A/N: And we are back! Jessie here! You guys are in for an explosion of awesomeness with this one. This chapter is mostly Taylor's, and I swear, I died laughing when I read it the first time. You guys have been warned!

*bounces in like Lord Death* Guess that's my cue! Hihi! This is Taylor! We hope you guys enjoy this! Like with our SoMa fanfic, we roleplay out each chapter together before we actually write it into a chapter, sort of like an outline kind of thing. It's always fun! Jessie wrote the first few paragraphs in this one, and she added a layer of perfection I could not manage. Read onwards and revel, reviewers!

Somehow, we ended up landing safely. I'm not sure how, considering the pilot nearly had a heart attack and we almost crashed into the sea, but we did make it to the Japan airport in one piece.

Most of that may have had something to do with the fact that the flight attendant drugged Black Star's food, and he spent the rest of the trip asleep. Though I didn't particularly like the idea, I couldn't really blame her either. It was hard enough to persuade Black Star to come back inside the plane, for it took half the plane's food supply to bribe him. Then they had to convince the pilots that Black Star was just an overexcited kid and not an alien from space.

So I really couldn't argue when she slipped the sedative in his ramen. However, she hadn't thought of Angela.

The little witch somehow ended up in the cockpit, and I will never understand how she got past me. She tried to talk the already traumatized pilots into letting her "drive the plane" for a while, but luckily, I found her before that could happen. I spent the rest of the trip keeping a close eye on her at all times.

Finally, we landed in my homeland, and an odd mixture of emotions tangled in my chest: nostalgia, excitement, regret, and a warm glow. It was good to be back where I had grown up, but as my two companions reminded me, I was a changed person. I felt almost like a stranger in this land even though I had spent years here.

As soon as we descended the trail that led to my home and approached the Nakatsukasa household, Black Star began the ritual he'd taken up last time: he spun around in place to allegedly "change the Earth's rotation". Thinking it to be a game, Angela joined him, laughingly singing the words to Ring Around the Rosie.

The sight was nothing sheer of adorable, and I smiled fondly at their antics before I entered the mansion to find my parents. Hearing the commotion, my father was awaiting me on the threshold. "I'm sorry it's been so long since I last visited.." I offered, but before all the words had even left my mouth, Dad had enveloped his arms around me in the familiar warm embrace I'd missed so much.

"We were expecting you this time, at least." Dad's kind smile greeted me as he pulled back to look at me. "I take it you've brought more guests with you?"

"Yes.. Black Star came with me again, but we brought a little girl we care for. She..." I paused, trying to word it delicately. "..has no family of her own, so we look after her. I hope you don't mind."

My mom peeked her head into the room, her eyes alight. "A little girl?" she repeated, and, not waiting for an answer, delightedly hurried outside.

I sweatdropped. Mom had always wanted more children.

"It seems as though the notion won't be objected," Dad remarked with a laugh.

I turned back to him, surveying his expression as I inquired, "...How has Mom been lately?" Masamune choosing the path of a demon, and eventually his death, had both been especially hard on my mother.

"She's been in poor spirits," Dad responded honestly. "But I have a feeling this visit will avail much to lift her spirits," he added as he neared the front door.

The scene that greeted us was certainly something to behold. My poor mother just seemed flabbergasted and puzzled.

"Again?" Dad laughed as he observed Black Star spinning around in circles.

"Ashes, ashes, we all fall down!" Angela shrieked and plopped to the ground, beaming to Black Star expectantly. However, when he kept twirling in place, a sullen and frustrated expression flitted across her little face. "Spiky! You're supposed to fall down!" When she didn't receive a response, her exasperation accumulated to swift anger. "AREN'T YOU LISTENING TO ME?!" Angela took a firm hold of his long scarf and pulled hard, yanking him to the ground.

Well, now was a good time as ever to make the introductions. "Ah, Mom... I'd like you to meet Angela. Angela, this is my mother." I gestured between them, disregarding my poor choking meister for the moment.

"YOU LITTLE BRAT! I wasn't finished changing the Earth's axis yet!" Black Star roared in rage, but then gasped for air as Angela pulled harder, choking him with his own scarf.

Angela then proceeded to turn and bestow the most innocent of smiles up at my distressed mother, looking completely angelic as if she wasn't suffocating somebody at the moment. "Hiya!" My father, meanwhile, guffawed.

How embarrassing.

"Well, hello! Aren't you adorable?" Apparently Angela's cuteness made up for her current actions, because Mom was immediately enamored.

And then Angela went tumbling to the ground as Black Star abruptly tugged his scarf back, sufficiently regaining control of the situation (and the spotlight). "I know you both are glad to have the one and only Black Star here! I shine enough to light up all of Japan! HA HA HA!"

Angela pouted and kicked at Black Star's leg repeatedly. "Owwie! Meanie Spiky!"

Mom was good and bewildered by now, the poor woman. Masamune and I had never behaved like this when we were children. "Ah, perhaps we could all have some tea..?"

"Yeess!" Angela agreed enthusiastically. "Just don't make a face when I ask for more!" she added, flashing a cute peace sign.

Coincidentally, that was exactly what Black Star had told my father during our last visit when Dad had invited him in for tea. ...Black Star really was rubbing off on the little witch. To be honest, I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not.

Black Star himself meanwhile was grinning proudly as Dad led us all inside.

As we were all seated on the floor around the low table in the main room, Angela kicked off the conversation by informing my mother, "Baki's mommy is so pretty! You look like Baki!"

I couldn't help but blush at the compliment. I'd always been told that I favored my mother, and I'd always admired her graceful, meek beauty. It was an honor to take after her.

Before my endeared mom could answer, Angela swiveled her gaze around to grin at Black Star, apparently eager for his input as she added, "Don't you think so, Spiky?"

There was a moment of silence as Black Star averted his glance to the side. "Maa, I guess so," he mumbled, seemingly for once embarrassed to be put on the spot. I felt my heart warm, vaguely aware of my parents exchanging glances.

My mother set down a plate of sliced kasutera on the table, which is Japanese tea cake. "Now all of you have as much as you want, there's plenty!"

Naturally, Black Star and Angela were all too eager to get their hands on some cake. Angela spilled her cup of steaming green tea all over Black Star, who loudly expressed his pain and complaints. We gave Angela water instead. Black Star talked with his mouth full and in trying to blow the steam off his tea, he puffed air so hard some tea went flying out of his cup.

I have very classy companions, don't I?

Though to be fair, it all went better than I'd expected.

"You know, Tsubaki," Mom brought up after the crisis had passed, "There's a cherry blossom festival in town. You should take them."

The sakura festival. I'd always loved our cultural festivals growing up. Instantly memories of delicious smells, fireworks, and fancy kimonos flashed through my mind, encompassing me in warm nostalgia. "That would be a good idea.."

"Festival?" Angela piped up. "What's that? Is it like a carnival? I wanna gooo!" She jumped up and ran around the entire room, chanting, "Wan-na go! Wan-na go! Wan-na go! Wan-na g- waahh!" Just then, Black Star had stuck his leg out as she was running by and thus tripped her.

I jumped up to run over and help Angela to her feet. "Black Star!" I chided before turning to Angela and smoothing down her dress. "Yes, it's like a carnival. There's food, music, and games. Lots of people around here attend them, and they're lots of fun," I elaborated patiently to the little witch, delighted to watch how wide with thrill her eyes got.

Angela, still apparently bitter from her collision with the floor, turned and kicked Black Star in the crotch before turning to smile at me. "I wanna go!"

Mom's eyes widened with shock. "Oh, my.."

Angela sent an innocent grin in my mother's direction. "Don't worry, this happens a lot. Spiky's such a moron he always leaves himself wide open!"

"Of course..." Mom laughed uncomfortably. "Black Star, are you alright?"

Not moving from his slumped position on the floor, Black Star lifted a thumbs-up. "Ya...hoo.."

In an attempt to change the conversation, I asked, "So, would you guys like to go tonight or tomorrow?"

"TONIGHTTONIGHTTONIGHTTONIGHTTONIGHT-" Angela squealed.

Black Star slowly and gingerly sat up, his movement sluggish as he jabbed a thumb toward the little witch. "She might have jet lag, so what about tomorrow? We can all rest up tonight."

Angela blinked. "Jet lag?" she demanded, glancing down at herself and examining her dress for this supposed jet lag. "Do not!"

I couldn't help but smile at Black Star's thoughtfulness. "Good thinking, Black Star. So we'll rest today and then go to the festival first thing tomorrow. How does that sound?"

Angela folded her arms, sulkily puffing her cheeks. "But I wanna go NOOWW-" Abruptly her words cut off as her head plunked down to the table, apparently falling asleep midsentence. I couldn't help but giggle - Black Star had been correct.

Black Star stared at the girl incredulously, then slowly reached out and poked her.

I hurriedly went over and scooped the little tuckered girl into my arms, careful not to awaken her. "I'll let her sleep on my futon." I toted Angela out of the room and down the corridor, everything about the home I'd grown up in familiar and bittersweet as I remembered how to navigate it with ease.

Once in my old room, I tucked Angela into my floral cot, feeling affection for her well up as I surveyed her adorably sleeping form. Her short hair was askew around her chubby cheeks, and she was breathing softly as she unconsciously curled up in the blankets.

Gently smoothing hair out of Angela's face, I was hardly aware that I was suddenly softly singing, an old Japanese lullaby my mother used to sing to me when I was Angela's age. I hadn't thought about that song in years. It comforted me. It brought me back to the days where I was enthralled just to spend time with my older brother, playing whatever he wanted to play and all around enjoying his company. The days were carefree back then.

I also didn't realize that I was crying until the song ended and I was aware of a figure in the doorway, turning to see none other than my meister.

"...Oh, uh, sorry." Black Star blinked, diverting his gaze. "I just.. wondered what was taking you. And then I heard you singing."

I wiped away the tears I felt streaming down my cheeks, glad he couldn't see me in the darkness. "Sorry, I'm coming," I addressed him in a low voice as to not perturb Angela.

Surprisingly, Black Star shook his head, waving a hand at me in a 'stop' gesture as I was rising to my feet. "Nah. We have a big day tomorrow, you should get some rest." Then he flashed me his trademark grin. "Don't worry, the Great Black Star will keep your pops and old lady company!"

I couldn't help but smile. "Thanks, Black Star," I expressed with gratitude. "Goodnight."

"'Night, Tsubaki." With that, the Dark Assassin disappeared as quietly as he'd come. Perhaps he really was getting better at the whole stealth thing.

I crawled in beside Angela and fell asleep smiling.

It was good to be home.

Black Star walked back into the main room only to see Tsubaki's parents gazing at him so expectantly it made him feel a little ill at ease. "...Uh. What?" He reclaimed his seat and his cup of tea, trying to stave away the heat in his cheeks that had insisted upon lingering after hearing Tsubaki's beautiful voice singing a song so gentle and sweet, a song fitting for her.

"So how has our Tsubaki been?" Ayame, her mother, inquired. "Her letters are coming fewer and further between. Is she safe?"

After another bite of cake, Black Star fixated serious emerald eyes onto her. "Good. It's been busy over there.." he scratched his head. "But I see her writing letters to you guys whenever she can." A big grin laced his next words, "Do you even have to ask? I'll always protect Tsubaki! You can bet she's safe so long as she has me around!"

Ayame beamed proudly, and Tsubaki's father, Sanjuurou, seemed appeased with the boy's answer. "I'm so glad Tsubaki has a partner like you!" Ayame clasped her hands together.

Sanjuurou put a considerable damper on the mood as he addressed Black Star in a more serious tone. "Black Star, are you aware of Tsubaki's reason for visiting home?"

Black Star blinked, lowering his teacup. "You mean it's not to see you guys?"

Ayame exchanged glances with her husband. "I'm afraid not. I wish that were so, but the real reason is a bit more...solemn."

Black Star raised an eyebrow, setting down his cup, an indicator that he was giving them his undivided attention, as he waited for more. Sanjuurou obliged. "Tsubaki's brother.. the Enchanted Sword Masamune's birthday is drawing near."

They watched as realization dawned over Black Star's demeanor. "I was wondering why she's been looking so down in the dumps lately.." he thought aloud, lowering his gaze thoughtfully. "..But it's only been when she thinks I'm not looking."

Ayame nodded sadly, a sigh escaping her. "Tsubaki has always been one to suffer in silence. She won't go to anyone when she's hurting. I know she still harbors guilt over Masamune's death.. even though she shouldn't."

Black Star was lost in thought, remembering how, after the battle with her brother, Tsubaki had hugged him in tears. How, during their last visit to Japan, he'd overheard her seemingly talking to Masamune as she hugged a picture of him to her chest. She never talked about it to him, but Black Star knew she was still hurting.

Sanjuurou spoke just then, breaking Black Star out of his reverie. "We'd like to thank you for your assistance with the duty Tsubaki had to fulfill. Certainly it was due to your help that she was able to carry it out."

Black Star shook his head, surprising humility ringing in his words. "No. That was all Tsubaki. She's strong, all on her own." That was the truth. Ultimately, he'd only been there for moral support as she'd conducted the final battle against Masamune within their souls. "Besides.. no thanks needed. I'm her meister. We're a team. I'd.. do anything for her." The last words were spoken in a mumble as he rubbed the back of his head.

Ayame sent him a warm smile. "We are so grateful that our daughter has found someone so capable. She's spoken highly of you in her letters, and now we see she wasn't exaggerating in the slightest. We can't thank you enough, and you are always welcome in our home," she expressed sincerity.

Faint color tinged Black Star's cheeks. "..Really. Don't thank me." He downed the rest of his tea and stood, his voice uncharacteristically quiet and earnest. "She's done much more for me than I have for her." He then dismissed himself and left the room to turn in for the night, lifting a hand in a wave without looking back as he did so.

Later that night, after all was settled and the guests were asleep, Sanjuurou smiled perceptively at his wife as they were cleaning the kitchen. "I had my suspicions over the course of their last visit... but now I'm certain that he's smitten with our Tsubaki."

Ayame returned the smile in a more devious fashion that was somehow overlaced with innocence. "And Tsubaki is certainly taken with him, as well. Let's see what will come of this."

Sanjuurou saw right through her, narrowing his eyes slightly. "You plan on meddling."

"I wouldn't call it meddling, dear... merely giving them both a push in the right direction, don't you think?"