"Miko-san!" Kouko called after her before running to the riverside, though she stopped before jumping in. The wounds on her arm would be easy to open, and she couldn't risk the movement. Especially seeing that Asuka had already jumped in and managed to pull the two of them up onto the riverbank. She rushed to the priestess's side and knelt, watching the Princess tend her. Concern flashed over her face as she witnessed the brief change in the girl, but she seemed able to fight it. It was fine, for now.

More pressing was the Priestess. The tree spirit offered them a liquid, and the Princess quickly went about encouraging the priestess to drink it. Kouko bows to the large spirit before turning back to the two in front of her. She'd spent her energy already... She sighs, sitting properly at the priestess's side. She hadn't done much, in the end. How frustrating...

Asuka was a bit shocked at how brash the Princess acted, sucking upon the tainted wound and...was she daring to ingest that same poison into her bloodstream? She was close to pulling Mizuki away from Hanami, but Akane, the seemingly arrogant demon slayer, offered something to aid the samurai's healing. Demon bone?! The ronin blinked in utter astonishment and bewilderment towards the bizarre black powder the demon slayer offered her, then towards Akane with a perplexed expression. "I umm...." Rude it would be of her to reject such a kind offer, but wouldn't there be some unsavory effects in ingesting the essence of a terrifying and unholy creature such as a demon? Upon further scrutiny however, Asuka caught the slayer's jovial smile, a jest it was. "Gratitude indeed, honorable slayer." Asuka gave Akane a thankful half nod before reaching to grab a pinch of the fine ground between her fingertips. One slip past her teeth though and unto her tongue, she immediately puckered at the wretched taste of the compound. It was....definitely not the most pleasant of tastes to grace the ronin's mouth, but Asuka forced herself to swallow it, feigning a delighted smile towards the demon slayer. "Ehehehe....it's delicious, that it is..." It would be a dishonor to spit out that which the slayer offered, but....Asuka was sure tempted to do so.

After observing the Tree Spirit offered his healing essence to their fallen miko, the samurai gave her thanks to the wooden colossus and knelt beside the poisoned woman, lightly dampening her forehead with a cloth drenched in the cold, but oddly rejuvenating waters of the stream. "I am glad that the venom is quelled, that I am, but we will still need to acquire an andidote for her." Asuka had a knowledge of medicine, but only for those used to heal wounds upon the battlefield. Antidotes, tonics, and other remedies, they were untouched knowledge to her. "Perhaps we will need to seek another maiden or an apothecary, indeed we may, but for now the Spirit is right, Miko-dono needs rest, that she does."

Then, the one armed warrior opened her mouth again, and as such venom, possibly far more toxic than what ailed the miko, spouted forth. Her boasts, her arrogance, the grew heavy upon the ronin, testing her patience and her demure. The original Asuka, she would've already had her blade to this woman's throat by now, but the ronin refrained from such vile retaliation, rather opting to quell this indifference peacefully. She stood from her perch, casually dusting off her frayed hakama before meeting eye with the arrogant woman. "You talk rather full of yourself, that you do, honorable samurai, but even the swiftest of swords fall to their own one day, even if they do claim to be the most predominant in battle, that they do." Asuka's hand reached for the woman's blade, the gargantuan sword a tad heavier than the ronin's preferred tachi or in more recent her sakabato. "It is indeed impressive you could wield such a cumbersome weapon with only one hand, that it is, but no matter how heavy or swift it is, a sword is a sword, its only purpose is to kill. It is more of a merit how a samurai uses that sword, indeed it is. I will not offer you challenge, that I won't, for this is a time of recovery after battle. Perhaps when our morale is high, I shall accept the opportunity, that I will, but for now I ask you samurai-dono, sheathe thy blade."

Rusalka said
Such the reprimanding that Asuka took for her foolish and not so well thought out actions from Kaede, but it was a little less fiery than the static the injured warriors caught from their fellow guardians. She hadn't the damndest idea it would upset her crimsoned companion so greatly, but at the same time she felt honored somewhat that Kaede-dono was worried of her safety. It showed to the former samurai how much had changed between the two, from bitter foes upon the heated plains of war to allies now of the same cause. Though the half demon was stern with her, Asuka couldn't help but smile brightly and give a humorous chuckle, wincing a bit from the small bouts of pain from agitating her recently dressed wounds. "I am indeed glad you are safe too, my friend, that I am...." She replied to Kaede, struggling to lean forward and rest her arm on the woman's muscular shoulders, Asuka's abs more sore than ever. "And it is indeed good to be back in the world of the living, that it is." Soon after, the Princess had awoken, right as rain.

Kaede hadnt really realised how much of her concern had come through into her voice. At being called friend and actually recieving warm amicable touches and smiles from Asuka she actually turned a bit of a frustrated red, along with her eyes shimmering crimson a little with happiness. She muttered something under her breath about not mentioning it and other nonsensicle things. She did stop to note the teetering Miko, watching her carefully as she swayed and eventually collapsed into the river. There was alot of sudden bustle and when Asuka rushed in Kaede tried to pick herself up to go in after her but she couldnt reach a stand before the Princess had done what she had intended.

After that there were alot of offered remedies and poultices and other poison dealing concoctions, however none of them were actual cures. She would be fine either way but and antidote would work best. Kaede knew the poison since she had taken some of it herself and after she blundered over, still looking tired and floppy, she slumped down next to the unconscious Miko and took a long sniff at her wound. The smell of the laceration was all she needed to completely figure out what poison it was and a brief rifle around in her sleeve pocket brought out a small vial of antidote for it. She administered it to the little Miko, flinching slightly when the Demon Slayer mentioned the demon bone ingredient in her mixture but not addressing it. Then she left again and collapsed back near Asuka.

"And still you do reckless things Asuka-dono, if you cant swim then let others save the girl!" It was only a muttered admonishment, her wounds had sapped her energy again and she could feel her heart palpatating hard against her chest, making her short of breath. This was probably a good thing as the one armed Ronin decided that was a good time to start a dick measuring contest. Which seemed odd since they were all women and should be above that sort of thing.

Raineh Daze said
"I doubt that most of your guardians could even lift my sword, princess," Yuki stated, making a move--and then moving the opposing side, even as people fell into the river, got poisoned, and generally caused themselves no end of trouble. She was too far from the river to drag someone out, and she couldn't do anything about poison, so why even get up? "If the ninja refrained from simply trying to kill, then I highly doubt the success of this entire trip. Look what someone simply testing your defences did."

She gave a brief groaning growl at her words. Annoyance swirling in her chest but mostly apathy. What a weak-willed and immature person this one was. She would think better of a trained Ronin such as her. "Guardians who didnt do anything to help dont get the luxury of critisism. If you're so good then why didn't you use that over-weighted blunt club-sword of yours to kill the bastard and have done with it." Her words were more of a muttering to herself rather than an actual challenge but they were audible.

Rusalka said Then, the one armed warrior opened her mouth again, and as such venom, possibly far more toxic than what ailed the miko, spouted forth. Her boasts, her arrogance, the grew heavy upon the ronin, testing her patience and her demure. The original Asuka, she would've already had her blade to this woman's throat by now, but the ronin refrained from such vile retaliation, rather opting to quell this indifference peacefully. She stood from her perch, casually dusting off her frayed hakama before meeting eye with the arrogant woman. "You talk rather full of yourself, that you do, honorable samurai, but even the swiftest of swords fall to their own one day, even if they do claim to be the most predominant in battle, that they do." Asuka's hand reached for the woman's blade, the gargantuan sword a tad heavier than the ronin's preferred tachi or in more recent her sakabato. "It is indeed impressive you could wield such a cumbersome weapon with only one hand, that it is, but no matter how heavy or swift it is, a sword is a sword, its only purpose is to kill. It is more of a merit how a samurai uses that sword, indeed it is. I will not offer you challenge, that I won't, for this is a time of recovery after battle. Perhaps when our morale is high, I shall accept the opportunity, that I will, but for now I ask you samurai-dono, sheathe thy blade."

Kaede chuckled at this, flinching when it pulled her shoulder wound open but not regretting it. "Haha, that'll be fun to watch. We'll see how your hack and slash style does against The wind of death." She smiled wide imagining the battle and how thoroughly the berserker would be beaten. Oh yes, so very satisfying that would be. It crossed her mind at that point that the Peacock wasnt with them and this gave her another boost to her happiness.

"If I am not mistaken, what the Tree Spirit has offered is a sacred remedy of some sort. You shouldn't underestimate the power of such a substanc, Kushiami-san. If our Tree Spirit friend says that she will need only rest now, I believe him." Kouko nodded gently to the spirit, before turning her eyes back to Hanami. It relieved her to know the priestess would be ok.

"Kushiami-san." She had been reminded of the matter when she heard mention of sheathing swords. "About those men that confronted you in the capital. The ones who... lost their brother." She considers her next words for a moment before continuing, "are you satisfied with the way that situation ended? It didn't seem to me like the matter was resolved. I'm not suggesting we return, but... it seemed to me like nothing was resolved."

There were other matters being discussed, but she didn't feel the need to interject. Cetainly not when someone else was already making counter arguments. To do so could only cause more arguing. It hadn't gotten out of control, either, so it was fine.

Sighing softly in relief, she gently picked up the Priestess bridal style with utter ease. It was perhaps odd for a princess to do such a thing, but Mizuki didn't really care. She felt less restrained now that she was out of the palace. Carrying the Priestess into the hollow of the tree, her ears perked as she gingerly stripped away Hanami's clothes, setting them to the side before stripping what remained of her kimono and covered it over the unconscious priestess.

Luckily, she had planned losing the kimono anyway. Despite her fathers wishes, it would have been impossible to hide her looks from her guardians whom would stay with her almost all the time. So now she wore more suitable traveling clothes.

Standing up once again, she walked out and watched the others curiously, her lips gingerly pressing together. As Yuki, Kaede, and Asuka spoke to one another she simply smiled. "There are more things then strength, Yuki-San. Still, I thank you all for taking care of me. Please look after Hanami-San. And be sure to rest, okay?" she said with a kind voice as she walked closer to them, gently patting Asuka's and Kaede's heads and and looked to the others.

Despite how she felt a bit sore and tired, her excitement was returning. But she didn't want everyone to go worrying about her. Most of them seemed pretty tired besides Yuki.

She turned to the Tree Spirit and smiled innocently. "Is it alright if I climb your tree?" she asked and once he nodded, she didn't even wait for a response before she used her powerful legs to jump up. Landing neatly on a branch.

Standing, she looked around before leaping up to another branch. "Wow the view is amazing!" she cheered happily. Yes, she was worried for her comrades, but there was not too much she could do. They were more experienced with these kind of predicaments and she didn't want to sit around and mope either. She was finally outside.... Free.

"Hyaa! Wataaa! Yaaa!"

A young girl dressed in simple cloth swung around a wooden stick, her feet just shy of trampling all over a freshly planted field, which would endanger the harvest to come in a months time. The young girl had hair of a unique shade, it was almost silver in its color but was actually a light black upon close inspection. A band of sweat dropped down her forehead as she continued to swing the stick, making noise, off in her own world. Nearby to the farm field, three armed men, each carrying swords at their waist, continued their discussion, paying no attention to the young girl and her loud noise making. One day. One day they would take notice. Daily the girl would come out to the fields and swing around her stick, making the same noises, each day returning to her home disappointed, but not disheartened.

"Ho there, girl, what're you doing?"

The girl stopped, wiping sweat from her forehead. One of the armed men had approached her at long last. He had a handsome face and spoke with a certain authority, not sounding harsh or rough, but gentle and firm. There was a smile on his face, and the young girl looked up to him with awe, before meeting his smile with one of her own.

"I'm fighting an army of intruders for the glory of my lord. I've sworn not to let a single man through, and I'm dueling any who so much as come forth!" The girl proudly exclaimed, punctuating her sentence with swings of her stick.

"Oh? Is that so? Well, with footing like that, and such a weak grip, your lord would be in danger, as any skilled foe would take advantage of these weaknesses," the samurai spoke, his tone playful, friendly, as if he genuinely wished to assist.

"No..be...because I'm doing it on purpose! See, I make them think I have obvious weaknesses to fool them, and then WHAP POW WATAAA! I cut them down!" The girl demonstrated her point by swinging the stick wildly. Playing along, the samurai clutched at his heart and fell onto the grass, exaggerating a dying enemy.

"Ack...to be tricked...how shameful...before I die...please...tell me your name, mighty warrior..."

The young girl, picking up on the little game, stood over the defeated samurai, stick held proudly over her head. "I'm Noriaki Okamoto, the greatest samurai in all of Japan!" And then she brought her stick down to deliver the finishing blow.

~~~

"Noriaki, you can't be here."

Years had past since their first meeting, and Noriaki had blossomed into a young woman. The samurai, Mifune Shimada, she had befriended as a young girl had grown as well, He had become one of the lord's most respected and trusted samurai, revered for his knowledge of swordplay, tactics, and his loyalty. That night, as she had done so many nights before, Noriaki had snuck into Mifune's chambers, ostensibly to continue the lessons Mifune had been giving her since their first meeting. Mifune, being rather wise, knew the true meaning for Noriaki's actions.

"But why, Mifune? I am here for lessons, as promised. I am here to learn to be a samurai. I owe much to you, the lessons, the friendship, everything. You are my dearest friend, without you, I would not even be here." 'Here' being the lord's manor, which Mifune brought Noriaki to. Noriaki thought it was to become a samurai, but in truth it was to serve as mistress to the rather lecherous lord who had grown bored of laying with his wife and was in need of younger, more attractive women to fill his needs. She was brought on as a chambermaid as a cover, but there were few who were not aware of her true purpose.

"I know why you are here, Noriaki." Mifune had his back turned, he didn't want to face Noriaki, because he was terrible at hiding his feelings, they would be as clear as day on his face.

"Then all the better. I do not love Hayashida-sama. It is you, Mifune, it always has been. Why do you not see this?"

"I cannot, Noriaki. It would not be...proper." Mifune struggled to find the appropriate word. Noriaki didn't pick up on the hesitation, on the selective word.

"Mifune...do I disturb you so? You cannot even look at me."

"Return to your poems and your stories, Noriaki. I will teach you more shortly, but you must trust me. Your feelings for me are...they are not true. You do not love me."

Noriaki left Mifune's chambers with tears. As she closed the door, Mifune closed his eyes shut, to prevent his own tears from falling as well.

~~~

"Hayashida-sama is dead..."

The news traveled quickly that night, tales of a poisoned meal and the silent assassination of their lord made for quite the commotion. Caught up in this was Noriaki, now a woman in her own right, who was just as confuses as the others. So she did what came naturally. She sought out Mifune. Mifune was waiting on the stairs leading the Hayashida's chambers, waiting for Noriaki. Mifune's eyes were full of sadness, of sorrow, as Noriaki approached. Noriaki paused, for sitting on the steps was not the Mifune she knew.

In fact, it was made clear now that Mifune Shimada was not a man at all, but a woman.. "Noriaki..." was all Mifune could say as she stood and approached the young Noriaki, embracing her with a hug. Noriaki was confused, but not upset...this...the reveal of Mifune's gender...it seemed right. But now Noriaki knew. She understood why Mifune was so against their love. She had much to lose had Noriaki found out, had Noriaki continued to press the issue.

"Mifune...you...a woman..."

"Yes. I have been lying to you, to everyone for years, but I had to. Women do not typically find service as samurai, Noriaki, I could not risk it. I..I am sorry to have deceived you."

The two women stood in silence, neither sure what to say to the other. "Mifune...I-" Noriaki spoke, but was silenced by Mifune's finger pressed to her lips.

"Noriaki, those feelings you had before? Remember them. They were not wrong. They were not misplaced." Mifune spoke softly, brushing a hand through Noriaki's hair. And then Mifune stepped closer and wrapped Noriaki into an embrace, kissing her for what seemed like an eternity to Noriaki. The two of them were locked at the lips, Noriaki blushing, feeling the same love, the same feelings she had when both were younger and when Noriaki believed Mifune to be a man. Amidst the panic, the commotion of the assassination, Mifune took Noriaki to her chambers and they shared themselves, finally giving into the feelings they both had for each other. Noriaki thought it was the start of something wonderful.

"Noriaki...I am sorry that I will be unable to read more of your poetry. You have a gift, you know. My final advice, my final lesson to you, is to never doubt your passions, your emotions. You will be a fine poet one day, and if you remember my teachings, you could be a great samurai." Mifune's words made Noriaki smile; it was the kiss that came after those words that got Noriaki blushing. Mifune left her chambers, giving a final smile towards the sheet-wrapped Noriaki.

It was the last time Noriaki had seen Mifune alive. She was loyal to her lord even unto death.

~~~

Noriaki Okamoto shook her head, offering the woman next to her at the village eatery a smile. Noriaki poured herself another serving of sake before drinking it down. The woman next to her was cute, and in any other circumstance, Noriaki would waste no time in giving into her passions. But unfortunately for the village woman, she had asked Noriaki a rather personal and mood-ruining question.

"No...no I don't remember my first kiss. There have been so many, they all just...bleed together. But I am certain I would remember yours, my dear, for your lips look as delectable as the finest sake...but do excuse me."

Noriaki gave the disappointed woman a smile as she stood and left the establishment. She sighed, the village somehow seeming less inviting and comforting. She took a seat underneath a tree, and got lost into the memories of her own past.

Hanami blinked her newly opened eyes back to crystal clear perfection. She shivered and coughed lightly, some water coming up from her lungs mixed in with... some green ooze that the tree spirit gave her when she knocked out in the river. Sitting up rather slowly, Mizuki's kimono slid off of her upper body, leaving her completely bare. Unfortunately, her long black hair clung to her still damp skin and wouldn't reveal too much... Unless someone was looking very hard.

"Everyone..." She said hoarsely, looking around for her comrades and ignoring the burning in her throat. No one probably heard her since it came out only as a whisper. They must have given her quite a few things when she was out, because she had the strangest taste in her mouth... it was indescribable.

Aside from her burning throat and feeling slightly lost, she seemed to be in perfect health. She got up from the grass and sat with her legs tucked to the side, the rest of Mizuki's kimono sliding off of her. How lucky she was to be alive! But, why did she feel...something tickling her backside?

Hanami looked down, it was just the grass...waving around and tickling her... It took only seconds before she registered what was going on, and when she did she let out a yelp and turned completely red in the face. Someone had undressed her? She knew why, but why did they have to leave her out in the open like this? This was inappropriate!

Scrambling around, she balled Mizuki's kimono up and hugged it to her chest, embarrassed.

Akane tried to hold back a laugh as she could see Asuka's features briefly twist as she tasted the powder. Of course almost annoyingly polite the samurai thanked her. She did hope it helped since even someone like her couldn't take on an army. From the stories she has heard about some of these women, they were more than capable of taking on dozens of enemies at the same time. However their abilities were noticeably not well used. It was obvious how needing to protect the princess made them all more vulnerable. Akane herself was less likely to be hurt since she forced herself to cover their flank. Her job was only to kill and distract, but acting as a shield wasn't her job at the moment.

As a small conflict seemed to brew, Akane seemed attracted to it as she slowly moved over to them. Merely observing their boasts and challenges was entertaining enough. Of course she did know Yuki was correct. "Maybe you should never have battled a ninja?" Akane said as if it was something obvious to everyone.

"You are correct that this group of guardians aren't really great at the title. However we should at least know each other's strength. Some of us at least are highly skilled, but I'm sure we are more effective if we know each other's strengths well." Akane pierced the ground with her Naginata and put her pack down there. "I don't much care for working with any of you, but it is unfortunately the best option for the one we are charged to protect."

Without even waiting for a response she laid down on the grass not feeling like standing to address them. Akane fell asleep rather fast, but woke up immediately when she heard a frightened maiden. She sat up and saw Hanami just as she covered herself up. "Curse my need to sleep." she mumbled before laying back down.

CirusArvennicus said "Kushiami-san." She had been reminded of the matter when she heard mention of sheathing swords. "About those men that confronted you in the capital. The ones who... lost their brother." She considers her next words for a moment before continuing, "are you satisfied with the way that situation ended? It didn't seem to me like the matter was resolved. I'm not suggesting we return, but... it seemed to me like nothing was resolved."

Yuki was indeed a stubborn one, and her arrogance only served to deafen her of what Asuka spoke. Surely all this woman who wielded such a daunting weapon desired was more battles, more bloodshed, more...unrest. Asuka stood silent, yet stern in the face, and listened to the one armed warrior prattle boastly about seeking the perfect opponent, someone who matched her. Was she intent on calling out the ronin to this challenge. If so, then Asuka again would only decline. Seeking no further word with Yuki, the ronin instead released a sigh as she watched Mizuki carry Hanami to a safe place to rest and turned to the smaller woman, the one who wielded a sword of peace. "Ahh....indeed I am satisfied that the turnout was not inane bloodshed, that I am Kouko-dono, but...with the overall meeting of those three beguilted men, indeed I am not. There are those who seek my blood upon their blade, indeed it is so, retribution for those I have fallen in my early years. To me, I do see their anger and their relentless enmity as just for my trespassing, indeed I do. Redemption is but the staggering path, but the reward makes the journey worth its misgivings, indeed it does."

Likewise, Asuka could only suspect situations such as what befell her with those three would appear again, and if one was to bring death forward, then it shall be so that her life be taken by the vengeful blade of the wronged ones. "I hope that has answered your inquiry, indeed I do, but if you may excuse me Kouko-dono, I must see that Miko-dono is well, indeed I should." She gave the tiny woman a bow of courtesy before moving towards the hollowed tree where she last saw the Princess carrying Hanami to, once again noticing the Princess had strayed from her protectors' ever-vigilant eyes. "Oro? Hime-dono! Please be careful, that you should!" She called up to the playful girl who was giddily laughing atop the majestic tree of the forest. "I would hate for you to be hurt again, indeed I would be, so please if you would, come down from there!" Afterwards, she stumbled into the hollow of the trunk, eyes accidentally falling upon an....interesting view to say the least. "ORO?!!!!"

The miko, she was well indeed, and well....nude. Frozen, the ronin stood mouth agape and eyes widened astoundingly at the woman's surprisingly beautiful figure, only accentuated by her flushed red skin and how coyly she clasped the ball of discarded clothes to her bosom. The samurai's cheeks, upon sight of the undressed maiden, instantly matched Hanami's shade of red. "A-aah....I-I...I..." Was the only few words that managed to fall from her gawking lips before she panicked greatly and slammed her hands over her peeping, sinful eyes, "I-I-I'M-I'M-I'M VERY SORRY, MIKO-DONO, THAT I AM!!! P-PLEASE FORGIVE ME FOR BEING SO RUDE!!!" And with that, Asuka turned tail and darted as swift as she could back to the campsite, cheeks ever blazing red from this mortifying encounter.

She fell next to Kaede, instantly ducking her head and obscuring all view of her face away from her half-breed companion, giving only a stammering response, "I-I do believe Miko-dono is quite w-w-wwell, that she is ehehehehe......"

Mizuki continued to climb higher and higher so she could see over the forest, though her sensitive ears were perked as she listened to her guardians. Most didn't pay much attention to her as they continued to discuss their strength or something. Was that what warriors talk about all the time? Seems silly, but she guessed it would make sense to test one another's skills. Comparing ones strengths must just be how Samurai and the like do things.

Pausing at her antics as she heard the worried voice of the ronin Asuka, her golden gaze looked down to see the black haired woman come to the base of the trunk before halting into a stop as she noticed a particular sight inside it. Most likely the naked priestess. Just like that, Asuka started to scream her apologies before sprinting over to where Kaede was.

The princess tilted her head in slight confusion. Sure it was a bit rude to look upon a woman's naked body, but they were all women so it wasn't like it was a new sight right? Maybe Asuka was just a sensitive soul when it came to things like that.

Standing up on the branch, she laughed out loud a little, her golden eyes glimmering with amusement. "Asuka-San, try not to reopen your injuries. And take off your clothes as well or you will catch cold." she scolded like a playful little sister before looking around once more! totally ignoring the Ronin's wishes of her coming down.

This was the best thing ever! She had never seen a forest before. All that pent up demonic energy would finally get a little relieved. After all, she wasn't allowed to jump, carry heavy things, or run around because her father didn't wish her to act like she was.

Ears perking as she looked below, her eyes following the stream to see a secluded water area that was slightly steaming. Was it a hot spring? Excellent! Her new comrades could rest and relax at least for the night. Not really thinking about her actions, Mizuki jetted off the branch in one great big leap.

"Wooooohoooo!!!" The Princess howled before disappearing behind the luscious undergrowth and trees. Her clawed fingers gripping a branch as she fell, though it broke off with ease and she had to grab another. Then she just let go as she fell into warm water.

Kouko considered Asuka's response for a moment, though her attention was turned swiftly when the woman began shouting. Judging by her face, and who she was apologizing to... "Kushiami-san, aren't you over-reacting? We're all women here, I believe that was the point. And the Princess's advice is sound, you should probably join the priestess." She'd have to bring their conversation up again at a later time to continue it. Kushiami-san seemed a little too concerned about the priestess to have a lengthy discussion at the moment. Fair enough.

Speaking of concerns, there goes the Princess, off into the woods. Kouko follows after her, not wanting to let the Princess out of her sight for long. Or, at least, without one of her Guardians nearby. "Hime-sama? Please don't run off on your own." She pushes brush and foliage aside as she steps through the wooded area. She almost slips and falls into the hot spring, in fact, though her eyes light at the sight. "Aah! Hime-sama, you've quite the find here." She smiles and starts to shed her clothing eagerly. Just what she needed to relax and recover! This would be perfect! Once she was bare, she slipped into the hot water, sighing happily and finding herself a place to sit, with her shoulders submerged. Even if talking about each others strength seemed like a good idea... this one seemed better.

Hanami sat on the floor, trembling and wide-eyed as she stared at the demon slayer that had taken up residence next to her. How long had she been there?! Now that would make two more people that had seen her naked without her permission! Hugging Mizuki's kimono closer to her chest just as she heard grass crunching under the weight of someone's feet, her eyes darted to the entrance, and then around to see if maybe there was somewhere she could go. She should have yelled stop, but all she could do was just... stare... with her mouth slightly open. It was... Kushiami-san. Why was she coming in here anyway?!

She watched as the the ronin lost all composure, and turned into more of an embarrassed mess than she was. It couldn't have been worse for Asuka than it was for her, she wasn't the one that had been naked! What was there to do now? Hiding was useless, and her clothes were somewhere outside. Well, At least Mizuki's Kimono's was still somewhat wearable. Quickly, she put it on like a robe, noting how luxurious it felt and then walked outside of the tree. She glared at Asuka from where she saw her laying with Kaede, and looked away, her face getting hot again. Maybe if Asuka didn't act like she was criminal for seeing her naked, it wouldn't have been so bad.

Hanami shielded her eyes from the sun that beamed down on her. She decided it would be a good idea to go for a walk, and maybe look for some herbs like she planned. So, with that, she set off on an herb hunt, occasionally thinking of how flustered... and cute Asuka looked earlier. It was a nice change from the way she was when they were fighting. It was a shame Mizuki had already left, or else she would have invited her.

__________________________________

After she was done, she stumbled upon a hot spring. It was gorgeous, and had the most beautiful stones she had ever seen. The best part? It looked empty. Ahhh, just what I need. She thought, sliding her arms out of the Kimono and tucking the handful of herbs into it before setting it underneath a tree. Not even bothering to check the temperature, she slowly stepped into the water, a light sigh escaping her lips as the hot water washed over her whole body. Oh, yes! She was in heaven...

Hanami moved around in the water slowly, her vision slightly obscured by all of the steam. *bump!* Her...chest bumped into someone's back, and... she...couldn't believe it. There couldn't be someone else in here! She would have heard them...right?

"Ahhh!" She yelped as she felt something fuzzy and long between her...thighslegs. Hanami flailed in the water, grabbing at where it was, and then pulled up a tail?! Clutching it in between her fingers rather tightly, she blinked as she inspected it. Realizing what it was, she quickly let go, shocked.

"Princess...?! Are you okay?" Hanami wondered why she was there alone... Well, if she was alone. Part of her wanted her to be, but if she was she would think that was very careless of the rest of them to let her wander off by herself when they were supposed to be guarding her.

Most would think an exhausted warrior like Akane could easily get a good sleep, but no unfortunately. She turned over constantly frustrated for some reason. Probably because the images of a particular half naked Priestess kept popping up in her skull. Eventually she got up, splashed a lot of water in her face, and then looked around wondering where some of the group went. Especially the Princess, but she seemed extremely difficult to keep in one place. The Demon of Satsuma was still here and Akane figured she could bother/speak with the samurai.

She walked over genuinely curious about the warrior. Someone like her was in no way average, and these types of people often interested Akane. "That is one mighty weapon you wield Demon of Satsuma." Akane was genuinely drawn to it anytime the woman used it. It was obvious Yuki was very strong, but that weapon seemed perfect for someone like her. "The stories I here of you make you sound like an actual Demon that pierced the heavens with that weapon. The tales of it seem to be spun by idiots, but I do wonder where did you get it?"

It was a different tone than before. Akane did find her guardians at least somewhat interesting. She wasn't merely jesting about speaking to some of them about what they can do.

Rusalka said
And with that, Asuka turned tail and darted as swift as she could back to the campsite, cheeks ever blazing red from this mortifying encounter.She fell next to Kaede, instantly ducking her head and obscuring all view of her face away from her half-breed companion, giving only a stammering response, "I-I do believe Miko-dono is quite w-w-wwell, that she is ehehehehe......"

Kaede had just ignored Yuki after that. She was not a person she cared to talk to. Asuka on the other hand was a much more interesting conversation partner. She grinned as she heard the various squeaks and shouts from, what she had gathered to be, an unclothed Miko and a shocked Ronin. She chuckled when the woman came to hide near her, lazily extending her hand and patting her shoulder and ruffling her hair. "I'm sure she is in fine fettle, you look like a rose, you've gone so red. If she's that pretty then I should take a look myself!" She laughed warmly but without much taunting or teasing. "I jest, I jest, I would hope Hanami-san has sorted out her clothing problem by now. How about we go and see what all the kerfuffle is about? An Onsen is just what I need." She dragged herself up and gestured for Asuka to follow her before making her winding way towards the spring. She saw that everyone seemed to be settling in nicely, the view particularly nice for Kaede as she looked down upon many unclothed ladies.

She disrobed nonchalantly, her full buxom beauty on show for all to see, as she lowered herself into the warm water and sighed with much pleasure and comfort. "Ahh yes, that'll help very nicely."

After that little mortifying debacle of the late noon, Asuka wasn't too sure if more full frontal nudity was needed to have her eyes set upon, eventhough she too was a woman, but still it didn't feel right to the ronin, trying to hold what dignity she had left from that hair-raising moment, to look upon the beauty of another woman, especially one of purity such as the...ever lovely Miko, with eyes of yearning. But despite how dishonorable and wrong the act of such felt to the black-haired warrior, she wasn't going to lie about somewhat enjoying the spectacle of the beautiful shrine maiden, wrapped only in her natural glory and of course the discarded kimono of their fair Hime-dono. Just the enamored grace of the sunlight dancing off her fair bosom, it brought an abrupt change of tempo to the warrior's heartbeat, seeming to only...intensify more when she was around....Kaede-dono? Her once nemesis on the field of battle? Asuka felt....drawn to her?

Well sure the hearty woman was indeed charismatic and robust in her jovial jests, and Asuka was indeed impressed by her fellow samurai's prowess in the art of the blade. There was also the pressing matter that....Kaede exhibited such a natural beauty, in both a mental sense being her innate ability to curve even the most sorrowful of frowns into a smile with just her own, and also....a physical sense. But on another subject other than Asuka's odd ponderings towards these women, a refreshing Onsen sounded marvelous to the ronin, especially after this eventful few hours they've had the liberty of being dragged through. She followed her crimsoned companion upon the woman's gesture to do so, already noticing that Hanami and the Princess have already sauntered into the rejuvenating, crystal clear, steamy waters of the spring. Either it was the heated vapors wafting from the Onsen that tinted Asuka's cheeks back to that shade, the same as Kaede's exterior, of red or....it was because yet again her eyes fell upon Hanami...disrobed yet again. And to make matters worse, Hime-dono was also nude and so was Kouko! That made three....wait, now Kaede was joining them...four....four nude figures tantalizing the ronin....

"Oro....." Asuka was unsure now, should she join or just return to the camp and wait for the others to finish their bathing before she had her turn. Likewise, she desired to feel those hot waters bathing her tattered and torn skin, the healing qualities a nice soak in an Onsen could bestow, but it seemed less and less tempting with all these women flouncing about her in the nude. "Eh...ehehehe......I-I think I will just let you four enjoy the hotspring for now, that I will." Nervously, she gave her reply to the girls before taking a seat underneath a tree, not far from view of the Onsen, and relaxing into a meditative pose. She had also made sure to yet again, hide her shameful blushing cheeks. "This is indeed blatant temptation....that it is...."

Mizuki chuckled as the little kunoichi mildly scolded her for going off alone. "Ah do not worry little kunoichi. Relax a little." she said with a cheerful smile as she removed her soaked clothes as well! setting them to the side upon a warm rock.

Indeed, the hot spring felt good on her tired body and she could barely feel the injuries she sustained. Although it was tempting to go and wander off deeper into the forest, the hot spring at least kept her at ease. Never had she experienced such a relaxing bath, back at the palace, sure she could go into the royal bathe but it was nothing like being out in the open like this.

Ears drooping to the sides slightly in relaxation, she barely caught someone else entering the spring. Already figuring it was one of the Guardians, she was about to turn and greet them but froze when she felt something really soft press against her back. It wasn't like anything she experienced, very soft, warm and yet firm if not a little squeezable. The princess also found her tail in a warmer part of the spring, trapped between two soft objects. Curiously, her tail moved up to brush against the solid surface only to freeze as she heard a scream and she felt a pair of fingers grip the fluffy appendage.

"Yeouch!!!!!!!" Mizuki yelped painfully a bit loudly, her body whirling around in the water to see the Priestess.

Whining a little, her eyes watering a little as she grabbed her own tail and gently started petting it. Only recently she received such extra body parts, but she knew they were very sensitive after playing with them herself. Golden eyes flicking to Hanami as the priestess asked if she was alright, giving a playful pout as a response.

"Hanami-San I know I startled you but please be gentle with me, okay?" she said before smiling brightly. "I'm glad your awake and looking well. You had us all worried. You shouldn't forget to take care of yourself too." she said leaning close so their noses were barely touching before perking up as she spotted Kaede and Asuka.

"Hi Kaede-San, Asuka-San. Glad you could join us, this hot spring should help your bodies feel a little better." Mizuki chirped, obviously uncaring how close she got to the Priestess despite both of them being absent of clothes.

As Kaede stripped and entered the spring but Asuka went over to sit by a tree, Mizuki frowned in disapproval before climbing out of the spring. Smoothly crawling on all fours to the Ronin before sitting up. Giving the Ronin a stubborn disapproving look.

"Asuka-San, you should join us as well. I think you need it the most. So get in or I'll make you." Mizuki said firmly, despite the cheerful smile she had. Her tail wagging innocently behind her.

"I'm not a ninja." Kouko pouts as she sinks a bit on the water. Everyone seemed to be calling her that lately. Maybe she could move like one, but that didn't mean she was one. She didn't have any extra tools or extra stealth skills or anything. Hmph. She watched as the priestess entered, and bumped into the Princess. It was an amusing interaction to watch, but something bothered her about it. It was kinda funny, anyway, they way the priestess reacted. Kaede and Asuka arrived shortly after, and Asuka elected not to enter. Seriously... It was easy to see at this point, what Asuka was in to. Had she never thought about this sort of thing before? Talk about repressed... This was going to be interesting.

"Kushiami-san, hurry up and get in. It'll only get worse until you confront it." What did confronting it entail, though? Who knew. She smirked and moved over to swat playfully at the end of Mizuki's tail. It was such a fluffy thing, she couldn't help it. Though it was wet and not very fluffy right now, it was still cute. Those ears, too. She was just adorable!