Disclaimer: I do not own Kekkiashi nor Okami or anyone associated.

Curious? I thought so. This story is something I came up with trying to use M.U.G.E.N. There is A LOT of flash backs to Nanalee Outio's journey from 1592 to 2008. I don't have much else to say. That's … about it.

A lot of excitement, no?


A girl, looking to be the age of 17, was standing on the edge of a clearing. Nothing left of the village were she grew up in 400 years ago. Not even archaeologists knew about the village that trained its inhabitants to fight demons known throughout the world now as Ayakashi. The girl wore a black hooded sweatshirt over a purple top and she wore grey jeans. A belt hung off her belt loop and there was a small sack. "Well… We're back were I started that day. Never thought that it would be this long; you think Itsumo will show up soon?"

With our luck, Udo would find us before Itsumo does. In a flash of light unseen by human eyes, an apparition of her appeared. However, the apparition was taller and her hair was not bound in a ponytail. It flowed in the air, though there was no wind to carry it through the dry mucky oxygen. This apparition also wore a beautiful pink kimono.

"Do you have to look at stuff with so much negativity?" She said. "The sun goddess is such a pessimist." She looked off to the clearing in front of them. The sun was looming to the west. About five.

Let us go. We came back here just as Oni said. Karasumori is north of here. The Kekkiashi there should help us…

"Do you think Kouya …?"

The goddess looked down. I wouldn't get my hopes up. Kekkiashi have the power to avoid my sight. I cannot tell what they are doing or even if they're still there.

She was silent. The apparition of the beautiful goddess vanished and the voice echoed in her head. I do not wish to see you mournful. However, we still have our business.

"… let's go…" She said and walked through the clearing. Steering through the buildings that only existed in her memory.


It was terrifying. The Ayakashi demolished the village. The swordsmen that were trained there were mere toothpicks before the might of this demon army. Nanalee hid beneath a burning collapsed house. Her mind was confused, her emerald eyes wide with fear and confusion. Her head was swelling and blood thickened her black hair.

The burning village was surrounded by thick woods and was cut off from civilization; there was no hope of reinforcements or salvation from above. She hid there, hoping she would be crushed and not burn to death, or be kept as a slave for these demons. She pushed the thought from her mind. She tried to muffle her sobs, although she had a hard time doing so.

A giant hoof smashed the ground in front of the small burning cove in which hid Nanalee. "I can sense no more men. And all the women have been devoured." His voice was one she would never forget. Evil, the demon's vocal cords, if he had any, scratched together making it sound like he had a cold and his throat was raw. Hoarse as if he had been yelling orders all day. And gargly, he had probably just finished eating a human and it remnants was still in his mouth.

"Move out." A different voice said. It was much more demonic like, but much less evil. They all moved and she stayed there until the sun came up. The fire had exhausted itself on the clay. She stayed there and cried. Cried so hard that she past out from the exhaustion and fear of waiting to be killed.


Karasumori, eh? The girl thought to herself. There were old Japanese style houses on the right side of the street that she was walking down. Darkness had fallen on this place as she had approached this city. It was about seven now. If her information was correct, the Kekkiashi should be going out to Karasumori in about half an hour. However, she knew nothing of this city. She would have to delve deeper into the place before she could know for sure. She was certain she probably wouldn't get to see the Kekkiashi. … … She only hoped tonight wouldn't be an Ayakashi Night.


"There's just no way. It smells just like her…" Madarao said between sniffs. Yoshimuri Sumimura walked out of the house and yawned loudly, catching Madarao's attention for about two seconds.

"Hey, Madarao … what are you doing." Yoshi could tell that Madarao was a million miles away, but pressed him anyway. "What do you smell?"

"Honestly Yoshi …" He started and flew over the gate. "You should get to Karasumori. Tokine hasn't left yet." Madarao teased.

"Hey! Don't leave your master behind!"


The clock hit nine thirty and Tokine Yukimura had started getting on her Kekkiashi uniform. She did this in silence. Her white robe was complemented with pink decorations. Her father had once worn the same uniform. Her father was on her mind a lot lately. "Tokine?" Her mother called.

Tokine took a moment to notice someone had said something. "Oh, yes mother?"

"Please be careful." She stood at the opening to the dojo. She wore a pink evening gown and fuzzy house slippers.

"I always am mom. Don't worry." She gave her daughter a kiss on her cheek. Then Tokine noticed that her Ayakashi partner, Hakubi, was not in the dojo yet. She quickly rushed to the door and tied her sandals.

She opened the door. "Hakubi? Everything okay?" She saw that her partner was at the door sniffing furiously.

"Oh." He finally noticed her. "Nothing it's just … I thought I recognized this scent. Let's go Honey." He flew over the gate and Tokine followed, opening and closing the gate behind her and jumping atop a roof to make her way to Karasumori.

Ahh … Tokine Sighed. "We're the ones late today…"


"Where are we supposed to stay?" The girl asked herself.

The street?

"Not funny."

Celes …

"I know. Let's find a nice cozy bench …" Her eyes flew open as if she had realized something. Or some had just stuck their hand on her but. "Did you …"

Ayakashi. And its north. GO!

"No … not that, it's just … that feeling."

Celes! I know how much you hope to see Kouya and Ginro, but there are Ayakashi in the city! We have to go investigate!

"Okay…" She sped off. Running as fast as she could. Her hand resting on the sack that seems to be weighted down by something heavy inside.


"Jeez, Ayakashi …" Yoshimuri said, annoyed that he would not get to finish his Coffee milk.

"It seems that they've scattered." Madarao's proud nose at work. "They're going to be a pain to find… Anyway, as soon as we find them, finish them off swiftly."

"Shut up, I know" Yoshimuri was not hiding his annoyance about the coffee milk. He wrapped up his snack and didn't have enough time to store it before an Ayakashi appeared on the scaffolding next to them.

"Hey! Human. Are you the Kekkiashi here? Listen and be amazed, I am the prince of the demon world, Honetarou." The Ayakashi could barely be distinguished from a kindergartner. He continued with his entrance. "Ah, Ho-ne-tar-ou!"

Yoshi's face was in denial, annoyance was found somewhere in this mess of a face. "Do you know him?" He said in disbelief.

Madarao shook his head absently. "Nope."


Celes ran between buildings. The Kekkiashi of Karasumori should be there. Else, the goddess could tell her exactly where the Ayakashi were. Unfortunately, they must have been moving into attack. Now she raced north. Her only clue as to where the Ayakashi were. She kept running. Then she sensed them. Four. Another two were there as well. They were bound Ayakashi, they had their true power sealed. They must be the Kekkiashi's partners. She followed it and a feeling crept into her heart. She could sense … Kouya. She could sense Ginro; she even felt a tinge of the wolf dog she knew, Hakubi. They were all there. but… "Which one is sealed?"


"I thought I had a memory of this scent. Though. I expected her to be here as well." Two Ayakashi were in Kekkai, one blue another green. Another one, a small kid stood between Yoshimuri and his caught creature. That's when this black beast walked in. Madarao growled at him, but he sounded surprised when he spoke.

"You… you smelt her as well?" Madarao almost broke his glare. "Nanalee."

That's who I thought it was as well. But she's dead. It's been four-hundred years. And she was human… Hakubi's mind was wrapped around this thought, he almost forgot about the imposing wolf Ayakashi.

"Ginro. It's been four-hundred years." The black wolf called.

"Ginro? Madarao what's going on?"

"You still call me by that reminiscent name? I discarded that name a long time ago. Back when she died." Madarao glared with furry at the Ayakashi. "I never thought that you would appear here, Kouya!"


Celes heard it. "Kouya" and it was Ginro's voice. Celes never forgot that voice, would never forget the many nights the three argued over something so trivial. She almost cried she was so happy.

Nanalee! The voice cried.

"I know okay! I'm just … they're here." She had tears in here eyes now. She was still running full speed. "They're really here."


"Yoshi!" Tokine called. "Someone just entered the school grounds! A human!"

"Damn it! Where is he?" Yoshi turned slightly.

"Coming this way."

A sudden voice broke through the growls. "Ginro! Kouya!" Celes rounded the corner and saw the two bearing fangs. She stopped dead in her tracks. She may have had a childish personality, but she had learned to be wise when the time called. She had grown wise in these four-hundred years. She saw them; bearing their fangs as if they were enemies. The tears that fell now where ones of terror.

"You're finally here." Kouya didn't even turn. Madarao looked dead at her. Shocked that she was really there. Hakubi floated away from Tokine a bit to get a closer look.

"It … really is her. Nanalee." Hakubi spoke so softly not even Madarao could hear it.

"So you still side with the humans. How pathetic." Kouya spat at Madarao.

"As I recall you sided with humans before. And the proof is standing over there."

"Madarao!" Yoshimuri yelled. "What's going on? You know these guys."

"From ... the past. Yes…" Madarao glared fiercely at Kouya.

"And you still stick with humans." Kouya's tails raised, Celes opened the bag and pullet out a katana. Yes, a full four foot katana out of the bag. "I don't like that!" Kouya's tails sent a powerful attack at Yoshi and Madarao and Celes moved in front of him with lightning speed. He cast Ketsu, not knowing that she was there until the shield went up.

The blast immediately cut through the material like paper and Celes sliced at it with her katana. She held the attack back and deflected it to the right. It vanished, the katana seeming to glow as if it absorbed some of the blow.

"Nanalee!" Kouya, Madarao and Hakubi all yelped as she appeared in the way. Yoshimuri fell down and Tokine jumped forward.

She growled. "Kouya! What do you think you're doing!"

"Nanalee." Kouya seemed to retain his glare. "I had hoped you wouldn't get in the way."

"Nanalee! How are you here, we watched you …" The words wouldn't come but Madarao hovered beside her. "You don't smell … exactly the same; you have a tint of divinity to your scent. Also a bit of Ayakashi. What happened to you?"

"Enough!" Yoshimuri stood. "Madarao, he's more than just an old acquaintance isn't he?"

"Just a little." Madarao returned to Yoshimuri's side.

"Liar! He was aiming for me!"

"He wasn't aiming at you in particularly. He hates all humans. All maybe except her."

"Stop mouthing! She's not the same girl we once knew Ginro!" Kouya yelled.

Celes's Face sunk. "Kouya …" It was barely more than a whisper. "You think that?"

"It's her fault!" He screeched. "Amateratsu!"

Tokine's eyes grew wide. "Amateratsu! The Sun Goddess!"

"Sun Goddess? Madarao? You know about this?" Yoshimuri questioned.

Celes shot a look at Madarao. "Ma … darao?"

"Master Tokimuri named me that. After he sealed me." Madarao explained, ignoring Yoshi.

Nanalee's head coked to the side. "Master Tokimuri? That handsome Kekkiashi?"

"Honey…" Hakubi glanced at Tokine. "Would you be mad if I told you that you weren't my first Honey?"

"Didn't you call great granny Honey too?" Tokine responded.

"Well … not exactly. Nanalee was my first Honey."

"So that really is you Hakubi? I haven't seen you since. … Well when we were alive."

"Stop talking." Kouya seemed to reappear in everyone's mind at once.

"So. What's up with you and these guys Madarao?" Yoshimuri pressured.

"Well. It's a long story. I died of starvation. And if I'm remembering correctly, a human killed Kouya." Madarao explained.

"But that's not the end is it?" Yoshimuri said.

"That's when we met her." Celes turned a little to see Yoshimuri's face.


Nanalee had been traveling for several months now. She was about eighteen. She saw Master Tokimuri and Hakubi at town earlier that day. As always, Hakubi was happy to see her. She was camping in the woods. She had apparently heard that two wolf Ayakashi have been wreaking havoc. However, it only appeared that the two stole a deer's worth of deer meat. She felt bad for the Ayakashi. She had once experienced starvation herself and did steal when she had escaped her village. That was two years ago now. …

She had been cooking deer meat. Apparently, the two had a taste for it and soon enough she saw an Ayakashi circling her encampment. It was hard to miss the floating smoke around their tales. One black and one white. The black one emerged first. Then the white, much more timid than the black one.

The two looked to the bone. She slowly took out her sword, stuck it into the ground on the opposite side of her, picked up a fully cooked and seasoned deer steak, and threw it at them. "You two look hungry." She said as the white wolf dove after the meat. "I don't know if Ayakashi can eat deer but." She stuck out the stick toward the black wolf. "You're my guests, have as much as you like."

"Human. What have you done to the meat!" The black wolf jumped at Nanalee but she held her ground, sitting cross-legged in front of her fire. He stood two inches from her face and she felt his breath, warm and even, against her shoulder and she stuck the deer meat between her face and the wolf's.

"EAT! You miserable dog, if Ayakashi can die of starvation then you look like you're about to drop dead!" She yelled but concern was heard in her voice. Kouya walked away, without any meat and sat on the edge of the clearing. Though annoyed at the human's arrogance, he would not leave Ginro here with her. However, he was not completely stupid. Being skinny like this was a habit a month ago. When the two dogs were still alive. He always gave food to Ginro, even though he only ate half and gave the rest to Kouya. No matter how big the portion; Kouya did all the hunting since Ginro had fallen ill.

"Kouya, you need your strength, eat some meat. …" Ginro spoke as he looked down. Feelings from before, when he always shared his own food with him. "Eat. She won't hurt us …" At this Kouya leapt up and landed a couple inches from the fire, new deer meat was roasting and his stomach won over his stubbornness.

The three became friends, even if Kouya would never admit it. They protected villages from the fate of her own. And over time, Kouya grew attached to the girl; she also grew close to the wolf Ayakashi. Ginro, Kouya, and Nanalee. The three grew close. Best friends.

Once she came to a new village, Ginro and Kouya always stayed in the surrounding wood, a man bade the villagers to follow her with weapons for she cohort with Ayakashi. One she returned and learned she was followed, Ginro and Kouya prepared to attack the humans.

However, Nanalee stopped them. "We can live with the Ayakashi!" She didn't believe it even when she said it. Kouya and Ginro were different from other Ayakashi. And her judgment was clouded by Kouya; she had unwillingly fallen in love with him. He had given into her as well. It pained him when she told them to run away and not look back … But they did. And they saw it. Red flew as one man had enough courage to stand against her.

Something choked Kouya. "NO! NANALEE!" He howled her name into the moon. He stopped Ginro right beside him.

"She told us not to look back. If we try to take them all on then we wouldn't be the people …." Ginro stopped. "The Ayakashi she knew… we may end up giving our lives and that isn't what she wants."

Kouya urged himself to move toward that human. The face, the body, every detail of that sight had been engraved into his eyes. Long black hair hid one eye and he smiled with glee as he took Nanalee's life. Kouya never knew his name; he only knew that he had taken the one human that was...

Bearable… is the word he used.


"Then you betrayed me." Kouya spat. This knocked Celes out of her memories.

"Betrayed?" Celes turned full circle. She didn't believe it yet. But Madarao's face didn't reassure her.

"After that night, he became more feral; more like an Ayakashi. His lust for human blood grew. I couldn't stop him anymore, he fed on the flesh of humans."

"Kouya…" Celes looked down. "It's my fault… If I would have just stopped living in a fairy tale."

"Then … We met … Hazuma Tokimuri and at that moment … I fell in love!" Madarao's tone changed.

Yoshimuri was silent for a moment. "Uh, the story changed suddenly."

"Umm…" Celes was wide-eyed and blushing, but sadness was still on her face.

"It didn't change. At that moment, I decided to cut all ties to Kouya."

Yoshi looked at Madarao slowly. "Eh, then you're definitely in the wrong here."

"What's wrong with a heart in love?" He smiled blushing at the memory of Tokimuri. "At that moment I knew why I couldn't pass on. It was in order to meet him!"

"You're a dog though! And worse, you're a male!" Yoshi argued.

"Shut up. There's no such thing as species or gender when it comes to love!" Madarao still in his happy daydream.

"What does that mean?" Tokine asked.

"As if I'd know. It's not something a normal dog can understand." Hakubi sighed. "But it's true that thanks to him, it was easier to seal …" Hakubi shrank back and glanced at Nanalee. She stood there backing away from Madarao.

"It's … it's true." Celes had tears forming on the edges of her eyes. "You betrayed him. You betrayed your best friend! How could you do that!" Celes was yelling now. "You could have stayed, you could have helped him. But instead you just tossed him aside when you saw your precious Tokimuri!"

Madarao's face sunk. Barraged by the insults that he knew where true. "When you cut your ties did you forget about our promise?" Madarao sunk in the air now. He flew lower, his ears plastered to his white fur. "And Kouya, have you? What happened to you? To us? It's obvious that you didn't keep your end either." Kouya's face didn't even change. He scowled with malice at his former "friends."


The three sat around the fire. They had been traveling for a month now. A bedroll laid on the right side of the fire from where the three were huddled. Pilling onto the girl after a joke, she had said. The three were laughing at each other and acting so stupid. But her eyes turned serious as the two dogs got off her. "Hey … guys."

Kouya snuggled against her and Ginro sat close to her left. "When I die…"

"Please don't talk about that. We know that we'll outlive you by many years." Ginro said.

Kouya didn't respond. But snuggled closer. "I'm serious. When I die, will you guys go back to being bad Ayakashi?" Neither of them answered. Surprised by the question. "When I die, can you forgive the humans? We cause so much damage to everyone. We demolish forests; we cause wars and fires that end the lives of many species, and mostly over some stupid cause."

"Nanalee…" Kouya started but couldn't finish the thought.

"Either we forgot to put the fire out before we leave or because I wanted this and that. Usually that's the only reason humans fight and destroy. Can you forgive us?" Neither answered. Unsure whether they would or not.

"But …" She wrapped her arms around both of their necks and pulled them into a hug. "Would you help me … create? So many things have been destroyed. So many animals run out of their home. Driven to extinction. Like you guys. My heartaches when I think about your lives after the human's came. How much torture you two endured."

"It's not your burden to fix the humans." Kouya answered.

"You talk as if I'm not one." She closed her eyes.

"I promise that nothing will change." Kouya said at once. "You're a human. And if there are more humans like you, then I can forgive them."

Ginro smirked. "I agree. If there are humans as kind as you, then the human race isn't so bad." Ginro looked at her. "What do you want us to create?"

"An example. We get along so well, but no one ever gives the other Ayakashi a chance. True they never try to live in unison with the humans. But you two are okay living with me, right?" They nodded. "And if there are more Ayakashi like you two in this world." She inhaled the forest air. "Then I can forgive the Ayakashi too."


"You're promise was nothing but a bunch of lies. How Ginro could ever fall in love with a human that wanted to kill us, it is unfeasible. Obviously you were the only …" His voice changed. "Bearable human." He gave a slight smirk, but his harsh attitude returned as swiftly as it left. However, the voice filled her with hope that his Ayakashi form in there somewhere bound the old Kouya.

"This is our chance!" Honetarou said as he jumped onto Uhosuke, an Ayakashi that had been caught by Yoshimuri. "They're deep in conversation. Go, Uhosuke!" The large ape-man Ayakashi lumbered forward until it ran face first into Tokine's Kekkai. "We … We were captured again." Yoshi and Madarao looked at the two in astonishment. How could they be so pathetic?

"What are they …?" Yoshimuri started but couldn't find the effort to waste words on them.

"Save us! Save us Boss!" Honetarou said. At this Kouya stretched his tails and used a full on attack to break through the Kekkai and hitting Uhosuke. Everyone dodged out of the way, but Tokine didn't let down her Kekkai so that Uhosuke could run. As Honetarou fell off Uhosuke's shoulders he said absently, "That was surprising."

"Go Boss! What a wild way to save us!" Then he noticed that Uhosuke wasn't moving. "Uhosuke?" He ran to his friend. "Uhosuke!"

The third Ayakashi, Celes never heard its name, flew down from the Kekkai, Kouya slashed both Kekkai, but the bird seemed unhurt. "Idiot!"

"Uhosuke!" He repeated, trying to wake his comrade. Yoshi looked in surprise. Kouya had attack one of his own friends.

"What are you doing to your friends!" He yelled. Madarao was snearing at him now. Clearly getting angrier the longer Kouya stayed there.

"Friends you say?" Kouya said harshly. "I'm tired of their uselessness. I decided to use them, but they cannot do anything. I can't save them." He glared between Celes and Madarao. "There are no other friends like you. … Hey, Ginro, Nanalee. Come with me again." He looked at Madarao. "Oppressed by the humans." Then at Celes. "Killed by your own kind. Don't you want revenge! Ginro they took our mountain! And Nanalee, they took your life. And now some Goddess is using you as her plaything."

Celes spoke instantly, but it was not her voice. "That is not true!"

"You're so persistent. I've already said I don't want to." Madarao added.

Kouya sighed in aggravation. "Why? He's not that Tokimuri guy."

"That's true, but I've had a relationship with this family longer than I did with you! I'm thinking this is fate! I'm having fun!" Madarao retorted.

"I see." He looked at Celes, but she did not budge, she scowled at him. She herself didn't believe how much she hated him right now. "Then I guess I'll cut the ties now!" An aura emanated from him now. Sending Celes back an inch or so. She sprinted over to Madarao, sword in hand. "You shouldn't have a problem with that!"

"Look at him. Ginro … He's not there anymore …" She then looked at Yoshimuri. "Prepare yourself." She assumed a stance. Holding the katana offensively before her with both hands.

"This is just right. I've decided to eat only humans." The shockwave intensified. But Celes didn't falter. Her face hard with just the hint of sadness. "Let's run riot together again!"

"He's transforming!" Yoshi yelled over the howling winds. Still … He thought. He's still Madarao's friend. I should stop him somehow and drag him outside.

"He's serious." Madarao said.

"I know." Yoshimuri was beside Celes now. "I don't know who you are, but I can trust you right?"

"NO!" Madarao spat. "You don't know!" Yoshi looked back and Celes was distracted by him too. "He's strong! But he doesn't hesitate like you two." She chewed her lip. She knew he was right. "You're both thinking of a way to win without killing him right?" Honestly, Celes didn't think about it. In all actuality, she didn't want to kill him, but she didn't know how not to in this state. He would keep going until he couldn't draw breath anymore. She realized it as soon as he said it. "Impossible. You'll be killed in one go."

"You don't know how much stronger I've become Ginro!" Celes called. "My techniques are more powerful than you know!"

"I was mainly talking to Yoshi. However, you could not protect them if you fought. Kouya is just to fast." Celes closed her eyes.

I know Ginro, but … She thought hard but she knew her thoughts would not reach him. The tears threaten to burst forth again. But she held them back.

"Yoshimuri!" He looked over at Madarao. "Take off the seal." Yoshi's eyes were wide open. "I'll do it. I'll finish this once and for all."

"What are you saying?" Yoshimuri remembered that one day during training in the dojo, Yoshimuri's grandfather, Shigemora, off handedly mentioned to never take Madarao's collar off. That it was a seal that would turn Madarao into his true Ayakashi self.

Madarao shouted Yoshi out of his daydream. "Hurry Yoshimuri!"

"No … but." Madarao cut him off.

"I am responsible for this… When Kouya was captured, I beg Master Tokimuri to release him." Yoshimuri gasped. "I knew it wouldn't turn out well. However, in that Kekkai … he reminded me of when he was scalded by Nanalee. And then of our promise. I couldn't watch him do it… That's why I have to finish this myself. Please! I can't take it off myself!"

Yoshimuri was struck with indecision. Disobeying his grandfather's teachings and risk their lives for a slight chance that this would work. Or just let Kouya kill them all. Well, it was an obvious choice, but he still couldn't decide. "All right. But next time you better listen to me!"

"Ehh… I'll think about it." Yoshimuri grabbed the collar.

Celes heard the calls from behind them. Hakubi gasped, it was amazing that she heard it from all the way over to where she was, and over the howling winds. Tokine's voice came out second. "No way! Yoshimuri!" He pulled the collar. It slipped off easily and he noticed that the thread was made of Nenshi.

Then from nowhere a green light shot out of the sky and crashed into Madarao. Everyone shielded their eyes as the light shone brightly. When the smoke cleared, Ginro stood. A giant wolf Ayakashi. An opposing black Ayakashi stood opposite from him. And the strings that tied Celes's heart together came untie and her chest burned with unbelievable pain. She had felt it once before. The night her village was attacked. She stood powerless as the ones she once knew faded from her memory and were replaced by these two warring Ayakashi.

"Your silver coat has replaced your white fur. So you're really your old self." Kouya said. Celes couldn't bear it. She fell to her knees. So many happy memories were just leading to this? So many years searching. 400 years of searching and this is her reward.

"You wanna start this? You never won a fight against me, did you?"

"Please." Ginro replied. "I let you win. This time it won't go that way."

"Heh, you're chatty as always."

Yoshimuri looked in awe. He was completely baffled that this was Madarao's true form. Well, surprised would be a better word. He didn't expect Madarao to look so tough. Then Madarao's tail shoved into the ground and drew a line, making Yoshimuri jump out of the way. "Get back Yoshi. There's no place for you today."

Kouya roared in anger a swept his tail around. "Ginro, do you love humans that much!" Ginro dodged, leaving an image in his place. An illusion. He skid to a stop and jumped toward Kouya. He missed and the two started slashing at each other. Both missing. Celes finally doubled over. Her life was falling apart. The tears came, then sobs. She whispered their names once. Then she remembered how soft their coats were. Why? She didn't know. Memories were filling her thoughts, maybe trying to block out what was happening but couldn't. No matter how hard she tried. She knew that one of them would die. Once of her closest friends was going to die. If not both.

Tokine spoke, "How amazing." Hakubi wasn't beside her. He was flying toward the broken Celes. The sword she had was lying beside her.

"Nanalee!" He flew toward and nudged her, trying to bring her to reality. "Nanalee! You have to get up!" It didn't work. She could barely hear anything anymore. Then she blacked out and the goddess took over her body.

"Hakubi." It was a different voice. Much deeper but not like a man's voice. Her hair tie broke and her hair fluttered around her in the crisscrossing winds, it still flowed with its own rhythm being still behind her if she willed it like now. She got up and put the sword back in the magic sack. Her eyes were red from crying but the face was different. Longer, sharper. Her lips had more color now and she walked away with such grace that Hakubi couldn't help but stare at her strut. He followed her but when she was at a safe distance he turned on her.

"Who are you! You're not Nanalee!"

Tokine was surprised that Hakubi had just stared at her but instead of helping her. But now she understood. This was not Nanalee. She was taller now as well. "Heel Hakubi." She held a hand up and Hakubi instantly calmed down. Not knowing why. "When this girl was murdered I took pity on her. I brought her back to life because I needed a champion to face Yami's champion … Udo."

Hakubi's eyes grew larger still. "You are The Sun Goddess! Amateratsu." He immediately bowed. Tokine followed his example.

"This is … not the time. Nanalee cannot handle this. Her heart couldn't take it. Seeing so much, she could not take the stress. Although she is wise, she cannot act with a clouded mind. She fainted out of sadness on the battlefield and though I do feel bad for her, I thought it childish."

"Excuse me for saying but she has good reason." Hakubi stated.

"I agree, though I do ask your apologizes. But she is dying inside I can tell." Tokine added.

Let me back in control. Nanalee was conscious now.

What if you get killed? I will not allow it. Amateratsu thought.

I'm sorry Amateratsu, I'm not asking for your permission. These are my friends! I can't let them do this!

Then Amateratsu fainted. Tokine caught her just in time. She sighed and raised back up. Her godly glow gone. Her hair fell flat against her back. Down to the small of her back. She stood back up. "Thanks." She looked over at Yoshimuri. He was helping move Uhosuke. "Miss. Go help him. I can't leave yet."

"Honey!" Hakubi stopped himself. "Please don't die Nanalee." She reached into the sack and pulled out a hair tie. She put her hair back up and reached in again for the sword.

"I'm sorry Hakubi. Maybe we can catch up in the afterlife?" She was joking but it hurt Hakubi. "Go …"

"My name is Tokine. I'll go but I'd advise you stay away from them."

All she said in return is. "Nanalee Oituo."

She turned and ran to the outer perimeter. The last part of the safe zone. She looked at the raging monsters. She rushed in as Kouya landed a harsh blow against Ginro's chest. "STOP!" She screamed but both seemed to ignore her. Ginro had released some needles from his tail and Kouya was just commenting on how pathetic it was. She stood between them now, Ginro wanting to move and tackle her out of the way. But Kouya's tail flail toward her. She blocked the tail with her sword. She slid to the left a couple of yards but held her ground. She looked up and released her left hand from the sword. She stuck her middle and forefinger up into the air and sliced it across her sight. Instantly a black mark appeared beside Kouya and bashed him in the side. It sent him flying; a little blood flew, not much however.

He rolled over then got back up on his hind legs. "Brush techniques? She's poisoned you even further." Ginro was surprised. Not that she could use these lost techniques, but because she blocked a direct hit from Kouya's tail with little recoil.

"Please. Kouya. Ginro. Stop this … this senseless fighting! Why are you doing this? What is your purpose for killing each other!"

Kouya didn't give her any thought. "You're weak because you're the human's DOG!" He ran swiftly passed Celes. Straight to Ginro. He was able to dodge Kouya's first attack, but he was left open to Kouya's claws. "Wake up Ginro! You're a MOUNTAIN DOG!" He brought down his claws in an X, sending blood in both directions. Ginro slammed into the school, demolishing the wall. Then he fell. Helpless.

Thoughts ran through her mind how she could distract Kouya. This was not Kouya. It saddened her to think that way, but she hoped it would help her sleep at night. "Hypocrite!"

Kouya turned from Ginro. "Sentiments of a pathetic human."

"Don't you remember? You cling to your memories with Ginro! But what about me? We loved each other! Don't you remember that! YOU ARE THE ONE WHO LOVED THE HUMANS!" Kouya snapped and came at Celes; she dodged and blocked the tail swipes. She back flipped and smacked him in the face with her basic technique, Brush Strike. It sent a sharp spot of ink over anything she drew it over with her fingers. As long as it was in her vision and she could only create one slash at a time. All the while, her heart finally gave. She didn't care now, there would be time to care when she was either dead or after she had killed Kouya. those were the only options now.

Unfortunately. Yoshimuri ran back into the clearing. Celes cursed her luck. Ginro was getting back on his feet, seemingly recovered from the last strike. However, he was bleeding badly. "Madarao …" Nanalee was distracted and she felt the full front of Kouya's tail. She hit a wall, fell to her knees, and got back up. She had felt worse than this before, she was okay. But now Yoshimuri was in play. He wasn't going to last nearly as long as she did against Kouya. Hopefully he'd focus on Ginro or her. He sprinted, hit Ginro with full force, and delivered a swift swipe to his wound. Ginro collapsed in front of Yoshimuri. Celes started but her leg was caught on an above ground tree root and she fell.

"Damn it!" She quickly sliced the root as Kouya approached Ginro's broken body.

"Did you forget the pain of being hunted by the humans? The hatred? The Scorn!" Kouya asked.

Ginro struggled to his side. "Kouya, is that all that's left in you?" He stated and grunted to rise. "We had a lot of fun together too. I remember it all." He sighed as he gained enough strength to stand. "Hey, Kouya … It's painful to live closed up." Celes was there in front of Yoshimuri in her fighting stance. Waiting. "I may have lived away from the wild for far too long…" Up close Ginro's wounds was a lot worse. Blood seemed to pour out, but unknown to her, Karasumori was helping him regenerate the lost blood quickly. "I don't feel as though I can beat your speed. But, I am the one who left you alone." He coughed. "I should have been stronger when she died. Instead, I just let you fall into despair and fell for my own lust. And that's why …" He struggled. How was he going to go on with the battle? Celes had no idea, she had to defend him. Kouya was no longer Kouya and she kept saying that repeatedly in her head. It helped battle the tears. "I … I have to finish this." Even if this is a stalemate. He thought, then illusions popped into existence and surrounded Kouya. They all said this at the same time. Making an eerie voice that seemed to come from all directions. "Kouya, let's end this."

He roared into the sky, Celes wondered how this Ayakashi could be kept secret from the rest of the world. "You've fallen this low? Do you seriously think that this illusion will work against me? He spun and sunk his tail into one. It seemed to be the real one. His tail pierced deep within Ginro's chest.

Yohsimuri yelled and Celes screamed, "GINRO!" Ginro then bit the tail that impaled him. Then one of the illusions turned into Ginro's tail and it pierced Kouya in the chest, near where his heart should be. It went straight through his chest and out his back. Celes couldn't hold the tears back. They're going to die… They're going to die… Is all that went through her head. Her eyes wide with fear and her mouth agape. She could manage the sobs, but it took all her strength to choke them back.

Yoshi ran forward and yelled, "Madarao!"

"Yoshimuri!" Celes reached forward and chased him.

He stopped next to Ginro and stared. He must have felt more useless now than he had ever been. Celes ran to Ginro's face. "Ginro! Stay with me Ginro! C'mon." Her voice broke at the end and got softer.

Kouya grunted. "I see. You hid your tail in the illusions. You only learned unfair tricks, eh? Nonetheless, in the end, you're nothing." Ginro looked up weakly. But Celes. There was nothing left in her anymore. Her tear ducts had dried up and her throat was raw.

"Shut up." She said it with an unbroken voice. Kouya took in a breath to speak but Celes drew a figure in the air and said, "I said, shut UP!" Then a ball of fire appeared and exploded near Kouya's wound. Sending him backward. She couldn't take it anymore. She blocked it all out. The emotions the memories. Even their voices. She snapped.

She picked up the sword and ran toward him. She easily dodged his blows and hit home. Right in his wound. He screamed then fell to the ground. He swung his tail but she jumped and landed on it. He threw her into the air and she fell down and stabbed him right in the same spot, one or two inches over. She jumped off him. And he sprang up he grunted. His eyes widened and she saw that he had been sweating. Why? She didn't know nor cared at this moment.

"As expected Kouya. What I did is finally starting to take effect.

"What …. What did you do!" He said between heaves. As he was in obvious pain, Celes composed herself, willing her feeling to come back.

Ginro chuckled. "Poison. For you I needed to put in quite a bit. And I put in a bit of anesthetic so you wouldn't notice."

"Then! When the needles!"

"I am a demon poison user who can stop anything instantly. You thought I wasn't doing anything these 400 years?"

"YOU!" He stood up but very steadily. He could barely move now that he poison had taken effect.

"It's all right. Do as you wish. I can't be saved anymore. You'll die too and it will all be over." Ginro was arrogant, even though he was close to death.

Celes wanted to scream. How will it be over? Sure, he and Kouya would be dead, but how would that effect the rest of them? How could she ever face Itsumo or Kaldasha again with the smile the two had come accustom too?

"You're just being selfish!" Celes yelled. "How can you do that? How can you really say it will all be over! What about Yoshimuri? What about Tokine or Hakubi?" She fell to her knees. "What about me! You don't know how far the ripples of your actions go! If you felt guilty then you should live to make it up! Not decide to die when things are too much to deal with! Decide to live. Decide to care. It was there when Master Tokimuri captured Kouya. You didn't want him to die! You had left him alone. You had felt as if you betrayed him. You let him go because you wanted to make it up to him someday didn't you!"

"Tokimuri …" Ginro whispered. Celes was right. But it was too late. He made his decision. It was too late to go back now. Kouya fell with a cough of blood. "Did that do it? I wonder…" He looked at the moon. Tokimuri-sama. Can you forgive me for being so stupid? He closed his eyes.

But this night wasn't over yet.

An aura pulsed then shot up like before. Howling wind blew outward and Kouya look as if he would transform again. "I will not die!"

Celes couldn't believe this. Kouya was completely gone. It dawned on her now. She had been saying it that entire night. But before she had just been saying it to calm her nerves. Now she fully realized that the wolf dog that she loved no longer existed. She dropped her head, her tear ducts seemed to have already revitalized. Damn those regenerative powers. Amateratsu. It's … He's … Please don't make him suffer.

I understand. Celes collapsed as Ginro's eyes snapped open. Again she gained a godly glow. Her hair tie exploded and her hair floated around on its own. She got up and pick up the sword. She waved her hand and a gale storm engulfed Kouya, Binding him. But before she could crush him, Kouya's aura pulsed and shot outward, breaking her hold.

She saw Yoshimuri standing in front of Ginro. She didn't know what he was doing but she ran over there standing between the two forces. "Yoshimuri." She spoke. "Do not interfere. He is absorbing the power of Karasumori. He's to powerful for you now."

"You said you were gonna follow my orders if I took your collar off right?" Yoshimuri said, ignoring Amateratsu.

Amateratsu ignored them in return, and started after the Ayakashi. "It wasn't enough for the humans to take my friends away. But now their God has chosen one of them to kill me. Altered her form. Part Ayakashi. Part Divinity. Part human. An abomination." Kouya sounded … Sorrowful. "You turned her into a monster. I shall never forgive you!" He charged at Amateratsu. She jumped clean over him and land on the other side. As he spun around to face her, she used her brush technique to unbalance him. Sending wind into his left side. Then she struck deep. The blade shined a brilliant gold as it stuck inside the monster. He grabbed her and threw her against a building. However, she landed and cushioned the throw by bending her outstretched legs and free hand as she hit the wall. She flipped off and ran toward him again. Using the basic slash techniques to distract him and she stabbed him again.

She jumped backwards this time and carried the sword the length of his X shaped scar the blade again glowed up until she removed it from his flesh. She noticed that his wounds were healing faster than before. She'd have to strike the heart to end this quickly.

"A divine prank! Putting me through betrayal twice! By the ones closest to my heart!" Kouya sprang at her. She dodged elegantly. Though there was trouble. Celes was talking those insults and engraving them into her brain. She wasn't taking this fight very well. Again a miss at the heart. She tried slicing his neck but that healed too. Then Ginro and Yoshimuri were standing behind Kouya.

"What!"

"Kouya! Have you forgotten? We are Mountain Dogs, and we have a code! We obey the strong! That was the law wasn't it?"

"We obey the strong. Then I'll have to become stronger! So that you will have to obey me! I'll even take the mountain where we met that Tokimuri as well!"

Ginro shoved his tail deep into the ground. Kouya noticed and turned to strike them. However, Yoshimuri put up three Kekkai to soften the blow. It broke through the first two with ease, but the last Kekkai was elastic and caught the tail. Amateratsu saw and opening. She rushed up to Kouya and saw Ginro's tail coming out of the ground. He wasn't going to hit the heart. She jumped onto his back and grabbed his fur, stabbing the heart as the tail shifted through one of his lungs.

He gasped a large breath and fell to his knees. Blood spilled form the wounds. He was not recovering form that. "How is that? My master is pretty good isn't he? It's not as bad as you say to work for the humans." He retracted the tail. Yoshimuri sighed in relief. He had been holding his breath. He released his Kekkai and Amateratsu fell to her knees, and allowed Celes to take over. Once she did, she ran over to Kouya and picked up his head.

"Kouya. I'm sorry. Sorry that I couldn't save you. Sorry that I thought everything was gonna be okay when those villagers followed me. I'm sorry that I couldn't find you in this world before now. If I had. Maybe you wouldn't have to die." By this time Ginro had walked over to where he lay, slowly dieing.

"Forgive me, please. It's all my fault…" She wept. Finally letting her emotions take control.

"Kouya." Ginro loomed above her.

He moved his head slowly. "Your poison … doesn't work … I'm right at the edge. Kill me properly."

"Kouya …" Ginro repeated. A thick layer of mourning lined his name.

"Stop it!" Honetarou as well as his comrades stood at the entryway. "If you kill our boss, we'll be your next opponents." His voice was shaky. Obviously terrified. Celes hardly acknowledged their existence.

"Ah, Monkey. You didn't die." Kouya managed to say. "Brat. I'll give you some credit for not chickening out and running away."

Honetarou just stood there. "Boss …" was all he could manage to say.

Kouya continued. "I was so sick and tired of sticking with you guys and wandering around! Disappear!"

The kid looked like he was about to cry. "Nagao, Uhosuke. We're going."

"Is that okay?" Yoshimuri asked. He felt bad for the kid. Or Ayakashi. Whatever it was.

"It's okay. These are boss' wishes. Boss' orders are absolute!" He wiped tear form his eyes. "Following them is the job of a subordinate!"

"So why are you …"

"Shut up! Boss is amazing! He's strong and cool! To me, it's like a dream … Boss!" He turned toward Kouya. "You were the strongest and the best boss ever! Thank you very much for everything!"

"Heh. They're idiots that just can't be saved. Jeez." Kouya's words were cruel Celes couldn't believe it. But she heard him returning. His sarcastic voice. Snood comments trimmed with concern and worry. Softness in his eyes and jeez, a word he used a lot … back then. "For the last four hundred years, no matter how hideously I treated them, they still followed me. Hurry up and get the point. Staying somewhere warm and cozy is more suited for your personalities! Hurry up and disappear!" Celes smiled. "Take care of yourselves." They got up and walked away.

"I'll hold a memory service." Yoshimuri managed to say before they left.

Honetaruo answered. "Do whatever the boss wishes. Only … I won't say thanks, because we're still enemies!"
They started running away now. Tears probably pouring down there faces. "BOSS!" Honetarou wailed as he ran out of sight.

"Nanalee. Ginro." Kouya looked up at the two. "This reminds me of the old days. The three of us. Me and Nanalee close together while Ginro sat next to us. Heh."

Celes smiled. Then tried to swallw past the lump in her throat. "We had some good times right Ginro?"

"Yea. I guess … we kept our promises after all." Ginro drew closer.

"Nanalee. I'm sorry for those things I said. An abomination … I wanted to say that before Ginro finished me. I have no regrets."

"Forgive me first. I was more horrible that either of you two."

"I … do" He coughed. "Ginro do it now."

"I gave it all I had Kouya. I don't have enough energy."

"What about me?" She choked on the idea.

"I couldn't ask you. It has to be Ginro, Err…." He was in pain.

"I understand Kouya." She said.

"Yoshimuri, I hate to ask but could you finish him for me? Please." Ginro asked but Kouya intervened.

"Wait! Give me a break! I don't want to leave this world by the hand of a human! Ginro, you do it! You must do it." An aura then started to form around Ginro. A green aura. Celes felt it as if it were a summer breeze.

"This is bad!" Yoshimuri saw the glow but didn't know it was coming from Ginro. "Is he going to revive again?" Yoshimuri squinted, "Wait, the power is going to Madarao? What exactly is happening?"

Is this power, Karasumori? Is it telling me to do it? Kouya and Ginro exchanged looks. "Alright Kouya. This ends it!" Then Ginro extended his tail and shoved it deep into Kouya's chest.

"Ginro, you win." Kouya retracted upwards, breaking Celes's grip.

"I'm sorry Kouya." She caught his head as it fell into her lap.

Tear were in her eyes. She was here. At the end of her personal journey and this had been the consequences she dug her face into his cheek fur and listened and felt the vibrations of his shaky breath. "Kouya…" She whispered.

"I've put in a lot of anesthetic, soon you won't know what's going on." Ginro asked. Sorrow lined his words. He felt just as terrible as Celes, but his feral nature wasn't going to let him show it as easy as Celes.

"Anesthetic? You're still soft till the very end."

You're playing tough to the very end."

"Hey. Ginro? Was I strong?"

Celes nodded as Ginro said "Yes."

"But no matter how many humans I eat, they never disappear. Why? They're so weak."

"Kouya? Was I strong?" Celes asked, muffled through his fur.

"You're the one who struck my heart remember? You stood after I hit you with my tail, and blocked it more than once. You're very strong." Celes wasn't sure if he was talking about the stab or when they fell in love, since she wasn't the one that actually stabbed him.

"Then how is it so hard to believe that the humans can be strong..." She knew she said the wrong thing but Ginro backed her up.

"Kouya." Ginro began to explain. "There are different types of strength. But it's true that you were strong."

"I see. Then. That's all right." A wind blew through the courtyard, making his long fur stir.

"So, Kouya... Can you forgive the humans?" Celes asked.

He smiled. "Nanalee ..." He swallowed. "Ah, how annoying. I don't have anywhere to go back to." An aura surounded him. It was cold, Karasumori accepting Kouya's death. "I want to go back … I want to go back to our mountain."

He was fading. Soon all that would be left is his fur. Celes cried. She lifted her head to look into his beautiful red eyes before he disappeared. He tilted his head to see the two. A smile on his face as he passed. Sobs wailed through her raw throat. Hurting her even more. Soon she'd cough blood she was sure.

"Goodbye, Kouya." Ginro knelt and put his head next to hers. She rested her forehead on the side of his nose and wraped her hands around him and still wept. I didn't hate you for what you did. And I hope you don't hate me, for what I did.

Twenty minutes later, Celes had stopped her crying. She sat still against Ginro's leg, watching as Yoshimuri commenced the memory service. Hakubi floated over and asked if she was okay. She scratched Hakubi's favorite place, the right side of his neck right where the jaw ended. It sent chills down his spine and she told him that she would be fine.

"Tch. Stupid isn't it?" Ginro finally said. "He could have made many places to go back to himself."

"Just like him. Having nowhere to go back to, he probably decided that he couldn't turn back." Shaky breaths followed her statement as they watched Yoshimuri finish up.

He gave a short prayer. "Ketsu! Metsu!" The patch of fur then exploded inside its box. A silence then erupted into the surroundings. It didn't last long. "Madarao? Are you all right?"

Before he could answer Tokine yelled. "Yoshimuri!" He turned and saw a bag of beads flying toward him and struggled to catch it. "Hurry up!" Celes turned to see why Tokine was yelling.

"What?"

"Sealing!"

"Sealing?" Yoshimuri repeated. Then Celes felt the muscle's in Ginro's paws tense and she looked up to see Ginro's eyes glowing green. He tilted his head and his smirk was filled with pure evil. He lifted his paw and smashed it to the ground where Yoshimuri was standing. He jumped out of the way to avoid it.

Celes jumped away from Ginro as well. Her heart threatening to untie again.

"Madarao! What are you doing!" Yoshimuri yelled as Ginro rampaged.

"Madarao is an Ayakashi as well!" Tokine yelled

"So he'll transform because of Karasumori?"

"That idiot … He's showing his true nature." Hakubi cursed. "In this state he doesn't recognize any of us." As if he was talking to her Celes got up, trembling. She didn't know what was going to happen. She had felt this urge before. The urge to destroy, the urge to just let it all go and let her take over. But she knew if she let her feral side take control, she wouldn't be able to reclaim her own body. But the Ayakashi fought her constantly, sometimes waiting for moments like this, feeling utter helplessness and despair consuming her. This is when it fought the strongest. And it was winning right now. Then Ginro tilted his head to the sky and from his maul came a devilish howl.

And she broke.

Amaterasu's ghostly figure shot out of Celes and she fell to all fours, howling in a way that should have destroyed her vocal cords. Her body twisted, wretched, and warped in different ways, breaking some bones and then small bony wings shot out of her back and her face darkened. Clothes shredded and flew through the sky. She barely had anything covering her breasts and legs. Dark tattoos appeared on her body and her eyes color changed from green to a crimson red. Thirsting for blood.

She gave one last twisted howl, sounding even more horrific than Ginro's last one. And then she was silent and she calmly stood. Everyone looked at her. Hakubi wanted to speak but he was too vexed. Same as Yoshimuri and Tokine. Ginro looked at her with a grin so ghastly it made Yoshimuri fear him more than the late Kouya. And the Ayakashi looked back at Ginro. Anger and hatred fought for dominance over her face.

"It's all so stupid." She said. A voice that didn't belong to Celes. "Those past things, You, Kouya, Hakubi. And I am tired." She pushed a hand into the sky and a green fire sparked to life above her hand. "I'm just so tired of it all. This world … it cannot change. She was foolish to believe that you three could change it. So instead I'm going to end it." Amateratsu stood in fighting position, her kimono fluttering in the nonexistent wind. The three of them made a triangle. "For all the things it has done to me, it shall end."

"Honey …" Hakubi said.

She burst forward with speed unknown to her. Flinging the fire at Amaterasu, though she dodged it. Amateratsu matched her speed and blocked a blow with the sword. Celes's palm bled as her hand/claw met the sharp edge. In a moment, Ginro was on top of them, swiping and kicking. The two dodged the Ayakashi's blows and Celes delivered blows of her own, giggling devilishly in the process. Ginro toppled as she jumped straight into his stomach, knocking the breath from his lungs.

As he was down Yoshi jumped on him but Celes was soon beside him knocking him across the courtyard and spilling the bag of beads. She jumped on Ginro's throat and dug one hand into it. Roars of pain screeched forth from Ginro's maul. Yoshi quickly got the beads then cast Ketsu on Celes, knocking her off him.

"Hey! Ghost thing!" Yoshi yelled. Amaterasu looked at him, obviously offended. "I have to seal Ginro, but Nanalee or whatever is getting in the way. How long can you hold her off?"

"Long enough." She replied as she boomed forth. Her sword struck Celes in many places. Only small scratches were left however. Karasumori was working in Celes's favor, giving her faster rejuvenation and more reserves of strength. However the Goddess also had the upper hand. The Ayakashi in Celes couldn't use brush techniques. The two fought as Yoshimuri tended to Ginro. Tokine and Hakubi were providing assistance.

The two fought. Fought and fought until both were injured. Amateratsu had to be careful to avoid all vitals, however Celes could aim anywhere. Not that the Goddess was capable of dying, she would just return to her realm until she was healed.

Claws tore Amateratsu's robes, but her kimono threaded itself back together. She was also able to regenerate, but not as fast as Celes. She finally saw her opening. The Ayakashi fighting Amateratsu on the outside and Celes on the inside had finally weakened it enough to provide an opening. Amateratsu's body blurred and sucked into Celes's mouth. The demon screeched and collapsed. Celes rolled over on her back. Barely conscious. All she could do was moan. Blood poured from her wounds and the only thing she could hear was Ginro, wailing in pain. She didn't know what was happening, but she couldn't pass out. She fought the darkness that threatened to bring her to unconsciousness. The demon would take over again.

Then she heard Hakubi and Tokine's voices. "Nanalee! You're okay right?"

"She should be, she needs to get out of here." Tokine assured.

"Remember, Yoshi needs him to be still."

Tokine turned. "Right." There was a moment where the two were silent. Then, "Ketsu! Metsu!" She heard Ginro wail and then light shot to the sky. Smoke, dust, something then surrounded her. She closed her eyes, they were irritated by whatever filled the clearing. Then everything was quiet. For a few seconds, she thought she had died. But she opened her eyes and heard Ginro, Madarao. She wasn't sure which form he'd taken. She heard Yoshimuri apologizing then.

"Nanalee? Nanalee!" Madarao was floating weakly above her, Celes was unsure how she felt that he was floating weakly.

She moved her lips but no sound came from them. Her throat was completely dry and raw. She still mouthed. "It's … over."

"YOSHIMURI!" Yelled a voice. One Celes didn't recognize. A newcomer. She only hoped it wasn't an Ayakashi. "You Idiot! You undid Madarao's seal!"

"Ah! Shige is here!" Yoshimuri yelled.

He stopped. She could see him now. An old man Kekkiashi, his hair spike up around his bald spot. "Who is this! She looks hurt , bad."

"Her name is Nanalee, she needs to get out of here." Yoshimuri turned around, carefully picking her up. "We can take her to my house. Dad will cook her something and give her some medicine."

"Fine. But you get back here as soon as you do. You're cleaning up this mess!"

"As expected of the Sumimura's." Called another voice. Sounded like it came from a granny. "Who's the girl?" Her voice sounded concerned. She was tired of new arrivals. She had realized that she was starving when Yoshimuri mentioned cook.

"Go Yoshi. Get her to bed." Hakubi said. He seemed as concerned as Madarao.

Then he ran off and leaped onto a building followed by Madarao. "Hey, don't black out on me. You have to be starving from what you just did."

"I haven't eaten in days actually." Her voice returned.

"What? The how strong are you when you're healthy?"

"Stronger than you ... ? Yeah, that sums it up." Celes smiled.

"Save your strength Nanalee." Madarao called from behind them. She took his advice and watched as the sky went by. Yoshimuri was pretty strong. Madarao and everyone else had been pretty strong. Was she really more powerful than them? She was lost in thought when she arrived at Yoshimuri's house.

-Chapter 1-


Well there's the first chapter. A bit long, but I wanted to get all the elements in. Amateratsu and Celes fighting, as well as the fight with Ayakashi Celes. Writers block from ace the hedgehog caused me to be bored in my little free time, so I wrote this. Tell me in the reviews if you want me to continue it, I'm sure that it can be a one shot. Legend of Zelda: demon chronicles has not progressed much. Sorry. Not much free time and writer's block sucks.

Rien_Pierce

February 11, 2011