This is my first Tsubasa fic. Rejoice! Unfortunately it's not the greatest. Oh well enjoy it anyways.

AU: Set in Kurogane and Fay's teen years. Kurogane is on his way to becoming a powerful the most ninja. Order, against his will, to go and spy on an enemy nation through an opening as a bodyguard for an enigmatic boy with a troubled past. Will Kuroogane's mission be a success or will something distract him from completing his goals? Kuro/Fay. Slight: Fay/Ashura, Touya/Yukito, Sakura/Syaroan, ect.

Sorry if the characters are a little off they are younger (for now) so Kuro-woofy still has a short temper but controls it a little better and Fay (who is 16 but nearing his 17th birthday) isn't always hiding things cause he has Ashura, right now.

Disclaimer: I don't own TRC if I did Kuro/Fay shippers would be getting fan service constantly.

"Talky-Talky"

'Think-ponder'

Chapter One: The Castle of ice

Kurogane cursed inside of his head. This is not what he wanted, He had hoped they would take one look at him and send him home. Instead the17 year old sat there with mostly older adults waiting for the servant to come back. He was leaned up against the wall and looking over his surroundings. The waiting room was extravagant and decorated with marble, gold, and silvers. He was in the Kingdom of Celes; he originated from a Kingdom named Japan.

The threat of war was a looming fear for many kingdoms. The threat centered mainly on Celes and Japan, but the third largest Kingdom Clow could quickly be dragged in since it stood between the two fighting kingdoms.

Celes was the largest kingdom and was known for it's swift and ruthless victory's in any war they had taken part in. A ruler said to be just as cold and ruthless as his army's victories ruled Celes, his name was Ashura. It was rumored, by many of other kingdoms that if you saw King Ashura on the battlefield you knew that you would be dead before you could even try to run. Apparently no one really knew anything about the mysterious man, they just knew him from rumors that were spread.

Clow was a peaceful country that was located in a mighty desert that separated Celes and Japan. The king was a might wizard known as Clow Reed. This Kingdom had many harsh times since it had a hard time growing food and often had to buy from allies. Though a peaceful land the country had many good soldiers willing to die for the lord's wishes. Magicians were also common to be seen in the Clow's army and they had many victories, with help from powerful allies that would lend there soldier's land to rest or food to help through the harsh times.

Japan was the second largest in population, it was mainly known for the many famous wizards and sorceress that would spring from there. It was a kingdom of magic, or had been nicknamed. Japan's fighting style differed from Celes completely. Japan focused more on defense than offense, and with that fighting style the battles may not have been as quick as Celes but they could still challenge them for both countries had never been beaten. Two sisters each with a special magic rule the kingdom. Their magic might not be aggressive and help on the battlefield but they have a special elite team of fighters with many different skills to make up for it.

Kurogane was one of those fighters. He had the skills of a ninja and was one of the best, considering his age. He was in the Celes kingdom for one reason and that was to collect information about the Celes' army and if they were making any plans to attack Japan or their neighboring allies. Kurogane huffed he would have preferred to do this job a different way, like sneaking in and snooping through the documents and attacking people if he got caught. But Celes had given Japan an opening it couldn't pass up. They were hiring a bodyguard for one of King Ashura's servant. Apparently Ashura cared a great amount for this servant to hire a bodyguard and it also told other kingdoms that Ashura was concerned that a war might indeed break out.

Kurogane had been ordered to try and get the bodyguard job. If he succeeded then he was to make no hostile moves anywhere. He was snoop and report anything that he found. Kurogane hated failure but he also hated missions like theses. He slightly hoped that he would not get picked. He glanced around the palace waiting room once more and he felt awkwardly out of place. Everything was white, sliver, gold, or blue and He was wearing all black with an exception with some red thread as a stitching. The door opened and everyone stared at the servant who had entered. Everyone waited for the servant to speak the only sound was of the door slowly closing behind him. The door shut with a soft click and the sound echoed through the empty palace, which made Kurogane want to leave even more.

The servant cleared his throat. "King Ashura has made his decision." The old man took another pause, 'hurry up before you keel over geezer.' Kurogane mentally screamed at him. "He decided to interview two people himself that he found most fitting. Then after that he will make his final decision." 'You've got to fucking kidding me, I'd better not be one of them.' Kurogane cursed to himself again. He gave a bored look as he gazed around the room again. The old man was going around telling each person whether they were to stay or leave. When the old man reached Kurogane standing in the corner he smiled at Kurogane "Congratulations, you are one of those being decided upon." Then the old man went over to the last person left. Kurogane mentally slapped himself. He could feel he was being looked at; he turned his head to man across the room. "Heh, so this is my competition huh? Way too easy." He muttered to himself.

The old man showed Kurogane the way to the interview room. The other man qualified for the job was interviewed first, leaving Kurogane to keep staring at the waiting room out of boredom. When the door was opened to the interview room Kurogane was surprised to see the man sitting in there. He did not look like what Kurogane pictured. The man had long straight black hair that went passed his shoulders and his eyes were filled with kindness not cold ruthlessness. The man did not look like he was fit to be near a battlefield, he didn't have as much muscle that Kurogane imagined and his clothes were decorated with clear gems with a tint of blue.

"Kurogane, please sit." He voice was smooth and calm. He seemed to sense the surprise that Kurogane had when he saw him and he must of noticed the hesitance Kurogane had before, he made his way and sat across from the king. A small table was separated the two. "Would you like some tea before we start?" He waved his hand showing the table had cups and tea on it. "No thank you." Kurogane said a little unnerved. Ashura turned to the old servant "Thank you Bernard, that is all for now." He dismissed the old man then returned his gaze on Kurogane. He waited to speak until the door closed. "I would not usually consider someone as young as you to be a guard." He started off getting straight to the point. Kurogane growled inside his head at the insult. "But from what I heard you have the necessary skills, which for your age is astonishing." Kurogane smirked a bit from the complement. "I have never hired someone as young as you but then again no one has had to try and keep up with him until recently."

Kurogane felt this was more of a listen to the boss talk more than interview, which he was perfectly okay with. "I have hired a few bodyguards before for him and he either did not like them or they couldn't keep up." He said explaining again "I think they were much too old." There was a bit of awkward silence. "You are very serious aren't you Kurogane." He cursed on the inside a question "Yeah, I guess you could say that." Kurogane slightly mumbled. Ashura seemed to lean back a bit in his chair and look Kurogane over. "It's quite different from him but perhaps you can keep him in check." Ashura kept looking him over in awkward silence. Kurogane unnerved felt he was letting him a have a chance to talk. "So…do I get the job or not." Ashura smiled and said with a chuckle "I like you Kurogane, you get straight to the point. And I hope you two will get along, although you don't have much of a choice. You can start immediately, correct?"

"Yes." Kurogane groaned on the inside. He hated spy jobs; his favorite was definitely the battles of strength. Ashura stood up and Kurogane followed suit. "I suppose you'll want to meet him. His name is Fay, by the way." Ashura opened the door and informed the old servant to give the other candidate his regards. "Come Kurogane." Ashura called him. 'What am I? A fucking dog?' he growled on the inside and followed anyways. The hallways were made of marble and the colors were the same as the waiting room, white, silver, gold, and blue. All the hallways looked the same, Kurogane was surprised that Ashura knew where he was going. "I would suggest not to wander around alone until you get use to the place. It's very easy to get lost in." Ashura smiled and seemed to drift into a far off memory.

It felt like they had walked for an hour in the awkward silence. Well it felt like that for Kurogane. Ashura finally stopped and Kurogane half expected him mutter crazily to himself that he was sure it was right here. "Here we are Kurogane." Ashura smiled at the younger man. "I'll have them set up the room next to this for you. Your will be the next one to the right." Kurogane nodded. "If you need anything I'm sure Fay will be more than happy to show you around." Ashura kept on smiling and Kurogane decided he didn't like his smile one bit. Ashura knocked on the door. It opened almost before he was done knocking. "Hello King Ashura." The pale women with strange ears bowed to him. "Hello Chii, is Fay in his room?" Kurogane just stared at the women and her strange features. "Yes, King Ashura. Fay is on Fay's balcony." She smiled "Would King Ashura like Chii to get Fay?" Kurogane looked at her weird. 'She's annoying, can't she talk normal.' "No that's alright we'll go get him." He spoke in his smooth friendly voice. "Oh!" She was surprised to see the man in dark clothing " Chii, this Kurogane. Kurogane Chii." He said a slight introduction before walking into the room. "Kuro…." The woman blinked confused and stared at Kurogane before following Ashura happily.

Kurogane hesitated for a minute and then followed him into the room. The room was a light shade of blue and pretty much had everything Kurogane could ever dream of. The bed was darker shade of blue and was huge with drapes that hung around the frame that were the same color as Ashura's gems. The closet was shut but Kurogane was sure it was twice the size of his old room. On the walls across from the bed were two sets of doors that were mainly windows, the doors lead to what Kurogane could only assume be the balcony. The same color of drapery that the bed was surrounded in blew softly in the wind covering the windows. Kurogane was in such awe that he didn't even notice when Ashura had come back into the room. "Well, I'll be leaving you two here." He smiled at Kurogane. Kurogane crinkled his forehead "You mean…."he said as he pointed to Chii. Ashura cut him off with a laugh. "No, he's on the balcony." Ashura left and Kurogane felt slightly humiliated. "Kurogane," Chii said with some trouble pronouncing it and grabbed the man's arm "Let's go meet master Fay."

The weird woman creature lead him on to the balcony. Kurogane freed himself from the creature when she had stopped dragging him. Kurogane saw him there. 'So this is Fay' He thought. The boy has elegant wind blown hair; it was a beautiful fair color of gold. His skin was so pale it could almost be considered white. He was extremely skinny and pressed himself up against the railing. He was tall but not quite as tall as Kurogane. And he kept staring out towards the far off distances instead of looking at the new person that had arrived. "Fay-chan," Chii said sweetly "This is…" She paused confused. "Kurogane." He said slightly annoyed. Fay glanced at Kurogane. Kurogane couldn't help but notice what a beautiful color of blue his eyes were, if only there was not a hint of sadness behind those eyes Kurogane would have said they were the prettiest eyes he had ever seen. Fay smiled at him "It's a wonderful view up here wouldn't you agree." Kurogane liked Fay's voice it was calm and smooth like Ashura's but there was something definitely different about it. Kurogane glanced out over the scenery "Yeah, Yeah it is."

Kurogane looked swiftly around the room that was given to him. Satisfied with his thorough search after he found nothing suspicious. He plopped himself on the large bed. "Goddamn it," He cursed, "Why did they have to send me? I'm better suited for other things then doing fucking this." He sat up and glanced around his new room. It was large but not as big as Fay's and the colors of the room were darker. The walls were maroon and there was a boarder around where the wall and the floor and ceiling meet was trimmed with gold. Kurogane sat up and glanced out the window. He had no balcony, but his view was just as beautiful he thought. He could see the city from his window. The bed and drapes were a dark purple that could almost be mistaken for black.

Kurogane lay on his new comfortable bed. He rested his eyes for what felt to him only a few minutes. He stood up and stretched. He heard a soft knock at the door, which he assumed, woke him up. Kurogane opened the door. "What?" He asked the girl with strange ears in an annoyed voice. Chii just smiled up at the man "Chii is suppose to give…" She paused and seemed to second-guess herself. "Kur-o..gone this." She smiled pleased with herself. She was holding several pieces of papers. Kurogane grabbed them out of the girl's hand. She kept smiling at him the same way and kept staring at him. Kurogane gave the girl an annoyed look. "Is there anything else?" "No." She just stood there and smiled. "O.k." Kurogane shut the door in her face. He put the papers on the bedside table. He glanced at the door before going over and yanking it open. She was still standing there smiling. "Hello Kuro-" Chii started "What do you want?" Kurogane asked angrily. "You have to tell her she's not need anymore." Fay said appearing out of nowhere. "It should say that on the papers you got from Ashura-sama." Fay added. Kurogane just stared at the boy for a bit before glancing back at the girl. "You can leave." He said deadpan. Chii smiled brighter and ran towards Fay capturing him in a hug. "Fay, let's go…"Chii started to talk to the other boy. Kurogane shut the door. He sighed and rubbed his forehead.

"Fay, let's go…." They both turned to the sound of a door being slammed shut. "Hmm…He's grouchy don't you think." Fay smiled happily to his doll. Chii giggled as Fay slightly rubbed her head. "Now where do you want to go?" Chii smiled again "To the library." Fay grabbed her hand and started walking off towards the library. "What shall we do today Chii?" He asked giving her a genuine smile. Chii speed up to catch up to Fay. "Chii would like to read." He continued to smile "Ah…you want me to teach you more." Chii nodded. They had reached the large double doors of the library. "Fay can you teach Chii how to say that man's name?" She asked. "Of course, I'd be happy to."

"Kuro-gane." Fay repeated once more. "Kuro…gan..e." Chii blinked concentrating hard on her task. "We're getting there. Try it again. Kurogane." Fay loved Chii but he was getting quite tired of repeating the man's name over and over again. "Kuro-g..a..n.e" She hesitated again. "I think you got it, Chii. You just have to say it faster." Chii nodded listening to Fay. "Sure would be easier if it was a shorter name wouldn't it? Like Kurorin or Kuro-chan." Chii smiled and repeated "Kuro..rin, Kuro-Chan" Fay clapped his hands "Yes that's much easier"

Kurogane looked at the sunset from the window of his room. "How am I supposed to send any information I get?" He wandered out loud. This mission had poorly planned and he had barely been given any information at all. He was informed he would be trying for a bodyguard opening at Celes and forced to get ready and leave that day. Kurogane would have fought it if he had anytime; perhaps that is why he was rushed off. Kurogane sighed, "I can't wait to get home." From being rushed the last couple of days and interviewed and having being called a wrong name all day Kurogane had developed a headache. Kurogane went over and rested on his bed as he had done before he was interrupted. He closed his eyes hoping to forget his stress for a minute or two. Before he knew it he was asleep again.

Fay sighed as he and Chii stood out Kurogane's door. "Kuro-rin isn't answering." Chii said slightly saddened. Fay softly knocked on the door again "Maybe he's asleep." He halfway mumbled to himself. "Do you think he would want us to wake him up for dinner or let him sleep?" Fay tapped his lips with a slender finger pondering his question. "Dinner." Chii cried happily. "Really you think so." He smiled at the excited girl. "If we get in trouble you're taking the blame." He laughed and rubbed the girls head. Chii copied Fay's actions when he was pondering. "Come on, just be quite okay." Fay opened the door quietly.

They entered the dark room quietly. The only light was from the sun that had almost disappeared. Fay had known this room to be a spare guest room that Ashura kept around. It was much darker than the rest of the palace's decorations and Fay had always thought that there was something foreboding about it. Fay could make out the dark figure of the man sleeping on the bed.

Fay thought the man was extremely intriguing. He had never seen anyone like Kurogane in Celes. Kurogane was very tan and had fair amount of muscles. He seemed stern and mature for his age. Kurogane's eyes were also intriguing. He'd never seen anyone with red eyes before. He was sure that Kurogane was from a different kingdom and he was curious to know what one it was and if red eyes were common there. The man also dressed mainly in black, which most people in Celes wore white or blue. "Fay-san." Chii whispered quietly. Fay looked at Chii. He had not realized that they had made it to the bedside. Apparently he must have been spacing out and worried Chii a little bit. He rubbed the girls head. "I have a better idea Chii," He whispered and nodded to the door. They snuck out just as quietly as they had entered. "How about we bring his food up here so he can sleep and he'll still be able to have dinner."

When Kurogane woke up it was pitch black in his room. He was confused about his surroundings at first but he quickly remembered where and why he was there. He scooted himself off of the bed and stumbled to find away to turn on some lights. After a few minutes of cursing and searching he managed to turn on the lights. He glanced around his room to take in his surroundings once more. Kurogane was surprised to see a new table in his room and not only that but on it was plates of food. He walked over to the new item. He looked over the food and noticed a note on top of empty plate. He grabbed the note and skimmed the words quickly.

Kurogane-san
Hope you don't mind I brought you your dinner.

Don't miss it again because I won't do this again.

Fay-san

Kurogane read over the name again. 'That can't be right' he thought 'If anyone had entered the room I would have heard them.' There was a soft knock on his door. Kurogane placed the note back on the table and opened the door. "Oh good you are awake." The blonde known as Fay smiled happily at him. " I wanted to make sure you got your dinner." Kurogane looked from the boy to the plates of food. Which Fay took it as invite to stick his head through the crack of the door to see what Kurogane was looking at. "You didn't eat any?" Fay sound a little disappointed. "If you don't like what is there I can get the cooks to make you something different." Kurogane looked back at the boy "No it's fine, I just woke up." The boy smiled at Kurogane for a while, as if waiting for something. He was reminded how the girl wouldn't move unless he said she was free to go. "Uh…Do you want something." Kurogane asked. The boy was starting to annoy him. "I was wondering if you'd like some company while you eat." Fay rocked on the heels of his feet and his smile had a hint of mischief. "No. I'm fine." Kurogane reply was monotone. Fay's smile dropped with surprise. "Oh…" The boy said and dropped his gaze to the floor. Kurogane looked at the boy and sighed. He didn't know why he was going to do this perhaps it was because he felt it was his duty to be nice to the kid. "You can come in." Kurogane said with dread. The boys smiled return and Kurogane opened the door wider for him to enter.

The boy settled in one of the chairs that had been brought in with the table. Kurogane shut the door and sat in the chair opposite of Fay. The boy sat with his feet on the chair and he wrapped his arms around his knees. Kurogane fixed himself a plate of food wondering why the boy wanted to talk to him. Kurogane took a fork and poked at some mysterious looking thing. Fay watched the other boy with interest. "It's actually pretty good besides the way it looks." Kurogane looked up at the boy. "I'd rather not risk it." He said pushing the bowl of unknown containments to the other side of the table. Fay smiled at Kurogane amused and stared at him. "What?" Kurogane sighed and Fay smiled again. "What?" Fay asked in reply. "What do you mean what?" Kurogane glared at the boy. "I was asking what you were asking what about." He said with a happy smile. "You know what I was asking what about." Kurogane yelled at the irritating boy. "Ah.." Fay clapped his hands over his ears. "Kurogane-san is so mean to me. He broke my eardrums." Kurogane had lost his patience with the boy. "What the hell are you talking about.?!" He continued to glare at the boy. Fay laughed a huge amused smile was planted on his delicate face. "Kurogane has such a short temper." Kurogane just looked at the boy and pouted slightly, before continuing his meal.

Fay let Kurogane enjoy the rest of his meal in peace while he made pictures in the bowl of pudding, which was rejected by Kurogane. Fay was enjoying keeping the man company. "Kurogane, may I ask you a question?" Fay asked his gaze still on his doodles. ".. Sure I guess." Kurogane said before chugging his drink and ending his meal. "Where are you from?" The boys gaze raised from the pudding to him. 'Should I lie to him, well I can't just tell him the truth.' Kurogane's mind raced. 'I can't believe I didn't think of having a stupid cover story for something so simple.' Fay blinked those gorgeous innocent eyes of his. "Kurogane?" Kurogane mentally hit himself when it came to him. "…Did I ask something you'd rather not talk about?" Fay asked his voice seemed strained. Kurogane shook his head knowing it would be suspicious to back out now. "No it's alright. I'm from a place called Suwa." He said. "Really, what is that place like?" Fay asked curious. "Well, the buildings were only around one story.." "Even the castles?" Fay interrupted. "Yeah, even the castles." Fay looked intrigued. "What were the people like there?" Kurogane smiled and thought back to his childhood. "Everyone was really nice, respectful. They were always willing to help each other out." Fay smile faded a bit as he watched the darker man become nostalgic and added, "It sounds like a wonderful place." Kurogane looked at the boy. "Yeah it was." Fay's smile completely disappeared "I'm sorry but I have to ask. Why do you keep referring to it in past tense?" Kurogane remembered that horrible night and dropped his gaze. "Demons destroyed it." He said with a fierce look in his eyes.

"I'm sorry." Fay dropped his gaze. "What for?" Kurogane asked. "I made you remember something you would rather forget." Fay had hidden his face with his bangs. There was a pause of awkward silence. "You don't have to be sorry." Kurogane said still staring at the boy. "It's not like you knew or anything." Fay looked at Kurogane and gave him a soft smile. "Do you care if I ask you a question?" Kurogane watched the boys face. "No, go ahead it's only fair." Fay said but concern flashed for a second through his eyes. "Why are you getting a bodyguard? You aren't his son or something are you?" Fay laughed, "No I'm not Ashura-ou's son." Kurogane watched the boy. "So why are you getting a bodyguard?" He asked again when Fay didn't continue. "I'm not quite sure. Ashura-ou seems to feel that something bad is going to happen or something." Kurogane sighed "No that's not what I mean. What I mean is why are you so important to him." Fay's smiled dropped quickly and he looked into the pudding. Kurogane watched the boy with interest. "…Ashura-ou saved me and took me away from an awful. He promised he'd never let anything happen to me again." Fay's voice was full of sadness and gratitude. Kurogane was slightly surprised by what the boy said. "Thanks for the chat Kurogane-san. I had a fun time I'll get you tomorrow so don't sleep in to late." The boy quickly got up and left. Kurogane was a little surprised by the sudden coldness the boy had given him.

Ah…so this is chapter one. Kinda sucks I know. I enjoyed writing it though so if no one likes at least I had fun doing that. R&R please. Sorry if my paragraphs are too chunky I think I have a problem with that. Please tell me if you enjoyed it. Positive reviews faster chapter updates….maybe. More much more kuro/fay in later chapters. I actually have it planned I just have to write things down.