I do not own Mulan or Sword of a Stranger

Chapter 2: Calm Before the Storm

To say that Nanashi and Kotaro were surprised was an understatement. They had expected a house like the others they had seen in town, but this wasn't a quaint country side home; this was an estate. "Hmm, I suppose my father must be sitting in the back. Follow me," Mulan said with a smile, but it seemed forced. Nanashi took notice, but knew it was not his place ask. They past two separate buildings for housing, walking through another wall separating a beautiful garden from the rest of the estate. The air suddenly seemed fresher and the sound of trickling water matched with the vision of a blooming magnolia caused Nanashi to unconsciously release some of the tension from his shoulders.

Kotaro still looked on in shock and awe. He had never seen something so beautiful before. His eyes continuously scanned the the area until they stopped at an older man sitting on a stone crafted bench under the magnolia tree. He looked to Mulan, who had already started walking to him.

Despite the clean cool air, there was an uneasiness that seemed to weigh everyone down. Instead of following Mulan, like the trio had been, they stayed put as she reached her father. Something definitely wasn't right. Since entering the garden Mulan held her gaze to the ground, and she seemed to close herself off even more when she finally landed herself in front of her father. Nanashi and Kotaro, even Tobimaru, watched with baited breath as the older man reached his hand towards his daughter's face. Nanashi tensed for a slight second, but immediately relaxed when he noticed that Mulan's father had carefully placed a magnolia that artfully pinned back Mulan's bangs from her eyes; now softened and filled with real happiness for the first time since meeting the trio.

Mulan's father shakily stood up while placing a fair amount of weight onto cane he held beside him. The two walked back towards Nanashi and Kotaro, both with peaceful smiles on their faces. Mulan's father stood slightly in front of Mulan, and introduced himself. "Hello, my name is Fa Zhou. Welcome to my home," he said with a bow. Nanashi bowed back. As he straightened his back he realized Kotaro, who was still just staring at Fa Zhou, had yet to do the same. However, with a swift smack to the back of his head from Nanashi, Kotaro quickly snapped out of his daze and bowed; showing his respect for the elder. "I understand that you have nowhere to eat and stay tonight. You are welcome to spend the night if you'd like. We have plenty of room, and my wife would love having guests to entertain my mother."

"My name is Nanashi, and this is Kotaro and Tobimaru. We appreciate your hospitality," Nanashi said with earnest. He really did appreciate the kindness of these people. It was rare to see acts of kindness like that during tense times of conflict. However, Nanashi did not fail see the apologetic look Mulan shot him and Kotaro when her father mentioned the fact about them entertaining his moth

/SCENE BREAK/

The Fa family and their guests comfortably sat around the dinner table. Nanashi and Kotaro eagerly ate the delicious meal that Fa Li, Mulan's mother, had prepared for that night. It was comical to watch Kotaro take bites of his food and then reprimand Tobimaru for sneaking his head up to the table to sneak a bite as well. After a few laughs Mulan got up and brought some food she had for little brother to keep Tobimaru from stealing anymore of Kotaro's dinner.

" I can't thank you two again for saving and returning Khan back to me," Mulan said.

"Your welcome," Nanashi reiterated.

"But really! It was very impressive. He was so spooked when he ran off I was sure I would have spend at least another day to track him down. How did you manage to stop him?" Mulan asked.

"Nanashi is really good with animals. He taught me how to horseback ride a while back. Tobimaru also took a quick liking to him when we first me," Kotaro beamed before shoveling more rice into his mouth.

"You two said your names were Nanashi and Kotaro, correct?" Fa Li asked. The two nodded in sync, unable to properly answer with their mouths full.

"Oh! So you're both foreigners. How exciting!" Mulan's grandmother nearly shouted. Nanashi chuckled a little at her statement. She had no idea.

"Japan is a lot like China. We both just felt a change of location was necessary," Nanashi stated.

"So you two have always traveled together? Wait! Don't tell me you're brothers! I can't believe I didn't realize until now," Mulan said in embarrassment.

"We're not brothers," Kotaro chuckled. "But we have been traveling together for quite some time." Kotaro was now sporting a genuine smile that even caused Nanashi smirk. No, they weren't brothers by blood, but the two had been through so much together. It was hard to think about going their separate ways after all that had happened in Japan. The two had never really vocalized the status of their relationship, but it was never necessary. Through thick and thin the two would be there for each other, there was no doubt in each others' minds that they were brothers for life.

"So how did you two meet? Nanashi, you seem like a very capable man. Did you take Kotaro in as busboy of sorts?" Mulan's grandmother asked.

"He hired me," Nanashi deadpanned. The Fa families eyes all widened at that. "He hired me to be his travel guide and bodyguard. Word of advice, jade stones, although pretty, are easy to fake. He completely ripped me off."

Mulan's grandmother smiled even wider. "Kotaro, I think I need to introduce you into the world of gambling. You might have a future," she said, as Kotaro sheepishly rubbed the back of his head with his hand. "And Nanashi," Nanashi stopped chewing his food for a moment and looked at her. "You can be my bodyguard anytime," she finished with a wink. Nanashi nearly choked on his food as everyone else at the table sweatdropped at Grandma Fa's antics.

Before things could get any worse the sound of Fa Zhou clearing his throat caught everyone's attention. "I think our guests are eager to rest after such a long day," he said with an affirmative tone. "Mulan, would you please show them to their rooms. I will help mother clear the dishes."

That night the trio got the first good night's sleep they had had in while. Unfortunately, the small bit of peace was all that the universe seemed capable to give. No one knew that within the next 12 hours lives, families, and partnerships would be changed forever.