The Red Thread of Destiny

Disclaimer: Dead or Alive does not belong to me.

-I wrote this story a few years ago on paper but unfortunately, my friend lost it. So, I'm going to write it from memory. This is a shoujo-ai themed fanfic with slight incest...Ok I lied, full-blown incest. If you do not like that, stop reading right now.-


Chapter One: Guardian

I ran for my life. I struggled to breathe at a steady pace as I gasped and gulped for precious air, fear overwhelming my survival training. My entire body ached and screamed for much needed rest but I ignored it. I pumped my weary legs harder, faster, running deeper into the dusky forest with only setting sun as my source of illumination. Streams of gentle light had managed to pierce through the thick branches above and light my path. My delicate face was numb from the icy wind whipping my face and with each breath I took I could feel my throat getting raw. I clenched my eyes shut tight to stop the burning tears threatening to fall. My last burst of energy is depleted and I collapse heavily onto the ground. ...Please...someone, help me!

I slowly, wearily opened my eyes and immediately sensed their pursuit getting dangerously close. I could hear them panting, growling and snarling viciously with hunger and I was their prey. I felt the pulsing vibrations in the ground like hoof beats as they came storming towards me. I closed my eyes and curled into the fetal position as my body shuddered violently. ...Someone save me...

The alpha male howled triumphantly and his followers howled back in unison. Yards away, they slowly inched towards me, low, rumbling growls warned me not to try anything. I swallowed audibly and openly wept. Burning tears cascaded down my grimy cheeks and I inhaled sharply. They roared and lunged at my throat as I screamed at the top of my lungs. I screamed until my voice was hoarse but their fangs did not sink into flesh. Completely drained I stopped trying to scream as it merely came out as a high-pitched squeak and slowly, my eyes fluttered open.

Instantly I saw a lightning fast figure dash around dodging and deflecting the deadly bites of the wolves with their tanto. I blinked rapidly to clear my cloudy vision and gasped as I finally recognized the pink blur dashing about around the ferocious wolves, taking them down one by one with a fatal slash of the small blade. I watched in awe as my savior took on six gigantic wolves and amazingly killed them all in less than 5 seconds. It was a dance of death as the individual swung the blade cleanly through the canine's throat and gracefully evaded the jaws of another wolf. Not a single drop of blood was spilled as the last wolf fell heavily onto the ground. Only the small blade was coated in a film of dark, crimson liquid and the strong metallic odor made me nauseous.

I struggled to stay conscious as the figure in pink slowly turned around to face me. I softly whispered their name as I blacked out.

"...Kasumi-chan..."

I had a dream I was ambushed by a pack of hungry wolves while walking through a forest. I fell down but before they could dig their fangs into my neck, they suddenly vanished into thin air. I awoke then, enveloped in warmth and cozy as if I had fallen asleep next to a comforting fire. I had not though as I fully woke up and became aware of my surroundings.

I was on Kasumi's back. The warmth emanated from her and she was softer than velvet.

She had gingerly carried me on her back and walked all the way back to our village as I could see the long, hanging bridge leading towards town. I knew what waited for me there. I knew what would happen if I stepped even one foot inside the inner estate. Even if I argued with her for hours on end she would win and lead me hand-in-hand through the tall double gates that I was forbidden to enter. The guards would beat and scold me but she would always defend me. I can't stand being weak and defenseless. Whenever her father, Shiden-sama, the grand master of the city, finds out about her sneaking me into the inner city she would be severely punished. I did not want her to be scolded on my behalf.

I did not want her pity or sympathy.

"Kasumi-chan..." I whispered softly and buried my face in her long red hair, breathing in deeply. Strawberries. She always smelled like strawberries.

"...You're awake now, Ayane-chan? Are you alright?" She asked gently, her sweet voice smooth and musical.

My heartbeat quickens and I could feel my heart constrict inside my chest. Kasumi-chan is priceless to me. She is the only person on this earth who has treated me so kindly. She's like an older sister to me. For as long as I could remember I had no family and no friends. I was an orphan under the care of a kind elderly man. Tendo-san was asked to care for me by Kasumi's mother, Ayame-sama.

I met Ayame-sama only once in the inner estate during the Shichi Go San Festival on my 3rd birthday. I was granted access inside the inner manor specifically for the festival that day. Once it was over though, I was immediately banished from the inner estate. I remembered her vividly though because she was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. Kasumi-chan is going to be as beautiful as her mother. Sometimes I wished that she was my mother too but I know I'm not worthy enough.

"...I'm fine, Kasumi-chan...Thank you for protecting me..." I replied lightly and wrapped my arms tighter around her shoulders. "...I-I was so scared..." I was calm now than before but I could not shake the fear of endangering or losing her.

She slowed down to a stop in front of the bridge. Hesitantly, she lightly puts me down on my feet and gently grasps both of my hands in hers. I gazed deeply into her gleaming amber eyes as she slowly brushes my lavender hair back and tucks it behind my ear.

"Ayane-chan...I'm sorry I didn't come sooner...No matter what, I will always protect you." She spoke earnestly, her voice full of strength and determination.

I nodded meekly and she smiled, leaning forward she softly kissed my forehead. I suddenly felt dizzy and she steadied me, giggling softly. I could feel my cheeks heat up and I grinned sheepishly.

"...I will protect you too!" I declared and narrowed my eyes to express my seriousness. She smiled warmly and nodded in understanding.

"Train hard then...and one day, you won't need me anymore." She murmured softly and looked away, gazing sadly beyond the other side of the bridge.

I hated it when she would do that. It almost seemed like she wanted me to leave her. I tugged on her pink sleeve and she gazed back at me.

"Let's go fishing, ne?" I asked excitedly and turned back around toward the spring. I cocked my head back and caught her grinning ear to ear before she quickly dashed off towards the spring. "...Eh! Wait! Kasumi-chan!" I called out and bolted after her. She suddenly stopped and I collided right into her. We both fell hard but I landed safely on top of her as she held onto me.

"Ahh...Are you okay, Kasumi-chan?" I ask worriedly and she smiles reassuringly.

"I'm fine..." She whispers softly and gently cradles my cheek in her hand. "...What would you like for your birthday, Ayane-chan?" She slowly leaned up and gently kissed my forehead.

I blushed deeply and quickly got up. I reached down and helped her up but avoided her gaze. I started marching towards the spring while organizing my thoughts. Finally, I stopped and whispered my wish so softly I doubted that she could hear even with super sensitive hearing training. I turned around to see if she had heard me but she had not since she gazed at me curiously. I smiled and blew a raspberry at her. She gasped and I took off running towards the spring with her following close behind, hot on my heels.

Like always, she caught a fish before me but I almost beat her to it. We giggled and splashed each other without a care in the world until it started to get dark. The gray clouds huddled close together. The village guards came looking for Kasumi then and she had to go back. They tossed the fish she caught onto the ground before my feet and waved me away. I picked up the fish and quickly dusted off the dirt. At that moment, thunder bellowed and rain poured down heavily from the heavens. Tendo-san cooked the fishes Kasumi and I caught and we had a simple, delicious dinner.

Often, Kasumi-chan would sneak out of the manor late at night and bring all kinds of delicious food for Tendo-san and I to eat. I always wondered why she paid special attention to me but I never questioned her. I was grateful for her kindness and generosity. Her presence alone is enough for me to keep on living even though everyone else is cruel to me. Growing up, I couldn't help but feel isolated, ignored, and neglected by everyone around me. Why? I guess since I have no family I am worthless and unwanted.

None of the children would ever play with me except Kasumi-chan and even then the other children would glare evilly at me. Their mothers would also glare and whisper something amongst themselves. What's wrong with me? I would ask Tendo-san and Kasumi-chan but they would always change the subject as if I never even asked the question. Since it didn't seem to bother them, I also didn't let it get to me much.

Tomorrow, I'm allowed again to enter the inner city and celebrate the Shichi Go San Festival because it is my 7th birthday. I wished Kasumi-chan will always be with me.