Disclaimer: Squirrel does not belong to me, she is owned by cartuneslover14 of Youtube. Also, the demons are owned by Okami, except for Shogun Toki, he is mine.
Chapter 2: Art of the Cherry Blossoms
Within a village where many people at work, restoring buildings back to their old ways, putting in new wood and shading. Near a tea shop was a brown furred beaver hard at work hammering a nail into the side of a building. Helping cut the wood was a tanned flying squirrel with a patch of sandy blond hair at her head. She worked fast, cutting the wood into many pieces with one swoop of her fan. She smiled, bringing the wood over to where the beaver was.
"Well done as always Squirrel." Beaver said, in a voice slurred a bit from his buck tooth.
"I do my best to fit in. Like Wolf told me, 'one must always pull their own weight when working with a team'." She said, Beaver smiling. "So shall we try and catch up with them soon?" Squirrel asked, but Beaver shook his head.
"Sorry Squirrel, but I still am needed in other areas. Still, you can go and see them if you wish, I ain't called a master carpenter for nothing, y'know." He stated, as he continued to hammer a nail into one part of the building.
"Really? But what about the assistant you needed?" She asked, looking at him with worried eyes.
"Trust me, when a village has been torn down, everyone will help restore the houses there. You have nothing to be worried about, building is my passion, so you can rest assure that you leaving me will not leave any burden at all." Beaver stated, as he looked at Squirrel with stern eyes.
She smiled at him with loving eyes, as she walked over, giving him a tight hug. Beaver blushed a bit, but soon he coughed, Squirrel letting go, as she knew she hugged him a bit too tightly.
"Mind giving me a boost?" She asked, Beaver chuckled, putting down his hammer and tools, as he took her by the hand and started to spin around, before he released her arm and sent her in the air.
She waved her hand at him, and he waved back, as she flew off. Around her neck was a compass, one that would lead her to where he friends would be waiting. Hedgehog had given it to her as a present, telling her if she wished to return to them that she would only need to follow the compass.
Hawk and Crane flew across the lands, as a few minutes had passed since they started their journey towards the valley of guardian saplings. It had been quiet for them, and Crane decided to break the silence.
"I am surprised that you all follow that wolf rather then Sparrow. I mean, I know he is leadership material just by how he led you guys, but just how wise is he?" Crane asked, as Hawk kept her eyes ahead, but answered.
"Wolf is more open. Sparrow is old and more laid back, he says that Wolf is more of an inspiration to us then he could offer. Sure, he has wisdom, but he feels that someone needs more spirit and more courage to lead. When I look into wolves eyes in battle, I see a fierce warrior, yet his intentions are pure. Believe me, Wolf has changed since he was a teenager and has become wiser with Sparrows assistance." Hawk said, remembering how Sparrow had told her how reckless Wolf was as a teen.
"What was wolf like as a teenager? Was he rough around the edges or actually more open?" Crane asked, finding this information juicy.
"Wolf had told us that as a child he usually had a carefree life, but when he was twelve, he lost his mother and father to Orochi. They had managed to get into the beasts cave, but failed to slay the beast. When he awoke, he found his fathers sword by his side, but the village elders didn't approve. They tried to take it from him and he fled not planning to surrender it. He didn't know that the sword was sacred and that his father earned it through sword training til later when Sparrow told him about it. Still, he has faced death numerous times but has still not lost his courage." Hawk remarked, and sighed.
"Sounds like he's never given up the sword arts at all." Crane said, but Hawk shook her head.
"He almost did when he met Haruko." Hawk said, "She was his first and only love of his life. The two were engaged to be married, and he even planned to settle down just to be with her."
"Oooooo, sounds like a wonderful love story." Crane remarked, but saw a sad look on Hawks face, "But it ended tragically obviously?"
"Back then, it was Sparrow, Wolf, Panther, Hedgehog, and myself that where a group. We went there to protect the village… and when Wolf laid his eyes on that beautiful maiden wolf Haruko, it was love at first site. He barely trained at all and did seem to skip his own duties. Though we didn't get on his case… Sparrow told us that it was something that everyone went through, and that it was possibly something that Wolf had to decide for himself. The day before the full moon, Wolf told us he was going to give up his demon hunting and live with Haruko. He told us that Panther would have to lead us. We would have retaliated, but Sparrow told us that 'Wolf had made his choice, and that we should respect it'. Wolf did propose and Haruko accepted, but that very night, the Plum white arrow was shot forth, and Haruko's house was marked. She knew what she had to do, but Wolf told her that he would go in her stay. She refused, claiming that she could not do such a thing, that it was best that she gave herself up for the safety of her village. Wolf tried to persuade her to stop, but she only ran to the cave. Wolf chased after her, but was stopped by the barrier of the cave. That was when we first found out about it. He could only watch as he beloved Haruko walked into the darkness, and hear her scream of terror as Orochi devoured her. Since then, he's changed. He has sworn to hunt Orochi for the rest of his life, and that he will not stop until the beast is dead." Hawk said, having gotten a bit deep with the story.
"Poor Wolf. I never have experienced love before, but I am pretty sure it is one wound that hasn't healed yet." She said, Hawk looking back to her.
"Wounds of heartbreak take many years to heal, but Wolf has had many heartbreaks over the years. His parents, his lover, and many other people who died because of demons and Orochi's rite of sacrificing maidens. Still, Wolf still has compassion and that is why we consider him a great leader." Hawk remarked, as the two continued to fly off, as Hawk started ask about the animals in Cranes village.
For once, she felt better, since most in her group never did talk as much as Crane was doing with her now. Still, demon hunting was the group's priority and they had to do what they could. Of course, strapped to Hawks back was Sprite, who was going to the valley to help dig up the seedling or one of the developed saplings, one that was sprouted, but not fully grown.
Within the bamboo forest of the valley did the sounds of two swords clashing echo throughout the area. Standing in a clearing where two figures, on the north side was Wolf, holding his hand the katana that had chosen him. Kusanagi, a sword with a golden hilt and known to possess great power, power that could bring down the dreaded beast called Orochi. He held his sword to his right side in both hands, the tip of the blade pointing south, poised and ready for an attack.
South side was Panther, still having his ninja hood covering his face. His stance was a bit different with the sword being at his abs and the blade facing up to his face. A gentle wind brushed by the two from the east. They dashed off, heading towards one another, as their swords clashed, both switching from defense to offense with each passing second, as they engaged, keeping their swords clashing against one another with the wound of steel colliding echoing through the area. Their skills were equal, as they sometimes took a leap back, before they started to clash once more with their swords, engaged in a feverous spar against one another. They had done this many times, mostly to hone their skills in swordsmanship so they could be prepared to face any demons that where more experienced in swordplay.
They practiced at least for an hour, before they stopped, their belly's grumbling from the fact that they had yet to eat.
"Shogun Toki, we have reports of two birds leaving the area. By their descriptions and some of our recon teams, the two where at least the scouts of the sky and could give us a way in." The chubby imp stated, the shogun remaining where he was.
"They must be after a sapling tree. Send an Ubume to the valley of guardian saplings and tell her to slay anyone there!" The Shogun ordered.
"We also have the monkeys to deal with. They are within the forest near the mountains and they are merely just… well, screwing around." The imp said, the Shogun responding with a roar of anger.
"Those foolish beasts are more trouble then they are worth. Go to wherever they sleep and slaughter them. Bring their bodies back as well; we will use them for new troops." The Shogun stated.
"What about Baboon? Shall we exterminate him as well?" The Imp asked.
"No… he still has some chances to serve me!" The shogun stated, as he looked around the poison filled cave.
"As you command Shogun Toki." The Imp stated, as he turned and started to leave, but the Shogun spoke once more.
"One more thing… Order our kite imps to attack at high noon. They should be able to do some damage to the valley resistance, since their aerial support is away!" He said, as the Imp nodded, heading off.
Within the camp were the animals laying down. Cat had woken up rather early to get off Panda's belly, but he had woken up at night to find her there. Still, he didn't shoo her off, since she was around Skunk's size and she didn't scratch him at all that night. Still, the grumbling of bellies could be heard around the camp.
"Master Panda… I'm so hungry!" Skunk said, as he rubbed his belly.
"I know Skunk, we all are. The demon hunters are getting the food as we speak. Duck's kitchen is also being demon proofed by Hedgehog, so we will have some gourmet food soon too." Panda said, Skunk only groaning.
"Waiting isn't making this any difference. Far as we know, they could be out just having their own fun!" Rabbit remarked, as he lay down on the ground nearby.
"Agreed, this wait is just excruciating!" Tiger stated, as he groaned in pain.
"Chin up lads, I have the first batch of food. The demons have yet to taint the food yet." Rat said, setting down the basket of fruit, as the animals of the valley looked on in hungry gazes.
Rat immediately took out his steel broadsword, swinging it forth.
"Only three per person! Duck and Hedgehog- well, Duck mostly, is already at the kitchen making food as we speak, so your food is on its way! In the meantime, form a line and you will get each in time." Rat remarked, as the animals formed a line, though some squabbled. "And no arguments, I don't care how old you are; you should act like some adults!" He stated, as the animals immediately shaped up, stopping their squabble.
They where given three fruits, presumably apples, as they walked off and to a area to eat them. Rabbit had tried to get more through a punch to rats face, but failed when Rat avoided it and was Rabbit was hit on the head by the hilt of Rats sword.
"Sir Rabbit, I will not be giving you any food for such brutish actions. You can wait for your food from Duck!" Rat stated, Rabbit lying on the ground unconscious.
Within ducks kitchen did a Hedgehog place the final bell on the left shelf within the outside kitchen that was there. Duck was already busy cooking up her dumplings and other assortment of foods, as Hedgehog sighed, looking at one of the done dumplings, as she took a piece of it and started to chew it up.
"You do know jellyfish eggs are the secret ingredient?" Duck said, knowing what Hedgehog just had done.
"And that's supposed to bother me? Trust me, I have seen and heard sicker things then that. Especially what dung beetles will eat." She remarked, Duck casting a ugly glance at her.
"Don't remind me!" Duck stated, shaking from the thought. "Now, can you help me around the kitchen, this food won't get done on its own you know!" Duck asked.
"Sorry, cooking isn't my specialty. Just ask anyone of my companions. Last time I cooked, they ended up having to rest for a whole day. And puke was not all they did that day." Hedgehog said.
"Really now? Well, since you put it that way, just take the food too them." Duck ordered, as Hedgehog nodded, loading the food onto the cart.
"That should be no problem at all. Anyway, I am better off as a priestess then I am as a cook." She said, as Duck looked at her, seeing some sign of sadness.
"You seem almost saddened by it." Duck said, Hedgehog only sighing.
"I guess it's still hard, since I am the last of my clan." She stated, pushing the cart along as they took it off towards the camp the others where at.
"Clan? What sort of clan were you with?" Duck asked, Hedgehog looking down, as she stopped pushing.
"Well, a ninja clan. One known as Oshari." She remarked, shaking her head.
"Oshari? Never heard of them." Duck remarked, having some knowledge of some clans.
"Not many would. We where very secretive of how we met and lived. At least, my clan used too." She said, almost forming a tear in her eyes.
"Don't dwell on it too much now, as Rat has said many times, 'chin up'!" Duck remarked, as Hedgehog nodded, pushing the cart off once more, heading to the campsite.
Sprite had awaken already, and had listened to the two talking on and on about the people of the valley. He was already getting sick up it, pulling the beetle looking Asian hat over his head. Even as he did, he still couldn't tune out their voices.
"Jeez, will you two just shut up for one minute. I swear, all this gossip is getting to me!" He muttered, jumping up and down on Hawks back.
"Well what do you expect, we have to have something to talk about, this is a long trip, don'tcha know!" Hawk replied, saying the last part in a funny accent.
"You are really being rude as well, Sprite. We where having a good conversation!" Crane stated with aggravation.
"Well sorry, just talking about others in good way drives me crazy. Anyway, need a drink?" Sprite asked, as the two birds looked to each other.
"We could use a break." Crane stated, as the two flew towards the woods, taking a rest on a branch.
Sprite, using his magic bag, pulled out two bottles of mystical water. Hawk and Crane immediately started to sip it down, slowly feeling energized once more.
"I would say sing, but Hawks voice can't exactly equal Squirrels own voice." Sprite remarked.
"Squirrel? Whose she?" Crane asked.
"Someone who decided to help our carpenter friend Beaver. Of course, her showing up may be only a dream with the way Beaver is." Hawks said, wondering what Squirrel was up to.
Squirrel continued on her path, heading off to where her friends would be, as she sung to herself to help the time pass.
"There's always tomorrow for dreams to come true, believe in your dreams come what may. There's always tomorrow with so much to do, and so little time in a day." She sung, remembering the song that Hedgehog used to sing to her when she felt down.
"We all pretend the rainbow has an end, and you'll be there my friend, someday… there's always tomorrow for dreams to come true tomorrow is not far away." She continued to sing, repeating that verse, feeling at ease that she was going back to her friends.
She remembered them well since they departed, since she felt guilty for Beaver having to work alone. Still, even as she worked with them, she found herself missing her friends more and more. She missed Wolf's voice, she missed Hedgehogs singing, she even missed Sprite spying on her and drawling pictures of her in ways that most of the group would find appalling but she would find great. She wanted to see them, all of them. She wanted to even see Panther, even if he was so quiet. She wanted to see Bear, even if he was so dumb. She always felt close with them, even Cat, who usually was quieter then most in the group.
Duck and Hedgehog had arrived, as they handed the plates to each of the animals there. Wolf and Panther gobbled their dumplings down fast, before pouring themselves some sake.
"You two really can't lay off the booze, can you?" Panda asked, giving them his narrowed angry eyes.
"We aren't drinking that much Panda. And usually we only have two drinks of this stuff a day." Wolf stated to Panda, Panther nodding.
"Even so, I don't like the idea of that stuff in this area. Especially since my student might try it!" Panda stated, Skunk blushing in shame.
"Let them drink their sake in peace Panda. I know you aren't very tolerant of such drinks that have alcohol in them, but they are responsible lads." Turtle stated, as he chuckled a bit.
"Don't tell me you actually drank some Master Turtle!" Panda remarked angrily.
"I had some in my youth, but I still prefer tea to it any day." Turtle said, as he sipped his tea.
"Turtle is right Master Panda. I mean, the two are not drinking enough to get them drink." She said, as she looked to them. "Right boys?" She asked, the two stopping their drinks, as they glanced at her, Wolf clenching his teeth.
"BOYS!? Foxy, we happen to be grown men for your information!" He yelled at her, Fox narrowing her eyes, not liking the name he just called her.
"It's FOX, not FOXY! And just how old are you anyway?" She asked, placing her hands on her hips as she awaited an answer.
"I'm twenty-five, and Panther here is either twenty-eight or seven-" Wolf said, but was cut short when Panther interrupted.
Unseen by anyone was Rabbit snaking off, having finished his food already, he had his own plans, remembering what they had said about the drink. Rabbit had plans to try this so called 'Warrior's drink' for himself, and prove he could handle it. Wolf had told him it was best to only drink so much, but Rabbit didn't care, he was going to prove he could stomach more then what Wolf was drinking.
"Twenty-six actually, I lied about my age because I thought it would make a difference in being in charge. I forgot to tell you when you earned my trust, but, better late then never, right?" He said, Wolf giving a furious glance, but soon smiled as he started to laugh.
"Better late then never indeed." Wolf answered, as he looked to Fox. "So how old are you exactly Fox?" He asked, Fox widening her eyes, but soon coolly replied.
"Didn't anyone ever teach you to never ask a girls age. It is considered rude." She remarked, giving a sly smile.
"By her looks, she is either sixteen or seventeen. Then again, who knows?" Hedgehog stated, as she ate a few dumplings.
"Jeez, for a female, you are really letting a girl down!" Fox said with a pout.
"Relax Fox. We don't let our gender's impact with who we are, with the exception of Sprite, but we are really close people. And we try to act mature to set examples for our younger companions, like Cat." Hedgehog said, as Cat looked to her with a brow raised.
"Am I really that young?" Cat asked, but remembered her age. "Well, it does surprise me that I am only twelve years old." She said, as she ate the rest of her food.
The sound of glass shattering caught their attention, as the group stood up, the demon hunters grabbing their weapons, as the team headed towards the cart. Once there, they found a container of sake broke and a very inebriated Rabbit standing there.
"Hey Wolf, hic how's that for a warrior hic?" Rabbit asked slurring his words, as he staggered a bit, walking towards them.
"Dammit, what did I tell you about drinking more then a small glass!?" Wolf scornfully stated.
"And how many times do I have to tell you to watch your language?" Panda asked, Wolf ignoring him as Rabbit answered Wolf rudely. .
"Ah, bite me, I-"
"Rabbit, you are drunk!" Fox stated, as she walked over to him.
Rabbit smiled as she came closer, as he felt his heart start to beat.
"Fox, you're looking hic prettier then usual!" Rabbit said with a flush formed on his face from his drunkenness.
Fox only could blush as she heard what he said.
"I knew you liked Fox!" Skunk said, as he started to tease him with a "Rabbit likes Fox!" taunt.
"Shut up squirt! hic Me and Fox are trying to hic have a conversation here!" Rabbit shouted, as he looked to her once more. "Fox… I have always hic been a coward when it comes hic to expressing my feelings from hic the heart…" He said, still moving as if he was unbalance.
Fox giggled, as she heard what he said, blushing a bit more.
"Well Rabbit, mind opening up?" She asked, looking into his drunken eyes with her ever so sly and seductive eyes.
"Fox, I hic love you-" He turned his face, as he vomited to the side.
Everyone looked away, a few muttering how disgusting it was, as Fox felt sick to her stomach as he puked out his breakfast.
"Aww man hic where was I?" He said, as he was still a bit drunk.
"Rabbit, I know you've had feelings for me for a while. Well, at least since the cave where Baboon trapped us in that one time. Still, I have had a crush on you as well, but your jockey attitude made me just want to be friends with you." She said, blushing when she mentioned the crush.
"Oh man, this is great! Fox likes rabb-" Skunk was hit on the head by Cat, as she used her yggdrasil bow staff.
"Will you hush; this isn't the time for your childishness!" Cat remark, as Skunk fell to the ground.
"I don't approve of someone hitting my student like that, even if this is a lovely scene." Panda remarked, as Fox coughed to get their attention.
"Hey, I don't care if we even make the cutest couple, but right now, I think I should take Rabbit here back to his burrow." Fox said, as she gazed at them with annoyed eyes.
"I might as well go with you two. I still need to 'demon proof' his pad just to keep it safe." Hedgehog said, Fox only sighing.
"Of course, I could do it later, but-"
"Come along Hedgehog. I'd prefer to have less trouble since lover boy here is so intoxicated." She said, as Rabbit leaned against her, rubbing his face against her chest.
"Your fur is so soft Fox hic so groomed it really makes you much more hic beautiful!" Rabbit said, Fox pushing him away, as he still had some of his own trail of vomit drool on his face.
"Here Fox!" Wolf remarked, tossing her a rag. "Wipe it off with this!" He stated, as she did to her area that had the drool and rabbits face.
The three soon left, as Skunk woke up, rubbing his head.
"OW! Who hit me?" Skunk demanded, as Cat coughed, gaining his attention.
"Why I outta-"
"Skunk, leave her be. Your attitude is still that of a child, and you still need more discipline. Anyway, it is time for your training, we will start with meditation." Panda stated, as Skunk only groaned.
The two started to head to their area of their training area, Skunk following along with his face to the ground. Snake started to slither way, speaking to himself.
"I guess I might as well spy on the demons, see what they are up-"
"Hold it Snake!" Wolf called out, Snake glancing to him. "If you plan to spy on the demons, you might need a paper mask." He stated giving him a mask with a symbol on it.
"What will this do?" Snake asked, as Wolf put it on his face, poking two small holes in them about the size of his finger.
"It will help you fit in. We did it once, but it's never helped us get into Orochi's cave." Wolf remarked.
"I see, but it should help me fit in with the demons, right?" Snake asked.
"Yeah, it never failed us. Then again, been a while since we tried it." Wolf remarked, as Snake was already leaving the area.
"Wolf, we have a problem!" Cat said, as she stood next to him.
"What sort of problem?" Wolf asked.
"Bear's missing. If anything, he's still hungry for-"
"His one weakness. Hey Tiger!" Wolf called, as Tiger jumped up.
"What is it now!? Can't a gentleman get some shut eye!" Tiger remarked.
"Where exactly is the Killer Bee's hive at?" Wolf asked, as Tiger sighed.
"Usually on a tree." Tiger replied, getting only blank glares as he sighed once more. "Come, I will show you gents the way." He remarked, as he started to walk off.
"Yo punk, get ya paw out of our hive!" The Bee's stated, as Bear already had broken their home up just to get his honey.
"Honey good!" Bear said, licking his paw of the honey.
"That's it, time to give this fool a beatdown!" One of the Bee's stated, as they started to sting Bear, as he started to run off.
Bear started to run, as the Bees continued to sting him.
"YEOOOOOOOOOOOW!" Bear cried out, running towards the oncoming Tigers group.
"Too late!" Wolf stated, as Bear fell to the ground and the bee's continued to sting him.
"Hey Killer Bee's, you can stop stinging bear!" Cat said, the bee's looking to her.
"No way, this fool just took our crib down. He broke our grill!" They stated, and turned back to Bear.
"I know he broke your home, but we can give you a new one that is demon proof." Wolf guaranteed.
"What you talking about Wolf? Since when are demons a threat for us?" They stated.
Just then did a loud sound of feet padding the earth shake the area only slightly, but still noticeable. They looked onward, as the monkeys looked to be charging towards them.
"They just won't give up, will they!?" Wolf stated, as he cracked his knuckles, Cat and Panther putting up their fists, ready for battle.
Tiger hid behind bear, scared of the large number heading towards them. The monkeys though ran right through them, as they formed an oval of a path around the group, apparently not wanting to deal with them.
"They aren't attacking?" Panther asked, Wolf looking forward, as he spotted around thirty to fifteen red imps heading his way.
"The demon imps must not like them at all. Seems they are driving the monkeys off their home turf!" Wolf stated, as one of the imps turned around and smacked his behind.
"Do those demons have any manners? Slapping their rear ends like that, it's so uncivilized." Tiger said, as the Imps ran towards them.
"This is why I always carry my sword; you never know when they will attack!" Wolf said, as he unsheathed his sword, Panther doing the same.
Cat, having her bowstaff in hand took a fighting stance, as the three charged forth.
"I'll just stay here with bear!" Tiger remarked, as he watched the Bees go forth, and begin stinging the demons, only to be swatted back.
"Hey Bee's, sting them in the butt, that should make them run around in pain!" Wolf stated, the bees immediately moving behind and stinging the demon imps right in their rear ends, causing them to cover their rear ends, and jog around in pain.
Wolf and Panther made their move, cutting the panicking demons in half as their guard was down; their defensive banjos were still on their backs and cut in half when the two sliced the demon imps in half, as flora immediately filled where it once was. Cat had dealt many hits to the monsters and hit them hard enough to send them flying into trees, the impact easily destroying it, as it burst into flowers. Yet even with all this going on did one slip by, as it looked at Tiger, circling around him. Tiger only shivered with fear, but decided to give a roar at the imp. He roared with all his heart, but received a hit to the face by the banjo, as he fell down to the ground, stars circling around his head.
Bear groaned as he slowly woke up, glancing around. The demon looked at him, and was about to strike Frog and Mantis came into the scene, kicking him right in the behind and over to where the others where. The red imp met his end by the blade of Kusanagi, as it sliced him vertically in two, the body, like the others, becoming flora where the two halves fell. Panther, Wolf and Cat turned to face them, seeing the two there. Frog and Mantis looked over to Tiger, as Mantis poked him.
"He seems… beaten... on the noggin!" Mantis remarked.
"Poor Tiger… maybe some cold water will help him out!" Frog suggested, as he hopped off.
"Wait up… Frog!" Mantis called out following him.
"Hey Bear, mess wit out crib again, an' we gonna really give you more pain then you could bear!" They said, Bear looking at them puzzled.
"Hey Bee, you might wanna lay off the puns for a while!" Wolf suggested, the bees immediately flying over to him.
"You wanna fight us punk?" They all asked, as Wolf shook his head.
"Easy there, save your fights for the demons. I doubt those are our only ones for today. Now there are several things we have, we happen to have something in the cart that could work. You guys just choose what it is." He said walking off, but turned around. "Bear, carry Tiger there back to camp, we'll give him some water to wake him up." Wolf remarked as Bear did what he asked, the group remaining now heading back.
Frog and Mantis soon came back, only to find the group gone.
"What?... They left… already?" Mantis asked, the two looking around.
"And we went to all the trouble just to get this water!" Frog mentioned, as he was on the left side, while mantis held the other side.
"Guess… we best… find them!" Mantis stated.
Ox was busy pulling a plow behind him, as he tore up the grass terrain in order to make the garden that Sparrow was making. Sparrow had already gained permission from Turtle to do it, and with more animals there, they knew it had to be done. Bird, though, wasn't pleased about it.
"I still can't believe that old kook is using Ox for labor. That's my job!" Bird stated, as he was hit in the head by a roller by Duck.
"At least Sparrow has more consideration for others then you!" Duck stated, as she hit him again.
"OW… Geez, do you have to keep hitting me?" Bird stated, Duck giving him a scowling look.
"Fine, what do you want me to do?" Bird asked, Duck handing him some seeds.
"Plant those in one row; I will be watching you, so best do as I say." Duck ordered, as Bird flew off, placing one seed every six inches.
"That better sweetheart?" He asked rudely; Duck this time smacking him with an iron spatula.
"Manners you lazy bum!" Duck remarked, as Bird moved a bit faster.
Hedgehog finished up with putting the bells up in Rabbit's burrow. Fox was by his side, as he lay against a pillow, looking around the place.
"What she hic doing to my hic burrow?" He asked, still drunk.
"She is demon proofing your burrow." Fox remarked, as Rabbit gave a blank expression.
"Trust me, it's for the better." Hedgehog said, as she started to walk out, but turned back. "I'll leave you two lovebirds alone!"
"Birds? I'm a rabbit hic and she's a fox!" Rabbit remarked.
"I think it's just a slang term. Now… where were we?" Fox said leaning closer, Rabbit smiling at the idea.
"hic I think we were about hic to kiss!" Rabbit said, as he leaned in closer.
"Not yet!" She said, pulling out a tooth brush, putting his toothpaste on the bristles and shoved it into his mouth.
Rabbit tried to resist, but he was too weak to resist due to his intoxicated state. Fox brushed his teeth with full force, foam of the past already forming in his mouth. She was done in about two minutes with the brushing, as she shook his head around.
"Now spit!" She said, presenting a bowl to him, as he spit into it.
"There you go. Now we can kiss since your mouth doesn't reek of bile and such." She said, leaning in close as she kissed him on the lips.
Rabbit wrapped his arms around her kissing back, their eyes closed as they where engaged in a passionate lip kiss. Fox's eyes widened, as she pushed him away, Rabbits tongue sticking out.
"Rabbit!!" She scowled, as Rabbit only smiled.
"C'mon, when's a little hic tongue a bad thing?" He asked, as she only blushed a bit.
"I just-" Fox was cut off, as Rabbit kissed her once more, pushing his tongue into her mouth.
She would have resisted, but Fox had only dreams of them actually kissing like this. She only kissed back, her own tongue running against Rabbits own tongue in a passionate fever of love. The two hugged each other tightly as they kissed one another in such an intimate moment.
"I still don't get how bells keep those imps away?" Pig asked, as Hedgehog set up four bells on a stick at each point.
"They usually emit some holy tone that is almost never heard by anyone, yet demons can hear it so well that it is deafening to their ears." Hedgehog said, as Pig gave her a confused look.
"I don't have any idea what you just said. Still, can you purify my mud, I think it's been possessed." Pig said, Hedgehog looking at it.
"I don't sense anything anomalies about it, so I doubt it needs anything in it. Anyway, I am not one to mess with Mother Nature, getting on her bad side is bad karma." Hedgehog said, knowing how rough it was to try to resist nature's natural cycle.
"Okay then!" Pig said as he jumped into the mud. "Mind joining me?" He asked Hedgehog.
"Thanks for the offer, but I have other areas to take care of." Hedgehog declined, not really into the whole thought of mud on herself.
Snake had managed to get in without any problems, as he moved through as cautiously as possible. Even though sneaking was his hobby, these demons still gave him chills. He listened in on one of their conversations, gaining not only the assault that would take place in three hours, but also about the monkeys. He quickly made his way towards the exit, where two red imps stood guard.
"Where are you going?" One of the demons said, Snake stopped, as he decided to tell a tall tale.
"I was told to scout. Orders of Shogun Toki." Snake remarked, the Imp guards looking at one another.
"Should we check with the Shogun?" The one on the left asked.
"No chance, anyone who questions orders usually end up dead. Shogun really hates when his orders are questioned! Remember, the last imp that questioned his orders was eliminated on the spot." The imp on the right stated.
"Oh man, don't remind me." The imp said, shivering at the incident, "You can pass, just don't tell the Shogun of this!"
The gate opened, as Snake moved through, slithering as fast as he could to get back to the valley, to Panda and get the news to him.
"There it is!" Hawk said as they flew towards a huge sapling guardian that was bloomed in pink petals.
It was an area filled with many pink bloomed trees, with petals that flew upon the area. The two birds flew forth towards the giant tree at the center.
"Is that the Grand Guardian Sapling?" Crane asked, as Hawk shook her head.
"I wouldn't call it that. We call it the Origin Guardian Sapling. It is said to be the oldest one of all. What we need first is to find the seed that comes off it. They are around the size of coconuts, so they should be-"
"Got one!" Sprite stated, as he had grown to the size of at least skunks height as he held the seedling in his hands.
The two smiled, but soon heard a loud squawking, as they turned to look at a pinkish red blend kimono with several white petals on the middle area, the sleeves ash gray, as it held a parasol on its left side. A red Chinese hat remained on its head, with long black hair covering its face. On its back where two fans with yellow flowers and stems on them, as they waved a bit giving the crane like bird some altitude.
"Uh oh, looks like they noticed our departure!" Sprite remarked, drawling his daggers and ran froth, throwing one of the daggers at the bird.
The parasol went up, as it stopped the knife dead in place. It twirled it around, before putting it down as it took to the sky. Hawk followed suit, as she tried to strike from the side, but the umbrella repelled her attack, as she flew back.
"That parasol is her shield and weapon!" Hawk muttered, "If only we could control the wind to blow it away from her!"
Crane heard the words clear as day, pulling out her fans, as she gazed to Sprite.
"Hop on! I need you to deal the blow to that fiend!" Crane stated, as she flew off, heading directly behind the bird, as she swatted her fan, sending the Ubume off balance, the umbrella catching the wind.
Sprite jumped off, following the enemy's drop of defense, shoving the claws deep into the breast of the bird, as it cried out in pain, slowly falling and landing on the ground, it soon burst away, forming flora all around where its body was.
"What the? They must have mystical fertilizer just to do that!" Crane stated, as Sprite shook his head.
"They only become flora when a holy weapon takes them out. Yggdrasil is holy wood, and my blades are made with a holy property." Sprite stated, as he placed them away.
He walked over, picking up the seed, as he tied a rope to it.
"Why can't you just put it in the bag?" Crane asked, wondering why he was doing this.
"It's not something that can be shrunk. Guardian Saplings have their own properties that offset Sprites own magical shrinking sac. That's why we needed you to come along to help carry it!" She stated.
"True, the journey is so long. I guess we should carry it one hour each!" Crane suggested.
"I guess, but I will start!" Hawk said, as Sprite tied the rope to her feet.
Once more did the birds take off, flying into the air once more. Sprite gave them a direction to head to, thanks to a holy compass that would direct them to where Hedgehog was by her pendent that brimmed with some sort of force that the needle in the holy compass would react to.
Squirrel finally reached the area; after about four hours had she finally reached the valley. She looked around, spotting a Panda and a Skunk around a pad with weaponry. She flew down, landing nearby, watching them.
"Master Panda, why can't we train my weapon skills? I really want to try my skills at sword fighting!" Skunk stated.
"Skunk, you are still young. Even if Dragon is gone, I will still train you to fight with your fists. I don't care how strong demons are, a warrior can still prevail without weapons such as swords." Panda stated, Skunk only groaning.
"Um, excuse me." Squirrel stated, as she walked into where the two where.
"Is there something I can help you with little one?" Panda asked, looking to her, as she looked at him, her hands behind her back.
"Well, I wanted to know, are there any demon hunters here? Like a grey wolf, an elder brown sparrow or even a hedgehog with many holy items?" Squirrel asked, as Skunk looked at her in awe.
"Hmm, I assume you must be friends with those demon hunters that have recently come here. They are indeed here, but where they are is beyond my knowledge." Panda stated.
Skunk soon shook his head, getting back to focusing. He didn't know what he was feeling, but it was something that was new to him.
"I see, so who might you be?" Squirrel asked, her eyes looking to the Skunk, seeing him looking at her in awe.
"I am Panda, leader of the animals of this valley. And this is my student Skunk; he seems to think having weapons will help him in beating demons here." Panda said, shaking his head.
"Well, it helps to have them in battle. Anyway, names Squirrel!" She stated, as Panda sighed when she said the first part.
"See, she even says it helps. C'mon master Panda, can't I at least try a weapon out!?" Skunk asked, Panda giving him a angry face.
"Skunk, one must first learn the basics before he can move onto the greater arts!" Panda said, Skunk crossing his arms with a frown on his face.
"Master Panda, we have an emergency!" Snake called out, slithering on over, taking deep breaths as he stopped from his journey.
"Why are you covered with a slip of paper Snake?" Panda asked, as Skunk walked over, pulling it off.
"Hello! No hands to pull it off. Anyway, we have an emergency. A huge force of demons that ride on some sort of kites are preparing to attack at noon!" Snake remarked, taking a deep breath.
Panda sighed, knowing what this meant.
"I knew letting Crane head out was a bad idea." He remarked with regret.
"Why worry? I can cover them in the air!" Squirrel remarked.
Panda looked to her, studying her features. He shook his head still.
"One against a dozen never stands a chance. We would need the four winds to take them out!" Panda remarked, knowing only three fan fan users where present, as not many had tried to master it.
"You mean the ultimate skill of Fan Fan? How many more do you need?" She asked, as Skunk answered.
"Let's see, Crane is out, and me, Duck, and Fox are the ones who remain. So we do need just one!" Skunk said, having some knowledge of using math.
"Then count me in, I know plenty about Fan Fan, so we should be fine!" Squirrel stated, Panda smiling, turning to Squirrel.
"You are either a miracle from the heavens or just a coincidence of being here. Whatever the case, gather whoever you can find, we must be prepared for those demons." Panda ordered, as Skunk, Snake, and Squirrel moved out.
Squirrel took to the air, looking around to find her companions, Skunk headed towards where Rabbit was, knowing Fox was possibly there. Snake alerted whoever he could, as he found Ox and the others, alerting them of the situation coming there.
Wolf, Panther, Cat, Bear, Tiger, Mantis and Frog arrived where Panda was, as the Bee's where busy looking through the cart for a new home to stay in.
"I assume you dismissed Skunk?" Wolf asked.
"I sent him to gather the others, we are about to be attacked!" Panda said, while Wolf remaining calm.
Tiger, who had awakened when hit with water by Frog and Panda shivered a bit. Panther and Cat remained silent, and Mantis rubbed his two claws together, ready for a fight. Frog blinked, and finally broke the silence.
"Where will they be attacking from?" Frog asked, as Panda pointed to the sky.
"Oh man… so high… why not attack… on the… ground level!" Mantis asked, as Panda answered.
"We have little air resistance due to that seedling that they were sent to retreat by Wolf!" Panda said, glaring at wolf, "However, we have four fan fan users who can use the four winds to throw the demons out of the sky and onto the ground. Still, snake said we have little minutes until they arrive. I only hope the others get here soon!" He stated, as Duck, Ox, Sparrow and Bird arrived back.
"I assume we should be ready for the worst?" Duck asked, as she pulled out two fans.
"The squadron could be big, but we must be ready for the worst." Panda stated, as Skunk, Fox, and a still drunk Rabbit tied to Fox's back arrived.
"I heard the news, but Rabbit here is too clingy right now. I will still fight if I must, but someone please get him off my back first!" She requested, as Wolf and Panther pulled him off of her.
"No, Fox, help me hic!" Rabbit begged, as he was tied up and placed on Ox's back.
"I miss the old Rabbit!" Skunk stated.
Hedgehog, Pig, Rat, and Turtle soon came forth, Squirrel leading them there.
"How long until the attack?" Hedgehog asked.
"Soon I assume. Duck, Fox, Skunk and Squirrel, get your fans ready, we can't allow the enemy to win this fight!" Panda stated, as the four got out their fans, with an obedient "yes sir" response in their own way.
It was then that Ox noticed something in the sky, even though he wasn't too sharp, he could easily make it out.
"Huh, why is the sky looking funny?" He remarked, as many turned to where he looked.
The group turned to spot the oncoming demons heading their way.
"Cur Blimey, we're taking on that many?" Rat said very uneasy.
"We don't have much of a choice!" Wolf said, unsheathing his sword, as the others took their fighting stances.
Panda gazed over to the four fan fan users, pointing to the sky, Duck nodding, as the four went up, getting into formation to do the four winds attack.
"Okay then, on my word, we unleash the attack!" Duck stated, as the swarm of many hundreds of blue imps headed their way.
"NOW!!" Duck ordered, as the four moved their fans vertically as they spun around in a motion to create a cyclone like wind that forced the demons off course, many falling to the ground.
"Charge!!" Wolf called out, as the group ran forth into the fallen crowd of Imps, while Bird, Ox and Rabbit retreated towards a forest.
Wolf and Panther sliced down the enemies before them, slicing away whatever enemies where before them, the others in the area using their kung fu or weapons moves to hurt the demons. Panda used a "ten-thousand fist" attack on many of the demons on the ground. Skunk, Fox, Squirrel and Duck had landed, as they turned around, but noticed around many of the demons getting airborne once more.
"Looks like they want more!" Skunk remarked, as Duck nodded.
The four once more went up, as they where about to spin when two kite imps canceled the attack by interfering with the spin attack. Squirrel and skunk fell to the ground, as they landed hard on it, having been hit when the kite imps made their move. Duck and Fox tried to hold them off, but to no avail, as they where outnumbered by the force still in the air.
"This isn't good!" Duck stated, as she and Fox where soon hit out of the air and landing near Skunk and Squirrel.
Slowly did the two recover, as Squirrel and Skunk ran over to their companions sides.
"There are too many of them!" Skunk remarked, as they soon spat huge purple like venom balls at them, the four moving away from each shot.
Squirrel looked onward, but could see a campsite somewhere in the field, where she knew the cart must be.
"We must keep trying, for-"
"Hold that thought Duck!" Squirrel remarked, covering Ducks beak. "Listen, I need you three to cover me, if I can get my bowstaff from the cart and take them down easily!" She stated.
"That's awfully reckless. How can you be sure-"
"Trust me, if we wait any longer, our friends fighting out there are going to get creamed!" She remarked, as she ran off, the other three following and helping her out.
Even as Wolf and many others where thrown in the air to take down the Kite Imps were they slapped right down and landed hard on the ground. Wolf stood weakly as he took his thirteenth landing to the ground, staggering to stand up.
"M' Lord, we cannot keep this up!" Rat stated, as he deflected a poison ball with his own sword.
"I know, but I'd rather die then retreat from demons like this!" Wolf remarked, as he ran towards Bear, but was shoved back.
"Bear remember someone saying something about living another day, not sure what it was about though!" He stated, as Panther staggered over to them.
"Wolf, I speak for both sides when I say this. We have to retreat." Panther suggested.
"Damn, I really hate doing this…" Wolf remarked, as he looked around, seeing others already staggering as they moved.
"Everyone, fall back to the forest!" He shouted at the top of his lungs, as the entire group of animals began heading towards the trees.
It would be temporary cover, and would actually keep the kite demons from hurting them for a while, but it wouldn't last long. The demons already where shooting their balls of poison as the retreating group staggered onward, heading towards the forest under so much fire. They soon reached the area, as the demons shot forth, the balls dissipating as they hit the branches.
"Hey! Find your own place to hide!" Bird remarked, as the newcomers glared at him, "Hey, I wasn't the one who started this fight, and I ain't getting involved with it either!" He remarked, Rabbit remaining silent as he had fallen asleep.
Wolf sighed, as he looked around at the animals there.
"Is everyone accounted for?" Wolf asked, looking around.
"Someone's missing here, but I can't think of whom!" Pig said, looking around.
"Skunks not here!" Panda said worried.
"Duck, Fox and that newcomer aren't here either!" Turtle stated, Wolf looking out side.
"Squirrel, I must- Dammit!" He said, feeling the pain in his ribs already pulse with pain.
"They should be fine. I doubt Duck would do anything too reckless!" Panda stated.
"This is madness!" Duck said, as she sent a demon flying with a swing of her fan.
"We wait any longer and they are bound to turn this entire valley into a wasteland at the rate they are going!" Squirrel stated, as they proceeded into the camp.
Skunk followed her, as he used the fans winds to send the balls back at the kite imps. It ended up forcing them out of the sky, but more swooped down, forcing Skunk to evade.
"Squirrel, how much time do you need?" He asked, as Squirrel finally reached the cart, looking around.
"Give me about a minute!" She stated, looking around.
Skunk, Fox, and Duck continued to fight off the oncoming demons using their fans, as Squirrel found the bowstaff she had needed. Now she needed to get into the air. She spotted a plank on the ground, as she now needed something to launch her into the air. Sure enough was there a log nearby, as she ran forth, putting the two pieces in place to prepare for her lift off into the air.
"Skunk! Fox! Duck! Hop on this end, I will handle things in the air!" She stated, the three looking to one another then nodded to Squirrel.
"You sure you can take them out?" Duck asked.
"Never know until you try, right?" Squirrel remarked, as she stepped onto the see-saw launcher.
The three leaped onto the other end, sending her flying into the air as she clenched her bowstaff, knowing she had to do what she could.
--Cue Music: Tails theme I Wanna Fly High from Sonic Adventure 2.--
She immediately started her assault with her bowstaff, taking out a few demons as she headed up into the sky, several more heading after her. She easily flew downward, many following her. She flew much more at ease, as she moved in an arc angle, heading directly towards them, as she took out her bowstaff and tore through the Kite imps kites apart, as they fell down to the ground.
"Wow, she's good!" Skunk stated, watching her.
"She won't last though; even Wolf's teammates have their limits!" Duck remarked, as Fox was busy looking in the cart.
Skunk saw Fox looking through the cart, as he walked closer.
"Fox, isn't it rude to be looking through other animals stuff?" Skunk asked.
"Usually I'd say yes, but this is an exception. Those exorcism cards may be able to help us!" She said, finding the box.
"Yes, but we don't know how to use them!" Duck remarked.
"True, but if luck is on our side, Squirrel will know how!" Fox stated, opening the box, as the cards where placed in three rows.
"Lets see… deadly, deadlier, and deadliest. Obviously we need this one!" Fox read, choosing the deadliest ones.
"But how are we going to get them to Squirrel, she is so high up there, not to mention the enemies there!" Skunk remarked.
"The enemies are too distracted by her to fool with us. We might as well hand them off when she comes by!" Duck said, as the three used their fans to take flight once more.
They moved together, as they watched Squirrel still take them out with her bowstaff.
"Squirrel! Do you have any idea how to use these!?" Fox asked, as Squirrel flew by them, taking a few of the exorcism cards in hand, as she moved to face the demons chasing her from behind.
"Do Cenni Raja!" She muttered, throwing two at the kite imps coming directly at her.
Upon impact did the exorcism cards explode, the demons now full of flames fell to the ground, their bodies becoming flora as they hit the ground.
"Do Cenni Raja! Do Cenni Raja! Do Cenni Raja! Do Cenni Raja! Do Cenni Raja! Do Cenni Raja!" Squirrel repeatedly said with vigorous heart, throwing more at the kite imps and sending them down to the ground.
"Do Cenni Raja!" Skunk said without any emotion, throwing one at the enemy, only to have to have the cart hit and not explode. "WHAT!?" He cried out, seeing no effect.
"You must say it with heart!" Squirrel said as she passed by them, using her bowstaff to hit more down.
Fox, Skunk and Duck once more started the saying the line with full a vigor voice, as they threw each of the exorcism cards at each of the kite imps, as each fell to the ground with each throw they made. Soon enough did only a few of them remain and the four had run out of exorcism cards.
"There are still a few left!" Skunk said, but a loud bird screech halted the kite imps, as they turned around to face the demons near them.
--end song: Tails Theme from Sonic Adventure 2--
Crane flew forth, as she carried Sprite on her back, as he cut through the kites of the remaining kite imps, as they fell to the ground. The kite imps slowly tried to regain stance, but where suddenly struck in the head by a throwing knife, that glowed only a second after impact upon the imps, as the bodies soon bursts away into flora. Hawk flew by as she looked to the now clear sky and the field now filled with flowers and vegetation.
"Looks like we got here in the nick of time!" Hawk stated, as the four who had fought ever so long on the battle field came down, taking a breath of relief.
"I can't believe you three where… wait, who is this? I don't remember seeing her here yesterday!" Crane said.
"Her name is Squirrel. Thanks to her where we able to win the battle!" Fox said, as she gave Squirrel a thumb up.
Squirrel smiled, seeing she was given credit for her assistance in the battle.
"Even so, the others are possibly wounded!" Duck stated, as they heard a few groans.
The others came into view, looking beaten and roughed up. Ox, Bird, and Rabbit where the only three unscathed.
"Guess we better get to work then!" Hawk stated.
The sun was nearing the west, already evening had come upon them. Most had been patched up with bandages and had taken some sort of medicine of Turtle's that would ease the pain. If it worked at least, most of his medicines weren't the best at pain relief.
"So how exactly are we supposed to get this seedling to even sprout into a tree?" Panda asked, as Panther and Cat rolled the large green marble like ball into the area, as they moved it near the suns light, so it would shine in the buried area.
As the sunlight shinned into the marble did the ground glow as a tree sprouted up, but was covered only with green leafs, as it seemed still young, even after going through such a cycle. The animals of the valley glared at Wolf, as he sighed.
"It's not yet finished. Sparrow, we still have the sake of valor, if you are up to-"
Sparrow took a shot cup of the sake, as he was only slightly bigger then Bird. Drinking down the small cup of sake did he breathe it out, he looked up at the tree with eyes of pure focused willpower.
"Here me spirits of earth and heaven, grant me your powers!" Sparrow called out, as he started to do a strange dance.
He moved his feet in a style that was similar to Ti-chi, but at a must faster beat, moving his arms in a strange circle like pattern. He swung his arms from his left and right, then directed them at a branch of the tree, as petals instantly bloomed. He soon took three steps to his right with both feet, his wings moving outward in a circler motion, before pointing to a tree once more, as more petals bloomed, all gasping and looking on in awe. Sparrow danced onward, using motions of many movements that flowed together perfectly. They ranged from form clasping his wings together to form a stirring motion to a shuffling upon the ground, even hoping on one leg. With each time he pointed at the tree with his wings did more and more cherry blossom petals form, and after performing a back flip and landing on one foot did he point to top branch, as the final area of petals soon came in.
--Cherry Blossom Storm by Hiroshi Yamaguchi from Okami--
A gentle breeze blew along the area, as many still looked on at the fully bloomed tree.
"I must say, this tree is a gorgeous one!" Panda said, the others nodding to his words.
"They may have rushed things, but seeing such a healthy bloomed tree with pink blossoms really makes me feel at ease." Duck remarked with a sigh.
"Is this how big it will get?" Crane asked looking at it.
"It will only grow slightly with each year. A tree such as this one takes almost a hundred years to get as big as the ones we saw in Guardian Sapling valley!" Hawk remarked.
The animals looked on, admiring the beauty of the guardian sapling that was before them. Of course, no moment would last forever, as Bat flew into the area.
"I zee ve have a new sapling bloomed!" He stated, with a bit of a German accent.
"Bat, your up earlier then usual!" Wolf said, as others turned to him.
"Some bee's kicked me out, told me you gave them permission to have anything there." Bat remarked.
"I guess we better find a cave for you tomorrow then!" Wolf said, Bat glaring at him.
"I'll find one on my own!" He said, flying off.
"I assume Bear was the one who wreaked the Killer Bee's hive!" Panda said, with a angry glance towards Wolf.
"Yeah… we couldn't stop him in time. Trouble with Bear is he never learns his lesson!" Wolf said, as he looked over to find Bear standing on the ball, sleeping away as usual.
"No excuse. Still, at least they are not without a hive. However, I advise you keep an eye on your friend and make sure he doesn't cause anymore problems!" Panda stated, as Wolf nodded, yawning.
"Now then, I hope your holy bells will work Hedgehog. I wouldn't want anyone being possessed by those demons!" Panda stated.
"They have worked most of the time. Still, Bat will alert us if there are any problems." Hedgehog remarked.
"Good. Everyone, get some rest for now. We have earned it for today." Panda said, as he started to walk off.
Skunk followed, as he turned to look back, as Squirrel walked away with her fellow hunters.
"Skunk!" Panda called out to him, snapping Skunk out of his trance.
"Coming Master!" He stated, as he ran after Panda.
Back in the cave did Toki sit upon a rock made throne. A red imp came in, kneeling before him.
"Shogun Toki, our kite force was thwarted! The valley now has a guardian sapling, most of the monkeys fled the land, and Baboon is still in custody with those valley dwellers and demon hunters!" The imp stated.
The Shogun remained silent, but soon spoke.
"I assume they where caught in an exorcism card burst?" Toki asked, the imp nodding.
"Those cards are thorn in our plans. But I have another plan. First, I want you to see just how many troops we have left. I don't care if it takes all night; just give me a head count!" Toki said, the imp nodding as he cowardly backed away.
The shogun turned, looking into the poisonous water before him. Within the water where many black eggs piled up in the poison water, as he smiled looking at them.
"Even if they do take out the remaining demons, I still have a backup batch still developing in this poison pool of darkness!" he stated, the area no longer having any light shining into it, only dark purple flames lit the area inside the dark cave where dragon once resided.