Second Born

by Lance Wilson

  “The way you say it. You make it sound like it is a chore, perhaps another time,” Attonnan says keeping his voice calm and cold.

  “Don’t take it that way. I’m just nervous” Kenshi says calmly laying his hand on Attonnan’s shoulder.

  “Why are you nervous” Attonnan asks calmly

  “That’s not for right now. And I’m not taking you into my bed like that, your soaked in blood. Go get a bath and then we shall begin the lessons. Kenshi says and shuts the door gently so not to offend.

  “Well I suppose he does have a point” Attonnan says and smiles knowing he is right

  Once Attonnan is gone Kenshi takes a good look around the room, he has been prepping the room for some time now. He wants everything to be perfect and romantic. He wants Attonnan to know what love can be, he now just hopes that he doesn’t fall into the habits of his former master Fuma.

  Attonnan walks his way into the bath and finds that like always they are already set up. The water is hot and the soap is already laid out along with fresh towels when he is done. Smiling he strips himself and sinks chest deep into the steaming hot water. The heat of the water penetrates his tightened muscles and helps him relax letting out a sigh he holds his breath and sinks all the way into the water soaking his hair as well. Coming up he looks around, like always there is a small selection of oils and shampoos for him to choose from. Of course this was not all done just for him, this is just the way the bath house is run, these are here for anyone who comes in. to his surprise however he notices that one of the bottles seems to be missing. No matter a soldier probably liked the scent and kept it for himself, it’s not uncommon. Attonnan then undoes the corks on some of the shampoos and smells the sweet aromas they have to offer. He finally selects one that when smelling it reminds him of the feeling he gets when riding his horse, no, not ridding, running, yes the feeling of running your horse at top speed with not a care in the world. He pours some of it in his hands and then proceeds to wash his hair, letting the aroma send him away. He then sinks his whole head into the water several times to wash out the soap and blood. As his head comes out of the water he grabs some of the bars of soap and smells them as well. It was Fuma that put the idea in his head that a warrior shouldn’t have to smell of blood and horses and he admits that he himself enjoys the idea of smelling good for those around him. He is sure that part of this stems from his childhood; he has forgotten almost everything about his real mother, everything but her scent. It was the scent of wild wind and cherry blossoms. He has searched for that combination ever since, not for himself, but to have around, to remind him that there were people out there that loved him, loved him and didn’t fake it just to use him. But his search has been fruitless and he has long since given up. Instead he has quested to create his own scent, something that those who know him and care for him, if there are any will remember him by. Something that will burn in the minds of those he cares for. Smelling the soaps he finally finds one that he likes and that will go well with the shampoo, it has the scent of a meadow, not so flowery as the others, more of a fresh and vibrant scent. Taking it in his hand he washes his body, the ivory skin now coming clean of the blood left behind by the pirates. Attonnan takes great care in his cleaning habits making sure to take extra time on his nails, getting the blood and grit from between them. He admits that his habits to some would seem spoiled and pampered, and in truth he doesn’t deny it. But if the opportunity is there then why shouldn’t he pamper himself a bit, it makes him no less of a warrior. After cleaning himself he merely soaks in the bath, letting the scents and the heat over take him and relax him. He is sure that Kenshi will not mind waiting a bit longer, after all this is only a lesson. Then again, when he spoke of it as a chore, why did it send a pang in his chest? Should it have, should he even care if Kenshi thought it was a chore, that’s what lessons are right, chores for the body and mind? Maybe it was the idea that Kenshi didn’t want to teach him, that he didn’t think he was ready for the lesson, could that be it” It doesn’t matter Kenshi agreed and told him that it was only nerves. He only shakes his head and lets his mind go blank as he drifts letting his thoughts be carried away on the scented steam of the room. It is only a few minutes when Attonnan’s eyes are snapped open at the sound of someone tapping at the door. He has to admit that he is a bit surprised; it is a public bath, why would anyone care to knock

  “Enter” Attonnan says and watches a young woman about his age, maybe 5 years younger enter. She sees him in the bath his arms splayed out on the sides the now pink water chest high.

  “Lord Kenshi offered these as clothing, I was sent to gather yours and wash them.” She says and blushes turning away slightly

  “Thank you, please my name is Attonnan, and if you would do me the favor of leaving the blade. I shall tend to it myself,” Attonnan says calmly smiling at her shyness.

  “Yes lord Attonnan” She says laying the cloths with in reach of him. Then walks over and takes the bloody uniform leaving the sword against the wall and with a bow leaves the room.

  Attonnan taking the hint stands up and gets out of the bath wrapping a warm soft cotton towel around himself. He quickly dries himself off before the cool air hits him. Then bends down and look at the clothing, a pair of black satin pants, and a red sash, nothing else. He smiles and puts them on then walks over to his blade. He looks it over, everything is stained and splattered with blood, and he takes care handling it making sure only to get blood on his hands. He then walks over to the bath and takes a small wash clothe. Slowly intimately he wipes the blood from the sheath, almost like he is caring for a lover. As he does this his face goes soft, his eyes now barely open he whispers to it, talking, telling it what a good job it had done, how it is his friend, how it is part of him. With the same washcloth he wipes the cord and cloth on the handle, the blood seems to soak into the cloth leaving the cord on the handle a perfect gleaming white. He then unsheathes it and wipes the blood from the blade, all the time still talking to it. Encouraging it, soothing it, almost courting it. Once his is finished he gently reaches over and taking the bottles of oil he smells each one, until he finds just the right one. It is a smell the makes him think of a forest in fall, with the bright colored leaves and the crisp and cool air. Gently he pours some of the oil on the opposite side of the cloth he has been using and then wipes the blade down with it. It was the blade master that told him one should always oil there blades regularly, but it was Attonnan the decided to add a scented oil, but like his own scent, he hasn’t quite perfected the one he wants for his blade. The entire ritual only takes a few minutes and when he is done he gently slides the blade in the sash tying it to make sure it stays in place and if he needs that he can draw it and not take the sheath with him. The last thing he does is take a small comb and combs out his hair, it is still too wet to brush down, but he will, he has always taken special care of his hair, Fuma loved his hair, as did his mother Rin. Once he is finished he lays everything in a pile knowing that servants will come soon enough and collect them. He then makes his way down the hall back to Kenshi’s room. Taking a deep breath he knocks on the door again. This time the door opens immediately and Kenshi smiles to see Attonnan.

  “Shall we begin” Kenshi says and steps to one side to let Attonnan in.

  As Attonnan walks by him he catches a whiff of the scents he has chosen, wild and soothing all at once. Kenshi takes a deep breath and inhales the scent deeply. It is almost intoxicating, it only makes his hunger grow, but he must contain it, this must be done just right, he wants it to be perfect. Attonnan walks into the room and is shocked at what he sees, the room has been dimmed lit only by a few candles and there are fresh flowers to give off the scent that Kenshi desired.

  “So how does this begin?” Attonnan says nervously.

  “Shh, this lesson cannot be taught with words.” Kenshi says now stepping close enough to Attonnan to feel his breath on his neck.

  Lo
oking down he can see the fear in Attonnan’s eyes. He remembers his first time with someone he loved. After what Fuma had done to him, he was terrified of the idea of love and bedding, and he knows that Attonnan is the same right now. With tender hands he reaches up and gently runs his hands through Attonnan’s hair and down the side of his cheek. His skin is still warm from the bath. Kenshi then gently leans down and rubs his face against the side of Attonnan’s taking in the feel of his skin and the smell of him. Attonnan has been trying different scents for some time now, but no matter what he douses himself with he can still smell Attonnan’s true scent, the scent of steel oil and blood, the smell of a master of the blade, of a warrior. He smiles hearing Attonnan’s breath quicken. Wrapping his arms around Attonnan he pulls him closer then leans him in.

  ‘I want you” He says gently into his ear as he walks toward the bed guiding Attonnan to it without his knowledge.

  Before Attonnan knows it he feels the back of his legs pressed against the bed. His mind flashes, Kenshi obviously doesn’t waist time. But still he isn’t sure he himself is ready, maybe this was a mistake, and maybe he is rushing things. Perhaps he still has much to learn before he worries about learning this lesson. With desperate eyes Attonnan looks up at Kenshi and opens his mouth just slightly to speak. But nothing comes out

  “I know, don’t worry, I know” Kenshi says and then places his hand on Attonnan’s cheek. Slowly and calmly he then brings Attonnan in to a kiss, it is not the deep passionate kiss that he wishes to make, but something sweet and soft, simple. He knows that Attonnan is not ready for passion, not yet. As they are locked in the kiss and Attonnan is distracted Kenshi calmly removes the sword and the sash. Then slowly he takes a few steps back and lays them against the wall. He knows that Attonnan must be both lost and terrified right now, so smiling he makes his own move, and begins to strip himself. Attonnan is shocked at Kenshi’s body, it is slender and muscular just like his, but what shocks him is that his chest and stomach are covered in jagged scars. Attonnan cannot help himself and steps closer. He then raises his hand and lets his two-index fingers drag gently over some of the scars. He wonders what made them, but the thought is answered almost as soon as he has it. Kenshi was Fuma’s apprentice before him, he is sure that he went through much the same kind of torture that he did.

  “Like I said, I know.” Kenshi says and again gently strokes Attonnan’s cheek.

  Kenshi then gently lays his hands on Attonnan’s chest and with gentle seduction gets him to lie on the bed. There is no longer fear in his eyes, only nervousness. Kenshi gently then removes Attonnan’s pants and stops for a moment. For the longest time he thought the only scars he got were those in the battles, he has seen no marks that make him think of the ebon hand, but now, now that he has seen Attonnan bare, he sees there mark. Two scars on the inside of the thigh, he knows exactly what they are, marks of someone who has been sterilized. He admits he has only heard of the act and never known it to happen. No matter. He must push that thought out of his head, he is sure that the last thing Attonnan wants is pity. He then takes a small bottle and pours some oil on his hands. Straddling Attonnan he rubs the oil onto his hands and then begins to let his hands work over Attonnan’s muscles. As Kenshi works him over he gently closes his eyes and begins to let out low groans of pleasure. Kenshi only smiles and lets his hands move over his chest, arms, stomach, upper and lower legs and even the feet. When he is sure that he has Attonnan locked in his grip he gently moves his hand up and begins to gently touch and seduce his manhood. At the first touch Attonnan lets out a gasp. It is just as Kenshi had suspected. He knows that when he was Fuma’s apprentice and lover that Fuma had him many times. But he himself had never received any kind of stimulation or relief, he was sure that Attonnan would be the same, he has to admit that the thought that Attonnan has neither been stimulated or pushed to climax excites him. His touch his gentle and soft as he begins to work Attonnan into his hand. He watches as Attonnan’s muscles flex and tense as he lets out low growls and gasps. Kenshi only smiles and keeps the pace slows, he wants to make sure to let this last, to make Attonnan crave more. Soon he hears Attonnan’s breathing become fast and strained, he is going finish soon. With his other hand he gently grabs a towel and as Attonnan lets out a gasp of pleasure he covers him gripping the towel over his manhood so that it can soak up the mess before it starts. Kenshi only chuckles and once he is sure that Attonnan is finished he removes the towel and watches as Attonnan collapses breathing low and long.

  “That, that was” but Attonnan stops not sure he can put into words what he just felt.

  “Just the beginning.” Kenshi says and lies down next to Attonnan, but he makes no advances. He only lays an arm around him and pulls him close.

  He feels Attonnan almost melt in his embrace and snuggle his back into him. Yes this is what he wanted to teach Attonnan, not the physical need or lust that Fuma had taught him, but the bond it can create, the strength that the bond can give you.

  Kenshi watches as Attonnan’s eyes slowly close and he drifts off to a peaceful sleep. Chuckling he pulls the covers over the both of then, then pulling Attonnan into him, he too drifts off to sleep. He knows that when he wakes, he shall move on to the second lesson

  It is early in the mourning when Attonnan finally wakes. He finds himself laying on his side, his back to Kenshi. Kenshi has his arm draped around Attonnan. Attonnan closes his eyes and takes a deep breath and basks in the feelings that seem to wash over him. With Fuma it was a feeling of something well done. That he had pleased his master and in doing so had been a good apprentice. But with Kenshi it is something different, something he can’t quite put his finger on. All he knows is that he enjoys it, it seems to warm him, from the inside out. Attonnan basks in the feeling for only a little time before he stretches to get up. Carefully he moves hoping not to wake Kenshi. However Kenshi only tightens his grip around Attonnan.

  “And just where do you think you are going.” Kenshi says and slowly, gently rubs against him.

  “I just thought that I should report to general Takeda” Attonnan says relaxing in Kenshi’s arms.

  “I agree that you should report to him. But not tell I am through with you” Kenshi says and gently rolls Attonnan on his stomach.

  It is then that Kenshi decides to lay his claim on the young warrior. Attonnan is shocked as Kenshi begins to take him. Right away his mind flashes to all the time that Fuma took him, claimed him, made him his pet. But as Kenshi indulges himself Attonnan can feel that this is something different, the whole time he is gently rubbing his face into Attonnan’s neck, taking deep whiffs of his hair, whispering things into his ear, even gently kissing his neck and cheek. Attonnan looses himself in the lust and pleasure of it all groaning and growling like an animal. This is nothing like the way that Fuma took him, Fuma took him out of only lust and domination, this, this is something new, something fulfilling. It doesn’t take long for Kenshi to finish and roll back on his side both of them breathing hard and dripping in sweat.

  “That” Attonnan starts but cannot find the words to finish.

  “Go on, like you said, you have duties” Kenshi says with a chuckle and rolls so his back is to Attonnan.

  “Yes lord Kenshi” Attonnan says and gets up out of the bed.

  “What, stop” Kenshi says rolling quickly to face him again.

  “What” Attonnan says confused?

  “What did you call me” Kenshi says an almost hurt look on his face

  “Lord Kenshi” Attonnan says confused

  “Attonnan is that how you see me, your lord” Kenshi asks calmly

  “Well, yes, aren’t you” Attonnan asks confused.

  “And what about just now, us” Kenshi says taking a deep breath.

  Attonnan calling him only a lord has hit a nerve, hurt him. But he cannot take it personally. He knows all to well that Attonnan has not discovered what it me
ans to be someone’s lover. He is sure that the lust and love that he just now showed Attonnan is new to him and he shall have to explain it all. But first and foremost he must teach him that lovers to not call each other by rank, they do not think in rank.

  “I don’t understand, what do you mean?” Attonnan asks calmly putting on the black silk pants and red sash, then gently tying his blade to the sash.

  “Attonnan. I am your lover. I didn’t just claim you for some kind of lesson. I wanted you. I want to share my bed with you. I am no longer your lord. I am only Kenshi” Kenshi says looking peacefully as he watches Attonnan’s look become one of shock.

  “I shall try” Attonnan says lowering his head in shame and confusion.

  “You do understand love, you must have loved someone, someone that wasn’t family” Kenshi says sitting up in the bed now.

  “It’s all really a blur before the Hojo. I remember my family, and that they were separated. I don’t even remember to whom anymore. Well that’s not all true, I remember my brother, Mellyruna, and he went to Mecmed with my mother Rin. That’s it, I don’t even remember their faces anymore.” Attonnan says looking at Kenshi.

  Kenshi can feel a tear welling up in his own eyes hearing such a sad story, but for some reason Attonnan’s face is like a stone mask. He can hear the sorrow when he talks, but nothing shows on his face, not even a glint of a tear.

  “I’m sorry, it must hurt loosing everything like that. When Fuma took me I had nothing to loose. My father was a farmer, my mother died when I was young; my father had died the year before Fuma showed up. I was an only child, my brother Sun and I. I joined the guard so that I didn’t have to ever see that farm again. I hated farming. Sun loved farming, kept working our farm. I showed potential with the spear, and then Fuma found me. I’m sure you know the rest. Once I broke free I went back to the farm, I was hoping to find Sun, but he was gone. I have no idea where he went or what he’s doing now, I don’t even know if he’s alive,” Kenshi says with a smile. But like Kenshi, Attonnan can hear the deep scar of sorrow that bleeds with every word.