[center][h1][color=39b54a]Toko [/color]and [url=http://static.zerochan.net/Hishigi.(Samurai.Deeper.Kyo).full.1305107.jpg]Ken Ling[/url][/h1][/center]

How did he know? How could Ken possibly have figured it out? Toko rarely ever expressed his feelings, not even to his father, yet the man had known for probably a while. He was just waiting for Toko to feel comfortable enough to inform him of it. Wiping his tears, the boy would move back up to his feet, gripping the bokken tightly in his hands. Ken, he was one of a kind, wasn't he? Behind that rough, steel like exterior, there was a man who deeply and compassionately care for those around him. [color=39b54a]"Seichi..."[/color] A mere whisper, Toko couldn't look his father in the eyes as he spoke but rather let them fall to the grass softly swaying in the wind.

[b]"Yes."[/b] A single word left Ken's mouth as he turned his gaze towards the tree, seeing its thick and luscious green vegetation dance in the wind. [b]"I assumed so."[/b]

[color=39b54a]"How...?"[/color] The man was observant but [i]this[/i] observant? Toko had never even mentioned his preferences to his father, how could he not only have figured that out but who Toko had his eyes on as well? 

[b]"The way you look at him, the longing in your eyes every time he leaves. Seichi claimed your heart some time ago I would reckon. Tell me, Toko. Why have you chosen not to tell me?"[/b] Given what had been shown, Ken probably already knew, but there was no point in knowing without Toko being able to express it himself. 

[color=39b54a]"Heh...the esteemed Ken Ling has a son like...me."[/color] The boy's eyes wouldn't move from the spot, finding a safe place in between the green straws of grass. 

[b]"Like you, hm? Yes that sounds quite reasonable. My son does indeed remind me of you."[/b] A soft chuckle left his lips as Ken approached his child and gently placed his hand on Toko's head, pulling him closer and let him rest his forehead against Ken's stomach. 

[color=39b54a]"You know what I mean..."[/color] 

[b]"I know that you worry far too much of things you have decided to be important. They are all based on ideologies you assume others have and as such, you've wallowed in their darkness. You're afraid of telling Seichi because of his reaction and we both know how that would go, I assume."[/b] The man had always been quite blunt but that was good, there was no need to beat around the bush, especially not now. 

[color=39b54a]"He'd probably think I'm a freak...and I don't want to kill our friendship..."[/color]

[b]"True, he might think you're a freak. Is it you who has killed your friendship then?"[/b]

Looking up at his father, Toko tilted his head a bit trying to decipher his father's words. [color=39b54a]"You're saying that if he casts me aside, he was never a true friend to begin with, right...?"[/color]

[b]"Yes, and I am quite certain that is not in his nature. I have known Seichi for as long as you have and he is just like his father, a good man. Though, if I am going to be completely honest with you, telling him would indeed complicate matters. Why haven't you told Asuka?"[/b]

So this was it, the [i]talk.[/i] First Ken wanted to unlock everything in Toko's heart and then he wanted to walk through the gate. Here they were, having the talk. [color=39b54a]"She's the most proper person I know. If anything, she'd slap me for breaking tradition."[/color]

[b]"I see..."[/b] The man rubbed his chin for a moment, sighing slightly as he closed his eyes. [i][b]"He'll have to figure out her feelings by himself. The boy has gotten himself mixed up in something quite dramatic...there is more pain to come, I am sure."[/b][/i]

[color=39b54a]"I can't tell anyone else, either."[/color] Toko shook his head, still resting against his father with the man's hand softly placed on his son's head. 

[b]"The most important thing is to find peace within yourself, Toko. Whether your teammates and friends know or not isn't important. What's important is being in serenity with your spirit, otherwise your next battle will be your last."[/b] Battle was everything in the shinobi world and Ken was right. The boy's capabilities were seriously damaged due to this distraction in real combat, it would lead to only one outcome. [b]"Always find comfort in one thing, son."[/b]

[color=39b54a]"What's that...?"[/color] 

[b]"Your old man doesn't care that you like the D."[/b] There was the playful side of the Chakra Knight.

[color=39b54a]"Dad!"[/color] The boy jumped back, holding his bokken up. Finally, his spirit had risen a bit. [color=39b54a]"That's so not like you! The D...really!?[/color]

[b]"Eh..."[/b] The man shrugged, twirling his wooden sword in his hand. [b]"You've always liked fencing, so it was never a surprise..."[/b] Ken winked at his boy, a soft grin stretching across his lips.

[color=39b54a]"Stop talking, dad!"[/color] The minimal smile on Toko's lips was back, an obvious improvement which was quite clear in his next strike. Charging forth, the boy struck his father with the edge of his bokken, meeting Ken's blade in a contest of strength. 

[b][i]"This isn't the end...Toko will need to face the truth about Seichi, and he will have to wound his dear friend Asuka. Hopefully they all understand that none of them have any power in how this is playing out. For now, though Toko has taken a big step...I am proud of you my son. Always embrace the person you are, and never suppress yourself because of others."[/i][/b] Ken quite easily won the contest and with a strong slash broke the lock their blades had on each other, pushing Toko back. It wouldn't remain for long however as the boy quickly evened the distance once more with another quick strike. Their bokken clashed in a dance of blades, the wind blowing past them through the waltz. [b]"Dodge."[/b] Ken spoke, making his son immediately step back and focus on avoiding Ken's upcoming series of strikes. With a focused mind, Toko danced between the strikes, the smile of his face widening as the fight continued. The boy did not like unnecessary battles, but he did love sparring. [b]"Block."[/b] Twirling to the side, Toko rose his blade and caught Ken's sword ramming down on him. [b]"Strike."[/b] Maneuvering to the side, Toko executed a powerful swing to Ken's side, an attack the man blocked. 

It would however not end there, Toko continued moving around his opponent, keeping Ken on his toes as his son's focused strikes would easily find an opening unless Ken kept his guard up. [b]"You're fighting an opponent who's defence is strong. Break my guard."[/b] In an instant, Toko's bokken acquired an orange hue to its brown length just before the blade connected with Ken's and blew it out of the way. 

[color=39b54a]"Got you..."[/color] The boy smiled, the tip of his blade pressed against his father's stomach. 

[b]"Well done. Now then, Dull."[/b] A single word which meant that much more than it would imply. Dropping his bokken, Toko reached for the sword sheathed by his waist and released it from its confines, the smile now growing into a grin. [b]"The real hurt begins now."[/b] Ken dropped his bokken, slowly lowering his hand to the sword resting by his waist. [b][i]"I love you, son. Never let anyone dampen the inferno I know resides within your soul."[/i][/b]