A New Beginning

Mai sat against the bare Sakura tree in a garden on the border of Lord Gohda's territory playing her song on the violin. She wanted to get away from all the hustle and bustle of the royal family and training. She had a lot to think about. It had been four months since she had been freed from Lady Hiroko's spell. She had been training intensely and going on missions for Lord Gohda. She was so busy that Lord Gohda decided to make her a lady of New Yama. Gohda's men had rebuilt the city near the location of the old Yama. She was finally free to go home. Now that she had so much freedom, she didn't know what to do with it.

Her thoughts were cut off by footsteps. They were light, but she could still hear them. Someone with a powerful ki was coming, too. Without turning around, Mai put her violin down and pushed the hilt of her sword out of its sheath so an inch of the blade was showing. She smiled when she heard the familiar voice.

"Mai," Ayame shouted. "I've been looking all over for you. You almost gave me a heart attack when I heard you were missing."

"Ayame, you shouldn't worry so much. I'm sure Rikimaru doesn't want to get married to a battleaxe." Ayame laughed at Mai's joke. She decided to sit next to her. She noticed that Mai was wearing her pink kimono and green skirt, the exact outfit she was wearing the day she rescued her. Her soft black hair had become longer, so she tied it into a ponytail between the shoulder blades (If you've seen Inuyasha, picture how Sango wears her hair with her regular kimono outfit). Her dress complimented her snow-white skin. Her eyes were so soft and warm that it almost made Ayame cry. Ayame was glad to see her sister so happy. She had been through so much. She put an arm around her younger sister and smiled. At that moment, it started to snow.

"You shouldn't be out here. You could catch your death, it's so cold."

"The snow comforts me. It's strange. It has been one year since I watched the snow fall last in my village." Ayame looked at the ruins of Yama. At the top of a hill, stood the graves of her parents. It didn't bother Ayame at all since she never knew them. But Mai must have missed them so much. "I wish I could bring them back. I miss the villagers and my parents, but I have to move on. I learned that there is always a silver lining in the cloud."

"And what is that?" Ayame asked.

"I got to meet my sister." Mai embraced Ayame. Tears fell from both there eyes. Ayame was glad that she had a family. She had sisters, both Mai and Kiku, a father figure, Lord Gohda, and soon the love of her life. "We should get back to the castle. There is a surprise for you." Ayame, looking confused, slowly nodded and they headed back. When they returned, Kiku greeted them with a hug. Rikimaru was also waiting with a kiss and a box.

"Ayame, I have something to ask you." He took her hand and kneeled down on one knee. He then opened the box to reveal a blue diamond ring. "It is one of the rarest diamonds in the world. I would be honored if you wore it. I love you so much, Ayame. I come to you, not as a ninja, not as your partner or your leader, but as an ordinary man."

"Easy for you to say," Mai whispered. Kiku stepped on her foot and she let out a small yelp.

"Ayame, will you marry?" Ayame didn't know what to say. She fell to her knees and hugged him. She started to cry as Rikimaru pushed the ring on her finger.

"Yes, I want to spend the rest of my days with you. I love you so much." They both kissed passionately. They were going to be together forever. There was only one problem with it. They had to get past Lord Gohda.

"I couldn't agree more." Everyone spun around to meet Lord Gohda's gaze. "You two have been through so much together. You have served me with great loyalty. You should be able to enjoy your lives together. I will permit you to be married."

"Thank you, Lord Gohda," they said together with a bow.

"Now," Mai started, "all we need is the dresses, and cake, and food. This is going to be a big wedding."


Everyone cheered as the newlyweds walked out of the temple. Ayame shined in her white dress and veil. Rikimaru looked handsome in his blue kimono. He even took of his mask. They finally did it. They were married.

Everyone partied heavily that night. Even Kiku was allowed to stay up late. They all drank wine and ate and danced. Mai watched everyone from a corner, her sword at her side. She didn't want anything to happen. If they should be attacked, she would be ready. The party settled down and everyone went home. Rikimaru and Ayame decided to retire also. The only people up were Lord Gohda and Mai. They were discussing new plans for Mai.

"I have no reason for you to stay here and protect me," Lord Gohda began. "Lord Mei-Oh has been banished and everything is at piece. I will send you back to New Yama when you see fit."

"Thank you," Mai answered. Lord Gohda looked at her with curiosity. She looked sad.

"Is there something wrong?"

"No, sir. I just thought I would leave right away in the morning. It would make it easier on everyone else." Lord Gohda sighed at her.

"You may leave whenever you like. I will make sure that Ayame and Kiku come to visit you."

"Thank you. I think I will leave tonight. Goodnight, Gohda. May the gods protect you." She bowed and left. He smiled as she shut the door behind her.

"Be safe, chosen protector."


Mai stood on her balcony watching the snow falling. She could remember the last time she did this almost a year ago. It brought a tear to her eye as she smiled. A servant knocked on the door and spoke. "Lady Mai, there is a visitor for you." Mai quickly wiped her eyes as she signaled him to let the person in. She gasped when she saw that the visitor was Ayame.

"I didn't think you would get here so quickly."

"Well, when you leave without notice, you tend to move faster." Mai started crying again. "Mai, you're getting too soft on me."

"I'm sorry. It's been so long. I missed you. What brings you here?"

"Rikimaru and I have just finished our honeymoon. Now we were hoping to live in New Yama to raise a family." Mai smiled at her words.

"You can stay in the castle. We have plenty of room. It gets awful lonely here." Ayame smiled.

"We would love to stay with you. I can teach you some new moves."

"Right, see if you can beat me first." Mai walked Ayame to her new room. Men were already filling it with furniture. She took her to the balcony. "This room is a replica of my mother and father's. It should suit you well. You will have a beautiful view of the sunrise."

"We can finally rest at last, Mai." They hugged each other as the snow fell. Mai was so happy to have her life back, the life she once lost. She could have a family and a home. She could help the villagers and protect the. She smiled in her sisters arms.

"We went through all that pain together. We can finally have a new beginning. We can finally have a chance to live." They smiled and continued to watch the snow cover up the ground with its beauty.


Yep, that's the end. Thanks for reviewing. I really loved doing this story. I need new ideas for stories. I want to a Rurouni Kenshin and a Kill Bill story. I might even do an Inuyasha story so if you have any ideas, email me at Thanks again for reading. Cya.