Divine Spirits' Diadem—The Warped World RP

The peaceful morning was soon interrupted by screams as people all over panicked to get away from the temples which were now ablaze. Soldiers tried to get people to calm down, but it was futile as along with the panicked crowd, a group of people were killing anyone that came within their range. The once joyous temple grounds were now filled with blood and screams of terror.

Among the screams and continues explosions going off, a young man’s voice could be heard clearly. “We are faithful followers of our great Demon Goddess the Zodiac Horse. We come here today to bring her wrath upon you all! Today there shall be no survivors as you all shall perish!” He soon went into laughter.





“My, someone sure doesn’t like our dear Horse if they are willing to use her name like that. Or do you believe the stories about her like the others?” Ram said as she had come back into Yoshimasa’s room to check if he was okay after all the explosions had gone off.

“It is disgraceful that they would use the Zodiac’s name in such a manner,” Yoshimasa said as he bowed to the Ram. The samurai was suiting up, various bits of his armor already adorning his person. “I do not believe Esteemed Zodiac Horse is behind this, but capturing one of them might give us a clue to the one who’s actually responsible.”

“I can tell you one thing for sure, whoever planned this knew what they were doing. Currently only me, Horse and maybe Dragon should be the only Zodiacs not asleep,” Ram said as she walked towards the door, signaling Yoshimasa to follow her.

He followed behind her, fixing the last of his straps as both of them left the room. “Shall we rouse the rest or quell the insurgents? This, Azai Yoshimasa will see whatever choice Esteemed Zodiac Ram makes till the end.”

“I sense that Mei is already taking care of that. I’m currently more worried about Horse. I am certain she heard that man. With what has already occurred, she might end up doing something stupid now. If you can please go to her temple and check on her, it would be much appreciated. I must take care of these fires. Considering I might be the only one around who can stop them or at least ease the damage,” Ram said as once outside they could see the entire temple grounds ablaze. Every direction they looked, all the temples seemed to have caught on fire.

“Leave it to me,” he replied with a fist to his chest. “Fare well, Esteemed Zodiac Ram.”

“Hold your horses. Do you even know where to find her once you get there?”

“I will search the temple from top to bottom unless Zodiac Horse has decided to leave the temple herself…”

“You see that temple over there almost completely engulfed in flames?” Ram said as she pointed. “That is Horse temple. Even though they claim to follow her, they sure decided to burn her temple to the ground. She’s more likely within her main chamber either scared or crying, probably both. I’ll teleport you there, but sadly I can only teleport you to the entrance as we are forbidden to enter another God’s domain uninvited.”

“Despicable currs. I shall do all within my means to help Zodiac Horse, no matter who or what stands in my path!”

“Oh, you bare no grudge on Horse like almost everyone else. That is a surprise. Very well, I’ll just teleport you there but I must ask even if it seems too dangerous to enter to please rescue Horse. If she were to die the seal we placed on those creatures might break.”

“The anger of the people is not one shared by me though I admit it has me a little uneasy. That does not change the fact that a Zodiac is in danger, we can discuss things after the threat has passed.”

“Fufufu, very well then. All I ask then is treat her kindly. Horse has never been the same ever since her past incident. Now with this occurring, it might break her heart completely. So please approach her carefully if you see her panicking.”

“This one shall take those words to heart, Esteemed Zodiac. Now I shall be off, time is of the essence,” Yoshimasa bowed once before rushing off.

“Didn’t I say hold your horses! I can just teleport you…” Before she could finish her sentence Yoshimasa was now long gone. “Such an impatient child. Now I must wonder if he can make it to her time.”

“Damn these hooligans, how dare they destroy sacred ground!” Shilin said once outside. The temple grounds had been set ablaze. No matter where they looked there was not a single temple not set on fire. “They said they did it for Horse but it seems they’re even are burning her temple down. Just how did they manage to set everything ablaze is beyond me, but they sure did pick a great time to do it.”

A rare look of disgust hung afloat the face of Kin’iro.

“We need to stop this while we still may act.”

“I shall go make sure the priestesses are safe. I would like it if you can go handle these men. They seem to be gathering in the center for now. I sense that there are about five thousand. It is strange, but I can suddenly sense their presence.”

“I assume I need to learn for myself how to wield my new strength from the Divine Chi? Or is that too unstable at the moment?”

“Sadly it is unstable. It takes a few days for your body to completely accept it. Even then you must train to become accustomed to it.”

“I suppose I shall make do without the aid of the Goddess for now. In all honesty, I am still not used to this new body yet.” The Princess in her newfound body smirked. “It would make for a good practice if anything. Let us part here.”

“Very well, but I must warn you, don’t stress yourself too much. Otherwise your body will suddenly change back, witch then your current strength shall leave you.”

“I would hope not, but if it is so I may be able to battle more comfortably… or do you imply that my injuries would return too?”

“Your true body is still in shock about the divine chi. Normally you revert back once your body has recovered. If you see it is too much for you, it is safer for you to get away.”

“ ...What would have happened if my body never changed form since the previous evening?”

“If your body still gained the rabbit ears and tail you would be fine. But if your ears and tail did not appear the divine chi could have either killed you or made you a slave to the lust.”

The Princess wanted to sigh, but seeing the flames, it was clearly not the time.

“Regardless of the case, I must depart to battle the insurgents. Please go to the priestesses while you are still able.”

“Understood, then be careful out there, Kin’iro,” Shilin said as she quickly headed back into the temple.





With the temple ablaze, Kin’iro ran towards the center of the grounds. Everywhere she would look, fires could be seen on all the buildings, not a single one spared. Corpses could be seen as well, of men, women and children. For some, this could be seen as a living hell.

From the distance, Kin’iro could see about sixty men as they were tying up people they had captured. The cries of those captured could be heard. Suddenly one of the captured men stood up as he tried to escape, but no sooner was he cut down by the men who had captured him.

“Anymore foolish enough to try and escape?” one of the men said. “We’ll spare you if you just sit there and wait till we sell you off,” the man said as he laughed.

Seeing the vividly crimson lanterns now tarnished, the all-consuming flames and the chaos running amok thanks to the group of men some distance from her, Kin’iro felt a distinct distaste that urged her to act upon her sense of justice. Drawing upon her rapier, it was placed before her face and it made the halves of her expression apparent as her eyelids closed for but an instant. A prayer was sent to the heavens and her resolve was made.

Entering the stance of a fencer, her left arm was placed behind herself while her right arm was at her front with the rapier fortified as a vanguard. With the southern gust heralding the start of a bloody onslaught, her attempt at ending this coup de grace began with what may have been raging at the very center of the capitol.

One with the wind, and faster than the naked eye, the rabbit lady pranced like lightning, her dashes leaving behind only a terse gale as her rapier was thrust forth for elegantly performed lunges that struck the terrorists in ways more than one. Merciless, she danced with poise and grace, bringing upon them divine judgement as the Maiden of the Goddess Rabbit. Before a single drop of scarlet blood would taint her new form, she’d become a blur—avoided it with perfected finesse.

By the time she gave her blade a stray swing to shed its staining blood aside, there were countless corpses of the insurgents laying flat, bathing the pavement in deep vermillion.

She looked down at her palm after her feat was performed.

This is… beyond my imaginations. I feel even greater liberty of pace in this form now.

“Why is a Zodiac warrior here! We were told there wouldn’t be any…” one of the few remaining men said as he looked around and only the corpses of his dead companions greeted him. “No matter, we’ll die anyways if we fail our mission!” The remaining men then charged towards Kin’iro in hopes they could bring her down.

Nimbly parrying a stray blade that wished to cull her whole, Kin’iro unleashed a riposte with her rapier, the lethal force of which wiped away the rest of the men.

Walking up to a helpless citizen bound by the ropes, she freed him.

“Please free the rest. I shall depart to put an end to the chaos in the center of the town.”

“Thank you Goddess, we shall never forget your kindness,” the man said as he bowed and then proceeded to free the rest. When one of the heads turned to look at the direction where she was, the Goddess had already vanished.

Kin’iro continue forward there seem nobody else in the current path till she had finally reached the center. The fires though seemed to have not reached the center yet as buildings still stood but in the center area around five hundred men stood they seem to simply be waiting for someone as they all calmly just stood around keeping an eye out.

While Kin’iro looked around to see what could be done. A woman had suddenly charged in an attack the men her appearance was unknown to Kin’iro but she wielded a sword familiar to someone she knew. Charging in the woman managed to take down twenty men with her initial swing. She then quickly stepped back and ready herself for another attack.

The building shook as an explosion occurred in the building near by. Zheng Liao had been suddenly awoken from the sound and force of the explosion. Looking through the window, Zheng could see that the temples were on fire. The temples he had seen the day before were now slowly crumbling down. Xiao Bao who was asleep a top of Zheng had gotten scared off by the explosions as she had never experienced anything like it before.

Zheng got to his feet, ignoring the protests of his body. That princess really did a number on me. I’m starting to get too old for this.

He glanced around, but Xiao Bao was nowhere to be seen. He could hear screams mixed in with the unmistakable roar of fire. The smell of smoke tainted the air. A fire, and during the festival? What a mess! Zheng ventured outside the room he’d been given, mind running over his options. He would find Bao first, surely she hadn’t gone that far. Then he would lend a hand, see what he could do.

Zheng didn’t make it much further before he heard the sound of a single voice echoing out into the night. He didn’t like what he heard, not one bit.

A distance away, a figure of a person could be seen walking up to Zheng. In his arm, he could be seen carrying a tiger cub in his hand. The man then noticed Zheng up ahead as he was petting the cub’s head.

“Hey old man, would this tiger happen to be yours? She seems too afraid to speak properly right now and seeing you’re the only one here, I reckon she’s yours”.

“Travel companion,” Zheng said, approaching cautiously despite the relief he felt. “Who are you? You don’t run into too many people who know animal speech.”

“Well that’s a surprise. I reckon you would have just thought I was crazy or something. Never thought you’d actually bring up animal speech. The name is Huang. I was just passing by checking on the injured. I suppose you can say I’m a doctor of sorts.”

“I’m Zheng Liao, a traveling teacher,” he said, holding out his hands for Bao. “Do you have an idea what’s going on?”

“I currently have no clue. I was barely inside here when all the commotion started. It’s weird though, if they truly are followers of Horse, why didn’t they enter her tournament?” The man handed Zheng the still scared Bao. “What do you think old man, wanna come with me? There might be some troublemakers outside already. You seem like a capable fighter, might be faster to take down anyone in our path if you wish to join me. ”

Zheng stroked Bao, and she seemed to relax a little. “I think the Horse makes for a convenient scapegoat.” Now that he was closer to Huang, he assessed him. The man who called himself a doctor appeared to be in pretty good shape. Zheng didn’t trust him, but he stood a better chance of making it out alive with others at his side. “I would be a fool to turn you down.”

“Then it’s settle. We have to head to center of the temple grounds first unless the forest behind the temple hasn’t caught fire yet otherwise we be fools to try and escape through a burning forest.”

“Agreed,” Zheng said, holding Bao close. “Shouldn’t we check for other stragglers first before we leave though?”

“Most have already set off there wasn’t that many here to begin with. Considering Ox tournament was on the smaller side.”

“Most doesn’t mean all. If there’s someone stuck in here and we can help them, we should. That’s what I’d want if the positions were switch, and I’m assuming that’s what you’d want.”

“That’s fine with me though only rooms I haven’t seen anything from are the three behind you would have imagined someone come out by now after hearing us speak. We can check them if you like though I don’t mind. I wouldn’t be a doctor if I didn’t help the injured now would I?”

Do doctors actually talk like that? “A quick check won’t delay us at all.”

The two check the remaining rooms only to find nobody inside but looking through the windows the two could see the fires had grown fiercer.

“Well there you go old man nobody else here. Shall we get going? I rather not find out how to deal with those fires once they reach this building.”

“Lead the way,” Zheng said.





Zheng and Huang ran down the path as they did the buildings around them all could be seen on fire many of them collapsing as many were made of out of wood. The two quickly made it to the center of town as nobody seemed to crossed their path on their way their. Huang quickly pulled Zheng to the side as he notice the horde of men surrounding the center.

“Well would you look at that. There must be at least about five hundred men. I wonder why there just standing though. Are they waiting for someone?”

“I’ve got no idea,” Zheng said. “Do you know of any vantage points we could get a better look from?” He didn’t relish the thought of taking so many people on. Avoiding them altogether would be preferable. If they couldn’t though, more information could mean the difference between life and death.

“Well unless I want to be burnt to a crisp there are none left as far as I know. I’m certain I can take down a good number of them. Since currently only safe way out is through this path unless you wish to try and go back and exit through that burning forest.

“There’s no good choice, is there?” Zheng rubbed the tiger’s head and whispered to her. “Xiao Bao, we’re trying to get out of here, but I need to put you down for a little bit. I need you to hide somewhere safe where neither the men or the fire will get you. Can you do that?”

“Yes.” Xiao Bao said as it was still scared and confused as to what was happening.

“For a minute I thought you were gonna bring it with you to fight there old man.” Huang said.

“Maybe some day,” Zheng said. Though hopefully never. He walked over to the door of a building and bent over to set Bao down. “This should do for now. If you see any men, hide. If the fire reaches you before we can come back to you… run.”

“Yes,” Xiao said.

“Oh, it seems like someone decided to make the first move on our dear trespassers already,” Huang said as he was keeping an eye on the men up ahead.

Zheng lingered as Bao headed through the doorway before rejoining Huang. Someone had started fighting the men. Someone strong. “Well that evens the odds a bit. Should we give them a hand?”

“Let’s hope they’re actually strong and not just someone who thinks they can conquer anything.”

In one of the many rooms provided by the Zodiac Fox to those who participated and were injured, lay Rin who had suddenly been awoken by the loud explosions occurring outside. Looking around, the sight through the window provided the temples set ablaze.

“What on earth—” She hunched over in pain and winced as she attempted to rise from her bed. For a split second, Rin had forgotten she had lost her last match for the tournament, and within a few moments too.

But that was something to think about for later.

“More importantly, who could be causing this?” she asked no one in particular, managing to slowly sit up without hurting herself to an extent.

As if on cue, her question was more or less answered as a voice bellowed from the outside, akin to the flames. Something about Horse and protecting her honor as a Zodiac. Was this in response to the backlash she received earlier? Rin could only deduce that they were likely fanatics of the Zodiac. She was almost curious to see the Emperor's response to this.

“I need to go…” With a hunch of her entire body, Rin ignored the burn of her injuries to stand up, holding her stomach as she considered the possibility of the fires spreading to her room. She grabbed her master’s old sword from her bedside and hastily leaped out of the window, allowing her legs to absorb the shock. The pain in her gut spiked upon her landing however, coaxing a yell from her.

Gathering her bearings, she moved on through the town, hoping that she would by chance run into someone that wasn’t completely out of their mind.

Rin had not moved far out into the grounds before she soon found her path blocked by many men who all wielded weapons. Anyone could see they were out for blood.

“Seems like we missed one, men. Let’s have fun with this one before we send her off with the rest of the slaves,” said the man who appeared to the leader of the small group that blocked her path.

“You will do no such thing...” Rin drew her sword and willingly faced the men upfront. “You will fall to your deaths before you lay a finger on me. Leave this place at once.”

“You think one girl stands a chance against us all?” The men soon outburst laughing. “Let's go, the first one to take her down gets her first!” the man said as they charged towards Rin.

“Foolish.”

Rin swung her blade once through the crowd—one single cut—which was enough to cleave a good number of their lot partway into confetti. She dashed forward and passed by each of the stragglers, managing to get one good slash into shallow parts of their flesh. Not enough to kill, but just the right amount to mortally wound.

It wasn’t until she realized that she wasn’t halfway through the crowd of men that she sighed to know that she had a long way to go. They were just wasting her time at this point.

“Is this the extent of your abilities? Are you even fighting? Or are you just running head-first into my sword?”

“Damn you woman, we’ll make you pay for this!” the man said as the remaining ones charged towards Rin yet again. The moment they did, one of the men could be seen flying the opposite direction as he was sent flying backwards as he was kicked in the face. The figure soon after quickly rushed towards the remaining men, disposing of them.

“You really love getting surrounded by men, don’t you Rin,” said the woman’s voice.

With a twirl of her blade, Rin sheathed it within the scabbard with finality and turned to the woman, face still. “Judging by your voice and appearance, it is a possibility that I’m not the only one who would enjoy a man’s company,” Rin retorted condescendingly.

“Well one man’s company is fine but a group no thanks unless you're actually into that.”

“What if I am? You should try new things.”

“W-wait! So you wouldn’t have mind if those men had their way with you?” The cat ear woman said in shock as she was not expecting this kind of response.

Rin shrugged. “You would’ve? Speaking hypothetically, if I had failed in my defense against them, or if you had not showed up, I most likely would have fallen to their advances,” she said. “If that’s how it was to be, then who am I to stop my fate?”

“I rather not think that way. I would do everything in my power to stop that from ever happening. Anyway are you okay Rin? It seems you’re a still beat from the tournament.”

“I am alive, if that matters.” Rin turned to the woman with an afterthought, realizing she was speaking to a complete stranger. “I have not caught your name yet, and somehow you know mine. Who are you?”

“Oh, right I completely forgot I have a new appearance. It’s me Fang Yang unless you already forgot about me in a few hours.”

Rin found herself raise her own eyebrow and uttering the woman’s name out of impulse, and possibly confusion. She ogled Fang’s ears and rubbed them in between her index finger and thumbs. “Where did these come from?”

“Kyaahh, what are you doing!! That hurts you know.” Yang said as Rin sudden hold of her ears came as a surprise to her. “They came once I became the Cat Zodiac warrior but please stop their sensitive.”

“Hah? You mean you won the tournament?” Rin retracted her hands and circled around Yang to peer closely at her tail, kneeling over to rub at it. “So you transformed into a cat?”

“Of course there was n…”Yang said as she was unable to finished her sentence once Rin pulled her tail and she let out a soft moan as she then quickly pulled her tail away from Rin. “Just what do you think you’re doing! Yes I become a cat but doesn’t mean you can go all around touching my ears and tail like that.”

“Oh, I apologize...” Rin said solemnly as she let go of the woman’s tail.

“It’s okay just don’t go on grabbing without my permission. Sheesh.”

Rin raised her brow. “You could feel that? You appear flustered.”

“Of course! They're real what did you think they were just some kind of accessory?”

“I knew they were real… I just did not anticipate your reaction to be so… aroused.”

“Don’t bring that up!! Even I don’t know why that happen okay! You heard nothing okay just forget anything you heard!” Yang said as she had become embarrassed and could not explain her current situation.

Rin shrugged again. “If you say so. However, it should not a feeling to repress. Noises like that should be taken in stride.”

“Rin are you a pervert?” Yang said as all she could do was stare at Rin at that moment wondering just how she was raised.

“Am I coming off as one?” Rin tilted her head to the side.

Yang sighed “Forget about it. You think you can come with me? Cat Zodiac asked me to come and checked on the Fox Zodiac warrior since she thought she might still be asleep. Considering the current situation can’t be a good thing especially if one those men found her asleep.”

“I would be glad to accompany you. Hopefully no one had discovered her yet.”

“Hopefully not. Though I think this might have been the only men that came this way but let us hurry and hope none when ahead.” Fang said as she began running towards the Fox temple.

“How dare you burn the sacred grounds of the Zodiacs. As the new Rooster warrior, I’ll make sure you all pay for your crimes,” the woman who had charged into the group of men said, preparing her blade yet again. Looking around, she noticed she was greatly outnumbered, but it didn’t bother her as she was confident in her skills. When she was about to strike again, she noticed others approaching the men before they had time to react.

Like a gust, Kin’iro struck with a fierce lunge at the armed men, its force enough to drive away countless men as a powerful force of deadly air was unleashed. Her form was only made visible when her heel finally touched against the pavement. It truth, it was rougher than she had intended, for she had still not adapted fully to her new body. She only gave the warrior of Rooster a glance, the sword making it apparent the real identity of the person. Words were to be exchanged later, however, as she eyed the corpses surrounding her accompanied by the bloody smears—a trail created by her own rapier.

“Your Royal Highness?” Rooster Warrior said once she took a look at Kin’iro, not recognizing her but her rapier and form of attacking being similar to that of Princess Marie. Though seeing the men on the move, Rooster quickly dashed towards them, slashing her sword towards them, creating a sharp gust of wind which shredded those nearby.

At the same time, the Princess who bore the name of the Goddess Rabbit performed an elegant pivot, a whirlwind forming with rose petals apparent. She repeatedly thrusted her rapier at the men. Her pace and form more refined and controlled now, it did not harm the area needlessly. Instead her attacks were pinpoint, striking down the men with precision.

“It appears that we both have undergone quite the change,” Kin’iro said. “Let us save the words for another time.”

“Understood.”

While Jeanne and Kin’iro focused on the men in front, Huang and Zheng approached the men behind them. Huang ,as he got closer soon, unleashed a barrage of needles at the men, hitting all the different men in the exact same spots. Those hit then fell to the ground, motionless.

Zheng singled out a group of men yet to be touched by the chaos and charged, fists flying as he entered the fray. He struck the man nearest to him in the neck and was rewarded with a loud crack. Even as his opponent’s body fell to the ground limp, Zheng moved on, not allowing himself to stop, for hesitating at all could mean death. He planted both fists into the chest of another assailant, sending him flying back into several others, before turning and sweeping the legs out from a man behind him who had his sword raised to strike.

He dodged another sword and let his opponent’s blade chop into someone’s shoulder. He stepped back as the sword was raised for a downward slice and caught the blade between the flats of his hands. He swept it out of his opponent’s grip and followed up by lashing out at his knee, eliciting a scream.

“Not bad old man. It seems those two ladies over there aren’t bad either. I wonder who can take down more,” Huang said smiling as he then follow up throwing another set of needles towards the men who came charging at him and again all fell to ground motionless as non managed to get near him. “A bit boring if all it takes is one hit.”

“We’re fighting for our lives, not for sport,” Zheng shouted over the noise of the fight as he took out another man.

“Chill a fight gets my blood boiling sometimes can’t be helped.”

Zheng smacked someone in the nose with the back of his hand. “Just stay focused!” He let his reflexes do most of the work. There were several instances where before he even consciously registered danger, his body acted, blocking a blow meant for his head or dodging a blade that surely would have gutted him. It felt as if the men kept coming. And falling. By the time he surveyed the destruction, the ground around him was littered with the bodies of the fallen.

The number of men continue to twindle as soon less than half were left the remaining men could not believe their numbers were drop so low with four people only. They tried to regroup themselves but now uncertain if they even stood a chance against the four they now saw as monsters.

“You two aren’t that shabby. Well I suppose I should be too surprise considering your both Zodiac warriors.” Huang said as him and Zheng were now at a closer approximate to Jeanne and Kin’iro.

“You are not bad yourself. Though you shouldn’t let your lust for blood show.” Jeanne said giving the Huang a glare as she did not like the feeling he gave her.

Huang simply looked at Jeanne in confusing not having understood what she just said. “I’ll just take that as you don’t know Chinese.”

“She had made a remark regarding your bloodlust, please forgive my aide for her rudeness,” Kin’iro explained, making a respectable bow, albeit terse for they were in the battlefield still. “Jeanne, that was rude. Please behave yourself, we are still under the vicinity of the enemies,” she stated in French.

“I’m sorry Your Royal Highness. It’s just something about him disturbs me I just can’t completely make it out.”

“Let it be. How many times must I stress that you should not distract yourself?”


Zheng gave quick bows to the two Zodiac Goddesses. “You wouldn’t happen to know what’s going on, would you?” he asked the one who could speak Chinese.

“I have come to learn of the situation myself,” Kin’iro curtly answered in Chinese. “It is clear as day, however, that Goddess Horse is innocent, however.”

Zheng nodded. She’s innocent of this matter at least. “I’m Zheng Liao, and this is Huang. We were planning on making a break for safety before we ran into you, Goddess.”

“I am known as Kin’iro, Jeanne is the name of my aide. If you seek safety, then the outskirts may be a more suitable option, seeing how far the insurgents have reached into the city.”

Zheng wondered at how a foreigner had come to be called such a thing, but that was a matter for another time. “That was our original goal, but I’m not sure if there’s anywhere safer than being with two Goddesses.”

Kin’iro shrugged, the notion of finding a haven in the presence of a Goddess was not lost to her, and it was likely better than having to search for a more secure location for taking refuge.

“Very well, it seems that you are capable of defending yourself. I see no issue in you accompanying us for the time being.”

“Many thanks, Goddess. However, we had to leave a friend in hiding not far from here. All the fire has her nearly scared stiff.”

During that moment the men charged towards the group feeling as they were all forgotten about they felt this was their opportunity to strike. Seeing them come Jeanne quickly went out in front again swinging her sword furiously creating a gust of wind shredding those in front.

“Best it may be for your friend to hide, this chaos has yet to subside in whole.”

“It seems they got impatient about living.” Jeanne said.

Huang quickly ran up to a couple of the men as he strike them with his index and middle finger in certain locations causing them to fall unable to move with any other men nearby he targeted them with his needles and yet again the men fell to the ground showing no more sign of life. “Too bad for them could have lived if they ran away.”

Kin’iro and Zheng then follow suit striking down whichever bandit was within their reach. Kin’iro easily struck them down with her swordplay. Zheng pummeled those who came near. From the group of five hundred men now only less than fifty remain.

The remaining men began to run away as they could not believe their entire group was decimated by just four people in a matter of minutes. Soon only the four remain in the center.

“Well that was rather sad if they're the ones that caused this I would be worried about this city security those men were completely ill prepared. Why were they even just standing here to begin with?” Huang said.

“Good question,” Kin’iro said. “We should ask one of them.”

“I’m doubtful any them would know anything,” Zheng said. “Any worthwhile leader would not entrust vital information to lowly foot soldiers.”

“Wouldn’t hurt to find out something. I’ll track one down if that is okay with Your Royal Highness.” Jeanne said.

“Very well, I permit you to track them down. Do not leave too far, though.”

“Understood Your Royal Highness.” Jeanne said but before she could leave a body came flying towards them they all instinctively moved back. Taking a closer look it was a corpse of one of the bandits his head missing from his corpse.

“Do think these rats were utterly useless. They couldn’t even keep four people in check.” A young man said as he approached the group in one of his hand he could be seen holding a head of a man by the hair as he casually spun it around. “Would have saved me a lot trouble if you had just killed them all yourself seeing how useless they were but I suppose what is done is done don’t you say?”

“Who are you?” Zheng asked.

“Don’t worry dead people don’t have to learn it.”

“Why are you people attempting to frame Goddess Horse?” Kin’iro inquired.

“I would imagine that be obvious little miss rabbit ears. The people here can easily believe she would be capable of this. Plus isn’t it fun spreading out lies about someone it makes things fun to watch.” The man said.

The Princess of France chuckled. “Hoho, I was hoping for worse, but this is far too simple. In the end, you all are but simpletons despite being villains. Regardless, I shall not allow this farce to last longer. Prepare yourself.”

“Think what you want but even the most simple plan can go a long way if used correctly.”

“You didn’t answer the Goddess’ question,” Zheng said. “Why are you framing the Horse Zodiac?”

“If you can’t figure it out too bad. One would wonder who’s protecting miss little devil and if they can even continue after this.” The man said as he tossed the head he was holding at Kin’iro. “Take it a gift for the lovely little miss rabbit ears.”

Jeanne stepped forward smacking the head way with her sword. “How dare you throw such things at Your Royal Highness.”

“So I take it that a rebellion is well underway?” Kin’iro asked, ignoring the little present tossed at her.

“This man clearly won’t talk, not of his own free will,” Zheng said. “If we want information, it looks like we’ll have to beat it out of him.” Despite his words, he wasn’t too excited for another fight. Their opponent was facing two Goddesses, and he didn’t seem the least bit fazed. He was either extremely cocky, or extremely powerful.

“Rebellion? I see now basically they were just trying to make the people think Goddess Horse did this so the people would be even more against her knowing the Emperor will continue protecting her causing tension among the people towards the Emperor.” Huang said.

If that’s their game, then the damage may already be done, regardless of what else happens tonight, Zheng thought.

“There are also the three lords hungering for power… they are working for one of them at least. It would make more sense,” Kin’iro said.

“To think you guys actually had brain to figure it out. No matter you’re all just gonna die here anyway,” the man said as he took a hold of his spear.

“Mn… now to learn who is the puppet master in all this,” Kin’iro murmured. For all I know, most of those men may have been mercenaries. We must find someone who is willing to talk, and is on the know.

“I hope you’re all ready to die.” The man said as he began spinning his spear fire soon appeared around his spear as he then swung his spear sending out a wave of flames all around him. The flames quickly spread out as it gave little time to react to those it approached.

Jeanne and Huang both tried to jump out of the way from the incoming flames but they were too late as the flames quickly reached both. Knocking both down as they could only stop the flames from burning their bodies too much.

Zheng raised his arms to protect his face as fire swathed his body. He quickly dropped to the ground and rolled to put himself out, but the damage had already been done. He got back to his feet and kept his focus on their opponent, doing his best to ignore the burns that covered him.

Kin’iro attempted to cut through the flames with her rapier placed forth, an aura of Chi forming, tracing against her skin. The tongues of the fires licked repeatedly against this barrier, eventually melting it down and burning her. A mystical breeze whipped up from her form, the Goddess’ power only activating momentarily to put out the fire, an instinctual response.

Now, carrying with her the godly breeze, Kin’iro vanished, an act not of warping but of dashing straight ahead—towards her opponent. A clanging noise reverberated against the surrounding stalls and houses of the central of Beijing, for the warriors clashed intensely, their blades dancing with fluidity obtained from years of practice and mastery.

The Princess thought that there was a clear advantage of being close to the user of the spear, as it was a longer ranged melee weapon, but it turned out that his skills may have been on par with her’s with the spear, or greater, when he tore through her defenses and the blade from the tip drew her Royal blood. Not taking this defeat lightly, Silvia performed a pivot, her soles touching the pavement gently, like a fallen leaf on a pond—a graceful riposte was unleashed, slithering like a snake past his defense, and stabbing him on his gut deep, also drawing crimson blood.

“Not bad. Didn’t expect a feisty little rabbit like you. Maybe this will be fun after all.” The man said.

“And you were being overconfident—no surprise that I could land a blow at all, I suppose,” Kin’iro said.

The man then jump back to get some distant between them. “Maybe I am. Probably because I know I can take you down.”

“Your Royal Highness are you okay?” Jeanne said as she then went up to Kin’iro. “I’m sorry I let my guard down I’ll make sure to make him pay for what he did.” Jeanne said as she then faced the man positioning herself.

“Your arrogance blinds you,” Silvia declared, ignoring for a moment what Jeanne had to say.

“I believe we can cut the chit chat for another moment but at least I can say thanks for distracting him for a bit.” Huang said as he yawned approaching the two. “He should be a bit slower for a bit anyway so let's just end this already.”

“Me slower? Maybe I’ll show you who is slow.” The man said as he charged at Huang. He then suddenly notice Zheng coming at him he then quickly try to move his body only for it not to react accordingly.

Zheng rained down several blows on his torso in quick succession and finished with an uppercut that knocked his head back. However, it seemed to hardly faze him. He was still standing as Zheng backed off, waving his hand against the pain.

“Damn you old man. What the heck did you do.” The man said as he then faced Huang who could be seen smiling. Immediately after, he felt the southern gust against his face, the deathly air coated against the rapier of Kin’iro thrust against his skin and muscles, piercing deep once more. A soundless step—he found the rabbit-eared lady before him, her golden blonde locks fluttering gently in the air.

“Too slow, indeed,” Silvia reaffirmed, her lips curled into a smirk.

Full of rage the man swung his spear at Silvia but at that moment Jeanne blocked his attack as she then struck him with her own blade knocking him back. Huang was already behind him as he stopped the man from going anymore backwards. “I hoped you enjoyed my little gift.” Huang said as she then reached towards the man chest pulling out a needle that he had imbedded earlier. He then kick the man on the side of his stomach sending him flying into a building.

“Well that was rather easy don’t you think?” Huang said as he stretched.

“Weren’t we going to question him to see what he knew?” Zheng asked.

“I would well doubt whether he is out for the count if I were you,” Kin’iro said.

“In my experience, men don’t get back up after that, but if you say so, Goddess.”

“Supposed that is true don’t worry I’ll go check.” Huang said as he began walking towards where he had kicked the man. Huang then suddenly stopped the man had already risen up from the rubble yet he felt different a dark aura surrounded his body and his eyes could be seen glowing a bright red.

“Do think you actually push me this far. I should thank you I hope your ready for your reward of being torn apart! Ahahaha.” the man said as the aura had engulf his body.

“What is he? I’ve never seen anything like that before.” Jeanne said.

There was something about the aura that seemed familiar to Zheng, and then realization dawned on him. “It couldn’t be…”

“It appears that he was underestimated,” Kin’iro stated, taking the stance of a fencer once more.

Zheng took an involuntary step back. “I suggest we run. Now.”

“And leave innocents to be flayed alive?”

“We’ll be flayed alive right along with them If what I’ve read about these things is true. The both of you just entered Godhood yesterday. There’s no way your powers have matured enough yet.” Despite the scholar’s words, he didn’t run. If they stood any chance of taking it down, the four them would need to stick together. If Zheng ran, it could very well end in the deaths of those who stayed to fight it, and then it would come after him.

“If you value what life you have left, Mister Zheng—then please, by all means, save yourself. I shall stay to defend the powerless here.”

Zheng readied himself. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you in the afterlife.”

During this time a small object could be seen rushing at their direction as it seem to be flying as fast as possible towards the group. Getting closer it could be seen it was as stuffed looking tiger coming at the group.

“Is that a toy?’ Huang said as he noticed.

“My dinner,” Kin’iro said, amusement laced on her tone.

“Care to explain, Goddess?” Zheng asked.

“Who said anything about me being your dinner!” Shilin said as he heard Kin’iro from the the distant. “I sensed the aura of a powerful demon so I rushed here as quickly as I could. Where is it!?”

“Just before you,” Kin’iro answered, her smile dropping, replaced by a more serious expression. “We must defeat it lest greater destruction follows by the moment of dawn.”

“I suggest you run. If you haven’t notice yet you may have a demigod body but you have yet awoken its power. I’ll hold him down in the meantime that should give you enough time to get away.”

“A toy like you hold back a demon? You gotta be kidding me.” Huang said as he laughed.

“I may make dark jests regarding you, but I would never leave you alone to deal with this monstrosity, Shilin,” Kin’iro said.

“That tiger speaks a lot of sense,” Zheng said. “You would do well to listen to it, Goddess.” He had no idea how it was actually speaking Chinese, but now wasn’t the time.

Jeanne grabbed Shilin as she was curios on how Shilin simply floated in the air. “Can such soft thing really handle a Demon?”

“What do you think you're doing! I am a God I’ll have you know!” Shilin said as it tried to free himself from Jeanne.

Zheng watched the two gods from the corner of his eye. I’m going to die tonight, aren’t I?

“I’m I just never expected a God to be so small…” Jeanne said as she let go of Shilin.

“As much as I enjoyed that I must still ask you all to leave or I shall have to make you go by force. I only have one shot to make him go away but it’s too dangerous with others around. So please leave now. Once you have awoken your powers I am certain you can handle demons like him Kin’iro.”

The Princess in incognito sighed. “Very well, I rest my case. We shall depend on you, Shilin, and shall take leave.” She turned to Jeanne and explained in French as well.

“Thank you. Now please run you have very little time before he finishes his transformation. It seems like you he has yet master his power.”

“Well I’m not one to argue if one of my options is to live longer so I’ll get going you probably should call out to Xiao Bao old man you don’t want that cute little thing becoming demon food do you?” Huang said.


Zheng put his thumb and forefinger into his mouth and whistled. A moment later, Bao came running up the street. She hesitated when she caught wind of the demon, but Zheng swooped in and picked her up. “Gotcha.”

The group then began running out of the temple grounds as Shilin pointed to them to head towards the main street of the city. Even when they seem to be a good distance away loud roars could be heard. Loud booms could be heard from where Shilin was left with the Demon.

“Is that little thing actually fighting it? I figure it would just run away afterwards,” Huang said.

“You’re welcome to run back and find out for us if you want,” Zheng said.

“Despite the looks and personality, he is still a lesser God,” Kin’iro said.

“Your Royal Highness. I suggest we hurry back to the palace I can see a sudden storm coming it might not be best idea to be out here while you are dressed like that either.” Jeanne said.

“I would like to check the situation of the temples, though, seeing that they were in fire.”

“I don’t believe you will get much done Your Royal Highness. If Her Royal Highness looks over there you can see what kind of storm is coming our way.” Jeanne said pointing at the Squall lines.

“Very well, we shall take shelter in the Palace. Let us hope the trouble did not extend as far as…” Wait, that man mentioned how long the government would hold in this situation… I may only pray it is not what I feel it may be.

“Hey you two wanna tell us what you're talking about to each other? Unless your gonna leave us in the dark.” Huang said.

“I apologize. We have agreed to take shelter in the Palace, as there will be a downpour soon.”

“Is the Palace secure though?” Zheng asked. “A little rain never hurt anyone, not as much as a sword in the gut at least.”

“That is something I would like to personally learn myself, hence my concession to my aide’s suggestion. Who knows, His Imperial Majesty could very well be in danger at the moment.”

“Very well then, Goddess.”

“I’m certain the Emperor is fine only a fool would dare fight him if he's not sick.” Huang said. “Pretty sure you all know the Emperor basically single handedly conquer most of his current territory right?” Huang said. “I doubt anyway someone like me and you old man would be let into the Palace under current circumstance on the other hand it seems our lovely Goddesses here can enter easily.”

“We would be welcomed as long as you two accompany us,” Kin’iro said. “I leave the decision to you.”

“Well under current circumstances there not gonna let anyone just in. I’m fine anyway my hotel room isn’t that far from here. Your welcome to join old man if you don’t got a place to stay at unless you think the guards will actually let you in even with these two lovely ladies.”

“I thank you for your assistance up until now doctor, but I’ll take my chances with the Goddesses,” Zheng said.

“Zheng I want to rest already. The city is not a nice place like the village.” Bao said as she was still scared over the fires and explosions that had happened.

“Hold on just a little while longer,” Zheng said.

“Suit yourself. I just hope you have another plan if it doesn’t work out of you,” Huang said.

Azai Yoshimasa cursed and swore as the temples burned around him, not so much at what was happening around him but more at his foolishness. Only midway to the temple did he remember that Zodiac Ram had offered to teleport him all the way in and in his haste, had totally run out the door on her. What a fool.

A crackling beam crashed next to him and he deftly dodged it, heading deeper towards Horse Temple. He hoped there was still time to save the Zodiac.

As Yoshimasa continue forward, his path was suddenly blocked by ten men as if they were guarding the entrance towards the temple.

“Where do you think you’re going? Shouldn’t you be running off in terror like the rest of them?”

“I have no time to waste on the likes of you.” With a gleaming flash, the man who spoke was cut from side to side, and Yoshimasa moved through the group like a hot knife through butter. When only one remained, he held the blade against the man’s throat. “Will you talk or die like a dog?”

“I’ll talk just don’t kill me!” the man said in terror. The blade pressed deeper into his flesh, signifying Yoshimasa’s impatience.

“We were sent here to capture the Zodiac Horse!” the man said as he tried to back away slowly.

Yoshimasa kept pace, this was taking too long. “Who sent you and where is the Zodiac now? SPEAK!” he bellowed.

The moment the man was about to speak, an arrow pierced through his head killing him instantly.

Yoshimasa cursed and dashed in. Whoever they were, he was now a prime target for elimination.

Finally having reached Horse temple, Yoshimasa could see a group of about fifty men at the entrance as it seemed they were trying to ram the entrance open.

“Hurry up men, we don’t have much time, we must be out of here before the sun rises,” the man yelled as they continue ramming the door when they finally managed to burst it open.

Yoshimasa was a blur as he charged towards the group, katana slicing through the air. There wasn’t any other choice now that they had broken through other than to dissuade them by force. The error of their ways would be paid for in blood. Limbs flew and it took the large group a moment to realize that they were being attacked from the rear and only by one man to boot.

They say there was strength in numbers, but it proved false in this scenario, many of them falling to his blade as they charged at him. The samurai countered as best as he could, side stepping through kicks and punches. Some of the group were armed but not enough to pierce through his own armor, but by the time the ordeal was over, only a handful remained. Yoshimasa was panting from exertion. Even so, he did not back down. He placed himself at the gate, pointing his katana at the remainder of the group. “Surrender and you may yet live.”

“What in the world are you!” one of the few remaining men said, horrified so many of them were taken down with such ease. “W-we must fight back men, we die either way if we don’t!” They soon charged towards Yoshimasa as men desperate to live.

“Fools,” he muttered. The men were relatively untrained, rabble that knew not how to deal with a man with a katana. When all was done, Yoshimasa looked at his handiwork with a certain distaste before heading into the temple. The only use that group had before dying was to open the door for him.

Once inside, Yoshimasa could see the temple had yet caught fire inside but once one looked around, one could see the temple had been ruined but none of the destruction looked recent. If anything adorn the temple, it was now gone. The temple was also eerily silent, but soon the crying of a woman’s voice could be heard coming from what seemed to be the room straight ahead.

It was probably the Zodiac Horse judging from the sound of things. Zodiac Ram had told him to be careful since the Horse might be a unpredictable, and Yoshimasa opted to go in slowly.

In the corner of the room somebody could be seen as they were crying. It was no other than Horse Zodiac who at first had gotten scared from the sudden explosions, but once she heard the man’s announcement, she had broken into tears.

“W-why is this happening to me. Wasn’t one time enough for me…” Zodiac Horse said to no one in particular.

“Esteemed Zodiac Horse, thou have no need to fear me. Zodiac Ram sent me to rescue you from those would seek to harm you,” said Yoshimasa as he dropped to a knee.

Horse was suddenly surprised to see someone inside her temple as it had been over eighty years since someone aside the Emperor laid step into her temple. “That can’t be! No human aside the Emperor has been willing to help me out of their own free will. What do you want!” Horse said as she tried backing away, only just realizing she was in a corner.

“Only to bring you to safety, Zodiac Horse. I mean no harm nor do I bear any ill will. Now quickly, we must leave this place. There are others that seek to capture thou for their own purposes.”

“How do I know Ram really sent you here? As far as I can tell you could be one of those men you say are trying to capture me…” Horse said as she was still scared and was not sure if she should believe Yoshimasa.

Kneeling before her, Yoshimasa offered his sheathed katana. He lowered his head till his forehead touched the ground. His arms were spread outward, fists clenched and in the same position as his head. “There will be nothing that awaits thou here other than dirty machinations of another man. I beseech thee, Esteemed Zodiac Horse, please come with me.”

Horse was suddenly surprised at Yoshimasa’s sudden action as she had not expected this. “Very well, I’ll come but if you try anything dangerous, I’ll kick you,” Horse said as she then tried standing up only for her legs to give out on her soon after. Her legs could be seen shaking in fear as she had yet to fully calm down from the sudden commotion. “I’m sorry, but you have to give me a bit, I can’t stand up right now…”

Yoshimasa rose and rushed to Horse’s side at once, offering a hand to her. “But of course, Zodiac Horse. Now, shall we?”

“Thank you,” Horse said as she faced the opposite direction from embarrassment. “This does not normally happen, okay. I was just caught off guard from all the noise,” she said as she took Yoshimasa’s hand and managed to stand up. “Where should we head now? For some reason, I can’t sense anything outside. I don’t even know how your came in. Thinking about it now, I recall closing the temple entrance the night before.”

“Not at all, Zodiac Horse,” Yoshimasa said with a knowing smile. “In any case, we must return to Zodiac Ram. Are there any other passages out of this temple other than the main gate? A large group of men managed to breach the doors, allowing me to pass but I believe that they will be waiting for us to make our way out from there”

“There is none. Who would have imagined someone would be foolish to attack temples belonging to Gods.”

The son of Azai huffed, looking around the decrepit temple for anything that might help. “Esteemed Horse will soon see the bodies of those I had to cut down to get here but as you say, they were foolish. I suppose there is no choice but to face those outside head on.”

“That is fine, I’ve seen corpses before. That is nothing new to me. I’d rather not run into any of the townspeople,” Horse said as she began walking towards the entrance.

“The townspeople will be doing what they can to help with the other temples which… would could be why they are not here in this time of need.”

“Well that is true, they don’t care about me after all. They rather hope I die here… Maybe I should, not like anyone will miss me.”

“Esteemed Zodiac Horse took this lowly one’s hand when I called out. Does that not show that thou still wishes to walk in this world? The people of this age have only seen the destruction wrought by the previous warrior but those that came before him, did they not bring prosperity to the people alongside Esteemed Zodiac?” Yoshimasa said in a calming tone.

“Yes, but one bad seed is enough to ruin the image of all those before. Many now only recall him... The work of my previous warriors before him are now all forgotten. Even now, nobody wishes to be my warrior anymore. A Zodiac without a warrior, what good am I,” Horse said as she began to cry again.

“Once, my family stayed in the Land of the Rising Sun to the east. We were the lords of a state, prosperous and close to the capital. The citizens were blessed, led by my clan for generations but… another clan changed all that. We were designated traitors, our lands and castles besieged and ruined. We lost everything and were exiled here in disgrace,” Yoshimasa said solemnly with his head bowed. “I refuse to believe that things cannot change for the better.”

“I see. You at least managed to find a new place to call home. I am certain with hard work you can make a name for your family yet again in this land. Yet I cannot leave this land to start anew. For years, I’ve tried to make amends with the people yet no one will listen to me anymore. I was so proud of my previous warrior that when he caused all the destruction, people believed I truly did send him to kill all those people.”

“Then for now, let this lowly Azai Yoshimasa aid you even if it costs me my—” Yoshimasa stepped forward, his katana cutting through an arrow as it whistled through the air towards him.

“Aww. How sad you managed to cut it down. Well I figured you would, considering you took down all my men before hand,” said a woman who approached them. She had long blonde hair and light brown eyes. Her appearance seemed to suggest she was a westerner, but her clothing seemed nothing like any of which Yoshimasa had seen.

“I will not let things play out as you had planned.” Yoshimasa focused on her, his features grim. “To set the other temples alight and target a Zodiac in the mayhem, unforgivable.”

“I see you're one of those wannabe heroes. If you truly did care for her, why not participate at her tournament from the start? Seeing as no one entered the poor little horsey tournament, my Mistress decided that she would be hers. Of course, burning the kingdom was the main course.”

“I had my chance but it was not meant to be. Even if I failed, simply letting you take away Zodiac Horse and burn the city is not something I could abide by.”

“Great! I hope you’re ready die then. Wannabe hero,” the woman said as she fired multiple arrows towards Yoshimasa. Unable to move from his position lest the arrows strike Horse, Yoshimasa tried to deflect or cut down the arrows. He succeeded and they became useless twigs, scattering onto the ground.

Horse, having lost strength from her legs yet again, was on the floor. The arrows shot at Yoshimasa and the sudden movement had come at a great surprise to her. She tried standing up but was unable to “You said your name was Azai Yoshimasa, no? Be careful, something about that woman isn’t right. I can’t sense her chi at all.”

Yoshimasa nodded, not taking his eyes off the woman.

“My, such a nice look. Well then, it seems I have no other choice but to take you down with a different method,” the woman said as she put her bow away and grabbed her spear which she had on her back. “I hope you’re ready for a nice and slow painful death.”

Yoshimasa angled his katana, the spear requiring more skill and power to repel. The reach on it was troublesome, but it wasn’t something he couldn’t overcome. He sprinted towards her; one moment still, the next a step away from her and he swung the katana, cutting low upwards from the ground. The woman made to dodge but was a tad too slow and the katana drew blood, scoring a line across her side.

“My you’re faster than you seem inside that tin can of yours,” the woman said as she then charged towards Yoshimasa. She lunged her spear at him as fast as she could. Sparks flew and metal screeched against metal as the spear found his katana, but the force was greater than Yoshimasa could ever hope to deflect. He switched tactics, letting the spear bite into his side as he stepped closer to her. The katana rose into the air, shining faintly amidst the flames and moonlight before it was brought down in one swift stroke. He would force them down the path of mutual destruction.

“Damn you. Here I thought you were just an insignificant insect,” the woman said.

“Certain insects are more dangerous than they let on,” Yoshimasa replied as retreated after she swung at him again.

“Fine, I’ll show you how insignificant you are!” she said as she charged at him again, aiming her spear straight at Yoshimasa’s head.

He dodged and they exchanged a multitude of blows, the samurai slowly withering under her barrage even as he sliced her in return. The bout was short but furious and both parties separated with a jump. Yoshimasa was left the worse for wear, his armor dented and cracked in many places, and he was bleeding from a number of wounds. Wiping blood from his mouth, he held his katana up with an unfaltering grip. Seeing this, the woman charged at him and swung the spear in a large arc aiming to smash him in the side.

Again, Yoshimasa moved forward to receive her attack. The spear was a weapon with great reach and piercing power, not to mention it could be used by even the simplest of farmers, but only a master could use it to its true potential. Admittedly, this woman was extremely accurate with it but her speed was just shy of Mei’s. He twisted his body, feeling the spear burrow into shoulder instead as she compensated. In return, his own blade found her arm. It was satisfying to hear her hiss in pain as he sliced across her forearm.

“Damn you, bastard. I’m gonna make you regret that!” the woman said as all of sudden she just stood still at her current location, not making a sign for any kind of movement. Yoshimasa smirked and swung his katana in an arc, purposefully making light of her defense. A mocking blow if anyone saw it.

The woman quickly blocked off Yoshimasa’s attack. As she did, she then swung her spear at Yoshimasa as if it were a club, knocking him backwards. A smile could be seen on her face as she began to slowly laugh “Aha..haha..HAHAHA! I’m going to rip you limb from limb. I’ll make sure when your loved ones find you, they find every single one of your limbs on a stake!” the woman said. As she looked at Yoshimasa, her eyes were now bright red, and black aura slowly began to surround her body.

This is probably what Zodiac Horse meant by her being dangerous. A quick glance behind showed that the Zodiac was still quivering on the ground, hands over her head. Even if he were to die here, there would be no quarter given to this woman. “What are you waiting for then?”

[iDummy, take Horse Zodiac and run. You will die if you stay here, ride her if you have too![/i] a woman’s voice could be heard screaming inside Yoshimasa head.

Who… What are you!? Yoshimasa said more in surprise than anything else. He crossed it out as being one of the woman’s tricks considering that the voice was talking about his survival when she obviously wanted the opposite.

You don’t have time for this. You must escape with Horse Zodiac or both of you will die here to that demon. She will only move now if you give her a great shock so get moving already!

“My head will roll for this,” Yoshimasa thought aloud as he limped to the cowering Zodiac. “Esteemed Zodiac, we must leave now!”

“I-I can’t my legs won’t move at all. Just leave without me. You’ve already shown me enough kindness other humans haven’t in such a long time. If I die it is my fault, not yours, so just go!” Horse shouted at Yoshimasa.

I shall never be free of this dishonor… Yoshimasa thought as he mounted the Zodiac. “My utmost apologies, but I have been ordered to bring thou to safety. Esteemed Zodiac may take this up later with Zodiac Ram but for now, we must leave!” He smacked her rump as a trigger and circled his arms around her slender waist.

“Kyaaah!” Horse Zodiac yelped out of pure instinct and her body began to move, ignoring the fear she felt. Her body raced towards the exit of the temple and coming back to her senses, she noticed she was galloping. Wondering how she even began to move as she then felt herself being embraced, she looked at her stomach, noticing a pair of hand encircled around her. Looking back and saw Yoshimasa riding her. Her faced turned bright red as she never had been ridden by anyone before. “W-what are you doing idiot! I told you to get away without me!”

“Esteemed Zodiac’s safety is my top priority. I apologize that it has to be this way but I could not think of any other methods to bring thou out safely,” Yoshimasa replied with a bow of his head. He had to be careful where he put his hands for she was surprisingly soft under his touch. Still, his body was aching and bleeding from the duel and he could feel only a fraction of his strength remain.

“I don’t know, you could have carried me instead! When a Horse God lets someone ride them it has a special meaning, you know!” Horse Zodiac said as she was still shocked Yoshimasa was riding her or that anyone would have even bothered saving her.

Continuing to gallop, a sudden loud explosion was heard behind them. Looking back, both could see the Horse Temple blown to pieces as debris shattered everywhere.

“My home…” Horse said as a pained expression could be seen on her face.

“Home is where the heart is. So long as Esteemed Horse has that, home will be wherever thou wish it to be…”

“I don’t know if I can really call any place home anymore. Considering how things have gone for me, is there really a place I can call home?”

“Would Esteemed Zodiac Horse prefer to stay out of the public eye? Esteemed Ram may be able to do something about this predicament that we’re in so long as we return.”

“Yes. Especially after this. I’m certain people will believe what that man said and I fear what they might do if they see me…”

“Rest assured, Esteemed Zodiac. This one shall not allow thou to come to harm.”

After a few minutes they finally reached the Ram Temple. They expected to be chased, but nobody seemed to have followed them at all. After the woman’s actions, one would imagine she would be right behind them. At the front of the entrance, Ram Zodiac could be seen meditating with a golden aura surrounding her body.

“Fufufu, I know I asked you to save her, boy, but I didn’t expect you would marry her,” Ram said as she couldn’t help watch and laugh as Yoshimasa returned with Horse, riding on her back.

“M-Marriage!?” Yoshimasa blurted out, unable to control himself. He could feel his cheeks turn red from both shame and embarrassment, what had he done? “Esteemed Zodiac Horse, t-this one has committed the most grievous of mistakes. I shall commit ritualistic suicide to make amends for my error!”

“I know I’m not beautiful or anything like that but it doesn’t mean you have to kill yourself over it! Plus it’s an old Horse God tradition, you probably didn’t even know about it,” Horse said as she looked away, not wanting to show the sadness in her face.

“Please do not demean thyself, Esteemed Zodiac. Thou art much, much more than this one deserves as a mere villager from the countryside. Nonetheless, this one has wronged you and must take responsibility. Please give me a few moments later to compose a letter for my loved ones and then… I shall fulfill my duty,” Yoshimasa said wearily as he dismounted the Horse. He was aghast at himself and did not meet either Zodiac’s eye. “Allow me to take my leave, I do not wish to dishonor thee any longer with my presence.” He bowed from the hip unsteadily, limping away from both of them.

“Where do you think you’re going! Don’t you think instead of actually killing yourself you should actually take proper responsibility? You don’t have to marry me, I don’t even know you that well for that anyway. You could become my Warrior though. I think you’re capable enough for that. Unless becoming a warrior of a Demon Goddess is no good for you,” Horse said as she went up to Yoshimasa to stop him.

His armor rustling as he turned, Yoshimasa looked up at Horse with a strained face. Sitting seiza on the ground, he steadied his resolve. “If Esteemed Zodiac does not allow my death… then I shall take responsibility in the only way left to me. By my forefathers and clan Azai, this Azai Yoshimasa shall be your Warrior from this moment forth. This I swear.”

Ram could not help but laugh at the current scene as she still tried to keep her Chi under focus. As she looked up, she noticed an eagle circling them as it then flew off having spotted what it was looking for.

“I would recommend starting the ritual soon, but I’m not certain if current circumstances would allow it. It seems we might have company soon.”

“Then I’ll just start it now. Though I probably have to change it up a bit. Not sure if it will work properly either since we aren’t gonna be doing it in the Astral Space,” Horse said, thinking about her options.

“Well Yoshimasa, do you want to start the Ritual with Horse now, or wait? Being the only Zodiac without a warrior still makes her an easy target for these men, considering she has no protection.”

“Judging from the situation, I believe that we might have to delay the Ritual for later. We might be attacked in the middle of performing it, or a rushed Ritual might result in undesired effects on either party. For now, I shall strive to the utmost for my… partner,” Yoshimasa said, the final word sounding strange as it left his tongue. Were they partners or still lord and vassal?

“If you are worried about being attacked, I can still set up a small barrier for you if you like. It should be able to withstand most attacks. Unless attacked by an army. But if you’d rather wait, that should be fine. Doing a ritual outside the Astral Space can sometimes be a bit more tricky considering we Zodiacs can only pass our Divine chi one way. While in the Astral Space, we can pass it on in the way more comfortable for us,” Ram said.

“Don’t worry Ram, if he wants to wait, it is fine. We would have to do the proper ritual afterwards anyways. This version of the ritual just confirms he’s my warrior anyway.”

“If there are two, then perhaps doing the first may be prudent. I have faith in Esteemed Zodiac Horse that it will be flawless.” Yoshimasa allowed himself a small smile, looking over to Ram as she maintained the barrier. “What exactly art thou doing, Esteemed Zodiac?”

“Trying to get the stubborn Rain Gods to make it rain. But their demand of Divine Chi is a bit too much. It’s taking me a while to gather it. If the other Zodiacs were awake, this would be much faster. Don’t worry Horse, just make your ritual with him first. You can help me afterwards.”

“Understood. Well then Yoshimasa, are you ready? It won’t take long. Since it’s just to make an establishment between us okay,” Horse said as she could be seen blushing.

“I am ready,” Yoshimasa said with finality as he rose. “We shall have a proper Ritual at a later time. Out here is not… the right place to seal so important an oath.”

Horse approached Yoshimasa timidly as she was not certain the ritual would work properly as she never had done this version before. She pressed her lips against his as she began to kiss him passionately but her inexperience clearly could be felt among this. Yoshimasa could feel a warm sensation, a form of Chi he had never experienced was being transferred into his body.

It was a pleasant feeling as the chi flowed into him, and Yoshimasa returned Horse's kiss a little more aggressively. He reached up and cupped her neck, embracing her gently.

Horse was surprised. She never imagined their kiss would become one like that of lovers. She pushed him away as she felt it was a sudden action. During their commotion an eagle circling above them as it screeched could be heard. In the distance, a girl stood with tears in her eyes at the scene she had just witness.

“Manpu,” Dia Yan said as she cried out.

“Dia Yan…” Yoshimasa felt a stab of pain in his heart and he looked back at Horse. “Please give me a moment, Esteemed Zodiac.” With that, he ran to his fiance as fast as he could, heart pounding in his chest.

“Okay?” Horse said as she was confused at what was happening.

Seeing Yoshimasa approach her, Dia Yan tried running away as she felt her heart broken, but she didn’t get far before she tripped on what seemed to be nothing in particular.

Yoshimasa was just as ragged due to the events of earlier but immediately moved to help her up, similar to the time he had left her behind. It broke his heart to see the one he grew up with, his fiance, crying and he gathered her up in a tight hug. “I’m sorry…” he repeated over and over, for once letting his mask as a son of Azai drop.

“You don’t have to be, I understand. Our marriage was called off two years ago, it’s not a surprise you found someone else during that time. It’s why you left me behind, to be with your new lover isn’t?” Dai Yan said as tears continued to flow.

Manpu hugged her closer to his chest, taking care not to scratch her with the armor. “I would never leave you, no matter what our families might say, and that is the Zodiac Horse. I have been chosen as her warrior and… that was the ritual to symbolize our connection.”

“Excuse me, but what is going? Who is she?” Horse said as she approached them as she could feel jealousy watching Yoshimasa hug Dai Yan.

“Esteemed Horse, this lady is my fiance, Dai Yan,” Yoshimasa said softly as he looked back at the Zodiac. “I did not expect her to follow me all the way to the capital from our village.”

“You have a fiance? W-why did you not mention that earlier. I could have waited to do the appropriate ritual instead of this shameless part and especially if it caused a misunderstanding,” Horse said as she then looked away, feeling a bit disappointment.

“Ritual?” Dia Yan said now, confused as to what was going on.

“The Ritual was necessary for us to bond. There is one more required after this, but it is a very important part of the relationship between Zodiac and warrior,” Yoshimasa explained. “And I will fulfill all that is expected of me. My words to Esteemed Zodiac are not empty promises.”

“Don’t worry my dear, I’ll explain everything properly to you once everything settled,” Ram said as she approached them, having finally finished her meditation. “It seems our troublemakers have been chased off as well. Let us head inside my temple. A storm shall be starting in a bit.”

Manpu nodded before scooping Dia Yan up into a princess carry, just in case the fall earlier had injured her in any way. It was mostly for her broken heart though. “Please, lead the way.”

Dia Yan simply blushed as it had been awhile since Manpu had carried her. Horse on the hand felt envy towards Dai Yan as her body made it impossible for any regular man to carry her. She wondered if she had a body like that of a human if Yoshimasa would have carried her instead during their ordeal.

Hurrying along the to the temple Yang and Rin did not run into any resistance as it seemed none of the intruders seem to have made it into the temple just yet. While running through the temple they had notice it was completely deserted if anyone was here it seem they all had run away. Soon after they finally reached the main temple room. In the middle of the room laid a bed from the distant both could notice someone sleeping soundly on it.

“Well that seems kinda of lazy of Fox Zodiac not providing a room for her and just letting her sleep out here.” Yang said as she walked towards the bed.

“So out in the open, though?” Rin joined Fang and approached the bed and ran a hand along the sheets, peering at the Zodiac. “She is reckless for a god, isn’t she?”

“Well Cat Zodiac did say Fox Zodiac had strange ways of enjoying herself.”Yang said as she then called out to the person sleeping in bed. “Hey you wake up. I think you had plenty of sleep already.’

Upon hearing the unknown voice Fei snapped to awareness quickly sensing her surroundings. Two? Feeling no hostile intent from either of the visitors she relaxed, stirring slightly and opening her eyes. Stretching she felt the physical differences of becoming a zodiac before seeing them, many long tails twitching slightly as she shook off lingering feelings of soreness and pain from the previous night’s ritual. Quite a delightful sensation though enduring the fire to receive it was unpleasant, she mused taking a quick glance at her new form before casually addressing the two standing over her.

“My my, the Cat and the finalist coming to wake me up. To what do I owe the honor?”

“Well we come to wake you up considering the whole temple grounds are on fire with bandits running amok.”

“I suppose now that I am a warrior I must do my part. Let us deal with these uninvited guests.”

“You seem relative calm for someone who was suddenly awake.”

“Do you expect for someone to be high strung upon waking? Is that how your mornings are?” Rin asked, somehow without joking in the slightest.

“Of course not! Though i just said the grounds are on fire and its being attack by bandits don’t you think news like that would be more surprising for a person who just woke up?”

“Would it please you if I acted more disoriented?” Fei teased.

Yang sighed. “Just forget about it. Just let us get going we don’t know when more of those creeps will show up.”

Rin nodded her head and hummed. “Agreed. I would rather not be here and listen to their ramblings, as disgusting as they are….”

“I don’t suppose you kept that sword from our last encounter?” Fei asked Rin looking around to see if there were any weapons kept about the temple.

Rin shook her head, then turned to Fei, who was now the Fox Zodiac in her stead with the same dim expression she first arrived to China with. “The medics must have extracted it from my abdomen during my visit to the hospital. You might have to make do with another one. Apologies.”

“My fault, it wasn’t the best of places to leave it for safekeeping.” Fei replied suppressing a chuckle at Rin’s matter of fact response. “No matter, there will be plenty of opportunities to acquire a weapon from those pesky bandits.”

Not soon after the three heard rather loud footsteps coming their way. The man made no attempt to hide his presence. He was a huge man but had a muscular build he had steel gauntlets on both his hands. Appearance alone, he seemed capable of easily crushing the three girls in front of him.

“Must be my lucky day. Three lovely ladies I can devour today and it seems two are Zodiacs warriors. This just make things better.”

Fei looked the intruder up and down before giving a very obvious dismissive frown and turning back to the other two. “Just the one? From what you mentioned I imagined there would be hordes of roving marauders, not a single over muscled man dressed as a bird.”

“Well we did handel a hoard of them before, maybe he's the leader of the group?” Yang said.

“Possessing the confidence to barge in here by himself without at least sending a letter ahead of time. Either he is some sort of leader, or he is just plain rude,” Rin remarked dimly.

“Well, he does have quite the curious ability to set him apart.” Fei remarked before calling out the man. “The presence of your chi seems to be noticeably absent, care to enlighten us why?” This could be dangerous…

“Don’t worry, you’ll be wishing you were facing a horde of those weaklings we brought after I’m done with you three. Getting rid of two Zodiacs. Certainly grant me more fame,” the man said as he banged both his fists together, and a loud metal sound could be heard all around the room.

“Well I hope you two are ready pretty sure it's obvious he's coming after our heads.”

“I see that words are coming from his mouth, but I'm only hearing garbage,” Rin said, absentmindedly flicking Fang’s tail. “He seems to be stricken with diarrhea of the mouth. We should just get past him and depart now.”

“Kyaah! I told you don’t pull my tail!” Fang said as she got flustered a bit having her tail pulled again. “He doesn’t seem fast so should be easy enough, let’s go!”


“Lead the way. I am more curious as to what is happening outside than humoring this loud man’s ego.”

The three then tried to run around the man. Fei went to the left while Yang and Rin went to the right. Upon seeing this, the man smiled. He thrust his fist in the directions the girls had decided to run as a howling wind went their way.

“Don’t go thinking you’ll get away that easy!!”

“How rude,” Fei commented, leaping nimbly out of the way. That was too close.

“Rin move it. We can’t just stand idly,” Yang said as she easily dodged the man’s attack.

“Apologies—” Rin hastily replied as she just narrowly took the brunt of the man’s attack with her sword, being pushed backwards. She was sent sliding backwards on her heels and eventually came to a complete stop.

“You are faster than I expected of you ladies. Well, almost all of you. Care to try round two?” the man said as he then changed stance first, punching his fist towards Fei direction. The blow created another howling wind, but this time around it was much faster as it headed towards Fei. He then quickly turned around again, punching the air in front of him yet again a howling wind went towards Yang and Rin.

Dancing to the side, Fei dodged around the gust, closing the gap between her and the man only to suddenly find another fist headed her way. So fast! Concentrating her chi within her arms to protect herself, she caught the blow. And heavy! Any contest of strength would be hopeless. Rather than letting herself be blown backwards, she used all her strength to deflect the blow slightly to the side and let it crash into her shoulder, wincing slightly as it fractured the bone. Rolling with the hit, she used the momentum to spin inwards and slip inside his guard. Placing a palm on his chest with a touch that seemed as gentle as a caress, she sent a wave of destructive energy coursing throughout his body causing the man to stumble backwards.

“He’s faster than I thought,” Yang said as yet again she managed to dodge the attack.

“For someone so large? I half expected him to get tired just watching us run at him,” Rin remarked while regaining her bearings. She shook her head and stared across the room, partly glaring. “Either way, he’s in our path—”

Rin suddenly hunched over in pain, grunting as the mysterious man’s attack had just taken effect on her body. For once, she was visibly fazed and showed a rare grit of her teeth.

“Sheesh Rin, you need to react faster. You can’t tell me he’s that much faster than you?” Yang said as she looked around, wondering if there was another way out.

“I am as surprised as you are…” Rin replied.

“This is quite the predicament.” After her counter attack, Fei backed off rubbing her shoulder and regrouped with the other two. Between her own injury and looking at Rin’s state, it was clear a drawn out fight would not be in their interests. Raising her fists back into a stance that blocked her mouth from the man’s sight, she whispered in a low voice to Yang.

“Cat, I’ll make an opening for you.”

“If you can, go right ahead.”

Replying with a sly smile, Fei faced the man and charged forward.

“Well then, let us see how long the overgrown bird can continue to squawk,” she shouted with a confident laugh. Once in range, she let loose a flurry of sharp blows infused with chi to make each appear more lethal than the last.

The man dodged the attacks easily, but he kept his eye on Fei as he was not sure how long she could keep it up.

While he was occupied with Fei, Rin swooped in from a blind spot, sword drawn. She leapt into the air and returned down to the ground with a strike, to which the man somehow telegraphed, moving to the side to dodge. Rin clicked her tongue in frustration.

Seeing the man’s weight shift off balance for the brief moment after Rin’s slash, one of Fei’s tails darted out, sweeping at the man’s feet, forcing him to leap into the air to dodge.

Yang at this moment was able to come from behind as she kicked the man on the side of his stomach. She then quickly adjusted her position, making a downward kick on the man’s head as it sent him slamming into the ground. “Take that, fatso!”

Holding her side, Rin shook her head. “I don’t think he is anywhere near done.”

“Shall we take our leave?” Fei called back already having moved towards the exit. “We cleared him out of our path, but it would be ill advised to stay.”

“Yes, let's hurry, I doubt that will work a second time on him again.”

The three beginning to move forward came to a sudden stop, their bodies not responding as they should. Soon they could hear laughter echo throughout the room. Their bodies suddenly turning around, they could see the man standing on his feet already, unfazed, yet something about him seemed off.

“Hahaha. You got me good there. How about I reward you three with something really nice. For your hard work,” the man said as the three woman could then see his eyes were now a bright red and a dark aura began to form around his body.

“That is another interesting ability you have, care to share what it is?” Fei questioned.

“Should this really be the time to ask that?! Maybe we should try moving instead of asking him
questions!” Yang said as she tried to regain movement of her body.

“Why not? We are all a little immobile at the moment,” Rin chimed in, rubbing at her side.

“And when else will we have the chance?” Fei replied, unfazed. She had already begun subtly channeling her chi to attempt to clear whatever force had invaded their bodies the moment they were trapped. Directing her attention back to the man, she nonchalantly asked again. “So, what is it?”

You really need to know when it’s foolish to ask something child, Inari said as she yawned. That man is a demon, of course he's not gonna tell.

”The longer he talks the more time we have to figure out how to escape. With all his boasting it shouldn’t be too difficult to bait him.

Currently there is no way for you to free yourself. I can tell you that much considering you have no control over your Divine chi.

Since you chose now to speak up I’m assuming you have a solution for that?

Even Goddesses need a nap, you know. After all that food, I had to take one, Inari said as she yawned again. Yes, just give me a second.

In that instant, Fei body began to glow. Soon, a bright white light engulfed the three girls. When they next opened their eyes, they found themselves alone in the temple, the man nowhere to be seen.

There you go. I’ll be taking my nap now. Using chi in this world is stressful and by the way, you can thank Cat Zodiac, Inari said as she then cut of communications with Fei.

What to do with you, Fei thought to herself with a smile ”Thanks, I’ll try to avoid disturbing your nap with any more dire showdowns against demons.”

“It seems the nuisance is gone. Shall we go?” Fei asked casually. Turning around she began to walk to the exit again, paying no heed to the spectacle that had just occurred.

Yang was surprised at what had happened and was confused, but looking around, she was even more surprised. “How did we get into the Cat Temple?”

“A bit of divine intervention it seems,” Fei replied. “Please thank the Cat Zodiac for me.”

“Would be better if she had intervened a little earlier,” Rin added with a sigh. “Now that the intruder has gone away, shall we leave now?”

“Is he really gone? Weren’t we just simply transported over to Cat’s Temple which is just next door to Fox’s temple?” Yang said.

“Hence why we should be moving rather than relaxing here,” Fei replied, now waiting at the exit. “It should go without saying that if he catches us in that technique again, a second escape is unlikely.”

“Agreed. That is twice I cheated death, and I do not think that there will be any doctors around to pull out whatever he puts in me this time,” Rin said casually, joining Fei at the exit.

“E-excuse me, can you please wait,” said a timid voice of a girl which all three clearly heard but could see no one around.

“Cat is that you?” Yang said as her voice sounded a bit different to her.

“Y-yes. I’m sorry I’ve just woken up, but my strength hasn’t fully returned just yet. I would ask of you all to please wait and rest at my temple for now. Things would have settled once you have rested. Inari made sure to teleport that man far away,” Cat Zodiac said as she began materializing in the room.

Rin casually approached the Cat Zodiac and pursed her lips, eyes fixed closely upon her ears and tail. She displayed rare interest in her expression as her hands began to mindlessly wander around the woman’s personal space.

“So you are the Cat Zodiac?” she asked somewhat eagerly.

“Kyaah. What are you doing?” Cat said as she was suddenly confused at Rin’s actions.

“Damn it Rin, control yourself,” Yang said as she grabbed Rin by the back of her Yukata and pulled her away from Cat Zodiac. “She’s timid around strangers so don’t tease her like that. You're gonna make her think everyone is like that.”

“I will behave,” Rin conceded, puffing her cheek out to pout. “Does she have to consider me a stranger now that we are going to introduce ourselves, though?”

Watching the exchange, Fei let out a chuckle but stayed by the exit. “Well, as much as I would like to stay to watch this spectacle I’m afraid I must turn down your offer of hospitality. I have yet to see the situation outside and if that man is gone, I also would like to get back to the fox temple to look for Kurara.”

“Fox Zodiac is currently sleeping within you. She won’t be waking up anytime soon just yet, and it seems it's begun to pour so i do not recommend you go outside just yet. If you got anything to ask, I shall respond to the best of my abilities but I only have a little time before I fall back to sleep.”

“I will return here later then but for now, I would like to see what destruction has been wrought upon the grounds before the dust settles.”

“I don’t believe you will get far in that rain as it’s meant to douse the fire caused by the bandits.”

“All the more reason to go now. Such a heavy rain will wash away what lingers.”

“Well if you wish to go then be my guest, I shall not stop you. I have already warned you as this rain was called out to put the fires quickly, but its seems it will also last a while before it disperses.”

“Don’t worry, I quite enjoy the rain.”

“Well good luck I guess. Rin, you're coming with me. I feel like I can’t leave you on your own,” Yang said as she dragged Rin with her.

Rin half resisted Yang’s grip with a raised brow. “What? I am no child. Do not touch me, please.”

“I’ll let go once we are in the room provided to me. I just get the feeling you won’t behave if I let you go.”

“Hnnn, would it please you if I did? It seems that you enjoy treating me in such a manner, like if you were my keeper,” Rin said without an inch of a joke in her voice.

“Well we can decide that later for now you need rest anyway you too some hard hits back then so rest will do you good.”

Shrugging, Rin finally nodded her head in agreement. “Very well. I will rest with you, then.”

“Good” Yang said as the two were now long gone from the main chamber.

Where in the world you think you’re going! Do you think I brought you here so you can just go out in the rain!

“It's just a bit of water. And weren’t you napping?”

You wish it was just a bit of water. You are a bigger fool than I remember raising if you go out there. I may have teleported the man away, but you don’t know if there are others like him around. If you don’t recall, only reason he went down was because of that girl over there.

“Ehhh, I did get a good hit in too and created that opening. Also if there are more, then isn’t it just as dangerous if not more so to stay here? The temples were their targets after all. Plus, is it not my duty as a zodiac warrior to view the current situation?”

Tell me, did your power feel any stronger when fighting or the same? Even a Zodiac has to know when they must not fight unless you wish to die before doing anything.

“True, but I have no intention of fighting. How much harm can there be in taking a look around. If anyone approaches I’ll run.”

If you haven’t noticed, you can’t sense these guys. I’m not sure why, but they have something that hides their presence. Don’t you think I would have told you from the start to run.

”There is more than one way to detect an enemy. With these…” She wiggled her new fox ears slightly, “I should be able to hear anyone coming. You’ve also taught me how to hide my own presence for an escape if necessary.”

You really think you're gonna find anything? One, your not even used to your body, and if you force it things will go bad for you. Before even putting yourself in another dangerous situation learn more about your body first.

“As usual you worry too much. If anything happens you can berate me for it later, for now let’s go before I appear strange for suddenly freezing in place as I was about to leave.” With that, Fei strode abruptly into the rain not giving Inari time to raise any more protests.

Inari could be heard sighing. If your just gonna ignore my advice like this in the future. I will just take it as you don’t need me.

“Oh, don’t get sulky. You know I appreciate you dearly, but I must be free to make my own decisions from time to time too.” Outside the rain was as heavy as the two goddesses had insisted but it did not bother Fei. Rather she found it soothing and stopped just outside the temple for a moment to bask in it. Turning her face to the sky she let the rain wash over her, cooling her body which had become heated from the fight earlier.




Fei had returned to the temple after witnessing what she could from the leftover destruction most building had been burned down. Some had collapsed after the fires had weaken the support while some still managed to stand but scorch marks could still be seen on the building. Nothing seem similar to what she was looking for once back she could see Cat Zodiac standing by the Temple entrance she could see her falling asleep as hard as she tried to stay awake.

Walking up to the Cat Zodiac Fei gently flicked her forehead. “Feeling okay? You didn’t need to stay up to wait for me.”

“Even if I had said before it was fine for you to leave I couldn't help but worry but yes I’m fine just a little sleepy. Even with a little Divine Chi it’s hard to stay up after a ritual.”

“My apologies. Shall we head back inside?”

“Yes. Did you find anything of interest?”

“Just rubble strewn about. Those bandits made quite the mess of things.”

“Indeed they did. If you like I would show you to your room I imagine you haven’t had the chance to examine yourself unless you don’t wish to look at your new appearance.”

“My, with comments like that I’ll begin to worry how I may have changed.” Fei teased.

“I’m sorry I didn’t mean to sound mean I think my sleepiness is finally catching up with me.” Cat Zodiac said as she yawned. “But let's hurry we shouldn’t let you stand around soak like that for too long it's not good for your health.”

“You and Inari both, such worriers.” Fei replied with a smile. “Lead the way.”

After a few minutes Cat Zodiac let Fei into a small room it contain a bed, a table with a chair, a mirror and finally a closet.

“It’s not much but I hope you enjoy. There are sleeping robes in the closet I suggest you change from your current wet clothes.”

“Thank you.” Once her host had left Fei let her wet clothes fall to the ground and stepped over to the mirror. Looking her new form she found her appearance had not changed significantly. Her facial features had become sharper and more refined and her womanly assets accentuated but otherwise it remained relatively the same. The only major alterations were her eyes which had turned gold with slits for pupils and a set of white furred fox ears accompanied by five long, fluffy tails. Curiously she slowly undulated her many tails testing the limits of her control over them. She had used them to attack in the previous fight but it had been an instinctive reaction rather than a controlled move.

Well how does it feel witnessing your new appearance? Inari said.

At suddenly hearing Inari’s voice Fei stiffened, embarrassed at having been caught ogling herself in the mirror. Relaxing, her tails settled upon the floor. “It is more similar than I thought it would be. Although, I never would have thought having tails felt so… liberating. Is it like this for you all the time?”

I cannot say I have always had my tails to begin with unlike you.

“It really is a curious sensation.” Reaching out with a tail she attempted to open the closet and take out a robe. The first task succeeded but the robe slipped off her tail and fell to the floor. Walking over Fei picked it up with her hands and dressed herself. “Seems I still have a ways to go before I can control them freely though”

Over time you will get used to it. Just don’t over do it the power of gods it's something you must be patient to learn.

“Mmm, I suppose if I attempt so I will receive an earful from you.”

Of course you will. Divine powers aren’t something one can simply toy with. Now go to sleep your body must be worn even if you don’t think you are.

“I know, I’ll listen to you this time.”

Climbing into the bed Fei wrapped herself in the covers to warm up and slipped quickly into a deep sleep.

It had begun to pour as Kin’iro, Jeanne, and Zheng hurried to the palace. They soon noticed that the city itself had suffered no damage. Soldiers could be seen around patrolling the city. It seemed the majority of them were put to safeguard the city itself. The group soon reached the entrance to the palace where they could see it was even more guarded than when they had first arrived.

“Halt there. Nobody is allowed to enter the Palace. Head somewhere else,” a soldier said to the group once he noticed them approaching.

“I am one of the Goddesses, and so is my companion here,” Kin’iro plead, motioning towards Jeanne, and then pointing at her own set of bunny ears. “Please let us through.”

The guard took a closer look at the two and then bowed. “I am sorry I had not paid attention. Please go ahead.” He then raised his head and looked at Zheng as he then stopped him. “I am sorry but I cannot let you in even if you are a guest of the Goddesses. Aside from them we are under the command of not letting anyone else in.”

“Are you kidding me?” Zheng said. “You’d turn away an injured man in the rain?”

“Orders are orders. Please do not make a commotion or we shall be forced to arrest you. There is a shelter set up to the east from here. You can go there instead.”

“Please accept my sincerest apologies, Mister Zheng,” Kin’iro said. “I did not expect this but I suppose this is but natural…” Albeit my opinion does not align with the Emperor.

Zheng would have clenched his fists if he wasn’t holding Bao. “You’re damn right it’s natural.” He bowed to both Goddesses. “You did nothing wrong, Goddess. This lot on the other hand… I don’t know why I expected better from them.”

“I’m sorry,” Jeanne said as she bowed. With the guards not letting Zheng past, she figured he wasn’t being let in.

Zheng nodded. His knowledge of French was almost non-existent, but those words at least he knew. Without saying more, he turned and struck out toward the shelter, a solitary figure hunched against the rain.

“Let us hurry back to our room, Your Royal Highness. This rain seems to be getting stronger,” Jeanne said.

“I would like to speak with His Imperial Majesty before we do that, though,” Kin’iro replied.

“I very much doubt they would let you speak with His Imperial Majesty while soaked, Your Royal Highness.”

“But this is an emergency, would formalities matter now?”

“I would not know. I am still not familiar with all the customs of royalty, Your Royal Highness. Let us hurry in. Either way, we should not stay out here any longer.”

“Then you are in no place to tell me what to do, Jeanne. If the guards of His Imperial Majesty say it is impossible to meet him—then I shall return to the room. You are free to depart for our room now.”

“Understood.” Jeanne said as she bowed and began to head to the room.

Heading in herself, Kin’iro could see it was too peaceful but guards could be seen all over inside as well. Keeping an eye on anyone who was already inside and walking about. One of the guards took notice of Kin’iro and approached her.

“Pardon me, Goddess, but I must ask that you hurry to one of the rooms I shall have a servant escort you,” he said as he bowed.

“Please accept my pardons, but I would like to speak with His Imperial Majesty as it is an emergency.”

“I’m sorry but he's currently in a meeting with his advisors. The current situation has destroyed the majority of the temples and homes on the temple grounds. What type of action to take is currently being decided and due to the enemy infiltration, Lord Dong Zhuo has ordered no one aside his advisors can approach his Imperial Majesty.”

“I am a witness to the carnage of the temples, and am considered a most gifted advisor and a tactician in my country. Would it be possible to request a repeal of this order? I would like to provide aid however I may.”

“Due to circumstances you must ask Lord Dong Zhuo as he is in charge of the Palace security. He currently is out accessing the damage. We are not sure when he'll return.”

“I assume it would not be possible to make the request to His Imperial Majesty directly?”

“I’m sorry, we cannot as even we are forbidden to see His Imperial Majesty unless it's his personal guard. Who is currently with His Imperial Majesty.”

“Very well. I thank you for informing me kindly. Please excuse me.” Turning, Kin’iro decided to depart for her own room herself, taking no guide with her. Dong Zhuo… indeed, I do not like that man.




Reaching her room Kin’iro knocked on the door. Jeanne open the door she was now wearing a white silk robe and it seem she had freshen up in the short time Kin’iro was gone.

“Welcome back Your Royal Highness. I assume things did not go as plan?”

“There was no plan to follow, Jeanne,” the Princess replied.

“Well please follow Your Royal Highness you must not stay in those wet clothes any longer even if you are Goddess now I would imagine it’s still not good for you.” Jeanne said as she directed Kin’iro to take a seat as she went to get a few towels. “If your Royal Highness would like I can ask were we can head to take a warm bath.”

“I do not think I should take a seat while my attire is wet. It would only spread. I would feel rather guilty to have luxury now while the people suffer… but I suppose as Royalty it is what I must do now.” Kin’iro let out a rare sigh. “No parent would forgive a daughter if she does not care for her own health, after all.”

“Very well.” Jeanne said as she then tried to remove the outfit Marie was wearing as she was a bit confused why she would wear such thing. “Pardon me Your Royal Highness but should you really have worn such outfit?”

Kin’iro made a smile and winked; making a pose. “More importantly, how do you think I look?”

“I would imagine men would become wild beast for Your Royal Highness. But I do not believe royalty should wear such thing should You Royal Highness should be wearing such clothing, and should wear something more appropriate for a Princess and Goddess?”

Her amusement rose internally, but the curled lips showed themselves not. Not yet, anyway. “There is also a saying such as turning a new leaf. Besides, you have bore witness to the attire of the Goddess of the Rabbit Zodiac, did you not?”

“I did.. I am sorry I am surprised she would wear such thing I did not expect Your Royal Highness to wear such a familiar outfit.” Jeanne said as she began to dry Marie with the towels. “If you do not mind me asking Your Royal Highness. Were you affected by the Goddess Rabbit curse? Aside the outfit you seem perfectly fine to me but I am not certain.”

The Princess broke out into a chuckle that she had been stifling before she knew it. “You still speak without a pause as if letting out your true train of thought. As expected, you are too honest. I thank you for the compliment, and I am most grateful for your concerns of the Royalty, but I find that I may have been wishing for a change. Shilin has informed me that my body transformed for that very reason. Is it not the same for you, Jeanne?”

“I might have. Yet my ears stayed the same I wonder if that is just something I must live with always.”

“I believe those ears are a charming and elegant gift. I would definitely want them if I were in your position.”

“Please Your Royal Highness I know you are kind but there is no need for that. It is not everyday you see someone born with ears like mines. People tended to make fun of me before for it so I don’t believe their a charming or elegant gift.”

“People are often foolish and misguided. Besides, most of those making fun of you are not able to read or write, are they?”

“Well that is true. I suppose just over the years I have just come to dislike them.”

“Have you read any tales involving the elves?”

“Elves? I have never heard about them or read as I have only recently learned to read.”

“They are supposedly a race that dwells deep in the forests. The descriptions of their elegance matches you to an extent… especially those ears. I do not know what others do not find charming about it—and I am not making an attempt to be kind—it is simply my opinion. Either you accept it or reject it.” Her hand reached out to her cheek and caressed it. “It appears that you are not as pale as the elves are known for, however.”

“Well that is because I am human Your Royal Highness not an Elf.” Jeanne said as she was surprised by Marie sudden caressed of her cheek.

The Princess leaned closer, turning. “You never know where it branches off in terms of race and blood between your parents. You are denying the proof right there.” Reaching up to her ears, she blew on it just a little bit.

Jeanne let out a soft moan as she then quickly covered her mouth as she then covered her ears in embarrassment. “I am sorry Your Royal Highness that you had to hear such a shameful noise. I have known my ears are sensitive but not that sensitive.”

“Oh? You must really like it then.” She distanced herself from the bodyguard, seeing that her joke ran far too long. It was acceptable for she had learned something more amusing, for now. “Now, I believe that is enough for my hair. Please go make an inquiry for the bath.”

“Yes,” Jeanne said, her face still red from her shameful display as she then headed outside the room. Returning a few minutes later. “I’ve been told there is a bath on the floor below us, Your Royal Highness. If you do not mind, can I join you as well? If not I shall await once you are finished.”

“No, you are free to provide me companionship in the bath. I would need someone to wash me—especially the hair.”

“Very well then. Please follow me, Your Royal Highness.





Marie and Jeanne enjoyed their bath as it eased their bodies and relaxed their muscles after all they had been through. During this moment though, their bodies had begun to glow. Once the glow had faded away, they noticed they had reverted back to their original appearance.

“I take it our bodies have finally adjusted to the Divine Chi,” Jeanne said as she inspected herself, noting that the wings that had appeared on her back were now gone.

“Mnm… if that is the case perhaps I shall require myself to change to my usual dresses again,” Kin’iro said, inspecting herself as well. A part of her was sad about it, but another part felt relief to be back in the body that she lived with for all twenty four years she had lived so far.

“Shall we head back now, Your Royal Highness? It might even be best to rest a bit as I imagine Your Royal Highness must be tired.”

“I do not feel particularly tired… but I suppose there is nothing better to do than to retire for the day now.” I remember Shilin urged me to rest back then too… what is with everyone and their rest today?

“Please follow me then. I shall make sure Your Royal Highness gets proper rest.”

When the two headed outside there was servant girl waiting. She seemed rather nervous but was surprised when she saw Jeanne and Marie coming out of the bath.

“Pardon me but were it not the Goddesses who were inside the bath?”

“We are the Goddesses. Do you have any more errands concerning us?”

“Please forgive me as I had not known these were your original appearances. I have been sent by Lord Dong Zhuo to see if Goddess Rabbit still wish to speak with him.”

“I am most grateful that Mister Ambassador would make the time for me. Please give me some time to prepare, and I shall meet him.”

“Very well, I shall accompany you in the meantime. If you need help getting ready, please let me know, Goddess.”

“I thank you for the offer. With all due respect, however, I believe you may not be used to my western dresses. My aide shall be good enough for the task for now.”

“Very well. I shall be waiting outside your room then, Goddess.” The servant girl bowed as she then followed Jeanne who had begun walking back to their room. Once back, Jeanne helped Marie change into one of her dresses as the young servant girl waited outside. Once done, Marie met the girl outside.

“Please follow me then.” The girl bowed as she then began to lead lead Marie to Dong Zhuo.





After a couple minutes, shouts could be heard which were clearly of Dong Zhuo. Soldiers could be seen running out of a room as they hurried to their destination.

“Pardon me, my Lord, I have brought the Goddess over as she still wished to speak with you,” the servant girl said as she had knocked on the door.

“Very well, let her in. You are dismissed,” Dong Zhuo said as he stood from his seat.

“Good day to you, Mister Ambassador,” Marie greeted with a respectable terse bow.

“Your Highness?!” Dong Zhuo said as he was rather surprised to see Marie. “I did not expect you to be the Goddess Rabbit warrior.”

“Surprised?” Marie’s smile grew wider. It was suddenly very much worth getting over the fires of the temples and the battle with the man who could wield demonic powers—at least twice as much now—upon witnessing Dong Zhou’s reaction. “Pleasantly, I hope. How do you do?”

“Please forgive my rudeness. I just did not expect someone such as you had interest in fighting.” Dong Zhou said as he bowed. I see, so this is who that damn fool lost to in the final. “I am currently busy. As you must know, we came under attack and we’re currently investigating by whom. The Emperor does not believe it was under the order of the Goddess Horse but it seems many now believe it was truly her exacting her revenge because of yesterday events.”

“I see. I have seen several hints, and have fought countless men, however, that betrays this notion of the people. It appears that our Goddess Horse is being framed.”

“I see. If you would take a seat Your Highness. I would like to hear what you know,” Dong Zhuo said as bowed and sat back down.

Kin’iro sat down, accepting the offer. “I am sure that you found many warriors in the streets of the temples’ town, Mister Ambassador—they are proof to my words. I fought one particular man who had possessed in him… a demon.”

“Demon!? That can’t be, we have taken much effort detect anyone who enters the city if they posses such power. If such a person had entered the city we would have known instantly.”

“There are many proofs in the form of the destruction already wrought by the man who carried with him this power. The lesser God Shilin—the pet of the Goddess Rabbit—held him off, otherwise the damages may have been irreparable for both the townspeople and the state.”

“I see. Yet it does not explain how they managed to go undetected. Demonic Chi is not one thing someone can simply hide from others even with training.”

“Pardon, but there may be a hole in the security. Otherwise the appearance of such warriors is unexplainable unless there is a new method to concealing Demonic Chi completely. There may yet be more of such beings lurking in Beijing at the moment.”

“I have to wonder now if the rumors are true about artifacts capable of such a thing,” Dong Zhou said as he reached for one of the papers on the table.

“There was such a rumor…?”

“Just recently. It seems word has only spread within China. We ourselves are not sure if it’s even true. Yet the rumor says these artifacts are capable of giving one incredible strength at the cost of their humanity. Of course it was also said their chi becomes undetectable even to the Gods themselves.”

“Oh dear, how extremely convenient, but such is the nature of exaggeration that exists among the rumors. If it is true, however, it could explain the peculiarities. What is more worrying is that I fear it is an action of one of the three Lords of the country.”

“That might be the case but I wonder if they would be foolish enough to invoke the powers of demons. Even they shoud know what happened in our land five hundred years ago and what happened with the previous Horse Warrior.”

“The young are often misguided and spread evil at a whim when they have access to great powers—they may be fools but they are a great threat to the world.”

“Then can you do me a favor, Your Highness, seeing now that you are a Goddess. Would you visit Lady Cao up north and investigate. If you want to confirm with His Imperial Majesty, I do not mind letting him know you wish to speak with him as the guard told me you were hoping to speak with him.”

“Indeed, I was hoping to relay what I have seen—and what you have heard from mine own lips. May I ask why you would have a foreign Royalty sent for such a favor of utmost import? It may cause diplomatic issues if something were to come upon me.”

“If the three lords are indeed at fault, the one more likely to be involved is Lady Cao. She is the most ruthless of the Lords having gained full control over her territory through bloodshed. If we sent our own men, I am certain she would take extra precaution. Of course you being a foreigner she might even extend an offer for you to help her as you have no current ties to our country.

“Do you not have spies for espionage if that is the case, however? Surely, I would not do that specific task as well as a professional in the field.”

“All the spies we have sent towards Lady Cao’s place have died. None have ever reported back. You being a foreigner of course, I doubt Lady Cao would put her hands on you.”

Marie closed her eyes—weighing the options in her mind—considering the pros and cons of this request. She knew one thing right away, however—she did not want to do a favor for Dong Zhuo. Despite her hate, it would be a breach of etiquette and the manners that were instilled in her as a child by her mother, the Queen. In the end, there was only one answer, for now.

“Very well, I shall consider your request.”

“Maybe His Imperial Majesty may convince you as it was his request that I find someone. I will make sure there is time in the Emperor’s schedule later today. Once he is ready, one of his servants will come get you,” Dong Zhuo said as he stood up to escort Marie out. “Ah, yes, before I forget, if you hear anything mentioned by the name Void Treasures, that might be worth investigating considering that is the source of the rumor.”

“I shall keep it well in my mind,” Kin’iro said, tersely making a bow with her head. “I would like to hear the opinion of His Imperial Majesty on this matter. Hence, I proclaim that my decision shall be made after the audience. Good day, Mister Ambassador.”

Hours had passed since the meeting with Dong Zhuo. Marie had fallen asleep an hour after meeting him The morning was now peaceful as the rain had finally stopped. Jeanne had awoken upon hearing someone knock on the door. Instead of the usual servant girl who came to bring them stuff stood a young man. A visible scar could be seen running across his face.

“Pardon me. I was sent by His Imperial Majesty to escort the Princess of France to his chamber,” the man said in French.

“Please give me a moment, Her Royal Highness needs to get ready,” Jeanne said as she then closed the door and went to wake up Marie. “Please wake up, His Imperial Majesty has sent someone to escort Your Royal Highness.”

“…Five more minutes.”

Jeanne remove the sheets that were covering Marie. “You have an important matter to attend.”

“Huh? Oh. Is it really the time?”

“Yes. Someone is already waiting outside.”

“I understand. I shall depend on you to prepare me accordingly.”

“What would you want to wear?” Jeanne asked as she then saw Marie point at a red frilly dress.

She began dressing Marie. She also took a hold of a pair of white transparent gloves and accessories. She then followed by combing her hair, and Marie applied the makeup herself as Jeanne was still new at applying it.

“Will that do, Your Royal Highness?”

“Acceptable.” Barely.

Jeanne bowed as she headed to the door and opened it. There the man who had come yet still stood in the same spot. When Marie approached, the man bowed.

“Good day, Your Highness. I am Ren Zhiqiang one of His Imperial Majesty’s personal guards. I will be your escort today.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Mister Zhiqiang. I am Princess Marie Auguste de France—but you knew that—shall we be off?”

“Yes, please follow me,” Zhiqiang said as he began walking with Marie right behind him.





“I am sorry but even once we reach His Imperial Majesty’s chamber, he might still be busy but he shall see Your Highness the instant his done,” Zhiqiang said as he lead Marie.

“That is fine,” Kin’iro said, the locks of gold hair not fluttering wildly due to her refined and graceful pace. “And is very much expected considering the situation.”

“Aside the earlier incidents, Your Highness, how have you found China?”

“After the warm welcomes and meeting the kind people, I would claim that my experience has been enjoyable so far.”

“That is good. I must apologize for the incident earlier. We had not experienced such things before, and to be caught of guard brings shame,” Zhiqiang said, bowing his head.

“Did you cause the incidents yourself, Mister Zhiqiang?”

“I would do no such thing. I live to serve His Imperial Majesty and to protect the country's people.”

“Then you need not apologize, it is simply an unfortunate incident.”

“It is still something that brings shame as we were unable to stop it.”

“Calamities are unavoidable… that is why the Zodiacs exist, do they not?” Marie paused, making a brighter smile. “I shall cease to make this any more complicated and accept the apology.”

“Yes, the Zodiacs have always saved us from calamities. I just wish current circumstances did not have to happen when we had so many guests.”

“Observing the time that they had invaded in, it could not be helped—the Zodiacs draw quite the attention.”

“Yet never once before has anyone attacked us after the Zodiac tournament.”

“Such is a calamity.” Marie shrugged.

“Here we are. I shall go check if His Imperial Majesty is ready,” Zhiqiang said as he entered the room. After a few minutes, he came back out. “HIs Imperial Majesty shall see you know,” he said as he opened the door.

Once inside, Marie could see the Emperor as he was filing out paperwork. As he finished, a servant girl could be seen taking it and placing it in a basket as she then handed the emperor more papers set on the side.

Upon seeing Marie, the Emperor stood up, stopping his work. “Good day, Your Highness. I am sorry for not having our conversation in a more appropriate location but circumstances do not permit it.”

Marie gave a respectable bow to the Emperor. “That is fine, Your Imperial Majesty. It is certainly not the first time for me, either. For I had aided my father similarly in times of need too. More importantly, I am grateful for the precious time granted.”

“If I may, cut to the chase, Your Highness. Can you please tell me what has occurred? I want to know as much as possible.”

“Has Mister Ambassador not relayed my words?”

“He did, but would it not be better to hear it from the sources itself? The mention of Demon was made but not full details. I would like to know if there is more to be known.”

“Very well. We fought hundreds of these terrorists at least. In the center of the town, it appeared as though they awaited someone. In my particular meeting with this man carrying a spear eventually, he had hinted towards a well-planned rebellion, and it appeared as though the agenda was to frame Goddess Horse to mask the fact that it was a plot hatched by one of the three warlords. There were four of us combatants against him. When he was pushed him to his limits, he started to display his Demonic Chi. The lesser God Shilin warned me against facing the monstrosity and I was made to agree—thus my presence here—while he held him off. There is likely lasting damage in the town thanks to the evil power that ran amok.”

“Do you have proof it was one of the three? But I must say they picked who to frame correctly.”

“If there is any proof it would be this incident and the damage left behind. Unfortunately, words were all that I heard. Who knows, though. Other eyewitnesses may come up… it is but a matter of time, esteemed Emperor.”

“Time seems to be something we do not have. People have already begun shouting for Goddess Horse’s head. There will be great consequences if something were to happen to her,” the emperor said as he took a seat. One could simply tell he had been working non stop.

“There were countless of those men… if only one of them could be captured and he could be made to confess… alas, the will of destiny is but unkind for this situation. Your Imperial Majesty, time must be allotted—there may well be no other solution. I hope there were other credible Goddesses that have observed the situation. Demigoddesses like me would not be suitable enough for accounts as an eyewitness to this carnage.”

“Sadly the other Gods were asleep at the moment and are still currently with the exception of Goddess Ram, but sadly and thankfully she was too busy putting out the fires. She was the one who summoned the storm earlier.”

“I see… please send the Goddess my regards for her act of kindness.” Even if I got drenched. “Now, Your Imperial Majesty.” Silvia leaned just a little closer to hint secrecy, and began speaking in a lower tone. “I believe there is something we must discuss. There was a request made by Mister Ambassador…”

“Ah yes. It involved meeting Lady Cao. We are not certain but one of our scouts managed to listen a group of bandits mention Lady Cao before they was discovered and managed to escaped. We are not certain if she was actually involved or she was a target for them.”

“Certainly, it is a great possibility if we connect it with what I have heard.”

“I do not wish to believe she would go and cause this tragedy but I cannot let this simply go. I would like to ask for your assistant in investigating this manner. We currently have no one else we can trust for this matter.”

“I have asked this before to Mister Ambassador, but surely there are skilled spies who may yield results better than I could ever hope to achieve, Your Imperial Majesty.”

“Sadly, Lady Cao has men who are great at detecting chi. Any unwanted guests have never gotten inside her mansion.”

“I shall ask cordially then, Your Imperial Majesty, why would Lady Cao want inside her mansion a member of the Royalty of French? Does Your Imperial Majesty believe that the Lady pursues a political agenda that I may aid in? Surely a foreign guest such as myself would be worth more trouble than an advantage in a land where unwanted guests are slain mercilessly.”

“If she truly wishes to take over the country she may seek aid from an outside country as currently Liu Bei’s and Sun Quan’s forces match hers in strength. Seeing as you are the Princess of France, she might believe it be best to get you on her side.”

“She would seek to involve a foreign country to further her intent?” Kin’iro asked with wide eyes. “This person strikes to me as ambitious aplenty.”

“That she is. When the previous northern lord died, the land went into chaos. The fighting may have stopped when I stepped in, but assassinations began to occur. Lady Cao was the only one to come out of it unharmed as her men are some of the best around.”

“Yet I may not go without a reason proper for my visit. It is easy to suspect a member of Royalty to come abruptly and open a pathway to personal glory and prosperity. That would appear rather suspicious if I were Lady Cao, Your Imperial Majesty.”

“Considering this is your first time in China, this can be used as an excuse that you are visiting different sites but at last, the decision is yours of course. If you do not wish to go, that is fine. We can continue sending out men till one can make it back.”

The lips of Marie curled into a bigger smile. “Your Imperial Majesty, I do not mind taking up this request.”

“Is that so. Well then if you do not mind, we will do everything to accommodate for your travels. Sadly, the bodyguard Dong Zhuo sent to you earlier has vanished. We currently do not know his whereabouts.”

“Yes, I do not mind doing it, but currently, the benefits are skewed entirely for the country.” The same smile on the Princess loomed still. The diplomatic affairs were indeed a field she specialized in before. “Would not one say?”

“That is indeed true. Then let me ask what would Your Highness ask of?”

“A devoidance of this powerlessness I feel as a Goddess at the moment. It was rather a panging guilt when I was to leave the demon be and flee. Surely there exists a Divine tool somewhere that may provide augmentation?”

The Emperor let out a laugh. “Would you be talking about God Weapons? As they are the only thing rumored to stand a chance against demons aside Zodiacs themselves. Does Your Highness actually believe such tales? Or could it be you believe we are in possession of such a thing.”

“Your Imperial Majesty, allow me an inquiry, then—what does Your Imperial Majesty believe in with regards to this subject?”

“They are weapons not meant for man. If one is not careful with them, only death awaits from my experience.”

“I have gained a vision of transcendence from the platform that is man, however. I must face death regardless. It is a simple matter of fate. The earlier I learn this dance and its rhythm of symphony—the better.”

“If you would like the weapon, I do not mind giving it to you but currently, the weapon is not at the palace but in one of the temples up north. If you wish for it, I would not mind writing a letter for the monk who guards the weapon.”

“Very well, I find the term acceptable. I apologize for imposing upon Your Imperial Majesty my selfishness.”

“Worry not. We are imposing too much on Your Highness with our troubles already. See this as a sign of alliance. If you like as well, we will provide you with a guide as the path to the temple is a dangerous one since we must keep this weapon away from unwanted hands.”

“I beg Your Imperial Majesty’s pardon, but seeing as my provided guide had vanished, I would much more prefer a map…”

“I would prefer to see you off with a guide, Your Highness, as the temple you will be heading to cannot be found on any map. The path itself is only known by those of the Ren family.”

“Very well, I shall be very much obliged, Your Imperial Majesty, seeing as I have accepted the request.”

“Zhiqian, please bring your brother here.”

Zhiqian who was standing in the back bowed as he headed outside. Moments later, he came back with another young man.

“This is Ren Shin. He shall show you the way to the temple and through the lands. Sadly, he can be stubborn at times so please bare with him,” Zhiqian said.

“Do you seriously have to say things like that?” Shin said as he then bowed to Marie. “Good day. I will be your guide as we head towards the northern temple of Amaterasu.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Mister Ren.” The Princess too gave a bow very formal and graceful. “I look forward to your guidance, and pray for a journey safe and quiescent.”

“Well then with that settled, I wish you good luck, Your Highness. Shin will guide you back. You may decide when to depart then.”

“Your Imperial Majesty has stressed the lack of time, thus I shall allow the Emperor to decide—by when would Your Imperial Majesty demand me to return with results worthy of conveying?”

“It might be best if you head out tomorrow morning. Results may be best before two months have passed.”

“Very well, I shall make note of it. Now, please excuse me, Your Imperial Majesty. I have taken enough of the precious time allotted. I shall take leave to make the necessary preparations.”

“Thank you and may the Gods be with you.”

When Shin and Marie exited the room, a young woman was outside. Waiting next to her was a young man as well. The woman simply smiled as she saw Marie and Shin walk off. She entered the room of the Emperor soon after.

Are the liberated people so free that they forsake proper dressing code too? Marie thought, but then she remembered her outfit after she took on the form of a demigoddess. I suppose I cannot say much for myself, either.





Heading back to the room, Shin was walking ahead of Marie, but he soon stopped as he realized something. “Pardon me, I just realized I don’t even know where your room is. I was just instinctively heading back to mines. Take it be better you lead unless you want us getting lost. ”

“I do not think it would be proper to go to a lady’s room—and no less a member of Royalty? Perhaps we shall speak over this in a private lounge?”

“If that’s what you want, it’s fine with me. I’ll just wait outside unless Your Highness wants to head out now.”

“I shall bring along my aide since she would be accompanying us as well. Thus I may not head out now.”

Shin simply nodded as then Marie lead the way. Soon they arrived to the room. Marie knocked on the door and soon, Jeanne opened it, letting her in and then closed it.

“Welcome back, Your Royal Highness. Should I prepare anything for you?”

“Oh no, nothing for now,” Marie said with a wave of her hand. “The Emperor and I have reached an agreement. I shall keep this short as our would-be companion awaits us outside, but I have agreed to venture into the northern sector of China, to visit the warlord who resides in that region.”

Jeanne was rather surprised upon hearing this as she did not expect their venture in China would continue. “Do we not need His Royal Majesty’s permission to stay longer, Your Royal Highness? I would imagine His Grace would be rather upset if we did not.”

The Princess gave another wave of her hand, this time it much more dismissive. “A letter would suffice, not permission, but a notification. The deal has far too great a merit to pay ignorance to.”

“Very well, I shall send out a notification as soon as possible. But why are we visiting the northern warlord?”

“I stressed the point for some time with Mister Ambassador and the Emperor, but it appears that no spies or men ever get even so close as to get the job done. Putting incompetence aside, it appears that the retainers of Lady Cao are truly skilled when it comes to creating scenes of gore.” The Princess wanted to sigh, but at least the situation was to benefit her now that the deal was struck. “The Emperor claims that Lady Cao would not dare harm foreign Royalty like me, however, for she may have a political agenda that I may be able to help bring light to. Thus, it shall be up to us to find out what she is really up to.”

“Even so, is it not do dangerous to risk it, Your Royal Highness? If something were to happen to you, I would imagine His Royal Majesty declaring war on China.”

“Oh your imagination is far too rampant, Jeanne. If we cannot brave through one quest, we are not worthy of being Goddesses. Besides, I have the Holy Maiden who is shy about her ears and a supposed strong guard lent by His Imperial Majesty. It is far too soon to be frightened.”

“Please don’t bring that up, Your Royal Highness,” Jeanne said as her face was slightly red from embarrassment. “Did we not have a guard lent to us by the Ambassador?”

Marie shrugged. “I have not heard from him in recent times. Perchance the incident caught him in dire straits. Either way, he is lost to us currently.”

“Then was the young man behind you our new guard?”

The Princess shrugged. “Apparently.”

“Well then, when will we be departing?”

“Soon, but it is yet undecided.”

“I see, then I shall begin packing our stuff, Your Royal Highness.”

“Please do. I shall wait outside.”

Jeanne began packing everything quickly and neatly, lucky they had only brought very few belongings so it was not long before she was done. Once checking the room to make sure she had not missed anything, she headed outside.

“Shall I bring the luggage now or shall we pick it up later, Your Royal Highness?”

“Pick it up later, we have to discuss the trip first.”

“Understood. Where shall be heading to then for now?”

“Just follow me. There’s a room we can talk about this without being disturb. Unless you wish to head into the city and find somewhere for us to speak there?” Shin said.

“Oh dear, how presumptuous of you, we love the city,” Marie joked. “A room in the palace shall be fine.”

“Very well, please follow me,” Shin said as he began walking.

After a few minutes the group arrived to a rather small room. Inside there was a table surrounded by chairs. There was a small window which gave them a clear view of the city. Paintings of the Zodiacs could be seen hang around the walls.

“Sorry for bringing you to such a small place but it's easier to detect anyone who decides to listen into the conversation here,” Shin said as pulled out the seats for Marie and Jeanne to sit down.

“That is fine,” Marie said, taking a seat.

Jeanne follow suit. Before sitting down she spoke. “Pardon me but we have yet to be introduced to each other. I am Jeanned Delacroix, Her Royal Highness’ personal bodyguard.”

“I am Ren Shin, I’ll be traveling with you till I see you safely back,” Shin said as he then took a seat himself. “Now then as we will be traveling, we must decide what supplies to take and what form of transportation we will be taking.”

“What types of transportation are available?” Marie inquired.

“We can go either by horse or by rickshaw. It’s probably best to go by horse considering we can go through any terrain with them. I just hope both of you can ride.”

“What about the caravans? I hear they are used for aristocracy to travel with many guards, no?”

“Well we could but considering we are going to Amaterasu Temple, that is a no go. We cannot be attracting anyone who can prove to be dangerous.”

“Anyone finding two blonde figures would regardless attract attention. I had figured that a caravan could at least help us cover for that. Both are us here are able riders on horseback, so we would find that acceptable too.”

“About your appearances. I was thinking it might be best you two don’t go traveling with what you currently have on. As you said, it would attract attention.”

“Very well. If you are afraid of unwanted attention, simply let us know how to reach the Amaterasu Temple. We are not in need of your services if your aim is to only detain us.”

Shin sighed. “How am I trying to detain you? The fastest route there is also one filled with rebels. They wouldn't care you’re goddesses and would still probably attack us since they think foreign nobles are here to take away their lands which many were made to believe His Imperial Majesty is trying to do. If you don't mind unwanted fighting, we can go that route or we can take the safer route which would take longer to travel on.”

Marie frowned, possibly for the first time, and by this her bodyguard Jeanne knew what was coming. “Because everyone here seems to love telling me what is obvious of travels. Do you take educated Royalty for children? Make not a mistake for I have traveled the barren lands of Europe and I find your explanations hardly different, save for the fact that †˜safe’ routes do not exist. Mister Shin, venturing is not to be done in fear, and if all you have to provide as a guide are warnings; we will never get anywhere. The more time is saved, the better.”

“If that’s what you want, fine, doesn’t really bother me. I was merely repeating the suggestion I was given to say. Well that aside, we will need supplies for two weeks in case anything goes wrong. I doubt it, but I don’t think it hurts to be cautious with supplies at least.”

“We may secure the supplies with ease. When shall we depart?”

“We can leave tomorrow morning. We can secure the supplies today and afterwards I shall get the horses ready for us. Would there be anything else you might need?”

“Assuming we take the shortest path, how long would it take to reach the destination? Do not take into account any possible mishaps with the rebels in your estimation please.”

“Should only take a week if we don’t take any detours and just take the necessary stops. Most of our time should be taken once we reach the mountain paths.”

“I see… seeing as nothing else of note is required, we shall secure the supplies today, and depart tomorrow. Let us hope that this trip produces yields proper for the days to come.”

“Very well, any specific supplies you might need? I’ll keep in mind to find the shop that may carry it, considering most shops are closed today.”

“A good amount of lettuce.”

“That’s a rather surprising request,” Shin said as he was not expecting a response like that.

“It is a joke, after all.” Marie giggled. “I do not think I have any particular items in mind for the supplies. Pick the items as you see fit.”

“Alright, well I would also suggest you find clothes more suitable for once we reach the mountains since we might be camping out there. Unless you are fine with your dresses in the mountains.”

“We shall consider it. Perchance this would be an opportunity as well for shopping.”

“Then let us be on our way,” Shin said as he stood up and opened the door for the two. “Right, before I forget, it might not be best to be calling you Your Highness on our travel. Unless you don’t care and would prefer we keep referring you as Your Highness.”

“Seeing as you were but lost to mannerism well before we are outdoors, I suppose it would be unwise to force it upon yourself. Very well, feel free to address me by my alias: Silvia.”

“Well mannerism has never been my strong point, sorry about that. How about your companion there then, Silvia? I rather avoid trouble if need be considering even if we speak in French, I am certain there are others with bad intentions that might as well. Well up to you I suppose considering she is from your country, I know she has to be respectful to you.”

“Miss Silvia,” the Princess corrected. “Anyway, it may well be better for her to speak less if that is the case. I do not believe my little Jeanne has the heart to address me, the Princess, so casually as you may.”

“Only if Your Royal Highness commands it but even then I would be hesitant. I am but a mere guard,” Jeanne said as she had been bothered the entire time in how Shin had been referring to the Princess but felt she could say nothing in return. She was not certain at the time if he had a full grasp of the manners he should have been displaying.

“I shall not make commands that one would not be able to carry out. Simply do as I say and restrain yourself from speaking overmuch altogether.”

“Understood,” Jeanne said bowing.

“Well let us be on our way then,” Shin said as Silvia and Jeanne headed out first then followed by Shin.





The once bustling city was currently now mostly empty, many having left already while many stayed indoors. Many of the shops could be seen closed while the ones that were open hardly had any customers or none at all. One would not expect such a scene considering the previous days, the city was full of life. Shin lead the group to a shop were all sorts of food was being sold. He could be seen giving the shop owner a list and telling him to have everything ready for later. Once done he went up to Silvia and Jeanne.

“I’ve secured the food that should last us for a while. Unless their might be some food you want us to take? If not we can look around others stores if you like, Miss Silvia.”

“Pardon, but I have not developed a partiality for any Chinese dishes so far. You are free to choose what you prefer, Mister Shin,” Silvia said. “Albeit, some meat buns would be nice.”

“I shall have some ready then before we leave. Well then, anything you might want to go look at? If not I’ll just show you around I suppose till you’re ready to head back.”

“Yes, particularly a store selling some cheongsams.”

“Didn’t think you’d be interested in that, Miss Silvia, but I suppose i know of a few thanks to my sister.”

“Well, what would be better than a Chinese dress? I cannot possibly wear my Renaissance era dresses in the harsh mountain conditions.”

“I know. Shall we be getting one for Jeanne as well? I would imagine that armor even if not much would still get in the way.”

“I should be fine. I don’t believe our funds should be wasted on me.”

“Well suit yourself. Then please follow me. I’ll show you to the best cheongsam shop I know.

Shin let the two into a rather big shop. Many of the dresses were colorful and were very well made. The shop owner greeted them as they entered. The chinese dresses varied in legnth; some were long, others only reached up to the knees and there were even some that only covered up till a little above the knees.

“Please take your time and find what you think will be more suitable for you. All the cheongsams made here are all well-made and shouldn’t get damaged easily,” Shin said.

“How can woman wear those,” Jeanne said as her eyes were set upon the shorter dresses.

“Oh my, I would be more than happy to demonstrate, dear Jeanne,” Silvia said.

“Y-your Royal Highness, I don’t believe that is appropriate for a lady such as yourself.”

“When in Rome, do as the Romans do. There is nothing wrong if it is attractive enough.”

“Even so I do not think His Royalty Majesty and Her Royal Majesty would approve of such a thing if they were to see it.”

“Any intelligent human being would simply state that they do not need to witness me in such outfits, then.”

“Very well, I do not think I can convince you,” Jeanne said as she sigh.

“I do not believe it is a sign of good mannerism to sigh in front of your lady, dear Jeanne.” With that, Silvia entered the shop to inspect the selection of Chinese dresses.

“Please pardon me, I forgot myself in that moment,” Jeanne said as she followed right behind Marie.

Shin simply waited outside as he saw no reason to head in.

Once in, both Silvia and Jeanne looked around. Even though Jeanne had mentioned there was no need for her to get a dress, she was looking at the choices with great interest. “I must admit some of these do look quite lovely, Your Royal Highness. Which one will Your Royal Highness be interested to try first?”

While she spoke, the Princess was quite agile in picking several cheongsams that appealed to her. “Which †˜one’ or would that be †˜ones’? Anyway, I would get quite a lot.”

Among Marie’s choices, Jeanne could see some of the cheongsams were of the short variety. Jeanne wanted to voice her opinion but recalling the moment earlier, she knew it was futile. “Your Royal Highness, you truly are going for those shorter ones. I see they truly have caught your eye. Will Your Royal Highness be trying them all out today then?”

“Shorter ones happen to have better designs, as you may see.” The Princess put the garments on display, laying them before her voluptuous chest. “Blue and black really goes well together, just as red does with black.”

Indeed, anything with black would almost always work out for the Princess. She was thankful that the French stopped wearing black only for mourning long ago when the fashion trends evolved dramatically thanks to King Louis XV, the great King who was without compare in their history of monarchs.

“I must admit it does indeed look nice. I just wish it was a bit longer. I'm glad at least they are not all short,” Jeanne said. Her eyes were then set on a white cheongsam with black star patterns. “Will Your Royal Highness be getting anymore? Or shall that do for today?”

“I would not mind trying that one out too.”

Jeanne grabbed the cheongsams and handed it to Marie. “I hope Your Royal Highness enjoys it.” Her eyes were still on it.

With the dresses in hand, the Princess pulled the curtain of the fitting room closed before pulling it back to its place after she walked past it.

“By the by, I would need your assistance for undressing, Jeanne.”

“Understood,” Jeanne said as she walked up to the fitting room, making sure she did not fully open it. She then approached Marie as she began helping her undress. “Now then which cheongsam will Your Royal Highness like to try?” Jeanne asked, hoping it wasn't the short one.

“Let us try the black one.”

Jeanne took the black one as she then helped Marie into it. It fitted her with ease as a majority of her dresses were that of a tighter squeeze. “It looks lovely on Your Royal Highness,” Jeanne said after she had taken a step back and took a look at Marie. “It's comfortable, right?”

“I suppose it is.” The Princess inspected herself in the mirror lodged in the wall. “These dresses truly do possess their own allure. I quite appreciate it.”

“Indeed it does. Shall I help you back into your dress, Your Royal Highness, or would Your Grace like to try the rest. Though I believe they all would look lovely.”

“We would save more time wearing my dress again… very well, let us simply buy them.”

“Very well,” Jeanne said as she then began to undress Marie again and help her back into her dress. “Will that be all we will be getting today, Your Royal Highness? It might be a while before we are in a city again.”

“It shall be all… I do not think there is anything else we are in particular need of, is there?”

“I believe not. Nothing in particular comes in mind,” Jeanne said as she took a hold of all the cheongsams. Her and Marie then walked to the owner were they paid and then headed outside where Shin waited for them.

“If finished I shall accompany both back to the Palace. All preparations should be set. I'll have everything else ready by tomorrow morning. If you’re forgetting anything, I hope you can recall it before we part for the day,” Shin said.

“Very well. Let us go back then,” the Princess said.

Shin lead both back to the Palace. The city could still be seen as mostly empty as many still did not wish to come out, and many of the travelers had left already. Upon reaching their room in the Palace, Shin bid farewell as he then went to make the final preparations for their trip.

Having left the rest after not being allowed into the Palace, Zheng headed towards the shelter where he was told it was at. It was not hard to find as soon he found a group of people lined up, looking cold. Soldiers were directing them where to go as groups were provided a tent to go in and rest.

“Zheng, are we almost there? It is getting cold out here,” Xiao Bao said.

“Just about,” Zheng said. “Hush now.” He kept her held close to him to keep the worst of the rain off her. He found his way to the back of one of the lines. He suppressed a shiver.

“Everyone stay in line, no cutting. If you are in need of food, let us know once we tell you which tent to head to,” one of the soldiers said as his voice could be heard clearly among all the commotion and rain.

“You head to the tent at the far end. Seems like you're on your own. There should be room for one more in there,” the soldier said to Zheng when it was finally his turn.

“Thank you, sir. Something to eat would be much appreciated.”

“Very well,” the soldier said as he then grabbed a bag and handed it to Zheng. “There is bread, fruits and salted meat,” the soldier said as he then pointed for Zheng to move along.

Once inside the tent, Zheng saw five other people inside laying down on the straw bedding provided. In the corner of the room, Zheng noticed some empty bedding left as he headed to that spot.

He sat down and let Xiao Bao rest on his lap. He opened the bag and examined its contents. They paled in comparison to what he'd eaten during the festival. “How about it, Bao? Hungry?””

“Yes,” Bao said, eagerly waiting for food. “Though would we be fine staying here, Zheng? I don’t want to hear anymore scary noises…”

“I don’t like it any more than you do, but this is the best we can do for now.” Zheng pulled off a chunk of the meat and held it up for Bao to snatch it out of his hand.

Bao then quickly devoured it as she had not eaten anything since the previous day. “By the way Zheng, how come we didn’t go with the man instead? I thought I heard him offering us a room?”

“I made the best decision I could based on what we knew at the time. I freely admit now it was the wrong choice, but there’s no going back and changing it. If you want to run out in the rain searching for the doctor though, then be my guest.” He rubbed Bao’s head between her ears before breaking off another piece of meat for her.

“It’s okay I’d rather be with you,” Bao said as she snatched the piece of meat from his hand. “Are you not gonna eat any, Zheng?”

“Of course, but you’re still growing. You need to eat more than I do.” Zheng offered a smile before eating some of the fruit.

“Zheng, are we going back to the village after we rest? Or are we going somewhere else?”

“I wouldn’t mind meeting up with those Goddesses again,” Zheng mused. “They were quite the cuties. But no, there’s no wherelse in particular I have in mind. I’ve certainly had enough of the capital to last me for another forty years.”

“Well I hope there won’t be anymore scary noises, I don’t want to hear anymore,” Bao said as she began making herself comfortable in the straw. “The two females were Goddesses? I thought Goddesses stayed somewhere people couldn’t see them.”

Zheng stretched and laid down with his arms under his head. “Usually, yes, that’s how it goes. But these Goddesses were normal humans until last night, actually. That was their reward for winning the Zodiac tournaments. Their respective patron Zodiacs gifted them with their powers. They’re not nearly as strong as the Zodiacs themselves, but they are most certainly Goddesses.”

“I see. Well I hope wherever we go next is fun with no more fires everywhere.”

“You and me both.” Zheng closed his eyes. He supposed it wasn’t everyday you got to me Goddesses, but he wasn’t sure if it had been worth all the trouble.

Whatever that demon was planning, Zheng didn’t like it. He had a feeling there was more to it than discrediting the Emperor, but there wasn’t enough to go on at this point. Like it has anything to do with me. Let the Gods and Goddesses deal with it. It’s not my fight. As much Zheng wanted to believe that, he knew it wasn’t true. Where the demons were involved, it was all of China’s fight. These thoughts continued to plague him for another hour before he finally fell asleep.





Hours had passed since Zheng had fallen asleep. It was past noon when he woke up next. Looking around, most of the people who were in the tent had left already besides a man who was still asleep. Zheng stretched. He soon noticed that Bao was nowhere to be seen. He called out for her, but there was no response.

Zheng stepped outside. Looking around, he could see some people around, mostly soldiers who seemed to be taking supplies into tents, but there seemed to be no sign of Bao anywhere.

The aged scholar approached one of the soldiers. “Excuse me sir, but have you seen a tiger cub around here?”

“I saw one about thirty minutes ago. An elderly man picked it up claiming it was his.”

The last of the sleep fled Zheng at the news. “Is there anything you can tell me about this man?”

“Not much aside he headed north and was carrying a rather big bag on his back.”

“Is there anything you can tell me about the state of the city?”

“The city itself is fine. You’ll notice that the streets are currently rather empty considering what happened earlier.”

Zheng bowed to the soldier. “Thanks, I’ll be on my way.” He returned to the tent to grab the rest of the food left over. He could eat it on the way. He hadn’t the slightest idea why someone would take Bao, but they had another thing coming if they thought they could get away with it. He struck out heading north.

Running as fast he could, Zheng could see what the soldier said was true. Not many people were around. A few shops could be seen open, but the few people out could be seen looking around with caution. After a couple more minutes, Zheng could soon see a man with a bag on his back. Standing up ahead, there was another man in front of him who appeared rather familiar to Zheng from the distance. He could tell they were arguing about something.

“Hey old man, I already told you this tiger doesn’t belong to you. Plus, can’t you see you're scaring her,” the young man said as he snacthed the tiger cub away from the old man.

“No, she doesn’t belong to you,” Zheng said as he marched up to them. “She’s with me.” The old man was unfamiliar to him, but the other person he knew and was only mildly surprised to see. “Doctor. You have my thanks.”

Upon seeing Zheng, the elderly man quickly left the scene.

“Tch, that coward. I figured I recognized Bao’s shouts for help but to think you’d actually be out here. The guards didn’t let you in as I mentioned?” Huang said as he handed Bao to Zheng.

He took the tiger cub and set her down. He shook his head. “No luck. How’d your night go?”

“It went very well. I had told you I did have a room already reserved, so I slept just fine. Where you end up staying, anyway? I wouldn’t think you’d let someone one take your tiger that easily.”

“Refugee camp. They gave us a very comfortable straw mat. How that thief got his hands on Xiao Bao, I don’t know. I’m usually a light sleeper.”

“He baited me with meat…” Bao said as it put its head down.

Zheng smiled. Should have known. “Not all strangers are nice. You’d do well to keep that in mind in the future.”

“Yes,” Bao said as she continued to keep her head down.

“Well with that settled, how about joining me for lunch? I reckon you must be hungry. You're gonna try heading to the Palace again?” Huang said, laughing.

“I’ll try the Palace again when the Emperor comes begging for me. Lunch sounds good to me.”

“Well then follow luckily. This place i know is open and not closed like the majority of places,” Huang said as he began to walk.

“Lead the way.”




Huang lead Zheng to a small restaurant. It could seat about fifteen people, but currently only one other man was eating. While Zheng sat down, Huang went and ordered their food. After a couple of minutes, he returned with two bowls of congee. He also had brought some meat for bao.

“Here you go, it’s the specialty of this place. Normally it's full here with people trying to get their hands on it,”Huang said as he gave Zheng the bowl and gave the meat to Bao.

Zheng clapped his hands together and bowed. “Thanks for the food.” He grabbed Bao by the scruff of her neck and stopped her from eating. “Don’t you have something to say?”

Bao tried to get loose, but after seeing it was futile, she sat in her current spot, looking down. “Thank you for the food,” Bao said as she then waited to be released.

“You could have just let her eat. Not like she should know any better,” Huang said as he then clapped both his hands. “Thank you for the food”

“It’s a different story out in the wild, but here?” Zheng said. “When’s the last restaurant you went to that allowed tigers to enter without manners?” The Scholar stuffed a spoonful into his mouth.

“I wonder what kind of restaurant lets tigers in the first place,” Huang said laughing.

“We’re sitting in one right now, aren’t we?”

“Probably only because Bao is a cub,” Huang said as he took a spoonful of his congee. “So any plans for you, old man after this?”

“Nowadays, I spend my time wandering the countryside, going from village to village, teaching to anyone willing to learn. I had planned on going back to that after the festival.”

“You don’t really run into many of your kind. Most scholars usually stick to one place and teach the nobles,” Huang said as he was rather surprised.

The spoon stopped midway to Zheng’s mouth. “I was stationed here in the capitol when I passed the exams. That was before they stripped me of my position.”

“Did you break a taboo or something? One doesn’t normally lose his spot that easily after gaining it in the capitol.”

“Back then, there was a woman. I loved her, she loved me. The problem was someone else loved her as well, someone whose morals I deeply overestimated.” It felt weird talking about it, especially to someone he hardly knew. The last time had been… never. After they kicked him out, there hadn’t been anyone to talk to about it. “He was too much of a coward to settle the matter like a gentleman. He had me framed for corruption.”

Even now, Zheng could still imagine the warmth of holding her in his arms and then being torn away from her.

“That’s harsh but sounds typical of most in power. Surprised you wanted to head to the palace after that now. Were you hoping to run into your love one last time?”

The bowl of congee sat in front of Zheng, completely forgotten now. “Last I saw her, I saw the look on her face, the hurt and the betrayal. I don’t know if I could face her again if I had the chance. I don’t even know if she’s alive anymore. No, I didn’t head for the palace hoping to see her again. As I said, I simply thought it was the best choice at the time. Pride’s a small price to pay for safety.”

“I wonder if it wasn’t the fact that two beautiful Goddesses were heading there. I couldn’t blame you there. Even I had a hard time resisting,” Huang said as he began to laugh. “On a serious note, do you just plan to continue your life as a wandering scholar?”

“What else is there for a man like me? I can never again hold an actual position in any town or city. I’m not becoming a farmer, that’s for damn sure.”

Huang could be seen laughing yet again. “I don’t see anything wrong in being a farmer, but I wouldn’t enjoy working out in the hot sun and I think I know of a place you can probably work at if you are interested,” Huang said as he continue eating his food.

“Well, go ahead. What is it?”

“Do you know of lady Cao?”

Zheng looked up at the bandaged visage of the man who claimed to be a doctor. “Who are you really, Huang?”

“Like I said when we first met, I’m a doctor. I suppose one of Lady Cao’s doctors. Not easy being one, honestly,” Huang said as he stretched. “A scholar like you would have an easier time though.”

“So you would have me serve the warlord?”

“If you want, honestly it's not a bad deal. You would mostly be teaching the children of the town since we been looking for a scholar for a while with no luck. If you wondering where you would stay, it would be at the manor.”

Zheng sat in thought. News of the warlord herself was mixed, but if she wanted him to teach kids, that wasn’t too different from what he was doing now. “What do you think, Xiao Bao? Want to head up north for a while?”

“I don’t mind, Zheng. As long i’m with you I’ll go anywhere,” Bao said as she then began cleaning herself.

“Well, Huang, it looks you’ve got your scholar.”

“Then it’s settled. I already have necessary goods for the travel. We’ll just buy you a horse and we’ll be ready.”

Zheng picked up his spoon again. “After I finish this.”

“Take your time then. We have plenty of time to head out,” Huang said as he continued eating of what was left of his congee.

Yang did not stop dragging Rin till they were both in her room. Once she closed the door, she finally let go of her.

“There you go. There are some robes in the closet if you want to switch into something more comfortable to sleep in. Later once you’re rested, we probably should go buy you new clothes. Your current ones are all tattered up.”

It only took a good few seconds of inspecting her own outfit before Rin actually noticed that she was indeed a mess. Dried bloodstains clumped up the very front of her yukata, and she was bruised practically all over. Even then, the woman seldom appeared phased by this revelation. In fact, she gave a blank look to Yang as she did.

“Oh my,” she said dryly. “I suppose that I should change at once.”

Immediately, Rin tugged off her Yukata in one fell swoop and dropped it callously onto the floor in front of Yang and approached the closet.

“So what do you plan on doing now, Rin, that the tournament is over?” Yang said as she sat down on the bed.

“Do you remember the man I spoke of when we first met? Since I am already here, I should begin my search for him,” Rin replied, picking out a robe from a closet and inspecting it all over.

“Tell me something, do you know where you’re gonna start? Do you even know how big China is?”

“I am aware of the hardships that might come by and I am already prepared for them. I told you before in the restaurant that I would find that man at all costs. I will traverse the entire world if it means that I will find my par—” Rin frowned, and turned back towards the closet. “I said too much. Think nothing of it, please.”

“Well what do you plan on doing about money and language? If you haven’t noticed, I’ve been talking to you in Japanese this whole time.”

“And kudos to you for doing so,” Rin complimented, slightly perked up for an eighth of a second before returning to her trademark look. “But I will figure out a solution to that matter once I get to it.”

“Well how are you gonna buy food and new clothing for your travel expenses? Since you do need new clothing unless you’re gonna wear those tattered clothes now, and I’m certain you mentioned you only had money from Japan.”

“...Is there no other option for me?”

“If you like, we can travel together. I'm looking for someone myself as well. Maybe we can find the people we are looking for as we travel. I have some savings, and I'm pretty sure I can get us jobs as we travel.”

“The two of us traveling together? If I didn't know any better, Yang, I would believe you are trying to get closer to me,” Rin remarked, panning closer towards Yang with a raised brow. “...Are you trying to get closer to me?”

“I'm not really sure myself. I suppose I just thought it’d be fun to travel with someone else rather than by oneself. If you don't want to, I understand. We hardly know each other anyway.”

“No, no. None of that. Besides, I am still technically in your debt until I save your life one day…” Rin said, mentally weighing the many possibilities of having a partner to travel with. “Since we have similar objectives in mind, I don't see why we cannot join forces, maybe perhaps get to know each other along the way...possibly more than that.”

“More than that?” Yang was confused at what Rin meant by this but was glad at least she now had a traveling partner. “Well let's get some rest. We can go shopping for supplies once we wake up later.” Looking around then, Yang noticed there was just one bed. She had completely forgotten the room only had one bed. “Sorry Rin, I completely forgot there was only one bed here. You don't mind if we share, do you?”

Rin shrugged. “Not if you don't have an issue with it. I do not mind if we share at all.”

“Alright then, I'll go change for now. You can go ahead and sleep first,” Yang said as she began to pick a robe.

It was past noon. Fei had finally awoken from her slumber. As she examined herself again, she noticed she had reverted back to normal. She soon began to get herself ready to head back to the castle.

What will you be doing now, Fei? Pretty sure you know you won’t be living the way you used to anymore at the palace considering the scene you made at the tournament.

“I see no reason not to unless forced. Shall we head back?”

That is your choice, not mine. For one who likes her privacy I can’t imagine you living comfortably at the Palace anymore.

“I will just have to take a bit more care. It still remains the best place to overhear news of events in the empire.”

Even now you still plan to stay there? You are a Goddess now, you know. There is no need for you to continue staying at the palace anymore. You won’t get stronger if you just listen to news of the empire..[i]

[i]“I doubt there would be qualms against training there. From your insistence to avoid returning, it seems you have a place in mind for me to go. What is it?”

I simply think it might be best if you begin traveling. You are a Zodiac now. Simply staying in the palace is a no to me.

“Even so, a journey requires preparation and a destination. Until those are sorted, the palace is the only place currently available to stay. Not to mention it would be irresponsible to disappear without notice of leave from my position as an attendant.”

Then why not head north? I know of a place you can visit to learn more about your powers if you wish. Just head to the palace, get your stuff and be ready to leave as soon as you can.

“No need to rush. Once we see if we can obtain supplies, we can set about planning a journey.”

That’s fine, as long as you don’t just stay at the palace, cooped up.

“Berate me about it later if I do so.”





Fei had soon left Cat’s Temple. As no one could be seen around, she left without a word. Walking through the town, she noticed hardly anyone was around and the majority of shops were closed, but she continue onwards figuring something like this was more likely to happen after such an attack. She soon reached the palace where she could see additional guards from the normally placed ones. When she approached the gate, one of the guards quickly stopped her.

“Halt miss, you cannot proceed any further. We have orders that no one is to be allowed to proceed to the palace at this moment.”

“I am Fei, an attendant who serves the Emperor. Please move aside and let me return to my duties or fetch someone who is able to let me pass.” Fei replied casually having expected a reception like this might be waiting.

"I am sorry but we still have orders that no one shall pass and we cannot leave our current post as well," the guard said with no intention of letting Fei pass.

“I suppose I will have to wait for the guard shifts to change or someone to come by to have a chance of contacting someone inside?”

Noticing that Fei hadn’t left, one of the other guards approached them. “What's going on here? I'm certain miss he already told you can't..." The guard stopped as he soon recognize Fei from the Fox tournament as he was there yesterday patrolling inside the arena. He could not forget the magnificent display in all her fights. "Fool, she's the Fox Goddess. How can you not recognize her? I am deeply sorry Goddess, you may proceed," the man said as he ordered the other guards to open the door.

“Thank you, however there is no reason to fault him for not knowing and sticking to his orders,” Fei said smiling and walked through the gate. Within the palace, the halls were teeming with soldiers. As soon as she made her entrance, she could hear whispers of her new status as the Fox Goddess from the soldiers she passed and humored some of the more intent stares with a smile and a wave but otherwise paid them no heed. Walking a path she had taken many times before, she slowly made her way back to her room.

Once inside she closed the door and opened the window before heading to her closet to change out of the clothes she had worn to the tournament. After a few moments, Xiang entered the room and landed on the desk flanked by a few swallows as usual.

“It seems we will be going on a journey soon,” she spoke with her back turned to him as she continued to get dressed.

"Where will you be heading?" Xiang said as he tried approaching Fei.

“North. Want to come along or keep an eye on things here?” Fei replied, finishing in front of the closet. Walking over to the mirror, she took a long hairpin out of a drawer and set about arranging her hair.

“I shall do whatever you wish of me, Fei.”

“So subservient as always,” Fei commented, letting out a small sigh. “Let’s travel together then, it is a good chance for you to spread your wings outside the capital.”

“Very well. I shall comply.”

“I’ll meet you along the road north of the capital when it is time then.”

Xiang simply nodded as he then headed to the window and flew off. Soon after, a knock could be heard.

"Fei, are you in there?" Li’s voice could be heard from behind the door as she had come to see Fei the instant she heard she had come back.

“Come in,” Fei called out, quickly finishing in front of the mirror before Li entered.

Li open the door as soon as she heard she could come in and then headed towards Fei. "Thank goodness you’re safe. When I couldn't find you today I was beginning to fear the worst."

“I am fine, I simply became stuck outside the palace due to the chaos,” Fei assured Li, gently patting her head. “Were you okay throughout the attack?”

"Yes, none of the attacks made it to the city. It seems everything was contained at the temple grounds," Li said as she decided to let Fei continue patting her head even though she wanted her to stop. "By the way Fei, is it true that you're the Fox Goddess? I've been hearing stories that you actually won the Fox tournament but I find that hard to believe considering you never showed any interest in it before."

“My, the rumors have certainly traveled fast,” Fei answered vaguely as she switched from patting Li’s head to rubbing it.

"Please stop that. It took me forever to get my hair ready today," Li said as Fei’s sudden rubbing of her head caught her by surprise. "Also please answer me clearly!"

“Haha, my apologies,” Fei replied with a small laugh at her outburst and set about straightening Li’s hair to how it was before. “Yes, I suppose I did have some measure of success upon the temple grounds yesterday.”

“I doubt it was just some measures, more like something grand. On my way here everyone seemed to be talking about you.”

“Oh ho, I suppose some spectators quite enjoyed my performance.”

“Yeah right, just spill it already! If you hadn’t won nobody would be talking about you! You’re normally one to keep to yourself that I know,” Li said as she then pouted.

“Am I truly so dull in your eyes only victory would garner me any attention?” Fei said with a feigned hurt tone but quickly dropped the facade. “But I suppose there is no skirting the matter any longer. Yes, I won the Fox tournament.”

"You could have just said that from the start, sheesh, but congratulations, Fei. That news really caught me by surprise. You just have never shown much interest in the tournaments before when I used to talk to you about how I wished the tournaments would be held later so I could participate in the Rabbit tournament," Li said as she began inspecting Fei. "Though I thought you would have ears and tails now."

“I did earlier but they disappeared as I slept. It seems gaining the mastery to willfully control the transformation may take some time.”

"Aww, that's too bad. I would have loved to have seen it. How did it go? I heard there are some kind of rituals involved when you get your powers but nobody really knows. What are they?"

Fei winced slightly as she remembered the feeling of being burned alive. “Mine was unpleasant to say the least, though I believe each is different.”

"Really? How unpleasant was it?" Li asked as she had become curious now.

“It was undoubtedly the most painful experience of my life.”

"Why are you being vague about it? What was it?"

“I am not sure if it is for me to reveal. But to give a hint, fire. Lots of fire.”

"What, so was that attack that occurred your ritual? Why did it involve bandits?" Li said as her tone sounded scared.

“Oh, no. That all happened long after it was over.”

"Really? Well if it involved fire that doesn't sound safe. I wonder what the Rabbit ritual had. I'm really jealous now. Really wish I had the chance to participate at least," Li said with a sigh. "Why is there even an age restriction in the first place! Nothing else has one."

“A question for the gods I suppose. Though if you are willing to settle for fox I may be able to grant you a small taste of what it is like to be a zodiac in the future.”

"You can do that? Though I would prefer Rabbit... since it's what I have always been interested in. It's nothing against you Fei, it's just that I’ve always wanted Rabbit since I learned about her. Though I guess maybe I will since it's probably impossible to have anything related to rabbit now considering it was a Princess who won that tournament," Li said with a grin on her face. "to think that I also had been her escort these past few days."

“It is up to you,” Fei replied with a detached tone but could not avoid feeling some disappointment she would not get to see the cute Li with fox ears and a tail. Maybe I should try dressing her up with some anyway, she thought, a small devious smile appearing on her face.

"Why are you smiling like that? I sorta don't like it. When you smile like that you usually do something to me later..." Li said as she backed away slowly from Fei.

“You have nothing to fear,” Fei assured her innocently. For now… At the very least it seemed her fun would have to wait until returning from the north as preparing such an item would likely take time.

"Okay..." Li said, still feeling uneasy. "By the way, the Emperor wishes to see you later in the day. I was with him till recently when word of your return came and it was mentioned you were the Fox Goddess. He sent me to find you and sorry I'm not addressing you as Goddess. I'm still having a hard time believing you're actually one now."

“Do not bother. I am still the Fei you’ve always known. I have no intention to change how we get along just because of some divine power and a title.”

“Okay. Well I should head back. There was so much work to do I fear it has piled up even more now. I’ll come get you when the emperor has free time again.”

“I’ll be waiting.”



Later in the night, Chung Li finally returned. Her face showed exhaustion as it seemed she had gotten little rest since from when Fei last saw her. Even then she still continued doing her job as she escorted Fei to the Emperor’s work location which had been changing throughout the day. Once she had taken her to the Emperor’s room, she bowed and headed to her room.

Once in the room, Fei could see the Emperor at his desk working with some papers. It didn't seem like much as it might be the reason Li was no longer needed. Upon seeing Fei the Emperor simply smiled, but the expression of a worn out man could be seen.

"Good Evening Fei, or perhaps I should say Goddess," the Emperor said as a big smile could be seen on his face.

“Just Fei is fine. Being referred to by a title doesn’t agree with me.” Fei spoke casually as per usual but a hint of tension of unknown origin could just barely be detected in her demeanor. “My Emperor sent for me?”

"Yes. It's about you becoming the Fox warrior. What do you intend to do now? I cannot imagine you will continue your stay here as my personal performer now that you are a Goddess. I cannot imagine the people accepting that."

“Trying to send me away now that my Emperor has tired of my company?” Fei protested, faking over the top indignation. Letting the act drop she continued. “I already received quite an earful from Inari about that and was also hoping to meet with my Emperor regarding preparation for a journey. But first, are we alone here?”

The Emperor let out a loud laughter "When that day comes I have lost the appreciation for all music, my dear. Currently we are the only two here. Well if there's anything you need I would gladly aid you on your journey as I know you posses no funds for your trip."

“There is no need.” In one fluid motion Fei pulled out her hairpin and stepped forward bringing the sharp end against the Emperor’s throat. Holding it there with the point digging into the soft fleshy barrier that was the only thing between his windpipe, she watched him carefully to see his reaction, unbound long hair settling disheveled around her after the sudden flurry of movement.

"Don't you think doing such thing is a bit foolish. If it was anyone else I can guarantee you, your arm would be broken already," the Emperor said calmly as he simply looked at Fei as if her actions meant little to him.

“My Emperor truly is infallible.” With a large smile she lowered her hand and let out a deep breath, all the tension she had been hiding until then escaping with it. Getting on her hands and knees she bowed deeply, her forehead touching the floor. While she had bowed before when social situations demanding it, showing such a deep sign of respect by her own will from the formality averse Fei was unheard of. When she spoke it was in a formal tone without like her usual playfulness. “I apologize for my actions. When your Imperial Majesty spoke before of having complete trust in me I could not believe it without testing it myself and wanted to know if I truly had a place to return to here if I leave on a journey. I apologize for doubting your Imperial Majesty and beg for forgiveness.”

The Emperor stood up from his seat and he then walked up to Fei. "Stand, there is no need. Worry not. It is understandable even with our powers many would find that hard to believe," the Emperor said as he could be seen smiling. "Now then my dear, what are your plans?"

“Inari has suggested I go north so I was planning on following her instruction,” Fei replied as she got back to her feet and quickly re-tied her hair.

"I wonder what she may have in store for you. Has she said what, or would this be a secret between you two?" the Emperor said as he went back and sat down in his seat.

“It is not that it is a secret but rather she has not told me of our destination yet.”

"I see. She must want to keep it a surprise. Well then are you prepared for your trip or would you need assistance?"

“Haha… I know I said otherwise while pulling that stunt but I actually was hoping I could receive some aid.”

“I assume you require money. Aside from that, anything else you might need?”

“Information would also be appreciated if there is some you could share of the situation in the north.”

"I'm not sure what I can tell you that you already might know, really. I am certain you have heard about the current situation, no?"

“Crows fighting over a bloody carcass. The area sounds to be in constant turmoil with no shortage of stories about the head of the flock.”

“One must be careful when traversing such lands. I don’t believe Lady Cao to be the way we may see her as but her men can truly be unforgiving to any that try to harm their Lady.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Good. I'll have Li bring you the funds tomorrow morning. I would imagine you wish to say goodbye to her.”

“I don’t suppose I could take her with me.”

“I believe she might not be ready to see the outside world just yet. But she might one day.”

“Haha, it was merely a jest. From what Inari has hinted so far it may be a journey best made alone.”

“I don’t believe that might be the case. You never know if someone might cross your path,” the Emperor said as he began putting the last remaining papers away.

“Maybe, but at the very least a pilgrimage is meant to be departed upon alone.”

“Depends, my dear. Sometimes it's better to travel with someone who you can really on. One cannot do everything by themselves. Even I cannot.”

“Is that a cry for help?” Fei asked with a small smile.

“I already receive enough help, my dear. I am currently blessed with all those that help me,” the Emperor said as he stood up. “I am sorry though, my dear. I would love to continue our little chat but it seems these old bones of mine have had enough for the day.”

“I wouldn’t want to deprive my Emperor of his rest. I shall retire to my room as well.” With a final smile and a small, polite bow Fei left the room.

Noon had come and Rin had finally woken up from her sleep as she looked around she could see Yang dressing herself. It seems she herself had just woken up as well. Noticing that Rin had woken up, Yang greeted her as she then told Rin she would return. After a few minutes Yan came back holding a priestess outfit.

“Use this for now. I think it will be better to have that on than your worn out yukuta. Don’t you think?” Yang said as she handed the outfit to Rn.

Rin didn’t complain. Her tattered attire was starting to show bits and pieces of skin, after all. That wouldn’t have been acceptable at all. At least a Priestess outfit would cover her, to an extent. “Thank you,” she said, taking the clothing from Yang’s hands and unfolding. Standing up from the bed, Rin immediately undressed in front of Yang and slipped the outfit on, stretching afterwards only to test how versatile it was.

“Well what you think we should get in town aside new clothing for you? I know we’ll need some food. We probably should buy a horse as well to make travel easier,” Yang said as she gave it more thought. “By the way Rin, you know how to ride a horse?”

“Of course I do. Traveling in Japan would have been more strenuous had I walked the whole way,” Rin responded. “Perhaps something for Fei once she returns?”

“It seems Fei already left. One of the priestesses saw her leaving once they were coming back from city. So it’s just us two now. Well let's just hope we have enough for two horses then since renting one won’t be possible for us.”

Rin appeared slightly more sluggish upon hearing that, as if disappointed. She was beginning to enjoy her company, too. Now that she thought about it, Fei had been eager to leave after all. “Hmm, shame. I hope to meet her again one of these days.”

“I would normally say I doubt that but considering she’s a Zodiac and I am one as well you might if you stick around with me. I hear Zodiacs have a knack of running into each other. Though I’m surprised you want to meet her again. Wasn’t she the one who beat you in the fox tournament?” Yang said as she signaled Rin to follower her.

Following suit, Rin nodded. “That she was. However, I am no sore loser. She won fair and square,” she answered bluntly.

“Even then it †˜s a bit strange considering you just met. By the way, you want to eat before we head out to the city or want to get something to eat at the city?”

“That’s up to you. I have no right to choose if you’re taking me out,” Rin replied, scratching the side of her head.

“Well then we’ll eat at the city. We have to cook if we eat here. Well anything you want to try? I’ll eat about anything so I’ll let you decide what we eat,” Yang said smiling.

Rin put a hand to her chin and hummed. “...Well, I’ve always wanted to try pork. Is that okay? Something with pork in it?”

“Alright then, we’ll be having char siew today,” Yang said as she lead Rin outside the Temple.

Not long after, both Yang and Rin were in the city but had come into an empty city with hardly anyone around. Walking around they noticed many of the shops were closed with only a few open. After walking around what seemed to be a hour, they finally found a restaurant open that served char siew. Once in they both ordered one for each then proceeded to take a seat.

“I didn’t think almost everything would be closed like this,” Yang said as she could feel her stomach rumbling. “Sorry Rin, I should have taken you somewhere else after we couldn’t find anything right away.”

Rin waved off the matter casually and shook her head. “Do not worry about it. I enjoy walks with friends, even if they are long and drawn out.”

Yang couldn’t help but laugh as she placed her hand behind her head, feeling still a bit bad. “By the way Rin, if you don’t mind who exactly is this man you're looking for? It would help me out to keep an eye for him when we are traveling looking for him. Otherwise, well, only you know how to look for him.”

Crossing her arms together, Rin sighed and closed her eyes. She sat in her seat, completely still with her countenance unmoved until she broke the silence with another sigh. “Do you really want to know?” she asked. “It’s a long story.”

“Well I’ll leave that choice to you if you want to tell me. I would like to know since it would make it easier on me to help you search and I don’t mind a long story,” Yang said as a girl suddenly approached them handing out their meals.

Rin shrugged, then her eyes were averted to the plates of food before her. “Well, you did buy me food…” she said. Her expression soon darkened as she peered Yang in the eyes. “Alright, then. I will tell you... of the man who kidnapped my parents.” Rin thought to touch her food first before speaking, but she was already this far into the conversation.

Besides, she wouldn’t have wanted a bad taste in her mouth.

“I was only about ten years-old when they were taken. The man had foul thoughts and depravity hidden under a false smile and fabricated promises of good tidings, and we all believed him. We were traveling Japan and had run out of food, so we believed anything if it was going to feed us for the night. We were foolish enough to follow this man right where he wanted us, and before I knew it, my mother and father were screaming my name and that I had to run,” she explained, now looking down at her food with disgust. “I remember his face… his abhorrent, foul, smiling face as I looked back to my parents one last time, before the mists of the the valley we were in engulfed it… I will never forget that face.”

Rin looked up to Yang, almost flinching to look away. “That was fifteen years ago, and I’ve been looking ever since. I told myself, that I would not care what happened to me; if my parents were to be saved, then I would happily be violated by a thousand men, or stabbed through the stomach, or violently tossed around for their sake.”

“Sheesh, don’t say stuff like that, Rin. Do you actually think your parents would enjoy that? I would imagine they want you to be happy, not get ruined like that,” Yang said as she then hugged Rin. “ But I'll make sure to help you find your parents. I’m not sure if it would be of any help but I might know of a town we can visit first; it's off to the west. It’s rumored to deal with humans. If you think they’re still alive I imagine they were probably caught by slave traders.”

“You… would do that for me?” Despite her dislike for being touched, Rin couldn’t help but accept Yang’s, just for this once at least. She absently felt her arms wrapping around the Zodiac’s back and her own body pressing up against hers. She had forgotten what a hug was like after years of being alone. Rin had to admit; she was surprised. No one would ever lift a finger for Rin.

Was this what they called friendship, she wondered.

“Mmm. Thank you, Yang….”

“No problem. Now let us eat before our food gets cold. We still need to get your new clothes,” Yang said as she then patted Rin’s head.

“Oh, yes…” Rin sat down and picked up her fork. Each bite she took came with a rare surprised and pleased sound from the back of her throat. “My, this is… I’ve never tasted anything quite like this before…” Her eating increased pace, and soon Rin seemed to have been eating like a pig.

Both continued to enjoy their meal. It was not long before both they were finished and soon headed out to the city yet again. The city itself was still empty with only a few people outside who could be seen hurrying up with what they were doing. After some browsing they finally found a shop that was selling Cheongsams. A variety of different colors and sizes could be seen.

“I’ll let you get up to three different kinds so you can have some variety at least. Just don’t go too expensive. Even I still have a budget,” Yang said, laughing.

Rin’s eyes lit up with elation. She then bowed to her friend. “I could kiss you right now, Yang. Thank you.”

“Don’t worry, just make sure you pick the ones you think you can move around more easily in. Of course it looking nice doesn’t hurt.”

Nodding, Rin turned to find herself browsing some of the displays holding the dresses she yearned for. “What she doesn’t know is that I’m serious,” she absently mumbled under her breath.

She slid her hand along the different varieties of dresses, each possessing some kind of material or color. The three she picked out were no doubt the ones she thought fit her best. The first one she found was black, fitted with red outlines on the very hem. The skirt length seemed to have stretched as low as her calf and had one opening for her left leg to be revealed.

The other was a blue long dress with a faded design along the front. The only bit of skin Rin could have shown in contrast to the first one was from her leg as well, but it seemed that she couldn’t move around as well in this.

The last one was regrettably the one Rin could move around in the most. Compared to the first two, there was hardly any modesty in it at all. The length was hardly noticeable at all as it reached no lower than Rin’s thighs. It was white, and for some reason, had a heart-shaped opening around where the cleavage would be. Needless to say, Rin liked this the most.

She returned to Yang, holding all three dresses in one hand from their hangers. “Any thoughts?”

“They're all very cute. The white one is a bit daring with how short it is but it’s still cute as well,” Yang said as she examined the dresses herself. “All right, I’ll get you all three. Just try not getting them destroyed too soon,” Yang said, laughing.

“I make no promises,” Rin replied earnestly.

“At least try unless you want to walk around in rags instead,” Yang said as she pinched Rin’s cheek teasingly.

“O-Ow… don’t—” Rin winced, and averted her eyes away, attempting not to show any emotion.

“Well anything else you might need? If not we can just go buy some supplies then we can head out tomorrow,” Yang said as she then let go of Rin’s cheek.

Rin shook her head. “No, I think the dresses were all that I needed. Thanks again, Yang.” She thought of bowing to her friend once more, however her arms acted on their own and wrapped around the Zodiac absentmindedly.

Yang was caught off guard for a second but she then simply smiled. “You’re welcome. But let us go now, we still got other stuff to take care off,” Yang said happily as she patted Rin head.

Making it to Ram temple safely, Ram began explaining to Dia Yan what had occurred, but it seemed she decided to do it in private as she decided to leave Yoshimasa and Horse alone, only saying it would be best if they talked out their current situation. Horse herself was nervous as she was not certain where to begin or if Yoshimasa truly intended to be her warrior.

“Yoshimasa, do you really wish to be my warrior? I am certain you heard what my previous warrior did, no? Are you not afraid people will think badly of you for being the Horse warrior?”

“I have already given Esteemed Horse my oath to be as such. Certainly there will be those who will hold us in contempt but in time, they will understand that I am unlike my predecessor.”

“Well if you don’t mind, I was hoping you don’t reveal to anyone else that you’re my warrior. I’d rather not see you go through what I go through with the people of the land considering what you have told me will happen with your family.”

“If thou wishes so then we shall keep it a secret, however questions will be asked down the line when I do formally declare myself as Esteemed Zodiac’s warrior. Forgive me for asking, but is it alright to inform my honoured father at the very least?”

“I don’t mind as long as it’s only between a few people who you think can be trusted. I just don’t want you to be hated by everyone. It doesn’t feel great at all. It makes you feel like there’s nobody there for you. All you feel are their gazes upon you wishing for your death,” Horse said as she was about to break out in tears.

“My family has already gone through that once, I do not wish to make them experience it again. Still, it warms my heart to know that thou are unlike the rumors I have heard. At least… this one will be at your side from now on,” Yoshimasa said with a smile.

“Really?” Horse said as tears that had already formed could be seen falling down her face. “You won’t let the curse purposely take control over your life?”

A deep sigh could be heard in the room as Yoshimasa furrowed his brows at Horse. “I will bear it all if it means those around me will know happiness.”

“Thank you,” Horse said as she suddenly hugged Yoshimasa. She embraced him for a minute before coming to the realization what she was doing. “Please forgive me, I got carried away there. It’s just that I never thought I would ever have another warrior again,” Horse said, releasing Yoshimasa.

“Quite alright, Esteemed Zodiac. Any normal man should be delighted to be a warrior and of one such as yourself, though… we might have to be careful out in public. Just as you fear for me, so do I for thou.” Yoshimasa coughed once to clear his thoughts, considering that with her added height, it had placed him right into her chest when she hugged him.

“You don’t have to worry about me. I’ve been going through this for almost a hundred years now. What's another couple more years. I’d rather not have you experience it as well.”

“Now thou art is being pessimistic. Look forward to the days to come, like the rays of morning sun. Darkest night has passed, light of daybreak brings new hopes, fear not and take heart,” Yoshimasa said. His haiku always felt terrible as opposed to his father’s, but it was a start.

“Then promise me you will always be by my side. That no matter what happens, you will always be my warrior and that you will never betray me,” Horse said as she got close to Yoshimasa as she took a hold of his hands, and her face was basically in front of his. “Please don’t look away as you say it.”

Yoshimasa’s soft expression belied the steel that lay beyond, but he returned the look in kind. “Then promise me thou will have faith in thyself. I will be thine warrior, blade, partner, whatever thou art desire from me so long as that promise is kept.”

“As long as you are with me then I promise I will have faith in myself,” Horse said as she smiled.

“It is disrespectful of this one to ask but... is there any way I can address thou other than by the title bestowed upon thee?”

“Well there is, but normally we only share it with those we have deemed really close to us. I-it might be a bit too soon for us! I’m sorry,” Horse said as she could feel herself blushing.

Yoshimasa chuckled lightheartedly, perhaps it was indeed a bit too soon. “Alright, Esteemed Zodiac. I shall wait for the day thou art ready.”

“Thank you. By the way, was that woman really your fiance?”

“Yes, she is my fiance. There were a few complications and our wedding was delayed but I am still to be wedded to her.”

“I see, so it’s an arranged marriage. Then do you really love that woman? Or are you just doing it cause you have to?”

“She has been with me since our family moved to Japan. Not many wanted to associate with us Japanese and I do not blame them, we are foreigners after all. But she… She was different,” Yoshimasa said fondly. “And I fear I may have destroyed that by acting so callously on my own.”

“I see. Then please forget you ever rode on my back. You don’t have to worry about it. I said it before, it’s an old Horse God tradition. You’re already an engaged man. I’d rather not have you worry about me because of our silly tradition.”

“Are thou dissatisfied with this one?” Yoshimasa asked softly.

“Ehh, I wouldn’t say that. It’s just that you already have someone. I would just be in the way.”

“The two of us can no longer be separated except by death, is that correct?”

“Yes. We are to be together till one of us dies. How come?”

“Is that not the same as… the vows of marriage? Till death part us and we cross the Sanzu River?” Yoshimasa said with a tilt of his head. “Just that, if we’re going to be together till the very end then I should try and make thou happy as well, a life filled with joy not unlike my own.”

It took Horse a moment to realize that what Yoshimasa said made sense. Her face soon turned bright red. “W-well it might be the same but we don’t have to commit love for one another! I mean I might have part of an actual woman but my other part is that of a horse. Would you even be interested in being with someone like that,” Horse said as she couldn’t think straight anymore.

“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and thou art brilliant. Remember, have faith in thyself. As thine warrior, how could I turn my eye away from my partner?” he said reassuringly.

“Please stop, you're embarrassing me. What would you do if your fiance heard this? It’s like you’re asking for both us to be your wife.”

“It is not uncommon where my family hails from to have more than one wife… but I’m sidetracking. Dia Yan will be most displeased with me but as it is, we cannot leave each other. That in itself is cause for concern to her.”

“Well it is not uncommon among some Gods as well. But I don’t know, it’s just so sudden. I’m not sure my heart can handle it just now. I need time to figure this out and to know you better. I just can’t say yes now!”

Yoshimasa laughed heartily, smiling up at the Zodiac. “This one does not need an answer now since we shall always be together, but thou art always welcome to share in my happiness. Even I would not dare to marry another before my own fiance, no?”

Unknown to the two inside the room, the door to the room was left slightly open as Ram and Dia Yan listened to the conversation of the two inside.

“Is this really okay, Goddess Ram? You did say we would leave them alone as you explained the situation to me.”

“I did? I only recall saying we’ll be right back. I never once remember saying we’ll be leaving them by themselves,” Ram said with a smile on her face. “But aren’t you interested as his fiance on what Yoshimasa has to say?”

“Well yes, but it just feels like I’m saying I have no trust in him if I’m listening into his conversation like this. Though it did make me happy hearing him say I was special to him.”

On the other side, Horse ear’s perked up as she had picked up Ram’s and Dia Yan voices. “You two can come in here. I know you’re right behind the door.”

“My, and here I thought you’d be too busy to notice us. You were having such a lovely conversation, you two,” Ram said.

Yoshimasa perked his head up, looking towards the door. Two people? he thought idly, wondering who the other person was.


Ram and Dia Yan entered the room. A smile could be seen on Ram’s face while Dia Yan looked down in embarrassment. Yoshimasa looked slightly mortified that both of them had been listening in, mostly because of his fiance.

“Who will you be marrying first, boy, your fiance here or Horse over there? I believe you have settled your mind on taking care of both, no?” Ram said, chuckling.

“Dia Yan and I are already engaged but… I will accept if she wishes to call it off due to my actions. I believe thou has heard, but Esteemed Horse will require a bit more time to decide whether she wishes to be wed to this one,” Yoshimasa said with a bow of his head in greeting.

A big grin could be seen on Ram’s face as she faced Horse. Horse herself shivered, knowing what Ram wanted to say. “Worry not. I don’t believe your fiance here has any plans of letting anyone have her number one spot if you are letting her keep it. Isn’t that right, my Dear.”

“Yes,” Dia Yan said with embarrassment. “Though I don’t know why were we made to believe the Goddess Horse is a demon from what I’ve been told and seen. She seems like a rather nice Goddess, nothing like the rumors.”

“Thank you, Dia Yan.” Yoshimasa looked relieved, gracing his fiance with a smile.

“About that, it’s Horse’s fault as you’ve seen, Yoshimasa. Horse can get scared rather easily. Back then after the incident, she didn’t want to face the people since she was too scared because of the destruction caused by the man. When she finally decided to show her face, it was rather too late. Many thought she only showed herself, believing people had forgotten what her warrior did. We ourselves tried to calm the situation but without Horse of course, it didn’t work out.”

“The trauma from that experience runs deep and will not be easy to overcome, but I believe that Esteemed Horse is capable of doing that. Together we may show the people that this time, it will be different.”

“Thank you,” Horse said happily.

“My, you sure know how to get Horse’s heart going. Maybe I should stick around and see if you can do the same with me,” Ram said with a sly smile.

“Esteemed Ram, t-this one would never…” Yoshimasa stammered a bit at the proclamation. Even if he were to… No, no, no. That would really be reaching beyond his position and besides, the others probably wouldn’t like it either… Right?

“Sheesh, I get back here hoping I can rest and you guys are all talking really loud here.” Mei’s voice could be heard from a distance. A minute later, she entered the room. She had reverted back into her human form, but taking another look at her, she could be seen with obvious injuries on her body as it seemed she had gone all out against someone. “Ram, you think you can heal? I went a little overboard this time around.”

“Yes, but this is a surprise. I would have never imagined you’d get this beaten up,” Ram said as she went up to Mei and had her sit down on one of the chairs nearby as she then placed her hand on Mei’s back.

“Didn’t help I wasn’t accustomed to my new body and I didn’t rest properly from that guy's injuries from earlier,” Mei said, looking at Yoshimasa.

“My humblest apologies, Priestess Mei. Nonetheless, it is good to see your safe return, this night has been most chaotic. I fear for the aftermath.”

“It’s fine but also next time, don’t go picking fights with Demons if you’re just gonna let them run loose. She was annoying to deal with even though she managed to get away in the end.”

Yoshimasa made a sound of recognition, apologizing to her once again. “Esteemed Horse did mention that lady was peculiar. This one has caused you great trouble. Demons, indeed a piece of disturbing news. That woman wished to bring Esteemed Horse away to her leader.”

“Probably someone forbidden to enter the city. Seeing that Horse has no warrior makes her a prime target for those that don’t let rumors or what others might think of them affect them.”

“No need to worry Mei, Horse has a warrior now and not only that, a husband as well.”

“I see that’s good. W-wait what a husband?! Where did that came from!” Mei said as the sudden news came as a shock to her.

Yoshimasa looked at Mei with a distinct redness on his cheeks. Ram didn’t have to say it that way nor had Horse agreed on being his wife yet but… “I’m afraid this one has to turn the gracious offer of being your follower down, Priestess, for I am now the warrior of the Horse Zodiac.”

“What really?” Mei said with a surprised look on her face. “Never would have imagined that. Here I thought I found the follower I needed,” Mei said with a sigh.

“Silly Mei, even if he agreed to be your follower you couldn't turn him into one just yet. You need to let your Divine Chi develop more. You may have achieved God form but you are still new. Even if you attempted the ritual, it probably would have failed,” Ram said as she had just finished healing Mei.

“Hoho, this is indeed good information to know. How long would the Divine Chi need to gather before a warrior is able to attempt turning another into one?” Yoshimasa asked, eyes flicking to Dia Yan for a scant second.

“It would take about a year before you can actually attempt to have a follower. Even then, it might fail. So you won’t be seeing cute horse ears one your fiance anytime soon,” Ram said as she then went up to Dia Yan. “Maybe she will look cuter with ram horns though.”

“We can wait one year for it and though I profess she would, I think the horse ears would suit my fiance better.” Yoshimasa chuckled as he teased Dia Yan.

Dia Yan was currently confused at the current conversation between Ram and Yoshimasa as she wasn’t sure where the talk about her getting horse ears or ram horns came from.

“Fiance? Wait, you were engaged already?” Mei said as yet again she was surprised with the sudden news.

“Indeed I am, to this lovely lady.” Yoshimasa indicated Dia Yan with a gesture of his hand. “It was arranged between our parents many years past.”

“My, my did my dear Mei have plans for Yoshimasa? If you want, you could still go after him. He doesn’t seem opposed to the idea for having multiple wives,” Ram said, snickering.

“W-what are you saying, Ram! Of course I won’t, and who even said I was interested in him in the first place!” Mei said as she stood up, turning around. “I have no interest in engaged men, okay. Hmph.”

“I wonder about that. You sure did make sure to treat him properly when he was asleep after the tournament.”

“R-Ram!” Mei shouted in embarrassment as she turned around, her face red.

Instinctively reaching to rub the back of his head in embarrassment, Yoshimasa hissed in pain instead. The spear wound in his shoulder had been crudely wrapped up, but now it had reopened. “H-Ha, it appears I am to be punished for holding my tongue on those matters. This one did not mean to deceive, Priestess. In fact, I had thought about becoming your follower before the events of this night.”

“Don’t worry about it, I can always find another anyways. Though have you really become Horse’s warrior? I don’t really sense any Divine Chi in you,” Mei said, looking at Yoshimasa, her face still slightly red.

“The ritual has not been completed yet, hence my lack of Divine Chi and injured state.”

Mei sighed. “Why are you still here then? You two should go do the ritual already. I still need to talk to you afterwards anyways so just finish your ritual and after you’re done and rested, we’ll talk.”

Nodding at Mei, Yoshimasa turned to Horse. “Shall we, Esteemed Horse?”

“Yes,” Horse said as she then walked up to Ram. “If I may, can I please use your chambers for my Ritual, Goddess Ram,” Horse said as she bowed.

“Go on ahead. I don’t mind, just don’t use it as a playroom,” Ram said laughing playfully.

“I’m not Rabbit, you know!” Horse said. Her face turned red.

Yoshimasa was silent for a moment before the realization dawned on him. “Ahhhh…” he said softly before shaking his head and turning to Dia Yan. “I will be back shortly.” She had been looking increasingly confused as the group had conversed, and he had wanted to reassure her.

After parting ways with everyone, Horse lead Yoshimasa into Ram’s chamber. Once inside the room, both could see statues of rams as well as tapestries of rams on the wall. In the center of the room on the ground, a giant circle lay. In it, a drawing of ram was on it.

“Once in the center, please put your Chi into the circle along with me, okay. Otherwise we might have a problem.”

“Very well. We wouldn’t want that to happen after coming this far, would we?”

“Of course not,” Horse said as she went to the center with Yoshimasa right behind her. Once there, Horse took a deep breath before letting it go. “I hope you’re ready,” Horse said as she then placed her hand on the circle as the ground then began to glow a golden light.

The samurai added his own, flowing out like gleaming silver. The amount was miniscule in comparison to Horse’s, but the Chi mingled together, a faint silver lining tracing her gold.

After a few minutes, the circle released a bright white light that engulfed the two who soon vanished from the room.

When Yoshimasa next regained his sight, he found himself within a night sky. As he looked around, he could see nothing but stars. Looking around, he saw Horse next to him, but he also noticed that there was no ground below him yet they stood as if there was.

“An interesting experience,” Yoshimasa quipped as he looked at the expanse of stars, making him feel so small in space. “Where are we?”

“This is the Astral Space, a world where we Gods perform our rituals as we can access our Divine Chi the best here. Well before we begin, please tell me everything you know about the Zodiac story. I am certain you have heard it, no?”

“Even a foreigner such as I has heard the tale of the Zodiacs, it enthralled me as a child,” remarked Yoshimasa before relaying the story to her with more enthusiasm than needed.

“Good. Well what did you think about the curse placed on us Zodiacs?”

“It was not explained in detail, only that two more Zodiacs were created to strike a balance.”

“Have you ever heard of the Seven Deadly Sins?”

“I’m afraid I have not.”

“Then please listen carefully. They are mostly known in the west. They are considered sin because of how people may easily lose themselves to them. They are Wrath, Pride, Gluttony, Sloth, Envy, Lust and Greed. During the fight as you might know, my warrior was placed with one of these curses which also affected me which was Envy. Which means after I transfer my Divine chi into you, the curse of Envy shall also be placed on you. Are you certain you still want to become my warrior?”

“My decision will not be swayed, not even by the sin of Envy.”

“Good,” Horse said as a smile could be seen on her face. “Now then please sit down. My ritual is rather simple but painful as well. You might wish your own legs were cut off.”

“I am quite attached to this pair of legs,” Yoshimasa joked lightly as he sat down obediently.

Horse then sat down herself in front of Yoshimasa. She snapped her fingers and soon Yoshimasa found his arms and legs chained down to the ground. “I’m sorry but I can’t have you stand up once I start.”

A raise of the eyebrows was the response Horse got as Yoshimasa looked at his restraints. “Do what thou must.”

Horse then placed her hands on Yoshimasa’s legs. A few seconds later, Yoshimasa could begin to feel a tingle in his legs, but not one he thought would be reason enough to tie him down like this. “I know it doesn’t hurt now but you’ll see soon enough why i tied you down,” Horse said as she then sent another wave of Divine Chi into Yoshimasa’s legs.

This time around, Yoshimasa could feel his legs sting as if he had let them fall asleep and was trying to stand on them. Horse then sent a third wave of Chi. This time, Yoshimasa felt great pain in his legs as if they had just been smashed with a boulder. Yet looking at his legs, they were still intact with only Horse’s hands placed on them yet a great pain flowed into them. “Well I hope you’re ready. If you thought that was painful, this next wave is what will make you wish you can cut off your legs,” Horse said as she then sent a final wave of Chi into Yoshimasa’s legs.

During this moment, Yoshimasa’s mind went blank for a second as pain he never could have imagined came upon his legs. He could not imagine what kind of incident could cause this. All he knew was he felt his legs were being shredded, trampled and burned at the same time yet when he looked, his legs were perfectly fine but the pain continued to come.

A stifled cry of pain flowed out from his mouth as Yoshimasa tried to endure the pain. His fingernails drew furrows in the flesh of his palms as he clenched them tightly together. “Raagh, this is… getting increasingly unpleasant!” He gasped before another wave of pain forced him to shut his mouth.

“Just hold on a bit more. You probably would have enjoyed Rabbit’s ritual better. Most of the other Zodiacs rituals cause nothing but pain,” Horse said as she continued to transfer her chi into Yoshimasa’s legs.

“Rabbit… is not my partner, you are,” Yoshimasa hissed before his eyes rolled back in their sockets and he passed out from the pain.



Yoshimasa was deep asleep after his ordeal with the Zodiac Horse and with the previous ordeals that had occurred. While deep in sleep Yoshimasa could see himself in a field of flowers. With him was Dia Yan who was feeding him food she had prepared. Yoshimasa could feel himself relaxed and joyful with nothing to worry about. The next moment though a gust of wind blew, causing him to close his eye for a second. When he next opened his eyes, Dia Yan was gone and a different girl sat in her place. She had long golden hair. Her eyes were amber in color. The clothing she wore seemed to be that of a performer as it covered what it needed to cover yet still gave her an elegant feeling.

“Hi there! Feeling better?” the woman asked with a big smile on her face.

Yoshimasa took a moment to study the stranger in front of him. Her voice was familiar and he placed that it was her that had told him to ride Horse. Still, it was strange that Dia Yan was here a moment ago and then she was… not. “What did you do with Dia Yan?”

“I did nothing, silly. She wasn’t really here to begin with,” the girl said as she put a rice ball near Yoshimasa’s mouth. “Now say ahh.”

Yoshimasa looked down suspiciously at the rice ball in her hands. It was indeed a good rice ball, second to only Dia Yan’s. The grains were well pressed together and even the seaweed wrapped around it looked crisp despite the fact it should be moist after coming into contact with the rice. After a moment, he opened his mouth. The woman put it in his mouth to take a bite and as soon as he did, a blissful feeling surged through his body as a taste he had never experienced surged through his body.

“Delicious!” he proclaimed in Japanese, aching for another bite already.

“Glad you like it. Here, take it, enjoy. You deserve it for being a good boy,” she said as she handed the rice ball to Yoshimasa. He gladly received it, offering his thanks before taking another bite. It took a few moments for him to finish the rice ball before Yoshimasa could bring himself to speak again, this time a little more seriously.

“So, who are you and why did you help me back then?”

“Oh I see you recall my voice. You may call me Uzume. The Goddess of Joy and Happiness,” Uzume said as she joyfully handed Yoshimasa another rice ball.

Yoshimasa was just about to receive the rice ball when she mentioned her title upon which gave him pause. “Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto?” he asked.

“To think you actually know my full name. It’s a bit rare seeing someone your age remembering it especially nowadays, but yes that is me. By the way you never answered me about if you're feeling better considering the pain you felt during Horse ritual.”

“This one feels fine now, perhaps due to treatment from another,” Yoshimasa said, reverting into polite speech. “Though our clan may be in China, our roots still remain in the land of Yamato. It is unthinkable that one would not know the name of the Goddess who danced at Ama-no-Iwato.”

“Tehehe, well I’m not very well known in China I suppose, considering the ones who saved this world were Amaterasu and the Jade Emperor. Even over time I suppose most really only care about Amaterasu, the Jade Emperor and the Zodiacs. Most of us other Gods are mostly forgotten by the majority but I suppose that is our own fault.”

“This one has doubts whether there would be any shrines dedicated to thou in China at all but surely, that would not be the case for Yamato?”

“Oh there is a shrine for me in China albeit a small one, but there is one. It’s back in your village.”

“In this one’s household?” He thought for a moment. “Mother would be the only one I can think of…”

“Well your mother did make a small shrine for me somewhere in your house. I can’t really say where she had it. She prays everyday for me to bring Joy and happiness to your family. She has recently begun praying to bring happiness to you specifically and as well to protect you of course.”

“And this is why a Goddess such as thyself is here then? To fulfill the wishes of a praying mother?” Yoshimasa asked, finally getting around to the second rice ball.

“Yes. I couldn’t ignore such sincere prayers. I’ve had many pray to me but none have ever moved me the way your mother’s did. Normally I simply watch over those who catch my interest I suppose or simply pass by and spread a little joy since we as Gods still can’t interfere with everyone lives of course. What would be the point of living if we did?”

“And this one has been chosen through the grace of his mother,” Yoshimasa said with a soft expression. “Thou’s work will be daunting, especially due to the recent development with Zodiac Horse.”

“I don’t mind. It is my job as the Goddess of Joy and Happiness that I make sure you are happy. I can even make sure to bring you happiness in other ways, especially with your fiance and maybe with Horse also if you make her your wife as well,” Uzume said as she giggled.

“This one isn’t quite sure if that would be necessary but… I thank thee for being so generous with thy blessings,” Yoshimasa answered even as he coughed into his palm. What the goddess was suggesting was not unwelcome, but Yoshimasa wasn’t sure if he needed it at this point. Not yet at least.

“Ah, really? I could even show you an example of what to expect but that probably is too sudden so maybe for another time.”

“Perhaps another time then, though this one admits the prospect is definitely intriguing,” he mused. Mostly it would be to see whether his dream would come true, a time where there would be peace and prosperity for the clan.

“Well then tell me. What do you think of the women you faced? Did you find anything strange about her aside being a demon?”

“Aside from her apparent lack of chi?”

“Do you not find it strange? Or have you had experience with that before? Considering everyone has chi even if it's just a little.”

“This one professes that that woman was the one he has encountered that was as such, though his own experiences in combat were limited to the village and mountains fighting bandits.”

“I suppose that is true. Well if you ever meet someone and you or Horse can’t feel their chi, they are mostly likely a demon wielding a Void Treasure. You must avoid this at all cost at least till you have some mastery over your Divine Chi.”

“This one heeds the words of the Goddess, however there may be occasions where escape or subterfuge are not options. In the off chance that occurs, is there any other method of suppressing them?”

“Well not really unless you can steal the Void Treasure from them but I recommend against that. Unless you're properly trained I suggest you don’t touch any Void Treasure. They’re nothing but pure evil. It makes us Gods feel sick if we ever touch one.”

“Alright. Where is Zodiac Horse now? She was the one to warn me of the dangers that demon posed.”

“She’s currently asleep but even if she was awake I wouldn’t permit her here. I wanted to speak to you when she took you to the Astral Space but can you believe she didn’t let me in. The nerve of hers!” Uzume said pouting.

Yoshimasa laughed quietly at that. “It has been some time since Zodiac Horse has spoken to another, I wouldn’t fault her if it was to be done in private.”

“Well no matter. At least I got to speak with you now. I suppose I can’t fault Horse because of what she has been going through though. She sure did want to hog you all by herself still,” Uzume said as she handed Yoshimasa another rice ball.

“I believe it will pass in time once Zodiac Horse is more accustomed to having more contact with people other than myself. Also, what are the Void Treasures thou speaks of? If they are to be avoided, this one has to know what they look like. During the bout, there didn’t seem to be anything particularly strange that the lady was carrying.”

“Well you see, a Void Treasure can literally be anything. In most cases one cannot tell it’s a Void Treasure until you touch it. Sadly that’s all I really know. There might be someone who knows better.”

“So all I have to be is extremely careful with what I touch and hope for the best, indeed a most troublesome affair.”

“Certainly, you never know when you might come across a Void Treasure. Simply put, there could even be one in your home and you might never know about it.”

“Would there be any consequences if a regular person touched a Treasure? This one’s case is now different from the norm due to the presence of both thyself and Zodiac Horse.”

“From my knowledge a Void Treasure is harmless til held for too long. So one might not know they are in a possession of one til it’s too late.”

“Hmm, hmm. There should be a way to find out what is or isn’t a Treasure but that will be for later. Is this my consciousness or… another Astral Space?” Yoshimasa said with a look around.

“It’s your consciousness sadly, but I would say it gives a better view unless you wish to see more stars? I would imagine that gets boring after a while.”

“A chance to interact with the divine is never boring, Goddess. I must say, my consciousness is… different from how I expected it to be.”

“Oh don’t worry, I simply took over in the meantime. I believe this is a more soothing area. It also gives it more color, and don’t you think it fits a Goddess like me?”

“More so than anything this one’s own mind would be like at the very least,” Yoshimasa added. “A refreshing change from the scenery this one is used to. Does being blessed allow this to happen often or grant powers not unlike becoming a warrior?”

“Well I can talk to you whenever I wish to, but I won’t considering it be wrong if we Gods interfere with the everyday life of humans. I will talk to you when I find it appropriate or if I get really bored and want some company. Though I cannot grant you any more powers considering you already made a contract with Horse, I can grant you knowledge of certain things if I find you worthy of such things.”

“That is fine with this one. All things considered, it is more than I can ask for since our lives have already been saved once by thee,” Yoshimasa said with a bow of his head.

“Don’t thank me, thank your mother who keeps you well in mind in her prayers. You should avoid at all costs in making her nightmares come true.”

“Indeed I shall upon my return to the village but I fear that her worries will not be over so soon. There is still much I have to accomplish, especially now as warrior of the Horse.”

“Good, just avoid losing head okay?” Uzume said as she patted Yoshimasa’s head.

“Is that a premonition, Goddess? That this one would lose his head one day?”

“It might be or it might not but something has been plaguing your mother with dreams of your head on a stake. If it’s just a dream or a premonition only your actions will decide that, don’t you think?”

“This one will try to be careful. There is too much on my shoulders for me to think of merely myself now, especially now with my position as warrior and.. that I will be a husband soon.”

“Good, and once you’re married I’ll make sure you have many kids,” Uzume said as she then handed Yoshimasa a cup of tea with a bright smile on her face.

“If our future is peaceful then gladly,” Yoshimasa said before he drank from the cup, looking wistful. “If there came a time my sword was no longer needed then perhaps...”

“Don’t you think maybe leaving a legacy before that would still be nice? If something were to happen you might regret it in your final moments which is never good for a soul you know.”

“This one will give it some thought and discuss with my fiance, see what she has to say on the matter. It would be good to be blessed with a child but I fear that I cannot protect my child or our future as I am now.”

“Very well. Well I suppose I’ve taken enough of your time. If you ever need anything from me just call me in your thoughts and I’ll respond. Don’t worry, I won’t read your thoughts unless you have me in mind. If you want to see me in your dreams, just think of me as well,” Uzume said smiling.

“Till we meet again, Goddess Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto.” Yoshimasa bowed low to the ground, masking the smile on his face.

“Simply call me Uzume. I don’t mind. We will be together for a while. I believe it should be fine.”

“Then… Uzume, it has been a pleasure.” This time he faced the Goddess and smiled and she waved. Yoshimasa blinked and Uzume was gone, replaced by the familiar ceiling of the temple. The conversation had indeed felt real despite it being in his head but this time, Yoshimasa could tell that he was truly back. The scent of rain permeated the room and he was lying in another bed, presumably carried by someone else.

There was something soft lying on his arm and he found Dia Yan, quietly snoozing away. His body was a little strange, like how his head felt heavier than usual as well as a certain discomfort in his lower half. Shifting so he didn’t disturb his fiance, Yoshimasa felt something drape over his shoulders and when he brought a hand to it, he found that it was a cascade of hair. His hair, growing all the way to his lower back. “What?” he mouthed absently as his ears flapped in surprise, fingers shooting to them. “Indeed, I have become a horse,” he said matter of factly as if to confirm it with himself even as he was feeling his changed ears. It was without a doubt that the strange sensation below was most definitely a tail.

He wanted to see his new appearance but that could be dealt with later. For now, Manpu would enjoy some peace and quiet, tenderly stroking Dia Yan’s hair.

Why not give her a good morning kiss? She might enjoy that more than simply being looked at, you know. Uzume’s voice could be heard snickering.

[i]I think I will,[/] Manpu replied. Rousing Dia Yan with a few gentle rubs, he waited till she was blinking the sleep out of her eyes. “Manpu?” she said drowsily before being cut off, his lips enveloping hers. Dia Yan was caught surprised by the sudden kiss but after a bit she herself returned the kiss.

“Well someone sure was hungry right after waking up,” Dia Yan said smiling, her face slightly red after their kiss was done.

“I couldn’t resist. It must have been tiring waiting for me to wake up so… a little something for your efforts,” he said, a quiet laugh accompanying her reaction.

“Well it was more tiring to chase after you. Waiting for you to wake up was much more rewarding,” Dia Yan said as she then reached out for Manpu’s horse ears. “But I must say it’s still hard to believe you got actual horse ears and even a tail.”

The ears twitched and flapped under her touch, but Manpu let her toy with them to her heart's desire. “Well, you coming here was unexpected… but not unwelcome. At least, you are the first from the village to see me in this form. My tail though, that will take some getting used to. Not to mention this hair.”

“They really do feel like actual horse ears,” Dia Yan said with an amazed expression. “I never thought you would actually change appearances like this. I wonder if you will stay looking like this now.”

“Does this change cause you any displeasure?” Manpu asked, brushing some of the hair that was shrouding his face away. He would need to deal with that.

“Not really. It would take some time to get accustomed to considering I’ve known you by your original appearance all my life. I will say though I do feel like patting your head and rubbing your ears a lot now…” Dia Yan said as she patted Manpu’s head.

Manpu huffed and said nothing but angled his head such that it was easier for her to reach. It reassured him that this hadn’t changed their relationship, but he couldn’t bring himself to say it out loud but his ears did prick forward.

“Would you like a carrot?” Dia Yan said as she giggled. “Sorry but I couldn’t resist saying that.”

“No but some lunch would be appreciated,” Manpu said, trying hard to look offended. “And apples instead of carrots, they’re sweeter.”

“I’ll ask Goddess Ram then where they have a kitchen so I can cook something. I’m certain they will let me if I make food for all of us,” Dia Yan said.

A knock could soon be heard on the door. “You two finally awake?” Ram’s voice could be heard behind the door.

“Yes, Esteemed Ram. This one will be with you shortly,” Yoshimasa said as he slid out of bed, his tail swishing behind him.

“Please get ready, I’ll be taking you to Mei in a bit. She wishes to speak with you. We have some snacks ready.”

“Will my blade be required for this?”

“Of course not, silly. Why would you bring a blade for snacks?” Ram said as she could be heard chuckling. “I’ll be out here waiting so we can head out once you're ready to leave.”

Manpu huffed before raising his voice once again. “Can my fiance join us this time? I do not want her to be left in the dark.”

“Well she could. I don’t think Mei would mind especially if you eventually turn her into your Follower as well.”

“Alright then, I will be with you shortly,” Manpu said as he gathered a change of clothes. Looking at Dia Yan, he motioned to her. “You could go with Esteemed Ram first if you’d like.” He then strode over to the mirror, taking a good look at his new form. A cascade of black hair flowed down and he shook his head, watching as the locks swished freely. His tail followed suit, Manpu somewhat bemused as he watched it flick. Still, his hair was barely presentable and he turned to Dia Yan. “Do you have something to tie this up for the time being?”

“Don’t worry, leave it to me. Though you need to give me some time also, we can’t simply just tie it up without straightening it out first,” Dia Yan said as a sparkle could be seen in her eyes.

“D-Do as you please. Just remember we can’t keep them waiting for too long,” Manpu said as he sat down on the bed, letting her begin.

Once Dia Yan was finished arranging Yoshimasa’s hair, the two came out and followed Ram. They were lead to a backroom. A table was laid out with tea and cookies. Mei could be seen sitting down drinking tea. Even once the three entered, she continued to sit drinking her tea.

“I hope you two you had a good sleep. Please take a seat as I still wish to speak with you, Yoshimasa, considering your actions have changed my previous plans.”

“Thank you.” He sat down and began pouring tea for Ram and Dia Yan.

“You must be wondering why I want to talk to you, no?”

“Does it concern the exorcism that you mentioned before?”

“I see you still remember. Yes it does, but I suppose with a different proposition this time considering that you’re Horse’s warrior now.”

“You wish for my cooperation in this endeavour I take it?” Yoshimasa asked as he slowly sipped his own tea.

“Well not only that. I suppose it’s also my way of saying thanks for saving Horse considering others would have simply let her die out there. If you come with me I would train you in using your Zodiac power better as well.”

“This one accepts the gracious offer,” Yoshimasa answered with a bow. His ponytail lightly brushed the ground, making his face quirk in dissatisfaction.

“Well it’s surprising you accepted that rather easy,” Mei said with a surprised expression on her face.

“You and Esteemed Ram have been my benefactors thus far, there is no reason for me to refuse a request. In fact, this one should be happy to accept in order to repay the debt.”

“I see. Well then, I hope you’re ready. Dealing with ghosts isn’t easy. If you're not ready things could get rather nasty fast.”

“Um, will I require any special equipment? I don’t think my katana is up to the task.”

“Don’t worry. Ram simply needs to bless your sword with her chi and you will be fine. You will just need to avoid getting possessed by one.”

“And how do I prevent that?”

“Just dodge them and don’t think negative thoughts. It just attracts them to you if you do.”

“That should be alright. Ghosts can possess the Zodiacs, can they? On the off chance that’s possible…”

“I’m actually not certain. None of the former Priestesses ever let themselves be touched by a ghost before so there are no records.”

“Let us not find out then. Is there anything else that I will have to be wary of?”

“That should be all really. Though will your fiance be coming? I would recommend against it.”

Yoshimasa glanced over at Dia Yan who tilted her head at him in response. “I think you should stay behind,” he said after a moment of thought.

“What why? I thought we were finally traveling together,” Dia Yan said.

“I am not yet experienced nor strong enough to protect you, much as it pains me to say it. Mei has driven off a foe which I could not and if she deems this dangerous then it would be wise to heed her words,” Yoshimasa said with a sigh before turning to Mei. “How long will the exorcism take?”

“Well it will take a while to travel there. Around one month at least, and no, we won’t teleport there. That is the lazy way of doing things, Ram,” Mei said as she gave the Zodiac a quick glance, knowing what she was gonna say.

“Fine, I won’t teleport us there though I couldn’t anyway considering I’ve never been there before,” Ram said.

“A month…? I can’t leave her for a month,” Yoshimasa said to himself, somewhat unhappily. “Would it be possible to train her as well?”

“Well do you intend to turn her into your Follower once you can?”

“Of course. Dia Yan is my wife-to-be, is it her rightful place not at my side?” Yoshimasa said with a smile.

“Hmph. I’ll think about it. But I cannot make any promises considering ghosts are not something one can simply take it easy with.”

“Thank you for even considering this, this one is further in your debt.”

“Anyway moving along. I don’t want you telling anyone you are Horse Zodiac warrior.”

“Not even my family?” Yoshimasa asked, looking puzzled. He understood the need for secrecy from the general public but to the extent of not telling anyone?

“Well if you don’t think they will tell others it should be fine. Considering right now many people hate Horse even more than before.”

“There is one other that I wish to inform. The Emperor needs to know that I am officially the Horse Warrior.”

“That’s a surprise. Why would you want to tell him?”

“When the Divine Zodiacs were introduced, the Emperor showed great magnanimity towards Zodiac Horse despite the mood of the crowd present. It is only right that this one shows respect to His Imperial Majesty for protecting Zodiac Horse thus far.”

“I see. Well it should be fine but I really doubt the guards would let you in, and no, we won’t just pop into the palace with your teleport, Ram,” Mei said looking at the Zodiac yet again.

“Will a letter suffice? I can understand that obtaining an audience now is extremely unlikely and that we are also pressed for time.”

“Well that should be fine but you’ll probably have to put that the letter is from me otherwise it might never reach His Imperial Majesty. Would you be fine with that?”

“That is more than sufficient for this one. I shall prepare the letter immediately so that it doesn’t disrupt your plans.”

“Alright. You don’t have to rush it really. That I would let Ram teleport since it’s just a letter.”

“O-Ok,” Yoshimasa said, a little stunned that Mei would just teleport the letter onto the Emperor’s table so easily.

“What’s wrong, you seem surprised,” Mei said as she then took a sip from her tea.

“Just that the idea of simply teleporting a letter onto the table of the most powerful man in China is… a little startling. Will His Imperial Majesty not… be displeased?”

“Oh that, don’t worry. Ram has done it many times before. Which is why I don’t want her teleporting everything.”

“Alright. Will there be anything else you require of me before we depart?”

“Well how long do you plan to follow me? Will it be for a short time or a good while?”

“For as long as thou requires my blade,” Yoshimasa said with a bow. But what does Dia Yan think of this…?

“Oh, then I hope you don’t mind sticking around for a year with me.”

Yoshimasa wanted to heave a sigh for going with Mei and Ram would mean… angering his father. Oh dear. Ohhhh dear. That might not be in the best of his interests but… learning to master his Zodiac powers definitely was. His father would accept that… or so Yoshimasa hoped. Then there was the matter of the wedding with Dia Yan which was already overdue by a good many years. Both of them weren’t getting any younger…

He looked to Dia Yan for her opinion.

Dia Yan was surprised when she heard Mei mention Manpu would follow her for a year, but she then noticed Manpu looking. She looked away for a second before she faced him again. “Don’t worry, you should go for it. It’s not like opportunities like this fall to you all the time. We can delay our wedding for a while longer. It’s not like we haven’t been waiting already.”

“This one’s worth as a husband pales in front of his wife's. Are you really alright with this arrangement…?” Yoshimasa asked with concern. “Our families might take issue with it again considering the time you will be away.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll send them a letter explaining the situation. You're a Zodiac warrior now. I believe that responsibility comes first, don’t you think?”

“Indeed, the responsibility is now mine to bear. As wife-to-be of such a man, I fear the situation being forced on you is… painful.” A sour look marred Yoshimasa’s face, feeling utterly humbled by Dia Yan. “But the opportunity to regain favor has presented itself and I, I will take it.”

Dia Yan then walked up to Manpu as she then patted his head. “Don’t worry, as long as I can continue being with you, I can wait. It would be horrible of me if I kept a Zodiac warrior all to myself, don’t you think?”

The current scene was making Mei fidget. She had never seen a couple interact near her and she was not sure how to respond. Ram was simply chuckling at the current scene.

Yoshimasa noticed the discomfort they were causing Mei and calmly set Dia Yan’s hand aside, though he did squeeze it once tightly for assurance. “Well, there should be no more issues that will prevent us from travelling.”

“If you like we can arrange the marriage after the mission. This is a temple you know, so holding wedding ceremonies isn’t a problem for us,” Ram said as she was still chuckling.

Yoshimasa perked up, looking towards the Zodiac. “Really? I-I don’t know what to say…” He then looked back to Dia Yan. “Isn’t that wonderful!?”

“Yes it is,” Dia Yan said.

“You can even host your other future weddings here as well,” Ram said, snickering.

Yoshimasa’s horse ears twitched and flapped rapidly before splaying out. “F-Future weddings…”

“I’m only kidding. You aren’t one of those men, or are you?” Ram said as she walked up to Yoshimasa.

“Ram, that’s enough. I think our conversation has veered off,” Mei said angrily. “You can continue this conversation when alone for all I care but not right now.” She then looked at Yoshimasa “And you I’ll allow your fiance to come even though I feel I might regret it but you will be responsible for what happens to her. If anything were to happen to her, I don’t want you blaming me.”

“I will bear all responsibility for anything that may happen. If something befalls me, please bring Dia Yan home safely.”

“Don’t worry. If you become possessed, I’ll make sure to whack the ghost out of you really good. It shouldn’t hurt much,” Mei said, laughing. Yoshimasa shivered in response, his ears perking straight up.

“Don’t worry, she’s only jealous of Dia Yan that she has someone she can be all lovey dovey with,” Ram said as she seemed she couldn’t stop laughing.

“Shut up Ram! Whoever said I was!!” Mei said as she stood up. Her face was slight red.

”I’m sure you will find someone as well. You have been most gracious to this one and we met barely a day ago. Anyone willing to do so will surely be blessed with a loving partner, at least that is what I think,” Yoshimasa said with a nod of his head.

Mei’s face grew bright red upon hearing Yoshimasa’s words. “Whoever said I wanted someone! It’s not like I care or anything. I’m fine being by myself, hmph!”

“There there no need to get embarrassed, Mei. He’s only telling you the truth. For now, why don’t you two go make lunch? I am sorry but we will be getting busy in a bit. After you have turned back to normal Yoshimasa, come back here so we can get ready and then head to town with us. I am certain you want to buy some things while we are buying some supplies.”

Yoshimasa smiled knowingly at both Ram and Mei. “Very well. If the right provisions are available, would thou like to dine on cuisine from Yamato?”

“We might. I am not completely sure honestly as we are the ones that normally don’t have to cook. Currently our other priestesses are out attending any of the people who might need help,” Ram said.

“Then we are in accord. Dia Yan and I will man the kitchen for dinner. Is thou adverse to raw fish?” Yoshimasa asked as his ears flapped happily.

“We don’t mind fish but we have never had it raw.”

“Understood, I shall prepare a small portion to see if it matches thou’s tastebuds.” Clapping his hands together, he pumped himself up. “Alright Dia Yan, let us showcase our skills to our benefactors for the next year!”

Yoshimasa’s words were no lie and when he finally called Mei and Ram for lunch, they were surprised at what the pair had done with the simple ingredients available in the temple. He ushered them into the dining room, explaining as Dia Yan set the dishes on the table.

“This is what we call †˜kaiseki’, a meal usually prepared for guests or an important ceremony. Though most dishes are made from simple ingredients, a good chef can bring out the flavor and turn it into something else entirely,” Yoshimasa explained before going over the dishes.

“Today, we have sliced lotus root, tofu with soy sauce and fried egg rolls as the appetizer. For our main dish, I’ve prepared grilled fish. Fish provides a good contrast to the appetizers yet the taste is not strong enough to overpower it. On the side, pickled vegetables and cabbage soup.”

Four trays were on the table, one for each of them. Each of the appetizers had its own dish and the fish was nicely grilled, skin looking crisp yet not smoky. A bowl containing two slices of raw fish accompanied it, for Mei and Ram to see if they liked it. “That is sashimi, thin slices of raw fish. You may eat it on its own or dipped in soy sauce.”

Dia Yan came back with bowls of steaming rice as Yoshimasa finished his explanation, smiling as she distributed them. “Please try the fried egg rolls. They’re one of Manpu’s favorites and I made it just the way he likes it with a dash of rice wine and sugar,” she said, indicating the fluffy egg rolls that were fried to a nice golden color.

Yoshimasa smiled and sat down next to her.

“My my, such an exquisite looking meal. I’ve not seen one since I last visited the Realm of the Gods,” Ram said as she took a seat. “Wonder what I should try first.”

“Well it does look good, I’ll say that, but I will just have to see if the taste is as good as its appearance,” Mei said as she took a seat as well, surprised at the food that was prepared for them still.

Dia Yan and Yoshimasa shared a look and he spoke up. “I don’t think that our cooking is that good but if you’re happy with it then we are too.”

“Sorry it’s just that we normally have more simple looking dishes here. I’ve never had something this well prepared before,” Mei said.

“Well, I pretty much have to do the cooking alongside Dia Yan at home. No one else can cook very well…” Yoshimasa said sheepishly.

“Well thank you for the food,” Mei and Ram said as they then began to eat. They both started with the grilled fish. Both their faces lit up with a smile as they soon began to try the other dishes. Mei couldn’t believe food could taste this good considering her meals were on the more simple side with not much flavoring. Ram had not tasted food with such flavor for a long time. To her it was such a delight to taste food like this.

“I’ve never tasted food this delicious before… People can actually cook food like this?” Mei said as she then continued eating.

“Of course silly. It’s just that priestesses believe your meals should be simple, nothing luxurious,” Ram said.

“With the way my family is, this is pretty much the standard,” Yoshimasa said after a bite of his own egg roll.

“This is normal? I find that hard to believe. I would imagine this is for once in awhile, not everyday…” Mei said.

“Our families deal in agriculture and have rice plantations so most of the time, we grow our own food. Dia Yan pretty much pampers me with what I can’t grow.”

“If I couldn’t I wouldn’t be able to live with myself. Though it’s thanks to Mother I can cook the way I can,” Dia Yan said.

“I see. Well at least you had people to teach you how to cook,” Mei said.

“I can teach you if you’d like. There aren’t many who know the recipes of Yamato here and even with the ingredients of the temple, you should be fine.”

“Fufufu, that might prove too much of a challenge for you, boy. Our priestesses have tried teaching us before. None accomplished it,” Ram said.

“Don’t say such things! They just never really tried since they think the head priestess shouldn’t be doing any of the cooking. Hmph.”

“We have a year, plenty of time. Even if you say that you can’t be taught, I know of one other person who should never be allowed in the kitchen,” Yoshimasa said with a shudder.

“Well if you can I don’t mind. It would help us when we are out traveling and we can’t take one of the priestesses with us. Considering sometimes we are out of our temple for a few months.”

“Well, it won’t be easy. I’ll work the both of you hard so be prepared!” Yoshimasa laughed.

“My how daring to even think of working a Goddess hard,” Ram said.

“Food always tastes better when one puts effort into it!” Yoshimasa stated.

“We’ll see once we try,” Mei said. “Anyway I believe we can head into the city after this. Anything in mind you want to get? We are mostly getting some food for the trip that should last us till we get to the village that requested our aid.”

“Supplies… I will need to repair my armor and sword at the smith. Provisions for our trip maybe? Will we be passing other towns along the way?”

“Well the first village along our path is a week away. So we should have something till then. We’ll reach our destination three days later if nothing goes wrong.”

“A week away on foot?” Yoshimasa asked with a finger to his chin, having finished his meal.

“Yes. We don’t have horses so we travel by foot though we will be renting one but it will mostly be to carry our supplies.”

“Well, we have two horses right here, that should make the journey much faster,” Yoshimasa said.

“Really? Though that’s still only just two horses and it would be four of us traveling and I’ve never actually ridden a horse before… We just usually put our supplies on it but never rode it,” Mei said.

“I’ve lived a long a time but I am on the same page. I have never ridden a horse myself either since I’ve never had the need to,” Ram said.

“That is fine. We can handle two extra riders between Dia Yan and myself. I shall prepare less provisions so we can travel lighter and so that we don’t strain the horses too much.”

“Well how would we split considering one of us has to ride with you, Yoshimasa,” Mei said as she was not sure how it would work out. “Or rather who do you think would be better to ride with you?”

“Is your horse able to handle two riders and provisions after riding all the way here from the village?” Yoshimasa asked Dia Yan.

“It should but it probably can only take two if it’s Goddess Ram that rides with me…”

“I guess that’s that. Esteemed Zodiac will ride with you and the Priestess with me. We shall split the provisions accordingly,” Yoshimasa said with a clap of his hands.

“Shouldn’t we see if I can ride with Dia Yan instead? That might be better don’t you think?” Mei said. Her face had turned a slight red.

“I wouldn’t risk it considering it travelled all the way here unless you are uncomfortable with me? We could hire a third horse but I’d like to avoid that so that we can use the funds on provisions instead.”

“We are already getting a third horse. I did say it was to carry our stuff but I wouldn’t know how to ride it… We have always just walked along with it.”

“We can teach you to ride, it’ll be alright.”

“I guess. Here i was suppose to teach you about being a Zodiac not you teaching me stuff…” Mei said, pouting.

“Take it as an exchange of skills then. There is always something one can learn from another.”

“Well I suppose one can. Just I never expected it to turn out this way,” Mei said with a sigh.

“I didn’t expect anything that happened yesterday either but here we are, all of us dining together. It’s not too bad, isn’t it?”

“Well not really. I guess I just never thought things would turn out this way. Well let us just wait now for you to turn back to normal before we go out shopping. We don’t want anyone screaming in fear now, do we?”

“I could just wrap a cloth around my head but… waiting’s probably for the best.”

“At this point being completely covered is probably a terrible idea considering what happened earlier.”

“Just the head. Besides, who could mistake me for one of them if Dia Yan came with me?”

“Well if anyone takes off your cover those ears will cause more commotion. Don’t forget Horse is currently hated. I would imagine you would cause a stir if discovered.”

“I’ll wait, I’ll wait. There are other things I can do here like inspecting my equipment.”

“Well we’ll get some of our current equipment ready. We’ll come meet you here in two hours hopefully by then you're back to normal.”





While waiting to turn back to normal, Yoshimasa began writing letters for his father and mother and one for the Emperor. Dia Yan herself was out cooking snacks for them after getting permission for continued use of the kitchen. After two hours had passed, Yoshimasa had finally reverted back to his original appearance. Upon this the two continued to wait for Mei and Ram to return as they had stated they would after some time had passed. A couple minutes afterwards both Mei and Ram returned seeing that Yoshimasa had reverted back. They then quickly prepared to head out towards the city.

Once in the city they could see how empty the town felt as there was hardly anyone outside nor were there that many shops open. Even then, the few open shops were empty with most only one person attending them.

“To think it is this bad. Wonder if we should have waited till tomorrow instead to do the shopping,” Mei said as she looked around.

“We will have to make do if time is of the essence. Is there anything in particular that thou is looking for? If thou could me, this one could get it,” Yoshimasa said.

“Well we just need to buy some food supplies. I suppose since you can cook we can leave that to you. I can just go get some of the required items for the exorcism instead. Is that fine with you?”

“It is not a problem. Let me know what our budget on food is and I shall try to obtain the best ingredients for that price.”

“Here you go,” Mei said as she tossed a bag of coins towards Yoshimasa who promptly caught it. “There's twenty silver coins and one gold coin in there. I believe that should be more than enough for a week’s worth of food, don't you think? Unless you need more, we still got plenty of money left.”

“This will be more than sufficient for food supplies,” he replied with a heft of the bag, testing its weight. “It is a lot of money for food.”

“Really? Well if you see anything else we might need go ahead and buy it. We can meet here in about two hours.”

Yoshimasa nodded his understanding and headed off. Now that he was back to normal, there was nothing to fear from being exposed as the warrior of Horse. He bid Mei off with a wave and headed down into the empty town, heading into one of the few open stores. A weary man greeted him with a lazy wave, tidying up goods and shelves that had probably been scattered in the commotion.

“Hello, I’d like to procure a few supplies for my travels,” Yoshimasa began as he assisted the owner. “It’ll be a week long trip so I’d like to make sure I have enough.”

The owner nodded his head and gave his thanks, both men engaging in conversation as they busied themselves and their hands. When all was said and done, the supplies would be delivered to the Ram temple later tonight. Thanking the shop owner again, Yoshimasa left the store with the coin pouch only slightly lighter due to no small amount of haggling.

“Now, I still have about an hour…” Yoshimasa muttered, judging from the time of day. There weren’t many other places he wanted to visit, not to mention the shops that were closed but he did some wandering around anyway. It wasn’t very often he was in the capital after all. Looking at his personal coin pouch, he found that there were fifty silver coins remaining.

Looking around Yoshimasa and came upon a jewelry shop. In it, a variety of hairpins were being sold. The older woman running the shop greeted Yoshimasa and she then mentioned how much each hairpin cost by sections. The most expensive pins being fifteen silver coins.

Yoshimasa gulped but perused her wares, eventually buying some. His coin pouch was much lighter than before he had stepped into the store, and Yoshimasa thought that maybe he had spent a bit too much. He hurried out of the store, wanting to be punctual for the meeting. Picking the right one had taken up much more time than he had expected.

While hurrying along to the location, Yoshimasa noticed Mei up ahead. He could see she was carrying two bags that from the distance one could tell were full. Upon seeing Yoshimasa, Mei put the bags down and greeted him.

“How did things go for you? Enjoyed your personal time?”

“It would have been more enjoyable if there had been someone I could spend it with but we are all busy. The supplies have been procured and will be sent to the temple later today.”

“That’s good, I suppose we can head back now. I’ve finished with everything I needed,” Mei said as she lifted the two bags she had put down and began walking as she then spoke to Yoshimasa. “By the way what do you plan to do after you learn more about your Zodiac? I don’t expect you will just go back home or something will you?”

Yoshimasa took the bags from her and continued walking. “I will come to a decision when the time comes. This has been a great upheaval for me and I am unsure of what should or has to be done.”

“Why did you take them away?! I didn’t ask for help to carry them you know,” Mei said.

“My hands were free, should I have not done that?” Yoshimasa asked, just as puzzled.

“Well did I look like I had trouble carrying them? I’m not weak you know. I could easily handle it myself,” Mei said as she puoted.

“Here you go then,” Yoshimasa said with a chuckle, handing one of the bags to her. “That way, we split the load evenly.”

“Hmph, fine,” Mei said as she took the bag. “Anyway, any idea what you will do for people to trust Horse again or are you just gonna take your time with it?”

“There is no use rushing as trust is built over a period of time. I can scarcely hope to believe that the people will trust me and Horse just because we’ve done a few good deeds.”

“Well it’s good you think that way. I would have called you foolish if you thought otherwise. It’s sad that it only takes one act sometimes to shatter trust while it takes so many to gain it.”

“For that, we must tread carefully. I would’ve liked to go back and see my parents though. At the very least, I know they and the village will believe in me.”

“Well I’d rather not make detours right now considering I already delayed this trip because of the tournament. If you wish to go back to your village you can. I won’t stop you. It’s not like I’m forcing you to come.”

“They have been informed. Though it would have been nice to return for the harvest, training to be a proper warrior is more meaningful at this moment. Perhaps you’d like to come along once we’re done? The village is modest but we more than welcome guests, especially ones as esteemed as yourself.”.

Mei paused for a bit before she walked again as this had surprised her a bit. “I’ll think about it. Being the head priestess I live a busy life so I don’t get much time for myself.”

“I can imagine. You are welcome to visit anytime then, I will see to it that you are well taken care of. It is the least I can do for saving my life.”

“If time permits it and if one of my missions is along the way. I would visit afterwards. Lately there have been too many cases of places being haunted by ghosts and it doesn’t seem like it will let up anytime soon.”

“At least you’ll have two extra pairs of hands for the time being,” Yoshimasa quipped. Before either knew it, they were back at the temple.

“Well it does help having others there. Ghosts are sometimes just annoying to deal with alone.”

“Indeed. I shall return to the kitchen and prepare for the delivery. Will you need these packed as well?” he asked, referring to the bags.

“Well you can take them with you. They’re just food meant for the temple. I got them from one of the shopkeepers I usually buy supplies from.”

“Ehhhh. Was there really a need for me to go shopping too then?” Yoshimasa asked, making a face.

“Yes? This food isn’t for our travel. It’s meant for the rest of the priestesses. So we still had to shop for our food.”

“Alright… I’ll make sure these are prepared as well. While I’m at it, maybe I’ll try and cure some of the food for them,” Yoshimasa said, taking the other bag from Mei. “I’ll see you later at dinner, please excuse me.” With that, he bowed and headed off to the kitchen, calling out to Dia Yan in Japanese.

“Welcome back Manpu,” Dia Yan said as she smiled upon seeing him. “Did everything go well?”

“Yup, almost everything is done but I have something for you as well so please come to my room tonight after everything is settled,” Manpu said.

“Okay,” Dia Yan said as her face had grown bright red. Unknown to Manpu while he and Mei were in the city, Ram had been teasing Dia Yan at the temple and had put ideas in her head.

“Now there’s a lot for us to do so let’s continue,” Manpu said energetically in Japanese to fire Dia Yan and himself up.