Kurogane had never seen Fai look at someone with such love in his eyes.

The dimension Witch had contacted them.

Well, had contacted Fai to be specific.

She had a request. The mage had accepted without a second thought and now Kurogane sat as his mage cradled a little bundle of skin and bones.

It wasn't as though the ninja minded. Since their journey had ended, their life in Suwa had been quiet and that didn't work for Fai. The blonde had an incessant need to be busy, and there was only so much studying, gardening, and cleaning the idiot could do.

When Fai ran out of things to do, his mood became detached. Kurogane sympathized. Too much free time allowed one to ponder the past.

His mage had a dark past.

He knew Fai needed something meaningful to fill his time with—he just hadn't thought taking in a small child would be it.

They had settled in Nihon nearly a year ago and had migrated back to his childhood home of Suwa at the end of winter. At first, they had been busy from sunrise until sunset clearing out demons from the overgrown fields and abandoned houses.

They spent the spring helping to restore the Suwa estate and the farms that surrounded it. They helped cultivate the fields and cut back the overgrowth from the forgotten road. They helped the farmers with their livestock and trained the new youth in the area to defend their new homes.

As summer approached, there was less and less that needed to be done. Fai wasn't much help when it came to training the kids how to use a sword and spent most of his days helping the sick or injured. Kurogane knew that Fai couldn't use his magic to heal but years of learning how to make positions gave him an extensive knowledge of medicine.

There were only so many people though, and even that was not keeping him busy.

Today had started like any other. Kurogane had to be up early to train the kiddos so the mage had been up even earlier to make breakfast for the two of them. The ninja knew that because of the vampire blood rushing through his veins, Fai didn't sleep much. When he did sleep, he often had nightmares.

Because of that same vampiric blood, Fai couldn't wander far from Kurogane though. With how discontent Fai seemed with their new simple life, the ninja feared that his unhappiness would cause him to want to leave this place, though the idiotic mage would never admit those feelings out loud.

Just as they had sat down to enjoy a simple breakfast, Fai perked up. The Witch wished they pay her a visit.

Kurogane had been warry to allow his mage to go alone—but the trainees were going to be here any minute and Fai insisted he would be alright alone.

He had come back in one piece. Kurogane couldn't complain about that. He also hadn't returned alone though.

Kurogane had waited up for the idiot mage. A bottle of Sake into it, he was starting to wonder just how the hell he would get back to the Witch if Fai didn't return soon when suddenly, there was a whirl in the middle of the courtyard.

The ninja had been instantly relieved to see his mage back unharmed and was halfway to the blondes said before he noticed the little bundle in his arms.

"I—is this?" the voice of the child was high pitched and the ninja almost missed what he said. He slowed from a run to a walk and approached unhurriedly.

"Yes, little one." Fai's voice was so soft as he kneeled to set the child down. Two dingy, tiny feet were soundless as they settled on to the ground before Fai stood again. The small boy clung to the front of his clothing as he looked around the courtyard.

As soon as Kurogane got a good look at the kid, he felt his jaw hit the floor. Incredibly long hair fell around a sunken, malnourished face that looked startlingly familiar. The small boy wore a dirty tunic that was several sizes too big and was unraveling in several places. He dirty little hands had clenched onto the fabric of the mages fursudio and his expression was panicked.

"Long time no see Kuro-koi." Fai flashed him a dazzling smile as he stroked the child's head trying to comfort him. "I have someone I would like you to meet."

"I see that." The ninja didn't know what to think as the boy started to quiver.

He had seen this child before—when they had been in Celese.

Ashura had shared portions of the mages memory with them all, and this is exactly what his mage looked like as a boy.

"It's kind of a long story—" The blonde started to speak but Kurogane cut him off.

"That's your twin, isn't it?" Fai chuckled and smiled down at the boy. The skinny little thing looked as though he was going to have a heart attack. Enormous blue eyes watched him cautiously and Kurogane was suddenly aware that he was most likely what was making the boy uneasy.

"This is Yuui. He lost his Fai, and found his way to the dimensional Witch's door." The ninja nodded slowly and watched as Fai leaned down and again picked up the starving child so that he would feel more secure. "He's going to be staying with us if you don't mind Kuro-myuu."

"What the hell do you think mage? What kind of question is that!" Like he would turn any kid in that shape away from his home. Let alone his mages twin… Well, someone who shared a soul with his mages twin.

"That's what I thought but I think little Yuui here would feel better if you told him yourself." Fai did a 180 turn so that the ninja could again see those vast blue eyes staring at him. As soon as they made eye contact the child buried his face in the mage's hair, effectively hiding himself from view.

"Tch." Kurogane rolled his eyes and took a few more steps forward so that there was less distance. "Yuui is it?"

"Yes, sir." The child's voice was just barely audible, muffled even more by the fabric that covered his mouth.

"Yuui, my name is Kurogane. Glad you're here." The tiny blonde nodded his head quickly and Kurogane shook his own.

"Thanks, Kuro-chan." Fai turned around again and shot the ninja a tired look. He would get filled in later he supposed and followed his mage into the house.

"Don't thank me, idiot." They made their way into the kitchen, the thin little bundle clinging to Fai for dear life as he lit the lantern with a bit of magic.

Kurogane listened to Fai hum from his seat at the table while the ninja started to prepare a simple meal for the child. He couldn't cook much, but he could manage a simple rice gruel for the kid while Fai tried to comfort him.

Kurogane had never seen such love in his mages eyes as he cradled the boy called Yuui.

He knew that the version of his mages twin had passed away in order for Fai to be able to live. He knew that his mage has never truly gotten over that loss and that he still blamed himself even after all this time. He couldn't imagine what was going through the moron's head right now.

As the food got closer to being done, the smell caught the little boys attention. He watched the ninja from his spot on Fai's lap, big cerulean eyes followed his movements as he stirred the bubbling pot.

"Fai?" The saccharine little voice broke the serenity of the room and the mage stopped humming to answer.

"Yes?" Kurogane watched as Fai allowed the child to shift so that he could better look about the room.

"What happened to your Yuui?" The ninja tried to look busy while Fai gave the miniature version of himself a sad smile.

"My Yuui passed away many years ago when I was very small."

"You've been all alone since you were little?" If the ninja didn't have a keen hearing, he most likely would have missed the whispered conversation.

This was the first time Kurogane had ever heard his mage speak of his death. Not of King Ashura, not of his twin.

"Well it's true that my Yuui has been resting for some time, I haven't been all alone." Fai pointed at the ninja and giggled. "I have Kuro-cutie over there. He makes sure nothing bad happens to me now."

Yeah well, that was only half true. Kurogane always at least made sure the idiotic mage made it out alive.

"My Fai was my only friend… So, I am all alone now." Kurogane could hear the kid sniffle as he turned the heat off to allow the food time to cool.

A good meal for an empty stomach would help the kid sleep so he couldn't be sad.

"Not at all little one. You know they say everything happens for a reason? Even your Fai leaving happened for a reason. You're not alone though. Kurogane and I are going to make sure of it." Fai was stroking the child's long hair again and it seemed to comfort him for the most part. The ninja didn't miss that the taller blonde avoided any mention of death.

Probably for the best.

Kurogane got out a bowl and scooped a little of the gruel into it before setting it in front of the sniffling child. His eyes widened while he looked at the food as if he wasn't sure if it was actually meant for him. The ninja watched as his mage carefully took a bit of the food on the spoon and held it up to Yuui's mouth.

"It's not very flavorful but I think it will sit ok in your tummy." The child took a bite of the food offered to him and slowly swished it about in his mouth before swallowing.

It was obvious that this was the first thing he had anything to eat in a while. The conversation died down as Fai continued to help Yuui eat, the mage started humming again.

Kurogane left the two to their moment and went about drawing a bath for the filthy kid and finding something that he would be able to wear to bed. The kid was obviously uneasy around him so the ninja made sure to keep his distance from the mismatched twins.

He sat in the bedroom and listened to his mage hum away while he washed the layers of dirt and grime off of Yuui. Unlike the full-size twin, the child wasn't a chatterbox so he liked the kid already.

0o0o0

Fai was restless as they sat down for breakfast. He wasn't particularly hungry but he wanted to make sure that Kurogane had all that he needed to get through his day.

Suwa was a calm place. It must have been a wonderful place to grow up and he could see that the ninja held it close to his heart. Kurogane was working hard to bring it back to its former glory and would need all the energy he could get.

Fai knew that the ninja was going to be gone for most of the day. Their normal routine left Fai at home, the locals were still wary of him and his magical abilities.

No one of this land had magic such as his so it was only natural that they were a bit wary of it. The blonde had adopted a new country as his own before and knew that it just took a little patience and a few good deeds. He made medicine for fevers, salves for rashes, and set broken bones. He helped the farmers irrigate their fields, harvest their crop, and maintained the barriers that kept them safe.

When there was no one who required his assistance, he cleaned he and the ninjas home or tried to make sense of the written language. He knew Kurogane loved this place but he still felt out of place.

Normally, the only time he got to spend with Kurogane was during the morning and evening meals. Today though, it seemed he wouldn't even get that much. Fai was just about to take a sip of his hot chocolate when the magical communication hit him

Good Morning Fai.

Hello Yuuko! Haven't heard from you in a while is everything ok? The mage sipped his mug and smiled. Kurogane seemed to notice that something was going on and watched the blonde carefully

I have a favor to ask of you and Kurogane. Would you two have some time to stop by? Yuuko had never asked for a favor before but after all that she had done for their small group, Fai was happy to help no matter what it may be. Maybe it would break up some of the monotony of the day.

Of course! Kuro-bunn and I will be happy to help. I'll be there soon. With that, the connection was cut and Fai flashed the ninja a grin.

"Guess what Kurokuro." Fai sipped his hot chocolate and allowed the ninja to finish chewing the food in his mouth.

"Let me guess. The Witch again." He didn't seem overly annoyed. Mostly when Yuuko contacted them it was because the kids were sending them a letter.

"She has a favor to ask us and wants us to go to her shop." The ninja raised a single eyebrow.

"What kind of favor."

"Who knows! Wouldn't it be fun to go and pay her a visit though?" Kurogane took another bite of his food and sighed. Fai had lost all interest in the omelets he had made at the prospect of a minny adventure.

"I can't just leave Suwa right now, mage. There's no one here to step in if something goes wrong and the kids are gonna be here for training in an hour or so." Fai pouted. Of course. Kurogane wasn't making it up ether—if one of the villages were attacked, he and Kurogane were the only two strong enough to do anything about it.

"What if I go? You'll be ok here without me for a little while right?" Fai had the ability to move across dimensions on his own due to his magic. The flow of time was slightly different between Yuuko's shop and their home here in Nihon but it shouldn't be too big of an issue if he didn't stay long.

"I guess. But you can't stay for long. You're going to have to feed again soo—"

"I know, I know. I won't be long." The blonde was not only excited to visit the Witch but have an opportunity to cast such a large spell. He may be able to sleep tonight after world walking.

"Why are you so excited to get tangled up with that Witch anyway? It's always been trouble." Kurogane took another bite of food. Fai knew that the ninja didn't like it when he wandered far. Kergs would never admit just how much he worried about the mage, but Fai didn't like to add any unneeded stress.

"I think it will be interesting. Besides, I miss it. Moving from world to world." Fai finished off his hot chocolate before standing. He had already prepared a lunch box for the grumpy ninja, and if push came to shove—Kurogane could cook something simple for dinner if Fai hadn't returned.

"Tch. Just be careful, idiot." The ninja motioned for Fai to come closer and the blonde all but scampered over. A simple kiss was exchanged before Kurogane went back to his breakfast and Fai went into the courtyard to cast the spell.

Without a staff to focus his magic though, Fai drew out the runes one by one. His magic was a light purple and crackled as the spell was slowly completed. Pushing more magic into each of the runes, he felt the cloth that held the dimension together begin to rip and in no time at all, he was standing in front of the dimensional Witch's shop.

Maru and Moru dashed out from the front door and rushed to the blonde's side, grabbing each of his hands.

"The Wizard is here! The Wizard is here!" The little girls chanted in unison and pulled him forward. "The Wizard is here to save us all!"

That was strange…

Fai smiled none the less as he was pulled through the front door. The girls allowed him to pause to toe out of his shoes before they continued pulling him down the hallway. As soon as he had entered the house, he could hear the sound of someone wailing. The high-pitched keening noise was heart-wrenching and only grew louder as he was pulled through the house.

Yuuko, the Dimensional Witch, sat in the middle of the room holding both of her hands over her ears. She perked up as soon as she set her eyes on the confused mage.

"Oh thank gosh you're here!" Yuuko looked genuinely relieved to see him. Fai took the seat he was offered and was relieved when the howling cries died down a bit. Someone was in a lot of pain. "You have to help us Fai. I fear I'm going to lose my mind."

The Witch dramatically leaned back in her seat, using a hand to cover her eyes in a mock fainting position. Fai only smiled at her and waited for her to continue. His stomach was doing flips… something was off.

"You see—I had something brought into my shop not long ago. The price was paid so I took it off the person's hands and its driving me absolutely nuts! It hasn't stopped crying for weeks!"

"What type of a thing could be making such a grief-stricken noise I wonder?"

"I suppose I should say I had someone brought into my shop, to be more specific." The wailing started up again this time sounding more panicked.

"Someone paid for a wish with a human being?"

"Oh goodness no. There wish was for me to find this sniveling brat a home." Yuuko flipped her hand dismissively and sighed. "Anyways—I knew you and Kurogane are playing house in Suwa and since your both boys it's not like you can have children—"

"Oh." That was not the type of favor the mage was expecting… Sure, he had felt as though he lacked purpose in Kurogane's world but children were a big responsibility and Fai had a feeling if given half the chance—he would fuck any kid up.

"Before you start coming up with an excuse, I think you should meet him. I think you will be very interested in my offer." Looking over her shoulder she called for Watanuki to collect their guest.

The blonde smiled politely at his host. Kurogane was going to kick his butt when he got home for being such a pushover… His acute hearing could pick up on the sound of a door being slid open. The crying intensified and he could here poor Watanuki do his best to offer some comfort.

Two sets of footsteps could be heard, one set was light. The child's no doubt. His nose picked up on the scent before he could see who it was and he felt his heart stop.

It couldn't be.

Yuuko's assistant reentered the room with a scraggly little child following close behind him. As though he too had been able to sense Fai, the boy had stopped crying and looked curiously at him with large blue eyes.

Nausea bubbled in the mages stomach at the state of the poor thing. Long blonde hair was dirty and matted, fell past the boy's waist. His face was sunken and he looked like he hadn't had a decent meal in months.

"I don't understand." His angel soft voice was high pitched and so very familiar to Fai.

"Hello, Yuui." The blonde gave the child a sad smile. He shared a soul with this twin brother who had passed away so many years ago. Not only was he a perfect copy of his twin—he sounded just the same as well. The mage felt as though his heart was going to break.

"I-I I don't—"The little boy stepped around Watanuki and looked at the floor. Fai could feel his magic flaring from the emotion. The mage assumed this little one had lost his twin as well. The one Fai shared a soul with.

"Ahhh! He finally stopped! I knew you could do it Fai!" Yuuko clapped her hands together happily and the small child jumped in surprise before running to the mage and hiding behind him.

Fai could remember those days.

Carefully the mage turned to Yuui and placed a hand on each trembling shoulder. It seemed to calm the boy down for the most part and Fai smiled at him again. "I bet you're very confused, hm?"

"You feel like my brother." Cerulean eyes narrowed as he looked at Fai skeptically. "You have the same name as my brother."

"I do. I share a soul with him, little one." Fai wanted nothing more than to scoop Yuui up and cradle him close. He honestly couldn't believe this was happening. Of course, he knew there were other versions himself and his twin in the universe—he just never thought he would get to meet one.

"There's something wrong with you." A tiny, trembling hand reached out and touched the older man's face hesitantly. "You feel like my Fai but there is something wrong with you."

"No no little one. Nothing is wrong. I'm just a little different from the Fai from your home." The mage held one of his hands away from the two of them and extended his claws to demonstrate. As he did so his eyes flashed gold and the big blues watching him widened.

"But your magic feels like my brothers." The mage retracted his claws as Yuui wrapped both of his arms around Fai. "What happened to make you that way Fai?"

The poor child seemed seriously concerned with the taller blonde's wellbeing. Even though he himself looked as though he was in need of attention and had seen better days. Just like Yuui.

"Well you see, I wasn't being very careful and got hurt. My best friend made a deal that saved my life and to do that I was turned into what I am now." The little blonde nodded and Fai could here Yuuko snort in the background.

"Best friend hm? Is that what you and Kurogane tell people?" Yuui seemed to be suddenly reminded that they were not alone and crawled into the mages lap burying his face and doing his best to hide.

"Come on now Yuuko, Kergy is my very very best friend." He laughed and ran a hand through the child's dirty hair while Maru and Moru skipped about the room chanting 'Fai-mommy Kuro-daddy sitting in a tree'

"Call it what you will—but the real question is Fai, will you allow Yuui to come live with you?" Yuuko no doubt knew without a shadow of a doubt that Fai wouldn't turn his twin away.

"I wouldn't have it any other way." The child's big blue eyes widened and the mage could feel him cling even closer.

"Since you are doing me a favor Fai, I must pay you before you go. Watanuki? Will you grab our payment from the warehouse?"

Wasn't that something?

Fai was sure Kurogane would get a kick out of Yuuko paying them instead of the other way around. The dimensional Witch's assistant returned with a familiar object in his hand.

Fai's staff.

Well, that would defiantly make getting the two of them home much easier. Ashura had had that specially crafted for him to withstand the large amounts of magic only Fai could push into spells. He would be lying if he claimed that he hadn't missed it. For more than just sentimental reasons.

"Thank you, Yuuko." Fai lifted Yuui and held him on his hip while he gripped the staff in the other hand. "Well keep in touch ok?"

Yuuko waved her hand dismissively and Fai followed Maru and Moru to the entrance of the shop. Slipping his shoes back on, he walked out to the middle of the courtyard and casts his spell.

Yuui's grip tightened as the dimension started to morph and they materialized back to where Fai had left from this morning.

Of course, Kurogane was waiting for him, the look of surprise on his face was too cute! The blonde was willing to admit that Kurogane had become one of the most important people in his life. He knew that his Yuui would have loved teasing the grumpy ninja just as much as he did, making the mage excited to introduce the two.

"I—Is this?" Yuui looked up at him with worried eyes and Fai kneeled down so that he could stand on his own to greet the ninja. He could feel the poor thing start to tremble and Fai allowed for him to cling to his robes for comfort.

"Yes, little one." Kurogane had slowed from a quick jog to a walk and approached them more cautiously. The blonde put on his most dazzling smile as he faced his lover. "Long time no see Kuro-koi. I have someone I would like you to meet."

Yuui started shaking harder and knew there wasn't much he could do. The little blonde was just a skittish child, as he had been at that age. He knew Kurogane would have most likely scared the daylights out of him had he met him in his early days in Celese. "It's kind of a long sto—"

"That's your twin, isn't it?" Fai was sure that the ninja didn't mean to sound so harsh. He chuckled lightly and looked down at Yuui.

"This is Yuui. He lost his Fai and found his way to the dimensional Witch's door." Kurogane nodded slowly at his words. Silly ninja… The little blonde trembling got worse so Fai decided to give in and lift him back up, hoping to provide more comfort. "He's going to be staying with us if you don't mind Kuro-myuu."

"What the hell do you think mage? What the hell kind of question is that!" It took every bit of self-control the mage had not to roll his eyes at Kurogane. He could be so scary without even trying. Fai rubbed a hand up and down the skinny child's back.

"That's what I thought." Slowly he turned around so that Yuui would have to look at the ninja. "But I think little Yuui here would feel better if you told him yourself."

"tch." The mage could feel his brother try and hide away from the ninja's stare as he slowly approached. "Yuui is it?"

"Yes, sir." The angle soft voice responded. He wondered if Kurogane could tell how bad the poor thing was shaking.

"Yuui, My name is Kurogane. Glad you're here." The tiny blonde nodded his head and Fai turned around to set his eyes on his lover.

"Thanks, Kuro-chan." Slowly, Fai made his way to their home with the ninja close behind him. Yuui settled down once they had started moving, hopefully, put at ease by the cranky ninja's attempt at a warm welcome.

The house was completely dark as they made their way to the kitchen. He allowed the small blonde to cling onto him he used a bit of magic to light a few lanterns and was going to set the boy down at the table.

The ninja had surprised him by heading over to light the stove, so Fai settled at the table with Yuui still in his arms. He wondered if he had seemed so lost his first night with Ashura-ou.

He remembered how terrified he had been when the King had set him down after they had first arrived. He hadn't wanted to leave his majesties side to bath or even eat the first few days. The King hadn't minded at all, however, and had hummed to him softly.

He always thought that Yuui would have liked the lullabies that Ashura-ou had hummed. Kurogane perked up from his spot in the kitchen when Fai had started to hum a familiar tune, it seemed to put all three of them at ease.

Yuui seemed to perk up a bit and Fai watched him look around the room cautiously. He didn't know what kind of world little Yuui had come from, but this was a lot of change to happen so quickly. As soon as the child noticed he was being watched by the mage, he frowned.

"Fai?"

"Yes?" Yuui shifted so that he could get a better look at the one who shared his twin's soul. He had that same concerned look on his little face and it made Fai's heart melt.

"What happened to your Yuui?" Fai smiled at him and looked up towards the ceiling.

"My Yuui passed away many years ago when I was very small." It had been several lifetimes ago it seemed. He had mourned hard and had refused to accept his passing for a long time… He hoped that this Yuui had an easier time with the loss.

Never in a million years would he ever wish feelings like those on his brother.

"You've been all alone since you were little?" This child had suffered a similar loss not long ago and was still concerned with the Fai's feelings. The resemblance to his brother was phenomenal. Fai didn't want him to worry however and tried not to seem too sad as he remembered the twin who had given his life so that he may live.

"Well, it's true my Yuui has been resting for some time, I haven't been all alone." The mage noticed Kurogane eavesdropping on their hushed conversation and giggled. "I have Kuro-cutie over there." Fai pointed at the ninja. "He makes sure nothing bad happens to me now."

Tears appeared at the corner of those childish blue eyes again. Yuui sniffled, doing his best to hold the tears in. "My Fai was my only friend…. So I am all alone now." The mage felt his heart instantly break.

Not only did he sympathize with the child's dismay, but he never wanted his brother to feel that loss.

The utter aloneness after a lifetime together.

Learning how to live again after losing your better half.

"Not at all little one—" Fai drew a hand though Yuui's tangled hair. "You know they say everything happens for a reason?" The little blonde nodded hesitantly, whipping tears from his eyes. "Even your Fai leaving happened for a reason. You're not alone though. Kurogane and I are going to make sure of it."

Both of the blonde's attention was caught when Kurogane go a bowl out of the cupboard and scooped some of the food he had been so kind to prepare into it. He set it down in front of Yuui and sat on the opposite side of the table.

The scraggly child was hesitant so Fai lifted the spoon and scooped a bit of the rice porridge on to the end of it. "It's not very flavorful but I think it will sit well in your tummy." Yuui opened up his mouth and took a bit of the food and chewed slowly.

The mage could remember all too well how hard it had been after not eating for so long. He let his little twin take his time and had patiently held the next bite out to him. Kurogane only stayed long enough to see that the little thing was eating before wondering off.

Fai could hear the bath start and the mage wondered when the cranky ninja had gotten so thoughtful. He knew Kurogane missed looking after their younger traveling companions just as much as he had. If only Princess Tomoyo was here to see this cute side Kurogane usually hid.

Yuui could only manage a few bites of food and was half asleep as Fai carried him to the bathroom. He set the child down and helped him out of his ratty clothes before putting him in the bath. Dirt was washed away to reveal a pearly white completion that matched Fai's own skin. Dirt that was washed away from the child's delicate face revealed dark circles and brought out the hollowness in his cheeks. His entire body was covered in bruises…

Yuui was hardly able to keep himself awake as Fai started to work a wide tooth comb through the ends of his matted hair. The mage was doing his best not pull too hard at the knots, but the little blonde was patient with him.

By the time the tangles were brushed out so that he could get the comb from root to tip, the poor child was practically dead on his feet. Rinsing that last bit of soap away, Fai lifted Yuui out of the tub and wrapped him in the large towel the ninja had set out for them. Slipping one of the T-shirts they had acquired on their journeys through worlds over the child's head, Fai braided his damp hair so it wouldn't be too terribly tangled the next day. Yuui took his hand and they walked up the dim hall to the only bedroom that had been restored.

Kurogane's childhood home was a vast estate and they had been restoring and rebuilding it room by room. Currently, they had one bedroom, the one he and the ninja shared. Fai was sure Kurogane wouldn't mind.

The ninja had already gotten out the extra futon and set it up and Yuui all but fell into the blankets. The mage doubted he had gotten a good night's sleep in a very long time and tucked the blankets carefully around him. Fai continued to hum until he sensed the boy's magic settle, confirming that he had fallen asleep.

Kurogane was watching him from the futon they usually shared. The poor Ninja looked tired too.

Fai wished that with the amount of magic he had expended world walking, that he too would be exhausted, but his vampire's blood stepped in when his magic was low. He was wide awake and with the number of emotions rushing through him at the moment, he wouldn't be able to sleep any time soon.

As quietly as he could, Fai crawled into his bed and pulled the ninja down next to him, wrapping both of his arms around the larger man's neck. He didn't realize his entire body was trembling until he snuggled up next to the sturdy ninja.

"You ok?" The ninja's voice was hushed as he ran a hand up and down the blondes back. Fai appreciated the comforting gesture and leaned into the touch.

"Yeah. My mind is just racing. This feels like a dream." Fai knew this wasn't his Yuui—as a child he had wanted nothing more than to get back. Even as an adult he had dreamed of what it would have his brother by his side…

After all, they had gone through to get where they were today… He finally had Yuui back. Maybe not the little boy he had shared a womb with but one that shared his soul.

The resemblance was startling. It brought so many emotions and memories he kept locked away back to the forefront of his mind.

"So that's your twin then." A soft kiss was pressed to the blonde's forehead and he sighed.

"Another version of him, yes."

"Was your Yuui this skittish?" Fai chuckled lightly. Yuui had always been much shyer then he was.

"You should have seen me when I was his age. I was the same way." Poor Ashura-ou had had his hands full when Fai had first arrived in Celese. Though, Fai wasn't a complete stranger to this poor child, whereas he had never met the King before the day he was rescued.

Fai certainly hoped Yuui had an easier time of it then he had.

"I assumed you always had a big mouth." The ninja kissed his forehead again.

"How mean, Kuro-koi. I was a lovely, innocent child." Fai hadn't become his rumbustious self until he was well into his adult years. It had taken decades for his soul to heal to the point of being able to laugh and joke.

He hoped it didn't that long for poor Yuui.

"You think you would have been afraid of me?" The amusement was heavy in his voice and Fai all but rolled his eyes.

"Kuro-tan shouldn't be so happy about scaring a little kid." Fai snaked a hand up between them and booped the ninja's nose with his index finger.

"Hey, it's not my fault. I didn't do anything but make him dinner." Kurogane had been on his best behavior, the blonde would admit. Even so, the mage could only imagine how scary the crimson eyed ninja would have seemed to him as a little boy.

"He'll be fine once you get to know him. Moving to a new world is hard without your twin. I might share a soul with his Fai, but I'm sure I'm a sad replacement."

"Pretty soon I'm going to have two idiot mages to worry about." The ninja shifted so that he was on his back and Fai rested his head on his chest. That was a nice thought. Kurogane looking after both of them.

"His magic is so similar to my brothers it was startling at first. The sooner we get him started on lessons, the better." High emotions and untrained magic were a dangerous combination. Yuui had a gentle soul and would be crushed if he accidentally harmed someone with his fledgling power.

"You gonna train him?"

"Who else could?" A lot went into training someone with abilities he and Yuui possessed. It took years of training to even begin to get a full understanding of the complexities of spell casting, potion making, and weapons training.

"Guess you right." Fai closed his eyes and listened to the ninja's heartbeat.

They had a long road ahead of them and their work cut out.

No more words were spoken between them. It didn't take long for Kurogane to fall asleep. Fai assumed he was just as tired as he was most nights, and the morning was fast approaching.

Fai wished he could sleep but his mind was racing.

Memories of his first night in Celese with King Ashura were playing on repeat and he felt tears prickle in his eyes. Too many nights he had stayed up wishing that Yuui had been in his place at Ashura's side instead of himself. It was almost as if the universe was giving him a chance to redeem himself.

He wondered why it was that the poor child had had to suffer a fate similar to his own. Did the cursed twins bad omen transcend dimensions? Were they not allowed to be together and happy in any dimension?

Fai wondered if he would be able to do half as well with sweet little Yuui as Ashura had done with himself. Could he teach Yuui to smile? To love? To joke?

What if he couldn't?

How had the king done it?

As the mage became increasingly upset, his magic fluctuated unevenly. It had been so long since he had had to worry about controlling his magic when he was upset. Not since before he had started his journey. He was startled when he felt a tiny, trembling hand touch his shoulder.

Turning quickly, he locked eyes with Yuui. He had been so caught up in his thoughts that he hadn't even heard him wake up.

"What's wrong little one?" The blonde sat up and pulled the child into his arms.

"You're very sad Fai. Did I make you sad?" His voice cracked as he welcomed the warm embrace.

Oh, Yuui…

"Oh no. You didn't make me sad—I was just remembering what it was like when I was your age." They had woken Kurogane and Fai wanted to allow the ninja to get some rest before he had to start his day, and so slowly got to his feet and carried Yuui out of the room and down the hallway.

Fai had loved when Ashura would carry him through the halls of Luvel castle.

"What was it like when you were little?" Unlike where the mage had grown up, this house didn't have vast winding hallways or spiral staircases. He carried the little blonde out into the courtyard and settled under the sakura tree—not far from where they had first landed.

"After I lost my Yuui, I was taken in by a very sweet man. I just hope I can be half as good to you as he was to me." The tiny child wiggled out of his grasp as soon as they were seated and locked eyes with him.

"You miss him?" Fai hadn't had time to morn Ashura's death after that spell had nearly taken both he and the ninjas life. He loved Ashura dearly. He missed him daily. He regretted not keeping his promise.

"You're quite perceptive." The mage smiled softly. He didn't want Yuui to worry. Yuui would always rather worry about Fai then himself and the mage knew they should be focusing on him.

"Where is he now?"

"He got very sick and passed away." By sick he meant to poor King had gone mad—and by 'passed away' he meant that Kurogane had driven a sword through his chest.

"I don't like it when people die Fai." The child's eyes fell to look at his hands. He sounded so broken.

"Me either." Fai sighed and looked up at the sky. "What happened to you before you got to the dimensional Witch?"

"Papa hurt Fai. Mama made a deal to send me away to a safe home." The child started pulling at the grass. Memories no doubt flooding his mind.

"I know we have the same parents but I never got to meet our father. Mine died before I was born." Fai had loved his mother dearly though. It warmed his heart to know that though his own mother hadn't been able to free he and his brother—Yuui's mother had no doubt saved his life.

"Mama said he wasn't the same after he came back from the war."

"What do you think?" Fai lifted a hand up to cup the boy's cheek, forcing their eyes to meet.

"I think papa is a bad man. He hated me and Fai and was mean to mama too." Fai pulled the little boy back into his lap. Perhaps it was best his own father had passed away before ever meeting him. "I think mama would be happy here with you Fai. You would make sure papa wouldn't hurt us, right?"

"No. I will never let anyone hurt you Yuui." The little blonde started to sniffle and Fai ran a hand up and down his boney back. "Tell me little one, what price did the Witch ask of your mother?"

"The witch said if mama sent me away I could never return." Well, there went any plans of going to rescue this poor child's mother.

"It's always a high price."

"I'm happy the Witch called you." Yuui yawned loudly and the mage smiled.

"Me too."