" So, the gathering celebrates freedom?" Kurama asked.
Lord Shikon nodded. " I could not kill all of the Soreians. But they fell back and seemed to vanish long enough for us to flee from the island and find our own home. Once we landed on mainland, we split the vast numbers into smaller clans...each taking on a charactistic of their own and finding a place to settle. This act protected the WHOLE clan. The clan groups that were created upon our landing rarely saw each other again. But, in becoming smaller and more diverse....more DISPERSED, it would be harder for the Original Clan to be caught again."
He paused. " Even small clans are at risk. So we disperse into solitary individuals or family sects and live our own lives...waiting to reunite with the Sub-Clan again. We didn't want people to know where our clan had settled. We decided a five year wait was long enough to deter most seekers. Those not of our clan who enter our grounds are usually quick to be caught and examined. Not just anyone can stay on the grounds and live."
Kurama gulped, causing Lord Shikon to chuckle, " I've already stated you were welcome here, Suiichi."
" I see. Tell me more about Kuro-Shin and Sore-Shin." Kurama requested.
" Kuro-Shin can be used by anyone...any living creature that possesses even an ounce of evil or sin. It feeds off desires and temptations...and consumes the victim until it drains them of their sanity...and destroys them. Sore-Shin amplifies the pure and unselfish deeds and acts of love of its holder. However, Sore-Shin cannot be commanded. Kuro-Shin and Sore-Shin are the commanders. Kuro- Shin is master over a living host-slave. Sore-Shin is more like an angelic taste of adrenaline. Kuro-Shin doesn't care WHO holds it...so long as it can corrupt and feed. Sore-Shin only chooses a true heart...and works for that heart only when the time comes."
" Do you not have evil in you if Kuro-Shin remains black?"
" ALL living things possess evil and good. What dominates you? I have been scarred by Sore-Shin's fire....I have no desire for the temptations Kuro-Shin offers. I merely hold the stone...and plan to pass it along the line to whoever I deem most worthy of it."
" Do you believe KARASU is that individual?" Kurama asked, not believing it.
" I know Sore-Shin better than anyone. Even as Kuro-Shin, there is a fainter whisper from Sore-Shin. I once heard Karasu's name spoken by the whisper. The meaning? I do not know. I don't feel Karasu is ready for such a gift....but I'm not the one who decides."
Lord Shikon was silent a long time and then sighed. " My time grows short, Suiichi. I can sense my own death coming. I will not live to see the next gathering, and can only wish the best for my successor. Neither Kuro-Shin nor Sore-Shin can help me now. I'm too old and too weak."
" Karasu is..."
" My blood. Ryu...he is my SON. I do not believe at all that a man is more capable than a woman. I know Chyna is just as fit to be a leader than Karasu...speaking by way of strength and potential. However, we must obtain some type of laws. The males shall inherit. Should there be no male TO inherit, the females shall do so. However, should there be a male mate....he would have the possible claim to the role of clan leader depending on how closely related the female relative is to the standing clan leader. It's not AS complicated as it sounds, Suiichi."
"I understand." Kurama nodded. There was a pecking order being re- established with Lord Shikon stepping down and preparing for his passing. Ryu was next in line....Karasu after him. That was why it was so important for Karasu to come.
to be continued...
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