The Only Way

"But, my lord, don't you think your children need the proper education, before you pass on? Don't you think they need to know art and literature, how to command people in battle, and the art of the various ceremonies? They can't learn this here, all your teachers are now fighting to keep your kingdom safe."
"Where else can they go to learn? Huh? Tell me. We're at war with every clan, you expect one to take in my kin, not kill them, and teach them the way to run a country?"
"You seem to forget about the Yashimoto clan..."
"They remain neutural."
"They said they will take your children to raise them, and provide them with bodygaurds, as well as safe passage home."
"Fine.. Give them to the Yashimoto..."

The retainer bowed, and walked out, searching for the children, of course, he found them in the gardens, just sitting there, having a staring contest.
"Come on children, you're going to the Yashimoto clan" The boy looked up, his black hair falling in his eyes, and frowned, being only six, he couldn't deal with being seperated from his family.
"But... I thought they werent going to help us..." The girl spoke up, her green eyes shining, she loved seeing new places, and she'd never been to Yashimoto's territory... she was overjoye at the prospect of leaving this sinking boat, and beginning life on another, more sturdy boat.

"But, they changed their minds, so please, Hideori, Tatsuki, please, pack up, and come.. It could change this clan's hopes.."
"But I'm only six... and she's only five." The boy pipped up..
"And because of that, you have more of a chance of learning things. Now, pack, that is a direct order from your father."
Tatsuki smiled, stood, and ran to pack everything she could. While Hideori took one last look at the garden around him, and sighed, not knowing if anything would ever be the same, he took after his sister, knowing he'd have to finish before her.

Within three hours, they were on their way to the Yashimoto clan, Hideori kept looking back, while Tatsuki smiled, and looked at everything they passed along the way, always trying to stop. That offered Hideori some comfort, at least he was still with his sister, the only thing that hadn't changed about his life...

"Now, you will be living with one of the general's family's, they have a boy and girl about 4 years older than you, and already they are well versed in the way of the sword, and the mind. They could probably beat any of our 20 year old officers." The retainer countined his chatter until they finally reached the castle of the Yashimoto, then he turned, and allowed them to do the talking in front of the emporor.

"It is nice to meet you, sir Yashimoto, and Madame Consuir." Tatsuki spoke out, earning glares from everyone around her.
"How dare you address the emporor!" Yelled out someone, as Hideori grew red faced, his sister had already blown the first impression.
"It is quite alright, she is used to speaking openly in her country. However, in this country, girls are good for only a few things, cooking, cleaning, reproduction, and killing. We will train you in all of those things. And boys, are expected to bring food to the family, be in every war until they are old, and reproduce with the women. Once again, we will train you to do all of these things."

Kent watched from the doorway, as his father gave the newcomers the speech he always did... but something was different this time, he could feel it, just he didn't know what.

His father turned to him, "Kent, show our newcomers to their new family."
"Yes, father." The ten yar old gathered himself, and grabbed both of their arms, Hideori noting the blush on his face, causing him to send him an evil glare, but Kent didn't notice, he was trying to remember what family the two newcomers belonged in.

"Here, this is it.. I think..." Kent said, leading them to a beautiful house, with a forest and lake in front of it, two people came up, "Hello... Pleasure to have you living here." Spoke the elderly man. "I'm your tutor in the martial arts, and thoughts. My wife here, is the tutor of music, and art. You'll need all of these if your country is to succed..."