Shinobi no Kokoro

By: Mikami Yuriko

Disclaimer: I do not own any characters mentioned in the fanfiction below. Rikimaru, Ayame, Tatsumaru, Onikage, Lord Mei-Oh, Tenrai, Princess Kiku, Lord Gohda and counsel Sekiya all belong to ACTIVISION USA. I do own Kasumi, Noriko, Mikami Shiro and Mikami Sasuke.

A/N: Set after the game, Tenchu: WoH. This is my fist fanfiction. Ever. Made in 2004.

WARNING: SEMI-AU, OOC, LANGUAGE, Suggestive SITUATIONS.

Chapter 1: Realization

Home; they were going home. Rikimaru ran after Ayame. He and Ayame had just vanquished Tenrai; the plot to resurrect Mei-Oh had been foiled. And, at least, for a while, people will sleep soundly in their beds. Rikimaru contemplated on his situation as he ran. He was thought to be dead for a year. He hadn't seen Ayame in a year.

He wondered if anything changed. His partner had always been the sarcastic one, yet she was the only one to ever make him smile. Ayame was the only person left in the clan he led. Without the future generation to train, the Azuma ninja clan would die. What would happen then?

Suddenly, a naughty thought came to Rikimaru's mind. What if he and Ayame were to get married and have children? Rikimaru blushed a deep shade of crimson and shook his head. That would never happen. He swore that he'd never consider Ayame as anything else other than a partner ever again.

That's right, ever again.

Once, during their days with Master Shiunsai and Tatsumaru, Rikimaru started to notice things about Ayame. Things that he didn't see before, such as the way she smiled, her honey scented hair, how cute she looked when she complained and pouted, her pink luscious lips…her long creamy legs-hold it!

'This is getting ridiculous…' Rikimaru thought. He was doing it again. He just swore that he won't think of her like that, but then, he just did.

The lack of Ayame's rushing figure in front of him made him snap back to reality. She had stopped several meters behind. Rikimaru, not knowing her reasons for stopping, also came to a halt. He turned around to see her sitting on the ground, her face cast down, her arms wrapped around herself; he felt a wave of compassion surge through him. Rikimaru slowly walked over to her form and knelt in front of her, "Are you alright? Are you hurt?"

"Rikimaru…" she breathed, "You should hurry back to the castle. I'll be fine. I just want to be alone for a while…"

Rikimaru raised an eyebrow, "You want to lay here, in the middle of a forest and what? Wait for enemy ninjas?"

Ayame snarled, "It's my problem Rikimaru!"

Rikimaru just stared at her form and then, something caught his eye, blood flowed through Ayame's top. He drew his hand towards her top and touched the crimson substance. He growled, "When were you planning on telling me? I asked you if you were alright!"

Ayame swatted his hand away, "I was injured during the fight with Tenrai. It's nothing serious."

Rikimaru shook his head, "No. I would never leave you Ayame. You're my partner and one of the last ninjas of our clan."

Ayame smiled, "Why do you always treat me like the damsel in distress? I can take care of myself you know?"

Rikimaru looked at her from top to bottom, "We'll talk later; let's heal you first." He rummaged from his pockets, and found empty healing bottles. He frowned and turned to her, "Do you have many healing potions left?"

Ayame shook her head. Rikimaru thought for a while. They weren't that far from the castle, they already covered more than half of the distance. He walked over to her again, "Let me see the wound Ayame"

Ayame blushed and gritted her teeth, "No. I'm fine!" she snapped defiantly. Rikimaru sighed and drew her closer, his fingers touched the wound. It was on Ayame's right side, just below her right breast. As Rikimaru's fingers brushed Ayame's flesh, his feelings came rushing back.

He knew at that instant that he saw Ayame in a different way. He had denied it to himself enough. He was attracted to her and did not know what to do about it. Actually, attraction was a more subtle way of putting it. For years Rikimaru hid behind his mask. He hid from the truth, from her, and from himself.

And that truth was that he loved Ayame, with all his heart and soul. But, given their situation, she being his partner, he repressed his feelings. He had to, he convinced himself; he had to conceal them in fear of jeopardizing both she and himself. Ayame leaned on the tree behind her and tried to ignore Rikimaru's hands. 'His hands look strong and rough but when he touches me, he's so gentle…' she thought.

Rikimaru stood up and looked around. He needed to clean the wound. Ayame was right, it wasn't serious; it was a deep cut, but not deep enough to cause real damage. But, if left the way it was, it can cause serious infections. He turned to her again, "Are there any more?"

Ayame looked at him, "ummm…yeah, but it's just a scrape on my left thigh."

Rikimaru grimaced, "When are you going to learn to trust me? If you keep this up, one of us will wind up dead. I trust you Ayame; but you have to trust me too…"

Ayame felt guilty, he was right, again. But then again, when was he ever wrong? Rikimaru came to her and offered her his hand, "Come on, there's a stream nearby, we'll clean those injuries." Ayame was hesitant in giving her hand. Rikimaru growled, annoyed and pulled her up, "Can you walk?"

"Yes."

The two proceeded to the stream. Once there, Ayame sat on the ground while Rikimaru cleaned both the wounds. Rikimaru's feelings of attraction grew as he examined the wound by Ayame's rib cage. Ayame flinched as he touched her thigh. If any other man did what Rikimaru had done, she would make sure that he did not live to see another day.

Still, she didn't mind the feeling. The feeling of someone special holding her…If only Tatsumaru hadn't died, then maybe…Her thoughts were interrupted when Rikimaru spoke.

"Please forgive me for this…" he breathed before proceeding to tear off a part of Ayame's pants, exposing her whole thigh and hip. He used that cloth as well as the spare handkerchief he kept to dress the wounds. Ayame blushed; Rikimaru was the only person to see these parts of her body.

"Alright. We're done. Let's go." he said beginning to walk away. Ayame stood up and walked towards him, limping slightly. 'This will not do.' she thought, shaking her head. She mustered all of her strength once again and tried her best to walk with the same pace as Rikimaru.

Rikimaru heard the unevenness of her steps and turned to see her looking as smug as ever, "What? What did I do now?"

"You're limping." he stated as-a-matter-of-factly, "Do you need assistance?"

She started to say "no" but he already walked up to her and carried her. "Rikimaru! Put me down this instant!" she yelled, throwing light punches on his chest. Rikimaru just stared at her and another wave of desire swept over him as he noted how close their faces were.

Apparently, she noticed too and was silent. Ayame turned her head and avoided his intense gaze, "Alright", she said folding her arms, "You may carry me; but only as far as the village gates. I don't want people to think I'm a weakling!" she stated; like a spoiled brat giving orders. As Rikimaru rushed through the woods, Ayame felt drowsy and tired. She finally gave up trying to stay awake and fell asleep in Rikimaru's arms.

They reached the village gates but there was still no word from Ayame. He looked at her and noticed she was still asleep. He walked into the village while receiving dirty looks from the men who also noticed Ayame's exposed thigh while the women giggled at the sight of Rikimaru carrying Ayame. Rikimaru felt uneasy; he also felt annoyed that any man would dare look at Ayame the way those men did.

Rikimaru ran past the nosy villagers and darted for Gohda castle. Behind the doors of the castle came the running and cheerful Princess Kiku, "Rikimaru!" she chirped. She then frowned when she saw the sleeping figure in Rikimaru's arms, "What happened to oneechan?" she asked worriedly. "She's been injured in the last fight with Tenrai, Hime-sama. Please do not worry."

He looked over at Ayame and turned back to Kiku, "This is Ayame after all." He grinned behind his mask. Rikimaru felt a warm sensation as Ayame stirred and snuggled closer to his chest.

Rikimaru bowed at the Princess with Ayame still in his arms, "Hime-sama, I take my leave. Ayame needs medical attention."

"Alright." was all Kiku said.

xxxxx

Rikimaru reached the castle healer Noriko. The woman bowed to Rikimaru and spoke, "What has happened?"

Rikimaru explained that she had been injured and was just tired from the trip; nothing really serious. Rikimaru laid Ayame on one of the beds and stared at her sleeping face. She looked so beautiful. Rikimaru hadn't even noticed that he'd been staring at her until Noriko cleared her throat, "She'll need a change of clothes Rikimaru…"

Rikimaru understood immediately and nodded. He closed the door behind him and Noriko took a closer look at Ayame's wounds.

As she applied the disinfectant, Ayame opened her eyes and yawned, "Noriko-san? Huh? Where's Rikimaru? Are we…back? Already?" Noriko smiled, "Ah yes Ayame, your prince charming brought you here." she teased and Ayame blushed, "What? He's not my prince charming!"

Noriko giggled, "Whatever you say dear." Noriko sighed, "I do wish that you two would avoid getting hurt." Ayame smirked, "Well, look at the bright side, with us constantly being your patients, your skills won't become rusty!"

Noriko giggled, "I suppose you're right. So, Ayame" she began, "How are you?" Ayame gave her a confused look, "I'm fine…" Noriko pressed on, "I mean, really…"

Ayame thought carefully. Noriko put a hand on her shoulder, "I know something's wrong. I just want to tell you that running away from problems won't solve anything…" with these words Noriko turned to leave the room to let Ayame rest. In the dark, Ayame sat up on the bed and buried her face on her hands. Noriko was right; running wasn't going to help and pretending to be happy wasn't the answer. 'I won't cry…I won't cry…' Ayame mentally repeated the mantra in her mind.

She gritted her teeth and clenched the sheets around her. 'Tatsumaru, why did you leave again?'

Once again tears threatened to spill and Ayame fought them back. Ayame fell back on the bed and closed her eyes, waiting for sweet slumber to take over, but it never came. The moment she closed her eyes, she was haunted by Tatsumaru's face. She tossed and turned in her bed.

After an eternity of misery, sleep finally came.

xxxxx

Ayame woke up to the feeling of someone lingering in the room. She opened her eyes to see Rikimaru standing over her.

"Hey…" Ayame yawned groggily. "How are you feeling?" he asked in an expressionless manner. Ayame quickly inspected her wounds and found none, 'Noriko-san must have healed me in my sleep…'

"Can't complain!" she beamed. Rikimaru nodded, "I trust that you'll be fit to spar then?"

Ayame thought; she hadn't sparred with Rikimaru in a while, 'I guess it wouldn't hurt.' She smirked, "Of course I am! But don't complain when I beat you to a pulp!"

Rikimaru smiled and closed his eyes. Ayame was always cheerful and full of spirit.

"Meet me in the training yard in two hours." he said in a gruff voice. Ayame raised an eyebrow, "Why not in ten minutes?"

Rikimaru shook his head, "No. You like to bathe before a confrontation. Also, you like to prepare, so you'll probably eat a good meal, prepare your outfit and so on. I just don't want to wait. If I told you to meet me in the next ten minutes, you'll arrive two hours later."

Ayame stared and blinked at him. He was right. Ayame scratched her head, "Am I that predictable?"

Rikimaru smiled and left the room, leaving Ayame with her thoughts.

xxxxx

Rikimaru leaned against the wall by the training yard, two hours later. A moment later, Ayame walked through the castle doors, wearing a smug look on her face. He continued to gaze into her eyes as she walked closer to him. Ayame stopped a good five meters in front of Rikimaru, "So, are you ready?"

He nodded.

They walked into the middle of the platform while holding each other's gaze. Suddenly, Rikimaru noticed Ayame's facial features harden; her eyes keen and calculating, she was ready for battle. They both drew their weapons while waiting for the other to strike first.

Ayame lunged at Rikimaru, slashing and swinging her twin short swords high and low at him. Rikimaru anticipated her combo and blocked all of her attacks. Ayame growled as he swung Izayoi a mere few inches away from her neck. Ayame, with her speed, dodged Rikimaru's swings and slipped past him and into his back, ready for a barrage of punches. However, Rikimaru anticipated this and tripped her by kicking her on the legs. Ayame snarled in annoyance as she hit the floor with a thud. Rikimaru smirked as he hovered above her, "Had enough?"

Ayame gritted her teeth and stood up and as soon as she did, she tackled him to the ground. Rikimaru failed to anticipate this as her sudden adrenaline rush caught him off guard.

Rikimaru felt a warm sensation rush through him as he noted their current position; with him on laying on his back and her straddling his hips. Ayame however failed to notice this and as quick as she can, her hands reached for Rikimaru's neck. She only managed to pull his mouth mask off of his face before he caught both her arms and grasped them tightly.

Ayame groaned in pain as Rikimaru overpowered her and rolled her over. She was now on her back while he straddled her hips. She struggled to get free but his strong arms and legs held her in place. Rikimaru's mind wandered as he looked at her powerless state. Ayame saw his indisposition, managed to free one her hands and punched him square in the face. Rikimaru fell off of her and held his sore jaw.

"You'll have to do better than that Rikimaru!" she yelled, her eyes blazing, "Catch me if you can!" she taunted as she disappeared beyond the castle walls. Rikimaru ran after her and grappled onto the wall. He scouted the area and saw her running into the hills, just at the edge of a bamboo forest. He jumped off the wall and ran towards her. Ayame saw his rapidly approaching figure and darted into the forest.

Rikimaru followed her into the forest but lost sight of her. He walked cautiously in the forest. Eyeing everything and listening intently for any sound. Unknown to Rikimaru, Ayame was perched up on a tree behind him. Ayame watched him walk from above. And as he began to walk forward, she jumped from the tree for another assault. Rikimaru heard the branches sway as Ayame jumped and he automatically pinpointed her. He drew Izayoi just in time to parry her tantō.

They continued to duel until Ayame was backed into the edge of the hill, and with one quick move, Rikimaru repelled her last attack and this caused Ayame to lose her balance and her weapons. The weapons lay on the ground while Rikimaru held Izayoi to her neck. Ayame dared not move and he smirked, "What's the matter? Too much for you?"

Ayame gritted her teeth and he took one step closer. Instinctively, she stepped back, only to discover that she was at the end of the line. She began to lose her balance and this distracted Rikimaru. It distracted him long enough for her to pull him down with her as she stumbled down the hill.

As they stumbled down, Ayame held on to Rikimaru as tight as she could, burying her face within his chest. They landed with Ayame laying on her back and Rikimaru being situated in between her bent legs. Rikimaru supported his weight with his elbows; he didn't want to crush Ayame beneath him.

Ayame furrowed her eyebrows and panted heavily. Ayame's eyes stared at his. Rikimaru could not look away and his face descended upon hers, until they were an inch away. Ayame froze; she didn't know how to handle such a situation. She could feel his breath on her lips. She swallowed and closed her eyes. He too closed his eyes and as their lips brushed against each other's Rikimaru's eyes shot open and he got off of her, "I'm sorry."

Before Ayame could fathom what had just happened between them, he was already gone.

xxxxx