Chapter Twelve: Test Of Strength

The next morning, Ayame wakes up early and goes to catch some fish for breakfast. After catching a good amount, she returns to the campsite and sets about prepping the fish to cooked and eaten. As she does this, the others begin to stir from their slumber.

Once the fish had been cooked, everyone gathers to eat. As they dig into the food, Roca turns to Ayame and asks, "So what are our plans for today?"

Ayame pauses with her food for a moment and says, "Well..I was thinking bout visiting Yamataikoku to the south of here." A small smile paints her lips as she adds, "My father always talked of his journeys there from Koyota during his youth to me when I was a child. It was before he became the Koyota army's general and was also where he first met my mother. I want to see the place for myself now."

Roca gives a small smile and says, "Sounds like it could be fun. I am sure the scenery is as beautiful as this place."

Clive grins as he chimes in, "Wherever you go we'll follow lass."

Ayame nods and returns his grin as she says, "Alright, once breakfast is over we'll pack up and leave for Yamataikoku on Arez."

The others nod and the group eats their fill. They then climb up onto the dragon's back and Ayame leans over and says to Arez, "Okay Arez, head south to the island four miles from here."

The dragon let's out a roar then takes off and heads in the direction it was told to go. After what felt like an hour they arrive upon the shores of the island of Yamataikoku. Arez lands and Ayame and the others climb off the dragon's back then look around in awe.

The land was abit similar to that of Kyoto with lush sakura forests but with more exotic foliage. Rivers and waterfalls carved the landscape along with misty mountains in the far distance. As the group travels further into the sakura forest Ayame couldn't help but feel as though someone was watching her.

She moves closer to Sam who was walking next to her and notices he had a wary expression and asks softly, "You sense it too huh?"

Sam nods slightly as he replies, "Yeah, I don't think we're alone in this forest."

Ayame nods then turns to the others and says gently, "Be on your guard, something's off."

Suddenly the group hears a male voice yell out to them, "You there, Halt!"

Ayame and the others stop as a few swordsmen appear in front of their path. Ayame glances around her as more swordsmen appear at the group's sides and from behind, swords drawn.

Sam grasps his sword, preparing to unsheathe it as he says with a growl, "They finally decided to show themselves." He moves in front of Ayame slightly as he says gently, "Stay close to me Ayame."

A man who looked to be the leader of the swordsmen glares at Ayame and the others as he says angrily, "Trespassers, state your business here or we will cut you down where you stand."

Ayame calmly replies, "We are just travelers passing through here. We mean no harm to you."

The swordsman raises an eyebrow then says sternly, "You say that but you could be lying. I think you be spies from the Koyota army. You will come with us to Lady Himiko for she decide your fate."

Ayame gives him a slow nod as she replies, "As you wish, but you will see the words I speak are true."

The swordsman scoffs as he says, "We'll see soon." He turns to the other men and says, "Let's go."

Ayame turns to the others and says quietly, "Do as they say lest we enrage these people further."

The others nod and a swordsman behind them says sternly to them, "Get movin!"

One of the swordsmen look at Arez and asks the leader, "What of this creature? It looks to be dangerous. Do we kill it?"

Arez growls loudly in response to the man's comment, causing him to step back.

Ayame says in a stern but reassuring voice, "He is not just some creature but a dragon and my friend. He will not harm you unless you intend to harm me or him."

The leader of the swordsmen looks between her and the dragon as he asks warily, "How do you know this?"

Ayame replies gently, "Arez has yet to harm me or my friends. That and he only follows my orders."

The man nods then turns to his men, "Leave it be." He looks at Ayame and says sternly, "Wench, should your word be false and your dragon try to harm our village we shall kill it, understand?"

Ayame nods in understanding as she says, "Fair enough, but you have my word he won't."

The leader gives her a skeptical look then gestures to his men to follow him as he says, "Back to the village!"

She and the others allow themselves to be escorted to a large village surrounded by a giant wall made long spiked wooden pillars bound together. As they pass through the gates, Ayame notices the villagers within giving her and the others both looks of curiosity and fear. They head towards a large shrine temple within the center of the village and walk up it's wooden steps and head inside.

Within the temple was a group men in front of a woman in miko clothing. She had fair skin, her long black hair braided into low twin tails in the front decorated by pale blue ribbons. As they walk towards them, Ayame hears one of the men say to the woman, "Monarch, Orochi warned us, he would destroy our country if we didn't increase our sacrifices to him. What will you do ma lady?"

A look of surprise crosses Ayame's face as she thinks to herself, "Orochi? Isn't that the name of the eight headed serpent monster spoke of only in our land's as mythical tale? He is real?" She then remembers all of the things she has encounter thus far and mentally scolds herself, "Of course he is as everything else I have seen proves to be real."

The woman has a look of despair on her face as she says, "It is tough. I think we would rather die than allow Orochi to destroy us like that." It was then that she notices the swordsmen as they stop in front of her and the one of them behind Ayame and the others says sternly to them, "Kneel before her ladyship."

As Ayame and the others comply and get on their knees, the woman looks to the leader of the swordsmen and asks, "You have brought strangers into my temple. Who are these people?"

The swordsman bows before the woman as he replies, "Ma Lady Himiko, we found these trespassers within the sakura forest outside the village. They say they are travelers but I believe them to be spies from the Kyoto army. We brought them here for your judgment. What shall we do with them?"

Lady Himiko looks at Ayame and her group and asks, "Young woman in blue, what say you in your group's defense? Choose your words wisely. For they could be your last as I can sense when a person is lying."

Ayame looks at the woman and says soft pleading tone, "I assure you we are not spies Lady Himiko. I am but a traveling herbalist and these people with me are my friends. We merely traveled here to see the land of your people as my father spoke of it in high regard when I was a child. We don't mean you or your people any harm. If you still wish to deliver punishment, then punish me for it was my idea and let my friends go free."

Lady Himiko looks at her with surprise as she hears Ayame's words of self-sacrifice. She sensed no trickery in the young girl's words. She walks over to Ayame and peers into her face. Ayame doesn't look away and gazes at the miko, her heart thundering in her chest. The miko could sense a strong magical aura from the girl and thinks, "She has strong power..maybe she can aid us."

Lady Himiko turns to the swordsmen and says, "The girl speaks words of truth. These people are but innocent travelers." She turns back to Ayame and the others and says with a sad smile, "Please stand. I apologize for our cruel treatment. Years of war have harden us and made us skeptical of outsiders."

Ayame and the others slowly stand up. She then gives the miko a reassuring look as she says with a small smile, "Tis ok, your actions are understandable." She then asks, "Orochi truly does exist?"

The miko gets a surprised look as she asks, "You heard that did ye?" When Ayame nods she says, "Yes he does, for countless months many of our people have been sacrificed to that monster. We don't have the manpower to deal with him ourselves. But..." She hesitates.

Ayame tilts her head curiously as she asks, "But...what?"

Lady Himiko gives her a pleading look as she replies, "I have sensed a strong magical power from you much greater than my own. I know I am in no place to ask such a request but I would like for you to kill Orochi for us."

Ayame's eyes widen in shock at the miko's request as she asks tentatively, "M-Me? Kill Orochi?"

The miko nods as she replies, "You are the only one capable of doing so." She then asks, "What say you?"

Ayame ponders for a moment as she thinks, "They want me to take on that monster? It be dangerous, but I was put on this world to save humanity so I'll help them."

She then looks at the miko with determination and says, "I'll do it. Tell me where to find Orochi."

Sam and the others give her surprised looks and Lady Himiko smiles as she says, "Bless you. As for finding Orochi it will be easy." She walks over to a shelf and takes down a fancy lookin bottle then picks up a blue clothing with white fur trim and walks back over to Ayame and gives them to her as says, "He likes to drink so simply puts this bottle of Sky Sake on his altar in Sky Land. And put this on as it will be cold."

Ayame nods as she takes the bottle and clothing from the miko. She shrugs on the blue clothing which turned out to be a cape as it draped over her body. She then asks, "Where is Sky Land exactly?"

The miko gives her a smile as she replies, "Don't worry bout that for I can send you there myself." She give her a apologetic look as she adds, "Unfortunately, I only have enough magic to send one person as most of it is used to defend this village. You must face Orochi alone."

Ayame's eyes widen in shock and Sam furrows his brows as he glares at the miko and protests, "You're gonna send her to fight that monster alone?! That's suicide!"

Roca nods in agreement as she chimes in, "You must at least send one of us with her!"

One of the swordsmen points a sword at Sam's chest and says angrily, "Quiet beast! You may speak only when spoken to by our lady!"

Sam stares at the swordsmen with a dark look, his fingers twitch slightly as the urge to draw his sword passed through him. However, he restrains himself for Ayame's sake.

Ayame glares at the swordsman and says, "Don't call him that! He's as human as you are. Even more so!"

Lady Himiko lifts a hand as she says, "Calm down, this man is merely concerned for her well-being." She gives the swordsmen a stern look, "I will not have blood shedded within my temple. Sheath your blade."

The swordsman does as she asks as Ayame turns to Sam and says gently, "I know you and the others are against this but I must do this. These people have no one else to help them. More people will die if Orochi lives."

Sam gives her a worried look as he says, "I know, but it's dangerous. What if something bad should happen and I am not there to protect you..I couldn't live with myself."

Ayame gives him a reassuring look as she says, "I understand, but this woman believes I can take Orochi down. If she thinks I can do it then I will trust her judgment. My powers were given to me for a reason and that is to do good like you said." She gives him a small smile as she adds, "I will be careful Sam, so please?"

Sam gazes into her eyes for a moment then lets out a deep sigh as he says, "Alright but.." He clasps his hands over hers as he says gently, "Promise me you'll come back safely in one piece. If not, I'll stay annoyingly close by your side forever."

A small blush paints Ayame's cheeks as she nods with a small smile and says, "I promise." She was touched by his concern and protective nature. It reminded of her father though Sam was gentle while her father was stern.

As Sam releases her hands Ayame turns to the miko and says, "I'm ready when you are Lady Himiko."

Sam watches as the miko nods and a blue light begins to glow around her as she begins to chant. A blue magic circle appears under Ayame's feet and her body glows with a blinding bright light and she disappears from his sight. He let's out another sigh and Roca pats his shoulder to comfort him as he thinks to himself, "If there are any gods, hear me and let her come back to me safely. Don't take her from me."

Meanwhile in Sky Land, Ayame shivers as a blast of cold wind caresses her bare skin and she looks around. She was ontop a hill and the land and trees around her was covered in snow.

Up ahead of her was a large blue altar and she thinks to herself, "That must be the altar. Time to face Orochi and hope I make it out of this alive." The snow crunches under her feet as she walks over to the altar and places the bottle of sky sake upon it's center and takes a few steps back away from it.

A flash of light comes from the sky as she hears a voice says with a hiss, "What an aromatic wine." A bolt of lightning descends down to the ground before the altar, causing Ayame to shield her eyes due to the bright light. When the light fades she looks and there before the altar was the eight-head serpent monster, Orochi. He had green scales and a yellow underbelly. His body covered almost all of the hill.

She stares in awe as the giant eight-headed snake flicks his tongue out, tasting the air and he looks down at Ayame and says with a hiss, "Not only do I get wonderful wine but they sent me a beautiful maiden as well. Tell me are you this year's sacrifice? You look delicious. I can't wait to taste you."

Ayame gulped slightly but stood firm as she says defiantly, "No I am not. I am here to kill you."

Orochi laughs as he says mockingly, "Ridiculous! You, a feeble human, want to kill me? Don't overestimate your own strength. Your life will end once I, Orochi, eat your delicious-looking body."

Ayame smirks as she says confidently, "You will soon know my ability once you try to eat me."

Orochi bares his fangs at her as he hisses while saying, "Then I will send you to the King of Hell. Let you repent in front of him."

The eight-headed snake lunges at her and she dodges then sends a blast of lightning magic at Orochi causing him to shriek in pain and three of his head's opens their mouths as a blue ball of magic forms within and shoot them at Ayame, who casts a water shield around her to protect herself from the barrage of the attack.

Ayame then summons water around her and casts it at Orochi, sending scythe-like blades of water at him. They strike several of his heads, cutting them from his torso and leaving only his main head behind. This causes Orochi to screech out in pain and rage as he whips his large tail at Ayame and she dodges out of the way in time.

She then sends another blast of lightning magic at Orochi and he shrieks in pain again then sends another barrage of magic blasts at her. Ayame manages to shield herself from his attacks, but, to her surprise, Orochi lashes his tail out at her once more as she did so and ensnares her within it.

Ayame struggles to get free but it was vain and she could feel the snake's coils tighten around her, making it harder for her to breathe. She hears Orochi laugh as he says, "Nice try, but no one has ever defeated me. I'll admit, you took me by surprise dear sorceress but now it ends here."

Ayame struggled to stay conscious but with each breath her world became darker and all she could think of was Sam for how she had failed to keep her promise to him. Just as Orochi was about to eat her, a loud roar is heard and flames rain down upon Orochi, causing him to shriek in pain and loosen his grip on Ayame.

Ayame feels Orochi's tail loosen and she takes this chance to escape and stumbles to the ground as her vision was still abit blurry. She breathes of a load of fresh cold air into her lungs and her vision clears. She then turns to see Arez tackling Orochi from above. She watches in awe as Orochi thrashes wildly to shake Arez off of him but it was in vain. The dragon tears into the giant snake's body with it's claws, and crushes the Orochi's throat with one powerful bite from it's dagger-like teeth-filled jaws.

As Orochi falls to the ground in a bloody heap, Arez lands beside Ayame in a protective stance then roars fiercely at Orochi. The dragon then swivels it's head towards Ayame and nuzzles her with it's snout.

Ayame reaches up to touch Arez's snout and asks softly in disbelief, "Arez...how..?" She then remembers the mark on her hand and glances down at it, "The mark...through it...you sensed I was in trouble." A smile paints her lips as she hugs the dragon's face, her body trembling and tears threatening to fall down her cheeks "...You saved me. Thank you, my friend."

A glow of bright light makes them both turn and Ayame watches in awe as Orochi's body began to shrink and change a smaller sized version of himself. Ayame slowly gets up and walks over to investigate as she thinks to herself, "Why has he become small?"

Upon closer inspection, Ayame notices something jutting out of Orochi's tail and thinks, "Looks like there's something in his tail. I wonder what it is..guess I'll find out." She walks over to Orochi's tail and kneels down next to it and begins to pull on the object. After a few tugs, it comes out and Ayame sees that the object within her hands is a sword.

She notices it had carved kanji writing upon it and looks closer at the words. Ayame reads it out softly, "Heavenly Sword of Gathering Clouds." She ponders for a moment as she thinks, "Why does that sound familiar...wait, could this be the legendary sword spoke of in the tale of Susanoo? My father spoke of the tale once but to think it actually exists.."

Suddenly the sword glows with a bright light then vanishes. Ayame looks around and says, "W-where did it go?" She then thinks to herself, "Well wherever it went I'm sure there's a reason for it."

A relieved sigh escapes her lips as Ayame glances at Orochi's dead corpse and says, "Glad that's over with. Now to get the hell out of here." She then stands up and walks over to Arez. She climbs onto the dragon's back then leans forward and pets the dragon's neck as she says, "Take me back to others, Arez."

The dragon let's out a roar and flaps it wings as it takes off into the air and flies in the direction of Lady Himiko's village. As she soars ontop of Arez, Ayame stares at the skyline and thinks to herself, "I was almost at death's door just now. Guess there are some things in this world that even I can't handle. How can they expect me to save the world when I can't even save myself?" The images of her friend's faces flash through her mind, "Not only that, how can I protect those that mean the most to me?"

After awhile the village comes into Ayame's sights and Arez flies down and lands in front of Lady Himiko's temple. Ayame climbs down off of Arez's back and pets the dragon once more then heads inside the temple.

Inside the room, Sam was pacing and Roca says reassuringly to him, "She's gonna be alright Sam. Have alittle faith in her."

He prepares to protest when a familiar scent hits his nose and he turns to see Ayame walking in the doorway of the temple.

Ayame waves to all of them as she says, "I'm back every-Ah!" Her words are cut off as Sam runs over to her and embraces her tightly. Heat rose to Ayame's cheeks as she feels everyone's eyes on them and she says softly, "Um..Sam."

Sam pulls back slightly and asks softly, "You're not hurt?" He brushes her cheek with his thumb as he inspects her face. She seemed to be okay.

Roca nudges Clive and he grins at her as they exchange knowing looks while they watched the interaction between Ayame and Sam.

Ayame gives him a reassuring smile as she replies, "I'm alright Sam." She watches as Sam breathes out a sigh of relief and let's go of her.

She then turns to Lady Himiko and says, "Your ladyship, you needn't worry bout Orochi anymore as he has been slayed."

Lady Himiko smiles at her warmily as she says, "I knew I was right in choosing you. You shall be known as the warrior who killed Orochi." She then asks," Tell me, what name do you go by?"

Ayame give her a sad smile as she replies, "Ayame Tsuruko your ladyship, but to be honest I am not worthy of such an honor. For you see, Orochi almost claimed me as well." Sam's eyes widen in shock along with everyone else at this while Ayame continued, "I did managed to harm him, but Orochi outwitted me. Had it not been for my dragon Arez I woulda been snake food. If you should thank anyone it should be my dragon for he had sensed I was in trouble and came to my rescue whilst dealing the killing blow to Orochi."

Lady Himiko gives her a small smile as she says, "You are humble, I like that." She then adds, "Be as it may, Orochi has fallen by your hand. We shall hold a feast tonight in honor of you helping us."

Ayame nod with a smile then remembers the sword and says to Lady Himiko, "By the way your ladyship, I found a sword within Orochi's tail which had the words "Heavenly Sword Of Gathering Clouds" carved upon it. When I took it out, it glowed with a bright light and vanished."

The miko gives her a embarrassed look as she says, "I know of that blade and I am ashamed. That sword was originally a holy relic protected by generations of Yamataikoku's kings and queens." She frowns as she continues, "However, one day it was stolen by Orochi and hidden in his tail. As a result, Orochi gradually became stronger and stronger."

She then gives Ayame a smile as she says gratefully, "When you killed him, the sword returned to me itself." She turns around and walks over to an altar and picks up a clothed object. She brings it over to Ayame and hands it to her.

Ayame takes it from her and uncovers the object partially and her eyes widen in shock as it was the sword she had pulled out of Orochi. She then hears Lady Himiko say, "Now that you have killed Orochi, this sword belongs to you."

Ayame looks up at the miko in disbelief as she stutters, "M-Me? B-But I can't...it should stay with you as you are the queen of Yamataikoku."

Lady Himiko shakes her head as she replies, "I may be the queen but I failed in my duty of protecting it. I believe the gods have planned this all along. That sword was destined to be wielded by you and I hope you can make use of it to wipe out all evil forces."

Ayame glances down at the sword and thinks to herself, "Am I really worthy of such a weapon?" She then bows before the miko and says, "Thank you, your ladyship. I will do my best."

Lady Himiko smiles then turns to one of swordsmen and says, "Begin the preparations for the feast tonight." She turns to another one, "You and a few others prepare them rooms to sleep for the night." The swordsmen nod then set about to do as she asked.

Ayame blushes as she says shyly, "Y-You don't have to do that. I don't wish to impose upon you."

The miko gives her a reassuring look as she says, "I insist, it would be rude of me to send our hero and her friends to sleep in the woods."

Sam places a hand on Ayame's shoulder and says to her, "Let's take her up on her offer. Besides it'll only be for tonight."

Ayame considers it for a moment then nods with a smile at Lady Himiko and thanks her for her hospitality. Later on that night the village celebrates the death of Orochi and the group was treated to delicacies of roasted wild meat and vegetables along with bottles of sake. Each of them were pulled into dancing til they could no more. It was a night Ayame would not easily forget.