~*~

SETAGAYA MOUNTAIN ~ (Hayami's pov:)

This felt too good to be true.........

Seeing my sibling getting along like a gentle breeze; mother looking beautiful and vivid like how I remembered. Remembering a few faces within the estate, I saw our maid, Lady Asami, that served us with a smile always on her face. It didn't feel like I've suffered for many years, but living within my own nightmare the entire time.

"So where's father?"

The question naturally runs from my mouth, causing mother to hesitate.

"Your father? Why, he's discussing matters in his office," Mother replies, her eyes meet mine for a brief moment before she smothers my face in a few kisses. "He'll be here soon, he did promise to train you.......you remember don't you?"

Perplexed for a moment, my eyes squint before blinking a few times, "Train me.....?" muttering under my breath. The grip on my teacup loosens, as if feeling myself forgetting about something that I supposedly knew. 

"Yes my dear, your father believes you can become a swordswoman," She brightens up, gesturing to the katana blade that rests on the mantle in the main room. "That was passed down generation to generation, and I mean the hilt. The purest steel adjusted to the wielders strength, and one day it'll be passed down......to you."

This didn't feel right, why isn't Ryuji taking that mantle instead? Isn't he the oldest? Wait, why is father wanting to train me? 

"Wouldn't either Ryuji or the twins take the spot?" I question, furrowing my eyebrows in confusion. "Isn't it frowned upon? For a woman to wield a blade within our clan? For generations, we weren't even dare touch one......or a punishment wi--"

"Hayami! Enough nonsense, you're a strong woman," Mother scolds me lightly, but takes my hand. "Your father is very proud of you, I'm proud of you....."

That wasn't how it was...........

In that very moment this faint scent of death greets all around; like I was being watched by many eyes besides the ones surrounding me......

My skin crawls feeling my body growing colder, inhaling the bitter air; the burning sensation makes it hard to swallow. The sounds of padded feet made me lift my head, only to feel a heavier aura empowering my own senses. Hesitantly my eyes lift, only to meet a pair of eyes filled with malice. Recognising them instantly, the memories came flooding in like a raging sea. Memories that were tucked away in the back of my mind, that I tried to forget about. 

This wasn't the reality i'm in........it's an illusion.......

"Y-You're not real," pushing myself off the verandah, resting my hand on the hilt of my blade; not finding it there. Only grasping at air I glance down finding nothing, "Huh? What?" eyes widening in a panic.

"Why don't you understand my dear?" Mother stands up, her tone changes tauntingly. She stood up herself opening her arms, her silver fade to a golden burning fire in the night like a demon. Scales litter across her pale flesh with claws extended, "You're only a hindrance, a failure of a child......how did I manage to birth such a pathetic daughter.....?"

Stepping back my breath grew shaky, before everything turns into thick fog finding it difficult to navigate through only for my back to smack into a hard surface.

"A woman shouldn't wield a blade," his voice echoes, filled with gravity to his tone. "You're insignificant to me, why don't you give up?"

His voice is so real, it was like he's still there...........tucked away in that corner of my head; that I've tried locking away.....

"No, I won't," I draw my blade, with the chime ringing as I held it tightly in my grip. Turning sharply on my heel, I aim towards him only to slice through the thick fog. My eyes flicker to every direction, my lungs burning from the winter's cold as I felt the fog slowly disappearing. How long was I under the illusion? 

"Just another damn demon," I growl lowly, but the moment the fog slowly disappears; my heart sank in realisation to where I stood.

The moss growing upon the stone ishi doro (Stone Lantern), hearing the sounds of the bamboo smacking together; the shishi-odoshi (Deer Scare). Then there was the ruins of the home I was once knew, covered in blankets of snow. This scenario felt like deja vu over again; it was never ending that everything felt repetitively lately. From the plated roof tiles, to the burnt timber of the verandah that traced around the buildings. 

It feels smaller than when I was here, when i was only seven......has it been that long?

Suddenly I found myself slammed into the ground with brute force, knocking me back to my senses collecting myself to my feet without faltering. Digging through the snow as it flies in every direction, I slam my foot to the ground heavily. My jaw clamped shut tight, slowly directing my attention upon the demon. 

The Demon lunges towards with such ferocity, roaring angrily.....

"No.......not one......" murmuring to myself, as I slice through the demons throat before it's claws could reach my own. Blood paints the white sea of snow, as the body drops with a heavy thud, ".....it's like.....three more...."

"YOU BITCH!!!!!" another voice rages, with an ashy rippling cry. 

Turning around, "Dragon breathing....Second Form: Dragon Dance!!!!" sharply turning my body, the distance between was short. Without another second wasted, I sharply slice up vertically channeling little strength into the attack.

Seeing the demons head rolling at my feet assured me it's fate, hearing it cursing and throwing a huge fit like a child. However this wasn't the last demon, because my body is on high alert and it's not lowering anytime soon. Though the fog dulled most of my senses and it's cleared, I could picture that it's either hiding or waiting for it's moment to strike. 

"Wait, where did Botan go?" realising I came with a group of six, and we were going to ambush the lair in the temple. "Akio.....Hina, Asahi and Yaeko......"

Without wasting time dwelling on this area, I needed to find them first and away from this area before I falter again. I couldn't allow myself to become weak, and die in the very place my home was......

Transferring a quarter of my energy from my core, I use it to gain speed with my legs as I fly through the growth and foliage of trees. Leaving footprints as I run through, I try to find traces of footsteps or even a sign of struggling in the snow. Hints of blood was enough, despite my concern for my comrades.

"GET BACK HERE YOU, YOU LITTLE WENCH!!!!"

So it seems he's been behind me this entire time then.....

Coming to a halt to abruptly take my chance, I draw my blade and blocked an attack. Forcing me to my knee with a grunt, I push the demon off me and swung at him again. He jumps back doing a backflip, before licking the small cut I've managed to land on him. His grin coils into a sick menacing expression, "You're too late, and you'll be next......"

Not understanding what he was implying, I brush it off taking a step forward.

Drawing a little more strength my eyes focus solely on the large demon, as it charges head towards me. Only Fixating on me in that very moment, I disappear swiftly from where I stood; appearing right behind the demon. Not having enough time to react, the sound of my blade sawing through the thick flesh and bone left a sickening crunch. With a heavy thud of it's body dropping before me, it's head rolls seeing it's eyes glaring daggers up to me.

"HOW DARE A CHILD FUCKING CUT ME DOWN!!!!!" The demon berates, with profanation. Slowly I watch the head dissipating into thin air, being wiped of existence to this world. "HE WILL COME FOR YOU, JUST YOU FUCKING WAI--"

Finally disappearing I drew a deep breath, "I'm sorry," I murmur softly, guiding my blade into the scabbard by the blunt end; gliding against my thumb.

Recalling the last few words he spoke, I knew this wasn't the end. Seems like the demon art that was cast upon me wasn't the demons that ambushed me, but an art from a higher rank. Must be a strong kind of demon, to wield a heavy ability to give me illusions of my family. So vivid and surreal, that even their faces weren't blurred from my memory. Though I was seven the last i saw them, I couldn't forget their faces. Not even my father's....

A bloodcurdling cry echoes through the mountain, causing my breath to hitch recognising that scream all too well.

~*~

"No......it can't....be..."

My breath was heavy by the time I arrived while my eyes were wide; horrified by the scene before me. Two bodies mangled into shreds and drowned in red, their faces were unrecognisable. Yet, I knew very well who they were, and the guilt began eating away at me. Dammit! I was late and I couldn't prevent this occurrence. Lungs bursting from the sheer cold of the night, drying my throat as I found it difficult to breathe. 

"Shit......shit...." cursing under my breath, before hearing something from afar. My eyes flicker across the snow, finding no foot prints in the snow. 

It must've jumped in the branches then......

Whirling around sharply my exterior changes completely, knowing I didn't have time to dwell on my failure. This is serious and I've already two of my team, so I must search for the other three before they're taken from me. Resting my hand agains the hilt of my blade, I lift the handle by my thumb; charging up towards the shrine. Remembering a shrine many years ago, that rested at the top of the Setagaya mountain, I new my chances are fifty-fifty. A demon nest, that has infected this once peaceful place.

After a few minutes of running to the top, the stench of rotten flesh or corpses filled my nose bitterly. Grimacing from inhaling strongly, I cover my nose for a moment taking in the shrine before me. Moss and foliage had sprouted and tangled against the stone, as if the Shrine became one with nature. However the foul stench left a revolting taste to my lungs, that I knew I've hit the nail on the head. 

I've reached the feeding grounds of the demons.........

"How dare a human trespass on these grounds," A voice appears suddenly, causing my skin to crawl. His voice was hoarse and raspy, filled with confidence and malice hanging in the air. He was right behind me, his presence and aura was stronger than I anticipated. "You're an interesting one, to have broken my demon art.......Illusion...."

'Just move Hayami! Dammit, he's behind you!!......' I internally screamed to myself.

"I cannot question your intentions, but you've only brought memories I tried to suppress," I spoke up, before feeling the winters air glide past my warm flushed cheeks.

A sinister chuckle rumbles from the demon, "Exactly, memories that would make you die peacefully," 

My teeth grinds together turning sharply on my heel, "To die peacefully? That's what you call this?--" before my eyes meet a pair of golden eyes, feeling my heart sink. 

His eyes! Golden eyes reading 'Upper Moon Four' engraved, before feeling his aura growing stronger by acknowledging who was I was up against. One of the Kizuki.....

Hair as white as snow, and horns like a mythical Mizu dragon from many stories. Scales scatter across his cheeks and neck, going down to his biceps while wearing a thick kimono and Hakama pants and sandals. Judging by his appearance alone, he resembled a human version of a dragon. However his scowl remains the same, filled with intent amusement and bloodlust.

Without warning he disappears leaving me in confusion, as I went to draw my blade out; only for it to be knocked from my grasp. 

Soon something hard hits me across my stomach, as my body went flying. Using the falling technique to brace my landing, I exhale deeply to allow the force in my lungs to not burst. In addition I bend back, doing a backflip by my hands landing on my feet. Searching for my blade, the demon stood between me and the weapon which wasn't my luck.

The upper moon scoffs, "I'm surprised you managed a blow like that?" he chuckles, baring his fangs with a crazed and amused sneer. His eyes shift to dragon slit eyes, his fangs grow slightly showing a more feral expression contorting his face. "However......."

Seething through my teeth in frustration, I inhale sharply feeling the hit gradually begin to bruise.

My chances are slim judging by my misguidance of this mission, let alone not expecting an Upper Moon to be standing before me. It was rare for others to go up against a Upper, only to never return and in my chest I felt a tightening sensation. Though he may seem easily swayed by how weak he's observed; my only option was to either wait for one of my comrades to aid me. Or, continue and endure until dawn rises, which is hours away.

He steps upon the blade in interest and lifts it up, gazing at handcraft.

"What a pathetic blade with such power, but only if wielded the correct way--" he pauses, his eyes focusing on something upon my blade. The chime of my tassels clang together, as he lifts one of them gazing at them like he recognises something.

Without waiting another second I charge towards him, skidding across the snow and kicked my blade from his hand whilst distracted. With total concentration my burning lungs inhale at a steady rate, "Dragon breathing! Seventh Form: Water Claw slash!" gripping the blade tightly, I strike his legs three times evenly. The Achilles heel, the Plantaris and just where his hamstrings were. Blood sprays from my attack as I move swiftly away, maintaining my distance between us again.

He growls lowly, "Pathetic...." before his limbs regenerated instantly, within a second. The power he possesses, this crazy empowering aura was no joke. He must've consumed so many lives, that he's unbeatable. "You're becoming far more interesting, than what I'm assumed you would turn out to be......"

He shifts his foot across the snow beneath, causing my body to be on high alert.

Licking his fangs with a taunting grin, "Mizu Dragon technique........." he throws off his Kimono, revealing his pale skin and glowing scales. He goes into a stance, finding the move familiar but it was all a blur, "........Scorching Tidal Wave!!!!!" before a massive gust of a hot burning steam rises, the wave surrounding me like I'm within a tornado. 

Deflecting the attack only barely, my muscles strain against the strength of his power.

'I'm not even strong enough to defeat him!' I internally spoke, feeling my heart hammering against my chest.

Twirling my body gliding in the heavy direction of the attack; managing to get myself out, I disappear from my spot. Using the heavy fog of the steam to my advantage, I take the opening and landed a sharp attack to his torso. He hesitated for a moment, only getting a glimpse of his eyes up-close and personal. Growling beneath his hot breath, I push away seeing his regeneration healing his wound.

How am I gonna keep this up til dawn?! 

I've overused two of my breathing techniques, and the cold winter's air is burning my lungs. At this rate, I'm sure to perish on the spot.......

Pushing off kicking the snow back I charge towards him again, this time our attacks come at full force and strength. The counter attack painfully runs through my arms, bouncing back from his immense strength with our collision. Keeping my body pushing against his large stature, my lungs were bursting. Grinding my teeth tightly, my throat let's out a groan from the pits of my stomach. 

His golden eyes reflecting 'Upper Moon four' meets mine, and for a split second a short inhale of a gasp leaves me, as if seeing a ghost. 

It couldn't be.........but how?  

Pushing past my own personal troubles quickly, I focus on digging my blade deeper into his thick flesh that refused to tear. Blood drips from injury I've shredded across, only for him to retaliate and prevented the blade from digging further. My blade wouldn't budge either way, and I was left at a difficult and awkward situation. My hands shaking whilst maintain my grip on the hilt of my sword, eyes trying to not leave his. 

At the corner of my eye I noticed a figure passing by, before the demon's eyes grew wide and narrowed angrily seeing the tip of a blade sprouting from the middle of his bare chest.

He then sends a powerful slash across in my direction, causing blood to spray in my line of vision. I didn't understand what had happened, or why I was on the ground suddenly with this painful sensation across my chest. Covered in the white and red, the cold snow numbed the pain a little with a burning gash embedded in my flesh. My uniform shredded, exposing my collarbone and four large scars marred across my skin. 

"So it was you?!"

My ears pick up on the sounds of two sets of feet rushing in, before feeling hands grasp beneath my armpit and lifted me up. My vision becomes a blur for a moment from the sudden movement, letting out a painful cry feeling like my lungs were gonna burst. "Easy....easy, Asahi is gonna distract him for a moment," a familiar voice whispers, fluttering against my warm ear.

"Ak....io?" my voice strains, with a painful guttural groan after.

"Don't talk, you're in worse shape than us," He whispers, before helping me to get to my feet. He soon lifts up me up bridal style, before he began to make his way through the thick growth of trees. Every bump or jolt, the pain shoots through every joint and muscle of my body. With every bit of being, I restrained any sound that would show weakness.

"Asahi.....he's, in danger," managing to protest, but he grunts with disapproval.

"Just a little distraction, and we can make it out......." He insists sternly, feeling the icy breeze brush across my warm cheeks. Hair tangling in all directions, he kept running down before suddenly a gasp follows as we collide into the snow simultaneously. "Gah......shit!!!!" 

Blood trails from where I hit the ground, wondering why we suddenly stumbled and fell instantly. 

Gaining strength in my arms hearing the background cries following Asahi, it all soon muffled out the moment my eyes land upon a body. My chest felt immediately tight, trying to process the identity of the body. "No......no......." uttering out, feeling nauseous and overwhelmed by how unprepared I sought this mission to be.

"Son of a--" Akio groans lifting himself, only to pause in realisation. "Wait, that's........Botan....."

His body was covered half in snow, eyes wide and skin pale as the snow. With no sign in life wavering in the ghosted eyes, the stench of death surrounded him. Shuffling closer to him despite how scared I felt, my two fingers drift over his eyes to close them. However, the snow falls from the other half, before my breath hitches with a gasp in horror.

"Oh god....." Akio retches, covering his mouth.

"His body is...........it's only half......" I utter out, my hand draws away quickly. It's all my fault, I let this happen and now it's on me. I carried this mission out, only to find ourselves in the jaws of the Upper Moon Four. 

I'm such a fool! A goddamn fool!

"My my..........looks like I've got the two main courses," his voice echoes deeply, with a condescending tone. My head whips around as my eyes widen in horror, seeing the head of Asahi being held in the claws of the demon. His throat shredded right through, the gory display showed this Demon was beyond sinister. He