Chapter 107: Go Get ’Em, Kiddos
Paike followed Father to the arena. Already, disciples were trickling in. Some looked enthusiastic; others confused. He figured that not everyone of them knew about the expedition. There had certainly been rumors going around, though, as he had heard from Taka that such a mission was going to be happening soon.
Just as that had crossed his mind, Paike picked the copy of his own face from the crowd. Father caught him just at the same time and called out. "Kiddo, over here!"
His twin looked over and saw them; his eyes widened slightly, but he came over with a smile on his face.
Paike was incredibly grateful that he had already worked through much of the lingering resentment he felt toward his brother. He wouldn't say they were on good terms, really. And he definitely wasn't ready to treat him as he had while they were kids, but he was no longer about to fly off the handle when he saw him.
This was good, because the last thing either of them wanted was to fight in front of Father. That wouldn't make either of them look good and would only disappoint their father. Family disputes were handled outside of Mother or Father if at all possible. Not because they didn't understand.
There was no real judgment from the parents if they had to watch their children fight. However, they each had their own ways of solving the problems in a permanent and usually unintentionally humiliating way. Of course, if it was a business issue, either would mediate and resolve the issue that way. Personal issues were another matter.
Mother liked heartfelt lectures on the importance of family, and then came quasi-forced outings that were technically optional, but no one denied Mother anything. The worst part is that it almost always worked. She would just say you all needed some family time to help remember what is important. After a little travel, hunting, or some sporting activity, most furies were put to rest.
Father had a more varied approach that was just as successful.
It was best to solve things among the siblings if possible. Their parents encouraged it even. They said they loved seeing their kids getting along. Even if one sibling was hundreds of years older than the other.