Author's Note:Makoto means 'Sincerity'.
Yasu means 'Peace'
Makoto
The Tengu Lord, Sojobo, looked down at the baby with bird-like, golden-eyes. It was yet another that had been abandoned to them, this one not by choice. It was a blank scroll, perhaps they could raise this one to appreciate them. To appreciate their views and see the humans for what they really were. The humans were more destructive and greedy than all of his tengu in the years since they had, mostly, quit their destructive ways. Now the only way they came to violence was if the humans came for their swords and were unworthy. He bent down to pick up the little human. Time would tell if the boy would pass the test and take to them or flee and claim them as the true monsters. Until that time if ever, he would raise and train the child like it was his.
Years later...
Kai walked up to his father, listening to the rushing waters falling into the endless chasm, and pushed the long hair out of his face. Then he asked as he bowed, "Father, what do you need of me ?"
Shafts of sunlight lit his father's bald head and cast shadows under the hawk-like beaked nose, "I have heard that the Shogun is coming to the Ako region. What I need is for you to infiltrate their ranks and find out why he is here."
"It will be done swiftly. Father, what should I do about Makoto's murder ? I still do not want to believe that the Lord Asano of Ako had his samurai kill her."
Father smiled at him then replied, "Good, I know that you will not fail me, Kai. I also want you to find the samurai that killed our friend and avenge Makoto in any way you see fitting."
He smiled in response as the birds flew down from the open ceiling and swarmed around them. Makoto had helped to raise him when Father had no knowledge of what to do. Father waved a hand and the sword that he had never been allowed to touch appeared. "Take my old sword with you, it will serve you well. Before you leave we will need to make you look the part of a samurai."
Reached out hesitantly and touched the hilt, he found himself waiting for a test that never came. All the other humans who came here had to pass such a test, but he who had been raised here did not. At least, not in the same way, years ago he'd had to prove to himself that he was worthy. He pulled it out as Father handed him the sheath for it, his father's own blade, what an honour.
As they walked out together, the birds followed. One landed on his shoulder and he reached up to pet the little, blue-bird Yasu. Yasu would accompany him on this journey like she had for many others. The Sea of Trees was familiar to him, he had been named for it after all. It was the human world he truly had only the vaguest idea of, it would be his true test. If he passed the test of the demon monk, Makoto would be avenged and he would be allowed to come home again.