(it's my story and i can do what i want with it :-p)
Part II
Nine months have passed. Although there were more than a few boarder skirmishes, there was nothing important. With each passing season, Godha grew more worried, and many gray hairs grew where they were once black. In these dark times, Miyoko's son was born. Not wanting to be reminded of his father, she gave her child to the Azuma clan to be raised as a ninja. But Rikimaru knew, Godha's darkest hour grew near.
The child never cried. Ayame glanced down at him in awe. It's incredible how tiny his fingers are. This was all new to Ayame, seeing as she'd never touched a baby in her life. It was new and yet familiar, her instincts seeming to know what to do. Just the other day, when he whined, Rikimaru rushed to get the wet nurse, when Ayame knew all he wanted was to be held. Every night Rikimaru instilled in her brain:
"This is not your child, don't get attached. Worldly attachments are a ninja's death."
"I'm not getting attached, but children have necessities." She would rebut.
"This is no normal child," was always the reply. "This is going to be a great warrior to one day carry on our duties." Ayame never had anything to say to that.
He was named Keiji, which meant lead cautiously, a warning more to themselves. How did Master do it? Ayame stretched out. There was no more word from Lord Fujii. Ayame knew better than to think he's given up. And are we just going to wait to let it happen? Ayame clenched her fists. Infiltrating Fuijii's castle would bring about more harm than good. She grit her teeth at the words Rikimaru threw at her. Killing him would bring a load of trouble on Lord Godha, trouble that would take a lot of work to fix. Which is why, Ayame, we have to wait.
She stood up, picking up the child. He was three months old and far too thin.
"You want him to grow up strong, don't you Rikimaru?" She remembered a scene not too long ago.
"Yes, but strong doesn't mean spoiled."
"Well it wouldn't be spoiling him to give him some solid food sometimes!" Rikimaru looked up at her, shocked.
"Ayame, he has no teeth." Ayame stood, speechless.
"But he's still too thin!" She said desperately.
"So was I. And so were you." Rikimaru sighed. "Now can we drop it? This is no ordinary child. He's a ninja. Spoil him now, and see what happens when he's older." Ayame cast her eyes down, then looked at Keiji.
"Fine."
Ayame shook her head, looking down at the child. "Poor thing. Your mother didn't love you, and so here you are, in another loveless 'parenthood'" She spat out the last word. She felt a ki nearing her. She set down the child and got into stance in front of him. Just then, one of Godha's servants ran up.
"Azume Ayame..." He said, gasping for air, "Lord Godha is in need of you." Ayame nodded, and picked Keiji up before running towards Godha castle.
I.
"Rikimaru, Ayame..." Godha sighed. "I just got word that Lord Fujii has sent a rival clan to take over my province. They have started on the outskirts already, and are working their way towards every castle."
"Then we must get you out of here quickly." Rikimaru stated. Ayame glared at him.
"I have those plans set. But I need you two to stay here. My army is no match for this clan."
"What are their numbers?" Ayame asked.
"I do not know. More than two, I can assure you."
"The Kitsune is a clan of 34." Rikimaru felt all eyes on him. "Well, 32 now." He smirked.
Godha raised an eyebrow. "Well, there you have it. Now I must go into hiding."
Ayame raised her head. "My Lord, if you will, take Keiji. We will have enough to worry about without a child to look after." Godha nodded, and took the child in his arms. "Bring a maid to be a wet nurse."
"Hai, hai. You are dismissed." Ayame and Rikimaru stood up to take a post in wait for the Kitsune.
II.
Rikimaru sent his ki out. They're here. It was night, but there was no moon to guide him. He heard screams from the floors below and grimaced. Ayame will take care of the ones that post on the first floor. I get the rest. He stood silently as he heard footsteps on the stairs.
"Is that all?" A gruff voice was heard.
"It certainly appears so." Another chimed in behind him.
"Where is Godha!" The first voice said.
"He must be in hiding... You, go that way. I'll take this route."
"And the others?"
"They'll be here shortly."
"What if we run into an Azuma?"
"We kill him."
Rikimaru's face contorted at that last remark. If I don't kill you first. He poked his head out, and immediately saw a ninja headed his way. Keeping as low as he could, he studied the ninja's pattern. Three steps forward, stop. Three more steps, stop. Turns around, does a double take and then six steps back.
On his trip back, Rikimaru leapt from his cubbyhole and struck Izoyai through throat of his opponent. He slipped back into the shadows as the ninja's partner ran to his comrades side.
"Where are you?" He yelled, unsheathing his sword. He scanned the area and put his back to the wall. "I can wait. You couldn't have gone far. I will crush you, Azuma trash."
Rikimaru glared at him, tempted to slice him in two right then, but he felt Ayame near by, and so did the rival ninja. "I found you." He sneered, and slithered towards her direction.
"Dumb cunt." Rikimaru spat as he continued down the hall and up the stairs. A shuriken wizzed towards him, and he caught it with his lightening reflexes. He looked down the stairs and locked eyes with a kunoichi.
"So you're the shadow I hear so much about." She smirked, her hand on her blade, creeping slowly up the stairs. Rikimaru said nothing. "Well let me be the first to extend my congratulations on the vacation you have just won... to Hell."
Rikimaru unsheathed his sword. "I've been there." He took one precise swing, and lodged Izayoi into her chest. Sheathing Izayoi, he acsended up the stairs. I know this castle like the back of my hand. There is not one nook or cranny they can hide without me finding them. Toxic fumes wafted from the top of the stairs. He supressed a cough, but felt the tickling in his throat. A red eyed Ayame met him on the second floor.
"Rikimaru, they've set the castle on fire. We must leave at once."
Rikimaru nodded as he glanced around him for the safest route out. "Ayame, get as low to the ground as you can and follow me." On their hands and knees, they crawled towards the nearest window and jumped out. Ayame went to take off full speed, but Rikimaru grabbed her wrist. "Wait."
A ninja jumped down from a tree, weapons barred. "Where's the whore?" He snapped. Ayame unsheathed her twin swords.
"Hm, like we would tell you. Yes, Rikimaru, let's give up our masters secrets to the enemy. That would make us exhaulted in Godha's province." She lifted her swords and got into fighting stance. The ninja raised his sword and looked at Rikimaru.
"You let her talk like that? If that was mine I'd beat the attitude right out of her. All she needs is a little..."
"ENOUGH!" Ayame yelled, swinging at him. He was a well learned ninja, and blocked everything she threw at him. Rikimaru stood with Izayoi ready. Ayame sparred with him for five minutes, and it was evident to Rikimaru that he wasnt putting all of himself into it. In fact, he looked amused, smug even. He yawned, and used a strange force to shove Ayame to the ground without touching her.
"I'm done here. I'll come back for your heads once I find the concubine." Then he vanished.
Ayame picked herself off the floor and for a second it seemed to Rikimaru that she looked helpless. Thenher face hardened again, and the helplessness wasand replaced with resolve. "He was unearthly, Rikimaru." Rikimaru nodded at her.
He glanced at the rising Sun on the horizon. "We need to warn Godha."
They took off full speed with their backs to the rubble of the castle and their faces towards the sunrise.
