Chapter 00-19 – Back In Black
I made a second significant update to this chapter that includes more information around Ayane's childhood friend Tsuki and some extra information about her custom katana...
[Ayane bids a fond farewell to monastic life at the Night Rain Monastery as she readies herself for the final battle with Kouta's gang. Also, she reveals some of her history surrounding her butterfly motif.]
It was 4:30am and the pale predawn light was just beginning to show through the trees. The watery glow crept in through the front kitchen window of the small one room house Ayane shared with Yugen.
Ayane had sat by Yugen's bedside all through the night in deep contemplation. After she had finished telling him his story, he had rolled over and snuggled down as she sang him to sleep. It was how they ended most evenings and the routine had been a comfort to them both. After Yugen was asleep, Ayane would sit in the front window for an hour, then go to the cot on the other side of the fire pit and sleep lightly. However, this night she had been unable to sleep or even close her eyes as the profound realization of her true nature had made that impossible.
Right there… right in front of me… nothing has changed. EVERYTHING has changed.
As the first flecks of gold touched the leaves in the treetops, she stood up and looked over at the plain box on the table by the side window. She pulled off the monk's robe she had worn during her stay at the Night Rain Monastery. Whisking it over her head, she stood in the middle of the room completely naked as she held the garment out at arms length regarding it thoughtfully. She remembered fondly when she received them from Aiko… How good it felt to be accepted into their order and the psychological healing affect that had on her mind. Just being able to do simple things such as walking with Yugen, helping with the gardening – washing the dishes with Shin after the meals… The mental lift that came from feeling useful mended her shattered spirit and aided in the healing process of her physical body. Now – she carefully folded her once cherished robes and smiled to herself as she placed all those fond memories at the foot of Yugen's bed.
Time to move on.
Walking with light, powerful strides like a jaguar, Ayane crossed the room and picked up the box containing her kit and, as she headed for the door, grabbed the large towel hanging over the sink. She quietly slid the shoji open and walked outside into the cold morning air.
When she got to the pool, Ayane laid the box and towel next to the wooden mat at the edge of the water. She stood there for a few minutes, listening to the babble of the waterfall and the softer whisper of the breeze rushing through the tangled branches of the trees. She remembered how her thoughts and feelings used to be twisted and confused like the tangle of branches over the pool. How her mind churned the way the water does where the stream from the spring in the rocks above fell into it. As she looked out over the water Ayane was aware of the air coming into her body, warming and then, as she exhaled, she watched her breath mix with the rising mist around her. As the minutes passed, she realized inside and outside were one and the same – there really was no separation between her and everything around her.
Without another thought, she dove like an arrow into the frigid morning water and shooting like a porpoise to the deepest end of the pool, Ayane rolled onto her back letting out her air as she watched the bubbles float up above her. Exhaling everything from her lungs, she sank slowly to the bottom. Lying there, she looked at the sky through the ripples of the water up on the surface. A few dim stars sparkled in the deep blue that still remained in the slowly paling sky above. The surface where the wind blew and the water tumbled in from the hillside was agitated and choppy. But down at the bottom where she was, it was calm, cool and still.
The same water… but such a difference…
After several seconds, she swiveled to a vertical crouch then pushing off from the bottom of the pool she glided effortlessly up to the surface and swam to the mat. The morning wind was like ice on her skin. It was bracing and felt great. Ayane was aware of the sandalwood mat under her feet. It was dry and cool. She could feel the individual ridges. Everything was immediate and intimately connected to everything else. She picked up the towel and dried off with full attention to how the material felt on her skin. She noticed the way it took up and absorbed the water and the change she felt as she became dry and invigorated.
Then she closed her eyes for a few breaths. Clearing herself – finally, turning to the box holding her kit Ayane took a deep breath and blew it out hard through her nose as she whipped the lid back revealing the contents that lay within. She quickly pulled out the boots. They were long and black with the split toe and reinforced soles for climbing. She laid them to the side, and pulled out the body suit. It was dark, mysterious and had the subtle textures of lotus leaves and blossoms embossed into the leather. The workmanship was exquisite and masterful. Ayane gazed on it with an expression of wonder as if seeing it for the first time. With a look of awed fascination, she ran her hand across the soft, surface. Letting it unfurl, she held it close to her and rubbed her cheek against it feeling the smooth texture against her face, body and skin. She missed the smell of the leather and the memories it conjured were dangerous and exciting. She went back to those early days and the time she had donned the uniform to go on her first mission.
It was a little baggier then… I stepped on a damn stick too. Nearly brought the whole security team down on us… barely got out alive. I caught hell for that.
She smiled to herself at the memory.
I was another person then. Confused – lost in Maya - with so much to prove… but to whom? I wonder…
Holding her suit next to her pale body in the morning light, the contrast was stark – like the mystical symbol of the furies locked in eternal embrace – an embrace that creates all the balance and harmony in the universe. Ayane stood for a moment entwined with her ebony suit. Then, she held it in front of her and nodding to herself thought –
Once I take this step… it begins. There's no stopping – not until Kouta and all his followers are dead.
Pointing her toe, she pulled the black leather suit over her foot and stretched it on over her left leg. She felt the sleek interior lining as it eased over her powerful calf. Her ears caught the faint creak from the supple leather expanding as she worked it over the muscles in her thigh. As Ayane repeated the process for the right leg, she marveled at the incredible feeling of body memory that surged through her as she slid back into her battle suit. Though familiar, the experience was now enhanced by her expanded perspective. It was old and known – but now – wonderfully new. She slid on the boots feeling the sturdy secure feeling as her feet slotted squarely into place. Ayane remembered the dry familiar snaps of the black metallic buckles across the front and sides as she strapped them up. Then the final clip clicked snugly into place just above the knees as she secured the last of the fastenings.
Bare from the waist up, Ayane looked down at the transformation in progress. The jet black suit clung to every dynamic contour and subtle nuance of her of her incredible legs like a liquid, moonless night.
Taking a breath, her strong, graceful arms slid into the cool, sleek depths of the sleeves that terminated in elegant yet functional gloves. Gloves made for gripping with reinforced pads. After she pulled and stretched the suit up to her shoulders, Ayane reached down with full attention to just below her navel and pulled the zipper up sealing the wide V that exposed her lithe, gleaming torso. It closed over her supple body like a second skin. Though still visible beneath the surface of the suits' membrane, her sensuous and lethal form was now completely secured like a magnificent pearl within its' sheer, protective shell.
She reached back into the box and pulled out the graphite sheath containing the deadly killing sword. With practiced ease, Ayane reflexively checked the snaps and straps that went around the hilt holding the sword in its sheath, then placed the katana on her back and strapped it into place. Next, she pulled out the ebony shoulder holster that held her gleaming black .50 caliber pistol. The custom metal of the gun held the faintest whisper of deep purple. Sliding the holster into place under her left arm, she pulled the massive pistol out and checked the cylinder quickly to make sure it was loaded. Snapping it slowly back into place, she expertly returned the gun to its holster and fastened the flap with a quick, quiet snap. Reaching into the box a final time, Ayane clipped on her belt with a dry click. The small pouches and compartments included the extra speed loads, caltrops and a coiled black chain that terminated with a shoge hook that hung at her hip.
One thing still missing…
She went into the house silently so as not to disturb Yugen who was still fast asleep. Over by the side window there was a simple little end table. On it was an old box. It was very small. It had once been brightly colored, but had been covered dark gray paint. The paint was faded and old and dirty. She opened it and pulled out a thin but sturdy chain. On it was a small metal butterfly. It was the only visible colored item she wore so it stood out. It was deep purple with indigo and a hint of turquoise and coral. As she put it around her neck she turned sensing Yugen was watching her. He was sitting up in his bed looking over her as she fastened the pendant.
"Are you leaving… now?"
"Yes I am… but only for a few days. Then, I'll be back. Okay?"
"Okay."
"I'll stay with you until Shin and Aiko get here. They will arrive in a little while and shall be watching you when I'm away."
Yugen nodded eyes wide, looking at Ayane in her suit. It was the first time he had seen her wear anything other than her monk robes and he didn't know what to think. Ayane could tell from his expression that he was unsure.
"It's okay Yugen… It's still me. Remember when we looked through the box together?"
He continued to stare with wide brown eyes as he clutched his blanket and pulled his knees up to his chest.
"Well these are all the things we looked at and learned about. I'm just wearing them now is all."
Yugen nodded and seemed to relax. Ayane changed the subject.
"I want you to do everything Shin and Aiko tell you, okay? They're in charge while I'm gone you know…"
"Yes Ayane… I will."
"Good."
Ayane plopped down on the bed next to Yugen and flipped her glove back letting it hang from her wrist, so she could touch his face. She gently stroked some stray hair from his eyes, smiling radiantly at him. When she spoke her voice was calm and happy.
"While we wait, why don't we talk? I know you have questions about things."
Yugen scooted over next to Ayane and hugged her arm. Then staring straight ahead, out into the empty fire pit he asked,
"Ayane… Why is your hair purple?"
"I'm from Mars."
"REALLY?!"
"No – I'm just kidding."
"Oh, okay…"
"Why do you wear that butterfly?"
She looked down at the pendant around her neck… and gripped it with her uncovered hand. She pressed her lips together and her brow knitted slightly. Then she said softly,
"Yugen, when I was very young, I played outside in the sun and had friends. A lot like you do now… I loved flowers and the sunshine. I would chase the butterflies and although they were easy to catch, I never hurt them. I hated to see anything hurt or suffer. I often took in animals I found in hunters' traps. After I rescued them, I would nurse the little animals back to health and release them when they got better."
Yugen glanced up at Ayane who was gazing out through the window as she talked – about events long past and nearly forgotten. He watched as her face lit up as if all the stars in the sky were shining through her.
"I felt such joy. You know? Seeing them run off into the woods like that – healthy, excited about the world and with a second chance at life. I loved nature and watching over the creatures that lived in the forest. When I grew up, I knew I would be someone who worked with and cared for animals."
Ayane paused and reached around over her shoulder, and in a quick, fluid motion, she unclipped the graphite sheath from her back and laid the deadly killing sword across her lap. The handle was wrapped in wild silk of the deepest purple. Under these bindings, were yellowed slips of ancient paper that contained holy sutras from the 14th century. The sword maker had bound them there specifically to protect Ayane in battle.
The tsuba had been masterfully worked in the fashion of a lotus blossom with simple elegant shapes held within the oval of the hand guard. With her thumb, she pushed firmly on the guard popping the dark, gleaming blade collar above the rim of the scabbard throat. It had been etched to echo the pattern of the tsuba with twin lotus blossoms skillfully rendered in great detail on each of its sides. Ayane turned and smiled at Yugen. She spoke softly to her little apprentice in a warm, confidential manner.
"Okay Yugen - this is 'Purple Moon.' It was made especially for me by Jiro, a dear friend. I can show some of it to you, but I'm afraid I can't draw it all the way out – I never do that unless I intend to kill someone."
Ayane slid the shimmering blade out three quarters of the way. The fine grained steel had been folded and refolded an astounding 7,000 times in the forge by the master swordsmith, Kiyota Jirokunietsu. He had poured his heart and soul into its creation working ceaselessly and with an all consuming passionate, intensity to honor his beloved friend. The effort alone nearly cost him his life bringing him to the very limits of his endurance. Painstakingly, and with excruciating attention to each minute detail, he had etched a breathtakingly rendered scene. It had been inscribed along the faintly purple sheen of the flawless surface. Kiyota had mixed together special chemicals and pollens to get just the right, subtle shade of faint purple into the metal. He methodically added a pinch along the length of the glowing blade with every thousandth fold of the steel.
Yugen stared in awed wonder at the scene before him that depicted the Moon which represented the great god Tsukuyomi, shining through a pine forest. In the trees, he could see the many animals that Ayane mentioned she had loved in her childhood. They were running out from the heart of the lunar orb, in accordance with the ancient Shinto creation legends.
The sword was a true labor both of love and gratitude from Kiyota to Ayane. She had saved his life from murderous brigands and befriended him on a mission that had taken her through the Wakayama Prefecture where his forge was located.
The remarkable weapon was patterned after the legendary blades of the Kamakura period, but with a modern flexibility and tensile strength worked into the steel that was unparalleled by the ancient weapons.
She patted Yugen on the cheek, then with a practiced ease, Ayane slid the blade back into the scabbard and adjusted the straps, testing to make sure they would keep the magnificent sword in the scabbard as she continued her story.
"One day I was approached by dark men who told me I would be assuming a new life. I was taken to an ominous building that was full of masked faces and cold, glittering eyes. I was brought before one of their leaders and he asked me what I wanted to do with my life. I told him of my dream – that I wanted to care for anima… well, he struck me down in anger, then laughed at me as I lay there stunned, shaking my head. When I recovered, I was told I needed to stop doing stupid, childish things and that I would now take a different path – a darker path. He moved to strike me again but someone grabbed his arm and stopped him. A truly powerful and awesome warrior – Genra. Although he was a fearsome presence, in time, he grew to be the closest thing to a father I would ever have. He explained to me how I now had to hide from the Sun – turn my face from the silly, pretty things that foolishly danced and played in the light. My life became dark and my lessons were in how to administer death. I was taught to kill quickly, silently and efficiently. Most of all I was taught not to question authority and to do the bidding of my dreaded masters. I appreciated Genra – much of what he did helped me to become the fighter I am today. But – I have to move away from those dark, discursive paths. Only illusion, separation and death can come from choosing such a life."
Yugen was gazing up at Ayane listening intently to the story. She turned to her little student and looked at him earnestly. It was that fixed stare that told Yugen he was to listen – that what would be spoken next was of utmost importance.
"Yugen, I was learning wrong things. I was being taught bad thoughts and terrible values. I was surrendering my humanity to evil, hollow men."
Ayane swiveled on the bed to face Yugen and crossing her legs continued to rivet his attention with her luminous stare. Yugen mirrored her movements and faced her in the same manner and with total attention he continued to listen to her story with his entire awareness.
"One night, I was coming back from a mission… It was very late, almost morning and I saw heading down the road that connected the village to the school in the valley, a girl who had been my friend. She and I used to play together back in the days before I was taken off to study my dark trade. I don't know what made me do what I did next but for some reason – I called her name… Tsuki. Then I watched with fascination as she stopped and looked quickly around in confusion. She was so surprised she nearly slipped on the damp, cobblestone street. I thought it was funny and laughed softly into the back of my hand. It didn't even occur to me that I might be scaring her. To me, it felt just like it did when we used to play hide and seek in the forest. I didn't realize how frightened I was making her. After a minute or two, I saw her visibly relax. I could tell by her body language that she was just starting to doubt she had heard anything at all. As she continued walking along, I skipped excitedly across the rooftops to head her off and when I was in position - I dropped down directly in front of her. But instead of the laughter we used to share, I was astonished to see Tsuki recoil in absolute horror at the sight of me. Scrambling backwards as if I was an assassin or a… a murderer - and that was when I realized – that's exactly what I had become. Ashamed, I hung my head and stepping into the light of the swinging lantern above, slowly pulled my mask away revealing myself. She recognized me – most likely by my hair – immediately… What I did – It was a huge risk – to reveal myself like that. A risk, should my clan find out, that carried with it the punishment of death."
Ayane's wide eyes regarded Yugen as he watched and listened. His hands clasped tightly over his knees. Ayane noticed his small feet were twiddling under the sheet betraying the excitement he felt as she told her story. She was amazed at his beauty. In her eyes he was absolutely perfect. The sight of him made her so happy and she felt such love.
"Tsuki looked at me in shock. It was as if her mind was trying to come to grips with what she was seeing. Then to my amazement, she walked forward with tears in her eyes and hugged me right there in the street. No judgment. No accusations. Yugen, I was embraced in that moment by unconditional acceptance and love. That kind of behavior is rare and precious in this world and more valuable than any treasure. I was so humbled by her actions all I could do was cry on her shoulder as we held each other under the moon and stars in the damp, puddle strewn street. It had been five years since we had last spoken and she asked what had happened to me. I couldn't answer, it would not have been safe for her to know… but I told her that she had always been in my thoughts and that I remembered her fondly. She told me how she missed playing with me and chasing butterflies together. I looked down at my feet as I sadly informed her that those days of bright colors and childish fancy were over for me now. I told her that I was given over and dedicated to the cold black world of the night. I showed her the moth emblem I had taken to wearing to replace the butterfly I had loved so. It was dull metal that would not gleam if a light hit it… That's when Tsuki gave me this."
With great care, Ayane took the butterfly pendant from her flawless neck and held it out in front of Yugen. As it caught the early morning light it sparkled like a little jewel.
"She told me not to forget what it meant to be gentle, free, and to live a life full of color instead of only black and red. She placed it around my neck and told me that I should wear it under my suit and to never let it go. I promised her I would and vowed that it would be our secret – that it would act as a reminder that I had once danced in the light, as the light now would dance secretly, hidden within me. I hugged her again and we parted ways… that was a long time ago. But thanks to the gift Tsuki gave me, I always had a reminder of my humanity, a splinter of light and color that kept my soul in me – even when things were at their darkest. Yugen – I always kept this butterfly with me. Always… hoping that one day – somehow – I would emerge from the dark chrysalis that contained me and – like this butterfly – break free. It has gone with me on every mission. Every mission…"
Suddenly, Ayane took Yugen's hand and stretched it out plopping the beautiful little pendant into his palm. Then she closed his fingers gently, so they made a hard, tiny fist –
"…except this one – you are going to hold it and keep it safe for me."
Yugen started forward – panic was beginning to creep at the edges of his reason…
"Ayane – ?"
"Yes?"
"Are you going to fight the monster… with the teeth and the scars..?"
"I am."
Fear clutched at Yugen's heart making it beat wildly… His blood went ice cold – the way it did when he was hiding, listening to the sounds of his parents being murdered as he lay there under the laundry and silently cried and –
"Ayane – I don't want you to die! Don't go stay!"
"Yugen It will be alright. I will stop him. Then afterwards, I'll be coming back for – "
"NO! Ayane he'll hurt you again and maybe eat you this time! Please! I'm so scared – I don't want you to go!"
Then Yugen had an idea. Jumping up on the bed and standing before Ayane, he spoke in a steady calm voice with conviction far beyond his years,
"I'll go instead. Please Ayane, let me go – you stay here. Please stay with Master Joshu, Shin and Aiko where it's safe."
He reached up putting his small hand protectively on her shoulder as he did that first day they met, the day that Master Joshu had asked him to watch over her. Ayane just stared in wonder marveling at his courage.
Yugen – you have made me so proud today…
"I can do it – you taught me how to punch hard now. It will be different this time, I can do it! Ayane, I can get him! Let me protect you."
"Yugen – no. that's not – "
"I DON'T want you to be hurt again! I don't! I won't let you be… be..? Huh?"
Something caught Yugen's eye… He was looking over Ayane's shoulder at someone standing in the door way. Ayane turned too. It was Ryu. He was in a black suit jacket over a charcoal grey turtleneck sweater, black pants and shoes. In his left hand he held the sheath containing his awesome weapon – the Dragon Sword. He had been watching from the doorway. The sun was illuminating him making his hair appear more fiery and intense than normal. Silently he walked into the room and up to the bed and knelt beside Yugen who was looking at him curiously with tears streaming down his face.
"How about if I go with her? Would you feel better then?"
Yugen didn't know what to make of this strange new person. He had a power to him that Yugen could feel.
He feels like the air does when it's going to thunder.
However, Yugen wondered if he knew about –
"B-but there's this terrible monster with…"
"Yes – I know, scars and teeth."
Then he reached out and took Yugen's little hand – as he did, Ryu's eyes widened a bit,
His hands are hard as rocks! Those are some tough little paws on this kid…
"Hi, you're Yugen – right? I'm Ryu Hayabusa, it's nice to meet you – and… Yugen – Listen, I eat sissy monsters like that for breakfast every morning. Trust me, nothing is going to hurt Ayane. I will kill anything that gets close to her. I will be with her and look after her… and when it's over… I'm going to bring her right back here to you."
Ayane was deeply touched and looked over at Ryu with great affection. His confidence was infectious and Yugen was reassured by the certainty in his calm, deep voice.
"I believe you Ryu."
There were footsteps approaching as Aiko entered with Old Joshu. Ryu jumped up and bowed deeply to the old Roshi.
"Master Joshu. I can never repay the debt I owe you for risking your life to save and protect Ayane."
Master Joshu glanced at Ayane and smiled then turning back to Ryu he replied sternly.
"No Lord Hayabusa, you owe us nothing. Although she was great trouble and a terrible burden at first, Ayane eventually found a way to be marginally useful. Finally, after much effort, she learned to work hard and not get in the way. We shall miss her greatly… particularly in the garden."
He strode across the room and took Ayane by both her hands and looking her in the eye said,
"You are seeing clearly still. So – especially now – do not neglect your training! Redouble your efforts or what occurred last night will only fade into a pleasant memory."
Then turning on his heel he walked out.
"Geeze, Kind of a hard-ass…" Ryu whispered to Ayane who just smiled.
Aiko then walked up and said –
"It is nice to be here with you and Ryu and Yugen in this moment. When you are gone, we will work hard and stay mindful in our daily life and when you return we will laugh together."
Ayane looked at Aiko and then suddenly seized him and hugged fiercely.
"Aiko – you are a true friend."
"Tell me about it…" he smiled.
There was a sound of running feet as Shin arrived and entered the room. He was out of breath.
"Aiko there are a couple of strange men here to see you. They – they… I think they're Italian? They said they know you and need to speak with you about some… project? What proje –"
"Oh – thank you Shin!" Aiko interrupted, "…those will be the men sent to fix the iron gate… the hinges need repairing – I'll go see to them…"
Then turning back to Ayane he said.
"Thank you for being my friend. Outside of the monks in this Monastery, I never had a real friend."
Then looking at Ryu –
"Please be sure she comes to no harm."
"Count on it Aiko. And for your part in saving Ayane's life, please count me among your friends also."
"I shall. Now I must go, I can't keep the men at the gate waiting."
Ayane plucked Yugen off of the bed and held him close. He threw his arms around Ayane's neck. Kissing him on the cheek she put him on the floor and crouched down looking him directly in the eye. With their gaze locked, she gave him her parting instructions.
"Yugen – Do as Shin and Aiko tell you. Practice what I have taught you each day. I will be back to get you soon. "
"Yes Ayane. I will snap my punches and strike through my targets." Then he looked at her with huge, adoring eyes and said: "Ayane – I love you so much."
Ayane's eyes became soft and then suddenly her hand flicked out to smack his ear, and Yugen's little arm snapped up and deftly blocked it. Ayane smiled and kissed his tough little fist.
"I love you too little stone hands. Be good while I'm gone and work on what I've shown you."
"Yes Ayane!"
Then handing Yugen over to Shin, Ayane and Ryu watched as they left the house and headed down the porch steps to the path that led down to the monastery.
Ryu looked at Ayane. There was something different about her. He couldn't quite tell – but he could sense a vast power and serenity radiating from her.
No…He thought… Through her…
Then Ryu's thoughts turned to what Yugen had been saying when he first entered the room.
"Did I actually hear him say he wanted to face Kouta to keep you safe?"
Ayane only nodded…
"I thought he was terrified of him."
"He is."
Ryu became very quiet and still.
"When he was saying that… Ayane – he meant it. I could tell in his voice. That kind of bravery is uncommon."
"Ryu – I love Yugen."
"And he loves you… when we finish Kouta and his gang – we'll come back for him… together."