Chapter 6:

(Yasuko's Pov)

A woman with shocking red her and predatory green eyes exited from the tent Masahiro had just entered moments ago. Her gaze caught on to mine as I froze in fear. This was the outstanding General Kikyo who, was raised to power evening without the help of Imperial Arms.

"Introducing my lady," Masahiro announced looking a bit flustered a hand on one of his blades. "General Kikyo."

"My, my, my." Kiyoko smirks. "Everyone got here pretty fast today. Nobody it seems has to be punished. However," Her eyes settled on me again after a quick survey. "There seems to be someone I've never seen here. I wonder who she may be. I do hope to meet her soon after this."

Everyone around me shuffled nervously and I couldn't blame them. Kikyo's presence was alarming and commanded respect and fear of those around her. My mouth opened and closed unsure of the fact if, I should mention something.

"Lilith, my lady." I looked straight ahead refusing to meet her stare. "Reporting for duty under your care. I'm a new recruit for the Imperial Army."

"Lilith..." My name was punctuated slowly and carefully. "I want to test out your skills. Masahiro?"

"Yes my lady." Masahiro's eyes met mine in apology as a beam of light went through his left shoulder and hitting the general clean through the head. A perfect shot as one may say.

*~* (Masahiro's Pov)

Masahiro's instincts took over and he gripped Odayakana dropping down into a crouch. "Defend the general!" He shouted. The pain in his shoulder disappearing as he lets the blade take slight control. "Now!"

Yasuko's eyes widened and a brief period of hesitation entered her eyes, she was grateful for the hood she had pulled on moments before. She backs away slowly her hand on the hilt of Utau Hāmonī which was hidden below the cloak.

"Lilith?" Masahiro whispers confused looking at the body of Kiyoko. His face cleared void of any emotion once more getting up and taking a step forward. "Did you plot against our lady?"

He was close enough to view her face. Of course, it had to be him to figure it out.

Yasuko turned and ran as fast as she could and seemed to disappear in the woods behind some trees. "That was close." She mumbled hoping nobody heard her.

Masahiro turned to look at the others. "Damn it! Prepare to bring the general back for a proper burial. I'll go after her."

"General Nakagawa. You're now in charge and hurt. We'll tell of her to the empire. However, none of us clearly saw her face." A soldier dropped in front of his feet and paused hesitating as if looking for the right words. "Expect you that is."

Masahiro nods slowly the image of Yasuko in his head. "Okay, get me treated at once." He kept his grip on Odayakana and wouldn't let go.