This is the third and final arc in my three piece set! The first arc in this series was "The White of Snow", the second was "The Trials of Ayame", and this little creation that ties up my many loose ends is titled "The Daughters of Ayame" (oh, what an original title! *smacks forehead*).
I don't suggest you read this unless you've read the first two or it won't make a lot of sense. I am not following any storylines from Tenchu 3. This is an AU branching off from the original Tenchu. With all that said, enjoy!
PS- I own nothing, but you already knew that.
PPS- You may be wondering how Ayame and Rikimaru had kids. Please refer back to Chapter 7 in "The White of Snow". Ayame and Rikimaru spent some time...alone...on the beach. The result: twins. Hooray!
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Act I
The Gifts of the Young
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Chapter One: Unwanted Proposals
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Mission: Defend the family name
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The floorboards of the attic were warm with summer. The deep set mahogany exuded the richly sweet smell of wood and earth. Sayako carefully took in this minor detail.
"The wood is darker here." she murmured thoughtfully. "We must build with different kinds of trees at home."
The girl to whom she spoke was crouched over a small opening in the attic's floor. This opening gave a perfect view of the hall below and the action therein. Unlike the calm Sayako, this girl was tense and rigid with skilled discipline.
"I'm sorry to interrupt your building inspection," the girl snapped, "But could you please focus? We're here for a very important reason." she hissed, her right hand laying to rest on the hilt of her sword.
"Paranoia is not a very important reason, Rimiko." Sayako responded mildly. "Paranoia is a cause to go visit Hinageshi."
"Sayako, I don't have patience for you're teasing today. Now stop speaking or we'll be found."
Rimiko turned back to the opening in the floor, watching with great interest as the ninja training in the hall went along in all its beauty. Rows and rows of ninjas stood with bottled energy, releasing this tremendous power at the command of their trainer. All carried long bamboo cudgels, which whistled through the air with each strike. A lone man at the very front of the hall stood on a raised platform, demonstrating these fluid movements with his weapon.
"NEVER HARM THE INNOCENT!" the man bellowed, spiraling his cudgel on his right side then jabbing it forward.
"WE SHALL NEVER HARM THE INNOCENT!" the hall of ninjas chorused, mimicking his movements perfectly.
"MOVE WITH STEALTH!" the man spiraled the cudgel on his other side, now switching from side to side with increasing speed.
"WE SHALL MOVE WITH STEALTH!" they responded, the hall now filled with the deadly flutter of movement.
"NINJAS RESIDE IN THE SHADOWS!" and with this the man perfectly executed an Azuma clan finishing move, twisting his cudgel suddenly and slicing it through the air. Only a few people were able to even trace the movement.
"NINJAS SHALL ALWAYS RESIDE IN THE SHADOWS!" the great hall responded, and only a select few were able to do the move as well.
The man stood deathly still and the ninjas waiting patiently. The man gazed over them, his eyes lingering on the sole few who had performed the last move. He nodded his head imperceptibly, then bowed.
The ninja bowed in return and silently filed out of the room. Within a few minuets the enormous hall was empty, bare of the trainer. He sat down on a seat on the raised platform, lost in thought. A few minuets passed, and Rimiko watched as the man spoke softly to himself, seeming to do a sort of tally in his head.
Eventually the back door to the hall opened and a group of several people entered, all chattering with mirth. A few were servants and healer girls who quickly went to the sides of the hall and sat silently. Several more were high to middle ranked ninjas who took their places in the main of the hall. The remaining of the group included three beautiful women, each with as confident a stride as the one man they swarmed about. This man chuckled softly at their comments, and gazed at all three women lovingly.
"Taro!" one of the women exclaimed, hurrying over to the trainer sitting on the platform. "Tell us how the training went!"
"Well Kiku," he said slowly, gently taking a hold of her arm as she sat next to him, "Not as well as I had hoped."
"Oh dear," Kiku frowned, glancing over at her father to see how he would take the news.
Lord Godha, who now sat in the middle of the platform on the highest seat, was gazing out at the hall as though he could still see the ninjas. Ayame sat beside her Lord and did the same, her eyes focusing on the same spots that Taro's had. Hinageshi, the last of the group, watched admiringly as both Ayame and her Lord surveyed the hall.
"Aizawa, Tomimoto, and Komiya." Lord Godha said, pointing to three separate spots in the empty hall. "Don't you agree, Ayame?"
"Yes," she said, "And Hiranuma and Ando. Possibly Yoshida and Yunokawa. But the first five for certain."
Back in the attic, Rimiko was watching this odd display with great fascination. Sayako was still idly tracing her hands against the grain of the wood, as if coaxing it to tell her all its secrets. Rimiko frowned, then beckoned her sister over to her.
"What are they doing?" Rimiko asked.
Sayako watched the display for a moment. "Ki signatures." she said calmly, then returned to her spot on the floor.
"Ki what?" Rimiko exclaimed.
"Ki signatures." Sayako said patiently. "Whenever a strong fighter has exerted a great amount of energy in one area they leave behind a ki signature for a small amount of time. Only those who are highly adapt can feel this lingering presence. Our mother, Lord Godha and Taro could do it in their sleep."
Below the girls Hinageshi looked at the ceiling thoughtfully.
"You know," she whispered to Ayame, "I may not be able to sense kis, but I think I can sense mischief when it's afoot. Or should I say, above?"
Ayame smiled . "Yes, especially when such mischief doesn't bother to lower their voices. Shall I go usher the twins away?"
"No. There's no harm in their staying. Lord Godha hasn't even mentioned it. I'm sure he does not mind." Hinageshi said, looking fondly over to her Lord.
"The rest of them shall make fine guards for the estates, my Lord, so at least we shall not be lax in security," Taro was explaining to his Lord. "But I do not know, for some reason this generation has seemed to produce finer guards, but..." Taro trailed off.
Taro did not need to finish his statement. Stealth was a way of life that required great skill. In these presiding times of peace for the Godha Clan, fewer and fewer people were prepared to master this great art form.
"Well, then we shall just have to make up for a lack of quantity with an abundance of quality. I do remember some time many years ago where nearly my entire clan was resting on the shoulders of my two strongest fighters." Lord Godha said with a slight chuckle.
Ayame smiled. Both she and Lord Godha sat in silence as they remembered those chaotic, turbulent, and happy days.
"Why are they just sitting there?!" Rimiko exclaimed from the attic. Her sister gave her a swift shh! in response.
"I don't care if I'm making noise, I know they were to gather here for a meeting today, so why don't they start already? And why are they all facing outward like that?" Rimiko asked, her frustration clearly building. "Sayako..."
The quieter girl could clearly hear the pleading in Rimiko's voice. Silently she moved over to her sister's side and studied the group of adults carefully.
"Lord Godha, Kiku, Taro, mother..." Sayako listed. "Hmm...even Hinageshi. All the important members of the clan are already present, yet they are hesitating to begin. And Godha hasn't mentioned anything as of late. So what does this mean?" she said softly to herself. "It must mean that someone else called this meeting. I see now! They are waiting for the person who called the meeting, for they cannot start otherwise."
Rimiko nodded thankfully. Sayako had an unearthly ability to study the minutiae in order to draw unfathomable conclusions that most people would never see. Sayako frowned, suddenly realizing the depths of her sister's tensions.
"Oh, so you think he shall attend. You really mistrust him so?" Sayako asked.
"He is undeserving. I will never trust him."
At that moment a man entered the great hall, creating a quick and respectful silence. He grinned a wide, toothy, and incredibly false grin. Many of the women insisted he was a good looking man, but Rimiko could never be convinced this was true. He bowed, but not as low as he actually should have, and knelt in front of Lord Godha.
"Masaki." Rimiko hissed.
One ninja glanced up at the noise, yet made no move. The adults continued on in their little world, either unnoticing or uncaring of the two girls.
"Ah, my Lord Godha." the man said, taking long pauses between his words in order to make his speech appear educated. "I can not express how thankful I am that you were willing to gather here in order to hear what I so humbly wish to ask of you."
The one sentence, which would take a normal person ten seconds to say, nearly took him an entire minute. Lord Godha nodded his head. Only those who knew him best could see how he greatly restrained his words.
"Hachirobei Masaki, you know I would not deny you my ear, but please be quick with your words. You have kept us waiting long enough."
"I am ever so sorry about that, my Lord. Matters were at hand that I had to attend to." he said, then cast a brave smile at one of the petite servant girls. She let out the tiniest squeal.
"Do you insinuate that these matters you speak of were more important than the counsel of your Lord?" Taro questioned harshly.
Koyanagi Taro was an undoubtably good looking young man adored by many, and therefore, was the bane of Masaki's existence. Taro was the husband of Lord Godha's only child, Princess Kiku, who Masaki had made many a proposal to but was turned down. Taro was a gentle person who would only be stern when it came to the protection of his family. Kiku, who sat faithfully by his side, gave him a brief look of love and admiration.
Lord Godha chuckled quietly. "It seems that my dear son-in-law grows impatient, as do I. Quickly now Hachirobei , why have you asked of my presence?"
Masaki, realizing that this was not the crowd of gullible young girls he was so used to, decided to hurry along.
"I would just like to assure everyone present here today that the proposal I am about to make comes from the well of my heart, and that I am acting on sheer desire and love. As you should know, I have been acquainted with Ayame for some time now, and have had occasion to fight by her side."
More like fall down by my side Ayame thought bitterly, though her expression remained neutral
"And through these years of fighting I myself have built up an adequate amount of money and property to start a well and prosperous family. I therefore ask you, my great and compassionate Lord, for the permission to take Ayame as my wife, for I love her as I know I could never love any other woman." And with that he subtly winked at a healer girl, who quickly turned crimson and began to fan herself.
"Hachirobei, I must say that I am surprised you do not already know the answer to your own question. It is well known that years ago Ayame was to marry an Azuma ninja by the name of Rikimaru, whose unfortunate death prevented the event from occurring. Ayame's children, two twin girls who are also ninja..." and with this he glanced subtly at the ceiling, causing Rimiko to shrink back, "We're born out of wedlock only due to the tragedy of his death. There are many a slanderous thing said about Ayame and her children, but once again I will announce that these insults shall not be tolerated. Ayame is a respectable woman who refuses marriage to honor Rikimaru's memory."
Masaki looked dumbfounded. His jaw opened and closed a few times. Sayako could clearly see his thoughts churning, trying to think of a new angle to use.
"But my Lord, my wealth could be used to benefit both Ayame and her children! I am very willing to support them to my fullest ability."
"The word of Lord Godha is not open to debate. He has given you your answer." Taro snapped, his anger clearly having been aroused. Kiku gently laid a hand on his forearm.
"I am sorry, but I must protest!" Masaki exclaimed.
"There is nothing to protest, Hachirobei. And besides, the matter it truly is not up to me to decide. Ayame is free to chose who she will marry." Lord Godha said calmly.
"My Lord, I felt it right to put the proposal forth to you." Masaki snapped.
Both Ayame and Taro put hands to their weapons. Before either could draw, however, a small thud behind the gathering alerted the group.
"That is it! I shall not allow you to insult my mother in such a manner!" Rimiko cried, her short sword brandished. A quick movement beside her and suddenly her sister appeared, looking alert.
"Lord Godha, this is not a matter for children." Masaki said, clearly annoyed.
"My mother would never dishonor my father by taking a husband, let alone a man such as yourself, Masaki!" Rimiko continued.
"Child! I have the proud name of Hachirobei Masaki, and you should feel honored to address my by Hachirobei Masaki-sensei."
"Quite Masaki! No more talk. If you wish for my mother's hand than you shall have to do battle with me, first!"
"You insolent..!"
"SILENCE!" Lord Godha yelled.
And how quick the silence came.
"Sweet Rimiko-chan," Lord Godha said gently as everyone held their breath, "If you insist on making a challenge, my dear, please do so outside the main hall. It has only just been restored to its prime condition."
"Sorry, my Lord." Rimiko said with a bow.
Sayako bowed along with her sister and whispered into her ear, "Lets go!".
Begrudgingly, Rimiko allowed her twin to pull her beneath the opening in the ceiling. She then turned on her own and used her grappling hook to return to the haven of the attic. Sayako took out her grappling hook as well, but fixed Masaki with a piercing gaze before she left.
Hinageshi's giggles were all that could be heard in the quiet of the hall.
"I can not believe that man! How dare he! How dare he!" Rimiko cried as she emerged back out onto the rooftop.
Sayako followed obediently behind her. Rimiko continued to fume, unaware of her sister's presence. Sayako stayed silent, knowing her sister was not one to keep her feelings trapped inside.
"I should finish him off with my bare hands and burn his body and take the ashes...and...and...stomp on them!" she yelled.
With a mighty leap Rimiko jumped from the rooftop and onto the street with a resounding thud. She huffed and shoved her hands inside her many pocketed ninja outfit. A number of objects were hidden in those pockets, many that were extraordinarily lethal and therefore potentially useful to her right then. Sayako landed a few feet away, not making a sound.
"You're allowing him to make you off-balance. If Atsutane heard how loud your landing was just now he'd have your head."
"Forget Atsutane, forget being quite! I'm angry! I can't help it!" Rimiko cried in frustration.
"And what happens if you get angry on a mission?" Sayako questioned.
"Listen sister, sometimes people get angry and when they get angry the get outwardly angry. I'm not the silent-rage type person that you are."
The twins had now entered a long alleyway in which a group of children were huddled. Sayako was prevented from responding as one of the little girls called out to them.
"Hi Rimiko! Come over here!"
The girl who called to them waved frantically, as if Sayako and Rimiko were miles away instead of feet. Her hair was pulled tightly back into a ponytail and her kimono was well worn. The twins knew her to be Juriette, daughter to one of the clan's healers.
"Hi Juriette!" Rimiko said warmly, her anger quickly forgotten.
The other children suddenly fell silent. Rimiko approached them swiftly and Sayako trailed behind. The group closed in on itself, as if denying them entry. They stared at both Rimiko and Sayako warily. One of the boys slowly stepped forward, apparently leader of the pack. The twins did not know his name, and from his apparent arrogance, they did not care to.
"I believe she called only you over Rimiko, not your sister." the boy said slowly.
"And what if she did?" Rimiko said, glancing back at her twin. "Both Sayako and I are free to do as we please."
"Listen," he said, looking at the pair with an upturned nose, "We have no trouble playing with you Rimiko, even though our parents tell us not to..."
"They what? Why?" Rimiko demanded.
"Well, because you two are bastard children. They say we shouldn't associate with you."
Sayako and the children expected Rimiko to explode at this, but instead Rimiko snorted.
"Ahh, same old story. Just because my father died before he was able to marry my mother suddenly makes us low class. Do you not hear the speeches Lord Godha makes in defense of my mother, my sister and I? If Lord Gohda deems us all to be worthy, then certainly peasant children can do the same." Rimiko snapped.
"Are you saying you have more wealth than us?" the boy spat.
"Certainly not! My clothes are just as tattered as your own, if not more so. Come on, all of you, this is ridiculous. You and your parents should be thanking my mother! We were able to come to this estate because my mother assassinated its former owner many years ago, a man who was corrupt with power."
The boy shook his head. "It does not matter what she has done, our parents will still feel the same. We shall make an exception and ignore our parents orders for you, Rimiko, but not for your sister. She is too...quiet." the boy said with a slight of shudder.
"Oh, I see. You're scared of her. Well, as you should be! But you simply can not accept me and then shun her! She is not only my sister, but my twin no less! Do not look at us as though we are two people. From now on, I demand that you view us as one person, and as such, you will treat us in the same manner. I won't have it any other way!" Rimiko proclaimed.
"Fine Ririko, we shall turn our backs on you both. Is that what you truly want?" the boy shouted.
"I never asked for all of you to raise yourselves from ignorance and improve your behavior towards us. All I demanded was that you treat her and I equally. If that can only be done in hate, then it shall be done in hate. I will have none of you treating us as if we are different. None."
"Fine then." the boy said. "It shall be done in hate, as you wish."
"Wait! This is ridiculous!" Juriette cried, suddenly coming to the defense of the girls.
"No, Juriette. Its all right. Just go with them. I shall speak to you later." Rimiko said.
Juriette looked dejected, but gave Rimiko a half smile before she hurried away with the other children.
A heavy moment passed, and at first it seemed as if Rimiko were about to go into rage again. Suddenly a great tiredness infected the girl, and letting go of her anger, she slumped her shoulders and now felt listless. Rimiko heaved a sigh, but in an odd way was able to find humor in the situation.
"Well, looks like I just burned some bridges for us." she said thoughtfully. "Doesn't seem like we'll be talking to any more children who aren't in training with us. No big loss, really."
Rimiko turned to laugh with Sayako but found that her sister had disappeared.