Part Sixty-Three:

Kurogane was relieved when he saw the dead crumble to dust. He turned back to see his father and Ran finish off the last dragon with their swords to its chest. When he was sure they were finished, he ran to help take down the remaining red clay soldiers. He could see pink and purple magic at the other side of the wall of clay soldiers. At least they hadn't killed each another.

His father and Ran were at his side instantly, cutting down the clay soldiers as well. The dead had taken down a good many of them, so it didn't take them long to polish off the rest. He saw Fai lean on his staff after he destroyed the last one.

"Hyuu, hyuu, Kuro-pu. I got a present for you," Fai said, smiling brightly and flinging his hand towards the hill where Fei-Wang was laid out.

Kurogane smirked and said dryly, "And I didn't get you anything, mage."

Fai was about to make a flirtatious response, but Kurogane noticed his father giving Fai a warning look. Fai, instead, said, "Well, let's get home. I want to see how Yuui's doing. We don't have too much time left before Mayor Dayken shows up."

"I promise, your father has sanctuary as long as it takes your brother to cure him," Lord Suwa said. "I'll work on protecting him." Lord Suwa turned back towards Ran. "Lady Suwa and I will deal with you after the ice king is awake."

Kurogane noticed Fai's head droop. Something was on his mind. On their way back towards Suwa, with an unconscious Fei-Wang draped across a horse, Kurogane hung back with Fai so they'd be out of earshot.

"You don't like the idea of Father dealing with Ran after the ice king is awake?" Kurogane asked, perceiving that was bothering Fai.

"If you like your cousin in the least, you wouldn't like that idea at all," Fai said, his normally cheery voice had a grim undertone. "Ashura, even sane, won't tolerate anyone so much as looking cross at Yuui, let alone... Well, Ran would have it a lot better if Ashura didn't know anything."

"He sounds like he won't be too reasonable about any punishment my father doles out."

Fai nodded. "Ashura will tear apart Nihongo until he finds Ran and makes him a memory."

"Father is trying to be respectful of the ice king. I'm sure he thinks your father should have a say in the punishment."

"I can tell you, Ashura won't settle for anything less than death. Not even Yuui's pleading will stop him. His indulgence towards Yuui takes second place to his protectiveness."

"Well, I don't know what to do. I can't disrespect my father's orders by second guessing them. Unless he asks my opinion, it would be very rude to offer it and not something a son should do. Anyway, Ran is willing to face this, so we have to let him."

"I guess so," Fai said and then grew sly. "I was just saying it, because I didn't want our fathers in an argument, not that it would hurt my feelings if Ran got a little more aggravation for what he did to Yuui."


Yuui examined the potion in a glass vial that was ready to accept his blood. As he turned to show off his handiwork to Lady Suwa, her maid came into the prayer room with a bow. "Lord Suwa is back with his hunting party. They've secured Fei-Wang and all are well."

"Good, please tell him we're in here," Lady Suwa said.

"Also, could you get my brother to come here quickly? I'm ready to heal our father, but he'll need to release the sleep spell he put on him," Yuui asked.

"Of course, healer of Celes," she said and left.

Moments later Fai came in with Boris behind him. "Lord Kuro-papa-sama and Kurgs are securing Fei-Wang."

"And Ran?" Lady Suwa asked.

"He's waiting in a guest room. Lord Suwa intends on seeing him after Ashura..." Fai said, but Yuui gasped.

"...awake? But didn't you..." Yuui murmured, locking eyes with Fai.

"...of course, I told..."

"...didn't listen..."

"...afraid not done..." They both just frowned at each other.

"Do you two always talk in incoherent fragments to each other?" Boris asked, crinkling his nose in confusion. They both returned his confused look.

Fai then smiled brightly. "Yuui made perfect sense to me."

"Sorry. It's a habit we fall into and can't seem to break," Yuui apologized bashfully. "Fai and I are afraid Father will be very angry with Ran if he finds out. He tried explaining this to Kurogane, but that's not the way things are done in Nihongo. Lord Suwa feels Ashura will have a right to know."

"You got all that?" Boris asked, incredulous.

"It made perfect sense to Yuui, too," Fai said with a hint of teasing.

"My husband is right. Let's concentrate on getting your father awake and well. We'll worry about everything else later."

"Lady Suwa! Forgive me, but it's urgent!" Kentaro said, appearing at the door to the prayer room with a bow. "There was orange magic that came from the sky. Twenty-one people appeared, all dressed like the mages of Celes, all carrying staffs."

"White coats with blue trim?" Boris asked.

"Yes. Except for one that was wearing a thick, brown coat. He seemed in charge."

"Damn! They would be the army," Boris pointed out.

"Was it a bald man wearing the brown coat?" Fai asked.

"Yes, he was the one with the orange magic," Kentaro answered.

"Mayor Dayken sure has lousy timing," Fai groused.

"Lord Suwa and the young master are trying to delay them, but they're demanding to see the ice king and the ice princes now," Kentaro explained.

"Quick! Fai, help me get your father up. Where can we go hide?" Boris asked, grabbing Ashura under his arms, while Fai grabbed his knees. Both managed their staffs, too, just to be on the safe side.

"All I need is about fifteen minutes," Yuui said, gripping the glass vial in one hand and his magic staff in the other.

"The cherry tree orchard," Lady Suwa said.

Kentaro bowed and fled to help delay the delegation from Celes. Lady Suwa left the prayer room and said, "I'll do what I can to help. Be careful."

After she was gone, Yuui followed after Boris and Fai to the cherry tree grove. He was worried he couldn't get the right mix of blood to potion ratio or that it wouldn't take effect quickly. And then an added thought hit him.

"Boris, we have to wake up Father because you're still wanted dead or alive. If they see you, they'll arrest you or worse," Yuui said.

"That gives me an idea," Boris said, as they snuck King Ashura into the behind the fence of the grove.

"Don't do anything foolish," Yuui begged.

Boris gave him a sly smile. "Promise to keep loathing me if I do?"

They crept through deep into the cherry tree grove where there was a small pagoda with a bench inside. Boris and Fai laid Ashura on the bench. With that, Boris jogged off, magic staff in hand, causing Yuui's stomach to sink.

"Are you ready?" Fai asked.

"Almost, blood just needs to be added." Yuui set the vial by King Ashura's head. He pointed at his left forearm after raising the sleeve of his black yukata. Blue magic created a pinprick mark on his wrist. A small blue orb filled with his blood and then his wrist healed itself once a cup's worth was collected. Yuui pointed at the vial and the potion turned yellowish from green. "Oh no! It's not enough. It's supposed to turn golder in color."

Fai took Yuui's hand and squeezed it, giving him a genuine smile. "Remember? Together." Fai raised the left sleeve of his pink yukata. Yuui withdrew the same amount of blood from Fai's wrist. He pointed at the glass vial and then potion darkened to gold.

"That's it!" Yuui declared. "Okay, bring him into a light doze, and I can make him drink."

Fai whistled a jaunty tune but paused at the right moment. Fai propped up Ashura, and Yuui tilted his head back, forcing the potion into the king's mouth. Yuui stroked his throat and got him to swallow.

"Now what?" Fai asked.

"Now to activate it," Yuui said, lofting his magic staff and tracing a very elaborate rune set. He swung his topper at his father and watched in anxiety as the blue runes sank into the king's skin and faded. He nodded toward Fai. "Go ahead and finish waking him."

Fai laid Ashura back down on the bench and took up his staff, just in case Ashura's illness was resistant. Ashura had scared him half to death, and he never wanted to see Ashura like that again. He wanted his father back. He shook his head, and chided himself for doubting the person he was born with. He was sure Yuui had done his best, so he lowered his staff and continued the waking whistle.


"Husband, who are our guests?" Lady Suwa asked, walking up beside Hondo.

"This is a delegation from Celes. They've come to check on the ice king and the ice princes. It seems there was a letter left with instructions on how to reach Nihongo. Do you know where our honored guests are?" Hondo asked, she could read the tension underneath what everyone else would see as gruffness in Lord Suwa.

"Yes, they're in the cherry tree grove," she said. "Son, why don't check on your mage and his family?"

"Yes, Mother," Kurogane answered.

"Really! The tone of this letter is very urgent. It insisted I greet our king with these top notch men and check on him and his children. Point me to where they are," the bald leader insisted.

Lady Suwa gave her husband and son a fearful glance. That's when all chaos broke loose. The reanimator stepped into the courtyard. His silver, magic staff carried over his head. "Mayor Dayken, long time, no see," Boris called out.

The mayor scowled and the soldiers with him raised their gold staves and got ready to hex him.

"Boris Nemtsov! You're under arrest for high treason. Drop your staff! Now!"

Boris did as he was told and knelt on the ground slowly, hands raised. "I surrender. Why don't you all escort me back to Celes? Won't my arrest make you the envy of all the mayors?"

"What the devil are you doing here, criminal?" the mayor snarled.

"Wait. He's a guest of ours. What are the charges? I must know before I allow him out of Suwa's protection," Hondo demanded as two of the Celian soldiers bound his hands behind his back and forced him to stand again.

"He abandoned Master Yuui to group of bandits. King Ashura has a dead or alive order on his head, and after doing that to the sweet boy, I doubt he'll be drawing breath much longer," the mayor said and then turned to Boris. "So what are you doing in Nihongo Country?"

"Visiting Yuui."

"Your mouth is a little fresh! That's 'Master Yuui' to you! And what are you doing stalking after him? Is King Ashura aware you're here?"

"You could say that," Boris answered.

Mayor Dayken then turned to Lord Suwa. "I want to see the king, now, before I take this wretch off for trial and, hopefully, rightful execution."

"Wait, Dayken!" Everyone grew silent and turned to the edge of the courtyard. King Ashura was being supported by his his twins. He slowly stood on his own, two, bare feet and walked over to Boris. "Let him go. I rescind his arrest warrant immediately."

The soldiers looked dumbfounded, but did as they were ordered instantly. Boris gave Ashura a smile as he rubbed his wrists, "Nice to see you once again, Majesty."

"I owe you a debt of gratitude for your unwavering loyalty towards Yuui. Thank you for protecting him and putting your life on the line for him. I can never repay you for that."

"I despise the little thumb sucker. That's why I did it," Boris said, to which, Yuui just blushed and turned his face towards the ground when all the Celians looked absolutely scandalized.

King Ashura turned towards the mayor. "I wish to speak to my sons, alone, for a moment. Hondo, would you mind seeing to my men? I know it's a great imposition, but I haven't had a chance to talk to Fai and Yuui."

"We'll gladly see after your men. We'll take care of them and serve them an early dinner. All you men, must be hot," Lord Suwa said. "Come with me, and we'll see to your comfort."

After Lord and Lady Suwa lead the Celian soldiers and the mayor off, Boris and Kurogane walked over to the twins and Ashura. Kurogane asked, "So it was a success?"

"Yes, Kurogane. And I owe you the same debt of gratitude for your abiding loyalty towards Fai," Ashura said.

Kurogane nodded. "He's my mate. My life is devoted to his happiness and safety."

A strangled sob came from Yuui and he looked at the ground, now, paling. Fai put his arm around Yuui and hugged him tightly. Ashura turned towards his sons and said, "Let's go talk."

When they left, Kurogane turned to Boris. "How about we tell Ran what's to come and get some sake."

"Sake?"

"Rice wine."

"Well, just one," Boris said.

After they got to the main compound, Kurogane asked, "Is the ice king as harsh as Fai has told me? I'm concerned that Ran might run into real trouble, because my father feels compelled to tell him."

"Let me tell you what he did to the two men who betrayed me to a mob. I pity Ran if that's your father's plan. Loosing his eye will be a gentle tickle."


Fai snuggled under one of Ashura's arms, and Yuui the other. They went back to the dim pagoda in the cherry tree grove and sat with each other on the bench, Yuui and Fai both hugging him tightly as he stroked their hair. Yuui stretched his empathy. Ashura was in a lot of grief, but the white hot anger was no longer there. Fai was very sad and worried but overall relieved.

"I can't express the sorrow I feel at hurting you both. It makes me sick. I can remember everything. I could do nothing to stop myself. I'll forever feel horror over the pain I've caused you both. I never, ever wanted to harm either of you.

"I've only wanted to give you the best life I could provide. I've let you down, and I'm sorry. I should have tried to find the cure earlier, but I was in denial until I started noticing small things after Fai left for Nihongo. I thought I could beat anything that may happen.

"My father, Taras, stayed sane, but he was always afraid for me. People loved my father, and I tried to emulate his policies. I thought I could control it if it happened, but there was always a fear in the back of my mind. There was a nagging fear in the back of my mind that I'd pass this on to any natural child I may have. Even if I had girls, they could have sons that would fall into it."

"You've been lonely, though," Fai protested. "I mean, you taught us there are ways to avoid having children."

"Except in my case, because of where my magic rests in my body."

"You mean your magic is...?" Yuui asked in a soft, awkward squeak.

"...in his balls," Fai supplied with a devious grin.

"Fai," Ashura chastised, "but, yes, you're correct. When you see a Celian family of ten or more children you can assume one of the parents has a similar situation."

"You never told us that," Fai said.

"He did, you just weren't paying attention," Yuui countered.

"Anyway, I never wanted to visit my troubles on either of you. You are my children, and I love you both very much. I wish I would have prepared for it before the warning signs started showing. I let you both down and hurt you because of that."

"We forgive you," Yuui insisted. "All that matters is that you're well."

Ashura turned to the older twin. "Fai, I'm so sorry for forcing you to fight me." Ashura's ethereal sorrow became more tangible. He turned to Fai and placed a firm hand on his shoulder. "Know that I'm proud of the changes that I see in you. You've become a strong combat mage and someone who has grown into a man when I wasn't looking. I missed that, and my heart aches for missing it.

"I am overjoyed that you've found true love, but I'm still not happy at the timing. That much about what I said was true when you told me about you and Kurogane. There is so much more I want to teach you and so much more time I want to spend fathering you."

"And I want to spend more time like that with you, too," Fai said. He shook his head and lowered his face to the ground. "But Kurogane, he can't live anywhere else but Suwa; it's all he knows. When it looked like he was going to be disinherited for our relationship, he didn't entertain the thought of coming to Celes for a second when I suggested it. If I want to be with him, I must live here."

Yuui wilted at the news and King Ashura gripped Fai shoulder tightly. Ashura asked, "Does Kurogane make you happy and care for your needs?"

"He makes me very happy. His family also has grown to accept me, in spite of the struggle to accept me. And I've grown to love it here. I adore Celes because it's my home, so it's hard because I love Nihongo, too. I feel sick about this decision I know I have to make, now. I love you and Yuui so much, but I love Kurogane and and his parents, too."

Ashura drew Fai close to him and kissed the top of his head. "You have my blessings. I have faith Kurogane and his parents will treat you how I expect." Yuui noticed tears of happiness coming to Fai's eyes and a joyous smile that felt like a punch to his stomach. Fai was rejecting him and Ashura.

Yuui glomped onto Ashura's chest. He shoved Fai away from Ashura with a glare. "It's always been the three of us! You're the one that always told me to never accept other people! I'm so confused by you! Why are you bringing others in? Lady Suwa offered let me stay here for a while, but still... you're trying to leave us!"

Ashura and Fai looked at him, both shocked at his hysteric outburst that was now dissolving into tears. Ashura stopped Fai from embarrassing Yuui. He placed his hands on Yuui's shoulders in a firm grip and gave him a stern expression he'd never turned on Yuui a day in his life.

"Yuui, get a hold of yourself. I sent Fai away so that he could start growing into his own person; you as well. I wanted to see you both find out who you are apart from each other. I didn't expect this of you. But then again..." Ashura shook his head and felt a profound disappointment, and Yuui was terrified it was with him. It hit his stomach, and he he choked back a sob.

"I've disappointed you, and I don't know why," Yuui spat out and swiped at tears trickling down his face.

"No, I've disappointed myself as your father. I never prepared you for life. I never wanted to. I never wanted to tell you about what happened to you, with your grandfather. I'm so very sorry about how I told you. I see I was wrong in not letting you know all along. I should have never hidden things from you.

"Now I see you floundering and unwilling to move forward into adulthood. At one time, when you were very little, that was my wish, to hide you away from the world so you'd never experience pain again. If I ever knew you experienced that kind of terror again, it'd rip my heart apart. I want you to have joy and peace for the rest of your life."

"That's why you wanted to lock me away without my magic."

"I'd never do that now. It's not logical or reasonable, and I really couldn't see what I was doing to you before. As your father, I should have never wanted to keep you as some sort of trinket, but I was so troubled when I first laid eyes on you. You were in such extreme pain and terror, and you were such a gentle, kind soul. Please forgive my selfishness over you."

"I'm so confused now. You and Fai are not doing what you promised me at all, to stay with me and keep me safe. I don't know what to do! Maybe I should run off with someone horrid that you'd both hate. Someone I detest just to spite you both!" Ashura was baffled, but Yuui could see Fai knew he meant Boris. Fai got a nasty expression to go along with the flare of jealousy. Yuui took a deep breath and got calm. "I can never stay mad at either of you, but I still feel you both wronged me. It hurts."

Fai started trembling and getting a negative, visceral reaction. Yuui identified it as guilt. "We did wrong you. Kurogane is very angry with me over it. I'm very sorry, I haven't helped you learn to deal with other people."

Yuui felt numb, suddenly. He clung to Fai and Ashura tightly. There were some tears and apologies, and he realized his life was going to have to change. He'd have to accept that Fai would live in Nihongo, whether he liked it or not.

King Ashura stood. "Well then, a decision I've been agonizing over for some time now has been made."

Fai and Yuui shared a baffled look as he tugged their hands and led them back to the courtyard.

To be continued.

A/N: I was so enjoying crazy King Ashura. Oh well...