? Every Heart ?
Note: I haven't written fah so long!!!!!!! Yea, I'll try to write more chapters fah this fic. School, probably like everyone else, is turning into hell n itz eitha 6-8 weeks till we're outta skoo!!!! So then, this fic may take a lot longer than I expected, n I'll try mah best to write really long in the chapters. I guess that's all y'all needed ta know! BTW, the characters of mine have nothing to do with DOA. And the history about the (of course you know) legendary characters has no year, but it is in somewhere in the 15th century or something. -_-; WARNING: tiny bit of sappiness!
4- Argh...ya put in anotha mushy scene wit me an' Ku-ah mean, Number 3!
Ha! YOU almost said her real name, n therefore, you MIGHT like her more than a friend!
4- ::sigh:: Must ya torture me more wit me an' Kuki togetha??????
Buh you both look so cute together! Besides, tha hints already sho-
4- ::yelling:: ALRIGHT! ENOUGH WITH THA ALREADY! AH GET THA POINT!!!!!
And besides, I'm gonna write a prequel fah this!
4- Heh, ya should have wrote tha prequel before THIS one, ya stupid teenagah! Then there won't be tha much #3/4 in there!!!!
Actually, there are hints of u both.
4-::chokes:: o_O
So then, here's the delayed chapter that y'all hav been waitin fah!
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Meanwhile at the same building overlooking, er, everywhere...
"Ah...look at the site, my siblings", the blonde boy said as he pointed down there, without life. The Delightful Freaks were in their bedrooms, (no, they're not prisoners) just sitting, sitting, as they waited impatiently for Justin to come back with the news. All they know is that there's a war between their team and the Kolans. Lizzie was tapping her foot impatiently, complaining about where her "dear" Justin is.
"Oh, the dust kicking up and tiny...bugs scrambling down there", the helmet boy said stupidly as he struggled to look. Bradford nearly knocked him over, conking his head very hard.
"Ya dumb jock, they're our team and Kolans, BATTLING!" Bradford shot at him.
"I am not a dumb jock just because I have a damned football helmet on! Take that back!" The helmet boy yelled. He rammed into the unsuspecting tall brother of his and they started rolling around, tackling and toppling on each other.
"You jackarses of my brothers, you better stop it before Father sees this!" The brunette quipped furiously and nervously before going back to what she was doing. In her hands are bleached white rolls of bandages and brown medicine bottle. She then uses it to wrap around her sister's neck, which was bloodied and scarred. The blonde hair swished over, aggravating the brunette as she angrily pushes off the strands to the side.
"Poor girl..." Lizzie muttered as she observed the brunette continually hospitalizing her. The blonde was critically injured when Number 3 sliced her neck with that dratted fan weapon, and it was bad enough that she can't speak until she is completely healed. Everyday, they always seem to forget that she's there, since she can't even say a thing. All of the DC weren't really willing to learn sign language, so the blonde have to use signals or a notebook with pencil to tell them something.
As the fight went on between the siblings, Lizzie sighed and went over to them, lifting up the helmet boy and pushing him aside, along with pushing down Bradford, which ended the roughhousing. Apparently, she ended it right when Justin came in the room, looking like his normal self.
"So what's the news from Father, Justin?" The blonde boy asked the teen.
"He'll need all of us and tha Drones again. The KND are back."
"What?!" The brunette screeched.
"Thanks to that Number 3 and the annoying little brat, Sumi Hitomi, who was spying on US before, now they have got the first 5 members back! " Justin said angrily. He felt his monstrous side coming back, but he controlled it before anyone noticed. Although Lizzie noticed that his eyes were nearly yellow before.
"Justy, are you okay?" Lizzie purred. Justin just nodded before he went on.
"We tried killing them down with the guards and several of our 'loyalists', yet they defeat us again! We're MORE powerful than those weaklings, which is WHY Father is commanding that you ALL destroy those dratted KND!" Justin finished.
"Of course! We can beat those KND! We got the Red-Child Eater!" Bradford crowed.
"And the best weapons that Father gave us!" The blonde boy cut in.
"And the best fencing and Judo team!" Lizzie added in.
"But the KND still beat us, stupid", the helmet boy said distastefully, making the hate between Lizzie and this guy worse again.
"WE got training AND we got THIS!" Lizzie spat back before she took out a bottle. It was a strange bluish-green liquidy bottle in her hand.
"And what the hell is that thing in your hand?" The brunette asks, wrinkling her nose.
"I invented it", Lizzie said proudly. "Originally, it was meant to get mah ex, Nigey-I mean, NIGEL, to be with me forever! But since we broke up, and I got that dimwit Azn's man, I made this energy drink with a bit of this and that!"
"How can THAT make us powerful?!" Bradford laughed.
"Wanna know? I'll test it on you!" Lizzie laughed as she shoved the drink at the tall boy's mouth. He gagged but still sipped a bit of the drink, which tasted like some berry drink.
"You trying to kill me?!" Bradford snapped. But Lizzie ignored him as she looked around.
"Hey, you!" she said as she pointed at the helmet boy. "You're faster than Bradford at Judo, right?" He nodded. "Go and beat him down now!"
"She's crazy!" Bradford howled as his brother gleefully ram into him again, beating him up! Bradford was choked on the neck, struggling to get his sibling off of him.
"Just kick him!" Lizzie yelled.
"I...can't, stupid girl! He's too strong!" Bradford yelled.
"Trust me!" Lizzie screamed at him. Bradford did, and then the helmet boy went flying, hitting the wall hard. As the DC stared with gapped mouths, the poor helmet boy walked around drunkenly before he passed out, not noticing the deep imprint of his body against the stonewall.
"Damn...Bradford was never that strong!" The brunette managed to say. Then all of the DC except Justin looked at each other and then at Lizzie.
"Lizzie, YOU are a genius!" They crowed together. "Please make more of this! We shall be undefeatable when we face those KND again!" Lizzie beamed as they grabbed the rest of her 5 samples.
"Lizzie, the hell were you thinking?" Justin half growled and asked her.
"Oh, but it really does work", Lizzie said sweetly. "Try some." Justin shook his head in disgust, and left his girlfriend standing.
"I'll let you know when it's time", Justin called. The boring "Ok!" in unison responded to him, and he sighed before he walked off. Before he really did left, Lizzie caught a flash of scary yellow eyes and a flap of wings before a whoosh of the wind blew in her face.
"There is something strange about you, Justin Bentley...and I'm going to find out sooner enough", Lizzie muttered before turning away and back to the DC.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
"Kuki-chan! Wallabee! Wake up!" Sumi yelled, her voice echoing through the quiet dark forest. Sunlight poured in from the cracks of the melancholy looking trees, warming both teens' faces. Number 3 woke up first, and then absentmindedly shook Number 4.
"How long were we up here?" Number 3 asked sleepily. Number 4 muttered something, and she couldn't hear him. Sighing, Number 3 then went very close to his face, trying to do something to him. Number 4 felt someone breathing over his face, and a long swish of ebony hair over his face.
"Argh...fine, I'm waking-" Number 4 grumbled before he then have two pair of big brown eyes in his face. He was startled and nearly yelled, accidentally pulling down Number 3 with him off of the rood. Not before long, he accidentally kissed her, which kinda hurt because he bumped into her rather than just moved in slowly.
"Ow!" Number 3 wailed, holding her lips. Number 4 pulled her up back on top of the roof.
"Stupid, what were ya thinkin'?! Ya would hav fallen off tha damned roof!' Number 4 said, both yelling and being concerned. Number 3 looked up at him, the waterworks already about to start again from his rambling. Her eyes were so watery that it nearly threw the blonde off guard. Number 4 then reached out and grab for her chin, pulling her close to him.
"What is he doing?" Number 3 thought in surprise as she stopped her tears from flowing freely. She then realizes that her lips are bleeding, since she felt a weird coppery taste in her mouth.
"You're ok, Kuki?" Number 4 asked, his expression softening. Number 3 was still speechless and was about to object when he scooped her up in his arms and jumped down, landing next to Sumi.
"Kuki-chan, are you ok?!" Sumi asked, worried.
"She'll be fine, Sumi", Number 4 assured her before he brought her in, confusing Sumi. Inside the hut, Number 4 got out one of the remedies that Number 5 kept in the cabin box (when she was brainwashed at that time). In his hand is a tube that resembled a lip balm.
"Here, put this on yer mouth. It's gonna make the spot go away, including' tha pain, Sorry abou tha..." Number 4 said before he left the room, leaving Number 3 all by herself. Number 3 opened the tube and brushed it over her chapped and bleeding lips. She tasted a flash of mint as she spread the chapstick over her lips, and then it was glowing blue. Surprised at it, Number 3 waved her hand to cool down the mintiness. When she saw herself in the mirror, the blue glow was gone and so is the cut on her mouth.
"Number 4..."Number 3 murmured. She put the chapstick away without bothering to look at the name of it, and was about to walk out. But then a loud "CLANG!" exploded in her ears, nearly deafening her.
"Nani?!" Number 3 yelled in panic as she kept on turning around. A pot of some weird vegetable in it was on the floor, the contents spilled. Right there, Number 3 sensed that someone was in here.
"Who's there?!" Number 3 yelled. She then looks for a possible item to attack the stranger or someone in there, and grabbed a cold dead fish from the table, thinking that it is a whip. "I'll attack you with...whatever I'm holding in my hand!"
"Jeez, you're quite pathetic with choosing weapons", a husky feminine voice tutted, and Number 3 slowly turned around, seeing a glowing blue- white figure.
"AIYAH!!!! GHOST!!!!" Number 3 screamed.
"Hush! Don't panic! I'm Ayane! The priestess who sealed the Red Child- Eater! " The ghost said, trying to calm down the Azn. She then disappeared again, stunning Number 3.
"Behind you, Kuki-san", Ayane said, and Number 3 turned around, nearly bumping into the 5'6" young woman. She stared at her in awe. No longer a ghost for now, Ayane has the same exact long black hair like Number 3. Her eyes were darker than it should be, and not big like Number 3's. Not wearing the priestess kimono, Ayane is wearing a lavender and white kimono outfit, but somehow it isn't the formal way. Rather it's the...
"You're also a ninja..." Number 3 murmured when she sees why there was boots rather than sandals and the skirt was a little shorter than usual.
"Hai, and that is also part of why my death came", Ayane said sadly as she looked away.
"Ah?" Number 3 asked, confused. Wasn't it the blow from the Red-Child Eater or the harsh hitting spells from Yamato? "Ayane-san, forgive me for being maybe rude, but what else cause you to die besides that day?" Number 3 asks her again.
"Kuki-san, Yamato is the leader of the clan I'm in", Ayane explained to her calmly. "After all, he is jealous of that I'm with James. Which is how I have to struggle to escape Yamato and his group of ninjas. You know how it's like..."
"What? I mean as in being a kunoichi?" Number 3 asked her. She remembers one of those terms that her mother always told her about. Some fairy tale told to the Azn girl when she is 6 years old about a kunoichi (female ninja) and something else about a runaway shinobi. Which is how she can remember it clearly.
"More than just that, Kuki-san", the true priestess said, sighing again before facing the girl. "If you just run off or try to leave a ninja clan, you'll have to be eliminated by your fellow ninjas and every member in it, whether they don't want to or so. I left the clan, sacrificing myself to be with James-kun, and to escape Yamato. However, I made a huge mistake, because then Yamato started stalking me along with his assistants. Every night, I would hear the threat, "You will be mine...and you'll regret it once I get you!" James protected me, since after I got the threat the first time from Yamato. After all", Ayane said while brushing off her sleeves, "He was supposed to protect me, since he made that vow to my dying grandfather and was assigned by the village's ruler to be it."
"Speaking of you and James, how did you both met and, you know..." Number 3 said as she asked her, grinning slyly. "...fall in love?" Ayane's reaction was a slight redness as she smiled, her face no longer melancholy and serious, but rather relaxed and happy.
"Ah...it was when I was only 13, that's when James came..." At that point, Number 3 felt herself pulled by the ghost, and into somewhere. She found herself flying around in a forest like place, along with Ayane by herself. Before she could say anything, Ayane shushed her. At point, Number 3 realizes that she's in Ayane's memory... -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
**FLASHBACK**
"Ojiichan!" A teenaged girl squealed when she hugged the short but strong looking elderly man. The girl is at 5'2", nearly growing taller than her grandfather. Her hair was cut short, making her hair seem light and wispy. A cloth headband was tied at her forehead, which is red and all solid color, no symbols on it.
"Ayane-chan! Why, you've grown taller than I could ever remember!" The old Master Kochiro chuckled as he releases his grand daughter's grip around him. "And you're getting stronger!"
"I thought I was still the same way you've seen me", Ayane said, confused. Master Kochiro laughed as he patted her shoulder.
"Ayane-chan, you may be growing up into quite a beautiful young lady, but you'll always be the same child I will love since the day you were born", Master Kochiro assured the teen as she picked up all of his suitcases on the floor. They walked up to the temple, still chatting.
"Ojiichan, did you meet anyone unusual?" Ayane asked him, curious.
"Ah, yes! I did! In fact, he's here with me! My new student!" Master Kochiro exclaimed, now remembering what he was suppose to do.
"Is he at the gates among the Ryokucha Forest?" Ayane piped up, talking fast.
"Er, yea, but..."
"Don't worry, I'll get him for you!" Ayane finished before she disappeared in a flash, leaving a trail of flowery petals. Master Kochiro sighed.
"Hopefully, Ayane-chan will know what I mean when she meet him. Let's hope that they won't kill each other when seen as invaders...-_-;" Master Kochiro muttered before running after his grand daughter, hoping to get to her before it's too late.
=================== =================
Meanwhile, at the entrance...
"Arrgh! What is taking Master Kochiro so long?!" A British-accented voice growled impatiently. "I've been waiting here for practically 20 minutes!" A blonde boy of about 5'4" was standing, his bag dragging down his arm from numbness. His long blonde hair was tied, and the wind blew it, chilling his neck a little. His green eyes were twinkling in impatience, now getting slightly angry.
"Gr...THAT'S IT! I GUESS I'LL HAFTA FIND HIM!" The boy said angrily and then started walking in the forest. He didn't know that he's being watched, as he walked through the forest, which then something will happen...
Meanwhile, the young Ayane stayed quietly within the trees, watching some strange boy she has never seen before.
"Who is that strange boy? He looks different from me! His hair was slightly long and bright!" Ayane thought critically as she watches the boy walk, putting the head scarf across her face. "And he has such strange but alluring green eyes..." Not thinking, she threw a ninja star at the boy.
"Holy shit!" The teenaged boy cussed when some fast thing was flying straight for him! He back flipped, and let the blade hit the tree. When he saw it, he then yelled.
"Who are ya trying ta kid, Mista Kochiro?! Don't test me now!" The boy growled. Ayane then felt the tree's aura, telling her that it's hurt. But before she begins to go over and help the tree with the blade, Ayane then flicks out her hands, the finger movements slowly activating a vine.
"Wha the-?!" the boy yelled when he sees vines appearing everywhere. Before he can even move, something lifted him off of the floor, binding his whole body tightly! Just then, a figure jumped down, startling the boy. It then went over to the tree with the blade in it, took it out, and then touches the cut. Strangely, a green glow lighted up, reflecting a ninja.
"Let me down, whoever the hell you are!" The rude teen snapped in English, not even thinking about speaking Japanese. Luckily, Ayane was taught English by her ojiichan, so she understood pretty well what this boy is saying.
"Not this time, intruder", a feminine voice said in perfect English, which is what this ninja said as he or she came over to him. The stranger then looked closely at the teen, all binded up.
"Up close...he's looks different, but more attractive than Ryo", Ayane thought as she stared more. Her powers were dying down, the bind around the boy loosening. The boy then unexpectedly pulls off the scarf, revealing a pretty Azn girl. Her eyes, unlike the rest of the villagers and her grandfather, are a hazel brown. Her hair was cut short, which James have never seen before on a girl, considering the fact that he sees a lot of girls with long hairs or wigs. The strong cheekbones on Ayane were what seem to show her quality, which stunned the teen.
"She's not like the girls in England...she's beautiful", the boy thought. But he didn't sense that Ayane angrily punched him, knocking him down on the floor.
"What the bloody hell did YOU do that for?!" The boy yelled, no longer thinking what he thought earlier. She's beautiful...but strangely dangerous!
"I don't trust you, whoever you are", Ayane said as she circled around him. "Ojiichan said something about a friend of his visiting, but you certainly don't look like what he said." As she said this, something moved behind her hands. The boy then sees what it is, and then panicked.
"If you're tryin ta kill me wit tha' fans behind ya, YOU'RE PATHETIC!" The boy drawled. Ayane jumped back in surprise, and her grip tightened, choking the boy to near death with the vines.
"I'm PATHETIC?!" she roared. "These fans are more than just ordinary wood fans! Or even PAPER!" Ayane then flicks open her fans, which at first felt like wind to the boy. However, he was wrong. Soon, a painful feeling crossed his cheek, and he realizes that it's bleeding. A cut...
"Holy shit..." James cursed under his breath. Before then, he was released from the vines, and all of the plants trapping him disappeared.
"And another thing", Ayane continued. "If you're Ojiichan's friend, you'll have to prove that you're one of his students. Do what you know how to do!" Ayane held her fan out and then just runs her finger across the sharp fans. The boy noticed the strange colored dark green ooze spreading from her fingertips as the girl rubs it across the fans.
"Whatever do ya mean?! I AM! Isn't that good enough ta prove it?!" The boy hollered.
"Nuh-uh!", Ayane said, and then swings her arm across him, the fan flicked open! Luckily, the boy dodged it, and he started defending himself.
"Ayane-chan, stop it right this instant!" Master Kochiro yelled, going between the teenagers. "I forgot to tell you that our visitor is a..."
"THIS is your student, ojiichan???" Ayane asked, now confused. "But I thought...he was..."
"I forgot to let you know that he is from the other world that you've been hearing about. This is James Remus Gibbson. He was to be here with us for a long time."
"Na-nani?! ME STAY WITH THIS STRANGE BOY?! Forget it!" Ayane snapped and then runs off to the temple.
"Forgive me for my grand daughter's rudeness", Kochiro apologized to the slightly peeved James. "She is very hostile to people your, well, you know. Her parents; my daughter and her husband, were killed by people who look a lot like you."
"She is sure something, Master Kochiro", James muttered as he walked up the stones along with his teacher. "She even tried to kill me when I walked here!"
"Ay, that's my Ayane-chan. She's always so quiet in both personality and ability that you even have to be careful when trespassing", Kochiro said as he chuckled.
"She may be quiet, but not when she's being an ass to me!" James protested.
"You must take some time to understand Ayane-chan", Kochiro assured him. "She is not as bad as you think she is."
"Hopefully you're right", James grumbled before he climbs ahead of Master Kochiro.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
(Ayane: As we grow up, James and I never tend to even get along. Everyday is always bickering over one pointless opinion and then ceasing to please Ojiichan.
3: Wow, you both kinda remind me of Numbuh 4 and me!
Ayane: you ARE my reincarnation, which is how you get that. Now can you let me continue?!)
Several years have passed, and no longer was Ayane the same mischievous kunoichi when she's a kid. Rather, Ayane is growing up and maturing more. But despite that, she and James still argues over little things, although they became friends with an unusual friendship. While living the life, their sensei is starting to lose himself to teach them the martial arts. Master Kochiro is getting weak and his health frail, so Ayane took care of him, along with James. Frequent visits from friends seem to cheer up the sensei, except for when Yamato came.
"Ayane-chan, I don't like this friend of yours", Kochiro muttered as he watched the strange boy leave.
"What do you mean, Ojiichan? I'm not even his friend! He's the leader of the clan!" Ayane explained to him as she poured the tea in the cap.
"There's something no good about him...I can feel it", Kochiro wheezed before controlling himself with a sip of the tea. "You must leave the clan..."
"Nani?! That's impossible! You know what happens if I leave!" Ayane cried out loud. James came in at the wrong timing, and found himself caught in the heated argument between the grand daughter and her grand father.
"Whoa...I think I'll go now", James said before turning back.
"Hold it, James!" Kochiro commanded and James stopped. "I want you to stay with Ayane wherever she goes."
"Ojiichan! That's NOT fair! I'm gonna be fine and you know it!" Ayane nearly wailed. " I am 17 years old and old enough to know when to defend against an attacker! And besides, HE'S not coming along!"
" 'Cuse me for being different. I didn't even WANT to come along with you in the first place!" James said sarcastically.
"Whether you both like it or not, YOU'RE BOTH STILL GOING TOGETHER!" Kochiro roared, scaring the wits outta both teens.
"Whatever! I'm outta here!" Ayane snapped. After disappearing in a flash of petals, James growled then followed after her. Kochiro sighed and laid back. He knows about how each of his students are feeling right now...but they still have to get along. However, it seems that they may be doing more than just that... He chuckled as he remembered their conversation with him about each other. And then he thought, "Maybe this won't be too bad when I gave them that advice."
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
"I can't believe that I have to go with you, even though YOU can watch yourself there!" An angry heavy British-accented voice growled.
"I wouldn't even want to be stuck with you in the first place, so does it look like I care to listen to your lamenting, baka? NO! I DON'T WANNA GO WITH YOU EITHER!" Ayane's lightly accented English have snapped back, as the girl jump from tree to tree.
"If you weren't such a wreck less fool who hang with those ninja people, then I wouldn't even be here in the first place!" James grumbled.
"How can I be a fool? My father is part of it, and before he died, he has me to be part of it as well...and I have to be part of it. It's in his will..." Ayane said softly. Her balance went off, and she falls off the tree, landing in the foreigner's arms. James was surprised to see the tough kunoichi/ priestess-in-training crying. All of the sudden, Ayane is a different person and James never noticed that through those 3 years since he met her.
"Look, Ayane. I'm sorry if I said somethin' wrong", James said, now feeling bad for bringing up something about her father. He noticed that Ayane didn't even bother to get off of his arms.
"Suddenly, I don't think I want to go to see the clan tonight", Ayane murmured. "Well only for today..." James dropped her, which her bum landed on the ground. "WHAT DID YOU DO THAT FOR?!" Ayane said angrily.
"Ayane..." James said cautiously as he pointed at something behind Ayane. Ayane sensed a lot of presence from fast-moving objects. She pushes James down as an arrow flew over them, missing them by a hair. Ayane stood up and glared disdainfully as the shooter.
"Did I just hear what I just hear?" A sarcastic voice growled in Japanese. "It IS your duties to do that, Ayane-chan." The notorious looking Azn boy came out in the moonlight. He looks at about 21 and is standing at 6'0. Dressed in black all the way, the gold symbol on his chest indicates him as the leader.
"Yamato..." Ayane muttered under her breath as she went on her knees to bow to him. The leader looked around, until he saw James, and his jealousy widened.
"Ah, so the White Demon is here, too", Yamato taunted, which brought laughter among the ninjas. Ayane's anger quickened, which then Yamato founded himself in a death grip by the 16-year-old girl.
"Just because HE'S a foreigner it doesn't mean he is what you think he is!" Ayane snarled in anger. Her grips grew more powerful and malicious. But then Yamato casually brought his hand up, which then Ayane was lifted up in the air and was choked as well. As she gagged, the blue energy surrounded her, the pressure growing too intense. James watched in horror as he watches his friend get tortured all for just standing up for him!
"THAT'S ENOUGH! LEAVE HER ALONE!" James shouted. Ayane was dropped to the ground, and he ran over to her.
"Be lucky that I did as you say, foreigner", Yamato spat. "Always doing what her crazy grandfather tells her to do! She should be doing what I tell her to do! I'M THE LEADER!" Before he walked off, he then turns around and speaks again.
"If you try to leave the Silver Tiger clan, Ayane, you'll not just be hunted down and branded as a runaway shinobi, but your grandfather and your white boyfriend is next!" Yamato threatened as he made a slashing motion at his neck.
"DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT BEING A RACIST ASS TO ME!" James snarled and lunged for him, but Ayane caught him by the collar. The clan then disappeared in a poof of black smoke, making Ayane and James cough.
"HOW DARE HE CALLS ME THAT BECAUSE OF MY SKIN COLOR?!" James yelled. Ayane sighed as she lets go of James.
"That's how it is in Japan, I guess", Ayane said simply. James felt her arm around his, which caused him both confusion and his face turning red.
"Uh..." James stuttered.
"You don't mind, James-san?" Ayane asked, her smile also stunning him.
"Nah..." James said. They both walked back to the temple, not aware that from this day on; this reformed friendship will wind up as unrequited love... -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- =--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
(Ayane: Yea, and then from that day, this one is when everything is not what I expect it to be...
3: what is it, what is it?! YOU FALL IN LOVE?!
Ayane: DO YOU REALLY WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED OR NOT?!
3: o_O; )
"So you're gonna b a priestess, eh?" James said as Ayane adjusted her kimono. It's been 5 months now, and unusually, the odd couple was being good friends rather than those who argue a lot. Although they still argue.
"I have to anyways, since there isn't anyone else left to take care of the temple..." Ayane sighed. Kochiro is getting worse, and can die anytime now. And she wished to fulfill his wishes before he died. But the last one surprised her. She can still remember that conversation...
**Earlier***
" Ojiichan, I can be a priestess! After all, I can be near my forest!" Ayane said excitedly. Kochiro smiled weakly as he listened to her. Although she protested on the part about leaving the clan, there is one more that maybe she could do...
"Ayane-chan, promise me to do one last thing..." Kochiro said quietly. Ayane came closer, her hands clasped around her gentle grandfather's. "Tell James how you feel about him..."
" I did! He's a great friend to me, and..." Ayane said, but Kochiro stopped her.
"No, I meant how you REALLY feel about him..." Ayane froze, feeling her heart fluttering and beating fast.
"Ojiichan, I DON'T love him!" Ayane wailed. Kochiro sat up, not worrying about his frail back aching from standing.
"You're denying it, Ayane-chan. you've sworn to be honest, and this, you can't hide from!" Kochiro said, his accusing eyes twinkling as it fooled around on Ayane.
"But Ojiichan!"
"Ayane-chan, I may not know much about love, but from the looks of how you and James are now, it's more than I expect you both to get along", Kochiro said, smiling. Ayane was about to object, but then decided against it. She just kisses her Ojiichan's cheek before leaving through the doors, confused.
" Every time someone mentions about James-chan, my heart beats fast!" Ayane thought as she walked to her room absentmindedly. "Maybe I'm crazy?" Again, she stumbled, tripping over the steps as she fell into the floor hard. As always, if she lies, she'll be clumsy without knowing it. "Ok...maybe he's right..."
**Now**
Ayane then casually brush past by James, who was looking after her as she walked to the fields. She then turns around, and beckoned the boy by putting her hand out. James was startled, but took it anyways as they walked off. Later on, when Ayane was teaching current students about the art of Ninjitsu, one of the workers, Ryoka ran in, out of breath and panicking.
"Ayane-sama!" The girl cried, grabbing her arm. "Something has happened to your ojiichan! Come quick!" Ayane immediately sprang and told her disciples that the lesson has to be canceled. She ran as fast as she could to the room, fearing that the worse have already come. James was nearly knocked over when Ayane was running.
"Could you at least be polite?!" James growled, but Ryoka told him the news as well. He then also ran after Ayane. When Ayane reached the room, her grandfather was lying there, now coughing out blood. Ayane's eyes widened and then hurried over there.
"Ojiichan!" Ayane cried out loud as she grabbed a towel nearby her to wipe it all up. She held her grandfather's hand, and it was strangely shaking violently. "Lemme get some herbs! I'll get you back to normal in no time!"
"No, Ayane-chan..." Kochiro said softly as he grabbed his granddaughter's arm back.
"But you'll die!" Ayane wailed.
"This is the time to die now..." Kochiro said. James came over to his sensei, not believing that he's going to lose someone who is like a father to him. As the boy struggled not the cry, a wrinkled hand enclosed over his.
"James-chan, it's ok to cry...Locking up your emotions is unhealthy", Kochiro rasped. His eyes were starting to close slowly, and this is it. James cried all right, but didn't sob.
"Ayane-chan, take care of everybody..." Kochiro said but then coughed out more blood. Ayane can't bear to see her grandfather suffering from the wrath of the disease. "And remember to follow your heart and do what it tells you to do...you too, James." Finally, he closed his eyes, and fell into a deep peaceful sleep. Ayane then felt his hand, and it was now light.
"Sensei is gone..." Ryoka choked after she picked up his hand, which was lifeless and hanging loose. Soon, current workers from the temple ran over, hoping to get to Kochiro, but they are too late.
"Ayane-sama..." One of them said as they turn to her. Ayane knew that now she's in charge of the temple, but confusion has belittled her heart. She can't take it anymore, and she runs off.
"AYANE-SAMA!" Yells from them rang out as the girl ran as fast as she could. James then leaped up and chases her.
Ayane sobbed while she ran into the comfort of the Ryokucha Forest. Soon, she was at her favorite hiding spot, which is a cherry blossom tree that Kochiro has planted for her when she was a little kid. The girl walked over to the trunk, and sat down. As she cried, she felt a hand on her shoulder. Ayane turns around, and James was there.
"Ayane..." The boy said, unable to say anything. Ayane still can't let out most of her tears out, so she ran into James's arms, crying as much as she could. James hugged the poor girl, letting her cry into his arms. James felt his heart beating fast, and he remembered Kochiro's last words to him.
"Follow your heart and do what it tells you to do..." That quote kept echoing over and over in his head. James puts his hand around Ayane's chin, and was staring in her watery eyes. But he then hesitated.
"What will she say if I do that then...?" James thought. But he shook it off, and then kisses Ayane. Ayane was about to step back, but then she let herself kissing him back.
"James-kun?" Ayane murmured. "What's the meaning of this?"
"You didn't know, didn't ya?" James said with a smile, which replaces his usual smirk.
"Ojiichan told me to tell you too..." Ayane said. "But I guess I don't need to anymore, because THIS explains it." She kisses James again, and they both went in a warm embrace. Cherry blossoms then fall off of the trees, the petals flying around everywhere around the couple. The wind blew in, and earlier, it wasn't even a windy day. Just then, Ayane sees a cherry blossom flying away and landing on the pond nearby her. She and James ran over, watching it float away. Soon, the people came out, admiring the sakura trees and their flowers either on or off of them. Never have they seen flowers this beautiful, and that can mean something. But then someone yelled, "LOOK!" Everyone did and in the sky, a tint of every single color trailed across it in an arch-like shape.
"Rainbow...?" James muttered. Usually it comes after a rainstorm, but why would it even appear just right now? Ayane then realizes something, besides the fact that it's one of Ojiichan's favorite things in Nature. Kochiro has sent her a sign that he's fine now...he has come in peace already. Before then, Ayane have prayed for a sign to be sent if her grandfather is alright, even after death. And this is good enough to prove it. He has answered her prayer.
"Thank you, Ojiichan..." Ayane whispered.
*END OF FLASHBACK*
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -=-=-=-=-
"THAT WAS SO SAD!!!!!!!" Number 3 wailed as she and Ayane was transported back in the kitchen. "But romantic with YOU and James!"
"You annoyed me too much in questions and other things, ya know!" Ayane said (_).
"But I got one more thing to ask you, Ayane-sama", Number 3 said. "What will happen to me when I go face the Red-Child Eater?"
"Whatever do you mean?" Ayane asked.
"I mean, see, you battled the monster and all. But I wanna know, what will happen to me when it's something like that?" Number 3 asked. Ayane then felt sad. And this is what she is dreading, since she doesn't want to tell the girl the whole truth. That has kept her back to tell Number 3, but it IS going to hit her hard a lot.
"Do you really want to know, Kuki-sama?" Ayane asked her quietly. Number 3 was a bit surprised by her solemn sadness, but nodded.
"Ok, then..."
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
What is the truth that Ayane was trying to hide about Number 3's fate?! Find out in the next chapter! I confuse myself about the history plot thing again on Ayane and James!!!!! -_-; im too busy with all of the shizload of projects, so I'm really sorry if I kept you all waiting with my updates! There'll be more action in the next fic. I PROMISE! I can try another limit, such as if I get more than 65-70 reviews, I'll write the next chapter! Who knows if I'll really do that?! xD You'll know later on. So then, later much!- DarkxKukixSanban
Song- "Deep River" Utada Hikaru
Note: I haven't written fah so long!!!!!!! Yea, I'll try to write more chapters fah this fic. School, probably like everyone else, is turning into hell n itz eitha 6-8 weeks till we're outta skoo!!!! So then, this fic may take a lot longer than I expected, n I'll try mah best to write really long in the chapters. I guess that's all y'all needed ta know! BTW, the characters of mine have nothing to do with DOA. And the history about the (of course you know) legendary characters has no year, but it is in somewhere in the 15th century or something. -_-; WARNING: tiny bit of sappiness!
4- Argh...ya put in anotha mushy scene wit me an' Ku-ah mean, Number 3!
Ha! YOU almost said her real name, n therefore, you MIGHT like her more than a friend!
4- ::sigh:: Must ya torture me more wit me an' Kuki togetha??????
Buh you both look so cute together! Besides, tha hints already sho-
4- ::yelling:: ALRIGHT! ENOUGH WITH THA ALREADY! AH GET THA POINT!!!!!
And besides, I'm gonna write a prequel fah this!
4- Heh, ya should have wrote tha prequel before THIS one, ya stupid teenagah! Then there won't be tha much #3/4 in there!!!!
Actually, there are hints of u both.
4-::chokes:: o_O
So then, here's the delayed chapter that y'all hav been waitin fah!
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Meanwhile at the same building overlooking, er, everywhere...
"Ah...look at the site, my siblings", the blonde boy said as he pointed down there, without life. The Delightful Freaks were in their bedrooms, (no, they're not prisoners) just sitting, sitting, as they waited impatiently for Justin to come back with the news. All they know is that there's a war between their team and the Kolans. Lizzie was tapping her foot impatiently, complaining about where her "dear" Justin is.
"Oh, the dust kicking up and tiny...bugs scrambling down there", the helmet boy said stupidly as he struggled to look. Bradford nearly knocked him over, conking his head very hard.
"Ya dumb jock, they're our team and Kolans, BATTLING!" Bradford shot at him.
"I am not a dumb jock just because I have a damned football helmet on! Take that back!" The helmet boy yelled. He rammed into the unsuspecting tall brother of his and they started rolling around, tackling and toppling on each other.
"You jackarses of my brothers, you better stop it before Father sees this!" The brunette quipped furiously and nervously before going back to what she was doing. In her hands are bleached white rolls of bandages and brown medicine bottle. She then uses it to wrap around her sister's neck, which was bloodied and scarred. The blonde hair swished over, aggravating the brunette as she angrily pushes off the strands to the side.
"Poor girl..." Lizzie muttered as she observed the brunette continually hospitalizing her. The blonde was critically injured when Number 3 sliced her neck with that dratted fan weapon, and it was bad enough that she can't speak until she is completely healed. Everyday, they always seem to forget that she's there, since she can't even say a thing. All of the DC weren't really willing to learn sign language, so the blonde have to use signals or a notebook with pencil to tell them something.
As the fight went on between the siblings, Lizzie sighed and went over to them, lifting up the helmet boy and pushing him aside, along with pushing down Bradford, which ended the roughhousing. Apparently, she ended it right when Justin came in the room, looking like his normal self.
"So what's the news from Father, Justin?" The blonde boy asked the teen.
"He'll need all of us and tha Drones again. The KND are back."
"What?!" The brunette screeched.
"Thanks to that Number 3 and the annoying little brat, Sumi Hitomi, who was spying on US before, now they have got the first 5 members back! " Justin said angrily. He felt his monstrous side coming back, but he controlled it before anyone noticed. Although Lizzie noticed that his eyes were nearly yellow before.
"Justy, are you okay?" Lizzie purred. Justin just nodded before he went on.
"We tried killing them down with the guards and several of our 'loyalists', yet they defeat us again! We're MORE powerful than those weaklings, which is WHY Father is commanding that you ALL destroy those dratted KND!" Justin finished.
"Of course! We can beat those KND! We got the Red-Child Eater!" Bradford crowed.
"And the best weapons that Father gave us!" The blonde boy cut in.
"And the best fencing and Judo team!" Lizzie added in.
"But the KND still beat us, stupid", the helmet boy said distastefully, making the hate between Lizzie and this guy worse again.
"WE got training AND we got THIS!" Lizzie spat back before she took out a bottle. It was a strange bluish-green liquidy bottle in her hand.
"And what the hell is that thing in your hand?" The brunette asks, wrinkling her nose.
"I invented it", Lizzie said proudly. "Originally, it was meant to get mah ex, Nigey-I mean, NIGEL, to be with me forever! But since we broke up, and I got that dimwit Azn's man, I made this energy drink with a bit of this and that!"
"How can THAT make us powerful?!" Bradford laughed.
"Wanna know? I'll test it on you!" Lizzie laughed as she shoved the drink at the tall boy's mouth. He gagged but still sipped a bit of the drink, which tasted like some berry drink.
"You trying to kill me?!" Bradford snapped. But Lizzie ignored him as she looked around.
"Hey, you!" she said as she pointed at the helmet boy. "You're faster than Bradford at Judo, right?" He nodded. "Go and beat him down now!"
"She's crazy!" Bradford howled as his brother gleefully ram into him again, beating him up! Bradford was choked on the neck, struggling to get his sibling off of him.
"Just kick him!" Lizzie yelled.
"I...can't, stupid girl! He's too strong!" Bradford yelled.
"Trust me!" Lizzie screamed at him. Bradford did, and then the helmet boy went flying, hitting the wall hard. As the DC stared with gapped mouths, the poor helmet boy walked around drunkenly before he passed out, not noticing the deep imprint of his body against the stonewall.
"Damn...Bradford was never that strong!" The brunette managed to say. Then all of the DC except Justin looked at each other and then at Lizzie.
"Lizzie, YOU are a genius!" They crowed together. "Please make more of this! We shall be undefeatable when we face those KND again!" Lizzie beamed as they grabbed the rest of her 5 samples.
"Lizzie, the hell were you thinking?" Justin half growled and asked her.
"Oh, but it really does work", Lizzie said sweetly. "Try some." Justin shook his head in disgust, and left his girlfriend standing.
"I'll let you know when it's time", Justin called. The boring "Ok!" in unison responded to him, and he sighed before he walked off. Before he really did left, Lizzie caught a flash of scary yellow eyes and a flap of wings before a whoosh of the wind blew in her face.
"There is something strange about you, Justin Bentley...and I'm going to find out sooner enough", Lizzie muttered before turning away and back to the DC.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
"Kuki-chan! Wallabee! Wake up!" Sumi yelled, her voice echoing through the quiet dark forest. Sunlight poured in from the cracks of the melancholy looking trees, warming both teens' faces. Number 3 woke up first, and then absentmindedly shook Number 4.
"How long were we up here?" Number 3 asked sleepily. Number 4 muttered something, and she couldn't hear him. Sighing, Number 3 then went very close to his face, trying to do something to him. Number 4 felt someone breathing over his face, and a long swish of ebony hair over his face.
"Argh...fine, I'm waking-" Number 4 grumbled before he then have two pair of big brown eyes in his face. He was startled and nearly yelled, accidentally pulling down Number 3 with him off of the rood. Not before long, he accidentally kissed her, which kinda hurt because he bumped into her rather than just moved in slowly.
"Ow!" Number 3 wailed, holding her lips. Number 4 pulled her up back on top of the roof.
"Stupid, what were ya thinkin'?! Ya would hav fallen off tha damned roof!' Number 4 said, both yelling and being concerned. Number 3 looked up at him, the waterworks already about to start again from his rambling. Her eyes were so watery that it nearly threw the blonde off guard. Number 4 then reached out and grab for her chin, pulling her close to him.
"What is he doing?" Number 3 thought in surprise as she stopped her tears from flowing freely. She then realizes that her lips are bleeding, since she felt a weird coppery taste in her mouth.
"You're ok, Kuki?" Number 4 asked, his expression softening. Number 3 was still speechless and was about to object when he scooped her up in his arms and jumped down, landing next to Sumi.
"Kuki-chan, are you ok?!" Sumi asked, worried.
"She'll be fine, Sumi", Number 4 assured her before he brought her in, confusing Sumi. Inside the hut, Number 4 got out one of the remedies that Number 5 kept in the cabin box (when she was brainwashed at that time). In his hand is a tube that resembled a lip balm.
"Here, put this on yer mouth. It's gonna make the spot go away, including' tha pain, Sorry abou tha..." Number 4 said before he left the room, leaving Number 3 all by herself. Number 3 opened the tube and brushed it over her chapped and bleeding lips. She tasted a flash of mint as she spread the chapstick over her lips, and then it was glowing blue. Surprised at it, Number 3 waved her hand to cool down the mintiness. When she saw herself in the mirror, the blue glow was gone and so is the cut on her mouth.
"Number 4..."Number 3 murmured. She put the chapstick away without bothering to look at the name of it, and was about to walk out. But then a loud "CLANG!" exploded in her ears, nearly deafening her.
"Nani?!" Number 3 yelled in panic as she kept on turning around. A pot of some weird vegetable in it was on the floor, the contents spilled. Right there, Number 3 sensed that someone was in here.
"Who's there?!" Number 3 yelled. She then looks for a possible item to attack the stranger or someone in there, and grabbed a cold dead fish from the table, thinking that it is a whip. "I'll attack you with...whatever I'm holding in my hand!"
"Jeez, you're quite pathetic with choosing weapons", a husky feminine voice tutted, and Number 3 slowly turned around, seeing a glowing blue- white figure.
"AIYAH!!!! GHOST!!!!" Number 3 screamed.
"Hush! Don't panic! I'm Ayane! The priestess who sealed the Red Child- Eater! " The ghost said, trying to calm down the Azn. She then disappeared again, stunning Number 3.
"Behind you, Kuki-san", Ayane said, and Number 3 turned around, nearly bumping into the 5'6" young woman. She stared at her in awe. No longer a ghost for now, Ayane has the same exact long black hair like Number 3. Her eyes were darker than it should be, and not big like Number 3's. Not wearing the priestess kimono, Ayane is wearing a lavender and white kimono outfit, but somehow it isn't the formal way. Rather it's the...
"You're also a ninja..." Number 3 murmured when she sees why there was boots rather than sandals and the skirt was a little shorter than usual.
"Hai, and that is also part of why my death came", Ayane said sadly as she looked away.
"Ah?" Number 3 asked, confused. Wasn't it the blow from the Red-Child Eater or the harsh hitting spells from Yamato? "Ayane-san, forgive me for being maybe rude, but what else cause you to die besides that day?" Number 3 asks her again.
"Kuki-san, Yamato is the leader of the clan I'm in", Ayane explained to her calmly. "After all, he is jealous of that I'm with James. Which is how I have to struggle to escape Yamato and his group of ninjas. You know how it's like..."
"What? I mean as in being a kunoichi?" Number 3 asked her. She remembers one of those terms that her mother always told her about. Some fairy tale told to the Azn girl when she is 6 years old about a kunoichi (female ninja) and something else about a runaway shinobi. Which is how she can remember it clearly.
"More than just that, Kuki-san", the true priestess said, sighing again before facing the girl. "If you just run off or try to leave a ninja clan, you'll have to be eliminated by your fellow ninjas and every member in it, whether they don't want to or so. I left the clan, sacrificing myself to be with James-kun, and to escape Yamato. However, I made a huge mistake, because then Yamato started stalking me along with his assistants. Every night, I would hear the threat, "You will be mine...and you'll regret it once I get you!" James protected me, since after I got the threat the first time from Yamato. After all", Ayane said while brushing off her sleeves, "He was supposed to protect me, since he made that vow to my dying grandfather and was assigned by the village's ruler to be it."
"Speaking of you and James, how did you both met and, you know..." Number 3 said as she asked her, grinning slyly. "...fall in love?" Ayane's reaction was a slight redness as she smiled, her face no longer melancholy and serious, but rather relaxed and happy.
"Ah...it was when I was only 13, that's when James came..." At that point, Number 3 felt herself pulled by the ghost, and into somewhere. She found herself flying around in a forest like place, along with Ayane by herself. Before she could say anything, Ayane shushed her. At point, Number 3 realizes that she's in Ayane's memory... -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
**FLASHBACK**
"Ojiichan!" A teenaged girl squealed when she hugged the short but strong looking elderly man. The girl is at 5'2", nearly growing taller than her grandfather. Her hair was cut short, making her hair seem light and wispy. A cloth headband was tied at her forehead, which is red and all solid color, no symbols on it.
"Ayane-chan! Why, you've grown taller than I could ever remember!" The old Master Kochiro chuckled as he releases his grand daughter's grip around him. "And you're getting stronger!"
"I thought I was still the same way you've seen me", Ayane said, confused. Master Kochiro laughed as he patted her shoulder.
"Ayane-chan, you may be growing up into quite a beautiful young lady, but you'll always be the same child I will love since the day you were born", Master Kochiro assured the teen as she picked up all of his suitcases on the floor. They walked up to the temple, still chatting.
"Ojiichan, did you meet anyone unusual?" Ayane asked him, curious.
"Ah, yes! I did! In fact, he's here with me! My new student!" Master Kochiro exclaimed, now remembering what he was suppose to do.
"Is he at the gates among the Ryokucha Forest?" Ayane piped up, talking fast.
"Er, yea, but..."
"Don't worry, I'll get him for you!" Ayane finished before she disappeared in a flash, leaving a trail of flowery petals. Master Kochiro sighed.
"Hopefully, Ayane-chan will know what I mean when she meet him. Let's hope that they won't kill each other when seen as invaders...-_-;" Master Kochiro muttered before running after his grand daughter, hoping to get to her before it's too late.
=================== =================
Meanwhile, at the entrance...
"Arrgh! What is taking Master Kochiro so long?!" A British-accented voice growled impatiently. "I've been waiting here for practically 20 minutes!" A blonde boy of about 5'4" was standing, his bag dragging down his arm from numbness. His long blonde hair was tied, and the wind blew it, chilling his neck a little. His green eyes were twinkling in impatience, now getting slightly angry.
"Gr...THAT'S IT! I GUESS I'LL HAFTA FIND HIM!" The boy said angrily and then started walking in the forest. He didn't know that he's being watched, as he walked through the forest, which then something will happen...
Meanwhile, the young Ayane stayed quietly within the trees, watching some strange boy she has never seen before.
"Who is that strange boy? He looks different from me! His hair was slightly long and bright!" Ayane thought critically as she watches the boy walk, putting the head scarf across her face. "And he has such strange but alluring green eyes..." Not thinking, she threw a ninja star at the boy.
"Holy shit!" The teenaged boy cussed when some fast thing was flying straight for him! He back flipped, and let the blade hit the tree. When he saw it, he then yelled.
"Who are ya trying ta kid, Mista Kochiro?! Don't test me now!" The boy growled. Ayane then felt the tree's aura, telling her that it's hurt. But before she begins to go over and help the tree with the blade, Ayane then flicks out her hands, the finger movements slowly activating a vine.
"Wha the-?!" the boy yelled when he sees vines appearing everywhere. Before he can even move, something lifted him off of the floor, binding his whole body tightly! Just then, a figure jumped down, startling the boy. It then went over to the tree with the blade in it, took it out, and then touches the cut. Strangely, a green glow lighted up, reflecting a ninja.
"Let me down, whoever the hell you are!" The rude teen snapped in English, not even thinking about speaking Japanese. Luckily, Ayane was taught English by her ojiichan, so she understood pretty well what this boy is saying.
"Not this time, intruder", a feminine voice said in perfect English, which is what this ninja said as he or she came over to him. The stranger then looked closely at the teen, all binded up.
"Up close...he's looks different, but more attractive than Ryo", Ayane thought as she stared more. Her powers were dying down, the bind around the boy loosening. The boy then unexpectedly pulls off the scarf, revealing a pretty Azn girl. Her eyes, unlike the rest of the villagers and her grandfather, are a hazel brown. Her hair was cut short, which James have never seen before on a girl, considering the fact that he sees a lot of girls with long hairs or wigs. The strong cheekbones on Ayane were what seem to show her quality, which stunned the teen.
"She's not like the girls in England...she's beautiful", the boy thought. But he didn't sense that Ayane angrily punched him, knocking him down on the floor.
"What the bloody hell did YOU do that for?!" The boy yelled, no longer thinking what he thought earlier. She's beautiful...but strangely dangerous!
"I don't trust you, whoever you are", Ayane said as she circled around him. "Ojiichan said something about a friend of his visiting, but you certainly don't look like what he said." As she said this, something moved behind her hands. The boy then sees what it is, and then panicked.
"If you're tryin ta kill me wit tha' fans behind ya, YOU'RE PATHETIC!" The boy drawled. Ayane jumped back in surprise, and her grip tightened, choking the boy to near death with the vines.
"I'm PATHETIC?!" she roared. "These fans are more than just ordinary wood fans! Or even PAPER!" Ayane then flicks open her fans, which at first felt like wind to the boy. However, he was wrong. Soon, a painful feeling crossed his cheek, and he realizes that it's bleeding. A cut...
"Holy shit..." James cursed under his breath. Before then, he was released from the vines, and all of the plants trapping him disappeared.
"And another thing", Ayane continued. "If you're Ojiichan's friend, you'll have to prove that you're one of his students. Do what you know how to do!" Ayane held her fan out and then just runs her finger across the sharp fans. The boy noticed the strange colored dark green ooze spreading from her fingertips as the girl rubs it across the fans.
"Whatever do ya mean?! I AM! Isn't that good enough ta prove it?!" The boy hollered.
"Nuh-uh!", Ayane said, and then swings her arm across him, the fan flicked open! Luckily, the boy dodged it, and he started defending himself.
"Ayane-chan, stop it right this instant!" Master Kochiro yelled, going between the teenagers. "I forgot to tell you that our visitor is a..."
"THIS is your student, ojiichan???" Ayane asked, now confused. "But I thought...he was..."
"I forgot to let you know that he is from the other world that you've been hearing about. This is James Remus Gibbson. He was to be here with us for a long time."
"Na-nani?! ME STAY WITH THIS STRANGE BOY?! Forget it!" Ayane snapped and then runs off to the temple.
"Forgive me for my grand daughter's rudeness", Kochiro apologized to the slightly peeved James. "She is very hostile to people your, well, you know. Her parents; my daughter and her husband, were killed by people who look a lot like you."
"She is sure something, Master Kochiro", James muttered as he walked up the stones along with his teacher. "She even tried to kill me when I walked here!"
"Ay, that's my Ayane-chan. She's always so quiet in both personality and ability that you even have to be careful when trespassing", Kochiro said as he chuckled.
"She may be quiet, but not when she's being an ass to me!" James protested.
"You must take some time to understand Ayane-chan", Kochiro assured him. "She is not as bad as you think she is."
"Hopefully you're right", James grumbled before he climbs ahead of Master Kochiro.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
(Ayane: As we grow up, James and I never tend to even get along. Everyday is always bickering over one pointless opinion and then ceasing to please Ojiichan.
3: Wow, you both kinda remind me of Numbuh 4 and me!
Ayane: you ARE my reincarnation, which is how you get that. Now can you let me continue?!)
Several years have passed, and no longer was Ayane the same mischievous kunoichi when she's a kid. Rather, Ayane is growing up and maturing more. But despite that, she and James still argues over little things, although they became friends with an unusual friendship. While living the life, their sensei is starting to lose himself to teach them the martial arts. Master Kochiro is getting weak and his health frail, so Ayane took care of him, along with James. Frequent visits from friends seem to cheer up the sensei, except for when Yamato came.
"Ayane-chan, I don't like this friend of yours", Kochiro muttered as he watched the strange boy leave.
"What do you mean, Ojiichan? I'm not even his friend! He's the leader of the clan!" Ayane explained to him as she poured the tea in the cap.
"There's something no good about him...I can feel it", Kochiro wheezed before controlling himself with a sip of the tea. "You must leave the clan..."
"Nani?! That's impossible! You know what happens if I leave!" Ayane cried out loud. James came in at the wrong timing, and found himself caught in the heated argument between the grand daughter and her grand father.
"Whoa...I think I'll go now", James said before turning back.
"Hold it, James!" Kochiro commanded and James stopped. "I want you to stay with Ayane wherever she goes."
"Ojiichan! That's NOT fair! I'm gonna be fine and you know it!" Ayane nearly wailed. " I am 17 years old and old enough to know when to defend against an attacker! And besides, HE'S not coming along!"
" 'Cuse me for being different. I didn't even WANT to come along with you in the first place!" James said sarcastically.
"Whether you both like it or not, YOU'RE BOTH STILL GOING TOGETHER!" Kochiro roared, scaring the wits outta both teens.
"Whatever! I'm outta here!" Ayane snapped. After disappearing in a flash of petals, James growled then followed after her. Kochiro sighed and laid back. He knows about how each of his students are feeling right now...but they still have to get along. However, it seems that they may be doing more than just that... He chuckled as he remembered their conversation with him about each other. And then he thought, "Maybe this won't be too bad when I gave them that advice."
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
"I can't believe that I have to go with you, even though YOU can watch yourself there!" An angry heavy British-accented voice growled.
"I wouldn't even want to be stuck with you in the first place, so does it look like I care to listen to your lamenting, baka? NO! I DON'T WANNA GO WITH YOU EITHER!" Ayane's lightly accented English have snapped back, as the girl jump from tree to tree.
"If you weren't such a wreck less fool who hang with those ninja people, then I wouldn't even be here in the first place!" James grumbled.
"How can I be a fool? My father is part of it, and before he died, he has me to be part of it as well...and I have to be part of it. It's in his will..." Ayane said softly. Her balance went off, and she falls off the tree, landing in the foreigner's arms. James was surprised to see the tough kunoichi/ priestess-in-training crying. All of the sudden, Ayane is a different person and James never noticed that through those 3 years since he met her.
"Look, Ayane. I'm sorry if I said somethin' wrong", James said, now feeling bad for bringing up something about her father. He noticed that Ayane didn't even bother to get off of his arms.
"Suddenly, I don't think I want to go to see the clan tonight", Ayane murmured. "Well only for today..." James dropped her, which her bum landed on the ground. "WHAT DID YOU DO THAT FOR?!" Ayane said angrily.
"Ayane..." James said cautiously as he pointed at something behind Ayane. Ayane sensed a lot of presence from fast-moving objects. She pushes James down as an arrow flew over them, missing them by a hair. Ayane stood up and glared disdainfully as the shooter.
"Did I just hear what I just hear?" A sarcastic voice growled in Japanese. "It IS your duties to do that, Ayane-chan." The notorious looking Azn boy came out in the moonlight. He looks at about 21 and is standing at 6'0. Dressed in black all the way, the gold symbol on his chest indicates him as the leader.
"Yamato..." Ayane muttered under her breath as she went on her knees to bow to him. The leader looked around, until he saw James, and his jealousy widened.
"Ah, so the White Demon is here, too", Yamato taunted, which brought laughter among the ninjas. Ayane's anger quickened, which then Yamato founded himself in a death grip by the 16-year-old girl.
"Just because HE'S a foreigner it doesn't mean he is what you think he is!" Ayane snarled in anger. Her grips grew more powerful and malicious. But then Yamato casually brought his hand up, which then Ayane was lifted up in the air and was choked as well. As she gagged, the blue energy surrounded her, the pressure growing too intense. James watched in horror as he watches his friend get tortured all for just standing up for him!
"THAT'S ENOUGH! LEAVE HER ALONE!" James shouted. Ayane was dropped to the ground, and he ran over to her.
"Be lucky that I did as you say, foreigner", Yamato spat. "Always doing what her crazy grandfather tells her to do! She should be doing what I tell her to do! I'M THE LEADER!" Before he walked off, he then turns around and speaks again.
"If you try to leave the Silver Tiger clan, Ayane, you'll not just be hunted down and branded as a runaway shinobi, but your grandfather and your white boyfriend is next!" Yamato threatened as he made a slashing motion at his neck.
"DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT BEING A RACIST ASS TO ME!" James snarled and lunged for him, but Ayane caught him by the collar. The clan then disappeared in a poof of black smoke, making Ayane and James cough.
"HOW DARE HE CALLS ME THAT BECAUSE OF MY SKIN COLOR?!" James yelled. Ayane sighed as she lets go of James.
"That's how it is in Japan, I guess", Ayane said simply. James felt her arm around his, which caused him both confusion and his face turning red.
"Uh..." James stuttered.
"You don't mind, James-san?" Ayane asked, her smile also stunning him.
"Nah..." James said. They both walked back to the temple, not aware that from this day on; this reformed friendship will wind up as unrequited love... -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- =--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
(Ayane: Yea, and then from that day, this one is when everything is not what I expect it to be...
3: what is it, what is it?! YOU FALL IN LOVE?!
Ayane: DO YOU REALLY WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED OR NOT?!
3: o_O; )
"So you're gonna b a priestess, eh?" James said as Ayane adjusted her kimono. It's been 5 months now, and unusually, the odd couple was being good friends rather than those who argue a lot. Although they still argue.
"I have to anyways, since there isn't anyone else left to take care of the temple..." Ayane sighed. Kochiro is getting worse, and can die anytime now. And she wished to fulfill his wishes before he died. But the last one surprised her. She can still remember that conversation...
**Earlier***
" Ojiichan, I can be a priestess! After all, I can be near my forest!" Ayane said excitedly. Kochiro smiled weakly as he listened to her. Although she protested on the part about leaving the clan, there is one more that maybe she could do...
"Ayane-chan, promise me to do one last thing..." Kochiro said quietly. Ayane came closer, her hands clasped around her gentle grandfather's. "Tell James how you feel about him..."
" I did! He's a great friend to me, and..." Ayane said, but Kochiro stopped her.
"No, I meant how you REALLY feel about him..." Ayane froze, feeling her heart fluttering and beating fast.
"Ojiichan, I DON'T love him!" Ayane wailed. Kochiro sat up, not worrying about his frail back aching from standing.
"You're denying it, Ayane-chan. you've sworn to be honest, and this, you can't hide from!" Kochiro said, his accusing eyes twinkling as it fooled around on Ayane.
"But Ojiichan!"
"Ayane-chan, I may not know much about love, but from the looks of how you and James are now, it's more than I expect you both to get along", Kochiro said, smiling. Ayane was about to object, but then decided against it. She just kisses her Ojiichan's cheek before leaving through the doors, confused.
" Every time someone mentions about James-chan, my heart beats fast!" Ayane thought as she walked to her room absentmindedly. "Maybe I'm crazy?" Again, she stumbled, tripping over the steps as she fell into the floor hard. As always, if she lies, she'll be clumsy without knowing it. "Ok...maybe he's right..."
**Now**
Ayane then casually brush past by James, who was looking after her as she walked to the fields. She then turns around, and beckoned the boy by putting her hand out. James was startled, but took it anyways as they walked off. Later on, when Ayane was teaching current students about the art of Ninjitsu, one of the workers, Ryoka ran in, out of breath and panicking.
"Ayane-sama!" The girl cried, grabbing her arm. "Something has happened to your ojiichan! Come quick!" Ayane immediately sprang and told her disciples that the lesson has to be canceled. She ran as fast as she could to the room, fearing that the worse have already come. James was nearly knocked over when Ayane was running.
"Could you at least be polite?!" James growled, but Ryoka told him the news as well. He then also ran after Ayane. When Ayane reached the room, her grandfather was lying there, now coughing out blood. Ayane's eyes widened and then hurried over there.
"Ojiichan!" Ayane cried out loud as she grabbed a towel nearby her to wipe it all up. She held her grandfather's hand, and it was strangely shaking violently. "Lemme get some herbs! I'll get you back to normal in no time!"
"No, Ayane-chan..." Kochiro said softly as he grabbed his granddaughter's arm back.
"But you'll die!" Ayane wailed.
"This is the time to die now..." Kochiro said. James came over to his sensei, not believing that he's going to lose someone who is like a father to him. As the boy struggled not the cry, a wrinkled hand enclosed over his.
"James-chan, it's ok to cry...Locking up your emotions is unhealthy", Kochiro rasped. His eyes were starting to close slowly, and this is it. James cried all right, but didn't sob.
"Ayane-chan, take care of everybody..." Kochiro said but then coughed out more blood. Ayane can't bear to see her grandfather suffering from the wrath of the disease. "And remember to follow your heart and do what it tells you to do...you too, James." Finally, he closed his eyes, and fell into a deep peaceful sleep. Ayane then felt his hand, and it was now light.
"Sensei is gone..." Ryoka choked after she picked up his hand, which was lifeless and hanging loose. Soon, current workers from the temple ran over, hoping to get to Kochiro, but they are too late.
"Ayane-sama..." One of them said as they turn to her. Ayane knew that now she's in charge of the temple, but confusion has belittled her heart. She can't take it anymore, and she runs off.
"AYANE-SAMA!" Yells from them rang out as the girl ran as fast as she could. James then leaped up and chases her.
Ayane sobbed while she ran into the comfort of the Ryokucha Forest. Soon, she was at her favorite hiding spot, which is a cherry blossom tree that Kochiro has planted for her when she was a little kid. The girl walked over to the trunk, and sat down. As she cried, she felt a hand on her shoulder. Ayane turns around, and James was there.
"Ayane..." The boy said, unable to say anything. Ayane still can't let out most of her tears out, so she ran into James's arms, crying as much as she could. James hugged the poor girl, letting her cry into his arms. James felt his heart beating fast, and he remembered Kochiro's last words to him.
"Follow your heart and do what it tells you to do..." That quote kept echoing over and over in his head. James puts his hand around Ayane's chin, and was staring in her watery eyes. But he then hesitated.
"What will she say if I do that then...?" James thought. But he shook it off, and then kisses Ayane. Ayane was about to step back, but then she let herself kissing him back.
"James-kun?" Ayane murmured. "What's the meaning of this?"
"You didn't know, didn't ya?" James said with a smile, which replaces his usual smirk.
"Ojiichan told me to tell you too..." Ayane said. "But I guess I don't need to anymore, because THIS explains it." She kisses James again, and they both went in a warm embrace. Cherry blossoms then fall off of the trees, the petals flying around everywhere around the couple. The wind blew in, and earlier, it wasn't even a windy day. Just then, Ayane sees a cherry blossom flying away and landing on the pond nearby her. She and James ran over, watching it float away. Soon, the people came out, admiring the sakura trees and their flowers either on or off of them. Never have they seen flowers this beautiful, and that can mean something. But then someone yelled, "LOOK!" Everyone did and in the sky, a tint of every single color trailed across it in an arch-like shape.
"Rainbow...?" James muttered. Usually it comes after a rainstorm, but why would it even appear just right now? Ayane then realizes something, besides the fact that it's one of Ojiichan's favorite things in Nature. Kochiro has sent her a sign that he's fine now...he has come in peace already. Before then, Ayane have prayed for a sign to be sent if her grandfather is alright, even after death. And this is good enough to prove it. He has answered her prayer.
"Thank you, Ojiichan..." Ayane whispered.
*END OF FLASHBACK*
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -=-=-=-=-
"THAT WAS SO SAD!!!!!!!" Number 3 wailed as she and Ayane was transported back in the kitchen. "But romantic with YOU and James!"
"You annoyed me too much in questions and other things, ya know!" Ayane said (_).
"But I got one more thing to ask you, Ayane-sama", Number 3 said. "What will happen to me when I go face the Red-Child Eater?"
"Whatever do you mean?" Ayane asked.
"I mean, see, you battled the monster and all. But I wanna know, what will happen to me when it's something like that?" Number 3 asked. Ayane then felt sad. And this is what she is dreading, since she doesn't want to tell the girl the whole truth. That has kept her back to tell Number 3, but it IS going to hit her hard a lot.
"Do you really want to know, Kuki-sama?" Ayane asked her quietly. Number 3 was a bit surprised by her solemn sadness, but nodded.
"Ok, then..."
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
What is the truth that Ayane was trying to hide about Number 3's fate?! Find out in the next chapter! I confuse myself about the history plot thing again on Ayane and James!!!!! -_-; im too busy with all of the shizload of projects, so I'm really sorry if I kept you all waiting with my updates! There'll be more action in the next fic. I PROMISE! I can try another limit, such as if I get more than 65-70 reviews, I'll write the next chapter! Who knows if I'll really do that?! xD You'll know later on. So then, later much!- DarkxKukixSanban
Song- "Deep River" Utada Hikaru