Part Seventy:

Fai looked over to see the teen serve sakuramochi and green tea on a coffee table. The Witch of the Far East, who called herself Ichihara Yuuko in her wish shop, gave the teen a sly look and said, "Ah, Watanuki, you're cooking out of spite? Or so you think, but I think your choice in service today shows something quite interesting."

"What's that CRACK supposed to mean?" her moody apprentice demanded in a loud voice, clutching his serving tray with a harsh glare.

"Spring is around the corner, as is White Day. I think you're angling for a nice White Day gift from a certain archer," she said in a gloating tone.

"Yuuko-san! I hate that guy so much!" Then he got a sly look. "When he sees my sakuramochi it'll remind him he was born on Hinamatsuri and also had to wear girls' clothing when he was a kid."

A tall teen walked down the hallway. Fai watched the impassive, tall teen pause at the threshold to the parlor as he munched on a sakuramochi. Watanuki pointed at the tall teen and yelled, "Hey! Who invited you to eat that!"

"I thought it was a birthday gift," the boy said in a bland tone.

"Why would I make anything for YOU! I was making that for Hinamatsuri. Oh that's right... you were born on March 3rd! It must be embarrassing to be born on GIRLS' DAY!"

The apathetic teen just shrugged and munched on the dessert before walking down the hallway. Watanuki clenched his fists and howled towards the ceiling. Yuuko snickered at her apprentice's distress.

Fai tried the sakuramochi and moaned in pleasure. It was heavenly. Fai said, "This is so good! I must have the recipe."

"It's so easy. You start with..."

"Watanuki, he's my customer. If he wants cooking lessons from you, he has to pay extra. Remember, everything must be in balance," Yuuko said.

Watanuki scowled and Fai said, "I have plenty of recipes to trade. Maybe after this we could trade a few?"

Watanuki glanced at Yuuko, who only nodded and said, "You see, I knew there was a way to get you to cook Celian dishes for me."

Before either of them could protest, Yuuko turned to Fai and said, "Let's talk about your prospective pregnancy."

"So you can really make it happen? It's too important to Kurogane and his family, so I need a guarantee. I really need this to happen. Lord Suwa told me that he'd be blind, Kurogane and I would have constant warfare in our lives, and that I'd suffer during the pregnancy."

"Yes, that is your price for creating life. Creating life is a huge wish, as huge as creating death. So is it something you'd be willing to embrace for children?"

"Yes. I saw my sons, I want to have them. I want to embrace Nihongo as my home and raise them with Kurogane, even though I won't always be a perfect fit. If I could give Kurogane natural sons, at least it could ease the religious issues in our relationship."

"I'll give your father the coordinates of the dimensions you will travel to. He'll dream of them a year from now. There will be a Tomoyo where I will send you. She shares a soul with the one you know, but she'll be different. In this dimension, called Piffle World, this Tomoyo will introduce you to a scientist calling himself Icchan, who neither you nor Kurogane will like or trust very much, but he'll deliver the sons you want."

"Scientist?"

"A wizard that specializes in technology," she answered. "King Ashura will have the dream the night before you're to travel. He'll travel with you, because after you conceive it'll be difficult for you to concentrate on magic."

"But shouldn't I take Yuui? He's a healer."

"No, he has another path he must follow at that time," she said.

"Speaking of Yuui, can I ask if he'll ever regain his memories from our childhood? I'm afraid he'll start remembering, now that he knows," Fai said, figuring he better take advantage of this opportunity if she really was as powerful as implied. And yes, he could sense great power coming from her, now that he had met her. And yes, Yuui potentially remembering their childhood was nagging him.

"Yes, he's due to remember. It'll be very soon," Yuuko said.

"Then can I make a wish? Isn't that how it works?"

"You want to ensure he never remembers what he suffered when he was very young," Yuuko replied.

"Yes, I don't want him to to ever remember what our grandfather did to him. What would you ask in exchange?" Fai asked, feeling his throat tighten and his stomach clench in anxiety.

"Your memories of your mother would be the price," Yuuko pronounced darkly.

Fai shivered and thought back over his memories of Chii. He remembered her grief, misery, and guilt, but he also remember the few times she'd let her cravings to be a mother take over and give them fond caresses or held them tightly out of sight from others. It pained Fai how she was ashamed of them, yet, instinctively cared for them.

He was a little less confused about her iffy love, now, after his early trials and tribulations with Kurogane in Nihongo. He started to weigh out his memories of Chii verse Yuui remembering what their grandfather had done to him. He remembered trying to comfort Yuui after those times. It was horrific, and it still tore at his heart to this day. All the blood, pain, and tears just angered Fai all over again. Yuui had started forgetting those detestable times a few months after Ashura had taken them to Luval Castle. Ashura had made Fai swear to never remind Yuui, to which, Fai had eagerly agreed.

Fai nodded. "I don't want to forget Chii, but I can't abide the thought of Yuui ever remembering those things. I'll give her up for his future peace of mind, but will anyone remember her?"

"There was a young girl named Caldina who used to be her maid. She does remember and love her, so your mother won't disappear, if that is your fear."

Fai nodded. "Good, it's a deal. Anything else I should know?"

"Not for now," Yuuko said. "You have about an hour before you return to your body, so I recommend you start exchanging recipes with Watanuki in a hurry."

"You didn't give me much time, Yuuko-san," Watanuki griped.

"Well, then I suggest you start," Yuuko said, getting a devious look when Watanuki started scrambling for pen and paper.


Fai opened his eyes and looked around at all the concerned faces above him. "Mage, you fainted," Lady Suwa said.

"I met Yuuko-san and traveled to her wish shop. I was there for a little over an hour."

"You mean the Witch of the Far East? But you didn't go anywhere. You were out for a couple of minutes," Kurogane said.

"I felt a powerful spell cast on you. Are you sure you're alright?" Ashura asked as Kurogane helped Fai sit up.

"Never better. She told me in a year we'll travel with Kuro-ku to a different realm and then you'll stay with me to help me through the pregnancy; I won't be able to manage magic too well. Oh, and her apprentice gave me some wonderful recipes. I can't wait to try them out."

"I bet you wish you had your mother here during this time. I'll do my best to fill in for her," Lady Suwa said, patting his shoulder in sympathy.

"Mother? I never had a mother. At least... I can't remember her." Fai got a chill when they all gave him baffled looks.

"Did you make a deal with that greedy woman?" Kurogane demanded, giving him a suspicious look.

"Yes, I think so. Something about Yuui... I can't clearly remember. I know I didn't want him to remember being hurt, and now I can't remember something."

"Damn it, mage, it's dangerous to deal with that woman!"

"You remembered your mother up until now," Ashura said.

Fai felt confused. He tried to remember his mother, but nothing came to mind. "I don't remember ever having a mother."

"Well it had better have been something good you traded away," Kurogane snarled at him.

Fai only smiled back in spite of his wistfulness and said, "It was something for Yuui's sake. I'm sure it was something good."

"Well, why don't we show Lord and Lady Suwa around," Ashura suggested, as Kurogane helped Fai to his feet.

"Great idea! I can take them on a sleigh ride," Fai said with glee.

"You aren't putting my mother in one of those damn things, mage!"

"Kuro-grumpy is no fun," Fai said, leading Kurogane's parents towards the stables.


Yuui was shaking like a leaf in the side room of Luval's great hall. Luval Castle was packed with people coming to honor his crowning. In moments, he was to emerge with Fai by his side and be formally blessed by Head Reverend Oli Vetrok. Fai would be acknowledged as a new duke and recognized as next in line after Yuui until Yuui had children.

"Stop. You're about to make me throw up. You keep projecting!" Fai exclaimed, gripping Yuui by the upper arms and shaking him firmly. They were both dressed in identical sable capes with white and blue clothing underneath. Fai's penchant for the outrageous finally got tempered by Yuui's tendency to get embarrassed in large crowds.

"I can't do this. Let's run! Now! Take me somewhere, anywhere, where we can hide and never see people again! I can't do what's being ask of me, and you know it! If you love me, take me from here, now! I don't care where. I'll be a miserable king. I'll just disappoint Ashura and you, and I'll let everyone in Celes down. How can I even begin to do this? Please... please... please... If you love me you wouldn't make me do this! It's too much for me to do!"

"If I love you, I'll make you do it. Ashura picked you. He's known us for years. Don't you think he knew the right one to pick? I know he did, and I'm so thrilled he made the right choice."

"But you're a combat mage. You can protect Celes. What can I ever do if someone attacks Celes?"

"You can heal, which is a tremendous gift. Maybe it's time a healer lead Celes rather than a combat mage. There is something to be said about mercy, and you can grant that in abundance. For example, you'd never have met Ruler of Rot if Ashura wasn't merciful.

"Listen, you still have to impose law, but you can grant some kindness and gentleness that isn't exactly a hallmark of our culture, right? So, this is a new start. Ashura is committed to snuffing out his family line and creating a new monarchy, starting with you. You should feel honored and embrace that he's found you, an excellent replacement. The best way you can honor what he's done for us is to become the king he wants you to be."

"But I'm not a warrior like you, Fai. I don't understand why he picked me, I'm so powerless," Yuui mumbled, his mind-numbing terror sinking into depression.

"You have a power I don't, but you'll have to learn that yourself," Fai said. "You have the power of forgiveness and mercy, and I have faith Ashura will teach you how to temper that with justice."

"You're saying the same types of things Boris said. Maybe I should take it to heart."

Fai's face got absolutely vexed as jealousy flared in his chest. "So long as the Sultan of Slime says it, you'll listen?"

Yuui only smiled and laid his bare, cool hand on Fai's hot cheek. "You both love me and believe in me, along with Ashura. I believe in all of you, too."

Fai gave him a bright, real smile and nodded. "I know, I'm just afraid to let you go to him. I'm glad Boris is on Valeria again."

"You're wrong about me having forgiveness and mercy; there are some things I'd never forgive. I'm scared of letting Kurogane take you to another realm. I'm really afraid of your... you know... pregnancy... It could kill you! If it kills you..." Yuui grew extremely dark and gave Fai a chilling, grave look. "I'd never forgive Kurogane, and I'd spend the rest of my life learning hexes from Boris...and I'd confront him. I'll blame Kurogane if this upcoming pregnancy does harm you."

Fai shivered. He started to wonder if Yuui would do as he said and try to get back at Kurogane if he died from the future pregnancy. He reached over and clenched Yuui's shoulder.

"I won't die. I saw the twins I'll carry, and it'll work. Please don't be hurt that I chose Ashura to stay by me. I had to, because you'll have something else you need to do; the witch said so. But I need you to please not be angry at Kurogane. I love him. Even if I were to die giving him children..." Fai took a deep breath and gave his twin a gentle smile. "... you'd not hurt him. You know it'd hurt me so much if I knew what you did, and you'd love my children as much as me. You wouldn't want to hurt their father for something their... for lack of a better term... mother chose, which was giving them birth."

"You picked Ashura instead of me to stay by your side. That hurts me a great deal. I could be there and tend you if anything goes wrong."

"You'll be doing something important here. Yuuko-san promised me that. But, we'll still have each other in our dreams."

Fai knew the bizarre pregnancy was a big sticking point after last night's dinner when they told Boris and Yuui at the small banquet Ashura held for Lord and Lady Suwa. Boris had a field day with a whole host of new nicknames and implications. Of course, Fai retaliated. Lord Suwa threatened to toss them from Luval Castle and that brought about peace. "But my pregnancy won't go wrong. You'll have two nephews to love and pamper. Now!" Fai said, patting Yuui on the shoulders and then drawing him into his arms. He finally held his twin at arms length as music drifted in from the other room. "It's time! This'll be so much fun!"

"No it won't," Yuui said, trying to stop frowning.

"Just think of the party afterwards. All the food."

The door swung open and a dressed up page announced, "His Royal Highness, Prince Yuui and His Royal Highness, Duke Fai."

Fai nudged Yuui to the doorway after he whispered, "Just don't throw up."

"Fai," Yuui snarled and then went to face the assembly. Fai walked behind him and slightly to his right. Fai could see his poor twin was shaking so badly, but at least he wasn't projecting anymore. The crowds of Celians bowed their heads in respect as Yuui walked down the aisle to where King Ashura and Reverend Oli waited.

Towards the front were Lord and Lady Suwa with Kurogane. Fai flashed them a giant smile and was temped to call out something outrageous just to tease Kurogane. He didn't want to embarrass Yuui, though. He noticed Zellen and his bride, so he gave him a large grin, too. He had something special in mind for Zellen during the reception afterwards. Zellen smiled back and Fai got a little panicked. Who knew what he had planned? He vowed to strike first and strike hard.

Then he looked over to see Boris. The man had his head lowered respectfully, so he couldn't tell much about his expression. He still didn't like Boris in Yuui's life, but it was something he'd learn to accept. Yuui was working on accepting Kurogane and letting Fai pursue a life in Nihongo, so he should be just as charitable with his twin.

They arrived at the dais and knelt before King Ashura and the audience sat down. Fai couldn't help but feel safe and warm once again, being close to his father. He loved and admired Ashura so very much, and he was so very proud, and so very grateful, they were able to save Ashura. No one was the wiser in Celes, either. The king continued ruling Celes, and Fai was so relieved; never did he ever want to face King Ashura in combat again.

Reverend Oli made a short, formal speech praising Ashura for raising the twins into fine, strong mages, but also protecting Celes and creating order in Valeria. There were some religious passages read. The reverend turned to Fai and put his hand on Fai's head. He officially recognized Fai's new title and bid him to rise and take his place beside Ashura.

Ashura place a firm kiss on his cheek, and had Fai stand beside him. Another formally dressed page stepped beside Ashura with a crown made of fluorite crystals on a blue pillow. Ashura was wearing a similar one with gold embellishments. Fai had only seen this crown of Ashura's two other times, usually it was locked away with other royal treasures.

The reverend placed his hands on Yuui's head and blessed him like he had Fai. Then Ashura took the crown from the pillow and settled it on Yuui's head. Ashura helped him rise and gave him a kiss on the cheek as well. He had Yuui turn around, too.

"Yuui D Fluorite is my chosen successor. Until he establishes his own family, Duke Fai D Fluorite will be due to inherit next. I compel all the people of Celes to embrace Prince Yuui as my successor."

There was a final prayer and then Ashura welcomed all the guests and invited them to the ballroom. With that, most of the people got up and knelt as the royalty was leaving. Fai was happy to see so many people delighted at the declaration, but Yuui was now looking ashen. The music started and King Ashura lead them out of the hallway with a serene smile. Guards followed. Ashura, Yuui and Fai stood by the ballroom door, finally.

There was a large press of people greeting them and congratulating Yuui and Fai. They praised Ashura on the twins as well. Fai was glad to see Yuui, for once, get the lion's share of attention. He knew he had a tendency to take over in social situation to shield Yuui, but this was something Yuui was going to have to handle, now. Little bit by little bit, Yuui warmed up and smiled shyly at the guests as they lavished praise on him. Finally, Kurogane and his parents came walking up.

"Well? Ready to go back home?" Kurogane asked.

Fai's heart fluttered at Kurogane saying Suwa was his home, too. He felt a real, bright smile come to his lips and he said, "First, I have to show your mother how we dance here. And I've got all my clothing to pack. Can you give me a few more day?"

"It would be nice. This is a pleasant vacation after what I've dealt with lately," Lord Suwa grumbled.

Kurogane returned a lopsided smile to Fai. "We'll stay a few more days, so long as none of the clothes you pack look like that terrible thing from yesterday." Kurogane then looked into the ballroom and then over as Ashura and Yuui as they chatted with Mayor Tanya and her date. Kurogane's expression grew stern. "You're sure you want to stay with me, my mage?"

"I want to get home to Suwa, Kuro-wa," Fai said.


Fai was finishing packing up the things in his and Yuui's, now formerly, shared room. It was so bittersweet. There were a few times tears almost came to his eyes, especially when the servants came and took his bed, shelves, and desk away to storage. This was now solely Yuui's bedroom. There were no more traces of him here.

He started feeling fearful and sorrowful. Part of him hated to see his life on Celes ending. It hurt and made his stomach feel so heavy. There was a knock at the door and he looked over to see Kurogane. He pushed on a smile, afraid Kurogane would start feeling guilty again at taking him away to Nihongo.

Then a problem in the massive, half-empty closet came to mind. He could certainly distract Kurogane with that issue he just felt too slothful to deal with. He did make sure Kurogane was carrying Ginryuu first. After all, Fai wasn't that sadistic.

"You're done, Fai?" Kurogane asked, seeming a little somber, himself.

"All except one thing. Zellen left me a gift in the closet. Could you go take care of it for me?"

"What? Me again? I'm not your pack mule, lazy mage." With that grousing out of the way, Kurogane stormed to the closet, yanked open the door, and marched in. Fai quickly leaped up, slammed the door shut, and locked it.

"What the hell is that!" Kurogane bellowed.

"It's called an otter, and it seem to be rather grumpy."

"Let me out!"

"Not until you take care of my gift for me. I'm patient, I'll wait."

"I'll punch your lights for this, mage!" Next there was whole lot of ruckus, hissing, and cussing coming from the closet.

"Careful of Yuui's things," Fai called out. Seconds later, the racket stopped.

"Let me out, now, so I can demonstrate on you what I did to that beast!" Kurogane shouted.

"Temper, temper. I figured I'd let the big, burly ninja deal with invading wildlife. After all, you always seem to love a good fight. If you do want someone to blame, Zellen is in the stables, about ready to leave."

"Are you picking on Kurogane?" Yuui asked, coming into his bedroom.

"Healer, make your brother get me out of here!"

Fai smirked and got another devious idea as Yuui went over to the closet. He was glad they were wearing identical outfits. Fai stood beside Yuui and then adopted a bashful, shy persona. Sure enough, Kurogane flew out of the closet and grabbed Yuui by the arm. "Wait! Kurogane! I'm Yuui!"

"Fai! Stop telling, Kurogane such lies!" Fai said, doing a stellar Yuui impersonation.

"You stop that right now!" Yuui snapped, getting into a snit with his twin.

"Really, Fai, you're carrying this too far," Fai countered, intimating Yuui's snit perfectly.

Kurogane looked back and forth between the two and and then finally glared at Fai. "You'll pay for this, mage, when we get back home."

Fai then grew flirtatious. "So how should I pay? With baked goods or something else that's delicious."

"Oh shut it, mage." Kurogane stormed out of the room.

Fai gave Yuui a smile tinged with some sorrow. He hugged Yuui fiercely and said with a lump in his throat, "All yours now."

"I still don't want you to leave me," Yuui whispered, leaning his head on Fai's shoulder. Fai parted from him and squeezed his upper arms.

"I'll see you tonight. I can't wait to try it," Fai said.

"I'll be waiting for you."

They left down the hallway, but they were silent, both too choked up to speak. The arrived in the throne room where Ashura and Lord and Lady Suwa were waiting with Kurogane and Fai's things.

"Do you have everything, Fai?" Ashura asked in apparent, parental worry.

"I'm fine, and I'll see you next year when it's time for my pregnancy," Fai said.

"Don't hesitate to send word by way of Yuui. Whatever it is, if you need troops or just to talk, let me know. I'm still your father," Ashura said and laid his hands on Fai's shoulders. They embraced tightly for several long minutes. "I love you so much, Fai."

"And I love you, too," Fai said, tears now streaming down his cheeks. There was no way he could maintain his false smile with his father. "You are my father, forever and for always."

"Forever, I am your father," Ashura said. He let Fai go from his embrace slowly. He looked at Kurogane's parents. "Thank you for taking my son in. Please treat him like the treasure he is."

"We'll protect him with all our might. He is our son's mate, so we wouldn't let anything come against him. Kurogane and I will protect him with our lives," Lord Suwa affirmed.

"I expected that from you, Hondo. Thank you."

"Fai, send us back to Nihongo. It's time," Lord Suwa ordered.

Fai lofted the staff with a mischievous smirk. "I'm invited to stay then, Lord Kuro-papa-sama?"

Lady Suwa laid a hand on his shoulder and Lord Suwa gave him a smile. She said, "We couldn't imagine our family without you."

Fai lofted his staff and said. "I love you, Father. I love you Yuui."

"I love you, too," Ashura said, tearing up.

"Together," Yuui said, waving his hand.

"Together," Fai repeated.

He then cast the pink rune circle to transport Kurogane, his parents, and his things to Nihongo. As the supernatural wind gathered, he grabbed Yuui's hand. "I love you."

"I love you," Yuui said and then withdrew his hand back slowly at the last minute when the spell cast and moved Fai, his new family, and things to Nihongo. Now the hall was empty except for Ashura and Yuui.

Yuui sunk into Ashura's arms and sobbed hysterically. Ashura held him and cried himself. After several minutes they calmed themselves.

Ashura took Yuui away to his hunting lodge, so they could adjust to the new life without Fai in relaxing surroundings.


"Home and warmth," Kurogane said as they materialized in the Suwa courtyard.

"Lord Suwa!" a stable hand shouted and ran over. He knelt down in front of them and said, "Your steward needs to talk to you. It's an emergency. Lord Ueda has declared formal war on Suwa."

"Has he marched over the mountains yet?" Lord Suwa asked.

Kentaro them came up and bowed to Lord Suwa. "Taro, leave us alone. Lady Suwa, what I have to discuss is not fit for a mother's ears."

Lady Suwa looked to Lord Suwa. He nodded and she left for the inner compound. Kentaro then said, "Edo still won't give him permission to march on us. Lord Ueda's headed to argue his case, declaring the young lord unfit to rule. He claims the young lord has gone insane and indulges in perversion."

Kurogane looked over at his father and said, "And so it starts."

To be continued, if you want.

A/N: This chapter kind of wraps things up nicely and you can stop reading at this point if you didn't want to read about pregnant Fai or Boris and Ran having to come to Yuui's rescue as Drysi's younger sister starts causing trouble. It was hard to write this chapter, and I'm sorry it took me so long to come up with this chapter.

I will continue with this story (Floodland II, if you will). Let me know if you'd prefer that I just adding chapters here, or post it as a separate story? I really need feedback at this point. I'm going to write about pregnant Fai come heck or high water!

Also, My hubby and I going to do NaNoWriMos during November so don't expect a lot of updates then, but I really, really, really want to write about pregnant Fai- I have so much fun planned, and I want write about Boris and Ran's adventures in Valeria, too. I'll give you at least a chapter a week during November.

So, I'm going to continue this story- I had only planed 9 chapters, and it exploded into 70 from my grief. I thank you for sticking with me, especially, at this hard time in my life. All of you have helped me through the grieving process, so thank you so much. Much love to you all, SR