Outside the main entrance of the Kakusareta Kyuden, Rob, Maria, Danny, and Xander pause a moment, apprehensive of what they'll find inside.

"There's a reason I don't fight with blades," Danny comments, testing the weight of the two katana stolen from the defeated Kinzoku-dojo Grand Master Tsubaki Moto.

"Stop being silly," Maria sighs. "Blades are easy to handle; just don't let the sharp bit hit you."

"What I don't get is why you didn't take them," Danny replies. "You're the swordsman."

"I have nunchaku," Maria states. Her tone indicates she considers that sufficient reason; Danny simply shrugs and sheathes his stolen blades together in his hanbo sheath; they just about fit.

"So, how are we going to get in?" Rob asks. "The door is secured."

Xander steps up to the door and slams his fist on it three times; the door creaks open a moment later. "Sometimes, all you have to do is knock."

"Well, if it gets results," Rob replies; together, the four friends enter the Kyuden. "Oh, and watch out for-"

The floor gives way underneath them, dropping them into the catacombs as the main door slams shut.

"-traps," Rob groans, laid out prone, his friends pinning him down.

"We'll get right on that," Maria sighs, trying to extract her legs from a badger-wolf sandwich; she breaks free unexpectedly as Danny shifts, rolling onto her back where she rests a moment.

"So much for a dignified entrance," Danny remarks as he stands; he turns to help Xander then Rob to their feet.

"At least we're inside the Kyuden," Rob reminds. "Everyone OK? Nothing broken apart from our egos?" A chorus of reassuring negatives. "Good. Now, how do we get back up?"

"Certainly not the way we came down," Danny observes, pointing out the sealed end of the shaft they just fell through.

"There's bound to be another way up," Xander remarks.

"But will you find it?" a mocking voice echoes among the stone walls.

"Kaede!" Danny barks, drawing his katana. "I know it's you! Come and face me!"

"You'll have to come and find me, sweetie!" Kaede teases; her voice seems to be coming from the walls themselves.

"'Sweetie'?" Rob asks, confused.

"She's just trying to get under my fur," Danny growls. "And it ain't gonna work!" he bellows down the corridor.

"You're just sore I showed your girlfriend a better time than you ever could!" Kaede taunts.

"Am I the only one who feels like they're missing something important?" Xander asks.

"No," Rob and Maria chorus, clashing with Danny's "Yes."

"Look, it's very simple," Danny adds, his tone impatient. "Sally was under my protection, and I failed her. End of."

"But-"

"End. Of. I won't hear any more of this until we're back in Jade Creek," Danny demands. "Got it?" His friends answer in a chorus of agreements. "Good."

"We both know you find me more exotic and enticing," Kaede coos. "After all, you've come all this way just to see me!"

"By the time I'm done with you, you'll wish I'd never come," Danny growls menacingly.