Summary: An alternate universe story. Riku is asking his priestess mother, Midoriko if he will ever be as strong as his demon father, Kirinmaru.
Little Riku sat on his mother's lap, gazing up at her with wide, curious eyes.
"Mother," he asked, "Will I be a great fighter when I grow up, just like father?"
The priestess smiled gently and ruffled her son's hair. "You will be whatever you want to be, my sweet child," she said softly. "But remember, being a great fighter is not always the most important thing in life. It is far more important to be kind and compassionate, and to always strive to do what is right."
The boy looked down at his hands, clearly disappointed. He had always admired his demon father's strength and power, and he longed to be just like him one day.
"But what if I want to be like father?" he asked, his voice small and hesitant. "What if I want to fight and protect people, just like he does?"
Midoriko sighed, knowing that this was a difficult topic for her son. She had married Kirinmaru, despite the taboo against such unions, and she knew that their child would always face struggles and challenges because of it.
"If that is truly what you want," she said gently, "then you must work hard and train yourself to be the best fighter you can be. But always remember to use your strength and power wisely, and to never harm those who do not deserve it."
The boy nodded, taking his mother's words to heart. He knew that he would have to make many difficult choices in his life, but he was determined to follow in his father's footsteps and become a great fighter.
