From the Beginning: Ch. 3
Title: From the Beginning
Co-written by: youkohiei-fan and Zelinxia
Overall Summary: Canon AU. Eleven-year-old Kurogane and his father are summoned to Shirasagi Castle where he meets Fai, a boy from a different world. What becomes an instant friendship sets in stone an indelible bond for the two.
Chapter: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10
Duties and Fears
Fai waited in his room, feeling worried for Kurogane. The lord and his heir had left days before to fight some oni that had managed to sneak past the wards. Kurogane’s mother had reassured him that no matter how strong he might be right now, some oni were still able to get through. He had silently promised himself, though, that he would get stronger so that none could ever do so again.
It was then that someone rapped at his room’s door.
“Come in,” he said politely, thinking that it was probably one of the servants asking if he needed anything. Fai looked away towards his ink stained fingertips. With Kurogane away he had focused more on his studies and was slowly learning how to write Japanese.
“You should know it’s me,” a familiar voice grunted. The young lord struggled to open Fai’s door and for good reason. He was panting heavily. Blood slowly ran down from his arm where his shirt was ripped.
Fai’s head whipped around when he heard Kurogane. With wide eyes he leapt up and crossed his room to hug the other. “I was worried about you, Kuro-kun.”
When he eventually pulled away, he stared at the injury and felt his stomach drop as it caused still fresh memories to flash through his mind.
Kurogane pressed his hand to the wound. “So how’s writing going?” he asked, as if he was calmly hanging out with the blonde and not having come back from his first battle with the oni.
“Kurogane, come back outside right now!” the voice of the lord warned outside of Fai’s room.
“Ah, sorry, I need to get this treated,” Kurogane apologized, wincing.
Fai was shaken from his memories of his world. His heart still raced from his earlier panic though. Fai frowned at having heard Kurogane’s father even when he was outside. He followed after Kurogane, heading out a side door that led to one of the home’s many gardens. He could see that while a few men had suffered injuries, none looked life threatening.
“Look son, I know how you feel. As much as I want to see your mother when I come back home dealing with the oni, I know I need to get our men and my wounds treated immediately,” the lord reprimanded Kurogane gently.
The boy lowered his head in shame. “I know, Chichiue.”
Several servants and the palace doctor came out with medical supplies in hand. The old healer made quick work despite his age to patch up the slashes and bruises amongst them.
Fai watched impatiently to the side, still standing on the porch. He saw Kurogane’s father sigh and ruffle his son’s hair and once Kurogane’s arm had been wrapped in linen bandages he was told he could go. The same time Kurogane ran back in the direction Fai was lurking around, his mother calmly proceeded out of her shrine to greet her husband and his men.
“See?” Kurogane lifted his arm to show off his fresh bandages. “I will be fine.”
“You could have been hurt worse.” Fai frowned as he watched Kurogane’s parents greet each other as they always did. After a few seconds he looked away and turned his attention to Kurogane. “Did an oni sneak up on you?”
“Yes,” the dark haired boy said. “I was dealing with a weaker one in front of me when all of a sudden another one on the side approached me. I felt it coming my way so I swiveled to make sure I can be attentive to both, but it struck its talons on my arm so quickly. I need to train harder so I don’t run into that problem as much. Especially since I’m the heir.” It was the duty of the lord to man the borders if oni or other invaders strike in order to protect the people of Suwa, thus it was his destiny.
“Just…don’t get hurt a lot, I don’t want Kuro-rin to get really hurt…or die.” Fai looked away then. He had seen too much of death already and he didn’t want someone he cared for to follow suit. He tugged on Kurogane’s sleeve then and smiled faintly. “Let’s go inside. I have lunch in my room but I haven’t started on it yet.”
Kurogane winced when Fai tugged on his sleeve but he knew that Fai didn’t mean to harm him so frivolously. He realized he was hungry when he saw platters of food waiting for him and Fai. But he noticed the sharp sadness in Fai’s eyes when he expressed he didn’t want him to die. “Wait.” Kurogane grabbed Fai’s arm instead. “Did someone you care for…die?”
“…Yes. Everyone died.” It was all the blonde would say on the matter as he hadn’t explained his past to anyone but the Tsukuyomi and the memories were still too new for him. He smiled then and moved to sit in front of the small table in his room. “Kuro-wankoro should eat with me.”
Kurogane had the urge to press on more, but he knew it would be no good if Fai decided not to talk more about it. He wouldn’t know how he would react if everyone he knew from Suwa died. It would be horrible, he supposed, beyond horrible if Hahaue, Chichiue… and Fai die. Kurogane shuddered and shooed those thoughts away, sitting down at the table.
They ate in silence, with Fai being asked about his writing and him asking about the trip in return. Since he had moved here he had never ventured too far from the palace here. He had never been to one of the villages that littered the province and was intrigued by the stories Kurogane would tell.
“Fai-kun.”
“Yes?” He looked over to Kurogane with a curious expression, his mouth partially full with udon. Swallowing, Fai smiled, wondering what the other suddenly wanted.
“Don’t smile if you’re not feeling it.” Kurogane struggled to say it calmly rather than blurt it out.
“What makes you think I don’t mean it?” Fai was beginning to realize as they grew up that Kurogane was more perceptive than most. It had probably been picked up from his parents, who could also read him with ease.
Kurogane found himself flaring with impatience, but mostly, frustration and concern. “Obviously if you have told me that everyone you knew and cared for have died you wouldn’t really want to be smiling.” He clenched and unclenched his fist, telling himself to calm down.
“I’ll be okay, and I don’t want Kuro-chuu to worry.” Fai’s smile had slipped as he picked at his food.
“Don’t you see,” Kurogane started. “If I know you’re smiling when you’re really feeling hurt that it would worry me more?” He had no idea why this was bothering him so much.
“Sorry, I was told it’s better to always smile. I’m used to it.” He felt guilty from Kurogane’s words, but he would try for his friend.
“Really?” Kurogane frowned in thought. “I know that my mother always does her best to be calm even if my father gets pretty injured. But.” He tightened his fist. “I never really liked the thought that you have to lie to yourself.”
“I’ll try hard since Kuro-rinta wants me to.” Sighing, he continued feeling guilt as he had upset Kurogane again.
“Oi.” Kurogane rubbed his hair, thinking hard what to say as to not make his friend feel even more ashamed or horrible. “I never asked you to do it for me. Only you can ultimately choose what you want to do.”
“Kuro-woof is so confusing,” Fai whined then before he ate some more of his udon. He knew though what Kurogane meant and was glad that he wasn’t being forced to change.
“I never said I was that good with words,” Kurogane mumbled.
“Still.” Fai laughed and patted Kurogane’s head like a dog, knowing it would annoy the other.
The priestess was making her way to the shrine to do her daily prayers and when she slid open the door she was surprised to see Fai was already there. He was kneeling on the ground deep in concentration. She wanted to ask why he was there, but knew it was improper to break his prayers.
Fai had learned over the past year that while his magic was different from that used in Nihon he could still manipulate it to react the same way. It had been difficult and he had tried to study the scrolls he had discovered in the library here in order to make barriers and such that were similar to those here made by Tsumebe. Ever since Kurogane had come back injured, Fai had practiced in strengthening his magic so he could put up better kekkais and so he visited the shrine often, infusing it with his magic whenever he was able to.
Lady Suwa had known that ever since her son came back from his first battle with his wounds, Fai had become more persistent in being stronger with his magic to keep stronger kekkais surrounding Suwa’s borders. As she silently kneeled down beside him, she couldn’t help but smile that Fai was a lot like her in that they wished to be stronger to ensure those they cared about would be safe.
It didn’t take long until Fai finished. When he moved to stand he noted the incense burning in front of him and how different yet familiar it all was. Feeling drained, the blonde tried not to disturb the woman beside him as he walked out.
“I noticed that you have been praying in the shrine for longer hours, Fai-kun,” the lord spoke as the two crossed paths. He had just finished having a meeting with his men and happened to see the blonde stepping out of the shrine.
“If I’m to live here I have to try my best to protect Suwa along with everyone else.” Fai sat just outside the room. He must have caught Kurogane’s father on his way to the training grounds as he noticed the sword tied to his hip.
“You’re too kind,” Lord Suwa complimented Fai. “Suwa is really fortunate to have you to help us. Granted, this land attracts so many oni and enemies who are after our special medicinal herbs.” Toriho stopped. “Anyways, I promised Kurogane I would train with him. Gods know the kid will throw a tantrum if I’m late!”
Fai nodded with a smile. It looked like he had guessed right earlier. It seemed everyone was always so busy here while he seemed rather stagnant. He spent most of his time in his room with books piled around him and ink bottles everywhere and when he wasn’t doing that he was training or playing with Kurogane. “I’ll go work on my writing then.”
“That’s the spirit!” Kurogane’s father said exuberantly. With that said he left Fai alone to head to the training ground. Maybe it was Fai’s imagination but the lord did seem to be taking his time walking there; perhaps to torture the fiery young lord who was always insisting that he needed to get stronger.
Fai watched him round a corner and disappeared from view before he turned to walk to his room. He wouldn’t see Kurogane for a few more hours, probably not until dinner or later. He sighed, thinking that as they grew older they didn’t have much time for each other anymore.
Co-written by: youkohiei-fan and Zelinxia
Overall Summary: Canon AU. Eleven-year-old Kurogane and his father are summoned to Shirasagi Castle where he meets Fai, a boy from a different world. What becomes an instant friendship sets in stone an indelible bond for the two.
Chapter: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10
Duties and Fears
Fai waited in his room, feeling worried for Kurogane. The lord and his heir had left days before to fight some oni that had managed to sneak past the wards. Kurogane’s mother had reassured him that no matter how strong he might be right now, some oni were still able to get through. He had silently promised himself, though, that he would get stronger so that none could ever do so again.
It was then that someone rapped at his room’s door.
“Come in,” he said politely, thinking that it was probably one of the servants asking if he needed anything. Fai looked away towards his ink stained fingertips. With Kurogane away he had focused more on his studies and was slowly learning how to write Japanese.
“You should know it’s me,” a familiar voice grunted. The young lord struggled to open Fai’s door and for good reason. He was panting heavily. Blood slowly ran down from his arm where his shirt was ripped.
Fai’s head whipped around when he heard Kurogane. With wide eyes he leapt up and crossed his room to hug the other. “I was worried about you, Kuro-kun.”
When he eventually pulled away, he stared at the injury and felt his stomach drop as it caused still fresh memories to flash through his mind.
Kurogane pressed his hand to the wound. “So how’s writing going?” he asked, as if he was calmly hanging out with the blonde and not having come back from his first battle with the oni.
“Kurogane, come back outside right now!” the voice of the lord warned outside of Fai’s room.
“Ah, sorry, I need to get this treated,” Kurogane apologized, wincing.
Fai was shaken from his memories of his world. His heart still raced from his earlier panic though. Fai frowned at having heard Kurogane’s father even when he was outside. He followed after Kurogane, heading out a side door that led to one of the home’s many gardens. He could see that while a few men had suffered injuries, none looked life threatening.
“Look son, I know how you feel. As much as I want to see your mother when I come back home dealing with the oni, I know I need to get our men and my wounds treated immediately,” the lord reprimanded Kurogane gently.
The boy lowered his head in shame. “I know, Chichiue.”
Several servants and the palace doctor came out with medical supplies in hand. The old healer made quick work despite his age to patch up the slashes and bruises amongst them.
Fai watched impatiently to the side, still standing on the porch. He saw Kurogane’s father sigh and ruffle his son’s hair and once Kurogane’s arm had been wrapped in linen bandages he was told he could go. The same time Kurogane ran back in the direction Fai was lurking around, his mother calmly proceeded out of her shrine to greet her husband and his men.
“See?” Kurogane lifted his arm to show off his fresh bandages. “I will be fine.”
“You could have been hurt worse.” Fai frowned as he watched Kurogane’s parents greet each other as they always did. After a few seconds he looked away and turned his attention to Kurogane. “Did an oni sneak up on you?”
“Yes,” the dark haired boy said. “I was dealing with a weaker one in front of me when all of a sudden another one on the side approached me. I felt it coming my way so I swiveled to make sure I can be attentive to both, but it struck its talons on my arm so quickly. I need to train harder so I don’t run into that problem as much. Especially since I’m the heir.” It was the duty of the lord to man the borders if oni or other invaders strike in order to protect the people of Suwa, thus it was his destiny.
“Just…don’t get hurt a lot, I don’t want Kuro-rin to get really hurt…or die.” Fai looked away then. He had seen too much of death already and he didn’t want someone he cared for to follow suit. He tugged on Kurogane’s sleeve then and smiled faintly. “Let’s go inside. I have lunch in my room but I haven’t started on it yet.”
Kurogane winced when Fai tugged on his sleeve but he knew that Fai didn’t mean to harm him so frivolously. He realized he was hungry when he saw platters of food waiting for him and Fai. But he noticed the sharp sadness in Fai’s eyes when he expressed he didn’t want him to die. “Wait.” Kurogane grabbed Fai’s arm instead. “Did someone you care for…die?”
“…Yes. Everyone died.” It was all the blonde would say on the matter as he hadn’t explained his past to anyone but the Tsukuyomi and the memories were still too new for him. He smiled then and moved to sit in front of the small table in his room. “Kuro-wankoro should eat with me.”
Kurogane had the urge to press on more, but he knew it would be no good if Fai decided not to talk more about it. He wouldn’t know how he would react if everyone he knew from Suwa died. It would be horrible, he supposed, beyond horrible if Hahaue, Chichiue… and Fai die. Kurogane shuddered and shooed those thoughts away, sitting down at the table.
They ate in silence, with Fai being asked about his writing and him asking about the trip in return. Since he had moved here he had never ventured too far from the palace here. He had never been to one of the villages that littered the province and was intrigued by the stories Kurogane would tell.
“Fai-kun.”
“Yes?” He looked over to Kurogane with a curious expression, his mouth partially full with udon. Swallowing, Fai smiled, wondering what the other suddenly wanted.
“Don’t smile if you’re not feeling it.” Kurogane struggled to say it calmly rather than blurt it out.
“What makes you think I don’t mean it?” Fai was beginning to realize as they grew up that Kurogane was more perceptive than most. It had probably been picked up from his parents, who could also read him with ease.
Kurogane found himself flaring with impatience, but mostly, frustration and concern. “Obviously if you have told me that everyone you knew and cared for have died you wouldn’t really want to be smiling.” He clenched and unclenched his fist, telling himself to calm down.
“I’ll be okay, and I don’t want Kuro-chuu to worry.” Fai’s smile had slipped as he picked at his food.
“Don’t you see,” Kurogane started. “If I know you’re smiling when you’re really feeling hurt that it would worry me more?” He had no idea why this was bothering him so much.
“Sorry, I was told it’s better to always smile. I’m used to it.” He felt guilty from Kurogane’s words, but he would try for his friend.
“Really?” Kurogane frowned in thought. “I know that my mother always does her best to be calm even if my father gets pretty injured. But.” He tightened his fist. “I never really liked the thought that you have to lie to yourself.”
“I’ll try hard since Kuro-rinta wants me to.” Sighing, he continued feeling guilt as he had upset Kurogane again.
“Oi.” Kurogane rubbed his hair, thinking hard what to say as to not make his friend feel even more ashamed or horrible. “I never asked you to do it for me. Only you can ultimately choose what you want to do.”
“Kuro-woof is so confusing,” Fai whined then before he ate some more of his udon. He knew though what Kurogane meant and was glad that he wasn’t being forced to change.
“I never said I was that good with words,” Kurogane mumbled.
“Still.” Fai laughed and patted Kurogane’s head like a dog, knowing it would annoy the other.
The priestess was making her way to the shrine to do her daily prayers and when she slid open the door she was surprised to see Fai was already there. He was kneeling on the ground deep in concentration. She wanted to ask why he was there, but knew it was improper to break his prayers.
Fai had learned over the past year that while his magic was different from that used in Nihon he could still manipulate it to react the same way. It had been difficult and he had tried to study the scrolls he had discovered in the library here in order to make barriers and such that were similar to those here made by Tsumebe. Ever since Kurogane had come back injured, Fai had practiced in strengthening his magic so he could put up better kekkais and so he visited the shrine often, infusing it with his magic whenever he was able to.
Lady Suwa had known that ever since her son came back from his first battle with his wounds, Fai had become more persistent in being stronger with his magic to keep stronger kekkais surrounding Suwa’s borders. As she silently kneeled down beside him, she couldn’t help but smile that Fai was a lot like her in that they wished to be stronger to ensure those they cared about would be safe.
It didn’t take long until Fai finished. When he moved to stand he noted the incense burning in front of him and how different yet familiar it all was. Feeling drained, the blonde tried not to disturb the woman beside him as he walked out.
“I noticed that you have been praying in the shrine for longer hours, Fai-kun,” the lord spoke as the two crossed paths. He had just finished having a meeting with his men and happened to see the blonde stepping out of the shrine.
“If I’m to live here I have to try my best to protect Suwa along with everyone else.” Fai sat just outside the room. He must have caught Kurogane’s father on his way to the training grounds as he noticed the sword tied to his hip.
“You’re too kind,” Lord Suwa complimented Fai. “Suwa is really fortunate to have you to help us. Granted, this land attracts so many oni and enemies who are after our special medicinal herbs.” Toriho stopped. “Anyways, I promised Kurogane I would train with him. Gods know the kid will throw a tantrum if I’m late!”
Fai nodded with a smile. It looked like he had guessed right earlier. It seemed everyone was always so busy here while he seemed rather stagnant. He spent most of his time in his room with books piled around him and ink bottles everywhere and when he wasn’t doing that he was training or playing with Kurogane. “I’ll go work on my writing then.”
“That’s the spirit!” Kurogane’s father said exuberantly. With that said he left Fai alone to head to the training ground. Maybe it was Fai’s imagination but the lord did seem to be taking his time walking there; perhaps to torture the fiery young lord who was always insisting that he needed to get stronger.
Fai watched him round a corner and disappeared from view before he turned to walk to his room. He wouldn’t see Kurogane for a few more hours, probably not until dinner or later. He sighed, thinking that as they grew older they didn’t have much time for each other anymore.