"Ehh..." Hanami looked at Kaede in disbelief as she was ushered out of the giant double doors leading outside. The hanyou touched her so casually, like they were long time friends. "I... I wasn't glaring at you, Kaede-san." Her cheeks burned red, she knew she couldn't lie to the half-demon but she did feel a sense of relief that it wouldn't be held against her. Hanami started to feel like the trip wouldn't be so bad after all, especially if someone like her could be so hopeful.

She raised a hand to shield her eyes from the sun as they walked outside. The streets were now crowded by bustling city folk, various side walk shops, and an ecstatic Mizuki dancing around. Hanami shook her head with a slight smile as people whispered among themselves about the Princess, who stood out like a sore thumb even compared to the most noble woman dressed in her finest clothes. In fact, they all stood out, this had to be the strangest group of warriors ever assembled.

Every so often, Hanami would glance over to where Mizuki was just to be safe. Her eyes widened when she caught sight of a furry tail peeking out from under her kimono. Hanami looked around frantically, and started to make her way over to The Princess to help her, but Akane beat her to it. A sigh relief escaped her, "That was close..." She muttered to herself, walking back over to Asuka and Kaede. For now she wouldn't say anything to Mizuki about it, not wanting to be too daunting as it was clearly her first day outside, and Akane seemed to have everything under control... for now. Yukimaru did warn them that she had a habit of wandering off.

"Miko-san..." A wounded voice sounded from somewhere behind her. Hanami turned around to see an old woman sitting down in front of a shop with an old walking stick, signaling her to come over with it. She looked around her to see if maybe the old woman was calling for someone else, but she looked to be the only priestess in the area. Her expression softened when she took in the weathered, yet gentle appearance of the old woman.

"Ah, Obaa-san. How can I help you today?" Hanami asked kindly as she knelt down beside her. She could tell something was physically bothering her, but would wait for her to say. The old lady responded that she had injured herself lifting up heavy crates when she was setting up shop, and asked if Hanami might have something to ease her back pain.

Hanami responded with a nod, before walking to stand behind the lady. She closed her eyes, placing both hands on the Obaa-san's lower back. A warm white light surrounded her hands as she poured her energy into the ailing woman, easing her back pain in less than a minute.

"Sugoi! Miko-san, your power..." She caressed her lower back in shock. "I feel... like I did 50 years ago!" The old lady got up from her stool, grinning at Hanami. " How can I ever repay you?" She asked, shuffling through her belongings. "I can tell you have a long journey ahead of you..."

"There's no need, really. It's... no problem." Hanami really didn't want any payment, but Obaa-san came over to her with a bag full of fruits and vegetables and other miscellaneous items and practically forced it into her hands. Amaterasu is smiling down on us today... The old lady held Hanami's hand in her own, wishing her good luck on their trip.

"Th-thank you, Obaa-san." She bowed to her, and then tossed the huge sack over her shoulders.

Noriaki stood frozen following the assault from Yuki, the one armed wonder, and simply watched with a blank expression as strands of her hair fell to the ground, their descent seemingly taking an eternity from Noriaki's perspective. She couldn't make a move, didn't know what to think, was this a threat or an invitation? Playful banter between comrades, or a warning? It was so hard to tell sometimes, and harder still now that she was departing, without the others. Noriaki bent down and picked up a few strands of her hair, sighing and releasing them again on the wind, smiling dimly.

"Your Highness," Noriaki said, turning to face the princess and the others before they departed, "I shall join you upon returning from the procurement of supplies with my sword-happy friend. Think of me. Miss me. Keep a place in your bosom warm for my return, and that goes double for you, my fellow warrior maidens. It goes triple for you, Flame Hair." Noriaki gave a quick bow and a blown kiss and turned on her heels to follow after Yuki.

"Hey, Yuki," Noriaki called to the tall back of the warrior, her own jogging just barely enough to catch up. Noriaki reached a hand out to grab Yuki's shoulder but thought against it. Hair could grow back. Hands could not. "I was serious about buying sake together! Come on, it'll be fun, the two of us buying sake, buying supplies. A little one on one time. So..what kind of sake do you prefer? Me? Thanks for asking, I enjoy it when it is sweet, a lower san-do, though have you ever had sake rich with umami? It's quite the treat."

Noriaki stopped speaking, a rarity, and turned her head to observe Yuki, gauging her reaction and how likely it would be that she would draw a sword and draw blood this time.

And so began the fellowship's long and fateful journey to Mount Fuji as the red-headed oni ushered Asuka and the beautiful miko onwards through the majestic palace gates and forward into the sun shining down over the crowded and bustling market streets of Kyoto. My how the city felt as though in-tact, even after the bloodshed of the early period. Even when Asuka laid eyes upon the grand city, she couldn't discern a single difference from when she sauntered through these streets years ago, still lively and full of such colorful spirits as ever. The sights and the smells, they all seemed to bring a sense of wondrous joy to the former samurai, the many shouts of merchants who have traveled far and wide to sell their goods to the people of the imperial city, the delectable aroma of Japanese delicacies wafting ever so temptingly in the breeze, and indeed the laughter of small children scurrying about the markets, like songbirds chirping their lovely melody as they played their youthful games, "Kagome kagome / Kago no naka no tori wa / Itsu itsu deyaru / Yoake no ban ni / Tsuru to kame ga subetta / Ushiro no shoumen daare" The Princess herself even appeared to be enjoying the splendor of Kyoto, but for a woman of nobility, who had spent nearly all of her days within the palace walls, this was no unusual manner.

A smile was all the ronin could register at this moment, however that smile quickly subverted into a gawk of astonishment and worry once Asuka laid eyes upon....a...a tail?! "Oro?" She breathed hesistantly before making a few steps towards the Princess, but the demon slayer Akane-dono was already miles ahead in covering the....obscurity of the honorable Princess. Asuka gave a sigh of relief, wiping her brow. "Indeed a close call, that it was...." Hmmm....so there is more to the honorable Princess than meets the eye, that there is. She pondered shortly as Asuka strolled alongside her companions, stopping yet again as the old woman approached Hanami, making notice of how the miko so diligently offered her services, such a generous soul she was. The samurai looked onward intently studying the miko, observing her talent at work. The old woman was right as rain within a few seconds, yet again reason for the ronin to smile. "You are indeed a kind heart, Miko-dono, that you are."

But it seemed other eyes were upon them as well....

"That's her! That's the killer!" It didn't take long for Asuka to register who these ruffians were referring to. "I'd recognize that face anywhere!" The men approached her, two or three maybe, their swords already drawn. Judging by the scars, they've had their share of violence, either veterans or just a couple of street urchins who've come to pick a fight for a cheap thrill. Nevertheless, Asuka humbly obliged them, "Oro? Is there something the matter?" One of the men, such a vicious growl he gave, confronted the samurai...albeit a bit too close for comfort, "You're damn right there is, you cold blooded bitch! You're Kushiami Asuka, the dreaded Slayer of a Thousand! I wasn't expecting to see your face around Kyoto again! Now you're gonna pay!" Pay? For what? Asuka raised an eyebrow to the man, indeed confused by this vengeful revelry, "Whatever could you mean? Honestly, I have no quarrel with you, that I don't, so if you would be so kindest to sheathe your blades, I would be very-"

"Shut up!" Another man spat in her face, such vileness these men emanated. "You should've thought of that before you decided to take our brother away, you heartless bitch!" So that's what this was about. These men were relatives, possibly close relatives, to a warrior that Asuka had slain in her past life. She never remembered much of the names and faces of those she had killed, but she could certainly understand the rage these few must've felt coming face to face with their brother's killer. "All Inishi-san wanted to do was appease our father's dying wish by becoming a samurai of the Emperor. He was barely thirteen and not much stronger than us, but he was ambitious and held on to his dream, but you! You, of all, had to murder him! Now it shall be your blood for his! Draw your sword, Kushiami-san, and prepare to die!"

Their pain, their anger, Asuka could feel every drop of it within their venomous words, and now in return for her taking away Inishi's life, they wanted hers. Asuka however would not oblige their blood-soaked offer. Somberly, the samurai bowed her head and whispered calmly to the men, "I understand the agony you must feel from this overwhelming loss, that I do, and greatly I am indeed sorry that it was my blade who cut down your brother's life in the prime, but spilling my blood will not bring peace to your guilty hearts, indeed it won't. So I must ask of you again, please sheathe your swords and let my companions and I pass."

Her message however, was barely taken by the rage of these swordsmen. "Sorry?!" they barked at Asuka. "All you have to say is that you're sorry?! You don't realize how sorry you are, murderer! Quit stalling and draw your damn blade, or better yet, we'll slaughter you right now, you and these other women?!" On that note, one of them attacked, raising his katana high and screaming headlong as he charged towards Asuka, but in the blink of an eye, his chin met with the pommel of Asuka's blade, sending the bastard skyrocketing and crashing to the ground. Something changed in the samurai, her casual demure....now a cold and bitter scowl, her voice even matching this frozen and harsh demeanor, "I can understand your anger towards me indeed so, but when you begin to drag innocent lives into this fray, then you are certain I am going to be angry. Your quarrel is with me and that is all, understand? You will leave these women out of any retribution you have. Now, I have asked you time and time again to let us pass, but if you will not allow us safe travel, then I will have no choice then to intervene."

Now there something definitely changing in the men. At first, they were fired up to spill Asuka's blood upon the ground, but...now they were frozen stiff, shivering in absolute terror of the woman and replying hesitantly and shaking, "W-w-whatever! W-we'll let you go!" And then they scurried off, carrying their unconscious friend with them. Asuka watched as the cowards darted away, sheathing her sakabatou and sighing rather relieved she didn't have to fight, but...she still made quite a spectacle before the others...

Kouko wandered out after the princess, figuring this would be a perfect time to start doing her job as a guardian. The streets were not only full of potential danger, but pickpockets and other riff raff that would likely find the Princess an obvious target. Kids on the streets were the most likely to resort to such tactics, and they often had quite deft hands, so she couldn't let her guard down. If the Princess continued to act like this, as well, she would inevitably attract attention from a pickpocket. She probably already has, actually.

"Princess." Kouko approaches the woman with a soft smile. "It's wonderful that you're so excited to see the city" but... hmn. If they went through with their mission, this would be her only chance. Did she have the heart to take that from her? ... Nope. "I-It must be your first time out of the palace?" This was said more quietly, otherwise she'd just be making the Princess a bigger target. If she stayed close, she should be able to stop any pickpocket from getting to their charge. She'd just have to stay close, then.

Then something else broke out. A fight? Someone was picking a fight with Kushiami-san. A group of assailants, who seemed bent on revenge. Tch. Revenge was a useless thing. Hatred and anger wouldn't bring their brother back, and neither would striking down his slayer. All that would be left afterward is sadness. Didn't they understand that? As they dared to extend their threat to Kushiami's companions, Kouko stepped between this recent spectacle and the Princess, hand going to the hilt of her sword.

Her sword could definitely cut fools like these... but should she? No... they only missed their brother. Her hand leaves the hilt of her sword, and she instead gets ready to punch out whichever fool decides to head this way first, but it ended over before that had to happen.

Ah! This would be the perfect time for a pickpocket to strike! Her attention is slacking. "I'm sorry you had to see something like that, Princess. Not everyone is like that." She shifts her attention back to her surroundings, resuming her vigilance.

Shiroko walked alongside the group, keeping watch over them from a distance.

They all seem to mesh so well... The fighters may have clashed at the beginning, but here they are acting like they've been friends for years.

She looked over to the princess, watching her caper through the street.

And what's more, they all seem to adore the princess. Not hard to see why, but getting attached to her is only going to cause us problems. If they can keep focused on the mission, I don't much care what they do, but it seems to me like they're all here for their own purposes.

"It's nothing really..." Her voice shook lightly, taking a step back when the angry men came over shouting with their weapons ready. Instinctively, her healing hands went to her bow, though she had no intentions of drawing her bow if it could be helped... She had no qualms about shooting out a knee or two if it came down to it. She listened to the opposing side patiently, shocked to hear that Kushiama had taken a child's life, but she wasn't as surprised as she should have been... It had already occurred to her that this disparate group of women had done some horrible things in their lifetime and she was past judging them. If what Kushiami had said was true, then she really did turn a new leaf, and she wasn't to blame that they allowed a child into battle. This is why she hated fighting, even if it was hypocritical of her. It was better to be skilled in battle than to not be.

Even so, Hanami couldn't bring herself to draw her bow when one of the guy's lunged for Asuka... Not because she didn't want to, but part of her knew that they deserved their closure for their brothers death. However, she was positive they wouldn't be able to land a single blow on the ronin, even if they all came charging at her at once. She could only watch with wide eyes as Asuka's peaceful aura shifted into that of a dark purple cloud as she took down the guy with ease. The other men noticed it too, dragging their comrade to his feet before scurrying off like scared puppies.

Her fingers relaxed as they fell from her bow, exhaling a huge sigh of relief when she saw Kushiami sheathe her weapon and her aura return to normal. She forced a smile, hesitantly placing a hand on the fierce warriors shoulder. "You handled that very well, Asuka-san..." With that, she headed over to where The Princess stood with the other warriors, wanting to get acquainted with the others a bit.

"Hello, everyone." Bowing slightly to her companions. "Princess, are you enjoying yourself?" She asked in her sweetest voice, glad to see Mizuki's extra body parts weren't showing again.

The overall experience of that encounter left the samurai....indifferent just a bit, and slightly apprehensive of what overcame her, the brief crack in the door of time, allowing a past memory to slip through and usurp her body, joy becoming anger, eyes beaming with happiness narrowing into a fearsome and dangerous glare. Though it was but for a fraction of a minute or so, everyone had once again witnessed the notorious fury and the cold, bloodthirsty infamy of Kushiami Asuka, the Wind of Death. It seemed only after Kushiami had sheathed her blade, her past self had fled back to those days of war and savage anarchy, and the more peaceful Asuka re-emerged yet again, a hint of somberness still remaining however.

"Oh....that...that I did, Miko-dono." She acknowledged Hanami's graceful yet trembling hand upon her shoulder and the kind, albeit fearful, compliment. "I'm terribly sorry you had to witness that, indeed I am. I was hoping not to make a spectacle of such, but those men, they have every right to spout hatred and anger towards me, that they do." She could only pray down the road this episode didn't repeat itself, but for the many lives she had claimed upon the battlefield, Asuka couldn't help but anticipate when the next attempt on her life shall come, be it from an assassin's poison or a blade clutched firmly by a family the Slayer of a Thousand had wronged. Atoning for one's sins was not the easy path, but the reward made it worth the long and perilous journey.

"I am glad to see everyone is safe though, that I am." Asuka managed to let a grin cross her face as she looked towards her companions and the Princess, who still seemed to enjoy the city and its many wonders. She was sure this wouldn't be the last of the dangers this band of women faced, but still these moments of peace she grew to cherish.

Mizuki had been so distracted that she was slightly startled by the Demon Slayers words. Her tail twitching before slipping around her waist once more under the kimono. A soft mewish whine escaping her lips as Akane mildly pinched a ear. It didn't really hurt, but she found her furry parts to be quite sensitive. Depending on how they were touched, they could case pain, relaxation or even pleasure. Smiling cheekily, she chuckled softly as she forced her ears to lower.

"Ah right.... I'm sorry, I'm just so excited to be outside. I don't even know what most of these wondrous things are." Mizuki said softly before curiously seeing the priestess assist a elder, a approving smile playing upon her lips.

Kouko then walked closely to her, seeming to state the Princess's excitement and ask if this was the first time. With a smile, Mizuki nodded in response, not really realizing her Guardians worries. "Yes it is. Father said it was too dangerous for me out here. That people like Hanami-San and Akane-San or dishonorable people wouldn't hesitate to attack me. Don't really know why though..." she explained softly before looking at Asuka who was confronted by a couple of men and they seemed to break in a little fight.

The princess was about to engage into the confrontation in a attempt to stop it, but it had ended quickly with the men running away. Blinking curiously, Mizuki moved closer to the ronin, gently placing a hand on the taller woman's shoulder. As if in a attempt to comfort or calm her new companion, a smile crossed her lips once more when Hanami spoke to her and she nodded happily.

"Oh yes.... This is indeed amazing!" The Princess said happily, before blinking. Her amber eyes flashed, similar to before, her ears twitching as she suddenly ducked and moved left as several strings shot out. They were extremely thin, barely visible to the naked eye as small sharp knives were attached in the end. The quick blades sliced her hat and tore her kimono into pieces. It left the right side just about completely torn while her ears now perked upright in full view.

The Princess looked around as the strings quickly disappeared amongst the crowd, before bristling as she remembered. Her ears flattened as she could just hear surprised gasps.

Kouko smiled to their miko companion and turned to look at the ronin. "You turned them back without a drop of blood spilled. Impressive, but..." She was planning to talk to pose a question to, but before she could, an attack was launched. The hat and kimono the princess was wearing were torn, revealing... was that what their attacker was planning? To reveal her in such a fashion? "An attack?! How brazen. Shield the Princess!"

In the meantime, she'd attempt to drag the assailant into the open. There. She could barely see them, but there were strings. She runs forward, approaching the strings with the source on her right. She gathers them with a swing of her left hand before also grabbing them with her right. From years of training, her hands her tough in all the right places, ready for a task like this. "Come out where I can see you!" She plants her feet and pulls, intending to drag their assailant into the open. If necessary, she uses the Ki she spent so long developing to make her position even firmer, and give her more leverage with which to pull.

Akane smile knowing how sensitive some Demons were in those areas. Of course she mostly used them for more lethal purposes than now. While it was a cute reaction she didn't like babysitting without any action to help out. The others caught up and were able to help protect the Princess from herself mostly. "On closer inspection your highness these things aren't wondrous at all. Honestly I find your interest in them surprising." To her this was a place full of annoying creatures that were either uninteresting or a nuisance. Some were outliers like Yuki or Kaede, but she doubted they would find many who could wield a large weapon with only one arm like a Demon.

They stopped when the revenge seeking men showed up brandishing weapons. Akane quickly assumed a position in front of the Princess hoping to keep her from intervening. It wasn't their fight yet. Akane did find it extremely entertaining for someone like her. While mere humans she did want to see at least a little bit of Asuka's skills. It however disappointed her in the end how they ran. Asuka was indeed a skilled and seemingly cold warrior, but they didn't even try to finish the job. "Well done Kushiami san, but it seems like they lacked the fortitude to finish what they started. Now that's unfortunate." she sighed almost sad to see it was over so quickly. Of course it was easy to get over since they were merely human rabble, so nothing impressive.

It seemed like the action was over for the moment. Before they moved through the crowd a series of blades shot out and hit the Princess. Akane reacted quickly covering the right side of the Princess and raised her Naginata ready to battle. The direction of the blades were apparent and with the Demon Slayer's reflexes she could prevent the princess from being harmed anymore. "This makes me wonder what that poet would do if she saw this." she mused while looking all around at anyone who noticed her other features. "Please i beg of any of you to act. Anyone makes one move against her will be eliminated swiftly. Its the only mercy I can give beasts of burden." The light shined off her Naginata's blade as if to emphasize what would deal with them if they didn't heed her warning.

Shiroko saw the blades glimmer as they grazed the princess, and immediately darted into the crowd where they had emerged.
Kouko was faster to react, grabbing the strings that the unseen attacker held, but that gave Shiroko a chance to get further into the crowd and cut off any escape routes.

"You are surrounded. Surrender now and you may yet survive your foolishness."

She spoke in the direction of the assailant, but she couldn't help but glance toward the Princess.

Ears?

Noriaki found her steps having to quicken to keep pace with Yuki; while Yuki was swiftly walking, Noriaki looked to be jogging alongside her, her swords clinking lightly against her armor. She raised no complaint on the matter, she was glad to at least be getting some manner of conversation out of her. And she did enjoy the way the crowds seemed to simply part, allowing the two of them undisturbed passage through the streets and pathways. It had to have been Yuki's presence, it was the easiest explanation to come to. Noriaki gave small nods and bows to some of the onlooking citizens, but decided against doing it to everyone they passed by, at that rate her neck would be sore.

"I can't say I've had blood in my sake, no, but tears? Absolutely, and not just my own," Noriaki spoke the last bit with an odd sense of pride, complete with a smirk and a nod that went ignored, "You must be incredibly bored or you've experienced something truly harrowing to drink so much and so often with no regard to quality and taste. I'm going to say its boredom, you don't look the type to get bothered by much, unless the lack of an arm and the scar on your face are directly responsible for your newfound addiction to sake."

Noriaki wasn't passing judgment, people had their vices, and if Yuki's was sake, more power to her for being able to stand and move, let alone function, after downing large quantities, or at least the assumption was that Yuki let it flow freely into her gullet, if her words were any indication.

"You know, I've brewed sake once or twice, had to make a little extra money to support myself before I became famous and all. Not so sure if it's any good, but if quality is no concern, well why not. Remind me to make you some. Fair warning, I like my sake sweet to the tongue, just the same as my partners."

If that counted as a flirt, Noriaki hoped it was one she could get away with.

And she was indeed correct as the blades of their unknown assailants sprung forth and tore through the air, gracing the honorable Princess and dicing her elegantly decorative kimono and her hat to pieces. "What cowards, that they are!" Of course so to attack so maliciously and from concealment within the shadows no less. Who were they? Hired assassins by a feudal lord? A sect of shinobi who held a violent and burdening grudge with the Imperial Court? It wasn't much in the matter of who they were, rather that they were attacking the band of women and the precious young woman they were guarding. Immediately, Asuka drew her sakabatou and joined the other women suit in guarding the princess, her eyes quickly deducing the position of the string close to them. Razor wire is more it seemed, given by the small glint of sunlight protruding off the sharp, slender surface.

While others scrambled in shock of what occurred, some villagers had remained to gawk at the...unexpected sight. Ears! There were ears atop the princess's head! It looked to Kushiami to be of canine variety, but she could ponder more on this later. They were still under attack. "Miko-dono!" She called to Hanami. "We should ferry the Princess somewhere far from these assailant's eyes, that we must! It would be unwise to keep her here in these streets for too long! Kaede-dono, if you can assist us, I would be much honored, that I would!" Suddenly, another volley of blades sprung forth, this time in a formation of sort, definitely meant to kill whoever was in their path. "Watch out!" Askua was swift in her defense, her sakabatou gliding fluidly through the twelve metal strings with such grace and precision only a samurai of her caliber could execute flawlessly, each bound snapping with a minute *twing* "Hurry, we must! There are more of them!"

Her back was turned when the blades flew right past her, cutting The Princess' Kimono and hat to shred right before her eyes, putting her furry parts on display for everyone to see. Hanami protectively stood in front of Mizuki when the second wave of blades came forth, scanning the area for their assailants and finding that they were surrounded by multiple people in high and low places just judging by the hostile auras coming from the various spots around them. They would have to fight their way through the city if the plan was to make it out alive.

"Right!" She yelled to Kushiami as she took hold of Mizuki's hand, preparing to make a run for it and quickly determining the safest route.

"This Way!" Hanami bolted for the alleyway, seemingly empty compared to the main street where everyone was still screaming and shoving to get away from the danger. It was in no way safe, but it was less populated and the best way to keep innocent civilians from getting caught in the crossfire.

Only a few seconds into the alleyway, a shadowy figure dove from the rooftop hurling a third wave of knives at them as he made his descent. Hanami pushed Mizuki out of the way, barely dodging the knives herself as one grazed her cheek, and another across her neck. She barely flinched as the knives made contact with her skin, only concerned with Mizuki's safety. When the perpetrator landed, Hanami anticipated his attack and drew her own concealed kunai knives before throwing them and impaling his hands in multiple spots. She thought that would at least keep him from using his weapons efficiently, but he drew a tanto... despite his trembling and bleeding fingers.

Kaede had been watching the young princess carefully out of the corner of her eye. She had been relaxed before whilst safe and inside the castle. Now the mission had started and they were in constant danger, now Kaede’s entire demeanor had changed, her face was cast iron cold and she walked with both confidence and command. She positioned herself near to the princess but also far enough away to see what was occurring around her. She had been frozen still, ready to rush over when she noticed the demonic features appearing out from under Mizuki's dress but luckily someone took care of it, to which Kaede gave a nod of approval before moving on.

The Miko showed off her oh so kind hearted soul which drew slight attentions to her, something Kaede resisted admonishing her for since that would cause more a scene. Still she was slightly annoyed, they were under alot of danger already, they needed to be alert, not good Samaritans. Likewise she ignored Noriaki's creepy flirting. Asuka-dono's little trouble however, she did not ignore. This was not something she could control and so the situation had to be managed.

The men seemed delusional, blaming a soldier for the death of a soldier. If they loved their brother so much they should have stopped him going. When it looked to turn messing Kaede maneuvered herself close to the men and held her hand close to her sword, prepared to defend her comrade if the need arose. She knew Asuka could handle herself but if she wasnt going to kill anyone problems could arise and Kaede was a master at handling bad situations. Still, she wasn't needed and she was very impressed by Asuka's own calm control of her own problems. It was very impressive to see and Kaede gave her a brief grin and shoulder pat of approval before returning to her spot close to the Princess, ensuring her safety.

A few seconds before the attack to their princess, Kaede sensed some closing danger, her eyes glowing a strange red and her head snapping to face the princess as she watched the knives slice past her. The Miko and Asuka-dono managed to snatch up the Princess as Kaede came running over and leaped up onto the buildings above, following the Princess and little Miko and Asuka from the rooftops. It was well she did for she found at least three men had had the same idea. One leaped down into the deserted alleyway before Kaede could catch up but the other two did not escape Kaede's blade. As one tried to follow his comrade Kaede threw her chain weapon, the weighted end swinging around his ankle and catching him mid air, letting Kaede yank him back into her drawn sword whereupon she gutted him as he flew passed and let his body fall into another street. The other had turned to face her, two daggers drawn and ready to attack, preparing for Kaede to stop and at least wait for an opening. He was wrong. Kaede charged forward, careless of the blades he held, her face a mask of cold killing intent. She let him pierce her shoulder without even flinching before slashing sideways and opening up his gut. He collapsed, leaving the blade in her flesh, which she continued to ignore as she turned once more and leaped into the alleyway, catching the final aggressor on her sword as he staggered back from the Miko's own well aimed attack. She ran him completely through, twisting her blade to ensure the most damage before sliding it gracefully from his chest and standing there, over his body, barely even panting.

With a face of slight annoyance she carelessly pulled the dagger from her shoulder and threw it away. Her eyes anxiously checked over her companions, especially the princess. They all looked generally unharmed except the Miko who had a few cuts from daggers. She nodded in satisfaction and looked around, noting the strategic advantages and disadvantages and ways out of their position.

"We need to leave the City more urgently than we first thought, come. Asuka-dono please guard our rear and Miko-san stay close to the Princess." She gestured from them to follow her, holding out her hand and moving cautiously towards the nearest exit she knew from the city. This was not the first time she had had to rush to escape this city from people trying to kill her, it was an occupational hazard for a half-demon. But it meant she knew alot of secret dark alleys and ways through the buildings to not be seen. Even so she kept up her guard at all times, ready to fight and defend the princess. Her clothes were already stained in blood, some of it her own, however the wound in her shoulder had already stopped bleeding, an effect of her heritage.

The Princess watched as her guardians jump to her defense as the crowd of citizens let out gasps of horror at what they saw. Stunning white silver hair with a pair of canine ears to match. Amber eyes that glowed brilliantly in the sun, fangs sticking ever so slightly on the corners of her mouth and her fluffy white tail that was attempting to cover the exposed half of her body. Confused as why they screamed in fear, crying out that there was a demon.

"D-Demon! It's the demon Lord Yakoto foretold! It's the Demon of the Moon! W-Were all going to die! It will kill us all and eat I our bones and turn our children's into slaves before our eyes!" one man screamed in terror as others backed away fearfully, mothers quickly taking their children away. Akane dared them to fight but Mizuki moved in front of her, her gold gaze wide with worry.

"No, I'm not going to hurt you... Why are you so scared?" Mizuki asked in concern, blinking a little as she heard one of her brothers names. Was he the cause of this? Frowning, she moved closer but Hanami had grabbed her hand, preventing her from attempting to reassure the civilians.

As the strings were pulled by Kouko, there was mild resistance before wooden puppet was pulled out instead of a actual person. The puppet had a mouth with sharp teeth and it cackled softly as it stood once more as it held dual swords. Its head tilted to the left, before fully spinning in a circle, it's blank black eyes never leaving its targets. Quickly, five more appeared with different weapons like the Naginata, a giant ninja star, a spear, dual fans, and daggers. They moved quickly, surrounding Akane, Kouko, and Shiroko and made swift and precise attacks.

The Princess yipped a bit as the Priestess pulled her into a alley followed by Kaede and Asuka. She quickly followed Hanami at her pace, not wanting to go to fast and leave her behind. Her ears twitched as Kaede fought some attackers from above. Blinking as Hanami pushed her out of the way of a attacker that landed in the alley, the princess was about to pull out her sword to assist the Priestess but Kaede already jumped down and finished him.

Furry tail bristling at the sight of blood, Mizuki frowned as she looked to Kaede and Hanami. "Are you two okay?" she asked in a concerned voice more worried for their well being then her own. A little ironic considering she was the one they were protecting but she still worried for them. Kaede remarked they needed to leave and Mizuki slowly nodded in agreement, gingerly taking the fellow half demons hand as she followed.

"Why is Hanzo doing this?" she murmured, feeling a little hurt as she recognized the men and the puppets. Hanzo was perhaps the best ninja in Japan who served her brother Yakoto. A master strategist and knew many techniques. He was one ninja no one wanted to encounter, if they ever saw him.

Shaking the thoughts aside, her eyes widened as more puppets appeared at the end of the alley, cackling softly before charging forth.

The city was indeed too dangerous now to linger about for long, and as Asuka was quick to presume, someone was definitely after the Princess, a man by the name Hanzo. Asuka didn't know much of a Hanzo, nor has she ever met the mysterious assailant that pursued them through the streets of Kyoto. Likewise, this Hanzo was exhibiting nefarious and well laid tactics in his assault against the warriors and the Princess, a battle-plan somewhat familiar to the samurai, having crossed it before in her previous bloody endeavors. But the time for reminiscing of such was naught. Sword drawn, Asuka swiftly followed behind Hanami and Hime-dono, covering their backside from demise as Kaede-dono commanded of her. It was indeed a sight to witness Kaede's infamous fury in battle, her blade already crimsoned by the time she landed the first strike upon her foes. "I shall guard them with my life, Kaede-dono, indeed I will!" She hastily called to the red demon, marveling the woman's quick and vicious handiwork. She certainly hadn't changed at all.

Right at the end of the passage they escaped through, demise was beginning to lay in store. What ill sorcery be this? "Puppets?!" The macabre wooden figures with their disturbing Cheshire grins lanked forth in all sorts of horrific and grotesque jerks and spasms, their wooden limbs clinking against the thick bark of their chests. The cackles they issued were indeed an intimidating irritant to the ear, yet Asuka remained unfazed by the bizarre men carved of tree limbs. One by one, the puppets unsheathed their weapons, swords, spears, even one wielding a sort of axe-like blade, all glinting crimson with blood spilled fresh. "Miko-dono! Get the princess away from these foul creatures, you should! I shall handle them!" Their cackles grew in decibel as the promise of fresh blood was issued, that or a challenge.

And soon, they lunged forth to Asuka with a terrifying shriek, the cold, dead emptiness of their eyes ever increasing their haunting and malicious presence to the samurai, yet Asuka did not falter to their phantom nature, standing in defiance rather than shirking in terror of the puppets. There was that shift again in her demeanor, the cold, murderous mask overtaking her cheerful face as she gripped the handle of her sakabatou tight. "To send false warriors to do your bidding is COWARDICE!!" One slice was all it took, one swift and ferocious swing of her blade, and the wooden soldiers were dashed to pieces, falling to the dust and mire below the samurai. "Hanzo-san, I command you to come forth and face me as a true man of the blade, instead of sending your puppets to stain their splintered hands in innocent blood!"

It was unclear if this Hanzo would come forth to the challenge of such an opponent. After all, there were many a warrior who wouldn't pass the opportunity to test their mettle against a samurai as legendary as Kushiami Asuka. "Come forth! The Slayer of a Thousand calls for you!"

Akane tried to follow the Princess but was immediately stopped by a wooden enemy. What Kouko pulled out into the open was a puppet. Akane raised an eye brow at that new development. Before she could make a snarky comment even more came out surrounding them. Their movements were inhuman and unintentionally silly to Akane. "You all have the stupidest grins. Other guardians try not to die" Akane half heartedly said not really caring one way or another.

When the puppets attacked she waited in a combat stance with the fun end facing their way. The enemy wielding the same weapon charged at her along with another one who held a spear. Akane stood there like a statue slowly tightening her grip. The slayer could see her opponent's movement slowed down and just waited until her face was less than a second away from being skewered. In a blur she dodged the attack ducking low and sliced at their legs in one wide strike removing them at the waste.

Of course being what they are it wasn't going to be the end for them. With two swift strikes their heads were bisected. "I think I'm ahead. How about you t.." Before she even finished a giant star whipped through the air nearly decapitating the Demon Slayer who bent backwards nearly falling down. It crashed into a building behind her. "Huh that's new."

Hanami inhaled sharply as Kaede's sword cut through the assailants chest and twisted around before dropping him to the ground like garbage. This was one of the few times she didn't feel bad about a life lost considering he was willing to take theirs just a few seconds ago. Who knew she would be grateful for a half-demon being around?

"I'm fine, Princess. It's just a scratch..." She offered a reassuring smile to Mizuki... That was until she saw a herd of puppets racing toward them from down the alley. She drew another kunai knife, ready to defend herself just in case a puppet wanted to get up close and personal, even though she knew their weapons wouldn't work so well against these new enemies. Aside from the obvious wooden *clunking* sounds they made, the puppets had no life surrounding them which meant she wouldn't be able to anticipate their attacks if they were hiding, and that they could regenerate as long as their master was around.

Hanzo...? The name sounded familiar to her, but she had no idea who he was... Something told her she would find out very soon. Hanami glanced over her shoulder as she was running to see Akane and Asuka battling the puppets. A part of her really wanted to help them, but she had been instructed to help Mizuki get away, and that was their main priority right now. Plus, the others didn't seem to be hurting in battle.