Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ Bound Together ❯ It Was My Birth Right ( Chapter 17 )

Chapter 17

It Was My Birth Right

 

“I know he was here.” Carine yelled at Tai-Li.

 

“What are you talking about?” Tai-Li growled as he slowly sat up in his bed and rubbed his head.

 

“You're little brother! He was in last night!” She yelled again.

 

“I don't have any idea what you are talking about.” Tai-Li said as he looked at her.

 

“Where are your bandages?” She asked immediately.

 

“I took them off.” Tai-Li said as he lay back down in his bed and turned away from her. “No leave me be, you woke me from a peaceful sleep.”

 

“Don't give me that! Why are you without your bandages?” She growled and went to find more.

 

“I wanted to see the ugly cow you truly were.” He smiled to himself.

 

“Then we'll see about that from now on. I'm pretty sure your father won't like the sound of this.” Carine smiled.

 

“Stop it Carine!” Tai-Li yelled as he sat back up and glared at her. “You are not my fiancée and I will not have you trying to run my life!”

 

“Oh dear, have you forgotten? It was your father who said you were to be my husband, and that is how it will be.” She smiled as she approached him with the bandages.

 

“I don't need those!” Tai-Li fumed as his cheeks began to glow a pink from frustration.

 

“You will listen to me, or I'll make many bad things happen.” She chuckled and began warping Tai-Li eyes.

 

Tai-Li gritted his teeth. How long must he put up with this.

 

~ * ~

 

Tai-Shi quickly took a bite of a biscuit he stole from the morning meal.

 

“This tastes all right.” He said to himself as he shoved the rest of the biscuit in, enjoying the food he was eating. His family food was much better than either Sei's or Rei's estates had. “Now…for the eggs and bacon…” He had grabbed a bowl the other night and had been using it to grab what was not as easy to hold with just hands.

 

He sighed after his meal, only feeling sick from eating so much. He looked down at his stomach, which was finally showing some growth. He freaked out.

 

“I'm getting fat!” Tai-Shi whined as he leaned against the wall of his room.

 

Today was going to be a busy day. Their father was going to get ready to hand the rights to estate over to Tai-Li that evening, finally, and Tai-Li would be setting Tai-Shi free.

 

“I have to make father accept me tonight…before he gives his title to Tai-Li…” Tai-Shi sighed, unsure how to do that…with his luck…he wouldn't be allowed to view the ceremony.

 

The other families were invited to join, so he had a good chance with either sitting near his father or with either Rei's family or Sei's. More or less Rei would probably get him to sit near him.

 

He also had to be on guard. The other Masters had made a plan to kill his father. Rei had personally volunteered to do the work to save Tai-Shi. He sighed again and laced his fingers through his oily blond hair.

 

“I need a bath…” He said slowly before setting off to take a private bath.

 

~ * ~

 

Tai-Li sighed as he sat at the edge of his bed as Carine fussed over what he was going to wear for the evening ceremony.

 

“You should wear this gown.” Carine smiled and held it up to him. “It would surly bring out the color in your face.”

 

“I prefer to wear the normal black gowns that father has always had me wear.” Tai-Li sighed bitterly.

 

“Those robes are not suited for my fiancée! I will not have you wearing plain ordinary robes! You will go with some color that will represent your new power here in the estate!” Carine said as she hurried back over towards the wardrobe and fished through the clothing.

 

Tai-Li sighed again and leaned back onto the bed. He was finally glad he could see again. The lights gave him a slight headache, but he was tolerating it for now. After all, his eyes weren't really hit by the blade, but the brim of his nose was and the skin above his eyes, leaving a horrible scar. He looked to his right and saw a mirror hanging from the vanity he took from his mother's room. It was out of place with him, but he kept it in memory of his mother, and he used to love taking care of Tai-Shi's hair when it was longer.

 

“Found it!” Carine giggled as she rushed back over to Tai-Li. Tai-Li sat up to see what she was holding and sighed. She was holding a white robe with green trim that matched his eyes.

 

“Why white?” Tai-Li asked, looking up at Carine.

 

“It is a symbol for purity.” She smiled and held it out for him to take.

 

Tai-Li took the garment and watched her, “The only time someone in this family wears white is when they are one, first born, and two, laid to rest. Neither of the two is the occasion.

 

“I wear white all the time.” Carine snapped, trying to get him to see her view.

 

“Yeah…an off shade of white.” Tai-Li smirked.

 

Carine glared at him. “Change into that now.”

 

“I will when you leave the room.” Tai-Li simply replied as he slowly stood up.

 

“I said now. We are to be wed this evening after your father passes on his title to you.” Carine snapped, having grown irritated with Tai-Li.

 

“I will still not undress in front of you! I will live this marriage of yours without having any need for your touch!” Tai-Li growled.

 

“Then what if you need my touch one night?” She smiled, hoping she caught him.

 

“My right hand is far more welcomed then yours will ever be!” Tai-Li's face was turning a light shade of pink at this point.

 

“How dare you!” She snapped at him as her face turned red.

 

“I don't want to hear it. In this world you are nothing but a slave!” Tai-Li shouted.

 

“What is this racket?” Came a gruff voice from out in the hall.

 

“Great!” Tai-Li growled as he opened the door to stare at his father in front of him.

 

“What is taking you so long to change into your robes?” He sounded annoyed.

 

“Because she insists that I wear something other then the traditional robes.” Tai-Li said as he glared at Carine.

 

Eliot looked over towards the small girl who had pulled her hair to lie down around her shoulders.

 

“Why is it that you're fussing over prearranged robes?” He asked.

 

Carine slumped to the floor and bowed apologetically.

 

“I'm sorry father…I just believe that the colors of the traditional robe does not suit your son, or our new Master.” He began.

 

“Go on…” Eliot said impatiently.

 

“I just wanted other to know when they saw him that he's their Master…he's the one they will listen to.” Carine ended, never raising her eyes to meet Eliot's.

 

“Fine, have it your way.” He looked up at Tai-Li, “Change into them now. No excuses.” With that being said, he turned and left the room, closing the door behind him loudly.

 

The door echoed in the room for a few moments before Carine finally stood up and smiled back at Tai-Li.

 

Tai-Li grumbled, “I can't believe this.”

 

“Better do what Daddy says.” Carine chuckled as she took her seat on the edge of his bed and grabbed her white fan from the vanity and began to fan herself.

 

Tai-Li grumbled as he slowly lifted his shirt and tossed it onto the floor next to him.

 

~ * ~

 

“This way Master Mori.” The guards of the Kay estate said as they led the Mori family towards the main dining room.

 

Sei looked around the halls as they walked through the estate; this was the first time he had really ever been inside.

 

Sei and his father were led to a large room that was presumed to be the main dining room. Seated around the room were the small tables designed with fabrics that represented each individual family. Master Berth and Rei were sitting down at the tablet on the left, and it looked to be that the Path family would be taking the middle table, and then Sei's family would be taking the table on the right. He took his seat on the left, and looked towards the front of the room, seeing only three places set at the main table. Master Kay sat in the middle of the three seats, and on his right Tai-Li would sit, so that left Tai-Shi to sit on the left.

 

“Sei, it is improper to wear your arms at a dinner table.” Len smiled as he himself removed a small dagger from his side and placed it next to him where he sat.

 

Sei nodded as he slowly removed his bow and quiver from his back and laid them neatly down beside him. Sei had decided to never leave his estate without his bow again. He had to stop relying on others to protect those he loved. He stared at the seat that was to Master Kay's left. I will not let you protect us anymore…

 

Sei hated how Tai-Li had been the one to rescue Allen that day, he was grateful, but he was upset more with himself that he could not protect the one he loved.

 

“Ah, Master Mori, it's been a while.” Maith said as he called over to Len.

 

“Our lives are but a passing second on the clock that Father Time holds for us.” Len began.

 

“Don't give me that Len. It's been a few weeks here.” He laughed lightly and got up to join Len and Sei for the time being.

 

“I do not see your son, where has he gotten off to?” Len asked quietly.

 

“He's off taking care of something with the young Kay son.” Maith paused and leaned in closer. “Eliot has the nerve of claiming Tai-Shi is not his son, that he is put a servant's child.”

 

“It won't matter for long now, will it?” Len said quietly, hardly above a whisper.

“Not long at all.” Maith said quietly as he looked up and saw Rei and Tai-Shi enter the room.

 

Tai-Shi wore light green robes that Tai-Li had found for him in his wardrobe. Everyone in the room could feel the heavy tension that Eliot Kay was creating.

 

“Come on Tai-Shi, you can sit over here beside me.” Rei said quietly as he slowly hobbled over towards his table.

 

“Seems your son is healing well.” Len said with a distant gaze.

 

“Yes, but he's still a bit slow…” Maith said sadly, watching his son and Tai-Shi together.

 

“He doesn't seem slow.” Len replied quietly so the two boys could not hear.

 

“He does his best not to show it around others.” Maith sighed. “When he's alone, he gets frustrated at himself for not being able to the things he used to. He has a lot of trouble multitasking.”

 

“Don't we all?” Len asked.

 

“You wouldn't understand Len unless you knew him…it's just…not like Rei…” He sighed as he stood up and walked back over towards his table.

 

Shortly after, the guards announced that the Path family has arrived and they were showed to their seats in the middle of the other two.

 

Rei slowly stood up and approached Master Kay and then bowed, “I bring you a gift for the day of your son's wedding and coronation.” Rei began as everyone was silent and watched.

 

Eliot watched the young Master and then looked up at Maith.

 

“It is your medicinal herbs Eliot.” Maith reassured him with wave of his hand.

 

Eliot smiled and gladly took the gift as Rei stood up and moved slowly back to his seat. Tai-Shi watched Rei, glaring at him slightly.

 

“What's wrong Tai-Shi?” Rei smiled as he sat down.

 

“What did you give him?” He asked at once.

 

“The stuff your father smokes…remember? You saw it growing at my estate. It's a tradition.” He nodded to reassure Tai-Shi.

 

“What's a tradition?” He asked, keeping his eye on Rei.

 

“Giving the Master of the Estate a gift when he gives his title away to his first born son.” Rei said as he picked up his cup that was filled with tea and sipped on it. Rei then put his finger to his lips as he motioned for Tai-Shi to look up.

 

Tai-Li and Carine slowly walked into the room, and everyone went silent because soon the ceremony would start. Tai-Li looked around as he approached the table.

 

“What is it Tai-Li?” Carine asked sweetly, looking up at him with a soft smile.

 

“I don't see Tai-Shi sitting at the head table.” Tai-Li said flatly as he looked back and saw him sitting next to Rei. “Why is he down there?” He said crossly, glaring at Carine.

 

“I did not want him to sit with us.” She said flatly as she led Tai-Li up to his seat.

 

“And why is that?” Tai-Li demanded an answer.

 

Everyone watched from their seats, unsure exactly what was going on between the two.

 

“Enough! I shouldn't have to remind you what today is.” Eliot glared at Tai-Li.

 

Tai-Li sighed as he took his seat to the right of his father.

 

Soon…I'll be able to free you soon Tai-Shi, just wait a little longer.

 

Tai-Li sighed as he watched the maids enter the room and place the food for the evening feast.

 

Everyone sat quietly chatting around their tables. Sei had leaned back so that he could talk with Allen. Rei was happily letting Tai-Shi feed him as if he was helpless.

 

“Rei…quit making Tai-Shi feed you.” Maith laughed lightly as Tai-Shi placed a spoon of a creamy soup in his mouth.

 

Rei smiled and swallowed, “I'm not making him feed me father.” He said as he looked over and Tai-Shi pouted lightly and held up another spoon full. Rei took the bite slowly and looked back at his father after he swallowed, “He just won't let me eat by myself.”

 

“You're talking too much.” Tai-Shi mumbled as he got another spoon full and put it close to Rei's mouth.

 

“Why won't you let me eat by myself? I'm sure you must be hungry.” Rei asked as he took another bite and waited for Tai-Shi to answer.

 

“I'm checking to see if the food was poisoned.” Tai-Shi said blankly as Rei choked.

 

“You've got to be kidding me? You mean you're only doing this to see if I drop dead on the floor?” Rei asked.

 

“Exactly…” Tai-Shi smiled as he held up another spoon full.

 

“I guess the food wasn't poisoned then.” Rei laughed lightly. He looked back at Tai-Shi, “Now tell me the real reason to why you're not letting me eat by myself.”

 

The truth of the matter was that Tai-Shi felt guilty for what he had done to him. His gaze dropped as he looked away towards the floor.

 

“Tai-Shi…” Rei sighed and leaned on him. “I'm fine. You don't have to do this. I don't blame you.” He said quietly, “And…I've been able to take care of myself since my nurse was dismissed.”

 

“Nurse?” Tai-Shi asked quietly.

 

“Yeah…my father had arranged for a nurse to tend to my needs, and his.” He said bitterly.

 

“What do you mean?” Tai-Shi asked quietly.

 

“It means that I'm finally going to have a grandson.” Maith laughed.

 

Tai-Shi's mouth dropped, “You're having a baby?”

 

“What was that?” Allen asked as he peered over the table and around his father.

 

Sei was leaning back and was waiting to hear what was going on.

 

“I'm not having a baby Tai-Shi…only women can have babies.” Rei grumbled, not liking the attention he was getting. He then leaned closer to Tai-Shi, “But she is carrying my child.”

 

Tai-Shi watched Rei slightly surprised. “I thought you didn't like…” He began.

 

“It wasn't like I was able to stop her.” Rei said bitterly.

 

Tai-Shi had known what he meant all too well. “Yeah…”

 

“I don't know how many times I can tell I'm sorry…I really can't tell you enough.” He said quietly.

 

“It's alright…” Tai-Shi said softly. “I'm okay.”

 

“Tai-Shi…I really do hope you get to see the person I wanted to be…” He said just hardly above a whisper as he sipped on his tea.

 

“Alright…” Tai-Shi said slowly.

 

“Father…not here.” Tai-Li said agitatedly.

 

Everyone looked up to see Eliot had opened the package given to him by Rei.

 

“As long as I am alive, and as long as I am still Master of this estate, I will enjoy my smoke when ever, and wherever I want.” Eliot said as he glared down at his son. “As soon as I am done here, I will pass along my seal and treasure to you when I am done.”

 

Tai-Li sighed and glanced over to the Berth table, watch Tai-Shi feed Rei. He finally looked away and watched Allen and Sei talking. Everyone seemed to be enjoying himself.

 

After a while of everyone talking and eating, Master Kay finally put down his gift, having finished what he could of it and stood up. He beckoned for a maid to come to him with a small package. She handed it to him gingerly and walked out of the room.

 

“Now, attention all.” Eliot turned to Tai-Li who stood up slowly. He then preceded to go on about the family past, sure to bore everyone in the room.

 

“If he keeps this up Tai-Li isn't going to get the title…” Rei said quietly to his father.

 

“What do you mean?” Tai-Shi asked, over hearing them.

 

“It's nothing Tai-Shi; just watch your brother succeed your father.” Maith said in a hush voice.

 

Tai-Shi sighed as he listened to the elaborate story of his family past. Tai-Li had never told him anything like this before, and what made Tai-Shi most happy was that he was hearing this from his own father.

 

Finally…just a little longer Tai-Shi…

 

Tai-Li smiled as he listened to his father, and finally heard what he wanted to hear.

 

“This is the family emblem.” Eliot said as he opened the small round crest. It was decorated in gold and silver with rime stones decorating the middle. The crest had no real meaning for the family, but it has been with them since their first ancestor began the clan. “You have succeeded the family name.” Eliot said as he looked down at his son, and Tai-Li noted that this was the first time in a long time that he had saw his father feel proud for him.

 

“Father?” Came a small fearful voice.

 

Eliot turned and glared down at the blond boy that looked so much like himself.

 

“May I please…become a part of this family? I want to bear the family name proudly also.” Tai-Shi said as he looked up at Eliot, his face pale but he was determined.

 

Everyone watched silently, unsure as of what was going to happen next.

 

Eliot leaned over the table towards Tai-Shi and growled.

 

“How dare you ask me such an outrageous question!”

 

“Please! That's all I want. I just want you to accept me!” Tai-Shi pleaded as he closed his eye tightly.

 

“Tai-Shi! Don't!” Tai-Li said quickly and tried to get between his father and his younger brother.

 

“I still have authority in this house! You will never be apart of this family!”

 

Something inside of Eliot snapped as he jumped over the table and wrapped his thick hands around Tai-Shi's tiny neck. He straddled his son and held him to the ground. “You took Siren away from us! You destroyed this family you filthy disease!” Eliot yelled while his face turned red as he glared down at Tai-Shi.

 

Tai-Shi couldn't make a noise as he slowly opened his eye and stared up at his father's angry face.

 

You see me…only me…

 

Tai-Shi smiled, not being able to hear anything else that was going on around them and closed his eye slowly.

 

“Let go of him!” Tai-Li yelled as he dove over the table and grabbed his father and desperately tried to pull him off his younger brother. “Tai-Shi!”

 

Maith and Raze had quickly gotten up from their seats and went to assist Tai-Li in helping Tai-Shi.

 

Before they could reach Eliot, they noticed something strange about him. White foam began to form around his mouth as his grip around Tai-Shi's neck loosened.

 

Tai-Shi's eye snapped opened as he heard his father's strange noises.

 

“Father?” Tai-Shi gasped with a raspy voice.

 

Tai-Shi felt his father warm drool drip onto his cheek and seep down to his neck. Eliot coughed and slurred as he slowly collapsed over Tai-Shi, almost smothering him.

 

Raze and Maith lifted him off of Tai-Shi as Tai-Li rushed over to his side.

 

“Are you alright Tai-Shi?” Tai-Li asked as he felt a trembling hand on his shoulder. He turned and saw it was Carine.

 

“What's going on? What happened?” Carine asked, her face white with a hint of green as she watched the event unfold.

 

“Not now Carine!” Tai-Li said as he turned to help Tai-Shi sit up. “Tai-Shi?”

 

Tai-Shi shook slightly as he looked passed Tai-Li.

 

“What's wrong with father?” He asked as he looked back at Tai-Li.

 

Tai-Li turned around and looked at Len who was checking for Eliot's pause, but shook his head.

 

“What happened?” Tai-Li asked as he waited for an answer.

 

Maith turned around, “Well, your father has…how to say…”

 

Len sighed as he sat back and rested his arm on his knee, “He's one with the earth.”

 

“One with the earth?” Tai-Li asked.

 

“He died?” Carine blurted out as she held her stomach and stepped away from them all.

 

Maith nodded, “I didn't know this is how it was going to happen…”

 

“What do you mean?” Tai-Shi blurted out as he stared at Maith.

 

Maith turned and looked over at Tai-Shi, knowing he had said something wrong.

 

“Tai-Shi…” Tai-Li began.

 

“No! What's going on!” Tai-Shi yelled.

 

“Tai-Shi…he's dead…he can't hurt you anymore…” Tai-Li said as he grabbed Tai-Shi's shoulders and forced him to look him. “You're free…you can finally be a true Kay.”

 

“No…” Tai-Shi said slowly, staring at Tai-Li.

 

“What do you mean no?” Tai-Li asked, a bit confused.

 

“Only father can do that for me…” Tai-Shi began, “Why did he have to die?” He slowly began to cry.

 

“Tai-Shi…it will be alright.” Tai-Li began.

 

“No…something's wrong…something doesn't make sense.” Tai-Shi cried harder.

 

“Tai-Shi…” Tai-Li said as he slowly wrapped his arms around Tai-Shi and pulled him into a gentle embrace.

 

~ * ~

 

Author's Note: Eliot's finally dead; something doesn't quite seem to fit. Carine is on the edge of a nervous brake down. What happened? Having lost his only true chance to be accepted into the family, what is Tai-Shi going to do? What does he think happened? Well, we'll find this all out in the final chapter of Bound Together.