Ryou’s Courage
by Yami Yue

I stood on the balcony off the bedroom I shared with my mate, watching my sliver haired son as he practiced with his sword in the garden below. Something was bothering Ryou, and I was waiting for the right time to find out what. He had been unusually quiet during dinner. He’d hardly said more than a few words all evening in fact. I felt my mate’s arms encircle my waist as he watched beside me. “Shall I go speak with him?” Hiei asked softly. “You’ve noticed too,” I murmured “Yes,” he responded. “I’ll speak with him,” I said. “Good luck,” Hiei replied as he released me from his embrace. I frowned, thinking that I would need it. When it came to speaking his mind, Ryou could be as unwilling as his father if your timing was wrong. Just as I’d learned with Hiei years ago it was sometimes best to let him come to me on his own and other times he needed a nudge in the right direction. I just hoped this time it was the latter.

I went outside into the garden. Ryou turned his head toward me as I approached. He completed the exercise and returned his forest sword back to its seed form. “You seem troubled White Rose,” I said softly as I sat down on the soft grass. Ryou sat down beside me and for a moment said nothing. “Do you remember when Kenji said that I should ask Yumi out?” he asked. I nodded. “Yes, I do,” I answered. “Do you like Yumi enough to take your brother’s advice?” Ryou’s cheeks reddened. “Yes,” he responded. He closed his eyes and leaned upon me, resting his head upon my upper arm. “I want to ask her father’s permission to court her,” I was surprised at that piece of information. It was common practice among the courtiers to do this, but I’d never imagined Ryou would want to take part in the tradition.

“Are you nervous?” I asked. “Yes,” Ryou answered as he opened his eyes. His copper colored orbs met mine. “I take after you quite a bit don’t I?” he asked. I smiled. “Yes Ryou, you do,” I replied. “…but you also are a lot like your father,” Ryou sighed and closed his eyes again. “Still, it’s my similarity to you that makes me nervous about going to Yumi’s father and asking his permission to court her,” he said softly. “I’ve heard the whispers of the courtiers. Some seem to think that since we look so much alike that I’ll seduce their daughters to lie with me and break their hearts by moving on to another,” I frowned. “Those courtiers have too much time on their hands,” I murmured darkly. Ryou smiled at my remark but it quickly faded.

“I’m just afraid that Yumi’s father has heard those whispers, and won’t give me a chance because of them,” he said. Gently I ran my fingers through Ryou’s hair, trying my best to soothe him. “I wish that Aunt Genkai could have trained me before we went to the tournament with you and Dad,” he sighed. “ I would have liked to be able to read his mind,” “Ryou, even if Yumi’s father rejects you at first I’m sure that eventually he’ll see that you’re a brave young man with a good heart, and more than worthy to date his daughter,” I said softly. “I hope you’re right Papa,” Ryou responded. “I want to ask Yumi to the Winter Solstice festival,” I smiled and kissed his forehead. “I wish you luck,” I said. Ryou smiled back. “Thanks,” he responded. “I’ll need it,”

“Let’s go inside now,” I said as I stood and brushed myself off. “You need to get cleaned up and I’m sure you have homework that needs to be finished,” Ryou rose and brushed his clothing off as well. “Did you have to remind me?” he groaned. I smiled, holding back my laughter. “Let me guess, another writing assignment?” I responded. “Worse,” Ryou said. “Makai history,” I raised my eyebrow. “Why is that worse?” I asked. “The reading assignment is on what has to be the dullest part of Makai history,” He responded “…and several chapters long,” “Just don’t stay up too late alright?” I responded. “You have classes tomorrow,” “I won’t,” Ryou assured me. “Papa?” “Yes,” “Thanks for coming out here,” he said. I smiled. “You’re welcome,” I responded. “Don’t forget you can always talk to me about things like this ok?” Ryou nodded.

I sighed as I climbed into bed later. Gently, I placed my arms around my mate. He leaned into my embrace. “How did it go with Ryou?” he asked. “Quite well actually,” I replied. “I think our little boy is in love,” Hiei broke from my arms and sat up. “What?!” he exclaimed. “He’s nervous about asking a girl’s father for permission to court the girl he likes,” I informed him. Hiei’s eyes widened. “The years have passed too quickly,” he said with a frown. “Yes,” I agreed. “Before we know it Kenji and Ryou will be moving out on their own, choosing mates, starting their own families,” Hiei sighed and laid back down. “Too soon for me,” he murmured softly. I sighed. “I know,” I agreed. “Our little firekits are nearly all grown up,”

“You can’t be serious,” Kenji said in disbelief as he and Ryou headed for the practice grounds. Shiro looked at his best friend in disbelief. “You’re really going to ask Lord Akiro’s permission to court Yumi?” The feline apparition asked. “Yes,” Ryou answered. Hiroshi shook his head. “Good luck man,” the wolf apparition said. “You’ll need it,” Kenji placed his hand on his twin’s shoulder. He knew he didn’t need to say anything to show his support for his brother. Ryou gave his brother a grateful smile.

The four friends found a place on the soft grass on the field Yusuke’s soldiers used for weapons practice. Normally, being outdoors put Ryou more at ease, but his impending talk with Lord Akiro at the end of class put him on edge. As a result Ryou didn’t win even one of his practice matches. As he rejoined his brother and two best friends on the sidelines he could practically hear his father’s voice chiding him for being so distracted. To add to the embarrassment, he spotted Yumi’s father standing a few feet away. Ryou was just glad his parents weren’t there to witness the fiasco his lesson had been. Thankfully it was over, now came what Ryou had been dreading the whole day.

Summoning his courage, Ryou stood and made his way to the tall, red haired youko. Lord Akiro watched his approach coolly, reminding Ryou of how his parents had described Seiryu of the saint beasts. “You fought poorly today,” Lord Akiro commented. “I would have expected better of Lord Kurama’s son,” Ryou bowed and respectfully lowered his eyes. “As well you should m’lord,” Ryou responded. “Normally my skill is much better, no doubt I shall have extra practice tonight,” To Ryou’s surprise the elder youko chuckled. “It is my guess that thoughts of my daughter are to blame for your poor performance today,” Akiro said. Ryou looked up at him in shock and a moment later his cheeks reddened. “I am ashamed to admit I was distracted,” he replied. “If I may speak with you a moment longer, I might be able to put one of those distractions to rest,” Lord Akiro nodded for the silver haired young man to continue. “May I have the honor of courting your daughter Yumi?” Ryou asked. Lord Akiro didn’t seem at all taken aback by Ryou’s request. The younger silver haired male found his heart beating wildly as he awaited an answer. “What are your intentions toward my daughter?” Lord Akiro asked. “To get to know her better, become closer to her, and perhaps one day ask her to become my mate,” Ryou answered honestly.

Finally the youko lord nodded his head. “You may date Yumi,” he said. Ryou let out a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding. Joy and relief flooded through him. “Thank you sir,” Ryou managed to say as he bowed again. Lord Akiro chuckled again. “Just don’t let yourself get so distracted again,” he said. “I’d hate to see Yumi cry if you were hurt. You’re all she talks about these days you know,” “It’s clear to me that I’d never hear the end of it, if I’d refused you,” Ryou smiled. “I’ll be more careful from now on sir,” Ryou assured him. “Another poor practice session like that and neither one of my parents would let me hear the end of it,” Lord Akiro laughed louder.

“Hi Ryou,” a feminine voice called. Ryou turned to face a lovely youko vixen his own age. Her hair was of the fiery red and gold of flames, and her almond shaped eyes were a dazzling emerald green. Ryou knew he could spend all day staring into those beautiful eyes. His cheeks burned red once more in a blush. “Hello Yumi,” he responded. Ryou lifted his hand and pulled a seed from his hair. He channeled his energy into it and as he lowered his arm a red rose appeared. Shyly, he held it out to Yumi. “Would you like to go with me to the festival?” he asked. Yumi smiled as she took the offered rose. “Of course I will,” she answered. “I was beginning to think you’d never ask,” If it was possible Ryou’s cheeks turned even redder. Thankfully, the sound of his instructor calling him saved Ryou from making a response. Ryou bowed toward Lord Akiro. “Thank you once more sir,” he said. He turned to Yumi and gently kissed her hand. “I look forward to going to the festival with you,” he said with a smile, then hurried off to see what his teacher wanted.

I was surprised to come home to an empty house. I frowned; Kenji and Ryou normally were home by now. They always let one of us know when they were going to be late and neither of my sons or my mate had alerted me that they would be . A moment later, I felt the spirit energy of my twin sons swiftly approaching. My frown deepened. I’d never known them to run at full speed unless it was an emergency. As if out of thin air they landed upon the balcony off the dining room. Kenji appeared first, followed a heartbeat later by Ryou. “Uh oh,” Kenji said. “We’re busted,”

Ryou’s eyes widened slightly. “Papa! You’re home early,” he said. I raised an eyebrow. “Actually, the two of you are late,” I corrected. “What happened?” “Ryou had to stay after weapons practice,” Kenji blurted. Ryou glared at his brother. “Thanks a lot,” he hissed. “Why in Inari’s name did you have to stay after weapons practice Ryou?” I questioned. My silver haired son gulped and lowered his eyes. His ears and tail drooped in shame. “I was so nervous about asking Lord Akiro if I could date Yumi I couldn’t concentrate,” he answered. “So I stayed after and sparred with Kenji to show sensei that I could do the exercises,” “Kenji, go wash your hands and set the table,” I instructed. “Then join Ryou and me in the kitchen,” “Yes Papa,” my raven haired son responded then headed off toward his and Ryou’s rooms.

I gently took the basket of groceries from Ryou’s arm. Slowly, he raised his eyes. “Are you angry with me?” he asked softly. I set the basket on the table and embraced him. “No Ryou, I’m not angry,” I assured him. “Nor am I ashamed of you,” “I love you,” I said softly. Ryou smiled. “I love you too Papa,” he replied. “Can we please not tell Dad about this?” I chuckled. “I won’t say a word,” I assured him. “Did everything else go well?” I asked. “Yes,” Ryou answered. “Lord Akrio gave me his permission and Yumi agreed to go with me to the festival,” I smiled, glad to hear that my son’s fears had been unfounded. “So, when are you inviting this young lady over for dinner?” I asked as I released him from my embrace. “Soon, I hope?” Ryou’s cheeks reddened. “Papa, we haven’t even had our first date yet,” he groaned.

He then smiled. “I can introduce you to her day after tomorrow,” He said. I nodded. “I’d like that,” I responded. “I want to see the girl who has captured the heart of my White Rose,” Once more Ryou’s cheeks reddened at the use of my nickname for him. "We’d better get started on dinner before your father comes home and wonders why it’s late,” I said. “You can tell me all about your conversation with Lord Akiro while we cook,” Ryou smiled and followed me into the kitchen. I couldn’t help but recall what I’d told my mate the night before. Our firekits were nearly all grown up. Soon they would marry and have families of their own. Still, I knew that in my heart, these two firefoxes would always be my firekits.