Chapter 10
Continuation
When she returned to the estate Lord Godha was waiting for her, his ancient sword drawn.
"If you are here to take over the clan then you must slay me first." he warned.
Ayame stood in the doorway and stared at him, transfixed. Calmly she entered the room and slid the door shut behind her. As she turned she drew her swords and hefted their weight in each hand.
"I could take you old man. You know I could." she drawled.
"I do not doubt you." he responded.
Ayame took a step closer to him, watched as his shoulders tensed and his sword grip tightened. No, he had been out of practice too long. His stance was being constricted by his anxiety. Ayame's river flow strikes would cut him down. She demonstrated her advantage by lightly moving across the floor, her feet barely touching the ground as she approached and then pulled away from her master.
"You're throwing your life away." Ayame stated.
"I'll do what it takes to protect this clan."
"Why don't you protect it from yourself?"
"Ayame, when have I lead you astray? You are not thinking clearly."
"I know what I'm doing. You're the one who seems to be confused."
"No Ayame. For the clan, I am prepared to do anything."
"Oh yes, just as you were prepared to throw away the lives of Rikimaru and I. Just as you were prepared to order Rikimaru to marry Kiku without asking his consent." she spat.
"I had to!" he rasped. "There was no other choice! Every course of action in my life has to be for the continuation of the clan. That is the sum of my existence."
"Then I shall take that burden from you!"
Ayame lunged forward, both swords striking at once. Lord Godha was caught off guard and barely brought his sword up to defend. Quickly he took two steps back as Ayame kept pushing forward. In a liquid motion her right sword struck out so harshly that Godha's weapon was knocked from his hand. Godha made to take another step back but was sent sprawling to the ground. Ayame leaped and placed both blades at his throat.
"Do not move." she ordered.
His raged breath filled the silent room.
"You've thrown you're life away for nothing. Did you really think you could match me?"
Ayame felt no sadness from Lord Godha. The only emotion that she could detect was a deep set resignation. Slowly his eyes shut as he accepted his fate.
"I knew I would die if our swords were to cross." he stated calmly.
"Then why bother challenging me?"
"I was hoping to take you to hell with me, Ayame."
The scene froze into a morbid tableau. Godha tilted his head up, waiting for the final blow. Ayame stood in front of him, swords and instincts begging her to take this man's life. Each time she blinked it seemed as if an hour had passed.
"I do believe, " she said no louder than a passing wind, "That you have proven yourself."
Lord Godha heard the quiet hiss of her swords being sheathed. As he slowly opened his eyes he beheld Ayame kneeling in front of him. A benevolent smile lit her face and she laughed wholeheartedly.
"You have proven yourself!" she repeated, taking hold of his hands and helping him to his feet. "You have shown that you are worthy to be my master!"
Lord Godha blinked.
"You were testing me?"
"Of course. If I could take your life I would have done so before. By your actions you have shown that you are both my master and the rightful leader of this clan. You are charged with making sure that we survive, no matter what the cost. I am sorry I didn't realize this sooner. You're only playing your part. You're no more guiltily than poor Shiro was."
"What are you..."
"Do not worry yourself, I am just happy that you have shown me you're true self."
"So is that it Ayame? I am just supposed to take it in good faith that you were only testing me? You're behavior has been a threat to us all."
Ayame nodded her head and suddenly fell to her knees. Her left sword was held to her stomach.
"If you so command it, I will kill myself."
"Ayame..."
"How I have behaved since Rikimaru's death is inexcusable, but please try to understand. We were bonded on a spiritual level. With his death I lost the most valuable part of myself. But through these trials I have managed to come to balance, Lord Godha. My rage, my anger, and my shame have all passed. I will do anything now to aid you in keeping the clan strong. What is it that you order me to do?"
"Stand Ayame. Never place a blade to yourself again."
Ayame grasped his hand and pulled herself to her feet.
"Thank you. Now let us see Hinageshi. We have things to discuss."
**************************************************************************** **
The scene between Ayame and Lord Godha passed into memory as soon as they entered heated debate with Hinageshi. Hinageshi, knowing when to keep her mouth shut, did not burden the pair with questions. She smiled trustingly and silently rejoiced in Ayame's return to the clan. Presently, both she and Ayame were persistently trying to sway Lord Godha's opinion.
"Ayame was right in bringing this matter to our attention. With all that's been happening we have forgotten our plans to have this settled by next spring." Hinageshi said calmly as she poured them freshly brewed tea.
"I don't like it! It is too soon!" Lord Godha protested.
"Come now Lord Godha, what has happened to all that determination about the welfare of the clan? Surely you'll be able to get over your own pride on this matter." Ayame said.
"Pride! You think this is a matter of pride?"
"Isn't it?" the women asked simultaneously.
"No! How could it possibly be?"
"Well," Hinageshi ventured, always being bold with what she told her lord, "We are assuming that you are upset because this is going to prove that you are...well, getting on in years."
"I have long ago accepted my "getting on in years", as you so eloquently put it, Hinageshi." Lord Godha spat sourly, causing both women to giggle. "But I'll have you know that I'm protesting because she is my little girl!"
The women made "awwing" noise, causing Lord Godha to further bristle.
"He doesn't want to give his little girl away." Ayame cooed.
"Can't accept the fact that she's all grown up." Hinageshi said, shaking her head. .
"She is not all grown up! Its just too soon! I don't want to marry off my only daughter already."
"But Lord Godha, surely you see how vulnerable the clan is without an heir." Ayame stated.
"Yes! Of course I do! That doesn't mean I have to like the prospect!" Lord Godha sighed in defeat. "There have been many offers. If you recall, there were several men of extraordinary rank here earlier in the season. Each one asked for my approval."
"Not a one of them looked like a man to me." Ayame scoffed. "Their hands were as smooth and clean as the silk that Kiku wears. In truth, there is no need for Kiku to marry one of those weaklings, anyway. We are not in financial burden and there is no clan that we need to align ourselves with. Therefore, Kiku's marriage shall not be one of necessity. What Kiku needs is a man who can keep both her and her kin safe so that this clan can continue its lineage."
"What are you suggesting, Ayame?" Lord Godha asked.
"Let her marry a ninja." She said.
"Do you think this is wise, Ayame?" Hinageshi asked.
"Yes. It is a most excellent solution to our problems. There are many fine ninjas in our clan who would lay their lives down for Kiku. You know this."
"But which one is most deserving of Kiku?" he questioned.
Ayame smiled at him kindly. "Why not come to a decision with your daughter?"
Lord Godha sighed heavily.
"All right then. Tomorrow the finest ninjas from our clan shall assemble in the main hall. Both Kiku and I shall decide which is to be her husband." Both women nodded approvingly and drank to Kiku's prosperity.
**************************************************************************** **
One hundred of the most diligent, loyal, and honorable men in the Lord Godha clan stood at full attention. Ayame's keen eye could pick up their anxiousness as each man greatly desired to be chosen. Princess Kiku entered the main hall with her father but quickly snuck away and ran up behind Ayame.
"Thank you thank you Ayame! I know both you and Hinageshi talked my father into this and I couldn't be happier! I already know who it is I wish to pick!" she whispered.
"That's wonderful Kiku! Now hurry up and return to your father." Ayame said happily.
Kiku nodded and then quickly returned to her father's side. Together they made their way to the front of the main hall. As they walked Kiku's gaze kept returning to same spot in the back of the room. Lord Godha noticed this warily, realizing his daughter had already made her choice without him. A sigh rumbled in his chest as he tiredly hoped that he approved of the man, for he knew his daughter was not likely to be deterred. As they reached the front of the main hall Lord Godha sucked in a deep breath and made a short speech that thundered throughout the room.
"Today we take the precious steps to ensure the continuation of this clan! You have been assembled here because you are the finest men this clan has to offer. Do not take this honor lightly! My daughter has reached the betrothal age. One of you shall be granted the permission of taking her as wife. But I give a warning to the man who is chosen; A father's wrath is equal to the wrath of hell!"
Hinageshi and Ayame laughed, and loudly at that. The men all had wide eyes with their mouths were opening and closing like koi. Kiku and Lord Godha slowly made their way throughout the rows, Kiku not so subtly pulling her father in a certain direction. This did not escape Hinageshi's watchful gaze and she leaned in towards Ayame.
"It seems her heart is already set. Do you know who it is that she is so taken with?" Hinageshi asked.
"I believe I do. I saw the couple speaking together earlier in the morning." Ayame admitted.
"Oh? Well, do you approve of the young man?" Hinageshi asked.
"Yes, I do."
As Lord Godha and Kiku approached the back of the main hall Kiku's eyes lit up. She all but dragged her father past a few rows of men and brought him to the front of one ninja who stood in perfect profile with his head downcast humbly. As the pair stopped in front of him he gazed up for a moment with soft and compassionate eyes.
**************************************************************************** **
Ayame sat in quite contemplation, the stars hanging above her.
"No. The path of madness is not the path I shall take." she whispered softly.
A long silence stretched out before the night. Ayame yawned.
"Well, I think I'll go take over the clan now."
**************************************************************************** **
Tee hee. Sorry. That was just a teaser. The chapter has ended already.
This is in response to both Koji and Psygirl pointing out Ayame's contradiction in one of the previous chapters. I actually hadn't noticed it before. I read that section over again and found it to be pretty amusing.
So thanks a bunch you two. It's always fun to have something about your own work pointed out to you. Its kind of a pleasant surprise.
Lady Kieryn, Hayabusa the Legend, and Gimpy, thank you a lot too. Sadly, this story is coming to a close. Only one more chapter to go! Just one!
When she returned to the estate Lord Godha was waiting for her, his ancient sword drawn.
"If you are here to take over the clan then you must slay me first." he warned.
Ayame stood in the doorway and stared at him, transfixed. Calmly she entered the room and slid the door shut behind her. As she turned she drew her swords and hefted their weight in each hand.
"I could take you old man. You know I could." she drawled.
"I do not doubt you." he responded.
Ayame took a step closer to him, watched as his shoulders tensed and his sword grip tightened. No, he had been out of practice too long. His stance was being constricted by his anxiety. Ayame's river flow strikes would cut him down. She demonstrated her advantage by lightly moving across the floor, her feet barely touching the ground as she approached and then pulled away from her master.
"You're throwing your life away." Ayame stated.
"I'll do what it takes to protect this clan."
"Why don't you protect it from yourself?"
"Ayame, when have I lead you astray? You are not thinking clearly."
"I know what I'm doing. You're the one who seems to be confused."
"No Ayame. For the clan, I am prepared to do anything."
"Oh yes, just as you were prepared to throw away the lives of Rikimaru and I. Just as you were prepared to order Rikimaru to marry Kiku without asking his consent." she spat.
"I had to!" he rasped. "There was no other choice! Every course of action in my life has to be for the continuation of the clan. That is the sum of my existence."
"Then I shall take that burden from you!"
Ayame lunged forward, both swords striking at once. Lord Godha was caught off guard and barely brought his sword up to defend. Quickly he took two steps back as Ayame kept pushing forward. In a liquid motion her right sword struck out so harshly that Godha's weapon was knocked from his hand. Godha made to take another step back but was sent sprawling to the ground. Ayame leaped and placed both blades at his throat.
"Do not move." she ordered.
His raged breath filled the silent room.
"You've thrown you're life away for nothing. Did you really think you could match me?"
Ayame felt no sadness from Lord Godha. The only emotion that she could detect was a deep set resignation. Slowly his eyes shut as he accepted his fate.
"I knew I would die if our swords were to cross." he stated calmly.
"Then why bother challenging me?"
"I was hoping to take you to hell with me, Ayame."
The scene froze into a morbid tableau. Godha tilted his head up, waiting for the final blow. Ayame stood in front of him, swords and instincts begging her to take this man's life. Each time she blinked it seemed as if an hour had passed.
"I do believe, " she said no louder than a passing wind, "That you have proven yourself."
Lord Godha heard the quiet hiss of her swords being sheathed. As he slowly opened his eyes he beheld Ayame kneeling in front of him. A benevolent smile lit her face and she laughed wholeheartedly.
"You have proven yourself!" she repeated, taking hold of his hands and helping him to his feet. "You have shown that you are worthy to be my master!"
Lord Godha blinked.
"You were testing me?"
"Of course. If I could take your life I would have done so before. By your actions you have shown that you are both my master and the rightful leader of this clan. You are charged with making sure that we survive, no matter what the cost. I am sorry I didn't realize this sooner. You're only playing your part. You're no more guiltily than poor Shiro was."
"What are you..."
"Do not worry yourself, I am just happy that you have shown me you're true self."
"So is that it Ayame? I am just supposed to take it in good faith that you were only testing me? You're behavior has been a threat to us all."
Ayame nodded her head and suddenly fell to her knees. Her left sword was held to her stomach.
"If you so command it, I will kill myself."
"Ayame..."
"How I have behaved since Rikimaru's death is inexcusable, but please try to understand. We were bonded on a spiritual level. With his death I lost the most valuable part of myself. But through these trials I have managed to come to balance, Lord Godha. My rage, my anger, and my shame have all passed. I will do anything now to aid you in keeping the clan strong. What is it that you order me to do?"
"Stand Ayame. Never place a blade to yourself again."
Ayame grasped his hand and pulled herself to her feet.
"Thank you. Now let us see Hinageshi. We have things to discuss."
**************************************************************************** **
The scene between Ayame and Lord Godha passed into memory as soon as they entered heated debate with Hinageshi. Hinageshi, knowing when to keep her mouth shut, did not burden the pair with questions. She smiled trustingly and silently rejoiced in Ayame's return to the clan. Presently, both she and Ayame were persistently trying to sway Lord Godha's opinion.
"Ayame was right in bringing this matter to our attention. With all that's been happening we have forgotten our plans to have this settled by next spring." Hinageshi said calmly as she poured them freshly brewed tea.
"I don't like it! It is too soon!" Lord Godha protested.
"Come now Lord Godha, what has happened to all that determination about the welfare of the clan? Surely you'll be able to get over your own pride on this matter." Ayame said.
"Pride! You think this is a matter of pride?"
"Isn't it?" the women asked simultaneously.
"No! How could it possibly be?"
"Well," Hinageshi ventured, always being bold with what she told her lord, "We are assuming that you are upset because this is going to prove that you are...well, getting on in years."
"I have long ago accepted my "getting on in years", as you so eloquently put it, Hinageshi." Lord Godha spat sourly, causing both women to giggle. "But I'll have you know that I'm protesting because she is my little girl!"
The women made "awwing" noise, causing Lord Godha to further bristle.
"He doesn't want to give his little girl away." Ayame cooed.
"Can't accept the fact that she's all grown up." Hinageshi said, shaking her head. .
"She is not all grown up! Its just too soon! I don't want to marry off my only daughter already."
"But Lord Godha, surely you see how vulnerable the clan is without an heir." Ayame stated.
"Yes! Of course I do! That doesn't mean I have to like the prospect!" Lord Godha sighed in defeat. "There have been many offers. If you recall, there were several men of extraordinary rank here earlier in the season. Each one asked for my approval."
"Not a one of them looked like a man to me." Ayame scoffed. "Their hands were as smooth and clean as the silk that Kiku wears. In truth, there is no need for Kiku to marry one of those weaklings, anyway. We are not in financial burden and there is no clan that we need to align ourselves with. Therefore, Kiku's marriage shall not be one of necessity. What Kiku needs is a man who can keep both her and her kin safe so that this clan can continue its lineage."
"What are you suggesting, Ayame?" Lord Godha asked.
"Let her marry a ninja." She said.
"Do you think this is wise, Ayame?" Hinageshi asked.
"Yes. It is a most excellent solution to our problems. There are many fine ninjas in our clan who would lay their lives down for Kiku. You know this."
"But which one is most deserving of Kiku?" he questioned.
Ayame smiled at him kindly. "Why not come to a decision with your daughter?"
Lord Godha sighed heavily.
"All right then. Tomorrow the finest ninjas from our clan shall assemble in the main hall. Both Kiku and I shall decide which is to be her husband." Both women nodded approvingly and drank to Kiku's prosperity.
**************************************************************************** **
One hundred of the most diligent, loyal, and honorable men in the Lord Godha clan stood at full attention. Ayame's keen eye could pick up their anxiousness as each man greatly desired to be chosen. Princess Kiku entered the main hall with her father but quickly snuck away and ran up behind Ayame.
"Thank you thank you Ayame! I know both you and Hinageshi talked my father into this and I couldn't be happier! I already know who it is I wish to pick!" she whispered.
"That's wonderful Kiku! Now hurry up and return to your father." Ayame said happily.
Kiku nodded and then quickly returned to her father's side. Together they made their way to the front of the main hall. As they walked Kiku's gaze kept returning to same spot in the back of the room. Lord Godha noticed this warily, realizing his daughter had already made her choice without him. A sigh rumbled in his chest as he tiredly hoped that he approved of the man, for he knew his daughter was not likely to be deterred. As they reached the front of the main hall Lord Godha sucked in a deep breath and made a short speech that thundered throughout the room.
"Today we take the precious steps to ensure the continuation of this clan! You have been assembled here because you are the finest men this clan has to offer. Do not take this honor lightly! My daughter has reached the betrothal age. One of you shall be granted the permission of taking her as wife. But I give a warning to the man who is chosen; A father's wrath is equal to the wrath of hell!"
Hinageshi and Ayame laughed, and loudly at that. The men all had wide eyes with their mouths were opening and closing like koi. Kiku and Lord Godha slowly made their way throughout the rows, Kiku not so subtly pulling her father in a certain direction. This did not escape Hinageshi's watchful gaze and she leaned in towards Ayame.
"It seems her heart is already set. Do you know who it is that she is so taken with?" Hinageshi asked.
"I believe I do. I saw the couple speaking together earlier in the morning." Ayame admitted.
"Oh? Well, do you approve of the young man?" Hinageshi asked.
"Yes, I do."
As Lord Godha and Kiku approached the back of the main hall Kiku's eyes lit up. She all but dragged her father past a few rows of men and brought him to the front of one ninja who stood in perfect profile with his head downcast humbly. As the pair stopped in front of him he gazed up for a moment with soft and compassionate eyes.
**************************************************************************** **
Ayame sat in quite contemplation, the stars hanging above her.
"No. The path of madness is not the path I shall take." she whispered softly.
A long silence stretched out before the night. Ayame yawned.
"Well, I think I'll go take over the clan now."
**************************************************************************** **
Tee hee. Sorry. That was just a teaser. The chapter has ended already.
This is in response to both Koji and Psygirl pointing out Ayame's contradiction in one of the previous chapters. I actually hadn't noticed it before. I read that section over again and found it to be pretty amusing.
So thanks a bunch you two. It's always fun to have something about your own work pointed out to you. Its kind of a pleasant surprise.
Lady Kieryn, Hayabusa the Legend, and Gimpy, thank you a lot too. Sadly, this story is coming to a close. Only one more chapter to go! Just one!