Looking over herself, Mizuki looked at the spirits in mild confusion, the three tails twitching at the same time, seeming to move as one. She wanted to know more, why this and what these spirits knew. Of course they must know who she was... what she was, she could tell. Yet it seemed that would have to remain a mystery.

At her confusion, Ikegami gave a slow nod. "With my power, you, along with all those who you are friends with and are near you, will be able to use the power of ice. Summoning ice to your will. It will be a slow start and will take practice, but im sure all of you will master my power." he said before bowing before his form disappeared.

Tachigami nodded as well, looking up at them. " And with my power, you and your friends will be able to summon blades on your whim. Magical blades will help you in battle by moving by your will alone. Use it welll. And good luck. May Amaterasu watch over you, young ones." the rat spoke before his form disappeared as well.

Mizuki watched them go before turning to look at her comrades with worry. She was stepping toward them to see if they were alright, before she suddenly collapsed. Her head feeling dizzy and her eyes felt so heavy. So tired.... the battle had zapped her energy more than she realized. Mumbling a bit on how she hoped everyone was alright, she closed her eyes, drifting to a soft slumber.

"All the more important you not let yourself get injured, Miko-san." Kouko tears the roll of cloth away from the used portion and ties the ends together, securing the wound beneath the bandage. She clasps the wound tenderly between her hands and channels her Ki through certain focal points in her arm, to stimulate healing. After a moment of that, she releases her arm and smiles softly. "That should do it. Go on, now, you've got wounds to treat, right?" She smiles at Hanami, before looking toward the Princess.

"Hime-sama...?" She seemed unsteady on her feet... Kouko rose, worried, before dashing to her side as she fell. "Hime-sama!" She sits at her side and picks her up off off the ground, sighing softly as she finds the young woman simply asleep. "Well, let's get you into a bed, then..." She slides an arm under Mizuki's legs and stands with the princess in her arms. Let's see... if she remembers where the Inn is properly, it should be... that way. "Miko-san, I'm going to take Hime-sama back to the Inn now. Get her some proper rest. Will you need me to return to assist you?"

Nagiha got up and cleaned the dirt off her armour. Almost being finished with that, she spotted the princess swaying and falling. Her heart made a big leap, but calmed down after she was caught by someone as tall as herself, which clearly was surprising for Nagiha. Even in the random populace there weren't a lot of people that had her small stature.

Hearing the girl proclaiming, she would carry the princess to the inn, made Nagiha remember something, so she dashed after the girl protecting the princess.
"Mikata-san (Mikata meaning "ally, friend"), I already have a room in that inn, fully paid for the night. One of the best rooms, I have to add. Wouldn't it be practical to use that, instead of buying a new one?" While walking, she adjusted her armour and rubbed the remains of the dirt off of her breastplate. Using her yari as a walking stick she proceeded to follow the girl slowly gaining ground.

Ageha turned to look at the owner of the voice speaking to her, Hanami-san's. She stared blankly, a slightly frown on her face. Whatever was there before she needed to kill, whatever feelings she had. She could do that much... She walked over and picked up her weapons and placed them back in their wraps on her thighs, gritting her teeth through the pain. Without a word, she walked over to Hanami-san and sat down next to her, waiting to be healed.

She wasn't really sure was she was doing anymore. She felt this even though the adventure had barely just started. Was she doing the right thing? What had really happened to her brother? Did her parents even need her help? She felt like all of her efforts had been in vain. She didn't know... She supposed she never would know, not until it was all over. Maybe she shouldn't care and just do what she wanted. But... What did she want?

She looked around, watching the others. The princess had done something with the animals, gods or what have you and now looked even more...not human. It would be harder to keep her under wraps especially with her personality. She was now sleeping for some reason. Ageha's guess was that being imbued withe power of gods kind of makes you tired. She didn't know, she didn't really know anything anymore.

The talk of Spirits and ancient power became immediately irrelevant when the Princess began to fall down. Akane made her way over to help carry her to the inn. She wasn't so drunk as to forget her priorities at least. "Uhh yush we can use a room." It took a few moments before she thought about the new appearance their charge had. "Umm would that be fine? Maybe Its me but I thought the Princess had one tail."

It was likely the village had some idea that she wasn't human. Everyone didn't do the best job of hiding that particular fact, but staying the night here in this state would definitely worry a sober Akane. There was no hiding her new appearance from everyone. They would have to stay up in proper shifts for now. There was enough of them that it shouldn't be a problem. Well maybe for Akane since she would unconscious in the next hour. When she wakes up the full consequences of everything that happened would probably become apparent to her.

Hanami smiled as Ageha came over to be healed, though it was slightly awkward how Ageha seemed to be...zoned out the whole time and didn't utter a word. Was she upset about something? Maybe not. Hanami was used to the silence anyway, but she was starting to enjoy the openness of her companions. They all seemed to like making conversation, especially Mizuki. It was part of the reason Hanami had come out of her shell a bit. She supposed the silence gave her time to think about some things that had been on her mind since the battle ended.

With gentle touches, Hanami assessed the wounds on Ageha.. "Don't worry, Ageha-san. It'll be quick and painless." She said softly, concentrating her energy into her fingertips and pouring it into Ageha's body; she would feel a pleasant warmth washing over her body, sealing and healing her most painful wounds. Hanami was too focused on this task to tend to Mizuki at the moment, but she had faith that the others would do just fine caring for The Princess.

Akiko looked around as everything seemed to settle. She watched as the princess absorbed the powers of her two dear friends and somehow sprouts two additional tails. Her hyper enthused personality could only think about how cute the additions looked and not that it might be strange for that to occur in this world. She was about to catch Mizuki though another had beat her to it, carrying the girl off to a local in. So Akiko was left, standing in the middle of the rubble unsure of what to do. So many people grouped up to tend to each others wounds she felt a bit over whelmed. Unsure of where to go, who to help or if any even needed her help. She wanted to look around, see all the pretty things the town had to offer but in it's state of ruin the towns folk didn't seem eager to greet a stranger.

So walked through the street until she found a bench not to far off from a small group of a girl using some sort of magic to heal another. From their conversations one was called Ageha but the others name who used magic was yet to be spoken. She sat upon the bench, she took her hands and held them close together with little space between; just enough to see into it. "Poof~" She quietly whispered in a gentle cooing into her hand, that moment a small flame seemed to ignite in the center of her hands. Flickering warm light peaking out from the slits between them. She liked the look of fire, how it dance in the breeze and seemed so steady and strong. I guess it would be expected a Fire Spirit would like fire.

Kouko turned her head to acknowledge the woman approaching her, welcoming the news. "I suppose I'd have to take you up on your offer, if my... allies haven't already gotten a space." The small woman adjusts the princess in her arms, her small stature making it a little difficult. She would manage. If she couldn't at least carry the princess, then she had more training to do. Carrying a princess as cute as this couldn't be a problem.

On the way back to the inn, they passed a girl playing with fire... But wait, where was the fuel? A fire needs fuel. Wood, oil... She stops and turns to look at the girl. Had she seen her before? A spirit? No beads, like have been turning up. "Er... Hello." She'd turned around before thinking of how to approach the fire spirit...

Though her sensei had stated most calmly that she and her student deserved a moment of rest after such a long and harrowing day under her brutal and unforgiving tutelage, that considered moment of relaxation was all to brief for Asuka, and there she was again, her fragile and weathered exterior marred with so many ghastly cuts, numerous injuries, abrasions and grotesque, swelling bruises upon her torn and tattered skin. Her lungs, they were alight with Hell's miserable flame, burning her insides, scorching her very heart with every ragged breath she took into her throbbing chest with a tinge of pain to her ribs, possibly cracked and chipped like ancient, hewn stone put to the test by the fury of Amaterasu herself, Asuka being the stone and Hibana...being the angry and merciless Goddess striking away at her with all her wrath and might. But finally....after such grueling tribulations, such horrible beatings she had endured along with her Sensei's "take no prisoners, leave only victims" attitude....Asuka's training was finally completed.

"Heh....you know, I never thought I would get to see this day, but...." Her sensei gruffly cleared her throat, a rather prideful smirk crossing her lips as she glanced down upon her student, bowed before her. "I am proud, no....absolutely beyond proud to give to you, Kushiami Asuka, the title of Successor to the Kazeryu no Tsurugi style of Kenjutsu. May you continue, Kushiami-san, to spread my teachings to the corners of this land, to bring forth a new era of samurai who shall wield your legendary strength." Graciously, Asuka bowed again in reply to her sensei, "I am indeed honored to accept the title of Successor, Natsume-Sensei, that I am. As Successor, it shall be my sworn oath that Kazeryu no Tsurugi continue to be passed on from generation to generation of swordsmen and swordswomen, but....." Hibana's eyebrow perked at the pause, only furrowing slightly as Asuka continued, "I shall also teach them that a sword, while it is meant to kill, can also be used to protect those who cannot defend themselves." Hibana's response was but a small chuckle, typical of Asuka to say such, "I had a feeling you were going along those lines." She grumbled jokingly. "Well, guess I can't stop you from teaching that "no kill" malarky, but at least you promised you would carry on my teachings. That should be credit enough at least. Fine then. I bestow upon you, Kushiami Asuka, the title of Successor. Now get the hell out of here."

Asuka rose from the sand, a small smile given to her sensei before she turned, facing the road away from her sword-master's humble abode, as if she were looking out upon a new future that lay in store for her. "Oh and Kushiami-san, I'll be keeping my eye on you. Now, go back to your comrades. Tell them I send my regards."

"That I will, Natsume-Sensei." Asuka replied with a soft nod to her teacher. "It will be an honor for our paths to cross again someday, indeed it will, but for now, I must return to Hime-Dono. Fare thee well, Natsume-Sensei." And....I must return....to Miko-Dono as well....

Sleeping soundly in her tired slumber, the princess merely twitched her ears in response to being picked up, mumbling a little as she curled up the best she could against the small body carrying her. Her three fluffy tails flicked gently, the ice one slightly giving off frost crystals as it flicked. Giving another mumble in her sleep, two of her tails wrapped around the warm body.

While the tail without a symbol rested on her chest, her hands kneeding the fluffy appendage gently as she sleepily nibbled on it cutelu. Ears twitching as she did with a soft purr.

"Don't worry, Ageha-san. It'll be quick and painless." She told Ageha, her voice soft and soothing. No... Stop... She didn't have the strength to resist. Soon, she felt a warm feeling wash over her, concentrated on her wounds. It just felt... warm. She fought the tears threatening her calm. This woman was so much like Cherry-sama. She provided Ageha so much warmth it pained her. She felt like crying.

She knew the woman wasn't doing it for the same reasons Cherry-sama might have but it still made her feel... She didn't know how she felt. It was mostly just... sad. She sighed as Hanami-san finished healing her wounds and she sat in silence, not wanting to say anything, not even really wanting to move. She just wanted to sit there and watch the grass and the ants. Soon, she was poking at the ground, drawing, messing with the ants.

CirusArvennicus said
Kouko turned her head to acknowledge the woman approaching her, welcoming the news. "I suppose I'd have to take you up on your offer, if my... allies haven't already gotten a space." The small woman adjusts the princess in her arms, her small stature making it a little difficult. She would manage. If she couldn't at least carry the princess, then she had more training to do. Carrying a princess as cute as this couldn't be a problem.On the way back to the inn, they passed a girl playing with fire... But wait, where was the fuel? A fire needs fuel. Wood, oil... She stops and turns to look at the girl. Had she seen her before? A spirit? No beads, like have been turning up. "Er... Hello." She'd turned around before thinking of how to approach the fire spirit...

Suddenly a soft voice broke Akiko out of her distraction. She looked up a bit puzzled though smiled as she noticed it was the girl that had picked up the princess to take to safety. Akiko let the fire fade out in her hand as she stood and bowed slightly towards the girl, a greeting she picked up on during her travels. "Hello!" She spoke in her naturally sweet and bubbly voice. She was always energetic and bubbly, especially with new people and situations. She then stood up casually and folded her arms comfortable behind her lower back, her weight shifting comfortably to her right leg with her curvature more pronounced in the position; though it wasn't done on purpose on Akiko's end.

"My name is Daiki, Akiko! It's so nice to meet you!" She smiled sweetly, her strangely red hair faintly blowing in the mid day breeze. "Thank you so much for taking care of the princess!"

Hanami easily read Ageha's uneasiness, but being the naturally reserved woman she is... She kept her questions to herself. It was obvious that Ageha didn't want to talk, or be around her in general. Frowning softly, she got up from her seat and approached the curious girl with the fiery red aura and matching hair. Hanami always seemed to be attracted to spirits, but this one was different... She could tell from her appearance alone. Perhaps it was a regular occurrence, spirits taking a human form, but this was the first time she had witnessed it. Strange indeed. Then again, Hanami had never left her village until now.

"Akiko-san, welcome." Hanami said softly, bowing slightly to the woman before rising with a welcoming smile. "I'm glad to see that another warrior has joined in our cause to keep Mizuki-dono safe."

Fabricant451 said
Noriaki squeezed her muse's hand, gently, but still with a trace amount of tenderness in the gesture. So focused was she on the approaching alone time, that it was only when Ariiko spoke not the affectionate nickname, but her first name, and then went silent. Noriaki turned her head, worry clear behind her eyes. Releasing the hold on Ariiko's hand, Noriaki placed her palm onto the muse's shoulders and pivoted to stand in front of her, her other palm going to rest atop Ariiko's other shoulder. She gave a few gentle shakes, clearly concerned. Clearly worried. "My muse? Are you alright? Shall I carry you to the safety of our room or perhaps to a medical specialist? Are you hurt, tired....exhausted? Speak to me, if you can, for I am worried about your well being. I shall be there to see you through this sickness, if indeed that is what ails you."

Ariikos eyes were heavy. "It is... merely my darkness, Starlight..." She straightened as the demon let her be. "I cannot hide from it... I cannot make decisions without it breathing down my neck..." She squeezed Noriakis hand. "This is not something we can fix with medicines."

Daiki... Akiko? Big fire, huh? "You know of the Princess?" She adjusts the young woman in her arms, blushing a little bit as she feels the fluffy new tails wrap around her. It was strange, one was cold, the other was hot, but both were pleasant. The princess looked so cute, too! The way she had her tail like a child's sleeping toy. "Would you like to come with us, Daiki-chan? We're taking the princess somewhere where she can rest peacefully. She seems to have become very tired with all the exertion today."

At this point, she just wanted to rub those cute fuzzy ears, really...

"A extra blade is always useful." It didn't take much to make Akane even slightly suspicious of the new member. Its not like she wanted to be since her primary objective was to get the Princess in bed and then go to bed herself. This night wasn't going the way she planned. All the newest bodyguards seemed strange to her. It was obvious that they weren't doing their best at hiding that the she was the Princess or at least she was being guarded. "Its obvious we are guarding someone important Kouko. This was unfortunately not the best kept secret." She yawned a bit and noticed that Kouko was the main one carrying the Princess.

"You need any help?"

Akiko looked around as not only the girl carrying the princess arrived but so had the girl healing the others. Akiko smiled warmly as she looked between the two. She felt a bit embarrassed, she hadn't known anyone's yet they all seemed very friendly towards the strange looking girl. It made her feel warm inside, more so than the flames of her spirit. It was a nice sensation. She bowed back to both girls humbly as she brushed long strands of crimson hair behind her hair and out of her face. "It's very nice to meet you as well!" She explained sweetly. She was a bit confused on the appreciation given to her aid in protecting the princess. Appreciation was for things that were done that was a problem to the giver. This wasn't a problem or nuissance, it was what she was created for. But she liked being appreciated.

"I am glad to be here." She stated matter of factly. "And I would love to accompany you both and the princess to somewhere safe for her to rest." she added with an assured nod.

Hanami blinked curiously at the fire spirit's confused expression. A strange one, that much she could tell. Glancing around, she saw that the villagers were already cleaning up the damage, and others were trying to rebuild some of the torn down houses. Hanami felt guilty, though it wasn't personally their fault that the spirits had attacked she still considered it her duty as a Priestess. "Mmm, well I think Kouko-san is heading to the inn. I will rejoin shortly, but I must see to it that the villagers are well first." She smiled softly before dismissing herself from the conversation. "Excuse me." Hanami left the two women to their business and approached the first building that Ikegami tore through. She suspected the villagers weren't in the talking mood after what happened, so she kept quiet, and helped pick up the broken pieces of wood in the area. Doing things like this helped to keep her from worrying about the others.

-TimeSkip Afternoon-

The night had come qnd passed and the group had gathered needed supplies from the small village they were last at. Mizuki was eager as ever as she moved along the road, glad for the night's rest after the stressing battle with the possessed Gods. In which, she hadn't gotten quite used to her reward. Her two extra tails seeming to easilu conjure up ice and steel, even allowing the others to use the magical abilities. But it wasn't something that she could master in a night. A little bit of training was probably in order.

Soon enough, the group would arrive in a much larger town then the last. It was almost the size of a city. However, this one did not hold the more peaceful atmosphere as the last. Most of the commoners seemed nervous and skittish, and there was surprisingly quite a few demons or half demons... but all were in chains. Some were seen serving people with whatever needs, others were doing hard labor, some beaten with men in black masks, or some even simply fading from starving.

It all made Mizuki's skin crawl, her tails fluffed up as she looked around a little more cautiously. Too stunned to actually speak.