Everything seemed to rush by Ren so quickly, as the demon scooped her up and began to rush them to the mountain. At first, Ren gasped and clutched onto the front of the demon’s shirt. She felt as if she were flying, and if he dropped her, she would go plummeting to her death. However, they weren’t far from the ground. And it wasn’t due to the height that her hair was whipping around- it was due to the rushing of the air past them. He was running no- jumping across the ground, and with such ease of carrying her. She felt as if she was going to be sick, from the sudden and quick movements. But in a few seconds they had stopped at the base of the mountain, catching back up with Aoi and Kage. Looking towards Kaito, Ren noticed that she didn’t seem worried at all. She was very brave for a village girl. Anyone else would be kicking and screaming from being whisked away by these demons. Did this mean she trusted them? Ren’s guard was still up. She didn’t know anything about these demons, and she didn’t know if she should blindly trust them like Kaito was. All Ren knew, was at the earliest possible moment, she would have to steal back the Chowa.

Just when Ren thought she was safe, she could feel her body being lifted into the air, as the demon continued to lift her, this time scaling the side of the mountain. Ren had to keep her eyes fixated on the demon in front of her to avoid looking at the ground. Don’t look down, don’t look down, don’t look… She chanted repeatedly in her head. Instead, she decided to focus her gaze on the demon that carried her. His messy silver hair, his pale eyes, his mischievous grin. A warmth seemed to erupt in the bit of her stomach, and it caused Ren to tense slightly. Why was she getting these weird feelings around him? Why did his arms feel so familiar? And why did she feel… safe?

That feeling of safety seemed to drain away though once Ren’s eyes landed on the dozens… hundreds… if not possibly thousands of demons that sulked around at the top of the mountain. Ren’s eyes darted to Kage ahead, who was still carrying her staff. She needed to get it quickly, though Ren’s breathing practically caught in her throat from the demon’s statement. It was rather protective. Odd, why did he care what happened to them? It was a lot more compassion than Ren was expecting from any demon, almost as if there was a bit of humanity in the young man. Reaching the top of the mountain, Ren was able to stand on her own feet again, but remained close to the young demon’s side. With his earlier statement, she figured it was probably in her best interest not to stray too far from his side at the moment. A booming voice practically caused Ren’s spirit to jump from her skin. Coming from who she could only imagine was Ryoshi. Ren stepped away slightly from the two, as Ryoshi and the younger demon seemed to go back and forth with one another.

But Ren’s eyes remained locked on the demon, Ryoshi. She instantly recognized that face, that body, those hands as they reached out to embrace Kaito. Almost in an instance, the entirety of that one day whisked through Ren’s mind. The temple, Tanaka, the demons, “The Boy” echoing through her head. The boy… her best friend. Ren could feel the immense power radiating from the young demon and from Ryoshi, but Ren’s eyesight was now blinded by anger, by heartache. It took the young demon snapping in front of her face to bring her back to the moment. In seconds, Ren charged at Kage, ripped back the Chowa into her own hands, and pointed her staff at Ryoshi. “I banish you, Demon Ryoshi!” Ren screamed at the top of her lungs. A bright aurora surrounded the Chowa, and launched forward towards Ryoshi. “Ren! No!” Kaito moved quickly standing in the path of the light shooting from the Chowa, deflecting it away. Ren winced slightly as the power was sucked back into the Chowa in her hands, almost pushing her back. Damn. The Chowa had no effect on humans. Especially not one good enough to defend a demon from an exorcism. “Ren! How could you?? Have you really judged Ryoshi to be evil after he embraced me?”

Ren clutched the Chowa tighter, keeping her angry eyes locked on Ryoshi. “This isn’t about the village anymore. This is personal!” Ren took a deep breath, tears forming in the corner of her eyes. “Ten years. Ten years ago, you stole from me the most precious person in my life. My best friend. All these years, I looked forward to the day I would banish you soul… for stealing my best friend, Raiko! You-” But Ren couldn’t get out the rest of the words as both Kage and Aoi moved towards Ren, trying to pry the Chowa from her hands again. But Ren wouldn’t let them take it so easily this time, and she resisted. But just as soon as they charged her, she soon felt Aoi and Kage back up, as Ryoshi lifted his hand, signaling for them to move away. As they did, Ren began to take her stance to send another attack towards Ryoshi. But, he was faster, quickly wrapping his massive, dark clawed hand around Ren’s neck and lifting her off the ground. She couldn’t breathe, and she instantly dropped the Chowa to the ground, lifting her hands to Ryoshi’s firm grip to try and lift her neck to breath. “I thought I recognized you.. and that damned little wand of yours.” Ryoshi’s voice boomed, his eyes looking over the young priestess. Kaito had take a few steps back, obviously feel the anger radiating from Ryoshi.

“You are not from the village of Ryoshi. You are from Seiki. And a priestess at that. An apprentice no doubt to that damned Tanaka. Tell me… Ren Shimizu. Did you really think you could banish my soul to hell, when even the experienced, old hag Tanaka couldn’t?” Ren gasped for a second. How did he know her full name? Ren struggled, kicking her legs to try and break from the grip, but her physical strength was that of a fly compared to a behemoth. Ryoshi’s grip tightened slightly, eliciting a yelp from Ren. “Ryoshi! Don’t hurt her! Let her go!” Kaito hurried towards Ryohsi, wrapping her own arms around his forearm to get him to bright down his arm. “Ryoshi, please! Don’t ruthlessly kill her. Spare her life!”

Feeling the air re-enter her lungs, Ren took several deep breathes, coughing and trying to regain her focus. It was as if he had cut off all blood flow to her head. Her attention was slowly coming back, and she could feel the warm embrace of someone’s arms, and the feeling of something in her own arms. The Chowa, she recognized it as she took a firm grasp of the staff. And the warmth… Raiko? She could feel the tears forming in her eyes again. She was so blinded by her need for revenge towards Ryoshi, she had completely missed this whole time that the mischievous young demon was… Rakio. She felt foolish and embarrassed by it all, no very much like a priestess.

Then ren felt it, the rushing, surging energy that was flowing out of Raiko. Normally it would threaten and scare Ren, but for some reason she felt safe in it. No, not some reason- she knew exactly why. It was the protection of her best friend, and Ren finally had him back, after all this time. It felt as if she didn’t even have a minute to embrace him, and enjoying being reunited with him when Ryoshi mentioned the village, and both Ren and Raiko turned their attention towards the billowing cloud of smoke in the distance. Ren could feel her heart sinking in her chest, as her hand shot up to the dragon tooth that hung around her neck. That was her village. That was Seiki in the distance.

Nothing needed to be said, as Ren kept a strong grip on Raiko as to not fall from his arms. Though now, she felt as if he wouldn’t just suddenly drop her, that she was cemented to his body. But her concern rested on the village. Had it been a mistake for her to leave? Should she have stayed a few more days? She may not have been able to find Raiko then but, at least she would have been doing her duty? Speaking of which, she only felt more disappointed in herself. Her whole life destiny was to banish out the demons of Japan, and already she had only banished out a lesser, animalistic demon. She has already encountered an army’s worth in a single day, and couldn’t do anything about it. Her hand moved to her neck, still feeling Ryoshi’s lasting grip on it. She didn’t want to return to be a disappointment to Tanaka. But at the same time, as they drew closer and the smell of smoke from burning buildings intensified, she knew she had to be here.

At the entrance of the village, Ren jumped from Raiko’s arms and charged in, staff at the ready. A few of the village’s men had their swords and spears drawn. All of them looked really scuffed up, and one by one it seemed their faces lit up at the arrival of Ren. “Ren! Than goodness you have returned! The village is under attack by a large demon!” One of the men shouted, Ren could feel the Chowa radiating energy. Something was close, and it was big. “Where is Taiki and Tanaka?” Ren demanded and the villagers pointed in the direction of the nearby woods.

“They both chased the demon into the woods, just before you arrived. You must hurry. They are both severely injured.” Ren could feel her heart racing in her chest, full of worry for both Tanaka and Taiki in the woods, turning towards Raiko, the tears continuing to form in the corner of her eyes. “Raiko, let’s go!” Ren yelled back, charging into the forest without much of a second thought. Little did she know, she was about to charge right into the demon’s own trap.

Tanaka and Taiki stood in the center of the woods, Taiki brandishing swords in both his hands and Tanaka holding her own personal staff. One much weaker than the Chowa, but still not something to laugh at. The two were panting heavily, several cuts and lacerations across their arms, legs, faces, and chests. Tanaka was using the staff to support her weight. Without it, she would have already collapsed. “Don’t give up on my now Priestess Tanaka. You know I can’t banish out this thing. I can only hold it off for so long.” Taiki winced slightly, feeling the blood rushing from many of his wounds, especially from a large cut going across his chest. Tanaka began to shake and fell to her knees, shaking her head. “I can’t, Taiki… I’m so sorry…” Taiki glanced over his shoulders at Tanaka as she fell to the ground, at the same time, he heard rustling through the branches, and he charged past Tanaka.

“Die demon!” He raised both his swords, but rather than a demon appearing from the trees and brush, Ren appeared, wielding the Chowa. It was giving off more intense energy to the closer she moved in on the circle, and Taiki froze up seeing her, taking in a sharp breath, his eyes not leaving the dragon tooth hanging around her neck. He only hoped it would be enough to protect her. For the first time ever, Ren saw an emotion across Taiki’s face. Though it wasn’t a smile or laugh as she had always hoped. This time, it looked like pure fear. “Ren… Ren! It isn’t safe here. Go back to the vill-“ But his cry was cut short as something pounced from the other side of the field. A short demon, with hair like flames and burning red eyes, charging towards the group. In his hand he wielded a sword that was encased in flames, a demonic, evil grin spreading on his lips. “Finally! The great True Priestess has arrived to save her home and family. A little too late, don’t you think, Priestess?” The demon raised his sword, bringing it down on Ren. She threw up her Chowa, holding it in both hands to block the slash of an attack. Ren couldn’t hold off the attack much longer, as her physical strength was weak compared to her spiritual. But she locked eyes with the demon, trying to push him away. “How dare you attack my home! I will personally see to it that you rot in hell!” Ren clenched her teeth, gripping the Chowa tighter to hold him back.

Taiki was exceptionally reluctant to leave the presence of Ren. But the silver haired boy was right. Tanaka was not doing good, and she needed to be attended to immediately. However, Taiki had a bad feeling that the only ones who would be capable of attending to the wounds of Tanaka would be herself or Ren. Be safe, Ren… He thought to himself, carrying the warry Tanaka into the village and finding a hut that was not burned to the ground to lay her on a soft bed. Tanaka stirred slightly from the pain, taking in a sharp breath. It was becoming more difficult for her to withstand the pain. “Taiki, go to the temple. Grab two small vials, one pink, one blue, and bring them to me…” Taiki nodded and was quick to his feet, running to the temple. As worried as he was for Tanaka’s safety, it tore deeply in his own chest to have left Ren alone. Well, technically she wasn’t alone. There was that mysterious silver haired boy who was with her… Who was oddly so familiar. Why had Taiki been so quick to trust him?... Who was that boy? Taiki looked up at the sky, where the stars were beginning to scatter the navy sky, as if he could find an answer among them.

With the sun setting, the open field was illuminated by the energy of the two demons. Ren was just feeling the muscles in her arms begin to give up. The demon was too physically powerful to withstand. Damn, if only Taiki were here. He was so powerful, he would be able to push off this demon with ease. However, it was more important that Taiki brought Tanaka into the village. Besides, Ren luckily had the assistance of her long missed, beloved best friend. And, it was Raiko who intervened to knock back the demon on his butt into the field. With the heat of the flaming sword now gone, the air felt cold on her cheeks. The demon looked unconscious and Ren wielded the Chowa, feeling the warmth where the fire sword had just been making contact on the shaft of the staff. “Leave this world, De-“ But before she could finish the statement, or raise her staff to fully point at the demon, he was back on his feet, and seemed to move faster than ever. But instead of wielding his sword, he had his hand open towards her. The nails grew sharp like claws, and there was fire now jumping at the tips of his fingers.

Ren had no chance or reacting. In one swift sweep of the demon’s claws, five slashes sliced through Ren’s upper blouse, and five deep gashes were formed on her upper chest. One of the claws cutting the string to the necklace that Taiki had given her. The fire demon grabbed the dragon’s tooth swiftly, jumping up into the nearby trees and glancing over the artifact. “Yes, this is it! Well, my mission was to retrieve this and terrorize the village. So with that- I say good bye!” And with the swift swinging of the fire demon’s blade, he seemed to vanish in a thick cloud of smoke. Ren fell to her knees, gripping onto the Chowa to hold her up from completely collapsing. Damnit! He got away. Ren moved her hand to her chest, feeling the burning and throbbing pain of the slashes across her chest, the front of her blouse now becoming blood soaked. When she moved her hand from her chest, she could already see her palm soaked with sticky red blood. Her hand gripped the Chowa, feeling her body shaking and tears continuing to form in her eyes.

Tanaka was wrong. Ren was no True Priestess. She had been completely failing her entire life purpose thus far, and now Ren was sure that she was a failure. Lifting her head, she gave Raiko an apologetic look before falling over on the ground passing out.

“If you don’t get out of my face, I will punch you in it.” Ren opened her eyes. The village could be seen in the distance… and it wasn’t in ruins… and it was no longer the middle of the night. In fact, it seemed more like winter time as there was a thin layer of snow across the ground, and everyone around her was wearing thicker clothing. In front of her stood both Taiki and Raiko. Though, not as she had just seen them. They were all younger again, as if 10 or 11 years ago. The village wasn’t destroyed, had that just been all a dream?

“You and what army, Taiki. I can do what I want. And that includes pestering you.” The two younger versions of Taiki and Raiko both seemed to be exchanging glares of death at one another. But something about them being so young seemed amusing to Ren, and she lifted her small hand to her mouth, giggling. She instantly noticed the difference in her voice- she was young once again. But even this didn’t quite feel real. It felt too much like a memory, or maybe even a dream. “You two are silly!” Ren went into a full laugh, and both Taiki and Raiko looked over at Ren, no longer glaring at one another, as a pink blush seemed to dust both their cheeks, although it was less noticeable on Taiki. Yikes, even Taiki’s face was scary in their youth.

“Ren, why do you spend so much time with this jerk?”

“Takes one to know one.” Raikio rebutted, sticking his tongue out at Taiki.

“Stop fighting already! It is freezing out here and I want to get back to the village, inside a house, and warm up by a fire. Can we get a move on already?” Ren went to take a step, but her feet felt as heavy as lead, as if she had been walking all day. Her chest had a weird throbbing pain too, and she moved her hand to her chest.

“Are you tired Ren? Let me carry you on my back.” Taiki began to approach Ren, but Raiko’s hand on Taiki’s shoulder quickly stopped him.

“No, I’ll carry Ren. You’re the one that always brags about being good at fighting. We need you on the defensive if any enemy appears.” Raiko taunted Taiki, stepping towards Ren to allow her to climb on his back. Taiki was quick to step up too, trying to push Raiko to the side.

“You idiot, you know there aren’t any enemies around.” Raiko clenched his teeth at Taiki’s sudden assault and jumped to his feet. “Oh yeah, well you’re looking right at your enemy number one!” And with that, Raiko pounced on Taiko and the two rolled around in the snow, throwing punches and smacks, much like little kids lacking fighting coordination. Ren put her hands to her cheeks in shock and slightly paralyzed. Oh no, what was she going to do with these two? Ren whined, wrapping her arms around herself as if to attempt warming herself against the harsh winter air. “Guuuuys! Stop fighting!!”