Through the Ages
Chapter 1
It was always cold in the citadel, no matter the weather.
The fact that great double doors opened to both the right and the front of the great hall, at the foot of the looming tower, did little to shield the interior from the gusts of wind of the Hanamura peaks.
Furthermore, the elder man sitting atop the raised platform of the audience hall looked upon his his children with the cold grace of a Daimyo. Even though he wore a well cut suit instead of the traditional garb of a Japanese noble man.
[Japanese] "My sons… "
Sojiro spoke.
Despite the power and authority his tone carried, it too was laced with affection as it settled upon the youths at the front of the kneeling masses.
They both looked up in unison.
Though both black haired and wide eyed with the potential of youth… They could not be more different.
Already at age 16 his eldest son, Hanzo was a prodigy of various Japanese martial arts and was shaping into a fine young man, who would inherit the centuries old family legacy.
The honoured heir.
While Genji might have only been 13, his opened mind and free spirit made him loved by most that served within Hamamura's walls, despite his prankster nature.
The beloved son.
It was, of course, Hanzo who spoke first - with a bowed head and formal speech, he gave his father the respect he deserved.
[Japanese] "What would you have us do, Father?"
It must be something of importance, the fact that their father met and spoke with them in such a way, meant that it was official clan business.
And Hanzo was eager to please.
[Japanese] "We will be receiving some guests in a number of hours. Ones, that I hope, shall assist us with making inroads into America."
This surprised both brothers, whom turned to look at one another. Hanzo flashed concern countered by Genji's delightful excitement.
[Japanese] "It will be your task to welcome and entertain most of them, while I speak with their leader."
Despite his thoughts on the matter, Hanzo was about to accept… Only to be cut off by Genji, who raised his hand and beamed an infectious smile.
[Japanese] "Do not worry, Father! We will!"
The older brother furrowed his brow at the outburst but Sojiro smiled toward the youngest son.
[Japanese] "How is your English?"
He rested his gaze upon the both of them.
"Veree good, Outosan!"
Of course Genji could speak good English, considering how many American video games he played in his free time.
Hanzo, on the other hand, had been purely tutored English instead… and found it difficult to naturally converse with his rigid, textbook approach. However, reading; in his opinion, was the proper way to learn a language and he refused to change, now, after so many years.
"Aq-ceptible fatha."
Sojiro nodded and straightened. At that moment, he was no longer their father. But head of the Clan.
[Japanese] "Do not disappoint me."
"Ha!"
The brothers bellowed as they bowed their heads down low, having received their orders.