A/N: Terribly sorry for the lost reviews, but I had to re-post this story. Thank you very much to those who left them, they were very inspirational.
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Act IV
Danger close to Home
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Chapter Eleven: The Secret Past of Bano
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Mission: Confirm the words of Cho-Hei
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For a long moment Sayako just stood there. She did not speak, she did not blink, and she did not breath. Eventually her lungs demanded air, and giving into need, she sucked in a deep breath and opened her mouth.
At first no words passed her lips, but eventually she was able to whisper, "You came back."
And then, gathering more courage, she said a little louder, "I knew that you would."
Her vision was blurred with joyful tears and suddenly she screamed, "YASHA!"
The boy laughed as Sayako dove into his arms. Sayako buried her head into Yasha's soft neck and muttered nonsensical things. Yasha wrapped his strong arms around her then picked her up off her feet and spun her around. The pair laughed happily into the night and then fell back onto the hill. They lay side by side, their faces only inches apart.
"I knew you'd come back. I knew it." Sayako said, her voice wavering
"I didn't plan on coming back, Sayako. I wasn't meant to. But I could not ignore my promise. So, here I am." Yasha said warmly.
"I'm so glad." Sayako said, unable to remember a time when she had been so blissfully happy.
***
Well now this is funny Rimiko thought hazily. I can see the stars from my bedroom.
Rimiko shifted slowly and felt hard earth beneath her back. She moved her hands across it and felt the gritty dirt beneath her fingers. Her left arm was a mass of pain.
Wait...I can't see the stars from my bedroom. And my bedroom doesn't have dirt on the floor. Well, at least not this much...
After a few more minuets Rimiko came to the brilliant conclusion that she was outside.
Okay. She thought. What?
Rimiko made no move to get up. She was thinking way too hard, and the more she thought, the more unclear everything seemed to be. Hurried footsteps sounded behind her, but her head was still too fuzzy to allow her to care.
"Rimiko! What has happened!?" Tomoyo cried, running to her friend and kneeling beside her.
"Been trying to figure that out." Rimiko said. "Maybe I fell asleep stargazing? I can't remember much. I didn't fall, did I? Hinageshi will yell at me if I did. Remember that one time I fell off the dojo rooftop because I had been eating a rice ball, drinking tea and running at the same time? I hope I didn't fall off another rooftop again. Hinageshi will have a fit." Rimiko said in a slightly slurred speech. She smiled goofily at Tomoyo and kept looking off into the distance.
"This is not at all like you." Tomoyo said anxiously. "I think you may have been drugged."
"Drugged?! Drugged?! Don't make insinuations that you can't back up." Rimiko spat, attempting to sit up and managing only to slump over into Tomoyo's lap.
"Did I ever tell you that I think you're a real good girl, Tomoyo?" Rimiko said to the girl's knee. "You're a very good girl and I think you deserve a nice boyfriend. Now, if only Atsutane would just stop fetching after that Geisha girl, you and him..."
"Okay! Time to take you to Hinageshi!" Tomoyo said and picked up Rimiko.
"But I don't wanna go! I don't wanna!" she protested, then slumped back unconscious.
***
"How long are you staying?" Sayako whispered.
"However long I am needed." Yasha responded.
"Needed?" Sayako said hopefully.
"Yes. There are many things I must to tell you, Sayako. This recent theft, it is the catalyst to an unfortunate series of events." Yasha said gravely.
"What do you mean?" Sayako questioned.
"You once told me that in this area of Japan there are four main Lords who contend for power. With the downfall of the Eastern Lord these has been harmony for the past year, but strife is soon in coming. Many a people are jealous that your Lord now has control of the South and the East. They are threatened by this great stronghold."
"But which clans are jealous?" Sayako asked quickly.
"That I can not tell you. You must focus now on the Northern and Western clans to discern your enemies. There are other dangers, greater ones, but for now your clan must focus on the remaining two. You must trust me on this."
How does he know all this? A snide little voice in Sayako's head questioned. This could be a trap. Or worse, he could be one of the thieves.
This possibility was far too real. Was it mere coincidence that Yasha returned just after the theft, or had he returned to help? The endless possibilities waged a silent war within her, but after feeling Yasha's soft breath stirring her hair she came to one conclusion.
It did not matter. Even if he was a thief, for just this once, it did not matter.
***
"Hmm...a fairly simple sedative. Powerful when it first knocks the victim unconscious but it does not last long. A few people can badly react to it though, and may cause side affects such as slurred speech and..."
"Hinageshi, you can't yell at me now! I didn't fall off the roof! No yelling at poor Rimiko!" Rimiko said, giggling, as she tried to pull her foot up and over her head.
"...and erratic behavior. " Hinageshi finished with a scowl on her face.
"Hey...hey...Hinageshi! Hinageshi!" Rimiko called in a singsong voice. "Do you remember that time when that thing happened?" Rimiko asked.
There was a pause before Hinageshi finally replied, "Could you be a little more specific?"
"You know...when that thing that happened! Umm...when that girl, the one who had really really ugly ponytails, when she fell in the river? Well...she didn't fall." Rimiko said, now laughing hysterically.
"Let me guess, you pushed her in?" Hinageshi said blandly.
"No no no. Not that simple, Hinageshi." Rimiko said, waving her finger. "She was three years older than me, Hinageshi, and she had been making fun of Sayako. I took one of mommy's disguises and disguised myself as a demon! She ran straight into the river all by herself! Oh, and do you remember that time..."
"I'm going to have to brew her a special tea to counteract these side affects. It's a little difficult to make because I need to get the ingredients extraordinarily precise. It may take me a few tries." Hinageshi said over Rimiko's non-stop rambling.
Tomoyo nodded. "Lets hope it does not take too many." She said as she saw Rimiko's mischievous grin.
***
"Oh no! I forgot about my sister!" Sayako exclaimed, sitting up.
"Do not worry, she will be fine. Hinageshi will get it right eventually." Yasha comforted.
"What?" Sayako asked as she got to her feet.
"You'll see. And Sayako, make sure that you speak to me before you leave. And please, watch yourself." Yasha said calmly.
Sayako was about to ask him what he meant but she was slowly beginning to realize that Yasha apparently knew everything. If he said she would be going somewhere, then she was apparently going to be going somewhere. So in response to his odd statement she simple nodded and hastily made her way down the hill. When she reached it's base she glanced back but discovered that Yasha had already disappeared. She headed into the estate and searched for Rimiko. She was finally able to pinpoint her twin's ki, but when she did she began to feel...funny. Shaking her head to clear it, she was about to head in that direction when Atsutane called out to her.
"Sayako! What's up?" he asked.
"Follow me!" Sayako ordered. The pair ran together to Hinageshi's room where the healer, Tomoyo, and Rimiko were located.
"Sayako! Atsutane! Hi!" Rimiko said enthusiastically, waving to her twin as she finally managed to get her foot over her head.
"What's wrong with Rimiko?" Sayako asked immediately.
"She's been drugged." Tomoyo explained.
"I've just finished making her tea." Hinageshi said, bringing over a small cup to Rimiko.
"Tea? This is no time for tea!" Atsutane cried.
"This tea counteracts the drug's side effects. Why do you have so little faith in me?" Hinageshi questioned.
Rimiko looked at her suspiciously. "Excuse me, but how exactly do I know that I'm drugged? Maybe whatever is in that cup is actually the drugs. Or maybe I'm the normal person here and you all are the ones that are drugged and you should be drinking that tea but you don't want to drink that tea so you make me drink the tea because someone obviously has to drink the tea!" Rimiko said in one long and barely coherent rant.
"Rimiko, DRINK!" Hinageshi ordered.
Rimiko scowled but took the offered cup and quickly emptied it of it's contents. She blinked innocently and then placed the cup down. Everyone watched her closely.
"Hinageshi! Do you remember that time when you offered me tea and I thought it...oh... wait...that just happened."
Hinageshi muttered something under her breath and quickly turned away, returning to her table to try a different combination of herbs. Rimiko suddenly noticed that Atsutane and Tomoyo were in the same room with her and decided to voice her opinion on a few topics.
"Sooooooooo..." Rimiko said slowly, "Atsutane, when are you going to forget about that Amana girl? I mean, come on, she's a geisha. Geishas don't get together with ninjas, duh. You need to get together with another ninja."
"Are you offering?" Atsutane asked dully.
"No way. I'd kick your ass, tubby." She rebutted.
"Wh...what!?" Atsutane stuttered.
"She's right you know." Tomoyo chimed in.
"Yeah, you have gotten a little husky." Sayako said.
"Mostly around the hips." Rimiko said happily.
Atsutane made for the door. "I don't have to sit here and take this abuse."
"'s not abuse! 'S the truth. Don't you get it, baka? The longer you pine over Amana the fatter you get. But you know, if you had a thing for Tomoyo, she would keep you running and you'd get back into shape in no time."
"Rimiko!" Tomoyo hissed, blushing furiously. "I'm tired of your...hinting."
"Hinting? Hinting? Whose hinting? I'm saying you two should get together."
Tomoyo was about to respond when a loud yell reverberated throughout the great halls of the estate.
"WE'VE CAPTURED THE THIEVES! COME QUICK! WE'VE CAPTURED THE THIEVES!"
***
Through all the ensuing chaos Sayako was only barely able to catch a glimpse of the captured men being brought into the estate. Such a huge crowd had gathered around the prisoners that not even the slighter Tomoyo could break through. Eventually Sayako, Tomoyo, and Atsutane headed back to Lord Godha's chambers where the men were to be brought. Hinageshi had wisely decided to stay behind with Rimiko and to keep working on the tea.
From what the trio had overheard it became apparent that the three men had been caught in the woods by Taro and Ayame. They had just returned to the estate and were being followed by the rest of the elder ninja. The trio were the first ones in Lord Godha's chambers and were thus able to get the best seats. Sayako placed herself between Atsutane and Tomoyo, who now seemed to be off speaking terms. Sayako was too exited to notice. They had caught the thieves already! Score one for the Godha clan!
The doors to Godha's chambers were opened and three men came walking in, escorted by a heavy arsenal of guards. Two of the men walked ahead of the third and had a deeply protective air about them. They glanced from time to time behind them to check and see if their comrade remained unharmed. They were both young and energetic, having a youthful quality and exuberance. A few women eyed them happily.
But in truth, it was the third man who truly caught the attention of the crowd. Tomoyo studied him thoughtfully and realized that this was truly the best looking man she had ever seen in her life. His every feature was nearly perfect; proud chin, high cheekbones, soft skin, and fine silk hair that trailed all the way down his back and to his waist. A small blue ribbon held it back loosely. All the female ninjas (with the exception of Ayame, who firmly believed Rikimaru had been better looking), eyed him appreciatively and whispered amongst themselves. Too bad the Godha clan didn't get prisoners like this more often.
Sayako, unlike the other girls her age who were now in giggling fits, did not notice this man's looks. Instead she focused upon his eyes, eyes which were so familiar. She pondered this for a moment and then realized that this man had the sorrowful and soulful eyes that she had seen in both her mother, Lord Godha, and even herself at times. This man had witnessed things and experienced tragedies that no one ever should. Of this, Sayako was sure. She quickly glanced at her mother who caught her gaze and gave her a firm nod. They were both thinking along the same lines.
The three men knelt in front of Lord Godha, the one pair flanking either side of the sorrowful man. They seemed ready to leap at any threat to the one they protected. The man gave them both a wane smile, then dared to look up at Lord Godha.
"Do you deny that you three were responsible for the theft that occurred last night?" Lord Godha demanded.
"No." the man said, his voice elegant. The women were practically swooning.
"What are you're names?" Lord Godha pressed.
"I am Nishi Cho-Hei. These two men are..."
"His bodyguards." One of the men snapped, edging closer to Cho-Hei. "Ryusaki Kakunoshin and Namiki Jubei."
Lord Godha eyed the men curiously. "You have faithful bodyguards."
"And they are nothing more than that." Cho-Hei said quickly. "I only met them a week ago and paid them to help me steal from your estate. The plans were all mine. I can only ask you to please punish me and not them."
"No!" both the boys exclaimed at once.
"We are a part of this!" the boy named Jubei said.
"As much a part as he is!" Kakunoshin said.
Cho-Hei looked at these men furiosuly, but they ignored his stares. They kept themselves focused on Lord Godha, determined to be punished equally. Cho-Hei turned from them and faced front again, but this time met the wide eyes of Bano.
Both men stared at each other, transfixed. Ayame noticed this and smiled calmly to herself.
"Well Cho-Hei, your bodyguards are indeed faithful. All three of you shall receive equal punishment. I decree that you three be..."
"Do not hurt her. Use the blow dart." a serene voice suddenly interrupted.
All eyes turned and laid on Rimiko, who had just entered the room with Hinageshi standing nervously beside her.
"What was that, Rimiko?" Godha asked.
"I said do not hurt her. Use the blow dart." she said, then shook her head wearily.
"The girl has been drugged, my Lord. I don't know if she is over the affects..."
"I am over the affects!" Rimiko said hastily, interrupting Hinageshi's explanation. "That last cup did it."
"But you did not drink enough." Hinageshi protested.
"And I'm not drinking anymore, it was terrible! I am sorry Lord Godha, I am only just remembering." Rimiko said, rubbing her forehead tiredly. "Those three men there, they had been inside the estate. I went on the rooftops and heard them talking. It seemed that they were looking for something but they didn't know where it was. Then one of them used his grappling hook to pull me to the ground. I heard them say; "Do not hurt her. Use the blow dart." Then everything went black. Hinageshi said I had a bad reaction to the drugs and I just received the antidote now. I can't really remember. I hope I didn't say anything stupid." Rimiko added as an afterthought.
Atsutane and Tomoyo growled simultaneously.
"Well this is interesting news. You three sparred her life? What did you have to gain in doing so?" Lord Godha questioned.
All three of the men gazed at the ground and refused to answer. Cho-Hei's porcelain skin turned to an even paler shade and his bodyguards looked as though they were becoming desperate. Suddenly a slight chuckle lilted through the air.
"All right Bano. I believe it's time you came out with it. I'm eager to hear this story." Ayame said.
"Bano?" Lord Godha questioned.
The three thieves looked up at Bano with both joy and sadness. The kinship among them was now clear. Bano looked over his comrades with a quite nostalgia and sighed.
"I was a fool to think I could escape this sorrow." he finally whispered.
Lord Godha noticed this great pain and felt a stab of concern for his dear friend.
"Everyone clear out of the hall!" Lord Godha suddenly ordered.
Servants and lower ranked ninjas respectfully left the hall, though some women looked positively mutinous. Cho-Hei had definitely become the center of attention. As soon as they had left the hall the women quickly began to whisper about his possible execution. Intricate escape plans were suddenly being made, with every woman imagining herself as Cho-Hei's rescuerer and future wife.
When the rabble had finally gone only the eldest ninjas remained. Well, the eldest ninjas and Rimiko, Sayako, Tomoyo, and Atsutane, who smiled innocently at Lord Godha.
"I believe you four should have made yourselves a part of that crowd." Lord Godha said blandly.
"We're not smart enough to come to conclusions like that on our own." Atsutane said cheerfully.
"He's right. It's all hollow up here." Tomoyo said, leaning across Sayako and knocking on Atsutane's head. The two laughed cutely, but suddenly remembering that they weren't speaking to each other, they went silent and turned away.
"It is all right. They may as well hear this." Bano interjected. "Oh, when did this all begin?" he asked furtively, looking at the ceiling as though he were looking at the stars. "It was a long time ago. Before I had met my wife and before I had even joined the Azuma. I was just a rambunctious and stupid lad, more so than my Atsutane, but not by much."
"Hey!" Atsutane said, but Sayako smacked him before he could continue.
"I grew up in a poor fishing village and was orphaned at a very early age. My parents had both died of illness and in order to survive I became a thief. I formed a gang with Cho-Hei, Kakunoshin, and Jubei, who were also orphaned children. Being the eldest, I was their leader, and we were little terrors to our entire village.
But one day a man named Masuno Yukito came to visit our village. Yukito was the most brilliant and enlightened man we had ever seen. He was young and yet he was already a master craftsman of weapons. He set up display and sold his creations to our fellow villagers. Well, we only saw opportunity, so one night we tried to pilfer his merchandise. But Yukito, Yukito was a swift one and managed to catch us all.
He easily could have turned us all in, but Yukito was so kind that he asked us to stay with him. In exchange for food and shelter we were to run his errands and help him in his work. Yukito essentially raised us all even though he was only a few years older than we.
For a year we set up shop in the Western Clan, then and now ruled by Lord Nakazawa. There was a great demand for weapons there and we had great business. Eventually Lord Nakazawa caught wind of our activities and became suspicious of us. He thought that we were trying to create some sort of rebel army to try and overthrow him. Yukito was forbidden from creating any more weapons and we were all put under investigation. Every day we were interrogated, beaten...Lord Nakazawa's men stopping at nothing to try to force a confession from us. Well...after time went on...days and days of this insufferable hell...Yukito...could suffer it no longer."
There was a long pause, and it did not seem as though he was going to continue when he said, "We awoke one morning to find him lying upon the floor, dead. He had killed himself by overdosing on opium. We took his body and ran from the Western Clan, never to return again. Together we buried Yukito by a river in our old fishing village. After that we went our separate ways. I joined the Azuma ninja, only hearing from Cho-Hei and the others once or twice during all these years. They were determined to keep alive Yukito's dream."
Bano let out a heavy sigh. "I only wanted to forget what had happened. I ran away from the loss of Yukito. The loss of the only person who had ever cared for me. My mentor and my savior."
Bano hung his head. A few tears splattered onto his clenched hands. Ayame, who sat next to him, was crying as well. She was all too familiar with what it was like to lose someone of great importance. She placed a comforting hand upon his shoulder and squeezed reassuringly. Bano looked up and gave her a warm smile.
"And here is where I must pick up this sad tale." Cho-Hei suddenly interjected, his voice wavering. "Bano, I bring you news that will both lighten and strike your heart. Our dearest Yukito did not kill himself. He was murdered."
The entire hall was filled with a deadly silence. Collectively, everyone seemed to suck in their breath. A dark veil passed over Bano's eyes.
"What did you say?" he asked.
"Yukito did not kill himself. Lord Nakazawa's men held him down one night and forced him to ingest a lethal amount of opium, making it appear to be a suicide." Cho-Hei clarified.
Bano shook his head in denial. "I do not understand. How did you find this out?" he asked.
"Kakunoshin, Jubei and I have continued creating Yukito's weapons and over the years have sold them all over Japan, never staying in one place for too long. Upon our travels we met up with a youth named Akira and befriended him, but soon discovered that Akira was the nephew of Lord Nakazawa. He told us that Nakazawa had long been corrupt in power and gloried in his evil deeds, including the murder of Yukito. Akira had spoken against his uncle's evil and was quickly exiled from his province because of it."
"So you three, incensed with rage and demanding revenge, came to the nearest clan, the Godha clan, to steal raw materials so you could create the perfect weapons to execute Lord Nakazawa." Ayame said thoughtfully, piecing together all the information. "And I'm assuming you hit a snag in your plan when one of you was forced to drop this," Ayame continued, holding up the dagger, "And you had to return for it. Is that correct?"
Cho-Hei only looked mildly surprised at the woman's insight. "Yes. That is correct."
"You three are very noble in your actions but not very swift in your thinking. Lord Nakazawa is a powerful man. Even the greatest of ninjas would find difficulty in executing him. The mission would have been impossible for you. Surely you would have perished."
"But that does not matter!" the boy named Jubei protested.
"Lord Nakazawa must be punished for his crimes!" Kakunoshin added.
Cho-Hei sighed deeply. "We were hoping that with the execution of Lord Nakazawa Akira could take over the clan and change it for the better. I suppose we were being foolish to think things would turn out so perfectly."
"And where is this Akira boy now?" Lord Godha asked.
"He's being kept safe in hiding." Cho-Hei answered.
"And he is the rightful heir to the clan?"
"Yes. Lord Nakazawa has no children. Akira is the only heir, and since his exile, they have yet to find another."
Lord Godha, now ignoring his audience, leaned over to speak with Ayame. The two held a calm and whispered conversation as though they were talking about simple matters and not the fate of the three men before them. Frequently they gazed over at Bano, who seemed to be beyond words. The elder ninja hung his head and could not bring himself to look at anyone. Ayame and Lord Godha noted this great sadness and suddenly came to decision. Lord Godha cleared his throat.
"Cho-Hei, Kakunoshin, Jubei, seeing as how you three were acting on desperation, I believe I can forgive your theft as long as everything is rightfully returned. And as for the matter of Lord Nakazawa, I feel that I myself am partly to blame for this situation. For many years the Nakazawa clan has conducted their business behind closed doors. I should have investigated them more thoroughly, but instead I kept my eyes solely on the Eastern Clan, who were clearly evil and needed no observation. I will remedy this great mistake of mine."
Lord Godha sucked in a depth breath and boomed out his last words.
"THE DEATH OF AN AZUMA NINJA MENTOR SHALL NEVER BE FORGIVEN! WE LEAVE FOR THE WESTERN CLAN TONIGHT!"
***
A rush of great energy swept through the Godha clan. Spears, swords, daggers, scythes, weapons of every making flew through the air as all ninjas armed themselves in preparation for the night's attack. Rimiko, Sayako, and Tomoyo literally ran into each other as they were preparing.
"Hey Tomoyo! Are you going with us?" Rimiko asked cheerfully.
"Yes," Tomoyo said, her voice icy. "I'm going."
"Oh," said Rimiko, clearly thrown. "Well are you sure? I don't know if we're going to need messengers..."
"I'll be of help. Taro has been teaching me the art of the shuriken. If you think I can't protect myself, then you're wrong." she snapped, suddenly walking away.
"What was that all about?" Rimiko asked innocently.
"We need to stock up on some medicines. Come to Hinageshi's with me and I'll tell you on the way." Sayako said with a faint grin on her face. Rimiko smiled back naively and followed her sister.
***
"Please give these weapons to your ninja, Lord Godha. They are our finest creations and the closest we have come to Yukito's original designs." Cho-Hei said, laying down several impressive weapons in front of Lord Godha.
"I suppose I can not talk you three out of accompanying us, can I?" Lord Godha ventured.
Cho-Hei shook his head firmly. "No. Even if we are not the ones to kill Nakazawa, we must be present for his death. Now this," he said, holding up a sword, "is our finest work. We would be honored if you took it personally, Lord Godha. It is the least we can offer you in exchange for your kindness." Cho-Hei said, presenting him with the sword.
Godha picked up the sword and gingerly inspected it. The scabbard was inlaid with the most intricate of detail work. The blade easily freed itself from the sheath and was incredibly light. Lord Godha flexed it and was surprised to find how willing the blade was to move at his command.
"In all my years," Lord Godha said, "I have never before held a sword of such making. This is truly the finest sword in all of Japan."
Cho-Hei smiled shyly and put forward another weapon. This one was a spear of incredible length. The wood was a dark ebony and the blade was foreboding in both width and thickness. To the eye it appeared to be of great weight, but when handled it was to be discovered as very light.
"And as for this, we would be honored if you found it to be suitable to your needs." Cho-Hei said, now speaking to Taro.
Taro took the weapon and inspected it closely. He easily whipped it around in a few practice moves and brought it to a halt in front of him. Taro stared at the weapon for a long time before looking up.
"I love it!!! I absolutely love it it's great!!!" Taro said, completely gushing. He then ran from the room to practice with it in the dojo. Lord Godha rubbed his forehead .
"He gets a little...excited, when it comes to weapons." Lord Godha explained wearily.
***
"I SAID WHAT?!"
"Rimiko, lower your voice." Sayako demanded.
"Sayako please! Please tell me that your joking! Don't tell me that I said all that to her! She'll never ever forgive me!" Rimiko wailed as she and her sister sat in Hinageshi's room.
"Oh don't worry Rimiko." Hinageshi consoled from her working table. "I am sure she'll speak to you eventually. If not by the end of this year then definitely the next."
"Don't joke with me, I feel bad enough as it is!" Rimiko snapped.
"Why Rimiko, what have you done now?" a soft voice asked.
The twins turned and discovered both Kiku and her son Shiro had entered the room. Shiro wiggled out of his mother's grasp and ran into Sayako's arms. Sayako picked up the small boy and enveloped him in a hug. Kiku smiled fondly at the scene and went to help Hinageshi.
"I said some things to Tomoyo that I am now greatly regretting." Rimiko said nervously, then explained in greater detail what had happened.
Kiku listened carefully as she helped Hinageshi make the packs of supplies. When Rimiko finished she pursed her lips thoughtfully and said, "I wonder why it is that she is so terribly angry, though."
"What do you mean?" Sayako asked.
"I suppose what I am trying to say is that maybe she was so offended by Rimiko's words because they contained a shadow of truth in them. I am not sure. I'm just a silly old woman hypothesizing."
"You're hardly old!" Sayako laughed.
"Yes indeed, if there's a silly old woman here its me." Hinageshi chuckled.
The trio of Kiku, Rimiko, and Sayako suddenly turned on the woman. All three had an evil glint in their eye. Hinageshi instantly found herself regretting her words.
"So Hinageshi..." Rimiko began.
"Tell us..." Sayako said.
"Exactly how old are you?" Kiku finished.
Hinageshi snatched up the pack Kiku was making and finished her own. She threw each bag to one of the twins, picked them up by their shirts, and ushered them to the door.
"If you two come back injured I'll fill your wounds with poison." Hinageshi growled and shut the door behind them.
The twins suddenly realized that they, two competent ninjas, had just been thrown from a building by a petite woman an inch shorter then themselves.
"How does she do that?" Rimiko asked.
The two set off, greatly reassured now that they had their packs of supplies. Fully geared, they made their way to find Taro and receive their next orders from him. The twins were sure that he would most likely tell them to wait, for the sun was just setting and the Azuma were not to set off until it was fully night. So the twins strolled along slowly and enjoyed the peaceful day while they could.
A thought struck Sayako, completely unbidden.
Sayako, make sure that you speak to me before you leave.
"Yasha..." Sayako whispered under her breath.
Rimiko noticed that her sister had stopped walking. "Something wrong?"
"I...I have to go do something!" Sayako exclaimed, turning around and heading back down their path.
"Sayako." Rimiko called. When the girl did not turn around, Rimiko became desperate. "SAYAKO!" she screamed.
Sayako grimaced and turned to face her twin.
"Please..." Rimiko begged. "Don't start keeping secrets from me again. It took us all this time to come back together. Don't...don't leave me again."
Sayako bit her lip and ran back to her sister. The two embraced in a meaningful hug. All of Sayako's reassurances were shown through that bond.
"I promise I'll tell you about it when I come back. Nothing will change the fact that you're my sister. My twin, no less! I won't leave you again. Wait for me." Sayako said, and with that, she ran off into the night.
Rimiko stood silently and watched her sister retreat. The setting sun cast its final rays upon her sentinel form. A thousand questions pressed at her, but the most important was the one that her sister believed she did not know to ask.
"Who is this Yasha?"