"Thank you, Miko-san." A young man bowed to the Priestess, and paid her a decent amount of yen for the herb remedy she had given him. Normally, she would give these things freely and would accept whatever they could afford to pay, but the man insisted on paying. He looked wealthy enough, so she didn't protest. No point in arguing either since he really, really looked like he could use something for that rash on his face. Hanami bowed to him, and went on her way.

She spotted Kaede and Asuka talking, and saw a girl with green hair approaching them. Upon further inspection, she noticed that - once again - Mizuki was nowhere to be found. Hanami's cheeks got hot as she sighed at the Princesses absence, but at least they were in the village which meant she couldn't be too far. She started to get really worried, but hearing Mizuki's voice calling out... Noriaki-san? She looked over to see Mizuki on top of Noriaki, and fought a smile. Hanami had thought she fled early on and that they would never see her again, but to her surprise she was right here in this very village. Well, she was at least glad to know the blue-haired woman was still alive. What had she been up to the whole time they were risking their lives? She didn't really want to know. She was just glad that Mizuki hadn't gotten herself into any trouble.

"Asuka-san! Kaede-san! Noriaki-san...is back." She said their names as she slid in between the two of them, and gently rests her hands on their lower back. Really, it was the only place she could touch without being awkward since they were so tall. She sniffed lightly, "Is that...eel I smell?" There was definitely a strong scent coming off of Asuka, and it definitely was eel. She stopped and noticed the green-haired girl had made her way over to them, and was holding out a letter. Hanami blinked at the girl, "Hello. Can we help you?" She said in a friendly way as she studied the new girls cute, but emotionless face.

Rusalka said
"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?"

Kaede was unaware that she was showing her emotions on her face and she turned her head in surprised to Asuka before again giving a grateful smile and nodding slightly. "Mayhaps I would Asuka-dono, that is kind of you, but perhaps later and in more restful circumstances." She huffed and continued on back towards the others, noting the princess's absence until suddenly hearing her voice over the crowd, and shouting such a dreadful name. The Miko ran over with a similarly angry expression that vaguely mirrored Kaede's dark storm cloud of fury that cracked above her head and cast a menacing shadow of pure violence on her counternance. Hanami scooted in between them which made for a very warm and friendly threesome however it was not enough to soothe Kaede's fury. It was with this significantly murderous look that she faced the Peacock, finally returned to them after all this time. She could even smell the sex on her.

She let out a vicious growl and her hand went to her sword, very ready to gut their absent and useless poet. This was partially to do with her already bad mood but even so, she was incredibly pissed.

Ageha watched as a young woman walked in between the two she herself had walked up to before. She blinked, looking at her. She was so... pretty. Ageha felt her heart flutter and her cheeks grow red. She averted her eyes and mumbled, "I'm hear to join the group of protectors..." Her voice was suddenly very soft, her eyes to the left and at the ground. Something about the woman made her heart flutter. Her blue eyes and beautiful black hair almost too much to bare for the young Ageha. She took in a deep breath and with a bit of a forced smile, looked back at the woman. "I'm Ageha... I have... a letter to prove my truthfulness." She pushed the letter up, trying to make sure the woman saw it.

She tried her best to ignore the expressions of the other women. One looked about ready to go to battle though Ageha wasn't sure why. She didn't know whether the woman was mad at her, someone else or just the world in general. Either way, she looked like someone Ageha'd prefer not to cross. The other woman also seemed very much battle ready though she seemed much kinder than the red head. She focused her gaze, reluctantly, on the black haired woman in the center once again. Ageha didn't know whether she was infatuated with the woman or whether the woman just seemed like someone should would like. Either way, she knew that she would protect this woman. That was one thing she'd promised herself. Not only would she help protect the princess, she would also help protect her comrades. "I'll be in your care." She continued, bowing ever-so slightly to the group of women before her.

The Princess was happily purring as she glomped the missing Guardian happily though sniffed a little at the odd scent coming off of her. "Noriaki did you put some sort of scent on you or do you just smell like this when you work out? You smell like a mixture of sweat, another person, and your own scent triple the times then it usually is." Mizuki questioned curiously before standing and smoothly helping Noriaki up and looking at her approaching guardians.

Luckily, no one had noticed she went off and started lifting boulders that possibly fell in the village somewhere. Of course, they didn't look all too pleased by Noriaki, especially Kaede. In which Mizuki moved closer to the red haired warrior and patted her shoulder.

"Kaede-San, no growling at our companions." Mizuki playfully scolded with a cheerful smile before looking at a green haired girl holding out a letter. The half demon quickly went up and took the letter curiously. Opening it up to read Yukimura's handwriting. Another Guardian? Well since this was undoubtably Yukimura's hand writing, the Princess smiled at the newcomer.

"Pleasure to meet you. I'm Mizuki. And this is Kaede-San, Kouko-San, Akane-San, Hanami-San, Yuki-San, and Asuka-San. We are glad to have you hear." Mizuki said happily, simply glad to have more possible friends in their merry band of women warriors.

The return of the notorious and flirtatious poet to the group appeared to have Kaede in dark, murderous spirits. Again Asuka was met with that very face she recognized from their last battle in Okagawa, cruel, fearsome, and dripping with the scent of certain demise to come forth unto the woman who both warriors looked upon as having no right, no right at all to be brandishing a daisho upon her very hip, a hip that sometime the night before a hand may have caressed, as with lips that may have been kissed...such as those...other lips. Was this all the woman had come for along this very treacherous and indeed perilous pilgrimage to the high peak of Mount Fuji? The thought of it seemed to anger Asuka as well, but she kept her inner thoughts and emotions of despicable anger at ease while Kaede, more brazen than the ronin, displayed hers with much disdain and contempt for the libidinous woman, her hand already at the motion of drawing forth her blade and making a bloodbath out of this...unfortunate re-acquaintance.

"Oro? Umm...K-kaede-dono?" But would Asuka dare to stand in the vicious warpath this half-demon samurai was about to embark upon. Were she a fool, then yes, despite maybe having a bit of the upper hand in battle, but the ronin, as always, was opting for more of a less-violent approach. Still...part of her was yearning to see Noriaki have her just due, the loathsome coward. Looking onward with a bit of concern for the anger boiling about her fellow warrior, Asuka was a bit surprised when the woman from before approached them yet again, carrying a letter believed to be from...the honorable Emperor, and of course, she wished to join the protectors. "We are honored to have you among our group, that we are, Ageha-dono." However, there was a tad unsettling feeling within the pit of the samurai's stomach, the new girl...she was looking upon the miko...with eyes that seemed to match those Asuka first set upon Hanami. Oro? Is she....infatuated by Miko-dono? Jealousy was never right to the humble ronin, but right now...Asuka was certain she was feeling it.

Ageha watched, her expression again mostly blank as another woman walked up and grabbed the paper. So, this is leader... She sighed and a smile grew on her lips. In any case, she felt she would like it here, surrounded by women, protecting them. The silver haired, fox eared?, woman read the letter quickly, a smile forming on her face as she looked back up at Ageha. Ageha blushed once again and smiled as the girl introduced herself as well as the rest of the women. Mizuki-san? She turned to look at the women the princess was pointing at. Kaede-san... The woman with the hunger for blood in her eyes... Kouko-san... She looked about the same size as Ageha. Maybe they were the same age? Akane-san... a woman with long brown hair tied back into a ponytail. She looked rather... serious. Hanami-san... Ageha blushed once again looking at the woman. so her name was Hanami? P-pretty...

She froze in her place when she heard her name, 'Yuki' spoken. She looked up to see the princess pointing at another individual. She could feel her heart racing. It didn't matter if they knew her real name but she'd rather keep it a secret. Yuki was dead, at least in her own eyes. She was Ageha now and that was how she would introduce herself. Call her sentimental, but it meant something to her. The name Yuki just reminded her of how young and naive she'd been. The name Ageha gave her purpose and drive. It was the dagger she could use to slay all of the evil in the world. She looked up to see the princess pointing at another woman. Asuka-san... Another woman with long brown hair. She, again like Kaede, seemed to have a hunger for blood in her eyes. But then, maybe Ageha was just reading into it too much.

She closed her eyes and bowed deeply both at the princess and the group. "It is a pleasure to meet all of you." She told them before straightening back up. She turned to glance at Hanami once again, averting her eyes just as quickly. "So... I hate to ask Mizuki-san but... where is the woman we are supposed to be protecting?" She asked, assuming the princess was being kept somewhere for now.

Hanami could clearly see the dark clouds of anger cast over Kaede's and Asuka's heads, and really... She didn't blame them for feeling that way. If she hadn't practiced self-control for the past twenty three years of her life, she might be tempted to go over and give Noriaki a good scolding, or maybe show her how good of an archer she truly is since Noriaki did have an issue with her getting in over her. Never mind that, she had forgiven the blue-haired warrior. No use in dwelling on the petty things that spouted from that Poet's mouth.

"It is a pleasure to meet all of you."

A small smile crossed her lips when the green-haired girl greeted them. Hanami could already tell she was a nice girl, and that they would get along just fine. She thought the girl must be pretty young as well, even though she was taller than her she could just tell from how nervously Ageha shifted her eyes from hers. Why did she do that? Hanami thought she was being very friendly with her, but she seemed uneasy in her presence. Didn't she know that the little Miko was the least of her worries in this group? Still, she wouldn't think too much of it. Perhaps, the new girl was just feeling shy from being surrounded by so many new personalities. She did have to admit that Kaede and Asuka didn't seem so welcoming at the moment, and anybody who didn't know that they were some of the friendliest people, would probably be weary of them.

"Ah, Ageha-san, but you are speaking with her." She said this with a smile, and tilted her head subtlety in the direction of Mizuki. It's better she knew now than later. She dropped her hands from around Asuka and Kaede's waist, and walked up to the visibly nervous girl. "Welcome, Ageha-san. You have a long journey ahead of you." They were now face to face. Hanami lifted her Sakura reef off of her head, and placed it atop Yuki's head perfectly. She liked how the pale pink cherry blossoms looked against her dark green hair, and took a step back after realizing they were...pretty close. She just wanted Yuki to know that she was welcome.

Shhh. Just don't talk about it.

GAWDDAMMIT. Chalk that up to stupid and pointless clicking. -cough- >.>;

Well, to say that seeing the Princess and the guardians she had left behind alive and well was a shock to Noriaki would be an understatement. Before she could register the emotion of shock, the princess ran towards her, knocking the poet off her feet from the force of the sudden hug. Next came the one with the proper speech, or rather the unique way of talking…Asuka, was it? What was that expression Asuka was wearing? Was it shock? Awe? Disappointment? Noriaki could spy the shrine maiden or whoever a bit away, talking to some stranger that Noriaki hadn’t recognized but instantly wished to get to know better on a personal and private level. Wait, was that allowed? She and Ariiko, despite their night together, weren’t, like, a couple, right? They had made quick plans to travel together…but that was before Noriaki was aware that the Princess and her guardians were alive and well.

Things were probably going to get awkward.

The awkwardness only increased as the always buxom Kaede made herself known, much to the relief of Noriaki. That relief lasted a brief second, as she saw Kaede grab towards her blade. Hardly the chest-high hug Noriaki had pictured would be the response to her return. Ah well, Kaede’s bosoms would have to wait yet again.

The poet got to her feet, with aid from the Princess, as well as a series of questions.

“You’re all alive. Wow. Well…this is…I’m actually at a loss for words. See, I sort of figured you had all died, or at least had gone in the opposite direction and assumed I had died. Kaede, my beautiful fiery rose, no need to brandish a weapon, as you can clearly see if you would only look at my hips – and that is an open invitation to you all, you may gaze upon my hips, bare or otherwise, whenever you wish – but you will see that I am not armed. Which, of course, brings me to my point. While you were off, no doubt getting lost and muddy and gross, I was here, enjoying the sake, the maidens, and the hospitality.”

She paused, looking around the group, picking out the expressions of disgust.

“That which the sharp nosed pri…the sharp nosed protected one smells is the scent of both me and another woman with whom I was engaged in a single night of intimate passion, of which I hope there to be many more. She is my muse, you see, and I feel that I can become a far better poet than I am at this moment so long as I am in her presence. So, as glad as you all are to see me alive and well, it is with a heavy heart and a great depression – for this news comes with the realization that I will never gaze or feast upon the prizes just waiting for me underneath Kaede’s clothing, but I have already promised to travel with this woman who I got to know intimately.”

She winked towards the group, just in case they hadn’t yet figured out what Noriaki was talking about.

“Noriaki Okamoto is going to instead travel with her muse, because she is a woman who understands my value, and I hers. When you are finished with your quest, be sure to keep your ears to the wind so that you may hear of the exploits of Japan’s greatest poet and her muse as they travel the land.”

Noriaki gave the group a bow and a smile. While it was good to see them again, she had promised Ariiko…and promises were important. Mifune taught her that.

Ageha, forgetting her... infatuation with Hanami for the moment, turned to look in the direction of the woman's subtle motion. Mizuki-san? Ageha's eyes grew large. Before she had time to apologize to the princess, Hanami-san walked over closer to Ageha causing her to stop mid-bow. She looked up at the black haired woman. She straightened at Hanami-san's words. A true smile formed on her face at the woman's kind words. "Thank you. I expect that much from this. By no means did I expect it to be easy." She replied, looking around at the group. No... it would definitely be a long journey.

When she looked back Hanami was face to face with her and Ageha could feel the warmth enter her cheeks. She was sure she was clear up to her ears. She felt the woman place something on her head. She lifted her hand to feel for it. Flowers? She looked up at the woman, confused, and notice her smile. Again, she felt her heart flutter. No, no, no... She swallowed before squirming a bit. "T-Thank you." She stuttered. She felt like a small child next to the woman even if she were taller. Her gaze fell back to the ground once again. I need... to get my act together. She thought, telling herself. She took a deep shuddering breath but it didn't help. What was she feeling for this woman? She was certain that she liked her, that much was for sure. But why? Just because she was... beautiful? Ageha looked down at the woman. Ageha felt bad for liking the woman based on her appearance but the woman was also very kind and.. warm. Something Ageha hadn't had for awhile. There was a kind woman at the brothel that had been that source of warmth for her. She was the main reason why Ageha was able to maintain her sanity... the warmth of a woman's touch. Ageha was blushing again. Thoughts, thoughts she shouldn't have, were running through her head.

Curiously, she watched as this slightly shorter girl looked at Hanami oddly before looking away. Deciding that it wasn't really anything, the half demon continued to smile cheerfully. Her ears lightly twitching at the question and answer spoken between the two. Though she lightly pouted at Hanami for spoiling the answer before smiling innocently.

"Oh Hanami-San, I thought I was simply your dear little pet?" the silver haired woman spoke, teasingly leaning closer to the Miko and briefly rubbing her cheek against the side of Hanami's head much like a very large cat before pulling away chuckling.

"Yes that is me. Hard to believe I know." Mizuki said softly before glancing at Kaede and Asuka to make sure they didn't bother Noriaki physically before smiling at the new companion then turning to Noriaki as she spoke.

Now if one such as Noriaki decided to just refuse to come along on a accepted task by the Emperor, well Mizuki should slice her head off by now. Of course being Mizuki, she only smiled happily and nodded a little.

"Well... If you are sure, I won't stop you Noriaki-San. As long as you live happily and well, your free to roam the lands with this new friend of yours." she said with a happy but innocent smile, still not realizing what occurred between the two.

Likewise on the outside, Asuka was her usual self, calm, collected, and indeed sincere of all, but on the inside however...different story. At first, she was seething underneath with a burning rancor aimed for this...this imposter of a samurai Noriaki, so much she even refused to refer to the woman as -dono anymore for that was only reserved for those who she deemed honorable, and through the actions the poet had displayed, such in Asuka's scrutinizing gaze of the woman were indeed dishonorable and downright unscrupulous. Why, had it not been for her vow to never shed blood, the samurai would have already bared her weapon unto the wretch, challenging her on the spot, as would Kaede...possibly upon this very moment. The pinch in her stomach grew ever more bothersome as she heard of the woman's plan...her plan to travel with whom Asuka considered was the woman she had lied with last night, for the odor of the sin was still among the sinful woman, sinful in how she abdicated all noble duty she was to fulfill of the honorable Hime-dono, and abandoned her comrades in the heat of battle, in pursuit of the more sensual heat of her own lust. How disgraceful! How selfish! But still, the ronin refused to speak of such to the woman. A time of judgment will come for this wrongdoing, certainly it will for this dishonorable one. It shall not be my hand that graces justice's blade...but rather the hand of the divine will of our goddess, and justice swiftly shall she deal indeed.

Besides, more pressing matters to the ronin came to mind, as this new girl and her reactions about Hanami-dono, the woman....Asuka was rather flustered to mention, but the woman Asuka had first laid eyes upon. And still she had to wonder, why was she becoming so flustered all of a sudden over this new one, carooning about the miko in such...infatuation of her? I'm sure she is probably intimidated by her newer surroundings, indeed it must be so.....right? Ugh! How Asuka hated this twinge in her nerves, how her blood seemed to boil as she watched this girl, Ageha-dono, parade about the shrine maiden, the very same...Asuka was quite infatuated with herself...though she feared to mention it. She's just being friendly, indeed that must be all. She kept reminding herself, such a test to her saintly patience.

Ariiko, back in her re-polished armor with her hair up with a borrowed satchel over her shoulder carrying her own necessary items for travel, walked carrying Noriakis weapons and belongings over her other shoulder, searching for where the maiden had gone. After a while of trailing behind where she had seen Starlight leave off to, she came upon her at astonishingly large group of people. And some looked... quite unhappy with her.
"Starlight. Ah... I have you things packed up. We should be going soon." She spoke calmly, her eyes holding a twinkle of admiration of Noriakis body as she approached. Then, her eyes suddenly drifted to another... female within the group. A light haired girl with fox ears and a tail... Ariikos eyes turned red on a dime and she dropped everything. The next thing the princess would know she was scooped into the arms of a possessed Ariiko.
"Hello...~" Ariiko spoke, or rather Ida spoke, in a slightly higher pitched voice the Ariikos. Ida could see the potential for corruption and it made her quiver in excitement, to twist the mind of this partial demon girl... but now... Ariikos form seemed to sparkle, her dark hair being blown around her face. "You must be tired... let me carry you..."

Ageha's eyes grew wide as another woman came out of the building Noriaki-san had been in. Her eyes narrowed as she noticed the look the woman was giving Noriaki-san. She'd seen that all too often. The look of pure lust after a night of passion. So... Was that why some of the women were in such a fit? No... That couldn't be. They must have some other reason to show such distaste for the woman.

Ageha felt her body tense as the woman's eyes suddenly turned blood red. She began charging at them. Instinctively, Ageha reached for one of the blades on her hip. She watched the woman grab the princess and hold her. "Is she a part of the group?" Ageha asked, already on high alert. She wasn't sure if this woman was a part of the group and she sure wasn't about to let her guard down until she found out. If she was charged to protect this woman, she wanted to know who this person was holding her. Her face was relaxed, once again emotionless, her hand still ready to grab the sai hidden under her clothes.

Noriaki gave the princess a pat on the head and a smile, a genuine smile, at the acceptance of her being allowed to leave, to turn her back on the protection in order to carve her own path, to become the best poet, and the best warrior, her muse at her side. And, as if on cue, the woman that was hre muse appeared, carrying Noriaki's blades as well, without even asking. Noriaki turned as she heard the familiar call of Starlight, and she beamed, like a proud parent.

"And here she is now, my muse, my precious Ariiko. It was she who shared her self with me, it was she who woke up in my arm, and it is we who will be travelling together, and spending more sleepless nights for years to come. Take a good look, everyone, for this might well be the final time you see myself or my muse."

And then things got worse.

Ariiko dropped, literally dropped, Noriaki's swords to the ground and scooped the princess in her hands, leaving Noriaki wide eyed and confused. What was going on here? Was she, Noriaki that is, the victim of a classic Noriaki move? The bait and switch? Promising eternities and then switching when someone else came along? Is that what it felt like?

"Ariiko, pay no mind, my muse, pay no mind to this girl or her followers. Do you not remember our promise? Our agreement? We are to travel together, now let us go, we have the blessing of the maiden here,"

Noriaki bent down to pick up her blades, affixing them to her waist, before pulling gently on Ariiko's clothing. This was getting embarassing, Noriaki getting out, well, out Noriaki'd.

Awaiting for Noriaki's answer, which was a pat on the head, or reaction from the others, though more prepared for Kaede's more violent approach, she found herself surprised to see a woman come out of the inn. Speaking to Noriaki as if they were familiar. Guessing that this beautiful black haired woman was the traveling companion, whom oddly smelled similar to Noriaki, Mizuki smiled in a friendly manner. Her fluffy tail wagging ever so slightly as her ears twitched.

"Oh hello, you must be Noriaki-san's friend she was speaking of. It is very nice to meet...." Mizuki started her friendly greeting before the dark eyed woman's eyes suddenly turned red after noticing her and within a blink of a eye scooped the princess up in her strong arms, being cradled like a Samurai would a a Princess.

This felt oddly unfamiliar so Mizuki could only slightly sweat drop and her face redden a little in surprise. Her ears perking straight up before shyly drooping to the sides. Her gold eyes curiously staring at the now red eyed woman. A demon? Her body before didn't smell demon but now it was fully there. Is this girl possessed by one?

Still, Mizuki kept her friendly smile, despite being a little unsure how to respond to this. It did feel comfortable since this woman was warm, and Mizuki couldn't help but be drawn to heat. It was in her nature. A reason she enjoyed cuddling with Kaede or bathing in the hot springs.

"Mhm thank you Miss. You don't really have to though." she answered as she tilted her head in a cute innocent manner.

Her ears flicked to Ageha as she questioned this stranger grabbing Mizuki, seeming ready to jump in. "Well... No she isn't but no need to pull weapons Ageha-San." she answered before looking toward Noriaki who seemed a little upset for this black haired crimson eyed woman to be grabbing her.

"Oh yes, Noriaki-San said you would be traveling with her, Ariiko-San." Mizuki said softly, a bit curious why exactly had suddenly grabbed her so when she was apparently leaving with Noriaki.

Hanami grinned slightly when Ageha blushed, but of course when she caught wind of the conversation between Noriaki and The Princess, her smile faded and Noriaki was met with a look of boredom. She had grown bored of the blue-haired girl's charade, and her poetic way of speaking. Well, not really... It was kind of amusing actually, but not in this situation! She wanted Noriaki to step up to the plate, but that didn't seem like it was going to happen anytime soon. Had she really come just to mingle with the ladies? Had she no honor? No shame? Amaterasu, please... She mentally cried. The auras of her comrades were flickering and had become quite hostile, save for The Princess. Perhaps, it would be better if they let Noriaki go. Hanami had convinced herself that someone like that couldn't be much help anyways, and would probably just get in the way of their more important tasks. So, yes. Maybe they should let their bird fly free.

When Ageha fled from her side, ice blue eyes followed where she went. When this new black haired beauty showed up Hanami could immediately tell something was not right. This was the woman Noriaki had so called her muse? Well, she was quite beautiful, but... She had the same feeling she got whenever there is a half-demon around- similar to how she felt upon first meeting Mizuki. She gasped when not only did the black haired girl's aura change, but her eyes as well. Just as fast, the demon scooped the Princess into her arms. Alarmed, but keeping her generally calm demeanor, Hanami quickly drew an arrow and set it into the nocking point before aiming at the demon.

"No, Ageha-san. She isn't." She said as her arrow began to glow very faintly. She was, of course, taken a back when the demon began to...come onto Mizuki, and asked her if she wanted to be carried. It didn't help that their Princess, in all of her naive glory just acted like her usual self. Hanami pinched her lips together as she felt a smile coming on and lowered her weapon only slightly, just enough to where she could pick up again if things went south. What was more amusing was Noriaki. It seemed the tables had turned on her. Naturally, Hanami couldn't help but feel bad for the Poet. It was quite embarrassing, and clearly Noriaki had been bested at her own game.

"Ah, Noriaki-san. It looks like your muse has moved on." She said sadly to the blue-haired woman with a face to match. "I think she will want to accompany us on our journey, and if you are to travel together - I expect you will want to come too?" Hanami looked up to the sky briefly, and back to the women in front of her. "It seems Amaterasu has made it very clear that we are all to travel the same road together. Do not try to stray from what was so clearly laid out for you from the very beginning." She allowed a smile to show itself on her nude lips as she completely lowered her bow and arrow. This was turning out to be no ordinary day in the village. There was something greater in store for them... Why else would they have crossed paths?

Ariikos crimson gaze had turned to the woman she had spent the night with and she smiled not unlike the Cheshire cat. Ariiko, within, could see what was happening. It was an occaisional thing when she was able to comprehend what was happening still. Being knocked out of place in your own body was much like someone shoving you roughly over so they can look out a window. 'Ida!' She warned, angry. Internally, the she-demon glanced at her, bemused. "Oh all right." she responded rolling her eyes.
Outwardly, Ariiko listened to what everyone said, Noriaki especially, and smiled. "My Dear... <3" She leaned over to Noriaki over Mizukis body, whispering into her ear.

For the time being, the ronin remained stoic and indeed silent as always as she listened, though begrudgingly inside, to the poetic banter of Noriaki, braggling ever so of the women for whom she betrayed her comrades to lie with for one night. Such deceit the blue haired wretch exhibited so flauntingly, so flamboyant, enough to make even the most patient of warriors loose their cool every once in a while, but still no need for violence, not upon this time, which was to be a time of joyful reunion for their band of protectors, but so be it if the loathsome woman wished to travel with this other, the one she called her muse. Less of a distraction would she be to the true samurai, the ones who shall give life and limb to protect the honorable Princess and swear fealty to her until this journey had reached its end. A deep sigh being released from her swelling lungs, Asuka merely shut her eyes for a brief moment of quiet meditation to calm her frazzled nerves, but twas when she opened them, they fell upon the muse in question.

And to the ronin's surprise, judging by the mismatched scraps of armor the woman adorned, the muse was also a samurai, but possibly a true warrior and not a facade as Noriaki displayed in her vaudevillian nature. However, as the ronin quietly observed Noriaki's poetic inspiration, Asuka couldn't help but feel a strangeness about this young woman. It felt as though a second presence was about her, an energy the ronin couldn't decipher so easily, yet could feel it as if it were very...very close to her, a sensation of malevolence and oddly seduction looming about the woman, and the way her eyes gazed upon their noble Hime like a miser awe-ing over a priceless gem or a shard of valuable gold, lustful and indeed dangerous. it didn't take long for Asuka to notice the energy spike in the samurai and suddenly her eyes widened in a shock of fear when she saw the shift of the muse's natural color to....blood red. "Miko-dono!" Hurriedly she warned the maiden of the dark presence, just as soon as it overtook the woman and lifted their Princess into her arms, in a courting way....but Asuka could tell clear off there was nothing courting of this hellish entity.

The maiden was way ahead of the warrior too, already nocking an arrow of purity charged unto her bow, just as Asuka's hand fell upon her sakabato, ready for the draw. Just once, that would be all it took for this demon to try something ill upon the fragile girl and Hell would be the penance to pay. It was just a matter of who would reach her first. Surely it would be Hanami's arrow pinning the creature to a tree with her arrow, which would leave the use of Asuka's blade to draw back, still was the warrior vigilant, even as the presence faded and the woman returned to her self, asking if the Princess would like to be carried...not by this woman she wasn't. Releasing her grip from the hilt of her sword, Asuka yet again sighed, but this time with relief more than bother of Noriaki, taking yet another deep breath in and exhaling slowly through her mouth in an effort to calm herself again. This journey alone, it was indeed a test of her very patience, and likewise she may have slipped a few times, but she made sure to never falter again, unless called for. "Please, allow me to carry Hime-dono, if you would, Ariiko-dono." Asuka spoke, mustering her kindest manner to combat the suspicious glares and the battling urge inside her, a smile etched across her lips as she carefully took the young girl from the strange woman's hands, just as she was seemingly uttering something in a whisper to her lover, Amaterasu help the woman when Noriaki decides to latch to another pair of legs. "I believe our honorable princess would be more trustworthy of her protectors, indeed she would." Taking the small body into her arms, Asuka was rather amused at how light the Princess was, about as light as a child should be.

Carrying away their Hime from the nefarious sort, Asuka overheard Hanami speak word to the flirtatious one. She spoke of how it was the will of Amaterasu that brought the group together again, and that to tarry from such would mean shattering the chains of destiny that bound them together, and as much as many of these women wished to part from the impudence that was Noriaki, the will of the Goddess would have otherwise. "Miko-dono speaks truth, that she does Noriaki-san." Calmly the ronin stated. "For if your muse, Ariiko-dono is to travel with these women, should it not be wise for you to tarry along with them as well? As the Goddess would deem it so, that she would indeed." Afterwards, the ronin stepped over to the miko, a concerned whisper shared, "But I am unsure of this one following us, that I am, Miko-dono, for I too sense what you have sensed before. This one, she is certainly a malevolence, that she is, and while it would be dishonor to I to abandon her, I am uncertain if Ariiko-dono should follow us, especially after her movement towards the Princess, indeed I'm very uncertain."