As the sun breaks over the horizon, Maria leads Rob, Danny, and Xander deep into the forests surrounding the Kakusareta Kyuden; the dense foliage reduces what little light exists so effectively, only Maria's vision can pick up any detail.
"Is it just me, or is the foliage thicker than last time?" Xander asks, keeping the volume of his voice to a minimum.
"You have a point there, big guy," Rob agrees. "I can't see a thing."
"Good thing you have me to lead the way," Maria interjects, skilful swings of her ninjato carving a path through the undergrowth.
For the next two hours, the Scarves proceed in silence; the only sounds are the rustle of leaves in the breeze, the gentle crump of topsoil, the swish of Maria's blade, and-
"Someone's following us," Xander announces.
"How can they be?" Danny doubts. "No-one knows we're here."
"The wolf is correct," a voice confirms. Its wooden echo fills the air, disguising its origin; it's almost as if the forest itself is speaking.
"That's not good," Danny breathes.
"Keep 'em peeled," Rob commands.
"Your senses cannot help you," the voice taunts. "Your instincts will lie to you, and the forest will claim your lives."
"Only a coward challenges his foes from the shadows!" Maria declares loudly. "Reveal yourself this instant!"
"Oh, my dear mistaken lynx, I do not challenge you from the shadows," the voice replies. "I control the shadows. For I am the forest, and I will be your grave."
Without warning, vines sprout from the trees, targetting the Scarves; within seconds, Xander is pinned to the ground, unable to move an inch.
"As you can see, you're no match for me," the voice goads as Rob, Maria, and Danny duck, dodge, and weave in desperation; Danny is the next to be ensnared, cocooned and hanging from a sycamore.
"Enough!" Maria yells, her voice filled with anger and venom. "No more tricks! Come out and fight properly!"
"As you wish."
The foliage parts in front of the lynx; Maria watches steadfast as a silhouetted sable makes his presence known.
"Ryoichi Nakano," Maria growls.
"Maria Shanmao," the sable replies. "You should be dead."
"Hate to disappoint. Where is Tsubaki Moto? I have some unfinished business with her."
"She's around."
"I'm sure."
"Unfortunately, you won't be seeing her again."
"Trust me, I will. And I will shred anyone and everyone who dares get in my way."
Ryoichi pauses a moment before replying. "You've changed; you're almost as bad as that pathetic vixen."
Murder flashes in Maria's eyes. "I will give you one chance and one chance only. Surrender, or die."
Ryoichi remains silent.
"That's exactly what I wanted to hear," Maria grins malevolently.
