Pausing as she felt the strong grip on her shoulder, Mizuki only halted to let Yuki speak, despite having quite a deal of strength. Her ears twitched softly as Yuki spoke, her golden gaze glancing to the forest thoughtfully before looking at the one armed warrior.

"Well, as you put it, they can't seem to protect me when I am in sight and you already doubt we will make the journey. Practice makes a better swordsman... And I won't learn either if I'm simply stand aside and do whatever everyone else tells me to. I've been doing that since birth. Even if you or anyone is there, if I just sit down and do nothing... Maybe even watch you get killed.... Then I'm not worthy of protecting and no better then the people after me. Apologies, Yuki-San.... I hope you will teach me another time." The Princess said softly, a soft smile upon her lips before she bolted once more, jumping up and into the trees as she swiftly jumped from tree to tree, swiftly disappearing in the woods.

It didn't take long this time to get to the hot springs, no strange sudden nightmares. However, only Kaede was there. Stopping, she looked around for the others and sniffed the air. It seemed Hanami's and Asuka's scents had gone off. Odd... Her golden gaze then looked to Kaede questionably, her tail flicking from side to side.

"Kaede-San, where are the others?" the princess asked the red haired half demon! her golden eyes wide with worry.

(post deleted lol srry >_<)

Such deep concentration the ronin had put herself in, that indeed she was unaware of the ever-changing world around her, so much that anyone, even a small forest critter such as that tiny fox could take her off guard. Such had occurred to her, but thankfully it wasn't an imminent peril from the killing blow of Gankuro's katana. Actually, and strangely to the ronin, it was a very welcomed sight. "Oro?!" Immediately Asuka tensed, losing all color in her skin and becoming pale as a spirit when the miko took her by surprise by unexpectedly emerging from the twigs and the thick brush of the sacred forest, such bravery for the once infamous Wind of Death. "Mi...Miko-dono? What are you doing here? You should be back at the camp with the others, that you should indeed. It's dangerous to follow me where I am going." She must've overheard the samurai when she gave strict yet humble instruction to Kaede to not reveal her whereabouts, for Kaede would never betray the ronin's trust and her honor, unless.... No.

Hanami, she followed Asuka of her own regard, simply for the reason of asking the woman to turn back, telling her that she didn't have to face Gankuro, the dreaded Kurohebi, alone, and despite the warm and....well beautiful smile she showed to the samurai, Asuka could yet again pick out the features of the maiden's face that betrayed her false happiness and rather exhibited worry for the woman's life. Once again, Asuka's heart ached with that all to familiar guilt. What was she thinking forsaking everything and everyone upon this harrowed path she traveled towards an unknown and grim fate? But if only Hanami and the others knew why she must go alone. "Miko-dono.....I......I can't...." Lowering her head, the warrior exhaled yet another bothersome sigh.

For some reason, some unearthly urge, she felt as though she...she needed to touch the woman, only by resting her hands upon the slim shoulders of Hanami and looking straight into the girl's eyes with her most sincere and apologetic of expressions, although the samurai's eyes contained behind their light blue irises....sadness and regret. "It is not that I wish to forget you and my companions, indeed it isn't. In all sense, it is for this reason I must face Kurohebi alone. I cannot risk you or Hime-dono, even Yuki-dono of all people, or anyone being drawn into the path of that madman's sword, that I can't. For you to follow me to this most perilous of challenges would be to place yourself in harm's way, and I cannot allow that, indeed no." She noticed a stray leaf had clung to the girl's long flowing hair, soft it had become from bathing in that wondrous Onsen no less. Asuka merely urged a small smile to cross her lips as her hand reached for the leaf and gently pulled it from Hanami's hair, flitting it aside as she continued to speak to the miko. "I do not wish you to think ill of me either for not allowing your company, Miko-dono. If these were different circumstances, your presence would indeed be welcomed beside me, that it certainly would, but for now......." What else could she say to make this easier for her to accept. She knew damn well the moment she accepted the challenge of this monster, there would be no turning back. She would return to her comrades not as the lowly ronin of peace and the simple pursuit of happiness, but....as the blood-spattered terror of the battlefield, forever known as the Wind of Death. Nay, she would not return to them....that part of her life would indeed be forsaken, her friends, her companions, only a fleeting memory to her as she returned to those dark and fearsome days of killing and bloodshed. Why was she daring to do such?

---

Silver Fox said Stopping, she looked around for the others and sniffed the air. It seemed Hanami's and Asuka's scents had gone off. Odd... Her golden gaze then looked to Kaede questionably, her tail flicking from side to side. "Kaede-San, where are the others?" the princess asked the red haired half demon! her golden eyes wide with worry.

Unaware was the young Princess of the eyes that gazed upon her ravenously from within the cover of shadows conjured by the full moon casting its pale light upon the forest greenery, the eyes of a hungry and vicious serpent watching her every move, her every quirk with such ill and frightening delight being brought to the bearer of those horrible, paralyzing, fearful eyes, Kurohebi. Eheheheh....come to me, little Hime, bring forth the Slayer of a Thousand with your terrified screams as I drag you into the abyss of my design. The twisted fiend, his eyes glinted with such horrible glee, ever so intently observing Mizuki and the importance she held towards Asuka. Certainly if anything at all grim were to befall this young girl, it would indeed rile the samurai into a fury like no other, a legendary firestorm of hatred and anger fueled only by her desires to drive her blade through the wicked obsidian heart of the Black Serpent.

Speaking of such, it was his time to strike again, but instead of making a debacle of bloodshed out of this precious moment, Gankuro considered subtlety over his natural urge to slaughter and kill without mercy. From his shabby and blood-drenched kimono, as if by some ill sorcery indeed of demonic origin, his shadow stretched from his body so unnaturally, taking the visage of what else, a long and sadistic serpent slithering upon the grounds towards the feet of little Mizuki. Once you've grabbed her, take her to the abandoned shrine of this forest. There, I shall await Kushiami's blade to come forth and strike me. With such a dastardly grin, he watched as his servant of the shadows readied itself to consume the unsuspecting child, and such violent rewards it would bring to the bastard.

Kouko watched as Yuki tried to keep the Princess from doing anything more, and smiled softly at the young woman's refusal. She wanted to join them in protecting herself? How noble... they would have to ensure that she had the skills to back up that kind of talk, however. Protecting someone that's fighting alongside you is much more difficult than protecting someone who's focusing on keeping themselves safe and hidden.

Aah, but Mizuki's running off on her own again. "Hime-sama, please don't run off on your own!" She sighs and chases after the woman. She was making herself a comparatively easy target. Kouko wouldn't be able to take a strong opponent head-on just then, but that didn't mean she'd be useless. She catches up to the princess, sighing softly and moving to stand at her side. "Hime-sama, please stay with one of us. It will make things easier for-" Speaking of which, the short woman's eye caught the unnatural shadow moving across the ground. She draws her sword and stabs the dark movement. Hopefully, the sacred power of her sword would be effective against it. "Kaede-san! Someone is here!" She had to be on guard herself. If she removed her sword, she didn't know if the shadow would continue moving or not. She couldn't risk it.

"A rash kid who seems to want to risk her life and my reward. One point away from keeping her alive at the end." Akane could understand why the princess wanted to go and help, but it was still a stupid idea. Especially when everyone was split up. Akane frowned knowing this was a dangerous situation they were in. Like last time they couldn't protect the princess from herself and their own lack of cooperation.

Yuki's order to Akane didn't seem like a joke and of course the Demon Slayer didn't like babysitting inanimate objects. "I feel as if she told me not to keep her things safe. Oh well." She called out to the tree spirit to protect Yuki's stuff before running out after the Princess. The part where she had to run through the forest was already bad enough. Now she had to potentially contend with enemies there. Her Naginata wasn't great for combat in cramped spaces, but she had other weapons for that. She arrived with the others just as Yuki finished her statement.

"Stop...running...off. Our job is to protect you not chase you."

A slight pout formed on the Priestesses lips as she folded her arms at The Ronin's reluctance to let her follow. She had already come so far and now Asuka was asking her to turn back for her own safety? Did she forget that they all signed up for the same mission? Hanami exhaled through her nose slowly, almost feeling like she should just turn back and regroup with the others, but what about her? She couldn't let her go alone! What if she never came back to them? The thought made her stomach churn for she didn't want any of the warriors to die on this journey, but she had come to accept it might be a possibility - just not so soon.

Seeing the Ronin lower her head as if she had just been defeated, Hanami started to say something that might hopefully ease Asuka's worries, but she found herself unable when those light blue eyes stared into her own with that look. Her cheeks warmed, darkening as Asuka reached out to touch her shoulder. She glanced at the hand on her shoulder, heart beat quickening as the warmth radiating from it kissed her neck. "A-Asuka-san," She breathed her name softly, nearly wincing when the taller woman picked a leaf from her hair. The smile on Asuka's lips brought an amused expression to her face even though she was still frustrated with her stubbornness.

She knew that The Ronin was on the brink of turning back to her old ways just from the sudden appearance of Kurohebi, and she just... couldn't let that happen. She wouldn't fall for her trickery, either! "No, I'm sorry, Asuka-san!" Her voice went a little louder than intended, but she didn't care. "I can't let you go alone... It just wouldn't be right. Not only will I be hurt if something happens to you, but think of how worried Hime-dono will be..." Placing a hand on top of the warrior's battle hardened one, she squeezed it very gently. "So, please... " She pleaded with her, "Stop being so stubborn and let's go. We can work together and stop him...I know it!" Hanami moved her hand off of her's, and pretending to grow impatient, marched in the direction to the ruins. "Ah. I'm leaving without you, Asuka-san!"

Minutes could have passed by, perhaps hours, before Ariiko opened her eyes once more. Ida worked fast, and thank god she did. Slowly, the ronin turned her head to look at the woman sitting across from her. Her hair was bright, gentle and soft.... just like....
"Starlight," Ariiko murmured. She stared at the woman a bit longer before looking around the room. An inn perhaps? She sat up, and as she did the cold cloth fell from her forehead. She looked down as it fell. Ah, so she was still wearing her armor. It was dirty, and needed polishing that only a few good scrubs of rose water could handle. She looked back at the woman who had brought her to this place. "Did you bring me here?"

Before Kaede could answer, the half demons ears perked as the others soon followed. The first to get her attention was Kouko. "Kaede-San counts as someone. The springs are not that far Kouko-San." she said gently before Yuki and Akane soon spoke up. Surprisingly to dare order her and even call her a idiot. That was a bit surprising, since such a single negative word to royalty would get the offender executed and dishonor upon the whole family, losing any privilege they had in society.

Despite this, Mizuki didn't exactly want such a thing to happen to either of them. They were doing their job, despite how her father would find their progress already a failure since she had been injured the first day with ease by Hanzo. However... That didn't mean she didn't have any pride either, at least a little.

"You already have done that for yourself by that mere word Yuki-San. As you seem to pointed out, your assistance has already been tarnished back when Hanzo easily infiltrated the defenses. Nor do I have to take either of your orders. If neither of you can handle this, then maybe this 'job' is too much for you. Because I'm not going to waste what little I have sitting around and doing what I've been doing for twenty years. Nothing." The Princess said firmly yet held little to no anger to them. She was merely stating what she thought at the moment.

Just then the shadow appeared and moved toward her. Kouko attempted to stab it, but it quickly split apart from the stab and continued on its main goal. As if to taunt the guardians, it grew and slammed against the three warriors with a large tentacle like arm. Their attacks only able to go through it minus Kouko's holy blade. If the Priestess here, I would be more easy to deal with but being a simple shadow, it easily weaved away from them.

Despite this, the shadow leaked out black smaller shadows in the shape of snakes, hissing and snapping at the guardians.

As the shadow moved toward her, Mizuki lept away quickly, but it chased her wherever she went around the springs. Both were moving at high speeds around the spring and she was getting tired. Eventually she slowed and yelped as it latched onto her, black arms reaching up and wrapping around her body. Struggling against the binds, it only took a moment before she was completely sucked into the shadow.

Successful in its mission, the shadow sped off, disappearing in the darkness of the forest.

SailorMoon said
"I can't let you go alone... It just wouldn't be right. Not only will I be hurt if something happens to you, but think of how worried Hime-dono will be..." Placing a hand on top of the warrior's battle hardened one, she squeezed it very gently. "So, please... " She pleaded with her, "Stop being so stubborn and let's go. We can work together and stop him...I know it!" Hanami moved her hand off of her's, and pretending to grow impatient, marched in the direction to the ruins. "Ah. I'm leaving without you, Asuka-san!"

"Oro....." Asuka sighed deeply at this, as she considered it, apparent scolding from Hanami. In truth she deserved it, but if anyone was coming off as stubborn, it was indeed the little miko. Rather cute it was though to the ronin of the girl to be so headstrong in her endeavors, even if such would lead her to certain demise. At least Asuka knew in her heart well enough if the time came, she could easily protect Hanami during the fight, since she had already made up her mind to follow the ronin anyways much to Asuka's dismay, but that left this question open, who would protect Asuka from the blade of the dreaded Black Serpent, except for herself? If anything, allowing Hanami to accompany her to this daring feat was ludicrous, and Asuka....feared it may not end well. "Miko-dono, wait for me! I'm hurrying, that I am!" She called to the young priestess, affixing to her once glowering and saddened features a bright and cheerful smile, as much as she could muster to show her....wavering approval to Hanami following her.

She started to run to catch up with the girl, already paces ahead of the ronin, but suddenly, she caught something upon the wind, a foul surge of energy, so raw and so malevolent, indeed inhuman in its sadistic nature, and it was speeding towards.....Hanami!! "MIKO-DONO!!"

Within such grim and vicious seconds, Asuka's eyes beheld the horror unfolding before her as the corrupted samurai rushed forth as if from the haunting shadows themselves and snatched the young miko out of thin air, drawing his terrible weapon of bloodshed to her fragile neck and cackling with a sound of ill, twisted glee. "I assume this little Miko is your WOMAN, Wind of Death! She is indeed quite the beautiful blossom upon the sakura tree, and now she belongs to me, as does your little Hime too! Ahahahaa!! What wonderful gifts you've brought me indeed, Kushiami!!" The bastard!! How dare he speak of Hanami as such, a mere toy for his savage delights, and if Asuka heard correctly, he had also captured Mizuki as well!! No! Asuka would not stand for this! Damn him for dragging innocent lives into this altercation between the two past slayers of men! "Gankuro, you monster!!" Such a fearsome voice bellowed from her mouth, such rage exhumed from the very agitated pit of her lungs as she growled at the bastard samurai. "Unhand Miko-dono at once, or I shall carve your arms from her!!" But her threats...he enjoyed them. "Yes! YES!!" He laughed all the more nefariously, pressing that ill blade of his closer to Hanami's neck. "That is what I want, Wind of Death! Get angry! GET ANGRIER!! Hate me as you've never hated me before!! Soon the old you shall emerge from that rotten pacifist shell, and I shall have the greatest challenge of my life!! You know where I will await your blade to come for me! I hope to see you there, Slayer of a Thousand, otherwise...I might have to ruin this pretty face you cherish so much! Sayounara!"

How disgusting of him how he tormented Hanami before her eyes, only serving to rile that long kept anger that dwelled within Asuka for so long, now forever boiling to the surface. She tried, she so desperately tried to reach for the miko's hand, to save her from what disturbing horrors must await her and the Princess at the battleground of Kurohebi's choosing, but Asuka's valiant efforts to save dear Hanami from that madman....were for naught. Soon, the lecherous and vile fiend vanished with the miko behind a thick cloud of black soot. "GANKURO!!!!" All bets were off. The gauntlet had been thrown, and Asuka had no other choice.....she drew her blade swiftly with a loud and agitated grunt, her eyes already narrowing into that ever piercing, ever horrible visage that was the Slayer of A Thousand. "Mark my words, you bastard, for Miko-dono and Hime-dono....I will kill you!" And then she was off, a dead sprint towards the ruined temple, no chance of rest, her only focus upon the road that would lead her to slaughtering that dishonorable and terrifying foe that haunted her through these waking hours.

Her skin paled as she sensed the malicious dark energy charging for her and the cry of her friend just behind her. It happened so fast, she didn't even have a chance to react before Gankuro snatched her up and pressed his cold, sharp blade against the delicate skin on her neck. She didn't dare make a shady move lest she wanted her throat slit in the process, and only squirmed around in his grip, feet dangling inches off of the ground. Just... digusting... To be touched by such a foul creature like that. It was embarrassing, and to be used in such a way right in front of Asuka. She could see the fire igniting within her Ronin friend, and felt Gankuro's aura dancing in delight as Asuka's anger fed it. No, Asuka-san. You... have to calm down. Hanami knew it was only a matter of time before Asuka lost it, and yet she had no idea she would be the reason for it, and supposedly he had taken Mizuki as well? Her face burned up, but she found herself wanting to resist even less so that she could hopefully reunite with The Princess to make sure she was okay. She watched with worried eyes at the bitter exchange between the rivals before her vision was completely consumed in Gankuro's shadowy cloak and she was whisked away into the ruins of the sacred forest, calling out to her friend one last time before being silenced.

For the first time in what seemed like forever, the veil of darkness lifted from her eyes and she took in the ruined stone room covered in various wall crawling plants. In the corner, a familiar silver haired hanyou bound by shadowy tendrils caught her eye. Hime-dono!! She struggled against her captor when she saw the Princess, "Let go of me, you foul creature!" She yelled, almost positive he wouldn't hurt her too badly without Asuka there to witness it. Gankuro simply responded to her request by throwing her onto the floor like she was a piece of trash. Hanami didn't care or dare show that that did actually hurt her tired human body. Instead, she rushed over to Mizuki without even looking back to see his face.

"Hime-dono!" She stopped in front of the Princess, inspecting her and relieving a sigh to see that she was well. "We have to get these off of you..." She said softly, trying to smile for Mizuki, since she knew she was probably scared and upset. Hanami focused some of her spiritual energy into her hands, and simply grabbed Mizuki's wrist. The shadow's recoiled at her holy energy, and slowly crept away until they were completely out of sight. That part was easy.

Now, she would either have to take Gankuro down herself or wait for Asuka to rescue them. She did still have her bow and arrows, and their enemy is is a demon, but it would be impossible for her to keep him from attacking Mizuki if she engaged him. "Princess, what happened to others? Are they...safe?" She whispered to her whilst smoothing her hair.

ReaptheMusic said
Minutes could have passed by, perhaps hours, before Ariiko opened her eyes once more. Ida worked fast, and thank god she did. Slowly, the ronin turned her head to look at the woman sitting across from her. Her hair was bright, gentle and soft.... just like...."Starlight," Ariiko murmured. She stared at the woman a bit longer before looking around the room. An inn perhaps? She sat up, and as she did the cold cloth fell from her forehead. She looked down as it fell. Ah, so she was still wearing her armor. It was dirty, and needed polishing that only a few good scrubs of rose water could handle. She looked back at the woman who had brought her to this place. "Did you bring me here?"

Noriaki remained in the inn room, sitting against a wall, looking towards the woman with worry and concern in her eyes. During the period of waiting, Noriaki, to handle the boredom and the nerves of not knowing when the woman would wake up, took out some parchment and her brush. There had hardly been anytime to create, to write poems, and her experiences this day were ripe for poetry. But what to write? A piece comparing the bang-out beauty with the fire hair? A sweeping and moving tale of the one armed warrior? Perhaps a haiku dedicated to the great demon slayer with the pretty face? Or maybe, just maybe, a poem about divine intervention, of divine inspiration, of a fallen muse.

Noriaki began putting characters to parchment, striking out phrases that didn't fit the piece, that were superfluous, or that she simply had a change of heart on. She had wanted to finish at least a draft before the subject in question recovered; Noriaki had figured it would take a day or two for that to happen, but to her surprise the woman was awake after mere hours. Noriaki lifted her head to the woman, eagerly setting down her parchment and approaching the bed.

"What are you doing awake?" she asked, taking the fallen cloth and lightly patting it on the woman's forehead before wringing it out in a nearby receptacle. "I mean, don't get me wrong, I am glad to see that you are alive, and your voice is just as heavenly as I thought it would be, but you seemed in bad shape when I saw you, when you fell from above to grace my unworthy visage with your presence." The woman had just woken up and already Noriaki was applying the charm.

"It was indeed I who brought you here, to my room at the inn. Ah, but do not be alarmed, though I am known for such things I assure you you remained untouched as you slept and out of courtesy - and with great restraint - I left your armor on, though now that you are awake and, hopefully, better perhaps those could be changed, I could remove your armor and the touching can commence. I will eagerly remove my own armor if it makes you more comfortable, as I only wish for your comfort, as angels as delicate beings and I do not wish them harm, yourself included."

Noriaki finished her little speech with a smile of warmth and an expression in her eyes that made it clear she was entirely serious about everything she had said. "Ah, but how rude of me. I am Noriaki Okamoto, and I am your savior as you have been my muse for the past few hours. It is my pleasure to meet you and it can very soon be your pleasure as well."

Noriaki bowed her head, continuing to smile towards the woman.

Akane evaded a few snaps from the snakes trying to read the situation and a way to get out of it. In a few seconds it was apparent to her what this was. Advanced sorcery using shadows. She encountered it only once and she needed some assistance from a now dead priestess. Another snap missed the slayer tearing the bark off a tree. Kouko's weapon was good enough to actually damage them and Yuki proved they weren't completely incorporeal.

"Not as advanced as I thought. Kouko aid Yuk!i I'll lead the shadows towards me and you can deal the final blow!" Akane dropped her Naginata and ran near the shadows doing what she could to not get hit, but get close enough to get their attention. They would have to deal with this and find the source of these things.

She could feel their malevolent nature as their dark teeth barely touched her skin. Akane's ribs were aching a bit after that initial attack. Kouko would have to quickly attack before Akane gets too exhausted.

Grabbing at the shadow had little effect, it's form only went through the human hand with ease before continuing on its mission. Cackling a little at how foolish humans were for even daring to try and grab a shadow.

The snake shaped shadows hissed at their opponents, zipping between the moonlight and the shadows of the trees. Whenever they were attacked in the shade of the trees, their unphysical form simply split apart to create another snake like shadow. However, their bodies seemed to form whenever the moonlight was shined upon them and that was when they strikes out at their opponents. Hissing, they quickly retreated in the safety of the shadows of the trees and away from the moonlit area. Repeatedly, the striked out like this, seeming to be careful not to get hit when in the moonlight.

---

It had only been but a few mere moments before her eyes awoke from the strange darkness, but it had felt like a eternity. Growling softly as dark tendrils kept her in place of a abandon ruin, darkness almost hiding anything in sight. The only thing that lit up the place was a crack in the ceiling where moonlight seeped out. What a bother, using dark magic to capture her. Still, she was doesn't nor really harmed so she doubted this was Yakoto's man.

Asuka seemed to know him... Perhaps a former enemy back when chaos still wrecked the land?

Then that strange man appeared with Hanami in his grasp. Gold gaze widening briefly, they soon narrowed in a light glare. "Hey, let Hanami-San go!" she barked but the man complied with both her and Hanami's request by throwing her on the floor. Concern shining in her eyes, she watched as the Priestess quickly moved over to her.

Soon the Priestess purified the darkness with ease, asking about the others. "They are alright I think. They are back at the springs fighting some shadowy snakes." she answered softly as her hair was stroked.

Although she should be afraid in this situation, she oddly felt no real fear from it. To be honest, she felt a bit more scared at not being terrified of this situation. No, like this was exciting even though it shouldn't. Odd feelings...

Still she stood, looking at the stranger with a firm serious expression, though was slightly struggling from unsheathing her blade and just standing there.

"What do you want with Asuka-San?" she asked, ears flattening briefly before perking again as he watched him.

So infamously proud, he had his blade already unsheathed, the horrid blade of hewn, sharpened steel glinting ominously in the only source of light that could permeate this dark and un-sacred ground where he dared to spill blood be it of the innocent young women he seized so viciously and with such malice and ill-intent, or....the blood of his challenger who was soon to come forth, the ever infamous Wind of Death. Oh how he savored the moment when his blade would clash with Kushiami's, and how the angry woman's vengeful glare, as sharp as the weapon she wielded to him in such hatred and ill-fed rage, would penetrate through his own violent expressions of the face and stab hi, directly through the heart with that oft dreadful chill one could feel when facing off with the legendary warrior. "Heheheh!" He laughed so brazenly at the little hime's outbursts, as usual of the typical spoiled brat, weak and with no merit whatsoever. She was nothing more to the bloodthirsty creature than a yapping pup towards a full-fanged wolf. "Shut your mouth, you little pip-squeak." His snicker elevated into a growl, akin to as the wolf would return to such a yammering pup. "It's good to hear we shall have no further distractions this night, for my intentions for the Wind of Death are simple but indeed blood-stained. I want that woman to face me. Too long have I awaited for the perfect challenge, and too long has my blade been starved of blood." At that note....something became of the mentioned sword....it glowed, red, red as blood, and there was such a disturbing noise that echoed about the temple...resounding from that wicked blade. Was it...a heartbeat? Was the sword alive?

"You see my little captives. my eyes and this blade, they were given unto me by the most powerful demon imaginable, but at a cost mind you. So for the many dreadful years I've been forced to endure this living Hell you call a home, I've fed this blade many a fallen soul, and perhaps my own madness ensuing, for just as my sword, I cared not who I killed. Men, women, even children were quartered by this wretched spawn of a weapon as I but laughed and smiled at the slaughter! Oh the joy I felt murdering them all, even my own kin were not spared the torment! So as you can tell, I continue to slay, my power, no this power granted to me, increases thousandfold, and when my sword but tastes the blood of the Wind of Death....I shall become a god!" Twas true, the blood of such a powerful warrior, especially Asuka's, would give this foul being such a surge of raw energy...and with such...the chaos of those warring days would return yet again and burn this land to nothing but a waste of ashes. "By my word, here comes my woman."

Kurohebi turned from the Princess, and soon his eyes fell upon the weathered and cracked gate of stone and who it welcomed into this temple, his challenger had arrived. "My ladies, may I introduce you to the most feared and honored warrior of the warring period, the Slayer of a Thousand, the Wind of Death!" She had indeed returned, the Asuka they knew...she was nowhere to be found amidst that violent red aura of such malice and rage, such anger erupting from every orifice of the bitter woman's dreadful, dark glare of hatred...and those eyes....those fearsome eyes. "So, Kushiami-san, have you come to fight, or have you come to grovel at my feet and beg like a whipped pup for their safety?" Beg? No....Asuka had not come to beg, or more specifically, the Slayer of a Thousand had not come to beg at the feet of...a dead man. "Shut up!" That growl, so fierce. This was indeed not that cheerful ronin they knew...and some may cherished. "I have only come here for one reason and one reason alone, that I have, Kurohebi. I have come....to watch you die!" His eyes were alight again with glee as he watched the warrior draw her sword, those vengeful eyes still upon him. "Oohoho those eyes! You're angry! Good!" He cackled, a savage grin of barred ivory daggers parting his dry, cracked lips. "This fight shall last longer than a mere second then."

"Are you done talking yet?" Asuka's retort was as sharp as her sword, more than most the sharpened edge of her sakabatou, still facing her. Not yet was she the infamous killer of the past...not yet. "Have I come here to fight, or have I come here for you to bore me with your dishonest boasts? Quit yapping and let me see what the true power of the Black Serpent really is, because all I see is a pitiful coward of a man with a useless magic trick!" Kurohebi gritted his teeth, suppressing the rage Asuka was seeming to invoke from him no less with her stabbing wit and her savage remarks, but that snarl of anger....upon lieu of observing this woman dared to wield that idiotic blunt shaft of steel, returned to that ever-defiant smile. "Heh! You're not the Wind of Death yet, Kushiami. First, you have to turn around that sword to its cutting edge, but enough of this exchanging of words between us two life-takers. Let our blades talk for us. HAVE AT THEE!!"

It has begun. A surprise to Asuka, the bastard's blade was swift, but his attacks were oh so predictable and the simplest to evade. The woman however, she was a blur, a fleeting glimpse upon this battlefield, her speed again rivaling the divines, in blade and footwork. Thunderously their swords clashed and clanged, the sounds of war resonating about those ancient walls, sure to have seen more blood than what would take fold this night. But although his strikes could easily be anticipated by the legendary slayer, Kurohebi was certainly a formidable opponent to Kushiami. Still, she continued to block and evade his hasty strikes and his swift blows and jabs. She could see the battle play through her mind before even a sword was drawn. First, a form one swing to the left. She effortlessly dodged his swing. Next, a following cut towards the right. The cut barely marred her battered flesh. Finally, a flat bladed jab forward. From there, sidestep and strike! And the moment his blade rushed forward to pierce her heart, the samurai was already to Kuro's side in an instant, delivering a powerful blow to the man's neck. It would've easily decapitated him and the battle would be victorious....but, she wielded the flat of the blade instead of the sharp.

"GYUAH!!" Kurohebi yelped as the blunt of Asuka's sword struck him full force, a harsh gasp of air as he felt the immense pressure of the blow momentarily throttle him before tossing him back onto the ground. "Geh...eheheheheh....Yes....that is the true power I was expecting from Kazeryu no Tsurugi." He groaned with a bit of a pained laugh as he staggered forward, a sickening crack of the neck following suit. "Ahh...but you still persist on using that dumb blade of yours. How boring! C'mon Wind of Death, face me like a real warrior!" Still he egged the woman on, goading to dare turn her blade to the killing side, same with the wielder of the blade as well. And so....Asuka obliged him. In one quick motion, the sakabato was reversed unto itself in her hand. Now it was a sword fit for slaying.

"There, now that I have obliged your silly request, this duel can resume without hinder." She snarled presenting the sharp of her sword unto he that desired it. "Come forth to thy death, Kurohebi." Her stance she was quick to adopt, the meticulous positioning of her body, Kurohebi recognized it no less, and it sent chills through every nerve of his tattered body racked with pain. This stance....this is the stance of the Wind of Death's ryuken technique. One slice will be all she needs to finish me off, but....if the attack fails, she is left open. I can dodge it. I know I can, but Kushiami's speed.....it's worth a shot! "Here I come, Wind of Death!" So foolish was he to charge so brazenly into this attack, so brashly he sprinted with his blade. In a matter of seconds, Kurohebi realized...you could never evade the wind. "AAAGGGHHH!!!" A painful cry emerged from the bastard samurai as he beheld the horror of Asuka's swift cut to him. His arms...they were gone from him, left only with two grotesque bloody stubs. "No! NO! How could you?!!" Asuka, with one last look of disgrace upon this useless opponent, sheathed her bloody weapon and returned, "This duel is over, Gankuro. I've removed your arms from you. You'll never hold a sword ever again. Your life as a samurai....is finished."

"N-no...." Gankuro snarled, still able to rise to his feet, even after such a devastating strike had assaulted his body. "This is far...far from over, Kushiami! I will return, and when I do, it will be my blade that tastes your blood! It will be you who dies! Not I!" His threats, though they did carry a hefty wait of anxiety to the ronin, Asuka merely brushed them away. "Then return if you must, Gankuro, but know this....you will only lose more limbs.....GO!" And with that, the coward retreated, taking with him his shadowed minions which the other women were occupied with during this foul, and rather short lived fray, but not his arms for they belonged to the Wind of Death now. The Wind of Death however....was quick to fade from Asuka again...and there she was....that same lowly ronin of peace.

"Hime-sama!" Dammit! She'd failed to keep these wretches snakes from the young lady. She'd been tempted to cut the shadowy lump even as it devoured her, though she hesitated for fear that she might harm the Princess in the process. Disregarding such fears, she cut through the mass, but too late. She was already... gone? She doubted her sword would cut such an innocent girl, but she'd have to investigate that later. She slices through the shadows as they lounge for her, taking up Yuki's unarmed flank. "Leave this side to me. Though, these things aren't terribly threatening, are they...?" She breaks the shadows as they lounge for her and the powerhouse behind her, though she's dissatisfied with the conflict.

"Fighting here is meaningless. We have to find where the Princess has been taken. Anyone got ideas? Wait... they're retreating."

Hanami listened with little interest to the Kurohebi's speech, a repulsed look on her face as she watched the demon closely and kept herself positioned in front of Mizuki in a protective stance. If he tried anything funny she would be ready for him, but for now he didn't seem as interested in them, since he had already accomplished his first goal of luring The Ronin out.

Seeing Asuka standing there like that brought out quite the mix of emotions in her, reaffirming the fact she had little idea about who The Wind of Death or any of her comrades really were. Sure she heard the stories, but seeing it first hand was different. Hanami had to wonder whether this battle would bring out a permanent change in the Ronin, or if the peaceful ronin she grew to be fond of would resurface. Regardless, she just wanted the fight to end and for Asuka to emerge victorious. She couldn't feel sympathy for Gankuro even though he was just a lowly human with a demon pact. In her eyes, he didn't deserve to live, but... when Asuka sliced his arms from his body she winced at the sight of his very human blood. It was...terrible but, at least Kurohebi wouldn't be able to hurt anyone and no one had to die tonight... There would be no death fitting for all of the innocent lives he ended, but he would suffer this way.

"Asuka-san!" Her eyes lit up to see her friend returning to normal, and the dark shadow Gankuro had cast over the ruins fading so that the moonlight could light up the grounds again. She exhaled deeply as she walked over to Asuka, feeling a huge weight lift off of her shoulders. "We shouldn't have to worry about him showing his face again, but... It would probably be a good idea if we get back to the others and get some rest." She addressed them both, speaking casually as if she didn't just get kidnapped.

Afterward, she would lead Mizuki and Asuka back to the camp sight to meet up with everyone again.

"Well I guess that's that then." Akane gazed at her surroundings making sure the shadows didn't look too threatening, The shadows seemed to retreat for which Akane was grateful for before she nearly toppled over grabbing a hold of a tree nearby. This day was getting more aggravating that usual. She partially blamed the Princess, but kind of figured this would be happening again anyway.

"The princess hopefully is still alive. I can easily track them, but I won't be too quick on my feet." she said before trying to get the strength to stand on her own two feet. "Alright we follow in the Princesses footsteps and we can't find her we just find the others." she took both of them through the forest where they eventually met up with everyone else. It was apparent that everyone was safe fortunately.

"Oh how wonderful you all are safe! Well then I guess Yuki had the right idea Kouko san. This was essentially a waste of time unless the perpetrator who started this isn't dead."