The Red Thread of Destiny
Disclaimer: Dead or Alive does not belong to me. If it did…-evil grin-
-This chapter will be longer than the others because, as promised, it will be extra descriptive.-
Ayane is 15. Kasumi is 16. Hayate is 23.
Chapter Seven: Sayonara
Tengoku Village was hidden deep in the middle of Tenryu Forest, completely isolated from modern society of the 21st century. Tengoku was situated near the many natural streams that branched out from Lake Isuzu. A massive mountain called Ashigara, shielded the little village from the north and west. On the other side of the mountain, miles upon miles of more forestry seemed to stretch on until one passed through another mountain in the distance. Only then, would one glimpse the first sign of advanced civilization compared to the humble and quaint village of Tengoku.
During the daylight, the scenery was truly a breathtakingly beautiful sight to behold, especially in the mornings after a rainfall when dew still clung on lush greenery.
Night had fallen however, and the crystal clear blue sky was now a never-ending black canvas speckled with billions upon billions of sparkling stars. There was only darkness as large masses of gray clouds huddled close together, completely blocking the noble moon. It was frighteningly chilly as torrents upon torrents of heavy rain fell upon the land.
The people of this village stayed dry and warm in the comforts of their homes while a lone figure remained stationary at the top of Tengoku Shrine. One who seeks to reach the top must climb a flight of stairs and viewing the steps from the bottom was very intimidating; suddenly the task would seem easier said than done.
But she easily climbed those steps and stopped at the very top. She was soaked to the bone and stood still like a statue in the pouring rain. Her wet lavender hair clung onto her cold, damp skin and her crimson eyes were shut in deep thought. Her dark tunic was thoroughly drenched and weighed her down slightly. But still, she stood motionless and waited anxiously, painfully, for him to arrive. In rapt anticipation, her heart pulsated loudly in her chest and in her ears.
The wind was weeping. It carried the sorrows of others and whispered them across the land. In this dismal weather, its agonizing cries were louder; tormenting the open hearts of those who were empathetic and listened closely.
Ayane heard its miserable groans, fueling her own anguish as she contemplated the meaning of her life and existence.
This place, this village, has always been unkind to her. In this place where she will never be accepted as a human being but rather, a monster, a corrupted girl, and a bastard child created from sin.
Her crimson eyes and lavender hair was proof of the transgression that took place on the night she was conceived fifteen years ago. Ironically, a night that was just as gloomy and rainy as tonight.
She has always been alone. The people shunned her. Children had bullied her. She was once a naïve little girl searching for acceptance and someone to nurture her. She was confused and frightened as to why everyone scorned her. Not once did she experience any kind of warmth, affection or acceptance from anyone until she met her.
But, was it all a lie? Was she sincere? Did she truly care about her?
Ayane had never felt as miserable and angry as the day she found out the disgusting truth from her mother.
She was miserable because she was the cause of her own mother's sorrow and distress. She was a walking reminder of her mother's dishonor and shame.
She was angry because there was absolutely nothing she could do to make things better. Angry because everyone judged her for what she was rather than who she was. Angry because everyone was closed-minded and cruel. They despised her just for existing. But, how could they blame her for something she didn't do? Something she has no control of?
Ayane was angry because she never bothered to tell her the truth despite their time together as children.
She had deceived and lied to Ayane.
But, no matter how hard Ayane struggled to hate and despise her…Deep down inside her heart, she just couldn't. Why…? She still couldn't find the answer to that question.
She knew what she had to do though. And that was to protect the people of the village despite their cruel treatment of her since birth.
She had to protect her. It was engraved into her soul and being: the need and desire to protect her no matter what. Why…? Another question Ayane could not answer.
Was she truly mad that she didn't tell her? Instead, she had to find out from her mother who suffered enough as it was.
…Or was she upset…Because they were sisters? Half-sisters. Hell, they were even cousins. How despicable was that?
But, that's what Ayane has always longed for, wasn't it? Family.
Yet, she couldn't grasp just why exactly it infuriated her to be related, quite closely, to her.
She had been like a sister to her…So why…was it hard for Ayane to accept when it was reality?
Her tears…When Ayane saw them…trickling slowly down her delicate face…Ayane's heart stopped. The air was knocked out of her like a heavy blow to the gut. She had to quickly close her eyes because the ache in her chest was absolutely unbearable. And seeing those warm amber eyes brimming with intense sorrow and remorse was too much for Ayane to handle. And when she declared her deep desire to be together again like when they younger…There was earnest longing and hopefulness in her gentle voice.
But Ayane was frightened. And angry. Scared of getting hurt again. Angry that she would believe a simple apology would fix everything.
Enough. She wasn't going to dwell on it any longer because none of her questions would be answered…Just lead to more questions.
This was the moment she has always been waiting for: Revenge.
It seemed almost too good to be true.
He was nearby…slowly making his way here.
He grew up scorned just like Ayane…A similarity she wasn't pleased about. He was overshadowed by his older brother: Shiden-sama…Just like Ayane has always been overshadowed by her. Jealously slowly consumed his sanity until he finally snapped and broke the sacred laws of shinobi, ultimately leading to his expulsion from the clan and the village.
But she wasn't going to end up like him. She was going to be stronger than her but, through her own hard work and rigorous training. She wasn't going to resort to filthy tricks and cheats like that man.
She was going to strictly follow The Way of the Shinobi.
She knew his purpose for coming back here and that was to steal the "Torn Sky Blast" technique taught only to the heir of the Mugen Tenshin Clan: Hayate.
He was notorious for his apathy and sadistic cruelty, taking pleasure in the torment of others. And also known for his unique, yet corrupt ability to steal the arts of others by watching them perform it just once.
He wasn't powerful through his own training…He stole the powers of others. There was no honor in it at all.
Suddenly, her small frame jolted in surprise ending her deep contemplation as the village bell clang repeatedly in the distance. A warning that the village was being attacked.
She was right. It was sickening that she could sense him…but that meant it would be easier for her to find and kill him.
Within seconds, the people of the village were panicking, stumbling out of their homes to find better refuge in the mountains and ironically, to the Shrine Temple where Hayate was resting after a long day of prayer.
That was his destination but the people didn't know that.
Ayane did not budge an inch as people rushed past her in the pouring rain, mud sloshing everywhere. Her focus now was on him as he ascended the steps. His sadistic laughter echoed eerily in the distance as he mercilessly tossed innocent civilians out of his way, sending them toppling down the stairs.
"Ayane!"
Her crimson eyes shot open as her older half-brother, Hayate called out to her. She quickly turned around as he ran towards her from the temple in his usual white tunic.
"Ayane…What are you doing here?" He asked in alarm as he neared her, his natural handsome face furrowed in fear and worry. His amber eyes hid the underlying anxiety of his heart that flickered to life as more agonized screams pierced through the heavy pounding of rain and thunder which shook the earth. Ayane gave him no answer and turned back towards the stairs.
Hayate flinched as another civilian was tossed down the stairs but Ayane maintained her composure and calm. She wasn't going to let him dishevel her.
He was very close.
She could sense his sinister aura saturating and thickening the air. Her rapidly beating heart quickened even more, pounding loudly in her chest and vibrating in her ears. She clenched her fists tightly and watched as he finally came into view. Her crimson eyes narrowed in fury as the moment she has always been waiting for…has finally come.
His disturbing laughter sent shivers down Hayate's spine…But it fueled Ayane's resolve.
He held an innocent civilian in a tight headlock, while half a dozen more village guards warily circled him. Even if they weren't his match, they weren't going to let him pass without a fight.
"I have come for the Torn Sky Blast." He declared harshly and tightened his death grip on the innocent man in his grasp.
He had crimson eyes which glowed wickedly and contained no warmth or concern for others. His hair was gleaming light lavender and his darkened skin was covered in scars and blemishes.
The village guards cowered in the bulky man's menacing presence.
As soon as Ayane saw him…Her chaotic emotions suddenly overwhelmed her sense of calm in the face of battle. Hayate was prepared to leap into the fray but was startled to see Ayane already dashing towards him.
"Ayane!" He called out to her but it was futile.
"RAIDOU!" She roared at the top of her lungs, piercing the thick, humid air and sending shivers down any man who heard her enraged cry.
Instantly, she was rushing at him furiously, wildly swinging her arms and desperately trying to strike through his defenses.
Releasing his hold on the civilian, he mockingly laughed at her feeble attempts to defeat him and skillfully parried her rapid blows and strikes.
Seeing a weakness through her defenses, he delivered a powerful uppercut that sent her soaring backwards and slamming violently into a nearby cottage.
An anguished cry escaped her lips as she slumped down heavily and briefly slipped into unconsciousness.
Hayate dashed to her side and cautiously held her.
"…Ayane?" He asked softly but heard no response from the comatose young woman. He growled in anger and glared darkly at his dark-skinned, cold-hearted uncle.
Raidou grinned evilly and took advantage of the moment to insult his next foe.
"…What a weakling, protected by a woman…"
Hayate immediately leapt into battle, kicking furiously at his nonchalant opponent. Hayate only fared slightly better than his younger half-sister as Raidou effortlessly parried his attacks.
Moments later, he was done amusing himself with child's play and sent Hayate stumbling backwards onto the muddy ground.
Meanwhile, Ayane was slowly coming to and pushed herself off the cottage, instead, weakly supporting herself on her hands and knees.
Hayate stumbled back up onto his feet and hesitated. He had to end this battle quickly or more lives would be at stake. Making his final decision, he settled into a balanced fighting stance, and focused his ki into his palms.
Ayane's eyes widened in horror upon recognizing the technique Hayate had been training for years and only mastered less than a week ago. It was risky to perform it and now, it was hazardous because Raidou would easily master it within seconds.
It would be disastrous if Raidou learned the Torn Sky Blast technique because a direct hit of concentrated ki would definitely cripple if not kill a person, shinobi or not.
She desperately cried out to him before it was too late.
"NO! NOT THAT! DON'T USE IT!"
He ignored her cries and summoned the last burst of his energy and concentrated it into his palms.
Raidou laughed maliciously and settled into a low battle stance as well, his evil sneer growing wider.
"You fool! Now I have the Torn Sky Blast as well!" He bellowed.
A moment later he quickly focused his ki and shot it out just as Hayate unleashed his ki blast. Their blows met and grew into a vicious battle of dominance as more ki was leeched out from the two men to feed the growing balls of energy.
Hayate struggled to maintain control but was quickly overwhelmed. His control slipped for one moment which was enough for Raidou's blast to quickly consume his ki blast and spiral towards him.
"HAYATE-SAMA!" Ayane screamed in horror, her hand outstretched in a feeble attempt to reach him.
Hayate flew backwards and smashed violently into a sturdy mulberry tree, instantly paralyzing him as he cried out in agony. He fell harshly onto the muddy ground and slipped into unconsciousness.
Ayane's ashen face contorted into sharp agony and sorrow as her brother was soundly defeated by Raidou…Her disgusting father.
She clenched her fists tightly enough to draw blood and pounded fiercely at the muddy earth, splattering more mud onto her grimy face. Hot tears streamed down her mud-caked face as she uttered a long, mournful cry.
The village guards were horrified upon witnessing the heir to Mugen Tenshin fall by the hands of the tyrant and quickly fled for their lives.
He laughed at their cowardice and slowly stepped closer towards Ayane's sobbing form.
Ayane's sobbing grew louder as she weakly crawled towards her comatose half-brother. She sensed Raidou's presence closing in on her but she disregarded him; at the moment she had to make sure Hayate was still breathing…He has to live.
Her bruised body was throbbing with pain but she swallowed down the howls of pain as she slowly edged closer to Hayate. Panting from the physical exertion, she wearily stretched out her hand to touch his pallid face but shrieked in pain as Raidou violently stomped on her outstretched hand.
He laughed at her torment and proceeded to mercilessly grind his heel into Ayane's tender hand. His other foot stomped her head brutally into the filthy ground.
Ayane bit back screams of agony and struggled to wrench her injured hand back while the side of her face was buried harshly into the mud. She hated for him to see her cry…To see him have the satisfaction of her suffering, yet she couldn't stop the burning tears from flowing down her mud-encrusted face.
An anguished moan of pain escaped her trembling lips as he stomped again on her aching hand but a moment later, the heavy weight upon her form was uplifted.
His cruel laughter ceased abruptly as she sensed him back off.
'…Why? What happened…?' She thought in confusion.
Cracking an eye open, at first, everything was blurry as rain poured down her face and her eyes were swollen. But, as she blinked away the moisture of the rain and her burning tears, her vision cleared and she saw her angel in a blue tunic.
'Kasumi…' That was Ayane's last thought before she drifted into unconsciousness next to her half-brother.
Raidou had his back turned to Ayane as something changed in him. He was actually tense as he felt a powerful pressure surrounding him, suffocating him.
His cold-hearted stare met the smoldering anger of Kasumi's eyes.
"…I am your opponent now, Raidou." Her cold, hostile voice clashed with the flames burning intensely in her amber eyes.
At that moment, Kasumi fit the image of a heartless assassin of darkness as she settled into a low battle stance. A red, menacing aura surrounded her as she prepared herself for battle.
An aura of passionate fury and determination.
Raidou smirked and settled into a low battle stance as well, actually bringing his hands up instead of resting casually by his side.
Kasumi suddenly disappeared in a swirl of sakura petals as she executed her teleportation technique, appearing a second later behind the startled dark-skinned man.
Just as quickly as she had reappeared, she unsheathed her tanto and slashed viciously at him.
Raidou reacted quickly, catching her by the wrist and swinging a powerful right hook.
Kasumi easily dodged the heavy blow and swiftly somersaulted over him, locking her arms tightly around his neck and throwing him over her shoulders. He landed harshly and skid across the muddy ground.
He growled and swung his arm back, focusing his ki into his fist and then violently punched the wet earth. The ground quickly split apart towards Kasumi and shook fiercely.
The auburn-haired kunoichi sank to her knees to maintain her balance but that left her unguarded for a moment.
Raidou leapt at this and with a harsh battle cry he swung a devastating right hook that connected with Kasumi's delicate face.
Much to his surprise, Kasumi didn't soar back from the strong impact. She maintained her balance as a small trickle of crimson liquid escaped her gashed pink lips. She hadn't even flinched as she stared apathetically up at him.
He took a step back and studied her as she raised herself back up onto her feet, nonchalantly wiping away the blood and settling back into a battle stance.
Raidou had underestimated her. She took the blow directly and didn't even budge an inch. He had to take her seriously.
"…Who are you?" He asked harshly.
Kasumi said nothing and charged at him.
He stumbled back and quickly began parrying the lightning-fast slashes of her tanto. She was fast and he had very little room to counter-attack before she unleashed another swarm of swift strikes.
Growling in frustration, he had a split-second chance to counter-attack and head butted the auburn-haired young woman in the face, connecting with her forehead as she stumbled back.
He smirked in satisfaction and clenched his fists. This girl was actually tiring him…He had to end this battle quickly.
Kasumi had stumbled back a few steps and clutched her head in one hand. Pulling that hand back, she saw blood speckled on her palm and fingers. Unfazed, she blinked away the rain mixed in with the blood spilling from a gash on her scalp and clenched her hands up again in a battle stance.
The girl was draining him and he has spent a great deal of energy already in the Torn Sky Blast…He couldn't continue fighting without the girl eventually gaining the upper hand.
He dashed forward once more and delivered a crushing right roundhouse kick, which Kasumi blocked with her arms. He spun around and kicked again, forcing Kasumi to block from the front and she stumbled back slightly from the intensity.
While she recovered from the impact, he delivered a heavy uppercut which Kasumi caught in a death grip and kicked out his leg, sending him flailing backwards to the ground before he could recover. Landing hard on his back with the air knocked out of him, Kasumi held onto his arm in one hand while the other, armed with the tanto, slashed mercilessly at his dark face.
He howled in pain as the tanto slashed cleanly across his cheek and up his forehead, blood flowing ceaselessly down his grimy face.
Enraged, he tackled the smaller woman to the ground and swung a right hook to her jaw. Kasumi dodged in the nick of time and his fist connected with the sodden earth instead.
She lunged forward and head butted him squarely in the mouth. Blood spurted out of his busted lips and he stumbled back off of her.
Quickly grabbing him by the front of his tunic with one hand she focused her ki into her tanto for a moment until it glowed red then slashed at his throat.
He leapt back, tearing his tunic where she tightly grasped it just as the cold blade grazed across his collarbone instead of his tender neck. The wound immediately stung as the energy rolling off the blade burned him.
"Damn it!" He cried out furiously and focused his ki into his palms, then unleashed them at her.
She leapt away and sheathed her tanto as she noticed he was retreating. Dashing after him, she plucked three shurikens from the inside of her dark blue tunic, each deadly star held securely between her fingers and aimed at his retreating form.
Locked on target, she skillfully threw them. They hissed through the air but at the last moment, he abruptly leapt high into the trees. Only one of them hit him as he grunted in pain, a shuriken embedded deeply into his shoulder blade.
He disappeared into the shadows and shelter of the forest.
Kasumi stopped her pursuit as she sensed his dark aura grow faint and disappear completely: He had teleported away.
Raising her head to the heavens with her eyes closed, Kasumi let the heavy rain wash over her. The stifling red aura that surrounded her slowly dissolved away as her anger and bloodlust faded.
Gazing back towards the lifeless forms of her siblings, her burning amber eyes softened considerably. They returned to their natural gentleness and warmth as she trudged in the mud and rain towards them.
No longer were they the cold-hearted eyes of an assassin.
A gentle breeze caressed the leaves and branches of trees. The sky was a serene blue and birds chirped happily, bathing themselves in puddles of water that hadn't dried up. A small blue bell hanging from the ceiling chimed melodiously with each light gust of wind.
It was morning; the calm after the storm.
Kasumi twisted the warm water out of a cloth and proceeded to gently bathe her beloved older brother, wiping away the mud and sweat from his face and chest.
In a dark blue yukata with a dark yellow obi and her long, auburn hair pulled back into a ponytail, she emanated warmth, security, and kindness as she tenderly cared for her comatose brother.
Deep down, however, she was in chaos. The burning need and desire to avenge her family was consuming her.
Earlier that morning, her father, Shiden, had returned from his trip to the mountains only to hear the news that the village was attacked by his sinful younger brother, Raidou. Even worse, Hayate, the 16th heir to the Mugen Tenshin clan was declared comatose and paralyzed. Whether he will ever wake up or not depended on fate and his will.
Ayame, her mother had to sooth his frightening temper as he stormed about the estate, yelling at everyone who failed to defend the village.
Later on, he gathered with the elders and came to a unanimous decision that Kasumi is now the 16th heir to the Mugen Tenshin clan.
Visibly shocked, Kasumi only nodded at her father's decree and padded back to her room to care for Hayate.
She never wanted to be the next leader to the clan. That was her brother's duty and dream.
Deep down, she didn't want to lead her people; she felt a stronger obligation to her family.
Gently wiping away sheen of sweat from Hayate's neck, her amber eyes wandered to her tanto resting upon a small platform.
Conflicting interests and emotions warred inside her.
Her duty to the village…versus her own goals and dreams.
Her strong dislike of violence yet it seemed to be the only way she could protect the people she cared for.
There was one goal she had in mind that needed to be done.
She had to avenge her family. She wasn't going to sit idly by and let Raidou be free. He has tormented everyone she loves quite enough…Her mother…her brother…Ayane.
Calmly replacing a warm and clean cloth over her brother's forehead, Kasumi padded gracefully to her walk-in closet.
Changed into her traditional dark blue uniform, she walked back to the platform containing her tanto and thought deeply.
Making her final decision, she quietly picked up the tanto and made her way to the paper door. Sliding it open, she stepped beyond the threshold but hesitated. With one final glance to the side at her brother resting peacefully, she bid a silent farewell and hoped for her brother's quick recovery.
She slid the door shut behind her and quietly made her way towards another room.
Upon reaching her destination, she hesitated outside the paper door.
Sighing deeply, she strengthened her resolve and silently slid the door open and stepped inside. Just as quietly, she slid the door shut and padded towards the restless figure of Ayane struggling in her sleep.
Once again, she was haunted by another nightmare that robbed her of undisturbed, rejuvenating rest.
Kasumi sat down beside her and gently pulled the covers back up to the sleeping girl's chin. Her hand wandered up and lightly caressed the lavender-haired woman's warm cheek. Gradually, Ayane's worry-worn features relaxed at the soothing touch.
Kasumi's hand drifted up to Ayane's forehead and she gingerly brushed lavender bangs back and tucked them behind her ears. A content sigh escaped Ayane's rosy lips as she nuzzled Kasumi's comforting hand.
The auburn-haired young woman smiled softly at this and slowly leaned forward, delicately kissing Ayane's forehead.
Unbeknownst to Kasumi, this simple sign of affection had awakened the lavender-haired woman as her crimson eyes slowly fluttered open.
Just as quickly as they had opened, she slid them shut as Kasumi pulled back. It was brief yet Ayane still felt a tingling sensation.
Reaching inside the futon, Kasumi gently cradled Ayane's bandaged hand in her hand, her gentle amber eyes shimmering in worry and sadness.
She held the bruised hand so delicately; Ayane couldn't feel the ache at all. In fact, it seemed Kasumi's light touch eased away all the pain.
Ayane was surprised to feel a warm and gentle pressure on top of her hand, and when she slowly cracked an eye open; she was greeted with the beautiful sight of Kasumi softly kissing her hand.
A deep blush appeared on her cheeks as she promptly closed her eye and feigned sleep again.
She couldn't understand why…But she didn't want Kasumi to realize she was awake…And, deep down, she was curious to know what Kasumi would do next.
Perhaps, she was afraid Kasumi would stop had she known the "sleeping" lavender-haired girl was awake. Of course, this was a repressed thought, buried deeply in the core of her heart. It existed freely only in her subconscious.
When Kasumi had pulled back from the tender kiss, she gently placed Ayane's bandaged hand back into the futon.
Ayane heard shuffling of fabric as Kasumi edged closer to her, then much to her surprise and embarrassment as her face grew hot and her heart thumped wildly, she felt the light tickle of warm breath upon her cheek, and then a moment later she felt the subdued weight of Kasumi on top of her.
Kasumi gently embraced Ayane, burying her delicate, porcelain face into the crook of the crimson-eyed young woman's slender neck and her arms wrapped loosely around the younger girl's shoulders.
Unconsciously, Ayane shuddered at the warm contact and resisted the urge to wrap her arms around Kasumi.
"…Ayane…?" Kasumi murmured softly into her ear, worried she had awakened the smaller girl.
Ayane shuddered again but gave no reply.
Kasumi held her for a long time…Her arms were growing weary of supporting her weight above the "sleeping" girl but still she clung onto the smaller girl. Their heartbeats resonated together as one, and gradually Ayane began to drift between the space of sleep and wakefulness.
Minutes grew into a whole hour before Kasumi finally pulled away from the loving embrace.
Ayane awakened slightly at this but was too sleepy to protest the sudden loss of warmth and comfort.
Kasumi hovered over Ayane's form, her gentle gaze filled with love and longing.
A moment later, she slowly leaned down as her eyes fluttered closed then delicately, tenderly, she kissed Ayane.
Ayane, still drifting between sleep and wakefulness, believed she was dreaming…and responded happily to the soft kiss, gently kissing back as their lips brushed together.
A satisfying current ran through their bodies, they shuddered as a familiar flutter stirred in the pit of their stomach, and their hearts quickened.
Kasumi was startled that the kiss was returned and blushed. But was unable to think anymore as all thought took flight in the passionate yet gentle kiss.
Finally, for what seemed an eternity, Kasumi reluctantly pulled back slightly, her pink lips mere inches away from Ayane's.
She saw a light of hope and salvation for their complex relationship but she still had to finish her goal.
Silent shimmering tears cascaded down her rosy cheeks. Tears of happiness at the faint of hope and deep sorrow at the thought of leaving. Steadying her erratic breathing and quivering body as she wept, she leaned forward and whispered sadly into Ayane's ear.
"…Sayonara, Ayane…Sayonara." A lone tear dropped onto Ayane's face, the hot tingling sensation slowly tugging her completely back in wakefulness.
With a final, delicate kiss to the lavender-haired girl's forehead, Kasumi quietly rose to her feet and exited the estate.
After she no longer heard footsteps, Ayane hesitantly opened her eyes and touched her lips, still warm and tingling. Then she touched her cheek where the hot tear had fallen.
But why? Why was Kasumi crying?
It wasn't until the door had long been shut and a heavy silence ensued before the situation finally dawned on her but it was already too late. It wasn't a dream. They had kissed.
And Kasumi had left her.
"Sayonara, Ayane...Sayonara."
Her voice...so soothing and gentle, yet this time...It tore Ayane's heart apart because it was full of painful sorrow and deep loneliness.
Outside, standing atop a hill that overlooked the peaceful village, Kasumi readjusted her tanto at her side, then, with one final glance at her beloved hometown she disembarked on her journey.
The wind carried her solemn whisper across the land.
"Nii-san…Ayane…"
If anyone noticed, Kasumi and Ayane stopped using any form of honorific when addressing each other which could mean they have a very close relationship or it could be considered very rude.
Translations just in case anyone needs it:
Ojou - miss, my lady, a formal, highly respected form of addressing a young woman
Sama - honorific for someone of high regard and respect usually reserved for rulers, emperors, princes, ect.
Chan - affectionate honorific used by children and lovers
Sayonara - goodbye, farewell
Nii-san - older brother
Thank you very much for reading. I absolutely loved writing this chapter…You can probably guess why. Hehee. The next chapter will be the First DoA Tournament. I know, seven friggin' chapters before it is FINALLY the gosh darn tournament. lol. Once again, thank you kindly for reading, for your much appreciated support and should you, my beloved readers have time to spare, please review. Much love and thanks. - Kan