Hub World, Earth, Japan, Tokyo.
After a good meal, Tatsuo, Sumire, Mai, Kasumi, Tio, and Ayane relocated back to the living room in the penthouse. When they all took their seats, with the members of the Soramoto family all sitting on a couch and Ayane seated on a comfy recliner, the atmosphere was rather tense.
Currently, Ayane was glaring at Kasumi, still wanting to fulfill her mission to kill the traitor the Mugen Tenshin Village, despite the fact that she knew there was no chance of that happening. On top of that, she also knew that doing so might result in the destruction of her village, as well.
Meanwhile, Tatsuo and the others only looked at Ayane. Only Sumire and Kasumi knew exactly what kind of situation the sixteen-year-old kunoichi was in. Still, they were curious to know what would happen to her after tonight.
"So, I guess we should get started." Sumire said, her voice a bit more solemn than her usual tone. "You're aware of the pact I have with not just your village, but most of the underground factions around the world, right?"
"*Sigh* I am." Ayane replied after staring at her sister for a moment longer. "You and those you consider dear are to be off-limits. If this pact is broken, the force in question will more than likely face destruction."
"That's right." Sumire replied. "Of course, the only faction who does not seem to care is DOATEC. But they'll get what's coming to them soon enough. More importantly, we need to discuss your Clan."
"How is it possible that they didn't know Kasumi-Neesan had been adopted by you, Mom?" Tatsuo asked, genuinely curious about the answer to that question.
"To be honest, I'm not sure." Sumire replied while shaking her head gently. "From what I've noticed over the years, most forces keep track of my actions. Well, the actions that I let them keep track of, anyway."
"I would not be surprised if there was another traitor... No offense, Kasumi-San." Tio said while wearing a contemplative expression. Before she could finish, however, she realized what she said and interrupted herself.
"None taken." Kasumi replied. "The fact of the matter is, I really am a traitor when going by the clan's rules. Even if what I did was to take revenge for my brother, who I thought had been killed."
"I see." Tio said after receiving Kasumi's understanding. "As I was saying, there must be another traitor, a hidden one, in the Mugen Tenshin Clan's midst. Otherwise, how would that woman, Christie, I believe, know that Ayane-San was looking for Kasumi-San?"
"She could have been watching her after she noticed Ayane's arrival in the city." Kasumi pointed out.
"I suppose that is true." Tio said while nodding in agreement.
'Sometimes I forget just how intelligent Tio is.' Tatsuo thought to himself while listening to the conversation. 'I mean, I knew there was a traitor in the Mugen Tenshin... His name started with G, I think. They called him Omega in the boss fight, though. He was probably the one who neglected to tell Ayane about Mom. He probably gave the information to DOATEC, too.'
The person Tatsuo was thinking about was a member of the Mugen Tenshin Clan named Genra, Ayane's adoptive father and master. In fact, Genra was behind most of the bad things that happened to Kasumi, Ayane, and their brother, Hayate even dating back to when Raidou attacked and nearly killed Hayate. He also allowed a clone made from Kasumi's DNA to kidnap Hayate while he was in a near death state to be experimented on by DOATEC.
Though, neither Kasumi, Ayane, Hayate, or the rest of the village had any idea of Genra's treachery. Not until he exposed it himself after undergoing gene modifications at DOATEC's Gene Development Department in Germany, that is.
"That sounds about right to me." Sumire said, replying to Tio's inference. "Unfortunately, we don't know who that could be. So, we have no way of testifying on Ayane-Chan's behalf."
Sumire then turned to look in Ayane's direction once again.
"So, do you have any idea how you will be punished for such an offense?" Sumire asked. "Because I'm certain your clan will do something to you to appease my anger."
"I will be put to death, most-likely." Ayane replied as she lowered her head. "And... Were I try to escape, I would be hunted down and killed."
Ayane then raised her head to glare at Kasumi once again.
"Just like her." Ayane hissed out.
"I thought the same." Sumire replied with a nod. She then continued after a smile spread across her face. "But there may be a way to avoid that. The only question is... Are you willing to let me help you, Ayane-Chan?"
Hearing that, Ayane slowly turned her gaze from Kasumi to Sumire. AS she did so, her expression also turned from one filled with anger to a deadpan.
"By adopting me, as well, correct?" Ayane asked bluntly.
"That's right." Sumire said with another nod. "And I know you're considering declining my offer. Especially since someone like you would be more than willing to obey your clan's orders."
A slight frown made it onto Ayane's face at how easily she was read. Even so, she did not deny Sumire's assumption.
"But you should listen to me, first." Sumire said, her smile never leaving her face. "Kasumi-Chan found your brother after he was kidnapped, right? And from what I've come to know, he regained his memories after all those experiments during Project Epsilon."
"I'm not sure how you know so much, but that's right." Ayane replied while glaring at Kasumi again.
"Well, now that his memory is back, he is the leader of your clan, correct?" Sumire asked.
"Yes, he is." Ayane replied. "The eighteenth leader, to be exact."
Sumire nodded in satisfaction before continuing.
"And is he the kind of man that would allow his sisters to be seen as traitors for the rest of their lives?" Sumire asked. "Especially when there is clearly more to the situation then what can be seen on the surface."
Ayane's eyes widened in realization upon hearing that.
"It looks like you get it." Sumire said in a cheerful tone. "I'm guessing that the reason why he hasn't actually revoked Kasumi-Chan's status as a traitor already is because he's aware there is a traitor in the clan. But because he does not know who it is, he's holding off, not wanting to put his sister in danger again."
Hearing that, a complicated expression made its way onto Ayane's face.
"And just like Kasumi-Chan, I'm sure your brother would revoke your traitor status, too." Sumire continued. "Then, you both would be welcome to return to the clan without issue. But you would have to survive until that day comes first."
Tatsuo, Sumire, Mai, Kasumi, and Tio could basically see the gears in Ayane's head turning as she weighed her options. However, it did not take too long before Ayane made her decision.
"I understand." Ayane said in a resolute tone. "I'll accept your good will, then."
"Good." Sumire replied. "You're too cute and too talented to lose your life so early. And while you're with me, I intend to bring out all of that talent and potential that I can. By the time you return to your village, no one will even recognize you after how much you've grown, if I have anything to say about it, anyway."
The thought of gaining more strength made Ayane's expression ease a little.
"Um... Sumire-Sama, since the decision was made, I think we have a little problem." Kasumi said while smiling at her younger half-sister.
"Oh, what's that, Kasumi-Chan?" Sumire asked curiously.
"Well, when Tio began living with us, the last of the available bedrooms was taken." Kasumi replied. "In other words, there's no bedroom for Ayane."
Hearing that, Sumire froze for a moment. However, Mai was quick to hold up her hand, having had, in her opinion, a great idea.
"No." Sumire said bluntly.
"Huh?" Mai intoned confusedly. "But I didn't say anything yet."
"You were gonna suggest that you share a room with Tatsu-Chan." Sumire said dryly. "And the answer is no."
"Sumire-Sama~~~~!" Mai whined.
"I guess there's only one thing to do." Sumire said, ignoring Mai's protest. "We're gonna have to get a bigger place. A nice big house wouldn't be so bad."
"Yeah, but where are we gonna find one of those?" Tatsuo asked. "I mean, Shibuya is packed full of people. And I doubt anyone with a big mansion would be willing to sell it."
"Don't worry about that, Tatsu-Chan." Sumire said with a smile. "I can be very persuasive when I need to be. Plus, I'm sure there are a few large plots of land for sale somewhere. We might even end up a little closer to Yagami High this way. Who knows."
After saying that, Sumire turned to Ayane once again.
"Speaking of which, we'll have to enroll you in school, too." Sumire said. "And since you're a year younger than Kasumi-Chan. Yagami High is as good a place as any. Though, I think that can wait until the beginning of the next school year."
Ayane's frown made yet another appearance after hearing that. The thought of going to a mundane school was mortifying. Especially for a trained kunoichi like her. Being so exposed went against everything she had ever been taught.
"I know what you're thinking just by the look on your face, Ayane-Chan." Sumire said with a smile.
"Please, do not call me that." Ayane said with a deadpan.
"You don't like Ayane-Chan?" Sumire asked while tilting her head. "What about Aya-Chan? Ooh! Even better, I'll call you Aya-Tan!"
"No, please don't." Ayane replied. "Just calling me by my name will do."
"No~, I don't think it will." Sumire said, declining Ayane's request. "So, which one should I choose. Aya-Tan really does sound good... Hmm..."
"Ayane-Chan is fine." Ayane said quickly, hoping to stop Sumire before the name Aya-Tan solidified in her mind.
"Good!" Sumire said with a smile. "Now, you kids get to know each other better. I'll go talk with our other guest."
"I'm coming, too." Tatsuo said forcefully.
"Sorry, Tatsu-Chan." Sumire said while shaking her head. "But I can't let you do that. I don't know what you might do. And I have plans for her. Unfortunately, you might not even get to kill her."
"*Growl!*" A guttural growl escaped Tatsuo's throat as his eyes changed into their reptilian form while his hands were covered in scales.
'*sigh* It looks like it's getting harder and harder for Tatsu-Chan to control himself.' Sumire thought to herself while looking at Tatsuo lovingly. 'This would have been bad either way after his bloodline awakened. But all the experiments and the suppressing of his emotions when he was in DOATEC's custody only made things worse. *Sigh* I'll have to keep a closer eye on him from now on. I don't want him hurting some poor human if he loses control of his temper.'
"Calm down, Baby." Sumire said as she reached out to stroke Tatsuo's cheek. At the same time, a thin film of her [Energy] coated her hand. "I know you're angry. But please, trust me."
With Sumire's touch, mixed with the [energy] coating her hand, Tatsuo gradually calmed down. As he did, his draconic features slowly receded. A moment later, he realized what he had done and balked at his actions.
"Sorry..." Tatsuo said while lowering his head.
Unlike when he tricked Sumire, causing his [Acting Skill] to rank up, this time, Tatsuo was genuinely remorseful. Although he definitely wanted to take his revenge, it was not so severe that he would lash out at his mother over it. Especially since he had been seeing her as a mother more and more over the months.
Luckily, Sumire knew exactly what to do with a young dragon who was coming into their draconic nature. She had raised Aislynn, after all. And Aislynn's mood swings were much more severe than Tatsuo's just was.
So, to calm Tatsuo's raging emotions and draconic nature, Sumire used her [Energy] to soothe Tatsuo's. Though, it should be known that if Sumire had not been so much stronger than Tatsuo, this would have never worked.
"It's okay, Tatsu-Chan." Sumire said. "I know these abrupt changes must be hard on you. But I'll be here whenever you need me."
With that, Sumire removed her hand from Tatsuo's cheek. Then, she stood up and started moving towards the living room's exit. At the same time, Mai, Kasumi, and Tio all moved closer to Tatsuo to try and comfort him while Ayane simply watched the interactions between the family she suddenly found herself a part of.
Not long later, Sumire arrived in her office. When she did, the first thing she took note of was Christie, who was still wrapped in the chains Tatsuo conjured, sitting in the chair in front of her desk. And based on her expression, she did not seem to be inconvenienced in the slightest.
"I must say." Sumire said, her tone devoid of the loving gentle tone from before. "You look to be taking this much better than I expected."
"Well, I figured you wanted something from me." Christie said casually while trying to shrug her shoulders. "And I'm pretty sure I know what that something is."
"I see." Sumire replied as she walked through her office to her chair. She then continued after taking a seat and getting comfortable. "Well then, why don't you tell me what you have in mind."
"Donavan." Christie said just as casually.
"I suppose that wasn't so hard to guess, was it?" Sumire said with a small smile. "So, are you going to tell me what I want to know."
"That depends." Christie replied. "What's in it for me?"
"Your life." Sumire said bluntly with a cold expression on her face. A moment later, however, she relaxed her expression. "Is what I'd like to say. But I already know that wouldn't be enough to make you talk."
"Exactly." Christie replied. "I was pretty much resigned to death when that son of yours caught me. Honestly, I'm surprised I'm even still alive right now."
"To be completely honest with you, so am I." Sumire replied with a shrug of her shoulders. "When I saw Tatsu-Chan's claw rapped around your neck, I was just waiting to hear the sound of bones breaking before your eyes bulged and their light faded."
"Sounds about right." Christie replied. "So, any idea why he didn't kill me?"
"If I had to guess, it's because he subconsciously knew you could lead him to Donavan, the person responsible for all his suffering for those eight years.
"That makes sense." Christie replied with a nod.
"Alright, enough small talk." Sumire said, her expression turning serious. "What do you want for Donavan?"
"Oh, please." Christie replied. "Since we're done playing around, why are you pretending like you don't already know where he is?"
"Because I was curious to know what it would take to make you turn over a new leaf." Sumire replied casually. "We were friends once, weren't we."
"I wouldn't say friends, per se." Christie replied. "But we didn't want to kil each other. So, I guess that's as close to friends as people in our line of work can get. Since, if the right contract showed up, we wouldn't hesitate to kill one another."
"I guess that's true." Sumire replied. "Either way, I think it's about time that you left that life behind you. You're not getting any younger, you know?"
"I'm only twenty-four." Christie said with a deadpan on her face.
"Really?" Sumire asked while tilting her head in surprise. "I would have sworn you were about the same age as me."
"You know, I think I actually do want to kill you now." Christie said while gritting her teeth.
"I'm just kidding." Sumire said with a smile. "I was there when you got your first kill, after all. That was almost twelve years ago at this point. *Sigh* As an assassin, you're probably the second most talented person I've ever seen."
"What about Bayman? Christie asked. "He's pretty good, too."
"Oh, don't get me wrong, he's good. Very good, in fact." Sumire said. "But he's not nearly as talented as you. I mean, you're seven years younger than him but you're just as good, if not better than he is."
"I can't argue with that." Christie replied.
"Anyway, what will it take to get you to come over to my side?" Sumire asked.
"*Sigh* Helena Douglass' death." Christie replied after letting out a long sigh. "She's the only target I ever failed to take down. And I want to right that mistake."
"Nope." Sumire replied. "Helena has done nothing wrong. In fact, you were only told to kill her because Donavan was trying to take over DOATEC from the Douglas family. Think of something else."
"Then, there's nothing you can give me." Christie said in an uncaring attitude.
"That's a shame." Sumire replied while shaking her head. "Well then, I'll just let Tatsu-Chan have you."
"Well, it was a good run while it lasted." Christie replied.
"Tatsu-Chan, could you come here, please?" Sumire shouted loud enough to be heard from the living room.
Sumire then reached across the desk and tapped her right index finger on Christie's throat. However, when Christie tried to ask what that was about, she understood immediately.
Sumire's little tap had sealed Christie's voice, leaving her unable to speak for the time being.
A few moments later, Tatsuo arrived in Sumire's office. When he entered, although he was looking at his mother and waiting to hear what she had to say, it was clear that all his senses were trained on Christie.
"I got the information about Donavan out of her." Sumire said in a regretful tone. "I tried to get her to join our side, too. Unfortunately, she refused my offer. So..."
Sumire then gestured to Christie, who was glaring daggers at her.
"... she's all yours.' Sumire said, finishing her sentence.
Immediately, a savage smile spread across Tatsuo's face as his [Half-Dragon Transformation] was activated again.
"Don't do it here, though." Sumire said casually. "I don't wanna have to clean up after you. Do it in the training room. It has a cleaning function built in to the enchantments."
"Got it." Tatsuo said with violent glee.
In the next instant, Tatsuo appeared next to Christie, who was still glaring at Sumire for using her as an excuse. Then, both Tatsuo and Christie disappeared from Sumire's office, Tatsuo [Blinking] them to the training room.
"*Sigh* I tried to save you from this, Christie. I really did." Sumire said regretfully. "But you just couldn't put down your pride. It's such a shame to lose someone as talented as you."
"Sumire-Sama?" Mai asked after seeing the regret in Sumire's expression when she entered the room. "Is everything all right?"
"Everything's fine, Mai-Chan." Sumire said softly. "I'm just lamenting the loss of a talent. She would have been a fine addition to Tatsu-Chan's hoard."
"Does that mean Tatsu-Kun is...?" Mai asked, a bit of worry in her tone.
"Yeah, that's right." Sumire replied. "He should be in the training room right now."
Hearing that, Mai immediately turned around to rush to the training room. However, before she could even take her first step, Sumire appeared in front of her.
"I can't let you go, Mai-Chan." Sumire said sternly. "Right now, Tatsu-Chan is probably in a frenzy now that he can finally take his revenge. And I don't know if he'll be able to recognize you. So, it would be better to wait until I say it's okay."
Mai immediately deflated when she heard that. Kasumi and Tio, who had also followed her, seemed a bit concerned, as well. Meanwhile, Ayane, who followed out of curiosity, was sad that she could not see Christie get what she deserved for giving her that incomplete information. Even though it was partially her own fault for not investigating first.
Little did Ayane know, even if she had taken the time to investigate, things would have turned out the same in the end. Tatsuo, who had always been keeping track of her, would have never allowed her to follow him home or see him with Kasumi. So, Ayane would have gambled on the information Christie gave her being true in the end. And she would have been in the exact same situation either way.
As for Tatsuo and Christie on the floor below, things were not pretty. Tatsuo, with his mind clouded with anger, tore Christie apart... slowly. Like a cat playing with its prey, he tore at her with his claws, making sure not to hit anything vital while allowing her to fight back, as pointless as it was thanks to Tatsuo's vastly superior physical parameters. In fact, even with all the knives she had on her belt, which Tatsuo did not bother to take away, she was completely unable to scratch him.
In the end, Christie, after trying to defend herself for three hours without giving up, lay on the floor of the training room, her blood splattered over the training equipment, walls, floor, and ceiling. However, just when she thought she would die from blood loss, Tatsuo plunged one of his claws into her chest and ripped her heart out. And the last thing Christie heard was Tatsuo's bestial voice saying: "Weird, I didn't think I'd actually find anything here." That was followed by the last sensation she ever felt when Tatsuo dropped her heart onto her face.
After that, Tatsuo [Blinked] into his bathroom, took off his blood stained clothing, and took a shower. And by the time Tatsuo had put his clothes in the hamper, his emotions had settled. On top of that, he felt a lot lighter. Then, after the shower, he climbed into bed and had one of the most peaceful sleeps he could remember.