January Writing Contest Finals

{Happy Birthday}
Happy Birthday
"Minori, do you have a minute?" Yumi called the young Minori, stopping her as she about to leave Gessen's Ninja Room. Yumi is wearing a sandy brown turtlenecks sweater, white skirt, and dark brown pantyhose.

"Whoa! It's Yumi!" gasped Minori in shock. Minori wears green shirt and skirt, and black stocking.

"Pardon?" Yumi looked at her, perplexed.

"O-Oh! I-It's nothing, nothing at all!" Minori claimed, but her nervous demeanor betrayed her words.

"Sure…" Yumi said. Minori is acting uncharacteristically cagey today. She can see sweat and fidgeting around Minori. And what's that bag she's holding? Is she hiding something?

"Did you go shopping earlier?"

"Huh? Y-Yeah, but it's, um, nothing important, really!" Minori thrusts the hag behind her back. "A-Anyway, I'm a little busy right now! Talk to you later, Yumi!" Minori immediately dashed away, leaving a trail of dust behind.

"Eh…?" Yumi stared wide eyed. Moments later, she walked down the hall, mulling to herself about what just happened. Minori didn't usually do that. Getting all nervous as soon as she saw Yumi, trying to act like nothing's wrong, and running away without giving her a minute to talk. That was very uncharacteristic of Minori, who's usually very open to all of her friends. She's never been good at lying.

Actually, now that she thought about some more, Yumi has had the strangest feeling that everyone has been avoiding her for some reason lately. She couldn't fathom why. When she asks what's wrong, say it's nothing and dash of before she could pursue more information.

"What's going on?" Yumi wondered. Are her friends mad at her or something? She didn't recall doing anything to make them angry at her. She "loosened up" as Shiki would say, not being as strict as she used to be. That shouldn't warrant being given the called shoulder. If it's not that, then what?

"What's wrong, Yumi?" someone asked.

"Nothing, really. I'm just thinking." Yumi answered.

"About what?"

"… Before I answer that, tell me… when did you get here, and why are you here, Asuka?" Yumi turned, and to her mild surprise, found Asuka standing right behind her, with the same cheerful smile she always had. She's wearing a yellow shirt, a red winter coat, blue skirt, and white stockings.

"Hehe, caught me." chuckled Asuka, "I guess I still need to practice me sneaking skills."

"Not to be rude, but I'd like you to answer my question, Asuka."

"Oh, I just thought I'd come and say hi. It's been a while."

"It's only been a few days. And since Christmas, might I add." said Yumi.

"Oh, right." Asuka nodded, "Anyway, since I'm here, I was wondering if you wanted to hang?"

"Huh? You mean with you? I don't mind, but-"

"Great, let's go!" without warning, Asuka grabs Yumi's hand and pulls her along.

"Eh, wait!" Yumi fruitlessly protested as her kidnapper whisks her away.

"Don't worry, I'll treat you!"

Watching the two leave the Ninja Room, are Shiki and Murakumo.

"Nice." Shiki smiled.

"Now, to begin preparations." said Murakumo.
Now in town, Asuka and Yumi walk around, looking for something of interest.

"Asuka, what exactly do you intend to accomplish by bring me here?" asked Yumi, slightly annoyed. She managed to put on her white winter coat before leaving Gessen's Ninja Room. Even if her element is ice, is possible for her to feel cold in cool weather.

"Hm? Like I said, it's my treat, so don't worry so much." said Asuka. casually.

"That's not the issue here." Yumi said, scowling. Asuka is acting strangely as well. She may be her usual cheerful self, but she seems to be hiding something from her. Yumi can't begin to fathom what is it, though, and it irks her.

"Gee, you really ought to lighten up, Yumi. Haven't you been having fun recently, especially with everyone in Gessen?" asked Asuka.

"Fun…" Yumi falls silent, thinking about her friends avoiding her. She sad and lonely expression crossed her face.

"What's wrong, Yumi?" Asuka asked upon noticing Yumi's change in demeanor.

N-Nothing is wrong."

"No, Yumi. Something is wrong." Asuka rebuffed, "You can tell me. After all, we are friends, aren't we?"

"Asuka…" Yumi's face softened in relief. "As of late, everyone has been keeping their distance from me for some reason. I can't understand it. Did I do something to upset. If that were the case, I'd apologize upfront, but…"

"But what…?"

"I just don't know. I don't know what do." said Yumi, turning her head away.

Asuka could see how lonely Yumi is now that her friends aren't spending any time with her. She put a gentle smile on, "Well, I think you're just worrying too much, Yumi."

"I am?"

"Yeah. The five of you have been together for years. You're practically sisters and they all love you. There's no way they'd ignore you because they're angry." said Asuka, "They just might be busy with something, that's all."

"If that were the case, then why not let me help them?" asked Yumi.

"They probably want to do it themselves. They can't just depend on you forever, you know." answered Asuka.

"I know that. That's why I've been more lenient with them." said Yumi, "But, now I feel like I'll lose them if this keeps up." Yumi turns away once again, lonely expression visible on her. That's when Asuka gently grabs her hands and holds them tenderly.

"I'm telling you, Yumi. You're worrying too much. You say you've loosened up, but now you're just being a worrywart. They aren't angry with you, nor do they want separate from you."

"Asuka…" Yumi murmured, stunned by Asuka's words.

"Remember on Christmas, when I was down in the dumps about Homura and Miyabi? You cheered me up. Now, it's my turn to keep your spirits." Asuka said, brightly smiling. "And to do that, let's have fun." Asuka starts pulling Yumi along again. This time, Yumi doesn't protest as much.

Instead, her stunned expression melts into a cute smile, and she mumbles "Thank you…"

"You're welcome." Asuka replied, smiling back at Yumi.

Yumi and Asuka spend the rest of the day on a spree, visiting various shops, trying on numerous clothes. Asuka liked a summer one-piece dress she picked out for Yumi, to the latter embarrassment, since it displays some cleavage. They went a café, sampling the delicious sweets.

To her surprise, Yumi found herself having fun with this, especially with Asuka. Ever since they became friends, Yumi has felt relief from a heavy burden lifting from her. It feels good, having a friend. It’s thanks to Asuka, she feels she understands a lot things she hadn’t before, like the importance of staying connected with others. Her old clouded view on the Shinobi world most likely had something to do with that. How there can only be Good Shinobi, with no Evil Shinobi, and her pursuit of a single mind justice.

Now free from those burdens, Yumi can choose her own path. For now at least, she has chosen to stay connected with her friends and family.

If he is watching, Yumi hopes that her grandfather, Kurokage, is smiling down upon her at this very moment.

Their last stop was at a sales cart near the park, the owner having number of charm sets on displays. This peeks Asuka’s interest. “Yumi, wait here a sec!”

“Eh?” before she could even question, Asuka dashed over to the cart, leaving Yumi alone for a bit.

"Excuse me, it is okay if I buy one of these charms?" Asuka asked as she approached the salesman. She examined several set of charms on the fortune teller's table. One set caught her eye. Snowflakes charm bracelets with blue and silver beads. The snowflakes had a different color gemstone. One pink, the other white. She asks for this set, and pays 500 yen for it.

With the exchange complete, Asuka immediately returns to Yumi and gives one of the charm bracelets to Yumi. It has the white gemstone on it.

"That one's for you, Yumi." said Asuka, holding the snowflake bracelet with the pink gemstone.

“You bought this for me?” asked Yumi, taken aback.

“Yeah. They come in sets, so I can keep one too.”

Though initially surprised, Yumi smiles and accepts the gift, "Thank you, Asuka. I'll take good care of it." she said, fitting the bracelet around her left wrist.

"Yeah, I'll take care of mine too." Asuka replied, fitting her bracelet around her right wrist.

“Also, thank you so much for the wonderful night, Asuka. I haven’t had so much fun in a long time.” Yumi smiled, her ice blue eyes softening.

Asuka returns the favor with her own smile. Asuka is glad she decided to take Yumi out. Not only is Yumi cheered up and having fun now, Asuka has also found herself enjoying the night with her friend. However, this might get complicated with these next choice of words. “You’re welcome. I wanted to make this the best birthday you ever had.”

“What?” Yumi blinked.

“December 31st. Isn’t that your birthday, which is today?” Asuka asked.

“Y-Yes, but how did you know that?” Yumi asked.

“Shiki and the others told me.” Asuka answered, “Although, they asked me not to say anything.”

“Why would they do that?”

Before Asuka answered, she looks at the clock pole and notices how late is it. She decided now would be the best time to go back to Gessen.

“You’ll have to see for yourself.” Asuka gently grabbed a confused Yumi’s hand. “You’ll love it. I’m sure.”

Asuka and Yumi arrive back in Gessen later that night. They made their way back to Gessen's Ninja Room, where it is strangely quiet.

"Odd. Is everyone not here?" asked Yumi, taking off her jacket.

"I’m sure they’re here.” said Asuka, “Just follow me, okay?"

Not entirely sure what’s going on, Yumi heeds Asuka’s request.

After walking down a hallway, the duo heard voices. They looked for the source and a single room with the lights on, where the voices were coming from.

"Hurry up! They'll coming any second!" the voice of Shiki yelled.

"Don't rush.” came the stern voice of Murakumo, “We got started late because we didn’t prepare properly."

Yumi heard the bewildered voices of Asuka and Shiki next.

"I know. That’s why we need to make this a bash totally she'll never forget!"

"Bash?" Yumi became more and more confused. What's going on behind this door? She turned to Asuka, who looks rather disappointed.

"Yumi? Asuka?" Yumi hears Yozakura's voice gasp. She turns and finds Yozakura and Minori next to her.

Yozakura was holding a plate with a decorated white colored cake on top. She wears a light purple shirt and blue pants, which hugged her thighs quite nicely. Over her clothes is the apron she uses when cooking.

"Uh oh, she's already here…" Minori muttered. Minori was carrying several plates of food and sweet.

“Asuka, you brought Yumi back earlier than expected.” Yozakura said to Asuka.

“Well, it’s sad keeping her in the dark like this.” Asuka replied.

"In the dark…?" Yumi eyed the cake, which has 'Happy Birthday' elegantly spelled on it with whip cream.

Yozakura sees and begins to panic. She tried to think, but making up excuses isn't her strong suit. She shakes her, thinking screw it. "Well, the cat's out of the bag now. And after all that hard work keep it a secret." she sighed, smiling almost in relief.

"H-Hey, Yozakura!" Minori sputtered.

"Secret? What's going on? And what're the others doing behind this door? And Asuka" Yumi asked, growing more confused and frustrated by this elaborate plot the others are putting on.

"You'll know soon enough. It's time we went in." Yozakura answered, taking one hand and sliding the door open, revealing the Shiki and Murakumo in a colorfully decorated room.

This is meet with surprise from both girls. Shiki even fell off a foot stool from the shock of seeing Yumi after Yozakura opened the door.

"Ow! Yozakura, we weren't ready yet!” Shiki snapped Yozakura. She wore a black jacket, white shirt, and dark blue mini skirt that showed off her shapely legs. “And Asuka, why’d you come back early?!”

“Sorry.” said Asuka simply.

"It's your fault for taking so long." Yozakura retorted, "Anyway, Yumi, this is what's going. We were hoping to get this done sooner, but as you can see…"

Yumi gazed upon everything in the room. Decorations, such as streamers and balloons, numerous presents, and a table littered with food, and a huge banner that said 'Happy Birthday, Yumi!'. It didn't take long for Yumi to figure it. "This is a… a…"

"Birthday party!" Minori cheered, having set down the plates in her hands on the table, and pulled the string of a party popper, making it explode in Yumi's face, to the older girl's surprise. "Happy Birthday, Yumi!"

"Happy Birthday, Yumi." said Murakumo with her softer voice, removing her mask. She wears a white blouse, light pink cardigan, and brown skirt.

This hit Yumi pretty fast, she almost forgot how to speak. "…So, this is why you all have been so cagey lately…"

"Exactly." Yozakura answered, "Though, in all honesty, I was against all of the secrecy." she added, setting down the cake in the center of the table.

"No kidding. You should've seen the hurt and lonely look her face when she told me about this." Asuka said, sternly.

"So you were in on this after all, Asuka?" Yumi asked Asuka.

"Yeah, they asked me to keep you busy while they set this up. I was more than happy to help out, of course. But, from the looks of things, they were only halfway finished with the preparations." Asuka replied, scowling a bit at Shiki.

"We couldn't help being short on hands. Yozakura and Minori were in the kitchen preparing the food, while Mari and I were decorating the room." Shiki shrugged, clearly annoyed by this turn of events.

"We're sorry, Yumi. We weren't trying to be mean or anything. We wanted this to be a surprise." Murakumo clapped her hands together and winked, apologetically.

"No. I’m really happy." Yumi smiled, "I was worried that you might be upset with me, when I really had nothing to worry about. And I had almost forgotten about today myself." Yumi said, "Thank you… all of you. I'm really so happy." from out of nowhere, tears began to burst from Yumi's eyes. This caused some worried expression from her friends.

"Uh oh! Yumi's crying…" Minori exclaimed.

"Yumi, are you alright?" asked a concerned Yozakura.

"Don't cry, Yumi!" said an equally concerned Asuka.

"I'm sorry. I'm alright." Yumi dried her tears. "I'm truly thankful to you all, doing all of this for me."

"Eh, it's whatev's. Of course, things are still a little messy for a party." said Shiki.

"It's fine. Just spending time with you all is more than enough for me." said Yumi.

"The foods ready, so let's go ahead and enjoy ourselves." said Yozakura.

"Yeah, I'm hungry, anyways!" said Minori.

"Alright then, let's PARTY!"

Yumi's Birthday Party commences immediately. The girls eat the delicious cake Yozakura and Minori made, sang karaoke, and played games for most of the night. As for presents, Yumi received a fancy new coat from Shiki, a one shot manga made by Murakumo, a white and pink teddy bear from Minori, and a brand new light blue kimono from Yozakura.

After a night of partying, most of the party goers pass out from all the fun. All except Asuka and Yumi, who is now wearing her new kimono. Naturally it looked lovely on her. Of course, it didn't quite fit up top, since like her usual one, it falls off the shoulders and exposes her cleavage. Thankfully, she has Shiki's coat to cover it.

"This has truly been a wonderful night." said Yumi.

"Hey, Yumi, I'm really sorry for hiding this from you." apologized Asuka.

"Like I said, it's alright. I know none of you had any Ill will or malice towards me, and thankful that you all went to the trouble of throwing me a Birthday party. I haven't had one in years. Not even after Grandfather passed away."

"Yumi, do you miss your grandfather?" Asuka asked.

"Yes, I do." Yumi smiled sadly. "But, I can't stay sad, otherwise he'll be sad as well."

"Yeah." smiled Asuka. "Happy Birthday, Yumi." Asuka took Yumi's hand gently squeezed it. Yumi returns the gesture.

"Thank you, Asuka."

With this, the day comes to an end, and New Years begins.

{Pride, Friendship and Love}
PRIDE, FRIENDSHIP AND LOVE
''G-Good morning Miyabi'' Imu shyly exclaimed as she rendezvoused with Miyabi for the team's usual training session.

''Good morning.'' Miyabi replied as she was just starting doing her warm-up exercises. She turned her attention on Imu.

''Where are all the others?'' she asked.

''T-Them...well, they couldn't make it today. They had other businesses to attend to and left the academy'' Imu answered timidly.

''Each one of them?'' Miyabi asked again.

''Y-Yeah...anyway we're just the two of us...together...'' Imu was grinning as she looked away.

''I see...then it seems that we will be training ourselves alone today...'' Miyabi said with a worried look. They both started their warm-up exercises, all the while Miyabi could feel Imu's piercing glare on her. After they were done, it was time for the main training.

''Alright. The first test's requirement is teamwork. Several puppets have been deployed all around the school. We pass if we can take them down within five minutes and since we are just the two of us I will be counting especially on your assist Imu!''

''Y-Yes, you can count on me Miyabi. I won't let you down!''

''Are you ready? Then start!'' with Miyabi's signal they both dashed all around the school taking down as many puppets possible. With Miyabi's strength and Imu's speed it wasn't that hard, managing to anihilate all of them in about four minutes.

''Four minutes...not bad but we can do better than that. We are Hebijo's pride! If we want to reach the rank of Kagura we need to give much more than that'' Miyabi exclaimed pridefully.

''Yes ma'am'' Imu loudly replied. During the test she couldn't help but take glimpses of Miyabi every now and then. Her decisiveness, fierce yet elegant style and her muscular body was enough to light a fire under her.

''I-Imu...is something wrong?'' Miyabi asked as Imu was looking more than a little flustered. Imu immediately looked away again in embarassment.

''No...I'm fine'' she replied quickly.

''Now then, passing on to the second part. Imu you will be sparing with me!'' Miyabi said as she pointed at Imu.

''U-Understood'' Imu exclaimed as both took their positions and drew their weapons. They stared at each other.

''Just look at those eyes...so cold yet so bright and that body of hers...ahhh, Miyabi is soo sexyy when she's taking her battle stance!'' Imu couldn't help thinking as she observed Miyabi.

''Are you ready?'' Miyabi's words snapped her out.

''Y-Yes'' Imu took her battle stance.

''Then, here I go'' Miyabi shouted as she dashed toward Imu delivering a series of slashes with her Seven-Pronged Sword. Imu swiftly dodged the incoming attacks jumping backwards. Miyabi immediately followed continuing her assault of multiple slashes only to be countered then by Imu's Ruyi Bang. This took several minutes with Miyabi on the offensive trying to exploit weak spots while Imu was on the defensive, countering and dodging as much as she could all the while admiring Miyabi's moving body.

''You certainly are fast but staying on the defensive is not enough to provide you victory'' Miyabi speaked as she underwent her transformation changing from her Hebijo student attire into her Shinobi form. She charged once again, this time her attacks putting even more pressure for Imu to block them.

''Miyabi is right. I need to follow her example!'' Imu thought to herself as she also changed into her Shinobi form making her even faster than before. She passed immediately on the attack charging with her Ruyi Bang, clashing and exchanging blows with Miyabi's Sword, even managing to push her back.

''Ho?! I'm pretty impressed!'' Miyabi exclaimed as they continued exchanging attacks.

''I can do even more than this. Secret Ninja Art:Dead Fox!'' Imu's attacks were charged by lightning as she gained incredible speed, exploiting Miyabi's openings and managing to land multiple hits sending her crashing back, creating a huge cloud of smoke.

''I-Is this over? Miyabi are you okay?'' Imu worried about Miyabi lowered her weapon and got closer. She was starting to feel pretty tired.

''Don't let your guard down'' Miyabi exclaimed dashing through the smoke and positioning herself behind Imu.

''Secret Ninja Art:Delightful Inferno'' Miyabi enveloped Imu in a fury of darkness-infused slashes sending Imu flying and then crashing on the ground.

''Aughh...I can still fight'' Imu tried to get up only to be stopped by Miyabi's Sword pointing closely to her face.

''That's enough for now'' Miyabi exclaimed lowering her weapon and helping her get up to her feet.

''In a fight you don't have the luxury of worrying about the opponent. You're lucky that this was just training or else you would be dead by now'' she continued as they started getting inside the academy all the while holding Imu near her''

"I know..." Imu said looking disappointed. Miyabi noticed that and patted her head smiling at her.

''Still, you were pretty good back there. You are improving! That's what important. It's nice to have people like you around me. Comrades are one of the keys to becoming a Kagura and without you that would have been impossible. Thank you!''

''M-Miyabi...'' Imu blushed, her face becoming intensively red. She started tightly hugging Miyabi.

''Now, now...'' Miyabi looked away trying to hide the fact that she was also blushing. Together they continued for the main room.