Shadows of the Reborn

Chapter Fifteen

Eternity’s Embrace

She turned from her soul well with her eyes narrowed and a curl on her lip. The irritation she felt at that moment made her shift her chess pieces around. If her son thought that he could gain momentum without her knowing, he was sadly mistaken. He had already interfered with one of her sons. She would not allow him access to the others whom she had placed on the mortal plane.

The mortal world was her domain and her son was sticking his nose into affairs that were none of his business. He thought she was stupid, well, she would play him like a well-tuned koto. If she played her game pieces right, her son would disgrace himself and face his father’s wrath.

A small smile slipped across her lips, and she entered the garden she favored. Her biggest challenge was that her eldest son was in physical form. Her other children were all spiritual, so corrections could always be made if they slipped out of line. In physical form, she was unable to correct it.

The disorientation he felt when the world around him swirled into darkness had him bracing himself against his hosts’ tree. It was a feeling he did not like and he sucked his breath in sharply. Within a few minutes, the light bombarded his hosts’ sight and almost blinded him. Blinking back the tears that formed, Taizo cursed.

Kazuki coughed and bent over once Hayato released him and he looked around him in a panic. “Where are we?”

Hayato shook his head, “A place that is kept secret.”

Shinpachi popped up next to Kazuki and the youth released a soft cry of surprise. As soon as Okimoto was released, they breathed a sigh of relief. “I guess the twins showed up?”

Shinpachi nodded. “I will return. We must inform Masakuni and Masamichi.”

Kazuki turned to look at him. “Masakuni said he was on heavy duty for a few weeks.”

Shinpachi grinned and vanished.

“Did you want your eldest son made aware of this situation?” Hayato asked.

Okimoto thought for a moment and then nodded his head. “It might be for the best.”

“Very well, remain here and do not wander.” Hayato gave them both a pointed look.

Kazuki looked around him and sat on the stone stool against the wall. ‘So now what?’

Taizo chuckled. ‘I have no idea. If the elders decide it is safer for the inner spirits to sleep, then we sleep. We don’t really have much say in the matter. You can choose whether I remain awake, no one can take that choice from you.’

‘And if I want you to stay awake? Would it not be better for us to have you stay awake so we can train these abilities you give us? I kind of like the intelligent conversations.’

Taizo grinned. ‘There are benefits for us being awake. Whatever abilities you have on your own are always yours to access. I just give it a little boost and help you focus on learning new skills.’ He frowned then, ‘There are repercussions though, remember that. If I remain awake, you release a small trace of energy from your abilities. As you train them, that energy grows stronger. We grow stronger together.’

‘Fair enough. But, the twins shouldn’t be around here forever. So, what if you hide in the pools until they are gone? Can you still hear me if you are in there?’ Kazuki asked.

‘I can.’ Taizo said.

‘Are your pools like mine?’ Kazuki asked curiously.

‘No.’

Kazuki waited a few minutes, but he realized that Taizo wasn’t going to elaborate on what his pools looked like. Shrugging it off, he turned his eyes to his father who was pacing back and forth. Okimoto seemed lost in thought, as though he were also conversing with his inner spirit. “Is yours awake too?”

Okimoto stopped and glanced at his son. “In a manner of speaking. In the background but accessible if needed.”

Kazuki nodded, “When you fought in the Youka war, did you use special abilities?”

Okimoto lifted a brow. “I was there, but my father and grandfather wouldn’t allow us to join in the battle. When my father fell, my two younger siblings jumped in. I never saw them again.”

“Oh.” Kazuki frowned.

“My older brother, Taio got sick not long after the battle ended and died a few months later. My grandfather not that long after that.” Okimoto sighed, sitting down on one of the stone stools. “My youngest brother Kakutaro and his wife, Kaho were ambushed about a year later.”

Kazuki nodded, having never heard his father speak of his family before. “I didn’t know you had so many brothers.”

Okimoto gave a sad smile. “I never speak of them. Your mother knows. She also lost her family in the war.”

Kazuki sighed. “Were you frightened?”

Okimoto lifted a brow, “I was terrified. Never in my life had I seen so many vicious demons and youkai in one place. There were thousands. That battle lasted many years.”

Kazuki shivered. Before they could continue their conversation, Hayato returned with Manami who looked a bit pale in the face. Once he had regained his composure, he released a very visible shudder. “Never again.” He cursed Hayato.

Hayato smirked.

“What in all seven hells is going on?” Manami asked when his eyes fell on his father and younger brother.

Okimoto pointed to a stool and shook his head. “Wait until the others arrive.”

Manami frowned, “Others?”

Hayato vanished again, and Manami rolled his eyes.

Within a few minutes, Shinpachi returned with a visibly shaken Masamichi, who released his lunch as soon as his eyes adjusted. He groaned and clutched his stomach.

Kazuki lifted his hand to his nose and glared at the man. The smell turned his stomach. “Gross.”

“Like I can help it.” Masamichi protested apologetically.

As the exchange took place, Shinpachi was gone again, most likely for Masakuni. Kazuki wasn’t sure where Hayato was headed, but he was sure others would join them in the room.

Hayato was the first back, and with him was a young woman. Beside him was a young man. Shinpachi arrived shortly after that with Masakuni, who fared no better than his younger brother.

“Seitarou will be with us as soon as he rids himself of the twins,” Shinpachi said, helping Masakuni down beside his twin. “There are shadow guards posted close to your homes, to ensure your family’s safety.”

The young woman grinned at Hayato. “That was so exciting, father.”

Hayato rolled his eyes but bit his tongue. The younger male beside her snorted indignantly. “Easy for you to say. I have never really liked the dark.”

“You will have to get used to it, Hanzo,” Hayato stated.

“What is all this about, father?”

Hayato glanced at the male and shook his head. “How many more are we waiting for?” He asked Shinpachi.

“A few others,” Shinpachi said. “My sons and daughter, for one, and I am certain Seitarou’s children will be here.”

Hanzo nodded and leaned his back against the stone wall. “I am surprised to see you here, Lord Okimoto.”

Okimoto grunted in response.

Hanzo grinned at Manami, “You too?”

“Put a sock in it, Hanzo.” Manami chuckled. “Still a pest, I see.”

Hanzo snorted, “Always.” He glanced at the long sword at Manami’s side. “Did they steal you away from your royal duties?”

Manami narrowed his eyes at Hayato, “They did.”

Arisu slid up to Hanzo and grinned at him innocently. “I am shocked they were able to drag you away, dear brother.”

Hanzo warily looked at his sister with raised eyebrows. “Why must you insist on getting so close to me? I know you are up to no good.” Hanzo gently pushed her away from him. He had suffered too many pranks to feel comfortable with her proximity.

Arisu grinned with her hands behind her back. “I have no idea what you are talking about.” Her teeth flashed in delight.

Manami chuckled. He had seen what Arisu had stuffed into Hanzo’s pocket, and now he waited for the explosion. Growing up with Hanzo and their sisters, both men knew to keep their distance from Arisu and Chinami, especially when they got together to plot their brother’s demise.

It took a matter of seconds for Hanzo to feel movement in his pocket. Stuffing his hand in his pocket, he went into a frenzy of panic. The small black ball flew out of his hand and scurried across the floor towards Arisu, who held both her hands over her mouth, giggling uncontrollably.

It was one of her soot sprites that accompanied her everywhere. Masamichi blanched and launched himself against the wall with a dull thud, and Masakuni tripped over his feet backward, falling onto his back.

Kazuki sat there with his eyes wide as he watched the small black ball climb up Arisu’s pants and into her shirt.

Hayato narrowed his eyes at his daughter, “Behave yourself, or you will be sent back home.”

Arisu gave her father an innocent look.

Hayato rolled his eyes. He could see the soot trail leading up to her pocket. Arisu grinned widely as she brushed the soot away. “Oh, come on. Everyone is so serious.”

“With good reason,” Hayato stated firmly. Arisu sighed and sat down on a stone stool close to Masamichi, who immediately inched away to hide behind Okimoto.

Manami burst into laughter, “Are you seriously afraid of those soot sprites?”

“They creep me out,” Masamichi said.

Arisu gave him a hurt look. The soot sprite crawled into her hand and she snuggled it to her nose. “They are adorable. You just need to know how to understand them.”

Masakuni’s face paled, and he shook his head firmly. “I’ll pass, thank you.”

“Put it back.” Hayato chastised his daughter.

Arisu pouted but did as she was told. “Yes, father.”

A few minutes went by, and four more individuals showed up.

Shinpachi turned and greeted his children.

“Why the urgency?” The young male asked.

“We wait for Seitarou. Then we can discuss the events that led to this meeting.” Shinpachi said.

The young male and Hanzo gripped each other’s arms. “It’s been a long time.”

“I told you joining the shadow guard would keep you away, Sadanaga,” Hanzo said.

“Like I had any choice.” The man snorted. His eyes saw Manami, and he inclined his head. “The old crew back together again.” He grinned.

“Gods help us all.” The female stated.

Arisu hugged the other female tightly. “It is so good to see you, Miwa.”

Shinpachi sighed. Hanzo, Sadanaga, Taichirou, Tadayo, Wataru, Tsuneo, and Manami had all grown up together. Much to his dismay, his sons had shown their talents early in life. Hayato was somewhat grateful that Hanzo rarely found an excuse to travel through the shadow realm. Arisu, however, was just as reckless as Shinpachi’s sons, Taichirou and Tadayo. Miwa was more level-headed and had her mother’s talents at keeping her brothers in line.

Shinpachi smiled, thinking of his children’s mother, Miho. The minute he looked at her, he knew she was his soul mate. It was as though a connection was made without them realizing it until later in their lives. Miho was tall and elegant. Her long white hair hung to her ankles, and she often had to beg Shinpachi to braid it so it wouldn’t get tangled while sleeping. It was now a routine whenever they were both at home.

Miho was Princess Haruki’s handmaiden, and that always angered Shinpachi. He had wanted to keep his family as far away from the royal house as possible, but when she was demanded to go, she went without question. Now, he only saw her twice a week, which left Miwa saddened by her mother’s absence.

Seitarou’s sons Wataru and Tsuneo weren’t shadow walkers, as Shinpachi liked to call his guards, but they were generals in the Crimson Sentinels. Shinpachi highly doubted that Seitarou’s daughter would attend, but knowing his friend, he wouldn’t risk his daughter’s life for anything and would possibly bring her into the meeting.

He glanced at the Royal guards Masakuni and Masamichi. “Will you two be missed?”

Masakuni snorted. “Probably. But we can come up with some excuse.”

“Good thing you stationed Kayao at the main room doors,” Masamichi stated. “At least we won’t be missed until later when Genjiro comes looking for us.”

“Exactly.” Masakuni looked at Manami, “Were you watching Chijimatsu?”

“Of course. I, unfortunately, will have no excuse for leaving his son unattended.” Manami groaned.

Shinpachi frowned and then vanished.

Manami blinked where Shinpachi had been and shook his head, “Where the hell do you guys go when you vanish like that?”

Hayato smirked, “Nowhere.”

Hanzo and Arisu nodded. “There is nothing there. Just darkness.”

Manami stretched once the meeting was over. It wasn’t an overly large space, but with the number of people situated within, it felt somewhat cramped, but at least now, they could relax some. They had at least come up with a way to keep the twins’ focus off them, at least for a little while. Their problem was convincing Lord Genjiro that exploring the neighboring islands would be in their best interest.

Seitarou had said that if they mentioned the last battle and how many demons and youkai fled, risking the safety of their home, it might prompt the Lord to go along with the plan. It would be up to Masakuni and Masamichi to leave subtle hints of intruders so that Genjiro would feel like it was his idea. The only issue would be Huay, Genjiro’s personal home guard, who was as dangerous as they come.

Huay was an elder, having grown up with Genjiro on the mainland prior to their claiming the island territory during the Youkai war. He was a fire user descended from the Inu hōō. Some called him the dog phoenix because his primary diet was burning wood and embers. He commanded the home guard and all the chōchinbi lanterns that lit the main house. He was the wrong one to cross swords with because, despite his calm outer appearance and demeanor, he was vicious when infuriated. Even Masakuni and Masamichi tended to steer clear of him when he was on duty protecting Genjiro.

Manami planned on taking his younger brothers on a hunting mission if he could convince his usual replacement to take a station while he did so. That would be the only way that it could work. That would take Kihachi, Isami, and Kazuki out of the twins’ focus. If Manami could convince Genjiro that a hunting party for food would be appropriate, their supplies would be somewhat lacking this year due to the violent winter they had just had if he were against it.

Shinpachi had agreed that the idea was perfect, and he convinced his children to go with them. Even Seitarou wanted his children as far away from the twins as possible. If Masakuni and Masamichi were successful, then they could do both at the same time. Scout the lands and get some hunting in.

Arisu frowned, “How do we keep the twins from approaching us until we leave on this hunting trip?”

Seitarou glanced at the small female. “I will have guards watching their every move.”

Arisu was a tiny girl but as quick and deadly as any of their females. Her hair was pulled back in hundreds of tiny braids to keep it out of her eyes. Recently, she was accepted into Shinpachi’s shadow guard, and she showed such high promise that she easily climbed the ranks. Hayato was extremely proud of all his children, but Arisu seemed to have an uncanny knowledge of the shadow realm that even Shinpachi didn’t.

Okimoto growled, “The sooner the better. They were adamant about having my sons paraded before them, as though they were the rulers here, not Genjiro.”

Masakuni curled his lip, “They are even demanding with their meetings with Gejiro. They have far too much power over the royal family.”

Manami frowned, “They keep promising more and more to them. That’s why Genjiro puts up with them.”

“The princess has had enough of them,” Masamichi said.

Masakuni lifted a curious brow. “Oh?”

Masamichi smirked and winked.

“Well, we need to get you back before they send out a search party,” Hayato said.

Masakuni snorted, “The home guards are useless.”

Masamichi nodded but stood up. “So, how do we get out of this room?”

Hayato grinned, “The same way you came in.”

The twins both paled and groaned loudly. “Fantastic,” they said in unison. The brothers looked at each other and said, “Kitsune-ken?”

They chuckled and began their hand game to see who would go first.

Manami rolled his eyes and walked over to Shinpachi. “Can you take me back to where Chijimatsu is?”

“Chijimatsu is fine. He is with his nursemaid. I’ll take you to the healer’s hut instead. I told the nursemaid you were suffering from a muscle injury.” Shinpachi smirked.

Manami grinned and nodded. “Let’s get this over with then.”

A week later, they were all grouped with supplies strapped to their backs. They had been lucky to avoid confrontation with the twin girls and had managed to slip away when Genjiro called on the twins for council.

Masakuni and Masamichi had convinced Genjiro that scouting the territories for intruders was in their best interest. Luckily, Huay had agreed. More than likely because he wanted to be rid of the two elders. It gave Huay more time alone with their lord and master. Manami had actually been summoned by Genjiro and informed he would go with them for experience. Manami had not argued and agreed.

Okimoto guided Kihachi and Isami through the trees to their meeting place. At first, they were confused, but now they were more excited than anything. Their father was usually more protective and rarely let his children out of sight.

Kazuki stood with Hayato and Shinpachi, and both his brothers stopped, somewhat stunned that their youngest brother was there, too.

“Not a word,” Okimoto said when they looked at him curiously. “Kazuki goes with you.”

Kihachi lifted his hands and shook his head. “I am not one to question your motives, Father.”

Isami smirked.

Miwa emerged from the trees with her brothers and bowed to Okimoto. “There is no need for ceremony, child,” Okimoto said.

Miwa grinned. “So you’re sure about this?”

“They need to be awake.” He said.

Kihachi and Isami frowned as they looked at one another. “Who? What?”

Manami rolled his eyes, “I assume you are also waking mine?”

Miwa nodded. “You are the last three.”

Sadanaga snorted, “Those two already went through it. It is quite amusing to watch.”

Wataru and Tsuneo glared at the male. “Funny.”

Kihachi and Isami seemed confused, but Shinpachi shook his head when they went to question. “Come here.”

Manami walked up, and Miwa placed her hands on his forehead, closing her eyes in deep concentration.

Manami went still and sucked his breath in sharply. His face paled slightly, and Seitarou quickly caught him when his body went limp.

“He will wake shortly,” Miwa said as Arisu and Hanzo exited the trees. “Kihachi, you are next.”

Kihachi blinked at his brother’s body and then at the female who waved him over. “Uh-”

Okimoto shoved his son forward. “Shush, and just relax.”

Kihachi’s eyes widened when Miwa approached him and did the same as his eldest brother. Shinpachi caught him and laid him down on the forest floor.

Okimoto quickly grabbed Isami’s shirt when he tried to bolt from the clearing. “Oh, no, you don’t.” Okimoto snarled, pulling Isami to a stop. Spinning him around, he shoved Isami in Miwa’s direction.

“Relax, Isami. It doesn’t hurt.”

“What doesn’t hurt?” Isami squeaked.

Miwa smiled and rested her hands on his forehead. Within seconds, Isami’s limp body was laid beside Manami and Kihachi’s.

“Now we wait.” Miwa nodded.

Arisu leaned over the males and then looked at her father. “How come ours were never asleep?”

Hayato shook his head. “I have no idea, my dear.”

“You will protect mother, right?”

Hayato smiled at Arisu, “I always do. Fear not. I am more concerned with you and your brother’s safety. Your mother is quite capable of defending herself if needed.”

After several minutes, Manami groaned and pushed himself up. “Damn, that was a bizarre feeling.”

Okimoto knelt down beside his son. “He is fully awake now?”

Manami nodded. “Pretty disorientated, but he said he was never in a soul well. I wonder if it was because we were too young when the twins came first with the idea?”

Okimoto frowned, “Perhaps. Or maybe the spirits have a self-preservation sense to stay far away from the well?”

‘Or the weaker ones went, and those who have been on the mortal plane long enough, know better than just to trust randomly?’ Taizo interjected.

“Or the older spirits know better?” Kazuki suggested.

Okimoto nodded in agreement.

“The younger spirits are maybe more naive?”

“Whatever the reason, I am glad your spirits are safe,” Okimoto said as he watched Kihachi wake next.

Kihachi remained lying down and groaned softly. “A bit of a warning would have been nice.” He growled.

Isami chuckled from his position on the ground, his eyes still closed. “No kidding.”

Okimoto helped his sons to their feet and, satisfied, gripped Seitarou’s arm. “I leave my sons in your hands,” he said.

Seitarou inclined his head. “I will send updates with one of the shadow guards.”

“Thank you.”

Kihachi glanced at Kazuki curiously, “Did you go through this too?”

Kazuki smirked, “Not a chance. Mine woke naturally.”

Isami rolled his eyes, “Why are we waking our spirits?”

“Shinpachi and Seitarou will inform you once you are on the road.” Okimoto said, “Be careful.”

Manami shifted his sword at his side and looked at his father, “Nana will be staying with you until I return.”

Okimoto smiled, “Your mother will be delighted.”

Once Okimoto was gone from the clearing, Shinpachi turned to the group. “This is not a trip for pranks or recklessness. We need to hunt for food before our stores run out. But we also need to stay out of the twin’s focus. If all goes well, then by the time we return, Seizou and Seiya will be gone, and we won’t see them again for several years.”

Kihachi frowned, “Why isn’t Hisashi here with us?”

Manami shook his head, “That is something you would have to ask father about.”

Isami shrugged in indifference. “We all know Hisashi is an ass.”

Kihachi pinched his brother’s arm, “He is still our brother.”

Seitarou cleared his throat. “Come.”

Shinpachi pushed the small raft across the water with his sons, and Isami and Seitarou pushed a second one behind him with Kazuki and Kihachi on board. Behind him was Hayato and Sadanaga pushing their own rafts with a few others. It was smooth sailing for them as they approached the banks of one of the many islands around them, and Shinpachi glanced over his shoulder, releasing a soft whistle.

Seitarou lifted his gaze and followed Shinpachi’s finger, which indicated the changing weather. He nodded. “We have some bad weather approaching.”

Kazuki lifted his eyes to the sky and sighed. So much for staying dry and enjoying the sunshine. “Of course we do.” For weeks, the sun shone down on the territories Genjiro ruled over, and many discussions on the dryness of the fields took place. Now that they were out hunting before the scheduled summer storms, it showed up early.

Kihachi snorted back his laughter. “It never fails, does it?”

Kazuki rolled his eyes and pulled his hood over his head. “Never.”

Seitarou smiled. “Once we hit land, we will find shelter.”

Kazuki mumbled under his breath, “Not before the rain hits.”

Seitarou watched Shinpachi jump off his raft, stabilize it, and then wait for theirs to bump onto the shore. Holding the raft in place, he allowed his sons, Kihachi and Kazuki to jump off before he went to assist the other two rafts.

Arisu waved and lept off the raft before it hit the shoreline, much to Hanzo’s annoyance, but bit his tongue. Sadanaga rolled his eyes, “Always so impatient.”

Arisu grinned with excitement. “Like you’re not excited for this new adventure.”

Both brothers grinned then.

Hayato shook his head. He was actually feeling excited right along with his children. It had been centuries since he had explored, and the freedom was exhilarating. Masakuni and Masamichi pulled the rafts onto the sand and tied them securely to a tree with a rope Manami handed them.

“Now, let’s find shelter before the rain comes. I don’t want to be soaking wet this entire trip.” Hayato said.

Shinpachi nodded, “Agreed.”

Kazuki shouldered his pack and followed the large group into the trees as they searched for a cave. “Will we have a fire?” He asked.

“Yes,” Seitarou said. It wasn’t that their kind got cold or felt the temperatures as the humans did, but their young didn’t maintain body temperatures the same way the adults did. Kazuki, Kihachi and Isami were all under the age of twenty when their bodies changed to acclimate to the climate changes. They were more susceptible to catching a chill than their adult counterparts.

Hanzo pointed to the cliffs in front of them. “There should be a cave up ahead. I remember staying there on our last hunt.”

Manami nodded, “It should be big enough for all of us.”

They all picked up their pace and headed for the caves in the distance.