Ariiko gently carressed Noriakis face, a small smile touching her lips. A song, started to play in her head. Probably Ida's doing... but it didn't matter. Tonight she was with Starlight. She pressed back into the woman, gently this time. This was her doing... as Ariiko... not as Ida. No matter how much control the she-demon had in this part. As she pushed Noriaki back into the room, she slipped her hands up to the bands on her armor. With a small tug, her own armor clattered to the ground. She pushed off Noriakis' as well. With her armor gone she was nearly fully exposed, only bandages around her chest and the cloth between her legs remained. She went to the bed she had rested on, where she pushed Noriaki down again.
"If you're lying to me..." She paused, carressing Noriakis cheek as she stood over the pale haired woman, "I will kill you...." She murmured the threat without the actual threat attatched. She hoped... Noriaki could see that as well. The last thing she needed was to be hurt. The last thing she wanted. She didn't... want to be hurt...
That was her last thoughts before fingers caressed gentle flesh once more.

As shadows sharing a moment in the night.

Mizuki purred a little as she felt the warm of the other woman as she slept, cuddling closer in her sleep. Occasionally. Her ears flicked when she could hear movement from the others but she remained resting since there was nothing dangerous at the moment. However, this journey seemed to be full of danger. Be it those who were after her specifically, or even the pasts that haunt her guardians.

In her dreams, she was in darkness. As if blind... But the only thing she could see was her own form. Wandering, there was only the pitch blackness... Nobody around and nothing in sight. She was alone once more. Shifting in her sleep uncomfortably, she moved closer, clinging to what felt like at least someone. Just so she didn't at least feel alone.

---

The Next Day

Morning had come and passed and the group made there way out of the spiritual forest. The Tree Spirit paying its farewells to the group as they made their way down the road. It took several hours and it was near the afternoon until a small little village was in sight. Nice farm lands on either side of the main path and people tending to their crops of rice.

Of course, Mizuki was bouncing along happily, excited at seeing a village. She did pause when she remembered that she was considered different... But her guardians didn't seem to mind her appearance despite being one would call a demon. She cheerfully bounded in to the village, watching as some people wandered about.

However, most of the villagers looked at her then the guardians with unease. Seeing her obvious appearance of a demon, as well as even some of her guardians. Some gave vile glares, others muttered nasty words, some simply chose to pretend she didn't exist.

The silver haired girl frowned a little, but blinked as she saw three children playing. They were maybe seven years old, with two boys holding away a dusty little doll from the little girl. Instantly, Mizuki left her group to move ahead to the three. Her hand gingerly grabbing the doll and easily snagging it away from the little boys grasp. She wasn't being careful with her strength and accidently pulled him up with her and flinging the boy to the ground.

"Ah! Sorry, didn't mean to.... But I think this lovely girl wants her doll back." Mizuki said gingerly, reaching to help the boy up but he screeched and instantly scrambled away from her. Running away with the other boy, earning her more glares from the adults nearby.

Frowning apologetically, she gently handed the little girl the doll. The small girl hesitantly took it, her wide dark brown eyes staring at the odd older girl. Opening her mouth to say something, the little girl was interrupted as a elder woman in her perhaps fifty's stepped in. Grabbing the little girl's hand then smacking Mizuki upside the head with a paper fan with writing on it to supposedly help banish evil spirits.

"Back you foul demon! You will not devour any of our children!" The elder shouted.

Yelping a little, Mizuki rubbed her head a little as she watched the elder quickly move away.

Hanami was no stranger to the looks of fear and curiosity the villagers shot to the group when they arrived. It was almost the same way the people in her village treated the most innocent looking of outsiders, so it was obvious that a group with an immodestly dressed red-headed woman, a visible half-demon, and one armed warrior lugging a giant sword around wouldn't sit too well with these people. They would definitely have to prove to them they were no threat to the village, but so far that plan wasn't looking too good with Mizuki and Yuki just...being themselves. She watched the old lady whack Mizuki and take the children away, and turned her attention to Yuki threatening the granny...?! There was certainly no need to be violent - It was not as if the villagers knew or would even believe that was the Princess. She found herself expecting more tact from the woman that had only been insulting their efforts yesterday.

"Mizuki-san, Mizuki-san..." She laughed nervously as she placed her hands on the taller, silver-haired girls shoulders. "I know you were just trying to help, but..." Hanami looked thoughtful for a moment, racking her brain for a way to say this without hurting Mizuki's feelings even more. "These people frighten very easily, and so we must show them that different does not always mean bad." She said softly to her, feeling pleased that she managed to say her piece without lecturing or placing the blame on her. She knew Mizuki was a smart girl, just naive from being sheltered all of her life. Hanami wasn't so different from Mizuki really, most of her time was spent in the shrine and demon attacks on their village were pretty rare. This was the furthest she had ever been outside of her village.

"We should not agitate these villagers anymore. If we hope to stay here, we should be more kind in our approach and show them they have nothing to fear." Hanami said this to no one in particular, but clearly she was addressing the women she traveled with. Choosing to lead by example, she walked away from the group. She was still within sight of her comrades, only a few feet away but now standing where the granny that whacked Mizuki was, and cutting in front of Yuki.

"Obaa-sa-" The Granny interrupted Hanami's greeting...

"Miko-san, you bring upon us a dark omen!!! Why do you travel with such demons?" She cried, grabbing Hanami's hands and staring into her eyes with a horrified look.

"Obaa-san, I assure you. She is only a pet... my darling pet fox... spirit!" She said confidently. Hanami gingerly caressed the old woman's weathered hands, and offered her most reassuring smile. She could see the granny loosening up, and the worry fading from her tired eyes with each moment she looked at the miko. How could she resist such a pure and honest maiden? It wasn't like Hanami was lying either, Mizuki definitely had some spirit inside of her. She could tell that much.

"Oh... Well, Okay, Miko-san. I believe no lies would fall from a servant such as yourself." The granny let go of Hanami's hands, and looked at Mizuki again apprehensively before heading on her way.

"See, things can be solved without being violent." Hanami said, once again to no one in particular, but she did hope Yuki would rethink her course of action from now on.

Asuka was rather pleased that Hanami was able to quell this little debacle without any bloodshed or violence taking place, but she was surely struck odd when the miko introduced the honorable Princess as her.....her pet fox spirit? "Oro?" The ronin blinked her eyes absolutely in perplexity and tilted her head to the side with astonishing bewilderment. I guess it's one way to avoid confrontation with these peaceful villagers, that it is, but...a pet? Now Asuka was imagining what else would befall, like Hanami maybe tying a leash around the fair Hime-dono, or even a collar with a little chiming bell on the end of it. "Oro?" She shook the obscure mentions from her head though, making sure to play along with this little charade the miko had going, or better yet...just staying quiet, but that didn't seem to help either. As before, she was already catching glances and hearing those telltale whispers again, already causing a slight twinge of apprehension upon the back of her neck. They knew who she was alright, but luckily no one here wanted to confront her like those three men in Kyoto. As the whispers faded and the villagers' eyes went back to tending their own, a sigh of relief escaped Asuka. "They certainly are jumpy about us, that they are." She spoke quietly amongst her group.

True, the band of warriors was indeed an eclectic few, but Asuka couldn't help but sense that something else had befallen these people to make them so...fearful of the warriors. One could only wonder....

Kaede had woken up completely refreshed and had been looking forward to a peaceful day of travel. As she had wandered about, the looks the group was given by strangers did not seem strange to her at all, used to the prejudice her red hair and odd appearance brought about in people. She continued on until the princess escaped from under their protection (again) and went striking off towards some children, ears and tail for all to see. Kaede didnt even try to go after her, damage done and her hand slapping onto her face in aggravation. They really needed to keep this little princess on a leash or something.

Inevitably she got in trouble with the elders of the village and Kaede started forward to help but apparently Yuki was even more offended by their accusations than she was and she made quite the violent and arrogant show of both showing aggression AND telling everyone around them that this half demon girl was in fact the princess of their beloved emperor. Well this woman wasnt one for subtlety, nor indeed intelligence. Kaede started forward and grasped the beserker's arm firmly and shaking her head in a determined manner, using the full force of her intimidation powers to impart the very clear message of 'leave it' to the brash woman.

The Miko however had an excellent plan, a very quick thinker she was too, and Kaede endeavoured to back up her story as she noticed others turning to her in askance and suddenly noting that THIS half demon looked alot more dangerous. "I too am a bound servant to my Master Miko-dono, I obey her will in all things so you need not fear me." She put on her most elegant speech, suddenly sounding completely different, like a courtly lady in a grand house with the manners and speech of a scholar. Everyone trusted her words were true and the crowd dispersed without violence. Once they were all gone Kaede turned to Hanami, her normal voice returned. "You think on your feet Hanami-san, I'm impressed." She patted the Miko's shoulder affectionately before turning to the Princess, her expression turning stern. "As for you, problem princess, you need to think before you run off and tell us before you do it or you could bring doom down upon us all, remember your position!" She kept a firm glare at the girl for a moment before finally smiling gently and ruffling her ears in a soft delicate manner. Finally she turned to Yuki. "And you! What do you mean by telling all and sundry both that we have the princess in our company and that their emperor's daughter is in fact a half demon!? The whole point of this mission is descretion, think before you speak next time." She huffed in frustration before taking both Mizuki and Hanami's hands in her own and leading away in a hurried manner, eager to leave the scene and not cause another one.

Everything happened quickly, first Yuki stepped in just about threatening the elder. Mizuki was about to step in but Kaede and Hanami stepped in before she could. As Hanami and Kaede spoke to her, her ears slowly drooped sadly. Not really scared of Kaede's sternness... Though her tail slightly wagged at the pet. Honestly she had little fear of her guardians so she didn't much understand why the villagers seemed nervous of them as well. Maybe because she was simply prepared to see battle torn warriors.

Eyes flicking to Hanami at being called a pet, the fox eared girl just twitched her tail in response. It was a lie... Considering Hanami and Kaede could tell she was a demon of all people but she let them do what they wish. As Kaede suddenly started dragging them away, Mizuki pierced her lips in thought.

"I didn't go that far off... I just wanted to help... I... Hadn't ever seen children before.." she murmured a little sadly before gingerly pulling her hand away from Kaede's as she halted in her steps. Her golden eyes glancing around the village.

Father had been correct... They are afraid of her, despite not doing anything. She wasn't normal... And was someone people were ready to kill if given the opportunity. Her birth only made the matter worse. Everyone called her a demon... Yet both her parents were human. Even her father called her a monster. So why then?

Glancing at the two of them, her ears pinned back a little. "My position may be true.... But that only rises questions... Why are you helping me? I'm someone you should be killing... Aren't I Hanami-San?" she asked quietly so the villagers wouldn't hear. Though, it may have been to quiet for everyone else as well, she wasn't sure.

Not waiting for a answer, she moved ahead of them in a slow stride, her fluffy tail flicking thoughtfully. Such a odd feeling... Thoughts circled her mind.. Only making her more depressed. She didn't want to hurt anyone, yet she always seemed to without trying. Even her guardians. Perhaps that is why her father made her go.

Silver Fox said
Glancing at the two of them, her ears pinned back a little. "My position may be true.... But that only rises questions... Why are you helping me? I'm someone you should be killing... Aren't I Hanami-San?" she asked quietly so the villagers wouldn't hear. Though, it may have been to quiet for everyone else as well, she wasn't sure.

Not waiting for a answer, she moved ahead of them in a slow stride, her fluffy tail flicking thoughtfully. Such a odd feeling... Thoughts circled her mind.. Only making her more depressed. She didn't want to hurt anyone, yet she always seemed to without trying. Even her guardians. Perhaps that is why her father made her go.

Kaede was walking off with a determined stride when suddenly the young princess pulled away from her grasp and started off alone. Kaede was about to scold her again but then she heard her words and gave an annoyed yet accepting sigh. She knew these feelings. Growling a little she rushed up and grabbed the princess's arm and spun her around to face her, holding her there so that she could look directly into her eyes.

"Those being protected do not ask why her protectors do what they do! They all have their reasons and it was enough for them to risk their lives for you! That alone means you have worth beyond what you think of yourself." Her frown turned a little softer as she went on and she sighed to herself. "I have dealt with hatred and fear my whole life, which is alot longer than yours! And I have killed a lot of people. In the end, you exist therefore you deserve to exist and you deserve to strive to survive no matter what others think. How many people have YOU killed compared to me? By your logic I should be the one being hunted and killed! Would you wish that upon anyone? Then don't wish it upon yourself. There are many ordinary men out there who are far worse and far more deserving of death than you, yet they are still alive because thats the way of the world. The only thing you need to remember in the world is that if you didnt choose it, it does not effect you."

She huffed low and finally let her go, conscious of the scene she had just made and the depth of feeling she had just imparted, making her feel just slightly self conscious. She gently ruffled Mizuki's ears. "... just never go saying you deserve to die..." she muttered in a final end of her speech, her heart going out to and understanding the feelings of the little Princess, a feeling she had experienced for a long time in her youth.

The whole situation was amusing to the Demon Slayer. Even though the princess was annoying to no end, her innocence seemed to get her into rather humorous situations. Getting an old woman to smack in a head with a fan and yell at you wasn't the most difficult thing to do when you looked half demon. Yuki jumping in ready to strike down the offender was gathering even more attention to them. Akane just observed knowing there was no point in trying to jump in. The priestess handled the situation well. They all moved off and Akane made sure to keep herself close enough to Mizuki to stop any sudden attack, but enough to give her plenty of space.

The question the princess raised didn't seem a hard one to answer. Kaede gave one, but Akane scoffed at that. "The princess wanted to know just tell her. When it comes to a job like this some will do it out of loyalty to the Emperor. Other may believe its their duty to help, some might see it as a challenge, but most like me looked at the reward." she shrugged finding it to be rather easy to figure out. Akane knew someone probably had some uninteresting story that put them in this mess, but figured that would pop up whenever appropriate.

"I make a living off of killing people like you. However, it isn't out of malice really. I'm just very good at it and enjoy fighting a very powerful being. Your strong but even if someone told me to fight you I wouldn't. It just wouldn't be much of a challenge." a casual remark from Akane almost always held an insult. Of course a samurai would probably try and show Akane how good they were, but how the princess would act was a mystery to her. Then again she was a young woman eager for adventure and danger so it may not have been the best thing to say.

Hanami smiled when no one called her out on her lie and when Kaede spoke up, revealing herself to be another pet of hers. She was impressed at how well the red-head changed her demeanor, it reminded her of a high-class servant or something. Whatever it was, she was not going to complain because their whole charade seemed to have almost everyone fooled. She would not make it a habit to tell lies, but for now it she was going to do what was necessary. So, she accepted Kaede's praise with a small smile, thankful she was not being scolded like Mizuki. She thought it ended there, but Kaede grabbed her in hand and easily pulled her away. Hamai was confused on why she being taken away but did not protest, only looking back at Asuka for a second.

When they came to a stop, Hanami grabbed her own hand back with a sigh. Hearing Mizuki say that... Well, it made her feel bad. That just was not true, but all she could do was stare at the ground as Akane and Kaede chimed in. Personally, Kaede had a better answer than Akane, but at least they were being honest with her. "Mizuki-san," She smiled, though the sadness she felt for both Mizuki and Kaede was visible on her features. She did not like that Mizuki was implying she would kill her under different circumstances. Sure, maybe if she went on a rampage in her village, but... no. "No, you are not someone I would kill. Even Kaede-san... Isn't it clear that I'm helping you because I want to?" She sighed, folding her arms across her chest and parting her lips to say something more. Instead, she held her tongue. It was true they barely knew each other, but Hanami or any other Priestess were not ones to just go out killing half-demons just for simply existing. That would be wrong and barbaric... Is that what Mizuki thought of her?

All of sudden, she wasn't feeling so hot anymore and dismissed herself from their presence. The others could handle things for awhile, but in the mean time she would see if maybe there was a shrine, or someone that needed a Miko in the village. By the looks of it, there weren't any other Miko which meant she could put herself to work for a bit. Ahh, Mizuki-san, why must you be so difficult? She sighed, shaking her head.

Intently upon Hanami's concerned grimace shot towards her, the ronin perked up a little and followed suit behind the little miko being dragged away by the brawny and stern Kaede. "Oro? Kaede-dono, what be the meaning of this?" She asked of her crimsoned friend with as much concern as was displayed upon Hanami's face, but it was made clear as the stronger woman, harsh yet you could tell there was a nurturing sense to her ragged voice, firmly reprimanded the young Princess for running away again. Some things Asuka had to agree on, but it seemed a step too far from the samurai when the half-demon spoke of the other half-demon as bringing doom upon her protectors with her whimsical mistakes. It indeed didn't sit right at all with Asuka, and she was just about to step in....that is until she caught the.....almost heart-shattering look of their downtrodden Princess.

Her words...they stung the warrior deep, how she spoke of death....of her....rather being hunted for the beast she assumed of herself. Even Kaede's words were surely enough to bring tears to the eyes of a hardened swordswoman such as Asuka, but likewise, she held back the flood that was soon to fall and sighed deeply as she knelt down to Mizuki, resting a hand on the Princess' petite shoulder as she spoke softly in her own manner. "Hime-dono....what Kaede-dono speaks of is true of many, that it is indeed, but of you it is not. Like my crimsoned companion, I too have lived a life of death, nay was there ever a day blood did not stain my hands. Just as her, I too grew to be feared and to be hated among several, and what am I but a mere human. I have no demon blood in me, that I certainly do not, but still, it doesn't stop others looking upon me as if I do. It is because of my past self, I still feel the sting of a man or a woman's glare towards me, for either I am still that infamous murderer to them or I have taken their fathers, their sons, or their brothers in the heat of battle." She paused, her calloused hand rising from Mizuki's shoulder to the Princess' fragile cheek as the woman sighed deeply. "My point being, Hime-dono. If anyone deserves death, it should be I, but you....you never once lived the life Kaede-dono and I endured through our tragic years. Your innocence was spared from the horrors of war, of bloodshed, and hatred. And to this day, your innocence will continue to remain, that it will I'm certain. It matters not what you are, honorable Princess. The true merit is in who you are. Why, for all the lives I have taken in my past, don't you still consider me a valuable companion?"

A light chuckle escaped the ronin, as with a calm and reassuring smile to the Princess. "All I ask of you, Hime-dono, is that you never wish death upon you ever. You still have a life worth cherishing, that you do indeed."

As she walked, she blinked a little as she felt a firm hand grip her arm and spin her around to come into eye contact with the red haired half demon. Since they were just about the same height, it wasn't hard to look directly in one another's eyes. Though Mizuki found it slightly difficult to keep full eye contact on Kaede's crimson gaze. It wasn't because she was afraid or disliked Kaede, the color just reminded her of something. Ears drooping lower as she listened to the other woman's rant, opening her mouth a little to answer before closing it again as Kaede continued.

There were many things she could argue about, to ask the questions that left her in doubt about her wealth of life, but Kaede seemed so sad herself. The silver haired girl could see the hurt, despite the harshness within her voice. So she decided to simply nod, though still had a thoughtful expression. Her ears perked again when Akane shot in her side of the conversation.

Although the end was insulting, Mizuki didn't really feel the need to prove herself. It would only cause more trouble for everyone. If she wanted to prove herself, she had plenty of time to do it at this rate considering trouble seemed to just follow her. Of course that was if her Guardians let he.r so far they didn't seem to willing to allow her at least a little bit of freedom. Honestly, Hanami may have not of been incorrect in her statement. For years... She always felt like something of a pet. It was just now after twenty years, the dog was allowed to go on a walk with designated dog walkers.

"....Then in the end, if I am a challenge and my father sent me there to die... You would kill me." she said softly in response to Akane though she was pretty much speaking to herself. Her words a mere whisper, barely audible.

Then it was Hanami's turn to speak up, but she also seemed hurt about her statement. Mizuki was about to apologize, but the Priestess already left them. Then it was Asuka who knelt down and explained how she was more deserving of the punishment of death then her. In ways, she did understand yet there was just this feeling that if she told herself that, it would be a lie. She didn't understand this... But she decided to pass it off as imagination and the others did have more experience in death. A soft sigh escaped her lips before she looked at the three of them.

"Asuka-San, you don't deserve death. What you may have done may have been bad, but you or anyone else here don't deserve to die. You are still being kind, and trying to repent. And that is better then repaying by your life.." Mizuki said to Asuka with a gentle reassuring voice.

Suddenly she then smiled a little in attempt to disguise her thoughts in a effort to not cause any further worry. These warriors had faced their own problems in their years. Her own were of little importance in comparison and it was simply selfish to even compare them. Without any notice and in a swift brief movement, she placed her lips gingerly against the three's cheeks in a friendly kiss before moving a little ahead but not too far.

"Thank you for being honest to me and your kindness. I think I understand... I'm glad you all agreed to accompany me. It would be lonely if you didn't. So, what shall we do. Im sure you all are more experienced in village life." Mizuki said to Kaede's and Asuka's kind but sorrowful words before she asked, her tail flicking from side to side as her ears perked up.

Hanami wasn't sure how much time had passed, but within her time away from the group she'd managed to draw in several of the village children while she was quietly minding her business under a Sakura tree. They had just...come out of hiding or something, but really she didn't mind them at all, because she knew there was no chance of her ever having children. She just couldn't ever see herself settling down...with anyone. So, she accepted the warm smiles and giggles from the village children, and offered a warm smile of her own in return. They would probably want to see her bow, and play in her hair... Neither of these really bothered her, but the last time she let a little girl play in her hair - she was left with rice and sticky goop in her hair.

Fortunately for Hanami, all they did was put a sakura reef on her head, and... pull on her 'pig tails' and jump rope with them. Nothing too serious. "Ehehe...Thank you," She patted three small heads of shiny black hair with a smile. "I should be going now," she bowed slightly and then wandered off. Her comrades were still within sight, and thought she better not go too far so she stayed in that general area.

It pained the samurai a bit to drag up her long forgotten past, but had it not been for those often tragic and woeful events ever taking place in Asuka's lifetime, then perhaps there would have never been a change from a fearsome warrior to a bumbling and humble wanderer. She smiled at the Princess and the return of happiness to her once downtrodden and sorrowful visage, seeing the young girl's lips curl into an equally jovial smile and an optimistic flick of her fluffy tail and her ears. It was quite humorous actually, in a kind of adorable sense, especially how Hanami spoke of Mizuki being their...pet fox spirit. Asuka was about to answer the young Hime-dono, but paused when she heard the innocent laughter of children, her eyes and ears following the wonderful and sweet sound to the source. Her eyes then fell upon the young shrine maiden Hanami, the children of the village playing with her soft, dark locks of hair and placing atop her head a crown woven of cherry blossoms, all while they giggled. It brought yet another smile to the ronin, to see the miko act so...motherly.

Finally, after the miko bid her farewell to the children, Asuka turned back to the Princess....only for her stomach to begin growling. Oro? That's not good, certainly not at all... How long has it been since she ate? Five days? Six days? In honesty, far too long had Asuka gone without any nourishment whatsoever. It was by Amaterasu's grace she didn't keel over already, especially when most of her energy was spent fighting demon puppets and a psychotic fiend. There had to be at least some food around here. These villages, they always had a vendor or two. Then...it caught her by the nostrils, that ever delectable and mouth-watering scent...lulling her into a ravenous frenzy. Is it? Could it really be? It is!! That familiar and delicious flavor, she could feel it upon her tongue, and then, she heard the owner of the stand say that wonderful word, "Step right up, folks! Hammamatsu's specialty right here! Grilled unagi!" Already wasting no time, Asuka took her seat at the stand, a joyful and hungry grin across her beaming face. "Ah a customer already! What'll it be, my good lady samurai/"

"I'll have twelve orders please, with rice, that I will!" T-twelve orders?! Wow was she hungry! The old man behind the grill was quite astounded as well with what Asuka so gladly said to him. "Coming right up, samurai-san!" He hooted gleefully and went to work. In a matter of seconds, there were twelve bowls of delicious grilled eel before Asuka, and then....she went to work devouring every single one of them. "Delicious!" She proclaimed happily, shoving in her mouth more and more tasty morsels of eel and rice with a sweet and tangy sauce. This was truly the best meal she's had during her long journeys wandering all over Japan. However.... "Ahaha! I'm glad you're enjoying it, samurai-san! Now....about paying for the meal?" Sure. That wouldn't seem to bad of a thing to do this moment, but when Asuka reached for where she thought her coinpurse had been secured to her obi....nothing touched her hand. Now that cheerful warmth in her stomach was slowly decaying into a knotted pain of worry. Uh-oh.... "Ehehehe...I-I'm sorry to say this, honorable eel-chef, that I am indeed, but....I seem to have no money." Ooh...this was bad! Really bad! The old man, he looked like a vein would pop from his shiny, bald head any second, his thick eyebrows crinkling over with a burning frustration, but...immediately he returned to that cheerful and rather Genki demeanor, "Well well...that's too bad, but at least that sword of yours could pay for the meal I bet."

"ORO?!! Y-you mean you want my s-sword?!" Asuka instantly shot upwards from the stand, a look of shock and indeed worry upon her dilated eyes, and not to mention beads of sweat rolling down her reddening face. "B-but but...I can't just part with my sword, honorable eel-chef, indeed I cannot!" She knew what he was asking. He wanted to hock the valuable blade to cover the feast Asuka partook of, but there was no way...just no damn way a warrior could ever part without her weapon. It was a part of a samurai, as much as the armor they donned for battle or their own beating heart in their chest. "Well then..." The vendor retorted, now a bit of his anger beginning to betray his feigned kindness and excitement. "It's either that or I have the other men with nice swords come to collect your head for thievery! So what's it gonna be, ya little street urchin!" S-street urchin! Why the nerve! But Asuka refrained from any violent retaliation to this insult. Really how could she attack when she was standing there...stuttering like a nervous buffoon. Oro....I have a bad feeling about this, that I certainly do!

Kaede had heard the young princess's reply and tried not to blush at the kiss on her cheek but in the end she felt like her words had not done much of a difference. It annoyed her slightly but she ignored it for now. Maybe on the trip she might make Mizuki see a more pleasant and survivable side of life. For now she sighed and lead on into the village. The Miko was immediately loved and she managed to endear everyone around her to her small stature and charming face. Children gathered about her like puppies and seemed to glow in her presence. Kaede on the other hand... well... she left a large area of empty space around her as people gave her the widest berth imaginable without actually asking to be attacked for the insult. Eyes avoided her and mothers hurried their children away from her like she was some manner of predator ready to snap them up. It made Kaede just a little downhearted. Contrary to her appearance she was actually a very motherly and affectionate person and she had in fact trained, mentored and comforted many children of various feudal lords before being forced to move on. She remembered them now, so many bright faces looking at her with respect and love, needing her to be there for them and to give them affection where their own fathers gave none.

Suddenly she shook her head like a lion and settled her features back into a steady scowl, this was no time to be thinking of such things and she could feel herself regretting her nomadic life. She found herself missing her Kunoichi, her Hana, her little lover. How long had it been since she had thought of her? Too long. It made her feel guilty to think that she was forgetting her so quickly, though it had been more than ten years ago that she had been killed. She supposed all pain dulled in time and all memories blurred into forgetfulness. She was making herself unnaturally sad when all of a sudden she heard a commotion and looked up to see Asuka being harrassed by some food-vender. With a exasperated, if amused, sigh she quickly jogged over and placed herself firmly between Asuka and the angry man. She smiled ever so sweetly while also impressing such a commanding presence that the whole street went quiet.

"Calm yourself good merchant, heres the coin you are owed. No need for raised voices or RASH threats... no?" She said it in such a menacing manner that his hand trembled as he reached out to the offered coin in Kaede's grip. He flinched as she grasped his wrist and patted the money into his palm, maintaining a cool eye contact that sent a shiver down his spine before finally breaking it to grab Asuka and rush off.

Once they were a little way away she rolled her eyes at the Ronin. "A samurai and yet you let yourself get pick-pocketted?" She laughed genially, patting Asuka on the back in a warm and friendly manner before throwing her arm over the other's shoulders. "I should thank you though for your misadventure brought me out of a very morose train of thought." She chuckled to herself but the residue bad mood still lowered her smile slightly and put a sad look in her eyes.

Noriaki awoke first, and to her surprise, and utter delight, the delightful and lovely divine muse that was Ariiko was still there, sharing the same bed. The poet blushed, remembering fondly the night previous, their first encounter, their first kiss, their first night together. How wonderful the dawn was. She had left behind one group of people and found someone willing to travel together, willing to actually take her seriously, willing to share in the joys of late night carnal pleasures.

Noriaki placed a kiss onto Ariiko’s cheek, brushing her hair gently with a finger, not wanting to wake her from her slumber. She slid out of bed, yawning, and she looked once more towards the sleeping figure, a contented grin on her face. It was time to wash, to clean herself, to meet the day refreshed. A simple trip outside with a water basin and Noriaki was soon back in the inn room, strapping on the undermesh of her armor.

A meal, or perhaps a drink was in order. For collateral, Noriaki left her swords in the corner of the room; if Ariiko were to awake before Noriaki returned, she need only glance to the swords to know that this time, this time Noriaki had not left in the morning, that Ariiko had not just been another notch on the belt.
Outside the inn, Noriaki stepped onto the dirt road, stretching, feeling the breeze on her skin. “Such a day made brighter only by the equally as wonderful night I have just awoken from. If only today can be as grand as the night, then the day will be truly memorable indeed.”

She was speaking aloud, her head and her voice projecting towards the sky. Several villagers stared at the woman, but Noriaki paid no mind. She was still coming down from the throes of passion.

Mizuki sighed a little as the others mostly ignored her question, despite being honestly curious about it. It only made her want to go exploring on her own. She saw Hanami not too far off playing with children, and the mere sight was both heart warming and heart wrenching. It hurt really... This was the first time she had seen a actual child and they feared her. Yet Hanami easily earned everyone's love like a mother. The thought of a. Mother was loss as well. Honestly, she had never met her own... Or did she? She didn't really remember. All she knew was that her father told her that her mother died of illness.

Asuka soon went off to get food, only to run short on coin. The Princess was about to help but Kaede was already leaving her to aid the ronin.

Seeing them apparently be busy and enjoying... Whatever everyday life this was... The half demon decided to walking off again. Suddenly there was a large crashed a quiet panicked yell. Her fluffy ears perked up at the sound before dashing off. Of course, her Guardians were probably going to scold her again but she wasn't a child. Despite what they thought... She was just childish in this strange environment because she hadn't been outside before.

The event didn't happen too far off in the village, she came by a house by a cliff and on the side were a large pile of boulders. The little girl from before was screaming as she tried with all her might to move the very large pile of rocks. Stopping beside the little girl, the silver haired woman gingerly knelt down to the sobbing girl with concern glowing in her eyes.

"What's wrong? What happened?" she asked softly.

"Rocks... Big brother...." was all the little girl managed to choke out before pointing at the pile.

Mizuki blinked briefly before she stood and unconsciously started picking up the boulders with two hands. With the ease of picking up a ball, the half demon lifted one by one before tossing them to the side with little difficulty despite quite many being the size of a Ox. Some a bit carelessly as they were thrown a good distance. Luckily none hitting a house or a person. Paying no attention to the gawking gazes, Mizuki chirped as she found a surprised young farm boy of around her age gazing up at her with some scratches. He didn't look too injured other then many bruises and maybe a busted arm, but Mizuki easily grabbed him under the arms and helped him out of the pile.

"Hope your all right. Looks like you were beat up a little bit." The Princess smiled sweetly, curiously watching the boy gap at her before stuttering with a red colored face.

"A-Ah no I'm f-fine! T-Thank you so much! I would of suffocated without you Miss!" He spoke, his shaggy black hair dirty from lying in the dirt.

Mizuki smiled a bit before sniffing the air, catching scent of a familiar smell. Perking up with a hopeful smile she bowed to the boy and girl, waving a little. "Sorry, got to go!" she spoke before bolting off again.

It was pretty close to where the others were, but this time it was too a inn. And there she was. A guardian thought lost or dead in Kyoto, Noriaki. Making a loud cheering sound, Mizuki didn't hold back her excitement as she charged full speed and tackle hugged the poet. "Noriaki!! You're alright!!" she cheered.

She sat on the floor of the restaurant, sipping her tea rather casually. According to the officials she'd talked to, she'd loved that, of course, they were on course for this village. She smiled and waved at few of the women that sat nearby her. She, as a policy, always treated women with respect and care. She looked down at her money pouch and frowned. With a large sigh and possibly the biggest effort of will she'd had to endure in a long time, she paid for the women's meal and left without a word.

When she stepped outside, she noticed something beginning to stir a ways up the road. She heard a woman yell something about the Emperor's daughter, princess Mizuki. Ageha smiled confidently. Well, that certainly made things easier for her. She clutched the signed letter from the officials in her hand. It was the only way these women would be sure she was indeed one of them. She'd arrived late and she had to beg in order to see the Princess' brother, Yukimura. She held back the trembling rather well, she'd thought anyway, and the man had given her the nod of approval. He wrote a letter to the women of the guard to let Ageha in and with that she was on her way.
.
She looked to her other side and noticed a woman exiting a building looking rather content. Ageha smiled. Good for her. Ageha turned swiftly and made way for the group. As she approached, she pulled the letter to the front her body. In truth, she was pretty nervous. Would these women take her in as a comrade? She didn't want to have to fight them. "Excuse me. I have a letter for the lot of you." She told them. She didn't know who would take it, but who ever did would be one with authority within the group. She didn't want to say who the letter was from or that she over heard them before. She held the letter out, her face stoic and cold. Smiling would only make her seem like a con. She wanted to be real with these women. She watched as a small girl with silver hair and fox ear ran past, yelling something about a person named Noriaki. She turned to see the girl heading for the woman from before. Ageha blinked. Was that the princess? She was a half demon fox girl wasn't she? Then was that girl from before also a part of the group?

Erranruin said
Once they were a little way away she rolled her eyes at the Ronin. "A samurai and yet you let yourself get pick-pocketted?" She laughed genially, patting Asuka on the back in a warm and friendly manner before throwing her arm over the other's shoulders. "I should thank you though for your misadventure brought me out of a very morose train of thought." She chuckled to herself but the residue bad mood still lowered her smile slightly and put a sad look in her eyes.

Thank the heavens someone was watching out for her, and that someone just happened to be who else but her past enemy turned dearest comrade, Kaede, always the one keeping a close and vigilant eye upon the bumbling buffoon and her rambunctious and often humorous endeavors, which usually led the ronin into always a mishap of any sort, this time almost losing her head, quite literally, over being an accused thief. Thankfully and graciously however, Kaede paid the warrior's unknowing debt, but not without her signature brand of malice and threats towards the cantankerous food vendor, the old codger unable to say a single word as he gawked in utter dismay and terror of the voluptuous red beast glaring down upon him, or his shiny bald head come to think of it. Asuka herself was rather quiet as well when Kaede spoke, that grim and sharp voice of hers, it was either an honor or a death sentence in itself to hear that woman speak down to you, such authority, but also such fear it grasped, luckily Asuka only heard this sort from Kaede when the two had crossed blades in their past lives, yet however here she was hearing it again.

"Gomenasai, honorable- OROOOOO!!" Was all the wandering samurai had left to say with a short bow as the stronger one dragged her away, unfortunately by her ponytail before releasing her grip on the warrior's dark hair and not exactly scolding her on losing her money, but rather joking about it with a hearty pat on Asuka's back, followed by the woman's muscular arm landing on the ronin's shoulders. "I was certain I had my wallet with me, that I was, Kaede-dono." Asuka spoke sincerely, re fixing the wrap around her ponytail and positioning it again to where she had it, still a bit slumped from where Kaede tugged at it. "Perhaps it may have fallen from me when I dueled Kurohebi...or....wait. I believe it may be in the stream." Well that was wonderful. At least her money could be left as a generous offering to the Tree Spirit and his noble hospitality. Now traveling alongside her companion, Asuka began to notice the look upon Kaede's face, how the woman tried to feign an expression of happiness, yet the solemn glimmer of her dark red eyes betrayed her false joy and revealed what the other samurai easily presumed as...sadness. "Something is indeed bothering you, that I can tell, Kaede-dono. Would you wish to speak of it with a fellow woman of the sword?"

However, the samurai's concern for her friend quickly faltered when she heard the Princess call...a rather unscrupulous name to the band. "Oro? Noriaki-dono?" Head tilted slightly to the side and a blank stare of bewilderment among her face, Asuka looked onward as Mizuki had discovered the notorious flirt was very much alive and in this same village as the rest of her fellow travelers....the ones she rather left for dead during Hanzo's attack on Kyoto, and if she had any shred of honor now, she would already be begging forgiveness for her cowardly actions, but alas, Asuka was not one to hold anger upon any....except for maybe one, but he was long gone as Asuka was to assume of the infamous Black Serpent. In some way, the ronin was joyed to see that Noriaki was alive and well, but on the other...there was still the issue of her avoiding her duties of the samurai she claimed to be, in aiding the noble Princess Mizuki-dono. However, the ronin would just let bygones be bygones. Then who else to come forth, but another woman, who appeared to be asking to join their band of protectors. By the looks of her, Asuka assumed no wrong of the girl, but with someone so targeted as their honorable Princess, she kept her guard up.

Ariikos dark eyes opened just after her companion left the room. She sat up, watching the sway in the hips of the woman she had loved on when night had fallen when she walked away. A small smile trembled at her lips. This woman... ah.. she was a breath of fresh air.
"Indeed." Ariiko had been so at peace, so relaxed that she jumped at the voice... and appearance, only seen by her, of Ida. Sitting across from her, her red skin glistening in the morning sun. The Demon was intangible, unseen, to all but her. Hell... Ida wasn't even really there. It was just a projection from Ariiko's soul, The demons tied in with it. "A breath so fresh that you are undeserving of the experience."
As she spoke, Ida crawled onto the bed, a predatory movement, and pushed Ariiko down, a hand on her chest. The Demon licked her lips. "You don't deserve love or happiness you pitiful mortal. You let your own father die. Watched him. You probably make your little 'Starlight' sick." As she spoke with snideness and bitterness in her tone, The demon leaned forward to kiss Ariiko, to steal the memory of the night. Ariiko, angry now, shoved the projection of the demon off.
"You know NOT of what I deserve!"
As soon as she had yelled the words, the projection dissappeared, Leaving Ariiko alone. She realized now she was sweating and looked around. She slowly pulled her legs into her chest and wondered, fearfully, if she was going insane.