Author's Note: HEY GUYS! MISSED ME? Sorry that I took forever in posting another chapter, but you know the usual; work and studying. But I do hope that you'll enjoy this chapter (I know I did when I made this chapter, hue hue hue hue!) Anywho! I will be posting chapters a bit slower than usual because I am making my very own novel that I do plan to publish one day. But don't worry! I won't forget this fanfic and you awesome readers! Enjoy this chapter guys! I'm sure you will!
Chapter Six – A Deal with a Demon
Throughout the travel to Yamanaka, Devon scolds and poke Mina's forehead for leaving him worried. Mina tries to plea Ayame to back her up, but Ayame is too busy laughing hysterically at the married couple.
"Devon, how many times do I have to apologize?" Mina complains.
"Until I am satisfied. Besides, it'll take a whole lot more than an apology to make it up." Devon replies.
Mina gives Ayame another pleading help, hoping that this time she'll help. Her attempts fail when Ayame raise her hands as she continues to laugh. "I'm sorry Mina, but this is your fault. So you deserve this scolding."
Devon pokes Mina's head from behind. "Oy! I'm not done talking to you, Mina. Now how many times do I have to tell you? You may be strong, but the forest is still a dangerous place to travel by. You know I can't help but worry when you do this."
Mina hangs her head shamefully. "I really am sorry, Devon.."
Ayame finally finishes laughing and breathes out with satisfaction. "May I give you both a suggestion?"
The couple turns their attention to Ayame.
"I think you two should compromise. I know you mean well, but you're both at fault."
"What?!" The couple asks in shock.
"Mina, if you can wait for Devon, then getting the supplies shouldn't be a problem. Devon, I know that you train to get stronger, but you must be aware of the household as well. How can you get stronger on an empty stomach?" Ayame explains.
"So what do you suggest?" Devon asks.
"I suggest that you two need to make a schedule." Ayame answers simply.
"Well…it might help." Mina says.
"As long as it doesn't fuck up my training, then sure, we'll give it a try."
Ayame smiles. "Then it's settled. As soon as we reach to your house, I can help prepare a schedule. How soon is it until we reach there anyway?"
Devon looks over at the horizon. "I'd say we should arrive there by sunset."
Ayame nods. "Alright, it's not so bad so bad."
"When we do come home, I'll get dinner ready." Devon said.
Ayame gives Devon a quizzical look, but then grins slightly. "So you cook as well, hm?"
Devon returns the grin. "Well I did travel a lot, so I had to learn."
"And he is an amazing cook, Ayame. Once you taste his food, you'll never want to eat anywhere else." Mina gloated proudly, which it completely embarrassed Devon.
"Oh come on Mina, you're embarrassing me." Devon said bashfully.
"What? I'm just telling the truth." Mina said.
It's strange. Ayame is starting to feel as if she is back at the orphanage. Just listening to these two reminds her of the children from the orphanage. A small smile spreads on her face as she remembers them. There is not a day when Ayame stops thinking of them. In fact, when she looks at Devon, he reminds her so much of Sota. She remembers his confession to her from the night that before he died.
Devon is exactly like Sota. They both have arrogant attitude and deep motivation to protect his loved ones. The more she thinks about it, her heart aches so much. Oh how she miss him and the other children.
"Ayame, are you okay?" She hears Mina's voice in a frantic tone.
Ayame becomes confused. What on earth could Mina be freaking out this time? "Yes, I'm fine. Why do you ask?"
"Because you're crying." Devon responds.
Ayame slowly place her hand on her cheek and gasp slightly as she feels a strand of tear on her cheek. How odd? She didn't feel her tears rolling down from her eyes. What is even more odd is that she is still crying. She gently wipe her tears away, unsure just what exactly to think of it.
All of a sudden, her instinct to hum starts to command her mind, before she begins to lose control. Ayame hums the lullaby.
Devon immediately knows that tune and begins to sing along.
This surprises Ayame. No one that she knows ever sings this lullaby. Only a Tsukiyo would sing that song. Now this man is singing the Tsukiyo lullaby by heart. She even see a strand of tear quickly sliding down his cheek. Could it be…could he be?...
"Devon…"Ayame said softly.
"Come on. Lets get home quickly before it gets dark." Devon said as he quickly starts walking ahead of the girls.
There is just so much that Ayame wants to know about Devon. It doesn't matter what it takes, she must know if he is what she think he is. She has a strong feeling that she might be right.
"Home at last!" Mina shouts in glee as the group arrives at the Yamanaka village. As Devon predicted, they made it by sunset.
Throughout the rest of their travel, Ayame was completely quiet. Of course Devon was quiet too. Mina had to do all the talking, just to avoid the awkward feeling. But fortunately they made it home and hopefully silence will cease. Once again, no one begins to say anything. This is really ticking Mina off.
Before Mina can begin to yell, Devon finally speaks out. "I'm going to start cooking. Mina, why don't you show Ayame the guest room?"
"Um…sure?" Mina puzzles.
"Actually, I'd like to cook with you, if you don't mind." Ayame said. "Mina can show me the room later."
Devon smirks slightly. "So you cook too?"
Ayame returns the smirk. "Of course I can. I used to take care of children."
Still grinning, Devon folds his arms. "How about we make things interesting?"
"I'm listening."
"Two words. Cook off." Devon said. "What do you say?"
Ayame chuckles. "I say let the game begin."
"And I'll be the judge!" Mina said happily.
"Then lets get started!" Both Devon and Ayame said as they rush to the kitchen.
During the cooking competition, they spoke about what their favorite hobbies are, what their favorite food are, and their dreams. Devon's dream is to one day retun to his kingdom and set things right. He thinks that Ayame's dream is a bit unrealistic, but he admits that peace sounds very nice. Wars kill people, and it killed his close comrades. That's why he decides to stay away from wars as much as he can.
Then Devon remembers of what Ayame said. "Hey Ayame, you said you've taken care of children before, right?"
"Yes?"
"Where exactly are they?"
"…they're dead. They were killed a few years ago and it's my fault that they're dead."
Devon feels a cold chill through his veins. "Who killed them?..."
"The Uchihas."
"Tch. The Uchihas disgusts me. They do nothing but take control of each clan. All they care about is power." Devon growls.
"And that's not all. I believe they destroyed my clan as well. Speaking of which…how did you know the Tsukiyo lullaby?"
Devon stops his track of cooking and pause before he can answer. "My mother was a Tsukiyo. She sang that lullaby to me when I was just an infant. It's the only memory I have of my mother."
"At least you have something of your mother. For all you know, you could remember nothing of her." Ayame said.
"Yeah, that's true. What about your mother?"
"My mother…"Ayame says as her mind trails off to the memory of her mother. There are a lot of things that she remembers doing with her mother. But one thing that she cherish about her is the time when she took her to a beautiful river. It was a hot summer night and Ayame was too hot to sleep, so her mother took her to the river to cool off. She remembers how the water glittered so beautifully underneath the moonlight. What truly caught her interest is how her mother's body glowed beautifully when the moonbeam shot her. She looked like she could be a moon goddess. She really miss her mother so much.
She comes back to reality from the world of memories and smiles at Devon. "There are a lot of things that I remember about her. Sadly, thanks to the Uchihas, my mother is dead. The only surviving Tsukiyo is you and me."
"Fucking Uchihas…I hate them." Devon mutters angrily.
"I do try to hate them…but I just can't seem to. My heart isn't meant to hate, I suppose." Ayame said.
"Pure Tsukiyo doesn't have room to hate. I'm not pure at all, so maybe that's why I take great pleasure in getting my revenge." Devon said.
"What will that accomplish? It's not like it will bring anyone back."
"True, but at least I'll have the satisfaction of justice and knowing the fact that they are rotting in hell."
Ayame laughs heartedly. Devon definitely reminds her of Sota. She wouldn't be surprised if they are brothers. "You remind me of someone special to me."
"Oh yeah? Who?" Devon grins, happy that he is reminded by someone special.
"His name was Sota. He was a very passionate young man. He dedicated his life into protecting us. He was such a goofball, and sometimes a loud mouth bragger…but his heart was always in the right place. It's one of the things that I loved about him."
Hearing her speak in past tense about her friend can only mean that this Sota person is no longer living. He feel his heart sting for the young Tsukiyo. "Tell me Ayame, is there anyone you love still alive?"
Ayame's smile gets weaker when she heard the question. She honestly hate answering that question. "No. They are all dead."
A sting of guily strikes in Devon's heart. It is no wonder that he can see pain in Ayame's eyes. No matter how hard she tries to force a smile, even if everyone is fooled by her fake smile, he can still see it as clear as day.
Ayame continues. "But thanks to Mina, I am happy again. It's been a long time since I had someone to care for."
Now Devon is intrigued and confused at the same time. Nobody that he knew, not even himself, would be this calm or happy after tragic events especially during war. "I don't get it Ayame, how can you stay so…peaceful after everything you've been through? Hell, I would be looking for blood."
Ayame place the hardened noodle in boiling water as she thought. "It's not easy for me. I am not perfect at all. There has not been a day when I just want to go to the Uchihas and kill them…but I made a promise to myself and my clan."
"And…what is that promise?" Devon asks curiously.
The Tsukiyo woman smiles warmly at him. "That no matter what happens, I will choose the path of peace. My dream will forever be peace."
Even though that dream sounds very childish, Devon can't help but admire her positive spirirt. He can tell that she is not just talk. In her eyes, there is a spark of hope.
A foolish, childish grin spreads across his lip. "You know, I don't mind helping you out that dream."
Never have Ayame hear someone volunteer to help pursue peace. Even the monks would be afraid to step up against powerful clans. This exiled prince, who once belonged to the royal court and life, is willing to help a low class woman like herself.
"Are you sure you want to do that? It's not easy, you know." Ayame said.
"Hey, if I wasn't so sure then I wouldn't have volunteered." Devon replies sternly.
Ayame giggles. "Yes, I suppose you're right."
"You damn right I am!" Devon laughs foolishly.
Ayame rolls her eyes and laughs along with him. "Oh shut up, Devon."
"No." Devon said as he sticks his tongue out like a child, which it made Ayame laugh even harder.
Devon and Ayame place their dinner at the table, where the starving Mina sits and waiting patiently for the food. The competition begins and the two contestants waits eagerly as Mina taste each of their food.
The young Yamanaka girl's expression shifts as she tries to find out what spice they put in their food.
Devon is rather calm, because he is confident that his food will win no problem. Ayame, on the other hand, is actually nervous. It's true that she cooks, but she never cooked anyone for a long time. Her taste bud is slightly different than most people that she met throughout her travels. As most people like to have their food with a little seafood side, Ayame cannot stand the smell of fish. She especially hates fish. She can't explain why, she just does.
Mina's expression finally settles from searching to poker face. "Okay. I'm done tasting your food."
They both intently stare at Mina, waiting for the answer.
"Well?" Devon asks.
"Which one of us won?" Ayame follows after.
Mina closes her eyes in deep thought. Both of their food is actually delicious. She can't which one is the best. This is going to be very hard.
"…I honestly can't decide, guys. Both of you did an incredible job cooking dinner."
"You're not saying that just so you won't hurt our feelings, right?" Ayame asks.
Mina frowns, feeling offended that Ayame would think of such a thing. "Of course not! I am an honest girl!"
Devon snickers. "Says the girl who left home without telling her husband anything."
Mina huffs at his remark and pouts like a child. She wish Devon would drop that already. "That…is a completely different story. And would you drop it already? You're driving me crazy with that."
Devon waves his hand dismissively. "Relax, I'm only teasing you. Besides, you had it coming."
The Yamanaka sighs in defeat. "I'm telling you guys, I can't choose the winner. You two did a great job."
Although Ayame still have doubts about Mina's choice, her stomach tells her to just give up and eat. "Lets just agree that everyone is a winner and just eat. If we don't start eating, then the food will get cold and we'll be pretty upset. And trust me, it's never good to upset with an empty stomach.
Mina and Devon agreed and quickly begin to eat dinner.
Ayame must admit that Devon's cooking is absolute superb. It almost make her feel ashamed of her own cooking, but Devon compliments her food. He believe that her style is just as good as his. Because of that, Ayame's confidence increases a little more. In the end, it doesn't matter anymore as long as their stomachs are nice and full for the night.
Later that night, Ayame lies awake in the guest room bed. One would think that with a full stomach anyone can easily go to sleep, but not tonight for her. She knows that Mina and Devon are fast asleep, because they stopped talking about a few hours ago.
Ayame faces the window to look up at the lovely night sky. The moon is now a shape of a crescent moon. It's actually her favorite because sometimes she imagines that the night sky is grinning down at the Earth in a twisted way.
Finally, after what seemed like hours of struggling to sleep her eyes becomes heavy. Ayame continues to stare at the moon until her world slowly becomes coveted in a blanket of darkness.
"Ayame! Ayame wake up!" Mina's frantic voice rings in Ayame's ears.
Because Mina's voice has panic in it, Ayame quickly shot up. "What? What is it, Mina?!"
Mina's eyes show that something serious is going on. Her body shivers non-stop like something just scared out of her wits. She tries to hold herself to control the shaking, but it fails.
"Mina…what's going on?" Ayame repeats.
Mina finally gets a hold of herself and stares right into Ayame's eyes. "…the Uchihas are here to take over the Yamanaka clan."
Ayame's warm body suddenly turns cold. She can clearly see why Mina is panicking. Even she feels like panicking, until she hears something that makes her heart stop for a moment.
"And that's not all! Devon is out there dealing with them! I'm scared Ayame!" Mina panics again.
Ayame slowly breathes in and out. "Mina, do me a big favor and stay here no matter what." She says as she leaves the house without letting Mina object.
As Ayame runs to find Devon, she prays to the heavens that he is not dead. All the Yamanaka people are just standing there, wondering and fearing why the Uchihas are here.
Finally Ayame finds Devon on the ground, panting…and coughing out blood. Above Devon is Madara along with his men. She already lost the children in the orphanage, and she is not going to lose Devon…not as long as she's around.
"Fuck you…" Devon coughs out.
Madara sneered at him. "Is that your final word? Or your dying wish?"
Ayame's blood bois in anger. It angers her how Madara taunts and talks down at Devon, like he is nothing but dirt that he walks on. She wants to stop him, but she is not so sure if she is strong enough to face an Uchiha. To be truthful, she is too afraid to find out.
All of those doubts soon disappear as Madara lunges at Devon with his sword. Ayame reacts quickly by drawing her own kunai and block his sword.
Madara close his eyes and chuckles. "Well this is a surprise. I didn't expect you to be here."
"The same to you." Ayame said as she struggles to maintain her grip and balance on her kunai, but he is proving to be stronger.
"Tell me…what are you doing here?" Madara asks.
"I can ask you the same thing." Ayame replies defensively.
Madara chuckles as he retreats his sword from Ayame's kunai. "If you must know, I am here to conquer this clan. They have a special technique that is very useful. However, this man is slowing down my schedule, so I must get rid of him."
"Don't bet your ass on it, fucker…" Devon said.
"One more word out of you, and I will hand you over to Valua. I'm sure they'd be love to have your head on a platter." Madara sneers again.
"Your attention is with me now, Madara." Ayame interrupts.
The Uchiha leader shifts his eyes at her. "Stay out of this."
"I will not, Madara. Leave this people alone." Ayame said.
Madara's eyes activates his sharingan, having the tomoes swirling around his pupil as he narrows his eyes viciously at her. "And who will stop me? You?"
Ayame frowns. "I have no desire to fight you. However, if you continue to hurt these people, then you will force me to use force."
"But I thought peace is your main goal. Surely if you fight me, you will break your vows." Madara mocks.
"That does not include standing by and do nothing while people are in danger." Ayame says in defense. "I'll say it again, Madara, I have no desire to fight you. I implore for you to stop this."
Madara folds his arms and begins to circle around Ayame like a predator waiting for the right moment to pounce on it prey. "The reason why I am taking over this clan is because they have strong jutsu known as the mind transfer jutsu. With that kind of jutsu, we can be unstoppable. In order for me to cease my plan, you need to give me an offer that is much more value than the Yamanaka. So tell me Ayame, what will you offer to stop me?"
Ayame slowly breathes in and out. She knows exactly what Madara wants that he cannot refuse. Regretting her choice, she closed her eyes and reply. "…you can have me, the Tsukiyo sorceress."
The crowds gasp and murmur. Offering herself to the clan leader is like jumping into a lake with cannibal fish.
Madara chuckles amusedly. "How interesting. The Tsukiyo sorceress is offering herself to me, in exchange to give freedom to the Yamanaka. What an interesting offer…"
"People speak highly of me. You know how powerful I am and I show no resistance towards you. Do you not wish for a powerful person to serve you? I believe I can show you much more value than the Yamanaka."
"Ayame, what the hell do you think you're doing?!" Devon shouts. "Are you out of your goddamn mind?!"
"Then who will protect the Yamanaka, Devon?! You can clearly see that the Uchihas has overpowered them. And besides…I know that he wants me. Don't you, Madara?"
Madara chuckles again as he steps closer to Ayame from behind. "You make a valid point, Ayame. Your power will give us Uchihas the advantage to destroy the damn Senjus."
The Uchihas nods and murmur agreement.
"Plus…"Madara lowers his head to her ear so that he can whisper. "There are other things that I can find you useful for." He purrs as he lightly licks her ear, which it made Ayame shiver.
Devon stands on his feet as he grips his sword. "Like I'd let you fucking take her…"
"Devon don't!" Ayame screams.
"But to make sure that you'll keep your promise, Ayame…" Madara continues, completely ignoring Devon. "We will take him and his wife as slaves."
Before Ayame could protest, one of the Uchihas already knocks Devon from behind while the other one left to get Mina. She quickly turns to Madara to strike his face, but he quickly catches both of her hands.
"Don't think I'll let you do that again." Madara said flatly. "You really didn't think this was going to be easy, did you?"
"Go to hell!" Ayame spat.
"Oh my dear…then I'll just simply drag you there with me." Madara said as he yanks her closer. "Remember my little lily, you just made a deal with a demon."
Ayame feels a jolt of pain on her stomach as her vision of his sharingan fades into a shadowy hue, until she sees nothing but the world of darkness. Even though she is unconscious, his last words keep repeating in her drifting mind.
You just made a deal with a demon…
Author's Note: DUN DUN, DUN DUN DUN DUUUUUUUUN! And there you have it folks! Another cliff hanger to tourment you! Muahahaha! But seriously, I really do appreciate you guys reading my story. You guys can't imagine how much this mean to me. To be honest, I never thought I was going to have this many followers and it makes me so happy each time I get a new follower. You readers are the reason why I keep posting each chapters and keep writing. You guys rock! Until then my sweets, take care, be safe, and I will see you again as soon as possible! I love you guys so much! 3