Fan Fiction ❯ Death to Japan ❯ Death to Japan ( Chapter 1 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

By: gothgurl22066

~Death to Japan~

Our life was not always so hectic. What seems like only yesterday we were happy children. Life was simple and laid back in our little town of Kunami, Japan. We were not a very rich town but many people came to see the landscape. We were in a small hidden valley full of cherry blossoms and wonderful fruit trees. The soil was fertile, giving our families and us plenty of food throughout the year. But then they came….

In a flash our beautiful valley, our home, was destroyed by the ones we used too love. They had burned everything that they could, our parents, all of our parents, died trying to protect us. We were left all alone, never touched…. They never found us.

We crawled out of our hiding space the next morning to find that our loved ones… were gone. Nothing but smoldering ash lay in wake before us. The rising sun casting an orange glow on the dark burnt remains of the buildings. Only five of us were left…. The oldest was Hik, who was now thirteen, a tall boy who had been training since he was six, was tall and lanky. His usually dark hair, bleached by the suns' light, his eyes were light, just like his mothers. His sense of humor made even the most horrible people laugh. But he enjoyed it.

His little brother Dooshite was only seven at the time. He had screamed and cried for his mother or father. He had been terrified and confused and now the only place where he had ever lived was gone overnight. Even his beloved parents could no longer comfort him…. He was a small boy, who hated to be exposed to the sunlight, he seemed to lurk in the shadows, and though you never saw him...you knew that he was always watching you in the darkest shadows. He liked the taste of blood and was often found eating freshly killed animals. He would be gone for hours and return much later, closer to dawn or dusk, a faint orange color tinting his already pale skin. . He had jet-black hair and dark red eyes, his nose long and pointed and his teeth almost like a dogs. He almost seemed to be brought up by animals, not humans…. he didn't look anything like his family…

Their neighbor was Tsuki, she was a sweet girl who had been brought up as a boy since her father had left them and her brother was dead. Though her grandfather was the priest up at the shrine, farther up the hill. One of the people who had destroyed their home was one of her best friends, Youma who was ten while Tsuki was eleven. She was muscular and liked to be called Ki by her mother. She wasn't tall and instead of wearing the traditional kimono she wore a mans' ukata. Her hair was brown from her mother but her eyes were black…

Her other best friend lived across the street and was twelve when it happened…Her name is Ama, she had forest blue hair that looked black in shadows and at night, but appeared blue in the light. She two did not wear the kimono like other girls and women, she wore a mans' Ukata like Tsuki. Now Ama was tall and bony but was strong nonetheless. Her eyes never stayed the same color, all depending on her mood.

Now her neighbor was a young boy called Shinshiuu, meaning Divine Death King, his father had wanted him to have a strong name, but had died in battle only a few months after his beautiful son was born. Shinshiuu was tall as well, his eyes a light blue while his short hair was spiked slightly naturally, it too was bleached almost brown by the sunlight. He two fought with a sword…

The people who had ruined their village were only sixteen and they're only four of them though one of them didn't know what was happening because his older sister Youma took him with her and now he also blamed for the destruction of the village, even if he was only three years old…Arimasu. But the masterminds behind the whole thing were twin boys that lived on the edge of town, close to the shrine. They seemed like very nice boys until they started to train at the early age of four, then their minds started to twist and they spent all their time training or praying up the shrine. They weren't tall at all, but that gave them an advantage on the battlefield, their squinty eyes were always darting around as if scanning for something, their pale lips always turned into a sneer, they were quite and kept to themselves, and when they turned fifteen their father died and they lost it. And now at sixteen they destroy their hometown leaving only five young survivors.

So, now Shinshiuu, Ama, Tsuki, Dooshite, and Hik wondered Japan hoping to find some man or woman that would train all of them for no fee. The first man that they came too was old but still taught classes with his granddaughter. But because women weren't suppose to know how to fight with an actual sword he had to teach them at night. This is where they learned to handle daggers of all shapes and sizes. Two years later they found a woman and were once again trained by night, here she taught Tsuki, Hik and Ama how to use a crossbow and a long bow. Tsuki later entered a contest with her crossbow disguised as a man and won the five thousand yen that was first place.

Next was a young couple that had been fighting together since they were young. They taught Shinshiuu, Tsuki, and Ama how to handle and throw Ninja stars. Giving Ama four, Tsuki nine, and Shinshiuu thirty. They gave him thirty because once he understood and mastered the stars he could throw them and break them with ease, he needed plenty extra.

One merchant that they sleep next to one night along the main road, leading to Tokyo, stayed up all night teaching Tsuki how to make special bombs that were light and small.

And the last person that they came across was a master of all weapons made in Japan. So for the next six years they were taught everything that they wanted to know.

Tsuki discovered her hidden power over the moon and how it affects the water and the temperature, also learning how to use a special fan that would shoot darts out by the flick of the wrist.

Ama was taught how to use the whip and quickly mastered it, and the Sharp Fan as their master called it.

Shinshiuu learned to harness the power of a staff weapon, as well as handle two nun chucks.

Ten years later, they are grown. Their bodies developed and their weapons hidden in their clothing. They would return to their still broken and torn village once a year making sure that no one would settle there again…. And to let their families spirits know that there okay.

It was night and Shinshiuu was still up starring into the hot coals that had once held a fire. He had been troubled by some feelings lately, and couldn't quite sort them out; his mind stayed fogged and didn't register the soft padding of feet on the smooth ground, approaching him.

The figure that crept behind him was silent as a ninja but not deadly. Staying on her toes she dared herself to reach out and touch him…

Light slender fingers press against his shoulders and he sighs knowing who it is, the only person that it could be…. Ama.

“Hey Ama.” Shinshiuu said not bothering to look up at her as she gently began to mead at his sore back with strong fingers. “Could you not get to sleep again?” with sensitive ears he heard her shake her head.

A strong breeze blew and her hands stopped there work, her long hair had been getting the way lately but she didn't want to chop it off so she did her best to keep it tamed and under control.

He imagined her lifting her arms behind her head to pull her hair out of the way, and having to put her head down slightly to reach all of her hair. And her face, the look on her beautiful face when it out of her way.

He felt a hotness overwhelm him and the log he was sitting on shift with added weight.

“So why are you still up?” his eyes slid out of focus and he looked away, biting his bottom lip.

“Sorry Ama, I can't tell you… not yet any way.” She just smiled with a simple understanding, and looked up at the sky.

“Do you think that we'll find them, someday? Shinshiuu?” Glancing over at him she wasn't surprised to find him deep in thought once more, starring up at the almost blue sky and the bright stars.

Instead of answering her question he simply looked over at her and rested his cheek in the palm of his hand.

“Don't worry about it, Ama. Now if you don't mind I think I'll go to bed.” He got up and started to walk away, without even wishing her a good night.

She held up a hand, about to stop him, but put it down and looked away knowing that he wouldn't care if she had said it or not.

The next morning was bright and mount Fuji was illuminated by the light of the early morning sun. Tsuki was up along with Hik and they were cooking breakfast, though the breakfast that was in the pan was burnt beyond anything edible. Tsuki and Hik were nowhere to be found. But their sounds emitting from Hik's tent could have only meant one thing….

So when Dooshite and Ama woke up they re-cooked breakfast and ate peacefully waiting for the others to emerge from their tents or futons. Making small talk Ama and Dooshite didn't talk about anything serious, But all didn't stay so peaceful, not only were there loud grunting noises from the one shaking tent, but Dooshite and Ama had a little disagreement over whose weapons were better.

“Long Bows are MUCH better than your crappy duller than life daggers!” Ama yelled trying to be heard over the loud moaning in the tent next to her.

“My Daggers are not dull! “

“Then why can't they even cut a blade of grass?” Dooshite growled and turned an even darker shade of red, as his anger began to overcome him. But Ama didn't back down when he stomped up to her, and began to reach inside his ukatas' sleeves.

“NO!” Dooshite stopped and looked over to his left without turning his head, Shinshiuu stood there, his hand on one of his two Samurai swords. “You will not draw a weapon her! Do I make myself clear!” Dooshite didn't back down, but snuck his hand farther into his large sleeve.

“DOOSHITE! If you draw on her I will draw on you… and you know that a samurai that shows his sword must fight to the death….” Taking another step closer Dooshite eased up, and backed away. Bowing slightly to his elder he turned and headed for a near by stream.

A heavy hand laid itself on Ama shoulder making her turn around and face Shinshiuu.

“You okay?” his voice was gentle and held a note of caring.

“I'm fine… let me make you some breakfast!” Ama scurried off preparing all the things that she needed while cooking.

After everyone had eaten and were cleaned up and dressed, they began to break camp.

Though they did this task almost everyday Ama couldn't seem to keep her mind on the camp. She was thinking about Kushi and Booru, the twins that had destroyed Kunami.

As a young child of about three years old, Ama found the art of sword fighting very interesting. She would watch them practice for hours, almost as if studying them and etching every move that they did into her memory. But then they grew distant with the other villagers and would practice at night, even if there was no moon too see with. This is when they started to speak in an almost code like talk. So no one would know where they would practice next. They became isolated.

And now Ama and her companions were off to rid them from this planet… for good.

“AMA!” She snapped out of her trance and looked over her shoulder, it was Tsuki. Her hands on her wide hips and scowl on her face. “We're ready to leave why haven't you even gotten your tent all the way down?” Ama looked back at her camp, her tent was indeed half way up still.

“I'm sorry Tsuki, my mind is wondering today.” Ama said bending down to finish.

Tsuki made of noise of agitation, and stormed off.

Ama got to work forcing her mind to stay off the topic of the twins. She didn't even hear heavy footsteps approach her and stop before her.

“Ama…” she didn't look back, obviously not hearing her name, “Ama are you listening?” she still did not answer. Shinshiuu reached out and tapped her on the shoulder, causing her to jump and pull out her long bow, aiming before she realized who it was that had scarred her.

She blinked and looked up at him questioningly.

“Shinshiuu?”

“Sorry that I scarred you, you weren't listening to me,” his eyes darted to the long bow still aimed at him, “and could you please put that away?” she looked down as if realizing that she was still holding it.

“OH, I'm sorry!” she strapped the bow back on her back and got back to work.

“Is everything okay, Ama?” she waved to him dismissively,

“Yeah, it's fine.” He didn't believe her and grabbed hold of her shoulders, forcing her to look him right in the eye.

“No, it's not. I can tell Ama. You may be fooling everyone else but I can tell…. something's not right.” He murmured, narrowing his eyes.

She closed her eyes and let her head fall onto his shoulder. All was quiet for those few seconds before she told him what exactly was on her mind.

“Well, I've been thinking about Kushi and Booru a lot lately. I've been having weird dreams about them. And about Youma and Arimasu… I just don't know what to think about them anymore. I've never been this confused before, Shinshiuu.”

He nodded and stoked her long hair, his eyes sliding once again out of focus.

“I know what you mean. There's great tension in the air…. Something is coming.” He felt her shake and pulled her closer, narrowing his eyes once again toward the horizon, “ I just don't know what.”

A week later they were in Kobe, and celebrating the new-year. Though it was cold the women still Kimonos' and the men formal Ukatas'. Tsuki and Ama wore their Kimonos' not wanting to attract unwanted attention by other villagers.

Tsuki's was a bright blue with pink cherry blossom trees, and tabi socks and shoes. Her brown hair pinned up with her mother's pins that she had found after the fire. And her make-up was simple with red paint for her lips and light redness for her cheeks. Hik couldn't keep his hands off her as they made their way to the grounds.

Ama wore a white Kimono with a red dragon sewed into the fabric. And a Japanese symbol across her back, saying `Beauty.' She too wore tabi socks and shoes. Her hair was done up with hand made pins as well that she had made with the arrows and the same kind of string that was on her long bow. Her lips were a light purple and she wore no blush.

“HIK! Stop it! Not now!” They were half way to the grounds and already Tsuki was miserable with Hik. Dooshite was quiet and had been since that morning when he almost challenged Shinshiuu to battle. They hadn't talked since, though Shinshiuu had tired to make peace Dooshite hadn't listened.

The festival was bright with lights and games, and it was Dooshite first, so though he was excited he didn't show it until they arrived.

They didn't stay together long, Hik and Tsuki went off towards some of the games while Dooshite ran wild the instant he saw all there was to do. Ama looked around, not wanting to be left alone to wander the rest of the night.

Sighing she started to walk off heading towards some of the games that she could do by herself. Halfway through the crowd she felt someone tap her on the shoulder. Turning, not the least bit weary, she starred into the most beautiful blue eyes, the eyes of Shinshiuu.

“A lady shouldn't be left alone on such a night.” Ama smiled and took his outstretched hand.

“Thanks, Shinshiuu.” He nodded his welcome and they were off again.

But they had only taken a few steps when Ama froze, and looked to her left a little. Shinshiuu just glanced at her questioningly and followed her line of vision, but saw nothing.

“What is it Ama?” She didn't answer for a while but soon looked back at him.

“I'm sorry I thought that I saw someone.” She smiled and they kept going.

Now Ama did this all night, swearing that she saw the same person everywhere they went. She described him, as something like the twins, only the last time they had seen them they had been inseparable.

“Dooshite!” Shinshiuu called, waving his hand high, in effort to attract to the young teenagers attention. He watched as his head turned searching for the source then turning around and spotting the two of them.

“Have fun?” Ama asked tilting her head to the side in question.

“OH you bet. Look how many fish I won!” he held up a huge bag of water that held at least ten baby goldfishes.

Ama and Shinshiuu nodded smiling, “that's great Dooshite, but its' time to go, we need to get back to the camp.” The smile left his face and he sulked, “ But if you find Tsuki and Hik before we do, we'll come back tomorrow night, okay?” He brightened and handed Shinshiuu the bag of fish, and ran off. Set on finding his brother and her girlfriend before Ama and Shinshiuu.

“Ama! Shinshiuu! Over here!” It had only been a few minutes and they had found the other couple, already.

“Did you win all those fish? Shinshiuu?” he just smiled slightly embarrassed by all the little creatures,

“No, there Dooshite's. He's out looking for ya'll right now. We made a deal that if he found you first, we'd come back here tomorrow.” Tsuki starred at Ama for the longest time, as if pondering something, but when curiosity killed Ama's cat she had to ask, “What?”

“Isn't tonight the last night for the festival?” Ama giggled,

“Yes, but Dooshite doesn't know that.” The girls laughed slightly, but stopped when an angry Dooshite came up to them and started to whine.

“That's no fair, I was suppose to find them, NOT you two!” He said pointing accusingly at Ama and Shinshiuu.

“Sorry Dooshite, but they found us.” His thick eyebrows knitted together and he grabbed his bag of fish from Shinshiuu and stomped off towards their overnight home.

The walk back was enjoyable, the sky was clear and the stars were bright as ever. It wasn't too hot or too cold and so Ama just had to ask the question,

“Tsuki? You wouldn't have anything to do with this perfect weather would you?” Tsuki raised a hand in oath,

“Of course, I did.” They laughed a little and kept walking, until a horrible scream came from their camp.

Looking at each other, they darted off. Tsuki and Ama could not be fast enough in their Kimonos', and thus arrived last.

The scene before them was almost heartbreaking, it reminded them…. Of all those years ago…. Of their hometown….

Dooshite was on his knees in front of what used to be his tent, his shoulders shaking with either tears or anger.

“What…happened?” Tsuki stepped forward her hands up near her mouth, “We weren't gone that long…” Her knees buckled and she fell to the earth, tears starting to shake her body. The memories of that horrible day came flooding back, she felt as if she was there, amongst the ash and debris.

Hik tried his best to comfort her, but in the end it didn't help.

Ama felt her anger rise, and scanned the forest. She felt that the person or persons that had done this were somewhere very near… as if watching them.

There camp had been burned; all of their belongings were charred beyond recognition…unless…hopefully! A spark of hope ignited within Ama, maybe their weapons were still okay, they could fight off what ever had done this.

She ran and began to dig, dig through all the ash and blackened remains of her things. Her hands and face, her arms and chest, along with her legs became dusted with blackness, but after a few minutes of searching, it all came to an end. There they were right where she had left them. Her long bow was intact, maybe just needing a new string, her stars, the leather whip, and her daggers were all intact. Not even a scratch appeared on their still shiny surfaces. Digging in a different area she found her ukata in its box, not a seam out of place.

After changing she pulled her remains out and looked around at the others. They too were checking their belongs that had made it through the fire.

Shinshiuu's oak staff seemed to be the only thing that was damaged, and it wasn't damaged beyond repair.

Tsuki's bombs had exploded when the fire had heated them enough. She would just make more. They were simple but took skill.

Dooshite's daggers were fine, because he had taken them with him to the festival.

Hik's longbow had been broken in half, he would make a new one as they moved from town to town, and gathered the supplies he would need.

“There could only be four people that could have done this.” Hik said, standing up slowly, his long shards in his hands. With narrow eyes Shinshiuu stood,

“If THEY were here, then Ama saw them at the Festival.” All eyes shot towards her, her head was down and her hands clasped tightly together in front of her, resting on her lap.

“It's true. I thought that my mind was playing tricks on me, but it was really them. It had to be…” She looked up, and didn't speak for a while, though all eyes remained on her.

“DOOSHITE!” Hik screamed, after a few tense moments of silence. A shadowy figure had jumped out of the trees, and grabbed young Dooshite before anyone realized it. They hadn't seen the face.

Hik drew his sword, and started towards the forest.

“Hik, NO!” He stopped and looked back, his teeth gritted tightly together. His normally loving eyes slits of anger.

“Why? They took my brother! I can't just sit here and watch it happen.” Tsuki put her hands down, and lowered her eyesight.

“Hik, you go running in there out of anger, you'll be blinded. That's what they'll be expecting.” Hik straightened upon hearing Shinshiuu words and looked deep into the forest,

“We must take it slow…” Drawing his swords Shinshiuu took step by step closer to the edge of the wood.

Ama was close behind with her longbow ready, and Hik, whose weapon was already drawn, waited for the others.

Only Tsuki stayed behind, her ukata had been burned and she couldn't fight in her Kimono, so she was forced to stay behind.

“Good luck guys….” She whispered feeling a sudden burst of wind, and looked up at the moon hoping that she could help that way at least. She hated being stationary.

The woods became shadowed with darkness as clouds drifted over the moon. Ama grinned with satisfaction, Tsuki was helping out Afterall.

They were silent on their feet, like ninja's on a kill; nothing would stop them from finding Dooshite.

They came upon a small clearing and there on a moon lit boulder laid an unconscious Dooshite.

“Dooshite…” In a whisper the wind took Hik's words with them. This had to be a set up, why would they kidnap Dooshite and then leave him in plain sight? It just didn't make sense….

One-step, nothing. Two steps, nothing. Three—

“Hello there.” A female voice, taunting and seductive, She couldn't be seen from their position… But Ama could find her,

With a simple flutter of Ama's eyelashes the woman appeared before her. She was tall and wore tattered clothing of her own style obviously. Her underdeveloped chest stuck out from under her tiny top, and her long pale arms were hidden under tight sleeves. Long legs were laced up with tall boots; she had dark eyes and kinky hair that looked as messy as it could get, without being frizzy.

“Youma..?” Hik said uncertainly, looking her over and dropping his guard ever so slightly. Was it really her?

Ama shot him a look that he didn't see, telling him to keep his guard up. He didn't listen either. But instead a snarl gathered in his throat and he gripped tightly at his sword. Dooshite had loved Youma before she had gone against them all, how could she do this?

“Everyone, so good to see you…” she said slowing starting to swing her hips ever so slightly. The words came rolling off her tongue smoothly as if she had rehearsed them letter-by-letter. “How long has it been? Too long, uh?” she smirked and placed her hands on her swinging hips, “how is everyone doing? We miss you all so much.”

“Stop this game, Youma, what do you want from Dooshite? He's still young.” Hik said between his teeth, his eyes never leaving her form, he didn't appear to be blinking.

“Me? Well I don't want the little squirt, it's the masters that want him.” She jumped down from her perch on her tree and walked in front of Hik.

“Why would THOSE monsters want him?”

“Well little Hik because he's young he would be easier to train, learn quicker, be better!” she spoke calmly and yet urgently as the sentence progressed, “but the masters want all of you dead.” She whispered before Hik started to gather his concentration in one central point.

“If you think that we'll just surrender to you… then you have another thing coming.” That's when he made his first move, and the fight began….

Ama began to draw an arrow but had an overwhelming urge to look over at Shinshiuu. There he stood his weapon cased, and looked at her shaking his head. She understood instantly, this was Hik's fight… not theirs. He must fight his own battle.

She straightened and put her bow to her side, she would wait until the next battle.

In a flurry of swords and daggers Hik pinned the young woman against the very rock that Dooshite lay on. Fear was nowhere in her dark eyes, she wasn't afraid to die in battle, the most glorious way for any warrior to die.

“I will not grace you by killing you, I will only injure you…that way - you'll slowly die…painfully.” With many light slashes of his thin blade, he let her fall. She laid there, a bloody mess breathing heavily and unevenly; she wouldn't make it back to her base and report to her masters. She would only last, at this rate, for a couple of days. Or less….

Shinshiuu appeared beside Ama near the edge of the clearing. Raising a hand he rested it on her shoulder.

“Don't worry.” Ama closed her eyes and turned facing Shinshiuu.

“I'm not worried, just a little… frightened that the final battle has started.” Instead of words he looked at her lovingly, and pulled her close to him.

“I understand, mother said the same thing before she…” and the conversation was cut off, as Hik came over with the young Dooshite in his arms.

“Let's go, I need Tsuki to look him over before we leave in the morning.” Shinshiuu just nodded and released Ama from his hold.

She instantly missed the warmth that he had provided on such a cold night, and nearly made him stop and hug her again when he turned his back to her. Instead she followed them to camp.

Hik had Tsuki look over Dooshite just as he had said, and then stayed up the rest of the night hoping that he would wake up sometime during dark hours.

And since their tents had been destroyed they were forced to sleep against each other to keep warm. The night had turned rather chilly, and Tsuki couldn't control it when she was sleepy or sleeping.

Ama awoke in the middle of the night, and just happen to look over at Shinshiuu. He was hunched down against a tree, his arms folded over his chest and his knees bent. Tsuki was sleeping against Hik and she was left to fend for herself against the cold, and with only her thin ukata, she didn't want to get sick, or him for that matter.

As she got up she glanced at Tsuki and Hik. They were cuddled up under a tree and he was watching Dooshite, he didn't even look at her for a fraction of a second. They were perfect for each other she had to admit. They looked like they really loved one another, truly.

Sitting down next to Shinshiuu, she tucked her knees underneath her and leaned against him. He was tense when she first leaned over but he seemed to acknowledge her presence and loosened up, he even seemed to notice her start to shake and put his long arm around her, in a vane attempt to keep her warm, she still shook and he placed his other arm around her and practically had her sitting in his lap. But she didn't complain. With her head resting in the crook of his neck she began to drift off to sleep.

“Good night Ama.”

“Night, Shinshiuu….” And she was out.

Ama and Shinshiuu woke with a start the next morning. It turns out that Dooshite had woken up and had been rummaging through his burnt tent, to look for anything that may have survived, and began to almost cry when he discovered his father's heirloom. A beautiful hand crafted wooden flute… it had been burned and broken, not looking like anything more than an old twig.

“Well did you two get enough sleep last night?” Tsuki said eyeing the two and standing before them with her eyebrows cocked and her arms taunt across her chest, “ Well did you?”

Shinshiuu and Ama looked between them and jumped apart, their faces turning red.

“Yes thank you.” Tsuki walked off laughing lightly.

Shinshiuu and Ama had been snuggled up closer than when they had fallen asleep. They had fallen back and were lying in the grass, Shinshiuu's arms were protectively around Ama and she was facing him; with her head on his chest. They both had a look of calm pleasure on their features.

“Dooshite.” Hik said firmly, standing behind his younger brother a look of almost disgust and sorrow flashed in his eyes, “There is no need to cry. Father wouldn't have wanted it.”

“But Hik, it was an Heirloom! It was the only thing I had to remember him by! How can you say that?” Dooshite had stood and faced his brother, in which Hik had merely stood there and let him verbally insult him.

Dooshite veered back, as if to hit his brother, but Hik caught it.

“I miss him SO much brother. I just want to remember him…. you have memories! I don't, it's not fair, Hik!” Dooshite fell to the dirt, Hik still holding his fist in his strong grasp. He too fell down next to his brother, and let him hug him until his tears came no more.

“I'm sorry that you never really got to know father, but I'll give you my memories of him one day. I'll share every story with you that he told me…I promise.”

The next week was long and tiresome. With little money left their only option, besides starving to death, was to steal what they needed. Dooshite being the smallest would go through small openings in closed shops and take what they needed… no one would find out that it was they, but they always heard about it the next day.

When they finally reached Kobe, they had regained some money, Tsuki had a new Ukata, and Hik had himself a new long bow.

But poor Dooshite, he had been growing farther and farther away from the others and it was beginning to worry Ama…. She had been receiving bad… horrible vibes from him lately. So serious… like committing Seppuku… The act of murder upon ones self.

He must have sensed that she was onto him, because every time she would try and approach him when they were camped for the night, he would just look at her and get up and walk away. She wouldn't see him again until sometime the next morning. His face faintly orange, as if he had gone back to an old habit from when he was little and would kill animals for their blood. She was worried about him.

“Happy Birthday, Tsuki!!” Everyone yelled throwing their arms in the air and laughing, as she looked over her shoulder at them and began to giggle. Tsuki was now twenty-one, now she was just a year younger than Ama and Shinshiuu. [Hik was two years older and Dooshite was seventeen.]

“Arigatou, everyone. I love our little parties, they mean so much to me.” Tsuki hugged Ama and went to Shinshiuu and then to Dooshite and finally back to Hik, who she stayed at the longest…

The remainder of the night mostly consisted of Sake and laughing, reliving old memories and just having fun being themselves. Which in the end turned out kinda bad, but in a good way.

Shinshiuu looked up at Ama, and she looked back. The night was perfect, except for the fact they were both horribly drunk.

Shinshiuu tried his best to stand and stumbled over to Ama, who only began to laugh when he missed the log, she was sitting on.

“I meant to do that!” he yelled standing and tiring again this time landing only a few inches from the edge of the fire, “I'm okay!”

The third time was the charm and he made it right next to her.

“Hi Ama, you know what?”

“What?” she said playfully slapping his leg, which he did an over exaggeration and started yelling in pain, and grabbing where she hit him, but quick as it had started he stopped and was right next to her again.

“You're very pretty…” He stated softly, reaching up and touching her pale cheek with is large hands. She just averted her eyes and mumbled something.

When she looked back at him he was coming closer, she gave in….

Their lips met in a long but simple kiss. It was gentle and enjoyable, though they were both flushed slightly red from the connection.

A strong breeze blew past them, making Ama grab herself tightly in an attempt to keep out the cold. Shinshiuu wrapped his long around her and hoped that she wouldn't push him away.

“You know, Ama? I've been watching you a lot lately…forgive for saying that but, I have been and I was wondering if you would….”

“SHINSHIUU!! AMA!! TSUKI!! HIK!! COME TO THE MIDDLE OF THE WOOD AND FACE ME!! I WILL KILL YOU FOR KILLING MY ONLY FAMILY.”

They shot up from their warm spot on the log and looked toward the wood, both becoming sober in a matter of minutes.

“I know that voice…” Ama said, falling to her knees as a vivid vision came to her mind.

Youma hadn't made it back to the headquarters Afterall, and her little baby brother found her nearly dead in a dark part of the forest. She was severely wounded and he couldn't heal her with what little training he had had. She had died almost the instant he reached her lifeless body, her last words were,

“Little brother - tell the masters that I'm sorry - and if they can forgive me? I love you baby brother, please kill those ingrates for me… tell the masters I loved them too….”

And that was it, she had died then. Her body became slack and her eyes darkened though they did not close. The soft drip of her dark infected blood forced young Arimasu to look away. He was only thirteen but had the training of an old man. But the lack of experience made him weaker…

“Arimasu!” Ama screamed into the dark sky, she fell forward but caught herself and slowly stood shakily to her feet, “He's looking for a fight. Let's give it to him.”

“Ama you know to never go into battle looking for a fight. Let the fight come to you.” Shinshiuu said calmly, his tan hands resting on the butt of the sword.

“Well what do you expect us --?”

Ama was cut off as a large wolf came bombarding in on the campsite. It was no normal wolf, its eyes were red and it's dark black and gray hair was sticking up all over its large body. Its oversized claws were extended and sharp, shining in the moonlight.

But as quickly as it appeared it was gone, and in it's place stood a boy. A boy about thirteen.

“Arimasu? Is that really you?” The young man's eyes flashed open and he drew his sword quickly. The look in his blood red eyes paralyzed Ama… And he was headed straight for her.

She couldn't move, though her training told her to get out of the way in any way possible. She couldn't. Something made her stick to where she was; she was going to die any minute. All her life had come to this -

“NO!” It was Shinshiuu.

He stood one of his two swords drawn and blocking Arimasu's, “You're not going to hurt her.” He whispered deadly and never dared blink.

They shot apart.

“This isn't my fight….” He looked at Dooshite, who gave him a look of grim satisfaction.

“Arimasu! I'm the one you should fight, not Shinshiuu, not Ama, not Tsuki and NOT my brother!”

And so the fight began, with flashing swords and ukatas, little blood was shed from Dooshite. But Arimasu had been cut instantly….

“Arimasu! Why are you fighting us, you can still change your ways—“

“NO!! You don't understand, I can never go back! I've been cursed; can you not tell that I'm a wolf? Are you that blind?”

“I see that, Arimasu… but you can still change.”

“NO!” He charged again, but Dooshite stuck his sword out at the last moment and Arimasu fell to the ground. His back hunched in the dirt as he held his bleeding stomach.

“Youma took you when you were young. It wasn't your choice… but now you have one. Choose to come with us and we'll destroy those who burned and murdered our village. We will find a way to help you with your wolf ways, to control it to---“

He was cut off instantly as a blade penetrated his soft stomach flesh. With eyes wide he spit blood through his open gaping mouth. His hands slow and shaky, seeming unsure that really was something longed into him.

All he saw when he looked at his blood stained hands was Arimasu, his own shaking body and deadly eyes were locked with Dooshite's, the devil's smirk across his face.

“I would never betray my lords….” And with that he fell back, his sword still held intact in Dooshite's body.

A soft wisp seemed to come over Arimasu, and his spirit left him.

“DOOSHITE! NO!” Hik yelled, rushing to his baby brothers' aid.

He fell back; almost unaware that he was dying when he looked up into the dark sky.

When Hik reached him, after yanking out the sword, he found that his once blood red eyes were now dull and lifeless. His lips parted slightly and a single rush of warm air came out… then nothing. He stopped, he froze and that was that…Dooshite was dead.

“Oh brother…I'm sorry that I didn't fight for you, I never even had the chance to tell you about father. I guess I can tell you now.” As he cradled his dead brothers head in his lap he began to cry, his only family was gone. The only other person helping to keep Hik alive was his lover Tsuki. She would support him through this, even if he died himself.

“Dooshite….” Ama whispered, reaching out, almost expecting him to reach back to her.

A sudden flash hit her and she held the memories of him. All the forgotten memories from when he was younger. Even though he was always in trouble she had been fond of him, she looked at him almost like a little brother. She had helped raise him; they all had…but now, was all that wasted…was it for nothing?

“NO! Please! I don't want to see it! I don't want to remember.” Her open eyes came into focus and she stayed, her knees growing sore from the rocky ground beneath her.

“I don't…” a burst of wind forced her to look up towards the heavens and she saw him… and their families…. they were all smiling and happy. And then they were gone.

“Ama.” Shinshiuu spoke softly, and gently to her, so as to not startle her if she was going into one of her episodes.

“Ama.” He repeated and placed a large callused hand on her thin shoulder, “Ama it's okay. We'll make it through this, we'll kill those who murder our love ones and burn our homes. I'll make sure that it happens someway or another. “ Ama stood still dazed and turned, facing Shinshiuu.

He hugged her and she just nuzzled into his neck and seemed to fit there…. this was right. But why couldn't they do anything, she sensed that he loved her, and she loved him she knew that… but why didn't they just tell each other. Three words have never been this hard to say.

They held a funeral for Dooshite the next day; he was buried in the spot where he lay dead. The sword that murdered him was burned and broken, along with the body had held the sword.

They proceeded to stay in this area for the remainder of the week and allow Hik to grieve over his loss. His only family had been murdered and he hadn't stopped it, if only he had reacted a few seconds faster maybe his baby brother would be standing here next to him, and they could say goodbye to Arimasu, and pray for his soul to reach heaven through Buddha and all his angels… but no, here they were mourning over the young, Dooshite lay in the dirt, his best ukata had been placed on his body and his swords were placed down the length of this body, as his dead pale hands held the hilts of the swords.

Some say the dead look peaceful, but to the loved ones of the deceased, they just look lost and cold. They don't look happy, or gay…just dead…dead as a doornail.

The seemed to just appear in the next town. The short trip had been quiet and sad, Ama had never expected to see Hik cry, but he did, that's all he did for the week of his baby brothers funeral. He blamed himself she knew that, she also knew that if it weren't for Tsuki he probably would have killed himself in seppuku.

And she could understand this, if Shinshiuu weren't there, Ama wouldn't have been able to make it on this trip… she would have quit a long time ago.

The trip down to this small merchant town gave Ama time to think. She remembered her kiss with Shinshiuu and wondered if he did… they had been so horribly drunk she wasn't sure if he would, so she didn't risk mentioning it.

He didn't act any different, except for the fact that he was calmer and spent the nights fixing his weapons and praying.

Ama smiled as she remembered something that had happened about two night before,

She had been asleep under a cherry blossom tree. It was late and everyone else was already asleep. Tsuki and Hik were off alone and Shinshiuu was sitting next to the fire, he wasn't doing anything… just sitting there, watching the flames dance around the wood in a vane attempt to stay alive.

This is the pattern he was starting to fall into, he would stay up most of the night and only go to the sleep when he knew for certain that everyone was alright, he couldn't be too safe nowadays. Especially since two hunters had already come after them.

A slight groaning noise broke him from his thoughts, and he immediately drew his attention to Ama. She was still fast asleep from what he could tell but a pained look lay on her face, and she was shaking for her thin blanket was barely long enough for her body and not nearly thick enough.

He stood hearing the log sigh in relief, and walked on silent feet until he stood above her. He let his eyes roam over her body, which seemed too fragile and yet…nothing could touch her.

He kneeled down beside her, and with a feather touch, moved a thin lock of hair from her pale moon lit face. He couldn't help the smile that crept up to his lips as he watched her grin in her sleep and sigh in contentment.

She was beautiful, he admitted silently to himself…but knew that if anything were to happen between them, the twins would most likely use her against him. Just like how they used Dooshite to get to Hik.

She shook again and he noticed her hug herself under the blanket in another attempt to stay warm. Shinshiuu had a sudden urge of sleepiness and began to feel his eyelids grow heavy.

`It's almost like you want us together even though we can't be…' he whispered to himself as he felt his body begin to be pulled down next to hers. His arms just seemed to fall around her as he lay next to her on the grass, and she just - fit—in his arms as he felt himself drift away.

Before his mind fell into a deep sleep he felt his lips press themselves against her neck, and through her hair, over her shoulder - and then he stopped… and just held her content to be there with her. She just snuggled deeper into him as did this, and whispered his name,

“Shinshiuu….”

~My sweet tempered angel,

I wish I were able to heal all the hurt with a tune,

And if I had the power,

I'd give you the stars,

The sun,

And the light of the moon~

Ama had woken the next to morning to find Shinshiuu still lying beside her. It was early morning and he was half way sitting up and leaning on his elbows. He was looking down at her and smiling, letting his hands caress her face as gently as he could without trying to wake her.

She had kept her eyes closed and imagined him sitting above her and watching her. Some people may have found this creepy but she loved the attention, loved that he cared enough to watch over her during the night, and keep her warm with his body and ukata. She loved everything about him, though he seemed to hate everything about himself…. but to her -he was perfect.

That was before they entered the town and now, she wondered if he realized that he had woken her up and that she WAS conscious of his doings. But no matter, she'll try her best to make the next move - if she ever gets the chance.

“Ama! Hey Ama!” It was Tsuki, “ Do you want to go to the bath house with me? The guys already went to theirs.”

She already had a towel in hand, and a clip in her hair.

“Well?” She asked again.

“Yeah sure, Tsuki. A bath sounds nice.”

After grabbing a towel they headed down to the bathhouse. It was said that the inn, they were staying in, was built on top of a hot spring.

The little house that was built to serve as the bathhouse was steaming as they approached it. The soft sound of a flute plays in the background, and the minute they walked in they notice some of the other woman receiving massages. It smelled of lavender, and the air was thick with steam.

“Shall we?” Tsuki said beginning to strip behind their shade.

Their towels were placed around their bodies and they stepped out, the water looked almost green but so clean that they could see the bottom.

“Looks wonderful doesn't it?” Ama said, slipping in the water with her bath towel around her nude form.

Later…. after the girls bath….

Tsuki and Ama were walking back to the room with fresh dry fluffy towels around their bodies, giggling and thinking of the guys.

“Do you think that he wants to marry me, Ama?” Ama looked around, women were not suppose to talk about such things, even to their lovers… But she took the chance.

“Of course Tsuki, just wait until this war is over and he'll be all yours.” Her eyes became starry and she looked away in the other direction, beginning to daydream about her Hik.

“Ama wha—“ Tsuki was immediately cut off as a loud crash came through the hallway and a man, a blur of man, came barging in. He knew what he was looking for and grabbed her…grabbed Ama and was gone. It happened to fast, Tsuki didn't even hear Ama yelling…was she yelling? No, no she wasn't! The crash must have knocked her out!

The guys weren't far behind Tsuki as she sit on the floor staring through the empty space where her best friend had just stood.

“Tsuki! Tsuki, what happened? Where's Ama?” They were fully dressed and they're ukatas, and their weapons at their sides.

“TSUKI!” Shinshiuu yelled, seeming to snap her out of her trance,

“I - I -I “ Shinshiuu grabbed her shoulders and began to shake her, which she yelled at him, “ I DON”T KNOW, SHINSHIUU! Now please stop shaking me.” She fell back he let go of her, and Hik caught her allowing her to cry onto his shoulder.

How could this have happened? He should have known that whoever was around, was around…but he had been to busy bathing, and thinking…

“I should have known….”

“I have to go.”

Hik glanced up him, as did Tsuki.

“What are you talking abou --- HEY!” Shinshiuu ignored Hik's cries to stop him, and kneeled in the dirt. Digging in his pocket he pulled out a small piece of cloth, it belonged to her at one point but when she couldn't use it anymore because it tore she threw it away and he took it. That had been many years ago, but now it would help him find her.

He rubbed the material between his fingers and closed his eyes. He imagined her and her personality…and then he saw her. The wind blew as he spoke, to tell the kidnapper that he was coming.

“Their headed East… I'm coming Ama.” Placing the cloth back in the safety of his pocket he stood and after a slow and easy breath took out in a dead run.

Ama awoke in an unfamiliar room; she lay on a blue silk bed, with a canopy and a small wooden table next to it. An Oriental rug lay on the floor and a white dresser sat in the corner next to a closet with a mirror on the back.

As she began to get up to look around she found that she had been changed. Her clothes that is…

Now she was a white gown, it tied around her neck and the sleeves were tight until about her elbow where they started to flare. The bottom covered her feet

“Where am I?” She wondered out loud, she began to walk around the small room and made her way to the dresser. It was smooth on top and the drawers held golden handles; she gently pulled the first one out and found nightgowns, blue, red, pink, yellow, and many more. In the second she found gloves. And in the third she found something a little disturbing…. Revealing underwear and skimpy outfits, she backed away covering her mouth and slamming it shut.

After a second of considering she pulled open the closet door. A mysterious light seemed to fill the room and she began to search. It was big enough to walk into to and on one side there were fancy formal kimonos, but the last one of the many was what scarred Ama.

It was a Wedding kimono…silk, white, a dark red sash…

She turned and faced the other wall, and gasped in surprise and horror…. lining the wall were boxes and boxes with her name on them….

Pulling one down she carefully opened it, inside were small figurines. After looking many boxes she concluded that were wedding presents…. Who was so crazed as to arrange marriage for her beside her deceased mother or father? It couldn't be the twins…could it?

“Hello…Ama dear.” She froze and felt naked without her weapons to protect her. The man behind her moved about her and acted as though he was thinking of touching her but seemed satisfied with just hovering his bony hands above her skin. His motions were smooth and slow, sometimes quick.

She felt his body heat as he almost pressed himself against her bare back, and his hot humid breath on the back of her neck.

“Um…I've missed you my Ama darling.” He whispered placing his lips merely a centimeter away from her ear.

His arms went around her but did not touch her, and his body then pressed against her back. As he slowly lowered his arms, she felt them hook around her waist with such care, for a second she didn't feel scared…only for a second.

As he moved her hair out of the way and began to kiss her neck, she silently prayed,” Shinshiuu, please come quickly….”

Shinshiuu stopped resting on low tree branch, his breathe wasn't becoming ragged and his body not worn. He had only stopped because he had heard her…she had said, “Shinshiuu, please come quickly….”

He began to push himself back up when a deep voice stopped him. He looked behind him to find a man, about twenty. He stepped out of the shadows and repeated something, “Stop. I know where she is, and I know a shortcut.” Shinshiuu narrowed his eyes, was this a trap?

“How do you know what I'm looking for?”

“Just listen she is in the shoguns house…”

“The shogun!” Shinshiuu stood once his feet touched the ground he placed his hand on the butt of his sword almost out of habit.

“Yes, but this is the older house and was abandoned many, many years ago. Two twins have inhabited it and have your woman held captive.”

Though Shinshiuu said nothing in response he gritted his teeth and waited for more.

“They are planning to use her almost as a slave, if you know what I mean?” The stranger raised one of his eyebrows in amusement.

“How dare you laugh at her she's stronger than you think! Now tell me the short cut!” He yelled, scarring some birds awake and making then fly in terror. The man just stood there, his arms hidden somewhere under the many folds of his clothing.

“Don't be so hasty, I'll tell. But first I didn't catch your name, Shinshiuu is it?” The man didn't give him time to answer and went on as if he had, “My name is Nanashi. So great to meet you.” He did a mock bow, and stood straight like a drill sergeant.

“Okay great, now tell me the way, NANASHI!” Shinshiuu barked, getting frustrated with this stranger.

“Head north instead of east, and when you reach the highest mountain, look around it's base and find this house.” Shinshiuu looked away, thinking about what this could be.

He looked up, almost snapping his fingers, “Tokyo! Mount Fuji!” He turned to face Nanashi again…but he had vanished…

“Thank you.”

Ama was allowed out of her room to eat three times a day. She ate next to the table like a dog, on a mat. She was positioned between Kushi and Booru while they ate. On occasion Booru would toss her a little something and Kushi would snap at him. It had been two days, how long does it take Shinshiuu find her? Booru had only gotten here this fast because of some mysterious way, she thinks magic…

Now they are in the main room of the house. Ama has been placed in a horrible outfit, it looked like one in that nasty drawer in the dresser. It was black and when the light hit it just right it appeared blue, they had placed a black choker on her and she was drug around by a leash, usually carried by Kushi. Her feet were left bare, and her hair down, she nearly broke down just thinking about how Shinshiuu will hate her in this.

It was so inappropriate for their time period; she could be outcast by all of her friends. But Kushi and Booru seemed to enjoy this, and on occasion would place her on their lap, and pet her like a cat.

Shinshiuu stood at the base of the mountain, in front of him stood the house that his loved one was in. He just had to think of a way to get inside and find her without causing a battle.

A light flicked on, and he sunk back in the bushes.

“Get in there, we are through with you for tonight!” A small `umph' was heard, as someone's shadow seemed to be tossed and landed on something hard. A loud slam and all was quite. Until the sound of a woman's crying was heard, they sounded as if she was trying to hide it or muffle it in anyway possible.

His heart wrenched at the sound, for he knew whom it was behind the tears.

Then a soft voice, talking to no one, said, “ He's not coming, he would be here by now. I'm stuck being a…slave…. Buddha, please help me through this if I die here, allow my soul to find Shinshiuu and tell him how much I love him and tired to make him happy…” her voice broke, and more tears fell.

Shinshiuu stepped forward, watching where he placed his feet.

He scanned the side of the building, there were only a few things that he could use to make it to her window… it would involve a lot of skill, but there's a first time for everything.

He moved forward still, trying to block out the sound of his lover's tears.

Up one wall…jump…. quite…balance…. climb…and one final jump and just a little higher and he'll be up there. He held onto the window paneling with all his strength, and saw her through the thin curtain. She lay in bed, a gown placed on her body for the time being. She was face down in the pillow…just crying. She hugged it like it would comfort her, but in the end she cried harder.

“Ama…” He whispered her name; it seemed like habit to just say it when he was hurt by something or when he just felt alone. The thought of her brought him peace.

He slid open the window, and yet she still did not hear him. The breeze did not bother her or the sound of him shutting it.

He stood beside the bed, and she still did not even sense him. She probably thought that it was one of the twins.

“Ama…please don't cry…I'm here now….” She shot her head up and looked at him. Ama just starred at him and slowly rolled over to face him. Her face was red and puffy and her body was shaky.

“Shinshiuu?” her voice was hoarse and soft. And as she got to her feet in front of him, she stumbled and he placed his hands on her hips to steady her.

“Yes Ama, I'm here now.” Her hands found their way to his face and she just held him their like that for a minute or two.

“You're really here. “ His warm hands felt good on her cold bony hips, and her own hands felt warm for the first time in a while. His whole body just seemed so welcoming.

“Oh my Gosh…” She slipped her arms around his neck and just stayed there, feeling his arms go around her slim waist and almost rock her to try and calm her down, “ I'm tempted to think that you're just a dream and I'll wake up, and you'll be gone.” He gave her a squeeze of reassurance and pulled his face back, which her own went back as well. With their faces less than inch apart, Shinshiuu said the one thing he's been hiding from her…

“I'll never let them take you again, if I ever lost you… I love you so much, Ama.” With tears of happiness on her cheeks, she hugged him again, whispering,”

“I love you too, Shinshiuu…”

“When this whole thing is over…. will you marry me?” She didn't answer for a few seconds but, burst out, “Yes, of course!” His body relaxed and she pulled back, pressing her pale lips to his in a simple kiss.

A sallow clapping starting to emitt from the hallway, and the door opened. There stood Booru. The same empty evil in his eyes.

“Very good, very good.” Shinshiuu and Ama pulled apart, but he kept his arm protectively around her.

“Booru…” a simple whisper seemed to explain the whole situation in a second, and no question or words were needed for the time being.

In a flash Ama appeared in Booru's arms and she instantly started to struggle. As she opened her mouth to scream something seemed to lock it shut and she resorted to just squirming and kicking… Though it did nothing.

“Please Ama… there's no way to get away. Even if your beloved boyfriend tries to save you, he can't defeat me and my brother.” He stated in a matter-of-fact voice, moving his hand casually in the air and starting to turn around.

“DROP HER!” Shinshiuu yelled, his hands ready to unsheathe his sword.

Booru did not stop nor turn around and proceeded to make his way down the hall, with Ama in his bony arms.

As Shinshiuu stepped out into the bright hallway he saw them walking…slowly walking. He could catch them, he had too.

As he began to run they didn't seem to get any closer…but farther away. He stopped when they were almost out of sight after turning many corners.

With his breath finally becoming ragged and his body starting to ache he stopped to think. This Shoguns home was huge indeed, how would he find her? Find them?

“SHINSHIUU!!” A scream that seemed to come from nowhere and yet everywhere.

He started to run again, but stopped when he came to four hallways. As he stand there, his breath ragged and his sweat starting to run… He also began to think.

`Why am I doing this? Why am I not using what I spent so many years to learn?” He stood straight, calming his body and clearing his mind. Before the strong image of Ama came to mind. Her hair, her eyes…her body….

Then he knew. He knew which way to go, which corners to turn…He knew now.

“AMA!!” His mind began to scream at him.

Things his mother had told him back in Kunami, while he was growing up rushed through his mind. Things like,

“You never know what you have,

Until it's gone.”

Or,

“Dreams are as good as wishes,

They just take a while to grant.”

As his mind thought these things, his eyes began to cloud. These awful men had taken his family from him, but not only his family but his home as well. Now they plan to keep his Ama as a slave for their perverse pleasure…. He wanted to know how someone who grew up in a rich home with respectful parents end up like this… kidnapping woman that used to be his neighbors? How could anyone be so cruel?

And then he was there. The huge doors in front of him, calling him inside. The woodwork all seemed to point in the middle where there was carved out figure of a woman. And with all, what looked to be plants, around her…. she was Mother Nature. Pure and sweet and kind.

As he stood there starring at the woodwork his mind once again began to churn. Flash backs from when he still lived in Kunami. His mother was there, and Hik was across the alley tending to Dooshite. He just sat there watching him from the porch of his house. His mother had grounded him for getting out his fathers samurai swords, which was a great disgrace unless he came of age to use them, he was still very young.

The next vision came but was cut short when his feet started to move and lifted his arms to push open the door.

He could see them together, him and Ama, this whole ordeal over with and they start a family. They have a little boy, his name is…

“Shinshiuu!”

Ama was beside Kushi, she was a giant pillow, and there were chains around her wrists, ankles, and even a thick one around her neck. Though her face was swollen from tears and her skin turning red around the shackles, she just sat there.

Kushi and Booru sat at the head of the room, their many folds of clothing deceiving about their true bodies. Though they were both horridly pale, they had let their nasty black hair grow to around their waist.

“So good to see you again…Shinshiuu. I'm glad you could make it.” Kushi's voice seemed to drawl on even after the sentence was done.

Every moment left untouched by words or noise, was tense and thick.

Shinshiuu began to walk, his hands not on his sword, but lay at his side. His head down and full concentration seemed to rest on his features.

“Is something wrong, Shinshiuu? You seem… troubled?” he lifted his thin eyebrows, “ Is there anything we can do to help?” Shinshiuu's hair just fell in front of his face, shadowing his features. His body began to shake and he didn't even attempt to try and stop it.

“You have single handedly destroyed my life. My home. My family. And now…I'm not letting you take the one I love.”

“OO, you love her do you? Well if your love is true, come and take her from us. If you really do, you will do anything to get to her.”

Shinshiuu just stood there, his body no longer shook with anger and hate for these two men before him.

“Stop me.”

Was all he said as the final battle - began.

He started with Booru.

Using the skills he had been taught he fought against this monster of man. And for the first time in many, many years…he used both of his father's weapons. Two samurai swords that were tied into his belt.

Booru get through with many strong, and not so strong, hits. While Shinshiuu was having trouble just touching him. When his bruised and battered body finally started to become weary he fell to the ground.

Booru coming to stand over him as he bled onto the red carpeting.

“Now you see, we told you, your love was not pure if you really did… you would have made it through -“

Shinshiuu smirked as he watched his sword cut threw his old friend turned foe. Booru lifted his hands and grabbed onto the blade, trying to pull it out of him…but ended up only cutting him more.

“How…?”

“Never gloat about winning until the moment you have.” And the weapon was pulled out of him, making him instantly fall to the ground dead.

Kushi, who was still seated, continued to stare at him.

“Are you not angered that I killed your only blood brother?”

Kushi just sat there, “Well, I loved him, but when it's our time to go, Buddha must take us. We both strongly believe this.”

“Stop talking! I'm going to finish this!” He knew not the charge while he was angry.

All of his body pain seemed to disappear when Kushi stood to fight. All of the pain from every battle every fight even every scrape, headache…every pain came flooding back ---to remind him that, this was all their fault.

Forgetting his pain he waited for Kushi to make a move. As he stood there he thought of everything from his troubled past.

Kushi began to drop the folds and layers of his clothing until he stood with nothing but a Ukata bottom and bare footed.

“Come to me,” He said raising his sword in front of him, “ Let me see your love and pain.” Kushi started the fight….

With blades slashing and the chains of Ama's restraints clacking, the battle went quick…. until once again Shinshiuu seemed defeated.

As Kushi stood above his, like his brother had, he heard the voices. The voices of Tsuki, Hik, Dooshite, and the thoughts of Ama.

His friends voices were all muffled and covered over by each other, but Ama's stood out the most, “Shinshiuu…I love you so much.”

“You can't have her….” He grunted between his bloody teeth, and for the first time in his life, he felt wanted, and loved, and knew that if he didn't win this - they would never forgive him.

“O, and why not? You are obviously to weak to finish me off.” Shinshiuu lifted himself up so he was on his hands and knees. The motion made him nauseated, and forced the loose blood up and out of his mouth. Not bothering to wipe his mouth he speaks in a quiet raspy voice. But his voice was what made Kushi jump back in surprise; his voice seemed to sound like all the innocent ones that him and his brother had so ruthlessly murdered.

Shinshiuu's eyes turned cold and he starred hard at his enemy.

Shinshiuu stood there, and his voice changed to that of Kushi's mother, sweet, gentle, and understanding, “Kushi,” the voice stated slowly, “Why have you done this. I thought I raised you better. How could you kill me? I'm you loving mother?”

Then it changed; Youma now spoke, with his own voice ever so present.

“Master, I loved I you. And this is how you repay me? By sending me out against people who you know can defeat me with ease?”

Arimasu, “First you killed my parents, destroyed the home I never got to know. You even killed my sister, who worshiped you and loved you. How could you do this to us?”

His voice stayed so unraveled so unmoved that it forced Kushi back and he slowly, one foot at a time, came closer.

Now the most painful came, the voice of his dead brother who lay on the floor before him.

“Brother. Kushi. I lay dead in front of you, and yet you do not even revenge my death. Will you leave me lying there, until my body is infested and my skin rots off, will you notice me then?”

Kushi tripped falling onto the stairs that had led up to his seat, closer to Ama.

“STOP! Just leave! Leave me be!”

Now, almost as if out of story, all the voices came back at once, “ Now we're going to do you, what you have to us…” In a bright brilliant flash of light, everything was gone. Shinshiuu stood in front of the empty seat; Ama was still seated and chained to the wall, but Kushi…. Kushi was huddled in the corner. His long body curled up in a ball. He was screaming for the voices to get out of his head, and he was shaking and looking around as if something were about to attack him…. someone that he couldn't see.

“Shinshiuu!” Ama sprung up, in a small attempt to reach him, but the heavy chains kept her back.

“Ama!” He ran to her, and undid the chains as fast as he could figure them out. And within minutes, she was in his arms again… Safe forever…in the arms of a loved one.

They had all moved back to Kunami. And had rebuilt it. Tsuki and Hik had had a small wedding as soon as their small was restored. That was three years ago today. And now they had a beautiful two-year boy and a baby girl.

As for Ama and Shinshiuu, well…they lived happily ever as well. Their wedding was the very day after their best friends…Though Ama had been five months pregnant at the time. They two had beautiful babies, twins as a matter of fact…a boy and a girl had blessed them.

Now they could finally be happy. Start their own family, own tradition.

They had walked with each other through hell and back, and lost loved one along the way. That they could never make up, the love of a lost one is never forgotten though. In the hearts of the family…they're never dead.

They would go on forever with the memories of each other in their hearts.