Kurama looked back and saw what was about to transpire. He gave out a sigh.

"More fighting...it never ends, does it?" He walked back to where Tayuumi and Taken were staring each other down. His eyes were relaxed, looking through the straws in his strawhat.

"No Kurama, the fighting never stops, nor should it. Only on the razor's edge of death, in that instant on which you lie a breath from oblivion, can life truly be realized," the ronin answered Kurama's rhetorical question, once the man came into easy ear shot for normal mortals, and then directed his attention toward Tayuumi, his eyes remainin unfocused as befit a 'challenge' of her level. He did not even bother to draw his sword.

"If you insist upon it, I will grant you that instant of true life before death, Tayuumi, as I have promised you all along. Come then... look upon the abyss and see it's beauty... or back away and choose to live another day," he spoke quietly, his voice expressionless, and his eyes looking through her. Not a muscle on his body moved yet, neither to grab his sword, nor to enter a stance. He did not even draw his right hand from his kimono.

"Fine. You go to one side of the road and I'll make it to the other, Taken."

Her finger traced a very dusty road a bit on the horizon of the two. Every gust of wind sent trailing clouds of dust, even on a still day such as this one.

Tayuumi took her way down to one edge of the road, her kimono forming into her armor as she stepped away, sword pointing in the air off her shoulder.

The ronin turned wordlessly and walked with an even and relaxed gait along the side of the road opposite of Tayuumi. Every step kicked up a small cloud of dust behind him, caught upon the hot, dry air, and whisked away on nearly imperceptible winds--though he felt the nearly non-existant wind as accutely as a lovers touch, but it did nothing to hinder the dry heat of the road.

None of those sensations were of any concern to him, however. He had seen that the woman had odd powers, and though she was unfocused and sloppy, he would still have to exercise at least some small degree of focus, just until he could unravel their mysteries and predict them.

Kurama placed his hand gently down to the Raigaki. Though he was still slightly injured, he would step in should anything happen. Like Taken said, fighting is inevitable. Doesn't mean he had to let any of his group die because of it.

He winced a bit when his left side moved. It wasn't a good day for it.

"Taken!"

The all too familiar voice called from down the road. He lazily turned to face Tayuumi, hand not even on Muteki as he eyed down the black clad half demoness. The distance between the pair ranged many yards, a fair distance, especially for two melee fighters.

Near the road was a small patch of woodland, a few large trees here and there, a creek off in the distance trickling on the rocks. The sun left only small puddles of shadow at the feet of the contenders, the high noon setting almost too perfect for the situation.

"You have insulted me enough. This isn't the punishment I believed it should be at first. This is my redemption and your humbling. Prepare."

He lifted his head, so slightly as to barely be noticeable.

"Very well."

Her left hand grasped the hilt of the blade, but not the way any person would wield a sword, underhanded, wrist sticking out under it. Her knees gave a slight bend, preparing for what looked like a lunge. But at this distance? Impossible, even for a half demoness.

With a sudden swing, her blade whistled, her left hand spinning the blade as if to stab it directly into the ground behind her. No apparent purpose came from this, but to Taken's powerful eyes, he could see a small, flat shadow protrude from the tip of the blade.

But, something else caught his eye. She kicked off at the same time as the flat shadow pushed off the ground, but accompanying the kick off came two more objects of shadow pushing off the ground again. A second kickoff from the first. But, her display wasn't finished. Almost to much for Taken to determine came another assitance to her lunge. The flat shadow now pushing her forward as she already flew from her spot.

Her normal legs, her arms, the shadow of the sword, two shadow limbs. This woman had somehow found a way to push off of the ground with 7 different parts, almost to quickly for the most keen of eyes to catch.

In her wake of the rapid kick off, a burst of dust and chunks of earth flew out of the ground. Her flying body raced towards Taken. Yet, the ronin stood unshaken even as the woman raced forward to claim his life.

Tayuumi's mad lunge tore the air with her, dragging along the stray dust of the road with her. But, to a bit of surprise she stopped abruptly before either of them came in reach of each others blade, feet digging powerfully into the ground, overturning the hard soil of the road as she swung the flat of her blade from one side to the other off the ground, adding to the effect of her attack.

A wind of dust and stray earth flew past her, a cloud now forming in between the two, a barrier so thick that even Taken's powerful eyes could not pierce.

Yet the Ronin remained as calm as ever, resting his hand on the hilt of Muteki and opening his every sense to the area before him. He could hear a bit of shifting, no doubt the repositioning of her grasp on the blade and the replacing of her feet. Without his eye sight, he couldn't be sure exactly how her feet and other limbs were placed.

Then came a strange swish, the sound of a blade coursing through the air. He looked to where the sound had come from, but nothing was there yet. In this moment, this very instant before the masked shadow blade could swipe across to cleave the ronin, he knew something was off. Whether it was a gut feeling or his trust of hearing and knowledge of misleading eyes, he readied for his defense.

His left hand grasped Muteki's pommel in a backhanded grasp and pulled the blade directly up to meet the heard, but not seen, blow, while his right hand withdrew from his kimono with an inhuman speed,, the palm meeting the back of his blade and providing extra leverage against the coming attack.

However, Taken was unsure of the solidity of this blow, and if it could not be stopped by mere steel, he did not wish to leave himself open to the full brunt of it's attack.

His legs bent and he leapt back and away from the sound of the blade, even as he kept the cold steel between himself and it--knowing that he did not have time to fully dodge the attack.

As the Ronin prepared his expert defense, the two blades clashed. In this moment he could see a black, shadow formed blade connect with his.

The full force of the blow was more than even Taken predicted. With his hands placed so well on his hilt to provide solid defense and his leap moving him away, he was still forced to be pushed around, midair, in a semi circle, through the cloud of dust and to the other side of Tayuumi.

Once he finally hit the ground, he stood opposite to the assaulting warrior, sporting a doubled in length blade.

A satisfied grin came across her face as she saw her unharmed opposition. She retracted the blade completely away from him as the dust began to settle behind her. Taking a couple of eager steps backwards, she held her palm out and rested the flat of the extravagent sword on it, as if offering a present of her blade.

"Your turn."

OOC: Dammit, AB, interacting and then wandering off, then skipping forward in time. First part of the post begins before any time-forwardness.

IC: Raikotsu was silent. He did not ignore Kirie’s question out of rudeness, but out of a general detachment with the world. So much had happened, so very much, and he was no longer certain of anything. Lost in his own thoughts, her words were like pebbles bouncing off of a stone wall, failing to quite reach him.

His fingertips idly stroked the silvery haft of his lance, the weapon of his father, the ranseur of the hurricane’s fury. It was a weapon of Air Demon passions and analytical precision, focus and fury. It was an instrument of vengeance, and a highly strategic tool of combat. Normally, it comforted him, reminding him of his purpose, but now…

He felt like a storm, but with no eye of calm at the center. This was not the way of his people. They allowed their fury to pour from them in battle, thunder and howling winds of a mighty typhoon, but always with a center of calm awareness. Right now, Raikotsu felt like just a mass of raging winds inside, lost in his own soul.

He still did not understand. His people were egalitarian, women were warriors as often as men, and they would not hesitate to slay a female opponent with the same swiftness they would use to dispatch a male. Yet, he had saved the life of that one on the ship, the girl with the sword of shadows and hair like woven sunbeams. He did not know why, and the question plagued him.

So did Koyuki. He had admired her strength, her control, and considered her a worthy friend…possibly even a worthy mate.

She had not even noticed him, or ever thought of him as anything but an ally. It wasn’t her rejection that hurt, but the fact that she viewed him as inferior.

The Air Demon sighed, the only outward expressions showing boredom and faint disinterest.

“Kohaku, find something to cover her.” He waved a hand dismissively, turned his back, and walked away.

***During the boat trip***

Raikotsu, had he known Kirakiri’s thoughts, would have pointed out that the shapeshifter had failed as well. Furthermore, Arashi Raikotsu was the servant of no outsider, anyone who ‘gave him a task’ would do well to remember that. He had fought the golem, brought down the airship, and now that he was fully recovered had little reason to let Kirakiri puff itself up on pride. Talkatz be damned, Raikotsu was here for Kurama, and only Kurama.

In fact, the only person the Air Demon could actually respect anymore was Iori. Iori had the honor of an Air Demon himself. Iori could fight without resorting to demon offspring, a legion of soldiers, or powerful allies. Iori was worthy to be considered an Arashi’s peer.

He spent much of the trip flying ahead, preferring the freedom of the open skies to the boat, and keeping to himself even when they put in at the river. Soaring through the open air, caressed by the loving breezes that tousled his hair and stroked his skin, he felt as if his bond to the primal element was increasing. He turned his face up toward the sun, basking in its warmth while allowing himself to feel the air currents.

He flew high above the forests that ran along the river’s edge, his keen eyes able to catch the movements of fish far below the surface. Birds needed to circle to gain altitude quickly, but those who traveled the air more easily than a fish through water had no such limitations, the simple desire to travel higher propelled him upwards as if he were a kite in an updraft, the landscape spreading out before him.

As long as he rode the wind, feeling the thrill of the breeze against his face, he felt alive.

OOC: Sorry for the delay before my post, I haven’t been able to get on the forums much as of late. I should have more time from now on, and I’ll catch up on the last week’s posts later today or tomorrow.

Beraku walked down the street, a slight spring in his step. “That was a brilliant plan, if I do say so myself.” His latest job had begun as one of the more standard ones. He was given a person that he needed to kill, and he went and tried to kill him. More specifically, the person who would likely rule after the current one died.

From what he had heard the current ruler was in excellent condition, but that didn’t bother him unduly, he only had to dispatch one person.
After a bit of research, he learned where his target, one Ishi Yagami, was living. In addition he learned that he would soon be attending a rather large, formal gathering, it was the perfect place.

The plan was simple yet ingenious, Beraku purchased a blue silk kimono, so as to fit in, and when the day arrived he donned it, and deposited his old kimono and his Ko, in his room. In order to get into the party itself, he gave the door guards a fake name, and made them believe that it was on the list, and, as they had no reason to doubt him, it was a relatively simple thing to do.
After entering the scene of the party and locating his target, Beraku’s plan began in earnest. Beraku began subtly sending feelings of anxiety and discomfort at his target, but only whenever he was in the company of other people, including his bodyguards. Whenever he moved away from the crowds, the feelings immediately lessened. Slowly, he began taking longer and longer breaks from the party. After a while he went outside, leaving his guards at the door to protect him. Using his abilities, Beraku easily got by the guards, as no one really expects to see someone sneaking past them. After that he quickly dispatched his target and left in the same manner.

Later, he returned to his employer to collect his fee, and even charged him for the silk kimono. He was now heading toward the portside marketplace. The cargo of almost every ship that reached the harbor made it into this small maze of streets and shops. When one entered one was immediately struck by its “unique” smell it, the smell of unwashed people mixed with the smell of every commodity man had to offer. Beraku wandered around trying to find something that could be useful.

Summary: Beraku congratulates himself on being brilliant, and explains why in detail. Then he goes shopping.

Suzume watched with a rather bored expression as the fight started. Two powerful warriors, a desolate road, spectators, and just the wrong time to start fighting. The group had to do something other than bicker, and that's basically what this was, only in a physical form now.

"Why do we have to keep fighting like this? I just want to get this damned job finished with and there's always some sort of test of honor involved and the god damn..."

Suzume's complaining trailed off into senseless muttering as he began pacing back and forth. He was annoyed, but he knew he would be the one doing the fighting if he got too annoyed. Hopefully that wouldn't happen, but Suzume couldn't guarantee his own self control in the future, given his track record so far in life.

Kirie stayed with the group, finding this trek to be rather peaceful. "I wonder what the others are doing."

Real Time Events

Vice Commander Sanaka
"And that concludes my report, Lady Shizuka."
Shizuka already had their next task planned. "Very well. Thank you. Can I ask you to begin an investigation into the whereabouts of Chizuru and Mika?"
Hikaru blinked. "Of course, my lady but...they are not in the castle?"
Shizuka shrugged. "I sent out some runners to go and find them. They were researching things for Yuna who had left some time ago but have not made a report for a while. I'm a little concerned."
Sanaka and Hikaru exchanged glances. "Additionally, the little girl Chiyo is also missing and I believe she is with them, but just in case she isn't, please look for her as well."
"We understand, my lady."
Just outside the throne room after being released, Sanaka and Hikaru shared a sigh. "Is it just me, or did Shizuka seem quite troubled?"
"You're not the only one, and Chizuru and Mika are missing? They know it's protocol that three commanders are to remain at this castle at all times. Something must be up."
"Chizuru and Mika are smart, so they definitely have a good reason for not being here."
Sanaka nodded. "I agree. Let's go down to where they were last time. Maybe there's a clue we can use."
The two vice commanders hurried away from the large doors that lead to the throne room. "Do you know why Shizuka is wearing that armor?"
"Maybe to make a fashion statement? She does look good in it."
On the other side of the doors, Shizuka turned away from the barely audible conversation between the girls and walked back to her throne. "God help us all."
-----
White Kimono Tsubasa
Tsubasa stood before her brother's grave, clutching his newfound diary like a precious heirloom with tears in her eyes. "Big Brother...Kogetsu. Why didn't you tell me?"
Tsubasa, Rio, and Kiyomi had branched off from meeting up with the garrison so that Tsubasa could visit the destroyed village where she grew up. They didn't have a whole lot of time left after Tsubasa had discovered his diary in their home, read it, and learned the truth. "Were you afraid, Big Brother? Were you afraid of what I might think if you told me? I can understand your hesitation but, because of it, you were killed before you could tell me. And now, years later, here we are. Well, regardless of the fact that it doesn't change anything, my answer is 'yes', Big Brother."
It was time to go. Wiping her eyes and cheeks dry, Tsubasa approached the house that she and Kogetsu had lived in. As she drew closer, Tsubasa heard voices, and when she got even closer...
"Oh, you don't want me to?"
"This isn't right. Please, stop."
"But, look at all of this coming out of you. Here, look."
A feminine gasp. "You're being mean!"
"I can't help it. You act so cute whenever I do this."
Tsubasa sighed and wondered if it was really some kind of uncontrollable urge by Rio. When Rio asked to come along, Kiyomi insisted that she come as well to keep Rio on a leash. Apparently, Rio used this opportunity to have fun with Kiyomi.
"I'd be angrier if I wasn't somewhat jealous of the love they have."
Tsubasa wasn't happy with her lack of a love life, but there was a time for pleasure and this wasn't it. She walked up to the entrance and the house and opened the doors. Kiyomi was backed up against the opposite wall. Rio was hunched before Kiyomi, her fingers playing with Kiyomi's-
"Is it too much to ask that you not do that where I can find you?"
Rio turned her whole body, revealing Kiyomi's exposed body to Tsubasa's eyes. "Are you sure that's the problem? Maybe you just want to join us?"
Roughly two dozen possible positions for the trio flashed through Tsubasa's mind just as Rio made the offer. "Rio!" Kiyomi yelped.
Rio turned to face Kiyomi again. "What? It'll be a lot more fun if Tsubasa joined us, too."
Kiyomi was silent.
"Kiyomi?"
"Who's there?"
Tsubasa whirled sharply to see what Kiyomi was looking at. A tall woman, very beautiful, with shiny black hair and dressed in a pink kimono. She had some kind of weapon, a giant tessen (folding fan) with cutting slats and edged guards.
"It's Shizuka's twin sister, Shizuko."
"Tsubasa, it's been months. Rio. Kiyomi. It looks like your love for each other has yet to burn out anytime soon. It's good to see all of you."
Tsubasa and Rio stepped outside the house while Kiyomi quickly got dressed.
"Shizuka has ordered us to bring you back to the castle alive. Unfortunately, our mission to go and meet up with our main force near the torso of Talkatz has priority. I don't suppose I could ask you to come along voluntarily."
It wasn't a question. Shizuka sighed. "Still listening to my deranged sister, are you? And how many lives has it cost you to follow her orders?"
"Nineteen women under my command, plus any who died on the monastery island. I haven't received a report about it yet."
"So, nineteen or more young women lost their lives needlessly because that angel thinks Kurama won't defeat Talkatz without being tested by the forces under Shizuka's command? It's insane how either of you think that what you're doing is a good idea."
"We don't have a choice in the matter. We're just supposed to shut up and follow orders, you know?"
"Rio, I got this."
"But you do have a choice in the matter, Rio. Shizuka's true strength stems from all that she is. Kyne is not her subordinate and you did not become the fine women that you are today because of something she did. The only reason she changed her mind is because of the lies Yuna has fed her. Kurama will succeed, with or without your interference or assistance. Why do you believe otherwise?"
"What if you're wrong? What if Kurama does fail, and not just before he enters the realm of demons but during the confrontation with Talkatz? If he dies there, there's no chance anyone will be able to pick up the Raigaki, and that weapon is the only weapon that could destroy Talkatz. We've all heard the stories, and this is why we have to do this, even at the cost of our lives."
Shizuka sighed. There was simply going to be no way to convince the girls of how blind they are not to realize that Yuna's leading them all along. Kiyomi finally came out, spear at the ready.
"Fine. I'll go with you, but I'm not going to participate in these absurd trials. I have to talk to my sister. You'll be returning to the castle once Kurama collects the torso, correct?"
"Once Kurama claims the torso and passes our final challenge, we are ordered to return to the castle and prepare to assist Kurama when he eventually goes to the underworld."
"A simple 'yes' would've done nicely, Tsubasa. All right, I'm with you."
"Takano and our escorts are camped quite a distance away. If we run like we did coming down here, we should make it before nightfall."
"Lead the way."
-----
Godless Angel Yuna
Yuna opened the door to the chamber where Orange Kimono Nyoka lay undisturbed, moved over to one of the beds, and set down the corpse of Astral. She had cleaned the body of the blood that had spilled from it and the dirt that had been heaped on it. Yuna even took the swords Sanaka had placed at the grave. "There you go. Just wait there until I complete a few more tasks and you may yet get your opportunity to seek your revenge against the one who killed you. I'll even let you fight and kill your own friend, Sanaka. Won't that just be fun? I guess not for you, but your mind will be gone so it won't matter."
More time needed to pass before Yuna could begin the next phase of her plans. The humonculi were still being made, she had rehearsed her manipulations, and knew exactly when to get things moving. But until Kurama became fully engaged with the garrison forces near the torso, Yuna was stuck waiting. She went over every part of her operation to see if there was anything she could get done before then, but came up without any options. Yuna hated waiting, but timing was important, so she mostly thought about the unknowns. Kurama's allies and the other demons aside from the Kimonos. These were the only uncertainties in Yuna's whole grand scheme, and she would need to be mindful of them when things really kicked off. She moved over to another bed and layed herself down to rest.