Ayase’s blessing

"Arghh! Enough about this topic. This isn't the time for this kind of conversation, as I'm sure Ayame is very confused after finding out the truth." Tomoe finally snapped out of her embarrassment and bonked Ayase on the head quite hard. 

"Ouch! You didn't need to hit me, hmph." Ayase covered her head, although it looked like she wasn't hurt at all from the hit. 

"If it knocks some sense into you, I will do it again, but even harder." I remained silent, as I wasn't sure if things were escalating or if everything was just fine. The conversation was such a whiplash of emotions that it was hard to really tell the tone. 

"Fine, fine I'll stop." Ayase seemed to have gotten the message and agreed to stop playing around. 

"good, now Ayame. Please be serious with me. Is there anything you want to say?" Tomoe then turned to me with a soft gaze, which was rare in itself. 

'I'm guessing she wants to gauge how I reacted to hearing about my real mother.' 

"I don't know if its because I haven't registered it yet or because I didn't know my actual mother that well. But one thing I know for sure is that I still see you as my mother. There is, of course, a pain that I don't fully comprehend, but if she was killed for an unjust reason, then I want to get revenge for her or at least fulfil any wish she left for me." 

It was difficult to put my feelings into words, as I wasn't sad enough to cry, but I clearly meant a lot to her as my last name is her name. 

"I see, although that is quite the big declaration you made towards the council, we can discuss that later. More importantly, I promise I will be the best mother I can." Tomoe sat down on the side of my bed and held my face gently. I could see tears forming in Tomoe's eyes, making me also tear up. 

"Fufu~ revenge, that means you will be going up against the council, little fox." Ayase let out a chuckle and gave me a smirk. 

"W-wait only for those who killed my real mother." I didn't want Ayase to misunderstand, as I was aware it was just two of the members, not all of them. 

"I know, sweetie~ and I'm willing to help." Ayase looked smug, like she had something planned already. 

*Sigh* "Ayase I said we'd talk about the council later. Ayame is missing a lot of details and there is a lot I need to talk about with her." Tomoe wiped her eyes and snapped her head towards Ayase. 

"I know I am pushing myself into such a heartfelt moment, but seeing as I might be seeing Ayame a little more, I figured I should give her something as a little gift." Suddenly Ayase approached me, but before she got close, Tomoe stood up and grabbed Ayase by the throat. 

"I don't care what your standing is on the council, but you are not to touch my daughter. Not until I can fully trust you." I felt my heart drop for a moment, as I've never seen Tomoe this angry before. 

'Hold on, is Tomoe trying to protect me?' On the outside, it looked like a bunch of mood swings making this whole situation super confusing. However, I've finally noticed why Tomoe has been so unstable. 

'Everytime it involved me, Tomoe got a lot more aggressive, but when it involved herself, Tomoe was a lot more calm.' There is still a lot I don't know, but there must be more to it for Tomoe to act so defensive. 

They were old lovers and still held some kind of friendship, but because of Ayase's position, there is no guarantee she won't betray Tomoe. Although I feel like it's a bit late now.

"Jeez, if we are getting this close, at least choke me harder. I wasn't going to touch her, just planned to give her the goddess blessing." Ayase looked like she was struggling, but still slipped in a joke… I think it was a joke, at least.

"Should have said so in the first place." Tomoe let go of Ayase while still holding a glare. 

"I didn't expect to be grabbed by the throat by walking closer. I hope you know talking to you like this is a big risk for me, right?" This time it seemed Ayase was annoyed, which I didn't expect, but at the same time she was just grabbed by the throat. 

"You know what else I know? You like to use that charm of yours to gain information, so sorry for being a little sceptical when approaching my daughter." Tension was suddenly rising, but it was giving me a little more context into what Ayase can do. 

'Thats right, Ayase is everything involving love. It explains why Tomoe has been extra careful when it involves me.' Compared to Ayase, I was just a pebble on the ground when it came to power and there might be consequences if I come into direct contact. 

'I guess I'll find out more later once Tomow fills me in about the council.' 

"Okay, I am not that gross. I have my powers under control now and if they weren't, you wouldn't be so rough with me." No the tone shifted back to its playful tone with Ayase pouting her cheeks. 

"..." However, Tomoe remained silent and looked away, not acknowledging what Ayase said. 

"Come on, you kn-"

"Don't bring anything up in front of Ayame. Do your blessing and go wait in the living room." Tomoe's face turned slightly red, which was enough to set my imagination off. 

'Maybe I should of stayed asleep.' It wasn't on my list of things I wanted to think about, but I couldn't help it. 

"Fineeee." Ayase rolled her eyes at Tomoe before walking over to me. She stood a metre away and began to create a circle in the air. It was a pink light and very much like the ones I drew, it had a kitsune in the middle with runes on the outer rim. 

'Wow, they are so complex.' I wasn't even able to understand a single rune on the circle, which just showed how much stronger she was. 

Tomoe, of course watched intently, analysing every rune and would most likely step in if there was any foul play. 

"Head my call, Kitsune of love and bless Ayame with your power. Give her the ability to perceive emotions and control those around her." 

'This will be helpful in my assassinations.' Hearing the blessing she was granting me, the abilities were quite handy and would make engagements a bit easier since I tend to get quite close with some targets. 

"As well as realise her feelings for the one she loves!" Quickly, at the end, she added a part as well as some runes. The magic circle then imprinted itself on my back as I felt a warm sensation before it vanished. 

It was something I had gone through before, as I received one from Tomoe, giving me an affinity for the elements. This time, though I felt quite empowered. My heart felt a lot lighter than usual and my head was clear of something. 

"You bitch, what was that last part?!" Tomeo was on the verge of pouncing but was giving Ayase a chance to explain herself. 

"Don't worry, I just gave her a boost when it came to realising her feelings for Kasumi. I could feel she was in some internal turmoil, so why not untangle some wires that were getting in her way?" The explanation seemed to be good enough, but Tomoes still wasn't happy. 

"Isn't that cheating? Ayame can figure it out for herself, she doesn't need your help." 

My thoughts then wandered to Kasumi, which made my heart pump like crazy. It honestly felt overwhelming, as I had a rush of emotions that were foreign to me. 

"Tomeo, you know I don't use that power on anyone who is a "little" confused. I could see it turning sour especially since Kasumi has been taken away. If Ayame doesn't have the heart now, then she won't be able to save her." While I was coping with this sudden rush, Ayase elaborated a bit further with a more serious tone. 

"I wish I could say you are wrong, but I can't deny the master of emotions and her judgement." 

"U-umm can I get a more simple explanation?" My face was burning up and I found myself squirming as I found a strange heat buildup in between my legs. 

"Oh… It may have worked a little to well." Ayase let out a nervous chuckle, only adding to my confusion

"For fuck sake, Ayase." 

"It's okay, don't get angry. I just seemed to have underestimated how strong her feelings actually were." Ayase wasn't very convincing, but I couldn't care less right now! 

"Please?"