Prince's Gift: Chapter 4
Ryo carefully carried the plate of turkey steaming in its gold plated dish. He kept his eyes firmly on his task, his mind wanting to forget about the roasted turkey in his hands and once again return to the roaring fire. Shin chatted the whole way, mainly about Shu. He wondered where Seiji was. He didn't think Seiji would be angry with him but Ryo did sleep on his floor. Which was the one of the worse things a slave can do. No matter how much your master has beat you, you do not pass out on his floor. In Ryo's problem he just fell asleep. He shuddered at the thought of what would happen to him if he was with his old master. He wanted to check just in case.
"M… Shin?
"Yeah?"
Ryo was almost certain Shin was from Isene. He heard their accents before when they stopped at the seaport. Being sea folk much of their people were shipman; longing for the sea from which they were born. It was best to keep thoughts to himself and not end up offending Shin. He truly didn't want to ruin the little time he's being treated like an actual human. Whether it was some sick joke or not. It did make him incredibly uncomfortable because he had no idea how to react to it. To add, the fire had a liking for him and Ryo was afraid he would lose Shin because of it.
"Is Seiji angry with me?" he asked quietly.
"No, of course not, why would he be?"
"No reason." Ryo lowered his head.
Shin gave him a thoughtful look then returned to his assorting of food.
On their third trip back Shin was done, finally. No signs of Naaza the entire day and Shin was pleased with himself. There was no Seiji yet, which meant he was going to be very sore once he did arrive. Often his sensei made him wear weights while training. While it builds up endurance, Seiji would have a limit of motions afterwards. It was one of the few times someone would ever see the blonde grouchy and short-tempered.
Shin sit down casually folding paper to decorate the tables, origami, as it is called. Ryo watched curiously, picking nervously at the small cake Shin had just fixed him. Since he was not looking like he was going to faint Shin assumed he liked it. Ryo still wasn't used to the 'People actually making him food and giving him clothes' situation he often acted like he was interested in it and not eat it. As if wondering what the plump rich chocolate cake will taste like while coated it in everything Shin could get his hands on. It's a chocolate cake, fancy as it could be, with icing and chocolate chunks scattered around it. Shin even added cherries that he assumed Ryo liked.
Shin was slumped lazily in his chair; one leg hanging over the armrest and the other propped on the table. The kitchen was less crowded now so Ryo and he could have a decent conversation without all the women eavesdropping. He wondered what to bring up next, maybe to teach Ryo origami or ask him what books he likes to read. Maybe something interesting in the castle, there are a various of things to do.
Maybe not anything art related, in concerns of Ryo hating attraction to him. He could help in the library. That wouldn't guarantee safety from Naaza or anyone wanting to push their luck and treat him as a slave. Without Shin and Seiji there to do anything they might find him unconscious in a corner, bloody and bruised.
No, not a library.
Kitchen is a dangerous thing for Ryo. As long as Shin kept an eye on him Ryo would be the perfect person to help you. But of course he would, he's spent almost his whole life learning to serve. He silently, and Shin meant silently, hop out of his chair and appear suddenly with what Shin asked of him.
Slavery should be forbidden. How can treat a human that way? How could you look at someone knowing they're just like you? They had a mom, a dad, a home. What's so different about them? Do they have a tattoo on their forehead marking them 'SLAVE'?
The topic fumed Shin to no end.
Gardening? Ryo is yet to show any liking to nature. But it really hasn't been that long and once they get Ryo to open up maybe they will find out more things about his personality. But Ryo and any type of fire don't mix. Just take last night for example. Ryo was literally hypnotized by the fire. He didn't respond to Shin's speaking and shaking. He knows it can get quite lulling to one sleepy but that wasn't normal.
He might as well tail along with Seiji and him.
"So what time of year do you like?" he asked cheerfully.
Ryo blushed. "Summer." Why is Shin questioning him so much? Why does it matter what he likes?
"Mines Spring, even though you didn't ask. This is a sharing moment."
Why did Ryo feel so… uneasy about that?
"How old were you?"
Ryo sighed. He only barely remembered the last time he saw his parents. A jumble of memories most likely confused by lies of his first master. He was young and vulnerable then and his mind could easily be manipulated. 'Remember we love you.' He hasn't heard those words since he was four years old.
"Four."
"Ryo! Is that allowed so young?" Damn… four? Children are way too fragile.
"Hai." He said simply.
Shin scowled angrily. Another topic.
"Like gardening?"
Ryo nodded yes.
"Quit picking at the cake. I know you like it so just eat it."
On command, Ryo ate it.
Shin head the eighth bell chime. If Seiji wasn't already back he would be back now. Scowling at Ryo in warning to eat his cake, he rolled all his origami in a towel. The feast was starting at exactly tenth bell. He planned to have Seiji feeling at least a tad better, cleaned, and dressed. He was contemplating whether or not to let Ryo go. He didn't know how the guests would treat Ryo or how Ryo would handle the guests. He hated the thought of making Ryo wait in Seiji's room all night, by himself. Then if Naaza somehow got a hold of him…
Shin happily noticed Ryo finished the whole cake.
"You liked it?"
Ryo nodded again. "Arigato, Shin."
"Your welcome." Shin vanished under the counter then reappeared. He was going to fix Seiji's dinner. Since the blonde would be absolutely ravenous when he returns and could not wait till all the stupid guests got done with their insignificant speeches to eat. He filled up a cup with water, not wine, and dangled it off his two fingers while he grabbed the plate in the same hand. Ryo looked at him expectantly, waiting for Shin to ask for help as he reached for the origami filled towel.
Shin declined by looking away and motioned for Ryo to follow him. He was torn between washing his plate, helping Shin, and following the brunette. He couldn't imagine leaving a dirty dish on a counter for he's lost count how many times he's been beaten senseless for leaving dirty dishes. Then he's always been the one to carry the loads of objects his owner's had and following behind trying his best not to drop anything. He didn't know if he should speak up though. Surely any decent slave won't have their master carry around their things.
"Quit gawking and come on." Shin held the door open for the teen with his foot. Ryo looked completely mortified.
He eventually coaxed Ryo into going out the door and leaving the dirty plate behind. It wasn't like they hired kitchen maids to clean. If Ryo was getting paid that would be okay. But Seiji and him have no intention of making Ryo work. Perhaps helping around the castle to keep himself occupied because they have no idea what's going to happen to Ryo. They wanted to make his stay here, which they hope was permanent, happy and non-painful.
"Gomenasai, Ryo, I've been busy today. You've been jumping all around with me all day. Tomorrow should be better. We'll sleep all day, eat, get in trouble, maybe go to the horses' stalls, and then pester Seiji."
Ryo blushed and lowered his head.
Shin made a pit stop to grab some fruit for Seiji. He purposely took the orange and apple from the guests room. The snotty princess from Danvas. She's the one who spit out curses and threatened to hang Seiji because she tripped over her moronic green and pink dress. Seiji just happen to be standing to open the door for her like any beautiful, gorgeous, strong prince would.
Unfortunately, to Shin's great disgust, Seiji had to apologize thoroughly. For that reason he hated the stuck-up frog princess beyond imagination. Anyone who insults Seiji like that will get their due. Oh, how he wished to cut her idiotic tongue out and shove it up her fat rump! Thinks she's so much better than Seiji! She's one of those self-indulged royals who have fluff for brains. No morals, no courtesy, no beautiful violet eyes. Nothing like his Seiji, he almost wanted to gloat.
Shin knocked happily on the thick door. With an unhappy grunt in reply he entered the room and found Seiji slumped against the wall. He was scowling angrily at the direction of the practice field. As if hoping his cold stares will burn the field and finally reward him with his well-deserved revenge. He looked thoroughly exhausted. His blonde hair was plastered to his forehead while his clothes were soaked in sweat. Shin motioned for Ryo to sit on the sofa and to not aid in any way. Ryo was studying Seiji sadly.
He handed the goblet of water to Seiji, first wanting to get his strength back then going on to a bath.
"Arigato, I was thirsty." Seiji's voice, in response to his body, also sounded tired.
He placed the steaming plate in front of Seiji then sit down beside him.
"Tough today?"
"I ran laps for my mistake yesterday. After that sensei made me wear weights. Then I ran some more. Once I got the hang of combat again I was challenged with three different opponents. Noting too bad but I feel terrible."
If Seiji was admitting he felt just a tinge of pain he was really bad.
Shin hid a smile when he noticed Ryo's attention was diverted to the fire and was watching it suspiciously. Not to mention his eyes were starting to droop. It reminded him of the difference in the temperatures of outside and inside Seiji's room.
"It wasn't too cold outside was it? It's not good for you to switch temperatures so fast when you've been practicing so long."
"The castle was cold, don't worry."
"I'm going to fix your bath. Come when you're done eating."
"You're great Shin." Seiji smiled filling his goblet with more water and drinking it all in one gulp. Once sated he moved on to his food while his stomach grumbled in agreement. He determined Shin fixed just enough food to last him till the dinner. When there he would finally be full and ready for sleep. With hopefully Ryo out cold on the floor, stretched out against the maroon carpet, his copper skin…
He instinctively spotted Ryo on the other side of the room. He studied him curiously. Last night he had been a little too tired to study the amazement Ryo had with the fire. Ryo was oblivious to everything around him and it was like his only concern was for the dancing flames trapped within the stone fireplace.
He didn't know what it was that had his senses on a constant watch and whereabouts of his friends. It wasn't any annoying buzz in the back of his head or a dreaded wave of death ready to sink into his mind. He could not tune it out like he did with most of the emotions in a person's everyday life that seeped around him. It was peaceful and by now he was used to it. It could simply be from his empath ability. An explanation he didn't feel like going into.
Done chewing his food he asked how the teen's day was. It took a minute for Ryo to drag his attention away from the flames and to his master.
"Fine."
"You cook?" he smiled mischievously.
Ryo blushed and shook his head no. He really could cook, well enough to please his masters with grand feasts. But the fire has been out of his control since he came here.
"Shin cook something for you?" He was easily going around the question to ask Ryo if he was going to the dinner tonight. If Ryo ate he wouldn't be eating at the dinner. That, however, did not permit him to serve. If anything Ryo would tag along with Shin and maybe help if Shin asked.
"Hai."
"Nani?"
"Cake."
He knew Ryo had a large vocabulary. The books he read signified so. The trick was getting him to open up and say what he wants to say. But with Ryo's history that would take a very long time. Growing up to never trust humans can put a permanent mark on any person's mind. Seiji's was astonished Ryo has acted the way he has been. What was more puzzling was in some weird and strange way he felt it was connected to fire. Now out of all the people Seiji has known he never sensed a human being's future connected to the elements. Maybe with one exception and that was Shu.
Such things were more of a sacred thing, like with the mountain people who's very lives were born from nature and all its purest forms. It wasn't a feeling he was accustomed to so he wasn't very experienced in knowing how to handle it.
Ryo's eyes were drooping again as his gaze was locked on the fire. Seiji had a feeling to not disturb him so as weird as it sounded he didn't. He waited for Shin to return because he could not get up by himself. His muscles were stiff and painful. He knew Shin would be giving him one of his massages. THIS time he will refuse.
A bath should be fine to work out the knots in his muscles. Seiji was just too stubborn to admit he would feel a lot better and most likely by tomorrow would be ready to return to the practice field. Nope, Seiji had lots of pride and admitting that would show signs of weakness.
He let out a small cough, as it was hard to breathe in the position he was in. His breaths came in raspy uneven wisps that with each inhale sent jolts of pain all over his small body. He had not tried to move his arm since the mean man had smashed it with the long piece of wood. Neither has he tried to get up. He was shivering uncontrollably in the cold night when the moon was high in the sky and the crickets chirped in the nearby fields. He missed his parents now more than anything. The pain spreading through his body in waves was enough to keep him perfectly quiet and still.
It was kind of funny really. It felt like that one time after there was that giant fire that spread through one of the towns he traveled to. It was like a giant fireplace and lots of people were afraid. His parents were arguing over something but he couldn't really tell because he felt very strange. Like when his mommy and daddy gave him hugs. He felt warm. It was hard to remember after that because he kept waking up then falling back to sleep unaware of how long he slept, if it was night time, or really anything.
That's how it felt like now. But he wasn't warm; he was cold. Ryo just opened his eyes to see the stars through the cracks in the wooden door. He shivered as a chill wind crept passed the cracks in the hut.
Ryo was terrified really. He never truly felt any fear since he was always safe in his village. But he was afraid of what the man will do to him now. He was afraid of his towering angry figure that broke Ryo like he was a twig. His face contorted in rage and his movements wild. He was afraid of the man's strength-his scary strength.
He also felt the tears. The wet droplets that streamed down his chilled cheeks. He tried to stop; it hurt very much to cry. But he was also very young and like any other child Ryo has no ability to hide his feelings. As soon as something got too big for him to handle, he cried. That's what he did as his little thoughts searched through his memories. He never felt so hated, so alone, and he wondered how people could be so cruel. How they could hate so much.
He let his mind travel to his surroundings, looking for some hope that he will be away from this horrible place. But he found none. There were only thick ropes that hung from the corners. Then chains in the far corner. Both of them hung on wooden stakes. There wasn't any flooring so Ryo lay on the bare ground. He couldn't get out if he wanted to. A wooden log rested on two iron bars that curved upward to snuggly fit the log. The log was twice Ryo's size anyway, so there was no point in even trying if he could.
He heard a soft rustling of leaves as he breathed in shallowly. Air seemed to be hard to provide for his body. As was staying awake long enough to determine the time of day. That always sparked his curiosity. He loved how the sun danced across the sky and the stars appear at night.
He especially enjoyed the moon because it was like the sun. Even though the sun disappeared at night he was amazed how the moon still bestowed upon the Earth its own light. It's silvery casts of light that spread softly through the land. So even though you were sleeping it's dim rays didn't disturb your sleep but soothed you in knowing there is not total darkness.
Ryo didn't know when he fell asleep but he still saw the moon in the sky when he opened his eyes. He was ready to shut his eyes and fall back in dreamland when he saw a darkened figure appear in the doorway. Ryo whimpered at the thought of the man. He instinctively tried to scoot away but that required too much effort that he had none of.
It walked quietly over to him and kneeled in front of him. A hand was held out to him as if determining whether or not it will cause Ryo to jerk away. But before he could react the warm hand was placed on his forehead, the effect was instantaneous. He gasped as the air he struggled to breathe in left his lungs in one quick breath. Tremendous heat spread through his body. The sudden change in temperature didn't at all bother him, but rather it felt natural.
The heat was hard to decribe. It felt like it had a mind of its own when it travelled through his body. Waves and waves of fire pressed down on his body and the building pressure was intense. It was almost like he was going to explode.
It coursed down his shattered arm, the one that was struck by the man, in a fury of almost fiery heat then rested there as if becoming dormant. It encircled his broken ankle that had already swelled and begun healing at a not quite right angle. He tried to bring his leg closer to his body to protect it but the fire stopped his actions.Only a comforting warmth settled on his face, like a faint kiss from his mother. It wandered to his other arm and ignited every cell in his arm, stretching from his shoulder to his fingers. Then as the rest of his body, settled in a calm flame.
Then, as if preparing for its last task, it burst in his chest. Filling his lungs with fire and burning away at each dark heavy bruise that marred in his skin. Air was forced in his lungs and his chest spread as far as it could go before he slowly and calmly breathed out. Now it was all over his body, the fiery heat, and it didn't go away. When finally he was able to breathe on his own he looked up.
Now as Ryo's mind could not handle much, for he couldn't explain all that much without confusing himself, he only comprehended in asking…
"Nani?" he said breathlessly.
Ryo's new development on people outside his village was a very nice word called "cruel." So whatever this man did to make him feel better did not agree with his intake on this new world.
"Peace with you child of Rekka."
This new man's hair flowed over his shoulders in silvery strands. His eyes were bright blue and appeared tolighten the room without emanating any power of their own. His smile was warm and loving just like his touch. His skin was tan like Ryo's. His blue robes flooded down his body like water. Any other clothing Ryo's couldn't perceive.
His voice was welcoming and the aura that surrounded him only gave off peace. It resonated with the nature around him like a heartbeat.
Ryo didn't see it-he felt it. It was calming him into a half doze now that he was warm and no longer hurting. All the while the hand still lay upon his forehead, not retreating back to the man's person. For the first time in many, many days Ryo smiled. He recognized this man; this man was the master of their village. Kaosu.
He smiled back and chuckled.
"Oh, young one, how you keep your spark of life. Only a brilliant soul as yours can shine so brightly."
He could see the hundreds of questions the young child was about to emit. Of his mommy and daddy, the mean man, and his home. But he had to be quick with his visit. He couldn't stay here too long without causing trouble in the mortal lands. The evil could sense his presence in the earth and awaken to claim revenge. So the young child had to be put to quiet for him to make his leave quickly and unnoticed.
"Times are hard, child of Rekka, and I cannot watch over you as I intended to." The man frowned but quickly smiled as Ryo's happy mood faltered. "But I will protect you as much as I can. The spirits will need your guidance, as you will need theirs. Remember what I say young one. For when the evil that we banished awakens again so will the spirits."
All of the words washed over Ryo. He didn't understand any of it and was becoming confused. His mind was too filled with questions to want to understand.
"I don't expect a child of four years to understand but you will remember when the time comes." He beckoned Ryo in his arms and Ryo complied, hesitant with his movements.
"Five spirits Ryo. Two are lost to darkness and will only return if you are there. Five of the elements that rein over us will be commanded by will and thought alone. Five Kanji that will rule over them like the other four. Five guardians who will watch over them and protect them throughout the battle."
To Ryo his voice matched that of someone telling a story. The voice quiet but heard as it recalled memories and stories that it gained through experience. Just like the teacher in the village. However, he had drawings, books, and all sorts of art to show his meaning. But Ryo was also content with listening even though he preferred the colorful drawings.
It was pulling him into slumber but he wanted to tell Kaosu to take him away from here. He wanted to go back home and see his mommy and daddy. He didn't want to stay here. Please, anywhere but here. But he was drifting off into his dreams with the soft voice and arms that held him.
"You will meet them child of Rekka and you will bring them together. The fire will always protect you as I will."
"Are you sure he's all right?" Seiji watched Ryo worriedly. After a few moments of gazing into the fire Ryo had promptly drifted off to sleep. He lay absolutely perfectly still and only occasionally his face would twist into a look that resembled someone contemplating a problem. Even that was faint.
"He's sleeping." Shin quickly dismissed it and continued to dry Seiji's hair.
"But…"
"He's sleeping and you can wake him up when you want to leave."
Seiji sit in silence watching Ryo carefully. While he received nothing from the boy he felt a little off. It didn't come from Ryo, but rather within himself. Something inside him felt different and it was like it originated from Ryo. But he shook it away as another freaky side effect from his ability. Odd things seemed pop up at odd times so he's quite used to it. It felt the same way when he met Shin. Even though he was very young he still remembers the feeling.
Well while Ryo's not awake he might as well take advantage of it. He looked much healthier than when they first saw him. His huge portions of Shin cooked food was doing it's tricks. He wasn't dreadfully thin as before for it to be a span of two weeks. Seiji also knew Shin was adding loads of treats to his three meals.
His posture hasn't changed, however. Ryo still walked around as if he expects someone to smack him anytime. He was alert to his surroundings and paid extra attention to Seiji incase he needed anything.
Today the servants brought him a pair of brown trousers and a black shirt that only had a few buttons down to his chest to make it appear more sophisticated. All of them were unbuttoned. A smooth black belt hung around his waist. Seiji wondered what Shin and Ryo had been up to because his boots were dirty. Maybe Shin showed him around the gardens.
Poor Ryo, the publicity probably killed him.
Shin was now moving on to fixing his hair and before he could start Seiji waved him away. He liked fixing his own hair and he had too much pride for Shin to completely baby him. He ran his fingers through his hair as his blonde locks fell into place.
Before he could reach the gold, soft, feathers on his dresser Shin had cunningly snatched them under his fingers. With a short gesture of dominance he had Seiji sitting in his seat and facing the mirror. From there he expertly placed the golden feathers on the sides of his hair. They represented the heir of the Date family.
Seiji thought they were simple looking but Shin said he looked very sexy.
"Is something wrong Seiji?" Shin walked out of the closet carrying his clothes for the dinner.
Seiji smiled. "You're too nice Shin." The brunette was such an amazing friend. Servants would always wait on him but Shin did it out of pure friendship and his caring for Seiji.
"You would do the same wouldn't you?" Shin more stated than asked because he knew the answer.
"Of course."
"Problem solved." He handed Seiji the clothes and motioned for him to dress.
Ryo stirred alerting the other two to his waking, but he simply fell back to into slumber.
"Will you add some wood to the fire when you leave?" Seiji asked pulling a shirt over his head. The dinner will last till around midnight and he didn't want Ryo to wake up cold. The castle still had its chill from the cold winter nights. It just recently warmed up to spring weather.
"I was going to wake him up when I left to see if he wanted to come with me." He adjusted Seiji's gold leather belt then admired his work. Seiji did look gorgeous, with his dark blues, whites, and golds. He wore dark blue trousers and a matching shirt with buttons that reached down to his chest, like Ryo. Most of them were unbuttoned and a vest accompanied the outfit. The vest was trimmed in a faded white. His trousers had small golden designs that started from the top to his boots. They were nothing fancy but tiny roses and vines. Last his boots were a soft brown leather.
Seiji turned around revealing the golden phoenix on the left sleeve of his shirt as he looked in the mirror to see what exactly Shin was staring at.
"Nani? It's not like you haven't seen me dressed like this before."
"You're just beautiful Seiji."
If someone wasn't best friends with Shin and knew his different liking of relationships they would be just a tad startled by the comment. But he grew up with Shin his entire life and because of that he had no problem with those kinds of comments from Shu or Shin or anyone else like them. He didn't think Shin would approve of another male commenting his attire anyway. Like he said, Shin can be very protective.
"Arigato." He replied sincerely.
"Don't thank me for something I say is true."
Seiji held Shin in his arms and placed a soft kiss on his lips. He didn't want to hear Shin tell him his petty looks when the brunette was the most gorgeous being in his life. Shin being the expert in kissing immediately responded. He knew Seiji's intentions and ended it shortly after allowing the blonde to say what he wanted to say.
"And you my Shin-kun are born from the beauty of the waters." He touched his cheek in a caring caress and looked into the sea green eyes. Only Shin and Shu has ever been able to meet his stare completely. They told him his eyes held a deep chasm of knowing that makes people uncomfortable to hold his gaze. They were not used to the feeling of someone staring at them as if the person knows all their darkest secrets.
It had never bothered Shin or Shu. Maybe when they were hiding something from the blonde and Seiji no matter what would find out. Then Seiji's gaze became something they tried to avoid but he would always get it out of them in the end. That's why he became the counselor of the bunch.
So it was easy for Shin to meet the ever-shifting violet eyes, that now with the reflection of the fire, merged into a cool icy color. He wrapped his arms around the blonde and rested his head against the soft fabric. He smiled.
"Miss Shu?" Seiji suddenly asked.
Shin nodded.
"Shouldn't he be back soon? Their training lasts till the beginning of spring."
"Hai. I've been sex deprived far too long for my own health."
Seiji laughed and ruffled the brunette's hair.
"The shame of it all."
"I know!"
"Terrible, Shin had no sex bunny all winter."
"Sex bunny?"
"You know. The bunnies in the garden, how they…"
"Ah! Seiji! No more! Really, I get it."
Seiji gave him a look of innocence like, 'Well you did ask.'
A/N yes, I know I know. What the hell happen to me! I am still writing. I definitely haven't stopped. And if you would want to know whats happening with my stories ill post the info on my profile. to my reviews...
im so happy you guys have enjoyed my story. and i cant thank you enough. i hope you stay with me. i will not quit this story. i promise you.
Dragonborncrysal: i dont want to ruin the story but i assure you, you should be happy with how i use the roninwarrior characters. im surprised i am still getting reviews on my story. and thank you! because the more reviews i get the more anxious i am to get my chapters out. please keep reading.
Will's Girl: like i said before... i cant believe people are still reviewing... i did update. finally. thank you for reviewing.
SamuraiKai: inspired? aww thank you! im glad i was an inspiration. i haven't been reading many roninwarrior fanfics. instead ive been in a harry potter mood so im not sure if i still have the whole roninwarrior writing thing going on. thanks for reviewing!
Noelani: i like the fights between seiji and shin too. i already knew i was going to put that in their character. i think it shows how close they truly are. im very happy you like my story. im happy when anyone likes my story. thank you!
Nadia: i will add more. i promise you. this is nowhere near the end. i have an entire plot set up for it. the hard part is just getting there. lol. thanks for reviewing.
DarrkKatt: its alright! really! no sweat. i understand i had troubles with my internet too. now i can only add stories and add new chapters at my grandparents or manage to sneek on my moms computer. so dont worry about it. no need to bow. i forgive you! anyway, schools matters more than reading my horrible stories.
Aragornthia: lol!if you people keep asking me about all these characters being in my story im not going to have any surprises! i dont know if its just me but the way you worded your question confuses me. from the scene earlier it seems he likes them. i didn't know how to answer that... im sorry. thanks for reviewing. i have no wish to stop this story. i just haven't been able to write.
WildfireFriendship0: ill add more flashbacks when i think they're needed. since these dreams arent exactly normal dreams. i wanted to have him remember his teachings from his village but with Ryo being so young i wasn't sure if that would work right. its a bit confusing and ill have to think about it. im confusing myself just thinking about it... i know ryo-chibi is so adorable thinking about. the idea just popped in my head. the thing is Ryo's dreams are always going to be short. so not very much of ryo-chibi.