The Paths of Sin and Redemption

Chapter 43

A/N: Decided to do another update since I have to make up for lost time. Enjoy and comment, tho! And remember, comments equal encouragement!

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"Suno, why are we all the way out here?" Silver asked the very next day. "I've got a bad feeling about this..."

"Don't worry," the king reassured him. "All fledglings come here sooner or later; it's tradition and a crucial step in the art of flying."

"Yeah, but from where I'm standing, it seems like I'm going swimming, if you know what I mean."

"If you wish to go swimming later, then you may," Suno said affectionately, ruffling his brother's quills despite his protests. "But today is all about getting you to soar and it will be easier for you if we start higher," he added patiently.

In continuation of his aerial training, Step Two apparently involved gliding, for the royal family and a small entourage of guards and nannies were now along the shores of the Sea of Japan. It was a beautifully bright sunny day with the wind unending and the spray of ocean water keeping the area nice and cool. Tenshi was absent once again, the Demon Lord informed that the cherub had left to go and check on his family, worried about his grandmother's health. And although the demon bid him good riddance, he did hope that his grandmother recovered; he had nothing against the Cherub and she was indeed the mate of the healer that saved Silver's life. He could never wish any misfortune upon Hiro and was forever indebted to him. So instead of just one guard, the mated couple were accompanied by the Cherub King and six winged guards atop the windy cliffside, there to swoop in should Silver be in danger of, well.....crashing, even though it was wisely left unsaid.

And whilst Lord Suno, Silver, and the guards stood closer to the edge, Mephiles stood much, much further back. The Demon Lord was fine with being in some of the tallest trees in his territory, but there were just some places in the world that were too high up even for him. And Silver was absolutely delighted to see others that finally looked like him, to see someone besides Suno with the same coloring and wings like his own. Five of the guards were varying shades of white-- with one of them being slightly more gray than white --and yet,  there was even another winged hanyou amongst the guard, a devilishly handsome Dominant male with beautiful ink blue fur and wings with jade green eyes. They were all respectful and friendly, even providing the uke with their names when asked, yet it was easy to tell that the hanyou guard was as equally happy to meet him. An angel/demon mix was truly hard to come by so it was almost a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet someone just like you in almost every way...

And the young parents weren't worried at all about their pups, for the children were having the time of their lives far below on a small stretch of beach. With one nanny and two guards per pup, there was a total of 9 adults keeping an eye on them as they splashed about in the shallow waters and explored the various tide pools around them. The little ones were determined to have plenty to show their parents once they came down and were definitely keeping their caretakers busy.

"Now just as we did for the trip to the Pools-- as well as for your training yesterday-- we shall begin whenever you are ready, little brother," Suno assured him.

Silver peered back out over the edge to the thunderous crashing waves below, and the unforgiving rocks that lurked beneath, swallowing a large lump of nervousness in his suddenly dry throat. The terrified uke then took a shaky breath and with a small nod, quietly said, "Alright..."

With a look of pride at him for overcoming his fears, the King beckoned him forward and the young hanyou stepped closer, listening with rapt attentiveness as Suno went over exactly what he expected of him and just what Silver himself should be prepared for.