I do not own Mulan or Sword of the Stranger

Chapter 4

Once the Fa family and the their guests were back within the walls of the compound, an uncomfortable silence overtook the household. Fa Zhou had stormed back into the main building, with his wife in tow. Grandma Fa was comfortingly gripping Mulan's shoulder, but it didn't seem like it was helping. Nanashi didn't know what to do or even say for that matter; he didn't even know if it was his place to say anything at all.

As Nanashi stood with a concerned, but thoughtful look, Kotaro's eyes shot between where Mulan's parents had gone off to, to Mulan and her grandmother, and finally Nanashi. He couldn't really believe what he had just seen. Yeah, Nanashi had kicked some idiots' asses, and turned away to what he could only describe as a human raisin, but what was going to happen now? He and Nanashi were supposed leave after they had helped out, but there had to be something they could do? Fa Zhou was an honorable man, and Kotaro was sure he used to be an amazing warrior, but Mulan was right. He was just too old. Hell, Kotaro was young and pretty much everyone seemed kind of old to him, even Nanashi, but a blind man could tell that Mulan's father would barely survive the training camp. "Um, Mulan if-" Kotaro started, but was cut off by Grandma Fa.

"You boys have been wonderful, and such a great help, but I think it's best if you head out now." Mulan flinched slightly, but didn't voice any opposition.

"I understand. Thank you for your hospitality. I am sorry if I caused any dishonor or trouble for you family. It was not my intention," Nanashi said as he hinged into a deep bow. Kotaro bowed as well.

"It's alright. My son can be quite stubborn. His pride has always gotten him in trouble. You were only trying to protect Mulan, and her honor as a Fa. I respect you even more for that, thank you," Grandma Fa said it a sweet, but defeated tone. "Mulan can take you to go get your belongings. I'll pack some food for you during your travels. I recommend you leave soon, with the army around and all." With that Grandma Fa headed off towards the kitchen, and Mulan accompanied her guests in a heavy silence.


Nanashi and Kotaro watched as the Fa's gates closed in front of them. The two stood staring for a few seconds until Nanashi let out a deep breath, and turned to begin their travels once again. Kotaro stared back and forth between his "brother" and the the Fa Family's compound with an anxious look, until he and Tobimaru also turned and jogged back to Nanashi. "Do you think they're gonna be ok?" Kotaro asked.

"I don't know, but it's not our place to ask," Nanashi said with a blank expression, despite the inner conflict he was feeling.

"But, you saw Fa Zhou. He wouldn't survive a single blow thrown his way! It's basically suicide what he's doing!" Kotaro yelled, which caused too much staring and murmuring for Nanashi's comfort.

"Would you keep it down?" It was more of a command than a question. "I don't like it either, but it's not our family. I don't even think there is anything we could do about it. If Fa Zhou had a son then he would be going in his Father's place, but he doesn't and that is why he has to fight. I do think it's pointless to make a man like him fight, though. He obviously won't be much help. His own country is digging his grave, and forcing him to lay in it," Nanashi said with a low growl. Kotaro nodded his head in agreement.

"I don't know how the old raisin could sit so smug on his high horse, and hand out death warrants like that," Nanashi grunted in response. "It didn't even looked like he cared about the lives and families that are going to be torn apart because of this war," Kotaro mumbled.

"Shogen Itadori."

"huh?"

"Shogen Itadori," Nanashi repeated. "He was my elder, and I fought with him while I worked for my old master. He was an ambitious man, whose swordsmanship was well renowned within our ranks. During the years, after our time fighting together, he opened a dojo to train and recruit more men for Japan. He fought in that battle with Rarou. I saw him fighting while I was trying to get to you."

"What does he have to do with any of this?" Kotaro asked.

"He died. I knew he had a women back home waiting for him, and it wouldn't surprise me if he had a child as well by then. Yet he risked his life to fight for his honor, and justice. He died a warrior," Nanashi said focussing on the road ahead of him.

"He may have died a warrior, but he left his family," Kotaro argued.

"He died protecting his family, not only that, but he died protecting an entire community of people. It was because of his and his men's efforts that me and you were able to make it out alive. A soldier's death may be sad and hard for their friends and loved ones, but it's soldiers like Fa Zhou that will fight and will die for everything and everyone they they love," Nanashi said looking down at Kotaro with a fond look. "You know I would do the same, and I know you would too." Kotaro could only stare up at Nanashi as his mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water. He knew Nanashi knew these types of things better than anyone else, and he couldn't help but admire the wisdom of his brother. However, just because he agreed with Nanashi didn't mean he had to agree with war itself.

Looking back down, towards the ground Kotaro said, "I'm tired of watching people die around me. The Fa family were the first people who showed us any type of kindness since we got to China. Hell they're the first people to show me kindness since I met you, and I had to bribe you to just act nice to me," Nanashi chuckled while he ruffled Kotaro's hair. His chuckle quickly ceased, but he still held onto a small smirk and a bitter-sweet look in his eyes.

"I think you're just mad, because your difficult employee stuck around even when he broke your fake jade," Kotaro attempted kick one of Nanashi's shins, but failed as Nanashi side stepped. As he was about to try again, Nanashi's voice stopped him. "I'm not going anywhere," Nanashi said in a quieter voice. Kotaro had stopped dead his tracks, while Tobimaru looked between the two. Kotaro's heart was in his throat.

"Y-you better be promising me that!" Kotaro yelled ahead.

"Well, of course. I'm still waiting for a legitimate paycheck," Nanashi said nonchalantly. "Come on, " Nanashi said, motioning with his arm, "It's going to get dark soon. Let's find a spot to set up camp."

"Mm," Kotaro agreed with a nod as he ran to catch up with Nanashi. Although he was worried about the Fa family, but with their luck they would probably get involved in this country's problems some way or another. Trouble always seemed to find them, call it an occupational hazard, but as long as he had Nanashi and Tobimaru they would make it through okay.