Ronin Warriors Fan Fiction ❯ Redemption is not kind ❯ quiet introductions ( Chapter 11 )

Some hours later...


Sendril was sitting at Shuten’s bedside with a small vermilion haired boy in her lap as she watched the elder sleep. The boy was curled against her in a light doze, exhausted by all the activity of his new “family”. She stroked the small boy’s head as the elder red head began to stir and open his eyes.
“...Welcome back to the land of the living.” She whispered when his eyes fixed on her. “Don’t shout, you’ll wake him...” She reached out to touch his face. “His name is Shuu...”
He reached out a bandaged hand to touch the boy, her hand caught his as she shook her head. She feared that his touch would wake the boy.
“No...don’t.” She whispered. “Just rest, he nor I are going anywhere...”
He lay there, his hand covered by hers, looking at the small boy in her lap. He wondered how much time had passed that she’d have a child with her.
“...Is this your kit, lady Kitsune?” He asked softly.
“He is now...” She said. “He will grow up strong and safe, non will reject him out of hand...”
“I knew such a child once...” He whispered. “He became an Oni...”
“The oni is dead, and he who remains lives...” She said. “and can grow...”
The boy stirred, curling closer into Sendril’s lap. She gently laid her hand on his head, whispering that it was alright.
“...Then I am left to bear the scars...”
She knew he spoke of himself when he spoke of the boy who had become a demon. She knew his nightmares had taken their toll upon him.
“Shuten, there was a reason you life was given back to you.” she touched his face. “Do not waste the gift.”
Yukito came in, and came beside Sendril. She acknowledged him with a slight nod.
“I’ll take the boy,” He said, holding out a large blanket. “And get him settled....”
She surrendered the child, standing to adjust the blanket Yukito had brought.
“His new room in just across from mine, get him tucked in and I’ll check on him before I go to bed.”
Yukito nodded, “I’ll come relive you in a few hours...”
She smiled and returned her attention back to Shuten. He was curious he’d seen the man in her presence many times, they appeared close and intimate yet she seemed that way with him.
“...Your husband?” He asked.
“No,” She said softly “He’s my lieutenant and second in the healing rooms.”
He lay watching her, her fingers touching him now and again. She watched the emotions on his face, he reminded her of Shinji. At that thought, the ghost glided up behind her.
My father is hansom is he not...
She made a noise. Mind your own business thank you...
Touchy... A slight breeze. Please Sendril, remember your own rules. Don’t fall for my father; it will only break your heart...
It may be harder done than said...
The ghost did not speak again until some time later, to inform her that Yukito was returning
Yukito’s coming... He said. I will go now...
She heard the Frost Child’s footsteps, then the clink of the tray.
“...I brought food.” Yukito said. “And we have a visitor wishing to meet with you.”
She rose, letting go of Shuten’s hand.
“I’ll go greet them then.”
“As you wish...”
She turned out of the healing rooms, and into the small Greeting room off the main hall...