As the sun started to peek over mountain tops the army woke up and started to pack up the camp while Mitsuko and her officers consult with each other at the foot of the forest whispering to each other out of the earshot of the common soldiers.

'Alright, looks like we'll have to go through the forest to get to her hideout but we can't just march our whole army in there.' Mitsuko stated.

'Agreed, they are bandits defending their territory after all. They normally adopt a "shoot arrows first, ask questions later" kind of approach. Can't say it doesn't work considering what they do. But we do need to scout out the forest for any potential ambushes.' Pang Tong suggested.

'In that case, allow me to scout the forest, I am the fastest after all.' Dodomeki volunteered.

'I should also go with him.' Mitsuko replied.

'My lady, with all due respect I do not think it may be necessary.' Dodomeki insisted.

'Why not? Two's better than one and besides if there are bandits there someone's got to try and talk sense into them and show them we don't want to kill them.'

'That is a valid point, plus they may be aware of you anyway Mitsuko so you could potentially draw them out of the shadows. Sometimes they can get careless.' Pang Tong explained.

'Wait, are you suggesting she goes out there alone? Even with Dodomeki aiding her, he's only one against who knows how many are lurking in the forest.'

'Don't underestimate me.' Dodomeki stated simply as he looked at LingQi who didn't break away from his gaze. Though eventually she noticed something with that stare, she couldn't pinpoint it but something was different about his gaze than what she was used to. He seemed…defeated. His eye eventually breaking away as he grunted.

'It could be useful this way, after all. Bandits are a people that value strength. If our lady walks in, seemingly alone when they should be aware of the army behind her. The fact she's willing to walk alone shows the fearlessness they can respect and admire. It may be wise to play on that particular aspect if we are to get on their good side.' Pang Tong advised as he chuckled.

'Are you sure this is best course of action lady Mitsuko?' Diamondback enquired.

'Well Pang Tong makes sense, plus I'm sure Dodomeki wouldn't mind some company every now and again right?' Mitsuko glances at Dodomeki whose gaze returned to the ground.

'As you wish my lady.' Dodomeki stated before he leaps up in to the forest immediately and disappear into the trees.

'Well, someone's very eager aren't they?' Pang Tong chuckled. As Mitsuko started to walk in, LingQi couldn't help but reach out and grab her wrist. She was surprised and gave her a startled look.

'Are you sure this is wisest course of action? The rest of us won't be able to assist you if you run into any trouble.' LingQi looked at her with a worried stare.

'Don't worry, I'll be fine. I know you don't like him but he's trustworthy and is a good warrior. Between the two of us, we can dispatch a few pesky bandits.' Mitsuko gave her a confident smile as LingQi lets go, everything within her wanted to travel along with her, however she reluctantly let her go.

Mitsuko started to traverse the forest while constantly looking around, trying to hear for any sudden movements from the darkness that she can't gaze through. If she did hear anything it was one or two branches creaking followed by a quick blur that was Dodomeki. The snakes were also on guard, quietly hissing threateningly as if trying to ward away any enemies, lurking behind the shadows, waiting to strike. The only other consistent sound that Mitsuko could hear would be her metallic armour and her boots being planted into the ground with each step.

Dodomeki meanwhile leaps from branch to branch in the shadows moving away but constantly looking at Mitsuko. He looks at her constantly looking around, he wished she wasn't here where she had to worry about her surroundings. Not that he blamed her of course. Though after that finding lady Mitsuko all alone that night, he remembered and realised the error of his ways. Even if he doesn't feel like he deserves to stand besides her or look at her in the eyes, he will redeem himself and be worthy once again, that he swears.

It felt like this forest went on forever with the same endless barks of trees, branches and leaves just all over the place. Mitsuko wondered if she was just going mad, it wasn't that she hadn't been there for long, it was the deathly silence and loneliness, if she had some company besides her it'd be less boring. She didn't think it would take so long to meet someone.

Eventually she managed to see a figure in the distance as some of the sunlight manages to break through the lush leaves, though only scattered amount of sunlight could be seen. Some patches of it land on a mysterious figure. The figure from what Mitsuko could see is that its wearing viridian green robes with black boots it looks like. As Mitsuko got closer the snakes hiss grew louder before they start to slowly protrude their weapons out. Mitsuko walks cautiously to the individual until suddenly it calls out.

'That's far enough.' The voice was stern, enough to make Mitsuko pause in place. Her snakes hiss cautiously at the figure who giggled at this.

'You must be the serpent that I have heard quite a bit about.' The figure stated as the voice sounded feminine to Mitsuko while they pull out something from their robes, causing Mitsuko to be on guard. However it turns out to be a fan though Mitsuko kept her guard up regardless. She was careful to keep most of herself hidden in shadows.

'Really? What gave it away? My charming personality?' Mitsuko sarcastically remarked. Earning a chuckle form the mysterious figure.

'And funny too, some people don't that in this age of chaos. You have to keep that sense of humor.'

'And who is requesting I do that?'

'The bandit queen herself.' Mitsuko's eyes widened, so this is the bandit queen she heard of from Pang Tong.

'So you're the bandit queen?'

'Indeed, as such I am surprised to see you here all alone. You should know that I have bandits that you cannot see all ready to fire arrows at your head? At least if you had your army you wouldn't be defenceless.' The bandit queen threatened while examining Mitsuko closely as she fans herself. Mitsuko smirked.

'Heh, what makes you think I'm defenceless? Besides its foolish to go in unmarked territory. Besides contrary to popular belief I'm not here to conquer.'

'And yet you have an army outside these woods fully armed with demons besides them.'

'Call it plan B.' Mitsuko immediately responded.

'Heh, you amuse me. So let's say I am willing to talk, what is it that you come to discuss with the Tai dominion? I don't think you'd come here for these mountains for tea.' The bandit queen enquired.

'No, although that would be appreciated it was a long march.' Mitsuko chuckled.

'No, I want us to discuss the idea of an alliance between us.'

'And why would we want that with the serpent? You barely have an army, no land to call your own. No wealth, no farms. Why would we enter that agreement with you?' The bandit queen questioned more curiously than anything.

'Because I hear you have a problem with the black mountain bandits.' The bandit queen suddenly stopped fanning, Mitsuko smirk grew wider.

'Gotcha.'

'What about him?'

'I heard that he pretty much controls these mountains and he ordered his men to raid mine after I relieved him of spoils. So needless to say, he's not exactly too fond of me. So, if you do agree to this alliance, me and my forces are more than ready to take him on alongside you. It is only a matter of time before he finds you.' Mitsuko explained. The bandit queen stroked her chin, pondering in thought.

'Interesting, so you're willing to help bandits of all people out, you must be desperate for allies. Though I assume you are not just doing this out of simple charity, what do you want from us?'

'Soldiers.' Mitsuko stated simply as she smiles, revealing her serrated teeth.

'Soldiers? You think the Tai brotherhood are going to work with you? Do you really think we can be tamed?'

'No which is why I said an alliance, not subservience. If this world is to change it needs a strong leader and a strong leader needs soldiers under her command.'

'Ahh, so conquest is your aim then? I don't believe though the Tai brotherhood would be interest in conquest though.'

'Even if it is to change this forsaken world of ours? Don't you think those pretentious nobles need to get down of their so called throne and face the retribution they deserve?' Mitsuko questioned trying to get something out of her, instead she was met with silence.

'And how would you be able to do that? Do you really think this world can change? Do you think you of all people can change it?' Mitsuko didn't answer straight away. She stared down at her snake hands, the left one stares back while the right one slither in place watching the bandit queen.

'I didn't think so at first. I was scared. I thought I was powerless to change anything so I resigned myself to accept things the way they are. I wanted strength to change things but one day my prayers were answered as you can probably see. I saw what the future was like…and its abysmal. I realised that I'm not powerless, I refuse to stand around and let these pretentious halfwits continue to do whatever they please and make others feel the same way I did. I will not allow them to taint the future for thousands of years to come, I can't allow idiots and self-serving bastards to lead and make people suffer any longer.' Mitsuko passionately explained as her voice inevitably got darker and was unable to hide her demonic grin. That wasn't the answer the bandit queen expected. Even though the woman in front of her looks and feels demonic…she still feels the passion with every word she spoke.

'I wonder…could she actually help her?'

'Fascinating. I wonder how long you can keep that passion of yours, especially with arrows in your body.' The bandit queen raises her arm with the fan high in the air as Mitsuko took a step back as her snakes hiss aggressively as they slither around her. She darts her eyes all around the forest trying to spot or hear any bandit but she couldn't spot any. She didn't know why she's doing this but if she lunges towards she doesn't know where the arrows were going to come from. She figured if she could somehow get deflect the arrows it would give her a second to lunge towards her. Mitsuko scowled at the bandit queen though before the bandit queen lowered her arm, a second later she was being tackled to the ground. Dodomeki pounced on her with such speed she couldn't counter him. They both roll on the ground with Dodomeki being on top as he grabs her tunic with his left hand and hovering his right hand over, completely straight as the tips of his gauntlet hover over her face. He looks at her menacingly, seething anger was seen in his eye.

'You dare try to assassinate lady Mitsuko!? Call off your pathetic bandits or I will personally relieve you of your life and feed you all to the great devourer!' Dodomeki threatened as she instinctually grabbed Dodomeki's left arm however she surprisingly manages to keep her composure though Dodomeki could see the fear in her eyes. Mitsuko was about to tell Dodomeki to get off her however she realised something. There's no arrows firing at dodomeki's position, if there were bandits positioned here they would all fire at Dodomeki now. Was it a bluff? Mitsuko remembers Pang Tongs advice on bandits respecting strength. She smiled deviously as she thought of something.

'Dodomeki, stop.' She orders. Dodomeki looks up to Mitsuko with her devious smile on her face.

'Don't kill her, bring her here.' Dodomeki immediately complied as he dragged her to Mitsuko. He stood her up allowing Mitsuko to get a better view of her while letting go of the tunic from the front and immediately grabbing it from the back. She looked more older than she thought, maybe in her late 30s with her black hair in a bun. She smirked as her left snake swallows back the sword and clutches the bandit queens jaw tightly but making sure not to damage her.

'You see? I don't want to kill you but if you want to stand in my way and try to kill me, you will leave me no choice but to slay you and annex your bandits and I'll take care of Zhang Yan myself.'

'You'll do this…even at the very threat of arrows pointed at your back that will pierce your every bit of your flesh?' Mitsuko leans in and makes the bandit queen and look at her demonic reptilian eye with the demonic grin painted on her face as she brought the tip of the scythe only millimetres away from her left cheek.

'Yes.' The bandit queen looked stunned, her eyes dart looking for any attempt to escape. Until suddenly she burst out laughing. This took both Mitsuko and Dodomeki off guard though they kept a hold of the bandit queen. She smirked back at Mitsuko which surprised her.

'Well played, well played serpent.' The bandit queen chuckled as she clapped her hands.

'This has…this is new. Dodomeki let her go.' Mitsuko ordered as she lets go of her jaw. Dodomeki complied. The bandit queen landed on her feet.

'Thanks for that.' She expressed her gratitude as she dusts herself off.

'I didn't expect you to bring just one ally with you in this forest. I expected you to bring an entourage or a scout force.'

'You were expecting us?' Mitsuko questioned.

'Of course, once the Tai Dominion heard of a raid going passing these mountains our scouts followed to see what they were doing. And they saw your forces dispatch them apparently with ease. When they noticed you were coming our direction we were informed immediately. No one enters the territory of the Tai dominion without us knowing.'

'If that's the case the why meet me here in the forest? Especially unguarded.'

'I wanted to see what kind of woman this serpent was and judge from yourself. Part of me expected you to flee once I threatened you with the threat of attack but despite everything you still wanted to kill me. Impressive.'

'So what would've happened if I killed you now?'

'If I didn't return an army of bandits would come and slaughter you all in the night.' She stated simply.

'Charming. But I'd assume they would be without a leader no? With you dead and all.'

'No they won't, because you see I'm not the actual bandit queen you want to meet with. I am her sworn sister Lu Zheng, I serve as her…lets say advisor. The bandit queen wanted me to meet with you here and then if I did not return she would not let you live.' Lu Zheng chuckled.

'What? So I said all those things and you weren't even the right person to speak to!?' Mitsuko expressed her disbelief and didn't know how to take to having her time wasted as she couldn't just kill her.

'Yes though do not fret, she wanted me to find out what you wanted and I have now found that out and I will tell her of your request, whether she will accept it or not I do not know. However your path will be cleared towards our hideout.'

'And where exactly is this hideout?'

'A city. When you exit the forest there will be two paths, take the to the south. Keep following the path and you will see the mountains start to expand outwards. After a day of travelling veer off slightly to the west, from there you will be able to see our small humble city that has been hidden for a while. The mountainous terrain surrounding it protects us from anyone trying to find us, you'll be the first outsiders to enter it. Just make sure no one else follows you. It would be a terrible first impression on her.' Lu Zheng chuckled.

'Heh, all right. You seem to know her quite well. Tell me honestly, is there any possibility of this alliance bearing fruit?' Mitsuko questioned.

'I don't know, ultimately its up to her. She's done things that surprised me before so I can't tell you for certain. Though she has taken an interest in you so I think that accounts for something.' Lu Zheng responded as she started to walk away.

'You are free to traverse through the forest now, I will notify my scouts and the bandit queen of your arrival.' Lu Zheng states as she disappears into the forest.

'Should I pursue my lady?' Dodomeki responded. Mitsuko shook her head.

'No, remember we're here to make allies not make enemies. But just in case we'll scout the forest a little bit more before rejoining with the rest of them.'

'As you wish my lady.' Dodomeki nodded as he prepares to leap up to the branches.

'And Dodomeki, thanks for the assistance if you didn't do that, negotiations would've probably turned in an entirely different direction.' Mitsuko glanced at Dodomeki and smiled at him. Dodomeki was surprised at this expression of gratitude and averted her gaze.

'It was nothing my lady.' Dodomeki stated before leaping up in the middle of the trees leaving Mitsuko alone as she sighed before continuing the scouting mission.

A/N: Happy new year guys *looks at calendar* ahh damnit. Sorry I did want this to go out last week but I just couldn't get it to work and the main reason why I didn't upload sooner was because I'm actually editing the first draft of my actual book as I try to compile them in one document and I didn't expect it to be this long of a process as I'm still nowhere near done but I suppose that's just the nature of things. So apologies about but hopefully will be able to continue later on. When I get a steady schedule going again I may consider getting another project started but that won't be for a while even if I do say yes to that since I do have quite a few ideas I can try like a more original fantasy story or Warhammer 40k story about my plague sisters army I'm going to make. But again, later date. But until then let me know what you think and I'll see you next chapter, sayonara.