zanshin tactics

The Warlord felt his anger rising, like a coiled wipe, prepared to strike. His son stood in his way, raised his tongue against him. The warlord had always been quick to anger, and Azure pressed his buttons in all the wrong ways. His protective instincts were already pushed to the edge by the news Hattari had given then, and fueled by Azures reaction. Then he looked at his son, really looked at him. Saw that same protective rage, the desire to keep safe what was his. The rage and bullish nature close to the surface. So much like his father. It struck him then, how similar they had become. How much he loved his son. He had been teaching and raising the boy, but he hadnt truly felt they had bonded. He hadnt looked at Azure and seen the reflection. Perhaps because the similarities were close, too similar, too warring. But now that he has seen them, he could not unsee the realization. Could not wipe away the understanding that he wanted his son at his side, through thick and thin. He believed in Azure. It wiped away the building anger like a sudden sun shower

The Warlord surprised himself. He laughed softly, and shook his head. When he spoke next, it tinged with pride. "You are, through and through, my son, and my heir,, Azure Fatalis. I am lucky to have you at my side. Very well, I do not believe that Hanako is just yours, but you have admitted to me you love her. That means something. I will listen, and we will wait. We will plant traps, and ensure that not a single one of them escape our wrath." He let the boys insults slide off him, knowing they were spoken in desperation. It hurt less then he expected to let them pass. The second self-surprise in the space of a few words.