Outfits – Momiji: Purifying Flame
Helena: Blue-and-gold longcoat
Kasumi: Brilliant Lapis
The helicopter touched down on the carrier, allowing Kasumi and Momiji to exit and step on the Freedom Survivor's steel floor.
"You sure about this? Kasumi asked.
"Yes, I do." Momiji responded.
"I gave some thought about working for Helena, but I'd like to talk to her about it in person."
"Well, whatever it is you have on your mind, I hope you can talk it out." Kasumi said.
Momiji caressed her face and smiled, assuring her future wife she would be civil about speaking with Helena.
The two ninjas held their hands together and entered Helena's office. Kasumi had been working for Helena, making her leave the Hayabusa village every now and then. Even though she and Momiji were engaged, Momiji knew about Helena and Kasumi getting intimate when they weren't working. Momiji trusted her fiancé, but still wanted to speak with the French blonde anyway.
Helena turned away from the window when she heard the doors open and saw the kunoichi girls standing with their hands held.
"Lady Helena! It's nice to see you again!" Kasumi eagerly said, bowing to her boss.
"Kasumi, it's always a pleasure to meet you." Helena responded, walking from her desk, arms crossed.
"Lady Helena, I'm sure you remember Momiji. My fiancé." Kasumi said, showing her fellow shrine maiden.
"I've told you a great deal about her." She even showed their held hands wearing their wedding rings.
"Look! I even proposed to her! We're so excited to get married someday!" The ginger excitedly said. Momiji looked away, slightly blushing.
"Ah, yes! Your fellow shrine maiden. I remember you from the last tournament. Kasumi has indeed told me lots." Helena said kindly.
"Congratulations on your proposal."
Momiji quickly calmed herself and unlinked her hands from Kasumi to greet Helena with her usual bow.
"Miss Helena, it is an honor to meet you again." She said, wearing a polite smile.
Helena giggled slightly at how well-mannered the kunoichi was. She kind of reminded her of herself.
"There's no need to be so formal. I just said I remembered you." Helena said politely, still wearing her smile. Momiji flinched a little, but Helena excused her behavior.
"It's fine. Clearly, you were raised to show respect to other people. I admire that." Helena complimented. She then bowed in her own elegant way at in Momiji's direction, returning her kindness.
"It is MY honor we could meet again, Momiji. Any friend, or loved one, of Kasumi's is a friend of mine." The French blonde continued.
Momiji nodded as she felt more comfortable that Helena introduced her in a similar way. Kasumi couldn't help but giggle at the two, looking from one to another.
"You two are more alike than you think. It's quite endearing." The redhead observed.
Helena chuckled, thinking how accurate Kasumi was in her statement.
"She's right. We do act similar in some ways." Helena mentioned. Momiji chuckled as well, agreeing at the surprising but logical comparison.
"So, what brings my errand girl and her fiancé here today?" Helena asked the two ninjas.
"Well, I mentioned to Momiji that it could be possible for you to hire her. She wanted to talk to you about it in person." Kasumi explained. Momiji nodded her head in agreement, confirming the truth in Kasumi's words.
"Ah, we have brought that up when Kasumi was here before. It would be nice to have the extra help, but it's up to Momiji." Helena said.
"Well, I'd like to talk to you about it… one-on-one. Just to be sure about what I could be getting into." Momiji clarified.
"I insisted to stay with her so I can clarify whatever it is you tell her about regarding the job… but she really wanted to talk with you privately about it." Kasumi added.
"I see… Well, Momiji, have a seat if you like so we can about the terms of the job. Kasumi, you can wait outside or go see Kokoro if you like. She should be in the lobby. I told her you two would be visiting. I can let her know about when Momiji and I are finished." Helena offered.
Kasumi nodded, looking forward to see the geisha that she and Momiji saw when her fellow shrine maiden and Helena first met.
"Will you two be alright?" Kasumi tuned to ask Momiji.
Momiji put her hands on Kasumi's shoulders to comfort her.
"Trust me, we will. Hopefully, this won't take too long."
"Agreed. I'm looking forward to talking with your fiancé." Helena supported.
"Okay. You two get along now." Kasumi said to her future wife. Momiji smiled and nodded, then the two ninja girls hugged quickly before Kasumi left to find Kokoro.
Momiji sighed after the door closed and turned to Helena.
"Tea, dear?" Helena offered.
"Yes, please." Momiji accepted. "And if it's alright with you… I'd like to stand."
"Whatever makes you comfortable, Momiji." Helena said.
Momiji walked up to the desk as Helena poured out a cup of her favorite tea behind the desk and handed it to Momiji. Momiji took the cup with a polite "Thank You" and took a whiff of its heavenly smell. The shrine maiden took a sip and sighed slightly, loving the flavor. Helena poured a cup for herself as Momiji took another sip and put down the cup.
"It's lovely." Momiji complimented.
"I'll let the chef know. They do their best to please." Helena said. "It's been my favorite for years."
"They must know your tastes well then." Momiji said.
"That they do." Helena replied. "They're some of the best in their field."
Momiji smiled, loving how much Helena values her staff. She took a look at her cup as her lovely smile soon turned neutral and put a fist on her chest.
"Well… the job isn't the only reason why I wanted to talk to you." Momiji nervously said.
Helena noticed her tone as she was taking a sip and grew curious about Momiji's words. She put down the cup and gave the maiden her full attention in her seat.
"Really? What else did you want to speak about?" She questioned, thinking it must be important if Momiji traveled so far to see her.
"Kasumi mentioned how much she leaves home to come do missions for you." Momiji started.
"She's honored she gets to work for you and talks about you highly… But she also mentioned your past history some time ago."
"Oh, that… Well, it was a long time ago. Just know I still care about her as much today as I did back then." Helena assured.
"It's not only that…" Momiji continued. Helena's eyebrows raised as the maiden kept going.
"She also told me about how the two of you… get intimate sometimes during her visits." The maiden mentioned nervously.
Helena's eyes widened, feeling guilty that Momiji confessed knowing their "secret activities."
"Momiji, please let me explain… It's not serious…" Helena tried defending.
"You do know she and I are engaged?" Momiji questioned.
"Yes, I do. I didn't lie when I said Kasumi talks about you a lot. I'm very happy you two are going to marry one day." Helena said honestly.
Momiji wasn't buying it.
"Are you sure you're telling the truth about your business… or are you trying to take Kasumi back?" Momiji suspected, as her gaze turned back to Helena.
"I assure you, Momiji. I never want to do anything to jeopardize Kasumi's happiness. My organization is legitimate as well as my business to right the mistakes I made before." Helena tried reasoning with the shrine maiden.
Momiji did her best to control the slight amount of jealousy in her, so she took another sip to calm down before placing her cup on the tray next to the kettle.
"Helena… I'm sure you're not a bad person… but Kasumi is my whole world." Momiji said as her put her hands on Helena's desk.
"I know she's cute and all, but you have no right to be as close to her as I. Kasumi is my girl." Momiji warned.
Helena saw the same look on the shrine maiden's face… It was like when Kasumi came to her before they became girlfriends. She tried defusing any possible heavy tension between them with reasoning.
"It is true she and I did "get it on"… but I've never gone past heavy petting with her. What we share is "puppy love"." Helena tried explaining.
"It was the same way when we used to actually date."
Momiji was still suspicious.
"How do I know you're telling the truth?"
"Kasumi… is too pure to me to try anything serious with her. I only gave her a home and support when she didn't have any. If I was lying, we'd likely be throwing punches right now." Helena logically said.
Momiji couldn't deny that. In fact, she thought they were lucky that the two were still somewhat civilized.
"Still… you had your chance with her!" Momiji raised her voice.
"Momiji, there's no need to be jealous. I'm happy Kasumi is with you!" Helena said.
"You've brought a light to her world I only wish I can shine."
Momiji was calm, but still wasn't convinced. Helena knew there was one way Momiji could believe her. She circled around to get near Momiji, who saw how close Helena was getting and shifted into her fighting stance.
"You'll never have her again!" Momiji yelled.
"I'll die for her, if that what it takes!"
Helena never wanted to fight Momiji. Instead, she got on her knees and deeply bowed at the shrine maiden's feet. Momiji was surprised at Helena and was frozen.
"Momiji… PLEASE believe me. I'm telling the truth. I do love Kasumi, but I can see how happy she is with you. I would never dream of breaking her heart… OR yours. You two deserve each other!" Helena said as honestly as she could.
Momiji blinked repeatedly at the usually strong Helena practically begging her. She was raised on how people showed respect to each other and knew this was the way a person can show how honest they were. The shrine maiden snapped out of her stunned state, and kneeled in front of Helena putting a hand on her shoulder.
"Helena! Helena! Please, look at me! I didn't know how truthful you were being! I'm sorry!" Momiji panicked.
Helena rose up but stay kneeled as it was Momiji's turn to bow deeply at her, and she did so repeatedly.
"Please forgive me! I thought you had ill intentions! I never should have judged you! You're every bit as kind as Kasumi said!" Momiji said, feeling super embarrassed accusing the French blonde.
"Momiji, please stop. I know you were looking out for Kasumi. I don't hate you for that." Helena said as she made Momiji stop bowing.
The shrine maiden stopped and stared at Helena, letting her speak.
"I can tell how much Kasumi means to you… and I know how much Kasumi cherishes you. If it helps, I fully support you two getting married. I will never stand in your way of your happiness. You and Kasumi were meant for each other." Helena confessed.
"Whenever she was here and I held her in my arms… sometimes I did wish we we're still together. But any time I saw how happy she was talking about you… I've never seen her so bright about anything. Momiji, you're perfect for her." Helena confessed further.
Momiji was shocked at how honest Helena. The only thing she could do was hug Helena tightly. The French woman returned the embraced with a smile.
"Helena… I'm SO sorry. And… thank you. Thank you sharing your feelings with me." The maiden said apologetically.
Helena nodded. "So, how about that job?"
Momiji gasped and let go of Helena, quickly standing up to bow again.
"Yes, Helena! I would love to work for you! Thank you for the offer!" She said excitedly.
Helena chuckled as she stood up. She extended her hand.
"Wonderful! Congratulations, Momiji. Welcome to the team." Momiji took her hand and the two women firmly shook. Helena was quite impressed at how strong the maiden's grip was.
"Oooo, you're deceptively strong." The French blonde said as she repeatedly opened and closed her fist. Momiji giggled and slightly blushed.
Helena circled around back to behind her desk. Momiji leaned her crossed arms on it as she asked the French blonde something.
"This means I'll get to be with Kasumi more often, right? Will I'll get to work with her?!" She asked enthusiastically.
Helena nodded. "Qui. The two of you will get to go on missions together if need be. That's one of the main reasons why I was hoping you'd accept."
Momiji's eyes widened pleasingly. "Oh, I didn't think that would be why! Thank you!" She ended with a nod. Then, something hit her.
"Wait… one of the reasons?"
"You noticed that, huh?" Helena said with a smirk.
"Well… I'd like to be honest, Momiji…" She started and leaned on her desk.
"…You're a beautiful girl."
Momiji gasped as she kinda figured where this was going. But she asked nonetheless.
"Wh-where did this come from?!"
"I didn't stutter, did I dear? I find you polite… but also cute. Dare I say, Momiji… you're pretty hot." Helena admitted.
Momiji's face turned red at the compliment. "But… but you said…!"
"Oh, trust me. I meant everything I said about you and Kasumi… but I'd like to think we can more than friends." Helena said, twirling her hair with her finger.
"I… I… Helena, this is going too fast." Momiji stammered.
"I'm not sure if I'm ready for this."
"Then, let me help you with your answer.' Helena said. She started leaning in slowly and closed her eyes.
Part of Momiji wanted to escape… but something pulled her in as she did the same.
The two ladies leaned in and kissed. They loved tasting the soft lips of the other and smooched repeatedly. Momiji thought this would feel so wrong… but it felt so right.
Both ladies stopped kissing and Helena smiled as their eyes remained closed.
"So soft… just like Kasumi's." Helena said softly.
Momiji blushed after opening her eyes, trying to process what happened.
Helena took Momiji's hand and led her to the window. They both faced the outside as Helena positioned herself behind Momiji and embraced her. Momiji put her hands on the French woman's hands in her usual crossed hands position. The French woman placed her chin on the maiden's shoulder as they looked outside.
"Isn't it beautiful? The day I confessed to Kasumi, I did the same thing with her. The poor girl fell asleep in my arms because she was so tired from running away." Helena said in Momiji's ear before sniffing her hair.
"You even smell lovely, darling. I can see why Kasumi asked for your hand in marriage." Helena kept going.
Momiji took in Helena's touch. She was surprised at first, but was growing to love this tender side of the blonde.
"I cherish those who work for me very closely… Especially you and Kasumi. You girls are extremely special to me." Helena said before kissing Momiji's cheek.
Momiji smiled slightly as Helena's hold on her continued.
"This way we all can get along… Would that be acceptable?" Helena asked.
Momiji nodded. "Yes… I would like that…. Lady Helena." She said softly.
"I never knew this side of you existed."
"Darling, there's a lot you don't know about me yet. I'm looking forward to sharing myself with you." Helena said.
"And I can't wait to do the same." Momiji admitted, then sighed loving being in Helena's arms, closing her eyes.
They stayed like this for a while before Helena shared a most intriguing secret when Momiji asked something.
"So, you have Kasumi and I working for you… what about Ayane?"
"Oh, she also works for me." Helena shared. Momiji opened her eyes in surprise.
"Mistress, too?!" She said excitedly.
Helena raised an eyebrow.
"'Mistress?'"
Momiji turned her head away for a moment, embarrassed.
"It's… a long story." She said.
"I hope I can share it with you some day."
Helena chuckled.
"I look forward to it. But do you want to know how she and I got together?" She asked. Momiji nodded, the curiosity was too much for her.
Helena explained how the two of them hung out at Zack Island as they were paired to do a photoshoot. One of the shots showed Ayane looking at Helena instead of the camera with a lusty demeanor in her eyes. The next shot was of Ayane lying on Helena, very provocatively. They used that pose as their last shot for the day, but afterwards Ayane started making out with Helena. The French woman accepted her kiss and the butterfly as a personal employee of her's ever since.
Helena chuckled at the memory.
"If only Ayane didn't intimidate the boys to leave us alone, we would've given them a memorable show." She laughed.
"She's been working for me since. But she prefers to work alone, so I send her on covert op missions."
Momiji rolled her eyes, believing that completely knowing how Ayane is like.
"But she does get to work with Kasumi every once in a while. And now, you will too! Perhaps all three of you will get to go on a mission someday."
Momiji got excited at the idea of working with her two kunoichi idols.
"This place was one of the few locations where Kasumi and Ayane were at peace with each other." Helena finished.
Momiji mouthed "Wow" at the last statement. She did long for a day when the two sisters wouldn't be so violent towards each other.
"Lady Helena… you're amazing." Momiji said.
"I'm so honored to work for you now. I'll do my best to help you in your cause."
Helena chuckled and kissed Momiji's cheek again.
"I look forward to how our partnership progresses, Momiji. It's my honor to work with you."
Momiji turned around and wrapped her arms around Helena's neck, returning the last kiss with one on the French woman's cheek. They kept hugging until Kasumi returned. The ginger giggled at the precious embrace as she walked up to the pair.
"I take it you two had a good talk?" She asked.
Momiji and Helena turned their heads to look at the adorable redhead, who was smiling from ear to ear. They both nodded.
"Not just good… Momiji will be joining our team as one of your co-workers!" Helena announced.
Kasumi squealed and jumped for joy before running to place a hand on Momiji's side.
"That's great to hear! Congratulations, Momiji!" The ginger said.
Momiji smiled.
"Thanks, dear. I learned a lot about Helena today…" She said as she turned her head to face the blonde.
"And we had a long, but understanding talk… I think I'm going to like working for her." The raven-haired girl confessed.
Helena smiled and kissed Momiji on the lips quickly. Then turned her head to face Kasumi.
"You don't mind, do you dear?"
Kasumi shook her head.
"It's all right with me. I'm just glad you two smoothed things out. This is going to be great!"
She then faced Momiji.
"Now we'll be together more often without you worrying about me!"
'Everyone wins." Momiji happily said.
Then, she and Helena looked at each other for a moment. Both felt something didn't feel right.
"What's wrong?" Kasumi noticed.
They smiled and faced Kasumi, each extending a hand to her.
"This doesn't feel complete with you, darling." Helena said.
"After all, you're the reason we met in the first place."
"She's right, dear." Momiji joined in.
"Come join us, Kasumi. We owe this to you."
Kasumi gasped, then smiled wide. She quickly moved into their arms, embracing them both happily. The ninja couple were as happy as ever as well with Helena putting her complete support behind their upcoming marriage. The ninja couple found a way to be together as much as possible, while using their skills for a good cause.
