Upload Date: May 3, 2005
Warning: This chapter contains sexual content. Warning. Well, you expected it with the M rating and all. You horny teenagers…this is the part you've been waiting for.
Chapter 8: For Her, He Suffers
"What exactly are we looking for, again?" Ayame asked Rikimaru as they crept cautiously into the dark forest.
"Lord Gohda said something about three different scrolls hidden in this forest that contain something only legends have thought it to hold," Rikimaru explained to her, brushing aside leaves that hung low in their way.
"Hm. Why do I get a feeling, though, that this place is probably worse than the Cemetery?" Rikimaru didn't answer, as he felt this notion as well, unpleasant chills running down his spine. With that, he tightened his grip on Izayoi, moving closer to Ayame protectively, even though he knew she wouldn't need his help.
The path through this strange and rather ancient forest was eerily random. It would appear linear at first, and then start to twist every which way, making it seem as if there were long stretches of forest left that they hadn't quite reached. Piles of dirt and moldy leaves made small, suspicious looking mounds on the ground. Traps. Concealed mines hidden beneath, waiting for an unfortunate person to walk upon them. Not only would it injure, but it would alert anyone in the area as well.
They had been in the forest no longer than a few minutes and Ayame almost stepped into one of the mounds. Rikimaru pulled her back just in time and swiftly pulled her down to a crouching position on the floor with him.
Ayame opened her mouth to ask him what he did that for, but she stopped as she saw what he was staring intently at up ahead. They had come across their first enemy…and it wasn't a very welcoming sight to see.
The…thing…well, Ayame didn't know exactly what to call it, much less Rikimaru. It was demon-like for sure, male, with horns protruding from the top of his head, and oddly colored dark, murky skin. It's dark, fathomless eyes bulged out of their sockets eerily, the veins visible around them. He wore dirty baggy pants and kept a long sword attached to his side. The demon thing moved lazily and made grunting noises as it maneuvered through the dirt area, stepping around wild bushes that were in his way.
Ayame made a move to get up as soon as she saw that the demon was walking away from them and towards a dark clump of bamboo trees farther back. Rikimaru caught hold of her arm.
"Be careful," he whispered to her. Ayame just rolled her eyes at him and mouthed back, "You know me." Rikimaru sighed and let her go.
Rikimaru watched as Ayame stealthily stalked the demon, who was still unaware of her presence, engrossed in looking in the darkness for any intruders. Little did he know that an intruder was right behind him, ready to strike. Ayame was such a stubborn woman. A stubborn, beautiful woman who he just wanted to hold in his arms and never let go, to feel the warmth of her body against- what was Rikimaru thinking? He was on a mission and he couldn't think about this now. He snapped out of his rather needy thoughts and continued to watch as Ayame suddenly ran up and executed the perfect aerial kill, killing the demon instantly.
Rikimaru walked up and studied the demon more closely as Ayame wiped her swords. Its blood was a sickeningly black shade, not dark red at all.
"I think we should go that way," Ayame said, using one hand to wipe her forehead which was flecked with the demon's disgusting blood, and using the other hand to point back in the darkness where the demon had been so intent upon guarding. Rikimaru nodded.
They walked forward into the darkness gingerly, using random clumps of bushes and bamboo to hide behind. It was a rather short path leading to a small alcove with a little shrine-like hut at the end. Another demon was guarding this one, similar to the other though this one was armed with scythes and it patrolled lazily around the small hut.
"I'll take care of this one," Rikimaru whispered to Ayame, and he got up, his sword ready. The demon turned towards Rikimaru suddenly, and let out a fierce growl as he raised his scythes menacingly. Rikimaru, however, wasn't fazed at all and raised Izayoi. Ayame watched from behind the bamboo, watching as Rikimaru and the demon fought. She enjoyed watching Rikimaru, his movements so fluid with Izayoi. In a few short minutes, the fight was over and Rikimaru was busying himself with wiping the blade.
"Not bad," Ayame said with a smirk. "I could have done better though."
"I'm sure you would have." Rikimaru replied to her with a small smile. He wasn't being sarcastic, and she blushed before quickly turning away and walking towards the small shrine, Rikimaru close behind her.
"I'm guessing this is the scroll then?" Ayame muttered, stopping in front of a small altar in the shrine. Upon the altar rested the scroll. It was a small, rather simple scroll that didn't look like it was anything special. It was shut with some ancient seal that looked as fragile as a flower petal, but held fast. Rikimaru appeared beside her and he nodded. Ayame reached out to take it carefully, waiting to see if there was some sort of trap. Nothing happened. She removed it quickly from its spot on the altar and put it in a safe place in her pouch.
"It wasn't as heavily guarded as I thought it might be," Rikimaru stated thoughtfully as they continued up a path leading from the small shrine.
Ayame shrugged, and then stretched. "I can't wait till' this whole mess is over with…I'm dying for a break…"
Rikimaru turned and smiled at her. Small wisps of her bangs tickled the sides of her perfect face and drifted across her forehead. Oh how much he wanted her, to make her his, to spend eternity with her…
Suddenly, something caught his eye in a small pathway branching off just over to the left. He stopped dead in his tracks as he focused on the area where he just saw that strange glint of light. Ayame looked at him curiously, and rather annoyed. Rikimaru held his hand up silently, and listened for any signs of movement, reaching out with his ki. There was definitely something that had been stalking them that was now hiding in that dark area.
"Ayame, go on ahead, I'll meet up with you later," Rikimaru whispered to her. Still not understanding what he was focused on, she just nodded and continued up ahead. Ayame was rather annoyed at his sudden ignorance, but knowing Rikimaru, it probably really was something important. Or…is it just me? She thought to herself, now becoming concerned. Ayame sighed, shook her head dismissively and continued forward.
Rikimaru waited until she was out of sight before advancing towards the suspicious area. The closer he got, the more annoyed he became for he now knew who was waiting in the darkness for him. He brushed away a branch and eventually came across a small clearing. He was right about his predictions. Gaida stood in the middle sneering at him.
"Somehow, I knew it was you," Rikimaru said, returning the sneer. He raised Izayoi, ready.
"I'm not here to fight," Gaida just replied simply.
"Then what are you here for? Besides just being a pain? Or is that your pathetic reason?" Rikimaru realized how that sounded much like a comment Ayame would make.
Gaida just smiled mysteriously, not saying anything. He just stood there surveying Rikimaru. Rikimaru turned around roughly and made his way back to catch up with Ayame. He wasn't worth it. He found her studying the next enemy's patrol patterns behind a large rock.
"May I ask where you were or shall I save that for later?" Ayame whispered, not taking her eyes off of the demon up ahead. It didn't seem like she was expecting an answer though. Rikimaru suddenly felt rather guilty and chose to keep silent, not wanting to worry Ayame with Gaida. He would take care of him later.
Rikimaru watched again as Ayame killed the demon. He walked up to her as she just stood there, observing the sight the slain demon made.
"I'm getting rusty," Ayame muttered, more to herself than Rikimaru. He looked at her, confused.
"Ayame…?"
Ayame smiled, as if what she had just said was ridiculous. "Nothing…it's…it's nothing."
Rikimaru looked at her, growing worried. Then he realized that she herself had said it was nothing, and he released his thoughts. They continued walking, and eventually reached a junction in their path. Two different paths branched out towards more darkness.
"I'll take this path, and you can take that one," Ayame said, gesturing to the right path.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes Rikimaru, I'll be fine. It's yourself that you should be worried about!" Ayame rolled her eyes. "I'm pretty sure these two paths will merge just up ahead, so I'll meet up with you there."
Rikimaru nodded and walked towards his path. It was linear, but there were small paths that divided off into different areas, many just leading to dead ends. There were also more demons along this path that made it tougher than it seemed. But another thing added to the difficulty of his area…Gaida. Each time he went to explore some extra path that led to a dead end, Gaida would be waiting. And he didn't even want to fight either! This greatly annoyed Rikimaru as he reached the fifth clearing that contained Gaida.
"Master Rikimaru…you should be grateful," Gaida called out as he took something out of his pocket.
Rikimaru raised his sword, ready if Gaida was preparing something to trigger a fight. "And why is that?"
"The lady wishes to see you." Gaida threw down whatever he held in his hand, and Rikimaru was instantly blinded with bright, white light, similar as last time. And a dizzying sensation overcame him.
Ayame stood at the foot of a massive bamboo tree, waiting. She had already retrieved the second scroll, and it was resting safely in her pouch. She had told Rikimaru to meet her where the two paths merged, but already much time had passed and he still hadn't shown up.
"Where the hell is he?" Ayame muttered to herself. She contemplated about looking for him, then realized that he probably would have wanted her to keep going. She kept telling herself that he probably was in some fight with a rogue demon and would be on his way soon.
Sighing, Ayame took her own word for it and readied her blades. He'd better find a way to make this up to me, she thought silently as she trudged through the dirt path.
It wasn't long until she found the shrine holding the Last Scroll. Along the way, she had only encountered a few demons, none giving her much trouble. The shrine wasn't guarded at all, or so it seemed. Ayame circled it slowly, feeling for anything suspicious with her ki. There was something, though she couldn't quite place what, or where it was.
Ayame headed to the front of the shrine and cautiously moved closer. She made a move as to reach out and take the scroll, and then pulled back quickly, performing a back flip just in time. Ayame looked up. A woman stood protectively in front of the shrine, sword thrust out before her, aiming for Ayame's throat.
She was a strange woman with a frightening appearance. She resembled much of her demon cronies, with dark, eerie eyes, and horns on the top of her head. The only thing different was that she had long hair that framed her scraggly face, and her skin was deathly pale. She was clothed in a tattered kunoichi's kimono.
"I believe you have no business being here," the woman spoke fiercely brandishing her sword in Ayame's direction.
"I believe," Ayame said in the same fierce manner as she unsheathed her swords, "you're wrong!"
"My name is Tsukarigami and it is my duty to guard the Last Scroll!" Tsukarigami roared, her face contorting to mar her appearance even more.
Ayame rushed forward and immediately the sounds of swords clashing rung through the late air. Tsukarigami ducked and rolled as she made a vicious slash toward Ayame's legs, hoping to bring her down. She succeeded in slicing Ayame's left calf lightly as she tried to jump away, tearing through the fabric of her pants. The quick, sharp pain made Ayame's leg give way as she landed, and she turned a potential fall into a desperate roll.
Tsukarigami laughed derisively and raised her sword again, the edge coated red with Ayame's blood. Ayame looked down at her leg and realized that it wasn't that deep, but she was now filled with more determination to take down this woman who was taunting her. Tsukarigami sprinted towards her and brought her sword down in a cutting motion. Ayame blocked it and continued to block much of her attacks. While Tsukarigami collected herself, Ayame used the time to aim a kick in her abdomen, causing her to fly back against the wall of bamboo trees. She recovered by ricocheting off the trees and aimed herself at Ayame. Ayame lifted her left arm up to parry, and outstretched her right blade in the effective swallow block position she had practiced for so many years.
Tsukarigami landed on Ayame's sword, the blade piercing her stomach. She gave a sound that sounded animal-like and her body went limp.
Ayame pushed the corpse off her short blade and paused, breathing rapidly. Then, before any stray demons could find her and discover that she had just slain one of their important comrades, she walked back over to the shrine tiredly and retrieved the last scroll. She rested against the side of the shrine and wiped her forehead. If only Rikimaru had seen her!
A thought struck her then…Rikimaru! Something didn't feel right all of a sudden…and Ayame couldn't quite explain what it was.
Rikimaru staggered dizzily to his feet. Damn Gaida, that insufferable son of a…well, here he cut himself off. It occurred to him that he was standing in Kagura's room.
Indeed, the slinking, cat-like woman arose from her couch. She looked like a goddess, and no man could deny it. She wore a red silk over-kimono fit for a bride. It was richly embroidered with dragons and phoenixes, chrysanthemums and cherry blossoms. A thin belt held it on…barely. It fell elegantly over her shoulders, slightly open in front, just enough to reveal the curves of her breasts. Her cherry red lips curved into a smile as she turned her back to him, looking in a mirror. The room was lit by gold and red lanterns. From the lower part of the wall to the middle, the wood was black, and above that it was painted in a jade green. Red silk scrolls adorned the walls, as did blue porcelain vases from Han. How, how did she acquire them? Han imports, especially their porcelain, were expensive. Lord Gohda himself only had a few!
"Why did you bring me here?" he growled, keeping his focus on the mission.
"Oh? Did I summon you at a bad time?" she purred, letting her hair out of its tight bun.
"You know that I was busy," he said sharply. "I want a reason why you have interrupted the will of my Lord Gohda."
"You were too close to my fortress," she said with a shrug. "I dislike intruders."
"This is the Lord's land," Rikimaru said firmly. "Were I to speak to him, he would see you out of Japan as I would see you out of this life: swiftly, silently, and without mercy."
"And then I would see Ayame out of this life the same way," she said calmly. "So, Rikimaru, we are at a stalemate."
He stood perfectly still as she walked behind him, smiling her devilish smile the way she did. He nearly jumped when he felt her hands slip beneath his collar, their warmth against his shoulders.
"Don't you ever relax?" she asked with a giggle.
"Lady Kagura," he said through gritted teeth, "I am a shadow, nothing more. I can serve you as a ninja, nothing more."
"I'm sure," she said absently. She promptly began to work the knots out of his shoulders…and his mask. He was shocked senseless when it fluttered to the floor.
"I could have another use for you," she said quietly, her lips brushing his ear in a way that made his hair stand on end. "One far better than any your Lord could offer. I will rule Japan one day. You could be my king. You could be greater than Lord Gohda!"
"I have no such desires," he said calmly, even has her hand snaked across his side. "I am a shadow, as I said. I was born into such a role, and I will die as such."
But he did have such desires, frightening ones. For a moment he forgot Ayame as Kagura lay down on her futon, her kimono suddenly falling open. The scent of white plum filled the air to the point where it dizzied him. He tried to remain dignified, to hide his discomfort, his awkwardness at the moment. And it worked…for the most part. But she giggled, and he knew she had discovered the one thing he could not hide, and that was the unmistakable bulge in the front of his pants.
The mere look of those eyes was nearly his defeat. Kagura was a glorious woman. The mere sight of her soft, curving breasts and hips, white as pearls, as she lay there was almost too much. A small gasp escaped him as his eyes followed her figure down to the dark spot between her legs. It would be so easy just to lay down with her, to feel those delicate hands on his skin again. Ayame would never know…
Ayame!
"Kagura," he said, "I say it one last time: I am a shadow. I would sooner kill you than make love to you, or any other woman. You will have to find some other ninja to do your bidding…whatever it may be."
As he turned to go, her hand caught his pants and he turned to glare at her half-naked form. But she was glaring back.
"I will have your love, Rikimaru Azuma. One day," she swore. "But for now, you have two options: refuse me, she dies. Stay, and she lives…if the mission doesn't kill her."
Rikimaru was caught. Ayame was his partner, always had been. She was used to having him to cover for her. On the other hand, to return to her meant her ultimate destruction. If he stayed, at least she had a chance. If he left…
Rikimaru Azuma, for the first time since his childhood, knew defeat.
Kagura lay back, drawing him with her. Her hands lifted his chain mail shirt off with his vest, leaving him not only miserable and humiliated, but half naked. The way that she traced her hands longingly over his flawless torso gave him a frightening thrill. His heart pounded in his chest and his skin became so hot he thought that it would melt off his bones, leave him more bare than he already was. What frightened him the most was the unholy desire that coursed through his veins. He wanted Ayame…badly. But some part of his mind drove him onward, actually wanting this!
Caught up in these thoughts he didn't feel Kagura's hands on his belt, untying it, his pants falling around his knees. Her tiny, delicate feet ran along his legs in such a desirable way that it worked another gasp from him. He did, however, feel her hands on his waist, pulling him towards her, slightly down. It struck him again what he was doing and his…enthusiasm…died slightly. But the threat to Ayame's life, and the instinct that had driven him all this time drove him farther. Finally, whether by some trick of Kagura's or any of these other reasons, he pushed into her.
The initial shock of it drowned any displeasure for a moment. It was frightening how something so loathsome as making love to Kagura could feel so pleasurable. His body seemed to tingle for a moment, and again something he couldn't quite explain drove him onward. He was hardly aware of the moan that escaped his own lips as he quickened his pace. Dimly he was aware of Kagura arching beneath his hands, and he began to push harder as well. The pleasure was intense, burning his blood, turning it to sake almost. Someone caught it aflame, and sent it searing his body. His body temperature rose rapidly, feverishly as his instinct took over completely. Mind and body became violently separate, one tormented, the other lost in ecstasy.
It was like bathing in the hot springs on a cold winter day. While his mind suffered, he fairly screamed with the physical pleasure. He moved like something mechanical, with a power and speed and utter perfection that he didn't think a human being was capable of. Kagura suddenly gasped, her back arching and she clung to him. He could feel her soft, round breasts pressed so firmly against his chest. He began to moan with her, the pleasure suddenly overriding everything he knew. His brain went numb, his skull ringing. Finally he felt drained, utterly feeble as he collapsed on his side next to her and blacked out…
Author's Note (May 3, 2005):
…poor Riki! And poor Aya too! Yeah you get the idea, Kagura means business! Sorry for the extremely long wait, mainly its school's fault, so yell at schools around the world in general. Hope you guys are patient enough for the next chapter…because things just get better (or worse?)!