While Chaldea was fighting against Raiden, Amako rushed to the defense lines, positive that Lord Takeda would be there. Letting energy flow, she exhaled as she equipped her scale mail. With each step, she was in sync with her breath, her body surging with energy from her surroundings. Then, in an instance, she stepped off the ground. It didn't crack, yet she exploded into the sky. Spinning, she exhaled in the very same instance her leg hit a spirit. Then the next. Then the next. She was like a small tornado, before sliding over the ground with one final spin. With a wide grin, she shot up, taking on her karate stance.
"Amako Seiryu, reporting for duty!"
The mood around her rose immediately and she giggled. Haha, still got it! Of course it was in that moment her thunder got stolen, not that she minded very much. The red tiger, flickering like it was made of flames, roared as it crashed down on the ghosts, clawing and tearing them apart as it towered over everyone. Its Rider jumped down, spreading his arms open. In that instance, the tiger split up into smaller versions, which proceeded to hunt down the ghosts flying all over the place.
Stand your ground, people! You are as unshakeable as a mountain!"
The fights, Amako included, roared enthusiastically. She could tell how the Earth itself supported her, her body becoming more sturdy. Breath in. Breath out. She bursted forward, a straight punch piercing through a ghosts head. Step in and push. Her knee flew up, as she dashed in a straight line.
Rinse and repeat, her body felt no strain despite the power her movements had. It was in moments like these that Amako felt truly alive. To move as much as she did, while taking in the world around her. However, her feet twitch when they hit the ground. As she breathed in, she tasted it. Quickly, she crossed her arms, just as a gust of wind exploded into her, knocking her back with several other soldiers. She spun in the air, exhaled and slid over the ground with ease, while the others crashed into the defenders or on the ground. Looking up, she snarled.
The masked shrine maiden that had been seen everywhere. The Serpent, named after the mask she wore. A high ranking individual, maybe even the right hand of the Shogun himself. She could feel herself sweat, her hair standing up on her neck as she gulped. The pressure was entirely different from anyone else she ever faced. The air she breathed in was tense.
That woman was dangerous.
"Hold!" Lord Takeda shouted, stepping forward with his fan."Amako, to me!"
"Yes, Lord Takeda!"
At once, the two strongest in the rebellion moved, the ground giving in to Lord Takeda as they exploded into motion. Yet the "Serpent" merely stood there, not even moving. Lord Takeda thrusted his fan forward, while Amako matched her knife hand with her entire body. But instead of flesh, their arms were caught. Their eyes widened, seeing the wind itself condense around their limbs. Amako tried to root herself, to yank it off, but instead she was sent flying, almost dislocating her shoulder. At the same time, Lord Takeda stood his ground, becoming the mountain like he intended to. But just as he was fighting back against the pull, the wind arm suddenly disappeared. As he stumbled, he was promptly slapped against the face, knocking him back.
Amako growled, concentrating energy into her feet as she pressed against the wall. Exhaling, she kicked off, foot first. But despite coming in from behind, the wind protected the Serpent just as easily as from the front. This was how the dance kept on. She was thrown away. She dashed back in. Was flung away again. Meanwhile Lord Takeda started to get closer and closer instead, starting to change up his pattern enough to mess up with the Serpent's defenses.
Amako let out a silenced scream. Oh, did she mention she was thrown away again?! Cause that was fun! It was like fighting those kraken from the stories with how many wind tendrils the woman seemed to have! But that wasn't the worst, no sir! The woman wasn't even sweating while doing all of this! Amako wasn't taking in any aggression as she breathed in the air. Which was so much more insulting, that this person just invaded their home and didn't even have the decency to try hard!
"Are we that beneath you, Serpent?!"
"Yes."
She could barely blink at the sudden response. Just as she was to step forward to punch that stupid mask off, pain flared up at her ankles. Dropping to her feet, she hissed, looking back. Her eyes widened as she saw the gashes that appeared, her blood seeping out. Forcing herself to calm down, she gathered energy with deep breaths. Slowly but surely, the wound closed itself. But as she was healing herself, the Serpent turned to her, two purple eyes staring down in what she could tell was... pity?!
"You are predictable. If one knows an arrow comes, avoiding it is easy.
"You... !"
She wanted to refute her. But Amako couldn't. In frustration, she lowered her head. The enemy wasn't wrong. She was a one trick pony. Could she be blamed if that one trick worked out every time?! She shook her head. Of course she could be. She was considered the second best of the rebellion, she had to be better than this!
A burst of flames sounded in her ears. Looking up, she saw Lord Takeda actually breaking through the barrier, the fan slamming down on the enemy's shoulder. She hissed, but quickly retreated, with speed she didn't expect from a shrine maiden. Suddenly, she was standing on nothing, high in the air. Rolling her shoulder, she turned to Lord Takeda.
"Surrender. There is nothing to gain from defying the Divine Shogun any longer."
Amako blinked. For some reason, the air she tasted was... different now. Before it was almost apathetic or pitying. Now it was just... actually, she had no idea. Bitter? Softer? Gods, she really should've refined her breath taste skill or whatever she had! Anyway, Lord Takeda nodded slowly, looking thoughtful.
"Oh yes, of course, let me just-"
He made a snap motion with his wrist. A gust of wind shot forward, but before it could even reach her, it merely dissipated. Amako gaped at the sight. She could even take control of other people's wind?! That was one of Lord Takeda's abilities! How ludicrous was that control?!
"He will forgive you. You can live your life, free from conflict. You have my word," the Serpent said, bowing her head ever so slightly. But all she received was a scoff and a glare.
"Apologies if I don't put a lot of trust into your word."
She actually launched at that. Then, taking a calm breath, she glanced back. In that instance, they could hear the sound of thunder sounding. Amako bit her lip. Ritsuka and the others were fine, right?
"At least cease cooperating with the outsiders," the Serpent said, for the first time actually sounding angry. Amako snarled, standing up now that her legs have healed up. Pointing accusingly at her, she put up an angry smirk.
"Why?! You afraid?!"
"They desire nothing more than our destruction. The destruction of this land."
Amako froze at the words. What? No. That didn't make any sense. Imagining those guys trying to be like the Divine Shogun or worse... No. She was a great judge of character. No way. They wouldn't do something like that.
Just like sis or granny.
She shoved the small doubt in her heart away and stomped on the ground in defiance.
"What a load of bullshit!"
"What are you talking about?" Lord Takeda asked, narrowing his eyes. The Serpent presented her hand as if she was holding something.
"They are not of this world. They do not hold any responsibilities to this place." She gave them a pointed look. "You must have noticed by now. Their history is too different."
It was crazy. That was utterly crazy, what she heard. Like what, did she allude that Ritsuka and Mash were from... what, the moon? Sent to kill them all? No. This Serpent was the worst if she wanted to break them up. She had to tell better lies.
But... weren't the two of them too strange? With their clothes? Their martial arts? The gear Mash wore could be considered out of this world, but that was just because they lived in country where they could progress... right? Amako couldn't deny that they were definitely hiding something. They always seemed to watch what they said. Catching themselves when they were about to say certain words. If they had nothing to hide, they wouldn't act like that. So maybe... ? A different history... ?She bit her lip. It was mind boggling, but-
Her doubtful thoughts were interrupted, when Lord Takeda stepped forward. Unwavering. Not doubting at all. At the sight, Amako slapped her face. What was she doing? Getting affected like this! So what if Ritsuka and Mash might be hiding something?! So what if the Serpent was actually telling the truth, about that different history and out of this world thing?! They were better than the Divine Shogun and that was not up to debate. Following her lord, he watched as the man glared at the enemy, cracking his neck.
"Perhaps I will ask them." He snapped his fingers, pointing at her with a snarl. "Preferably with you around!"
She could barely widen her eyes as it happened. The red tigers jumped in incredibly high speeds, having surrounded her. Amako had no idea when they got into position, but there were enough tigers to form a sort of ball. She grinned as she saw the shocked expression of the Serpent. Haha! Got her! The tigers claws and teeth hit true, tearing the... after image apart? Instead of blood, as she expected, they hit nothing but empty air, the Serpent's figure disappearing like color in a river.
"I hope you will change your mind."
The voice almost sounded sorry. But the two didn't care. Lord Takeda and Amako whirled around, but it was too late. The latter covered her mouth, already tasting the corruption. The dark miasma was already sent forth from the Serpent's body. Lord Takeda threw his fan, igniting as he did, but it was too late. The attacker disappeared quickly, avoiding the fiery explosion caused by the weapon. With a click of annoyance, Lord Takeda rushed to his soldiers, the attack done and over with.
It didn't mean they were left unscathed however. Even as she ran, she could taste the horror in the air, as much as she didn't want to.
"The supplies!"
She pushed her way through the guards, holding back the urge to barf and got to work. The fields. The bales. Everything. They were all radiating that miasma. Careful in not letting it touch her, she spat to the ground as she confirmed her fears.
"It's cursed... !"
She sure hoped the Karma Feedback hurt, if that stupid Serpent suffered any at all in the first place. To poison one's food and water... ! Did the Shogun not hold anything sacred?!
"Think you can do something about it, Amako?"
As much as she appreciated the confidence her lord had in her, his concerning tone only felt like another dagger to stab at her incompetence. With a dry laugh, she shook her head as she returned her scale mail to its resting form.
"Curse breaking isn't my specialty as you might know." She glanced at the other magi, trying their best to salvage what was left, but looking just as hopeless as she might feel. "None of us do. And even if we did... it's too potent. Whoever that was, she's good."
She shook her head, standing up. What a mess... Glancing at her lord, she realized he was staring at the miasma with a weird expression. At the coiling darkness that corrupted their food. It was a bit concerning at how quiet he was. Which was why he felt relieved when she saw Ritsuka and the others arrive. The young man looked around, worry on his face. Sensing his question, Lord Takeda turned around, somberly letting out a sigh.
"They ruined our supplies."
His eyes widened in shock as Mash gasped. He lowered his head, his hands curled into fists.
"I'm sorry... "
With a quiet laugh, Lord Takeda squeezed his shoulder reassuringly. Amako couldn't help but smile. Ritsuka really did care. Honestly, she could appreciate that. Whoever they were fighting must have been difficult as well, yet he was worried about them.
"Don't be. The enemy attacked us while out guard is down." Lord Takeda glanced behind Ritsuka, letting out an amused scoff. "You two look like crap."
Amako followed his gaze and she couldn't help but wince. Lord Oda and Lord Uesugi really did look like crap. Not that she would say that. But the bruises and ruined clothes spoke for themselves. Even as they slowly seemed to disappear and repair themselves. Amako tilted her head. Huh. Spirits were weird.
"And don't you look perfectly fine," Lord Oda snarled, pointing an accusing finger at him. As he raised his hands in mocking self defense, he walked up to Lord Uesugi, pushing her hair aside with a worried expression.
"You okay?"
"I'll kill that Raiden if that's what you mean~!" Lord Uesugi sang, her smile not disappearing despite the immense killing intent she radiated. If Lord Takeda was worried, he didn't show it as he gave her a small pat on the head.
"Good to hear that."
Things moved in a blur after that. The remaining, untouched supplies were recorded. Injuries and potential deaths were taken note off. Surprisingly enough, there weren't any deaths. However, morale was in an all time low. It was only thanks to the Emperor himself working alongside the others, encouraging others, that they still kept their will. Amako sighed as they were in Lord Takeda's room. So young, yet so responsible already. She sat next to the outsiders, not wanting to act like she was his equal. The only one who did was Lord Uesugi, sitting opposite of her actual 'master', leaning her head on Lord Takeda's shoulder.
"He's a great Emperor," Lord Takeda said, after Ritsuka complimented him.
"He's your only one."
Lord Oda yelped when her master chopped her head, earning glares from almost everyone in the room.
"Nobu, no."
"Pff, fine."
"Still, high spirits won't feed us." Lord Takeda nodded to himself as he crossed his arms. "Looks like we need to act a bit more brazen."
"In what way?" Mash asked, raising her hand. With a smirk, he regarded the room, before spreading his arms open.
"In the 'taking over a fortress' way."
Amako's eyes widened. She wasn't the only one. Ritsuka and Mash also gaped at that idea. Of course his fellow warlords weren't bothered as much. They were actually smirking just as wide.
"Can we do that?" Ritsuka asked in disbelief. Lord Takeda nodded in response.
"With our current fire power? Definitely."
The head of the Seiryu clan couldn't hold back a giggle. In their years of rebellion, they never managed to land any big hits. Skirmishes at best, hit and run tactics, ambush supply wagons. But they never had enough to attack the big targets. They needed enough to stay back, to protect their people. And as might as Lord takeda was, he couldn't do it alone. But with two more warlords, and with Ritsuka and Mash... they could definitely pull it off! However, as she shared a look of excitement with everyone, Lord Takeda's mood seemed to change. With a frown, he idly touched his fan.
"Before we do anything however... " He growled, the pressure suddenly increasing in the room."The truth. Now."
Startled, Amako fell back. Where was this anger coming from? She wasn't look at the one who led the rebellion. She was looking at the Tiger of Kai, ready to fight. His eyes even seem to become slits and she could swear his white hair gained a red touch due to his aura.
"W-what do you mean, Lord Take-"
He interrupted Mash, slamming his fan down, cracking the ground it hit.
"Where are you actually from? Or rather, which timeline?"
Amako gasped in comprehension. The words of the Serpent. That's what he was testing. But-but weren't they playing right into her hands, suspecting them so much? But as much as she wanted to remain positive, even she couldn't miss the way Ritsuka and Mash flinched, the former even going pale. As if he committed a crime. Amako didn't get it. Then, as if protecting her master, Lord Oda raised her arm in front of him, raising an amused eyebrow. Yet despite the casual gesture, Amako could see how her right arm seemed ready to pull a trigger.
"Was my lying that bad?"
"Not really. It sounded plausible enough. However... " He pointed at the two in question with his fan. "What gave it away was their reaction."
Lord Oda turned to them, a dry expression on her face.
"You really need to get better at lying."
They shrunk even more in shame. Lord Takeda scoffed, shaking his head.
"Besides, when I asked about your origins... " He wrapped his arm around Lord Uesugi, a small, genuine smile on his face. "Kagetora never confirmed anything you said. Made me a bit suspicious."
Oda sent a dirty look to the girl in question, who smiled innocently, not even looking at her. Instead, she shared a warm look with Lord Takeda. The Demon King retched, before shuddering, shaking her head.
"Your relationship is disgusting you know that?"
"So what the Serpent was saying was true?" Amako muttered in disbelief. "You... you guys are from... another world? History?"
"History," Ritsuka admitted quietly. She only nodded, feeling numb. Huh. How did that work? It must have been magecraft beyond anything she could have ever seen, slipping between timelines like that. The fact they hid that secret from them... It..it only made sense. They barely knew each other. Why did she expect them to be truthful from now on?
It shouldn't hurt so much, she thought. Before her thoughts could become more twisted, Lord Takeda sighed, the pressure leting up a bit.
"I'm not saying I consider you my enemies now. Heavens knows you two are exactly the same as I knew you 400 years ago." He turned back to Ritsuka, a patient, but awaiting expression on his face. "What I do question is that master of yours."
He nodded to himself. Then, he took a deep breath. Straightening up his back, life returned to him as he put a hand on his chest.
"We are from an entirely different timeline. Where we come from, we call it Panhuman History, this Shogun never existed. Nobunaga and Kagetora didn't die like they did here. And you died before them." He pointed down in demonstration. "This... it what we call a Lostbelt. A place with an entirely different history than ours."
"I assume you know what that tree is then?" Lord Takeda asked. Ritsuka scratched the back of his head.
"Kinda. We know it's a tool of something called the Alien God. It wants to use those trees to 'descend' we believe."
He took another deep breath. Standing up, he looked Lord Takeda straight in the eyes. Eyes that were genuine.
"We don't want to destroy any of you. Our wish is to stop that Alien God. That's why we are here."
Amako could feel her breath leave her in relief. That's... that's all she needed to hear. Just that confirmation. Heck, now that she could process it more, she felt respect for them. They were like heroes. Going to different lands, or rather timelines, to defeat some nefarious evil and protect everyone.
They were good guys after all. She felt stupid for doubting them. Laughing loudly, she slapped Mash's back, who yelped in surprise.
"Ha! Knew it! That bitch was talking lies!"
That sentence broke the tense air. Lord Takeda chuckled before sharing a small look with Lord Uesugi. It was weird, the way they seemed to communicate without words. Some hidden message was passed on before he crossed his arms with a nod.
Of course in that moment, Lord Oda had to ruin everything. Amako was starting to think that was a thing with her.
"Well, since the cat's outta the bag... " A sly expression appeared on her face, before she pointed at Lord Uesugi after twirling both index fingers. "Oi, Tiger, wanna know how she died?"
She froze. Almost mechanically, she slowly turned her head to face Lord Oda. Her eyes were devoid of any mercy, which made her smile even scarier looking. Amako gulped at the sight, and wisely took a step back with Ritsuka and Mash.
"Do you want to die~?"
"It can't be that bad, right, Kage?" Lord Takeda said, raising an eyebrow. She in response immediately turned to him, putting both of her hands on his shoulders.
"Let's not talk about this."
"You su-"
She squeezed, leaning in.
"Let's not talk about this."
Amako felt a hand grab her arm and she stumbled as she was pulled out. She could barely make out the words of 'toilet' before they left the room, the door closed. More specifically, before the crashing and hitting began. Were... were they slugging it out? The trio awkwardly stood outside, feeling the vibrations from inside. Amako nodded a few times. Hm. Hm.
Okay, moving on! With a loud laugh, she threw her arms around them, pulling them closer with a grin.
"Alternative history, ey?!" She shouted in excitement. Ritsuka cleared his throat awkwardly while Mash brushed her hair aside, looking ashamed.
"W-we didn't mean to hide-"
She snorted, waving them off.
"I'm not mad! I kinda get it. Who'd believe you?" Ruffling their hair, she giggled lightly. "But hey, if you feel bad, share some stories!"
The way they smiled back and nodded filled her chest with warmth. Woohoo! Stories from another world! What was more awesome than that?! Life's been pretty fantastical lately! Amako began to drag them towards her room, locking her arms with theirs. Things were looking up now! She couldn't believe the enemy would have the audacity to lie like that. No way they would ever mean any harm to them and their country! And who knew... maybe they could actually become friends no!