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

WARNING: OOC, LANGUAGE, LEMON

Chapter 7: Reunited

That evening, as the sun had just set, Rikimaru walked back to the village. Rikimaru felt as if he were being followed. He stopped dead in his tracks, "Come out. What do you want?" he asked impatiently. Kasumi dropped a step behind him from a house's roof.

"I didn't mean to follow you Rikimaru…I'm sorry."

Kasumi couldn't finish her sentence as she felt a lump in her throat building. Rikimaru grunted, "Come off it woman. If you have nothing else to say, then I bid you goodbye."

Rikimaru started to walk off and Kasumi ran after him, "What I want to say is that…I wish you luck…I would like nothing more than to have Ayame back…"

Rikimaru nodded and walked away again when Kasumi continued, "She's very lucky to have someone like you shower her with such affections."

Rikimaru said nothing and continued to walk towards his home leaving Kasumi with her thoughts, not seeing the tear that streaked her cheek.

As he walked towards his home, his sharp eyes saw an arrow with a scroll hanging on his wall. With a racing heart, he ran towards it. When he reached it, he quickly grabbed the scroll and read it.

Rikimaru,

We have her. She is unharmed and if you like her to remain that way, you will come at an abandoned mine just north of Tenrai's old fortress.

Rikimaru gritted his teeth and crumpled the scroll. Without hesitation, he quickly prepared to depart. From the storeroom, he took out three smoke bombs, four blowguns, four super crimson blades, two healing potions and his other sword, the Muramasa.

He paused.

Master Shiunsai had taught him, Ayame and Tatsumaru alike that once a fellow ninja had fallen captive, he or she was to be left behind and that no rescue of any kind was to be attempted. But, he also taught them what it meant to be a family, and Ayame was family. 'I don't care if I break the law! Tonight, I shall get Ayame back, even if the punishment means eternal shame and disgrace!'

No; it didn't matter. He'd get her back.

'Hold on Ayame…I'm coming.'

With these thoughts and Izayoi, Rikimaru departed for the Abandoned mine.

Within an hour, he reached the island, which was Tenrai's old fortress. Rikimaru's eyes narrowed and focused. There. Just beyond the horizon, across the water, there was land. He took the boat that he rode in on and oared for the other side. He stopped mid way and scanned the area ahead.

Sure enough, he saw the entrance to the mine, and sure enough, there were guards. Rikimaru also looked at the surroundings. From the entrance, were trees on both sides and a ledge on the left side of the entrance.

Rikimaru carefully got off the boat and decided to swim. He decided that waltzing in there with the boat would just alert the guards and ambush him. Rikimaru pushed the boat to the shore's direction while he swam towards the trees, to the left side of the mine. He was very fortunate, the seas were calm and the fog was thick, aiding in hiding his presence.

From the water, his slowly rose up and headed for the trees and observed the two guards. Sure enough, the two sighted the boat and decided to pull it to shore. Rikimaru grappled into the ledge above him to get a better view.

Rikimaru watched with intense eyes, tightly grasping Izayoi waiting for the chance to strike. As the guards pulled the boat into shore, Rikimaru seized this moment and jumped from the ledge landing Izayoi to one of the guard's back.

With lightning speed, he quickly pulled Izayoi from the man's back and slashed the other guard on the chest, then on the back and once more on the chest before the other man could react. He stared at Izayoi and momentarily marveled at the gleam it held as the guards' blood tainted its cold steel blade.

With the two guards disposed of, Rikimaru darted into the mines. After minutes of exploring the mines, Rikimaru's heart began to race. 'Ayame…hold on!'

There. There was another guard, walking back and forth along a hallway. Rikimaru watched in the shadows, as he observed the man's movements. When he turned his back, Rikimaru ran towards him and slit his throat without him even noticing.

After going through maze within the mine, he entered a room which seemed to be dungeon. His eyes searched the area for any sign of Ayame. His eyes stopped as he saw a prison cell. He quickly ran towards it and within it, he saw a figure lying on the ground. A woman lay on the ground before him. His heartbeat hastened, "Ayame!"

He knelt in front of her and grabbed her waist and pulled her into his arms. He tightly embraced her, "You're going to be alright Ayame…come on…"

Ayame slowly opened her eyes and saw Rikimaru's gray eyes staring back at her. She smiled and hugged Rikimaru, "Rikimaru you came!"

Ayame smiled evilly and slashed Rikimaru in the back with a small knife that was concealed in her hand, "But you have to die now!"

"Aargh!" Rikimaru yelled in pain as he pulled the blade from his skin. He quickly pushed her away and unsheathed Izayoi, "Who are you!" Ayame made a face and fluttered her "puppy dog eyes", "It's me really…Oh…why are you looking at me like that? Are you really going to hurt me Rikimaru?"

Rikimaru was unfazed and still tightly grasped Izayoi, "You are not Ayame. Where is she?"

Ayame laughed, "You'll have to go through me if you want to find out!"

The fake Ayame lunged at Rikimaru, savagely slashing and slicing everywhere. Rikimaru easily dodged them and slashed her in the back. The fake Ayame screamed a piercing scream.

Rikimaru looked at the heap of a woman at his feet, "I'll ask you again. Where is she?" The woman turned to face Rikimaru with a face that could kill. Her eyes blazed in anger and once again, lunged at Rikimaru.

Rikimaru raised an eyebrow before dodging her and finally sheathing his sword in her abdomen. In an instant, the chameleon spell had worn out and it revealed the woman's true form; it was another ninja.

Rikimaru walked past the body and jumped as a crimson blade connected with the ground at the very place where he was standing. He turned around to see Onikage grinning like mad, "Ah! I knew you would come Rikimaru!"

Just then, six ninjas walked from behind Onikage and unsheathed their swords. Rikimaru remained silent as the six ninjas circled him. As if on cue, one of the ninjas, right in front of Rikimaru attacked him. Rikimaru parried his attack and stabbed him in the stomach. The second ninja came from behind and Rikimaru rolled over on the floor, coming in close contact with another ninja.

With quick thinking, Rikimaru thrust Izayoi backwards, stabbing the ninja behind him. Now, two of the other ninjas came running towards him. Rikimaru threw his super crimson blade, which disabled the two advancing ninjas. At seeing the other two ninjas disabled, the last two advanced at Rikimaru.

Rikimaru saw them from the corner of his eyes and he threw a smoke bomb temporarily blinding them. Rikimaru quickly got behind the ninjas and slit their throats. He turned his back to face the other two ninjas that were disabled from the super crimson blade. Rikimaru, not wanting to waste anymore time, merely threw a bomb at them that exploded on impact.

With all of the ninjas taken care of, Rikimaru turned to face Onikage, who had a sadistic grin spread across his face. Rikimaru gritted his teeth in anger, "Where is she!"

Onikage laughed, "She's around…but if you want her back, you'll have to kill me."

Rikimaru glared at him, "I already killed you…and I'd do it again!" Onikage shot daggers at him, "Then, have at you!"

And so, the two battled. Onikage kicked Rikimaru, and it connected with Rikimaru's jaw. Rikimaru was blown backwards. Onikage walked over to him, "Is that your strength Rikimaru?" Rikimaru glared at him from the floor and thrust Izayoi upwards, hitting Onikage's chest.

After battling for an hour, Onikage landed with a slashed chest, back and bloody face, while Rikimaru had two broken ribs and a bloody nose. Rikimaru panted, "You're insane!"

Onikage laughed, "Why do you say that? Because I tried to revive Lord Mei-Oh?" Rikimaru said nothing but still grasped Izayoi, tighter than ever. Onikage shook his head, "You are blind! You could have joined us Rikimaru! You still can! Leave this whore…this Ayame!" Rikimaru's eyes blazed in anger, "I would never join you!"

With anger taking over, Rikimaru stood in front of Onikage, reciting kanji in his mind. Onikage laughed again, "What are you doing? Casting a spe-"

He never finished his sentence as Rikimaru, with lightning speed, advanced at him sheathing Izayoi in his chest. Onikage could not move; the pain he felt was exquisite. The sword seemed to be draining him of his energy. As Rikimaru withdrew Izayoi, he turned his back on Onikage and cast his arms down, while Onikage was struck with a powerful lightning bolt from the heavens, finally killing him.

Rikimaru continued to close his eyes; he had just unleashed the Wrath of Heaven on Onikage. Rikimaru heard his limp body fell to the ground.

After a moment of silence, Rikimaru heard a cackle. As he turned to Onikage, Rikimaru's eyes widened in shock; he was gone, again.

xxxxx

After minutes of searching, he found what he came for. Ayame lied on a makeshift bed, sedated. He ran to her but stopped a few meters away. "Ayame…" he softly called to her. No response. He called to her again, still no answer came.

This time, he sat beside her sleeping form, lightly touched her cheek and whispered to her ear, "Ayame…" Ayame yawned after a few seconds, "Riki…Rikimaru? Is that you?" With a sigh of relief, Ayame flung her arms around Rikimaru's neck and he on her waist.

Ayame sat there, with her eyes closed, just wanting the moment to last…his body felt warm against hers. Rikimaru woke her from her trance, "Come on, let's go…" Ayame nodded, "Right."

Ayame straightened her hair and gi and started to walk away, leaving Rikimaru behind with his thoughts. Rikimaru felt a pang of pain sting his heart. They were back to being elusive to one another. Their moment had past.

As they exited the mine and walked through the woods, a persistent annoying thought nagged Ayame's brain. She blinked and decided to break the silence around them for the last hour and confront him about it, "Rikimaru?"

"Hmm?"

"Why? Why did you come for me?" Ayame asked boldly. Rikimaru said nothing for a while and continued to walk. His silence annoyed Ayame immensely, "Well? Why? You know you weren't supposed to…"

Rikimaru sighed and stopped to look at her in the eyes, "You know why… I do not wish to talk about this any further. You are safe, that's the only thing that counts."

Ayame stubbornly crossed her arms, "You know what the punishment is."

Rikimaru muttered something inaudible to Ayame's ears and began walking away again. Ayame stood there, fuming, "Hey! Don't you walk away from me!"

She ran up to him, "Well?" Rikimaru pushed past her, "Lord Gohda has bent the rules this time for you. That's why I came for you." Truth be told, that was part of the reason, but the whole truth was, he loved her. That was why he came.

Being the leader of the Azuma Ninja, Rikimaru knew all too well what the punishment was for his actions. He also knew that he would brave any danger and face any punishment, no matter how severe; just to save the person he loved. Ayame nodded with a tinge of hurt. 'That's all?' she thought.

'Figures.' she scowled mentally.

xxxxx

Kasumi lied on her bed that night, with her eyes wide open. She could not sleep. Her heart was beating fast; it was pounding. The exact reason being, she wasn't sure. She kept telling herself that it was merely nervousness about Ayame's apparent predicament. "Of course that's the reason…I hope Ayame is alright."

"Is that the real reason?" a voice in the dark teased.

Kasumi gasped as she heard the voice speak and without delay, she grabbed her sword and held it in front of her, "Who are you? Show yourself!"

The voice did no such thing and laughed all around her, "It's always about 'her' isn't it?"

Kasumi furrowed her brows in exasperation, "What are you talking about?"

The voice cackled, "You know of what I speak. Do not feign ignorance child. I know that you look up to her…you admire her so much that you began to envy her. But like the good deceiver that you are, you projected a different façade in front of her. You pretended to be her friend. Encouraging her, comforting her…but you never meant any of it…You waited…and waited until she would be complacent enough for you to strike behind her back!"

"Enough!" Kasumi shouted. The voice laughed harder, "But alas…she never did…That is, not until recent developments…You have loved her partner all your life…watching him from afar and again envying her for having close relations to him…You began to hate her as you watched her unknowingly hurt him. You hated her because it was her that he loved…and the fact that he would never love you!"

"Shut up!" Kasumi yelled, falling to her knees and dropping her sword to the ground. She hugged herself, "Who are you? What do you want?"

"I want what you want…I want to kill this whore, this Ayame…"

Kasumi looked up to the darkness, "And what makes you think that I'd help you?"

The person grinned in the dark, "Why…with her out of the way, you are now free to pursue your romance with Rikimaru…life would be so easy without her wouldn't it?"

"Never! I would never do such a horrible thing! I love Ayame! I would never betray her!"

"You're only fooling yourself…when you're alone, you hear voices don't you? Voices that tell you to do things that you deem horrible…such as, killing Ayame. But you tell yourself that you don't want to…convincing yourself to forget such matters…and now that she's been captured, you saw this as your chance to be with Rikimaru…but he rejected you. Do not act hastily. I will give you a choice…either join me and fulfill your dreams, or suffer. When you have decided, meet me by the mountain top by the second full moon."

With those words, Kasumi heard the ruffling of a cloak in the wind. Kasumi walked over to her bed and thought about what the person said, 'I…do love Rikimaru…but…' she sighed as she paused, and then, a moment later continued, 'It's always about Ayame…Ayame this and Ayame that! I'm sick of it!'

Another voice joined in, 'Then what are you waiting for? What's to think about? This is your chance to get rid of her…Finally, you can be within his arms…Not her, you…'

Kasumi gritted her teeth in anger as she imagined Ayame in Rikimaru's arms. She plopped down on her bed and got behind the covers and a sad smile on her face. She had decided.

xxxxx

Rikimaru and Ayame reached Gohda Castle the next day. Once there, the two went their separate ways without saying anything to one another. After being healed by Noriko, Rikimaru reported to Lord Gohda. He passed Ayame on the way to his master's chambers. He looked at her but she avoided his gaze and continued out the doors. Rikimaru came inside and Lord Gohda motioned for him to sit down. Rikimaru did as he was told.

"Rikimaru, I am pleased to see that you have succeeded in your mission. Ayame is safe and sound thanks to you."

Rikimaru nodded, "I have only done as you commanded…"

Lord Gohda smiled, "Then go now and rest Rikimaru. I know you are still weary."

"Then I take my leave, My Lord." replied Rikimaru, bowing. As he neared the doors, Lord Gohda spoke again, "Rikimaru, I consider you as a friend to me, not just my ninja. And, as a friend, I am giving you an advice." Rikimaru froze but kept his back to his lord.

"Do as your heart tells you…That is the right path."

Rikimaru said nothing and exited the chambers.

xxxxx

Ayame walked inside her home, still thinking about Lord Gohda had said. 'Follow you heart…I wonder what…' She thought for a while, and then smiled at the realization, 'He knows…about Rikimaru and me…but, he didn't prohibit it…'

Rikimaru sat in his home, polishing Izayoi and thought of the Lord's words. Maybe Lord Gohda was right. Maybe he did deserve Ayame after all. After much with himself, he put Izayoi back on its sheathe on his back and departed to see her. As he walked towards the door, he heard a knock. He slowly opened it and found Ayame, looking at him, "May I come in?"

Rikimaru's heart jumped at the sight of her, but nonetheless, kept a stoic expressionless face. He nodded and she came in. They sat on the cushions, looking at each other, neither one speaking. Ayame shivered at their present situation while Rikimaru remained as motionless as ever.

Rikimaru spoke first, "Ayame…I…there are so many things I want to say to you…I don't know where to begin…" Ayame's heart leaped, "I…Rikimaru…I just want to apologize…"

Rikimaru put a finger on her lips, "No…I should be the one to apologize…you were right. I did this to us…I was too stubborn to realize it…but now I know. I know that…I do need you Ayame. I need you to live. I love you…I want to be with you…for the rest of my life…"

Ayame's eyes began to be filled with tears, "Rikimaru…" Rikimaru was surprised to see her cry, "Are you alright?"

Ayame looked at him again, "Just shut up!" Rikimaru was taken aback and she continued, "Just shut up and kiss me…"

Rikimaru smiled and kissed her fiercely, letting out all of the pent out emotions within him. Ayame responded just as hungrily. They parted minutes later, out of breath. Ayame stood up and held out her hand to Rikimaru. He took her hand and stood up. Ayame led them to the bedroom and Rikimaru closed the door behind him. Rikimaru looked at Ayame again and saw her sit on his bed. He walked over to her and sat down beside her. He held her hand and she squeezed his.

She gently touched his cheek and he sighed. Ayame turned his face towards her own and kissed him. He kissed her back, cupping her face in his hands. He trailed kisses down from her lips to her neck. Ayame moaned, "Rikimaru…" Rikimaru stopped and searched her eyes, "What's wrong?"

Ayame smiled, "Make love to me Rikimaru…" Rikimaru gulped, his heart pounding, "Are you sure?" Ayame lied on the bed and gently pulled him with her, "Why do you always ask me that?"

Rikimaru nodded and said nothing more and captured her lips in a searing kiss. Ayame's hands worked their way to untie Rikimaru's gi. Rikimaru slipped gi off and removed Ayame's tabi boots. Ayame removed Rikimaru's armguards and he removed hers. Ayame sat up, pulled Rikimaru with her and grunted as she found it hard to remove Rikimaru's chainmail. Rikimaru chuckled and helped her remove it.

With him being completely nude, Ayame smiled wickedly, and he frowned, "That's not fair is it? We'll just have to even the odds!" Ayame smiled and he kissed her again, tugging at her pants. Ayame slipped them off while Rikimaru's hand snaked up to her waist, the other found its way under her top, cupping her breast.

She moaned in the kiss and he smiled. Rikimaru's hands pulled at her top and pulled it over her head. Rikimaru unclasped her brassiere and laid her on the bed once again, with him on top. He began to nip at her skin, biting on her neck, leaving pink marks. He sucked on the skin by her shoulders.

Ayame wrapped her arms around his waist and also kissed his neck. Ayame shivered as the breeze touched her body. Rikimaru felt her shiver and grabbed the blanket beside Ayame and put it around them.

Rikimaru gently spread Ayame's legs and buried himself in her. She moaned in ecstasy as he thrust into her, faster and harder than ever.

After reaching their climax together, Rikimaru collapsed on her, panting. Feeling all of his energy seep from his body, Rikimaru lay motionless on top of her.

Ayame felt warm as she felt Rikimaru's essence within her, invading her. Ayame stroked his back, "Rikimaru…" Rikimaru closed his eyes and nibbled on her neck. After minutes of recovery, he pulled out of her and rolled off of her. Ayame snuggled close to him and he pulled her closer, putting his arm around her waist. Ayame spoke first, "Rikimaru…will you promise me one thing?"

"Anything…"

"Promise me you'll never leave me again…"

Rikimaru tightened his hold on her, "Never again my love…"

Ayame rose from the bed and looked at her lover's eyes, "I love you…" Rikimaru pulled her back down with him and whispered into her ears, "And I you…"

xxxxx