I Lynda got stressed out completely so have partnered up with someone so they could help me with the remaining chapters and of course Kimbob helped me throughout the entirety of this story so I must bow to her bows and applauds woo. My partner hasn't got any stories posted yet but hopefully this will encourage her to do some. Her name is Savannah Jones
Like Father, Like Son – Tao LineageMorning-
It was an early start for Horo and Ren. When Horo woke up he wasn't sure what he'd see when he turned around but after a moments pause he turned around to find an empty space where Ren was. The pillow was still damp from fresh tears, Ren had been crying most the night but hid it from Horo. It was such a blow to Horos heart his breathes stopped while tears were pulled back into his own eyes. He got out of Bed and put on fresh clothes. It wasn't long before they would be going to China and the Tao Mansion. Horos heart still felt broken but he decided not to let Ren know that, it must have been a really bad nightmare for Ren to go full out like that, the sobs and distressed looks. It was so very unlike Ren in every way, to push Horo away like that and cry so hard and for so long.
Horo went down stairs quietly knowing Pilika and Lyserg wouldn't be awake for a few hours ad least. He crept through each room looking for Ren but soon found him sat with his back to the door on the floor in the front room. He wasn't doing anything; he just sat peacefully reading a book he must of found laying around and he probably only started reading it as a distraction, Horo knew when Ren was upset he would find things to keep his mind occupied. Horo wanted nothing more than to show compassion and understanding but he didn't understand and Ren rejected any form of affection last night. Horo let his nature take the lead and he slowly slipped in and sat behind Ren. Before Ren even became aware of it Horo had already put his arms around the back of Ren hugging him securely yet devotedly. Ren didn't try looking behind himself because Horo eyes were too painful to peek in. How could you look someone you love in the eye when you're the biggest threat to their children? It made him feel sick but Horos warmth couldn't be turned away, it was needed to lock away the words of Rens father, En's words. Horo kept his position behind Ren who didn't try to move away just let himself be embraced; he closed his eyes and sank back into strong shoulders. He half turned but only so he could put his face into Horos clothing and stop any eye contact happening if Horo decided to turn him around. Horos heart lightened by this letting his own eyes close and his head sit on Rens. They were not there for long when a knock at the door was heard. Ren took himself out of Horos refuge to allow him to open the door. When Horo did his parents started waving and greeting their son. He smiled at them but it was lacking emotion behind it. They were going to see Ren and Horo off from the airport; they felt they owed it to them after all the years of silent denial. Lyserg and Pilika were woken and then a quick breakfast. Horo and Ren sat side by side because they didn't want to look at each other from across the table, they both looked tired and false assumptions were made to as why they were both lacking in sleep. Pilika joked about how they must have been recreating some memories from Horos diary. Straight after breakfast the airport.
Airport-
Pilika waved and jumped around while Lyserg stood by her side looking devastated that he had actual been made to leave the house in that baby Bjorn Carrier Pilika had bought (If you don't know what that is it's a thing you can wear with your kids placed in so you don't have to carry them in your arms). Horo and Ren worked on a smile while they waved to the odd couple, their daughter and Horos parents. The mother lost some of her insane perk but not completely. The plane was boarded and along with Kororo and Bason the two set off. Bason and Kororo stayed with the luggage so they could talk about the incident and Pilika suggested it so the luggage wouldn't go walkies, which was typical for airports. They had heard the cries and seen the whole dilemma but like Horo they didn't know what caused the distress. They were determined to find out but wanted Horo to be the one to find out the reasons not them. The ride was eerily quiet and Ren didn't make a move even though he felt sick and his head pounded. The flight was very long but neither talked in all those hours just sat. Towards the end when the boarders of China could be seen Horo squeezed Rens hand to alert Ren he was nearly back to his old home, if it could have been called a home. The plane landed with no complications and a limo picked them up right away from the second they stepped off the jet. The ride was strangely quiet and Horo didn't feel like taking in the sites outside his window but didn't want to lay his eyes upon Ren because he sensed unease in it when he did, so his eyes stayed out the window but his mind was fully set on the person sat next to him in the limo. The quiet was deathly and the only noises made were by Kororo and Bason who a few times made slight whispery noises to each other. They remained hidden most of the time sensing this tremendously tense atmosphere and grieving aura of Ren. It almost felt like he was mournful of someone's demise or slaughter. In the middle of the trip to the Tao mansion while going through a particularly busy part of town the limo pulled in and stopped.
Driver: (rolled down the window separating the front from the back) Sirs I am afraid that today a festival is coming through. I don't think we can get through today unless we find a different route. If you wait here sirs I am sure I can go get directions but it may take a while
Horo: … (Doesn't understand most of what was said because the driver spoke in Chinese)
Ren: Fine, how long? (Spoke back in Chinese but Horo only understood fine)
Driver: 30 minutes ad least sir, I will be back post haste
Ren: Go then
The driver rolled up his window then climbed out locking all the doors as he went. Horo looked confused to say the least but he grasped the driver was gone and something about 30 minutes. He looked in Rens direction who was avoiding gazing in the same direction of his husband Horo. Horo by now getting a little tired of this, he was married to him for gods sake he should know when something is wrong and he should be told. Horo got himself worked up into a little mood so he might work up the words even if they did sound unsympathetic.
Horo: Ren
Ren: …
Horo: Ren, I need to talk to you
He shuffled all the way up to Ren so he was especially close to Ren who in response froze stiff. Horo laid a hand on Rens hand holding it very tightly letting his hand warm the cold fingertips of the one in his grip. Ren looked back slightly in curiosity but regretted the stolen glance because he saw throbbing eyes that didn't sparkle like usual but were arid and sorrowful. After he saw that hurt he couldn't pull his own eyes away, his head turned a little more to get a better angle of Horo who by now was trying to communicate his distress and attempt to get Ren reveal his problem.
Horo: I don't know what happened last night but I know you hurt me. You pushed and shoved until I felt alone. I don't think you meant to, why did you do it?
Ren: I-I… Don't want to hurt you (He looked down with those words, down at his stomach as if he were saying it to the twins to)
Horo: You hurt me when you wouldn't tell me what happened. I still don't understand Ren. Why aren't you telling me what happened?
Ren: Because I don't want you to hate me!
Horo: I won't hate you, what ever it is! How could I hate you?
Ren: You have no idea just what kind of threat I am to you
Horo: That's it, I'm not listening to you bad mouth yourself, and I'm not going to let you belittle yourself because of a bad dream
Ren: It wasn't just a bad dream it was more than that
Horo: Are you trying to tell me you had a prediction?
Ren: I don't know… but if it was (Tightened his fists up to contain his feelings) I can't let it
Horo: What happened in your dream?
Ren: I… I can't tell you, not yet (Looked away)
Horo: Then when?
Ren: I don't know
Horo: I am giving you until we leave China, I can't wait around for this, and I saw what it did to you. How could a dream hurt so dam much?
Ren: Dreams have their ways… they can go both ways
The two stayed in silence for a moment before Horo made a move He placed himself over Ren straddling him so his stomach was against Rens gently. Ren made no objections just looked up at the one on top of him. Horo cupped Rens face lovingly and smiled tenderly. Ren lifted his arm up and held Horos hand on his face and for the first time all day and night he let go of his painful dream so he could sink into a loving atmosphere. He closed his eyes and let Horo be his usual soft self, Horo leaned down placing a kiss on Rens forehead and whispering prayer words into his ear in Ainu but even though he didn't understand them he felt they were cleansing words meant to sooth and cleanse the soul of its plight. It didn't tale Ren long to fall asleep. Horo climbed back to his sitting position on the car seat but cuddled Rens sleeping form up to him and rubbed Rens stomach affectionately letting peace settle into the air.
After a while the driver came back and with out waking Ren got the two all the way to the Tao mansion with out any more delays. The stonewalls were visible from afar from the blacked out windows of the limo. Horo decided to wake Ren so he could prepare himself for the arrival back at the place he always hated to be at… The Tao residence. The cold dark gloom of the place still remained in the murky land with an eerie mist that always seemed to seep through the air at this time of year. The only word to describe it was hopelessness. The reason behind this word was because it always had that smell of devastation and corpses. The blood of thousands still seemed to seep out the walls of the dungeons and decay seemed to attack the senses. The look of the place matched its odours digging up bad memories like a grave robber would a coffin containing something of worth. The limo pulled up and the doors were opened for the two. Horo helped with the bags trying to be polite to the driver by providing his service. Ren looked up at the doors then opened them slowly walking in with his head high trying to look as if the place was just another place he owned but really it felt as if the house owned him in ways. The sounds of the mansion didn't match bits looks or smell, it was quiet and at peace. The sounds of resting spirits and calm breezes sweep through the hallways and up to the ceiling circling around taking its deathly tone to every room. If you listened to the breeze fly by your ears carefully the past screams still linger in the memories of those who had heard them. Horo stepped in to see Ren staring at the staircases and the flickering light that spread shadows across the room's mighty stone.
Ran came to greet her only son and showed him to his room. Horo followed expecting to be placed in the same room as Ren but instead he was placed in the room next door. Ren gave no objections so Horo just played along although he didn't like it. The two had to get settled in quickly because they were not intending on staying long. Ren decided to just count down the days and try his best to put on his old façade while he aimlessly tried to find answers to the questions that haunted his mind so. The shield of cold he placed around himself worked on Ran and the others but it didn't fool Horo for a second, he didn't know why this place seemed to be the only place Ren couldn't let go of his coldness in. It almost seemed like the very mansion had control over Ren when he was here… or was it something or someone else's memory that made this place so controlling over the young Chinese. Horo found That Ren had that dream recurrently and had to go into Rens room to calm him for the first couple of nights. The third night was the worst. Ren woke up tearing at his own flesh scratching his arms up till they bleed trying to lash out and stop himself. After his arms were laced with scratches he calmed realising he was awake. Blood came out the scratches trickling slightly and clotting into thick darkened colours of red. Horo heard the commotion and came in seeing the scratches on Rens arms and Ren just sat there looking blankly at the floor. Horo panicked and immediately went into his own room snatching up the emergency first aid kit Ren always insisted Horo took with him. He went back into Rens room where Ren had remained still not moving except for the odd twitch of his bloody fingers. Horo started to wipe over the cuts seeing the deep digs of the cuts and gasping at it. He couldn't stop all the bleeding but he made sure all the wounds were clean before putting padding over the worst and then wrapping up each arm entirely with bandages then using surgical tape to keep the bandages from moving. Ren still starred at the one spot on the floor not moving his focus or aiding Horo who was nursing him with care. Horo finished but still there was another wound much bigger deep within Rens chest that Horo couldn't nurse back to health unless Ren helped him.
Horo: Ren, what's going on? Why did you do this to yourself?
Ren: …
Horo: Ren answer me, or ad least talk to me. Can't you even look at me?
Ren: … (Unmoved)
Horo: Is your dream about me?
Ren: (Turned his head slightly to look at Horo) No
Horo: Then what is it? What could be so bad you tear up your arms to try escape it
Ren: It wasn't to try escape… it was to try stop myself from hurting them
Horo: Hurt who?
Ren: … (Let a tear fall from his cheek but he didn't respond he just turned his gaze back down)
Horo: Ren I cant watch this happen to you, I wont sit back and watch this happen to you. Even if I have to stay awake every night to make sure you cant hurt yourself
Ren: Don't bother trying to protect me; I'm not the one that needs it
Horo: Stop talking in riddles and just tell me how I can help
Ren: … Stay here… with me tonight, who knows what else I could lash out at (Looked at his stomach briefly)
Horo: I don't understand but I'll stay
Ren: Thank you
Horo: (looked at the pale gold sheets and saw a bit of blood splatter) Maybe you should come into my room, we can get those sheets changed in the morning
Ren looked at the sheets and nodded, Horo lead Ren to his own room and snuggled into the single bed together with Rens arms placed across Horos chest, his arms sting stung from the hot scratches and tears he had inflicted but that wasn't half as bad as the painful memory of his dream. This time in his dream both the twins were there but 1 didn't make it to the end… the second child died by his hands…
Day 5 and the last night they were going to stay at the Tao mansion came and still the nightly occurrences came. A few times Ren had scratched or bashed Horos chest in the out bursts but Horo didn't mind the fact he had been lashed out at but it did bother him how hard and harsh Ren had been getting especially when talking about the twins, he refused to be part of the discussions and didn't rest just stayed in is room quiet and locked in. Sometimes he would wander the halls just exploring the dark corridors trying to occupy his time and loose Horo who tried to follow but always got lost. Today Horo was quite hard to shake but Ren went down a few corridors loosing him. A few minutes of wandering brought him to a familiar hallway he didn't like being in. He could hear footsteps behind him, most likely Horos. Ren decided the hallways of facing Horos questions again. He chose the corridor, walking fast pace down and to the doors of the familiar room his father would stay in. There was a seal upon the door but it was broken. Ren stared at the door then was going to walk off but heard a voice from the other side of the door. It was faint but it was there. It was inviting and soft but he didn't trust it. He was going to go but he heard footsteps approaching from both directions now he wasn't sure which set was Horos but either way he didn't want to be bothered. He pushed open the door cautiously, after all En was dead and defeated so what harm could come from that room. He peered around the corner seeing nothing but darkness. Nothing changed except the missing presence of a large body that perched itself upon the throne as if he ruled all. There were no windows and no candles were lit because there was no need, Ren quickly lit one or two candles then closed the door. The footsteps were still heard but they went distant. Horo and the other person must have both turned around and gone back the way they came. Ren felt a little at ease for a moment, only a moment.
Whispers slithered up out of a nearby shadow, Ren turned to face the faint sounds but every time he did the voice and sinister words leapt away to another part of the room until a loud shuffle was heard over by the throne. Ren froze thinking it was just his imagination, what could possibly still linger here… or should he be thinking whom? The shuffled seized and the candles blew out leaving nothing but darkness surrounding Ren. The darkness was unnerving and Ren wanted to get out of there before anything else happened but when he backed up to the door and tried to push it open it was locked up tight showing no signs of giving way. Ren gave up pushing on the big door and turned thinking of another way out the room, he remembered the door over at the other side of the room leading to the small dinning area the family sometimes sat in. Ren pushed away from the door slowly walking down the middle of the room walking blind to try reach the other side but he wasn't to worried he got used to getting around in the dark long ago when he once lost his sight for a while. His lost vision actually helped him in a weird way although it wasn't exactly peachy. He reached the middle of the room when a flare of light swooped up and all the candles in the room lit, illuminating the room and revealing the cobwebs and dust that had settled along with the dulled colours of the once bright reds turning them a musty burgundy. A shadow lingered over the throne actually moving on its own as if walking around the room. Ren stared at the shadow following it as it came closer to him, the shadow spread across the floor, seeping onto the cold ground and reaching out to him. It was almost at his feet when it made a retreat back into the darkest corners of the room. Words again whispered only they were more understandable and out of the words Rens name crept up. Ren heard his name and his eyes widened. It wasn't the fact the entity knew his name it's the way he said his name and the voice that had uttered it, it had a scary resemblance to…
Ren: En…
En: Ren, what has become of you? I told you those so-called friends would one day be the end of you
Ren: They weren't the end of me. I'm not the one who's dead am I?
En: SILENCE! I am dead because of you; you betrayed your own family!
Ren: I did no such thing, you died because of your own hate and ignorance… and the lack of ability to chew before swallowing (Smirked wickedly at the corner the voice and shadow crept around in)
En: Still a disloyal brat! You are not worthy to be the leader of this family, you failed to become shaman king then you failed to find a wife to carry on the blood line… then you shame us with a sin like marrying that Ainu boy
Ren: I SHAMED NO ONE! I WILL DECIDE WHAT I DO, NOT YOU!
En: You are a failure of a son. Now you're doing a woman's job, you are no son. Your more like a whore of a daughter!
Ren: Kisama! (Hissed at the shadow) You coward! Stop hiding in the corner like a lame dog and face me!
En: As you wish (Sinister laughter roared through the room)
The candles flames blazed and rose up violently lashing around as if possessed making the room glow in an angry light. Everything in the room was lined with flickering light. In the corner stood En but not really him, just a spirit. He lingered here still; he must have escaped from the other side and must have been sealed in this room by his family. This couldn't be good, this couldn't end well and there was no way En was just here to say hi either. The lights dulled down and the corner became ensued in darkness again hiding En once more, Ren was going to say something until he felt cold air blow against the back of his neck and his spine tensed from the cold shudders that travelled up his back making him turn to see En stood less than a metre away and still approaching step by step halting just a few steps away from Ren.
En: You and that Ainu should not bare the Tao name! Neither should those abominations you carry! I can't let you give life to a weak link in this family chain!
Ren: You were the only weak link and you died accordingly. Only a coward and hateful monster like you could die in such an undignified way
En: It may have seemed like I died because I chocked on my food (Cough clearing throat) but actually I died of shame! Knowing my only son had done such a thing, but now I will put you in your proper place with me in the spirit realm
Ren: My place is here with Horo!
While they argued Horo was…-
Horo was wandering around looking for Ren. He needed to find him because he had been getting the chills, his senses and instincts all told him there was something wrong. He wasn't sure what it was but something definitely was out of place… something evil and cruel out to get some sort of appeasement. Horo trudged further down the dark hall way feeling a presence down that way, not the good kind either. Voices were heard so he quickened in pace almost breaking out into a run before stopping at familiar doors. Rens voice was carried through the wood as he spat words out at the other presence in the room, Horo could feel anger and resentment rise in Rens words and the other voice seemed familiar. It was not good, it sounded like En. He couldn't be back could he? Panic and fear crept up into his throat; action was needed to get to Ren in time to do anything. Horo pushed the door but it stayed stuck in place. Horo listened in hearing rage in Rens voice and another voice speaking rather forcibly. After 5 minutes of an angry conversation, Horo froze the door and whacked at it with his snowboard instantly shattering it. Behind the door he saw Ren and En now staring at him with deadly glances. En with the same cold hard glare scrunched up his face in disgust for the Ainu he had always seen as weak, pathetic and sick. His eyes white frozen in this displeased look he didn't stay long, he slowly dispersed leaving Horo and Ren in the room alone. Horo turned his face to Ren but almost fell back at the glare. Rens eyes were not the sparkly gold he knew and loved but they had hardened into a dull yellow blocking the inner light from ever reaching the hearts of those around. Deep within this horrible stare were the eyes of someone other than Ren, a cold evil thing with out pity or humanity. Horos heart could be heard slowing and becoming as dead as Rens eyes. Horo didn't want to believe that it was Ren looking at him like that with a deep frown and heartless exterior. Horo slowly and unsteadily placed one foot in front of the other reaching out for Ren and trying to put his arms around his love as an attempt to bring back the sparkle of his divine soul, the one that had always shone when ever they were together. Rens cold hands snatching and tearing his embrace away hurriedly stopped his arms. "Ren..." said Horo shocked by his husband refusal to hug him. "You should've just stayed in your room" Answered Ren angrily. Horo stayed in the place he had been pushed to, completely stunned. Rens words were so cold and viscous tearing at his heart like a wolf would the flesh of its prey. Seeping blood, writhing agony seems to leek from Horos chest in swarms of emotions. His eyes became seas of misery that overflowed with the grief Ren gave him. Ren did not seem to look into his eyes but through them, not ever had Ren looked through Horo like that, he just walked away killing any hope Horo had of reviving Rens goodness. Horo felt dead and all he could do was mourn for his loss the only way he knew how… tears.
Ren walked out the room leaving Horo alone, more alone than ever before. A sick feeling grasped his stomach and his entire body just wanted to curl up and wither away. Horo huffed in breaths trying to calm himself, stopping the river of tears and quieting his whimpers and settling his sobs. Not long to go till they left this place. Horo didn't like the affect this place had on Ren… it was heartbreaking.
Horo went down the corridors trying to find his rooms, he couldn't concentrate on anything other that the eyes of his other half and how they seemed to be hollow and replaced with someone else, eyes that were familiar yet unknown. When he reached his room he began to pack sniffing to try keep his appearance respectful and to try stop his tears from falling again. Horo thought for the good of Ren he would put on a brave face and be there for him even if it meant this heartache. He finished his packing and went to see if Ren had done the same, when he slid the door open and cautiously looked around it, the room was empty except for a piece of paper left on the corner of the bed. It was folded up and Horo slowly opened it reading what it said, it said in clear Japanese "Gone Home!" not the most dramatic way to say to the one you love I couldn't stand travelling with you but this was Ren. Horos breathing again went very shaky and he gulped back his tears, he felt betrayed and lost. When you feel betrayed and lost with no one to turn to, you can often turn to anger or make assumptions. Horo is no different, he knew there was a time Ren was evil and ruthless, a time Ren killed all in his path but Horo didn't think that side existed anymore… until now. He took Ren in sickness and in health and this was the same thing whether good or bad he will stick by Ren and the twins, for their sakes more than his own. Horo rushed out calling door Kororo and Bason but Bason had left with Ren who had taken the next flight home. Bason decided this was a time he should be next to his young master, he saw who's eyes burned through Rens own.
Horo arriving home-
The house is in sight Horo collected his belongings and looked over the exterior of the house knowing that the source of this misery was inside. He walked up to the door and opened it placing his stuff by the door and closing the door. Horo glanced over the room seeing things had been knocked off the counters and Ren wasn't in there. He looked around and saw a few dots of dry blood on the floor. Dread soared in his mind even if Ren had been cold and distant hurting him Horo didn't want any harm to come his way and Horo still loved Ren more than anything. Horo followed it flinging the bedroom door open only to feel that same sick presence as in the Tao mansion but that wasn't the focus it was Ren laid across the bed looking pale and blood dried just beneath his nose. Horo lifted Rens torso up and set it in his lap as holding him very close and crying letting tears fall onto Rens face as he stirred from his painful dream, his face so pale the sheets envied the pure white that made him look dead. His arms slung down dangling helplessly. Horo stroked away all the hairs from his face thinking for the first time in a day or so that this was the same old Ren he held but once the eyes of the person in his arms opened, that all changed. His eyes white as pearls with giant black blots that made him look sinister and tainted. His face scrunched up and his mouth bared teeth at Horo growling lowly at the fact the Ainu was anywhere near him. He pushed at Horo who retaliated by pinning Rens arms to his chest and sitting on his legs letting his weight hold down the other firmly. His face still looked so angry and resentful. Bason soon appeared by them looking at the face of Ren and recognising it but not believing it. His face stuck with his jaw dropped and his body still in this frozen animation. He sensed the presence too and feared what it would do to his master
Bason: Horo, that presence. Do you sense it?
Horo: Yes, but what is it?
Bason: Not what… who?
Horo: Who... No, Ren what's happening to you?
Horo looked down at the face of the person he had pinned but it was not Ren, a sinister smirk and deep laugh came from deep inside Rens chest worrying all in the room. The realisation hit Horo abruptly, a brainstorm of ideas from today's events.
En appearing in that room, the broken talisman on the door, he had thought nothing of it till now, those dreams only started after they had been heading to the Tao mansion. It all made sense, En was trying to take over again, this time inside Ren instead.
Horo: En… what have you done?
The only response was more laughter and a cruel yet fierce look, his black heart was tainting Ren and who knows what it would be doing to the twins, Horo needed help but how. He shut his eyes tight and called out loudly for help, he screamed it a million times over in his head tightening his grip on Rens arms to keep the struggling form beneath him. A reply from Yoh, he started to try calm Horos screaming mind with his kind words and promise of help. Horo soon let his mind seize and desist the random cries for help and let everything go quiet again. He looked down at Ren wanting the real him back. He knew he must be in there somewhere but the invading spirit was forcing him into hiding. Ren had been taken over by this intruder. Ren must be fighting pretty hard to get out, Horo wished he could help but he didn't know what to do, doubt riddled his mind and sorrow filled his heart trampling his already broken heart into ruins. Nothing but the shards remained. After a moment Rens face softened slightly but the eyes remained cold and livid as he gnashed his teeth bidding his time to then try again to escape the grasp of Horo hold. Broken blue eyes and white washed gold eyes looked at each other true characters swiped away leaving two strangers starring at each other. It wasn't like anything you could ever imagine, just empty and crushed hope.
After about 30 minutes the door was heard and Horo glanced over at the bedroom door to see Yoh enter with Anna treading softly in after him looking very peeved and uninterested. She sensed it too, the soul of dark reprisal and holding a grudge no less. Yoh put his hand on Horos shoulder to try relax him but it only further tensed Horo. He turned to Yoh looking grim and downtrodden. Yoh gave a light-hearted smile and let go of Horos shoulder then looking at Ren who still bore the face of En. His every facial expression showed disgust and hatred. Yoh pressed a hand on Rens stomach making Ren struggle further and lash at the captor on him to try get to Yoh. He removed his hand and nodded to Anna looked down to her bag hanging from her side and opened it removing a thick black marker and a few pieces of blessed paper and talismans. Each talisman had a different kind of seal on it and the one Anna chose had a particularly strong seal on it. She took her marker and walked over to them standing by Yoh who reached down holding Rens face still getting a huge struggle from the possessed shaman. Once Rens face was held still Anna written on his forehead placing a symbol to ward off the bad spirit. The reaction was immediate and a hissing noise and screechy growl erupted from Ren as the symbol sank in and Anna channelled the power of the 1080 beads to try force the spirit out before she could return it to the spirit world but in the end it was up to Ren to get En out. After a few moments the struggle seized and Rens eyes closed as if falling asleep, Horo slowly let go of Rens arms so they lay down across the bed.
Yoh and Anna both stepped back while Horo just looked upon the relaxing features and the soothed form. Rens eyes opened slightly then looked up at Horo, they were misty and cold still; Rens eyes were getting back some colour around the edge of the black that consumed this person. Confusion swept over Rens face and he looked around slightly before again looking into distraught blank eyes, that didn't hold their natural sparkle.
Horo: …Ren…
Ren: Horo? What are you doing?
Horo: What am I doing? I'm trying to help, what has En done to you?
Ren: I… I don't know?
Horo: Ren, what's happening? Talk to me please
Ren: …
Horo: Is this to do with those dreams?
Ren: (Eyes fully opened and he looked angry) Get off Horo!
Horo: No! That's it your not doing this to me Ren! (Anger rising in his every word)
Horo looked down at Ren who didn't want to look back, he doubted himself and his ability to love, he felt unequal to Horo in everyway so didn't want to taint Horo with his dark kiss or hold. En made him believe he was not worth the air that filled his lungs or the dirt beneath him. Ren felt alone and while he did En could inhabit him causing chaos and harm to Ren and eventually the twins
Horo: Don't let him do this. He's going to kill them and you know he is. If you just help me we can get rid of him and they can be safe. Please Ren tell me you will
Ren: I'm sorry I want to help but…
Horo: Then help, your stronger than him, you've proven it everyday of your life! You defeated him in battle; you overcame your past and learned that everything that man ever said was a lie. Why believe him now, why let him tell you that you're even slightly like him?
Ren: Like father, like son right
Horo: (Horo shook his head) No, the reason some people take after their fathers is because they look up to them. I inherited my dad's looks sure but the rest I did myself
Horo and Ren went silent but Rens eyes grew deeper gold and the black was oppressed into Rens mind. He didn't believe En anymore, he didn't believe those dreams En sent to try convince him of the Taos true nature. How could Ren not be drawn to Horo when he's in so much pain, Ren had to be there for Horo. Rens eyes softened letting warmth fill everything before stroking Horos cheek and letting the tears trickle over his fingers. He leaned up and kissed Horo lovingly with no real force behind it just gentle reassurance. Yoh was smiling in the background as he noticed the small form of a black essence float above the two. It was flickering violently growing in size slowly but Anna took action with her beads creating a portal sending the dark soul of En plummeting into the eternal darkness of the spirit world. The portal closed leaving En trapped again in the depths of the shadows. With a pat of her hands and the clearing of her throat Yoh turned to her putting an arm around her waist and smiling, he obviously had promised something to Anna for her services but who knows what she asked of him. Horo pulled Ren into his chest not letting go or loosening, he just got Ren back he wasn't going to let go just yet. Ren wouldn't of minded if it weren't for the fact Yoh and Anna were stood watching expectantly and Horo was on top of him on the bed, Anna taped her foot on the ground and folded her arms while Yoh smiled rubbing the back of his head apologetically for Anna's impatience. Ren got Horo to back off a little and get off the top of him letting him sit next to him instead, they tried to thank Yoh but Yoh rushed in first knowing what they both were going to say.
Yoh: Don't worry, no need for thanks Anna got something out of it and I am just happy to help out
Anna: Now are you two just going to sit there or are you going to be gracious hosts and offer me a drink (Anna still commanding even when she is not in her own home)
Ren: If it weren't for the fact you just helped us I would throw you out you know
Anna: Yeah, yeah now when do you plan on getting off your but and making me my tea?
Ren: I'll bring it to you shortly make yourself at home… not that you already haven't started
Anna: I'll remember that next time you need my help
Yoh: Come on Anna lets go sit in the kitchen (Smiled at Horo and Ren before exiting)
Horo had moved around and sat on the edge of the bed with his hands in his hair and his face hung low so Ren couldn't see his face. Ren moved a little closer but still couldn't see past Horos arms and hair, he quietly spoke up.
Ren: Horo?
Horo: Ren (Turned his head slightly to look at Ren dead in the face with teary eyes) Promise me something
Ren: (Set back by the look in Horos eyes) Anything
Horo: Promise you wont ever do that again
Ren: …I promise…
Horo moved over to Ren and hugged him tightly putting his hand into Rens hair holding it in his palm and wiping away the final tears on Rens shoulder. Ren patted Horos back and just let Horo hug him. After a few minutes Horo was calm and Ren had to tear himself away from the hug
Ren: (Pulled back slowly letting himself out the embrace) I better go see to Anna and Yoh, you coming
Horo: I'll be there in a minute (Gave a frail smile)
Ren nodded then left Horos side peering back at Horo as he left to make sure Horo was okay, Horo sat for a moment taking in a deep breathe and letting it out as if cleansing himself of this worry and pain that had been held deep in his chest over the time they were at the Tao mansion, he felt great relief seeing Ren golden eyes returning and from now on he decided Ren was going to have to learn what it meant to have fun and a family, the whole reason this happened is because Ren doesn't know what having a truly loving family is… Horo was there to change that
8 Months into the pregnancy-
Horo: Come on Ren
Ren: Stop messing around!
Horo: Relax; it's just a bit of fun
Ren: If you fall and splash me you will suffer
Horo: Yeah, yeah. Threaten all you will
Horo and Ren were enjoying a day out in the park near the house; it was a big beautiful park with wildflowers and trees surrounding a lake of pure blue. It was a breezy warm day and Horo insisted Ren came out with him today. Horo sped around like a child climbing the trees and standing on the branches hovering over the lake breathing in the fresh air and letting the sunny day lighten his spirit. Ren walked along the ground watching Horo behave like an infantile chimpanzee but Ren somehow enjoyed the child-like qualities Horo possessed so just watched him from beside the lake. Horo started trying to climb higher but as he went further up the branches got thinner until he stood on one that couldn't support his weight. The branch gave way and his body fell from the tree hitting the water with a whack! The water splashed up causing a like rainfall to drip over Ren who didn't look pleased his clothes were now damp because Horo fell from the tree as predicted. Horo emerged out the water paddling over to the edge of the lake coughing and looking cold even though it was a warm day there was a cold breeze and the water was frigid. Ren stood at the bank trying to reach Horo to strangle him but Horo didn't remove himself from the chilly water knowing Ren intended on injuring him. Ren stood at the bank shouting at Horo
Ren: Horo! Get out of there so I can kill you!
Horo: N-no! (Shaking from the cold)
Ren: Don't make me come in there to get you!
Horo: N-no Ren, you could g-et a cold
Ren: Then you get out right now!
Horo: …F-fine
Horo climbed out the water and tried to walk away but Ren tackled him down to the ground looking like he intended to kill Horo, he squinted his eyes at Horo who smiled guiltily.
Ren: I told you not to splash me
Horo: (Gave an unsure giggle) Well, if it means anything to you it was a complete accident
Ren: It doesn't
Horo: ... What you going to do to me? …
Ren: I haven't decided yet… I'll need time to think of something to really teach you a lesson
Horo: Maybe you should sleep on it
Ren: …Good idea (Smirked at Horo
Horo: Huh?
Ren laid down on top of Horo with his head on Horos chest with the intension of having a nap, Horo looked at Ren from his place under Ren raising one eyebrow at the Tao resting their head on his chest.
Horo: Ren, you can't sleep now
Ren: (Without opening his eyes or moving) Why not?
Horo: Well, I'm soaked and you're lying on top of me in the middle of a public park
Ren: And your point is?
Horo: Well… I'm cold
Ren: Deal
Horo: Your going to get wet
Ren: Again the point is?
Horo: Never mind (Smiled at Ren who still tried to rest on His chest)
Horo laid his head back closing his eyes letting his sweet and faint smile settle on his features… the count down to baby only a month
There you have it… Me and my partner are working on the next chap soon okay and you will love it bye bye