By Kochan
Chapter 2: Hors d'oeuvres
They took the ledges in steps, keeping tight as a group. At long last, the cave floor rose up from the blackness below, illuminated by the light stick as they stood upon the last ledge. Hayate let out a weary sigh, the mission seeming to feel as though it was taking its physical toll on him. The air had thickened almost to the extent of becoming a thick, soupy tar filling their lungs. He could sense a dry, acidic taste strengthening in his mouth, hinting at the steep increase of Carbon Dioxide in the air. Fishing a Butane lighter from his pocket, he flicked the flint wheel, watching the nozzle ignite after two or three attempts. The lighter flared to life, kept burning with only the smallest of flames.
Hayate knelt down, watching the flame extinguish. He smiled to Ryu, motioning him on, watching as his best friend dropped off the ledge in silence. A gentle nod of the head, his signal for Kasumi to come forth. She did so, kneeling beside him, eyes incandescent with curiosity in the purplish glow of the light stick, "Hai...Onii-Chan?"
"Watch." whispered Hayate as he held the lighter between them, flicking the flint wheel to bring it aflame once more. He lowered his hand in a slow, smooth fashion and winked. Kasumi blinked, seeming to find nothing out of the ordinary as she watched. But then she gasped as the flame came detached from the lighter an inch, then two as he continued to lower it.
Hayate moved it to the left and then to the right in slow motion, watching his sister's eyes widen as she was mesmerized by the trailing flame floating in the air. "Ho, ho, hotaru koi, atchi no mizu wa nigai zo.(Come firefly. Over there the water is bitter.) he half-sang, half-whispered with a gentle smile, bopping his head to an inaudible rhythm.
His younger sister let out a giggle, "Kotchi no mizu wa amai zo; ho, ho, hotaru koi, ho, ho, yama michi koi. (Over here the water is sweet. Come firefly, come. Show the way to the mountain.)" she answered in her own hushed voice, hands cupping around the tiny flame as though it were an actual firefly.
Her smile, the angelic tone of her feminine laugh, the fascination upon her soft features as the flame's reflection danced in her eyes; they brought him back to another time, a better time, a time past when they were innocent children, smiled upon by fate.
But as the flame flickered out, the reverie ended and the present caught up with him once more. He was a man of twenty-three now, she very nearly a woman at seventeen. No longer were they children dancing with fireflies in the dark. Real danger lay in wait below and they had to face the gravity of the situation.
"Kasumi." he whispered her name.
"Hai." she acknowledged, locking his eyes with her own pools of soft brown.
"Two things I want you to promise me." He spoke to her just as though they were in training, a hand gentle at her shoulder. "Firstly, I don't want you to over exert yourself. Be mindful of your breathing and your pulse. You wall hop a lot, I've told you that before. Stay on the ground a little more today."
Her doe eyes blinked once before she replied with a gentle nod.
"The second thing I want you to remember is to remain calm, no matter what happens." His gaze intensified, his tone tightening, a touch more serious. "Promise me."
Kasumi nodded once more, "Mmm, I understand, and I promise." she patted at his hand on her shoulder and squeezed it with a smile, softening the situation, lightening his heart. Hayate nodded in satisfaction, then like Ryu, dropped the last few feet to the bottom of the cave from the ledge.
The Hayabusa Shinobi was already waiting to the side, arms folded as he leaned against the tortured wall of the cave, staring at the darkness further within.
"Air is stale down here." stated Ryu without turning his head back.
"Mmm, oxygen is low, maybe down to about fifteen percent." Hayate flashed the lighter to life once more, showing Ryu its diminished flame. "It's barely staying on."
The other man kept silent, as though lost in thought. "Your breathing's already slowed." continued Hayate.
Ryu's voice had an flat tone about it, "You train in high altitudes as well, you know it's normal."
Hayate knew there was something plaguing his friend. Their long-term friendship had always counted on them being upfront with each other, and this time was no different. "What's on your mind, Ryu." he asked.
The Hayabusa shinobi turned back, regarding him with the slightest of frowns in the dim light, "I'm more concerned about Your mind, Hayate. Shinobi of our caliber don't allow for anything to cloud their judgments on the field." He paused, bowing his head as he inhaled and sighed, continuing with a softer tone, "Much as Irene and I compliment each other so well, There are reasons I don't bring her along on missions." he motioned towards the ledge where Kasumi crouched in wait. "You're stronger with her, you're stronger without her."
Hayate looked aside, a frown of his own at his brow, unable to find a reply. Indeed, what had occurred in Fukui * had been difficult to push from his mind. Kasumi was his foremost concern for now, neither Ryu nor he had any doubt of that.
The Mugen Tenshin Leader sucked in a deep breath, "I'll take care of it." he said with a subtle nod, swirling what little saliva there was in his mouth.
He turned, just able to make out Kasumi's form as she knelt on the lowermost ledge behind them, awaiting his command. A nod from him and she descended without a sound, trailing them several feet behind as they continued into the cave's depths.
* * * * * * * * *
The passage opened out to a large, clear room about a hundred feet across. Fallen rocks and spikes scattered about the cave floor revealed themselves as Hayate swept the light stick across the air before him. The stench of death clung to the scarred limestone walls stretching up fifty or so feet, meeting at the stalagmite infested ceiling. With numerous high leaps, the Mugen Tenshin Leader ascended a series of ledges to survey the room from above.
"They tried to take him in the caves. " said Ryu as Hayate returned. The Hayabusa Shinobi pointed to three other passages at the far end of the room. He then knelt to inspect a thrown Shaken here, a discarded sword there, remnants of a battle fought, a battle lost. "From what Toyama said, they didn't stand a chance. These are the demon's grounds, he knows them well."
"They would've done better out here." stated Hayate before turning to the girl who had remained quiet at his side. "Kasumi, you'll find the demon in the caves with Ryu. As the swiftest of us, your objective will be to lead him into that area. " He indicated two large broken rocks several feet apart with his finger. "You are Not to engage him unless I give the word." his voice was firm, even as the reluctance to use his sister as demon bait gnawed at him.
His sister acknowledged with a nod, "I understand." she whispered.
Hayate nodded as well, then swept another gaze over the darkened openings at the end, "Those passages." he pointed at each of them in turn, "Hitotsu, Futatsu, Mitsu. There's a ledge above the second one; I'll be atop it. When Kasumi takes him into the centre, I'll drop that spike." He pointed at an immense, ominous-looking stalagmite that was six to eight feet in diameter, looming high over the centre of the room. "That might incapacitate him long enough for you to do some real damage".
Ryu acknowledged, "I'll go spearhead as always." a nod. "As mentioned, he's very sensitive to light; Drop a flash to his left when we get him out here and I'll flank him." He reached back to grip his sword handle a moment. "This one's been starved of attention."
Hayate grinned, "Hmph, can't even take care of a sword, like hell I'm going to leave my sister in your care."
Their chuckles filled the cave and Hayate caught a glimpse of Kasumi's shy smile, her gaze dropping, the sweetest of blushes upon her soft cheeks.
"I'll show you a thing or two myself, college boy. Watch and learn." said Ryu with a smirk.
Hayate returned a fake sneer in jest, then tipped his finger at his temple, confident in his mind. Ryu's prowess with the sword was known to be without equal amongst all of the Shinobi clans. Countless foes, man and demon alike had fallen victim to his skills and Hayate had little doubt that the Hayabusa Shinobi would add yet another to his tally tonight.
"Last thing, much as it isn't fun to talk about." Hayate turned to the passageway from which they had entered. "Should two of us fall, the last remaining person is to return to the surface at all costs and contact Irene as soon as possible. She'll know what has to be done." He kept his gaze on Kasumi as he said this, making sure there was no misconception about who that person was to be.
Kasumi bit her lip, head bowed, her silence her disagreement, yet perhaps knowing that any protest would be in vain. Ryu remained silent no less, Hayate knowing the Hayabusa Shinobi would have it no other way. If and when it came to the time though, Hayate prayed his sister would have the strength to leave him behind.
Then all of a sudden, the quiet they had had until now was shaken by a low growl resounding through the caves. The rumble startled them into defensive positions, until all was still again.
"He's patient." said the Mugen Tenshin Leader with a small smile, glad that the demon had yet to make his grand entrance.
"He's expecting more of the same." continued his Hayabusa counterpart in turn, hand rubbing at the back of his neck.
Kasumi stared at the passages leading into the den, her eyes darkened with sadness, "He's...suffering. A lot" she whispered.
"All the more reason for us not to keep him waiting." replied Hayate. He unclipped his Yumi (bow) from behind him with a quiet sigh, sliding it off with his Kevlar bound quiver. "We haven't much time. Let's finish this." he said, his two companions nodding in agreement.
...The moment was nigh...
* * * * * * * * * ** * * * * * * * * *
Author's Notes
'Ghost' flame - This is a known phenomenon, often occurring in caves where the oxygen level is low and can vary quite some volume within a few inches (height wise).
Hotaru Koi - A traditional folk song in Japan. Commonly sung by children in schools, even overseas. The name literally means 'Come Firefly'.
Fukui *- Chapter 10 - Unsent Letters.
http://www.fanfiction.net/read.php?storyid=500795&chapter=10
Hitotsu, Futatsu, Mitsu - First, second, third. I'm using it in a context similar to Alpha, Bravo, Charlie.
Hayate's Bow - Some of you might have seen a picture off a promo clip for DOA3 (or even the clip itself) where Hayate is armed with a Bow. He practices Kyudo (Japanese Archery), but rather than using a traditional Bamboo Yumi, he has one modified with synthetic materials for strength and power. It also allows him to use specialized arrows that he makes himself. More on this another time.
Replies:
Preacher:
Re: Facing side - Sorry to have kept you waiting for as long as I have. Been past 2 months since an update of any sort, so here's hoping that I'll make up for it soon. If it seems a little slow for now, I can assure you it'll be picking up soon.
Re: Unsent Letters - Yup Full Circle (Makes it sound like a book by Danielle Steele - shudder), it's the way I planned it from the start and I think I got what I intended so many months ago. Thanks for the compliment about the pairing (Don't mind if I take it as a compliment?), making that one work is a challenge yet (I find) so rewarding when you can get everything to fit.
DOA2Kasumi:
Yeah - I was starting to think I was dealing with the undead here *grin* Guess you're busy, just like everyone else. Thanks for the review - mucho appreciated as always (snug). Hope you're doing well with the next chap of your 'Cruise' story!
Sea of Dreams: - Whoa! Pretty much the longest review from anyone that I've received. Thanks so much. I'll have to agree with you on the stereotypical nature of the chars, but I'm guessing that too many authors have too little to draw from. Being a little bit of a movie buff tends to help for some fresh ideas, but the bottom line is that without experience (or at the very least a good understanding of the idea), it's difficult to portray something as being true to life (If that's what you're aiming for). Research of course, always helps.
As for the idea of co-authoring, I'd be quite happy to go as a beta-reader for now if you'd like. We can always banter out a few ideas over email if you'd like. The Address is on my profile - feel free to drop us a line. Hope you had/are having a good time in the Japans? (Boy wouldn't I wish to go)
Pyralis:
Re: Facing Side - Heh - Hope I didn't disappoint. I tried to make Ryu a little more humorous on the side as I can see that in him. He always seems too deadpan on the surface and you don't tend to find out much else about him.
Re: Unsent Letters - (smile) As mentioned with Preacher, it's getting it to work that's the challenge. Too many Hayate/Ayane fics out there as is. Nevertheless, hope you'll like it. It's an honor to be on someone's favorites, many thanks (bows head).
Ravenmaster:
Re: Facing side - Thanks. Sadly, I didn't manage to update it as soon as I would have liked. Here's hoping that's all going to change as off this chapter. (Hey, didn't I already say that for my previous fic?)
Re: Unsent Letters - Hehe - that's fine. Just hope you enjoyed it. That's more what I write the story for after all, not so much the reviews. I guess it's nice to get feedback at times though. Thanks again for the compliments, I'll drop by to check you 'Resident Evil' fic at some point in time.
Dark Angel:
Re: Facing Side - Hey! Good to see you again. Aha..no - It IS 'Tenshin Mon' I 'd checked the Kanji out before with a friend.
Re: Unsent Letters - Fraid that's it - for THAT fic. Hope the bowl of popcorn wasn't TOO large. Thank you, thank you (bows, curtsies). Oh but Yes please, I'm sure all of us are looking forward to something from ya!
Supercharger
Re: Facing Side - Thanks dude. As for Zwei - she's the same one in Finsternis. You picked up that it wasn't Kasumi though*wink* Ein, Zwei, Drei etc...
Re: Unsent Letters - Why yes...just like Hayate/Ayane actually. Nothing special on the DOA fic site really (smile)
Samus S
Re: Unsent Letters - Hmm, you're right. It isn't spelt right. I can't even begin to put a finger on what it's meant to mean *^^*
Next chapter? You can guess where it's all leading. Exactly how it's going to end? Might just surprise you*wink*. Stay tuned. Here's to an update within the next two weeks if all goes well.