It had been quite the trip for Kagami and Luka. After setting out to find the other-which they managed-they attempted to return to the Hidden Snake Village. They discovered the village had been razed and the inhabitants all slain. And they knew who ordered it-the sigils that flew in the village were those of Saiki, the Dark Lord.

A few days later, they ran face-to-face into the Dark Lord. And Saiki found himself enamored with Lady Kagami. And Luka promised that Saiki would have to kill him before he'd get Kagami. But something else happened-Luka found himself developing feelings for the Dragon Warrior-feelings that she reciprocated. And now, they were climbing the mountains to reach the Dragon Village.

They reached a tall gate with two dragons of gold entwined together. Luka said, "Is this the Dragon Village?"

Kagami said, "It is to outsiders…but to me, it is home." So, Kagami and Luka entered the village-which, with its opulence, looked like a city. Kagami said, "I'll take you to the palace. We can plan what to do next from there."

Soon enough, Luka met the leaders of the village. He explained what had happened-including the destruction of the Snake Village. He also mentioned the encounter with Saiki-leaving out the bits about where Saiki nearly violated Kagami. After he finished, a woman stood. She had a cloth over her eyes. She said, "Well, I am happy to see that Kagami has been kept safe…thank you for helping my daughter, Luka."

Luka said, "Kagami helped me, as well…but our battle against Saiki will not be easy. We saw firsthand what he could do."

Lady Tomoe said, "Well, you have traveled far and long for each other. Tonight, we will celebrate and you can rest and enjoy the pleasures of the village. However, based on what you've experienced…I feel that you want to enjoy the pleasure of my daughter…"

Luka and Kagami reddened at this. Lady Tomoe said, "I understand…you are both young…anyway, go and prepare for the celebration!"

At that, several retainers approached Luka and escorted hm to a room. And Luka was stunned into silence at the room. He was a modest man-and he couldn't believe the opulence of this room. One of the retainers came to him and said, "Come with me. I have prepared a bath for you."

Luka followed the retainer to a pool. Luka ran his hand along the water-and noted the water was warm. The retainer said, "We have engineered a system to utilize the warm gases from beneath the earth to warm our baths. Enjoy, Luka."

Luka undressed and entered the pool. He released a sigh as the warm water eased the tension from his body. Maybe it was the warmth of the water…but he thought he saw a woman entering the bath-and she was clad in a very thin robe. His senses snapped into focus-and he simply said, "Kagami-hime?"

Kagami said, "Yes, Luka. I wish to join you."

Luka fought back a rising wave of panic-of course he was in love with Kagami…but he wasn't sure about doing this. He said, "Kagami-isn't that improper?"

Kagami said, "I am of one of the highest houses in this village. And who will tell me what I can or cannot do? And what I want to do…is share this bath with you." She then removed the robe-allowing Luka to gaze upon her beautiful body. It was only the second time he saw her in her glory. She then quietly entered the pool. She waded across the pool until she was now face to face with Luka. She turned and leaned her back against Luka's chest. And Luka could feel her presence causing changes to him.

She said, "Luka…I…I may be powerful…but when we fought Saiki…I had never felt so weak. And what was worse…was what he was planning…that's not how I wanted my first time to be…"

Luka went silent…Kagami turned to him…and pressed her lips to his. She said, "There's only one man worthy to be my first…and that's you, Luka. I hope I am pleasing to you…"

Luka said, "Kagami…this is a bit much…I mean, I would love that…let's wait until we finish our mission…deal?"

Kagami smiled, and they came together in another kiss. She said, "Deal, Luka. Now, I'd better go. My handmaidens are going to prepare me for the dinner." She climbed out of the pool and dried herself off. She left…and Luka was now alone. He was now starting to miss her being with him…but he knew he'd see her soon enough at the celebration.

Once back in his bedroom, Luka saw that there was a set of clothes for him-in the style of the village. He got dressed and headed to the main hall. Once there, he was amazed at what he saw. They had only arrived a few hours ago-and the hall was abuzz with activity. There were musicians and dancers. He saw circles where men were competing against each other in a form of wrestling or with wooden swords. There were several large tables with plates of food-vegetables, soups, roasted meats…

Lady Tomoe came up to Luka, and said, "Amazed this was set up in such a short time?"

Luka replied, "Yes…I have never experienced something of this magnificence before."

Lady Tomoe said, "I know that you are from humble stock. And I can feel that Kagami is enamored with you. Do you have the same feelings towards my daughter as she does for you?"

Luka said, "Lady Tomoe…I cannot deny it…after I returned to my home…and saw the devastation caused by Saiki's army…Kagami provided me comfort. We became very close during our travels."

At that, a voice said, "Mother…I hope you are not torturing Luka…"

Luka turned to see Kagami-who was wearing a very beautiful kimono. Lady Tomoe said, "Of course not, my dear…but I'm going to let you two enjoy the party." With that, Lady Tomoe took her leave. So Kagami and Luka enjoyed the party. And at one point, Kagami said, "Come, Luka. Let us dance."

Luka said, "I'm not one for dancing…"

Kagami said, "No? Even though your power is based on music? I'll even show you the steps."

Kagami led Luka to an area where other couples were dancing. She said, "Watch me, and follow along!" She spun and moved her hands to the beat. Luka watched-and after she danced, he joined her in the dance. They both were enjoying themselves, wearing smiles as they shared the dance.

However, like many good things, the party soon wound down. Kagami said, "I have enjoyed this…but I am ready to retire for the night."

Lady Tomoe said, "Well, then. Luka…escort my daughter to her private chambers." She then leaned close to Luka, and said, "Luka…I know your feelings for Kagami…but tonight you shall sleep in your own room…unless you are ready to provide me with a grandchild…"

Luka coughed and said, "Of course, Lady Tomoe." With that, Luka and Kagami headed to her private chamber. Luka said, "Enjoy your rest, Kagami-hime."

Kagami said, "I will. And I am happy that my last sight for the night is you."

Meanwhile, in his dark fortress, Saiki contemplated his next course of action. He had received report that Luka and Kagami arrived in the Dragon Village. That would complicate him acquiring his quarry-the lovely Lady Kagami. He looked at a map and saw the city of Terrador. An advisor said, "Are you considering attacking that city?"

Saiki replied, "No, you fool. Unlike the Snake Village, that is a fortified city. And I do not want to waste men or resources laying siege to a city that might not fall."

One of the advisors said, "My lord…the Snake Champion's sister lives here. She is acting as a diplomat…but now she resides there permanently."

Saiki said, "Is this truth?"

The advisor said, "I've had someone on the inside relaying me information. It is very reliable."

Saiki then said, "Then we have found another weakness to attack. Bring me my elite force."

Saiki stood in front of this elite force-10 men strong. He said, "Your mission-is to infiltrate Terrador. You are to find the sister of the Snake Champion and bring her here. She must be brought back alive."

The captain of the elites stood forward, and said, "Lord Saiki-we will not fail."

Saiki dismissed his forces to concentrate on his goal-eliminating the Snake Champion, conquering the world…and making Lady Kagami his queen…

And that brings this chapter to an end...and more ominous happenings?