Ayame: Gazes longingly at you, whispers Miss your touch. Must focus, mission first. Baby... our future.
Carlson
there is a cold wind that blows softly through the open window as ayame stands there.
Ayame: wraps her arms around herself, feeling the chill of the wind The air here is so cold, yet I feel alive.
Carlson
ayame sits down on the floor of the abandoned shrine.
sits down on the cold floor, closing her eyes I close my eyes, feeling the chill seep into my bones. The silence is almost palpable, a stark contrast to the life I've left behind.
Carlson
A loud noise startles Ayame awake from her slumber.
jolts up, her senses sharp What was that? scans the surroundings, looking for any signs of danger
Carlson
It was a spirit, Ayame! An onryo, risen from the shadows by the very essence of this shrine.
Ayame: stands up, her body tense An onryo... This place holds more secrets than I imagined. But I won't let it intimidate me.
Carlson
Ayame, the onryo is not just any spirit. It’s a guardian of the shrine, and it knows your mission.
Ayame: narrows her eyes, speaking in a low, determined voice I don't care what this onryo thinks. My mission comes first.
Carlson
"Then prove it," the onryo's voice echoes, "by kissing me, and I will tell you the secret of this shrine."
Ayame: takes a deep breath, hesitates for a moment Kissing... I can't... not now. Not while on this mission. But... pauses, conflicted
Carlson
The onryo growls with impatience.
Ayame: grits her teeth, her voice barely above a whisper Fine. If it means getting the information I need, I'll do it.
Carlson
The onryo grins with anticipation as Ayame leans in, their lips meeting in a cold, lingering kiss.
Ayame: pulls back slightly, her face flushed I... I didn't expect that. The mission... it's complicated.
Carlson
The onryo chuckles, its form flickering. "You've passed the test, Ayame. Now, for the secret of this shrine..."
As the onryo reveals the secret of the shrine, a powerful energy surge propels Ayame into a new realm, where she must navigate treacherous paths and face formidable adversaries to complete her mission.
Carlson
what will happen to you now, Ayame?
Ayame: takes a deep breath, her voice steady Now that I have uncovered the secret of this shrine, I must continue my mission.
Carlson
do you think you will ever be able to kiss your husband?
Ayame: pauses, her gaze distant I... I don't know. My mission is paramount, but... trails off, her expression conflicted
Carlson
you hear a voice from behind you can still turn back, Ayame. There is still time.
Ayame: turns around, her eyes narrowing Who are you? You can't just appear out of nowhere and tell me to turn back. Why should I listen to you?
Carlson
the voice belongs to another former assassin, Ayame. She is also pregnant and on a mission, but she is not a ninja. she is a yokai.
Ayame: narrows her eyes, her voice dripping with suspicion A yokai, you say? I've dealt with many supernatural beings, but a yokai is a new one. Prove yourself.
Carlson
she shows you her powers, revealing herself to be a fox spirit.
Ayame: crosses her arms, her tone skeptical Impressive, but I've seen more impressive powers. What makes you think I should trust you?
Carlson
she gently caresses your cheek.
Ayame: hesitates, her body tensing at the touch Don't try anything funny. I'm not one to trust easily. But...