The next day Chen Gong summoned Gao Shun to his quarters as he doing some admin work for Xia Pi while trying to come up with the best strategy to use against Cao Cao. He thought Gao Shun would be able to take care of the meddling serpent. He summoned him to come up with he next part of dealing with her now that the hermit has been taken care of. Suddenly a soldier emerged and knelt infront of Chen Gongs desk as he's writing something on a scroll.

'My lord lord Gao Shun has-'

'Ahh he's here, excellent send him in.' Chen Gong interrupted.

'No my lord. He's…he's…dead.' The soldier hesitated to answer him. Chen Gong stopping writing, his eyes wide open in shock though he looks down at the desk not revealing the horror on his face as he knows full well who did it.

'I-I see. H-how did it happen?' Chen Gong questioned, he attempted to keep calm however he couldn't help but stutter.

'it seems that he got bitten. Word is that he was hunting snakes my lord, but reports seen him walking down to his quarters yesterday and that was the last they saw him alive.'

'Hunting snakes? I know that hermit eliminated him but how…wasn't he going to meet with Gao Shun yesterday? …No there's no way he could've anticipated our strategy right? Even so that doesn't explain why he was spotted returning to his quarters…GRR DAMNIT! HOW DID HE OUTSMART ME AGAIN!?' Chen Gong was internally fuming inside and struggled to make sense of it all. How could he have failed, could he really have seen through his strategy with him? No that can't be. Even if he did he would've killed him before he made his move…right?

'Erm, my lord?' The soldier looks up worried about his silence. Chen Gong shook his head, he knew that he needed to carry on and keep up his act.

'I see. Well we'll have to move on anyway and focus on our defences, no doubt Cao Cao intends to delay the siege until we run out of resources. Give the order for everyone to impose rations on both soldier and citizen alike. We can't afford to waste anything during this siege. And do not reveal the cause of death to anyone else, we can't afford a castle-wide panic at this moment in time.' Chen Gong ordered. The soldier nodded.

'Yes my lord as you wish.' He stands up and retreats from Chen Gong's quarters as he sits there looking troubled.

'Damnit! I can't afford to send anymore against him, not with Cao Cao right outside our castle. I'll have to deal with him first then we can deal with the hermit if he still lives after the battle. I doubt it since their forces will be on the frontline but I can't underestimate him anymore. Though in order for us to win we'll have to send an emissary to Yuan Shu for reinforcements…and I have the perfect person for the job.'

Elsewhere word reached Mitsuko and the other generals that Gao Shun has died mysteriously in his sleep and whispers were heard from the common soldiers and citizens speculating his death, some were mournful while some simply didn't care too much.

'So Gao Shun's dead huh? Don't suppose you know what happened to him do you?' Mitsuko questioned Pang Tong next to her as they were overseeing Zang Ba and Wu Zi training the soldiers.

'No not really, though a few claim he was hunting snakes before he died.' Mitsuko thought that to be odd. Hunting snakes? Are there any snakes even here in Xia Pi? And why would he be hunting them anyway? There's not any kind of snake related deaths that she heard about. The only snake here is…then it started to click into her mind what may have happened.

'Pang Tong, did you have anything to do with this?'

'Me? Of course not my lady, do you really think of me as a cold blooded killer?' Pang Tong feigned being offended. Mitsuko gave him a suspicious glare in response, not convinced of his innocence.

'…Well I may have lured him into my quarters for a game of GO and then had a venomous snake bite him.' He stated casually. At this point Mitsuko isn't even that surprised that he said it so casually anymore, it was more because he admitted to killing an "ally."

'And why did you do that may I ask?' Mitsuko asked, wanting to see if her suspicions are true. Pang Tong looked like he was pondering his answer as he places his hand on his chin touching the veil over his face.

'I believe it may have something to do with the fact that he was someone who was deceitful, after all we can't have too many of those wondering around can we my lady?'

'Perhaps not but do you think there was a better way to handle it?'

'I could've made it messier if you preferred.' Pang Tong chuckled.

'I have no doubt about that, though I don't suppose you know why he was hunting snakes do you?'

'I think he was under the instruction of Chen Gong since I hear he hates serpents…and phoenixes oddly enough.' Pang Tong chuckled again, that took Mitsuko off guard. Really? Chen Gong of all people? She knew he wasn't her biggest fan but to attempt to take her life?

'Really? Why would Chen Gong do that to me?'

'its fear my lady, he's just afraid of you. Afraid of what you'll become. But don't worry now that Gao Shun is out of the picture he shouldn't do anything else to you for the moment, at least not while Cao Cao is our neighbour, knocking on our door.' Pang Tong explained. Mitsuko still couldn't fully comprehend that someone would hate her enough to attempt to take her life. Except for one person. Her eyes turn to a sea blue colour without her knowledge.

Mitsuko suddenly finds herself on top of quite a large building in her school uniform along with another school girl on the other side, her distinct long hair that was dyed blood red was instantly recognisable to Mitsuko.

'Akari!' Mitsuko sprinted as fast as she can towards her however as she got close she shouted at her.

'Stay back!' Mitsuko immediately stopped in her tracks right behind her.

'Hey what's the matter? You ok?' She asked softly as she reaches out to her.

'No of course I'm not!' She uncharacteristically yelled causing Mitsuko to retract her hand. She slowly turns around to reveal bruises and small cuts on her body, particularly her chest area, Mitsuko's eyes widen in bewilderment.

'Wh-what happened to you?' She questioned with concern.

'What do you think? That stupid bitch got to me that's what! But…that isn't what hurts the most.' She replied sadly as she clutches her school uniform shirt above her chest area.

'What hurts the most is that you weren't there for me! Why weren't you there!?' She asked angrily with tears streaming down her face. Mitsuko didn't know how to react to this. She didn't even know how she got up here. Though she knew what she was alluding to.

'I'm sorry I didn't know, had I known I would've been there I-'

'But I did tell you! I thought you would understand me after what we had you know?' She buries her hands in her hands and started crying which broke Mitsuko's heart.

'I-I know and I'm sorry, I didn't realise you were calling for help. Had I known I would've been there by you.'

'Would you really? Or would you still be there being all happy with that white haired woman you care so much.' White haired woman what does she mean?

'Wait you mean LingQi, how do you?'

'I see you all the time with her! Laughing away, enjoying each others companies like we used to do! Except with someone else, I thought we-we would've been together forever. Isn't that what we promised!?'

'That's not fair I haven't-'

'WHAT'S NOT FAIR IS YOU ABANDONING ME FOR SOMEONE ELSE!' She shrieks as her eyes turn blood red as they start to bleed and her hands wrap around Mitsuko's throat and forcing her down onto her knees. Mitsuko instinctively grabs her wrists as Akari's eyes pierces her soul.

'WHY!? WHAT DID I DO TO YOU!? TELL ME! WHY DID YOU ABANDON AND FORGET ABOUT ME!' Mitsuko didn't know what to do, should she just let her do this and let her exact her vengeance? Mitsuko believes that she can get through to her, she just needs to calm down but she can't do that if she's dead! She instinctively pushes her away while exclaiming "get off!" so she can calm down. However Mitsuko realised that she may have pushed her a bit too far as Akari reaches dangerously close to the edge of the building.

'Akari!' She yells as she reaches her hand out to her, though it was too late. Akari fell off the edge as she screams which were suddenly silenced. Mitsuko immediately looks over the edge only to see her corpse lying on the floor with blood pouring out of her head surrounded by various schoolchildren but there was one she noticed instantly hiding in the back of the crowd all alone. It was herself. She looked up and stared at her empty, abyss like eyes and points at her. Mitsuok's confused until she uttered a single word.

'Murderer.'

'What?'

'Murderer.' The…imitation? Declares yet again. Suddenly more and more of the schoolchildren around the corpse look up and gradually declare the same thing.

'Murderer.'

'Murderer.'

'Murderer.'

It all started to get overwhelming for Mitsuko especially as they didn't let her explain.

'Wait, it was an accident I didn't-'

'Murderer.'

Mitsuko became so horrified by the voices especially as she hears them getting louder and louder. Eventually she heard the voices coming from inside her own mind. It all got too much for her to control as she clutches her head and went down on her knees and put her head down on the ground as the word murderer is all she can think and hear. Suddenly it all went silent as Mitsuko hears a familiar voice call out to her, the schoolchildren start to disappear as her voice gets louder. All of a sudden Mitsuko wakes up as she finds herself in her bed surrounded by her officers.

'Ahh you're awake my lady, how do you feel?' Pang Tong questioned before he takes a quick sip of his flask. Mitsuko sat up feeling a bit disorientated for a moment before quickly taking in her surroundings while her nose feels a bit bruised.

'I'm ok, what happened, why am I here?'

'Well for some reason you just fainted out in the open. No warning at all you just fell to the ground, though luckily I caught you.' Pang Tong explained.

'Then why does my nose hurt?' Mitsuko asked as she rubs it.

'I didn't say I was successful.' Pang Tong chuckled.

'Fair enough, was LingQi here by chance?' Mitsuko wondered.

'She did, though she said that she couldn't say for long as she had a meeting with her father but she did call out to you as she saw you tossing and turning. She did say she'd like to meet you near the hidden west gate leading into a nearby forest.' Wu Zi answered. Xia Pi was a castle built in times of war, the architects knew that if the castle was under siege they'll need a way to get reinforcements or supplies elsewhere so they constructed a hidden game that can just about fit a carriage through that leads to a forest to allow them to escape and get reinforcements or supplies.

'Is that so? Well I better meet her then.' Mitsuko quickly removed her blanket and stands up, stretches and then goes on her way.

'Are you sure that's wise? You've been out a while I'm sure she can wait a few more minutes while you get your bearings.'

'C'mon how long has it been?' Mitsuko opens the door only to be hit by darkness and moonlight up above.

'Oh…that long.'

'I told you its been a while.' Pang Tong chuckled as he takes a quicks sip before Mitsuko closes the door behind her and briskly walks to her location wondering why she called her out there of all places. She reaches her destination only to find her onlooking a carriage as they seem to be preparing it for a voyage or something.

'You called?' Mitsuko calls right behind which makes LingQi jump with surprise.

'Mitsuko you surprised me.'

'I suppose that's what you call payback.' LingQi couldn't help but laugh softly at that as she faces the side with her left check only visible to Mitsuko, though she recognises that's somethings wrong. Her laugh seemed a bit more…sad.

'Hey you ok?' Mitsuko asked.

'yeah I'm fine.' LingQi responded again with a hint of sadness.

'What about you though? I heard you fainted are you ok?' her voice went from sad to concerned in a split second.

'Yeah I'm fine, don't worry about me. I just haven't been sleeping well last night.' Mitsuko lied as she still had no idea what exactly happened back then but she didn't really want to dwell on it.

'I see.' Was all LingQi replied with, they both stood in silence for a few seconds before Mitsuko spoke up attempting some conversation.

'So what's happening back there, sounds like they're going on a journey to the west or something.'

'They are, they're actually going to implore Yuan Shu for reinforcements which is why I actually called you out here.' She explained.

'What are our forces going to playing guard duty as we attempt to escape?' Mitsuko jested. LingQi sadly shakes her head.

'Actually I called you here to say goodbye.' Mitsuko immediately paused to comprehend what she just heard. Goodbye? What? Why would she say that for?

'What do you mean goodbye, what's going on?' She questioned breathlessly.

'To get the best chance at securing the reinforcements my father and Chen Gong explained that the wedding has to go through so this is where I have to take my leave.' She responded sadly, Mitsuko could tell that she's keeping in her tears that are threatening to escape her eyes. She turns around to face her fully that's when Mitsuko looked aghast at the sight of what seems to be a red mark the size of a hand across her right cheek. She wondered who did it, a second later it came to her.

'D-did your father do that to you?' LingQi could only chortle softly.

'It's the price I pay for disobedience and for not attending an invitation I didn't even receive. Its funny really, I never thought I'd put a hand on my father at all but…when I saw how much he was hurting you I just…lost it you know, even still I don't really regret it when I think about what may have happened to you if I didn't interfere.' Mitsuko couldn't respond as it was a bit too much to take in at once. Lu Bu dared to lay a finger on her daughter for simply not wanting to be married against her will, saving her friend and for not attending a party she would've hated anyway!? Wait…does that mean…Mitsuko had a part in this? Was she part of the reason why she was struck? That hurt her more than anything.

'Though what pains me the most despite everything is the knowledge that…I won't ever see you the next day for a long time. So I wanted to thank you for what you did for me, I don't know what would've happened if I hadn't met you. I'm really glad I had the opportunity to be your friend.' LingQi wipes the tears threatening to leave her eyes as Mitsuko instinctively just embraced her. LingQi was surprised at first but she returns it and genuinely smiles.

'Me too, I'm really glad to have met you. I don't think I could've made it this far without you.'

'Of course you could.' LingQi reassures her as she stifles a sad laugh.

'I don't know about that, but I just want to say thank you for being there for me…I really don't want you to go.' Mitsuko started to get choked up as she also feels the tears threatening to leave her eyes aswell.

'I know, I don't want to leave either but I can't do anything about it. Though between you and me I hate this idea of being married to someone I don't love, I hate my father for doing this to me but I can't do anything. I always imagined I'd be a warrior not a trophy wife though I suppose this is the role I have to play now.' She responded sadly with tears starting to run down her face. She pulls away from the embrace and sees Mitsuko's miserable expression as she holds her tears in. She grabs the back of her head and lightly put their foreheads together which bewilders Mitsuko.

'Mitsuko, promise me something. Promise me that you'll still continue to be well and strong even in the worst of times. That you'll look after yourself until our next meeting if we ever have one.'

'Only if you promise the same thing.' LingQi couldn't help but giggle at this.

'That's not fair.'

'Sometimes I'm not a fair person when something like this arises.' Mitsuko sniggered.

'Then in that case sure, lets both make the same vow.' The carriages horse neighed, they both turn towards the carriage and then at each other.

'I suppose I better go.' Something in LingQi compelled her to do something she never thought she'd do. She grabs Mitsuko's face and plants a soft kiss on her right cheek leaving Mitsuko astonished.

'Farewell, Mitsuko. I wish you the best for your future.' She responded sadly as she started to walk away. Mitsuko immediately attempted to reach her arm out to grab her but she was paralysed. She couldn't explain it but her body wouldn't let her run up and grab her. She wanted to call her name out however she could only watch as she embarks on the carriage which starts to leave as the hidden gate opens slowly though oddly enough does now creak loudly like the main gates. Mitsuko just drops to her knees and then goes on her hands as the tears stream. She slammed her fists on the ground for a solid minute or so just out of sheer frustration, frustrated with herself, frustrated with her best friend leaving, with…the leaders. Chen Gong and Lu Bu…they caused this. She knows she can't just stay out here, she eventually wipes her tears away returns to her quarters with her officers concerned and asking what happened. Mitsuko told them everything as she sat on the edge of her bed looking deep in thought as she rested her chin on her hands as they interlocked with each other.

'Grr that Lu Bu makes me so mad! I can't believe I actually decided to join up with him!' Zang Ba slammed his fist into his palm angrily.

'Quite, his true colours now show. To put a hand to his daughter…disgraceful.' Wu Zi shakes his head disappointedly.

'So they decided to actually go through with it? They may have sent her a bit late aswell to add insult to injury. Poor woman, being forced into marriage against her will. Once again, women being used for political gain. I can't imagine our lady is too thrilled with this.' Pang Tong glanced at Mitsuko who still seemed to be in deep thought, not paying any attention to the conversation.

'At least we serve lady Mitsuko faithfully now rather than lord Lu Bu.' Wu Zi stated.

'Yeah that's true, we have a leader worth following now. Still though, sending one of our strongest warriors in the army away is a dumb move. They may attack any moment! Damn I wish we can do something!' Zang Ba stated angrily.

'Indeed but the only thing we can do is bide our time. If we do anything we'll surely get surrounded and annihilated by the rest of the army. This may not be the best position to be in but we can't do anything about it. Besides we need to check with lady Mitsuko to see what she wants, this conversation is pointless if she doesn't wish to do anything.' Pang Tong explains as they all look upon Mitsuko with expectation for an answer, though she still looks deep in thought.

Mitsuko thinks about everything that had happened since she joined the army as Lu Bu offered a place within his ranks. The conversations with LingQi and then remembering the fresh red mark upon her face caused by her father just because she didn't want to marry some random stranger. The helplessness she felt as she just watched her embark on the carriage and rides off. The tears that fell from her face as she turned away from her. Suddenly she got an image of Chen Gong and Lu Bu laughing at her along with those other school children in her own time. Laughing at her helplessness, at her weakness, her failures. Well not anymore! She refused to be helpless anymore, she refused to dwell on her failures, she refused to be weak! Her hands turn into two separate fists as her eyes turn into her demonic snake eyes.

'Pang Tong, you said that Chen Gong was afraid of me is that right?' Mitsuko asked seriously.

'I did yes.'

'Then I will give him and Lu Bu a reason to be afraid.'

'Oh? Excellent how will you do that then?' Pang Tong inquired as Mitsuko stands up. She grabs her scythe and starts to walk to the door.

'I'm going to kill them!' She seethed her words with hatred.

'Excellent that's wond-wait what?' Pang Tong took a second to comprehend what she just said.

'My lady that's a bad idea!' He stands up as he walks behind her with Zang Ba and Wu Zi rushing in front of an angry Mitsuko.

'He's right my lady.' Wu Zi and Zang Ba step in front of her though she pushes them away with brute force Knocking Wu Zi on the floor and Zang Ba on the wall out of anger.

'I don't care, I can't stomach the idea of them both living another minute!' Mitsuko yelled as she makes her way to the door. As she puts hand on the handle as Pang Tong pipes up.

'You'll die before you even get to him. Even if you do defy the odds and kill him all you'll prove is that you're no better than him.' That got Mitsuko's blood boiling.

'You dare compare me to him!'

'Would I be wrong? You're using just brute force instead of your head at the moment. I understand you're furious and you have every right to hate them both with a passion, though you can't let that hatred blind you. If you do you'll be no better than the man you'd have killed. Chen Gong probably wants this to happen, you can't play into his hands. You will get your chance we will aid you in whatever you ask. However I ask that you calm your blade temporarily until we formulate a strategy and we can proceed from there. Getting yourself killed will not help anyone.' Pang Tong warned. Mitsuko never felt so conflicted before, she wanted to tear both of their heads off with her bear hands so much, though she can't deny the words of the fledgling phoenix. She knows deep down she's not acting the best way but she can't help it. Her hatred of both of them grew immensely. However after second guessing herself she sighs and steps away.

'I hate to admit this, but you're right. As much as I want to kill them, I will stay my blade. I'm sorry for acting like that. I just…want to hurt them so bad for what they've done!' she exclaims as she took deep breaths to help herself be calm. Wu Zi and Zang Ba stood up and immediately responded by saying that they completely understood and there was no need to apologise as they went on one knee and bows respectfully. Pang Tong did his signature chuckle.

'Do not worry my lady. We'll help you achieve that goal to the end. You have our word on that.' Mitsuko was amazed at this.

'Are you sure? I mean I am talking of mutiny here.'

'Perhaps, though you saved me when he did not so as far as I'm concerned my life belongs to you, not to him.' Wu Zi stated.

'That's right, you can't get rid of us that easily.' Zang Ba heartily laughed. Mitsuko could only give them a small smile of appreciation.

'Thanks guys. Well then, Pang Tong I don't suppose you have a strategy, do you?' Pang Tong chuckled at this with a hint of nefariousness.

'I may have a couple of suggestions.'

'I'm surprised you come up with them so quickly. Then in that case, let it be known that Lu Bu dies in Xia Pi!' Mitsuko declared. They all agree in unison. In the mountains the demons feel a strange sensation inside of themselves.

'Did you feel that?' Gyuki asked.

'I do indeed. I haven't felt this since I was first created.'

'Does that mean?'

'Yes, it looks like lord…no lady Mitsuko has truly awoken.' Dodomeki nods with satisfaction whereas Gyuki cheered.

'Yay!' Dodomeki immediately stops it though.

'Don't be so loud! There's an army below us!'

'I'm sorry, I'm just happy that Lady Mitsuko is now ready.'

'Quite, though she'll need as many allies as she can going forward there's no denying she's worthy now, not even for me.' Dodomeki sighs a breath of relief.

'That's good, so how are we going to do this. We can't just attack the army now.' Gyuki stated.

'No we can't and you can't infiltrate the castle anyway. I wonder when she'll make her move, you may be better off intercepting that carriage.'

'Aww you do care about her.' Gyuki teased. Dodomeki looks away and elbows him in the gut. He quickly clutches it as he crashes to his knees.

'Don't be ridiculous, I'm just satisfied she won't betray her and as I said she'll be a valuable asset to Lady Mitsuko anyway.' Dodomeki responded.

'Ok, I'll keep that in mind.' Gyuki painfully speaks out as he stands up.'

'Make sure the carriage doesn't get too far away from the castle incase we'll need both of you to ensure her survival.'

'Got it.' He starts to run but stops a few steps later and turns towards Dodomeki.

'Oh and dodomeki?'

'What?' he replied annoyed.

'Good luck.'

'Hmph, you too.' Dodomeki responded. Gyuki sprints as fast as he can as Dodomeki hunches over the edge.

'My lady, I Dodomeki your loyal servant am proud to serve you once again. Your enemies are my enemies, your allies are my allies. Whatever the task you set out for me I will complete perfectly. I will lay down my life to ensure your safety and your objectives are met. My loyalty to you will never falter. Long Live the serpent empress, may your reign bring a new age for our people.'