RPG: As The World Falls: Final Fate

[otakuyume]

*And so it begins....! Lol. Approved applicants can start posting up to 4 times a day until it is discussed in the Sign Up thread and interested readers who want to join can go to the sign up thread as well (Sign Up: As The World Falls Final Fate) located in Anime Forum's RPG section. Now let's get posting!! Huzzah!*

The Temple of Fuanme, the God of the Unresting Eye, was deathly quiet and undisturbed by the touch of man for what seemed to be an endless fate. However, two people had fought here, nearly tearing the place asunder only five months ago...And now not a reiminant of their battle remained since nature had went her way to reform it into her design.

Near an alter where a pedestal stood a girl with shimmering long silvery white hair lay, constrained and overgrown by plantlife. Her beautiful face was serene, as if sleeping and dreaming some calming dream. Her katana, a divine creation of the gods, the sister goddess Hitomirei, the "Spirit Eye", to Fuanme lay shattered and rusted among the plants as well. Another broken creation was upon the pedestal, the "Sleepless Tear" or "Namida no Fuan", a crystalic blue orb, that was shattered into countless pieces.

Slowly, but surely a shadow wafted over the body of the girl, sending a blanket of a figure across her. A lone glowing blue eye stared upon the girl and lips consealed by a black half-mask began to move.


"Oyume...The Great Dream...Our Last Hope...Awaken...Awaken and persue your Fate once more!" A beautiful male voice commanded.
************************************************** ************************************************** ***************************

A darkness consumed. A vagueness that could not be sorted. A voice...A voice is calling.

Awaken once more. Awaken.
************************************************** ************************************************** ***************************

Eyelashes snapped open, fluttering once like a butterfly's wings. Blood-red irises gazed upon the surroundings as a ominous glow wafted from them. Oyume, an ancient being and last of her race which had been secretly living in Japan, the Alitered, had awoken.

She gazed around, unable to move from her constrains of flora, trying to comprehend what exactly had happened. She lie in silence. Remembering everything and sorting out the faded memories as well.

How long...Have I been here? Oyume thought, trying to regain her senses. I know I'm at the temple of Fuanme...This is where Aide and I fought...But I cannot sense her at all. After our swords shattered that Godly Creation...There was that light...And then the rest is blank.

Oyume tried to break free of the plants, but her body was still trying to fully awaken as well. With a flash of her brillant red aura, they were torn asunder and Oyume was able to move on her own accord. She stood up, wobbling like a newborn colt.

She gazed over to the pesdestral to see the shattered Godly Creations. Her sword, Aide's sword and the Namida no Tama, or "Sleepless Tear". It saddened her to see her sword so unmercilessly destroyed. Suddenly a pain seered her heart and she clutched her chest panting.

"What...Is this pain...?" Oyume whispered.

Suddenly the idea of injury alerted her of something. Taro, her friend and loyal confidant from their travels had been injuried badly during a previous fight in the forest before she went to confront Aide. Her Gaurdian Tsukasa had been taking care of him...But without her to support him he could not maintain his heavenly form for long.

"Onii-chan...Tsukasa....!" Oyume cried in realization.

With that she began to chant a spell in Altierian as she drew rune-like kanji symbols in the air with her right hand. With that a red orb of aura engulfed her and she disappeered in a burst of tiny red droplets. When she reappeared she was standing in the spot she recognized as where Taro had fallen.

It was dark out, a few stars shining.

"Onii-chaaaan...?! Tsukasaaaaa...?!" Oyume called, her voice echoing through the trees. "Anyone...?" He added softly, her voice pained and hushed.

Suddenly Oyume sensed something and in a furious dash through the tall grasses she followed it. But came to no avail.

She suddenly got a bad feeling, realizing that the grass was no longer green, but mostly dead...As if it hadn't seen the sun in a very long time.

Oyume gazed up to see the moon with the sun hiding behind it...As if preventing day altogether.

W"What is this sorcery...?" Oyume whispered. "What has happened...To this world while I've slept...?"

[Faceless111]

Inside the bar of a small town were two notable figures at the counter. One, a lady with a long katana strapped on her back and a bored expression on her face. On any other occasion, she wouldn't be any different from any other customer, but this was different. It was that she had a bored expression while sitting next to the other figure. Notorious murderer and master swordsman, Taro Oshii, "Demon of Yagamata".

The entire town gathered at the bar's entryway, trying to catch a glimpse of Taro, even though he was drunk and just slouching over his sake. As a matter of fact, he was sleeping, slipped into a drunkard's paradise.

"Onii-chan..."

Suddenly, his brow twitched. The crowd gasped as the Demon of Yagamata stirred. In his dreams, he could've sworn he heard a voice of a very dear old friend.

"Onii-chaaaan...?!"

This time he snapped his eyes open and sat upright, the crowd reacting with utter surprise and perhaps fear. The female sitting next to him finally showed some emotion, excitement that he woke up.

"Chiyoko," Taro spoke as if he couldn't feel the eyes burning holes into his back. In truth, he didn't care. "We have to go. Pay the barkeep," he commanded bluntly. When he stood up, the crowd scattered like bugs. And he exited.

Chiyoko stared at the barkeep with a blank expression, almost as if she was helpless. "I have some money..." she stated weakly, pulling out a few coins.

"That's not enough to pay for how much that man drank," barkeep said sternly, clearly not afraid of this female.

"How about--" Chiyoko stood up, "--I pay you back later?" And dashed out before the barkeep had time to get up and chase her.

-------------------------

"I hate it when you do that!" Chiyoko shouted louder than she intended to. She followed her teacher as they walked along a road leading through a dense forest.

"If you want to learn from me, you must do exactly as I say. Think of it as training," he spoke with a cold calm about him.

"I don't see how paying for you to get drunk will help me become a better fighter," she spouted back, angry.

"Silence, we must hurry." He walked on and didn't listen to Chiyoko's rant or sigh as she realized he was ignoring her.

[otakuyume]

Oyume wandered acround the dark forest, using a shining floating ball of red aura to light her way. Suddenly she heard a snap of a twig and whirled around, her Altierian dress of white, red and gold swirling as she moved. The sound of many quick feet moving through the grasses arose and Oyume prepared herself.

Without warning a demonic-looking beast resembling a rotten dog with a Jufu talisman upon it's face lundged. With a fierce cry Oyume summoned her powers and with a quick spell incinerated the ghastly thing. Then more came they rushed her, Oyume fought bravely, but her powers were waning as tears of blood rushed down her cheeks, a sign of her weakening from using too much aura.

With a finally furious spell that lit up the area with a fiery red light, the bodies of the creatures became ashes and the sky returned to it's blackness. Oyume slumped to her knees, panting hard. She wiped the blood away shakeningly and stood up.

Without Taro and Tsukasa beside her, she had to be strong. No matter the cost. Her glowing red eyes were eerie in the night as she continued on, hoping to find some kind of clue to what had happened.

[Opinionated]

OOC: Orange is the color of the Stormfire spirit, and Steef is the spirit's nickname.

Sitting next to the base of a tree, Leeaniko was trying to relax, except for the spirit of the Stormfire dragon he could see floating a few feet away. For some reason, Steef(the Stormfire spirit) decided to be even more talkative.

"Remind me again how long we've be traveling?"The disembodied spirit asked his companion.

"Six and a half years." Leeaniko said as he rubbed his two-colored eyes. His other hands were wrapped around the sheathes of his swords, something he learned to do about eighty years ago. He'd taken them off to rest, and an urchin had decided to try and steal them.

"So, we spent that time coming here? We could have-"

"Gone to the far east, beyond the ocean, where men live under trees and never see the sun. Farther east, to the city doomed to sink. Or south, to the land where the sun shines for only half a year and populated by creatures ancient before you were hatched."

"Told you that many times, huh?"

"That many and more, old- What in Erebus?" Leeaniko said as he flipped his swords into his hand with his foot, on guard against the two red orbs(Oyume) that just appeared from behind a thick bush. Drawing Neekoa, he yelled, "Who's there?"

[Mitarisorceress12]

Underneath a water fall lied a young woman with red hair and her woredrobe consisted of a white yukata. Her Sukikano rested upon the base of a oak tree just a little ways away from her. She was standing on top of a large, gray rock.Water was pouring on her head and spilling down her body but she didn't care she was getting wet. Hinata was meditating, her hands out infront of her in a prayer like state. " I must focus my powers. I must become strong enough to avenge Father." she said, her eyes remaining closed and her breath steady.

[otakuyume]

With a sharp battlecry Oyume unleashed a powerful spell. But when she realized it was not an enemy she rapidly recited another to reroute the first. The blaze of aura narrowly missed him, incinerating a chunk out of a tree.

"You could've been killed...! Who...Are you...?" Oyume demanded, on her gaurd ans somewhat shaken up from the surprise of one intitated battle and one mishap. "And why are you here?"

Oyume was still afraid of "Outsiders". People not of her race since her people were destroyed by their kindness of letting them into their sacred city Reiusvar. They betrayed the Altiered and slaughtered them.

Oyume was the only to escape with her life. It had been fortold in her birth Song, her destiny.

Suddenly Oyume coughed up some blood. She clutched her throat as tears of blood flowed alongside real ones of pain. She had used too much power and it was ravaging her small body.

[Fionn Mac]

A strong wind blew through the small village, crops seemed to dance in the wind, though there was little to celebrate in these dark times.
A storm was moving in, some children playing in the now barren fields, quickly ran to their homes, seeking shelter.

Sweat condensed on the inside of the doctor's steel plated mask, as he finished sewing up his patient...allowing them to rest.
"Father...how did you ever put up with wearing this helm?...let alone fight with it" Sighed Mosuke, as he took off his helm, letting the cool breeze blow across his scarred face.

"Father...if only I was older...stronger that day" Said Mosuke somberly, stepping into the open street, letting the light rain refresh his body.
"I would not need to wear your Samurai helm...hiding my face...my burden"

"Mosuke!...Mosuke!" shouted a group of young children, as they ran up to Mosuke pulling at his tunic.
"Yes young ones?" inquired Mosuke as he quickly placed his helm back on, covering his face.
"You promised to teach us more...you still are aren't you??" Whined the group of children, their lips quivering.

"Yes, Yes...I haven't forgotten, let us head back inside...today I will teach you the proper way of making a healing herbal tea" laughed Mosuke, smiling behind his mask.
As most of the country side was destroyed from war, Mosuke was the only sort of...teacher the young ones had.
They along with the village, deeply depended on their mysterious masked doctor.
Mosuke depended on them as well...as they kept him from dwelling on the past...though it seemed past evils were close to reaching the only place he had felt peaceful in.

[Mitarisorceress12]

Hinata , still under the waterfall started to humm a chant. Soon her whole body starting with her hands began to glow a soft pink. She was gathering her spiritual enegry into the life points in her body, or Ka if you say. Suddenly a small , hideous demon popped from a nearby bush by the waterfall. It ran towards her, claws beared. Hinata remained calm and jump from her spot on the rock, flying into the air she did a front-flip and landed behind the monster at a distance."Dammit this ruined my training." she said as the demon turned around and ran at her, but she was too fast for him. In the blink of an eye her Boomerang bone had sliced though the entire being of the hideous demon. The wolf girl's fluffly ears twitched "Now why I wonder would a demon like this suddenly attack me." she said re-tieing her yukata as her boomerang twirled back around and flew into her hand.

[Opinionated]

Leeaniko let out a stream of curses in a foreign tounge as he watched the spell hit the tree. He sheathed Neekoa and said, "No one you need to kill. My name is Leeaniko, and I'm..." He trailed off, not wanting to let everyone know he wasn't a true Japanese individual. "A traveler." He finished.

Then, he heard her coughing, and unmistakable sound of fluid hitting grass. He dropped Neekoa and ran to Oyume. "Are you alright?" He inquired as he knelt besider her. "Look, relax, I'm not being paid to kill right now." He said, the closest thing to a comforting word he could quickly think of.

"She's... odd. I don't think I ever flew over her kind before." The spirit above him said. The dragon's tone took on a lighter tone, "She looks just a tad bit yo-"

Leeankio shot a cold and hard glare upwards. "Shut up." He said in a quiet tone just as cold and harsh as the glare.

[otakuyume]

Oyume blinked, her glowing eyes cutting out a source of light for a moment. In appearance she looked very young, like a little girl no taller than about 5' 4''. Her white coloured hair wafted in the breeze with smelt of death.

"Stay back...And please don't touch me..." Oyume said weakly, shuddering slightly. "I just need...To rest...I used too much energy..."

With a sort spell she summoned a small red aura orb filled with water. She gently took ahold of it in her hands and drank, washing away the blood in her throat and used some to clean her face. She sensed this person wasn't entirely bad.

"You...Are you thirsty?" She asked in a hushed tone offering the last of the water to him. "...And can you tell me...Why is it daytime and the world in darkness...How long has it been this way?"

[Tetsanosuke]

The darkness around the forested area brought about a sort of dipping and dropping feeling in Tetsuo's black soul, he stood against a large tree his nose and mouth wrapped up behind is MizuSuka-fu. The blue fiery aura of his scarf brought out the sad and rough look in his purple eyes. He let out a long sigh as he looked into the moon, basking in it's rays.

"Shadow world, shadow soul, become my one and make me whole..." He whispered to himself. His search wasn't getting him anywhere fast, and he was losing his trail of thought.

From the distance he saw a bright red light and felt the disturbance. He stared at it with curiosity until it disapeared like his original life as Sword Saint Orikichi. "I think I should check it out... or should I? A shadow is as a shadow does, appear when there is light and leave when it is snuffed out." This philosophy can be related to the idea of hope and failure.

Once the light of hope appears it can also be lost. As a shadow, if he fails he only looses his footing and comes back when hope is returned.

"What have we here?" He told himself looking upon two people standing in the area of the disturbance. "I think I shall watch..." He melded into the darkness of the forest and looked on.

[Crimson Eyes]

Sotto Kyohaku was travelling through a dark and dense forest. He had seen a red flash shine over this place. Apparently nothing could stop his curiousity to find out what this was. He entered the forest, fighting through branches and vines. This forest was dense, but it was no trouble for Sotto's demon eyes. As he traveled through the thick branches of nature, he heard talking. No, he heard conversation. Between a girl and a man. This sudden discover sparked Sotto's curiousity even more. He continued to fight the forest until he broke through the trees and came into an opening where he saw Oyume and Leeaniko. He looked at Oyume. She seemed so...familiar. He could've sworn he had seen her before, but he just couldn't figure out who she was. "I'm sorry...I didn't mean to just jump in like this. But my curiousity was just drawing me here..."

[Faceless111]

Taro and his apprentice walked on the road, everything indicating a pleasant hike through the woods. However, Taro knew better. His sword, Takuma's Blade, pulsed and the thirst for blood was felt, but didn't affect his judgement, by Taro. Soldiers were up ahead, but Taro decided to let this be a test for Chiyoko. She was young, but capable.

Just as Taro felt, soldiers for Ieyasu no doubt. "Halt!" they would call out. Taro and Chiyoko would obey and cease their advancement. Chiyoko, with her hate for the current government, would only be able to hold back for so long before attacking. She was young and capable, but that didn't mean she in control of her emotions. She would be overcome by the soldiers. She might even die.

"Halt!" the soldiers shouted from their distance. It was a group of five, patrol maybe. Taro stopped and indicated for Chiyoko to stop as well. She broke a sweat drop and gritted her teeth, but stopped nonetheless. "Taro Oshii! You are under arrest!" Taro didn't react, but Chiyoko went to draw her sword.

Taro then sensed another life form, near-by and very powerful. One he hadn't felt since before he was separated from Oyume. One of an old friend and current enemy. A presence that even made him fear.

Chiyoko was too slow, before the could even draw her weapon, the five soldiers were slashed by the newcomer. Yojimbo. He shook off the blood from his sword and placed it in its sheath. "Taro," Yojimbo greeted.

"Yojimbo," Taro said back. "What's the Brotherhood up to? I haven't heard from your organization even as Ieyasu took power over this country. Not that I care for any of it."

"Brotherhood?! They're real?!" Chiyoko exclaimed.

Many people heard rumors of a secret underground organization known as the Brotherhood, but most of them passed it off as a myth. Both men ignored Chiyoko.

"Nothing but to deliver a message. Since to was addressed to you, I thought I might as well be the one to bring it to you, since you are an old friend."

"What is it?"

"The Altrei is awake."

"I know. Is that it?"

"No," Yojimbo smirked. "The Samurai Lords are also looking for her and you."

This bit of news shocked Taro. The Samurai Lords were a group of four elite nameless samurai that were the greatest power and legend told among swordsman; Samurai King, Highest Samurai, Samurai Master, and Legendery Samurai. Each one owned a Godly Creation for a weapon. "But what do they want with me?"

Yojimbo shrugged. "I do not know that, but if it's your head, then you're powerless to defend yourself against them." With that, Yojimbo exited the scene, leaving Taro to baffle at the Samurai Lords.

"I don't get what's going on," Chiyoko butted in.

Taro ignored her and continued down the road.

[otakuyume]

Oyume gazed at the new person who had suddenly lept out of the flora. On guard, the water she was trying to give to the other man burst and the water splattered onto the dying grass from her sudden change in focus.

Oyume forced herself to stand, her long white hair whipping around her.

"You...I've sensed your aura before..." Oyume said softly, her glowing red eyes narrowing as she tried to remember. "Why are you...So familar...?"

Oyume gazed around her surroundings and began to wonder. What had happened to Aide and Ieyasu? Especially Aide since the battle...?

When Oyume had been knocked unconcious by the light of the Sleepless Tear it would have been a perfect opportunity for Aide to kill her. More importantly...What had become of Taro and Tsukasa?

[Opinionated]

"It's been a while, I guess. I've never seen this place outside of the gloom, really." Leeaniko said quietly in response. He was thinking to himself, "What the hell happened here?"

"Sounds like a war." The spirit said as he circled lazily. "Some good, long lasting enchantment could warrant a long eclipse."

"My thoughts too. But there aren't may mages good enough." Leeaniko answered the ghost above him, trying to talk quietly so this new girl wouldn't think he was some sort of madman.

Then Sotto entered the clearing. Lee leapt backwards, stretching his arm out enough to get a faint grip on Neekoa. The sheath clattered on the grass as he pulled the blade out and leveled the tip at Sotto. "Well, then we can all be courteous and introduce ourselves, finally." He looked around the group, and said. "Name's Leeaniko, and I'm a mercenary."

[otakuyume]

"Lower your sword...I remember him now...He was at Ieyasu-san's castle..." Oyume told the man, Leeniko. "You're the kitsune...We met briefly but I had been trying to escape so I could continue looking for the one...Who...Destoyed everthing dear to me." She added, her tone becoming hushed.

Suddenly her red irises shifted, focusing onto something around Leeniko. Her senses could not be descived, but she had tried to ignore the extra presence.

"You have a Voice...?" Oyume inquired. "In which in your meaning of words is an extra...Spirit following you..." She added. "A Gaurdian or Tormentor...I...Don't know where mine has gone..." She then said sorrowfully. "I have...To find him and Onii-chan....I have to..."

Oyume turned, her hair swirling around her as she moved.

"I must go...I don't know what has happened to this land...But I know that Ieyasu and Aide must still be out there..." Oyume told them. "If I survived then surely Aide must have...And she must die for her crimes against my people." She added, her normally soft voice harsh and cold.

With that Oyume walked off, her glowing ball of aura following her obiendantly. Her glowing red eyes would be troublesome in a land of darkness...They would surely alert any enemies.

She whispered a spell and her threads of her dress magically rearranged into a kimono, her boots into tabi and sandels. To hide her shining white-silver hair she summoned a large black rounded hujim hat that consealed her flowing locks when pulled up.

Finally she waved her hand in front of her face and her eye colour changed, becoming a dim grey-reddish colour...Almost a clay-red brown that held no glow of their own. Her skin was still increadably pale, but she felt no need to play with it.

With that she continued onward desciding to pose as a mere traveller seeking a doctor for medicine in the next town over...At least until she was reunited with Taro and Tsukasa.

(See pic below as Oyume disguised form.)
http://www.animeforum.com/uploads/hujim_top.jpg

[Tetsanosuke]

Edit-

Tetsuo appeared from the darlness and stood on the branch of a whithered tree, his arms folded at his chest. His crimson guantlet and his blue fiery scarf seemed to obviously give him away to those that may look, but Tetsuo wasn't afraid to die, only restoration plagued his mind, and tormented him throughout his shadowy life.

"Well well, I see there is another to this pack of individuals. Perhaps I'd better join the party? Or maybe I should sit and wait for them to find me...?" He said glaring at the three with his glowing purple eyes. He noticed the peculiar female walk away after saying a few words.


"She's gone...? I think I'll walk in, uninvited like the shadow I am, but why would a shadow need an invitation?" He seemed to puzzle such things when talking or thinking to himself. As if the scraps of that demon's soul remained and temped his witt.


Tetsuo jumped into the night sky and wrapped himself in the MizuSuka-fu. He disapeared into a small flash of light and reappeared near Leeaniko, his Bikonjuko in his left hand.


"Hello, ditizens of the night... My name is Tetsuo." He was now leaning on Leeaniko's shoulder, his purple eyes scanned about everyone as he leaned.

"Sorry, my good sir, is this shoulder taken? And... where is that mysterious girl going?" he asked Leeaniko as he grinned behind his scarf.

[Mitarisorceress12]

Hinata was walking down and old country road that followed out of her village. She wore her green and red kimono. She had a yellow straw hat that covered the large wolf ears on her head, up ahead her bright green eyes blinked as she caught a glimpse of two young men. One was leaning on the other's shoulder, she cocked her head to the side. 'I wonder if those men know where the nearest blackmsith in the area is. I need to get my Sukikano repaired.' she thought.


Hinata walked up to the two young men slowly, after approaching them she bowed out of respect for people who were older than her. Her father told her before he passed how to greet people. "Ano, do you either of you know of the closest blacksmith in the area is. I need to get my weapon repaired." she said in a courteous tone, pointing to the large boomerang on her back.

[Mitarisorceress12]

sorry pushed the reply button two times

[Faceless111]

"By the way, who is 'Oyume'?" Chiyoko confronted Taro with the utmost relentlessness on this topic. It must've been the third time she brought the subject up in the past hour.

Like the other times she tried to pump information out of him, Taro remained silent.

"Aw, c'mon. I saved your life, remember?" she egged.

"I remember, but I'm letting you follow me. That should be enough," Taro grunted and put on a stern face.

"You're no fun," Chiyoko pouted and crossed her arms like a child.

"You don't become notorious by being fun." Taro didn't talk for the remainder of the hike. The pair walked in silence. But the voice in Taro's head wouldn't stop.

Onii-chan...

Onii-chaaaan...?!

A lump formed in his throat, I'll find you Oyume. I'll protect you.

It's been five months. Five months was too long. And for that period, Taro felt like a piece of his soul was missing. Just like he felt when his consciousness alerted him that he murdered his own wife and unborn child. But if only he could find Oyume, maybe he can regain his lost soul. Maybe, he hoped.

[Opinionated]

"I suppose it is now, stranger. But I'm going to have to ask for it back." Leeaniko said as he politely turned away. He walked back to his large Claymore, and slipped the strap over his shoulder. He kicked Neekoa's sheath into his hand, and sheathed the other fang. "And, I wish I knew."

"So, you'll let her walk away, and leave her to maybe die?" The spirit said to him. "That'd be the most heartless you've been for about 59 years now." The ghost dragon swirled around him restlessly. "Even though you kill for a living, I know you've got a heart."

He looked at Hinata and said, "I've got some skill, and if you come with me I could look at it in the next town."

He looked at Oyume, and ran after her. As he sided next to her, he said, "I don't think you're in a shape to traveling alone yet." He leveled out his pace, and heard the spirit next to him. "That's the spirit.".

He turned to the spirit, and then back to Oyume. "I do have a spirit following, but it involves a bit of a story, and I don't want to bore you without a reason."

[Tetsanosuke]

Tetsuo laughed to himself as the warrior went on his way. it seemed he offered to help the wandering girl, and this brought back some sweet times he could barely remember.

"Parting is such sweet sorrow isn't it?" He said to himself "Or is it only sweet because the shadow never parts when there is a light, and from these people I see a new light. Maybe I should be their shadow from now on?" He shook his head.

"No, I must find myself and be whole again, but what if I cannot be whole again?" His mind was wrapping around itself with questions, and it seemed like time was running out.

"Bah! If I can't be whole... I'll find a master ahead of time..." His carf unraveled and surrounded him as he jumped into the air. It snapped as he disapeared and reapeared behind the mysterious girl. He melded into her shadow, keeping close on her trail.

[otakuyume]

"I wouldn't ask you to tell," Oyume told Leeniko, her voice without any hint of emotion or interest. "I don't need...Your protection...My Onii-chan protects me." She added. "Pleaase do not let this form fool you...I am quiet capable of surviving on my own...I don't prefer to fight as it is...But if I have to I will...Because my death...Would mean the endof it all..." She added mysteriously.

Suddenly Oyume's consealed eyes flickered. She turned and stamped down hard onto her shadow. With a crunch of her sandels it was not a kind blow.

"It's not wise...To tailgate someone of my kind," Oyume warned the intruder in her shadow. "Dettach at once or else I'll be forced to remove you." She added. "In fact...I rather do so myself."

With that she stepped off her shadow and without giving the stowaway a chance she waved her hand, a telekenetic force pulling the person out from her shadow. Oyume suddenly stopped, freezing as if.

She sensed something resonating within her. It was familar, so familar. Oyume clutched her chest, a seering pain within her heart.

"O...Onii-chan...?" Oyume gasped through the pain.

With a burst of inhuman speed Oyume turned and ran. Her kimono was slowing her down and she didn't prefer sandels...But she wasn't going to let it stop her.

She followed the aura as best she could through the mass of trees and bushes. She was struggling to keep up her pace. When she pushed past some bushes she skidded out onto a path, a trail of dust wafting around her.

Before her, just a few feet away was Taro and some girl that Oyume had never seen before. Oyume panted, taking in much needed air. Tears formed in the corners of her eyes.

"O...Onii-chan...!"

[Kaikou]

Daske hadn't much thought of where he was going. To him, that was as normal as could be. But some how he had a strange feeling about the path a head. He was a man of few words; didn't talk unless spoken to. But he found he mumbled to himself every once and awhile to ease his lonliness.

"The path has been altered."

His voice was deep, that of a man of great power and sounded almost commanding. But at the same time it was gentle and flowed.

He stepped aimlessly through the forest until he heard voices. His curiousity arose and he just bluntly walked out. He ended up beside a young girl, her hair tied up and silver, she was wearing a red Kimono, she looked surprised.

As he looked at her he wondered if she were his enemy or ally. But said nothing.

[Faceless111]

Taro didn't react as the so familiar presence neared him, but he felt a part of his soul ache. It had been too long for Taro. And she looked different in a sort. However, he failed to show emotion, although he felt overwhelmingly happy.

"Eh?" Chiyoko butted in. "Who's this?"

Taro took a step towards Oyume, "It's you." His voice didn't waver or shake. "I can't believe it. Oyume, it's really you."

"Oyume?"

"I've been waiting for you."

"Hey, I feel left out. I'm Chiyoko Hayashi, Taro-san's apprentice." Chiyoko beamed a smile, wanting to seem friendly. She didn't like being left out of the loop, but Taro always seemed to leave her in the dust. Damn it all if she'd let him do it this time.

"Things have changed," Taro continued. "And you've been absent. I can't even begin to explain. Ieyasu, Aide, I'm sorry. I failed. I couldn't keep my promise..." Taro looked away in shame.

[otakuyume]

**Awws! Time for my super-sappy Reunion special!!! Prrepare tissues people! (At least I hope so for that effect! >.<;;)**

"Onii-chan...! Onii-chan...!" Oyume cried, dashing.

She lept upon him, hugging him tightly around the middle as a stream of sparkling tears flowed. She buried her face into Taro's kimono, her small body trembling.

"Onii-chan...Onii-chan...!" Oyume sobbed. "It's...It's...IT'S NOT YOUR FAULT!"

Oyume gazed up at him, tears spilling down her pale cheeks.

"Aide...Is my burden...I had to go...It was my choice!" Oyume told him sternly. "You could have lost your life when we fought those Demon-men...You could have died taking that blow meant for me! I would have died as well at that moment if your life slipped away!" She told him. "Why can't you understand that? Why?!" She continued shaking him. "You can never fail me Onii-chan...Because...I LOVE YOU! You are my Big Brother...The only person...Who makes me feel like this new world...Is my home."

Oyume smiled a soft heartbreaking smile. She had waited so long to see her big brother-figure and friend. Oyume changed back to her regular self, her long white hair flowing and red eyes glowing.

Her kimono transformed into a dress and sandels to boots. She hugged Taro once more, her thin arms holding as tightly as they could.

Wishing that they could never let go.

[Kaikou]

Daske thought stupidly of himself. He rasied an eyebrow then sighed. He thought his place might be hee, but he figured he was wrong. His search for that something was never ending. Even after 'Death'. He did have one goal. He would find the person who claimed to have killed him and destroy their existance. That is the way of the Samurai. To opose is to be oposed.

"Renewal..." He said, almost loud enough for the others to hear. Then he turned around, his clack armor glistened. He stepped through the bushes, only his top half visable. And began to walk slowly, like he always did. it's not like he needed to rush.

[Fionn Mac]

Mosuke awoke to the sun seeping through the cracks of his small house/clinic.
He had a long night, teaching the relentless children, as they asked for more and more knowledge.
This was good however, as Mosuke did not plan on staying in the small village for ever, he would avenge his family somehow. It was encouraging to see young ones wanting to become educated...maybe becoming new doctors for the village.

Something was off though, the air smelled of blood...it was a common smell these days, but somehow something seemed wrong.
Mosuke stepped out of his clinic, and noticed a commotion around the town well.

"Listen old man, we need this village's crops...the will of Lord Ieyasu is reason enough!" said Muscular Soldier, as he bullied the eldest memember of the village.
"Please sir, the war has burned what crops we had...we only have enough to keep ourselves fed" said the Old man, bowing in respect...though the Soldiers deserved none.

"Lies!...Lord Ieyasu's army is more important than you and your lowly rats" Said the Soldier, kicking the old man's walking stick, making him fall helplessly to the ground.
"Get out of here you Ieyasu dogs!" Cried a small boy, as he pounded his fists on the Soldiers leg...to little effect.

"Foolish boy...you dare challenge the will of Lord Ieyasu?" Growled the Solider, as he took a small blade and Plunged it into the chest of the defenseless Child.
The cries and gasps from the villagers could be heard through out the land. A shrill haunting cry, as an innocent child was struck down.

"You See?...Those who go against Ieyasu's will...*ugh*" The cocky Soldier's words stopped, as blood poured from his mouth...a blade plunged deep into his gut.

Mosuke said nothing as he pulled his Naginata from the Soldiers stomach.
The few other soldiers that accompanied the fallen one, stared blankly...confused as to how the mysterious masked doctor had moved so fast.
Tears could be seen running out of Mosuke's mask, as he stood silent, blood dripping from his Naginata.
"Lord Ieyasu will hear of this!" shouted The other men, quickly fleeing on horseback.

[Opinionated]

Leeaniko followed Oyume, walking, following the more than noticable path she left in the foilage. It was difficult, and more than once he had go around some larger obstactles, but he did. He stepped out out the foilage in the middle of the sappy reunion.

"Nice," The ghost said as he swirled around the trio. "I don't think I've seen something this touching since I mated."

Feeling awkward, he stepped back a little, to let Taro and Oyume have their moment. He had never been one for emotional moments, and even in more than a century and a half, he'd never become one.

[Crimson Eyes]

Sotto watched as Oyume and Taro hugged. He was confused. He could've sworn that he had seen these people before. He started to scratch his head. He hated not remembering things, especially people. If they were friends that would just make him sad. "Um, excuse me. Do I know you guys? My name is Sotto Kyohaku. If you can remember me that would be great, but sadly I remember none of you. But I could swear that I have seen you guys before."

[Tetsanosuke]

(Edit-for the 'word')

Tetsuo laughed as he slithered out of Oyume's shadow. "I like that... someone with a twisted tragic past... or perhaps just an exciting one?" He jumped up into a nearby tree and looked on as Taro and Oyume had there moment.

"Love? I see? Maybe? or not... a brother to one, a sister to another, and a sidekick to boot. This truely is becoming a shinning day in this dark era." He laughed as though he was cray, he somewhat faced the sky as he let it out. "Nothing as sweet and a reunion." He said out loud

"A shadow without it's place is but a seamless creature... oh I am a useless shadow then?" He said jumping down from the tree. He folded his arms and observed the situation with his piercing Purple eyes.

"We are all here, yet it's no coincedence I say, our shadows followed the light and even to our dismay we meet at last." He looked on as he said this to the group. "Destiny? or did we cut the thread of fate...?"

[Faceless111]

Taro showed a surprising amount of no emotion when Oyume could do nothing but cry and embrace. The feeling almost made him jealous, but he was happy nevertheless. Chiyoko just stood in the background watching and smiling, "How corny." Taro ignored her, as usual.

The moment felt spoiled as newcomers appeared, although one was familiar. He imposed the question have we met before? Taro remembered him vaguely, as he hardly remembered what or who happened during the days when he was fully consumed by Takuma's Blade. Although Sotto might recognize him as the man who turned into a demon. Taro didn't wish to speak of that.

Then the other one, the one with dark skin and a chiding appearance about him, spoke. This stirred Taro's face, making him appear more hostile than he intended. "I'm no side-kick!" cried Chiyoko angered. She drew her sword by instinct, "Come down here and fight me!"

Taro sighed. He was just happy to see Oyume.

[Faceless111]

Ack! Computer screwed up. It happens to the best of us. Damnable technology. Play on!

[otakuyume]

Embarrassed by the comments of the people seemingly following her, Oyume blushed a scarlet colour and released Taro, whiping her eyes dry. She dried her hands on her dress and turned once more to Taro.

"Onii-chan...I have a few questions I know only you can answer...What...Has happened to this land? It's clearly only afternoon and the sky is as black as night...! What happened after I battled Aide? Where is Tsukasa?" Oyume asked, trying hard not to stream everything together. "More importantly...How long...Has it been...?"

Oyume stood, her dress wafting slightly in the dark winds.

"You've grown older Onii-chan...I can see it in your face...Just slightly...but as you know my people...Change is something that we do not worry about...At least...For a very long time that is." Oyume said softly gazing at her small hand, as if it was something foreign to her. "I don't...Remember much of what happened after Aide and I fought...She and I...Our swords destroyed the Sleepless Tear, the Namida no Fuan. There was a light...Then nothing...I had been taken into a dark sleep...So very dark..."

Oyume clenched her hand into a fist and gazed up into Taro's eyes.

"What happened to Aide I am unsure of...All I know is that I am alive and if something hadn't of happened to her...I wouldn't be breathing. Tell me Onii-chan...Is Aide still living?" Oyume asked, her voice hushed and strong.

[Tetsanosuke]

Tetsuo looked at Chiyoko with semi confuzed but playful eyes. "I'm here," As he had jumped down "Would you like to kill me? Oh that is too good for me, that way I just have to wait at the gate of three crossings and my former self will die and join me..."

He shook his head "If it's an apology you're looking for then, as the shadow I am, I must sway by the will of the light. I apologize for generalizing the situation." He said with a sort of bow.

His Bikonjuko started to give of a larger black and white fiery aura, he sensed the presence of more than just everybody at the scene. "I believe we should leave, I sense something foul about... Or is it only my demon body?"

He looked about the area and spotted some red eyes in the brush. "Demon Wolf... how is your shadow today?" He said grabbing his Bikonjuko off of his back and held it infront of him like a bow/sword stance. "Dancing in the basking sunlight... it's unlike the demon dog to dance now..." He readied himself for battle.

[otakuyume]

Suddenly Oyume raised out her hand in front of him. Her aura flared like a massive red fire and then absorbed back into her. It had been burning hot and lit up the area like a small flash of the sun before it went back behind a cloud. The monsters shrieked with a blood-curling scream as the light tore apart their misty forms.

A trickle of blood ran down the side of Oyume's mouth and a few bloody tears fell as well. She casually wiped them away as if it was nothing.

"If you haven't noticed...The sun hasn't been on these lands for many days..." Oyume said shifting her gaze onto the almost completely withered grass. "The moon is eclipsing the sun...So this is your ideal world, isn't it?" Oyume inquired to the demon-man, shifting her glowing irises back onto him. "That's how I knew you were trailing me...My aura lights can only generate so much light and you made the shadow they produced slightly bigger...I don't like it when someone tries to decieve me." She added. "...And you will not fight here, not now! If you do I will take action...And believe me...You have no idea what I am truly capable of."

She turned back to Taro, awaiting his answers to her many questions.

"Onii-chan...Please...Please tell me...I need...To know..." Oyume pleaded.

[Fionn Mac]

Mosuke, wiped the blood off his Naginata on the dead Soldiers pants.
"I'm...deeply sorry for what you have witnessed"
Said Mosuke fighting back tears, as he had seen his young student, die before him...resulting in the death of the Soldier...by his hands.

"This Village is small enough that...you can all seek shelter in the near by mountains where the Monks reside" Said Mosuke softly, turning from his villagers.
"I have sealed the fate of this village...I will try and draw Ieyasu's men after me...please seek safety in the mountains."

The rest of the children quickly ran to Mosuke, and tightly clutched onto his tunic, crying and pleading for him to come with them.
"I will return to you once Ieyasu, no longer plauges this land" Whispered Mosuke as he knelt down, patting the children on their heads.

The villagers did heed the plea of Mosuke, as they gathered what they had and left for the secret mountain-pass, that would lead them to the secluded home of the local Monks.

Mosuke took only what he needed, and headed off toward the City. His only family was now gone, but safely concealed from the terror of Ieyasu's Army.
He knew not where to go, but leading Ieyasu's men away from his Friends was a start.

[Tetsanosuke]

Placing his Bikonjuko on his back he laughed "Truely... is it true? Of course it is.." he looked at the eclipse and shook his head "No... a shadow only exists where there is light..." speaking through a sort of metaphorical way.

He waved his hand over the oncoming light back and forth. "I haven't a place which is mine, for I'm a shadow without a beggining, and without one I am a stray." His eye's glow were enhanced by the eclipse.

Tetsuo looked away from the light and jumped back a bit. the withered wind was slightly blowing making his scarf flow with the wind. The blue fieryness acted up then died down.

"I'm gonna creep about the cracks between the light and darkness..." The first strait sentance he has said so far. He stood still with his arms folded.

[Kaikou]

Daske's mind was clouded. He felt an unwavering feeling the farther he moved away from that group of chattering people. He stopped and tried to figure out what was it that made him feel this way. He came to the conclusion that it was The small Girl named Oyume. He only recognized her, and he knew a lot of people; at least he vaguly remembered he does. He raise one arm and placed his slender glove covered fingers on his temple and rubbed it slightly.

"Uuhhg..." He finally sighed and turned around walking back to them and simply stared at Oyume untill she said something; which for some reson, he expected her to.

[otakuyume]

*Faceless111-kun won't be posting for a bit so I have been given permission to play his characters for the meantime. Sorry for the lack of my involvement over the past two days...I've had major scary doomsday projects approuching and they had to get done.*

Oyume let the demon-man's comments slide, she had been waiting for a time she didn't even know how long for...Simply for this moment.

"Aide...Aide has been missing since you disappeered Oyume." Taro said grimly. "...And that was five months ago...The beginning of the day where night consumed this land."

Oyume was shocked. She stood absolutely still, trying to comprehend everything.

"Ieyasu has gone too far...He randomly attacks areas...Destroying everything in a wave of mass slaughter...I suspect he's looking for his beloved witch Aide." Taro added. "...And as for your Tsukasa...When I came to he was merely...Gone. I'm sorry Oyume..."

Oyume trembled slightly. She was without Tsukasa her Gaurdian, in a world of darkness and no leads on Aide who could strike at her at any given time giving her no comfort whatsoever. At least before Oyume knew to expect attacks...But now...She didn't have even that background to use to gaurd against.

"This is....Just like Reiusvar...When the smoke covered the sky...And the only light was from the burning houses...." Oyume whispered, remembering her slaughtered home. "...And he won't be there to save me again either....How can I possibly save myself?!" She then cried. "Five months...! Aide could be anywhere...! I'll never finish this...! I can never be the one to save my race...! Why me?" She added weakily. "Why did I have to be the Last...?"

Taro gazed at her fondly and patted her head like you would a little child to comfort them.

"...Because you have more heart than anyone who's gone after Aide...And the best chance at destroying her at that." Taro told her. "I will help you...As long as I am able." He added. "And that is until my very last breath Oyume-chan."

Oyume was surprised, but this made her feel a sense of hope once more. She wiped away her tears and smiled at Taro. He always could comfort her...

And that was why he was her beloved Onii-chan.

[Mitarisorceress12]

Hinata watched from the base of the tree and listened to the random bits of conversation from the chattering little group. "These people will be interesting to follow." she said running a hand though her long red hair. Then her expression changed from carefree to serious "How will we stop this mad man.." she said to herself. She wanted to get revenge for her father and her village, taking off her straw hat which consealed her large, gray wolf ears.

[otakuyume]

Oyume was touched by Taro's words.

"I knew long ago...That I'd need to gather allies in this venture...So I guess I have to stop being so fearful...And create a force that Ieyasu will regret every flithy sin he has created..." Oyume said. "We will force him from his tryant throne...And free this land...Then I will finish Aide...Once and off all."

She turned to the people who had started to follow her. Her red eyes were filled with a newfound courage and strength.

"Ieyasu and Aide have oppressed, terrorized and destroyed what we hold dear! Who will stand with me...?" Oyume called. "When I was a child growing up I heard that this land wa once very beautiful and free...Don't you want to see that land again? I will fight for that future...I know now there is no other alternative...What about all of you?"

[Kaikou]

"Indeed." Daske finally stepped up and stood infront of Oyume, looking down at her with his graceful and slender figure.

"I will fight." He said softly, his voice deep and masculan. "I will fight for the unfortunate that are of late." His face was stern and no emotion was pressent.

He nodded his head and said one final phrase, "I leave my strength in your hands...Chibiko."

[Tetsanosuke]

Tetsuo smiled behind his scarf "It seems that a shadow is needed...or is one needed?" He puzzled like always "I feel as if I may accomplish my unresolve goal if I follow you, one with the silver hair. I will be your shadow and your blade... until I find my beaten path another way"

He walked up next to her and crossed his arms. His purple eyes flaring "What is your command, for I am your humble shadow..."

[Fionn Mac]

Mosuke had been walking for some time. He came upon a small group of people talking, a child-like girl drawing most of their attention
She looked very young, but Mosuke sensed a great power within, her...even from the distance he stood from her.
She was not to be trifled with...but it was reassuring to hear that she would fight against the evil.

Mosuke passed a Wolf-eared girl, on his way up to the group. He was happy to have his steel mask on, concealing his less than desireable face, from such an alluring beauty.
Mosuke was a spitting image of his father, he had a handsome facial structure and gentle eyes, but his face was covered in numerous scars which made him unappealing to many.
Truthfully, he was still quite handsome...though he wasn't the classic dashing young samurai or noble...he was a simple doctor/monk.

Mosuke then turned his attention back the the road and passed the small red-eyed girl ,as she boldy stated her resolve to stand agaisnt Ieyasu and Aide.
He was about to continue on his way...but he stopped

"I will stand with you...I trust in your courageous heart" said Mosuke, as he knelt infront of Oyume.
He could not seek justice on Ieyasu alone...he had a better chance if he sided with others, fighting towards a common goal...purification of the land.

[Mitarisorceress12]

Hinata raised her large boomerage in the air, the expression on her face very serious. She faced Oyume and said "I will fight beside you, even if death may come." she said in her high and tense voice "I shall get revenge for my father's lands in the name of the great wolf Demon." She cracked the small white claws on her left hand and stood beside Oyume. This would be a great adventure

[Opinionated]

"Six misfits. You don't stand a chance, unless..." Leeaniko began, trailing off to heighten the humor of his comment, "Unless you make it seven." He reached around, drew both his swords. He flipped the two balanced blades, and lightly took hold of the blades of each.

Kneeling, and holding the hilts to Oyume, he said, "Because I have no reason not too, these swords will kill what you tell them to."

[otakuyume]

"Then it is descided...We will not rest until these lands are free..." Oyume said gazing over onto the group. "My name is Oyume...I am the Last being of a race called the Altiered. We lived secretly in peace in a hidden cavernous area within this land. We bulit our one and only grand city Reiusvar there...And when we made our presence know to this land to a rare few...They betrayed us and Aide came, slaughting everone I loved. I escaped at the cost of all my family, my friends and...The one boy who believed I was destined to be with him."

Oyume refused to shed tears, but her expression showed the pain all too clearly.

"I lost...Most of my memories , they were repressed by the trauma I obtained seeing the slaughter and the burning of my only home...My destiny is to slay Aide and restart my race...And I will do that...no matter the cost," Oyume told them. "...And don't let this face fool you either...I'm...Actually two hundred years old." She admitted, blushing somewhat. "I won't 'mature' in form for quiet some time...." She added with embarassment.

She quickly coughed to distract from the comment.

"Ahem! Well that now you know my story...There's only one thing you should know next...Aide is mine...I must be the one to kill her..." Oyume told them. "I must do it...For my people and my city..."

Suddenly she heard Daske's comment.

"Chibiko...?" Oyume whispered, her memories flaring. "No...It must be a coincidence..." She whispered. "Sir...Please don't call me that...It's too painful...My sister...That was her nickname for me...So don't ever say it again..." She added turning sharply and walking. "We should find a safe place to get some sleep!" She called to the group. "I sense a town nearby...There should be an inn!"

[Tetsanosuke]

Tetsuo grinned and said to himself "A sluaghtered race? Oh that is very bad... but was it a good thing to someone else? No... of course not... I have lost my dear home... as my body is gone." He looked on as Oyume pointed out what she sensed.

"As I have stated before my motley crew of comrades!" He reintroduced himself "My name is Tetsuo Orikichi... Your shadow on this journey. I will bring up the rear or stand in the front to the will of my origin... Tis you now Oyume." He meant that every shadow needs something block the light to be created, and he considers her his Origin to which he shall bend around and follow.

His eyes settled down and he slowly felt a pain in his head. He clapsed his hand over his head and sighed after the pain went away.

[Crimson Eyes]

Sotto stood there in thought. "Aide? Aide...now why does that ring a bell too. Sotto was beginning to get frustrated. He hated not knowing things. He didn't know these peope. He didn't know these lands. He didn't know anything. But somewhere deep inside his mind are those memories. "Hey, why does this Aide want to kill you? Did you do something? Or is he just doing it out of spite?"

[Mitarisorceress12]

Hinata's face saddend at Oyume's story. before the crew got moving she introduced herself to the other people in the group." Well it is a pleasure to meet you Oyume-san. My name is Hinata Higurashi 17 years old and as you all can see I'm a wolf demon and actually part human. This is my Sukikano" she said pointing to the large bone boomerang on her back."My father used to be Lord of the Far most Western Lands before he.." she trailed off not wanting to give too much away

[otakuyume]

Oyume nodded in response to Hinata and turned to Sotto.

"Nice to meet you Hinata-san...Oh, kitsune-san...Aide is Ieyasu's mistress...And I'm not too sure why she wants me dead...All she's ever said is that she hates my people...Something about or strength...As if...We were some kind of threat to her..." Oyume told Sotto. "So to compensate she slid up like a snake and killed all who bore our blood..." She added darkly. "She even...Slaughter my sister's baby...Who wasn't even old enough to walk yet..." She then said sadly. "Mika-chan...Baby of Reki....We didn't even know who Reki had taken to father her child...She would always just smile and say 'he was such a kind man...He'll be so happy to see how cute our baby is when he returns!'"

Oyume gazed away, trying to remain strong.

"But...That's all over! I have to be the new beginning now..." Oyume said softly.

[Opinionated]

Leeaniko sheathed his two dragon fangs and looked around the Misfit Seven, and said: "Name's Leeaniko Inakaros. Just call me Lee. If you find me talking to air, don't worry, I'm not insane."

"Well, good. Now they'll think you have mental problems." The ever-present ghost floating beside him said. "Oh, and that was really touching back there. Made me shed a ghost tear."

"Oh shut up. I thought dragons didn't cry."

"But I'm a ghost dragon."

"Touche, Steef." He told his companion, as he started walking after Oyume. "Wait... or was it they cried streams of gold?"

"If I cried streams of gold, I would have had loot to sleep on, not rocks."

The two continued their debate as they traveled, Leeaniko uncaring to the fact that he looked like some sort of madman. Then he heard Oyume talk about her neice. This sobered him, as it made him think of the children he had left with women, never to return. However, he was pretty darn sure he wasn't the father of Oyume's neice.

[Fionn Mac]

Mosuke listened to the introductions, of his new band of diverse warriors. He was never one for much talk...let alone giving a glimpse of his past to strangers.

And the talk of Dying Children, only saddened him further...as he had watched one of his students killed...and the rest leave to the mountains near by.
He knew he could use some rest, as he had been traveling a long distance in such a short time...no doubt, putting some distance between him and his Villagers.

"My name is Mosuke..." said Mosuke quietly, as he fastened his steel mask, making sure it was tight, his grey eyes gleaming through the eye holes.
He then began walking on the road, towards the near by town he had been to before...where a small Inn was located.

He felt somewhat comfortable with the group, as they were all different in their own ways...but he always had the preconceived notion of being an outcast...forced to walk alone.

[Kaikou]

Daske said nothing to Oyume's comment, for he himself had no idea why he called her that even thought he had hear the others call the girl Oyume.

Once she spoke the word Altiered, he felt a rush of emotion run through his veins. He closed his eyes to catch a hold of it.

Why? This girl, That name...Why do I feel like...I know it? Could it be part of the memories I'm missing?

His thoughs were silent and he only followed not paying attention to what everyone was talking about, although he had noticed another he felt like himself, doomed to walk endlessly either alone, or not at all. He caught his name when he introduced himself as Mosuke.

He nodded at Mosuke, a little interested in him, He looked like a good Sparing partner. Then he introduced himself, "Daske." He said, as he walked beside him, but a few feet apart.

As they reached the Inn Daske wouldn't enter. As a Samurai, he enjoyed nature and the refreshment of what it brung. For as long as he could remember, he had been outside, always. In war, bathing, eating, sleeping...always outside.

He sat on a grassy patch but a statue and lay his sword down in front of him. His ears could hear the voice of everyone close by, even inside the Inn.

So noisey.

He meditated quietly and couldn't clear his mind, thinking of the names Aide and Ieysu, they had become familiar to him.

[Fionn Mac]

Mosuke continued to walk silently, but was soon joined by a man adorned in Black samurai armor.
The samurai introduced himself as Daske, to which Mosuke subtley nodded his head.
No words were spoken but as Mosuke walked next to the man, he sensed a similar aura about him...One of secluded thoughts and the path of a loner...much like himself.

Mosuke wasn't immediatly apt to befriending this Daske, but having someone much like his own self on the journey...could yield some positive outcome.
Maybe...he wasn't...that alone after all...

Mosuke stepped into the Inn, but quickly stepped back out. He knew these Patrons all too well. The workers were kind enough...but the majority of the patrons were drunkards and criminals.

"Its been quite sometime, since I've heard the still of the night"
said Mosuke softly, as he sat down next to Daske, resting his Naginata on the ground.
Mosuke longed to hear the calming breeze of the night, or the subtle chirp of crickets...but these Feudal times overshadowed the simple sounds of peace.

[Mitarisorceress12]

After walking Hinata entered the Inn that the group had found. She signed in on the guestsheet and quickly found her room and dropped her Sukikano on the bed. 'Now time to take a good bath." she said stretching her arms over her head. She changed into a white yukata and grabbed a towel to wrap around her long, red hair. She walked out of her room and towards the back door of the inn, opening it she found a public hotspring. Hinata shed the yukata and wrapped a white towel around her body as she stood behind a screen.Then she gently stepped into the hot, steaming water.It felt good on her pale skin."Wow. This feels great."

[otakuyume]

Oyume had changed into her kimonoed disguise before entering the town and when they entered the inn she descided to take care of the payment. Her race might have been destroyed but her mother had been an important woman on the Altierian Council and made sure Oyume had some money always with her in case of emergancies (however she had forgotten this fact the last time she and Taro had stayed at an inn). Suddenly a familar voice wafted to her.

"Oooooyume-chaaaan!" A woman in a purple and white kimono called.

It was Kimizu, the Ookami (Hostess) of the Inn that Oyume had worked as a dancer and Taro her bodygaurd some time ago.

She glomped Oyume, who was stunned she recognized her in this form.

"Ookami Kimizu-san!" Oyume gasped, being crushed in the woman's grip.

"Ne, ne! Call me Kimizu-chan!" She gushed. "It's been so long! Ah, I see you even brought your handsome man back!" She beamed gazing at Taro.

"He's my Onii-chan, Kimizu-chan..." Oyume explained as Chiyoko looked as if she would comment on the matter. "My friends and I will be staying the night...That is alright with you, of course?"

Kimizu blinked and then let out a loud noise of protest.

"Of course it is!! Because of your unique dance my buisness has doubled over the past five months! Ieyasu-san himself won't dare come here in fear my costumers will tear him a new one!" She exclaimed. "Basically he's left this village to itself and no-one has had to pay any taxes! So of course you can stay!"

Suddenly an employee came up to Kimizu with a small toddler in a orange, yellow and white kimono. It was Ume-san, Kimizu's daughter.

"Oh, Kimizu-dono...Your daughter has awoken from her nap..." The employee said softly.

"Ah! I shall take over from here then! Thank you Sayuri-san!" Kimizu said taking her daughter.

Oyume was in shock how big the little girl had grown. For Altierian babies it took almost two years to grow into the toddler stage...Sometimes longer.

"Ume-chan has grown quiet a bit hasn't she?" Kimizu beamed. "Ume-chan...Cab you say...O-yu-me?"

"O-u-may..." Ume said in a cute childlike voice.

Oyume smiled. She never really got to care for her sisters baby because the woman (her sister) would never give her a chance to hold the baby. It was like she had been glued to her or something.

"Do...You want to hold her?" Kimizu asked.

Before Oyume could say anything Kimizu passed Ume into her arms and Oyume blushed, as Ume giggled, suspecting that her kimono was tickling her. Oyume soon smiled and rocked ume gently. She wondered if mika had lived if she would have been like this.

Kimizu gazed fondly at the two and after a few minutes when Ume had fallen asleep she took her back.

"Well, I can't make my favorite costumers pay, now can I?" Kimizu beamed. "Free rooms for all your friends and you!"

"Oh no...I can't possibly...!" Oyume started.

"You will and you'll have fun!" Kimizu beamed walking off. "Sleep tight Oyume-chan...!"

Oyume sighed and then smiled. Kimizu had the same energy as her sister Reki and it was always nice to come back and see her...No matter how much she wore you down. (Lol!)

Oyume showed Chiyoko and Taro to their room and then descided to go for a dip in the hotsprings. She chnaged back to normal, since Kimizu and the other employees knew her so well. She tied her long white hair up with black chopsticks and found the girl, Hinata at the springs.

"Care...For some company?" Oyume asked sliding into the water. "Five months of sleep...Can really wear the body down..." She then murmmered. "My kind doesn't really sleep at all...Our bodies are constantly working within our subconciousness minds and psyches...Sure we dream...But it all takes energy..."

Oyume gazed up at the moon covering the sun.

"How did this world become so corrupt...?" She then whispered. "Even in Reiusvar...A cavern city...We had sunlight...."

[Crimson Eyes]

Sotto was appalled to hear what happened to Oyume's nephew. "There are things that cannot be forgiven but that is just heartless and cruel. I will help you find this Aide and....." Sotto suddenly gasped and his eyes shot open all the way. "Ieyasu..." Sotto had a flashback of fighting a ninja named Gutoli. He then remembered Gutoli's death. Then he recalled blowing part of Ieyasu's mansion. But then he started to remember that night he was captured. The ninjas. They were part of Ieyasu's army. It was all coming back to him now. He was no swordsman. He was a ninja. He looked at Oyume. "I remember now..."

[Mitarisorceress12]

Hinata smiled as Oyume slid down in the water beside her"Hai,I could like some company. Then her expression changed ,She herself had been thinking about Ieyasu for sometime. "It became corrupt when that horrible man started to slaughter innocent people .What will become of Japan ..." she said re-arranging the towel on her head so her ears could get some air. Looking at the moon with her green eyes, " My father was slaughtered by Ieyasu and his army of followers on the battlefieild." she whispered.

"Growing up lots of people would make fun of me because I have a human mother and a demon father." she said litte tears forming at the corners of her rosy cheeks.She quickly wiped them away not wanting Oyume to see her cry.She made a promise to herself she wasn't going to cry anymore

[otakuyume]

Oyume smiled gently at her.

"At least...This is your world...Mine's gone." Oyume said, trying to comfort her. "I don't belong anywhere now...My homeland...Can never be the same again...So I have to do everything I can to rebulid it somewhat...It's my destiny to continue my race...When Aide dies...I will be able to find someone to help me bear a child and pass on what my people have taught me...Basically...I am the new Eve for my people..."

Getting away from the subject Oyume picked up a few small stones.

"Want to learn a game I learned when small?" Oyume offered cheerfully.

She began to toss the stones around like juggling them.

"Kipu...Napu...Naku...Shino..Ka...Masa..Saka...Naka ...Fuui...Ma!" Oyume said in her strange Japanese-like Altierian language. "Drop no stones and continue on!"

With that she showed Hinata the tossing actions and then handed the stones to her.

"Its basically a counting game...You count from Kipu-1 to Ma-10 and then backwards reversing how I showed you the first time." Oyume beamed. "My sister taught me it and it's always helped me feel better!"

Oyume finally felt like she had now made a human female friend. As a little girl none of the other Altierian children wanted to play with her because of her Song, the destiny determined when you are born. Her only friend had been the boy who had been destined to marry her. No matter how alone Oyume tried to stay to keep from the teasing, he would always appear and take her from her home to cheer her up.

However, he had died protecting her in Aide's raid.

Oyume suddenly drifted in the darkness in her mind. She felt nothing...Was nothing and suddenly a memory flared.
************************************************** *********

Her house of countless years, her home was burning. Flames ate away at the elegant wooden house, killing all of her families worldly possessions. Oyume's mother had just been stabbed through the stomach, her blood spattered onto Oyume's face, dress and hands. The Outsiders advanced upon her in the burning house, one man's blade dripping with her mother's scarlet blood.

They were blocking the only door out and all that laied behind her was fire. Oyume began to cry, scared and fearing death. She would die. These men would murder her like the did to her mother and the rest of her family.

Suddenly a blast of blue aura send them flying into the fiery depths of the house, their screams cut short as the fire claimed them. In rushed a boy and he grabbed Oyume's hand.

"Don't be a baka Dream! Let's go! The house is going to collaspe!" He shouted, pulling her out and into the cobblestoned streets.

The entire city was ablaze and bodies littered the streets while some tried to flee, only to be killed, hunted down by the Outsiders attacking. Oyume was gazing at it in horror as the boy pulled her away. She suddenly realized he was holding her hand.

"My hand...You're holding my hand!" Oyume squeaked clutching Tsukasa, her catdoll.

"Damn right I am!" He said softly. "I'm not letting you go until we get to safety....You die we're all doomed..."

Suddenly some men surrounded them and the boy pulled Oyume, behind him, spreading his arms to shield her.

"By order of the Lady Aide...All abominations known as the Altiered are hereby to be destroyed...Surrender now and your deaths will be quick and painless," One man told them brandishing his sword. "Resist and suffer a long and painful death."

"Like heck that'll happen!" The boy shouted, summoning his aura. "Die you monsters!"

He unleased his attack, killing five men, but they rushed him and he was burdened with trying to protect Oyume. He was tiring quickly as he used his powers. No matter how many he killed they kept on coming.

Suddenly the man who spoke snuck up behind him and lundged for Oyume, his blade gleaming. Oyume screamed and suddenly the boy shoved her aside and into the ground. He summoned his aura, breaking the sword but the man kept going, the small shard of metal left on the hilt of the sword entering his right eye.

The boy cried out in pain and used his powers once more, killing the man. The other men scattered and the boy pulled out the hilt, collasping.

"Nii-chan!!!" Oyume cried standing about to run to his aid.

"No! Run...Run Oyume! Leave me and run!" The boy gasped, clutching his face to stop the bleeding. "Go Oyume!"

"Nii-chan...NO! I won't leave you!" Oyume cried.

Just then some more men began to come towards them in the distance.

"You must...Now go! If you die...We're all done for! You are the people of the Altiered Oyume! We are promised to one another so I shall not die...My song will not allow it..." He told her. "NOW RUN!"

Oyume sobbed and turned, running as fast as her legs could take her. She didn't look back, she couldn't. Tears streamed down her face as she ran for her life.
************************************************** **************

But you did die....Oyume thought sadly as she gave the stones to Hinata. You died and now I'm doing this on my own...! Why did you promise me such things...?

Oyume hid her saddness by smiling at Hinata gently. She didn't want her to be any sadder because of Oyume's troubles. The dead stayed dead. That was life and nothing could change that.

[Mitarisorceress12]

Hinata smiled as Oyume put the small round stones in her hand. "Arigato Oyume-san." she said her green eyes sparkling with happiness. She had finally had made another female friend someone she could trust, raising the hand with the stones into the airtowards the moon she made a promise. "Oyume-sa..no Oyume-Chan I promise to protect you to the end. That's what friends are for." she said starting to skip the stones one by one. She pronounced the words in her beautiful Japanese
accent ""Kipu...Napu...Naku...Shino..Ka...Masa..Saka...Naka ...Fuui...Ma!" she juggled the stone as best as she could, but one flew into the air and bonked her on her left ear."Ouch, that hurt." she said putting the stones on the edge of the hotspring and putting a hand to her ear so she could rub it."That was unexpected." she said giggling a bit with her hand to her mouth.

[Kaikou]

Daske didn't look at Mosuke as he sat down, he heard him coming minutes before.

"It seems...the world has forgotten the meaning of peace." He started, feeling he could speak and Mosuke would understand, where as anyone else would think him strange.

"It's been clouded by unmistakable evil. The might of but one man can not face alone. The Samurai, have mostly fallen. And I Daske Susuna, The so called greatest, Linger. Dead, but not fully." He opened his eyes and turned his head to Mosuke.

A small boy smiled at Daske. "I can't beleive it! You're Daske Sasuna! The most greatest and noble of any Samurai! But Everyone said You Died! I never beleived it! I swear!" He said exited.

Daske looked at the little boy before him.

"I want to be just like you! I even got a picture of you! Thats how I know you are him! Can you write me something so I can grow up big and strong?"

"You want to be like me?" He said deeply.

"Ya! A Samurai!"

"Why?" He questioned, emotionlessly.

"Because They're strong and help people!"

Daske looked at the boy. The boy hadn't realized that a Samurai bares the burden of death, and killing, and carrying the faces of those he killed with him for eternity.

"Do you...Really want to be like me...?" He said doubtfully.

The boy thought about it a little confused. Then Daske held out his blade.

"In order to save lives, you must be prepared to take them as well. Do yourself a favor...If you want to help people...become a carpenter, so that after this war is through...you can rebuild the houses that are lost."

The little boy thought and looked at Mosuke. "Ya! Thats a good Idea!" He smiled then sat down in front of the two. "I know you from somewhere too. Arn't you Mosuke?" The boy inquired. "I've heard about you, and by the look of your clothes...you must be Mosuke! Wow! Are you two friends? Cause that would be so cool!"

Daske raised an eyebrow. He began to like the little boy and almost even smiled, but didn't.

[judu870]

wat are u people talking about plz tell me i dont get it pm here on this page

[Tetsanosuke]

As they approached the inn, Tetsuo noticed the two seemingly similar people sit outside on the grass. His blazing blue scarf opened wide and surrounded him, then snapped tight.

He disapeared and reapeared hanging by a tree to the left of the two. His scarf was still around his neck, and wrapped around his legs. He was hanging upside down, swaying with the breeze.

The listen as the men introduced themselves and whispered to himself as the boy sit in front of them. "The samurai, the samurai... one who picks up the sword for a cause, or do they do it for the excitement of battle and the supposed honor gained in death?" He recalls a small peice of his past life in his real body.

~Recalling~

A man like Tetsuo, with blue eyes and red hair walked down a dusty road, the wind was blowing slightly, his hair was swaying as he walked. He came upon a small village, which was being attacked by bandits.

"Kill them all!" A bandit shouted, dragging a woman into a nearby hut.

The rest of them were chasing down villagers, killing them when the could reach.

Makoto's eyes narrowed as he grunted "You spawn from beyond the river of three crossings... HAVE AT THEE!" He ran into the chaos with his Bikonjuko separated into two blades, cutting down bandits as he headed towards the hut. He pointed forward and his MizuSuka-fu ripped the door down.

He saw the man forcing himself upon the woman. "You... Repent!" He shouted as he wrapped him in his scarf, breaking his body in two.

The woman had kept her chasity, and was breathing heavily. She fainted after a few long breaths.

A dark man was walking towards the village as the bandits broke up. Their leader was dead and their foe was too much. The dark man approached Makoto and pointed a blade at him "Orikichi Makoto... I challenge you for your body!"

Makoto looked back at the man with his flaring blue eyes. "You must be the ring leader for these bandits! I accept your challenge!"

The flashback was getting hazy... but he could sorta make out the man's face with his memory..."
~Recall is over~

He stared at the two men with his purple eyes and smiled behind his scarf "They... they remind me of my old self."

He swung around on the tree branch using his scarf and disapeared into a small flash of light yet again. This time he appeared next to Mosuke, sitting on his knees with his hands together, his eyes closed.

[Opinionated]

Leeaniko had entered the inn, and gotten a drink he assumed was alchoholic. He stepped out, avoiding glares from the male patrons, and returning a glance to a female one.

He sat down next Mosuke, and looked at the little boy. He shrugged, and upped the botton of his drink. He let out a long breath after he finished, and set the container on the ground.

"Don't get drunk." Steef said to him. Leeaniko looked at the ghost, and said, "Let me do what I want to do, shade."

He fumbled around his belt and pulled a sharpening block out. Withdrawing his huge broadsword off his back, he began running the blade down the edges. While he did so, he thought back, to the man he called Brother and the man he called Dad.

"Woolgathering? That's not something you usually do."

"Well, people sometimes do things they don't usually do. Makes us unique." Lee answered back, flipping Telo'kar and working on the other edge.

[Fionn Mac]

Mosuke listened to Daske's words, nodding as the man spoke.
"My father...was a samurai...he fought honorably, but fell by the sword of Ieyasu's tyrany" said Mosuke, looking a Daske, through his mask.

Mosuke then looked at the small boy, who was wide-eyed and full of excitment...seeing the Legendary Samurai Daske.
Mosuke loved the youthful spirit of children, they could be taught to learn from the mistakes of ones before them...providing a better future for themselves.
"Yes, I am Mosuke...but I am only a simple doctor little one...I have done no great deeds" said Mosuke softly to the Child, recognizing him as a local boy who he had spotted many times in the town.

As the boy asked if Daske and him were friends...Mosuke thought for a moment, looking at Daske.
"Well...we're something like that" said Mosuke, tilting his head to Daske...as the child was obviously hoping for a "yes"

Mosuke then noticed the men, Lee and Tetsuo sitting next to him. He didn't say anything to them...but he simply and politely nodded his head, aknowledging their presence.
It seemed what little peace there was, was in fact in a natural setting...under the few stars that shined.

[Kaikou]

Daske looked around at the group that had formed. He thought coldly to himself that if he had just not opened his mouth, no one would have taken interest in him. Then he sighed.

He nodded at the hoy. "Something like that." He restated Mosukes words.

Daske felt rather hungry and stood. "I'll return later." He muttered and was just a little happy to get away. People made him feel awkward, at least people he didn't want to talk to, personally or that he knew.

He came to a general store and walked in. The owner asked him a series of questions until he ended up with a bag of rice, some meat and a small bag of vegetables. He found a remote place to cook it and ate. Then he put the left overs in a container and headed back to the small group sitting on the grass. By this time the boy had left withhis autographed papers.

Daske was sure the boy got everyones autograph and shook his head, Then he dropped the covered container in Mosukes lap. "For later." he said then sat and leaned against the inn.

[Fionn Mac]

Mosuke had thought about following Daske as he left...but he decided to let him go off on his own. He could tell Daske was uncomfortable with the attention, they were recieving.
And whether it was the truth...or just to entertain the young boy...they were "something like that"...in regards to friends. So Mosuke respected Daske's space.

Mosuke nodded off for a while as Daske left, and as the other men sat next to him.
He wondered why the child was impressed by him? He was only a simple doctor... his deeds were nothing like that of the Legendary Samurai Daske.

Mosuke then awoke to a container being placed in his lap. He noticed it was food, and that Daske had given it to him.
"Thank you..." said Mosuke softly.
He then placed the container infront of him...allowing the other 2 men to have some if they were hungry.

Mosuke then rested his head back against the statue, and fell into a light sleep. He wasn't very hungry...but the subtle kind gesture of Daske, reminded him of how the children and villagers made sure he was fed and comfortable...to the best of their means and ability.

[Tetsanosuke]

Tetsuo was watching as they seemed to form some sort of group, maybe a group of people either tired of death, or making death be tired of them. He shook his head when Mosuke offered him some food, and slithered into the shadow of a tree for the night.

His purple eyes could be seen in the shadow, until he closed them and slipped off into a dizzy sleep like state. "I was once a sword saint (One who is considered to surpass shear mastery of the sword) many a year ago... now I'm just a shadow... one of a great man and honorable warrior. Do I also have to be honorable? Is it my real 'Way'?" His mind was churning because of his pondering, it seemed to all go so fast, yet so slow at the same time.

[otakuyume]

Oyume giggled at Hinata, it had been a long time since she lat laughed.

"Excuse me...I really should go check on the others..." Oyume said slipping out of the water.

With a flash of her aura she was dry and with a quick spell her dress reformed onto her body. Oyume pulled out the chopsticks and let down her long hair.

"Try to get some sleep...Tommorrow I'm going to try to find some leads on Aide before we leave...Maybe if she can get some information it will lead us to her...And eventually maybe even Ieyasu." Oyume said softly.

With that she exited and came up to the group of warriors lounging on the grass.

"Ookami Kimizu-san has given us all rooms for the night...You can all sleep inside y'know." Oyume told them. "Tommorrow we will go out and gather information about where Ieyasu and Aide have been...If we can get a lead...We may just be able to find them." She told them. "Either way we're leaving early...So make sure you all rest up."

[Kaikou]

Daske was already hald asleep but gathered enough strngth to speak. "I will stay out here." He said quietly, a stray cat had found it's bed in his lap and was already asleep. "You do not ever need to worry about me." He informed then took a small breath and began to pet the small cat.


It purred in pleasure and soon Daske too was asleep, cross-legged, leaning against the Inn wall.

[Mitarisorceress12]

Hinata also slipped from the spring's water and wrapped the white yukata around her bare body. "Tomorrow we will fianlly try and find that horrible man.But now we rest." she said exiting the springs and walking down the hallway to enter her room, whiich was on the left. She wrapped up in her futon and put out the burning candle at her bedside. She slowly drifted to sleep

[Fionn Mac]

Mosuke lifted his head to hear what Oyume had to say. If in fact they were to find a lead, they would have to move quickly...Ieyasu's men had a way of covering his tracks, making him seem to move like an ominous wind throughout the land.
Mosuke was having trouble sleeping. The vision of his young student dying...his own act of killing the soldier kept him awake enough.

Yet he also wasn't used to sleeping with his mask on. It wasn't the ideal thing to wear to bed...a cold steel mask, that was fashioned out of his father's samurai helm, offered little comfort.
But with these new people around, he didn't wish for them to see his scarred face...

Though, Mosuke was unaware that the scars had faded somewhat...revealing his handsome face. His face still had numerous scars...only they now resembled scars a blade might make...though the blade he had endured was one of fire.
Mosuke's self-image was what kept him, hidden behind the mask...he had been shunned for his apperance as a child...and it stuck with him.

He then lifted his mask slightly to rub his eyes, as they were growing tired. Before falling asleep he saw a cat had found a place to sleep...In the lap of Daske of all places.
Mosuke simply smiled and closed his eyes.

[otakuyume]

*Note: I caught a bad cold guys, so until I'm feeling a bit better I'll only be posting so much, so don't be afraid to keep going, ok? I'll start posting as much as I can once this vile cough is gone. >.<;; )*

Oyume nodded and smiled slightly at the group. She then bade them farewell and headed back to her room. She slipped under the futon's covers and stared up at the ceiling.

She was plagued by so many unanswered questions. Her Gaurdian was missing, Aide had vanished and Ieyasu was off doing the gods knew what to the poor helpless people of this land.

The thing that disturbed her the most was that tommorrow there would be no sunrise...Just another dark endless sky.

Oyume was about to drift off to sleep when she felt a presence surround her. A shadow slipped over her and a glowing blue eye affixed onto her, staring deeply onto her face.

Oyume screamed, bolting backwards, but to her realization...No one was in her room. Confused and tired she laied back down and drifted off to sleep.

[Faceless111]

OOC: Sorry! School's been hell for me, so I'm not always able to post so regularly.

BIC:
Taro and Chiyoko sat in their own room, secluded from the group. Taro remained silent. Chiyoko tried to keep the same silence.

"Gah!" She finally exploded. "What're we doing? How am I supposed to get stronger like this? Always sitting around..."

"Things change..." Taro waved absently and dismissed Chiyoko. She grumbled and left the room.

Taro sat, now alone. Or almost alone. An ugly, distorted laugh filled the room. Taro didn't panic, he recognized the voice as his own, but a different version of himself rather. "Things change, indeed, Taro-san. Or do you actually like to be called 'Onii-chan'? You failed in protecting that little brat in round one, what makes the difference now? You're weak, and she's a burden. And what of your new girlfriend? That sad little girl whom wants to gain strength to avenge her family is a fool. C'mon, we made a great team. Unleash me! Release me!"

In the past five months, Takuma's Seal has lost some strength without Oyume to act as an anchor for Taro's humanity. Thusly, he has been hearing the voices again, but it wasn't controlling him as it had in the past. So he tried to ignore it.

[otakuyume]

*Um, Faceless-kun? I'm just going to speed up this and make it the next day, ok? So I'm going to write Taro as asleep if that's ok with you...If you'd like me to change this just pm me. Thanks for the opportunity to play Taro-kun again!*

An employee came to Oyume's room to awake her when it was "morning" as Oyume had instructed at the front desk upon arrival. Oyume reluctantly rose and stretched, trying to fully awaken from her sleep. Her dreams had been utter chaos, mixed memories and images that seered her mind like a flaming arrow which slowly was dug into the flesh.

She presumed it was because of the five-month sleep she had fallen into when facing Aide...But Oyume didn't know what to believe or assume anymore. She rose up and wandered from her room, soon coming to Taro's assigned suite.

She lightly knocked on the door and slid it open.

"Onii-chan...? It's time to get up..." Oyume softly called. "Onii-chan...Please wake up..."

Oyume walked over to Taro and gazed upon him. A small smile spread across her face as she watched him sleep.

"Sleep, sleep O my Great Dream. Nothing is so obvious, nothing is what it may seem. A stepping stone to your destiny has shown. Don't be afraid of the night to wander alone." Oyume sang, hoping she would be heard. "Sleep, sleep O my Great Dream. May what you wish come true. Fly on the wings of the celestial sky...And bring back the Hope to which our future may lie..."

She paused, seeing no reaction take place.

"Wake, wake, O Great Dream. Everything is so clear, it is what it may seem. You stumble and you fall. Yet, Fate has chosen you to save us all," Oyume sang louder, reciting the lyrics from her destiny Song. "Wake, wake, O Great Dream dream. What you see is just an illusion. The shadows consume you with confusion....What you seek may just be that...A dream."

[Opinionated]

Against Steef's advice, Leeaniko had gotten a little drunk, and spent the night in front of the inn. Thankfully though, he wasn't sleeping in his vomit. Not thankfully, he had a hangover now.

"Aw little..." He said as he sat up. Wait... he had something to do today. He racked his headaches for memory, remembering what Oyume had said the night before. Find those people, kill those people, all live happily ever after.

He looked around him, and saw Mosuke sleeping. Why he wore that ugly mask, Lee didn't know. Then there was Daske, who hated talking with people but loved cats. Tired, and with his head throbbing, Lee flopped back onto the ground, sighing. At least there wasn't a sunrise to blind him, and Steef to annoy him.

[Tetsanosuke]

Tetsuo awoke to the shear feeling of waking life in the area. He looked about before slithering from the tree's shadow. "Oh am I just a bit tired? Am I just a bit excited?" he asked himself as he formed in front of the inn, standing by the entrance.

He watched as the people went to work, he gazed about with a curious look.

[Kaikou]

Daske slowly opened his eyes. It was rather early, but not as early as he would have liked to get up. The endless night had messed up his interior clock. He stood and stretched a little. The cat that had seemingly found its nest on him was standing, barely awake.

Daske felt ashamed he woke it up. But he had a few things to do before the group left. He stepped by Mosuke, then past Leeaniko. He noticed everyone was awakening as he was and simply said, "Good Morning...If you can call it that anymore." and headed into a small resteraunt. He was hungry, and for once too lazy to cook.

His breakfest was delightful, he had even run into the small boy again. The boy sat with him during breakfest and Daske even bought him a few dumplings. This made the boy estatic. But Daske soon left and found his way back to the group.

He sat back in his spot and began sharpening and polishing his sword until everyone was ready to leave.

[Fionn Mac]

Mosuke awoke soon after he heard the foot steps of Daske. An early start was nothing new to him, as he had patients usually lined up far before the sun rose...or what little of it did.
He then got up and headed into the town, to a small herb shop he had visited before. Mosuke picked up a few things, and made his way out the door, but was confronted by the small boy.
"Mo..Mosuke...Guess What?" said the boy between large bites of a dumpling he had saved from his breakfast.
Mosuke simply tiltled his head...as he wouldn't get a word in anyway.
"The great samurai Daske Sasuna...your friend...bought me breakfast!" said the little boy, as he was about beside himself.
"I'm going to grow up to be strong like him!...I'm gonna..."

The boy quickly stopped as he had not fully chewed his dumpling and had it lodged in his throat.
Mosuke knelt down, and gently struck the boy's back...sending the piece of dumpling, flying into the street.
"Remember, Daske chews his food...you can't help anyone if you can't swallow a dumpling" Said Mosuke laughing a little, as he patted the boy on his head and went on his way.

Mosuke returned to the inn with his supplies.
He noticed Leeaniko was suffering from a hangover...a far to common ailment in the town.
Mosuke took a few herbs from his small pouch and crushed them up with some water into a small bowl, making a tea like drink.
He then placed the bowl next to Leeaniko, and warmed it with his spirit energy...a little trick he had learned from his Grandfather.

He then sat back down next to Daske, and began to sort his various medicines and remedies...all of which were hand-crafted.
"That was kind of you to buy our small friend breakfast..." said Mosuke quietly to Daske.
"Though, if he ever wants to become like you...he'll have to learn to chew his food."

[Kaikou]

As mosuke sat next to Daske he looked at him. "So you bumped into him as well?" He asked not so surprised.

"He tells me of so many things I've done. But I nod silently, not knowing. Not remembering. Somethings though, I do remember. But are they so great? When did helping people become so amazing." Daske chuckled. "Has this world fallen into such Chaos Where a few good deeds can awe everyone?"

That was the most Daske had spoken in one sitting. He wasn't sure but Mosuke really did seem like a friend, maybe he had met him before. Maybe it was his aura, or maybe it was because, as a docter, he did good deeds too. And Daske didn't feel so alienated. He wasn't sure, nor did he care.

"If anything. You are far greater than I. For I have to kill to save. And you simply just save lives. Sometimes we fail, and that is tragic. But I envy you, I havent nearly enough know how to sustain a docters position...all I know is killing."

Daske tilted his head to see Leeaniko not doing so well. He raised an eyebrow then sat back. "Why do so many find pleasure in drinking until they drop. It's purpose is undefined and unrefined." Daske hated alchohol, he remembered his father endulged in it at all times of the day, and he despised him for that.

[Mitarisorceress12]

Hinata woke up much later than the others , even though she was part wolf. Chaning into her green yukata she cleaned up her room and hauled the large boomerang on her back. She found the boys,out in the front of the inn and waved a smiling hello. "Ohayo Gozaimasu (Good Morning). " she said politely S.

[Fionn Mac]

"I have a feeling our young fan will show up again" said Mosuke as he motioned to the small orphan house, in which the star-struck boy resided.
The boy's father was a soldier, but died in one of Ieyasu's raids...his mother couldn't provide and left him, and was last seen some distance from the town.
Mosuke had suprisingly gathered this info from the shop-keeper...the child was well known for his..."personality".

"Yes...I suppose a few simple things can be magnified in these dark times" said Mosuke, suprised that both of them were talking quite a bit...far from their normal quiet preference.
"No...If anything we are equals...If only I was stronger...a better fighter..." said Mosuke softly, lowering his head as he thought of his parents.
"I maybe...could have saved them"
"But, The past is the past and there is little we can do...only learn from our mistakes"

"Don't spend any time with envy...for everyone possesses the ability to learn" said Mosuke, as he looked at Daske.
"Can't one think of life as the opportunity to gain as much knowledge as we can? Before our true journey starts?"
Mosuke had never used much of the "idealistic" monk talk, but for some reason he felt it was appropriate...something his Grandfather might say.

"I will propose this to you Daske Sasuna...Whether we are friends, something close to it, or simply fellow travelers...Let's learn from each other."
Said Mosuke as he extended his hand to Daske.
Together, maybe we can become...that "hero" for those who cannot fight...
Combined knowledge...is far better than Divided Knowledge.

[Kaikou]

Daske looked at Mosuke, silently he thought about what he said. "Aye." He finally agreed and took Mosuke's hand. He gripped it firmly and shook.

His thoughts were simply this, he figured he would be the soldier that knows vast amounts of knowledge about nature and fighting abilities, while Mosuke was the doctor, for intellectual comfort and knows vast amounts of the healing sorts. Combining these two would complete what they both lack.

"You are correct. But the strength of a sword is only as strong as that of your heart, and what drives you to swing." Daske yawned. He sighed a little, he was apparently still a little tired. But now was not the time for sleep.

"The others...They seem...important. Are important people always this slow in the morning. How long does it take to get up and come outside. We should be leaving soon, if we want to catch up to the enemy."

Daske crossed his arms and looked over at the orphanage. He was seemingly expecting the boy to come out and see him off, or was he just egre to see the boy off. Maybe he really wanted to see him one last time before they departed. He hadn't even caught the boys name.

[Fionn Mac]

Mosuke firmly gripped Daske's hand as well. He sort of suspected they were now closer to being friends. They both knew the importance of each others strengths.
Daske could help him become more confident and more than just a doctor with some fighting skills.
And Mosuke could help Daske realize he could learn new things, and teach him all he knew.

"Yes, they seem more important than you or I in this fight" said Mosuke as he streched.
"That is why we must, keep a protective eye over them...I think we can learn from them as well"

Before he could say anything else, their little friend was running over to them.
He then squeezed his small body between them, so he could sit inbetween the two men.
"How cool is that?...I get dumplings from the legendary samurai...and I get saved by the great doctor!...In one day!!" said the boy, playfully elbowing them.
"Oh!, My name is Idou...but I will someday be...Idou The Legendary Samurai Doctor!"

Mosuke couldn't help but laugh and the young boy...he was so innocent, yet he was very sharp-witted.
"Wow are these your soldiers!...Hey you all Better listen to..." said the small boy...loudly, as he looked at the other members of their rag-tag group.
But Mosuke quickly put his hand over the child's mouth...keeping him from finishing his comment.

Mosuke then looked at Daske. He could tell for some reason they both liked this Idou. Though he wasn't sure why.
Idou continued to look up, back and forth at his..."heroes."

[Opinionated]

Leeaniko drank the concotion Mosuke made for him, and it did help. He pushed himself off the ground, and through Steef.

"Well, I take it you're better now?" the disembodied dragon told the only person who could see him.

"Steef, sometimes I wish you were physical. Keep me from doing stupid things."

"Doesn't matter how much pain I could do you, you'd still get drunk."

Lee walked over to Mosuke, and looked at the sitting man. "Thanks, really. I owe you one." he said, "And when the crazy man owes someone something, he makes good on it. At least that's what another crazy man told me."

"You're crazy? Since when!?" A sarcastic dragon's ghost taunted. Lee shot the ghost a harsh glare that followed him as he flitted around the trio's head. "Steef. Shut up." he said to air.

[Kaikou]

"One good thing about being a Samueai is being able to sense a fluttering ghost when he's near by." Daske mused looking straight at the ghost, even though he could only see a small distortion in the air, like looking through heat waves of a fire.

"Idou, are you?" he inquired. "Then I reckon every Samurai needs a sword." He stood and disappeared into the streets. Moments later he came back with a sword about half the length of his own. It was dull so the the boy wouldn't hurt himself.

"Your first lesson will be to be able to chop wood with this sword. Once you can do that, however old you might be...seek me out. And I'll give you another lesson." Daske gave Idou the short katana and watched as he was in awe.

"Oh my gosh! No one has ever given me anything! This is so awesome." Idou shouted then slashed hysterically where Lee's Ghost friend was. He's lucky he's physically transparent.

[Fionn Mac]

"You don't owe me anything..." said Mosuke, as he sensed something floating around Lee. He couldn't see anything...but his spirit ability usually allowed him to see ghosts...yet this one was different.

"And If you are going to be a doctor as well...you will need some simple remedies" said Mosuke, as he gently grabbed the arm of Idou...dodging his excitement filled slashes.
"Your first lesson from me young one, is to find these herbs in the wild...as a herbal shop is not always accessable...and help the sick people in this town."
Mosuke then took Idou's hand and placed a scroll in it, which contained the simple remedies.
All the herbs were easily found in the forest outside of town...

"Wo...Wow!...I will...I will" said Idou happily, as he put the scroll into his shirt and continued to slash about with his new sword.
Mosuke knew this wasn't the last time he'd see the child...but he would miss the child...he was much like Mosuke's former students..eager to learn and to recieve advice.

[Tetsanosuke]

Tetsuo's purple eyes turned to Hinata as she greeted everbody. He was smiling behind his scarf as he walked up next to her. He leaned against her shoulder with his elbow. He seemingly weighed nothing at all, like the air.

"And good morning to you as well Hinata. Don't you just love it when things like such happen?" He pointed out the scene with Dasuke, Mosuke, Leeaniko, and Idou.

"I find myself laughing as I think of the times when I was looked up to..." He stopped for a moment. "Actually... I cannot remember." He continued to lean on her shoulder with his weightless frame, pondering his lost memories.

[otakuyume]

Oyume, seeing that Taro was in a deep sleep, sighed. He just wouldn't wake up. She descided it would be best and let him rest on. Oyume exited his room and out of the inn to find the others.

Before she could call out to them she sensed something. Out of the darkness countless wolfish-demons of dark wispy black aura-smoke arose. Their glowing red eyes bore into the villagers and the warriors.

"I understand now...The black magic you're made from...Is Aide's!" Oyume said through gritted teeth. "So is this it Aide?! You rather send your familars to do your own dirty work?!" Oyume called to the dark sky. "Show yourself!"

A dark laughter, that of a woman's filled the air.

"So you did survive little Altiered...But even so you won't for much longer...Your death...Will be mine!" Aide's voice echoed. "Feeding time my pets...Tear everyone asunder!...Especially the little Altiered!"

With that Aide's presence and voice vanished the wolves, about a hundred of them lundged. They snarled and dashed, no moving target safe. Everyone was about to become a meal.

Oyume summoned her power around her hands and as three wolves lept at her she dodged around them, her magic slicing them to shreds of blackness.

"Protect the villagers!" Oyume called back to the others. "Hurry~!"

[Kaikou]

Daske jumped to his feet, his hand on his sword hilt and ready to kill. "Demon Wolves..." He whispered. He ran at a few and it seemed as though he ran right past them, but his sword was out in the finishing position and the two wolf demons he ran by burst into fountains of blood. then turned into blackness and disappeared.

He then bolted backwards in a fierce leap as a few demons trying to gang up on him. He landed gently and was about to strike them down but heard screams from the orphanage as the wolves ran wild.

"Idou!" Daske yelled, his eyes widened and he started to run towards thier screams but a demon sunk it's sharp fangs into his right arm and wipped him backwards.

"Ahh!" He didn't even flinch but with two quick swipes of his sword the demon was destroyed. "Rrrh! I'm coming!" He called running into the orphanage to see a few dead children on the big old wooden stairs.

His eyes widened with horror. "Children...." He remembered a picture. He remembered death. and blood on his katana.

[Tetsanosuke]

"No time to talk then... the beasts have arrived!" He jumped into the sky towards a wolf and dived at it in a black spiral, he crushed it's face in with a punch from his left arm, the wolf was set ablazed by Fuukaze.

He used the wind to flip sideways and draw his bikonjuko from his backside, then wrapped the end of his MizuSuka-fu around the hilt area and let it loose. It was spinning like a helicopter blade, cutting down wolves as he controled it.

He pulled it back and caught the blade, splitting it into two. He dashed towards another pair of wolves and leaped for them spinning like a black tornado cutting then into ribbons.

"Bring on the darkness, so mine will overcome!" He shouted in the heat of battle.

[Crimson Eyes]

Sotto then ran into the village. "Air buster jutsu!" Sotto breathed in and then blew out a twister of air that sent five wolves flying back. Sotto stood in front of some of the villagers with a kunai in his hand. "Where did all these wolves come from?" Sotto threw six shuriken stars at the wolves. Sotto then made six hand seals. "Silverwind jutsu!" Sotto swiped his arm across the air and sent a white blade of wind at two of the wolves. "I love this so much better than a sword. I think I've finally gotten my moves down."

[otakuyume]

Oyume was growing weary. She had to keep up her defense and offense. The wolves swarmed her...Using her most deadly weakness against her.

The more aura Oyume used, the more it took away from her vital life energies. Her powers were directly linked to her health and the more spells she used...The closer she came to literally killing herself.

Aide had finally descided to use this against her. The wolf-demons seemed to be endless. Bloodied tears ran down Oyume's cheeks, the sign of her drawing closer and closer to her self-demise.

I have to keep going...! I can't let them kill me...! I can't die here...! I can't! Oyume thought rapidly.

Her vision became blurred and suddenly a wolf, larger than the rest, almost as big as one of the villager's houses emerged from the flurry of battle. It's glowing violet eyes met Oyume's and it raised it's head and howled.

The noise shook the ground and it grinned at Oyume.

"Aide~!" Oyume gasped, realizing who it was, sensing the overwhelming aura. "So is this what you truly are?! A demon?!"

The Demon Aide lundged upon Oyume and slashed at her with it's claws. Oyume cried out as she was thrown back into a house with a deadly impact. She coughed up blood and cried out in pain.

*Time to die little Altiered~! I've waited so long for this...! That last little fight we had drained my powers and trapped me in this form! As beautiful as it is...I can't carry out my plans in wolfskin..!* Aide's voice snarled. *It's time to die last hope! ...And it's so delicous to know you haven't fully regained your full powers at that! You're another babe to the slaughter!!*

Aide raised her clawed paw and grinned malicously and prepared to bring a fatal blow...Ending it for once and for all.

[Tetsanosuke]

Tetsuo noticed Oyume being at the verge of death, this angered him, which wasn't easy to do.

"My new origin... What will happen if she dies?" He heard himself say. His purple eyes glared at the demon. He knew he couldn't defeat her in his current form, but he had to do something.

He leaped into the sky, disapearing into his scarf then reapearing on a building next to Demon Aide. He clapped his hands together and made a symbol for binding chains.

"Shadow Nimpo Art, Technique Thirty Seven, Iron Scarf Art combined!" His hands snapped together as he changed symbols "The Binding Chains of Burning Water! Baindo Kusari no Faia Mizu!" The symbol snapped at the call and his scarf separted into thousands of Burning blue chains and lashed around Aide's legs and torso.

They burned into her demon form, stopping her from moving to complete her attack. Tetsuo used everything he had to hold her back "I need some assistance here!" He shouted with an angery look in his eyes

[otakuyume]

*You ignorant little pest~!!* Aide shrieked. *You dare interfere with MY kill~?! You can perish first then~!!!*

With a vicious snarl Aide's aura tripled. It was burning hot and emerged as a violet miasma of acid. It burned the chains to nothingness. Poison smoke wafted from Aide's mouth as she stepped towards Tetsuo.

*My kind is rare and powerful...You've probably never seen a demon of my level before...And I will ensure no one ever does...! I will be the most powerful being in this world...! I will become a Goddess!!* Aide laughed insanely. *Die worm~! Die and let your bones become my stepping stones to glorious chaos~!*

With that she snapped at Tetsuo, her venomous jaws barely missing him as Oyume lundged, pulling him aside. She was panting hard, blood trrickling down the side of her mouth.

"She's too strong...! I can't battle her like this~!" Oyume panted. "And the air is becoming toxic from her breath and aura...!" She added. "If we don't end this soon everyone will die from the poison!"

[Tetsanosuke]

Once the chains snaped his scarf reformed and wrapped aroung his neck once again. He was being snapped at now, and some of the poison hit his open arm

"Argghh!.... You.." He flipped backwards and landed on a higher part of the building. He felt the poison go into his arm. "No... must remove it..." He turned into shadow and it splashed out of him, once he reformed he held onto his arm and glared at Aide again

"You spawn from the river of three crossings! I will not rest until I've found my body and aided my origin in your destruction!"

His Fuukaze was surrounded in flames, he grabbed his bikonjuko from his back and held the two blades forward "Shadow Nimpo style... the 50th technique, Nenshou Tai (Burning Reality)!" He stood there silently, his shadowy form turned into fire....

While his burning cut in reality had made it look like he was standing there, he was actually slithering towards Oyume in a shadow form. He reformed next to her on one knee. "Your orders... my Origin?" he asked quietly fighting off the pain of the poison.

[otakuyume]

"We need to protect the villagers....And find a way to purify the air...I've only got enough spells last to keep Aide at bay...So the others will have to think of some way to utlimately stop the demon familars..." Oyume told Tetsuo.

Oyume paused for a moment and then descided she had no other choice but to resort to drastic measures.

"If my magic fails...Leave...Because she'll only do the same to you as she wants to do to me..." She added. "I can cut down our enemy's numbers for a bit...But this spell I'm going to attempt...Will leave me very weakened...So if she gets through and rushes me...Don't be foolish and get out of the way...That isn't a request...I'm telling you for your own safety..."

With that Oyume faced Aide. Her long white hair caught in the wind, flowing about her neck and face. Her glowing red eyes bore into Aide's violet ones.

"I'm not going to die here today Aide...I refuse...Even if I ravage this body to rid you of this earth...So be it! I will...Survive and live on." Oyume said, her voice deathly serious. "With your death...Will bring my people's rebirth..."

Aide grinned wildy. She truly was a demon in every sense of it. No longer hiding in her form as the beautiful kimonoed mistress of Ieyasu...She was free to cause as much destruction with her true form as she pleased.

*You won't be saying such sentimental little things...When I tear out your throat and feast on your pitiful Alterian flesh~!* Aide cackled as she lundged.

As she ran from the dark wisping pelt of her back many more demonic wolves sprang. Aide barrelled towards them, the thirst for blood in her eyes. Oyume sudden bit her thumb and with her blood and red aura drew many kanji-rune like symbols in air.

"Ancestors within the earth and sky...Hear this descendant's cry...Lend to me your strength and aid...Keep thine enemy at bay at all prices paid!" Oyume announced. "Sacrifice this flesh and endure the pain...Nothing is lost and nothing may be gained! Release the barrier of the Altiered long past! Come to my aid...The Altiered Last!"

Suddenly the ground erupted in a mass of red aura. The kanji-runes burst into a barrier that surrounded the village and killed off almost half all of the demon wolf familars but a few good number of stragglers...Trapping them within to be taken down by the other warriors.

Aide hit the barrier dead-on and screamed with a horrid pain and deathly rage. Oyume fell to her knees, but kept her hands raised to keep the barrier going. The air was becoming more poisonous by the minute and Oyume was getting dizzy.

*You wretched little lump of meat in a child's body~!! Once I tear this pathedic barrier down I'm coming for you~!!* Aide shrieked as she slammed over and over into the barrier, trying to crack it. *You...Will...PERISH!!!*

[Kaikou]

Daske finished off the last wolf demon in the orphanage, he had saved most of the kids. Looking out the window he saw that his newly formed teammates were in dire need of some help. He ran up to the belcony and drew his sword.

Idou was behind him and watching. "Daske...?"

Daske suddenly leapt from the two story building and slashed his sword at Aide, he hit her shoulder and landed inbetween her and Oyume.

"Sorry. But that's far enough devil woman." He stared at her showing no emotion, no fear and no thought of to who she was.

[Opinionated]

Leeaniko put his foot on a wolf's corpse and pulled Telo'kar out of the dead animal. The massive claymore was soaked in blood, it's blood grooves overfilled and spilling onto the blade. He looked at the wolves that were lying in peice around him, like a trail.

"Behind you!" Steef yelled, tipping Lee off as he swung his sword in a wide arc and hitting a wolf that faked it's death. The blade cut through the skull and neck, oddly decapitating the creature. Lee took a deep breath, then turned to the confrontation between Aide and Oyume.

Lee took a deep breath of the poisonous air, and drew Neekoa. Both swords began to glow their repective colors, and he held them over his head. He let the blades touch, and began to pull them apart, the blades sliding down each other. Where they touched, the color was a bright white. Sparks flew from the whiteness, making a white out around him.

When the blades finally slid off each other, there was a bright flash, and where Leeaniko had stood, there was a representation of the Stormfire Dragon.

Letting out a massive roar, Stormfire reared back on it's hind legs, and began beating it's massive blue/orange wings, creating a strong breeze to disperse the miasma. Dropping onto all fours again, Stormfire used telepathy to say to Daske "<Get out of here. When I have to fight like this, there will be collateral damage. Get away, and get Oyume away.>"

[Crimson Eyes]

Sotto finished off one of the wolf demons and then looked over to Oyume and Aide. "You villagers will be fine okay? Get inside your houses and keep yourselves armed." Sotto made several handsigns. "Shadow Walker Jutsu." Sotto sunk into the shadows. In the shadow dimension he placed himself behind Oyume. He he then sprang up from the shadow and grabbed Oyume. "Fight another day Oyume. Get stronger for now." Sotto took Oyume back into the shadows with him. "Don't worry. I'm myself again. You are totally safe." Sotto took Oyume about two miles from the village until he finally came back into the real dimension. "We should be safe here. We just gotta wait for Tora."

[Kaikou]

Daske glanced at Lee and nodded slightly. Suddenly he twirled around and scooped up Oyume like a doll. He jumped away and landed softly behind Lee, numerous feet away.

"I think. Thats enough for right now, young one." He said. He looked at her suddenly remembering something. He remembered twirling her around in circles in a strange, but familiar meadow. He remembered another woman...but who?

"Meadow...Mayflower Meadow..." He spoke it's name. Then shook his head. "What am I talking about...?"

[Fionn Mac]

Mosuke had been caught off guard by the attack. A few wolves had jumped on him, biting at his flesh...making him unable to help his allies.
He finally broke free of their teeth and cut them down with his sword, as is Naginata was being chewed on by other wolves.

"Like a child...have taken something that is not yours..." said Mosuke as he bent down, his hand glowing a divine yellow light. The demon wolves burned away as his divine aura had purified them. He grabbed his Naginata and ran for the center of town.

He had seen Daske save the orphanage...but he was torn inside as he saw a few more children die.
"Err...her very essence is filled with demonic toxin" coughed Mosuke as the posion air took effect.

"I must purify the air!" shouted Mosuke as he drove his Naginata in to the ground.
A dome of divine spirtual energy burst from the ground, Purifying the air.

Mosuke concentrated on keeping the Dome active, keeping the poison away...though it was strenuous as he rarely used his divine energy...and the poisonous air came directly from Aide.

[Mitarisorceress12]

Hinata raised her boomerang in the air and threw it "SUKIKANO. SLICE" she said the boomerang flyign though the air ata fast speed, slicing though wolf demons. She tried to stay low towards the ground but the miasama was getting to her. She did have a sensitive nose after all."Cough, Cough.. What is this demonic energy." she said putting a piece of her kimono cloth over her mouth and nose. Suddenly a wolf demon came ather, biting down into her leg. "AHH." she screamed holding her ankle."Why are they attacking us. The wolf demons are usually so peacefull and calm." she said stuttering about why her own kind would attack HER.

[Tetsanosuke]

Tetsuo nodded and proceded to helping the villagers "Come... do not fear my darkness... it shall not hurt you." He grapped the people and envelopedthem into the shadow world that is his soul. They all sat there in the grey area looking confuzed as he gathered more.

He jumped into the air and disapeared into his scarf after taking in all the villgers he could.

"I must return..." He started back for the villagers after releasing them from his void.

[otakuyume]

*Ok...Either Sotto or Daske has to edit their post because Oyume can't be scooped up by two ppl, lol!*

With being taken, Oyume's consinstration had been broken. Her barrier died instantly and Aide was free to rampage. Oyume screamed with protest as she was carried off.

Aide snarled as she disappeered and lashed out with her front claw, knocking over all who was near her.

*Damn...Dammit all!!!* Aide shrieked. *My kill...MY KILL! How dare you vile lumps of meat and flesh deprive me of my kill!! I will return and when I do...Tell that little whelp of an Altiered that her blood is MINE!!*

With that Aide howled in rage, shaking the ground and houses with a massive tremor. She disappeered into a mass of swirling black mists, poison and violet aura.

The air of the endless night became deathly silent once more...As if she had never came at all.
************************************************** **************

Oyume shoved her "rescuer" with a harsh force, one you wouldn't expect from such a small childish-looking girl.

"I had her...! I had her...!" Oyume shouted. "I could've done it~! I could've killed her~! Why didn't you leave me be?! She had to die! She had to die by my hand alone~!"

Tears of water, not blood hung in Oyume's red glowing eyes.

"She has to die! She murdered everyone and everything I loved~!" Oyume cried. "That was my chance...I could've done it...! I had to~!"

Oyume covered her face with her hands, refusing to let someone see her cry. She shivered.

"Why didn't you leave me there...?" She sobbed weakly. "Why...? Why...?"

Oyume was a mess. Blood stained her face, hands, dress and hair. It wasn't wounds from battle, but from using her powers. To her...It was a small price to pay in order to be able to bring down the one who destroyed her life.

[Crimson Eyes]

Sotto watched as Oyume cried tears of crimson. He crossed his arms. "Oyume, I'm sorry, but did you really think you could've killed her there? You were hanging on by a thread. You were weakening fast. Aide was barely tired. You surely would have lost. Even with all of the help you had. You should take time to further your abilities so that this won't happen again so quickly." Sotto pointed to her tears of blood. "Live today, Fight tomorrow. Aide will come again. She has too, if she wants you dead. If you think I'm gonna take you back, You're wrong. We should just wait for your friends to get here."

[otakuyume]

Tears of water, not blood hung in Oyume's red glowing eyes.-Otakuyume*-Please read my posts more carefully...Water, not blood Crimson. ><;;;*

"You...Don't...Understand! My abilities were repressed by that sleep! I'm at my peak of strength right now, but I cannot access it!" Oyume countered. "I had to push myself...That's the only way to reopen that gate within and access the true powers of a Altiered!" She added. "This self-injury when I use them...I've always been the only Altiered to suffer reproccussions when I fight! I can and will endure!"

Oyume raised her thumb and reopened the scabbing wound. She drew another kanji-rune symbol in the air and a light arose around her feet.

"If you were the only one of your kind left...You'd understand what it is like...To literally lose everthing. This is YOUR world...Not mine! I can't live like this forever!" Oyume told him. "I may not be as fearful of outsiders as I was when I first began this journey...But this place and these people...Will always be...Just another foriegn place."

With that she disappeered into droplets of red aura and with a final burst of red light she was gone. Oyume knew how to get around once she had been to a place...But because of her limitations she rarely ever used the option.

She reappered in a flash of red light to the others, here body slowly reforming. She gazed around to see the others and the village, ravaged, but relatively alright. By the looks of it Taro or Chiyoko hadn't come out, probably because they had been busy defending the inn.

Oyume forlorn and exhausted, fell to her knees.

"When...will this all end...?" She asked softly.

[Fionn Mac]

Mosuke dropped to one knee, as his rarely used spiritual energy. He was after all, the grandson of a powerful monk...though his father did not care for the more defense oriented style of the monks.

"How can one stop Ieyasu by mere defense and healing alone?...You cannot hope to heal those who have already fallen by injustice's blade"
Mosuke used to overhear this comment used by his Father, when defending why became a samurai and turned away from his lineage.

"It will end... once the roots of Ieyasu's injustice, are up rooted from our lands...brave one"
said Mosuke as he made his way next to Oyume, and knelt down beside her.

He quickly turned away, lifting his Mask to wipe the sweat away from his face, then quickly place it back over his face.

"Please...do not fear me... brave one" said Mosuke softly, as he offered Oyume a cloth to wipe her blood stained face.
"I am a doctor of sorts...please allow me to heal your wounds"

Mosuke then placed his hands near, not on, Oyume's body. He had seen her reaction to others getting to close...he didn't want to frighten her.
He knew his medicinal healing would be of little use...these wounds were self inflicted. He would have to use is divine energy.

He then closed eyes, his mask hiding his scarred face from the powerful girl.
His hands then emitted a warm Yellow light, the subtle waves of healing energy slowly cascaded over Oyume's body.

[otakuyume]

Oyume's glowing red eyes drifted away from Mosuke, not because of his face, she had seen worse and more terrifying things than mere scars...It was because she was a bit...Envious of how easy it was for him to be able to heal.

"You realize not...How lucky you are monk-san...You can heal the wounded without condition...Where when I heal...I only end up damaging this body of mine..." Oyume said softly. "I have to be careful...Because unlike you...You merely become exhausted...Too much of my abilities being exercised...Can mean my own self-destruction..." She added quietly. "Do you know what it is like...To have to pick and chose when it is the right time to heal someone...? Even if...That person...May be someone you treasure most..?"

Her mind drifted back to the massacare of her people. She had watched her mother slip into death because she hadn't the strength to heal her wounds...She was unable to save her sister...Nor the brave boy who had proclaimed his love for her...And fought to the death so that she may escape.

"Two hundred years...And I am still just as you see me...This...Thing in a young girl's shell...I won't reach my adult form for sometime...And even so...There will be no family or community to celebrate this event...No one of my kind to ask for my hand..." Oyume said softly. "From my children on...The Altierian blood will become dilluted...And one day...My descendants will not be able to use the joyous positive energies of an Altiered...My culture...May even fade away..."

Oyume slowly took the cloth and wiped the blood from her face.

"This...Is why Aide must die...She has destroyed far too many lives for her selfish gain..." Oyume said softly as she removed all of the crimson stains. "Her blood for the blood of all she has spilled..."

With that Oyume tossed the rag and it erupted into a burst of flaming aura, disappeering into flickering embers.

"Ashes to ashes...Dust to dust...As the Last I will do as I must..." Oyume said softly.

[Fionn Mac]

"Words...mean little... in this troubled world we must live in" Said Mosuke his voice changing to a somber tone.
"But, I wish you to know...I deeply feel for your loss...and that of your people"

"I do not know what it is like to have to pick and choose the right time to heal" said Mosuke, looking at the saddened Oyume.
"Though, I know all too well...the feeling of being unable to save people I care for...it seems far worse at times attempting to...yet still watching them die, in your arms"

"But, as long as we are together in this fight against Ieyasu and Aide's tyrany..." said Mosuke, as he went to pat her on the shoulder in a comforting way...but stopped, respecting her space.
"You need not worry about healing...for I will help you...even if it means giving myself to insure your resolve in defeating Aide."

"Blood may be the essence that keeps our bodies alive...but it is our heart and soul that keeps our true self from being lost"
Said Mosuke, as he stood up and gently extended his hand to Oyume, offering to help her up.
"Your descendants may not inherit the pure blood and powers of the Altiered...but as long as they know the ways and culture of their ancestors...Your race will never fully be lost"

[Mitarisorceress12]

Hinata came up beside Mosuke, her left leg still bleeding something fierce even with the piece of her kimono tied to it. She sill tried her best to cheer Oyume up "Momo-kun is right." she said using the nickname she came up with for Mosuke."Your race will never be truly lost. You'll always keep a piece of it in your heart." She arranged her boomerang on her back, while looking up at the sky. The mid-morning breeze coming foward over the land.

[Crimson Eyes]

"Oyume...she was close to being killed. She is not yet strong enough to destroy Aide. She is strong enough, but ever since her sleep she has lost the ability to dig her strngth back up. That's why she must train. To get that ability back. I should go back to Oyume, Lee, and everyone else. But maybe some other time. I must hunt for Ieyasu. We shall meet again Oyume." Sotto made three handsigns and disappeared. He began to search the forests for Ieyasu. He did not bother with Aide. If Aide got in his way, He would fight. But the kill was for Oyume. Not him. -I will find you Ieyasu. No matter how well you cower in the shadows.-

[Crimson Eyes]

edit.-

[Crimson Eyes]

edit (sorry i double posted because of my stupid comp.)

[otakuyume]

*Since Faceless111 will not be posting regularly and he usually entrusts Taro to me. I will be moving him along until he returns for the sake of the RPG (he gets a lot of homework so it's perfectly alright for his absence and anyone else who gets swamped by school).*

Oyume forced herself to stand and dusted off her dress. She looked back towards the inn and to her friends.

"We'll stay another night...It would be foolish to leave when we're injured and exhausted." Oyume instructed, secretly still not use to leading a group. "We can help the people too...Most of them got away without a scratch...But homes are damaged and crops as well."

She walked off back into the inn and found Taro and Chiyoko. As she suspected they had defended the inn, leaving it in an almost unbothered state...Except for a few broken vases, tables and bloodstains, it would be fine.

"Onii-chan...!" Oyume called walking up to him.

Taro turned around and Oyume smiled. She didn't want to let him see her depression over failing to kill Aide.

"The villagers are safe...The others did very well considering it was Aide who attacked us..." She said softly, her smile fading just a bit. "Are you...Alright? Is there any wounds you want me to tend to?"

Taro shook his head no and sheathed his bloodstained blade.

"I'm fine...What about you?" He asked pointing to some bloodstains upon her dress collar.

"I exhausted myself..." Oyume replied truthfully. "I'm not as I was five months ago...My powers are still sleeping...Awakening all too slowly at that." She added almost bitterly. "We're going to stay another night...Just so we can help out and rest."

Taro nodded once more and Oyume took his hand, leading him outside to the others. Chiyoko followed, still ready for any battle.

"What exactly were those things?" She asked Oyume. "They weren't regular wolves or demons...!"

"Those were Aide's familars...And as I suspected for a long time...Aide herself is a great demon...Probably the strongest one I've ever encountered." Oyume told Chiyoko. "She aims to be the most powerful in the land...Meaning she is determined to destroy anyone with a shred of hope or skill against her..."

They walked back up to the others and just then an old man toddled up to the group.

"Rumor has it you youngins' lookin for Lord Ieyasu..." He wheezed as he leaned against his twisted cane. "I think I may be able ta help yas..."

"That would...Be appreciated...But what's the catch?" Taro asked suspicously.

"Those dang wolves busted our well...If you guys can fix it...We'd really appreciate the gesture." The old man requested. "As for Lord Ieyasu...I heard some merchants talkin' about him. They said dat he started buliding himself a new castle shortly after everything went dark and burned the new one. It was finally completed a month ago cuz its rumored to be made...With black magic." He added in a hushed tone. "It's to the south of here...Just follow the river and it should take it right to him when your ready."

"Thank-you...That was most helpful." Oyume said with a gentle smile. "When we are rested I'm sure we can do everything we can to fix your well and some of the other damage as well."

[Fionn Mac]

As he suspected Oyume, had bypassed his hand as he offered to help her up, she rose to her feet under her own strength.
She was very indepent, and rightfully so...she was a stranger among the rest of them...with no one even close to being like her.

Mosuke wondered if Oyume had heard his words, he hoped they brought some comfort. But it was obvious only the man who went by the name Taro could ease her pain.
Mosuke respected her wishes to be independent, as she was the only one who could truly stop Aide...it took a lot of mental strength to deal with that fact as well.

Mosuke then turned to Hinata, as she had already given him a nickname...much like his students had for him.
"You've done quite a nice job of wrapping your wound" said Mosuke as he bent down and inspected Hinata's leg.
"But its a bit too tight...you don't want to stop the circulation"

"Please hold still" asked Mosuke, as he unwrapped Hinata's leg, and applied some herbs to it, as he gently applied pressure to the wound, wrapping it with bandage.
"It will be a bit sore for a while, but I've stopped the bleeding...and the herbs will prevent infection"

He then stood up, and shifted his steel mask. Increased activity made it even more uncomfortable, he'd never understand how his father wore it in battle. He then looked at his arms which were cut up from the wolves, and applied bandages to them as well.

[otakuyume]

*Fion Mac-san! Post Edit alert! The world is in eternal darkness so no daylight...Sorry!*

Oyume watched Mosuke tend to Hinata's leg. He really seemed like a caring person...And oddly enough he reminded her...

Of her mother.

Oyume's mother had always been supportive, yet a guiding teacher in all ways. She had been apart of the Altierian Council and a prominant figure in Reiusvar. This meant Oyume never seen her much growing up...But Oyume had always kept to herself.

She had always...No matter what been alone.

That was until her destined betrothed would appear to steal her to go play in the woods or toss coins into the fountain in Reiusvar's heart of the city. Oyume's sister Reki had always been supportive and nurturing but she knew Oyume liked her space...And having a baby to care for took much of her time.

Even so...It had been Oyume's choice to live that way back then...And now...To be so utterly alone in reality was ironic and crushing to her very soul.

"Is anyone else suffering from wounds...?" Oyume called out, having some strength in her to be able to heal.

[Opinionated]

Stormfire had crouched for a lunge when he saw Oyume's barrier go down, but he had been too late to be able to have pinned Aide. He gave a short, insulted roar, and his scales changed to a glowing white that engulfed his body, and eventually faded to leave a man, his two swords, and the ghost attached to the swords.

Leeaniko staggered back to the town, ignoring some of the frightened stares from villagers. Few people had actually seen a dragon, but everyone was familiar with the devastation they could cause. That was another reason he didn't like telling people where he got his swords: They worried that the spirit of the dragon had posessed him.

The sheer power of being a dragon still coursed through his veins, and it made him shudder occaisionally, and for a time his teeth were chattering with the sensation. He closed his arms over his chest to keep them from shaking, and felt something through his shirt.

A patch of scales. Panic stopped him from moving, and he wished that Steef would recover sooner(it drains the ghost to morph into Stormfire), but he knew this was coming. He'd known it for almost a century, but it had always seemed too distant to be any danger.

He finally stumbled over to the others, saying nothing. He'd been warned that the shifting of his body to a half-dragon would happen exponentially, which filled his mind entirely.

[Mitarisorceress12]

Hinata smiled a small smiled as Mosuke re-wrapped the wound on her leg."A-Arigato Momo-kun." she said unaware that she was stuttering. She never had anybody this close to her before 'Wow he really knows his stuff in healing.' she thought inside in mind. Hinata moved her leg a bit ,even though it was sore she could still move it.

[Fionn Mac]

"Remember its not how tight you wrap it...Its how you wrap it." said Mosuke softly, as Hinata thanked him.
"You don't have to worry about it though, as long as I am here I can handle the healing...still you did a nice job"
Mosuke then bowed to Hinata, and made his way over to the same statue he
had rested at before.

His shoulder was bothering him somewhat, and he was tired...he wasn't used to using spiritual energy.
He felt the back of his shoulder, and as spike of pain went through it...he knew it was dislocated. Fortunatley up until this point his energy had reduced the pain, it was now becoming sore.
He did not want to draw any attention to himself though, the villagers and the others were more important than his well-being.

[Crimson Eyes]

Sotto continued to travel through the forest. His keen demon eyes suddenly picked up on the sounds of a conversation. He suddenly stopped and his himself behind a large tree. He held a kunai up, ready for any attack. He listened in on the conversation.

Man: "Sure, I can give ya directions to the nearest town. Just go south from here and follow the river. But watch out, there's supposed to be a dark castle that's owned by some kinda evil sorcerer. A few miles past the castle an you'll be in the next town."

Sotto's eyes shot open. "Dark castle. That must be Ieyasu's lair. I knew that it wouldn't be hard to find him."

Merchant:"Thank you. I'll be leaving right away. Goodbye."

Sotto became so excited that he stepped on a twig and it snapped. "Shoot."

The man looked around. "I'm getting out of here. This place gives me the creeps."

As soon as the man left, Sotto came out from hiding and started to follow the man's directions. The merchant was camping out tonight. "I hope that the others are aware of Ieyasu's location. I am strong but I'm not going in to his lair alone. Knowing him, he probably has several minions and traps around the place."

[Tetsanosuke]

Tetsuo had brought all the villagers he had evacuated back into the village. He jumped onto a building that was still standing and sat next to a smoke hole, he grabbed his shoulder in pain.

"That poison... It still aches..."

He wrapped his scarf around his arm and looked about the scene. Some villigers were staring at him, with looks that are hard to tell what they may be feeling.

[otakuyume]

*Visiting family so I have to be quick! >.<;; Please continue on my friends!*

Oyume gazed around the ruined village. It reminded her too much of Reiusvar. She closed her softly glowing eyes and tried to remain calm.

She couldn't let such tormenting memories swallow her. She had to be strong...No matter what the cost may be.

Lives were depending upon her.

[ThunderBird]

Julian leapt from branch to branch wanting to get to the next village hoping to get some rest after hunting. He jumped down to the ground, landing softly as he walked out of the tree to find the village ruined.

I smell blood, blood of a battle that had just occured, he thought to himself as he looked around at the damage.

[Kaikou]

Daske's body felt stunned. He just recently felt the poison take effect, he was down on one knee and holding his tough chest tightly. His sword was stuck in the ground and he leaned on it for support. He hadn't even been able to fully take in what was happening around him.

Idou slowly stepped up to him. "Daske? Are you ok?" He saw blood dripping onto the ground and stain the green grass. "Mosuke! Daske is hurt!" Idou cried running over to His favorate Docter and pulled on his hand.

Daske coughed, Blood came up and onto his hand, he looked at it then wiped his mouth off on his sleeve. The wolve bite was nothing to him but the poison was really painful. He had breathed in so much. "I wonder...if this is how she felt? ...My wife...." He thought about what he said. He didn't know he had a wife. After all who would want to marry a Samurai. He thought he was going delusional. Then he thought harder. He tried to remember. He did remember a woman. But only that there was one in his life. He couldn't see her or even hear her voice.

"Heh heh..." He began laughing quietly then he went silent. "Mosuke...I inhailed...the poison."

[Fionn Mac]

Mosuke was rubbing his sore shoulder, but was quickly confronted by his apprentice of sorts, Idou.
He was then pulled by the little boy, seeing that Daske was coughing up blood...Aide's poison was far worse than Mosuke anticipated, as it was taking down one of the strongest men he had met.

"Daske...conserve your strength..." said Mosuke a hint of worry in his voice, as he helped Daske lay flat on the ground and turned to Idou, trying to calm the crying child.
"Idou...our friend his badly hurt, but crying will not help him...he needs your confidence and faith in him"
"Ye..Yes Mosuke...You show that evil Lady Aide who's really the strongest!" said Idou, as he gripped Daske's foot...knowing to give Mosuke room.

Thoughts and Formulas went through Mosuke's mind. If he had been with Daske earlier, medicine would of worked..but he was back to the Divine healing as an only option...something even he was still learning.
He then without thinking took off his Mask, revealing his scarred face, as the mask only hindered his concentration.

"Grandfather...guide my hand..." said Mosuke as he rolled up his sleeve, His hand glowing a soft golden color.
"Though no light is left in sky...may it shine from the heavens on this man"

Mosuke then thrust his hand into Daske's chest...a beam of divine light seemed to pierce the dark sky, as it struck down on Mosuke's hand.
There was no blood...Mosuke's hand literally went though Daske, much like a ghost would a wall.

"My friend...you are purified" said Mosuke as he slowly withdrew his hand, pulling the poison mist out...turning it to ash, as it blew away in the wind.
Mosuke fell back, as he layed on the ground...he was becoming used to the energy...but it was still taking a lot of his own.

He did not even care that his mask was off, for the safety of who he realized was his true friend, and the well being of the young boy, meant more to him than making sure his flaw as he saw it, was concealed.

[Mitarisorceress12]

Hinata sat down beside Mosuke, with a damp cloth in hand. "You shouldn't push yourself too hard Momo-kun." she said as Hinata wiped the cloth against his sweating brow. This was the first time she had seen him without his mask on. She blushed a bit because despite his scars his face was still handsome. "There all done!" said the wolf girl , her eyes twitching.

[Kaikou]

Daske smiled. "And...I thought I had experienced everything in this world." He snickered slightly and sat up. Then he looked at Mosuke almost quizically. "Do you wear that mask...to cover up old wounds, my friend?" He knew the answer, then he pulled off his armor and revealed his shoulders and bare chest.

"We're more alike then I thought." He nodded slightly as his body was covered in scar after scar, it seemed that only his face was scarless. "Sad part is, I don't know where I got them, so how can I be proud of them?" He stood up a little wobbly. The divine light tingled his body as it purified him, much like when a limb falls asleep and leaves a tingling sensation when it is put to use again.

"Oh my gosh! That was so cool! and...it's another wolf! Kill it!" Idou shouted as he pointed at Hinata and hid behind his hero's.

Daske rose an eyebrow at the sudden outburst. "She's a member of our ever so strange group of lacky's." Daske informed almost playfully. But he really did look confused at Idou.

"....Oh...My bad. I'm sorry incrredibly cute wolf lady person." Idou apologized with his most adorable expression he could place.

[Fionn Mac]

Mosuke sat up, embarassed as the stunningly beautiful wolf-girl was wiping his face.
"Oh...I am fine..Thank you, Hinata isn't it?" said Mosuke as he stood up, gently grabbing Hinata's hand and pulling her up with him.
"I should of trained with my grandfather more...he was far better at using our Family's spiritual energy."

Mosuke looked at his mask on the ground, somehow he felt he no longer needed it to hide himself. He was suprised these people accepted him...as they all had their own flaws, bonded by a common goal to stop Ieyasu and Aide.

"Someday, my young apprentice...you will be able to do something similar" said Mosuke as he playfully patted Idou on the head...hard, as if to knock some sense into the young boy.

"Daske, my friend...I need a favor" said Mosuke as he helped brace his samurai friend...his shoulder still hanging.
"My shoulder is still dislocated...I need you to quickly pull it down and shove it back into the socket"

"Please...do not hesitate, for the pain will be enough the first time...I don't want to feel it twice" said Mosuke as he laughed a little...he knew the pain associated with it...it wasn't the most pleasent experience.
"Consider this as your first Lesson in healing Daske"

[otakuyume]

Oyume knelt down beside Mosuke and her hands slowly glowed a red aura. She grasped his arm and the aura rushed through the bone and flesh. With a sharp tug and twist she popped his arm back into place without any pain.

"There's no need for Daske-san to do that...I've dislocated mine own shoulder enough to use a little aura, enough not to harm myself, in order to nulify the pain to get it back to the way it was." Oyume said with a gentle smile.

A pounding headache now throbbed in Oyume's temple. That was well worth the price of fixing Mosuke's arm.

"I'm going to go lay down for a few hours then I'll be back to help clean up this town...And fix the well." Oyume said remembering their deal to the old man. "In the morning we'll head towards Ieyasu's manor...."

[Fionn Mac]

"Thank you Oyume...That saved a lot of extra uneeded pain" said Mosuke smiling as he concerned himself with helping Daske stand, until he regained his strength...helping him place some of his armor back on.
"I won't make this a habit though...I can tell you are still burdened by effects from healing...If I can save you the least bit of pain...then let me do so...you've had to deal with to much pain in your life so far"

He was glad he didn't have to deal with the pain, but he'd rather deal with it than see Oyume suffer the effects of her unique healing. She was kind to those who she owed nothing too..the sign of a true brave and pure hearted person.

"Well Daske...It seems your first lesson will be delayed" Said Mosuke smiling as he eyed Oyume, giving her a kind look...as if to say she had his full trust and loyalty.
"Heh, Maybe we will start with something less painful for the patient...and work our way up"

[Mitarisorceress12]

Hinata put the rag back in her kimono pocket. She turned to Idou "It's okay. Most people have that reaction of me." she said patting his head affectionaily. She gave her left leg a scratch since it was itching. Her stomach growled suddenly caused some of the members to look at her "Opps I guess i'm a bit hungry." she said rubbing her tummy as a blush came ascross her face. What was even worser was that since the village was destoryed the market was in ashes. "Oh what to do for food."

[Opinionated]

Leeaniko watched the others talk, and used them to dstract himself from the shock of beginning the late stages of the transformation. He looked down, and realized he'd been mistaken when he thought he was alright. Though the healing powers of a dragon had reduced them to minor inconviences, he'd let the blood rage distract him from everything, including the pain of being clawed by wolves.

Worse, one of the scratch marks went just above the patch of scales. He probed the woudn with his fingers, and decided it was alright, just painful. Thinking of the scales made him think of the transformation again. He could almost feel the bones changing shape, skin drying up and becoming scales, his very essence becoming something it wasn't born as.

A bit too quickly, if anyone was noticing, he pushed himself onto his feet, and cracked his neck. "I'm going to go and help with the well." he casually announced, and began to walk away.

[Kaikou]

"Don't worry about it, oyume...We can handle things here, just rest and leave it up to us."

Daske looked up at lee and tilted his head. "I'll help too. Mosuke will probably be healing villigers all night, Idou you should help him." Daske followed Lee and was still walking a bit strangely but finally the tingling went away and he returned to normal.

"Ok...Daske...He'll be fine right? I bet that was painfull...I've never dislocated a joint before but my friend did when he fell down the stairs...Mosuke...can you revive people? The wolves...killed him..." Idou looked down as hinata pet him. Tears formned in his big eyes.

Daske looked at lee's scales and then stopped him from walking. "Can I ask...what..is going on with this...?" He pointed.

[Fionn Mac]

Mosuke let go of Daske as the effects of the "divine surgery" allowed him to finally walk straight.
Daske was right, he would be healing people all night...luckily he could instruct Idou on how to heal the less severe, through practical medicine.

"Daske?...he will be fine...I healed him didn't I?" said Mosuke as he tried to calm Idou's fears.
"Yeah...you did...you are Mosuke the great doctor" sniffed Idou, as he wiped his tears...feeling a little better"

"Ok young apprentice, follow this list of instructions and help as many people as you can" said Mosuke as he handed Idou some bandages, medicine and instructions on how to wrap wounds.
Idou quickly ran off, back to his exicted self as he was helping people.

Mosuke avoided the reviving question. He could in fact revive the recently fallen, but he had never actually done it.
He then found the small boy, not to far from the Orphan house.
Mosuke gathered his energy and thrust his hands into the boy's chest...much like how he healed Daske.

He warmed the boy's still heart with his energy and felt a faint beat. He pulled his hands out and the boy began to take small breaths.
Mosuke suprised himself once again by his ability. Unlike his father, he was beginning to except his monk lineage.
Mosuke then spent the rest of his time finding fallen villagers who still had some life essence left and revived them...some sadly he could not save.

[otakuyume]

Oyume went back to the inn and rested for a few hours. She felt horrible for not being able to help out more, but her body was so badly ravaged it needed time to reguventate. Nightmares plauged her as she slept.

They were of the boy she had been destined to marry.
************************************************** ***************
Her house of countless years, her home was burning. Flames ate away at the elegant wooden house, killing all of her families worldly possessions. Oyume's mother had just been stabbed through the stomach, her blood spattered onto Oyume's face, dress and hands. The Outsiders advanced upon her in the burning house, one man's blade dripping with her mother's scarlet blood.

They were blocking the only door out and all that laied behind her was fire. Oyume began to cry, scared and fearing death. She would die. These men would murder her like the did to her mother and the rest of her family.

Suddenly a blast of blue aura send them flying into the fiery depths of the house, their screams cut short as the fire claimed them. In rushed a boy and he grabbed Oyume's hand.

"Don't be a baka Dream! Let's go! The house is going to collaspe!" He shouted, pulling her out and into the cobblestoned streets.

The entire city was ablaze and bodies littered the streets while some tried to flee, only to be killed, hunted down by the Outsiders attacking. Oyume was gazing at it in horror as the boy pulled her away. She suddenly realized he was holding her hand.

"My hand...You're holding my hand!" Oyume squeaked clutching Tsukasa.

"Damn right I am!" He said softly. "I'm not letting you go until we get to safety....You die we're all doomed..."

Suddenly some men surrounded them and the boy pulled Oyume, behind him, spreading his arms to shield her.

"By order of the Lady Aide...All abominations known as the Altiered are hereby to be destroyed...Surrender now and your deaths will be quick and painless," One man told them brandishing his sword. "Resist and suffer a long and painful death."

"Like heck that'll happen!" The boy shouted, summoning his aura. "Die you monsters!"

He unleased his attack, killing five men, but they rushed him and he was burdened with trying to protect Oyume. He was tiring quickly as he used his powers. No matter how many he killed they kept on coming.

Suddenly the man who spoke snuck up behind him and lundged for Oyume, his blade gleaming. Oyume screamed and suddenly the boy shoved her aside and into the ground. He summoned his aura, breaking the sword but the man kept going, the small shard of metal left on the hilt of the sword entering his right eye.

The boy cried out in pain and used his powers once more, killing the man. The other men scattered and the boy pulled out the hilt, collasping.

"Nii-chan!!!" Oyume cried standing about to run to his aid.

"No! Run...Run Oyume! Leave me and run!" The boy gasped, clutching his face to stop the bleeding. "Go Oyume!"

"Nii-chan...NO! I won't leave you!" Oyume cried.

Just then some more men began to come towards them in the distance.

"You must...Now go! If you die...We're all done for! You are the people of the Altiered Oyume! We are promised to one another so I shall not die...My song will not allow it..." He told her. "NOW RUN!"

Oyume sobbed and turned, running as fast as her legs could take her. She didn't look back, she couldn't. Tears streamed down her face as she ran for her life.
************************************************** **************

Oyume awoke with a cry, sweat rolling down the side of her right cheek. How many more nights would she see his death? It haunted her.

He had told her so many time he had loved her...But she had always felt like it had been somewhat forced or untrue because they were destined to wed. However...When he did....She had believed him.

And that's what hurt most of all.

[Opinionated]

Leeaniko looked terrified for a moment, then embarassed. "It's... a long story." he said shifting his shirt to cover the orange scales.

"But one you might as well tell. It's exponential, remember? It won't be too long before you're sporting your own wings." An all to familiar voice said.

"Yeah, Steef, I guess you're right." Lee sighed, then started his tale. "I know I don't look it, but I'm around 137 years old. About a hundred years ago, I was a mercenary and I took a job for some villagers to kill the local dragon. I won.

"A dragon's heart generally doesn't stop beating till months after death, and there've always been legends about how if you take a dragon's fang and temper it in the dragon's blood, you'll trap the soul of the dragon inside. So, I cut out the dragon's heart and transported it back home with two fangs.

"My adoptive father, Khrones, decided to make them himself. He's always been ancient, and joked he was so old Death wouldn't touch him. But he was limber still, and had them ready when I came for them."

Lee rested his hands on the hilts of Telo'kar and Neekoa, saying, "And thus I recieved these two beauties. Telo'kar contains the fire powers of the Stormfire dragon, Neekoa the storm powers. They also act as an anchor for this spirit of the Stormfire dragon. I call him Steef.

"But the really important part is what's been left out: The spirits in the swords are bound to me, and I'm slowly turning into a half-dragon. And it'll only keep getting faster now. I don't think I have too long before I lose my humanity completely and become something that's not natural."

[otakuyume]

Oyume soon emerged from the inn and went over to the group, overhearing Leeaniko's tale. Her long silvery white hair fell over her lowing red eyes and she held her right shoulder, bearing a secret mark under the sleeve of her dress.

It had started throbbing since her last dream.

"We all really are...A group of the unfortuante aren't we?" Oyume mused as she approuched the group. "Seeking revenge for those long lost and peace for all who live...Is it suiting or a mockery to call us....'Heros?'" She then inquired.

She smiled gently at her new "friends". Taro and Chiyoko were busy fixing hut-like houses nearby and she hadn't started on anything.

"I guess...It's time to pull out something from my bag of magic tricks..." Oyume said sweetly as she bit her thumb.

She quickly used her bleeding thumb to draw a large circle with kanji-runes interlacing it. She then stood in the middle and chanted a spell, her aura flaring up and around the blood and herself. It suddenly burst forth, lighting the area as it snaked around, reviving burnt fields and rapidly fixing damage upon houses. Finally it took ahold of the well and fixed it as good as new.

Oyume's aura and symbol faded and she stood smiling fondly. She didn't feel any reprocussions so she began to suspect her powers were returning.

But suddenly she coughed and a stream of sticky red blood coated her fingers she used to cover her mouth.

"Still not just yet..." Oyume said through a wheeze. "At least...This is a 'mild' one..." She then added cheerfully, trying to clean the blood away.

It wasn't pleasant or comfortable for Oyume to let people see her so bloodied after such simple Altierian spells. In fact it was a bit of an embarrasment, but she had learned to let that fact go.

[Fionn Mac]

Mosuke was breathing heavily as he had revived a good majority of the villagers...most of them had a strong spirit, allowing him to pull them back from beyond.
It was unwise and immoral to bring back those who had served their purpose or were just plain old or sick.
It was the ones who were mercilessly killed that could come back.

"Please brave one, you must let us relieve you of these duties...atleast until you regain your strength" said Mosuke as he slowly made his way over to the others, and tore his sleeve.

"I can sense your powers are returning, but you should continue to rest...We will need them further in our journey" said Mosuke smiling, as he wiped Oyume's face with the cloth from his sleeve and handed it to her.
"If We are in fact...heroes, fixing a well and houses should be easy"

[Mitarisorceress12]

Hinata looked in awe of how Oyume used her magic to fix the well and burnt down houses. She smiled a stiff smile " We are heroes indeed." she said sitting down on a nearby tree stump. Her stomach was still rumbling from hungar, she tried to rubb it but that didn't make it better. "Oh just quiet down you!" she said quietly .
Hinata stretched her arms above her head, bringing them back down to stratch her ears. A look for seriousness crossed her face "Will we really be able to defeat him...Ieyasu I mean...." Hinata hands cupped her face.

[ThunderBird]

Julian had hid behind a near buy house, sitting down against the wall as he listened to the group. He had his eyes closed, his ears twitched a little.

"What I want to know is who and why would anyone want to destroy a vilage that has nothing worth taking?" he thought to himself as he looked up at the dark sky. "Why do people like to watch others suffer? How do they find pleasure from killing innocent people?" he muttered to himself.

[Tetsanosuke]

Tetsuo watched as the group socialized and worked. "I could have done something... or could I have?" He asked himself as he held his shoulder.

"Shadow Nimpo, technique 12, Shadow purification." He body dispersed into many black forms then reconfigured. The remaining poison was released from his body, but his shoulder still ailed him.

"I am the shadow, I shall keep my eye out for my origin and here friends." He kept a sharp eye out and created a tiny black fireball. He tossed it over the village and is stayed afloat.

"What it sees, I'll see..." He was still on a roof, above the group.

[galdon]

((typically bad at entrances, so i'll be inspecific and anyone who wants to pick me up can react to me))

*walking along, he hoped to come accross some others that could help him, it'd be a suicide mission to go off and try saving the world and whatnot by himself. the wieght of his sword on his back was heavy*

Man, *he said to himself pulling it off and setting it to rest on the ground in front of him* who on earth uses a sword shaped like this anyway? *the crystal blade apparently was very difficult to dammage, nothing he did ever scratched it, maybe they didnt want to carve it into a proper shape for a katana, it was far too wide, the handle was different style from them as well. it just made no sence why someone would opt for a normal sword of that shape. if it wasnt for the strange energy absorbing power of it, he'd never have brought it along. but, dragging it along was too heavy for him to carry his katana as well as food and water.*

I hope I find someone soon.

[otakuyume]

Oyume nodded to Mosuke and finished wiping the blood away with the cloth he gave her. She gazed around the slowly repairing village and heard Hinata's stomach growl.

"We can eat a meal at Kimizu-san's inn before we leave." Oyume said gently. "I'd conjour some food...But as we all know I have to be careful right now."

She then turned serious at the mention of Ieyasu.

"He isn't the 'main' enemy...He never was...He's a simple mortal man corrupted all too willingly in things he should've left alone. A mere wasp with a deadly stinger..." Oyume told the group. "I now have begun to see the true more and more since i first started this journey. Ieyasu is Aide's puppet and plaything...Why? Simply because she wants misery and destruction...Aide the queen wasp....The most dangerous of all."

Oyume's long silvery white hair caught upon the wind and she closed her eyes.

"The air...Still carries the scent of death...That has not changed..." Oyume said softly. "If it has...It has only gotten stronger."

Oyume opened her eyes once more. Her small face was filled with a wisdom that did not belong with such a childish form.

"Ieyasu...Is planning something...That...I can sense in my very bones." Oyume whispered.
************************************************** **************

Lord Ieyasu sat upon his throne. A throne that he had cut many countless throats and spilled rivers of blood to attain. A throne that was now meaningless since his beloved Aide had vanished thanks to the Altierian child-brat.

A servant nervously entered the grand chamber and Ieyasu's dark almond eyes, deprived of sleep and sanity slowly slid onto his pitiful form.

"M...M...Milord...I...I have recieved some urgent news for you...Your grace...! Your lordship!" The servant stammered.

"Spit it out or lose your tongue." Ieyasu said coldly, his pupils narrowing onto the fearful man.

"W-Word has been recieved b-by intellegence that the L-Lady Aide has been spotted!" The man stammered. "B-By the village of Idanara...B-but has vanished once more...."

"And this should concern me how?! Is she here by my side?! No! This information is useless! My beloved cannot be tracked so commonly!." Ieyasu snapped, standing, looming over the poor soul. "I should have you dragged out and torn asunder for bothering me so!!"

"W-wait Milord~! She was seen fighting the child with white hair and red eyes!!" The man cried. "The child with the red eyes has a-awoken...!"

Ieyasu paused at this news. He knew where ever that Altierian misfit went...Aide would follow, waiting to strike her down...And Since she had returned Aide would come back for her "pet" even though Ieyasu no longer possessed it!

He grinned evilly, scaring the messenger servant even more.

"You may live for longer...But the next words I hear out of your mouth...Better be of Aide's return and nothing else." Ieyasu told him firmly. "If you fail to do so...I get to take your head...Eyes, nose, lips and all...."

The servant nodded, rambling his apologies and rushed out. Ieyasu sat back in his throne and chuckled darkly, it growing into a darker laugh.

"Come home beloved....I'm waaaiting...." Ieyasu chuckled. "Waiting for you and your beauty....My beloved Aide..." He added with a sigh. "Kill the red-eyed brat quickly dear...So that you may come home once more to me..."

[galdon]

*Picking his sword back up, he lifted it back onto his back and continued from the wilderness. the whole always night time thing kind of bugged him, made everything creepy. for that specific reason he had held his sword up to some light for who knows how long so he could light up an area for a while. course, doing that would make his eyes sencitive to the dark again, so he didnt want to do it unless he really needed it.*

Finnally! been walking through the wilderness for forever *he had taken to talking to himself rather than thinking while he was alone, simply for the fact that if someone else was around they could hear him, the range of sight was miserable, the town snuck up on him before he even realized it. he ran into town to see if anyplace was open that he could get some food at, only to see that the town was in the process of being fixed up from something.*

um.. that doesnt look good.. anybody know what happened here?

[Kaikou]

"A dragon, huh? Must have been a fair opponent indeed. I've only ever fought men and occassional demons. I should like to test myself on a Dragon." Daske was always interested in a good and fair fight, but also challenging. When he saw that everything had been magically fixed he stopped and turned around.


"Looks like we're not needed after all. Sometimes I think that fighting is all I am useful for." He patted Lee's shoulder, man to man, and nodded. "Your soul is stronger than any power. As long as you beleive, you always be you, and nothing else."

Idou came rushing over to Mosuke nd smiled. "You can revive people! That's so cool! Daske will be unstoppable with you there with him! And you even revived my friend! Thanks! This is so cool." Idou had bandaged a few people and was proud of himself because of it.

[Fionn Mac]

Mosuke was glad that Oyume had heard his concern for her well-being. Though he did not know what happened before, he suspected she'd lost people close to her...that much was obvious as she didn't want her new "friends" to worry about her.
"Yes...I can revive most people" said Mosuke as he took a knee, mostly because he was tired, but he played it off as patting Idou on the head.
"Some people had already passed on...but those with a will to live...like your friend, can be brought back...though it takes a lot out of me to do so"

"Heh, and yes Daske will be quite unstoppable with me by his side" Laughed Mosuke, as Idou's innocent comments continually overstated their abilities..yet Mosuke knew he'd do anything to keep his friend alive and well.

"Heyyy, Mosuke you have a bunch of scars on your face ya'know?" said Idou as he tilted his head, and ran his little hand over Mosukes face.
"You're Just like Daske!...are you guys related?...because that would be so cool!...I want scars like you guys...eh, does it hurt?...how many can I have? How.."

Luckily before Idou could continue, his friend had made his way to his side, elbowing him playfully...rambling on about how weird it felt and what it was like to be revived.
They slowly walked back to the now, repaired Orphange...but Idou promised he'd see them before they left.

Mosuke decided to sit, he was tired and just needed to rest a while.
He and Daske were even more oddly similar, thought Mosuke. They were each others compliment, and together maybe they could make a bigger difference.
And Idou, in his own odd way, was someone they could both influence...teaching him their best qualities.

"If in our lives we can influence atleast one soul for the better...we have succeeded in shaping a better future" said Mosuke quietly to himself, as he grabbed his mask and held it, and continued to rest.

[galdon]

*he looked around a little bit, it seemed everyone was so busy that they didnt have time to notice him. the sword on his back was feeling heavy again, so he sat down in an area that was fairly open and visible so he wouldnt be in anyones way while he waited for some explination of what was going on*

[Tetsanosuke]

Tetsuo spotted the man with the heavy blade and questioned like always "A potential allie? Or maybe an enemy? Should I be concerned?" He laughed even though his arm hurt, but that wouldn't stop his fun. He jumped off the building and landed on the man with the heavy blade, but he was weightless causing the man no suffering.

"Hello tired one with a huge blade, do you need assistance? Or should I jump away?" He chuckled almost insanly in tone,then stopped himself. He hopped off the man then sat beside him.

Tetsuo's glared at him with his purple eyes from behind his scarf and from his back pouch he pulled out a rice ball. "If you need details, don't mind a shadow like me, but if you need the unknown and the mysterious, I'm your shadow!"

His eyes were like purple flames, he was having quite the time. He offered the man the riceball smiling behind his scarf, then jumped to the side of a building. He leaned on it's wall laughing maniacly.

[Opinionated]

Leeaniko looked at Daske, gave an odd sort of half-smile, and said: "Here's a bit of advice on fighting a dragon: Don't. Stormfire was moderate sized, as dragons go, and he nearly killed me." He then sighed at watching what he planned to do be done for him.

"I thougth you were inherently lazy." Steef said.

"Yeah, but I could use some good distraction about now." Lee muttered just loud enough for the ghost to hear. Then he returned to a normal volume, and said, "I can only survive as what my soul is shaped in. And since this would be permanent, I'm supposing the shape of my soul is changing with my body. And besides, I don't think spourting wings is painless."

"Sprouting wings? Try learning to fly! Do it in under a week, just try. It's nearly impossible."

"You had centuries to learn how to fly!"

[Mitarisorceress12]

Hinata noticed as Tet-san began to talk to the new man with the large sword. She twitched her large wolf ears 'I Tet always this talkative, jeez.' she thought. Ingoring them she looked over to Mosuke as he put back on the steel mask "I really like off. He looks better this way despite the scars."she said quietly to herself suddenly
blushed red with embrassment.
Hinata waved her arms wildy "W-What am I thinking!" she said a little bit too loudly.

[galdon]

Tetsuo spotted the man with the heavy blade and questioned like always "A potential allie? Or maybe an enemy? Should I be concerned?" He laughed even though his arm hurt, but that wouldn't stop his fun. He jumped off the building and landed on the man with the heavy blade, but he was weightless causing the man no suffering.

"Hello tired one with a huge blade, do you need assistance? Or should I jump away?" He chuckled almost insanly in tone,then stopped himself. He hopped off the man then sat beside him.

Tetsuo's glared at him with his purple eyes from behind his scarf and from his back pouch he pulled out a rice ball. "If you need details, don't mind a shadow like me, but if you need the unknown and the mysterious, I'm your shadow!"

His eyes were like purple flames, he was having quite the time. He offered the man the riceball smiling behind his scarf, then jumped to the side of a building. He leaned on it's wall laughing maniacly. what happened here? *he said standing up to face him, it was apparent that his sword wieghed him down* it looks like everybody is rebuilding after some sort of disaster. i guess this falls under unknown for me, i hope you dont consider it to be details.

[otakuyume]

Oyume turned to the stranger, her red glowing eyes determining if he was friend or foe.

"This village was attacked by demons led by the Lady Aide...The shogun Lord Ieyasu's mistress." Oyume told him carefully.

Taro and Chiyoko walked up to the group, just finished repairing the temple across from the inn.

"These people...Are going to have a difficult time regrouping and recovering from this." Taro said gazing around. "They've been relatively shielded from the battles and bloodshed...Now they're vunerable just like all the other villages in the land."

"I won't...Let it come to that." Oyume said softly. "We'll end the fighting before it escaltes any further." She then vowed. "I don't want to see...Any more homes burned as long as I live."

"You really have it in for this Aide don't you?" Chiyoko inquired putting her hands on her hips.

"She started the bloodshed...I'm only going to finish it with her life." Oyume merely replied. "She wants mine so it's only a matter of survival...And revenge...For me."

Oyume gazed up at the dark sunless sky. She really did miss the warm rays of light...This atmosphere was too much like Aide...

Black, cold and without a hint of ending.

[Fionn Mac]

Mosuke placed his mask back on, but this time his intent was different.
"Grandfather...Father...I will honor both of you the best way I can" said Mosuke as he fastened the mask tightly.
"Though I no longer need to hide myself from these people...my companions...or friends rather...I must not lose sight of why I am scarred...I am Mosuke the mysterious masked Doctor...son to a fallen family...by the hands of Ieyasu."

Mosuke then got up, and made his way over to Hinata...who was oddly waving her arms.
"Excuse me Hinata-san, Please take these, I can see that you are hungry" said Mosuke as he handed Hinata a few rice balls that Idou had left him.
"I wanted to thank you for your concern about my well being...and I'm sorry if my scars scared you."

Mosuke felt odd as Hinata was the only woman to touch his face, let alone even get close to him...besides the occasional old woman in his village.
She was far to beautiful for someone like him...she deserved a handsom, strong Samurai.

He then breifly caught wind of what Oyume was saying. She was truly the only one who could kill Aide. Aide couldn't be stopped by mere steel...a far greater power was needed...and Oyume had that power, but at what price?
Mosuke wanted revenge on Ieyasu most of all...but Oyume would need some help against Aide.
Maybe his emerging divine powers were a sign, he could in someway help defeat Aide.
But that was what lied ahead,
Mosuke wanted to focus on making sure Hinata ate something.

[Mitarisorceress12]

Hinata gasped as Mosuke handed over the plate of riceballs to her. 'Wow he really is worried about me.' she thought taking the tray in her small hands. She bowed a respectful bow "Um..Arigato Momo-kun!" she said slowly raising a riceball up to her rosy lips and taking a large bite. It gave Hinata's stomach a warm feeling as she bit down onto the riceball. Soon she had scarfed down the whole tray, leaving no crumb behind.

[galdon]

Demons? that not good at all... *he looked around the place* how many were there?

why am i always late? i've never seen a single demon yet.. i guess most people would consider that lucky

[Kaikou]

"Well, you sound like my Father, Lee. He once said: Take my advice and if you want to become a samurai: don't. But here I am." Daske chuckled. "At least I think thats what he said. Memory loss isn't so great now, is it?" He patted Lee's shoulder and joined the others.

"May I ask when are departure is, Sister Oyume?" He suddenly stopped and pondered the reason why he had said sister-Oyume. "Sorry. I say strange things around you...I still haven't figured out why." He now felt more uncomfortable then he would if he'd lost his katana. He shifted his weight from foot to foot and finally couldn't stand it anymore. Oyume made him uncomfortable in a way that he was beginning to dislike. It wasn't that he disliked her, it was an odd feeling of sadness and horror that overcomed him.

So he began to leave then stopped and spoke. "Chiyoko, may I inquire to use your hot springs to relax?" He questioned softly and awaited an answer. "I won't take long." he assured.

[otakuyume]

"You've mistaken me for that strange Ookami...Wuzzher name? Oh yes! Kimizu-san!" Chiyoko said. "Oyume-san said we're staying another night...So I guess we're stayin' at the inn again...So knock yourself out Daa-san."

Oyume nodded. She turned to Daske, still sensing a familarity about him she just couldn't pinpoint in her memories...If one existed at all.

"As Chiyoko-san has already reinformed you...We will be staying one more night...Then...We'll go to Ieyasu's manor..." Oyume said softly, half-knowing what dangers would lie in store of them. "So please do rest up and get prepared all of you...I won't be able to fight like I use to...But~! I will do whatever it takes to ensure we all return safely!"

This was her vow to the people following her movement against Ieyasu and Aide. She was beginning to feel....A "friendship" towards them.

That was something she never truly had before...Even when Reiusvar was whole.

[Fionn Mac]

"Theres no need to thank me Hinata-san" said Mosuke as he accidently touched her hand with his as he took the empty plate back.
"Heh...Hunger is the easy ailment to cure, it only requires some simple food"
"If you ever need anything Hintata-san...just let me know, I'll do what I can to help"

He then bowed and started to make his way over to "his resting spot" of sorts, near the statue in front of the Inn.
Mosuke sat himself down, and rested his naginata on his shoulder. He was beginning to understand if he combined his father's fighting spirit and his grandfather's teachings...he would be a better ally, warrior...and a person.
He felt the steel mask on his face, maybe once everything was over...he could take it off for good...he would no longer need its connection to his father, for he would have carried on his father's will to end the darkness.

"The brave-one Oyume-san is right, ensuring we all come back safe..to fight another day is important." said Mosuke to himself as he, gazed at the dark sky...he longed to see a last sunset before his life was over.
"We must protect each other...for we all hold some part in winning this fight"

[Tetsanosuke]

Tetsuo nodded to himself hearing his companion's words. "Yes of course... but I have other things to do also... or do I?" He questioned his own motives again. "Surely my body, which is now a puppet is dead now right? Or is it still alive with the fires of fighting spirit... Makoto Orikichi, I will become you again someday."

He stared around at everybody slowly... then he responded to that new persons question with a subtle call to him. "A few... or a lot. Depending on your perspective of what is challenging."

He twirled his finger in the air during a breif pause then said "To a weak person... it would have been an army. To us, a mere group or mob."
He slinked into the shadow of the statue Mosuke was near and kept silent for a while, his eyes scanning the area.

[galdon]

well, when i say how many, i mean was it a small group of toughies, an oversized army of weaklings, stuff like that, just number estimate not power.

[Tetsanosuke]

From the shadow Tetsuo's voice was on the wind "Ah, but numbers and power directly correlate! I'm afraid I do not know the exact number, but by the battle it seemed like a lot to say the least. To me and the rest, it was nothing really... other then my origin's ultimate foe... Aide." He had said to the questioning man.

[Kaikou]

Daske let out a small sigh as he sat in the empty hot spring. Without his armor all of his scars were visible and exposed for all to see. He wished he could be proud of them, but he didn't know where they came from.

"I wonder...is Oyume my Sister? Why else would I call her 'Sister Oyume'. But then again, she doesn't say weird things around me, or even notion that I am such a thing. So then...what am I? Who am I? If I could remember everything, no matter how horrible it may be, then maybe I could present myself more decently...but what if I despise what I was, what if who I am now disappears?" He leaned back against the wall and sighed, his long black hair was untied and hung around his shoulders, spiking out furiously from at angles.

He lowered his scared body into the spring and covered everything up to his nose. He remained still and watched the small ripples bound off of him and slowly disappear a few centimeters away.

[Fionn Mac]

Mosuke saw Daske go off towards the hot springs. Something was troubling him...it was pretty obvious, or atleast to Mosuke it was.
He pulled himself up from his resting spot, cursing himself for not being in better shape...as he had moved more this day than he had in quite some time.
He was muscular and strong bodied, mostly from his monk training...but he had little time to train with his students and patients taking most of his time.

Mosuke sat himself on the opposite side of the wall in which Daske was sitting against, so he couldn't see him...only hear his voice.
"Something troubles you my friend...it eats away at your very being, making you question who or what you even are...does it not?" Said Mosuke as he took off his mask, and ran his hand through his spiky black hair.
"I saw the way you acted around Oyume-san...there is some connection between the two of you..though you both do not recall it."
said Mosuke as he tried to talk with his friend...though he couldn't heal this type of pain...he could only offer support.
"Your scars origins are unclear to you...though I have far to vivid memories of how I recieved mine... it may be you subconsiouly didn't want to remember"

"Though whether you were a saint or a murderer in your past...that matters not to me...I know the Daske of now, a strong, honorable, wise individual...a friend" said Mosuke as he smiled, realizing how lucky he was to find someone like himself in these dark times.
"As long as I draw breath...I promise to help you uncover your past...no matter what the outcome."

[galdon]

From the shadow Tetsuo's voice was on the wind "Ah, but numbers and power directly correlate! I'm afraid I do not know the exact number, but by the battle it seemed like a lot to say the least. To me and the rest, it was nothing really... other then my origin's ultimate foe... Aide." He had said to the questioning man.

well, if i asked how tough they were then numbers wouldnt matter. at any rate, there isnt any chance they will return here too soon is there?

[Tetsanosuke]

"Well I wouldn't know... we set off on the marrow..." He closed his eyes "But if you wish to stay and find out be my guest."

He thought of the time ahead and laughed "Or maybe you'd like to travel with us?" he asked.


His mind was in the wind, quite literally. He couldn't stop thinking about the future. He was almost to the point of worry. But he laughed it off.

[otakuyume]

Oyume turned to the new stranger and let her glowing irises fixed upon him. Her voice escaped her lips, strong and determined.

"Numbers shall not matter. Even if there are thousands of demons....Thousands of soliders...They WILL fall..." Oyume told him. "We will beat them...We have to...I won't die...Not until...I've finished what they started so long ago...And have my people's revenge."

With that she turned back towards the inn, turn so abruptly that her long silvery white hair whirled around her.

"You may come...Just be sure you won't regret it...And it is truly a battle you can throw your whole heart into...." Oyume advised. "We cannot afford...To hesitate...Because that is when Aide will take advantage of our frail hearts...And tear them asuder."

With that Oyume left and went back to the inn. Taro watched her leave in silence. She had gotten stronger in spirit yes, but her soul had seemed to become more troubled and dark with the past incident of not being able to kill Aide.

Would her determination be her downfall?

Voices knawed away at him, digging at his uncertianities...Oyume had been his anchor to keep the darkness away...But how much longer could he resist it?

He couldn't trouble her for help...Not now. He had to be strong too...He had to protect her.

He had made a vow to do so.

[Crimson Eyes]

Sotto was now just chilling out in one of the forests many trees. He was very near to Ieyasu's mansion. But he was still going to wait until Oyume and her friends got here. "When will they get here. I've been camping out here for days. And it's incredibly boring. Nothing has happened yet. Suddenly Sotto sensed someone nearby. "Hello." Sotto ranned to where he sensed the power until he came upon a hot spring. He looked around to see Daske's head sticking out of the water. "Oh that's nice. I only sensed dude taking his bath. That's disturbing. So who are you?"

[galdon]

If i'd regret chasing demons i woulda stayed at home instead of wandering around like i have been. i'd like to be able to travel in a group though, traveling alone is not only more dangerious, but it's rather stressful without someone to chat with *adding quickly* not that i'd be an annoying chatterbox all the way everywhere!

[Kaikou]

Before Daske could say anything to Mosuke he noticed a visitor. He raised an eyebrow and rested his hand on his cheek.

"Looks like we have a peeping tom Mosuke." Daske snickered. "Fo a second there, I thought it was Oyume come to try and aid us somehow...I tell you that girl tries to do too much. And I feel like I know her deeply. Bah I guess I'll figure it out sooner or later." Daske stood, his lower half still in the waters depths and shielded by the musky waters.

"So, peeping tom...What's your business barging in on an old Samurai and his fellow docter, hmm?" Daske demanded.

He looked back and saw the top od Muske's head behind the giant rock.

[Fionn Mac]

Mosuke awaited Daske's answer but the peeping tom so to say, interrupted their conversation that hadn't started yet.

"Yes, a peeping tom has his sights on you my friend..."said Mosuke returning the humor.
"Whats not to like...a strong samurai who likes quiet relaxing baths?...Atleast I have the decency to look away"

Mosuke then got to his feet, putting his mask back on before he stood up.
"Yes..Tom is it?...what is your business here?" said Mosuke softly looking at the stranger.
"Your senses have led you astray stranger"

[Tetsanosuke]

Tetsuo's small ball of black flames had made it's way over to the bath scene, he blocked out the visuals but kept the sounds flowing. He chuckled to himself as he heard the situation.

"Why would a Tom peep on other 'Toms'?" he couldn't get enough of the humor. He fell from the statue's shadow and leaned against the statue laughing.

[Crimson Eyes]

"Yes it seems that my senses have led me astray. I thought you would possibly be a minion of Ieyasu. But...I was wrong." He suddenly put his foot against Daske's head as he continued his explanation. "I just thought you would be enemies. Not an old samurai and his male lover bathing eachother." Sotto said, bringing in his own humor. "After all, I am a ninja. I have a qualified right to be curious don't I samurai and doctor?" Sotto took out a kunai and began to spin it on his finger tips. "Well, I'll let you two STRANGE love birds carry on with the honey-mooning. Sotto smirked and started to walk away.

[Kaikou]

Daske glared at The so called Ninja and shook his head. "Kids these days...honestly...no respect for thier elders...not that I'm that old....twenty one is quiet young..." Daske picked up a near by lizard and chucked it at the ninja. It land on his shoulder and freaked out crawling into the ninja's shirt.

"We're not lovers!" He objected blushing of embarassment. "I'm a married man!" He informed the ninja.

Suddenly Idou walked in and blinked a few times. "What's going on master Daske? I haven't been able to find Master Mosuke anywhere. Is here here too? And who this crazy looking guy? The janitor?" Idou blinked at the Ninja. He tilted his head and looked up at him.

"Naw he's a ninja...of somekind." Daske stopped paying attention a while ago and was more persistant in bathing himself, not Mosuke like the ninja suggested...but himself and that was it.

"Oh...so you like know like karate and judo and stuff? What good is hiding from your enemies and killing them unfairly. How's that honorable?" Idou questioned.

"It's not..." Daske interjected.

[otakuyume]

**Sorry about not postin'! Been trying to catch up with homework from being sick! Sooo much work! (Falls and crushes poor chibi me!) Once I'm caught up I'll be on more, okies? But until then don't hold back! I do montior y'know! LOL**

Oyume flopped onto her futon and passed into a dark sleep. From such a small person, she worked herself harder than someone of her size should. Her silvery white hair covered her face and gently, a gloved black hand lightly brushed it aside, a lone glowing blue eye peering onto her, watching her as she slept.

"You...Work far too hard...Oyume-chan..." A soft male voice wafted from the shadowed figure. "When will you finally realize...You are not as alone as you think you are in this fight? In all your dreaming...Have you...Forgotten about...Me...?"

The figure gazed at her, as if longing. He leaned close to her...As if to kiss her...But suddenly backed away...Afraid as if to get any closer.

Or was it...Merely...

That he wasn't allowed to...Or denied that simple gesture?

Either way, he withdrew and sat beside her, not allowing his eyes to leave her resting face. He was consealed by the shadows, a katana in his left hand, as if contimplating something....

Something that only the sleeping girl beside him would be able to solve...

[Fionn Mac]

Mosuke sat back down as the sharp tounged ninja finished his accusations of Daske and him being lovers.
Though, Mosuke couldn't help but laugh as the ninja had caught them in an akward state, and was quick to jump in with his own humor.

"I am here Idou, I decided to rest near the springs awhile, thats all" said Mosuke as he lifted his hand over the rock and waved it, acknowleding he was there.
"Master Daske is right there is little honor in the ninja arts...besides the honor in their skills"."

"Though...they do deal a quick and often painless death to those in their sights" said Mosuke softly, as he still felt the presence of the ninja.
"A painless death, is something I cannot even grant"

[Kaikou]

Daske raised an eye brow looking losely amuzed. "I can..." He splashed some water at Idou causing him to fall over and into the spring. Daske peered over his shoulder and gazed at the struggling boy.

This behaviour was odd of him. But he felt comfortable showing his true self. Around others he was was quiet and collected and had rare occasions to goof off a little. "Oh...A samurai Docter that can't swim I see..."

"I can...SWIM!" Idou struggled to stand and when he did he glared so intensly at Daske that he looked almost mad. "You just caught me off guard!"

Daske turned around pretending to ignore Idou. "No great Samurai could ever be caught off guard..." Daske said playfully.

"Rrr...." Idou got out of the Spring and suddenly jumped on Daske, running and leaping a good three feet. "A ha!!" He land on Daskes back causing him to fall face first into the spring.

When Daske got back up to the surface he laughted whole heartedly. Something he's never done in anyones eyes. This time he laughed like he mean't it, without holding back.

"I bet the great Mosuke is just as helpless under my power!" Idou gleamed and chuckled like an insane person.

"Why don't we find out!" Daske mused and lifted Idou. "Idou Death from the Sky Attack!" Daske shouted and threw the boy. Idou hissed and landed on Mosuke.

"Ayyyahhh!" The boy screetched.

Daske only grinned. He felt himself having fun with his best friend and new pupil. He only wished that everyday was as exciting as this one and that evil didn't lurk around every unturned leaf.

[Fionn Mac]

Mosuke tried to contain his laughter, but failed as Daske and Idou's battle was too much.
He always tried to be the quiet collective type, making his words count, if he spoke at all. But Daske and Idou allowed him to open up and laugh for once, making him forget, even if for a second, the darkness that plauged the land.

"Sky attack?" questioned Mosuke as he turned around, but was quickly landed on by Idou, knocking his mask off.

"Daske!...I did it!...I am Idou the master Samurai doctor" shouted Idou as he sat on Mosuke's chest, and tugged at his face, like an old woman might do to a child.

Mosuke moved his hands free, and began to tickle Idou, causing him to laugh and squirm around.
"Hmm...A ticklish samurai doctor?...thats and interesting weakness my young friend"
Idou then climbed on Mosuke's shoulders, and used his next sneak attack to send them both toppling over the rock into the water.

"The water is...quite nice" said Mosuke laughing, as he surfaced, spitting water out of his mouth, as Idou sat next to him laughing.
Mosuke was for once truly happy, he had made a best friend in Daske, and his new pupil Idou, was full of life and becoming a friend as well.

[Crimson Eyes]

Sotto watched as the three warriors/doctor played so strangely in the spring. "Doesn't it feel awkward at all to be tickling a naked guy?" Typical for Sotto to say. When he was brainwashed he had a since of honor and wasn't usually so amusing in this way. But this was his usual self: Bold, cocky, and arrogant. But he had a right to be these things. After all, he was a very powerful figure. "So, you two are samurai and this kid here is a samurai in training?" Points at Idou with his kunai. "You know if you want to know something about being a samurai. You would have to know that a ninja always has a trick up his sleeve. Even if the ninja seems friendly." Sotto walked to the edge of the spring. "So, if I'm correct, you've made a great mistake." Sotto made six hand seals and placed a finger in the water. "Water Style: Whirlpool jutsu!"

[Kaikou]

Daske grinned and grabbed his two friend then sprang out of the water in seconds. "Whether joke or not...you've made a geave mistake. I am Daske, known worldwide as the greatest samurai alive." With in those few seconds he had grabbed a robe whipped it on and drew his katans and was a few feet away from Sotto's throat.

"And I know full well how ninja's fight because I've kill thousands who've challenged me both fairly and unfairly." Daske was strikingly serious.

Idou blinked and was laying practically naked on the floor. "What just happened?" He got up and put his small house coat on then turned his attention to Daske and the ninja. "YA! Daske is the best Samurai ever known! He's gone unbeaten for years! And Mosuke is a holy docter! So even if you think you can hurt Daske in the slightest Mosuke will fix him later!" Idou stuck out his tounge.

Daske narrowed his eyebrows as his eyes became small annoyed slits, "Idou, shhh!"

"Okay!"

Daske sighed, "So what do you want? Have you come to challenge me like all the others or have you simply come to goof around? Because I've got more important things too do, I guess resting time is over guys." He said now slightly irritated with this ninja.

[Fionn Mac]

Mosuke was confused again by the ninja's intent. First a few playful, yet harsh tounged words..but now whether it was playing or not, turning the spring into a whirlpool, especially with a child in it...was going to far.

"Yes, what truly is your intent?" said Mosuke bluntly, as he tried to ring the water out of his wet clothes.
"You speak with a wry confidence ninja...most likely gained by the number of men you've killed...dishonorably."

Mosuke then lightly knocked Idou on the head, for once again speaking out of line, eventhough he was defending Daske's honor...in his own way, cauing Idou to rub his head and grumble under his breath.

"There are far more dark and important things for all of us to worry about...than defending honor and pride" said Mosuke softly, as he was suprised by his harsh and blunt tone, he used with the ninja.
"So are you just a wandering troublesome ninja?...or are you one of Ieyasu's men in disguise?"

[galdon]

well... if anyone needs me i'm going to practice a bit over there *he points to a clearing that is blocked from plain view so he wouldnt disturb anyone, but visible enough so they could find him easly, he headed off in that direction*

[Crimson Eyes]

When Sotto had stuck his finger in the water...nothing happened. Sotto started laughing. "No attack, just a joke. Well your reaction was a little, teeny bit slow, but you got out of the water, while saving your friends at the same time." As Sotto brought his hand out from the water he splashed some at Daske. "And yes, I am very confident. I've killed many criminals and have assassinated many rulers. I have also slain one of Ieyasu's most powerful men. But I do not doubt that the samurai has done this also. I suppose we both have a right to gloat. Us being so powerful at a young age. Him being 21 and me being 23. But I am not here to fight. I'm just here because you three sparked my curiousity. I am actually planning a way into Ieyasu's castle."

[Tetsanosuke]

Tetsuo connected the visual of his tiny black fireball and stared at them all. He heard the part about ninja's being dishonorable and decided to input on the situation.

Calling from the black fireball above he said "A ninja is one who practices the art of being undetected. A true ninja only kills when it's absolutly necesasary. Those who kill for money are not ninja in their true essence but assasins in the rough."

He appeared in place of the fireball bursting from black flames. He floated over them while looking down, his purple eyes violet now. He had a smile behind his scarf.

[Kaikou]

Daske sneered. "I have yet to meet an honourable ninja." He dried off his wet face and sheathed his sword. "You're lucky I didn't slice you in two." He mused as he set his sword down gently and looked at the ninja.

"Okay if you're an enemy of Ieyasu then you had better comed speak with Oyume. Because we are a group that defaces him and Aide. So maybe, though I still don't know whether I trust you tet or not, you can join up with our retarded group of mary men, women, ghosts, docter, Samurai and what ever other specie of something is hiding under thier skins."

"What's your name anyhow...unless you'd like to be called peeping tom for as long as we are in eachother's pressence." Daske was fully armored now. His greyish silver armour was smooth and flawless, he made it himself and was very proud.

Idou's head was a little sore, he recieved a headache from all that happened. "Let's go see Oyume and then go eat! I'm hungry! The town is prepareing a thank you dinner tonight. I wasn't supposed to tell but I couldn't help it. I'm just so hungry! I can't wait!"

[otakuyume]

**AGH! All nighters for two straight days!! @.@ I ruined my watercolour and had to finish it for 11 am this morning...So...Very tired...(Even insominacs like myself need a good hour or two of sleep).*

Oyume began to shift in her sleep, tossing slightly. A light band of sweat formed onto her forehead and she murmered small unadubile cries in her sleep. The figure beside her watched, unmoving and he raised his left hand after a few moments, it flickering into a burst of fiery blue aura.

He moved it over Oyume, reaching towards her...The flaming blue magic nearing her pale skin.

[Fionn Mac]

Mosuke breathed a sigh of relief as Daske and the ninja had put aside their ego and pride battle, to look ahead to a common goal of destroying Ieyasu.

"Hired killer...Ninja...Samurai, It matters not, people still fall at their blades" said Mosuke with a somber tone, as he turned away from the 3 men...or 2 men and the ghost.
"Whether they were corrupt or innocent...people still lost their lives by either a concealed or brandished blade...not everyone can be saved"

Mosuke then turned to Idou who was rubbing is head, which was most likely sore from the knock he gave him...and all of the commotion.

"Well you did tell...but, we can still act suprised, and its best not to delay hunger" said Mosuke back in his calm voice, as he rubbed Idou's head...stimulating a few pressure points to relieve any discomfort.

Mosuke then placed his mask back on. Daske had put his armor back on, returning him closely to the stern, serious samurai...though Mosuke had a sense of what the real Daske was like.
It would be wise for them to focus on the insuing battle ahead...but he would look foward to the next time when they could share a laugh and forget about the dark times.

[Kaikou]

Ooc: Daske to the rescue!!~~~ Nyaaa~~~!!


As daske walked out of the spring knowing his friends would be out when they were ready he heard faint moaning and small cries coming from a window on the Inn. He stopped and thought a moment, then he decided the cries sounded more painful then pleasurable and he thought it right just to check on the person inside.

He stepped up to the window to see Oyume having some kind of nightmare. He was about to leave when he noticed an odd shape, like a figure of a person or something holding some kind of blue fire ball. He broke into a paced and quiet run. He ran into the Inn and down a few halls until he came to Oyume's room ond burst open the door.

He swiftly glided across the room and swooped her up off her bed, twirled and unsheathed his sword, pointing it at the weird figure. He could barely see what it was or if it was even human, to him it was much like a spirit.

"State your purpose." he demanded. He felt some kind of connection with Oyume and he didn't want to risk anything harming her in anyway. He just felt deep down that it was his duty to protect her, like he would family or friends.

[otakuyume]

Suddenly a sliver flash erupted from the figure and a long thin sword parried Daske away from Oyume. A burning lone blue eye, the pupil now dialed to a slit, bore into Daske.

Thin silvery-white hairs poked from the heavy black mantle the figure wore and his fiery blue aura vanished, letting more darkness seep into the room.

"Murderer...." The figure hissed below a normal breath, so light it could've been just audible.

With that he slashed Daske away and scooped up Oyume into his arms, tearing her away from Daske. He raised his sword as if to protect her.

"You'll have to finish what you started all those years ago if you think I'm going to leave her to be a stain upon your sword...!" The figure said, a soft male voice filled with determination and hatred interlacing into the air. "I'm not a mere child anymore...So do not underestimate me..."

Oyume groaned and the figure gazed at her, brushing a few hairs away from her eyes.

"What nightmares plague you now...? Is there even a sliver of me within you Dream?" He whispered. "I'm here now...I've always been waiting and watching...I will fulfill our Song as promised..."

[Fionn Mac]

Mosuke watched Daske head off on his own. He then decided to head to the Inn to make sure everyone injured was healing well.
He told Idou to save a place for him and Daske as they would meet up with him later.
Idou, was back to his cheerful self as his head no longer hurt...and he had recieved money from his Hero doctor to get a small snack to tide him over until later.

Mosuke for a reason unknown, felt an odd presence...one of malcontent and sorrow...resembling something close to forlorn spirit's aura.
He quickly made his way up the stairs, as he began to hear voices in Oyume's room.
Somehow he wasn't suprised to hear Daske's voice as one of them...but the other was hushed...seeming to linger in the air.

He entered the room, to find Daske being slashed back...an uncommon sight, by an unknown figure.
Mosuke was able to move in quick enough and brace Daske before he was knocked back further.
"Are you ok my friend?" asked Mosuke as he let go of Daske. "It seems...fate has brought this reunion"

Mosuke then looked for his naginata, which he was left outside of the room...but it was obvious violence wasn't the best option.
He slowly moved closer to Oyume, as the figure spoke to her.

"Sorrow and anger cloud your mind...we do not underestimate you...for we only fear for the safety of our friend"
Said Mouske soft and calm, as he held his hands out to the man holding Oyume, his hands glowing a soft yellow showing his positive aura.
"I can help you cope with the turmoil that plauges you...just Let go of Oyume"

[otakuyume]

"Heh...You could never fathom the nightmares within the deepest recesses of this mind...Nor her's...Sorrow...Despair...It will follow us until it rises once more...Fate sings so bittersweet...You can't hear the Song...Can you?" The young man said raising Oyume slightly, her head limply rolling into the nook of his shoulder and neck. "So lu ki noh la vean...Ba nu ka vitaeri...Songala men Oyume..." He lightly sang, his voice echoing and hauntingly etheral.

Suddenly Oyume's eyes snapped open and her glowing red irises met those of blue.

"N...Nanuka...? Vi lu est va ri...?" Oyume whispered in Altierian. "What...What nightmare is this...?!"

She moved to push him away and suddenly he kissed her, tears ran down their cheeks as Oyume's red eyes were in shock.

The young man withdrew and suddenly tried to bolt for the open window with Oyume, but she slipped away from him, grabbing his mantle and forcing him back, sending him flying into the wooden floor.

The mantle tore revealling a beautiful young man...Long silver-white hair flowing down his face in which his left eye was sealed shut with a long white scar upon his pale skin. He look as if he could be Oyume's twin.

"Akumaki....No...How could this be~?!" Oyume cried, clutching her head. "Everyone...everyone died...How can you...How can you be alive...You died....You died...You died...."

He stood, his glowing blue eye filled with pain.

"Dream..." He called softly reaching for her.

"No...This isn't real...I was the only Altierian to survive...My Song said it to be so...This...Can't be....!" Oyume cried, backing away from him.

He suddenly hugged her, the both of them shaking.

"My Song promised me to you...So I am here to be your's...Oyume..." Akumaki whispered. "As the last Altierian male...I am your's...."

Oyume couldn't speak. This was too much. From thinking for so long he had been alone...

This was too cruel...Far too cruel now for fate to bring him back to her.

[Kaikou]

Daske suddenly remembered the face. His face but he couldn't recall where he could only see a stressed and horrified face. A scream...and then nothing.

"Murderer. I only kill those who are bad and deserve to die." Daske was puzzeled with this accusation. "I've swrn to protect Oyume with all I've got. And That's what I'll do whether you like it or not."

He tried to push the image out of his mind for he hadn't remembered anything of vital imortance...he thought. "Are you alright Oyume...?" Regardless of the boys actions Daske saw that Oyume knew him and so helped them both up of the ground.

"I'm quite fine Mosuke my armor is the strongest in all the land, I've crushed Diamond into it so it can with stand the fircest of blows." He looked at the boy confused and sighed. "I'm afraid I can't tell you anything or even really defend myself. You see young boy...I can't remember anything past a few days ago."

[Fionn Mac]

"I..." Said Mosuke, he was at a loss for words...as he obviously couldn't imagine what pain they must of gone through...being the last of their race.
He then withdrew...backing up a little giving the two their space...as the man's intent wasn't to harm Oyume.
"You are right...I cannot imagine what you two must have to deal with"

Mosuke was reminded of his loss...that of his family, friends and student...due to Ieyasu's attacks.
Oyume was far from danger...yet he was helpless to do anything, a doctor could not heal emotions..only the exterior.

"Daske...that is good to hear...my mistake, I'm sorry... I should have known you'd be a fine craftsman." said Mosuke as he wiped the few tears caused by his memories, that condensed under his mask.
"Please excuse me...Oyume is safe with you here"
Mosuke was not prepared for these emotions to surface, and needed some air.

"Oyume-san...we cannot hope to control fate...we can only shape what we are delt" said Mosuke softly and somberly, before exiting the room.
"Sometimes, those that have passed from this world or from us...come back, even if for a moment...they return to the one's they love...for they know they are needed."

Mosuke then made his way out into the hallway, leaning against a nearby wall, and eventually sliding down to a sitting position. So much sadness filled the room, it took all he could muster to keep his tears back.

[Opinionated]

Leeaniko had been curled up in a fetal position under a window, rocking back and forth while his body changed around him. Steef hand't tried to comfort him for a while, under Lee's instruction. It was like pubrety, except worse, more painful, and faster. He was sure by now his right arm had swollen and extended, and he could feel claws and slales when he made a fist.

Other patches of scales appeared all over his body, even his face. Two nagging, pulsing pains in his shoulder blades kept him from trying to sleep. There was a silver flash, and Lee tried to close his eyes in time to not see his arm, but was too slow.

Then he realized what the flash probably signified, and grabbed both swords in one hand and ran for the window. He stopped at it, looked in at the group that had assembled. He watched their interactions, ready to tear through the window... until those pains in his shoulders came back, making him stiffen and let out a low hiss, lightly hitting his right arm against the wall.

[otakuyume]

Akumaki stood, his long white hair swirling around him like snow. His lone glowing blue eye bore into Daske, radiating a spite that was almost deadly. He took Oyume's hand in his, obviously trying to keep her nearest to him at all times.

"Oyume-chan....Dream...Is my responsibility now..." Akumaki told Daske. "A Betrayer does not deserve...Her grace..."

Just then Taro entered, about to unsheath his sword, Chiyoko following behind.

"O-Onii-chan...!" Oyume exclaimed running over to him. "Stop...! It's ok~! He's a friend of mine...He's Altierian...And...He saved my life...The night Reiusvar burned..."

Taro sheathed his sword and glanced at the boy.

"I remember you...Five months ago...When Oyume-chan danced here...You appeared and danced with her..." Taro said softly. "If you were alive then...Why didn't you show yourself...?" He asked suspicously.

Akumaki remained silent. His lips soon began to move.

"I had been...Restrained by Lady Aide...She had captured me upon the destruction of Reiusvar...Hoping to drain me of my powers...But for you see....My blood is not compatable with her's...So she made me...Her 'pet'..." Akumaki said bitterly. "She tried to use me to get information on Dream...But I refused...No one....Not even that demonic witch will hurt my bethrothed!"

Oyume looked down, as if embarrassed.

"Your...Bethrothed?!" Chiyoko exclaimed. "Oyume-san! You're going to marry this guy?!"

"We're fated soulmates...We will rebulid Reiusvar with our children...The Alteirian bloodline shall remain...That is my destiny...To protect her and to be her blood interlacer..." Akumaki said softly, the fondness in his voice almost heartbreakingly filled with an utter devotion to Oyume. "I want to help her bear the children foretold in her Song...Her destiny...I would tear this flesh asunder once more...To be apart of her life in any way I can be..."

[Kaikou]

Daske shrugged. "Call me what you will little man." He took his sword and moved past everyone. "If you need me Oyume just hollar, I'll be at the din-" he suddenly stopped remembering he was supposed to not know about the dinner a head. "I'll be with Mosuke. Whatever." he left quietly and sighed.

His head had began to hurt, that flash back or small memory had pounded his brain and ached his heart but he hadn't figured out why.

"Mosuke wait up." He called as he saw Mosuke up a head. He jogged up to him and kept quiet.

[Fionn Mac]

"Oh...Daske, I didn't mean for you to leave as well" said Mosuke a little startled, as he was still mentally dazed.
"Though, that young man obviously cares deeply about Oyume...it may be best if they are alone for awhile"

"The sadness, the long and wailing sadness in that room...brought back unwanted memories" said Mosuke as he tried to break out of his state.
"I feel helpless...I cannot help Oyume, nor her friend...their wounds are far past the skills of the "Hero doctor" before you"
"I can only provide some comfort in words...yet they even seem to be sifted out by their sorrow"

[Kaikou]

Daske nodded. "No one expects you to be able to heal emotions. That's left to psycologists and the person themself. You're a docter. So don't put yourself down." He whapped Mosuke in the shoulder blade like a friend would to another.

"I know how you feel though. I had a flash back. Well I remembered that boy. I know him, I think. And I feel connected to oyume somehow...and since Oyume knows him and I think I know them both...Maybe they know something or can remember something about my past." He scratched his head and sighed. "Well..it's one step forward I guess. But I'm still afraid, because He called me a murderer and traitor. I'd never do anything like that with out a VERY good reason...I think...heh...I don't even know myself."

"I guess I would like to have my memories back."

As they walked outside again Daske noticed Lee hurled over by Oyume's window and seemingly in pain.

"Lee!" He darted over to him and fell to his knees so he was facing him directly, "Are you doing that transforming thing? Now?" Daske inquired not really sure what to do to help.

[Tetsanosuke]

Tetsuo had followed the feeling of another entity soon after Daske left the bath. He was hanging outside the window of Oyume's room, bent over the window standing on the wall defying gravity. A few villagers stared at him and couldn't comprehend this feat, but his eyes were glued inside and his ears listening in unaware of the scene he was making.

"My origin's destined partner? Ah..." He observed the scene for a little while longer, then slipped through the window like the shadow he was and kneeled before Akumaki.

"Holding true to my sworn allegiance to my origin, until my path is revealed, your shadow I shall be." he placed a hand on his chest and stared deeply into Akumaki's eyes. "Until my path is revealed, your wish is as Oyume's, my command."

[otakuyume]

"No one shall ever serve me...Nor I serve anyone...Ever again..." Akumaki told the shadow-man. "I live for Oyume-chan...No more...No less..."

With that he saw the dragonified half transformed human. Oyume went to go to his aid, but Akumaki gently slipped his hand into her's, stopping her.

"It's Lee-san...He needs my help...!" Oyume said softly.

"Unlike me...Your powers have limitations." Akumaki said stepping in front of her, slipping away like a mist.

He approuched Leeaniko and sheathed his sword. Akumaki muttered a spell and his hand erupted into the same blazing aura magic like Oyume, only a fiery blue. He lundged, grabbing Lee's face suddenly, his entire left hand covering his face.

"Estona....Seal within...Negate and cease the flow of this blood..." Akumaki commanded.

A bright kanji-rune appeared onto Lee's forehead and Akumaki released him. The symbol faded and Akumaki stood over Lee.

"That is an Altierian Seal...It should help regulate the transformation and the pain...Overall in the end ceasing what tries to worm it's self out from within you." Akumaki said, his glowing blue eye cool and almost icy. "Oyume-chan's spells are stronger than mine...But you probably have seen what using her abilities will do to her body..."

He waved his hand and suddenly the threads of the ripped mantle turned to a light and reformed onto him, as if it had never torn at all. Akumaki was a breath-takeningly beautiful being, like Oyume, but from the clothes he wore it was if he was hiding it to an extreme.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a long black strip of cloth and wrapped it around his scar-sealed eye, trying it like a half-blindfold.

[Opinionated]

Lee looked at Akumaki in gratitude, his shoulder giving a jerk as the pain in it pulsed back, then faded. He rose to his feet, still looking no better than he had before the spell, but in less pain.

He watched his helper, and wondered why he tried to hide his untampred, still whole features, whereas Lee frankly looked like hell and didn't try to hide it. Patchs of scales, clumps of hair falling out where scales took the skin they once anchored to, a right arm that wasn't human anymore, and features that seemed noticabely off, as if the skin was stretched to cover different features.

He turned to Daske, and said, "Yes, the transforming thing. It gets faster and faster with each part of my soul that tranforms, and more painful." But he held back a regret that Akumaki had halted it, because even with him losing his humanity, it would at least be over.

[Tetsanosuke]

OOC: I apologize for Kirikochi's colors being really dark, so please don't strain yourself and highlight it before reading it.

As Akumaki left him kneeling there he laughed and swept himself to the ceiling on through it to the roof. He couldn't help but laugh, as if something was provoking him to. He felt a boiling sensation from his left hand, the dark blue skin had been changed into a bright red.

"What do you want now Kirikochi... you swore to me this form, and now you are up to something." He saw the outline of the demon he fused with in front of him, the demon's white and red mask puffing out a hazy mist. it was nothing but a the mask with a dark red spectral tail floating about.

His fangs pointed up and out, his eyes bright red with crimson irises. He laughed at Tetsuo "Even if I wanted to go against our deal, this would be impossible." he phased out and appeared behind Tetsuo, his mask next to Tetsuo's head. "You have taken a liking to these people haven't you?"

Tetsuo laughed manically like Kirikochi, then stopped and whispered "Liking... is that even a possible emotion to me now? You know I'm going to dump your body once I find my real one right?"

Kirikochi yet laughed again as if he was holding all the cards. "All in good time Tetsuo... or should I call you the forgotten shadow of Makoto Orikichi? The once famous sword saint?"

Tetsuo growled to himself and wrapped his body in his MizuSuka-fu, "Don't bother me any more Kirikochi, stay in my soul were you belong." and with a flash he disappeared.

"Have it your way, you forgotten piece of history." and with that the floating entity vanished, a red mist hazing from existence.

[otakuyume]

Akumaki looked at Leeaniko without any emotion. His swirling silvery-white hair flowed around his slim black-dappered frame making him look like a flicker of light and shadow...Something you could only see, but never truly catch with your bare hands.

"Humans...Are so emtionally ruled and detatched all at once..." Akumaki said softly, his lone blue eye gazing down onto petit Oyume, who's head barely reached the underneath of his collarbone. "You'd give up your humanity...Your sense of self...Just because of pain? How utterly...Foolish."

His fingers of his right hand twirled a lock of Oyume's hair around the black gloves he wore, interlacing hair and leather together. He leaned down kissing the top of her head softly and suddenly Oyume pushed him away, surprising him.

"Oyume-chan...?" He whispered, his lone eye in shock.

"You...You just appear out of nowhere....And expect me...To let it be as it had when we were small? You baka~!" Oyume cried. "Baka, baka, baka~! Why....Why did you come to me now...? Where were you...When I was alone and so very scared~?! Answer me Akumaki....!"

Akumaki stayed silent and Oyume's expression of anger turned to one of heartbreak, tears spilling down her cheeks.

"Forget it...! Just leave...! I don't want....To see your face anymore...!" Oyume sobbed into her hands. "At least when I thought you died...I had come to peace with it finally...! This isn't fair...It's isn't fair that you've come back to haunt me~!"

She fell to her knees and Akumaki gazed at her. Suddenly he grabbed her, forcing her to stand and pulled down the shoulder of her dress to reveal the kanji burn with the word "slave" scarred onto her pale flesh.

"If I had died...The men that did this to you...Would've had their way with you...You'd be their cow, their petty slave! I wanted...I wanted to see you...I wanted to be by your side...But if I would have went to you before she had disappeered...Aide would have killed you~!" Akumaki shouted at the shivering girl. "I'm only your's...And she made me her pet...Chained and caged like some rare animal...I'm only Dream's~! Only Oyume's...And I will die for you a thousand time if that is what it takes...!"

Oyume pushed him away and bolted for the door. Her tears sparkled in the air as she forced up her shoulder of her dress, hiding the shameful mark. Akumaki had forced the boundries she had worked so hard to put up.

In his mind he would shatter them all, tear them all down if that is what it took to be with his beloved once more. He was her's to command. If she said die...He would do it.

But he would never leave her side ever again.

[Kaikou]

Ooc: Well I got nothing to say...-.-

Daske stayed silent. "If you're as smart as you're acting kid, I'd leave her be if I were you. She needs time to become acustomed with you beinging here, when she thought you'd never be near again." Daske helped Lee fix himself up.

"I hate to say it buddy but you look real bad. some tea may help you out." He suggested. "And how about a good dinner?"

[otakuyume]

Akumaki glared At Daske with a cold intense expression of hatred. It was enough to be said without words. His lone eye was a window of swirling emotion and the fires that had taken his and Oyume's only home.

He turned and suddenly vanished into the darkness of the room. He really seemed to be someone no person alive could catch...But how did Aide restrain him...An Atliered without restrictions to his power?

It was a mystery and only Akumaki knew the truth...But it was still unclear what his real motives were. But it was for certian he would do anything for Oyume.

Anything she asked of him at all. Even death.

[Fionn Mac]

Mosuke had followed Daske outside, but decided to watch the whole scene unfold. Oyume's former love had used his own gifted power to help Lee...Mosuke knew Lee's condition was best contained, though It seemed persistent much like the spiritual entity that was connected to Lee.

He was intrigued by the honorable, sacrificing nature of the man Akumaki. He would literally do anything for Oyume...yet their troubled past haunted and clouded hope for that same bond.

Daske was busy helping Lee, and the dinner was bound to start soon, as Idou would surely make sure of that...but Mosuke decided to follow Oyume just to make sure everything was ok.

"Oyume-san...its not my place to ask but...are you ok?" said Mosuke hushed as he hoped he could help her in some way, though his previous words had been ineffective.
"I cannot imagine what pain you are going through...but if there is anything I can do to help you, please tell me"

[otakuyume]

"Akumaki...Akumaki's eye...He lost it...He lost it because of me..." Oyume whispered, clutching the shoulder of her dress.

The all-too vivid memory of a shadowed solider under the alliance of Aide loomed over her and a streak of silver which was once the blade seeking her death...Entered the right eye of Akumaki and shattered by his magic.

He had told her to run and was bleeding badly. She had heard his final cry...His aura fading...Oyume had been certian...

That Akumaki had died that day.

"Why now....Why did he have to come back now...?" Oyume whispered, sobbing quietly into her hands. "Seeing his face....Knowing that all this time...That he has been alive...Why...? Why now...? Why now when I've finally come to terms with the past~?!"

She couldn't stop the tears. She shivered and hiccuped, resembling very much the child-like body she resided in. Her glowing red eyes were tormented and filled with sorrow.

"Aide took him...She did it to get to me...And I can't....Even kill her for what she did to my homeland...I'm worthless...~! I'm not fit to be the Last Hope of a damned race~!" Oyume sobbed. "I want to die....But even fate denies me that right....!"

She fell to her knees and let the tears flow.

How can he say he loves me...When we never really had anything other than a song that told us we were bond? When you say those words...And kiss me...I'll end up believing in you. Oyume thought through her torment. Why are you...Why are you tearing me up inside like this?! Why...Do you wish for me?

[Opinionated]

"...But at least I'd be human or I'd not be, not stuck between the two." Lee said softly, but resolutely.

"Nice words." His companion ghost said as he flitted down, but noticeabely fainter and softer than he'd been before.

"Steef, what's-"

"I don't know. The more of that" -the ghost made a gesture at Lee's right arm- "that happens, the weaker I become. I think it's draining my soul's energy to do it."

"Oh." Lee said. Not only was he losing what he was born as, he was loosing his best freind for several decades now. He suddenly became painfully aware of what he had just been told, and tried to put on a not so depressed expression as he answered Daske, "Sure, sounds good."

[Fionn Mac]

"Oyume..." said Mosuke as she began to cry, actually expressing emotions and feelings. Akumaki had really broke down the barriers she had worked so hard to fortify.
"Its hard to understand why these things happen...I don't know your past nor that of Akumaki's...but the bond you share must run deeper than a mere song...whether you both see past it or not."

Mosuke then knelt infront of Oyume taking his mask off and placed his hand on her shoulder, in a comforting manner, much like he would do when one of his students had a problem.

"Aide did take him, and torment him...but he has returned to you, whether through love or some other bond her hold on him was broken." said Mosuke as he wiped her tears with a small woven handkerchief, opting not to tear anymore of his clothing.

"This was my mothers...one of the few things that I have left of her besides the love and memories I carry with me" Mosuke smiled, then placed into Oyume's hand.
"I want you to have it...aside from my fading tunic...may it remind you that love in many forms, transcends across many planes of life and death"

"And do not think even for a moment that you are worthless." said Mosuke as he placed his hand under Oyume's chin and raised her head, looking into her eyes.
"For you brave-one, instill hope within all of us, that we can heal our land"
"Your home and your people were destroyed...but you are far from alone, you now have friends who care for your well-being and safety.

"Know I'd die, for you to in some way keep your race and culture alive"
"This is no bond or promise of service...this is one of a friend"

[otakuyume]

"I...Cannot take this...You cannot let the memory of your mother be stained by these tainted tears~!" Oyume cried, pressing the cloth back into Mosuke's hand. "I'll ruin it....Just like everything in my life...I'm a coward deep inside, fear myself and this world...I force myself to keep going only because I've been fated to...! I am worthless...I am...!"

Suddenly Oyume sensed something. She pushed Mosuke out of the way just in time as an arrow plundged into her right shoulder. Oyume cried out in pain, but in mere moments ripped the arrow out and lept to her feet, standing her ground.

The archer was none other than Ieyasu himself with a squad of fifty men on horses around him and his black stallion.

"My, my...I was hoping to see your darling little face twisted with remorse as your 'friend's' life slipped away...I guess my aim needs work after five long months of unamusing raids." Ieyasu mused, his beautiful face twisted with malice and enjoyment of the chaos he now brought upon them. "Now...If you're a good little girl...I'll leave half this village standing...Lie and I'll burn it all down...Just like Aide asked me to to your beloved homeland..." He then added handing off his bow to a random solider. "So let us begin...Remember your choices will determine the fate of these worthless sacks of meat...Red-eyed child of the ancient blood...Where is my beloved Aide?"

Oyume couldn't believe her eyes. He was asking her of all people for Aide's whereabouts?!

"If I knew she'd already be dead~!" Oyume shouted.

"Liar...I hate little girls who lie~!!!" Ieyasu hissed.

With that his archers released a barrage of flaming arrows. Oyume couldn't move, as soon as she saw the flames spark and begin to eat at the wooden houses....She was paralyzed.

"Now think carefully little one...Lie again and I'll have your desciteful tongue~!" Ieyasu said, his voice dark and cruel. "Where is Aide~?!"

"I...I..." Oyume stammered as tears of terror began to overflow.

"WHERE IS MY BELOVED~?!" Ieyasu shouted, his voice echoing through the endless night sky.

Suddenly a silver sword flashed in front of her and an arm wrapped around her, protecting her. Akumaki stood, shielding Oyume.

"We'd like to know where your Demon Witch resides too, Tryant False-King," Akumaki said, his voice as cool and piercing as ice.

"You~!!" Ieyasu hissed.

"We have a vendetta against her...So if you do not know...Then that makes our goals a lot harder then...How sad...Even the almighty Usurper of the Land of the Rising Sun...Does not know where is lover resides..." Akumaki said with a cold smile of spite. "I, on the other hand...Always knew...But your damn Witch...Kept me from going to my love's side..." Akumaki said softly kissing Oyume's forehead. "I hope she hides from you forever...So that you may know my pain of being kept from my destined's side..." He added glancing at him with his cold spiteful grin once more.

"Ak...Akumaki..." Oyume said softly.

He glanced at her and Oyume clutched him. He still felt the same from when they were so small. He was warm and it was a warmth that still haunted her in her nightmares.

He had always protected her as a child...Always...Even in the bitter end of Reiusvar.

"You will die for your insolence!!!" Ieyasu shouted as he and his men charged.

[Tetsanosuke]

Tetsuo noticed the barrage of burning arrows and jumped into the air becoming a shadow, wrapping around the parameter of the inn like a black shield. He reformed with several arrows burning into his dark blue skin, but they fell through him after a few moments and the flames died.

"Ieyasu..." Tetsuo glared down at the troop and the tyrant, his eyes taking in everything. He noticed a familiar form in the back row of the group, and a familiar face beside him.

"No... It can't be or can it?" He asked himself staring at the two beings.

The familiar form drew a Bikonjuko from his back and leaped up to the roof, and from a smoke bomb the man with the familiar face followed.

"Nimpo Art, Technique number seventeen... 'Cross Heaven Slash'." The form said as he disappeared into a white flash of light, appearing seemingly on both sides of Tetsuo.

They weren't there for long as they dashed towards Tetsuo, each with a half of the bikonjuko the man had. Both blades in bright white flames

Tetsuo drew his bikonjuko and snapped it apart and blocked the attack which had taken to both sides of his view. "My... my body?" he looked into the face guard of one of the forms, seeing his old blue eyes glare at him. He span about parrying both bodies then flipped away kicking both in opposite directions.

"No... That's my technique... It must be my body but how?" He turned his attention to the familiar face. He was a man dressed in monk robes, a wide conned hat on his head with a long staff that was adorned in rings at both ends.

Makoto's double disappeared as the kick knocked him back. He jumped back next to the Monk man and kneeled down "Master..." he blankly said.

"So you old Shadow... it's been a while hasn't it?" the monk chuckled as he covered his face slightly. "By the way, your body is very useful."

Tetsuo's eyes burned purple as he growled from behind his scarf. "You scum, Give me back my body!" he lifted his Bikonjuko and pointed it at the monk who has yet to reveal his name.

A subtle breeze blew as the other buildings started to take flame quicker.

[Fionn Mac]

Mosuke wanted to say something, but he was at a loss for words as Oyume placed the cloth back into his hands.
Before he knew it he was, shoved to the ground, as Oyume had saved him from an arrow flying towards them...striking her in the process.

Mosuke got to his feet and dusted himself off, as luckily Akumaki had came to Oyume's aid.
It was pointless at this point in time to try and tend to Oyume's shoulder, as Akumaki would most likely protest to another touching his love...and Oyume would want to villagers to come first anyway.

"No matter what it takes...I will help Oyume find some peace...and make her realize she is not worthless...for her strength keeps us all fighting" Said Mosuke to himself as picked up his mask and firmly fastened it, as Oyume's sadness and self doubt was causing tears to well in his eyes.
"Far to long has she endured pain and sorrow...she may have given up on herself...But I wont give up on her"

Most of the villagers had realized the buildings were on fire and were begining to put out the flames...but they needed protection and time to do so.

"Ieyasu...your malice and ill-will has stained this land...you cannot see you are a mere puppet of Aide!...A dog on her leash of false love"
said Mosuke as he postioned himself infront of the charging soldiers.
"You must be expelled from this land...like poison from a wound."

His words were filled with resolve, as he thrust his Naginata into the ground, creating a golden barrier than engulfed Ieyasu's charging men...turning the first line of men into ash with searing divine energy...sending the rest falling on their backs...dazed.

The villagers now had more time...Mosuke knew Ieyasu would hardly be injured if at all, but he hoped Ieyasu would eventually feel the burning resolve of a man seeking justice for his family and friends.
Mosuke fell to a knee, as his arms were smoking from the heat energy...he would give all of himself to protect the innocent.

[Opinionated]

Leeaniko charged out of the flaming village, letting out a roar that echoed of a dragon's, whipping out Neekoa. The blade started to glow bight blue and shaking slightly with the power running through it. He swung it at the nearest soldier, the blade letting out a loud "PONG" as it spewed a bolt of lightning at the soldier, the shock stopping his heart and burning his chest.

He rammed Neekoa through another soldier's midsection, and with the new strength from his inhuman right arm, he slashed the sword out the soldier's side, killing him.

The blade began glowing and vibrating again as Lee glared at several other soldiers. He shifted the katana to his other hand and drew Telo'kar with the other, his new right arm holding the massive broadsword easier than his old arm. The blade flashed orange and lighted in fire, wreathing Lee in the orange and blue glows. However, unknown to Lee, using the sword's powers was accelerating the transformation. The scales had covered most of his body beneath his head now.

[otakuyume]

Ieyasu easily passed Mosuke's barrier. It was far too obvious that he was protected by Aide's magic and whatever skills he himself possessed.

"Hunks of rotten flesh-mounds such as yourselves cannot comprehend my darling Aide~!" Ieyasu said drawing his long deadly-looking katana. "The only poison upon this land...Is foolish little insects that defy our grand will~!!"

He lept from his horse's back and collided with Akumaki, their swords sparking stoms of the impact's blow. Akumaki pushed Oyume aside to safety and they began a furious duel. Ieyasu was as fleet upon his feet as feared in all of the rumors and Akumaki tried to keep a step ahead of the evil lord.

Oyume, shook off her state of shock and ran to Mosuke's side. She announced a spell, quicker than a normal human ear could catch and suddenly her red aura lashed out, carrying the flames from the houses onto the charging men.

"You burned my home...Now you all shall burn..." She said softly, her voice dark and unforgiving.

Her red eyes almost seemed possessed by the flames as she watched the men scream and run madly to put themselves out. Blood dripped down her arm and she watched everything around herself as if in trance.

[Fionn Mac]

Mosuke looked up to see Akumaki and Ieyasu clashing. Ieyasu was in fact, infused with Aide's strength.
He then tilted his head to see Oyume next to him, moving the flames off the houses and onto the soldiers...a very powerful and deadly spell.

"You saved me brave-one, that is far from cowardly...thank you" said Mosuke as he placed his hand on Oyume's small shoulder, and healed her wound with his divine energy.
"These men are blinded by Ieyasu's will and corrupt nature...not far from Aide's way of thinking, I suspect."

He noticed she wasn't all there, a trance like state was keeping her focused on the burning men.
"Oyume-san...you will never taint or ruin any memory of mine or anything I possess" said Mosuke as he placed his mother's cloth back into her hand, closing it for her as she was still trance like.

"I believe in you Oyume...and whether you realize it or not, I am your friend...nothing you can say will ever sway my belief and trust in you."

Before he could say another word, a few of Ieyasu's men had sent arrows flying towards them.
Mosuke returned the favor, he quickly grabbed Oyume and spun her around, so he could shield her from the arrows.
Two arrows found their way into the back of Mosuke's shoulder, the rest reflected off his weakend barrier.

Mosuke set Oyume back on the ground, as he tried to hide the pain that shot down his arm.
"Please remember my words Oyume...but you must not waste any energy on me...help the rest of the villagers and Akumaki" Said Mosuke as he managed to smile, thinking of how Daske would deal with a few arrows in the back.

[otakuyume]

"B-baka~!" Oyume exclaimed, swiftly pulling out the arrows and healing him.

Another swarm of arrows came and Oyume released another spell, incinerating them easily.

"I'll waste my energy as I like~!" Oyume then announced as a squad of warriors advanced upon her.

Oyume moved like a lithe dancer, she weaved in and out of the soliders delievering light, but devestating blows to them. Her tears turned to blood and her nose began to bleed. The side effects from her powers were coming into effect.

"This...Won't do at all..." Oyume murmered, glancing to a sword that had fallen from a solider's hand. "This isn't a Godly Creation...But at least it needs not any of my aura." She added picking it up.

More soliders came and Oyume slowly slid into stance. Before they could touch her, blood flew like a light rain. They men fell, crying in pain, discovering she had slashed the tendons in their arms and legs to render them alive, but helpless.

"I'm growing weary of this..." Oyume said softly.

Suddenly Ieyasu destroyed an entire house, his blow barely missing Akumaki.

"You think you're so divine don't you...?" Ieyasu chuckled. "Well...My beloved did tell me a few secrets about you, her impudent little pet...Let's see if they work~!"

With that he charged but before Akumaki could react Ieyasu grabbed his left shoulder and ripped the mantle revealling the same slave mark as Oyume. Ieyasu muttered a spell and Akumaki's own aura erupted, damaging his own flesh like a bomb implanted into his own body.

Akumaki cried out and Ieyasu went for the kill.

Suddenly there was a flash of blood and Ieyasu screeched in pain. He backed away, clutching his arm, blood dripping down his pale flesh. Oyume stood before Akumaki, her sword bloodied and aimed like a deadly stinger.

"Touch him like that...Ever again...And I will ensure to take your head...And when I do...I'll give it to Aide before I take her's." Oyume promised, her glowing red eyes vicously serious. "Now run back to your hole Ieyasu...And pray that this 'little girl' only ever cuts your arm again."

Ieyasu swore and whistled a high head-searing note. His horse stormed past Oyume, nearly knocking her over and Ieyasu grabbed the reins, pulling himself onto the stallion's back.

"This isn't over~! My beloved will kill you~! And I'll kill each one of your petty little friends! We'll destroy you alllllll~!!!!" Ieyasu shouted as he disappeered.

[Kaikou]

Daske suddenly glided across the ground and slashed Ieyasu's head right off, but sadly it was too late for it was only the illusion of Ieyasu. He had dissappeared without a trace and Daske missed his chance. Yet he hadn't realized exactly why he had tried so hard to cut off his head. Even though he failed he knew he'd had another chance and if he failed again, many more to come.

"I really...hate that man." Daske muttered as he sheathed his katana. "I do not understand why...But I feel the rage deep down." He turned and faced everyone.

All he wanted now was to leave this small village, because in his eyes where ever Oyume went and the group followed, so did Aide and her henchmen.

"In my opinion." He started. "We should leave as soon as we can. These people have been through enough because of us." He said in his more serious tone and simply walked on towards the dinner, which was held at the orphanage.

His mind felt clouded and he wasn't in much a mood to talk any more or fight for that matter.

[galdon]

((started a new job, still getting used to the schedule))

*He swung his sword again, then dropped it and sat down in a huff* Why cant they have made this thing into a katana or something? If it wasnt for the abilities this, this, club with sharp edges had, i'd have left it whe i found it!

[Fionn Mac]

Whatever hate Mosuke had in his heart was all reserved for Ieyasu. Although he had come to find out Aide was the brains behind the operation, Ieyasu was still corrupt...a war monger further twisted by power.

Mosuke got to his feet, he was healed...eventhough his wish for Oyume to leave him be was tossed aside.
He had tried to help her, saying whatever words of comfort or encouragement he could muster...all of which he meant with all of his being.
Returning the favor, saving her from the arrows, was the only thing that he succeeded in.
Words meant little in this world...even less to someone who had been alone for so long and had to go through the torment.

"Yes...these people are innocent, and do not deserve the trouble we seem to attract" said Mosuke as he began to walk towards the orphanage.
He was disappointed in himself, to say the least.

"Grandfather...I've failed...my words are not strong enough to break this darkness that looms over the land...or that plauges her soul, making that poor blessed one so sad" said Mosuke to himself, as he thought of his grandfather and how wise his words truly were.
"I will not give up her...though my faith in myself...hangs on but a thread"

[Tetsanosuke]

"Lacuu, the Puppet Master at your service. Im afraid we can't play any longer so... fare-unwell you lost shadow!" Lacuu, the monk like person waved his hand forwards and Makoto shot off for Tetsuo.

Makoto split into five separate images and knocked Tetsuo back to the edge of the roof, then through the use of internal force the images blew him off the roof then disappeared with Lacuu.

Tetsuo flew towards the ground, the divine energy of his bodie's Nimpo could easily overcome his shadow Nimpo, and he knew it. He felt some skin rip off of his shoulder as he flipped and landed on a knee.


"No... Lacuu I'll kill you and get my body back just you wait." he grunted as he stayed still.

[otakuyume]

Oyume gazed around the battle-torn village and with a heavy heart, desciding it was time to move on.

"You mean...The trouble I attract..." Oyume corrected Mosuke softly. "Don't worry...I'm use to such misfortune clinging to my heels by now..."

The hot wind carrying a few remaining ashes swirled around them, carrying Oyume's long sparkling silvery-white hair. Her glowing red eyes affixed onto Mosuke.

"Blame not yourself for my pains...I've had to carry them for some time now...And I thank you for your kind words...But right now...You should be more confidant in the strengths you possess." Oyume told him. "I'd give anything...To live simply as a human...But as an Altiered...So remains this burden until Aide's death and my own come...Death is our only final release."

With that she turned to Akumaki who was fixing his ravaged mantle to hide his spelled mark of slavery.

"So that's...How she kept you..." Oyume said softly.

Akumaki gazed away from her, ashamed to let her see him so easily defeated and need of rescue.

"Yes...Unlike your mark...This one Aide infused many dark spells into my skin...If she is able to say the word...My body can be torn asunder..." Akumaki said bitterly. "A fine way to make something so much stronger than you obey, ne?" He added with contempt. "But...She won't kill me...She needs me..." He added ominously.

The last words caught Oyume's attention immediatly.

"What do you mean...?!" She demanded.

Akumaki gazed at her, his lone blue eye staring back into her red irises.

"I cannot say...She bound my tongue with a spell..." Akumaki told her opening his mouth, sticking out his tongue and showing her the kanji-spell mark of "silence" upon the flesh. "I would peel off the flesh for you if you so wished my beloved Dream." He added pulling out a dagger as he withdrew his tongue.

Suddenly Oyume slapped him. Normally peaceful and gentle, this blow was harsh and unforgiving. Akumaki was so wide-eyed in shock he dropped his dagger.

"Why would you ask me of such a thing?! I'm not your saviour! I'm not a messiah for our race! What am I to you...? Your master...Your girlfriend...Your divinty?!" Oyume shouted. "Just stop...Your words...They're tearing me apart with the hands of the past~!"

With that she roughly turned away, refusing to look at his pained and shocked expression.

"Let us leave this place everyone...I'm so very tired...Of shedding so much blood here..." Oyume whispered.

[Tetsanosuke]

Tetsuo's eyes narrowed towards Oyume then back at his wound. He arose and let a small sigh from his lips, then he walked over to Oyume, his injured skin shed off llike a mist and evaporated.

"Yes, let us leave..." he commented, then he finished the sentance in thought "Or should we bask in the flames of defeat?" He cracked his neck slightly then walked next to Mosuke, he leaned on him with his elbow to Mosuke's shoulder, his weightless frame not even pushing in on him.

"Well my medicine man, have you an herb for revenge?" he asked in an unusually serious tone. "Because I have a hankering for my own flesh... if that makes sense."

[Fionn Mac]

Mosuke felt somewhat better as Oyume's thank you had suprised him somewhat. Still, hearing her speak of herself like that, made him sad.
He slightly nodded, managing to give a hint of a smile.
Death was truly the final release, to one's true journey...yet to die with such sorrow and guilt, is no peaceful release.
He'd say little else to her, as he could offer no more words and he probably had said too much. He could only listen if she needed someone to talk with. He had no past memories with her, either subdued or upfront...only future ones, ones he hoped wouldn't end in seeing his new friend suffer.

Mosuke stopped as he saw the shocked Akumaki. Although he was odd, he truly seemed to love Oyume, and would literally do anything for her.

"Time...time my friend, is something we still have some of in this dark world."
said Mosuke as he picked up Akumaki's dagger and placed it back in his hand.
"Destiny and fate are not bound by time, if it is meant to be...all will come together... in time"

"Such acts of devotion or self-sacrifice often have adverse effects...they will not defeat Aide or Ieyasu...simply believe in her, give yourself in that respect..." said Mosuke as he began to walk away again.

Before he could get any further the strange, ghostly figure of Tetsuo was resting on his shoulder.
"Even if I had an herb for revenge...I'm afraid it would have been used up long time ago" said Mosuke as he looked at the weightless, often cryptic figure.
"Even so, my healing has been sub-par as of late...I'm no master doctor, nor monk...herbs and healing as my father would say, cannot stop a blade nor prevent death"
He then began to walk toward the orphanage. What ever thank you the towns people had to offer would be short lived, what ever spirits were raised, had been overcome by the dark reality of the land.

[otakuyume]

"A human...Cannot understand a Song's binding..." Akumaki said softly, his words steely as he watched Mosuke walk off. "Even an Altiered unbound...Cannot truly fully comprehend two souls conjoined before birth through destiny...So sacredly to reunite in the future...The emotions shared even by a fleeting touch...It's as if your entire being has become burnt and torn asunder..."

With that Akumaki lightly touched his cheek wincing. He easily sheathed his dagger and stood.

"Devotion is a human word...What I feel...What I have always felt for the girl within my song...Is beyond any human word..." He then added loud enough for Oyume to hear. "She could strike me...Make me bleed...Utterly destroy me...But if it's by her hand...Then I am...Content to accept it." He added. "Oyume...The Great dream...Is my love...And future wife...And it isn't my words tearing you asunder...It is your heart denying me to live within it..."

With that he turned and followed after Mosuke and cut him off as he walked.

"I know how to beat Ieyasu..." He suddenly told him. "But as I've already shown you all...I cannot say...All can let you know...Is that both Aide and Ieyasu...Must confront us..."

Before Mosuke was able to reply right away, Akumaki lept up and landed atop of a nearby house.

"You don't trust me do you monk?" Akumaki quizzed. "...And what is your connection to Oyume? Before I left her side...She wouldn't allow a human to approach her...Answer quickly...Or my blade may become impatient."

[Opinionated]

Feed... feed.... feed... nest... home... safe...

Thoughts basic to dragonkind rolled through Leeaniko's mind. Find food, find a nest, rest. Now, so much closer to becoming half-dragon, these thoughts become so much more stronger. And they wouldn't weaken in the near future.

Rival... find... kill...

This new thought startled him, for it brought a sudden, and swiftly passing, urge to kill every other male member of Oyume's party. Rivals... kill... breed... Struggling to keep this train of thought in check, he started shuffling towards no destination, only in a direction that went within sight of the others, but didn't go near them. He didn't want to harm them, even though the dragon did.

The pain in his shoulders had lessened, only to be replaced by the feeling that his skin was shrunk over a larger body, all over, but epecially on his face, back of his head, feet, and shoulders. His swords were lightly dragging on the ground, but they felt lighter, as if they were loosing mass slowly.

Step.
Feed.
Step.
Nest.
Step.
Rivals... KILL!
Step.

[Fionn Mac]

Mosuke was suprised to say the least, by Akumaki's actions.

"I can only base my perception of my allies by their actions...you protected Oyume, that is trust enough for me." said Mosuke as he looked up at Akumaki.
"Although, I had suspected you held no trust in me...or the others"
Mosuke wasn't afraid or intimidated in anyway by Akumaki, he knew Akumaki wouldn't trust his actions...or even give him a chance, as Humans had obviously harmed them in the past.

"I cannot answer your question, for I do not understand my connection to your beloved either...why she allows a...Human like me near her, is a question you must ask her" said Mosuke as he continued to walk.
"She has shown me only kindness and a pure heart. Traits such as those are hard to find in this time of darkness"
"Ieyasu destroyed the only things I loved...my family, my student's chance for a safe life...hope for the innocent".

"I promised myself to do anything I could to ease Oyume's pain...to make her believe in herself." said Mosuke softly, just loud enough for Akumaki to hear...if he was still listening.
"My promise was not out of service, nor was it for self-assurance...it was one of a friend"

"You may not believe me...I cannot apologise for what humans may have done to you and Oyume...I can only offer her friendship." said Mosuke as he stopped and placed his naginata aside.
"If it can offer you any peace to strike me down...then do so, for you and I both know no matter what words I speak, your opinion of me or humans will not change...the chance of understanding each other on a friend level will never happen"
"I know Oyume...in human terms cares for you, and If I can ease your pain so that it may reflect on her...I will do so"

[Tetsanosuke]

There was a slight breeze from the west that lifted Tetsuo's black hair from over his eyes as Mosuke and Akumaki conversed.

Tetsuo felt the sudden urge to laugh, but he knew the group already thought him crazy, or at least somewhat odd so he dissappeared to the nearby forest and laughed in a loud roar as if the funniest thing in the world had happened before his very eyes.

But the laughter wasn't of enjoyment, it didn't bring any light feelings in this dark world but only pain. He stood on the branch of a solitary tree in the woods and laughed his celestial body to pain. The laugh was crazed and maniacle, and suddenly you could hear the pain through it.

It echoed throughout the forest and all manner of animal life seemed to hide away from the shear deep darkness of the laugh. He fell from the tree, laughed out as the last few chuckled rolled from his lips. He hit the ground with a light thud, and he stared into the sky, the dark seemingly entrenched sky.

A silver tear rolled down his left cheek, only one. He layed there sending his black fireballs to the village to know when the group would leave.

[Kaikou]

Daske had arrived back on the scene. He had a small and uncensored look of guilt on his face. He had told Idou to save the feast for the villagers and not to worry about the group since he felt deep down that the village need'nt repay them in any way.


But this disappointed Idou greatly. Daske knew he'd get over it.

Daske stood silently and crossed his arms. He simply observed the group and thier conversation. He was also human and when the question od Oyume allowing Mosuke to be near he wondered himself, why she let a samurai such as himself near. Maybe she felt that weird, unexplainable connection as well.

"It's always good to keep doctors around." he cooed, "You only have so much blood to cast spells with." Daske reminded. "We're just lucky that Mosuke is both honourable and caring to his allies. Not all medicine men are..."

[otakuyume]

Akumaki suddenly sped from his spot, reappearing inches from Mosuke's face, his drawn blade shimmering in the lamplights. His lone blue eye bore into Mosuke and the pupil turned to a thin slit.

At that moment a glimpse of Akumaki, the Nightmare Soul was revealled.

"What do you really know about the Altiered? Do you really believe you can take away her pain? Or mine? This is our pain...Our plight..." Akumaki told him, his voice smooth and almost seductive.

With that he leaned into Mosuke a little closer.

"Never...Give me that opportunity again...I may just take you up on that offer..." Akumaki whispered in almost a hiss-like sound, his lips by Mosuke's ear. "If you continue to try to walk our path...I'll make you suffer like we suffer..."

With that Akumaki slowly withdrew and with one sweeping motion sheathed his blade and turned his back to Mosuke.

"Oyume is the only one who will save our race from utter destruction and I...Will be the only one to comfort her as we did as children...It is my right...My only...My only desire in this entire ill-gotten world..." Akumaki told Mosuke. "Destiny chose me...And I will be the one and the only one...To love her..."

Suddenly he clutched his shoulder, as if being burned. He gritted his teeth and soon hung his head. With that Akumaki lept up and over the rooftops, his long black mantle-cape swirling around him like some sort of demon. Oyume walked into the area and watched him go.

"Akumaki!" Oyume shouted, but realized he was out of hearing range. "Damn him...Where is he off to?" She then muttered. "Mosuke-san...Can you tell the others that we're leaving in one hour? I have to go get Chiyoko-san and Taro-san from the inn..." She then asked him.

[Fionn Mac]

Mosuke nodded, to Oyume's request. He was glad she did not hear Akumaki's words. Mosuke had recieved what response he expected. He knew Akumaki had no trust in him, nor cared for his presence.
His words were strong, haunting even...but Mosuke did not fear Akumaki, he only feared what would happen to the troubled soul.

He would have been content with Akumaki striking him down then and there. What ever shred of peace or justice it might offer, would be worth his life.
Though he wondered why Oyume would let himself near her? Akumaki had a point, he didn't know their connection...it was no subdued or past connection like the others.
Would he stop trying to help Oyume?...or now even Akumaki?...The answer was simple to Mosuke...No.
Whatever suffering he would endure, or that Akumaki would provide...was the price to pay for trying to help them.

"You must be Tetsuo in some form or another...we are leaving in one hour...gather yourself for then...Oh and Find Lee, we need to all leave together" said Mosuke as he looked at the ball of fire that was observing the village.

Mosuke then found Daske. "I thank you for your words...though I have the feeling, his dislike of me has only grown deeper" said Mosuke as he patted Daske on the shoulder.
"We leave in one hour...we should go find Idou, I am sure he is disappointed...I didn't expect we'd have to leave our small apprentice in such a rushed fashion."

Mosuke was saddened somewhat, as they were leaving their wide-eyed apprentice.
Although, Mosuke's suprise parting gift to Idou, might soften the blow of them leaving so soon.

[Opinionated]

Away from the village, behind a small hill, Leeaniko dropped to his knees in pain. The scales that covered him from head to toe took on a translucent quality, and you could see things moving underneath it. The kanji run that Akumaki had placed on his forehead burned brightly, desperately trying to fulfill it's purpose, but then the scales that it was on split three ways, pulling it apart and into powerless streaks.

A sinister-snouted long head pushed out of the old skin, with four horns coming from the rear of the skull and two teeth missing on the right line of the jaw. A dragon's roar bellowed out of his jaws as the skin on his back tore with three long tears. Two tears, based at his shoulders, went up his back and released two leathery wings that snapped to tauntness, shaking off fluids and displaying their orange/electric blue tones proudly.

A long alligator-like tail spilled out of the third tear and flopped onto the ground as the rest of Lee's former skin and the remains of his top fell to the ground. A new torso, larger and thicker than his previous, extended two large, muscled and clawed arms. The lower half of his old skin and his pants tore open when he bent his knees sharply, two longer legs, that had an extreme bend natually and ended in a widespread, four-clawed feet stepped out of the shreds.

Lee fell to his knees, and let out a long, low, mournful wail as he looked at himself. His scales and wings that would look proud and great looking seemed droll and depressed. It's said that a dragon's tears could grant wishes. Shame that dragon's completely lack the ability to cry.

[otakuyume]

Oyume could tell that Akumaki had said something to Mosuke...But silenced any words in her throat. She was still very reluctant to reach out to others.

With that she slipped away and collected Taro and Chiyoko from the inn. She clung to Taro's arm like a little girl seeking comfort from a bad dream. They had grown a bit apart over the past day, but to her...

Taro was a welcomed comfort in a chaotic world.

He patted her head and Oyume held back tears. He was the big brother she never had and was the only human she would let touch her so willingly.

After all they had been through...Taro by right had earned the name "Onii-chan", the Great Brother, from Oyume.

They wandered into the town square, waitig for the others to gather so they could leave.
************************************************** **************

Akumaki leapt over treetops like some great black demon. His cloak swirled and moved as if it was alive upon the cool night wind. Strands of his silver-white hair flapped around his face and soon he landed into the depths of a forest, completely hidden from any human or otherwise inhuman, sights.

"What is it you want from me?" Akumaki shouted, his voice echoing among the trees. "Dream may be fated to play your games...But I am not...So show yourself!"

From the darkness arose a beautiful woman with long flowing black ebony hair, lightly pinned up and skin so pale...It shone with a slight eerie glow. Piercing violet eyes affixed onto the Altiered boy and lips the colour of a drowned person, full and luscious gave way to a sardonic grin.

A violet-blue kimono decorated with broken-winged butterflies swept over the grassy forest floor and the woman approuched Akumaki.

"But my games are...Oh so much fun..." The woman said teasingly, her voice as lithe as a slithering snake. "As the little red-eyed brat must play...So shall you..." She added cooly. "So my pet...I want you to tell me...Has the Altierian's Last Hope become any more of a match for me...?"

Akumaki glared at her.

"You are no match for her you mean!" Akumaki snapped. "If this infernal mark wasn't upon me...I would've torn you asunder myself all those years ago...In fact...When I break it...I'll help Dream make your illusionous head roll in dirt with your false lord's!"

"Promises, promises!" The woman cooed walking up and placing her index finger under his chin. "Don't say such foul little things...It distorts that pretty little face of your's..." She added leaning close to him.

Suddenly Akumaki leapt back, but magic sparked from his shoulder, injuring him. He cried out clutching it.

"You may be able to defy me in will...But it is your body that pays the price...Just like that 'beloved' of your's...Only on a lesser scale it seems, hmmm?" The woman told him, her voice teasingly.

Suddenly she lundged forward and grapped him by the throat, catching him with one hand. Akumaki gagged and tried to wretch free, but she only effortlessly lifted him up from the ground, letting his feet dangle.

"You're only alive because I see use in you...And the fact that I enjoy having a cute little animal to torment." The woman explained to him sternly. "Since you seem to have so much...Confidance in your 'loved one'...I'll take your answer as a 'yes'..." She added suddenly dropping him. "You really should be more grateful I'm allowing you to live...Maybe if I completely tire of Ieyasu you can be my new lover." She then giggled.

Akumaki drew his sword, swiping at her, but she was much too quick for him.

"I belong...Only to Oyume! Only to her~!!" Akumaki shouted through ragged breaths. "I would never be...With a hideous old hag like you~!"

"Hideous? My, how the young do lie so easily!" The woman giggled. "Now run along...I bet you're just dying to go back to your plaything...!"

With a long dark laugh she disappeered and Akumaki strugglingly stood, sheathing his sword. He suddenly bit his thumb, causing it to bleed, trying to calm his rage. He let the crimson blood flow down his skin and drip.

He barely felt it and no matter what he did anymore...Nothing eased his swirling darkness, his unbearable suffering within...Nothing but her sweet smiling face.

Akumaki disappeered once more, leaving the forest behind, a few droplets of his blood staining a dying leaf left to rot upon the forest floor.

[Opinionated]

Lee found that he could easily walk on two feet, folding his wings against his back and using his tail to balance. However, it was easier to drop to all fours and prowl like some predatory feline. He forced himself to walk on two feet until he reached a hill overlooking the village, but dropped to all fours to avoid sight.

He couldn't go down there. He was a monster now. He knew, he'd seen enough monsters in his travels to decide that he was one. The villagers could hardly be expected to accept his presence. He could imagine their bewailing if he entered. All the destruction of two battles, now a monster comes to harm them?

No. He could feel parts of his mind urging him to fly down, eat one of the villagers to satisfy a hunger starting to burn within his gut, maybe even take a female to ma-

NO! he shouted within himself. He couldn't go down... but he couldn't turn away. And as dragons usually do when they can't decide where to go, but are in no hurry, he laid down and watched.

[Tetsanosuke]

Tetsuo heard the request of Mosuke, and once the pain from the laughter died from his chest he jumped up and activated the fireball following Lee.

He had inactive ones following everybody, but they only give off energy when they are active and sending Tetsuo an image.

"Oh Lee, Lee, Lee, Lee..." he said as he activated the one following Lee "Are you who you are? Or you are one that isn't you? Or maybe you're all the same... with a pinch of dragon's tone."

He appeared in the sky above Lee and slowly floated to the ground as the wind blew in his direction. Tetsuo was roughly six feet behind Lee as he scoped the village in his new state.

"Lee, there you are. You look like someone who's been to oblivion to find a new body... In a way I'm jelous." He was about to laugh but had his fill earlier. "You know we'll be off soon right? We have an hour." he said from behind his scarf, his purple eyes scanning Lee's new form.

[Opinionated]

Lee lifted his head off his paws and turned to face the fireball that had suddenly appeared behind him. His eyes held a lazy tone that masked the angrily studying look they should show. His nostrils flared, trying to find a scent from it, to identify it further.

However, even to his sensitive nose, no definite scent came, so he shrugged it off. Things that can harm you tend to smell. He pointed with his snout to the road leading out of the village and coughed something that sounded very close to "meet you", and hoped he got the message across.

He shifted a little, and lowered his head back down. He wanted to say more, but wasn't sure of how to speak with his new tounge.

Rival kill feed

And there it was again, instinct.

[otakuyume]

Oyume clutched Taro's arm, waiting for the others to gather so that they could leave this poor town and hopefully Aide and Ieyasu would leave it be as they left for new areas. Akumaki drifted over the housetops, leaping from roof to roof, his black torn cape like broken wings fluttering behind him. He spotted Oyume holding the samurai's arm and froze.

Why couldn't she hold his arm like that just like when they were kids?

Why didn't she see how much he suffered without her?

Why?

WHY?!

Akumaki gingerly leapt down and Oyume turned to him.

"There you are! Why did you run off like that~?!" She demanded.

She let go of Taro's arm and face him. Her eyes were worried and angry, two emotions she hardly ever let become visable if she could help it. Akumaki gazed at her, a small, subtle smile of happiness in the corner of his mouth.

She had been unnerved by his sudden leave. This made him feel...Content for the fact she was concerned about his welfare.

"I...Needed some time by myself." He simply told her, unable to say the truth.

Oyume scanned his expression, about to question his words, but descided to leave it be.

"Next time...Please tell me...No matter what our Song says...Or what you want from me because of our destinies...You are my friend...The same little boy who use to take me to see the white cherry blossoms." Oyume told him softly.

Akumaki smiled at her with a serene happiness. He reached over and gently stroked her hair on the back of her head in a fleeting gesture. Oyume pulled away, unsure, but even so...This small touch...Put Akumaki's soul at ease.

"We....Leave soon...So be prepared..." Oyume told him, trying not to let him see the slight blush upon her pale cheeks.

Akumaki nodded and gingerly slipped his hand into her's. He wouldn't let her slip so far away again. Even if he had to help her remember the faded few good things they shared in the past...

He would try...Even to the bitter end if that meant being by her side.

[Tetsanosuke]

From the sound that Lee made he took it as it meant. Tetsuo jumped high into the air and wrapped his entire body in the MizuSuka-fu yet again disappearing into a flash of light.

He appeared against a building nearby Oyume and Co. With his arms crossed he hid his face deeper into his scarf and waited silently.

In his mind he tossed about the happenings, his crazed laughs were always a sign of amusement but now they seemed to be the displacement of his pain.

From his shoulder the small remains of Aide's poison burned at him, though he showed no direction to the fact and let it be. "I'll be rid of this body... until then this pain will keep me going." he thought to himself.

[Kaikou]

Daske had said his goodbyes, namely to the children at the orphanage and made his way out the group. "I'm ready." He said coldly.

An odd feeling was about him. He felt uncomfortable and as he knew he was leaving the children unprotected he remembered something. he remembered a woman...She was beautiful and the thought of her made him happy but he recalled leaving....and a feeling of hate overwelmed him.

He knew now. He had left his wife...but not in a hating way...he was...forced...he was...taken away...and her hurt expression stayed with him in his heart. He almost felt like crying. He wanted to apologize and hold her. But as he got closer to the group and stopped, now in their pressence, he whipped his mind clear and looked at everyone.

[otakuyume]

Oyume gazed around at the accumliating amass of allies, no friends, that had began to join in the group. Secretly she was still very much frightened of the outside world, of being betrayed all over again...

But she was sincerely happy...To have beings who understood what must be done and would give it their all...

For the sake of a faintly glowing, seemingly almost unattainable future.

"Since everyone is now gathered...We'll be off..." Oyume announced. "I thank you all...For joining with me in this struggle...Even though...I might not be strong enough to protect you all...And may be...Weak on the inside...I won't...I won't give up and for the sake of this world, for the world in which I once lived in....I will help lift this darkness!"

Her last words were strong, even though she was shaking slightly, her red eyes held an inner strength it seemed she was unaware of. Just then a woman holding a little girl and a sachel ran up to her.

"Oyume-chan~! Oyume-chan~!" The woman, Kimizu the Okami of the Onsen Inn, called. "You can't leave without this!" She said, beaming as she handed her the sachel which contained a good sum of food for everyone. "Make sure to share and use it wisely! <3"

Oyume nodded, smiling gently at the Okami who had always been so kind to her.

"I will ensure to do so Kimizu-san." Oyume said fondly. "Thank-you."

"Alright then! May your journey be one where the light returns!" Kimizu beamed. "Say 'sayonara' Ume-chaaaan~!" She then said to her daughter, helping her to wave.

The little girl stayed silent but soon smiled at Oyume.

With that they parted and the woman passed by Daske, her long black hair flowing around her. At that moment a searing resonance filled the air and the little girl made a small noise, pointing at Daske. Kimizu glanced back, her indigo eyes seeming to flicker.

Before another word was said Kimizu disappeered back into the inn.

[Fionn Mac]

Mosuke had followed Daske to say goodbye to the children. Oddly, Idou wasn't there...the owners of the orphanage, a kind old couple, had sent him off with his friend on a trip to the other side of town. It was for the best, as what ever emotions may have come from the departure would of only added to the sorrow of Daske and himself.

Mosuke gave a generous donation to the orphanage, mostly for new clothes and supplies for the children.
He decided to leave Idou something else...time was limited so he needed to make it brief.
He took a small scroll and placed his signature as well as a forged signature for Daske on it, and had the couple put the seal of the local authority in the town, making it official.

He wrote: Idou, Daske and I apologise for our unplanned departure from the town. As any great samurai doctor knows, the saftey of innocents is of the highest importance.
You will become a great samurai doctor, and we shall see you again...hopefully much stronger and wiser.
It was be sometime until we see you, but know our strengths are yours now as well.
Be strong, and protect the weak...whatever hope resides in this world..may it be with you...little brother.
The bottom of the scroll stated: I Mosuke, and I Daske...accept guardianship of the orphan Idou.

The old couple smiled as Mosuke handed them the scroll, for Idou to have when he returned.
"Take care of our brother until we return...try and keep him out of trouble, as best you can" said Mosuke as he left the orphanage.

Mosuke came upon the rest of the group silently. He once again placed the mask back on his face, he needed to seal off his face once more, which was holding back the sadness of leaving.
He was ready to leave, their journey was about to begin.

[Tetsanosuke]

Tetsuo walked in the rear of the group, keeping his eye on the surroundings. A shadow he is, so like a shadow he rears the party. Leaving the village brought a sweet sorrow to his soul, though he was looked upon as quite the mysterious character he enjoyed his stay there. Something that was rare to him nowadays.

As he stood next to Oyume he saw a small child approach from the corner of a halfway burned building holding out a small flask. It was the apothocary's son, a young boy of 10 years.

"Excuse me Konpaku-san, but my father and I heard that terrible laughter earlier and wish to do something. It's the least we can do for your help when the wolves appeared."

"Heh, you heard my laughter young one?" he smiled a somewhat mischevious smile behind his scarf, though his intent was purely curious. "Why help a shadow like me? Haven't I caused you and your villagers fear? One such as me deserves nothing for his actions, for in the end a shadow cannot effect the world."

The little boy shook his head and said "We've seen much during these scary days, but you konpaku-san are not scary. Please, this medicine is of an ancient recipes that lets you see you light and break away from your shadowed borders. But only drink it when the flask glows... Remember that kanpaku-san." and with that he was off.

Tetuo stared at the flask, then around his neck the flask hung by a strap.

"I've got to be insain. Wait a minute... that's not a problem." He said holding the flask tight to his side. "Thank you... or should I not?" he puzzeled to himself.

[otakuyume]

"Since everyone seems to be ready...Let's go." Oyume announced.

Akumaki nodded and Oyume lead them onward, hopefully to where Ieyasu's manor was said to be found. She walked the beaten, sun-starved path as Akumaki followed, holding her hand tightly. He gazed back at Taro and Chiyoko, directing a nasty glare unto him.

"For such a pretty kid, he sure has a nasty temper!" Chiyoko whispered to Taro.

"He's protective over her...Obivously because he cares far too much for her to see any more harm to befall her." Taro said simply. "If you were the very last man of a dying race...And the girl you loved was the only woman left...That would be a precious situation...And one that certianly would make you very distrustful towards others." He added. "Don't you think so?"

Chiyoko went silent gazing at the two leading them on. Oyume didn't look old enough to be ready to bear the burden she did and Akumaki didn't look like the type to want to settle into marriage so quickly.

"Kids these days~!" Chiyoko sighed.

They entered a forest and suddenly Oyume and Akumaki froze. A tremendous aura filled the air and a low feral growl rumbled through the treetops.

"What...Is this...?" Oyume whispered as Akumaki forced her to hide behind him, drawing his sword to protect her. "It feels like...It's so...Familar...!"

[Opinionated]

Lee shuffled off the hill and followed parallel to the rest of the party. His instincts were screaming at him to kill all other males and steal Chiyoko or Oyume... maybe even both...

And what disgusted him was that he actually wanted to do it. He wanted Chiyoko for his mate. Maybe she'd even be willing...

It took the growl to drag his toughts from fantasies back to reality. He rose to his hind feet and jabbed his nose into the air, sniffing. Odd smell, familiar too... His eyes cast around the trees as he let out a soft growl of his own. Deep inside him, a slow furnace built up and a tendril of smoke escaped his mouth. His tail flicked from side to side and he lowered himself into a crouch, ready to lunge at whatever presented itself.

[Fionn Mac]

Mosuke followed somewhat far behind the others. He was still feeling somewhat depressed by leaving Idou, who luckily would still be off gathering the items for the Orphanage...unaware of their departure.
He was a strong young boy, and Mosuke knew that after reading that he was no longer an Orphan, but a little brother of Daske and himself...he would get over it in time.

Mosuke noticed Akumaki's angry glare that was directed towards Taro. He knew he did not trust this Taro either.
Akumaki obviously disliked whatever connection Taro and Oyume had made in the past.
Mouske felt he himself was in worse standing with Akumaki, as the Altiered man had warned him not to bother them anymore.

In almost the same motion Mosuke froze as well as he felt the strange aura entering the forest.
He gripped his Naginata, turning his back to the others to cover the group from any attack from behind.

[Tetsanosuke]

Tetsuo pulled his Bikonjuko from his back and held it slightly under his right arm, the metal touched the red steel of his Fuukaze guantlet causing a small spark.

"Familiar eh?" his purple eyes scanned the area with great interest and curiousity, his left hand twitched some from the excitment.

A small breeze blew at them inwards towards the forest as if pushing them on. But they stayed still at the very least.The flask at Tetsuo's side tapped his waist lightly.

"What is it that is so, familiar?" he whispered to himself "Friend or foe? Demon or human? Ghost or diety? Or maybe just a sudden flash back?" he puzzeled to himself, keeping his eyes open. The white and black flames on the blades of his Bikonjuko burned cautiously in his grip.

[otakuyume]

"It feels like...No...But he...Taro-san...What happened to...?" Oyume started gazing back to Taro.

Suddenly the trees began to whip wildly, the branches shooting to life. Oyume used her barrier to stop them and as soon as her aura flared, they withdrew. There was no doubt about it.

Oyume knew who this was.

"Tsukasa-kun~!!!" Oyume shouted. "You can come out! It's I, your mistress!"

Slowly, but surely a ragged tan thing appeared from the bushes. It was a black buttoned-eyed catdoll, ripped and worn.

Oyume was overjoyed at the sight of it.

"Tsukasa!" She exclaimed with relief.

She went to go collect the doll when suddenly Akumaki cried out.

"Oyume no! Don't touch it!!" He shouted.

But it was too late. A treeroot shot up and vicously smacked Oyume, sending her flying. Blood poured from her throat and Akumaki dashed, catching her.

"Y-you...How dare you! She is your master!!!" Akumaki growled, shaking in rage.

[Tetsanosuke]

Tetsuo launched his scarf around any of ther other branches that may lash out with his burning chains technique. From there he held still, keeping any flailing branches steady and still.

"My origin was hurt... Can I only do this?" he held his puzzling in the side of his brain holding onto the trees for dear life. The wind he felt earlier seemed to get stronger pushing into the forest. "A doll... but no ordinary doll at that I see." he said holding steadfast.

[Fionn Mac]

Mosuke was startled by the branches that swirled around them. He did not notice any familiar presence, but the others obviously did.
Familiar enough for Oyume to approach the figure without even a hint of caution.

As soon as Oyume was hit, Mosuke wanted to rush over and help her, but he hesitated as Akumaki caught her, and shook with disbelief and anger. This was no time to impose himself on them, or start another quarrel with Akumaki.
They needed to worry about stopping further damage, though Mosuke deep down wanted to drop everything an heal Oyume.

"What is that?" asked Mosuke, to no one in particular. It was obviously a friend or servent of Oyume, a guardian that she felt safe with...that turned on her for some reason.

The aura was odd, he hadn't sensed anything like it before, he could not tell whether it was possessed or controlled in anyway.
"If this is your true disposition...forgive me" Said Mosuke quietly as he quickly dashed, past Akumaki and Oyume.

He then pulled a small parchment from his tunic, a holy scroll of sorts that his grandfather had used to bind and seal demons and evil energy.
Mosuke then with a flick of the wrist, sent to the parchment at the doll...as it stuck to its head...a few faint golden sparks crackled around it.
If the guardian was in anyway possessed it would release it...and if it wasn't it was surely slow it down, and add to the confusion on what its intent was.