Chapter 23: The Sworn Sisters; The Queen
Disclaimer: All rights reserved to KOEI TECMO, TECMO and Team NINJA. I am not Yosuke Hayashi.
A/N: You wouldn't believe what happened with this chapter.
I wrote this once and was about 99.9% done with it, but the 0.1% was thrown into the bin because I stupidly deleted it while wanting to edit it.
THAT was one of the most horrible moments of my life.
But at least I hope you enjoy this chapter, and I didn't make you wait long. Exams just finished and now I am free to write.
I also need a little guidance. I've played Dynasty Warriors 7 only, and I found it really good, so I want to buy Dynasty Warriors 8 but I also want Dead Or Alive 5 Ultimate very badly. What do you think? Should I buy DW8 or should I wait for DOA5U?
Don't forget to R&R!:)
"Ayane! Ayane, please, wait!" Kasumi cried, ignoring the pain from not moving as she ran. Ayane took long strides, ignoring her sister's cries and the stares they received from the women in the village. However, once they reached a place concealed from views, the younger girl stopped and turned around with a look that could scare fear itself.
"You stupid, idiotic princess!" She screeched, "do you realise what you've done? Have you not put enough shame on the Mugen Tenshin name?" Ayane was furious, her cheeks flushed in pure rage. Kasumi felt tears welling in her eyes.
"Please, Ayane! Just hear me out!" The older kunoichi begged. Ayane glared at her.
"What? What can you possibly explain?!" She seethed, "that you've been a wanton slut? Is that it?" Kasumi shook her head furiously.
"No, how can you think I would do such a thing?" She whispered miserably.
"I don't know. I never thought you'd run away and betray your own clan and family," Ayane replied sardonically, slight sarcasm dripping from her voice like venom. Kasumi's shoulder slumped.
"I wanted to tell you." The Kunoichi of Destiny replied softly, sadness coating her words, her eyes on the floor.
"And when the heck was that?!" Ayane snapped.
"Understand me, Ayane! This war stopped me from telling anyone! Trust me, if I were to tell a person and one person only, it would be you, but..." Kasumi trailed off.
"But what?" Ayane urged.
"Hey! What's going on here?" A voice out of nowhere came. The two Japanese turned their heads to be met with Hitomi's form. The Karate master immediately caught Kasumi's glossy eyes, like she was about to cry. She slowly went up to her and placed a hand on her shoulder, muttering a small, 'are you alright?' Before turning turning to Ayane.
"What's happening here? I went looking for you, Ayane, some women told me you went this way and then I heard you yelling. Can you explain to me why?" Hitomi asked, watching her expectantly. Ayane kept a firm glare on her half-sister.
"Our little princess here decided to burden us with her pregnancy in this war." She growled. Kasumi closed her eyes in shame. Hitomi's eyes widened slightly, and she turned to Kasumi.
"You told her?" Hitomi asked, concerned. Ayane's mouth dropped in shock.
"You told her?" Her hands trembled in anger. Kasumi looked back into her eyes, and was surprised to see mixed emotions. Anger, confusion, hurt, but that emotion that she's grown to see in her eyes everyday she trained with her back in the village. She never thought she would see it again. She wished she never saw it again. That emotion, that cursed word...betrayal. Her heart dropped to her stomach.
"No, wait, Ayane! Don't believe she told me, I guessed. It's these powers. I assure you, Kasumi didn't tell me anything." Hitomi explained. Ayane narrowed her eyes on Kasumi.
"Who's is it?" She asked, a glare on her. Kasumi watched her in confusion.
"What?" She replied softly.
"I said, who's is it? If you didn't just give yourself away like trash, then you must remember who the father of this child is. Or maybe you've done it with different men..." Ayane trailed off. Kasumi's eyes widened.
"No! H-he w-was my one and only!" She countered back, blushing in embarrassment.
"Then who is he?" Ayane was curious now.
"I...I can't..." She whispered. The younger kunoichi, placed her hands on her hips, snapping,
"Why not?"
"Ayane!" Hitomi widened her eyes.
"Because you'll tell brother and he will be out for blood!" Kasumi yelled. Deathly silence surrounded the three young girls. Ayane was watching her half-sister, her mouth open like a fish. Kasumi then realised, with horror, how contradictory her words were.
"No, wait, Ayane. That's not what I meant." Kasumi took a step forward, but Ayane moved away.
"So that's what you've always thought of me, right? Hayate's little messenger?" She spat the words as if they were foul in her mouth.
"You know that's not what I meant!" Kasumi suddenly cried. Ayane scoffed, though her eyes held hurt.
"Whatever. I'm going to join the others. Don't worry about your little secret." She turned around and walked towards the village. Just as her back turned, Kasumi sunk to the floor, bursting into tears. Hitomi sunk with her, wrapping her arms around the younger girl, rocking her gently. Hearing Kasumi's incoherent words, she pulled away to look at her.
"What did you say?" She asked, concern rather than pity in her eyes. Kasumi sniffed.
"I don't know why I'm crying. I should have expected something like that from her. She and I...weren't- aren't the closest of sisters. In fact, we aren't close at all. I feel like I've disappointed her even more than before." The kunoichi replied softly. Hitomi shook her head sadly.
"Kasumi...you shouldn't say things like that about yourself." She said softly, watching as Kasumi laughed bitterly.
"When Hayate will know about this, he will be the next to think that I've put even more shame on the Mugen Tenshin name," a somber expression crossed her face, "it will be worse when he'll know who is the father. He'll hate me forever." She closed her eyes, trying to contain the tears.
"Enough!" Hitomi shouted, standing, making Kasumi look at her. In Hitomi's eyes, which were red in anger, was a flame. She was furious. Kasumi felt slight fear snaking up her spine.
"What you're saying is complete nonsense. Hayate will never hate you for anything. How could you believe that your own brother hate you? You should have seen him when you died! He was in tears! He was crying for you! Because he loves you, and even if you tell him you're pregnant," she pointed at Kasumi's shaking form, "you're just lying to yourself!" Hitomi's eyes softened into her natural blue, "Ayane might not be the greatest sister for not supporting you. But inside, I just think she's hurt that you're not trusting her enough. She's angry because even after these ups and downs of this war, you still didn't trust her enough to tell her. I might not know her personally like I know Leifang for example, but I know she's stubborn. She's just not really an open heart. I'm pretty sure she's only trusting Hayate right now, and maybe Hayabusa," Hitomi didn't notice Kasumi's flinch, "but the rest of us, like Mingyu or Andra...even Eliot, she doesn't. And I understand. Give her time. She'll understand too. Besides," she smiled, crouching down to hold her hand, "if she isn't ready to be your sister, you have another one right here. Because after all that's happened, we are supposed to be there for each other. And anyways, I always wanted a sister!" A flush was caught on her cheeks and she giggled. Kasumi couldn't believe it.
You have another one right here. A sister. She repeated the words in her mouth them sounding strange in her mouth. Then she smiled. No, beamed, happiness filling her. And she flung her arms around her. Her sister.
"My sister." She repeated in a soft whisper. Although, Hitomi caught in and grinned when they pulled away.
"Well, it would make sense, with the telepathy and all. I communicate with you and you communicate with me. So it would be quite a coincidence." Kasumi laughed. Hitomi soon joined her.
"Kindness and acceptance. You have just proved to me that you are the Chosen One, with a strong spirit of Amazons." A voice that came from the bushes sounded. Instinctively, Hitomi took hold of the scepter on her back, but Kasumi placed a hand on her shoulder.
"It's safe, don't worry, this is the woman that healed me." She smiled reassuringly. As expected, the Great Witch appeared. She smiled at Hitomi, showing her white teeth, striking her with her beauty.
"I am Rona. I've heard the women say something about the Electus being here. At first I didn't believe it, but now I know. And our Lady Ascencion was right," she ripped the necklace made of a simple string and of a cerulean stone off her neck, "when this has been given to me, they told me that Ascencion had been waiting for someone to claim it. She had said, 'I have been using something that does not belong to me. One day, a person will come and claim it as hers. And when she will be here, you shall not give it to anyone else, as she will save you.' And she was right," Rona threw the necklace at Hitomi, who caught it effortlessly. Her eyes then turned a bright white. She clenched the necklace in her fist. Her whole skin turned a light blue and her hands glowed. She cried out at the burning sensation, but when she opened her fist, her palms held a strange tattoo, that of a circle and strange words surrounding it. Hitomi inspected her hands in amazement.
"I was correct. No, our Lady was right. It belonged to you from the beginning. My mission is done." Rona smiled, then took Kasumi's hand and tugged her towards her.
"Your friend has to have some rest. Running around like this while carrying a child in your womb is not healthy at all. Come, child. You will be resting and I am sure that by tomorrow you will be up and coming." Kasumi pulled away from her grasp and wrapped her arms around Hitomi, who returned the friendly hug.
"Tell Hayate that he doesn't have to worry about me anymore, I'm fine." She whispered. Hitomi pulled away with a knowing smirk on her face.
"Oh, I don't have to tell him that. He always worries about you. He is your brother after all," Kasumi smiled, "no...the person I should tell should probably Hayabusa. You know, when you were unconscious, he wouldn't let you go." Hitomi giggled at her red face. Huffing, the kunoichi shoved her slightly.
"You know it's not like that! Hayabusa and I are just...just..." She stuttered, thinking of any word.
"Just friends? Oh, come on! It's obvious there's something! You know you can't lie to your onee-san!...I've said it correctly, right?" She questioned, to a now laughing Kasumi. Rona smiled in amusement, but then grabbed Kasumi's hand again.
"So, I'm going to meet the Queen. Wish me luck!" With that, she waved at her goodbye. Kasumi waved back and started to walk with the Great Witch.
"I am not surprised she was happy to be your sister. Maybe like many other heroes and heroines, you could be sworn to each other. Sworn sisters." Rona said, absentmindedly. Kasumi chuckled.
"If only that could be true. Sometimes I envy her. She's kept that childish innocence in her. She hasn't fully realised what is happening right now. These unusual things...if only I had kept mine still. But again, I would not realise that I am waiting for a child." She said, looking up at the sky.
"You still have yours. Everyone has it. They just refuse to claim it because of this harsh world. You should claim it before it is too late." The witch smiled.
It is too late, Kasumi wanted to voice, but remained silent in response.
"Where have you been? We would have gone without you!" Leifang chided as Hitomi caught up with them, slightly out of breath. She smiled at her sheepishly.
"I think I got caught up talking to Kasumi," she turned to Hayate, who had been watching her worriedly, "Hayate, she told me to tell you to not worry about her. The person who's healing her is trusted. So you can turn that frown upside down, by tomorrow, she'll be with us again." She placed a hand on his shoulder and smiled reassuringly. Hayate placed his hand on top of hers, and he smiled, squeezing it.
"Thank you." He whispered, grateful. Hitomi blushed slightly, then pulled away from him. She then turned to Hayabusa and nodded, reaffirming her words. The Dragon Ninja returned a curt nod, but under his mask, a smile was on his lips, unnoticed.
Behind them, Ayane was annoyed. For some reason, all those comments about Kasumi had brought back the hatred she felt towards her came back with such power...It's always about her, she thought bitterly. Wrapping her arms around herself, she forced herself to bite her tongue and to not spit a rude comment. However, she did not notice Eliot, who had been watching her, a look of concern in his sea blue eyes. He placed a hand on her shoulder, stopping her from walking. She stiffened, then spun around.
"What?!" She spat. Eliot frowned.
"Are you okay? After you came from Kasumi, you looked pretty angry." He explained. Ayane slapped his hand away.
"I don't really see how it concerns you!" She snapped, then angrily tried to stomp away. However, he caught her wrist before it was too late. She spun around again, ready to yell, but his eyes stopped her. They held hurt and concern. An unusual mix of emotions.
"You're pushing me away." Eliot said softly, a tinge of hurt lacing his voice.
"What?" Ayane questioned, watching him incredulously.
"You're pushing me away, Ayane," he repeated, "why? You help others, but you won't let anyone help you? Please, Ayane. We're too far in this war to be drifting apart. These challenges should have brought us closer, and you're pushing me away. I know you don't seem like the type of person to let people in, but at least make the effort of telling me what's wrong. I'm sorry if it seems like I'm yelling at you, but it can't be helped." He finished with a sigh. Ayane watched him for a long time before closing her eyes and huffing out a sigh. She turned back to the original direction and held her hand out. Eliot took it, still watching her curiously as they walked towards the others.
"You're too damn persistent," she muttered, looking back at him, "I don't know what you see in me that makes you want to help me. But fine. I'll let you help me," his eyes lit up, and a smile broke out on his face, "but don't think you're my personal psychologist. There's things I don't want to share." When she had finished talking he nodded, and by then they had joined the others. Mingyu glared at Ayane.
"You'll pay for all of this soon." She mumbled to her. Ayane returned a sneer. She hated this girl, sometimes wishing demons killed her.
"It's here." Brynn said, as she pointed to golden double doors.
"Wait, you're just going to leave us with her?" Andra asked curiously. Brynn shrugged.
"I'm not allowed to see the Queen's face," she replied, "it's tradition." Leifang looked at her, puzzled.
"That makes no sense. Why are you her right hand, then?" She questioned. Jann Lee nudged her side, while she just glared at him.
"Tradition. I'm sorry we couldn't see each other for too long, Andra." The Amazon apologised. The Huntress shook her head, smiling.
"Nah, it was good to see you again. Thanks for helping us, Brynn." She said, and her and Brynn shared one last hug, before she walked away. Andra turned to the doors and pushed them open, only to be greeted by the sight of many women in rows, before a large throne. A beautiful young woman sat on it, next to her, an old woman with many tattoos.
"Who of you is the Electus?" She asked, her voice sultry and smooth. Hitomi advanced, feeling shivers going up and down her spine.
"That would be me? My name is Hitomi." She said, smiling nervously. The Queen looked her up and down, and Hitomi swore she saw a spark of jealousy in her eyes, before she spoke again.
"My name is Desirée. I am the Queen of this realm. Tell me, Hitomi, how old are you?" She questioned.
"Um...twenty-one?" Hitomi replied.
"Are you innocent?"
Hitomi's eyes bulged, "what?"
Desirée sighed, "I asked if you were innocent."
Andra cleared her throat, "Hitomi, she's asking if you're a virgin." She explained. Hitomi's eyes widened as her cheeks reddened. Leifang intervened quickly, asking,
"What kind of question is that?!"
"Leifang," Hitomi cut in, "stop. Yes I'm still...innocent." She admitted. She was sure her face looked like a tomato. Gasps were heard around the throne room, followed by whispers and murmurs.
"How could you be innocent still so late?" The Queen asked, brown eyes wide, "never mind, no matter. You are here for a weapon to defeat the Demon prince, is it not?" Hitomi nodded, "yes...well, I need something in exchange."
"What?!" Andra exclaimed, then angrily stated, "I've never heard of this exchange be-..." She was cut off by Desirée.
"Silence. I will give you what you want if you give me...him." Her slender finger pointed to the Jeet Kune Do martial artist, who had not said anything in a long while.
"Me?!" Jann Lee yelled.
"Him?!" Leifang shouted.
"You. I have made my choice. You shall get what you need if I can have him as a slave." The Queen finished.
"No!" Leifang snapped, "you have no right to take him. If you want him, you'll have to go through me, first. There is no way I'm letting someone like you, of all people and creatures take him away for God-knows-what! Forget it." Desirée's eyes flashed with rage.
"You dare go against me? I could get you killed!" She shouted. Leifang sneered.
"I'm not afraid of death. You want Jann Lee? Come and get me!" She yelled. The Queen stood, angered.
"Fine. I challenge you to a duel, to the death. If I win, I get him. If you win, my Left Hand shall give you the weapon. Is that a deal?" Leifang stood ground. Jann Lee shook his head, frightened.
"Leifang, don't do this." He pleaded. Leifang turned around, gave him a look, before turning back to Desirée.
"It's a deal."
The Queen smirked, as the others watched Leifang with wide eyes.
"Alright, tomorrow morning at dawn. Do rest well. Tomorrow shall determine whose life shall go down the drain." With that, she walked down the steps, and left the throne room.
"Andra turned to the Chinese girl, exclaiming, "what have you done?!"
However, no fear was seen in her eyes, "something that will shut that woman's mouth for good."
A/N: it wasn't supposed to end like this, but there wasn't enough Leifang/Jann Lee moments.
WILL LEIFANG WIN? WILL SHE DIE TRYING? WHAT ABOUT KAI? ARE GWEN AND DANTE OKAY? KEEP UP WITH THE REVIEWS!
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Oh, I will update my Shugo Chara! fic next. WTSPH! Will have to wait.
Don't forget to R&R!:)