It was almost unfair how utterly outmatched the would-be-assassins were.

Tomoyo's orders had always been to avoid casualties, but even after everything he'd been through Kurogane wasn't one to make promises he might not be able to keep. But now that he could actually see his quarry it seemed entirely possible to simply scare the daylights out of them. The assassins – and that was using the term liberally – couldn't have been more than twenty years old, and in Kurogane's book were better off terrified than dead.

He also couldn't help but be baffled by the obvious lack of planning. It would have been hard not to spot the two with the amount of noise they were making, and there had been no evidence that they were expecting any sort of resistance. Whatever stories the Iberians had been told about Nihon would obviously need rewriting, and Kurogane was more than happy to help.

He was close enough to see the sweat on the man's neck and the knife clutched in one white-knuckled hand. Kurogane had to consciously stop himself from simply skewering him for even thinking about hurting Fay. But Kurogane only intended to make a point – not kill anyone.

The man took a step back, prepping himself for a charge he ever got to make.

In a single motion Kurogane surged forward, bent back his wrist with a painful snap and pinned him to the ground as the knife clattered loudly to the floor.

"Nnn…GAH!!!"

Before anything else could happen Kurogane had drawn his sword and pressed it against the man's throat.

"Try anything funny and your neck is next!" Kurogane snarled, putting a little more pressure on the now broken wrist and earning a feeble whimper.

Down the hall there was a purple flash and a chortling scream that overshadowed that of Kurogane's captive by about tenfold.

"Fay!" Kurogane gasped, fighting the urge to sprint over and slash to pieces whoever Fay was engaged with.

"No worries, Kuro-rin." Fay called from inside. A moment later he emerged carrying a very unconscious and still-smoldering Iberian by the collar, who he dropped onto the floor with a dull thud.

"Tsk tsk. And after I taught them to make a decent cup of tea, too." He glanced up at Kurogane and flexed his hand. "But luckily my powers aren't just for show."

Kurogane could hear his captive begin to whimper as Fay sauntered towards them, an odd smile on his lips.

"Let me guess," Fay said with a careless toss of his head. "Your captain offered something – a sack of gold, perhaps – to anyone willing to sneak up here and slit my throat during the night." Fay bent down to pick up the discarded knife and ran his finger along the blade. "Pretty tempting, eh? Get rid of the damned stowaway and earn a pretty penny in one swoop. And it would be plenty easy to blame on the natives and guilt-trip them into coughing up some of that fabled treasure, am I right?"

Kurogane couldn't see his captive's face, but if the way the man was shaking was any indication he was just about ready to piss himself. Fay casually walked over and knelt to look at their captive.

"Well, good plan, but you forgot to take into account three very important things. One: Him." He gestured towards Kurogane. "Two: I'm not nearly as helpless as I look. I thought I made that clear in Shonan against those pirates. And Three," Fay held up the knife, letting it catch the yellow lamplight menacingly. "It's generally not a good idea to use one's own monogrammed knife when trying to blame a murder on the natives."

"But hey, listen." Fay muttered, dropping his voice and leaning closer. "In the spirit of International Brotherhood I'm willing to let you go, but I'm not so sure about him."

Kurogane tightened his grip after Fay shot him a knowing glance.

Ah, clever. He thought smugly as his captive began to whimper.

"Now," Fay continued. "I can maybe give you a ten-second head start, but after that I'm not making any promises. Ninja are quite fierce, you know, and very possessive."

Fay leaned closer to whisper in the man's ear, while Kurogane pretended to be oblivious to what was being said.

"Alright, here's what I want you to do: You're buddy's coming around, so grab him and run. I'll keep him busy, but whatever you, do don't look back!" Fay patted him on the shoulder and smiled. "Good luck!"

With that Kurogane released his hold and stepped back as the man scrambled away. With more pleasure than was probably appropriate Kurogane watched as the would-be-assassin grabbed his still-drowsy cohort by the collar and took off headlong into the corridor.

"Have to give them credit," Fay said with an amused smile. "They are fast."

Kurogane grunted in agreement.

"Crappy assassins, though." He added dryly, reaching out to take the knife from Fay's hand. "If I was going to off a guy I wouldn't use a knife like this."

"Oh?" Fay said curiously, sidling closer. "What would you use then?"

"Folded over piece of steel. Saves on cleanup." Kurogane flipped the knife his hand and frowned. "Balance sucks on this too." Kurogane lobbed the blade into a nearby doorframe, where it stuck with a dull thud.

"Interesting…" Fay remarked, nodding his head excitedly. After a moment he looked up at Kurogane and smiled apologetically. "I just hope I didn't make you sound too vicious, Kuro-pon."

Kurogane thought about it for a moment before he shrugged.

"Don't worry. That's the second time I've scared 'em, so if they go back with scary stories it's probably for the best. Less trouble later."

"Captain!" A voice called from down the hall. "They're back in their quarters!"

"Alright!" Kurogane called back. "A couple of you set up a perimeter around here just in case they try anything else. Everybody else can leave."

The formerly quiet corridor was suddenly a flurry of activity as the doors lining the hall opened to reveal the two dozen ninja who had been waiting for their Captain's cue. Fay watched this with amusement before turning to Kurogane with an amused smile.

"Isn't this a little excessive, Kuro-rin?"

Kurogane shrugged again.

"When in doubt, bring backup." Especially if it involves you. He added silently.

He was about to yell out more orders when he saw something twinkling in Fay's eyes that made him do a double take. Getting the message, Kurogane allowed a small mischievous smile to form on his lips. He glanced quickly at his men before leaning down and stealing a quick kiss.

By now the hall was dead silent. Kurogane exchanged a quick glance with Fay, who was obviously suppressing giggles, before raising his head.

"Just what are you dogs staring at?!" He bellowed, watching with amusement as more than a few of them jumped. "Show's over, so either get on guard duty or scram!"

Within a matter of seconds the hall was completely empty save for the two of them. Fay's shoulders were trembling slightly with suppressed laughter.

"Dogs, Kuro-rin?" he chuckled quietly.

Kurogane grinned devilishly.

"It worked, didn't it?"

.o.O.o.

Luckily, there was to be no more trouble from the Iberians. The broken wrist and charred clothes were apparently enough warning to discourage any further foolishness, and Kurogane noted with amusement how the Iberians would shoot him nervous glances every time he passed them in the halls. He began to wonder if they'd leave thinking "Ninja" meant "Big Scary Guy Dressed in Black" – not that he objected to the description.

Fay also proved to be quite the academic and spent hours in the castle library learning how to read and write kanji, earning quite a few admirers in the process. Kurogane distinctly overheard the noble ladies who had blasted Fay for being a "barbarian" a few weeks earlier praising him in the hall after he showed off his fire-making abilities during a banquet. The speed at which Fay made himself at home shouldn't have been much of a surprise, considering how naturally friendly and amiable he was by nature.

Three weeks after the Iberians first arrived, they came forward with an announcement that they intended to depart for the Empress' palace in Miyako later that week. Tomoyo of course gave them her good graces and promised to see them off in the most extravagant way possible. Kurogane had been sitting between Fay and Tomoyo – since he was still pulling double duty as bodyguard to both of them – and distinctly saw Fay motion with his head to come with him as the banquet was getting out. After swallowing a sudden wave of nervousness he followed them into the private meeting hall.

"Just to get it out the way," Fay began as soon as the door clicked shut. "I'm not going with them to Miyako."

Kurogane let out a breath he didn't know he was holding in relief. His rational mind had told him as much, but the anxiety of losing Fay again was very much present.

"In fact," Tomoyo chimed, the bells in her hair ringing briefly. "Fay-san and I have talked about making him the official ambassador to Albion…"

"Assuming I can get permission from home." Fay added, holding up one finger.

"… And staying here as my magical advisor." Tomoyo clasped her hands excitedly. "I have always wanted to learn more about Western Magic, and Fay-san has graciously offered to teach me all he knows."

"Also," Fay said under his breath, walking forward and looping an arm around Kurogane's waist. "Should I want to travel around the countryside Tomoyo has offered me your protection – assuming that's okay with you." The last bit was accompanied by a small sarcastic smile. Of course it was okay with him, and they knew each other well enough to know that.

Nonetheless, Kurogane nodded in approval. It was comforting to know that these two had already taken care of the details, and as long as he could be with Fay he didn't care about the exact arrangements.

"I'm glad this has all worked out for you two." Tomoyo said graciously. "Now it's just a matter of waiting for word from Albion, and if it comes after the Iberians have left all the better." She smiled to herself and folded her hands into the sleeves of her robe. "I imagine they'll say yes, since I understand that Fay is from a family with strong ties to The Crown."

Kurogane wondered if he simply imagined feeling Fay's arm tense, but before he could really process it Fay had turned them around and begun leading him away like a dutiful wife.

"Don't worry, Kuro-pon – I'm sure the king will be happy to hear that I'm over here. Since the falling out with Iberia we'll need all the help we can get internationally, and I wasn't exactly planning on heading back in the first place."

Kurogane nodded, but couldn't completely shake the feeling that Fay was nervous about more than just getting the king's approval. Fay broke his train of shot by suddenly yawning loudly. Kurogane merely smiled and scooped him off his feet to carry him the rest of the way.

.o.O.o.

The goodbye ceremony for the Iberians was quite an occasion – partly thanks to enough alcohol to completely inebriate everyone several times over – but by the time the caravan had left there was a distinct air of relief now that the guests were gone. Kurogane for one was looking forward to finally be able to sleep through an entire night and not have to pull extra guard duty around the guest quarters, and while it went unsaid Fay didn't seem to be missing his shipmates in the least. Kurogane recalled seeing Fay shoot a wink to the would-be-assassins as they were leaving, just for good measure.

After retiring for the night they were woken up shortly before midnight and told to come to Tomoyo's throne room in their best clothes. Despite Kurogane's grumbling he followed suit and trailed after Fay, noticing a distinct tension in his frame as he followed behind.

When they entered Tomoyo was seated opposite the largest mirror she possessed in full ceremonial robes, and she smiled at them when they came in.

"Ah, Kurogane, Fay-san, you're here. I just finished speaking with the King, and he gives Fay full permission to serve as his ambassador."

Fay nodded and bowed gratefully.

"Thank you, Princess."

"However…" Tomoyo's expression suddenly turned serious. "Apparently word travels fast in the palace, and your family is asking to speak with you."

Fay suddenly looked crestfallen, and Kurogane reached out to put a comforting hand on his shoulder. He'd wondered if the nervousness had been because of the possibility of speaking with his family, and once again his gut had been proven right.

"I can pretend the signal has faded if you want, Fay-san." Tomoyo said, her eyes softening in concern.

"No, it's alright." Fay said with a dejected sigh. "I might as well get this over with. It'll just come back to haunt me later if I don't at least let them know how I'm doing. My mother worries so…"

Kurogane nodded, coming up behind Fay and putting an arm around his shoulders and kept it there despite Fay's worried look. He was determined to stand by Fay through this, and just stood there wordlessly until he felt Fay breathe out and accept it. If Fay had taught him one thing during their time together it was not to back down when someone needed you.

An image flickered to life on the silver mirror's surface, wavering until it settled into an image of four people seated in a comfortable-looking parlor. Kurogane blinked and realized that all of them – two younger men, a lovely woman and an authoritative looking older man – were blond haired and light-eyed. He glanced at Fay and nodded to himself. Yes, this was definitely his family.

"Fay!" the woman cried, clasping her hands together as her startling green eyes shone with joy. "It's so wonderful to see you! How are you, my boy?"

"I'm fine, mother." Fay replied, smiling back. Kurogane looked back and forth between them. Yes, Fay's smile came from his mother. Probably his kindness too, if the way the woman was beaming at them was any indication. The older looking brother leaned forward and grinned wickedly from under his long eyelashes.

"We heard you've gone native, Fay. Not that it's much of a surprise…"

Fay merely narrowed his eyes dangerously and smiled back.

"Better than stuffing myself up with a bunch of books and going pale as a ghost, Arthur." Fay replied, and Kurogane sensed that it was a perennial joke between them.

"Now now, enough of that, you two." The younger of the brothers chided, frowning up at his sibling. Kurogane nearly did a double take, for this brother looked exactly like Fay with longer hair.

Right, twins. He reminded himself, glancing quickly between Fay and the person in the mirror. He supposed some things just didn't change, no matter how many dimensions one went through. Fay merely smiled up at his brother and twiddled his fingers familiarly.

"Hey Yuui, staying out of trouble?"

His brother returned the gesture and grinned back.

"Same as you, Fay."

"In other words, no."

The twins laughed together, but Kurogane's attention had already turned to their father, a sour-looking goateed individual with a severe glint in his eyes. He could see why Fay had been nervous to talk to him, and he unconsciously tightened his grip as the man quietly scrutinized his son.

"So, Fay." His father began, instantaneously silencing everyone else. "Glad to see you haven't gotten yourself killed. Yet."

Fay's mouth twitched as his shoulders tensed visibly. Kurogane kept his gaze steady and didn't flinch when those ice-blue eyes shifted to him.

"Who's that, Fay?" his father inquired suspiciously. Kurogane clenched his fist unconsciously and was suddenly glad that his hands were hidden from view. Fay stared back and answered with an even tone.

"He's my bodyguard."

His father seemed relax as he reached for a waiting teacup and took a leisurely sip. Kurogane's attention, however, was still on his son and the mischievous suddenly present in his eyes.

"And lover." Fay added, his mouth curling into a satisfied smile as his father nearly choked on his tea and coughed and spluttered in surprise. His mother merely smiled at them and leaned forward.

"So Fay… he's the one?" She inquired gently. Kurogane had been able to tell instantly that he'd like her, and she almost reminded him of Tomoyo in some ways. And she obviously cared about Fay, which was an instant win in his book.

"Yes." Fay said quietly, reaching up to grab his hand. "It's him."

"I'm glad to hear that." Her eyes fell on Kurogane. "Please, take care of my son for me. He means a lot to us."

"I will." Kurogane responded, reclining his head. "You can bet on it."

Fay yawned suddenly, startling just about everyone. His father, who appeared to have gotten over the shock of learning that his son was in love with a man and had stopped choking on his tea, frowned at the gesture.

"What're you yawning for? It's only 3 in the afternoon!"

"Not in Nihon." Fay responded curtly. "It's midnight here."

"See Darling!" Fay's mother chimed, turning to her husband and beaming. "I told you the world was round!"

His father scowled at her and glared.

"Then why don't we fall off of it, eh? And don't tell me it's because of that silly 'gravity' theory that backwards friend of yours came up with after getting clocked on the head with a bloody vegetable!"

"It was a fruit, Darling." She responded lightly, brushing a strand of hair out of her eyes gracefully.

Fay chuckled and winked at Kurogane.

"They do this all the time." He said under his breath, watching his parents fondly. Yuui shook his head and turned towards them, twiddling his fingers.

"Well, now that they've started I'd say we're just about finished. So Fay, have fun out there but don't be a stranger!"

"I won't, brother." Fay said quietly. "And take care of them for me."

"Will do. See ya!" The entire family turned to look at them and waved briefly, and even Fay's father was smiling at them before the mirror went blank and left them staring at their own reflections. Fay sighed and leaned back, letting Kurogane catch him.

"Phew." He said with a small whistle. "Glad that's over with." He looked up at Kurogane and smiled. "And don't worry about my father. He's just full of hot air, and my mother's good at putting him in his place."

"I'm glad." Kurogane said, remembering the kindness he could see in her eyes. "They seem like good people." He wondered vaguely why Fay had been so nervous, but he supposed it was just family politics at work.

Fay yawned again and bonelessly slumped against him with a contented sigh.

"Maybe not, maybe so, but as long as I've got my Kuro-tan I'm happy."

Kurogane smiled and glanced over at Tomoyo, who was watching them fondly from her throne and briefly nodded her head. Taking the cue Kurogane lifted Fay's chin and gave him a light kiss, smiling when he received a puzzled look back.

"Just a little welcome home."

.o.O.o.

Shonan: The Colonial Japanese name for Singapore, Portugal took control of this port during the 17th century, but before that the city was a frequent stop for travelers and a hotbed of pirates.

Folded over piece of steel: Despite what modern fiction says, ninja did not usually use long swords like Kurogane's Ginryuu when carrying out assassinations. Called a Ninjato, these were short blades that were sometimes as simple as folded over pieces of steel that were usually left in a victim. They were especially popular among lady assassins, who could simply stab their victim and walk out without having to hide a bloody sword.

Miyako: An archaic name for Kyoto, this is actually a misreading of the kanji for in the city's name, and was what the West knew Kyoto as for many years.

That silly 'gravity' theory: In reality, Sir Isaac Newton wasn't born until 1642, but this isn't the real England, anyway.

Fay/Yuui/Etc: I realize this is a bit confusing, but next chapter will clear this up. But essentially Fay is Fay in this universe.