Utsukushiri No Aki
Chapter 1: Sakura-Matoi

The sky over the village was vast and blue. The narrow streets were full of activities, as they usually were during the Carnival season. Near the back of the village, three vendors occupied a less crowded alley way. The vendors were all unique in turn. A shady looking man sat on a radish crate selling and trading weapons he claimed were once wielded by famous samurai. The next vendor was an old woman that repaired torn kimonos and broken zori or getta. However, neither of theses vendors could compare to the third. A small crowd of children surrounded the vendor's table. Upon this table were several items used for fortune telling. The vendor sat behind their table draped in a violet cloak. Their eyes were shaded from view and had not it been for their curves it would have been hard to tell the vendor was a young woman.
She smiled as she received her pay from a boy who had just purchased a small good luck charm.
"All right. Who is next?" the vendor asked, her voice sweet and welcoming.
A small girl stumbled forward.
"I would like the cards to tell me of the path I have chosen!" She chimed.
The vendor's sugar pink lips curled into a warm smile. She picked up her cards and shuffled them several times before flipping the top card. She set it aside and placed three cards face down next to it.
"The first card to show face is the 'Thunder'." The vendor began. "The path you have chosen is unexpected and will not end well."
The small girl swallowed hard.
"The next card," the vendor continued, flipping over the next card. "Is 'Wave'. Because of the unexpectedness of your decision, a chain of ill events will occur."
The small girl gripped the edge of the table, her knuckles turning white. The vendor proceeded with the next card. At the mouth of the alley way, the shady male vendor watched the shadow of a young woman slide across the ground.
"The 'Dark' card has appeared." The vendor's voice had become concerned. "Your path is not right for you. What is it that you have decided to follow?"
"I-I wanted to become a G-Geisha." The small girl stuttered.
The old woman vendor looked up as a young woman with short lilac hair moved toward the fortune vendor.
"The 'Rain' card is the final card to be shown." The fortune vendor's voice became light. "There will be grief, but as the rain waters the struggling saplings, they will grow into strong beautiful trees."
The small girl looked confused up at the vendor who giggled.
"It means that despite all your troubles, you will be able to start a new!" she explained.
The small girl opened her mouth to speak, but all that came out was a squeak as she was pushed out of the way.
"I would like my fortune told by the cards as well."
The vendor lifted her head toward the figure before her. Ayane stood in purple Shinobi attire, a butterfly over her heart. A smirk was upon her pale lips, her pink eyes glaring down at the vendor.
"I want to know the out come of my assassination of a traitorous kunoichi." Ayane hissed. "Use only three cards."
The vendor swallowed as she picked up the cards to shuffle them. The children around the table fell silent, glancing between the two woman.
"The 'Arrow'." The vendor's voice shook slightly. "You are determined to complete your mission."
She took a card from the middle of the deck.
"The 'Mist'. Some things about your mission are unclear, such as the out come or your decisions…"
Ayane's eyes narrowed, her hands balling into fists.
The vendor drew her final card from the bottom of the deck.
"…The 'Silent'." The vendor's voice was soft, yet firm.
Ayane's eyes widened with rage.
"RIDICULOUS!" she screamed before raising her arm.
She brought her wrist down forcefully on the center of the table. The vendor sprang back as her table shuddered and broke under Ayane's blow. Biting her bottom lip, the vendor leapt and flipped over Ayane and the screaming children.
"Very clever disguise, Kasumi-Chan." Ayane drawled, smirking evilly as she turned around. "But perhaps you should have chose a profession that isn't a hobby you're well known for."
Ayane quickly took shuriken from her obi and flung them at the cloaked figure. As the shuriken caught the fabric, it went limp and submissively let itself get pinned to the wall. Ayane looked to her left where Kasumi had jumped to. Kasumi's light brown hair swirled in the soft breeze. Her eyes were sharp, yet sad.
"Ayane-San…" Kasumi began. "I do not wish to fight you here."
"Silence!" Ayane barked. "I've chased you for far too long! It is now time for me to complete my mission!"
Kasumi thrusted her forearm up under Ayane's blow. Ayane rebounded with a side kick which Kasumi blocked with the same parry technique. Annoyance filled Ayane as she continued to attack and fail to land one hit. She fell back on her hands and pushed herself forward. Kasumi gasped as Ayane's heal plunged into her stomach. She doubled over gripping her stomach as Ayane proceeded with the helicopter-punch. Blood dripped from Kasumi's mouth as she stumbled backwards and fell over.
"SEI!"
Ayane flipped into the air and extended her legs forward to complete her final blow to Kasumi's sternum. Kasumi's eyes snapped open and she performed a backwards summersault. Ayane let out a cry of frustration as her feet hit the dirt. Kasumi's eyes narrowed as she grabbed Ayane's wrist. She rolled on to her back, placing her feet on Ayane's stomach. Giving three hard kicks to her navel, Kasumi sent Ayane into the air.
"Aie!" Ayane cried as she hit the ground several feet away.
She quickly scrambled to her feet and looked to the spot where Kasumi once stood. Ayane gritted her teeth as her eyes followed the slow fluttering path of a cluster of sakura petals. Kasumi had fled. Ayane was a step behind again.
"Coward!" Ayane bellowed, turning her face to the sky. "I will find you, Kasumi!"

Kasumi appeared on a branch of a tall birch tree. She glanced over her shoulder to the bustling village. Wasting no time she sprang to the next branch then to the forest floor. The wind whistled in her ears and stung her nose as she sprinted through the forest. Kasumi skidded to a halt in front of a river and sprang into a near by evergreen tree. Her breath was ragged as she climbed the tree and hopped on to a rock. She wiped blood form her lip as she advanced a shrub that was obstructing the entrance to a cave.
Kasumi slowed her pace, noting the disruption of the shrub. It's once full head of leaves was demolished; an obi tangled in it's branches. Someone had been searching for her. Kasumi cautiously entered the cave. It was empty. Her belongings were scattered all over the cave floor.
"Ayane-San…" Kasumi mumbled.
She crouched and began to gather her things. Her thoughts absorbed the sound of the babbling river. Kasumi remembered when she and Ayane were six, playing in the river near their village. Their friendship had blossomed and died early. Kasumi's brow furrowed as she once again began to question why Genra didn't understand her reasons for leaving the village? A pang of anger filled her chest. She didn't understand why her father or any of the other elders did not want to avenge her older brother. Kasumi's heart softened, her brow relaxing.
"Hayate…" she whispered, the movement of her hands ceasing.
In her mind she pictured Hayate beneath the autumn sun performing kata with the elders. His skin would glisten from perspiration, his eyes focused, his hair floating on the soft breeze. When he was finished he would turn to Kasumi and smile. She would embrace him and take in the masculine scent of his flesh. Kasumi's hands balled into fists over the folded Shinobi dress on her lap. She continued to remember how her brother would mentor her in her training. How he would laugh and pat her on the head. How he would stroke her hand and kiss her good-night.
Two large tears feel onto the back of her hands. Kasumi's body shuddered as she fought back the tears that welled and fell from her eyes.
"N-Nii-San." She sobbed rounded over.

Murai walked the hallway between the bath and the dojo. He shook his head. Water drops flew from his silver white hair. Stray drops slid down his chest and torso, disappearing in the waist band of his hakama. He slid open the door, stopping short.
"Ayane!" Murai said in surprise.
Ayane stood with her back to the door in her panties. The muscles in her back tensed under her tattoo. She looked over her shoulder.
"I have to admit, this is a surprise." Murai turned around sliding the door shut.
Ayane turned back to her hakui and carefully unfolded it.
"I failed again, Murai-Sama." Ayane said softly. "I had her in my grasp, but she managed to slip through my fingers again."
Murai studied the pigments in the rice paper on the door as he listened to the soft rustle of fabric of Ayane dressing.
"You may look." Came Ayane's voice.
Murai turned slowly and surveyed Ayane for a moment. Despite the looseness of the hakui, it still hugged her hips and breasts. Her expression and body language showed she was tired, but her eyes still burned with her fighting spirit.
"Kasumi does not wish to fight you." Said Murai walking toward Ayane. "Her only wish is to see Hayate-San now that he is well."
Ayane closed her eyes shaking her head.
"That does not matter to me." She snapped.
Murai placed a heavy hand on her shoulder.
"Ones mission is always the most important thing they must perform. Even at a young age, you knew this." Murai gripped Ayane's shoulder gently. "You will find a way to complete you mission, Ayane-Kun."
Ayane opened her eyes and brought them to Murai's. She gazed deep into his gray pools before speaking.
"I am staying here tonight. I'll leave before you wake."
"Of course, Ayane-Kun." Murai bowed his head.
Slowly he drew his hand from her shoulder and turned to a chest where he fetched his futon and a bedroll for Ayane. After Murai had set up the bedding, Ayane sank to the floor tucking her feet beneath her.
"Are you not going to suggest it?" she asked while gazing at the back of her hand.
Murai froze at her words. The gray smoked that emitted from the extinguished candles in the lanterns spiraled into the darkness. Murai's pulse began to race. Had she sensed the forbidden desire within him? Truly, this was a remarkable woman if she could sense something so small.
"Suggest what?" Murai asked softly, leading himself back to his futon.
"That I train harder." Ayane replied lightly.
Murai smirked while crawling under his covers.
"You have all the resources it takes to kill Kasumi-San." Murai answered. "Perhaps the reason why you have not been to successful is because deep with in, you pity Kasumi-San."
Ayane glared through the darkness. She yanked back the blanket on her bedroll and heaved herself under it.
"Good night, Murai-Sama." She hissed.

The moon loomed through the sky, casting macabre looking shadows across the path on which Kasumi tread. Slung over her shoulder was a leather draw string bag with her possessions concealed inside. She had changed into warmer Shinobi attire. She stopped abruptly as the wind suddenly picked up. Kasumi eyed a small green leaf in front of her before dropping her bag. She turned sharply as a fist emerged from the darkness, grazing her cheek. She whapped away her assaulter's attack and sprang backwards. Kasumi drew in a sharp in take of breath. The sturdy form of a man in black leather Shinobi attire stood before her; green eyes penetrating the darkness from beneath a silver forehead protector.
"Hayabusa-San." Kasumi breathed standing straight.
"It's dangerous to be out in the woods at night." Hayabusa said, eyes set on Kasumi.
"Why did you attack--" Kasumi began before Hayabusa cut her off.
"What are you doing here, Kasumi?"
"I…" Kasumi's voice cracked. "I'm going to see Hayate."
"You can't." Hayabusa replied walking to her. "You'll be killed."
"If I am with him, it does not matter." Kasumi said defensively.
"I promised your brother that you would not die, even if that means you die near him. You cannot see Hayate." Hayabusa stated firmly.
Kasumi swung blindly at Hayabusa.
"I will see him!" She cried.
"Kasumi-San!" Hayabusa yelled annoyed, leaning away from her poor attack.
Kasumi continued to shower Hayabusa with careless attacks, which he continued to block. She repeated herself every other attack while Hayabusa tried to calm her.
"I will see him!" Kasumi screamed, thrusting her palm into Hayabusa's face.
He caught her wrist and jerked it upward. Kasumi stumbled forward, her forehead hitting and resting on Hayabusa's chest.
"Your emotions make you careless and vulnerable during battle!" Hayabusa shouted to the top of her head. "if this is how you are going to act when you encounter Hayate, you will die Kasumi-Chan!"
There was silence. No wind, no sound of animals. Kasumi's frame began to shudder. Hayabusa exhaled slowly as he looked down on her with pity. Placing a finger under her chin, he lifted Kasumi's head. She had her eyes closed though tears still ran from them. Hayabusa wiped the tears from her face before placing a hand on the back of her head and pulled her into a loose embrace.
"I will help you to see him." He said softly. "But you must do exactly as I say."
Kasumi turned her tear stained face up and looked at Hayabusa with watery brown eyes. He stepped back and pushed a piece of parchment into her hand.
"Read it." Hayabusa ordered before turning to pick up her bag.
Feeling slightly confused, Kasumi unfolded the parchment. The text was occupied by a small map of Tokyo. Kasumi blinked as she read the address next to it.
"Hayabusa-San," Kasumi looked up at him. "This is an address for a home near your shop."
Hayabusa nodded handing Kasumi her bag.
"Go to that home. Tell them I sent you. They will understand." He replied.
"But--"
"Kasumi-Chan, you need to train. Live with them. Practice at a dojo. Think of Hayate as you train. Live, not as a kunoichi, but as a regular girl. Then await my orders."
Kasumi stared at Hayabusa, her mouth open slightly.
"Haya--"
"Use Sakura-Matoi and go. I'll contact you in a few days." Hayabusa cut her off.
Kasumi tucked the parchment into her obi, slinging her bag over her shoulder. Hayabusa reached out and placed a hand along her jaw line.
"Good luck, Kasumi-Chan." He said softly.
"Thank you, Hayabusa-San." Kasumi whispered and disappeared in a cloud of Sakura petals.

Hayate was silhouetted against the moon. He stood on the top most branches of a dead tree with his arms folded across his chest and eyes closed. He listened to the wind and the sound of the Shinobi under his command scurry around the woods. They were searching for his sister. Hayate began to reminisce about the day Ayane told him of her mission, and that she desired his assistance. He had always been close with his little sister. They had slept in the same room and bathed together well past what people might call an appropriate age. On several occasions after Kasumi's disappearance, their mother often commented on the fact that their love for each other was a tad incestuous. Hayate twitched as he remembered his mother's words. He could only admit to himself that on occasion his feelings for his sister were more than innocent. However, he would never breathe a word of it to another soul.
Hayate opened his eyes and glanced at the lower branches. A Shinobi was hopping up the branches toward him.
"Hayate-Sama!" The Shinobi owed quickly. "We have spotted Kasumi near the heart of the wood."
"Perfect." Hayate replied.
"But, she was accompanied by Hayabusa-Sama." Continued the Shinobi.
Hayate unfolded his arms, his attention snapping on the Shinobi at the name of his best friend.
"He gave her something, looked like a map." The Shinobi continued. "He told her the place she should go is near his shop. That is all the information we retrieved before she disappeared. He soon followed."
Hayate's eyes narrowed and he looked out over the woods.
"He sent her to Tokyo…" he mumbled.
The Shinobi bowed as Hayate dismissed him. The chase was on once more.