Genbu Gaiden: Blood and Family
Chapter 1
"MIKI!!!"
"EEP!!!!"
Ikeda Mao growled, snagging his eldest son by the collar of his tunic. He swore violently, cursing Seiryuu and all the Gods for giving him such an impudent son.
Ikeda Miki looked up at his father with wide, innocent eyes. Instantly, he knew that was the wrong thing to do. He cringed at the feel of his father's hand as it smacked him across the face.
"Impudent boy! I will teach you discipline! You will follow my orders!"
Miki huddled in upon himself. He was only six, too young to understand. He searched for his younger brother, his twin.
Akira lay huddled in a ball on the floor, whimpering. Miki gritted his teeth. He had failed again, it seemed. His father had once again decided to "knock some sense" into his baby brother.
Which translated in a severe beating. Ikeda Mao was a strong man. He had to be, in order to survive as one of the Kutou Emperor's master assassins.
Snarling, he gripped Miki and Akira by the collar of their tunics. "You boys have tried my patience for the last time. Sensei will know what to do with you."
Akira looked at his brother fearfully. Their father's sensei?! He was so scary
Miki reached out and held his brother's hand, giving it a squeeze. 'It'll be okay, otouto. I'll take care of you, I promise.'
Akira nodded, still fearful, but trusting in his brother.
* * * * *
Sensei Zaou crossed his arms and gazed at his student. It was just like Mao to palm off his problems on others. He said nothing, merely took the twins in hand. He dismissed Mao with a curt nod.
Mao's eyes widened. "Sensei"
"No, Mao. You have given them over to me. They are my property now. You have no say in their lives any longer. Go. Leave me with my students."
"Hai, sensei!" Mao turned and fled, not wishing to anger his teacher any more than he had already. Zaou was not the type of person to anger. It was very unhealthy.
Zaou set the twins down on the floor, his arms crossed. He looked them over carefully. There was a fierceness within the younger one. He liked that, though the boy hid it well. His elder brother was a jokester, but Zaou felt that was more of a defence against their abusive father. "You boy's belong to me now. Is that understood? You will do what I say, when I say it."
"Hai, Master Zaou." Miki whispered, looking down. He still held his brother's hand in his.
"Very good, Miki. Akira?"
"HaiMaster Zaou." Akira bit out between clenched teeth.
Zaou smiled. "You boys will do well here. Perhaps one day, you will even surpass me."