Late Spring- Age 9
Ichiou led little Kiechii with a awkward grip around his wrist. It was loose like he was being given some freedom, yet tight as if to dare him to run to only be held back. Filled with overpowering thoughts of fear, guilt, betrayal, and confusion; Kiechii followed obediently.
"Ichiou… you tricked me, didn't you? " Kiechii gulped at his sudden outburst. Almost afraid he'd be struck for speaking aloud in the dead silence of the night. The corners of Ichiou's mouth twitched upward, showing his white sharp fangs.
"Kiechii, no matter what your reasoning, what happened tonight was your fault."
"But!"
"You killed."
"Wait!"
"You lied!"
"Stop it! Stop it!"
"You ran," Ichiou hissed. Kiechii twisted his small fist away from Ichiou and pushed his body. His two hands were open as he shoved the creepy man away. Then, realizing this was the only man who'd accept him now, he ruffled up Ichiou's shirt in his fists; making no effort to run farther away or get closer. His head hung low and tears rushed to his eyes that he let mischievously fall to the ground.
The Plop, Plop sound and the way the ground absorbed the water strangely resembled blood to him. It made him angrier. Not only at this man in front of him but at himself for being aloud to be used so easily. This only made the tears fall faster and his sobs grow louder. Without thinking, Kiechii ran into the man's arms. This could very well be the only creature alive that would accept him now. At the time, he didn't care what became of him. He didn't want to look back. He just needed someone to be there with him; here and now. To know his background but still put up with him. Morph and mold him the way a real parent should. Whether good or bad, the man in front of him was this person. The one he couldn't escape from.
"You aren't wanted anymore," Ichiou told him. Kiechii didn't want to listen. He knew this all to well. There was no reason for it to be thrown into his face.
"Please, just stop," Kiechii raised his voice, followed by a small sniffle.
"You have nerve asking something like that. I'd like to remind you who's the one crying here," A man next to Ichiou fussed. He was extremely tall and mean looking.
Kiechii jolted back and balled up small fist to rub his eyes. "I am not!"
"You are-"
"Damian! There's no need to argue with a child. Have more honor than that!" Ichiou scolded and knelt down to Kiechii's level. He pulled out a fancy handkerchief and handed it to Kiechii while Damian mumbled an apology.
Kiechii unfolded the cloth slowly like it was fragile and could be broken at any random time. Soon enough though, he blew his nose in it like it was jus another tissue. Damian scoffed at the boy's attentiveness while Ichiou watched Kiechii's every movement.
"Thanks," Kiechii said awkwardly to Ichiou. He then looked at the snot rag in his hand and threw it in Damian's face. Damian didn't find it as funny as Kiechii did because his face was painted with utter disgust as his hand raised above his head. He motioned quickly forward to strike the boy but Ichiou grabbed his wrist.
"I cant believe that you'd think of rebuking a child I have obviously deemed worthy in front of my own eyes, commander. I demand an explanation."
Kiechii eyed both men curiously. They were… arguing because of him? "Um…"
Both men turned to him and Ichiou asked, "What is it, boy?"
"I caused a disturbance again. Gomenesi," Kiechii looked down guiltily.
Ichiou smiled faintly. "Kiechii? In that room behind you is where my grandson stays when he visits. He's about your age. Please go inside and wash up and put on some knew clothes. I need to… talk with Commander Damian here." Damian swallowed uneasily and Kiechii nodded. He turned and retreated to the room.
"Two weeks," Ichiou hissed. "Two."
"Whatever you say, sir."
"He'll be enrolled into your training unit specifically after that. For now, two weeks. Gain his trust. Get him to accept the mark. I don't want a repeat of you," Ichiou said coldly.
Damian's nose wrinkled at the comment with great distaste. Still, he answered, "Yes, Ichiou."
. . . .
Weeks past and Ichiou had slowly gained Kiechii's complete trust. "The son he always wanted" he would say. Kiechii wasn't to agreeable with this new situation and his new surroundings. But he didn't hate it, either.
"Soon," Ichiou would tell Damian. "Soon, I'll make the mark."