First-Born

Shimiko had made up her mind. After considerable thought at the Summit and talking some things over with her ANBU lieutenants, Shimiko had decided to retire from the ninja world. She had been planning a retirement for some time but the advent of world war had kept her out of the dugout and on the field. With the revelation that an even greater war was to come, she felt compelled to stay in the fight. However, through prayer and mediation, she came to realize that her continued presence at this stage may do more harm than good.

Desiree needed her and if she planned or fought this war like a kunoichi too afraid to lose herself, then she might very well be a liability. Ryuko was back, Nozomi was on their side, and there were ninja of merit whose skill rivaled or exceeded her own. "Arisu....Satomi" the names sounded foreign to her. They had flown under the radar for so long and now they were the talk of the town. The latter was the Hokage brought back to life by the former. "Kitsuki" a Princess whose strength was so unreal that her bow sounded like a cannon when it was fired. People were calling them the "New Big Three." They were part of a new generation of warriors that would in time usurp and surpass the old. Just as how Shimiko, Akihiro and Nozomi had climbed to heights that the likes of Kazuya, Nikuyo and Nee-san could only dream of, so too would the fresh blood. Years ago, she'd have been furious. She'd have defied their claim to her throne and challenged them to a death match whenever the opportunity arose. But she had changed. Now she welcomed their entry into the world of shinobi and though she longed to test their mettle, she knew no good would come of it. She had her daughter waiting at home for her and that ray of sunshine felt sweeter than a thousand bloody victories. It was time for her to pass the torch and this retirement would be the first step.

The only thing that remained was alerting those close to her that she intended on retiring. The first people she planned to tell were the twins. Yui and Yua had grown up to be independent and well-functioning adults despite the abuse they suffered. Well mostly well-functioning.... Shimiko couldn't help but be concerned about Yua's party hard behavior. She had read that it was to be expected when it came to Shinda Twins, she just hoped it wouldn't consume his life the way it had others. Yui will take care of him... she reasoned. She had raised them to look after each other. The world was cruel but she had no doubt they'd make it. In many ways, they already had. They had risen to the top of the Orthodoxy's hierarchy and were now the leaders of the very Church that she had sworn to protect. Shimiko was proud of her children and that's why they'd have the honor of being the first to hear her decision.

Shimiko was wearing a varsity sweat shirt, mini-black blazer, red skirt with matching leggings and a pair of black boots. A very typical outfit for an atypical conversation. She had sent word for Yui and Yua to join her in Kotari Park. The pair would of course understand the significance of the location. It was where she had first met them.

The twins had received word Shimiko was retiring it was a sad time but they understood why. She had a small child to care for after all and she did not need to worry about the twin's safety now that they controlled the church and had toned down their aggressive killing nature at least publically. She had given word for the pair to meet her where they had first met, the memories flowing in their minds, they were starving to death basically with no one to care for them. Shimiko brought the lord into their lives along with her light that pulled them from the darkness.

When they arrived Shimiko would be shocked Yui was in a formal dress looking quite beautiful and Yua was dressed in a very nice suit, sadly they were not allowed to go alone with the Jashin church making sure to secure the entire area. Yui would smile as she made her way toward Shimiko, Yua giving his smug smile as well as they would look toward the stars. To them she was the star that had changed their life forever, they were grateful for all of eternity no matter what happened.

"Do you remember the first time we met, nearly starved and in terrible shape, having been abused and considered trash by our adopted father. To us so are a bright star that guided us through the darkness of the universe, you gave us your love and gave us our Lord Jashin. We love you now and for all of eternity, we will never forget you and what you did for us. We also made a song we hope you enjoy just sit and listen as hour hearts are both poured into this and enjoy the show."



As the song would begin the lighting in the area would begin to change with a spotlike effect centered on Yui and Yua, in the background water bubbles made by members of the church would begin to float in various shapes. Tears came down both their eyes as they sang their hearts out, she wasn't the star after all she was bigger she was the moon that gravitated around them and kept them balanced. Small fireworks would begin to fire off showing various life events in the shapes, the good and bad times they had, until the grand finale simply saying We love you forever Shimiko my your life be forever blessed.

As they finished singing they would run up and hug Shimiko tightly, they truly would miss her but it isn't like she would be gone, they could still visit and see her and her child. It would just become harder with the twins having to hard focus on keeping the Jashin church ideals the way they wanted.

Shimiko turned around and saw the Twins approach her. Yui was wearing a beautiful dress and Yua had on a handsome suit. Each of them had pure gratitude in their eyes and when they spoke their final farewell, Shimiko couldn't help but cry. She had always been an emotional person and anything concerning her children acted as a magnifier. The pair proceeded to put on an iconic performance and Shimiko watched with pride as they paid a wonderful tribute to their time together. The Twins saw Shimiko as a star who had guided and saved them from the horrors of their abusive step-father, but this was not a one way street. In many ways, Yui and Yua had saved Shimiko. Before she met them, all she knew was murder and violence. She lacked empathy for others especially the most vulnerable. But bringing them into her life had given her the opportunity to self-evaluate. She learned what it mean to have complete and total love for another regardless of how "strong" or "useful" they were. She learned how to re-direct her bloodlust to those who deserved it. The traffickers, pedophiles, and assorted scum that preyed on innocence for their own gratification. She had learned to be a weapon for righteousness. It was the Twins who helped her see what Mora really was. She had been blinded by her own devotion and gratitude to the woman. She couldn't see what the crone was turning her Church into or the danger she posed to the Necrossiah's Orthodoxy. Yui and Yua had stepped up to confront the one person that Shimiko never could, and for that, she'd always be grateful. Her conversion to a better way of living was all thanks to her meeting the twins. If it was not for them, she would have never been in a position to even attempt raising Desiree.

Shimiko watched as the bubbles floated through the sky. It was like a metaphor for all the dreams she had as a child. To be loved by a family....To be a great warrior...To be a better mother than my own. They rose higher in the air, touching the heavens and filling her with hope for the future. When they ran to Shimiko, she embraced them and hugged them tightly. Tears were streaming down her face and she was practically sobbing now. If she kept up the ugly crying, her makeup would be absolutely ruined.

"I love you two so much" she said in between sobs. "I'm so proud of you both....not just because of what you've become but because of what you've overcome. I know you'll be busy but I want you to come visit as often as possible y'hear?" She squeezed them tightly not wanting to let them go.

Shimiko was brought to tears, she hugged them both so tightly as both of them would cry some as well. This would be the end of them being as close to her but they would never forget her and would protect her at all costs. They had to change this world in order to protect and save someone like Shimiko, there were many in this nation that would go out of their way to try to kill her once she stopped being a shinobi. They would never let anyone do this however, not a chance they would end anyone's life that even breathed wrong toward Shimiko, they had to change this world to make sure to get rid of all the things that could ruin their lives.

"We will come to visit as much as we can, but as you know we are trying to better the world so we will be quite busy. We never could forget you in our lives, and we will make sure to make you proud with how we change everything for the better. If you ever need help do not feel bad asking us for help, anytime we can we will come by, we love you dearly and would protect you at all costs."

"We are sure you have much to do Shimiko and we have things we cannot leave alone for long. I am sorry but you know how it is with the church, we will make sure to give you the word of our great feats anytime we can and we will visit as much as humanly possible."

Shimiko nodded even as the tears poured down her cheeks. Yui and Yua were so grown now. They were fully independent adults who were not only leading their own lives but thousands of others. They had risen to become the leader of her faith, arguably closer to Jashin than herself. She had longed for this day. She had prayed with all her might that one day they'd be able to stand beside each other and support each other without her protection or assistance. Now that that day was finally here, Shimiko found it to be bittersweet. She knew they'd visit as often as they could but the reality of the shinobi lifestyle and their role as Superior Sacristans would necessitate sacrifices. Both literal and figurative. She kissed them both on the cheek and replied.

"I understand...." she broke the hug and stood back from them. "You must tend to your flock" she smiled and held each of their hands. "You don't have to worry about me....you just keep the village safe....and never turn your back on each other. No matter what. Will you promise me that?"

Assuming they gave their word, Shimiko walked between them and put her arms around each of their shoulders. If permitted, she'd aim to spend the rest of the evening with her Twins. They would reminisce on the past. Laugh. Cry. Talk about the future. Everything and anything. The show was absolutely breathtaking and it was the final send-off she needed. With their love she was able to finally close this chapter of her life. The next battle she'd fight would be raising her own child. But no matter how difficult that journey would be, she would always remember the joys and challenges of raising the Yui and Yua. For they would always be her First-Born.

[Fade to Exit ]

The twins smiled and gave her one last big hug they had things they had to do, the church was something they certainly needed to take care of. They had noticed recently another faction spinning up in the church one that supported the ways of Mora, they would need to carefully watch this faction and be prepared to make a move if it was needed.

"We will never abandon each other and of course we will protect what's important to both of us. We hope you enjoy your new life and we will continue to strive to be the best we can be. Well, it is time I can feel the anger of the church with us leaving all the work to the secretary. Farwell Shimiko you mean the world to us and we will never forget you."

The twins would take their leave as they headed off toward the church, smiles on their faces soon the world would figure out their true plans. They put on a good front but in reality, the tailed beast had begun to affect them, they were slowly turning into what the monster wanted as their seal had slowly weakened.

-Exit Thread-