Loss of Translation

Fai found his regular clothes in the small chest they had been placed in after their arrival. He managed to pull on his pants, but the clasps on his shirt were to complicated for his shaking hands so he left it open, wrapping the robe around his shoulders. He collapsed on the floor next to the chest and lay staring at the ceiling. He was used to this sort of thing. Ashura-o had assaulted him countless times, each more brutal than the last. Fai had always thought of it as punishment for the horrible crimes he had committed. This was no different. This was his punishment and he deserved every minute of it. With that final thought, Fai closed his eyes and drifted to sleep.

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Kurogane sat staring at the closed door. He knew that soon the bells would sound alerting the army to prepare for battle. Fai was in no condition to fight, and Kurogane had no intention to leave him. Suddenly Kurogane remembered the conversation he’d had with the Commander when they’d first arrived. Convincing him that Kuro and Fai were not a threat was difficult. They’re strange clothes, eye color and Kuro’s accent had put the whole army on edge. After hours of talking with the Commander, Kurogane had managed to convince him that both Fai and himself were willing to swear their allegiance to Yasha-o. And they had. Fai probably didn’t remember that part at all. It had been short, subtle, and Fai had simply smiled and nodded when the Commander looked at him. Kurogane felt guilty for forcing the oath on his friend, but he’d had very little choice in the matter. Once the oath had been given, the Commander reminded them, in no uncertain terms, that their lives now belonged to the army. You fight, or you die.

Kurogane knew that as soon as Syaoran and Sakura turned up, the four of them would leave for the next world. But when that would happen, was anyone’s guess. In the meantime, Kurogane had to figure out how to protect Fai, without putting both of them at risk. Just then, the bells sounded. Kurogane was about to go tell the Commander to take his oath and shove it, when Fai emerged from the side room. His clothes and hair were disheveled, but he looked much better than he had the day before. He smiled broadly and wandered into the main room. Kurogane pantomimed a bow and arrow, looking questioningly at the blonde. Fai shook his head, raising his bandaged hands in answer. There was no way he would be able to shoot with his hands still injured. Kurogane sighed and ran a hand through his hair. Fai walked over to the corner where Kurogane’s sword leaned against the wall. He picked it up and handed it to the ninja, smiling again.

As the final bell rang, Fai made a shooing motion with his hands. Kuro pointed to his cheeks, indicating his concern for Fai’s safety. Before he could blink, Fai was behind him with a knife to his throat. Kurogane smiled. Yesterday Fai had been alone, unarmed and uninformed. Today, he was aware and prepared. Fai’s demonstration assured him that the blonde would be fine, he need not worry. Kurogane felt a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach, but brushed it off as Fai pushed him gently towards the door. He glared at the mage, who smiled in return, before rushing out the door to join the other soldiers on the field. As the doors slowly closed, Fai watched Kurogane’s retreating back. He clutched the knife to his chest as his eyes began to shine with unspoken terror.


TBC