Author's Note: This will be one of my longer chapters, since I won't be anywhere near a computer for the next two weeks. Concerning one of the reviews that I've received, perhaps they are right. They know who they are, so I won't mention names. I want them to read the next chapter, as that is where the actual fight scene will be. I say this because I would like some more comments on it. What was wrong with it and how I could make it better, that sort of thing. As always any comment on any part of this story is greatly appreciated.

The party was starting to wind down. Everyone had thoroughly enjoyed themselves. While those who lived close by left for their homes, the majority had decided to stay. This was no problem, as Lord Okita had many spare rooms to house his guests in. He left his wife in charge of were exactly everyone would stay. Before everyone could go to sleep, Lord Okita made everyone meet outside, in front of the house, for a farewell toast. He gave everyone time to find their rooms, while he looked for his son. He had disappeared a while ago and nobody had seen him since.

Okita walked outside, hoping to find Tetsumi. He searched in the garden, with no luck. He checked the back entrance, maybe he had slipped out for some air? He was not there. Perhaps he was by the old pond. Lord Okita made his way their, with no sign of his son. He then noticed a lonely figure standing on the bridge. Sure enough, it was Tetsumi, staring at his reflection in the water below. He seemed distressed; perhaps he was worried about something.

"Tetsumi, what are you doing here? I've been looking for you. Everyone is waiting so we can have the toast to you're farewell."

"I do not feel like seeing anybody right now."

"What's wrong son? Is something bothering you?"

"I don't want to talk about it."

"Does it have something to do with Iria and her being married?"

"How did you know?"

"I overheard your little conversation with Lord Gouman. I know you better than to think that you were willing to fight him over something as trivial as a difference in opinion."

"I said I'd rather not talk about it."

"Tetsumi, you know that you can tell your father anything."

"I know, but I don't think you can help me with matters of the heart."

"The heart? I see that this is serious. You may not think it, but I do have some experience in this field. Come on; tell me what's bothering you. Or are you too old to talk to your father about your problems?"

"It's just that…"

"Yes."

"I can't believe that Iria would go off and marry someone else. I thought that we loved each other and she would wait for me. Isn't love supposed to be eternal?"

"Yes, love is forever, but the heart wants what it wants. I think that Iria did want to wait for you, but a person can only wait for so long before they lose hope. You were gone for five years, Tetsumi. Did you really want her to be alone for the rest of her life? It was foolish of you to believe that."

"Do you think I should have done something before I left? Should I have asked her to marry me?

"Tetsumi, you two were only children back then. I don't think that either of you would have taken that promise seriously. I think that all Iria wanted was to settle down, have a family and grow old with you. This is just my opinion, mind you."

"If that's what she wanted, why didn't she run away with me? We could have been together."

"If you two did run away together, then what? None of you have any money. And where would you run off too? It would only be a matter of time before Lord Gouman found you two and killed you."

"We would have found a way…"

"One can always fantasize Tetsumi, but you must see the truth. It would never have worked out."

"Why did I decide to go away in the first place?"

"Are you having regrets? I warned you that there would be consequences to your decision. This is the path you chose; now you have to live with it."

"That was not the answer that I was looking for."

"I know it wasn't, but it is the truth. Come on, I want to show you something."

Zeitakuhim Castle was huge, even for someone who had grown up there. It seemed as if every time that Tetsumi would take a walk around the castle grounds, he discovered something new. He followed his father to a building that was next to the far back stonewall. Lord Okita called it his "kinenkan," (memorial hall) but it was only a room that nobody used. Inside, Tetsumi was amazed at what he saw. Countless skulls of differing shapes and sizes covered the walls with one table in the middle. What caught Tetsumi's attention was the sword that was hanging prominently among the skulls. It was close to a meter in length, with a wider than normal blade. Tetsumi could not figure out how anybody could swing, much less kill with a sword like that.

"I see that you've noticed my old sword. Beautiful, isn't it?"

"That was your sword? How did you use it? It's huge."

"When I was you're age Tetsumi, I was a lot bigger than I am now. I could swing that sword like you could a knife."

"Was that the sword that you used in kill demons?"

"Yes, that is the one. I had it specially made by one of the sword smiths back at the monastery. If you complete your training, they will make a sword to your specifications."

"Look at these heads. What are they?"

"These are some of the demons that I have killed in my lifetime."

"Aren't you afraid that the demon's spirit will come back?"

"Do not worry. Their spirits have been exorcized. They will not be returning to seek revenge."

"So this is what you wanted to show me. I must admit Father, I am impressed."

"Well thank you Tetsumi, but this is not why I brought you here. There is something else that I want to show you."

"What is it?"

Lord Okita took off a chain that he had been wearing around his neck. Tetsumi had not noticed it before. It was made from gold and had a jewel attached to it.

"Father, where did you get that?"

"The chain, I've had since I was a child. It was a gift from my mother."

"And the jewel?"

"I'm glad you asked. I found it a few weeks ago, when I was making my rounds, checking in on the hired help. I was on my way back when I saw the sun reflecting off of it."

"How did you attach it to the chain?"

"I do not know. I believe I left the two together one night. When I awoke the next morning, the two were like this. I think that there is something special about the jewel. That is why I want you to have it."

"Me? Isn't jewelry more of a present for a woman?"

"Yes, but I wanted to give you something."

"What for?"

"I didn't want to say this in front of your mother, but I am proud of you, my son. When you first left, I had my doubts. I did not think that you would make it, but you are sticking with it. Most do not last as long as you have. I am confident that you are close to completing your training. I wanted to give you something to congratulate you. I thought that this would be appropriate. Take it."

"Thank you Father. I don't know what to say. Thank you again."

"You don't have to say anything. Just take it."

"I promise you Father, I will continue to make you proud of me. The next time you see me, I will be a demon slayer."

"I do not ask for that. All that I ask of you is that you do what you want. Do you want to be a demon slayer?"

"After tonight, I have never been surer of anything in my life."

"Very good, my son. Now come, the guests must be getting impatient."

Father and son walked side by side. The past and the future: that was how Tetsumi saw it. He would make demon slaying a family tradition. He had his father's blessing, and with it, Tetsumi was ready to move on to the next step. Tetsumi looked up at the night sky. The stars were shining, as usual. A few even appeared brighter than usual. Before Tetsumi had time to contemplate this anomaly further, the cheer of the crowd took his attention.

I really would like to put up the next chapter soon, but I won't have access to the internet for a while and its not finished yet. Hopefully when I come back, the chapter will be done. Happy Spring Break everyone!