Fan Fiction ❯ Drawn to the Flame ❯ Memories in Contrast ( Chapter 3 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Chapter Three


"You'll never catch up with me!! Not ever!!"

The young girl's voice reached Ayane's ears and she turned her head to see two small girls playing on the grass the elder girl running from the younger. Their faces were so light and cheerful it would be hard not to smile seeing them. It was hard for Ayane to believe that she and Kasumi had played in a simular fashion. So long ago another lifetime really...

"Mom!!" The younger girl was now running in the direction of a woman sitting on a nearby bench. The young girl's arms raised up as the mother leaned to speak to her. Ayane was too far away but she could tell she was speaking some kind of congratulatory words about the race. The girl's eyes shone in the light of her mothers words a genuine smile taking over her features as the woman brushed some of the dark hair from the Child's face.

Ayane forced herself to turn away focusing her attention at the scenery across the way. She was unable to keep the dull ache from her. She could remember times when she had sought her own mother out. When she was young she believed that eventually Ayame would be able to take pride in her accomplishments. It had proven to be much the opposite in many ways. As she had begun to rise in the Hajin-Mon ranks it only seemed to make her mother more uncomfortable as if she were waiting for something to....

"Ayane"

Though it had come from a distance she clearly heard her name turning to see Hayate.

"What brings you here?" she asked before he had a chance to speak. Immediately she regretted the sharp tone her voice had taken it wasn't his fault she....

"How's your arm?" Ayane did her best to smile though it was weak due to the embarrassment of the whole ordeal

"I told you I'd be fine." She was surprised to hear a light chuckle at her words and glanced to find his face amused.

"You'll have an opportunity to pay me back for that Tuesday." The look in his eyes familiar- the look of challenge and yet different." Injury permitting." He smiled. She only smirked in return focusing on the scenery beyond the bridge as he spoke.

"It's rather relaxing I used to come here often when I'd first arrived in Germany." Ayane nodded from the corner of her eye she saw the children she had been watching earlier each holding onto one of their mothers hands. Watching them go she couldn't help but feel stung there was no real reason things couldn't have been......

"You have a sister?" She didn't turn to face him opting to keep looking out over the water as she made her reply. She cursed herself inwardly then knowing he had noticed her paying attention to the small family.

"Half we.. aren't close." Ayane had wanted to remain as truthful as possible without telling everything until the time came. She was surprised at how it had fallen from her lips tinged with rare regret she tried not to admit even to herself. She glanced at him seeing him give a slight nod of his head.

"These things happen." she was relieved at the accepting tone to her voice. Not wanting to allow a silence to develop she continued. "My Mother was married to her Father. I lived near them when we were very young we had been somewhat closer...circumstances just sent us our own ways."

"You lived with your father I remember you mentioning that...she was your younger sister?"

"No she was older by a year and a half..." She chose that moment to glance at him a look of realization crossed his face she could tell he had done his best to hide it..She could almost laugh bitterly imagine if it had been something as simple as what he was thinking. A short laugh did escape her though it was a dry empty one.

"It's not what you think...it's different. Her father never really wanted her to have much to do with me. My mother never denied that I spend time with them though she always seemed uncomfortable in my presence they were a family in the end I suppose that it was just easier sending me to live with my father."

"I am sorry to hear that." his reply was short but she could sense the note of genuine sympathy.

"As I said these things happen... you never answered my question you know." She hoped her last statement would be enough to turn the conversation which mercifully it was.

"I was on my way to Hitomi's home I have things to discuss with her father concerning the school. He likes to discuss things over dinner. I think Hitomi enjoys the idea of having someone to cook for other than her father." he followed this with a light chuckle. Even after the time she had spent with Hayate previously it was still surprising to see him this way. So rarely back at the clan had he allowed himself to laugh in the time before his abduction leadership had begun bearing down hard upon him. To see him now it was almost possible to believe....

"Sounds great." Ayane spoke in a casual tone.

"When I spoke with her earlier she was rather enthusiastic about a new recipe she's been working on. She approaches things that way. Determined... not unlike you from what I can see"

Even though she knew he meant it to be a compliment it didn't stop the irritation that shot through her at being compared to the German girl.

"Won't she be upset that you're going to be late?" Ayane was unable to keep the note of sarcasm from her voice and instantly regretted it though it seemed to go unnoticed.

" She won't mind." he glanced at his watch then " Though I should be going... her father may not have time to wait around." he offered a smile to her " was good seeing you around someplace other than the dojo. Don't forget" he began as he turned to go looking back at her as he finished "me and you round two on Tuesday."

Ayane turned to head her own way when she heard him speak again.

"Ayane, why don't you come along?" She only hoped her surprise at his words didn't show.

"I would but..."

"You said that you just needed to get out of your apartment for a while."

Ayane smiled at his bringing it up she couldn't deny it. She was thankful she had managed to keep a blush from rising to her cheeks. There was no question upon accepting the offer. It was a good opportunity to see into the private life he has here and find more of what she needs to know not to mention....

"Alright" she replied

"Hitomi will be glad for another person to sample her cooking." he glanced at his watch then. "I would say we could walk and see some of the sites along the way but we are running late so it would be best if we caught the bus." with that said they turned and made their way.

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"Ayane followed Hayate into the sitting room. It was a nicely furnished room even for being on the small side. There was a brown couch between two finished wood end tables made of cherry. The dark carpet and small fireplace on the opposite wall completed the "cozy" look of the room.

"Have a seat I'll be right in" the German girls voice sounded from the next room. Hayate did as she asked and Ayane followed suit. Her eyes were drawn to the photo on the end table. He must have noticed as he chose that moment to speak.

"That's Hitomi's mother."

Ayane contemplated the photo at her side. The young Japanese woman smiled back at her long black hair framing a friendly face with warm brown eyes.

"She looks very kind"

" I never got the chance to know her. She passed away when Hitomi was still a child. Sometimes I feel like I have known her through the stories Hitomi and her father tell." his voice was tinged with sadness likely at not being able to recall his own past.

"Ein, I am sorry I kept you waiting but...." the German girl paused when she entered the room seeing Ayane sitting at his side. Hayate rose from his seat then facing her.

"I hope you don't mind I brought Ayane." The expression on the German girls face was unreadable then she offered a smile her way as she spoke again.

"I will finally get an unbiased opinion on something I made." she winked at her then and Ayane fought back the irritation that shot through her at the gesture. "I hope you like Sauerbraten, Kloesse and Rotkraut. I have been working on it for hours now. I even included raisins and apples in the sauce."

"I can't say that I have ever tasted any of those things." The German girl's eyes widened slightly at her words.

"I get to set your standard better get this going then." she rose at Hitomi's indication following them into the dining room grateful the deep breath she took went unnoticed.

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"This really is quite good." As much as she might hate to admit it the girl did cook well.

"Yes she's come a long way since burning water." Hitomi's father replied there was a light to his eyes that made his teasing evident. The German girls reply was a mock cry of indignation as she looked in Ein's direction in search of defense. He shrugged as he replied just as evenly.

"There's no arguing with facts." this prompted Hitomi to punch his arm in a playful manner. His eyes shone as he let a light chuckle escape him. Ayane took another bite of her food as Hitomi spoke up once more.

"Thank you Ayane." she stated sending a smile in Ayane's direction.

She managed to return it as Hitomi's father began to steer the conversation in another direction. She continued to watch them she couldn't help the twist in her heart. It seemed as though Hitomi and her father had accepted Hayate as a member of their family. In this small amount of time seeing them all together it was undeniable. Thinking about her own family by contrast Ayane could almost taste the bitterness. Even if the German girl had been without a mother for most of her life.

Her mother died. It wasn't that she just didn't care enough to....

Unbidden the photo of Hitomi's mother returned to her memory. She had seen smiles like that on her own mothers face.... she would never forget when she had returned from her first real mission. Things had not turned out as well as they could have she had been anxious to discuss it with her mother. When she had arrived she had found Ayame sitting under a large tree. Kasumi was demonstrating maneuvers she had been working on. Ayane had stood there watching her graceful movements as she waited for her chance to announce herself. When Kasumi had finished her routine Ayame had stood her face was now visible as she hugged her elder child. The smile on her face...one of pride and affectionate had known it was one she would never know from Ayame...

She had left without saying a word sometime later Kasumi had come for her saying Ayame had sent her. When she made the trip back her mother treated the whole conversation with just minimal interest informing Ayane that she had spoken with Genra about what occurred. She hadn't remained much longer .Even now when she thought of it she wondered if her mother had sent for her or if Kasumi had made it up in hopes that her visit would prove positive. Ayane could feel the well of hurt and anger in her anew at the thought of it. Even if she had meant well she didn't need Kasumi... her help or her sympathy....

"Hitomi tells me it was your father who sent you to study abroad" the words of the girl's father brought her back from her thoughts.

"Yes. I had come as far as I could in my studies with him but I still wanted to advance. He had heard of a few good schools in Europe during his travels and sent me here to check them out. As long as I keep in touch I can study as long as I like." as close to the truth as she could go...

"I would love to travel one day and see what type of fighters is out there." There was something about Hitomi's statement with the look she gave her father that suggested there was something more to her statement.

"Your father should be pleased with your progress Ayane. You are taking to Karate quite well even for someone raised in the arts." She could feel warmth rising to her cheeks but was thankful as it didn't seem to break the surface into redness.

"It's almost as fast as you had learned Ein. It's very impressive." Though Hitomi managed a smile as she spoke something told Ayane it was less than genuine.

"Thank you."

" Perhaps since your father teaches perhaps he would be interested in coming here sometime." Ayane could feel her heart skip at the idea of it before her mouth began forming her reply.

"I know he would be honored to. Although my father's students are fewer he is a busy man being one of the only teachers in our small town. It would be interesting to see you trade ideas will mention it when I speak with him next." She offered the man a smile which he returned as he spoke.

"If you excuse us I think we will be retiring now to discuss some boring business matters." He looked between Ayane and Hitomi before settling on Ayane.

"It was a pleasure having you Ayane. Perhaps you will share our table again sometime."

" I would like that." He turned then to go, Ein following suit. Hitomi rose beginning to clear the table.

"Here I can help you." Ayane rose as well picking up some of the plates before following Hitomi into the kitchen. If she was going to find out anything she needed to find out what was keeping her quiet now.

"Just sit them in the left basin of the sink... and thanks" the silence persisted as they made a few more trips clearing what remained of the dishes. The Hajin-mon chose to break the silence, watching the steam rise as Hitomi ran the water.

"Is something wrong?"

"I'm sorry." The German girl began apologetically. "I am being a lousy hostess now. It's not you. I am just tired I have been upping my training to try and prepare for the tournaments in the fall. You should think about entering." This time her smile seemed hallow.

"I don't know "

" Trust me you have more than what it takes." There was an underlying hint of bitterness in her voice it was slight but unmistakable. Hitomi shut off the water as she spoke again.

"I meant what I said your progress is impressive second most I have ever seen." The underlying note in her voice wasn't as sharp and Ayane sensed this was the perfect opportunity to find out more if what she was about to say paid off.

"Thank you. I remember you said at dinner that Ein learned rather quickly as well." This brought a smile to the elder girls face as she spoke.

"Yes. That's true when you had mentioned your father sent you here I thought that might have been one of the reasons he sent you this way. He was a bit of a local celebrity for awhile there." her smile faded as she finished her statement. "I was going to mention it but it's a sensitive subject in ways and my father changed the subject so fast I couldn't have if I'd wanted to." Hearing the way she stated that Ayane believed there must be some tension between the father and daughter. Perhaps they didn't always get along so perfectly..

"A celebrity?" Ayane hated the way it made her sound questioning this way but if it helped her find out..

" Yes it brought more than a few people to the school out of curiosity alone back when he had first begun teaching. People were intrigued considering how he had been when he'd first arrived." Ayane raised an eyebrow this time hoping that would be enough....

"You don't know about..." the German girl paused before giving a slight shake of her head. A look of surprise on her features. "I thought you would have overheard something if nothing else..." she paused a moment before gesturing to one of the seats at the small table in the kitchen." I should tell you...it might help you understand some things..." She walked to the refrigerator as she spoke opening it to pull out two bottles of sarsaparilla popping the top off hers and handing the bottle opener to Ayane after she had sat.

"I guess the best way would be just to start it from the beginning." her voice dropped as she continued taking a drink of the strong ginger beer. Ayane could tell by the look in her eyes she seemed to have inherited her father's love of storytelling. She gave a slight shake of her head once more as she continued. "It's hard to believe in a way that it would never have turned out this way if I hadn't been mad at my Father."

Ayane took a drink of the strong tasting soda as she listened. The girl almost forced her to lean in on the table the quiet way in which she was speaking. The German girl's voice took on a faraway tone as she went back into memory.

"I had been so mad at my Father that day. I don't know if you have ever been so angry you just needed to get away for awhile but I was." Ayane simply nodded so many times she had wanted to just walk away.." I had been so angry I had gotten my bike and decided to cycle out. I wouldn't have gone where I had but I didn't even realize how far I had gone before I was there. My Father had always told me not to go far into the Black Forest. Once you get so far it's dense and can be hard to find your way. I had gone as far as I could on my bike so I left it and began to walk. I hadn't gone far in when I heard something it was like a rustling sound a part of me thought of turning back but I had continued on instead until I came to the source of the sound..."

Hitomi paused, her eyes distant as she spoke. "I found him.. lying there among some intense undergrowth. I remember wondering how he could have been left there as he was....his body...I knew even at just a look he couldn't have walked himself there. I knelt to get a closer look to see if he was aware... he didn't respond only made a few unintelligible sounds...I told him I needed to go for help that I would be right back. I don't know how I managed to run through those woods and into that town as fast as I had at the time it had seemed like forever. When I got to the town I told a man what I found and that I needed assistance and to call my father."

Ayane leaned on her hand as the German girl spoke she felt anger within her as she listened to Hayate's condition. It sent thoughts through her mind of what may have been done...

"By the time my Father arrived we had managed to get him back to the man's house. My father and I took him to the hospital. His recovery was fast all things considered....it was natural that he come and stay with us. After we had taken care of him the whole time. He knew little of his past...and near nothing of what had been done to him. Ein was something he remembered someone calling him it may not be his real name. When he was well enough he came here and lived in this house with us. My Father helped him work out a training schedule when he was well enough to handle one..it was amazing it seemed as if one day he could hardly rise up and the next my father was asking him how he felt about becoming a karate instructor he had mastered it in so little time. Since he spent time before he was healed at the school people started to know him they were so impressed by his progress and that he was instructing. More than a few people came when they heard it's all but died down now. He has little permanent damage from what was done to him the only thing is he sometimes gets headaches but he takes some medication at times though since they aren't sure what triggers them. Other than that and the amnesia he seems to be fine. I would love to be able to help him with his past but he knows little that can be used to even begin.."

A small silence hung in the air Hitomi was looking down at her soda bottle as she peeled off the label. Ayane feared she may choke on the words but she said them anyway.

"You shouldn't be so hard on yourself. You and your father have given him a home and family." she took a breath " if you hadn't found him he may not have lived I know you wish you could do more but you have done much more than a lot of people would have." Though she hated to admit it Ayane knew that the last part of what she said was true if Hitomi had not found Hayate he may not have lived for that at least she was grateful. The German girl looked up then offering a smile though it was a weak one.

"Sorry about that but you know how we men can get with boring business matters." Ayane hadn't even seen Hayate enter. Hitomi turned to look at him her face was still flushed as she smiled and replied to him.

"You don't have to tell me twice... I was just telling Ayane about the fall tournaments I was thinking she and I could train together for them." Something about the way she made the statement bothered Ayane though she had to admit the girl had thought up her save quickly.

"Sounds like a great idea. Sparring with other people will improve your skills." there was something about the way Hitomi looked at her as if she were prideful he had liked her idea. It was then that Ayane saw the clock behind the girl. Ten PM.. It was getting late and she felt like she needed to get back to her apartment she had things to sort through....

"I'm sorry I had a great time tonight but it is getting late and I have a lot I have to do tomorrow"

"Of course." Hitomi rose as she spoke. "You will have to visit again before you leave."

Which won't be soon enough for you I'm sure.

"I should be going as well. If you don't mind I will walk you to the bus stop." Hitomi looked at her as Ein finished speaking as if she were anticipating her reply.

"Sure. thank you." she turned to Hitomi and she rose to follow Hayate. "Thank you Hitomi for welcoming me."

The German girl nodded before following them to the door. Ayane followed behind Hayate into the cool night air looking back a final time as Hitomi waved at them. Even from this distance she could feel the tension. They walked until they turned the corner it was Hayate that broke the silence.

"I know Ayane." his statement made her breath catch even if she knew it couldn't be about the first thing that crossed her mind. "While I am sure she had been intending to ask you to be her sparring partner I know that's not what she was talking about when I came back."

"How long were you standing there?" Ayane had posed the question before she could cut it off.

"Long enough." his reply was abrupt his features weren't the easiest to read when she looked over at him. He kept his face forward as he continued to walk. Not wanting another silence between them she spoke up.

"I'm sure Hitomi didn't mean..."

"It's not that." he looked over at her then offering a small smile. "I was surprised you hadn't known already. I don't fault Hitomi she was doing what she felt was right by telling you. It will make certain things about me easier to understand as time goes by." inwardly she chastised herself she was on a mission....

"I can tell something is troubling you."

"It was very kind of you Ayane. What you told Hitomi is true I have tried telling her the same though it's never made much difference in how she feels. I was glad to see she could open up to you. Sometimes I think Hitomi needs someone else to confide in. She has quite a few friends but sometimes.... in any event it I think it was beneficial."

Soon I will be the last person she will want to see let alone speak to. Once I have done what I was sent to....

"It was kind of her as well to open her home to me when she hadn't been expecting another guest." They came to a stop upon reaching their destination. The light of the street light bathed their features in its white glow as Hayate spoke again.

"They opened up their home to me. The closest thing I have to a family. Already more than enough has been done for me but she has a hard time accepting it ... that I may never know who was." She had never seen him being so open with his concern. It pained her to see him this way... and it hurt that it wasn't over someone other than....She hadn't realized how deep in thought she had been she could see the bus pulling up now and she had missed a lot of what Hayate had been saying....

"Maybe after the spar on Tuesday I can show you around the area during the daylight hours... when you can actually see it.." he followed this with a light chuckle. Ayane felt a genuine smile tug her lips despite her former train of thought.

"I would like that." her smile continued as she turned stepping up the stairs and onto the bus. She rode until the next stop before asking to get off running off into the night her conflicting thoughts raging with every step she took.