Adult-FanFiction.org : Anime

Wild Child
By : FlayraDowitcher
Category: +M to R > Ronin Warriors
Views: 1521 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own RW/YST. I'm making no money off this fic.
Chapter List
- 6
- 7
Warnings: Language

Chapter 7

"Rise and shine, everyone!" Came Cye's cheery voice as the top covers were pulled from the bed. He had been the last one on watch duty and now the sun was just beginning to rise. Sage and Rowen both shivered in their sleep, each unconsciously reaching for the missing covers. White Blaze stood up with a bellowing yawn, ignoring the fact that he still had Kento asleep against him. The larger man fell back onto the floor and bumped his head on the footboard. It jerked him awake with a hiss of pain and a little curse. Ryo, who was asleep in one of the chairs, woke up with little trouble or complaint. White Blaze came over to nuzzle his side and he pet the large cat's head. "Time to greet the day."

"The fish aren't even up at this time, Cye!" Groaned Rowen before shoving his head under a pillow.

Sage sat up, cracked his neck and back, and covered his mouth in a polite yawn. "Morning came fast."

"When are we having breakfast?" Kento asked.

"Once everyone is awake and properly dressed." Cye placed his hands on his hips as he gazed at Rowen's still sleeping form. "We can all see you, Rowen. It's time to get up now."

"Go on without me." Came the muffled reply. Sage walked his fingers up Rowen's spine, making the pale body shiver with a chill. "Okay fine! I'm up!" He sat up in the bed with the pillow clutched to his chest. He could see the orange sky through the sheer balcony curtains. "The only sky I recognize is blue, black, and purple. There is no orange and red in my world."

"I love the sunrise." Ryo chimed in.

"Well, then you can go greet the day I will greet the night." Rowen gave him a raspberry.

"Don't be cranky, Rowen." Sage said and stood up from the bed. "We're not children."

Kento snickered at that and Rowen threw him a glare, which shut him up.

"And we're having breakfast here in the room." Sage told them, and then turned to Cye. "See to it." As Cye left to place the order, Rowen finally rolled out of bed.

"I need to go to my room and get a new set of clothes." He stated. "I'll be right back."

"I'll go with you." Said Kento.

Rowen was ready to say 'no', but when he saw the look of determination on Kento's face, he gave a nod. That look meant that Kento wanted to talk about something, and Rowen had a keen idea on what he wanted to talk about. It was better to get it all out now rather than later. "Come on, then. We'll be back." As they left the room and proceeded down the halls, Rowen turned to Kento, his hands folded behind his back. "So…what do you want to talk about? I know that look."

"It's about what you and Sage said last night…as you were going to bed." Kento's tone was low and even.

"Right. Well, I won't lie to you, Kento. Sage and I are a couple now…I was going to tell you sometime today, but you obviously already knew."

"Hm." He looked down as they walked.

"Hey, it doesn't change the fact that we're still best buds, okay? You've known for quite some time now that we weren't really going to be together, especially now that we are not in the village anymore. Things are different here."

"Yeah, I know. You fit in here…and you go well with Sage."

They came to his room and went inside. "I really hope you're not too hurt by this, Kento? Nothing has to change between us. It can be the same as it always has."

"Yeah I know." He mumbled. "What's not to like about 'Young Lord Sage'? With his…bright yellow hair and…purple eyes." Kento was suddenly focused on a pile of books.

"Oh, come off it! Don't tell me you're threatened by THAT!" Rowen took of his shirt and slipped on a new one, this one also blue. "That's not why I like him. Well, it's part of it, but it's a VERY small percentage of-"

"Thanks Ro, I get it." Kento put his hand up.

"Sorry." He changed his pants and sat on the bed to put on his sandals. "You are happy for me, Kento, aren't you?"

"Of course I am. I mean…you two go really well together. He's more like you."

Rowen smirked. "Like me? What is 'like me'?"

"Some things are better left unsaid." He grinned.

"Jackass." Rowen stood up and held out his hand to Kento. "Still best buds?"

Kento gripped his wrist and squeezed hard. "Yeah, still best buds!" He let go and Rowen pulled his wrist away to rub it.

"I guess I deserved that." Rowen mumbled.

/

"You and Rowen are a couple now? That's wonderful!" Cye beamed at their reflection in the mirror as he placed a circlet of emeralds on Sage's head.

"Yes. We're still at the basics but I am delighted to have chosen him. Necklace please." Cye slipped the spider-web style gold necklace with emeralds over his head. Sage straightened the gold chains as they lay against his bare chest. He could already tell that the day was going to be scorching and he would not be sweating while making his rounds at the funeral. The fire from the funeral pyre will only add to the temperature of the day. He thought he would be over this by now but a nervous feeling of anxiety started in his stomach. Sage wasn't sure if it was because of his father's death or of everything he was inheriting. But the thought of Rowen being beside him the whole time helped to ease that anxiety, and Cye caught him smiling softly in the mirror.

"Thinking about Rowen?"

"No." He stated quickly and flatly, returning to his normal stoic features. "Cye, are you bothered by this? With Rowen and I being together?"

"Not at all. Why?" He gathered up Sage's purple sheer shawl to wrap around the strong shoulders.

"Well, now that I am with Rowen our nights together won't be…how can I put it? They won't be so often shared?"

Cye smiled at them both in the mirror. "I'm fine with it, love. I don't mind sharing with Ryo even though we aren't really lovers. Not like you and Rowen want to be. I do like to look at him as one, though."

Ryo peeked his head through the curtains of the balcony. "My ear's ringing. You guys talking about me?"

"No." They both stated.

"Oh. Okay." Ryo disappeared back onto the balcony.

"So then you and Ryo have the same type of relationship that we shared?" Cye nodded. "I see. Hm." There was a knock on the door announcing that their food was here. Cye went to answer it, allowing the servants to enter and place the five separate trays on the center table. Just as the servants were leaving, Rowen and Kento came in, closing the door behind them.

"Alright! The food's here!" Kento hurried to the table, looking at all five trays, wondering which was his. Everyone had the same, except for Sage's tray, which was the only one with gold utensils and a small bud vase containing a rose. Kento took one of the four trays for himself and began eating.

"Wait for the rest of us!" Cye laughed as he joined Kento at the table, followed by Ryo and White Blaze.

"After this I'll take you to the kitchens to get your meal, buddy." Ryo said to the white tiger.

Rowen was staring at Sage as the young man stood from his vanity seat. The first thing he noticed was the well-sculpted back, followed by the bare chest and sparkling emeralds. He tried to make it look like he wasn't staring, but Sage noticed it immediately. Sage gave him a wink and Rowen felt his knees buckle under him. Why was he dressed so…simply? Not that Rowen was complaining, but it would make breakfast a little difficult. He glanced over at Kento to see if his friend had noticed the staring, or the wink, but at the moment food was more important. Sage, Cye, and himself were given chairs while the other two stood to eat their meal. Rowen ate his fruit salad first, enjoying the sweet cool juices as they cascaded down his throat. They seemed a little extra sweet for fruits but he ignored it, moving on to his oatmeal. It was then that he noticed Sage staring intently at his food. Rowen wasn't the only one who noticed.

"Sage? What's the matter?" Ryo asked.

"Hm? Oh…nothing. I'm just not…well, I guess I'm not as hungry as I thought I was." He pushed the tray away. "I apologize. Continue your meal."

Rowen looked at him skeptically. It was Kento who surprised them by dunking his spoon into Sage's oatmeal and eating it. He took some of the fruit, and even sipped the milk. They all stared at him, curious and confused by the strange actions. Kento was silent for a moment, and then he said, "It's all safe to eat."

"How did you know?" Sage asked.

"I recognized the look on your face. You thought it might be poisoned, so I tested it for you." He turned to Rowen. "Remember that time during the yearly games some while ago? I was having it out with that one guy as we were competing?"

Rowen shifted his eyes, trying to remember, but it must have been unimportant at the time so his mind blocked it out. "Sort of." He lied.

"Well, I thought he was out to get me because I was so much better than he was. I thought he was going to poison my food or drinking water, so I was very cautious about what I ate and watched as it was made, just to make sure." He turned back to Sage. "So I know that look of worry."

"That was a stupid thing to do!" Cye was outraged by his carelessness. "You could have died if it was! We have proper testers here!"

Kento put another spoonful of his fruit salad in his mouth and chewed. "I wasn't worried." He spat out some pieces as he spoke.

Sage stood up from the chair. "While I appreciate your help I fear that I'm still not hungry. I might be later."

"At least drink something." Ryo offered his own goblet of fresh milk to him.

"No, no, it's yours. I'll be on the balcony."

They all watched as Sage disappeared through the curtains, and it was Rowen who had to follow him out. He had brought his goblet of fresh milk with him and leaned on the stone railing. "So, what are you thinking about?"

"I'm thinking about how much I DON'T want to be here."

Rowen's blue brows went up but he didn't turn to look at Sage. "Okay. But, you are the new lord."

"Not yet I'm not. I still have another year to go…IF I survive until my seventeenth birthday."

"Is that what has you worried?"

Sage stared out at the city. "More so than the Dynasty moving in on our city. It's not the workload or responsibilities I'm afraid of…it's the nest of vipers I live with." He gripped his fists on the stone railing top. "I swear…once I am of age I'll throw them all in jail to rot!"

Rowen chuckled. "They would kill themselves before you could carry out the order. But it's not a bad idea. It's actually quite tempting." He smirked. "You know, you don't have to stay here. Your uncle is 'technically' in charge. He is the lord regent. Maybe we could do what he had originally planned to do."

Sage glanced at him. "Which is?"

"Destroy the Dynasty and save the city. Therefore," he sat his goblet down and wrapped his arms around Sage's waist, forcing the other to look at him. "You will be considered a hero. Not just a war hero, but a hero of the common people as well. And then you will have ALL the power to deal with those old cooks, as you like." The corner of his lip curved into smirk.

Sage brushed the strand of thick blue hair from the center of Rowen's face. "You're a cunning, manipulative, sneaky little weasel, aren't you? I'm just glad I'm not YOUR enemy."

Rowen stuck out his tongue and winked. "You'd do well to always remember that."

Sage rolled his eyes and pulled out fro Rowen's arms to look down into the courtyard where people were already beginning to gather. "My father's funeral is today."

"Oh, right. That." Rowen reached his hand over and placed it on top of Sage's. "We're here for you."

"I know…but I'm afraid you and the others can't be with me during the lighting of the pyre. I must sit with my family. My mother will need my support."

"No problem. We understand."

"She'll leave tomorrow to go and live with my sisters, which is better for her; for all of them. I fear they won't be safe here either. I must fear for their safety as well. It's a shame."

Rowen nodded. "It is. But you're lucky to have had a big family, Sage. My parents never really cared for me. I was more loved at Kento's house with his family than I was at my own."

"Oh, I never said I had a warm and loving family. We're very traditional. Duty, honor, grace, and humility are our biggest attributes. Tender love and care doesn't quite fit in there." He smiled. "Which is why I call Cye to my bed sometimes. I like the tenderness and comfort of a gentle embrace, but it's not something that I want all the time."

Rowen grinned. "Hey, you and me both! Kento loves to cuddle and hug and smother…but I'm not really for all that stuff. What about Ryo? What's his deal with all this?"

"He's very righteous with virtues surrounding him like a protective magic shield. I'm surprised he ever did anything with Cye in the first place. He's very modest and shy when it comes to those matters. When his warrior title gets passed around the taverns, the serving girls tend to think it means something else."

"What's his warrior title that gets the ladies all excited?"

"The other warriors have dubbed him 'Ryo of the Wildfire', because of his swift techniques and advance sword skills. A trainer in our fighter arena once said that he 'cut through them like wildfire', and after that, it just became his title. The girls like to think its part of something else, which is why he tends to avoid the taverns and alehouses in the city."

Rowen chuckled. "Now I have to take him out sometime! I've always wanted to visit a tavern; and I'll have Ryo escort me! It's a perfect plan!"

"You'll have him blushing bright enough to match his title." Sage cracked a little smile, but he still wasn't feeling any real joy. "I should be heading down to the courtroom now. My mother is probably waiting for me."

"We'll go with you. Your council should always be present."

"I would like that."

Rowen finished his milk, and smacked his lips. "Do you guys sweeten the milk a lot?"

"No, just yours." Sage stated plainly. "Kento mentioned something to Ryo, who mentioned to Cye, that you need some sugar in your food or milk to keep you energized." He turned to look at Rowen's annoyed face, where a very prominent scowl was present. "Kento said you tire easily, which I have seen for myself, and I won't have him carrying you around or catering to your laziness. If you truly have a medical condition then we will see to it properly."

"I don't need any of that crap! KENTO! I'm gonna rip you a new one!" He stormed through the curtains and could be heard scolding Kento.

Sage shook his head, and looked down into the courtyard where another group of people were arriving. This group was a horde of nobles, most of them monks by the style of the robes. It was now or never. He was only delaying the inevitable. For a moment, he closed his eyes, relaxed his thoughts, and took a few deep, soothing breaths. Heading back inside, he took a sip from his goblet and waited for the others to be finished with their meals. When they were done, Sage led them all from the room and down to the main court hall where groups of people were gathering. As they made their way through the crowds, the nobles were bowing low before Sage as he passed. His council was already getting the whispers and murmurs started about the court. This was to be the first rag-tag council group in the Empire's history. Sage hoped his friends were acting the part and not being too ill mannered.

As they approached the dais, Sage saw that his uncle was already sitting in his father's chair, with his mother in her own. The old man was surrounded by his councilmen and toadies. All eyes were on him, but he would not waver under their gaze. Sage turned to his own group. "Ryo, you may accompany me to the dais. The rest of you, please stand to the side on the left. Don't let anyone push past you or keep you from that spot. And let Rowen do the talking if anyone asks." He leaned in to Rowen. "If you can, speak in the old tongue. Ask them first if they know how to speak it. Some do, but most don't. I rather not let too many people overhear what is said."

"No problem." Rowen whispered and urged the other two to come with him while Ryo accompanied Sage.

When Sage ascended the dais, his uncle, dressed all in black, gave him a woeful smile. "How are you this morning, nephew? You look well?"

"I have come to terms with this situation a long time ago. May I sit?"

"Of course."

His uncle clapped his hands and a servant brought over a regular chair for him. Sage's mother stood up to offer her chair, but Sage calmly sat in the one given to him. Ryo came and stood directly beside him, both hands on the hilt of his swords. He said nothing more to his uncle as the first part of the funeral services began. Nobles, both men and women, were standing before the dais and voicing their prayers, apologies, and regrets. Sage barely listened to them, for many of the nobles hardly knew his father. They didn't know him as well as Sage did, nor did they know how he felt even if they voiced it. No one knew how he felt because everyone feels differently. Right now he was very calm because the worse was over; he had known this day would come. But his father was no longer suffering, and in a way, that brought him a strange sense of peace. His father was now free of not only his disease, but all the troubles and responsibilities as well. Sage even had to wonder if his father openly welcomed death just for that reason.

He beckoned Ryo down with his finger and whispered, "I haven't checked on the others. How are they doing?"

"They're doing fine. No one is really talking to them. If anything, I think they're snuffing them."

Sage gave a slight nod. "Good. The less spoken the better. Keep your eyes peeled for any signs of danger."

"I'm on it."

/

"I'm gonna knock her on that fat plump bottom if she doesn't stop doing that!" Rowen whispered to Kento through his teeth.

"Who?" Kento glanced around.

"The old fat one in the red robes! She keeps staring at us, and every time I look at her, she quickly turns away with that big nose in the air. I've half a mind to go over there and ask her what her problem is!"

Cye shook his head. "You know what her problem is. Just ignore it. We're here to help Sage, not tongue-lash old grumpy women!"

Rowen crossed his arms and 'hmphed' as well. "I'll tongue-lash both her and her frumpy husband."

Kento's stomach growled and a few nobles nearby turned to stare at him. "I can't control it!" He whispered.

"Ignore them." Cye reminded him. "Keep your eyes open for anyone looking suspicious."

Rowen gave a light scoff. "That's the entire courtroom."

Another voice cut in to their conversation. "Excuse me?" It was a middle-aged nobleman. "You are Lord Sage's advisor, right?" He looked to Rowen, having pushed past Kento to get to him.

"I am." He changed to the old tongue. "Do you speak the old tongue?"

"I do. I know this may not be the best time, however, I doubt we'll be able to speak today after this moment."

"What is it you wish to speak of?" Rowen felt something heavy, a few heavy SOMETHINGS, dropped into his tunic pocket.

"The Dynasty draws near. Sage's father, rest his spirit, was against surrender and wanted to fight. We both know that would be silly, right?" Rowen only reached into his pocket and felt the thin gold coins that were given to him as a bribe. "You look like a very intelligent young man; why not set your sights on the easy life and talk Lord Sage in to surrendering? There is much more gold in store for you if you do."

He smirked and tilted his head to answer back. "Pardon my 'wild child' tongue, but don't try that shit with me." The man leaned back, surprised and frightened. "I don't take bribes, and I despise those who do, even more so the ones doing it. In many cases, 'money talks'; but not in my case. Leave my presence before I tell Lord Sage and some others what you were trying to do. And I'll be watching you very closely, so if you favor your hands, you'll cease this bribing for surrender."

"Or what?"

"Or else I'll have Ryo of the Wildfire cut them off." The man gasped. "It's an old policy and punishment, but it is still effective."

"I apologize! Speak nothing of this!"

"Get out of here."

Once the man disappeared back into the crowd, Cye leaned over Kento and asked, "What was that all about?"

Rowen let them have a peek at the gold coins. "He was trying to bribe me." He whispered.

"What for?" Kento asked.

"To talk Sage in to surrendering to the Dynasty with the others. What nerve he has coming up and asking me that during a funeral."

"No respect." Cye said with a disappointed shake of his head. "Sage was right…things ARE getting worse."

"And they'll continue to get worse unless we do something." Rowen pocketed the coins to show Sage later.

"But what should we do?" Kento asked.

Rowen put a finger to his lips. "We'll all talk later. I think they're moving on to the next stage of the funeral."

/

Rowen had altered Sage's plans for them to stay together during the funeral. He split from Kento and Cye to stand closer to Sage. He told the other two to spread out so they could cover more ground in the massive crowd. The man who tried the bribe now had him suspicious. Just whom else was he trying to bribe today? Rowen thought it'd be best if Cye and Kento spread out to look for more activity of the kind. It was better to keep track of whom the influential ones are in this matter. He couldn't wait to tell Sage about the bribe.

Rowen looked at Sage and couldn't really tell what the other was feeling. Sage's features were unreadable, as if he didn't have one shred of emotion within in his whole body. He stood perfectly still, without even a hair out of place. He looked like a statue; unseeing and unfeeling. The funeral master was preparing the pyre for the final stage, and yet it appeared as if Sage didn't care. Rowen wished he could be inside Sage's head right now, just to see and try to understand what the man was feeling. How many other mysteries did Sage hold secret? Rowen hoped he could continue to slowly chip away at the shell to release Sage's true self.

The pyre was lit with the flames reaching high above the crowd, puffs of black smoke shooting up to the open sky. Everyone stayed until the fires had slowly begun to fade, and the crowd dwindled in size. Most of the people leaving were city residents, commoners, who came to witness and pay respects. Now that the worst was over, the nobles would retreat in to the main dining hall to celebrate the passage of a fellow man in to the afterlife. The feast would also mark the true coronation of Sage's birthright. Inside the dining hall, there was one main table for Sage and his family to sit at, which consisted of his uncle and mother. For Rowen and the others, they were seated at the High Council table with numerous other 'close family' members. The old councilmen would barely speak to them, no matter how hard Cye tried to spark up a polite conversation. Ryo appeared uncomfortable being in a situation that did not entitle shadowing Sage in his usual protective duty. The swordsman ate very little. Kento had no issue eating and was keeping the conversation between the four of them lively. Rowen was barely listening to the other three, more focused on making mental images of each councilman's face. Sage wasn't kidding when he said this was a nest of vipers.

"So, you, young sir, with the blue hair?" Called one of the council members in Rowen's direction.

Rowen carelessly turned to look at him. "You may refer to me as 'High Councilman' or 'Master Rowen'."

The older man with dark hair simply smiled in a mocking manner, which only infuriated Rowen. "Perhaps I will when you EARN that title, like the rest of us have." He motioned to the other older men with his hand.

"Is that so? You see, I know that I am the most promising and prominent councilman here. Do you know why?" He crossed his arms. "It's because, unlike the rest of you balding old vultures, I have the intellectual skill and politic savvy mind that you all lack. With your 'birthright' comes an automatic title but you are not suited for the job. Only your title is important, and you lack the real qualities that are needed in a trusted councilman."

Cye nudged him with his foot from under the table. "Rowen, don't over do it." He whispered to his friend.

The dark haired man just chuckled. "We were all like you at your age, little man. Once you reach TRUE manhood then you will understand what it really means to be a High Councilman." The man threaded his fingers together. "We have noticed that you and Young Lord Sage are very close. And the rest can be said for your…other friends?" He motioned to Kento, Ryo, and Cye.

Ryo chose to speak up. "Lord Sage picked us because he has full trust and confidence in our council."

"Yeah!" Kento added. "And if anything, you guys should look at yourselves and wonder WHY Lord Sage chose to have a new group."

Rowen was impressed with their comebacks.

"There's no reason for everyone to bicker and argue." Cye spoke calmly. "The most important thing is for Lord Sage to have trustful friends and a wise council. We do as our Lord commands."

Rowen brushed off Cye's peaceful words, practically ignoring him. What these old councilmen needed was someone to point out their weaknesses and flaws. "Changes are going to be made around here, so you can either accept them or you can leave. Nothing is holding you here."

"Ah, but we are Lord Sage's uncle's councilmen until the boy comes of age. Therefore, you have no real power over us until we are sworn to Lord Sage." The other men laughed with him. "But keep that warrior's spirit. I hear it's important to have in that shithole you grew up in."

Kento shot up from his chair, its legs scraping along the stone floor and attracting attention. Rowen put his hand up to keep his friend from fighting back. "That 'shithole' I grew up in was rich in Empire history, science, astronomy, and mathematics. If any of you know how to speak in the old tongue, then you will recognize that I speak it fluently…coming from a 'shithole'. The only one of my tribe."

The first man sneered, unable to understand what he was saying. Yet another councilmen knew the old language and spoke back. "Yet you are still a wild child who speaks many tongues. Anyone can learn a language. You are not one of us."

"Well, Lord Sage seems to think differently, and his words are the only ones that count."

"He'll grow bored of you. Right now you are an interesting little curiosity from the woods."

"I beg to differ. And whatever it is you are 'referring' to, it's not true." Rowen turned to his wine and leisurely took a sip. "And I am much more of a curiosity than you could ever know."

"Then I guess we will be seeing much more of you in the days to come. So looking forward to learning all your 'curiosities'."

Rowen smirked over the rim of his cup. "Let's see if you can handle them."

The other councilmen just turned away from him and continued with their own conversations. Rowen gave a little sneer in their direction before turning to his own group. "Vipers." He whispered. "Each one."

"We didn't live a shithole." Kento muttered.

"They only said that to try and hurt us, but don't let it get to you. In the upcoming days, I'm sure a lot of things will be said about all of us, and none of them will be nice. Prepare for rumors and gossip."

Cye tucked back a strand of his auburn hair. "I'm sure I'll be partially gray by the end of the week…"

"Hey!" Ryo grabbed their attention. "Look! Sage and his uncle are leaving!"

"Where are they going?" Cye asked.

Ryo stood up from his chair. "He shouldn't be alone."

The other councilmen all stood up from their chairs. The dark haired one turned to them. "This is when the 'council' goes with the young lord to discuss the new changes. Best stay on your toes."

Rowen turned his friends. "Let's go support Sage. He's going to need our help."

The four followed the crowd of councilmen into the meeting chambers, but were turned out. Rowen was surprised that they were all dismissed so easily. But Sage had come back when all the councilmen were sitting in their proper places. "Best you four go about your business." He whispered. "I want them to tell me as much as possible, and they won't do that with new faces in the room. So forgive my rudeness, but it's necessary. I'll send for all of you shortly." He closed the door.

"I think we were snuffed again." Kento said, crossing his arms.

"No, Sage has a point." Rowen said in response. "They're more likely to talk openly with Sage there and not us." He narrowed his eyes at the door. "Come on, let's go back to the feasting hall and wait for the dessert."

/

A groom walked in with a handful of folded and rolled up papers to give to his uncle.

"I know this is short notice and perhaps not the best time, but your father left a few important papers unsigned. You have to sign them as well as make the changes you think we may need."

"Certainly." Sage said calmly. "What does the first paper contain?"

"All of these, nephew, pertain to the upcoming conflict with the Dynasty."

"Are they terms for surrender?" Sage asked him.

"Well, most of them speak of the great possibilities that will come with surrender. For example," his uncle opened one to hand over to him "this one is the amount of money our city will save without a war."

Sage glanced at it, but there were too many numbers to read all at once. "What else?"

"This document pertains to all of the goods and trade we will gain through the Dynasty. This next one here tells of their form of government, which, we think, will be easy for our people to adapt to. It is the welfare of the people we care about the most. Remember nephew, we councilmen are picked by the common people to speak for them."

Sage looked at the three papers and shook his head. "I'm afraid I cannot sign these without taking some time to look them over. Allow me to read over the documents tonight with my advisor and I shall give you an answer by morning."

His uncle gave a nervous little laugh. "You'll give ME an answer in the morning and we will discuss it further."

"Precisely." Sage replied. "Now, is there anything else pertaining to the Dynasty at the moment?"

"Only what is in these documents."

"Then I would like all my stuff to be moved to my father's chambers." Sage commanded. "I want my mother's things all packed and ready by tomorrow morning when she has to leave."

"Yes, but shouldn't we speak of-"

"That is all."

He stood up from the table, gathered the documents, and politely dismissed himself from the council. He could feel their eyes on him as he left the room. Sage knew he should have stayed a little longer, but he really did not want to discuss anything further at the present time. Sometimes, less was more. Along the way, Sage asked for the young man to find Rowen and tell him to meet with him in the gardens. The servant left to do as told, and Sage retreated to the quiet sanctity of the gardens. It was his favorite place to meditate, especially under the wisteria orchards or next to the koi pond. He would need a little peace and quiet after today; especially with the armful of documents that he had. Hopefully, Rowen could read through them quickly and figure out what they should do. Sage had too much on his mind right now to properly focus on it, and if Rowen wanted to be his advisor, then the man would have to do this job.

He took a seat on the stone bench alongside the koi pond and placed the scrolls down beside him. The pond was large, surrounded by rocks and decorated with various flowering plant life and fruit trees. The koi in the pond varied in size from small to large. They recognized him as a frequent visitor for they all started to gather near him, waiting for food. Sage had nothing for them. He waited for a short while; simply enjoying the tranquility of the pond and warm rays of the setting sun. Soon, a small shadow was cast upon him, and he looked up to see the smiling face of Rowen.

"So you nicknamed Cye after one of these fish? They don't look like much!"

"He enjoys fish and used to spend a lot of time here at the pond. It seemed like an appropriate nickname."

Rowen looked at the scrolls beside him. "Good news or bad news?"

"I'm sure it's all bad news. It's about the Dynasty…and surrendering."

"Figured. Let me have a look at them."

Sage gave him all the time and silence that he needed. Rowen had finally finished by the time the sun had set and the stars started to come out.

"Okay, so here's my conclusion." Rowen started, folding up the last document. "We're on our own with defeating the Dynasty."

"Can I have more than that?"

"While these statistics prove legit, they will only last for two years tops, maybe three. I'll have to calculate it more carefully to get a true number, but based on what I can see, these numbers won't last. It looks and sounds nice now, but down the road? Shit will fly. The Empire will fall."

Sage cracked his knuckles. "Then get me those numbers to present to the council tomorrow. It will fall on deaf ears, but at least I can have the facts to back me up. And I would like you with me as well."

Rowen nodded and reached into his pocket to pull out the gold coins. "Do you know where I got these?"

"Should I?"

"Someone tried to bribe me in talking you in to agreeing to surrender. I told him 'no' and to get lost."

Sage frowned, his features becoming troubled. "Money has more power than any living lord or god."

Rowen looked up at the sky. "True that." He closed his eyes and felt the cool evening air against his face. "How are you feeling by the way? I mean after today?"

"Why does everyone keep asking me that? I said I'm fine. I knew this day was coming. I had prepared for it a long while ago. Now it is over. And let's leave it there."

Rowen shrugged his shoulders. "Sure, I won't say anything about it again. But if you ever want to talk about it…I'll listen."

"Thank you." Sage looked over at Rowen, and then followed the gaze up to the sky. "Do you wish you were up there now? Just floating among the stars?"

He chuckled. "I've thought about that a lot. I thought I would grow out of those daydreams when I got older, but I haven't. And I'm glad that I didn't."

Sage thought for a second. "I wonder why you find fascination with the night sky and not the morning sky?"

"Because the morning sky is boring?" Rowen snickered.

"No, think about it. The stars never move; they remain in the same place and spot every night. But during the morning, the blue sky is filled with white clouds. Those clouds travel across the sky and across the world. Think of all the knowledge and wisdom they hold? The stories they could tell just from they've seen. Even the night sky has clouds, which also move."

Rowen wrinkled his nose. "Clouds are stupid."

Sage gave a light chuckle. "You're just jealous that I matched you wit for wit."

He crossed his arms. "I wouldn't call it 'wit'…jerk. The stars are better because I say so. When you've learned astronomy as well as I have, then we can debate about stars and clouds."

"Fair enough." There conversation was cut short by a series of distant screams, all of which were coming from the city. "What was that?"

"Something's happening in the city! I smell smoke…!"

Sage jumped up. "It sounds like an attack! Most likely the Dynasty." The screams grew louder. "Alert the soldiers, and call Ryo, Kento, and Cye here with us. And tell them to bring their weapons. I'll go get mine."

"So we're going out there?" Rowen wanted clarification.

"Yes. Hurry!"

There was an explosion somewhere in the city.

End Chapter 7 TBC
- 6
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Wild Child	By : FlayraDowitcher Category: +M to R > Ronin Warriors Views: 1521 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own RW/YST. I'm making no money off this fic.

Wild Child