"Back in the Renaissance," Syaoran read, "there was an influx of art and poetry. This reflected the people's common beliefs of 'carpe diem' and humanism." Syaoran stopped reading and skimmed back to the italicized phrase. Carpe diem. An unfamiliar concept to him. What did it mean? His eyes scoured the page for context clues but he wanted an accurate definition. He tucked the book under his arm, tiptoed down the hallway, and popped his head into his father's study. The latter sat at his desk, hard at work, examining a new specimen.
"F-Father?"
Fujitaka put down the brush he was holding and turned to face the boy. "Yes, my son?"
"I'm sorry. Did I bother you?"
"Of course not," the man replied in his gentle tone. "Come here." He motioned the child towards him.
Syaoran cautiously approached his adoptive father. "What does 'carpe diem' mean?"
Fujitaka raised an eyebrow curiously. "Where did you hear that?"
"From my book." The boy took the book from under his arm, laid it out on a clear section of the desk, skimmed to the page, and pointed to the sentence. "Right there."
"It's Latin for 'seize the day,'" explained his father and read the sentence aloud. "This reflected the people's common beliefs of 'carpe diem' and humanism." Then he gazed into his son's soft chocolate brown eyes. "Back then, society had a positive outlook on life. People wanted to use 'carpe diem' – to seize the day. They wanted a meaningful and fulfilling life so they created art and poetry to live their lives to the fullest." He paused, giving his son a smile. "Do you understand, Syaoran?"
The boy nodded. "Thank you, Father."
"Anytime." Fujitaka patted Syaoran on the head. "Now it's getting late. Come on, time for bed."
"Yes Father," Syaoran obeyed as he tucked the book under the arm once more and turned to walk back to his own room. "Sorry to bother you," he added at the foot of the door.
"It's no trouble," Fujitaka replied, watching the boy walk away. "No trouble at all, my son…"
"…kid! Hey kid!"
Syaoran's head shot up from the book he was reading to see a very impatient-looking warrior hovering over him. "Oh s-sorry Kurogane-san, I—"
"—sorry's not gonna cut it, kid. What the hell are you reading this time?"
The chestnut-haired boy held up the cover. "Just a… book on carpe diem."
"Carpe diem?"
"Yes." Syaoran closed his eyes and his mind flashed back to those many years ago. "It's Latin for 'seize the day.' People wanted a meaningful, fulfilling life so they created art and poetry to live their lives to the—"
"Yeah yeah, whatever." The ninja glanced out the window at the darkening sky and then back at his pupil. "Look brat, it's getting late. High time you be in bed."
Syaoran took one last look at his book and sighed.
"Well?"
The boy nodded and, tucking the book under his arm, began making his way back to his room. "Yes Father…"