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Chapter 3 – Garden Of Resting

Hiroshi was inside as well. I gave her a cold look when I saw her, but she only replied with her little innocent smile. Did she know that nothing was going to happen? Did she think would get killed and didn't want any part of it? Maybe she was the one that alerted Hayate to come outside? Or maybe it was all the commotion? I wasn't for sure what it was, but her immediate action at that moment, did not settle well with me, and in turn, I had a hint of despise for the follower.

As we gathered around, Hiroshi and I did most of the talking. Hayate listened on as we both began to explain on my findings and Hiroshi's story of mysterious meteor. What was confusing was how much Hiroshi knew about Kasumi's & Ayane's accident. I have heard nothing of any such meteor attacking the earth. How could such a phenomenon go unnoticed? How did she know of the transferring of bodies? I didn't even have to convince her that Kasumi was really Ayane and she didn't express any shock. It was as if she expected everything to happen as it has.

We tried to give Ayane a chance to speak, but memory was completely wiped. What was interesting was that she did remember the conversation between the original Kasumi and me. She said she remember being asleep, and our conversation was part of her dream. That only told me while Kasumi rested; she was learning everything that was going on as well. Hiroshi did inform us that when the two fighters take control of their respected bodies, they will remember all of their past as well as all of their skills. Apparently, even as strong as Ayane is now, she still cannot perform to the full potential that she is known for.

As we talked, we noticed Ayane was giving Hayate an odd look. It wasn't an angry look any longer, but far from it. It's pretty hard to describe, but if I had to put it into words, I would have to say that, for once, she looked innocent. Ever since she took control of the shinobi's body, Ayane was content on looking angry, distraught, disturbed, or any of those types of feelings that would prevent anyone of thinking twice before attacking the kunoichi. But this time it was different. I don't know if she remembers Hayate or if her emotion around him was automatic. What I did know was that for once I saw Ayane smile and Hayate was the cause of it.

I could tell Hayate was still partially skeptical of all of these matters presented to him all at once. It's understandable; especially, due to the fact, when you have to consider that you once believed that your own sister killed a clan member close to you. I couldn't tell what his actual thoughts were, but I could tell he was not happy about the situation. For one, he had a hard time looking at the face of Kasumi, even if it was Ayane's soul controlling her.

"So what needs to be done now?" He asked.

"We must not keep this secret from the Elders." Hiroshi was more than happy to answer. " I concur we inform them immediately with this discovery. They should give us the permission needed to retrieve her body from the Garden of Resting." She said. "From there we can transfer their bodies to their original owner and you will have your victim."

I could see Hayate lip curl in anger at the thought of finally having Kasumi at his disposal. I think I was beginning to understand Hiroshi's plan.

"Remember Hayate-sama," I said. "Kasumi didn't kill Ayane. Not if she's sitting in front of us now."

"You are right, Ryokai." said Hiroshi. "But with the shinobi at complete disposal of the Mugen Tenshin, the leader can fulfill his duty and assassinate the traitor."

That was it. I was right. It may not have explained as to how she knew so much about the meteor but it did explain why she was so fond of making sure that Ayane returned to her body. She wanted to see Kasumi dead. Unnaturally of me, I was defending the shinobi.

"Quiet." Hayate calmly said. "We will head to the Elders and seek their advice."

"Then what?" I curiously asked wanting to know Hayate's attention.

Hayate ignored the answer he knew I was expecting for but simply replied. "They will guide us on what will need to be done."

Why did I feel uneasy with Hayate's answer? Maybe because it wasn't a direct one. Maybe if he would've said something along the lines of "I'm going to kill Kasumi", would've made me feel better. Or would it? In fact, that is a good question to ask myself. Why was I defending Kasumi?

It was Hayate, Hiroshi, Ayane (in Kasumi's form of course), and I that walked outside and already waiting for us was the beautiful, shy, and timid, Ayame. I knew things were about to become even more intense.

Ayame looked directly into Ayane's eyes. "My daughter."

Ayane only gleemed backed with evil in her eyes. "Who are you?"

Hiroshi intervened speaking in her usual calm voice. "Your mother. Ayame."

Ayane face still stood firm, but you could tell it was easing up from Hiroshi's words. There was a sense of calmness in Ayane's voice afterwards. "My mother."

"Oh my, Hiroshi," Ayame spoke to her follower but kept her eyes on Ayane. "your words are true." Tears began to slide down her cheek. "She really is still alive."

Ayame ran to hug her daughter. Ayane was uneasy of having the female grab her. After all, though she was her mother, Ayane still only knew her for a matter of seconds; but eventually, and surprisingly, she returned the hug by wrapping her arms around her.

"Mother." Ayane said calmly as she rested her head in her shoulder.

I can say that it was a beautiful sight. Ayane hasn't hugged her mother for as long as I could remember. For a woman who does not express emotion, even I could feel Ayane's tension being released as they embraced.

Ayame hated when the sisters fought. She hated the fact that Ayane took the mission to hunt Kasumi. She loved Ayane just as equally as she did Kasumi.

"I am so sorry." Ayame pleaded.

"For what?" Ayane looked at her with concern.

Hiroshi answered. "You are her daughter. Her responsibility. A mother only wishes to see the best out of their children, and will blame themselves when they see their children fall."

Ayane listened to Hiroshi's kind words.

"She blamed herself for what everyone thought was your death. That is just her motherly instinct. So, we are not surprised, that she blames herself for what has happened here."

Ayame's eyes were glassy, "Hiroshi told me everything. I had to see it for myself."

"Do not blame yourself, mother." Ayane said. "The accident was a fault of no one's. Rather it's Nature's own way of sending its message."

"Sometimes, I can't help it." Ayame replied.

Just then Hayate cleared his throat loudly to garnish the attention of the women. "We must be going." He said.

Ayane looked back to her mother. "He's right, but we are planning to fix this now. You will soon have your daughters back."

Ayame wiped a tear from her face. "I may get one daughter back," She said looking at the Kasumi-shell. "But I doubt you'll forgive me and love me when all of your memory has returned."

"What do you mean?"

Ayame slowly turned and leave. Ayane wanted and attempted to stop her, but Hiroshi confirmed. "Let her go. What she speaks is the truth. You will later learn this for yourself."

I watched Ayame take her leave and when I glanced at Ayane, she could only watch her mother walk away in complete awe.

Hayate interrupted the thoughts that were swirling through Ayane's head. "Let's go."

We finally made it to the presence of the Elders. Of course, they were at first startled to see the shinobi being escorted by the ordained 18th leader of the Mugen-Tenshin, especially alive. After some explaining and convincing, even on Ayane's part, the Elders settled as they began listening on to the updates of events that led to Ayane's soul being trapped in Kasumi's and her events that led us to the present. Basically, Hiroshi and I repeated the exact same story we told Hayate. Never were we to know the startled events the Elders left for us to manage.

"My dear, Ayane," Shiden spoke. "For long we have thought you have reunited with Genra-sama in the heavens above." He said. "We have believed that gods have granted you your final wish."

"Who is Genra?" Ayane abruptly asked.

You could easily hear the other four Elders give a gasp at Ayane's remark, but the wise Shiden understood all too well. "As your mission progress, you will learn of your life, which you are, and your duties to the Mugen-Tenshin clan."

"Mission?" I blurted. I was embarrassed to where I wanted to cover my mouth.

Then Shiden answered. "You have the permission of the Elders to retrieve the body from the Garden of the Resting. Please be aware that such a task isn't as simple as it may seem."

"What do you mean?" Ayane asked keeping her cocky tone.

"Retrieving the body will not simply allow your soul to be transferred back into your current state, Ayane. According to Hiroshi, Black Magic was summoned to remove your soul, so it will take the same Black Magic to resend you back to your temple."

"How do I do that?" Ayane asked. I'm glad she did, I was close to blurting those same words myself.

"The Diamond of Kansai."

I looked at Hayate when Shiden mentioned the name and my leader's eyes popped open with shock.

Shiden continued, "Two gems were designed and cursed by a shinobi of an ancient clan. The Diamond of Bansai and the Diamond of Kansai. In vengeance of his dishonored release, the shinobi used The Diamond of Bansai to transfer his soul to any of his former clan members. He caused at wreck havoc upon the clan risking the life of the one he controlled. The shinobi faced death many times and before meeting his maker, he called onto the Diamon of Kansai, to transform his soul back to his original body with no one being the wiser as to the truth of their attacks."

"Clever." Ayane said with a smile.

"Yes and evil." Finished Shiden. "The shinobi was eventually hunted and executed, not for the attacks on his former clan, but just for being a shinobi. It was after his death that the clan learned of the gems and learned their true purpose as they realized the aweful truth to their attacks." He gave Ayane a hard look. "Your story is very similar to that of the shinobi. My only concern is that history writes that the shinobi never lost his memory upon transfers. My only concern is if this is the right direction that needs to be taken."

Hiroshi then asked. "If it is?"

"If it is," Shiden continued. "Then someone has the Diamond of Bansai in their possession and possibly the Diamond of Kansai." He again looked at Ayane. "You're mission is to find those gems and reacquaint your soul with your body. As a forewarning, it will be a very difficult one. A mission that may acquire your full powers as a Hajinmon that are not available to you in Kasumi's body."

Ayane nodded.

"For now, " Shiden stated. "Go to the Garden of the Resting and retrieve your body. See yourself for the person you truly are, and while you hunt for the stones, we will care for the body, to ensure it will be well-rested upon your return and not to rot beneath the soil and this underground creatures."

A few more words were exchanged between the Elders and the team, Shiden even request that, as a reward, I could accompany Ayane and the others to view the body once more; but I was completely astonished to hear what I have learned from the Elders. Ayane definitely has a task at hand. She will have to learn more of her past, she will have to re-train, there were many things that needed to get done, even before she ventured out on her quest. One thing I was afraid of was, how long is Ayane allowed to stay in Kasumi's body before the gods interrupt and take the soul of the Hajinmon kunoichi away. Also, what would happen to Kasumi if such actions were to happen?

As we exited the Elders quarters and Hayate spoke directly to me, "You have done well, Ryokai." He said. "We will take over the journey from here."

Would you believe I had mixed feelings of relief and awe at the same time? I was happy to get away from Ayane, but at the same time I wasn't. I was happy to be out of this twisted situation, but at the same time I wasn't. I pondered on Hiroshi's true intentions. I pondered on Ayane's smile towards Hayate. It has only been just a matter of days and already I have experienced an intense emotional adventure. I guess I could say that I was relieved that I was being taken out of this twisted mess and I could say that I was in awe because from this point, I would not know what would happen with Ayane and Kasumi until it was already too late.

But my mission has come to an end. Regardless of my own personal feelings, I could not forget that I have the duties of the ninja to obey and follow. I bowed to Hayate, ready to take my leave. Just as I said I had mixed feelings of relief and awe, afterwards a feeling of surprised overwhelmed those feelings when Ayane said…

"His journey is not over." And she said it firmly.

Hayate arched his eyebrow at her.

She continued. "It's pitiful that the only person I can rely on right now is this weakling you sent to find me, but right now, he's the only person I can trust."

Was that a compliment?

"He is only a squad leader, Ayane. He must tend to the duties of his own." Hayate assured her.

Then Ayane took command as if she had forgotten our words of Hayate position within the Mugen-Tenshin clan, "There is no discussion, Hayate." She looked to each of us. "I do not know you or her," She said referring to Hiroshi. "Ryokai was the first person I seen since I opened my eyes and I will not participate in any mission unless he is by my side."

I stood astonished. Not knowing what to say, because I knew my words would have an effect on the defense of Ayane or the defense of Hayate.

Hayate still fought to take control of the argument, "You are right about one thing, Ayane, there will be no discussion on it. Ryokai has business that needed to be dealt with here."

Ayane's lip curled in anger. "Fine. Then I'll do it alone."

"Without our protection?" Hayate asked.

"Without your interferences." She confirmed.

Hiroshi then just intervened with a smart comment of her own. "Same old Ayane."

Ayane then looked to me. "Weakling," By the way, I was getting tired of that nickname, "lead me to the Garden of Resting." Then she looked at Hayate and sarcastically asked. "Unless if that's outside of his jurisdiction as well."

I, as well as anyone that stood in Hayate's presence, could easily tell he was struggling to hold on to what remained of his calmness. I could tell he wanted to yell, scream, and fight against the obnoxious female ninja. His patience kept him under control. "Very well." He looked at me with the angry look he was giving Ayane. "We'll guide her to the Garden of Resting. Afterwards, you will tend to your squad."

"Hai." I replied obeying my orders.

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As we walked to the Garden of Resting, I inched myself closer to Ayane.

"That was a bold stunt you pulled earlier." I whispered to her.

"Who is he to tell me who can accompany me or not?"

"It is our way. Rules set in through traditions. He is my leader and his orders I must obey." We stayed silent, until I broke it. "I was surprised you wanted my help anyways."

"What do you mean?"

"After all," I then said mockingly, "I am a weakling."

"Yes, you are." Uh…I was kidding. "But your skills are grand. While you can't handle too many opponents, I know you would risk your life to protect."

"As would Hayate-sama." I assured her.

"I do not know that. Has he ever saved my life before?" She asked.

There was an incident awhile back regarding the Mugen Tenshin intruder I mentioned earlier, but I do not remember too many details at the time. What I remember is Hayate and Ayane did stand in battle together, but in the end they both failed to the powers of the intruder. I am not for sure if Hayate saved Ayane at any point, or even if Ayane saved Hayate. It would not be my place to tell her who saved who or even if one saved the other at all.

Ayane used the silence I used to contemplate my thought to concur her own answer, "Now you understand why I want you by my side."

I understood where she was getting at, and at the same time, I felt honored that the legendary female Tengu wanted me to assist her in her mission. Ultimately, I had orders to face. I shoved her pleads out of my head and focused on the mission at hand. Retrieve her body then tend to my own squad.

Ayane, Hayate, Hiroshi, and I, along with two of the Garden's gravediggers, made it to Ayane grave plot. It was a quiet time as we only looked onto the tombstone. Etched in markings read, "Kinoichi of the Hajinmon.". Each Japanese letter was marked artistically by Shiden himself.

The silence amongst us was in grievance. It was as if Ayane had died again as we could only watch the grave plot that held Ayane's cold body. What was supposed to be a body gathering, suddenly turned into a quiet mourn even though the soul of the corpse stood directly next to us.

An already emotional Hayate forced himself to break the silence. "Let's get started." He said to the gravediggers.

The two workers began their process, and each time they dug their shovels into the ground to pull the dirt out, it was as if they were reburying the body again.

Oddly, we stood longer than needed as the diggers continued burrowing the ground. They've had to be at least 8 feet in the ground. Our conclusion finally came to rest when one of the diggers blurted, "FOUND IT!"

A bit of relief came over me, maybe I was just urgent to see the look on Ayane's face when she was able to see her body for the first time.

The diggers climbed out of the hole and with my help, we lifted the coffin and rested it on the ground next to the large hole. Believe me, it was very heavy. The weight of the coffin with Ayane's 100+ body added to it, did not make it as a simple task as I may have just described. The coffin itself was of pure white with gold trim sidings. It wasn't made of wood, but of steel, to give the body better protection from the night demons. While on the day of my death, I just may receive the traditional wooden coffin, people of Ayane's stature and higher received this type of luxury.

Regardless, Ayane's body was at full disposal to us. I looked over to her with a smile. "Would you like to do the honors?" I said wiping the sweat of exhaustion from my face.

She gave a slight nod and walked over to the coffin. She needed the help from the workers to unlock the metal chasm. Once done, she was ready to open the casket. I saw her give herself a deep breath in preparation. She placed her hands on the coffin and slowly opened it.

The coffin was a luxury palace for a corpse with its perfected linens and padding for the body's comfort. It was an astonishing view, well, astonishing enough until…

"WHERE IS IT!" Ayane yelled out.

Her body did not lie in the coffin. Rather it was replaced with rocks.

Filled with anger, she grabbed one of the workers by his shirt. "WHERE IS IT!" She yelled.

The worker's voice trembled. "I-I don't know."

Ayane used her force and threw the man to the ground then jumped on top of him. She forcefully grabbed his shirt and shook the frightened man yelling, "WHERE IS MY BODY?"

When she didn't get her immediate response, she grabbed her katana and raised it to stab the victim.

Even as shocked as I was, I knew that this man had no association with this tragedy. I couldn't let Ayane simply kill him out of anger. I quickly jumped and tackled her off of him.

Ayane was known for her resourcefulness and quickness and when I pounced her onto the ground, our bodies rolled until she ended on top of me. With her red eyes full of fire and rage, she struck down with her katana. I quickly had to grab her wrists. Though it may have been too late to stop the blade from its course, I was able to divert it causing the small sword to dig into the ground. I quickly kicked her off of me and stood up in my ninjutsu stance. Not ready to attack, but to defend.

I yelled. "Ayane, calm down."

She stood staring at me coldly. "How dare you?"

"I couldn't let you kill him!"

Then she yelled. "WHERE IS MY BODY!"

"WE DON'T KNOW!" I yelled back.

"A DEAD BODY JUST DOESN'T GET UP AND WALK AWAY!" She emphasized.

Then I felt Hayate place his hands on my shoulder still looking at Ayane. "Ayane, we are just as shocked about this as you are. Anger will not solve anything."

"Easy for you to say." She told him. "You're not the one missing your body."

"I understand you're upset, but we need to sit down and figure this out slowly."

"SIT DOWN!" She began a frantic tantrum. "YOU EXPECT ME TO SIT DOWN WHILE MY BODY IS MISSING!" She continued her tantrum as we listened on to her words, but ultimately she ended with, "FORGET IT!" She yelled at us. "I am sick of playing by your rules." She said pointing at Hayate.

She placed her katana into its sheath. "If I must do this alone, then I will do it alone."

Aggravated, she turned and began to walk away.

"Where do you think you're going?" Hayate asked in a monotonous tone.

"Far away from here." She said over her shoulder.

And we just stood there and watched her storm off. Even though it was a matters of seconds, it seemed to be hours as we watched her trail. It was already hard enough talking to the old Ayane, but this Ayane is even more stubborn than before. I knew, Hiroshi knew it, and even Hayate knew it. After her actions, maybe I'm speaking out of anger, but I was glad to see the kinoichi gone and I can finally tend back to my clan.

I heard Hiroshi speak in her calm, yet annoying pleasant voice. "Typical." When I looked back she began strutting in her walk, making her exit.

"I want you to follow her." Hayate remarked keeping his eyes at the open trail where Ayane disappeared to.

No, he couldn't be talking to me. My work is done. I did my job; I needed to get back to my squad. Additionally, I can't be next to Ayane after her earlier actions. "Sir?" I asked in confusion, hoping that his words weren't for me.

He turned his head to me, and just then I knew he was giving me new orders, "I want you to follow her. Keep her out trouble."

"Me? Keep her out trouble?" Was he kidding? "She's more powerful than me."

"But you are the only she can trust."

No, I couldn't let this happen. "Why not get Hiroshi? After all, you sent her to follow me to 'clean up my mess'."

Whoa, I can't believe I just said that to my leader. I must be going mad.

"Do not speak to me that way." He didn't have to say that twice. "You were absent longer than expected, I sent Hiroshi to make sure you was alive."

"You didn't think I could get the job done."

"As you said, Ayane is more powerful than you. Kasumi is just as strong. I wanted to make sure you had protection in case Kasumi intervened your mission." He looked at me closely. "But now there is a different matter abroad." He looked at the rock-filled coffin. "Someone has stolen Ayane's body for reasons I do not understand." He said. "It must be found." Then continued, "Ayane has no course as to where to find her body but will not trust anyone else by her side except for you."

"I don't think she'll trust me too much after our previous display."

"Believe me," He said with a smile. "Ayane will forgive you and you will forgive her." He looked out at the distance where Ayane trailed off. "You will soon learn that Ayane is an innocent heart surrounded by anger."

I already saw the innocence of her the way she looked at Hayate and the way she hugged her mother. I saw the innocence when she saw the disconfigure reflection in the lake. Sometimes I could see through her anger when we spoke.

Still I protested, "I have no course as to find her body as well."

"That I understand." He said. "Just watch her, let me consult with the Elders on a course of action. We'll come to you with instructions. For now, just watch her."

Part of me wanted to continue my protest, "I do not feel as if it is appropriate for me to take this mission."

"Why not? You are still finishing your current mission."

I arched an eyebrow. "I am?"

He gave a slight chuckle. "You are still retrieving Ayane's body as part of my orders and you still have not viewed her body as your reward from the Elders."

"Loopholes."

Hayate gave me a smile with that comment. "Take advantage of it Ryokai. Who knows? One day, you may be standing next to me in leadership." My eyes popped open from that comment. What was he trying to say? "But now, the more serious matter at hand. Ayane needs you. Please assist her."