I awoke and quickly left the room after getting dressed. Don't want to strut around the Jyurakudai Villa in the nude, even if it is my home. Recollecting the events of last night, I did something I probably shouldn't have.

Sleeping with Setsuka.

That didn't seem like a stellar idea. What if Kokonoe caught us? I could've screwed history forever. I need to put my feelings for Setsuka aside, as it's too risky to engage with her. If I were even less careless, I could've jeopardized the entire reason why I came here. I've already ruined enough lives and need to start thinking of the bigger picture.

I went to the main hall where the bodies laid, reaching for my Holy Stone fragment. However, it's not in my coat pocket. Damn, I left it on the bedside table. I ran back into my room and see that Setsuka's asleep.

Good.

Quickly, I grabbed the fragment and got out. I raised the stone up and practically covered the entire villa in white light. When I can see again, the bodies were gone completely.

"You're powerful, aren't you?" I said to the Holy Stone fragment.

A hand placed itself on my shoulder. I turned and saw it's Kin. "You're up early."

"I woke up realizing that I could've made a big mistake. I wanted to get out of the room before ending up depressed."

"Whoa, what happened?" he asked.

I told him of the night I spent with Setsuka. The whole time, he had a bewildered look on his face.

"So, our Setsuka is currently here sleeping in the other room because she followed Edge Master?"

"Yes, I just told you that. Anyway, after I got dressed and took the stone, I purified the villa."

"Which explains why I couldn't see anything briefly. On a brighter note, I had Toyotomi give me this." He waggled a map of Japan in his hand.

"A map of Japan?"

"Not just any map. Let me show you what I mean."

We went into one of the unoccupied rooms where Kin displayed the map. Spread across it were red X's, a yellow circle at the western edge.

"The red X's were battlefields during the rebellion. The yellow circle is Osaka, our current location. There's an X across the edges of Japan, a few in the middle. We can travel around the island and purify the battlefields we find along the way. Before we head back here, we'll head down the middle path and purify those areas."

"How long will it take us to purify the entire island?"

"Give or take about a month. The nearest X will take us all day if we leave Osaka within the next few hours. We should stock up on supplies since we're going to be away from society once we leave the city."

"Fair enough. You get the supplies since you have better eyes than me for this."

"Very true. I'll go now, you stay here and look cool or somethin'." He said as he closed the map and went out of the room.

At least we have a plan.

As I left the room, I needed some air and went out to one of the many balconies. While leaning on the guard rails, I couldn't notice someone walking up behind me before feeling two soft hands wrap around my waist as something pressed on my back.

"Good morning."

"Setsuka, you shouldn't be doing this."

I turned around but couldn't get another word out as she kissed me deeply. I was too serious and lost in thought to return it.

Noticing my reluctance, Setsuka pulled away. "What's wrong? I thought I displayed my affections enough for you yesterday."

"Yesterday?" I inquired to confirm my suspicions.

I don't know if my mind was playing tricks on me, but Setsuka looked younger to me. Something's not right.

"Come now, Xan. When I kissed you on the cheek in front of your friends? Especially those two girls?"

My eyes narrowed. "Why Maiko and Akui specify?"

Somehow, Setsuka from my time was replaced with Setsuka from the present. I have a ton of questions for Angol-sama next time I see her.

"You may not notice, but those two have a desire to be more than friends with you. And since they're in the Himalayas," Setsuka trailed my chest with her hands. "I have you to myself."

"Not really. Kin and I plan on leaving Osaka in a couple of hours."

"Well then..." She began tracing my neck and collarbone with wet kisses. "Let's not waste time."

"What are you- Oh my."

Much to my surprise (and horror), Setsuka quickly disrobed to expose her nude body, remaining flawless despite being four years younger. I couldn't help but widen my eyes at sight. This is a younger Setsuka I'm talking about, after all.

I shook my head to get back in the mood. "What if Kokonoe-Kun sees us?"

"I don't care. I want you right now." Setsuka's sultry tone was hard to ignore as she swayed toward me. "Please... take me."

Backing up, I had no place to go as I hit the railing. Any further would've dropped me close to thirty feet. Damn it all. I saw out of the corner of my eye that Xianghua watching us. Setsuka had closed her eyes in anticipation of molding our mouths and bodies together.

Looking back at Xianghua, I mouthed, "Help me."

She nodded and swung the door open. "Hey, Xan- Oh my God!"

Setsuka's eyes snapped open, her face turning into a crimson red before swiftly grabbing her kimono to put back on her bare person. She did not look happy about being disturbed.

"Sorry. Was I interrupting something?"

Sensing that Setsuka would possibly say something vulgar in anger, I cut her off. "Not at all. We'll talk later, Setsuka."

I then quickly peck her lips, relieved that Xianghua was there before I made another enormous mistake. When I go to move, I feel her hand grab on my coat hard.

She then came up to my ear and whispered seductively, "Next time I see you, I'll rock your world. Mark my words handsome."

To put an exclamation point on that statement, Setsuka slapped my ass. Hard. I flushed as I walked with Xianghua out of the balcony, who tried diligently to not stifle up laughter but failed miserably when we reached a safe distance away from the balcony.

"Hahahaha! You sure you wanted me to barge in like that? Looked like she was going to give you the time of your life!"

"Very funny, Xianghua. The last thing I need on my conscience is the fact that I slept with Kokonoe's student only a few days after meeting them." I then hugged her hip. "But thanks for the save. You're a good actress."

She giggled. "Thanks, and you're welcome. I hope that doesn't come back to bite you in the butt later."

"All I know is that I'm not hesitant about leaving after what just happened."

"Speaking of leaving, where's Kin?"

"He went into town to gather supplies for our trek. We're going around the island to purify battlefields and corrupted landmarks of their malice and corruption."

"Oh. After what I just saw, I wouldn't be surprised if he had a booty call."

Now it was my turn to laugh. "Believe me, he's the type of person to be loyal to his significant other."

"Really? Interesting," she said curiously.

"Don't get any ideas. We're on a mission, so that means no ass for you."

Xianghua pouted. "Buzzkill."

"Anyway, I'm going to get my weapons. I'll see you soon."

"Ok. Try not to get raped by Setsuka in the meantime."

"No promises," I said instantly.

I head back to my room, which was now empty with Setsuka up and about. When I entered, the door quickly closed with a hard slam. My eyes widened. C'mon, I just promised I wasn't going to get raped by Setsuka! Luckily for me, it wasn't Setsuka I saw after turning around.

Angol Fear.

I sighed a breath of relief. "Oh, it's you, Angol-sama."

She fought back an amused smile. "Quite the womanizer you are."

"Not really. But since you're here, I have a couple of questions to ask you."

"Speak your mind, Dragon."

"Setsuka."

Angol looked surprised but kept her composure. "Nothing escapes you, I see. Yes, the Setsuka you encountered last night was, in fact, from your time. It wasn't right of Edge Master to send her back here without my consent, but I decided to let her have her way with you before sending her back to the present. You may have already noticed, but the Setsuka from this time does not know of this encounter. I was ready to smite Edge Master, but after seeing how much she missed you, I granted him a pass."

"That explains everything," I muttered before grabbing the Katanas.

"Is the Orichalcum Katana serving you well?"

"It has to this point." I inspected the blade. "I knew Orichalcum was a strong metal, but to think that it can stop bullets."

"I can safely assume that it can do much more for you, Xan. But you still use your regular O-Katana more often. Why restrict yourself?"

"Force of habit. This O-Katana helped me win so many important battles. Since the Nodachi broke in the final moments against Abyss, familiarity is a strong suit, Angol-sama."

"I see. Well, you and Kin are doing a fine job, but do not forget that I gave you that sword to make your job easier. I suggest you familiarize yourself with it. The faster you finish your job, the faster you can finally relax."

I look down in thought. "Don't think so hard on it. You're to start your trek with Kin and the Chinese woman today, yes?"

Raising a questioning eyebrow, I nodded.

"Xianghua, the one who originally defeated Inferno in Astral Chaos. However, she knows not of her destiny. At any rate, I'm getting off-topic. Any other questions?"

I thought hard and fast. "Is history done for by my actions?"

She swiftly shook her head. "If it was, I would inform you. You're only human, and you two were close. The timeline found that it made sense, so history hasn't been altered. Do not worry and keep focus."

"Then, I have nothing else for you, Angol-sama."

"Very well. I will leave now. Best of luck. And remember, I'm watching you."

Angol Fear then just disappeared. I shrugged it off as if nothing happened, though stranger things have occurred. I grabbed my swords and exit, but Kokonoe stopped me before I can take my leave.

"A word."

"Sure, Kokonoe. What's up?"

"Have you seen Setsuka? I wish to ask her something."

Not good, but I decided to not give myself away. "I saw her around one of the balconies. I'm not used to the layout, so I'm unsure which one specifically, though."

He sighed. "Well, at least it narrows down the areas where I should search. My thanks."

I nodded in response before heading the door, but he stopped me by grabbing my arm. "Am I missing something?"

"I know you have an important task ahead of you, but when you come back from whatever journey you're currently undertaking, I would appreciate a fight with you."

"Why do you insist on a duel with me? My days of fighting for pride are long done."

"But you're so young. How can you say that?"

"Believe me, Kokonoe-Kun. Being the son of a Legendary Duelist is bad enough as is."

His eyes widened. "You're the child of the Demoness of Kyoto!?"

"Shhhhh! That knowledge does not leave this villa. Only Kin, Akui, and Maiko know. The Moon Pheasants knew, and they're dead now, so keep quiet on that factoid. You do that, and I'll duel you when my journey is complete."

Kokonoe nodded intently. "You have my word."

"My thanks, Kokonoe."

Finally, I exited the villa heading to the heart of the city. I see that the corpses from last night are still present, the surviving civilians passing by looking at them in shock. This war has to end soon, considering that Nobunaga is dead.

From what I heard, his children are foolish, so maybe they'll drag his army to the ground. While pondering that notion, I felt a tugging on my coat, the source being the little girl from last night. I kneel so that we're leveled.

"Hi, Mister!"

"Little one, what are you doing out here? You shouldn't see this at your age."

"I know, but you're here, so I feel safe." She said happily.

I roughed up her hair. "What's your name?"

"Sonia!"

That sounds European. "But you're Japanese, are you not?"

She nods swiftly.

"Sonia, is there something you're not telling me?" I asked playfully.

"Mmhmm!"

"Care to tell?"

She was about to answer, but a woman who looked a little older than me rushed up to us. I stood back up.

"Sonia! What did I tell you about wandering off?" the woman who I assume was the mother asked.

"Sorry, Mommy. But this is the guy beat all the bad guys last night!"

Sonia said as she happily pointed at me. Sheesh child, at this rate, you might as well let the whole city know.

"Is this true?"

I know better than to deny the claims of a child. And I did kill most of the rebels. So I say quietly.

"Yes. Don't tell anyone, please. I'm planning on leaving Osaka in a few hours, so I'd prefer it if you didn't let anyone know of that."

"Of course. I'm Anna."

And so that's why her name is Sonia. Her mother is European.

"Xan. A pleasure. Are you from Europe by any chance?"

"Yes. I'm from England."

"One of my closest friends is from London," I said as Kin approached me with the supplies in tow.

"Got 'em all. We're ready to head out."

"Awesome. We should go get Xianghua."

"No need. I already sent word. She's on her way down from the villa."

I forgot how fast Kin works.

"Good. Anna, Sonia. It was nice meeting you both. But we have to go now."

Xianghua then turned up. "Hey! What'd I miss?"

"Nothing important. Let's go," I said as we all head towards the south gates.

"Goodbye, Mr. Xan! Until next time!" I hear Sonia yell as her voice becomes an echo to my ears.

"Someone is getting along well with kids."

"Odd, huh? A far cry from a few months ago. I remember when a group of kids would run at first sight. Now I can talk to one. Improvements," I joked.

"Where's our first stop?"

Kin took out the map that Toyotomi gave him. "Let's see. From the look of things, Honnouji."

"What a coincidence. We saw Nobunaga's corpse last night, and now we're heading to the temple where he lodged."

"Best be careful when we arrive there. I sense somethin' fishy."

"Noted. But we still got a ways to go until we get there."

We kept walking for a while in silence until Kin finally broke it. "How do you think Maiko and Akui are doing?"

"Probably stressed out, tired, maybe even frustrated with how much better Edge Master is than them combined."

It's only been a day, and I've already produced enough sweat to fill a pond. Edge Master is way more skilled than Akui and I. I feel like I spent more time kneeling for breath rather than standing up. I always found myself using my swords as crutches to even get back on my feet. Akui passed out from fatigue before I did, leaving me as the only one who's conscious.

"I see much improvement, Maiko! The next two months will go by quickly at this rate."

I looked up at Edge Master, barely having the energy to move. "You're seeing something I can't, Edge Master. I feel like all I've been doing is getting beat up by the elderly."

He stroked his beard. "My apologies, but I always do a combat test of my students for a few days before I start teaching. Despite your style being incomplete, you still fight much better than Akui."

Looking at Akui's unconscious body, it seems she's having trouble sleeping, her shade over her face, and her bodysuit torn in different areas. She still had the Chevalier tightly clutched in her hand. I readied myself again, and Edge Master mentioned my state.

"Are you sure, Maiko? You can barely stand. I admit that I gave you quite the aggression. We should stop and rest."

"If I can stand, then I can fight."

Edge Master sighed disappointedly. "Ahh, you're just like Xan when he started, very eager to learn despite the short time he had. You mirror him. Like I said beforehand, I fight you now because I need to know your weaknesses to know what to work on first. Pace yourself, Maiko."

I loosened up, and Edge Master nodded in acceptance. "Very good. Help me with Akui. She took taken quite the beating and has a lot to work on, more than you for certain."

We walked over and hoisted up Akui's body. I placed my swords in their scabbards and go to help Edge Master. The moment I touched Chevalier, she kicks awake. Her shade flies to another side of the battleground.

"I'm awake! I'm awake!"

"Akui, good to see that you're up and about. Can you stand?" Edge Master asked as I picked up her shade.

I turned back around to see that Akui tried getting back to her feet but stumbled onto her butt. "Ow. No, I can't. Not on my own."

"It is alright. Maiko, if you don't mind."

"Not at all. Here, Akui," I said as I handed her shade over.

"Thanks."

We both stand Akui up and sling her arms over our shoulders.

"Maiko-san, how are you still standing? Did Edge Master not beat you harshly?"

"Make no mistake, Akui. I feel terrible, and I'm sore all over. I think after we lay you down, I may pass out from fatigue myself. And I don't think that the fighting with Edge Master isn't going to end for another couple of days."

"I believe we're officially done with the direct sparring portion of your training. Starting tomorrow, we can officially begin verbal instruction. But for now, you two must rest after a good showing today. I will personally address your wounds." Edge Master proclaimed as we made our way to the rest area.

We laid down Akui on one of the beds. "Maiko. A word before you go to bed."

"Sure," I said before we left out of Akui's earshot. "What is it?"

"You hold much promise in battle, your potential rivaling that of Xan when he started."

On reaction, my face flushed red.

"You... think so? He's an amazing swordsman. That much is clear."

"I've lived long enough to realize what I speak of. His mother was an outstanding swordswoman as well. I assume you've met her before, correct?"

"Yes, I've met Ms. Shio, a very nice lady."

"Your refusal to give up when the odds were against you are also reminiscent of Xan when he began under my tutelage. You're a duelist as well?"

"Was. I found work as a merchant's bodyguard but left soon after. She treated me like property and forced a new identity on me because of how I left my opponents after a duel. I despise her, on top of something else, but lack the strength to confront both these problems." I said darkly.

"Ah, yes, I have heard of her. Lyla, I presume?"

"Yes, Edge Master."

"She hails from a family of merchants who harbor no qualms about gaining a sale. Your resentment towards her is just, but why do you despise the Fu-Ma Clan?"

I clench my fist to restrain the anger and disdain I held for them, but it didn't stop shaking. "They murdered my family, both my Mother and Father. And for that, they all must die."

Edge Master took hold of my shoulders. "Calm yourself, Maiko. It's natural to feel anger after what you went through, but don't let it consume you. Holding in anger such as yours for so long will only impede your progress."

I calm down slightly as Edge Master released me. "We will begin your instruction tomorrow. On my honor, Maiko, we will finish your family's style."

"Thank you, Edge Master. It's the only way I can properly honor their memory."

"It will be a pleasure to train you both. Go and rest now."

I bowed in respect. "I will see you in the morning."

Edge Master returned my bow before exiting the room. I go back to where Akui was, and she was sleeping soundly. Or was she?

"Akui? Are you asleep?"

"...No. I heard everything."

"Oh. Well, there you go. The Fu-Ma Clan killed my parents while Lyla treated me like garbage."

"She was the one who gave you the name Shura?"

"Yes. I just wanted to better my swordplay. She abused my want for knowledge."

"It's ok. Nobunaga Oda killed all whom I considered family. I thought I was alone until Yoshimitsu-sama found me." Akui said as I get into the bed next to hers.

Then, I see a tattoo of what looked like a demon on her back.

"And now on top of that, I have Coin-senpai, you, and Xan-senpai. I have friends again, and I can't be any happier about that."

It was then I noticed she said Xan's name like she was intent on being more than friends with him. "Why'd you say Xan's name like that?"

"I want to be his lover, Maiko-san. I want us to be together and have many children."

Call me a psychic. "You can't."

"Huh?" Akui turned to face me in confusion. "Why not?"

"'Because I'm going to be his. I know men like Xan-senpai, and he doesn't like uppity bright girls like yourself. He likes a calm, reserved kind of girl... like me."

She scoffed or tried to as we were both still in pain. "I'm Xan's type! We're friends, Maiko-san, and nothing will change that. But Xan and I will be together!"

"No, you won't," I said calmly. "I'll bet on it."

"We'll see." Akui turned in her bed. "Good night..."

I got comfortable but couldn't fall asleep right away. Ugh, I can't believe I'm going to be pushed into a love triangle. But, if it's for Xan's hand, then I'll play along. Thoughts of him consumed my mind as I finally let fatigue take me away into a deep slumber.

The three of us continued walking to Honno-ji. We all universally agreed that no one would be there. We'll take an hour or two to be tourists, then we'll have Xan purify the place.

"Be tourists? Kin, we don't have time. I'd rather be ahead of schedule," he said in a mellow tone.

"Oh, come on, Xan. Despite everything we've gone through, we should still relax. Remember, Edge Master always said to pace yourself and never overwork. We'll get sloppy if we put all our effort in at once. Pacing was always your problem when it came to getting things done. Cut loose." I responded.

"Pacing is your problem, Kin. You always waited until the last minute to get your job done," Xan countered.

"If it's done, it's done. Besides, it's not our time limit is strict. You know that this task may take years?"

"I know, but-"

"But nothin'. We took up the task, so it's best not to rush. Let's take our time and do the job properly rather than half-ass it."

"Yeah, Xan! Loosen up a little. You got an important job, sure, but that's no excuse to live a little."

"I can live after we do this." He simply stated.

I huffed. "I hate when you do this."

"Do what, Kin?" He asked, annoyed.

"Act serious all the damn time. What happened to the relaxed guy a week ago?"

"If you couldn't tell, the world is on the brink of destruction. We have people who wish for our safety, and we're strapped for time. Can you take the task given with a little bit of seriousness?"

"Hey! You're not the only one who made sacrifices to assure the safety of the world, Xan!" I shot back. "As your friend and partner, I'm telling you that you're taking this too seriously and that you need to calm yourself."

We stared each other down, tension rising at an alarming rate. His words cut like a sword through the silence. "I'm going ahead."

Anger was hidden in his calm tone before Xan walked ahead of Xianghua and myself. She tried to stop him, but I didn't allow it. "Let him go."

"What? Why?"

"Xan does this often. Keep a secret?"

She nodded. I sighed. "Xan and I are from four years in the future where there was peace across the land. Sounds crazy, I know."

"Then why did you and Xan come back?"

"In 204 years, the Earth will be destroyed because of Soul Edge's creation. We were sent back to destroy Soul Edge so Earth could be spared. However, we both sacrificed a lot to do this, a peaceful Earth being only the tip of the iceberg. We should give him some time to vent his anger. I let my anger go when I went to get the supplies."

She nodded. "Do you know me in the future?"

"Yes, quite well. I won't say anything else as I don't want to jeopardize our future," I said as we continued walking before wrapping her arm around mine. "But having you around is nice."

"Aww, you're so sweet."

"I'm genuine. I like your bubbly, energetic personality and admire your skill with a sword... and I think you are lovely."

Xianghua made a coy expression, her tone flirtatious. "Are you saying you're single, Kin?"

I matched it in kind. "Let's just say I'm keeping my options open. Maybe my future lies with you. Who knows?"

Being from the future is remarkable in hindsight. Flirting becomes twice as easy.

"Time will tell, won't it?" she retorted with a cheeky smile. "But since we're alone…" Xianghua then leaned in and pecked my lips. "We should catch up with Xan. He's probably far ahead."

"You may be right. Let's go."

We sped up, but I felt a presence watching us from afar. I had a feeling I knew who it was but relaxed as to not alarm Xianghua. She's not as powerful in our time than now. Besides, she doesn't know that we're married in the future and can't be mad since she doesn't know me.

Being from the future's nice.

Kin and I argued, which was bound to happen at some point.

He's easygoing while I'm not. We never clashed in the first journey because we had Baba, Aeon, and Taki with us. At least we're good friends, but I need time to calm down and pace myself.

Dammit, he's right.

Still, I want to finish this quickly. The only person who isn't weaker because of the time is Nightmare. This time travel is bullshit! I stop for a quick breather before resuming the trek.

"Finally made it."

Honno-ji; Nobunaga's home before the attack. It looked grandiose from the outside. I entered the gardens but stopped as I heard chatter.

"You said they were going to be here! Where is the Swordsman, the Thief, and Maiko!?"

"I swear I heard them talking about coming here to Honno-ji!"

Lyla, that relentless whore!

Did she send more men to Honno-ji? I peeked to see that these were not the same guys' Nene and I interrogated yesterday. Before I can think of a course of action, I felt a hand tap my shoulder.

I got to work on checking my back.

Turning, I see a stunning woman who held a respectful and virtuous aura about her, an Ornate Staff in hand with a white hood covering her face.

"I take it you're one of the figures they are looking for?"

I slowly nod.

"How fortuitous that I found you first. You must be Xan-Kun. I've heard of you and your partner Kin's quest."

"How do you-"

She softly placed a finger on top of my lips. "Little escapes my knowledge in Japan. Your group are nice folk and are on a just quest. But those mercenaries are starting to be a problem, are they not?"

"They are. I take it that you are a friend then?"

She giggled. "But of course. I'm Aya. It is nice to meet you. Would you like me to help?"

"The elder sister of Kenshin Uesugi? The God of War? What are you doing in the Kansai region?"

"I will happily answer all questions you have for me after we deal with those cretins. After you."

She's certainly an odd one, but best not to get on her bad side.

I unsheathed one of my swords as I start inching closer to them. As Aya and I closed in on our targets, we heard more of what they were saying.

"Why is Boss so interested in this group anyway? Although they killed some of the others, they don't seem so special."

"From what I overheard, that Xan guy has apparently seen Soul Edge in person, and Lyla wants him to tell her everything he knows."

"But those are rumors. They can't be true. Anyone who encounters Soul Edge in person never survived the encounter."

"Boss thinks that he and his friend Kin are exceptions to the rule. Think about it. Those two show up, run down some of the guys. That same night, Xan completely wipes out the Moon Pheasants by himself. You can't be normal to be able to do something like that."

I looked back at Aya. "I await your command Xan," she stated calmly.

"You take the one on the right."

"Understood."

"On my count. One, two, three."

On three, I rushed in and stabbed the mercenary in the throat, all the while taking him down. I then pierced his heart to be safe before realizing the other mercenary was about to attack me. But he suddenly then fell over, Aya attacking him from behind. I stood back at up and see a burn mark on his back.

What the-

"Please, Xan-Kun. You should be used to seeing certain oddities after your run-ins with the Soul Swords."

"How do you know about that?"

"You're not the only one familiar with the supernatural. Being a Buddhist allows me limited access to the Astral Chaos. I'm well aware of what you and your friends have done in the future." She then bowed. "What brings you to Honnouji?"

"I have to purify the place, and if you deal with the supernatural, you're able to feel the malice because of the battle that took place here," I responded.

Aya placed a hand on her chin, contemplating my response. "It makes sense. Despite Nobunaga and Nohime's escape, many people perished in the battle. I must report to Kenshin. Your insight has helped me understand the situation, Xan-Kun. Best of luck."

I bowed respectfully. "Until next time, Aya-sama."

"You're a nice young man. But you don't need to be so formal with me. Until next time."

She left Honnouji, her presence no longer detected by me. Immediately following Aya's departure, Kin and Xianghua both appeared and gazed at the dead bodies as I put my sword away.

"Who are they?"

"More of Lyla's men. They're looking for us because she thinks we've seen Soul Edge. She wants our information on the sword."

"I mean, we have, though. But if that's what she wants," Kin pointed to the corpses. "Then, she knows better than to send fodder like them."

"It's getting late. I'm going to purify the place then go to bed."

"Maybe there will be beds since this place is a home," Xianghua stated happily.

"Depends. We'll look around while you do your thing."

"Uh, huh. Go be tourists while I do my job."

"You know that's not we meant. Look, we argue, but we're still friends, and I know how important this is. However, I was serious when I said to pace yourself. Your the only one who knows how to use the Holy Stone Fragment, so we need you healthy."

"I know... It's just been hard, y'know?"

Kin placed a hand on my shoulder. "We both gave a lot up to do this and can relax later. Come on, Xianghua. We gotta look for a place to lay our heads."

"Ok!"

The pair went inside the actual palace. Having them around will be... interesting.

At any rate, I go to what I thought was the most centermost part of the palace and take my Holy Stone fragment out of my coat pocket. It levitated out of my hand and glowed violently once again. A burst of light covered Honnouji in white before dissipating as the stone starts to fall. I catch and place it back in my coat pocket.

"Hopefully, I'll get used to that light. Or else I might go blind," Kin said as he exited the palace.

"We can invest in glasses, right?" I asked.

"I'm sure we can spare a couple of pairs."

He patted my shoulder. "We found some beds for us to sleep in. Let's get some shut-eye, eh?"

Something stopped him. "You see that?"

Sure enough, Sakura Blossom petals were falling. But that was impossible. There were no Sakura Blossoms in Honnouji.

"Are those Sakura Blossom petals?"

"There aren't any Cherry Blossoms here in the city. You think it's an illusion from Soul Edge?"

"Too pleasant. Xianghua is already asleep, so let's investigate." Kin said.

We started wandering around the palace until we unknowingly got lost. "Jeez, the place is larger than the Jyurakudai Villa!"

"At this point, I'll be sleeping on the floor rather than with Xianghua."

"What?" I eyed him. "Kin, you're a married man."

"Taki doesn't even know I exist, and the chances of running into her again are slim to none."

"You don't know your wife, Kin. She's a relentless ninja, and when Taki wants to find something, she does. No ifs, ands, or buts."

"You may be right, but I plan on taking full advantage of this opportunity until she does."

"Can you stop worrying about sleeping with Xianghua for three minutes? We gotta find the source of these Sakura Blossoms."

"Xan, we're lost. It's not like the source is just going to reveal themselves." Kin said nonchalantly.

"On the contrary, Thief, she will reveal herself."

We whirled around to see another woman wearing a white priestess outfit while holding an umbrella.

I recognized her instantly. "You're Izumo no Okuni. I saw one of your shows in Kyoto. You're an excellent dancer."

She chuckled lightly and bowed. "Oh, Okini (Thank you)! I would've never imagined a swordsman would be interested in my shows!"

"It's a nice way to pay homage. Kabuki dances are always nice to spectate even to someone as stoic as myself. But pray tell, Okuni-san. What are you doing here of all places? Aren't there better places to practice your dances?"

First Aya and now Izumo no Okuni. Today is taking an odd turn.

"The place was abandoned, so I saw no reason to practice out here." She pointed to the bodies of Lyla's mercenaries. "But those corpses will prove my claim false."

"Had it been any other day, you'd be correct, Okuni-san. But these mercenaries have been after us for days. They heard that we would be coming here, so their boss Lyla sent them ahead of us. They want us alive because we have information that she covets."

"From looking at you, I'd say her men had no chance," Okuni said before feeling up on my arm, her eyes bulging slightly. "You're quite strong, Swordsman. No doubt your significant other feels well protected."

I didn't think much about my response that followed her observation. "I'm not seeing anyone right now."

It was then that Okuni embraced me. I looked at Kin, and being the joker he is, gave me a thumbs up.

"Then I suppose I'm yours from now on since no one is smart enough to see a good man with their own eyes."

"Well. I'm here, Okuni-Kun," Kin interjected.

Okuni shooed him away with her free hand. "I'm not into thieves, even chivalrous ones."

"Fine, I'll back off. We should head to bed soon, Xan, and look at our next stop before leaving Honnouji. I'm turning myself in. G'night to both of you. And try not to have too much fun!" he said with a shit-eating grin while laughing heartily.

"I'm going to kick his ass later," I mumbled to myself.

"What was that?"

"Nothing, just thinking aloud. On that note, are you sure you want to thrust yourself into a relationship with a man you barely know?"

"There is only one Xan who utterly exterminated the Moon Pheasants. He wore an outfit exactly like yours and carried an O-Katana like yours," she said while touching the weapon's hilt. She then palmed my face. "Finally, he had a scar on his cheek."

Had this been me from this timeline, I would be fanboying because I had the biggest crush on Okuni. However, she was a Kabuki Dancer and was three years older than me. The two of us meeting would be a pipe dream. Okuni is 19 at this time, which now makes me older than her. She knows of me and is clearly interested.

Alas, she's not the only one who held feelings for me.

Okuni could easily sense my unease as she caressed my face. "I can see your doubts. Are you not interested, handsome?"

I quickly shook my head. "No, of course not. I've always had a large crush on you. But-"

"But what? We may be strangers, but if I were to bypass this opportunity, some no-name would take you from me. There's clearly a connection to be had between us." Her tone carried a sad vibe. "What's holding you back from me?"

"I'm involved with someone else, and while that is the case, someone else is interested in her. I can't compete as they are extremely close. I fear she may be after me for only lustful reasons."

"That's her mistake. Let her have her partner. She was a fool to not see the deeper picture. You and even your friend are irreplaceable," Okuni said in determination as the moonlight reflected on her beautiful features. "I can feel it."

"How do I know your feelings are genuine and not an act like your performances?" I voiced my doubts.

With a sincere smile, Okuni erased the remaining distance between us. "Will this suffice as proof?"

Our lips came together in a soft, tender kiss. I felt Okuni coming on to me as she deepened the kiss. I had to return the favor as it felt too nice not to do so.

She gently broke away and looked at me with a tender stare, my eyes hazing over. "So?"

"Feelings proved."

She laughed happily. "I'm happy you feel that way. Take me to bed, lover."

I intertwined our hands together. "Ok, Okuni."

Before we reached a bed, she started to speak again. "And if we run into that woman, I'll prove my worth to you in front of her. Despite my appearance, I can fight.."

"So can she."

"Even better. Just you wait, dearest. I'll prove it."

We make it to a bed. Across from it are Kin and Xianghua. "Are they-"

"I have no clue. You can ask them in the morning."

"That's fine. I just want to be with you is all."

I took off my coat and shoes before heading under the covers. Okuni came shortly after that and snuggled underneath my neck.

"Is there anything you want to do while we're here?" I asked, somewhat afraid of her possible answers.

"Laying here with you is just fine." Okuni kissed my cheek. "Goodnight, Xan."

"Goodnight, Okuni. Sweet dreams."

A/N: And that wraps up this chapter.

Anyway, what did you guys think? Did you guys like it? Did you not? Let me know with a review or a PM. And while you're at it, check my profile page and give my other stories a read and vote on my poll.

Originally, Okuni was thrown in as a potential suitor as this was originally a harem but now, Xan is going to be conflicted. He prefers Setsuka, but with Kokonoe around and his knowledge of her loving him he's trying to back off. And as for Kin, he is getting close with Xianghua despite being a married man.

And what did Kokonoe want from Setsuka? We'll see later.

Anyway, I'll see you all soon.