A/N: Disclaimer: Refer back to Chapter 1.

WARNING: EXTREME OOC, LANGUAGE, Suggestive Situations, LEMON

Chapter 5: Relinquishment

The two stopped in front of a stream. Ayame knew that Rikimaru was never the social type of person, and him opening up to her was a new experience to him as well, so she decided that barraging him with questions in a public place would only annoy him, if not anger him.

Rikimaru stared into the water and muttered something inaudible to Ayame's ears, "What was that Rikimaru? I didn't hear you."

Ayame's ignorance of the situation further aroused anger within him. How could she be so blind? That Shiro person was practically all over her! And she did nothing!

He turned to face her, his eyebrows furrowed in anger, "What was that all about?"

"What was what about?"

"That person was ogling at you and you just stood there. He was flattering you and you liked it." he told her flatly, his voice concealing with his eyes bore.

Ayame knew that Rikimaru was upset about Shiro, but being jealous? 'Should have seen this coming' she thought with a groan.

"Rikimaru, I wasn't enjoying what he said. Look, what he said is his business. It's not my fault that he finds me attractive. Why, are you jealous?" There, she provoked him and a part of her wished she hadn't.

His eyes flickered with rage and he advanced towards her. On instinct, she retreated backwards, until her back was met by the tree behind her. She herself was unsure now…Rikimaru's behavior is always a little unpredictable, but he'd never hurt or hit her, will he? 'Besides, I won't let him; I'll just have to beat him to a bloody pulp!'

Rikimaru pulled his mask down and then grabbed both her arms and slammed his body against hers covering her mouth with his. His kiss was hard and bruising, and Ayame couldn't help but let out gasps in his mouth. He however paid no heed to her and continued to suck and bite, like an animal that hadn't eaten its meal in weeks.

Rikimaru broke their kiss and stared deep in her eyes, "Maybe I am a little jealous…" Rikimaru was still tightly holding both of Ayame's arms.

Ayame's face expressed discomfort, "Rikimaru…let go or I'll kick your…ass…!" she hissed warningly.

Rikimaru blinked, he was hurting her, "I-I'm sorry Ayame…"

He abruptly let go of her arms and searched her eyes for any slight sign of forgiveness, he found none.

"You better be!" Ayame growled still examining her bruised arms. She began to walk away when he pulled her back to him, "I…don't know what came over me…I guess I was a little jealous…Forgive me?" he asked sincerely as he took her hand in his, giving it a slight squeeze.

To his surprise, she squeezed back, "Maybe…Well…I'll think about it Riki…"

Rikimaru enveloped her in a warm and tight embrace and she did not refuse him this, "Just promise me that you'll stay away from that Shiro person…" he said burying his face in her hair.

"Alright."

Rikimaru pulled away from her and looked her seriously in the eyes, "We should scout the perimeter. I'll take the east you take the west. I'll see you later in the evening…"

She leaned closer to him and kissed him on the lips slowly and walked off.

xxxxx

Ayame looked at her surroundings; indeed, Nagoya village had its charms. It had a very soothing and peaceful aura. Her thoughts brought her back to her younger days, training with Rikimaru and Tatsumaru. How she missed those days, waking up with a smile on her face, to the promise of a new and exciting day, to wake up seeing your family. 'Family…Master Shunsai, Rikimaru and Tatsumaru were my family…'

She smiled. Those were the days…she snapped back to reality at the sound of someone's footsteps coming from behind her, "Where's your partner?" It was Shiro, still wearing that alluring smile on his face.

"Shiro-sama." she acknowledged flatly, bowing politely. She rose a moment later, "Rikimaru is taking a look around the east side of the village, and I the west."

He nodded but he really wasn't interested in her partner. He was interested in her.

"How do you like the village so far Ayame?"

"It's…beautiful." she replied, unfazed but still in a polite manner.

"Ahhh…" he said, nodding, "Are you alright? Has something happened?" he asked, genuinely concerned.

"Hmm? Happened? Nothing. Why do you ask?" Ayame questioned, confused.

Ayame's heartbeat hastened as he took a step closer to her. He brought a finger to her lower lip where Rikimaru had bitten her and withdrew it to show her the dried blood, "This…Your lip was bleeding."

Ayame licked her bottom lip only to confirm what Shiro had said, "It's of no concern I assure you." she said quickly, firmly, slapping his hand away before it could touch her face again. Shiro was slightly taken aback by her sudden aggressiveness and hesitated before nodding shortly.

"Hey, what do you say I give you a tour of the village?"

Ayame raised an eyebrow, "…" she thought for a moment.

'What would Rikimaru think?' He would think that she was an unfaithful woman. 'But we're not even married! He can tell me that to my face, once we do get married'. Just then, the very thought of the word marriage made Ayame blush a tinge of pink. Shiro raised an eyebrow, evidently pondering as to what she could be thinking.

"Well?"

She then shook her head apologetically, "No. It's fine Shiro-sama. I am not in need of a guide. And I'm sure that you are needed on more important issues…" she told him firmly, hoping that he took the hint.

"It's Shiro Ayame. Not Shiro-sama."

She shrugged her shoulders and said nothing.

He smiled; she was trying to be difficult. But he wouldn't give up that easily, "Come now Ayame. You would not dare to refuse your host's request…would you?"

She stiffened at that; but she did not let it show. He had a point. Her refusal might reach Kiku's ears…or worse; Lord Gohda.

Damn.

"Well, I suppose…" she finally conceded.

xxxxx

And that's all of it. Did you enjoy it?" Shiro asked.

Ayame nodded and smiled, "Yes I did. Thank you for showing me around." she finished with another polite bow.

"Sasuke has told me that you'll be staying for a week?" Shiro asked, hopefully.

"Yes, we are…well, at least I won't have to worry about getting lost!" she laughed.

"So, um, Ayame, it must be tough being a ninja."

"Oh, it's no different from being a samurai." she said looking at him up and down, noting his samurai garb.

"Really? How is it not different?"

"Well, we both have our priorities, our masters' commands come first; we live by the code of duty, honor and loyalty. Isn't this true for you as well?" she asked feigning curiosity.

"You are right."

Ayame smirked, "But I have to admit, being a ninja has its advantages and perks", she put up a hand and shook her head cutting off Shiro's sudden curiosity, "and no, I do not wish to talk about them."

The two looked over the horizon; the sun has begun to set. It was time to go back. The rest of the walk back to the Mikami pagoda was walked in silence. Shiro and Ayame walked through the doors to find Kiku, a very displeased Rikimaru and a young man who looked similar to Shiro, only he had short hair and was younger, Mikami Sasuke.

Shiro walked past Ayame and over to Sasuke to present him to her, "Ayame, this is Kiku-hime's good friend, my brother, Mikami Sasuke. He is a samurai in training."

Sasuke bowed in front of Ayame, and she returned the gesture, "It is a pleasure to meet the two legendary ninja who defeated Lord Mei-oh." Sasuke commented eagerly, looking from Rikimaru and then to Ayame once more.

xxxxx

Dinner came and the five ate in silence.

Ayame escorted princess Kiku to her chambers while Rikimaru simply vanished without a trace.

"Goodnight Hime-sama…"

"Goodnight oneechan."

As Ayame turned to leave, Kiku grasped her hand, "Ayame, I've arranged your chambers, it's the last one to your right. Bye."

"Thank you Kiku-hime, sleep tight."

As she walked along the corridor, she came face to face with non-other than Shiro. He smiled warmly at her, "Aren't you supposed to be asleep?"

"That should be my line Shiro," she said with a smirk, "What are you doing out of bed? I thought you retired for the night…"

Shiro shrugged his shoulders, "You're right, actually, I was looking for you."

"Me? Why? What's wrong?" she asked; her face blank.

"I wanted to see if you would join me in an evening walk…?" he asked sheepishly.

Ayame shook her head, "Shiro…what are you saying?"

"Is that a 'no'?"

"What are your intentions?" she pressed, her suspicion rising. Being an assassin, Ayame is keen on everything and everyone around her.

"Ayame…I prefer not to be that blunt, but since you asked me…I like you, I'm quite taken with you…"

He did not remove his eyes on her neither did she on his. He leaned in closer until his face was barely an inch from hers. She had to stop this. This was insane! She put both her hands on his chest and pulled away from him, "I'm sorry Shiro…but I can't."

"Why not?" he asked her apparently hurt.

"Because…"

"Is it because of Rikimaru?"

She shook her head, "That is none of your concern…"

"…Is it?" he prodded.

She shook her head, "Goodnight Shiro-sama."

He said nothing more and she took it as a sign to leave. As the distance between them expanded, she stopped, "And because I don't trust you."

She walked over to her room. She went inside to find Rikimaru standing, glancing at the sky by the window.

"You were just outside…what were you doing?" he asked slowly. He knew that she was with Shiro. Rikimaru felt her, felt him. He knew and wanted to know whether she would lie.

"Rikimaru, I met Shiro outside." She felt him tense, "But, I made him stop. But before all that, what are you doing in my room?" she asked, putting her hands on her hips, obviously annoyed.

"Your room? This is my chambers, why are you here?" he replied, removing his mask.

"Ahhh…the princess…" they both said in unison.

Ayame nodded in agreement, "Kiku wants us to share one room…" Ayame headed towards the door, "Well, I'll talk to the servants and ask for another room."

Rikimaru walked behind her and held both her arms, "Why? We could just stay here…"

Ayame felt it again. Like the way she felt during that night in Rikimaru's home. She rested her back against him and his hands found their way to her flat stomach.

"Hmmm…" she moaned, closing her eyes as he kissed the nape of her neck, "I'm tired. I suppose, I can stay…"

She turned to face him; his gray eyes never seize to amaze her, they were mesmerizing…They were unique, the only gray pair of eyes she had ever laid eyes on. He pulled her closer to him and she wrapped her hands around his neck. He sealed her mouth in a fiery kiss and she accepted him without hesitation. After kissing for a few minutes, the two broke apart, panting. He picked her up and put her down on the bed carefully. Ayame lay on her back, her eyes never leaving his.

He got on top of her and kissed her again before muttering, "I love you…"

He slowly undressed her and she him.

Ayame swallowed as she saw his nude form in front of her. His member surprised her, 'How did that big a thing fit inside me?' she thought nervously.

Rikimaru was in pain, he needed her, needed her now. He didn't know how much he could take. Rikimaru drew Ayame in a passionate kiss while his free hand massaged her breasts. Ayame moaned and held Rikimaru closer. Rikimaru left her lips and nipped at her neck slowly breaking the skin.

Ayame grew more aroused by the minute, "Rikimaru…please…I…"

Rikimaru nodded and pressed himself against her and slowly entered her. He started slow but quickly picked up his rhythm. The bed rocked as Rikimaru thrust madly within her. Ayame bucked her hips to match his force, "Oh God! Rikimaru I…ahhh…hnn…" she moaned in ecstasy. They blended together, like one was made for the other. Ayame buried her face on his neck to prevent herself from crying out. Rikimaru tried his best not to make a sound but failed as pleasurable grunts and moans escaped his mouth. Ayame reached her climax while Rikimaru was still pummeling her body. Shortly afterwards, he reached his own and collapsed on her, panting heavily.

Her body felt warm as his essence entered her, hot and rushing. He gently pulled out of her and stroked her side. She smiled and whispered, "I love you Rikimaru…" He smiled and whispered back, "Just promise me that you won't run tomorrow."

She grinned and pulled him closer for a kiss. His lips found hers and their tongues danced. She broke their kiss, smiling, "I would never again…"

xxxxx

It was dawn. Rikimaru opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling. His mind started to wander. Before, he was just a ninja; he felt no emotions and was bound by duty. He didn't know how she managed to do it, but she changed him. Ayame was the reason that allowed him to feel again; to feel compassion and love.

Because of her, he saw everything in a new light. He began to appreciate things that he deemed trivial before, such as the sunrise, the heavens, the moon…dreams. She allowed him to dream again.

Dreams of a peaceful life where he and Ayame could simply be; where they could be free from the shackles of duty. His mind stopped wandering when he felt an arm wrapping itself over his chest. Ayame stirred in her sleep and snuggled closer to him. He smiled as he held her.

For a ninja who was as deadly as Ayame, her body looked fragile, her body felt smooth and soft, as if it had not seen the harsh reality of battle. Rikimaru lightly traced her face with his index finger; she looked so peaceful in her sleep. She was an angel; his angel.

He slowly removed her arm as to not wake her. Apparently, the night before had exhausted her. He made his way to the lavatory, bathed, dressed and finally headed outside the pagoda.

xxxxx

Ayame woke up with a throbbing head ache and a very sore body. She groaned in pain and reached over the other side of the bed for Rikimaru, but she found no one, 'I guess I overslept…' she thought putting both hands to massage her temples. She tried to get up only to discover that she lacked the strength to do so.

Instinctively, Ayame grabbed the white sheet and wrapped it around her body. With much exerted effort, she managed to drag herself to the lavatory. Ayame looked at herself in the mirror, her face was deathly pale. 'Gee I look terrible! Last night had really worn me out more than I thought.'

After bathing she discovered that all her spare gi were still dirty. She frowned. She hated it but she had no choice. Reluctantly, she reached over her closet and pulled out a white kimono with pink laces along the collar and sleeves. Her obi was black and the kimono had pink flowers decorating it. Ayame walked over to the mirror with a frown on her face. She no longer looked like an assassin, she looked, normal. With these thoughts, a smile suddenly crept up her face, 'normal'.

When she reached the hall, she found everyone there, Shiro, Sasuke, Kiku and Rikimaru. As she descended the staircase, all eyes were on her. She slowly made her way to them and noticed that Rikimaru hadn't taken his eyes off of her.

"What are you staring at?" she snarled, blushing like mad. Kiku stood up and rushed towards her giving her a hug, "I told you it suits you! And there you were thinking that you won't look good!"

Ayame continued to stare at Kiku wide-eyed and completely mortified. Kiku turned to Rikimaru, "Well? What do you think?" It was Rikimaru's turn to blush, "Erm…well, I must admit that I've never seen Ayame in a kimono before…" but then he remembered the rule that a ninja must be poised and continued, "It'll do."

Kiku blushed beet red, not in embarrassment but of vexation, "Huh? 'It'll do'? Oh Rikimaru! She looks gorgeous and all you can say is, 'It'll do'?" she asked in a tiny voice in a contrasting firm tone.

Rikimaru smacked himself mentally.

Princess Kiku next turned to Shiro, "Well, what about you Shiro-sama? What do you think?"

Shiro pried his eyes from Ayame for a while and smiled at the Princess, "Ah yes. Ayame does look exquisite, doesn't she?" he then turned to face Ayame, "You do Ayame, truly. It suits you…more than you know…"

Ayame raised an eyebrow and ignored him, turning her face towards Rikimaru who was almost red with displeasure, "Rikimaru, we have something to discuss. Come with me."

Rikimaru automatically understood what she meant and nodded before standing up. Ayame put a hand on the Princess' shoulder, "Hime-sama, we will be outside if you need us."

Kiku nodded before proceeding to go to the garden while half-dragging Sasuke with her. Shiro was unfazed. He still couldn't get over Ayame. She was truly a very fascinating woman. Determined and strong-willed, she wasn't one to be toyed with, if anything, she'd be the one toying with him.

She was courageous and loyal but lacked self esteem, especially in the matters of the heart. But he supposed that she being a ninja, it was necessary to repress feelings of affection. Yes, she was truly fascinating.

xxxxx

Ayame joined Rikimaru by the stream where they walked side by side, "Rikimaru," she growled, "You better not be mentally making fun of me!"

Rikimaru shook his head and quietly chuckled, "Of course not. You look beautiful Ayame. You really do." Ayame beamed at his words but then remained skeptical, "You are serious, aren't you?"

Rikimaru took her hands in his and lightly kissed her lips, "Are you convinced now?" With her eyes still closed, she nodded. Rikimaru wrapped his hands around her waist and she around his neck, resting her head on his chest. "Hey…" she whispered, "we still have to scout remember?"

Rikimaru scratched the back of his head, "You are right…Well then," he smiled sheepishly, "I shall see you later." with those words, the two broke apart and went their separate ways.

xxxxx

Rikimaru strolled through the village's dojo when he was met by non other than Mikami Shiro. Rikimaru's eyes were cold and Shiro blinked, he did not expect to see him here. Shiro bowed and Rikimaru just crossed his arms above his chest.

"Rikimaru, what a pleasant surprise…" Shiro said, feigning politeness with a tinge of sarcasm dripping from his voice. Rikimaru sensed this and inwardly smiled, knowing that he hadn't the time or the patience to be entertaining Shiro's pitiful remarks.

Rikimaru said nothing and began to walk past him when Shiro spoke again, "Not so fast ninja." Rikimaru stopped but did not turn around to look at Shiro.

"You are in our dojo. How about a duel?"

Rikimaru snorted, "I do not have the time. Perhaps some other day."

His polite and graceful decline angered Shiro immensely, "Is that so? I never thought that the legendary ninja who defeated Mei-Oh was to turn down a humble challenge. What are you to fear Rikimaru? Afraid that I might overwhelm your expectations?"

Rikimaru said nothing and faced the now red-faced Shiro, "What are you to gain from this challenge Mikami? I sense an ulterior motive…"

Shiro shook his head, "Ulterior motive or not, that is irrelevant. I am challenging you. In the name of honor, we will do battle."

Rikimaru once again began to walk away and Shiro has reached the end line of his patience, "Ayame deserves someone better. She doesn't deserve a coward such as yourself."

There.

Rikimaru couldn't care less about what people thought of him. But when people start pointing to Ayame, he was ready to defend her no matter what the cost.

Rikimaru frowned, "You've gone too far samurai. I will give you this final chance to reconsider your offer. Do not cross my path, or I will be sure to kill you."

Shiro smirked, "I do not fear death ninja! Come!"

With these words, the two men drew their swords.

xxxxx

Kiku and Sasuke walked side by side by the garden and Kiku was beaming. It had been a long time since she had been able to see Sasuke. At the thought of Sasuke, her mind drifted to the time when Ayame had insinuated of her having feelings for Sasuke other than brotherly love.

Kiku blushed and gritted her teeth. She proceeded to shake her head, 'No…hahaha…they've got it all wrong! I do love Sasuke, just not in that way…'

She snapped back to reality as she felt someone tap her shoulder, "Kiku? Can you hear me?"

Kiku blinked, "Huh? Oh! Sasuke-kun! I'm sorry, I wasn't paying attention…"

Sasuke rolled his eyes, "I figured that one for myself thanks." Kiku blushed at her apparent absentmindedness, "Right. What were you saying?"

Sasuke shook his head, "I wasn't saying anything…but you were going to ask me something right before you zoned out on me."

Kiku thought for a while, "Oh yes! I just wanted to ask you about Shiro-sama…" Sasuke looked at Kiku lazily, "Him? Why? What about him?" Just then Sasuke's eyes widened, "Kiku, you…aren't interested in my brother, are you?"

Kiku laughed, "Of course not…I was just wondering why, you know, he stares at Ayame! I caught him several times but I never really paid any heed to it."

Sasuke shrugged his shoulders, "I don't know. Maybe he likes her."

"Oh."

"What's the matter? Disappointed?" he taunted and Kiku playfully smacked him in the arm, "No! It's just that, if that were the case, then he'd be the one disappointed." Sasuke gave her a bored look, "Humor me…why is that? My brother is irresistible. He's perfect for her actually. He has looks, brains, money…a good reputation and good family. I'd say that Ayame or any other worthy girl would be the happiest with my brother. With Shiro, she can have a good life."

Kiku nodded, "True but…that's really not the reason he's to be disappointed."

Sasuke cocked an eyebrow, "Oh? Then what is the reason? Is she married?"

Kiku shook her head and mouthed a "no" and Sasuke smiled incredulously, "Then what?"

"She's already having someone else!" Kiku smiled and Sasuke frowned, "So what? As long as she's not married, she can still change her mind."

"Nu-uh! Ayame loves this one. She'd never leave him!" Kiku refuted. "Just for the record Kiku, who is this man you're talking about?" he asked in curiosity. Kiku crossed her arms and closed her eyes, "You'll have to guess Sasuke-kun!"

Sasuke smirked, "Oh? I don't need to guess. I already know who it is." Kiku smiled, "Oh? And may I know who it is?

"It's your father's other ninja isn't it? Rikimaru!" Sasuke stated as a matter-of-factly

Kiku nodded, "You're right! It is him! So you see, there's nothing more to be said! Ayame would and does prefer Rikimaru than Shiro-sama! No pun intended!"

"No." Sasuke argued defiantly, "If she met Shiro sooner than Rikimaru, she would prefer him and you know that I'm right! No offense, I like Rikimaru and all…but I think Shiro is far better."

"You're probably quite right! But, I still prefer Rikimaru!"

"No, Shiro!"

"Rikimaru!"

"Shiro!

"Rikimaru!" she yelled, sticking her tongue out at him. Sasuke gritted his teeth in annoyance, "Aaarrgh! This is pointless!"

xxxxx

Ayame walked within the Mikami palace admiring its structure when she heard evident yelling and arguing. Feeling her curiosity at its peak, she started slowly for the source of the voices and stopped when she realized it led her towards the garden, where Sasuke and Kiku were.

"You're probably quite right! But, I still prefer Rikimaru!"

"No, Shiro!"

"Rikimaru!"

"Shiro!

"Rikimaru!"

"Aaarrgh! This is pointless!"

"Are they arguing about Shiro and Rikimaru?"

Ayame walked in the garden noting how red Kiku's face was, probably from all the yelling and how Sasuke was gritting his teeth.

"What's going on you two? What's wrong?"

Both Sasuke and Kiku whipped their heads around to see Ayame frowning, hands on her hips, "Well?" Sasuke bowed and slowly muttered, "It's nothing really…ummm Kiku and I were just," Sasuke made quick eye contact with Kiku and she nodded, "We were just having a debate about something!"

Kiku caught Sasuke's eyes and filled in the statement and Sasuke nodded frantically. Ayame stared at the two, obviously not buying it, "Uh huh…so, why are you two arguing about Rikimaru and Shiro?"

Kiku knew immediately that there's no use hiding it and Sasuke just threw up his arms, saying that he gave up. "Alright, alright…so we were talking about Rikimaru and Shiro. There. I said it."

Ayame smiled and sat down on the cushion beside the two, "Ah, well then, why?"

Sasuke opened his mouth to say something but Kiku cut him off, "We're just wondering which one would win in a fight! That's all!" Ayame eyed Kiku suspiciously, "Isn't that right Sasuke?" Sasuke nodded but said nothing.

"Right!" Kiku chirped cheerfully, "And Rikimaru would win!"

Sasuke rolled his eyes, "No way! My brother would win!"

"No! Rikimaru!"

"Shiro!"

"Rikimaru!"

"Stop!"

Kiku and Sasuke both looked to see Ayame's beet red face, "It doesn't matter who wins! You two are too noisy! Kiku! Lord Gohda would not be pleased to hear his daughter acting in an unrefined fashion!" Kiku's eyes cast towards the ground, unable to speak, and Ayame turned her eyes to Sasuke who was rooted to his feet, "And you Sasuke. You are a samurai! You should not be behaving in such a manner that is unbecoming of you!"

"We're sorry…" they both said in unison.

Ayame grinned, "That's better. Now, have either of you seen Rikimaru?"

Kiku smiled at the mention of her favorite ninja's name, "Ummm…He was here a while ago, before you came in, and he said that he's going take another sweep of the west side of the village."

Ayame nodded, "All right, well, I'll just go and find him. You two be good okay?" They both grinned and nodded.

As soon as Ayame closed the door behind her, she heard the two rekindle their heated but pointless debate,

"Rikimaru!"

"Shiro!"

"Rikimaru!"

'Why do I even bother?' Ayame thought slowly shaking her head. 'West side of town huh?'

xxxxx

Although Rikimaru threatened Shiro he did not wish to kill him. Rikimaru was a ninja; his life is based on honor and killing Shiro, who himself has no appropriate reason to battle him, brings no honor. Rikimaru did not want to kill him and he thought that just injuring him would bring him to his senses.

Shiro panted and kneeled on his knees in defeat while Rikimaru still poised Izayoi to Shiro's neck, "I do not wish to kill you samurai." Shiro sent Rikimaru a death glare, "I am bound by honor ninja. I have lost. You must."

Rikimaru shook his head, "No. This battle was pointless, and you know it. You are a samurai; you should know better than initiating a battle purely based on some childish fantasy."

"Saying what I feel is not childish!" Shiro yelled hysterically, his poised composure crumbling. Rikimaru stared at the fallen samurai before him, "What you feel? You…you are taken with Ayame, are you not?"

"Yes…" Shiro said firmly, with all the confidence he could muster, "But she loves you." he spat. Rikimaru felt warm as Shiro said those words and withdrew Izayoi, "Stand up samurai, do not disgrace yourself any further."

Shiro stood up and straightened his disheveled garb and glared at Rikimaru, "You do not deserve her Rikimaru. You may have won this battle, but you should know that there are far harder battles to come…such as…life itself." Rikimaru maintained his stoic expression and stared into his eyes.

Shiro smirked, "Hah! Do you honestly think that the relationship you and Ayame pursue will end with a happy ending? What can a mere ninja, such as yourself have to offer a lady such as she! Do you think you can lavish upon her the comforts of this world? No, all you can ever hope to offer her is death…the death the surrounds you…that engulfs you."

Although Rikimaru had not planned on listening to any if Shiro's ramblings, it was then that he realized Shiro's point. He was right. What was he to offer Ayame? Can he really settle down with her and have a family? Will she be the mother of his children? Will he live to have children? Thousands of questions floated through hiss head, and in each one, he did not know the answer. All he knew was that love was the only thing he could offer, love and utter devotion.

"What's going on here?" said a voice from the door. Rikimaru snapped from his daze to stare at Ayame's wide brown eyes. "Ayame." they said in unison. She turned her confused face to Rikimaru, "Rikimaru? What happened?" Shiro smiled, "Nothing Ayame. Rikimaru and I had a mere duel, nothing to worry about."

"Ayame I…" Ayame stared into Rikimaru's eyes and saw that he was in pain. His eyes held in them sadness that she did not know he felt…was it because of her? Did she do something wrong?

Rikimaru turned from her and disappeared from the room. Ayame knew she could and should follow him, but she couldn't. She stood there for a while; staring at the floor…perhaps Rikimaru too felt the exercise of futility which was their relationship.

Maybe he already knew that this would and will lead them nowhere. Shiro gazed at Ayame's figure, deep in thought and put a hand on her shoulder. On instinct, she swatted his hand away and looked into his eyes and whispered, "What happened?"

Shiro saw the sadness and despair in Ayame's eyes, "I don't know…" Ayame turned away from him and ran from the dojo.

That night, as Ayame retired to her chambers, a voice spoke from the shadows, "Ayame, we have to talk…" Ayame froze on her tracks and nodded, "Yes, we must."

Rikimaru came forth from the shadows to look at the woman he loved. He walked over to her and cupped her face in his hands, "Ayame…I love you…"

Ayame knew where he was going, "But this would never work right? Is that what you're saying Rikimaru?"

Rikimaru was taken aback and she continued, with tears flowing down her face, "I know that's what you want to say…and I understand." Rikimaru said nothing and she nodded, "But, I want to know one thing…"

"Anything…"

"Why? Why did we allow for ourselves to love each other…? Why Rikimaru?" she yelled as she pounded his chest with punches. Rikimaru closed the gap between them and engulfed her into a tight embrace.

Ayame cried on his chest and he could feel her tears through his garb. Ayame was unrelenting; she was still trying to wriggle from his hold, "Let me go! Damn you! Let me go…oh God…please…!"

"I love you Rikimaru…no one else! Why do you leave me?"

Rikimaru tightened his grip on her and she gave into his hold, "And I you Ayame…but…" His words were like knives stabbing her and he knew it. "Why are there always 'buts' Rikimaru?" she cried.

Rikimaru sighed and broke away from her, "Damn it Ayame! Do you think I like this? That I want to be apart from you! You're wrong Ayame! You're the only woman I've ever loved…Do you really think it's easy for me to give you up?"

Ayame stood there crying but said nothing. Rikimaru continued, "I want you to have everything Ayame…Everything the world has to offer…but I know as well as you that I cannot fulfill such wishes. It is with a heavy heart that I have decided, we must stop this…"

At hearing his words, Ayame broke down. The man she loved was leaving her, just like the first man she ever loved. "You're leaving me…just like Tatsumaru…Why? Because of material needs! Wake up Rikimaru! I know that you would never be able to give me everything! Have I ever complained? Never! Hasn't it ever occurred to you that maybe all that I needed was you!" she yelled, her heart pounding crazily, her eyes blazing angrily…lovingly.

Rikimaru stared at her, his heart pounding.

"That's all I want Rikimaru…just you. Nothing else. Do you also deny me of this?"

Rikimaru said nothing and she cried harder, "Go on then…leave me…I don't need you! I never should have loved you!" she screeched. Rikimaru's heart was turned inside out as he heard her painful words, "I'm sorry…" he managed to croak out. With those words, he flew out of the window and disappeared into the night.

xxxxx