Chapter 7
"I will miss her company." Lord Renjiro said to himself as he walked back into the castle. It seemed all too quiet around his home now that Sakura and her friends had left. "She dressed strangely but she had a good heart…" His voice trailed off as he spotted his sister, Nariko approach him from the gardens outside. He met her under the sakura tree.
"Brother, where is that demon horse?" She asked, an almost threatening tone to her voice. "He's not in the stables."
"Kurouma? I gave him to Sakura as a gift. Why do you…?"
"Imbecile! Why would you help that wench? Her and her little comrades could mean trouble for me…"
Renjiro's expression changed from confused to apprehensive. "Sister, what is going on?" he asked taking a step away from her.
"Oh don't tell me you haven't known brother. Now stand aside. I'm going to take care of those hindrances now." She pushed Renjiro out of the way and raised her arms in the air. Clouds gathered above the castle and out of the sky emerged a gigantic dragon. Renjiro jumped back in fear and surprise.
"It was you!" he shouted over the roar of the creature, "You set the demon on the village!"
"They were out of line! They needed convincing."
"Of what sister?"
"That I am…" she slowly turned around, her eyes now frightening red and her fangs shown through her smile, "…all powerful."
"No…" was the last thing Renjiro could mutter before a spear pierced his heart.