Chapter two
Authors note: I don' seem to be getting much reviews…. Why? Maybe its Christmas… must be anyway here is the concluding part of Fever, enjoy because I hell enjoy my little trip down emotional lane (begins to sniff)
Disclaimer: I do not own ANY of the characters of Dead Or Alive they belong to Team ninja/Temco, this is to ensure I don't get a law suit after my butt!
Sakura
Ayane lay on the bed sleeping soundly, Kasumi watched Ayane quietly wanting to speak, wanting to let her know what her words had meant to her, the terrible pain that she is causing to her hear, she sighs and knew that Ayane will not know, she sat there quietly.
No sooner had Kasumi finished her train of thought did Ayane awaken, her soft yawn was all the signal she needed, Ayane sat up feeling much stronger and stare at Kasumi, her eyes turning to a glare quickly, the young woman look down with pain in her eyes, Ayane shook her head.
She looks up to see a photo framed with a picture of Ryu and Ayane out in the town before the second tournament, Ayane smiles at seeing the picture, she knew it would cause Kasumi pain, she heard the sound of soft padding feet, Kasumi looks alarmed and bows to Ayane before opening the door and walks out leaving Ayane puzzled.
She never recall padding feet before and nearly thought Kasumi must have a child but she dismiss the thought as delusive thought of her own, Ayane thought back to how she met Ryu for the first time…
Ayane walk with Murai over a bridge which links to the main village of the legendary Hayabusa clan, she had just recently been included to Murai's clan and thus she was here to learn of who are the leaders of the Hayabusa clan are, "lets hope they not ass like some people I know," Ayane thought bitterly thinking back to her own clan with resentment of how they treated her.
But the thought of Genra laughing warmly of the silly mistakes she made calmed her rage, the only person she could look up to and find support, then the thought of Kasumi made her blood boil recalling the praise they gave to her, "bitch" Ayane thought hoping one day she can skin the young girl for the hardship she had to face.
She snapped out of her little world then they walk pass the Hayabusa Ninjas in training, some practicing their sword skills, others their hand-to-hand combat skills, Archery and finally Nimpo.
Ayane watch with interest of the Hayabusa practicing the Nimpo "they practicing the Inferno," Murai tells Ayane, "I suggest you watch for any stray fireballs that might fly towards you," she looks up to Murai raising an eye brow, "please what could possibly go wrong," expression is written on her face.
She heard shouts from the Ninjas and turn to see three fireball hurtling towards her, each one is as large as her head, she threw herself sideways avoiding the fireballs, she looks up to see Murai reach out and grab the first fireball, he twist on the spot and threw the fire ball in his hand into the other two.
The fireball thrown by Murai collided with the first causing the sphere of fire to explode taking the second fireball with it, the ground around the fireball explosion is scorched black, she rose to see Murai smile, "I told you so," expression was written on his face.
She curse herself for no heeding his words properly, one of the Ninjas came forward and bowed to ayane, "I'am sorry me and my brother were not concentrating which caused the accident," this stunned ayane that the man was apologising to her, she shook the shock, "you better watch your step next time or else I'll skin you alive."
The man looks up meeting Ayane eye, her eyes seem to beam daggers at the man who nods, "I will remember," he replies in a formal tone before bowing again and return to the class, she watch him leave, "they are polite," she heard murai tells her.
She nods thinking it was nice that the man had apologised to her instead of scowl her, a smile formed on her lip, "I might like the hayabusa clan already," she thought.
Murai turned to walk away, Ayane followed still deep in thought, she was so absorbed into watching them she didn't look where she was going, not until she bumped into someone and fell back.
She was annoyed and was ready to insult the man when she looked up did she saw the tall man with emerald eyes stared down at her, she couldn't but help feel her cheeks began to warm, Murai smiles and help Ayane back to her feet.
He laughs while she try to use the hood to hide her blushing, "I like you to meet Ken Hayabusa Ayane," she saw him smile warmly to her, she looks to Murai for guidance, "it's an honour to meet you Ayane," Ken smoothly spoke, she nods feeling her cheek burn with embarrassment of his formal greeting to her.
He turns to Murai, "we have much to speak," Murai nods, "yes we do," Ken turns but kept an eye on Ayane for some reason, "come we shall move our talk to the training grounds," she felt uncomfortable when he kept his eyes on her, as if he was trying to judge her for something.
Whatever it is she did not want to be part of it.
They walk for a few moments crossing a bridge and passing the gates at the other side of the bridge they stare at a large building, "this is where all training and evaluation of the training Ninjas are made," Ken tells Ayane smiling warmly again, she felt uncomfortable now.
She felt comfortable when he looked at her but somehow she felt nervous, "nervous about what? That he's going to ask you out for dinner?" she asks herself, the thought of Ken asking her out to dinner was appealing, in some strange way.
Soon they arrive at the training grounds, in the centre is two men facing each other garbed in the Ninja uniform of the Hayabusa, while other Ninjas sat around them to watch, one of them is dressed in a blue uniform while the other is in a dull black uniform.
Ayane watch the two men circle each other waiting to attack, the man in black ran forward bringing his fist back he strike out, the blue one simply pull the mans fist and turn then the black ninja is the air.
A swirl of leaves was seen in the air before the blue man grab the man in black and scream his battle cry as he brought the black man down straight, the black man was kicked away at the last moment, the black ninja flips and lands on his feet, the one in blue lands as well, "gracefully," Ayane noted.
They eye each other for a moment, then stood straight up and bow to one another, Ken claps, "well done Ryu," Ayane look to Murai for answers but found him smiling, a glint in Murai eye made Ayane nervous, there was something about his eye which made her worry.
She try to think why they are looking at her in that way, "first Master Ken gives me that look now Murai… what are those two up to ?" she asks feeling that the answer lies with the blue ninja
The man in blue stood in front of them, "Ryu this is Ayane brought by Murai," she watch him nods, "come now why not remove the hood to let her see you face to face," Ryu complies in removing his hood and mask.
What Ayane saw was lush long hair of brown flooding away from the hood, she watch him shake his hair so it floats for a moment in the wind.
Ayane stare in awe at the mans hair, but the most eye catching of his face was his eyes, the two emerald eyes was so clear and beautiful, she lost all track of everyone, her heart beat harder like a war drum, "Ayane?" she felt Murai hand on her shoulder shaking her from her trans.
Ryu did not seem to notice her trans like state, "this is my son Ryu Hayabusa," Ken tells Ayane, her jaw nearly dropped open, "his son, no wonder they look so handsome," she thought, his eyes seem to be somewhere else making her a little annoyed, "Ryu can you not pay attention to our guest instead of looking off somewhere?"
Ryu nods in apology, "I was wondering about the Kunoichi Murai had said that he'll be taking in from the Haji Mon," Ayane smiles, "well you're talking to her master Ryu," she answers in a formal tone, this brought him to look at Ayane for the first time.
His eyes seem to stare at her blankly but she saw some flicker of shock, Ken spoke, "you two will be working closely together," Murai nods, "Ayane will be helping Ryu as I have helped you," Ken smiles, "I'm sure they will work together well," Murai assures Ken with a smile.
Ryu look to both men before looking at Ayane, she saw a surprise in his eyes, while she thought "so I'm working with him?" she smiles inwardly, "I think I'm going to enjoy my stay with the Hayabusa clan very much," but these playful thoughts are soon gone, "lets hope he's good or else I'm going to leave him to eat my dust trails,"
Murai look to Ayane, "I have important matters to attend to," Ayane nods in acknowledgement, "Ryu will give you a more better tour of our humble clan," he tells Ayane smiling, she could guess why Ken is smiling so warmly now, "I'll leave the two of you alone," the two older men left leaving Ayane and Ryu alone.
Neither spoke for a moment, Ayane couldn't help but stare at him, admiring his strong body, the hair only help to make his eyes stand out even more, he too examine her, but what thought crossed his mind she'll never know, for now.
She brought her mind back to the task, "are you going to show me around?" Ayane asks, Ryu seem to move when she spoke as if snapping out of his thoughts, "oh…yes I'll show you the village," he stutters but quickly compose himself.
He gestures with his hand to the village across the bridge Ayane had crossed, "the bridge that connects the main village to the entrance," he began, Ayane nods knowing the path already, but the sound of his voice was making her cheeks warm, "is something wrong?" she heard him ask.
She quickly looks to him when he is staring at her, "is something wrong with your face?" he asks, this brought her mind back to her blushing cheeks, "it's rather cold that's all," she lied hoping he'll believe her words, he didn't made any gesture to say did he believe her or not, "I'll take you to the centre of the village."
He passes by her while her eyes follow him eyeing his hair, "this could be a very interesting day," Ayane thought smiling inwardly as she follows Ryu…
The memory was a fond one of the first meeting of Ryu, she can still remember the look of confusion and nervous in his eyes that made her want to laugh at him, she heard the door slide open and Kasumi came in puffing softly, "running around again?" she asks bitterly, Kasumi respond with a hurt look, Ayane was wondering was the look genuine but knew better than the ask.
She sighs thinking back to the event after the destruction of the Vigoor empire and the dark dragon blade, spending months watching Ryu sit in his former house mourning over the loses, she couldn't think how to comfort him, one day she found Kasumi there talking to Ryu…
Ayane had just returned from fishing near the river, she had made the excuse she needed to know how to fish but truth to be told she wanted to look after Ryu, she approached the front door when she heard a sweet voice, instantly she knew the voice belong to.
Stepping carefully she listen to the voices, "you can't mourn for their deaths forever," Ayane grits her teeth while she steps closer, "there has to be someone who you care about," she clench her fist tightly, "there is," came the one voice which made Ayane heat skip a beat.
She place her ear to the door leading into the room where Ryu is, "who?" asks the innocent voice, Ayane couldn't mistaken the voice to be anyone else than, "I cannot say Kasumi," Ryu replies, anger surge through Ayane of the thought of what Kasumi maybe doing, she wanted to break the doors down and kill the bitch for coming here.
She restrain herself knowing best not to make such haste, "Ryu I'm just worried about your current situation," she heard a sigh, from Ryu "I'm sorry if I worried you," it should be Ayane in there telling him how worried she is, but she didn't seem to have the heart to say that she's worried as well.
Now she stood there listening to their conversation, "don't worry Ryu," came the sweet reply, silence for a while descend upon the room, Ayane stood there listening hoping to learn more, she had forgotten she's holding a fishing rod, she dropped the fishing rod and heard it clatter on the floor.
Nothing was said for a few moments, "is that you Ayane?" came Ryu voice, Ayane didn't move nor breathed for a moment, before she had the chance to move or consider what to do the door to the room open and standing at the door is Kasumi wearing the accursed blue Kunoichi uniform she chose.
She felt discussed that she would wear such a revealing uniform but she suppose that most people would be looking at her womanly asset before considering of fighting her, "what's wrong Ayane?" she heard her asks in a innocent voice, she had to restrain herself from striking out at Kasumi.
Looking away she knelt down and gathered the fishing rod and fishes she dropped, "let me help," she Kasumi spoke, Ayane quickly shook her head, "no need I'll prepare the food for the two of you," she replies bitterly, she didn't need to look up to see that her reply had hurt her.
She turned taking the fishes with her not wanting to look back, she knew that the only reason why Kasumi dressed that way was probably to make Ryu notice her, she clench her fist while a single tear caressed her cheek of the thought that Ryu will fall in love with Kasumi.
She stood in the kitchen gutting the fishes, she thought of Ryu wanting to tell him her feelings, she began to cry, tears slowly dripping down her cheek, "I just wish I had the courage," she felt a hot pain in her finger and looks down, she saw blood on her hand from the fishes.
She wiped the blood away to see she's cut her own finger, she curses herself when a pair of hands carefully wipe the blood of the fish away from her hand, looking up she saw Ryu stare at her hand with concern. "Be more careful Ayane," at the door way Ayane saw Kasumi smiling.
She didn't know why she was smiling but didn't care as she walks off while Ryu stare Ayane in the eye, "I'm sorry if I been inconsiderate to you…" he began but she shook her head, "I should had said something earlier but you and her were…" he smiles "we friends Ayane, she and I," he bandage her and quickly.
She blushes thinking that Kasumi was trying to take Ryu from her, the one person beside Genra who she cared for deeply, "I'll cook you better get that wound cleaned before it becomes infected," Ayane nods walking away, she smiles loving the moment of Ryu been concerned for her safety.
It made her feel wanted…
Admitting that she liked Ryu more than she know had scared her at first but she accepted it, the only problem was telling him, she didn't had the courage nor the will to tell him, she hoped he may confess how he felt about her.
But no such luck appeared, so she suffered in silence, no one would had guessed that Ayane had fallen for the last remaining Hayabusa, only Kasumi and Hayate knew, neither interfere because love must be found.
Ayane look down to her hand, she inspected the delicate fingers but felt something was odd, look up she watch the auburn girl look down, her face sad, Ayane wish so much she could have the blood of the red head in her hand, she screw up her fist remembering the defeat she suffered at her hand, during the second tournament…
Ayane breathes hard unable to believe that she was beaten, she felt her body scream to her mind of the punishment it received, she heard the foot steps made in the snow approaching her, she painfully cranes her head up to see Kasumi looking down at her, the simple look of superiority is written on her face.
She wanted to spit at the red heads face but didn't had the strength to raise her hand, "you can't defeat me" was all she said, those simple words were like a dagger been plunged into Ayane heart, her hand gripped the snow in her hand crushing it wishing it was the girls head.
Inspecting Kasumi posture and breathing she was surprised to find that she's not exhausted by the fight, she stare at Ayane for a moment regarding her in some way, Ayane knew she's probably regarding her as nothing but trash.
Ayane looks down trying to conserve energy, but most of all not wanting to see the smile forming on her face, Ayane saw a purple scarf floated down in front of her sight, she looks up but Kasumi has her back turned to Ayane.
Question came into her mind as to why did she give her the scarf, "you'll get cold," was her simple reply, "a late happy birthday present," she heard her whispers softly letting the gentle breeze carry her words to Ayane.
Moments passed before Kasumi walks away, Ayane was confused, looking down she saw butterfly pattern are sewn into the scarf, Ayane hesitantly took it, feeling it's warm she wraps it round her neck feeling a little warmer, she could smell the scent of Sakura flower from the scarf.
The sweet smell soothed her mind of the aches when she question where did the runaway obtain such an item.
The answer was obvious, Kasumi had made it for Ayane, "such kindness to let me show mercy to her," Ayane thought gripping the scarf, she finally stood up, she tore the scarf from her neck and stare at it, she'll keep it to remember.
To remember that nothing Kasumi gives will change Ayane from killing her, no matter what Kasumi do she will die by Ayane hand…
Now the one person she wanted to kill sat near her, she didn't made any movement to speak which had annoyed Ayane but never less she was glad she is spared from hearing her sweet innocent voice, it made Ayane sick to hear her speak but at least she had been a good enough girl not to speak.
Her throat felt a little parched, "could you fetch me some water," Ayane mange to speak, restraining herself from violently calling abuse at the woman, she looks up and smile warmly for a moment before departing from the room, she slid the door open, she close the door as quietly as possible before her foot steps slowly disappear.
Ayane remember once when Kasumi had smiled at her warmly, the moment was a strange moment but somehow she felt approval from Kasumi, as if she was been judge whether she was strong enough, she never did receive and answer on that day…
Ayane stare down at Kasumi while she lay on her side breathing hard, Ayane is breathing hard too, she felt bruises forming her on stomach and arms, they easily ignored as she gloat over her victory over the runaway, "at long last I beaten her, Kasumi has been beaten by me!" Ayane thought victoriously.
The battle was long and hard, she won in the end by luck, "you'll have to fight better than that," Kasumi was in a little pain from the way she held her arm, Ayane expected fear to appear on her face that she's now helpless in front of Ayane, that she could not escape her.
No fear shined from the runaway copper eyes, nor did they dull of terror, instead Ayane found Kasumi smiling warmly to Ayane, it surprised Ayane that she would be smiling.
"Yes indeed you are better than me," Kasumi spoke in a soft and gentle voice, she spoke to Ayane so calmly it made her question did she have some trick up her sleeve, "what's with the smiling?" Ayane asks too shocked to glare or to call her names.
The answer she received was unexpected, "happy that you surpass me," Ayane couldn't understand why would she be happy for Ayane, she should be afraid so that it would give Ayane some satisfaction, she wondered had she finally lost her mind, "Niisan is at the snow caps."
Ayane look down at her wondering what is she talking about, "you want to see Sensei Genra do you not?" she asks looking up to Ayane, there eyes met, Kasumi can see the desire in Ayane's eye that she do want to know, "he's going to intercept him at that point, better hurry," Ayane had so many questions to asks as to how did she know.
More importantly is she lying, Kasumi must had read her mind, "I defeated Niisan in the tournament forcing him out, he told me where he was going and what is he planning on doing," this answered a far portion of Ayane question but one still remain.
Yet again the auburn hair woman quickly answered, "you have to trust me Ayane, I have never lied to you before and I' am not lying at this moment," Kasumi down cast her eyes, "if it was my father I would do the same thing," this was a surprise to Ayane of hearing Kasumi speak in such a manner.
The lavender woman looks down at the runaway, sizing her words, "you have to hurry Ayane, if you don't you'll never see Genra again," those words made it clear that she is trying to help her find Genra, "thank you," Ayane whispers before turning and runs towards the snow caps to confront Genra, she knew she'll have to fight Hayate but if it meant seeing Genra she will do so…
She never understood the moment but never less she did found Genra, she try to summon the memory of the fight, she felt a terrible depression suddenly set upon her, her mind slowly recalls the fight, even though it hurt her to recall the terrible battle she had to for her own sake…
Flames had form a ring round them, she could feel the heat upon her back and the smell of burning flesh was disgusting, in front of her stood the towering figure of Genra, the very same person she once called father, she stare at her through the mask of metal, she tried to speak to him but he didn't' reply.
The weapon in Genra hand flared into life producing two purple lights from each end, he began to move towards Ayane, she was frozen on the spot unable to believe that he's ready to kill her.
He stood a few paces away from her, she thought he might had come to his senses, he raise his right hand, she threw herself left as instinct saves her from been torched when Genra fired a stream of fire where she was standing before moments ago.
She rolls to a stop and stood up but found Genra charging her with his weapon held ready to stab her, she knew she cannot move in time to avoid the blade, she knew she will die by the hands of Genra, a tear escape her eyes of the grief she felt while her body try to move out of the way.
Her nose smelt the scent f burning clothes, before she knew what was happening she felt a body slam into her side throwing herself away from the blade, she turn to see the one who had slammed into her is Kasumi with part of her clothes on fire, "she must had braved the fire," Ayane thought.
The blade struck out and is aimed at Kasumi side, Ayane knew if it connects that it'll cut away her intestine and stomach, she knew it would be a slow death, when the blade made contact Kasumi burst into a whirl of Sakura petals.
Ayane land on her side and stare at the falling petals ignite by the sheer heat, she look up to Genra as he turns to stare at her, she stare hard and saw his eyes, she saw nothing that remain of her former foster father no, only the shell of the man that once loved her.
She knew that he's beyond help, the only way to release him is to kill him, she stood up and fall into her fighting stance, she watch him advance once more, this time she cries out a battle cry that spoke her anger of the abomination that stood in front of her mixed with anguish of what she must do.
The battle had begun…
The memory made Ayane weep, the mere thought of how she killed him still pained her, loosing Genra was a severe blow to Ayane because he was the only family she ever had, now he's dead killed by her own hands, she had killed her father.
She cried silently wishing that he were alive, "why did Kasumi saved you?" came a question; she look round thinking someone was within the room, "why?" Ayane thought recalling Kasumi act of saving her.
A terrible pain seem to spread throughout her mind, she clutch her head, "no that's not right," she whispers to herself, "what's wrong with me?" Ayane questions herself, "I'm sick I'm not myself," she answers, but something was seriously wrong.
She try to think what was wrong but the pain seem to grow, she screams in agony as the pain seem to squeeze her mind slowly, the door to the room is swung open, she didn't notice someone circle their arms round her.
The hand slowly rub her back calming her, she felt the pain slowly lift, she look at the chest of a man, looking up she saw Ryu staring down at her his eyes shined with concern, she notice black line underneath his eyes that spoke of lack of sleep.
He spoke softly soothing Ayane, "I'm here Ayane it's alright," those mere words did made her relax, "is she well?" she heard a sweet voice spoke softly, Ayane crane her head to see Kasumi standing at the door, anger welled up in her, "no I'm not fine you fucking bitch!"
Kasumi took a step back, shocked by the words, she turns and runs, Ayane listen to her footsteps until they faded away, she felt terribly guilty for some reason, but why she didn't know.
Looking up to Ryu she notice he had winkles in his skin, she notice his hair seem to have a few strands of silver white hair, "Ayane did you know who you were talking to?" Ryu questions.
This surprised her, "Kasumi," she simply replies, his face turn sad his eyes looking down at her with pity, "Ayane do you remember what happened after the fight with Genra?" Ryu questions her.
The lavender woman looks up quizzically at Ryu, "what do you mean I burnt my fathers body afterwards," a tear caressed her cheek as she mentioned the task she had to perform, Ryu hand softly stroked her cheek, she felt love and warmth while he held her, she knew that he loved her.
Somehow everything seem wrong, "do you remember what happened after that?" he questions, the question brought a memory of seeing Kasumi smiling, Ayane try to banish the thought, "try to recall Ayane what happened when you left," she try her best and recall Ryu waiting for her in the forest.
She try harder to think what happened afterwards, the pain return and began to squeeze her mind trying to preventing her from remembering, she held onto Ryu as she try to pierce the pain, "try to remember Ayane," came Ryu soothing words.
Fragments of memories began to surface, Kasumi coughing up blood, Ayane knelt before Kasumi, it all began to fall into place, "I do remember," she whispers, "then what happened?" she felt some great sadness that will change her life lie within this new memory.
She needed to know and let the memory fill her mind…
Ayane stood in front of Kasumi while she lean against a tree, she was smiling up to Ayane, "I been waiting for you," she manage to say, Ayane eye scan Kasumi for any hostile movement, she took note of the burns on her clothes and upon her flesh as well, she eyed a nasty looking burn on her left arm, she could only guess the pain was unbearable.
Her eyes notice a small trail of blood flowing from Kasumi side where her hand held the wound, "you injured?" Ayane asks dumb founded realizing that the wound was caused by Genra when Kasumi had rammed Ayane away from the blade.
Kasumi smiles, "no need to worry," Ryu looks away, Ayane didn't knew what to say for a moment then asks her question, "you saved me from the blow…why?" she asks, Kasumi merely smiles, "because I pro…" she coughs some blood spitting it on the side "because I promised that I'll be your friend no matter what."
This struck Ayane, "you kept that promise all these years?" she only found a smile, "yes we made a promise and I said I'll keep it no matter what," she seem happy, "even if you hate me I would had kept the promise to you," how is she ignoring the wound is beyond Ayane.
She knelt down, all thoughts of killing her were gone, but questions surfaces, "Niisan told me," Ayane looks up to her, "he told me that you're my half sister," it struck Ayane now why she took the blow, "as a older sister to you I took the blow that was meant for you."
The deepness of loyalty and love touched Ayane, "I would had dearly have spent more time with you my sister but my time is short," Ayane looks up, the warm feeling of knowing that Kasumi would had taken care of her as a true sister kindled a old warmth.
Old warmth when she and Kasumi played when they were young, at that moment Ayane wanted Kasumi to live, "you can't die…. You just can't!" Ayane felt tears caressing her cheek, Kasumi close her eyes with the smile still on her lips, "Ill make one final promise to you Ayane."
Her hand etched out to Ayane face but is too weak, Ayane saw the wound is a cut which has punctured Kasumi's intestine, blood dripped out of the wound, she knew that it was too late to save her, ayane gripped Kasumi hand, "when you're unwell I'll be there at your side Ayane," she nods while a tear slide down Ayane cheek touching Kasumi blood stained hand.
Kasumi eyes were filled with so much love and warmth for ayane it was impossible to have known what could had happen if she had lived, those copper warm eyes slowly closed, Ayane felt the hand in hers loosen, Kasumi fell forward into Anyone's chest, she didn't felt any breathing or a beating heart.
Look down she saw Kasumi is pressed against her chest, her face peaceful, the emotional realization of how much Ayane had cared for Kasumi exploded as she drop Genra weapon and hugged Kasumi dead body, she wept furiously holding Kasumi close to her.
Ryu shed tears as well wishing he could had saved her, he treasured her as a friend and now she's dead, his heart belongs to Ayane but Kasumi was always there to help, it's hard to believe she's gone a warm and caring soul extinguished by a soulless creature, Ayane wept for the entire night crying why did she only realize at the end, why she never knew earlier…
Ayane couldn't bare to think of the memory even though she has recovered the memory, "she died that night for you Ayane," she heard Ryu spoke, she felt a tear on her head, "she was dear to us because she wanted to see others happy even if it meant she suffers," Ayane arm tighten round Ryu, "that's how she died eighteen years ago Ayane."
She buried her head into Ryu's arm weeping once more for Kasumi, "the young girl you shouted at was out daughter Katsumi" Ryu whispers into Ayane ear, the realization of who it was she was shouting at dawned on her, "she understood and took the role of suffering your harsh words Ayane, she did it for you and for me," Ayane still couldn't believe that she was saying such harsh words to her, her own flesh and blood.
Guilt would had consume her at that moment but somehow she didn't felt the cursed feeling, "Katsumi bore your guilt for you, so you could be happy for the rest of your life," the mentioning of how kind their daughter is made Ayane weep on Ryu's shoulder.
Beneath a tree Katsumi is curled up at the base of the tree, she cried softly to herself, the words Ayane spoke had caused much pain to her, she at one point wanted to die, die because she reminded Ayane of the one she hated, the young girl looks up to see a Sakura petal drifted down and landed in her hair.
She took hold of the pedal, "it's not spring," she thought, when she looked up she saw a magnificent sight, the tree is in full bloom snowing Sakura petals around her, she felt comforted, a feeling of someone had put their arms round her to comfort her, "is this better?"
A soothing voice whispers into the girls ear, she looks back to see a ghostly image of a young girl that look similar to her, her copper eyes look to the crying girl with warm, "thank you aunty Kasumi," the young girl whispers leaning back a little bit more, "that's OK Katsumi."
Staring down with a smile upon the young girl who wore the yellow ribbon which belongs to her, now she treasure it as a sign that once her mother and her aunt had been sisters, even if the moment was short it was to be remembered, Kasumi looks up to the sky, "I'm leaving Katsumi," she whispers.
The young girls nods, "she'll never suffer from the illness ever again," she turns with tears in her eyes, "thank you for watching over me these pass years," Kasumi smiles while the wind blew her form away as she pass from the mortal world to the after life, resting in peace that her promise has been for filled.
All is well within the world
Sakura cherry blossom (if you didn't know before now you know)
A.N: The cherry blossom title has reference to an old Japanese legend… if you want me explain it (I'm sketchy did I hear it right) then I'll say in the thank you chapter OK, later Wolf.