Outfits – Ayane: Blossom of Miyama
Momiji: Shrine maiden kimono, Purifying Flame
Ayane stood at the doorstep to her house, overlooking her home village seeing many of their residents go about with their lives. She held a scorned look on her face recognizing many of them who had still ridiculed her of her upbringing. The butterfly felt thankful that she didn't have to stay long today as she had planned to make a stop by the Hayabusa village miles away.
The lavender-haired girl made her way to the village gate as her ears picked up on the noises of some of the other villagers' jeers toward her. She had been called many names and insulted many times, but always did her best to keep her anger at bay. She knew she could hurt the people who had continued to taunt her, but out of respect for those who actually showed the kunoichi respect and the elders who held her in high regard, whether due to her association with higher-ranked ninjas like her brother Hayate and Ryu Hayabusa or for her own skills.
Soon, Ayane pulled her hood over her head while not facing the growing mob chasing her out of the village as she picked up the pace to easily outrun them and hop into the trees nearby. She could hear the villagers yelling at her to not come back and calling her those familiar names she had to endure over her life in an effort to scare her. But the fearless kunoichi kept hopping expertly from one tree to the next in rapid succession, her eyes trained in front of the forest she had went through many times before on her way to Hayabusa village.
Ryu's village was like a second home to her. A safe haven away from the detractors back at the Tenshin village. Whenever she needed peace of mind, she would make her travels over, most times unannounced. It also was home to her two of her dearest lovers she held close to her heart, even though the main love in her life was the golden-haired French goddess she lived to serve as one of her partners against the evils of the world.
As much as Ayane loved Helena Douglas to pieces, she felt comfortable making room in her heart for her dear sister Kasumi and Ayane's kunoichi apprentice, Momiji. Whenever Ayane wasn't with Helena, she would often find her company with her fellow ninja girls, acting as their protector and partner-in-arms. She couldn't bear the thought of living a day without them, as they were two of the small group of people in Ayane's circle of trust that cherished her as an actual human being.
Ayane's tiny number of allies came from her upbringing, being the result of her father Raidou raping her beloved mother Ayame. Despite loving her daughter unconditionally, Ayame couldn't bear the thought of raising a "cursed child", as described by many of the Tenshin villagers. So, the matriarch gave her up to be trained by the dark Haijimon sect of the Tenshin clan, where Ayane would be trained into the skilled kunoichi she was today. However, it came at the cost of losing her friendship with Kasumi as kids, and she resented her half-sister for living the life of a princess while Ayane was treated as an outcast.
Being called the "cursed child" and "the purple tengu" of the clan made Ayane act cold and hostile to many folks she had encountered, only valuing the respect she had by her brother, Ryu, Rachel, Momiji, and the elders who actually held her as a highly-skilled member of their clan. Only recent years she had slowly opened up to more people, eventually mending her bond with Kasumi and admitting her feelings to Helena, while strengthening her bond with Momiji as her kunoichi mentor and mistress.
Ayane arrived at the gate of the Hayabusa village and stopped to admire the entrance, growing a small smile seeing the sign overhead. She walked into the village, pulling down her hoodie to see the lightly less active village activity. She passes by greeting villagers, asking how Ryu was doing and making idle conversation before her eyes see a familiar maiden surrounded by kids. The raven-haired girl smiled and giggled as the kids excitedly talked to her and she tried to give them equal attention. Ayane stood for a moment with a hand on her hip seeing the energetic view feeling a homely warmth inside grow before walking to the group.
The young, slender lady in her shrine maiden kimono noticed her butterfly mistress approaching and shooed off the kids to go to school, waving them goodbye before she turned her attention to the purple kunoichi. The maiden quickly walked over to Ayane as the butterfly picks up a little speed to jog as well before they both find themselves gently crashing into the other girl and held in each other's arms for a loving hug.
Ayane held her lover's face, planting a deep kiss on the shrine maiden. The other girl holds Ayane around her slim waist as they share their traditional smooch, a common gesture between them whenever they shared a greeting or a parting. A tradition Ayane started with her apprentice for them to show their undying devotion to each other.
The maiden's cheeks turn a slight shade of red as she felt Ayane's lips press deep against her own before they finally break with a smooching sound.
"Haaaaaah… Mistress Ayane." Momiji finally says, still blushing. "What brings you here today?" She asked with a happy smile.
Ayane smiled back, moving her hands to Momiji's clothed shoulders.
"To see you! I thought I'd drop by for a visit." Ayane replied with some quiet enthusiasm.
Momiji giggled, happy to see her butterfly mistress. Ayane still smiled, her heart soaring more than usual to see her beloved maiden apprentice.
"How've you been?" Ayane asked. "Busy as usual?"
Momiji nods. "Same old life, Mistress. Training with Master Ryu, shrine maiden duties need taking care of, keep an eye on the kids for their parents while they handle their own responsibilties, getting some food for tonight, cleaning around and protecting the Eye of the Dragon. Just how I like it!"
The raven-haired girl's smile shrunk a little before lowering her head.
"But… Kasumi-chan is still on her excursion helping Lady Helena. I have felt a little lonely at home, despite life continuing as normal." Momiji said with a light sad tone.
Ayane's smile shrunk, too, as she moved her hands to rub Momiji's upper arms to comfort her.
"You know Onee-chan will be fine. Kasumi is a survivor, above all else." Ayane assured her.
"Remember, it's pretty important if Helena-sama only needs her errand girl for the job. Just stay hopeful, like you always do."
Momiji raised her head and nods in agreement before her hands slip off Ayane's waist to play with her wedding finger in front of the butterfly.
"I know Kasumi-chan will return… But I'm just worried that she might not come back fast enough for our anniversary. She promised she wouldn't miss it, but… I can't help but worry. Praying before bed is all I can do to keep her in my thoughts." The maiden admitted.
Ayane nodded, understanding Momiji's plight. Kasumi had been gone on a months-long assignment for Helena. Even though the redhead was skilled in her own right, Ayane understood her sister was an expert at keeping quiet for long periods of time. The butterfly could get why Momiji would be so worried about her gentle wife's wellbeing and time of her return.
"If only I can get a letter sent to her… or receive one from Kasumi-chan… I'd be a little more at ease." Momiji worried.
Ayane stood, staring at the worried maiden taking in her words before getting her attention moving her left hand onto Momiji's face. Momiji gasped lightly, feeling Ayane's hand on her cheek.
"Just stay strong. Kasumi will return. She'd never miss your anniversary. It might shatter her if she does." Ayane firmly said with strong belief.
Momiji's eyes shone hearing Ayane almost speak up for Kasumi, something Ayane didn't do too often. The maiden nodded, putting one hand on Ayane's gloved hand and the other holding the butterfly's wrist.
"Thank you, Ayane-sama…" Momiji said, rubbing her face with Ayane's gloved hand lightly with closed eyes.
"Mmmm… I needed to hear that. Your words… the conviction in them… I admire the strength you have."
Ayane smiled a little wider again hearing Momiji feel better.
"I know I can't fill her shoes, but you still have me, Momiji-chan." She said confidently.
Momiji's eyes opened slowly before she raised her head up and nodded with her smile back on. Ayane put a finger under Momiji's chin, gazing into those warm hazel eyes for a few moments and leaned in quickly, fully capturing her lips before backing up just as fast.
"Ooooo, Mistress!" Momiji cooed before giggling again, as her blush came back.
Ayane loved tasting Momiji's soft lips whenever she could, and the feeling was mutual for the married maiden.
"You're so cute when you blush." Ayane complimented.
Momiji lowered her head, looking up embarrassingly.
"You think the same about Kasumi-chan, though…" Momiji replied meekly.
Ayane shrugged her shoulders, tilting her head at the same time.
"You both are just cute in general. I don't see the problem with that." Ayane nonchalantly said.
Momiji looked up, smiling wider. Ayane's smile grew as well before she wrapped her arms around Momiji's neck, embracing her. Momiji was taken aback at the surprised gesture, but hugged back around the butterfly's waist. Both girls held each other for a moment before looking at each other to share one last kiss, quickly peck the other's lips.
"Mistress… You're so affectionate today!" Momiji quietly exclaimed.
Ayane giggled in response, feeling Momiji's kimono embrace her body making her feel warm.
"I'm just happy to see you, Momiji-chan. Are you still busy with maiden stuff?" The kunoichi asked.
Momiji nodded. "I still have lots to do, but the day is young."
"Then… can I accompany you for a bit?" Ayane asked.
"Mistress… It would be my honor, Ayane-sama." Momiji gratefully said.
Both girls finally let go of each other, allowing Momiji to stretch a hand out for Ayane to take. The butterfly kunoichi intertwined her hand with the maiden's before they walked away from the lightly bustling village activity. The ninja girls walked off, hand-in-hand, unaware that one of the villagers, dressed in light brown like most of the others and wearing a durag on his head, looked on from around the corner of a house with hate in his eyes, squinting at the kunoichi pair.
Ayane followed Momiji around witnessing the shrine maiden keep her duties going: They interacted with some kids, giggling and watching over them together, prayed together at an altar for good fortune in their future, picked some food together while helping some villagers manage their fields of plants and Ayane watched leaning on a wall with crossed arms as Momiji insisted to sweep at the bottom of a nearby staircase with sheds surrounding the area. Ayane even saw how Momiji took care of the Eye of the Dragon, praying with it in her hands at a small shrine display in the area before wrapping it around her neck, moving the gem into her robe. Finally, Ayane helped Momiji pick some flowers to leave a bouquet to leave at Kureha's grave near the top of the village. The Hayabusa prodigy stayed knelt for a while, silently looking on at the kanji of her sister's name on the tombstone before a small smile formed on her face, thinking Kureha would be proud of her. She got up, dusting off her kimono as she went to Ayane who stood behind her, thinking about how lucky she was she got to make up with Kasumi, and felt Momiji slowly wrap her arms around her. The butterfly returned the hug quickly to console Momiji, and heard her apprentice thank her for being there with her. Ayane smiled as she rubbed Momiji's back, heartwarmed by the gratitude of her lover.
After doing most of her chores, Momiji spent part of the afternoon going on a walk, hand in hand with Ayane, through the village again enjoying her break. The girls talked to each other, catching up on each other's lives and sharing laughs, loving the company of the other ninja.
Soonafter, the girls find themselves alone at a nearby house as they talked about Kasumi still being away on her mission to help Helena. Ayane did her best to make Momiji feel better before noticing the maiden's feet wearing her black heels instead of socks. In a bold move typical from Ayane, the butterfly pushed her kind apprentice gently over to the side of the house wall nearby behind some bamboo trees and gently started making out with her surprised lover. Momiji felt Ayane's tongue quickly slide into her mouth and the girls began making out intensely. Moans came from both girls as Momiji held Ayane's head, cradling it from the back with her hand as she felt the lavender-haired girl's hands undo her shrine maiden robe.
The ninja girls broke their passionate kiss for Ayane to open up Momiji robe as they panted, making Ayane's smile grow revealing Momiji was wearing her Purifying Flame priestess kunoichi outfit.
"I… I was… wearing this… because… I had… another… errand… to run earlier… for the village." Momiji panted.
Ayane looked up at Momiji, holding her smile and nodded with approval. Momiji's smile grew as well, knowing Ayane loved seeing her in her ninja gear. The maiden pulled Ayane in for the kunoichi to begin making out again, a little softer this time. Momiji's body felt the heat rising inside feeling Ayane's warm body grind with her own ninja garb as Ayane's hands ran up and down her sides. Momiji couldn't help but run her hands down Ayane's uniform before boldly grabbing the fabric on Ayane's ass cheeks. Ayane's eyes opened wide as she moaned in the kiss from the unusual move by her lover, but closed her eyes moaning again in delight from her maiden's touch.
The girls continued making out for a while longer until they stopped, needing to breathe. Momiji thanked Ayane to helping her take her mind off of worrying about her beloved wife as Ayane nodded, closing Momiji's robe with a wink. Momiji giggled and kissed Ayane's head, using her hand to hold it from the side again knowing how much Ayane valued and worshipped her slender figure. Ayane helped Momiji tie the front of the robe back together before pulling Momiji off the wall by her hand. Both girls wore smiles, re-starting their walk but didn't get far from the house as they were suddenly approached by the man looking at them earlier. He now had a small mob of villagers behind him who hated Ayane for the same reasons her own people resented the butterfly.
"There they are!" One of the mob's voices said, letting the rest of the stragglers catch up.
The mob leader noticed the ninja girls holding hands, disgusted at the site.
"How dare you show up here?!" The leader berated Ayane. "No one invited you to our home!"
"You don't have permission to show up whenever you want!" A red-haired woman with her own durag on her own head added in.
"Now wait! You know Ayane is an ally of Master Ryu!" Momiji said, pulling Ayane closer to her side hiding the intertwined hands.
"She's welcome to stop by as long as Master is okay with her company!"
"This… thing has no right to show her face in our village!" The mob leader shouted, pointing a thick stick at her.
"What kind of cursed child can be of help to Ryu-san?! Plus, she's in love with her own sister! She's why Kasumi has to live here now! And now she's trying to corrupt both Kasumi-san and you, Momiji!"
"What business is it of yours?!" Ayane snapped. "Yeah, Kasumi and I had bad blood before, but it's in the past now! It's none of your business about how we conduct with each other… or how Momiji and myself act together!"
"Ayane-chan is not a bad influence!" Momiji said, stepping forward. "She's been an ally to Master Ryu for years and to me. She's become especially dear to me as more than a comrade on the battlefield.
"Momiji, it's wise that you should sever your ties with this abomination of a creature! She is poisonous to anyone she's in contact with! Ryu-san doesn't see it yet, leave her to being her brother's problem!" The mob leader retorted.
"Abomination?!" Ayane shouted.
She began walking to the mob defending herself, making a few of them back up in fear until Momiji stepped in front of her putting her other hand on the butterfly's shoulder.
"Ayane-chan, don't waste your breath on them." Momiji assured her while pushing her away from the crowd.
"You're a guest here on my behalf. Let me handle this, it's my responsibility." She added.
"But… but they—" Ayane tried reasoning.
"Please. Before you lose your composure." Momiji firmly said, putting a hand on Ayane's cheek.
Ayane looked at Momiji for a moment longer before turning her head away, scoffing and holding her arm with her free hand while still holding Momiji's.
Momiji turned around and face the crowd again.
"Should I remind you that Ayane is a welcome guest by Master Ryu himself? If not for her help, Master wouldn't be the ninja we look up to today! Ayane in an ally to Master Ryu and everyone of this village!" Momiji defended her mistress.
"She is an arrogant, selfish young punk!" The mob leader argued. "I've never heard her say a nice thing to anyone without that cocky attitude."
"She does have a kind heart. You shouldn't judge her by her appearance and hearsay." Momiji replied. "She just prefers to keep her inner circle small.
"A girl like her would stab anyone in the back for her own gain, like how her father betrayed his clan!" The leader kept insulting.
"Ayane is not like that!" Momiji held her ground. "She's nothing like her father! Ayane is a brave, skilled warrior who fights for the betterment of this world!"
"The BETTERMENT?!" The leader yelled.
"Momiji, aren't you listening to yourself? That girl is the reason why Kureha died!"
Both ninja girls gasped, making Momiji take a step back and Ayane turn her head to the argument.
"That's… that's not right!" Momiji tried to recover. "You know she's not to blame for that incident! It was those fiends that wanted the Dark Dragon Blade that was responsible for my sister's death. They are why Master was injured during that time, too. Even Ayane-chan was hurt facing their strongest warrior that day!"
"If the cursed girl stopped Doku, we wouldn't have lost Kureha-san! Face it, the incident was all her fault!" The leader said, pointing at Ayane.
"How…" Momiji said, looking down with a fist on her chest. "How dare you."
The fuming Ayane stared daggers at the mob, and instinctively pulled out one of her kodachi blades and pointed it at them walking toward the mob again.
"Now, listen up! You're going way out of line!" Ayane berated them, causing more of the mob to cry out in fear about Ayane getting ready to attack. But Momiji once again put herself between her mistress and the angry mob, pushing her back.
"Ayane, don't!" Momiji cried.
"Let me go!" Ayane yelled back, struggling with the maiden.
The commotion kept going until a screeching sound blared above everyone. They stopped and froze, hearing the noise get their attention before looking up to see a falcon circling them in the sky.
Momiji looked back at the crowd, turning to them again.
"That's… that's not…" The mob leader said with a shaking voice.
"I'm afraid so." Momiji said, crossing her arms.
"It appears you've upset Master Ryu. You'll have to take this matter up to him now." She said sternly.
This caused the mob to begin retreating, fearing for what the Dragon Ninja would do for causing such a ruckus.
"I'm- I'm-I'M SORRY!" The leader said as the mob started to run away.
The leader followed his dispersing crowd, pleading for the Dragon Ninja to not hurt him as they left a dusty trail behind, leaving the ninja girls seeing them take off.
"He wouldn't hurt them, would he?" Ayane asked, stilling looking at the crowd shrinking in the distance.
"I doubt it. He would rather give them a stern talking to. Intimidation is a ninja's greatest weapon" Momiji answered, as she saw the crowd disappear and the falcon flying after them.
Ayane nodded before putting her blade away as Momiji turned to her.
"I apologize for that happening, Ayane-sama." Momiji said.
"Don't. They were being unreasonable." Ayane dismissed it, crossing her arms and looking away.
"I know I'm not an easy person to talk about."
"Don't let them get to you." Momiji said.
"It wasn't fair for them to dump all of that on you. They don't affect how I feel about you. You're still my butterfly mistress." The maiden earnestly said.
Ayane's angry brows furrowed, then she looked at Momiji with sad eyes.
"Appreciate it, Momiji-chan." Ayane said with a beaten voice. "Are you fine?"
Momiji nodded, assuring she was fine. But like most of the ninjas, she wore her heart on her sleeve. Momiji looked down at her hands closed together.
"It wasn't right. For him to use my sister's name in vain." Momiji weakly said.
Ayane noticed her dragon apprentice's hands shaking mildly.
"I never heard anyone talk about Kureha like that before. It hurts just as much that he blamed you for it." The maiden said with her weak voice.
Ayane couldn't help lightly put her own hands over Momiji's, making the maiden look at her.
"I don't blame you for what happened on that day. I don't blame anyone but those who attacked." Momiji said, raising her fists up close to her chest.
"No matter what, Kureha will always live in my heart. The only way I can honor her memory… is to keep going as a shrine maiden for this clan." Momiji said with a lightly stronger voice.
Ayane couldn't help but hug Momiji, sensing the sadness within her loving maiden. Momiji rested Ayane's head on her clothed chest, cradling her back and head.
"I'm sorry. You shouldn't have gone through that." Momiji said softly.
"Stop that." Ayane replied.
"It's obvious you were hurt by their words, too. You don't have to be strong for me."
"Ayane…" Momiji said.
"Remember… we're a team. We fight together, so we suffer together, too."
Momiji let Ayane's words sink in and nodded, resting her head on top of Ayane's closing her eyes. Ayane closed hers, too, as they let the wind lightly brush pass their clothes for a few moments.
Momiji raised her head up and breathed out as Ayane lifted hers to open her eyes. She saw Momiji open hers and looked down at the butterfly.
"Let's go to my house." Momiji said, holding Ayane's cheeks.
"You're still an honored guest, regardless of what anyone thinks."
Ayane nodded, and both girls grew tiny smiles before wrapping arms around each other to head back to Momiji and Kasumi's home.
To be continued…