Trigger warning: CW – Mention of personal loss/tragedy and attempted suicide.

A couple of days later Mitsuko was informed by Pang Tong that he extracted all the information that was needed. 'Finally' Mitsuko thought to herself as she brought her officers to the main palace and laid out the enemy's information. From the position of the stronghold to military strength, layout of the general land and the best possible way to attack aswell as any strategies laid out by Pang Tong.

'We have what we need your highness, perhaps now we should proceed with the attack before they become they can recover, we don't have a lot of time left before they are able to launch another offensive, this time I do not think we'll be able to hold them.' Pang Tong advised as he laid out a map of Zhang Yans city and the surrounding land.

'I see…' was all Zheng Jiang replied. With a palace full of guards waiting for the order to be given yet none was made. Instead it looked like she was contemplating as she stroked her chin. Even Gai Shu looked at her puzzingly, surely this is what she always wanted to do right?

'Yes, that would make sense…however what if your information is wrong?'

'It isn't.' Mitsuko stated back abruptly

'But what if it is? What if we're walking into a trap. I can't risk my men on that.' Zheng Jiang said which left most people including her husband perplexed.

'I'm sorry what? Are you saying you won't go on the offensive? After everything?' Mitsuko questioned.

'I need to consider the safety of my people.'

'And do you really think they'll be safe cooped up in this castle waiting for their demise?' LingQi asked.

'They have a better chance of surviving.' Zheng Jiang retorted, raising her voice defensively.

'Oh no, you can't really believe that. The only reason you survived this long is because of the fact they couldn't find you. Now they have, you won't survive if they send their full army again.'

'We can endure.'

'With respect my lady, we don't have the numbers to defend from another assault.' Gai Shu whispered as he leant in towards Zheng Jiang who looked more frustrated and annoyed by him and push him away.

'Nonsense! We'll endure. We always have.' The palace guards started to look at each other with concern. Whispers started to emerge, something that didn't please Zheng Jiang all too well.

'So you're saying you won't launch the offensive then? No matter what? What about Lu Zheng? Where is she?' Mitsuko questioned, noticing her absence.

'She's on patrol at this moment in time.'

'Oh? I thought she went out a few days ago, shouldn't she be back by now?' Pang Tong inquired, smirking behind his veil. Zheng Jiang shook her head.

'She'll be back soon momentarily…I'm…sure of it. I sent a few scouts to remind her that her patrol time was over.' She replied as she glances towards the ground.

'You think she would approve of this?' Mitsuko asked, trying to make Zheng Jiang see some form of sense. She shook her head.

'It doesn't matter as I am in command not her.' Mitsuko sighed.

'I thought you were supposed to listen to your advisors and followers.'

'I'm supposed to lead them. My decisions affect my entire people I cannot send them off to their deaths. Why do you insist in contesting me on this?'

'Because I'm trying to have you see some sense damnit! I don't understand why you're being so adamant of being passive when we need to start moving.' Mitsuko replied.

'What are you afraid of?'

'Nothing, I'm not afraid of Zhang Yan or his ilk.' Zheng Jiang responded which Mitsuko was about to respond but stopped herself as she realised something.

'No…you're afraid of something else. You're afraid of what happened to Gai Li will happen to everyone else.'

'Don't.' Zheng Jiang warned her.

'Don't what? You're already feeling the effects. You're still mourning aren't you?'

'I mean it Mitsuko do not bring her up! She has nothing to do with this!' She responded, raising her voice. Though Mitsuko wasn't threatened.

'It has everything to do with her. Because you can't move on from her can you? You're still traumatised by that moment.' Mitsuko stated, Zheng Jiang was noticeably losing her composure while the guards around the main hall wasn't sure of what to do. Gai Shu looked at Zheng Jiang with an inquisitorial look as she started to grit her teeth.

'You know full well I'm but you can't be scared of the future anymore, you know what will happen. You'll all be decimated. I'm sure she wouldn't want you to go through with this aswell.' Zheng Jiang snarled at this remark and couldn't hold it in any longer. Mitsuko dared to speak about her like she was close to her!? Who does she think she is!? How would she know what Gai Li would want!? Zheng Jiang rushed up to Mitsuko and Held her collar and pulled her close to her face. Her pain and anger present in her eyes as she forced Mitsuko to look at her furious eyes.

'You dare speak about her like you knew her!? Did you grow up with her!? Did you know her hopes and dreams? Did you see the life in her eyes fade away!? Of course not, so don't you dare speak about her like you did!'

'You dare!?' LingQi was about to move to intercept however one of Mitsuko's serpent stopped her as it slithers and shakes its head. Along with the guards moving closer to Mitsuko's officers who were not armed after the last time, they were required to leave their weapons out of the palace. LingQi gritted her teeth but took a step back.

'You're right, I didn't. But you gave me enough idea about her character. She wouldn't want you to stay to the past, no matter how painful it is to move to the future. She'd want you to keep on moving, don't you think you owe her that much? You can't have her death be meaningless.' Mitsuko responded stoicly. She did not care that Zhang Jiang was angry, only that it would hopefully break through to her.

'You dare utter such words to me!? Do you believe that I had her death be meaningless!?'

'It is if you don't wake up and realise what you're doing. I've been in the same position, I know it how it feels but.'

'No you don't!' Zheng Jiang yelled as she threw Mitsuko away with one hand, forcing her to crash to the ground. Lu LingQi and Dodomeki were the first amongst to rush to her side as Zheng Jiang towered over her, anger in her eyes.

'You do not know what its like to lose someone you care about so much, you do not know the agony of seeing someone you cared for deeply die, how powerless you feel that you couldn't save them despite your best efforts. The regret of what could've been. How everytime you close your eyes you're haunted by them. How, how could you possibly understand how I feel!? You don't know pain, you don't know loss.' Zheng Jiang concluded as she walked away leaving Mitsuko alone as she got back on her feet. The main hall was deadly silent as Mitsuko was helped to her feet alongside Dodomeki and LingQi as they both held one serpent each. Gai Shu could only watch as his wife walked back with anger…he…never knew that she went through that over his sister. Not to this extent at the very least. He thought he was helping her throughout this year but now he's lately he's doubting that if his presence was just a burden on everyone involved. He only really focused on his own feelings…not anyone else's…again.

'I…I don't know loss?' Mitsuko questioned with her face looking down at the floor as her temper started to flare up. Zheng Jiang turned around to answer before suddenly finding her neck fully grasped by one of the serpents, hatred filled its eyes before it turned and grabbed her neck. Mitsuko looked up with the same hatred in her eyes as one of her pupils became slit shaped. The guards immediately moved in closer however Mitsuko warned them before they were able to continue.

'Take one more fucking step and I'll snap her fucking neck! Is that understood or do you want that written down?' She looked to Gai Li who stood up immediately however seeing this sight…he begrudgingly sat down and ordered the guards to do as she commanded. Zheng Jiang was being held 10ft high in the air before slowly the serpent arm slithered slowly down towards Mitsuko's level as it retreated its body back, dragging the bandit queen with it until they are on eye level while she struggled to break free with her legs dangling and her hands held a firm grip on the snakes jaw, trying to open them up to free herself, though she could not do it.

'You fucking dare say I know nothing about pain!? You don't think I didn't suffer from loneliness aswell? You don't think I had someone who I cared about? Someone I would've died for!? You don't think that I didn't regret every waking moment not realising the fact she was suffering? You don't think as I heard her cry out in pain in the same FUCKING ROOM as me that I didn't regret feeling so helpless and weak!? Or that I didn't struggle to stay silent out of fear of being found out!? How I tried to keep myself together when I heard her fragile voice almost break as she talked to me!? What about when her memory haunted me ever since I saw her body lying in a pool of her own blood!? About how she didn't deserve that suffering, remembering how kind and thoughtful she was and how happy she made me after a lifetime of misery and loneliness! You don't think I didn't spend every waking moment thinking it should've been me and tried to take my own life as penance!? You think I didn't go through any of that because of your fucking arrogance just because you went through your own ordeal!?' Mitsuko wailed at Zheng Jiang, tears started to form in her eyes as she let out her frustration that quickly built up in a matter of seconds. Zheng Jiang couldn't do much except look and listen to Mitsuko. She feels Mitsuko's serpent eyes were piercing into her very soul. It was at this moment Zheng Jiang understood fully why the serpent was starting to get the reputation she was getting. That look shook her very core. She was vastly different to the Mitsuko she briefly remembered sharing a drink on the balcony.

'I was ever so patient with you. Believing that we were working towards the same goal, but it looks like I was deceived, you just wanted to use us to your advantage just so you can hide away like a coward while dishonouring those that have already fallen for your ambitions. I do not like being deceived!' Mitsuko tightened her grip around Zheng Jiangs neck just a little bit more, though still giving her enough room to breathe.

'You had your ordeals, I had mine. I was going to leave it there before you suddenly felt like yours was more important than mine. Unfortunately that isn't the case! Everyone goes through their own ordeals, their own problems. Some worse than others yes but nothing can be achieved if we cling onto them. We…'Mitsuko glances to LingQi calms her as she started loosen her grip on Zheng Jiang and lowered her down but still kept her in her grasp. A brief glimmer of the past of how she felt, cowering in the stall in the bathroom what seemed to be a lifetime ago.

'We must learn to heal. It will take time of course, we need time to adjust but we cannot allow ourselves to be trapped in the past and be afraid to move forward to the future. Hehe, I had to learn that the hard way.' Mitsuko chuckled, remembering back to the duel she and LingQi had…and the lesson it taught her. Zheng Jiang was let go as she dropped to her knees and coughed violently. Gai Shu rushed to her side immediately and tried to comfort her. The guards stood there waiting for Zheng Jiangs orders to move and attack or retreat. Mitsuko turned away and took a couple of steps before stopping. She glanced back and their eyes meet once more.

'If you wish to stay here then so be it. I will not force you. These are your soldiers and you command them in anyway you see fit. However, I for one will not wait for our enemy to gather their strength and attack again. I will mobilise my forces out, I will take what rations will be necessary and we will move upon the enemy and take control of the mountains ourselves. If you change your mind, you know where you will find us. Lets go.' Mitsuko ordered her officers to walk with her and wasted no time in exiting the main palace leaving Zheng Jiang and her guards alone. No one dared utter a single breath for what seemed to be the longest time.

'My lady are you ok?' One of the guards questioned as they all gathered to her side.

'yes…yes I'm ok.'

'Those abominations. Give us the word my lady and we'll obliterate them.' One of the guards stated as he stood up and walked to prepare the soldiers for combat.

'Leave it.' Zheng Jiang simply said. The guard turned his head in shock.

'My lady?'

'I said leave it!' Zheng Jiang yelled as she stood up, all the guards including Gai Shu knelt on one knee and put their fist in their palm.

'They made their choice, get Lu Zheng back here immediately, find out why she's taking so long!' She bellowed. The guards immediately scatter out of the hall to deal with her request leaving Zheng Jiang and Gai Shu alone.

'Are you actually ok my lady?' Gai Shu questioned.

'I told you I'm fine.' Zheng Jiang responded as she furrowed her brow as she did not want to be in anyone's presence at this moment in time as she tried to walk away.

'Hey are you sure? You know we can deal with-'

'I said its fine! Listen to me for once!' Zheng Jiang pushed him away, knocking him down on the floor. He just looked upon her in shock. Though as he looked up to her, he expected to find anger, hatred, frustration on her face. Though instead…all he found was sadness. Sadness and tears threatening to escape her eyes and drip down her face.

'Just…do not disturb me. Attend to your duties, I have mine to attend to. Send Lu Zheng to my quarters immediately when she arrives. I have…much to discuss.' Zheng Jiang voice started to break as she tightened her right fist, trying to keep everything together. Gai Shu could only watch as he stood up and saw her walk away from him, he glances to the floor before frowning and exited the main palace. Elsewhere Mitsuko and her officers gathered in her room as temporary quarters.

'Well I say that went better than expected.' Pang Tong chimed, performing his signature chuckle.

'Quite, I expected you to kill her lady Mitsuko, part of me wishes you did.' LingQi admitted, her mind drawing back to when Zheng Jiang dared laid a hand on Mitsuko, remembering the hatred that was conjured.

'I was considering it however I don't think we could afford to fight her and Zhang Yan. Particularly with these mystics he somehow has under his control.'

'What is our plan then my lady?' Diamondback enquired.

'We'll take what supplies we need and move onto Zhang yans territory and we'll take his city by force. We may not have numbers but we have talent.' Mitsuko smirked as she looked upon her loyal officers.

'Of course, we'll all fight like a thousand men!' Dodomeki pledged as he bowed his head respectfully at her as he pounded his chest with his right arm.

'Glad to hear it, however Pang Tong do you think my words had an impact on her? Do you think she'll rendezvous with us later on?' Mitsuko asked. Her thoughts drifted to Lu Zheng and her request to help her.

'I have a feeling even if the words are not enough she'll move onto her own accord. Though I do think they had an effect.'

'What makes you so sure?'

'Consider it a strategists instinct.' He chuckled as one of his eyes glowed purple.

'Right, still…it's a shame. Lu Zheng asked me to help her and it seemed I was not able to get through to her.' Mitsuko glanced at the ground, feeling a bit ashamed, feeling she could've done something more. Sensing this uneasiness as if by instinct LingQi put one hand on her shoulder and smiled at her warmly.

'Do not worry, you tried your best. We're still by your side.' Mitsuko smiled lopsided at her, though when she looked in her eyes

'Hehe, yes and I do appreciate all of your support so far. I'll be counting on you all. I want the soldiers prepped to move out, stock up on supplies tonight. We'll leave at dawn.' Mitsuko orders. They all acknowledge this order in unison. As they exited the room, LingQi closed the door in front of Mitsuko and looked at her in the eyes.

'Something wrong?' Mitsuko asked. Confused by her actions.

'I can ask you the same thing, are you ok? Is it Lu Zhengs request still?' LingQi asked with a concerned look on her face, Mitsuko could only guffaw slightly at that.

'That obvious huh? I suppose you can say that. Its just…when I think about her words and her defiance over what should be done…my mind just goes back to THAT time. If…if you hadn't helped me I wouldn't know where I would be now. Would I be doing the same thing? Just…cowering again, afraid to take a step forward? The only reason why I was able to say anything in the palace was because of you. Yet…I can't help but feel I'm not exactly qualified to talk about this sort of stuff. I can't help but think that without you…I would've still been that young girl, cowering in the stall. Or dead.' Mitsuko admitted while stammering. Struggling to find the correct words to say to her. LingQi immediately held her serpent heads loosely by their necks from underneath who seem to enjoy this as they close their eyes and hiss softly.

'Mitsuko, with all due respect you were the one that allowed me assist you, you give yourself little credit.'

'Yeah but-' LingQi interrupted Mitsuko before she was able to complete her sentence.

'I will not hear this. If you didn't allow me to help you I would feel I would imagine as you do now with the bandit queen. You were the first one that took the step. That is quite the accomplishment. You do not need to worry about what would've happened as it didn't happen at all. Though I know its not as easy as that.' LingQi states, she glances away from Mitsuko for just a moment as she concluded, knowing all too well how easy it is to think about what would've happened if she did something else. LingQi was caught off guard as she felt her wrist were gently grabbed by the serpents mouths, with their fangs withdrawn into their mouths. She looked up to see Mitsuko smiling at her for the first time in a while. She was taken aback by how warm the smile was…and how the sun shining through the open empty oblong window behind her, made her…beauty stand out even more so. Like at this moment in time, she looked radiant and lost for words.

'Thank you LingQi, I'm sorry I tend to trouble you with stuff like this, its not like you're an expert either. But I'll keep your words to heart. Please, allow me to return the favour.' Mitsuko expressed her gratitude, as the muscles in her face relaxed. Her eyes held a softer expression rather than the stoic leader or the bloodthirsty serpent demon whose home is on the battlefield. This is the side of Mitsuko no one else is privileged enough to see. It made LingQi feel special as she gazed upon the beautiful visage of her serpent. She didn't understand why but a part of her wanted to run her hand through her hair, she wanted to caress her cheek and get closer to her. She couldn't understand why, unaware of the fact she needed to breathe before she found herself breathless and instinctually gasped for air too sharply and coughed.

'Hey you ok?' Mitsuko leant in closer to check in on her. LingQi looked up after coughing to see how close Mitsuko was. It made her heart skip a beat but also filled inside her something she never experienced, the urge to get a little closer and wrap her arms around her. No, what was she thinking? Why was she thinking this? This was all too new to her. She took a quick step back without thinking.

'Sorry, yes I am fine. I am glad about you taking my words to heart, though I believe it is time to begin preparations.' LingQi said as she walked out leaving Mitsuko alone, wondering what that was about. Before realising she was right and left the room almost immediately after.

A/n: So I wanted to finish and get this uploaded this chapter last week but the heatwave doesn't exactly make it easy, however though there we go. 100 chapter…wow. This would also be a good time to say have a quick rest before continuing. Give yourself a break, its ok. I'll go back and edit where I can. But thanks for sticking with this fanfiction regardless. Here's to 100 more. Until next chapter, sayonara.