but...I think he would be proud of you for being so protective of your family."

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"What has gotten into us? I should be saying, what's gotten into you?" looking at Ken'ichi, he realized just how much older he appeared and wondered why Ken'ichi had age so much faster than him when they were supposed to be the same age. It was twice today that someone from the lower class would speak up to him as though they were his superiors. A very odd day, something he had yet to experience to such a degree, "Pardon? And who gave you the authority to tell me what to do, and who gave you permission to touch my sword? ...And there is no one here named Yuu or Toshi.."

“People of the spirit are not normal... even after all these years, none of you understand this” he say listening to the goings on but hearing how he didn't match up to his father seemed to make his heart sink 'from bad to worse... Nobuo be true to yourself no matter what is expected of you, remember yourself' he thought to himself, he was disappointed in himself for not measuring up to his father, but was somewhat happy that his father would still be proud of him for wanting to protect his family in the manner he did

“I am glad I do not measure to my father” he said proudly, lifting his head up “It means I am my own person and I hope my son is the same” his words showed he wasn't at all worried about how Nobuo was, he was proud of his son and his eyes proved such things “How did my father meet the spirits?” he asked, his eyes showing a childish curiosity as he couldn't find any record of it which was unusual especially for the clan he was the ruling body of

–

Ken'ichi looked surprised hearing the words that came from Nobuo's mouth it had been over eight hundred years and was caught off guard once more, which was something he didn't like when he was in service but even more when he became an independent person free of his race and chains “Nothing has gotten into me Young lord Nobuo” for the moment he would play it off as a training injury until he could speak to his cousin “I must have trained a little to hard and didn't block properly one of the strikes of my teachers” he smiled a little, now wanting to kill his cousin for doing this

“It is the code of the warrior, Young lord Nobuo...” he moved to his knees and bowed slightly “You do not draw a weapon unless you intend to use it, as a blade will never be happy when drawn and hasn't tasted blood” it was the truth, and though he didn't like the code of the warrior inside the race or outside it he still followed it as an honourable man “Besides I wasn't telling you what to do, though I might bring it to your father's attention that you need a tutor in warrior code” he grinned evilly remembering how much Nobuo detested tutors in anyway shape or form

“My apologise for touching your sword, but I very much doubt you wish to stain your room floor with the blood of a tainted” his heart cringed as he said that sentence, having to call his own daughter tainted he was ready to fly off the handle 'what is going on cousin... cause if you don't have a good reason, traditions or not you'll find my sword through your heart' he was seething underneath the service but was calm on top

“Sorry, I was thinking of two other youths that look like yourselves” he say smiling a little as he rose, bowing once more he turned and started heading for the door, he knew his daughter had many things to ask him even as fumiko but he didn't want to answer any of them as it could and would just make things uneasy

"There was nothing special in your father's death. He wanted to go in a way where people would be able to cope with his loss, slowly closing himself off to most of the world over the course of several months to make sure that things remained stable before he passed away in his sleep. It was a peaceful death. I'm sure you can at least remember how he had stopped talking much to his own family..it was during that time," it wasn't her ideal death, but his father was wise and only wanted his tribe to continue on successfully without him. What she didn't mention was that the very thing that killed him was the same thing that Nobuo had been inflicted with, except Nobuo was unfortunate to develop it when he was young, "The medicines..have you prepared those for your son? His illness may be carried through spirit."

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"Eh?! Wait!" Nobuo rushed up to Ken'ichi and pulled him close, whispering so that no other ears could pick up what he was saying, "Seriously..you don't really intend on telling my father about any of this, right?" A bead of sweat rolled down the side of his face. It was bad enough that he had earned one tutor for the day, but it would be a huge blow to earn another one, "If I ordered you not to do it, you won't tell him, right?"

Listened to everything she had to say and nodded, he did remember a time where his father started closing himself off, he was still very young at the time no older than nine or ten years old, he wasn't trained enough to be elder but there he was thrust into such a position.

He knew he wasn't ready and even how he still lived with the fear that he wasn't ready or good enough top be the head of the tribe, he wanted to ask for help as he was growing but he knew it would be looked upon as a weakness and would have the other tribes swarming his own like vultures ready for the kill, it was one of the reason's he raised Nobuo as he did to understand joy but responsibility, but he knew he was getting old and he now had to prepare Nobuo for taking over the tribe and that was one of the many reason's he protected his son

hearing the next question made him quirk a brow as he wondered where her concern came from all of a sudden when it came to her son's health considering she talked with such distane for him nor a few minutes before hand “Yes, the illness can be carried within the spirit... it is a unique illness to this tribe... luckily he doesn't have it and if he does it is dormant” his words showed relief as he spoke on the matter “Your eldest s are twins so is it your son or daughter that will be taking over your tribe when you pass on to the spirits?” he was genuinely curios it wasn't often that elders had pleasant chats with one another so he was enjoying the fact that he could

--------------

Ken'ichi's eyes narrowed as he was touched, his hand moving to his sword ready to draw it, he didn't like being touched unexpectedly and Nobuo would have known that “Careful young lord, next time I will not show such restraint” his hand came from the hit of his weapon as he was drawn close to hear the whisper

“I fully intend to tell your father that you do not know the warrior code, it is the basics that all high born must know” his voice though respectful, scowled him for not knowing this, but then he sighed a little hearing his next words “If you do not know, I am not saying... though it seems that the warrior code isn't the only thing you are needing a tutor in” he say standing tall once more and walking off, though stopped for a moment

“Without these knowledges you are no more than a disappointment to your ancestors, the race, your family and your tribe” with that he continued, but sighed seeing his won tutor knowing that seeing his cousin would have to wait until later, it wasn't his goal to hurt his pride but sometimes the harsh truth had to come out and he wasn't ever one for sugar coating things

Fumiko had walked behind them the whole way, she heard what ken'ichi said and she believe to it be true, but she also believed it could have been put in a nicer way “Don't worry about what he said master nobuo... you are still young and have plenty of time left to learn” she smiled weakly she wanted to try and keep his spirits up but she had no idea how she would do it

"My daughter of course," she was so certain of it because her daughter, although normally kept away from people other than family and tutors, was smart and usually looked after those around her. The other, on the other hand, was a little more selfish. But still, she was glad that they didn't come out like the two experiments playing quiet time in the other room. She would have been bald from pulling out her hair if they had grown up to be like the two experiments, "I have no problems with her becoming an elder now."

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Nobuo was frozen, the words echoed in his mind. It was true, the way he was now must have been highly disappointing to everyone, and he felt like crawling into a hole and never coming out. Fumiko's words had little effect on him when he knew that he would be placed in the spot of an elder soon. Soon, he moved, walking out of the temple as if he knew where he was going, and down the steps.

Raised an eyebrow at what was said and laughed a little “Your tribe is the only one I have ever known to have female elders” his tone showed he didn't mean this as an insult but more unusual to him “Why would you pre-fare your daughter to be elder than your son?” he would enquire, he was once again curious on such matters

His eyes looked to the room that had the two experiment's he looked after, to him they where children and he treated them as such “Come on you two... the sun is out and it's time for playing” he called out knowing he would have likely resort to bribery as normal as like any child they never wanted to leave there bed once the settled into it

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Fumiko watched him with sorrow filled eyes as he left, she wanted to grab his arm and hug into him to let him know everything was okay, looking down she blushed wondering why she cared so much all she knew was that she felt sorry for him and how much pressure he was under

Slowly she headed towards the elders room once more, she wanted to get Nobuo's scrolls so he could start learning, so he could start feeling better about himself... she wanted to see him happy, that made her world complete, but as she was in her own world she bumped into another high born and fell back her ruby eyes looking up to his ice blue

quickly she lowered her gaze 'damn it' she though knowing she had rust broke a rule by making eye contact with the boy, but this boy was of her native tribe and would put it down to her striking him, moving to her knees she bowed low “Please forgive me... It wasn't my inte-” before she could even finish her sentence a hard slap was placed right across her left cheek knocking her back several feet

Brining her hand up to her cheek tears began to fall she knew it was far from over as she seen, the boys feet by her head, she hugged onto the sword and watched as it glowed red “Please don't... please do-” she was met swiftly by the boys foot across her ribs and cried out, some blood coming from his lips “Filthy low born” the boy snarled watching as fumiko went flying once more, dropping the item that she was carrying “How many laws are you breaking” he say picking up the sword as he walked towards her, his foot resting on her wind pipe 'help... please... help' she thought, she knew no one cared as far as she knew she had no bonded mate and was no where near her birth family

“I-I-I'm not” she coughed out a little more blood coming from the left side of her lips “I-I-I was gi-” he pressed a little onto her windpipe and listened as she gasped for breath “I don't want to hear your lies you disgusting low born” he snarled down to her, enjoying the fact she was squirming under his boot, believing that she was lying to save her own skin

"She thinks for her people," she smiled, knowing that someone well qualified would be her replacement, and may even outdo her in many ways. Her son, on the other hand, while he was learning, still had a ways to go, "My son, on the other hand, still needs to learn how to put others' needs before his own during the right times." But then, he called out the two idiots, and her smile faded quickly. She never liked the two, despite how much he tried to make them look like his family. They were too wild, too childish, and that was all mixed in with dangerous and deadly. At any time, they could be throwing weapons around and then think it was no more than a game rather than a threat to those around them.

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Nobuo stopped, dead cold in the streets. Far from being depressed, he felt that something else was terribly wrong and turned to look back at the temple. People who had seen the pendant on his chest bowed slightly and returned to their previous tasks and avoided walking into him. There was a clear gap where he was standing, as though there were some sort of invisible barrier. As he walked back towards the temple, people hurried to move out of his way. Although he wasn't in any rush, his breathing became unsteady as though he had just done a physically demanding task, and soon he was feeling anger, which he thought was probably caused by thinking back to what Ken'ichi and Fumiko said.

When he appeared in the temple, he caught a glimpse of what was going on. At first, he thought that this served her right, for getting him into so much trouble and taking arms against him, but then things happened in a flash and his body seemed to move on its own. His anger was redirected to the one who was hurting Fumiko, and he quickly charged and knocked the boy to the ground. He found it strange how his emotions had been redirected to another person, and his words finally made him think that he had snapped and gone insane somehow, "How dare you hurt my mate!"

“you must be proud of her” he say smiling walking away from the door they had been standing at “So that mean your son will be the priest?” he enquired, it was more for the logs that it was his tribes duty to keep that he was now asking so many questions. “Yes boys can be a handful but they are loyal to those they care for” he say listening to the sounds of combat coming from his branch families training hall

Hearing no noise from the twins room, he opened the door only to see a mess “Oh my...” he say looking at the chaos that was their room “Come on you two, up up” he say moving over toys and weapons laughing as they hid under their bed asleep, he pretended to look all over the room for them like he did every morning “Hmm...” he began walking towards the door careful not to trip over anything

“I guess my special twins don't want breakfast and then to go to the garden a while before lessons and training” he say slowly exiting the room. Rie looked to her brother her purple eyes glistening as she heard the word garden 'You think we should go now or wait a little more?' she placed into her brothers head though she giggled a little, the morning game was fun

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as soon as the boys foot was off her throat she started gasping for deep breaths, she had almost passed out by the time he arrived, closing her eyes began to cough blood coming from her lips as she done so and not in a trickle, her watery eyes went up to look at the one that had protected her, she was surprised to see who it was “why? How?” she managed to whisper out before she lost contentiousness

The boy that been pushed back on to the ground flipped himself up and narrowed his black orbs at Nobuo “Who are you kid?” he hissed, as he tried to unsheathe the sword he had picked up from the floor, the sword hadn't been bound to him and thus wouldn't allow itself to be used by the boy, so the boy threw it down like a piece of junk right next to the unconscious Fumiko. His hand going to his own swords hilt but he burst out laughing hearing his words considering he just noticed the family crest he had around his neck “A high born mated with a low born” he couldn't help but laugh “have you no shame? Self respect? Or have you just went insane?”

"Indeed. He has the ability to be a priest. He has the talents for it," he just didn't have the right head for it. She'd have to make sure that his sister kept a tight leash on him or else something might get out of place. She shook her head, watching as her companion walked into the other room.

Arata smiled, and wiggled closer to her, 'But his back is turned! Can you imagine how much fun it would be to sneak up on him?' he thought back to Rie. He was tempted to crawl right out without Rie and pounce on the elder for fun, but Rie had enough time to answer before the elder could actually leave the room.

-------------------

He had blurted it out without control over what he was saying earlier, so he knew that the boy wouldn't be entirely incorrect in saying that he had gone insane. However, Nobuo wasn't going to back down from this, how someone could just speak to him in a condescending manner, especially from someone who had hurt someone that he cared about...or at least at the moment he did, and didn't know why when all she was doing was making him upset earlier. He growled, "Well maybe it's time for a change. People should go with whom they have feelings for and shouldn't be restricted by outdated laws and traditions. And you..." Nobuo knelt down, checking Fumiko's pulse, and then wiped the blood off of her lips. He picked up the sword and then stood up and glared at the boy, "You might be laughing now, but we will see if you will have that same reaction in the future." Nobuo couldn't believe what he was saying, or the way he was acting and feeling.

“I say this with much respect but your tribe is backwards” he laughed a little as he knew he was one to talk as his tribe was a little more relaxed in laws and such, his amethyst eyes turned to the bed though his back was turned “Did I mention the picnic today with some of the heirs to the tribes” he say with a small smile, he knew where they where but pretended not to, after all this was a game that happened in the morning to keep them happy

Rie listened to what their father had to say and grinned, it would be their first time being introduced to other children and she wanted to try an make some friends, looking to Arata she nodded 'one... two... three' with that she pounced knowing her brother would do the same thing, but at the last moment she seen their father turn and grab them both playfully in his arms “no fair! You cheated!” she pouted but giggled right afterwards into her daddy and brother

“no my sweet pea I didn't cheat, you where both breathing loudly” he say enjoying their embraces for a moment only to sigh knowing commotion was happening elsewhere in the temple but smiled contently standing after a moment taking their hands and walking them to breakfast table “Remember no food fights or no rewards” he say smiling taking his own spot offering a chair to his companion

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The boy looked at Nobuo carefully for a second, he recognised him as a low born that was until it sank in that the only person ever to wear the pendant that he was wearing had been the elder of the spirits son Nobuo “Our laws and traditions make us who we are Nobuo! Or didn't your daddy teach you that!” he scorned “You would undo traditions set down from our ancestors for one filthy disgusting little low born... you really have lost it...” he say laughing a little “You aren't meant to be an elder perhaps Rie or Aeata should become this clan's elder, they seem to have more sense that you and they are insane” he chuckled a little, walking off waving his hand dismissively “We will see when you have found your senses” he say walking off into his own room

She grumbled, dreading the breakfast with the two. She wouldn't want her children to meet the two and end up getting infected with whatever they were high on. So she'd at least inform her children to avoid the two whenever possible, when they meet each other, "You do realize that your tribe looks just as backwards for me as my tribe looks backwards to you."

"Rewards! REWARDS! What are the rewards?" Arata sat down with his legs folded on top of the chair seat. "Can we get a reward now?" he was just dying to see what it was and eagerly awaited for that little something special.

------------

Rie and Arata, and watching the boy walk into one of the chambers..he had no idea who the two were, and he had no idea when the boy had been staying in the temple. Still, he somehow felt fortunate to have been ignorant to that type of information for so long, otherwise there might have been even bigger trouble. Nobuo bent down, placing the sword on top of Fumiko, and then lifting Fumiko up within his arms. She was unconscious, so at least she didn't hear what he said, or he hoped that would be the case. He sighed, whispering while he tried to get her to one of the guest rooms, "Why am I doing this for you? You got payback with that beating...why should I bother?"

Soon, he came into the room, dimly lit since it had no windows. Then, he dropped her on top of the bed like a heavy box he had been holding for way too long. He growled, "Be thankful you get to live another day." He went to the door and stopped, "...Idiot."

“Yes I know that... and somehow I can manage to live with it” he say his voice showing he couldn't care less if his tribe was seen as odd by the other tribes, he knew his tribe was special for a reason the others would never be able to fathom, after all his tribe was one that kept the records of the tribes and was the one blessed by the spirits

Rie's ear's pared as he head him speak of rewards, she wanted to see, she wanted to know what kind of reward it was. She liked the shiny marbles she had been given for being good yesterday, she really did hope she could get more as she enjoyed how they seemed to chance color in the rays of the sun and moon “I want rewards too” she exclaimed as she jamp onto her brothers legs only to tip the chair back so they both fell backwards, she rolled off laughing like a maniac finding it hilarious

The elder looked over to them and sighed, it was the same thing every morning, but he couldn't help but smile and laugh a little. They where children after all with special needs and required a lot more attention and love than most tengu children even younger than them so he tried to give all the support he could “No...” he began moving out of his chair to help them up “No rewards till later, you know the rules... and really for misbehaving so early in the day I think I will remove part of the reward” his voice was gentle as he spoke, though showed he wasn't happy “Though if you are good perhaps you can earn it back” he say sitting back down again

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Ken'ichi moved out of his class half way through his training just in time to see the argument between the two boys and was ready to step in just to see the one from the clan of shadows move away into his room “At least he learned something” he say with a quiet sigh moving over to the room that Nobuo had just placed her in and awaited him coming out

“You are doing it because you are bonded to her” he say leaning against the wall, he knew he should be back in the training hall getting his punishment for leaving in the first place but he couldn't really have given a rats ass about his training “Like you said, she is your mate” that one sentence showed he had been watching pretty much from the start

She grumbled before sipping her tea, watching the boobs doing their thing. "Sometimes I think you spoil them too much. One of these days, there will be no one to give them anything, and then they will drive themselves insane. Can't you teach them to be little less greedy and selfish?" she didn't mind speaking in front of the two, as they probably didn't fully comprehend what she said, like they do most of the time.

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"You..." he wondered just when exactly this happened. He never recalled having made a bond with Fumiko before, and then today he said something that wasn't logical, and now Ken'ichi was telling him that they were paired with each other. Nothing seemed to make sense. However, now he knew that Ken'ichi had knowledge of something, and it seemed like whatever it was, it was something that was known for a long time, "I don't understand any of this. Before today, everything was so normal..and I didn't have a claimed mate. And now today you say that I am bonded with her? How? Something like that just doesn't happen out of the blue. ...What exactly is going on?"

Quirked an eyebrow at his companion as she spoke “Spoil them?” he chuckled pointing to the food that had been specially prepared for their dietary needs as they weren’t normal “Come on, breakfast then time to play” he smiled watching them for a moment before turning back to her “Parents are meant to spoil their children” he say closing his eyes and sighing contently

“No one else would care for them, as I recall everyone believed them two childish and unstable to be success's, including yourself” he say for a moment before leaning over and pouring them each a glass of juice “I care for them because I can see them for more than just what they where born for... they will never have adult minds and will forever be at this age until they eventually fail on their own” his voice had a sad tone to it as he watched the two play rock, paper scissors to see who got the last piece of their favourite fruit

“Show me a child that isn't greedy and selfish and I will show you a child that is really an adult” he sounded some what bitter as he spoke those words, he believed that children should have the chance to be children to be brought up not to be dragged up “Asking a child not to be greedy and selfish, is like asking them to run before they can even crawl” he sighed a little and watched them always tieing with one another

--------------

“I doubt you will ever understand it young lord and I am not in a position to disclose the information I know, I do apologise” he bowed his head slightly but remained lent against the wall, his eyes closing “Nothing has ever been normal in this tribe, I though you would have come to realize that one” he chuckled a little, knowing it to be true

he bit his lip and opened his mouth as if to say something but closed it again not saying a word, how could he possibly tell him that he had been reborn into a boy that was raised by tainted, that fumiko was reborn as his daughter toshi... that they where both just now experiments in all elders eyes except his fathers, he let out a soft sigh as he opened his eyes

“All I can say is, there was a proficy stating that you would fall in love with a tainted” his hands clenched as he spoke about his daughter in such a manner “she isn't really tainted but more an experiment the elders have created...” he closed his eyes, he wanted to tell him that he was the same as her in such a respect, but he was only a servent to the main family and couldn't go against his cousin's wishes “I you want all the information, go speak to your father” with that he pished off the wall heading back to the training hall

"So you are saying that it is good to be selfish and greedy? I beg to differ. A child can still be a child even if they don't have those traits," she watched the two, Arata had lost but still tried to snatch a bit of the fruit. She saw that no good was going to come out of this, the two were almost predictable in their behavior at the table at least.

"If you want it, you'll have to get it," he grinned, licking the piece before shoving it inside his mouth and stuffing them into the side of his cheek, taunting Rie. The elder sneered in disgust and closed her eyes, not wanting to watch the outcome of the little game. Even other children, she thought, had more self control than this.

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"...I do..not..love..that!" he angrily pointed at Fumiko, who was still lying in bed. Just because he went crazy temporarily didn't mean he had any feelings for her..or at least he hoped he didn't, because that would seriously screw things over for him...his gut told him...((to eat baby food xD...I heard that some baby food was nasty xD)). And then also, it was his first time ever hearing about any experiments, "Tell me...at least..how is it that 'you' know all of this and I don't, and yet I have a higher class than you? Does my father trust you more than me with such information?"

Sighed a little “I didn't say that you did... I said children are usually selfish and greedy” watching the outcome he knew what was going to happen “Arata, you have just lost a reward for being bad...” he began going into his pocket to bring out a cinnamon stick and handed it to Rie as her piece of fruit had been stolen “Didn't we have a discussion on this game?” his voice was gentle yet showed his disapproval of how Arata had behaved is such a manner

Rie almost burst into tears as her prize was stolen, but seeing the cinnamon stick her eyes brightened once more as she popped one side of it into her mouth “You have the fruit... I got a sweetie” she giggled happily, continuing to enjoy the flavour, she was happy and content but looked to the female elder and waved a little “We aren't like other people... We're special... so special people like you don't understand us... and if you don't understand us you want to kill us” she grinned though her eyes darkened a little 'be careful what you want to kill... it can and will strike back first' she placed into her mind. Before turning to her brother sticking out her tongue as if nothing happened, though she knew her thoughts would have been picked up by her brother and by the female elder

-----------------

Ken'ichi stopped walking hearing Nobuo's words his fists clenching “THOUGH SHE IS TAINTED, SHE IS STILL A PERSON... THE SOONER YOU GET THAT THROUGH YOUR HEAD THE BETTER!” he yelled at him, it was easy to see through the anger in his voice and the killer intent in his eyes he was pissed off “I do not have to tell you anything young lord... excuse me, I have torture... I mean class I must attend” his voice was full of spite he knew there would be consequences for how he raised his voice and especially to who he yelled at; but he didn't care. He just wanted to grab his daughter and take her back home where it was safe... well safer

Placing out his hand his family's sword appeared in it, his eyes glowed a deep jade green, he was irritated and pissed off to say the least and if he went into that training hall it would be a guarantee he'd be the only one stepping out of it still breathing. Taking a deep breath he changed his direction and headed for his bedroom, at least he could get some peace and quiet in solitary confinement, though deep down he doubted it

"Absolutely horrid!" she refused to sit there and listen to the threats. "I will take my leave," she stood up and walked out of the room, heading outside to get some fresh air and to be surrounded by 'sane' people. There was only so much she could take.

Arata cried, while all of this was happening, "That's not fair! I want one too!" He plowed himself into Rie, and then placed her on top of the table before climbing up and joining her. Then he secretly spoke to Rie, 'I don't like that old hag. Howa bout we mess with her a little?', "Can we go outside to play?"

--------------

He didn't know why Ken'ichi was getting so worked up and seemed to have more of an interest in Fumiko than usual. He was used to Ken'ichi showing no favoritism to anyone and following orders and rules by the dot. And today was just suddenly different. Ken'ichi was more vocal on any opinion and seemed to be more disrespectful. Even he and Fumiko were acting strangely. He began to think that some sort of magic had been in use here, and he was determined to get to the bottom of it.

Nobuo walked out of the room and down the hallways, where he eventually went into the dining hall where his father and the other two were at. He stared at the strange, new scene, with two new faces to boot. He took a few slow steps into the room, "Father..may I ask what is happening here?" Even he wasn't allowed on the table when he was younger, so it made him that much more curious to understand what exactly had compelled his father to allow the strangers to do such things.

The male elder looked to her as she spoke and quirked an eyebrow “Are you okay?” he asked, just to watch her stand up and move to the entrance of the temple, sighing he rolled his eyes “Seems she's upset” bringing up his hand he yawned a little, as he was fine to lose her company, though he watched the two children play and sighed

“You stole your sister's prize and so you get no treat... but as your sister was the one who was cheated, she got the cinnamon stick” he say petting Arata on the head to calm him down “If you can behave for the rest of the day you will get one later” he say with a smile watching as Rie was placed on the table and Arata following her “The table isn't meant for people to sit on, this is why we have chairs” he say scooting them off the table

Looking at what they still had left to eat, he was satisfied “When the bell tolls you both come back inside, do you understand?” his words showing he meant it or there would be no rewards what so ever for the day. Rie nodded giggling happily “Yes daddy, I understand...” sliding off the table still with her cinnamon stick in her mouth she moved to her daddy and gave him a quick hug 'messing with her a little? You are being nice... she does nothing but insult us and daddy... she should be messed with a lot' she replied to her brother's mind before running off outside to play

Hearing Nobuo's voice he turned and smiled some, his hand going out to offer him a chair “You can ask me anything you wish and if I can answer it I will” his voice was gentle as always when talking to his son, he never hid anything from Nobuo and he wouldn't start now, but there was things here at work that he would have to shelter him from as his father and as an elder “What was going on with Ken'ichi back there?” he enquired, he didn't want the harmony of his home to be destroyed because of this and would do anything it took to restore it if need be

Nobuo narrowly avoided the two running past him, and he shook his head and sat down in the chair that his father had gestured to him to sit on. He propped his elbows on the table, using one hand to rest his chin on, "Ken'ichi was just overreacting to something I said about Fumiko. I've never seen him act like that for anyone." He leaned back and crossed his arms, "Just yesterday, things were going so normally. And today...today everyone was acting weird, and all the new faces..and.." He didn't want to mention that he had called Fumiko his mate, in fear that his father would summon a 'special' tutor to help get him straight, "You and Ken'ichi are hiding something. Was there some sort of spell casted last night that made everyone go mad?"

Watched the children run off and sighed “Rie! Atara! No running in the temple remember... you might hurt someone” he called after them, he knew it wasn't of any use as they would have been out of ear shot by now but he still had to try and give them warning. His eyes now went to Nobuo as he sat down, he noted that his son was distracted

“What did you say about her?” then left out a deep sigh knowing that ken'ichi still had his memories something he would deal with later on as it would be an inconvenience for everyone within the temple “Ken'ichi believes that Fumiko is his child and doesn't like the fact that she is tainted...” he began he hated having to do this but it wasn't a like fumiko wasn't ken'ichi's child “I believe that somone might have been playing with taboo magic and it has had some effect on Ken'ichi, pay no mind to him... I'll break the taboo later” his voice was gentle as a smile came across is somewhat handsome face

“It isn't surprising you don't recognise many of the people in the temple, you have been in a coma for over eight hundred years...” he looked down, in his mind nobuo had just been sleeping, he hadn't died so once more he wasn't lying “Rie and Atara are children I adopted as they need special care... the elders would have killed them believing them to be abominations” his words where soft but his hands clenched under the table 'they just don't see that the two are unique and special in their own way' he thought to himself

"That many years..." Nobuo leaned back, staring out into space in near disbelief. But then again, the coma might have had an effect on him as well, and the others acting strangely was probably all due to the time that had passed. It seemed more and more like a reasonable explanation the more he thought on it. He began to feel a bit more satisfied to know that there was a plausible explanation for everything, "I told Ken'ichi that I -didn't love that-.. But to think...he believes that Fumiko is his child now? I wonder what motives the spell caster would have to use that magic on Ken'ichi.. Doesn't taboo magic usually come with a penalty?"

his father nodded “Yes that many years... but your form didn't age, nor did Fumiko's or Ken'ichi's” he smiled a little “Ah, I see” he his voice was that of understanding when he heard what had happened “To have a child in a different standing is very hurtful... and because of this enchantment he hates the fact that he can no cradle the one he sees as a child because of our traditions” his voice was saddened as he spoke

“He does indeed believe that Fumiko's his daughter, he also blames our family for stealing her away from him” he looked down and shook his head, he had, had heated words with Ken'ichi through the night because of the happenings and though Ken'ichi understood and respected his daughter's decision he still blamed his cousin for putting the notion in her head in the first place “I wouldn't know what would motivate such actions other than to make our family seem incompetent of controlling our branch family” he poured Nobuo some juice before pouring himself some tea

“Taboo magic always comes with a penalty, though the penalty is dependant on the spell used...” he began looking up to the ceiling for a moment before closing his eyes as he began to realize what such magic would give as punishment for such a tabooed spell “It would mean that the person would never have a child themselves and if they already had one they would never be able to love it” it was a steep punishment but then again the magic was taboo for a reason

"Then they must have been someone who didn't mind the punishment. I think there could have been other ways to take action and avoiding the use of any taboo magic," Nobuo thought that whoever it was probably tried to take the easy way out. But now that it was cleared up, he felt more at ease. He picked up his cup and sipped some of the juice, then stood up, "I want to go tour the village today. I hope you don't mind if I walk around unaccompanied by anyone."

Nodded some to the statement of the person not minding the punishment, the thing is he knew the great spirits of the moons had been the ones who done it after hearing Toshi's call so the magic used to do this hadn't been taboo “Your right, there is always a better way to do things than used forbidden magics, but what is done is done... and there is no way the person responsible is getting away without punishment” he say standing walking towards the training hall

“You have until lunchtime Nobuo, then you have training and studies” his voice showing he was deep in thought to mind his request “Just keep an eye on the twins if you come across them...” he say stopping for a moment “They can be quite a handful... Just say that daddy said if you see them misbehaving you've to tell me and it could take a toll on rewards and treats” with that he walked off to deal with his cousin

Nobuo didn't like the plans at all. After waking up from an 800-year coma, his father is already preparing to put him back into his daily lessons, and he believed that was a bit unreasonable considering his condition. He shook his head and stood up, thinking that he might just use this time to go out and hide somewhere, at least for the day. Nobuo walked out of the temple and into the streets, and everything seemed to be the same as usual. Nothing much had changed.

Rie would be outside giggling like a lunatic, her bright blood coloured hair moving gently in the passing breeze. She was wearing black loose trousers, so but there seemed to be sort of like a sarong around them made in a deep crimson (http://i17.ebayimg.com/01/i/001/65/49/71df_10.JPG) and a black top with three red flowers stitched into the bottom of it. On the shoulder of the long sleeved top would be the numbers '364', she would be crouched over a piece of paper and using some charcoal as a pencil “Arata, we should do it this way..” she giggled insanely “They'll never see it coming” she continued with a somewhat this is going to hurt someone, this is going to be great voice. I was obvious the two where up to something

"Are you sure? Maybe we can make it better with something else," Arata snickered, knowing that their prey was still within a short distance. Whatever, he would just enjoy picking on anyone, but for now they had a single target of amusement.

====

Nobuo moved forward, his eyes going from side to side, not only for seeing what buildings and other sights were around, but also for something else. He was well aware that his father had forbidden him from taking any missions, but with this whole forbidden love thing going down, it seemed like it would have been better to go on the missions than stay since he thought it had something to do with Fumiko, and he thought that most likely Fumiko wouldn't be following him. Surprisingly, he was able to find a wall covered in papers, and he leaned over to look at them. His eyes lit up with excitement after reading a few of them, "I can do this.."

Rie Noticed Nobuo walking past them and blinked for a moment before dropping the charcoal and walking after him. she was curious in what he was upto, but was more intrested in the shiney thing he had around his neck. stopping at the board next to him she giggled a little "Daddy's going to be mad at you" She giggled again "Daddy doesn't want you near here... Your not allowed, Arata and I are but we need to bring back what we want to do... Daddy loves us more" she laughed contently

Arata followed Rie and stood on Nobuo's other side, looking at the board and then listening to what Rie had to say. "Yah, daddy let's us do more things than you. He loves us this much more," Arata spread his arms out to emphasize the point. He thought this was great fun, teasing someone who was treated with less favor than them.

Nobuo wouldn't doubt it, after being asleep for 800 years, it was logical that the bonds would have been eroded between father and son. Nobuo, though, only smiled and nodded, "If he loves me that much less, then he wouldn't mind me doing this, right?" Nobuo pulled off one of the papers and folded it before storing it inside a pouch that was strapped to his belt, "And..while you go play your small games, I'll be playing a bigger and more entertaining one." Nobuo thought he'd needed to mess with their heads, as though he wanted some sort of payback. He felt the urge to hurt the two as well, almost as retaliation for something else, something far more severe.

Rei looked to her brother for a moment and giggled happily, but stopped seeing Nobuo reaching for a piece of paper. “Are you going to ask daddy?” she enquired, a grin on her face as she spoke “Even if daddy doesn't think your special like us... I'm sure daddy would just love to know you're going against his wishes” she grinned knowing that was something they had over him, after all no Tengu child ever wanted to be a shame to their parents.

“If you go, you'll be punished...” she began to giggle “and by you I mean your mate will be punished and you'll be made to watch” her eyes almost glowing as she stated such a fact “Small games?” she burst out into hysterics at that one statement, slowly she tugged onto Nobuo's arm bringing him to her so she could tip toe “You are like us Nobuo... They fear you and will eventually want you dead, you and her.” she let go after she had whispered the words and looked up to him smiling wondering if he knew what she was talking about.

Nobuo squinted upon the statements. He had no idea what she was talking about, but whatever it was sounded dangerous. More secrets that he was not yet aware of, "And how exactly am I like you?" As far as he knew, the only similarity they had was that they were being cared for by one person, and he knew that they had no blood relationship at all.

Rie pointed to the patch on her left arm and on the patch of her Atara's right arm. They both had the same number 364 stitched into it “I believe you are 001” she smiled contently hoping he was understanding what she was getting at “We are the same, well sort of” she tilted her head to the right for a moment before taking Arata's hand “If you want to know more follow us, or would you prefare to live a life of ignorance?” with that she walked off with her brother and bonded to the outskirts of the village.

At the edge of the village, they came to a point that seemed abandoned, lost, forgotten or could it be it was taboo even to speak about. Stopping a second she bowed her head a little before letting go of Arata's hand and running through, she was unsure if Nobuo was even following them but she hoped so. Soon she stopped in a dilapidated mini village and looked around “The graveyard of the forgotten, the ones like us” she whispered though she seemed almost happy to be in such a terrible place.

Soon she ran off once more to the east and again stopped at a temple gate, this temple almost looked like a mirror copy of the temple they stayed in, but there was a locked gate in front of it “This is where, we where all born... where terrible things happened... where they still happen to Arata and I” she looked down and bit her lip her hand going through the barred gate and pointing to a large graveyard “We are related to all of them... we are the only ones who are successful, but as soon as you and she bond perfectly we will join them” her eyes closed as she spoke this, she knew death was inevitable “Daddy will fight to keep us, but in the end it will kill daddy and we will still meet Mr. Death like they want”

Nobuo had followed the two, and was shocked to see that they had such a place in the village at all. He had always thought that all parts of the village were used and well-maintained, but after seeing such an area initially made him question why it had been abandoned. But soon, his question on it had been answered by Rie, or at least part of it. She spoke in bits and pieces to him, none of it making complete sense to him. He reached up, touching the gate, and a sense of familiarity washed over him, as though he were here before, not because of the similarity of the buildings, but the general sensation of his surroundings, so he knew that the two weren't trying to trick him, "You are still speaking in cryptic words to me. 001? Related? Why does such a bonding between me and someone else mean your death?"

Arata spoke to Rie in her head, with a smile on his face, obviously scheming, Rie, why don't we kill him here? Then we'll never have to worry about those two bonding with each other, and we can continue living with Dad. He sat on top of a wall, swinging his legs back and forth.

Rie looked to him for a moment before tilting her head to the left “You never knew this place existed?” she say to him her voice was quiet as she spoke almost as if she didn't want to be heard “We have to be quiet around here, they will do things to us if they catch us here... very bad things” once again her voice was a whisper as she brought up both her left sleeve before doing the same to Arata's. It was easy to see the holes in the skin some of them small but there where quite a few that where very noticeable. “They test us and put stuff into us and watch the outcome” she brought down her own sleeve.

Blinking for a moment as she listened to his questions she brought her finger to his lips “Shh!” she demanded, her eyes filled with worry. She knew he was safe, well safer than she and Arata where as his bonded wasn't here but it didn't mean they wouldn't try and see the limit's of him. “I am not talking in cryptic words... I can't answer in full if you don't ask questions” she smiled brightly as she spoke.

“001... the first, the very first one of us” she but her lip trying to figure out how to explain it “You aren't Nobuo, he died over 800 years ago by an arrow, they call it the time of possession... You where reincarnated into a boy named Yuu, he was the first of us, but you became the dominant personality and so you are 001 not Yuu” she scratched her head as she began to confuse herself “Yuu is tainted, well he was raised tainted” she say hoping to simplify it

“Related, you where born in the same method we are, for the same reason we were... To make the elder's life easier... one to be a weapon...” she pointed to Atara “and the other to be the shield” she pointed to herself, to show that the numbers always came in pairs and for the same reasons “The priestess's where stolen from their sanctuary’s and things where done to them, then rape followed by more things, then the babies were born and killed in front of the mothers... Yuu was saved by his daddy and raised as tainted” she say touching the bars of the gate

“Why does it mean our deaths? Easy, our bond is almost perfect but we are insane... why can not control us, daddy can but we love daddy and wouldn't want to harm him. Your bond with her is perfect so we would no longer be required and so they will send us to meet Mr. Death” she say tilting her head towards her brother and bonded “They fear ones like us, we are volatile... Do as daddy asks and you'll remain safe and out of there” she pointed to the temple as if it was hell

Her eyes went to her brother and glared 'It would be logical to kill him so we don't have to meet Mr. Death, but it would hurt daddy, besides if we can get his help we can make our bond more perfect and he will have to meet Mr. Death and we can make daddy even more proud' she sent back to him her eyes sparkling.

Nobuo stood still, the information seemed to weigh down on him like a boulder. Despite how much he tried to brush off the words as if they had been random words thrown out into the blue, there was something within that was hanging on to them like a hook, preventing him from ignoring what he had just heard, even if they were horrible things, "If that is so..." His thoughts raced, uncertain of how to approach this, "If that is so, then I at least was in a battle when I died? Why did they call it the time of possession? Why can't I remember any of this?" His father didn't seem like the type of person who had wanted to make people go through so much misery just to make life easier for himself, but here before them were two individuals who had been scarred by such cruel treatment, "Did they fear the other clans that much that they would make a new type of tengu to do their dirty work?"

Arata nodded to what Rie had to say, Fun! So we can take this guy down by other means. He looks like he's breaking already, heheheh. He hopped down from the wall, but remained quiet so that Rie could continue answering Nobuo's questions while he had thoughts of making the bond between him and Rie stronger so that Nobuo would be the one to meet his end.

“You where shot from an archer who was standing by daddy” she said smiling contently, she then looked up at the sky “Daddy was mortified, he tried to stop it, but nothing he said stopped the archer from shooting...” she began looking down to the ground “Daddy blames himself for it happening and sees this as a second chance” she said her voice showed sorrow as she spoke of their father's pain

“They call it the time of possession because you had been possessed, more to the fact that Fumiko had been killed and you used taboo magic, it sent you insane and you believed everyone should die” she stated looking up to the big temple once more “You can't remember, because it's to painful to remember, you don't want it to be true... you want to be a good son to daddy...” she smiled looking back to him but she had trailed off like there was a piece she wasn't saying.

“Fear the other clans?” she sounded somewhat surprised by his question this time “No... your mother this lifetime just like Fumiko's where two of the strongest priestess's, nothing could touch them especially in their own sanctuary’s” she continued “Think of Ken'ichi.... they wanted more like him... who followed orders without question but could be treated like the tarnished” she finished her eyes showed anger, but her voice remained small

She walked over to her brother and held his hand “We are the 364th try of getting it right” she looked down to the ground for a moment before before hugging into Arata with a grin on her face “Even if they don't see us as perfect daddy does and that means the world to us... so don't do anything that make daddy upset” she say smiling a little