The story should be ending sometime next month if school allows me to keep up the progress. Thanks again, and I hope ya'll enjoy.


Encounter Number 15: Enemy Orochi

The sun was nearing the horizon as the bright blue sky began to glow with small blotches of orange. The fluffy white clouds now pale smears of gray that were vaguely spread out through the air. Not yet fully orange and pink, the sky seemed to anger the impatient and tensed up Orochi, who was glaring at it like a worst enemy.

"It's almost time, finally. I can already see myself sitting upon the Supreme Emperor's throne, alongside my beautiful Hakushi. Ah...The level of authority I'll have will be the absolute highest...No one can stand in my way! The Samurai will finally gain their rightful place at the top of the food chain, not the bottom! The Dawn Empire will reign supreme again...Just like we once did in the east."

Kaneko turned and sighed. He walked through the chambers and halls of the Manor, his guards and maids keeping it tidy and well protected. As he went out to the front door and opened it up, he breathed in the warm air. He chuckled to himself as he looked down the long stone pathway that led to his doorway, on the sidelines, blocky bushes acting as a sort of wall, separating the pathway from the large gardens of the Manor.

Daigo could see the lights of distant lamps in the city, his people likely getting ready for supper and prayer, to honor the day that their new Emperor and Empress will be crowned. The Seinaru Clan's victory seemingly confirmed and the erasure and takeover of the Urutora Clan...Seemingly completed.

But in reality, the people were stirring among their homes and markets. The blacksmiths hard at work, the people sweating and crying while under the teachings of martial arts masters and instructors. Weapons were being traded, shields being polished, bows being re-adjusted and re-calibrated, arrows being sharped, and armor being tightened. Rebels of the Urutora Clan wore black and gold robes proudly, doing their best to avoid Seinaru Clan patrols that now strictly monitored the city.

The people Hakushi Province were restless, refusing to honor the crowning of Daigo Kaneko. Elsewhere, in other cities and towns of the Urutora Clan, the civilians were preparing to defend their homes from oncoming armies of Seinaru warriors, coming to announce the takeover of their territory, and the new Emperorship of Daigo. But the words of the rogue Heroes had inspired them to take rebellious action. The Samurai had always seen the Knights as honorable but blunt people. But now, their views were different. It seemed that some did truly want justice and order.

Tyranny was the last thing the people of the Myre needed, as the difference between the rich and the poor would become even greater, the lower peoples of the Dawn Empire would suffer, rogue clans would become more aggressive, turf wars would continue and become more large scale, the Daimyo's would go dormant, as they would now have no power, authority, or word about the Seinaru Clan's rule. The rich would also suffer, as they would be taxed more. The economy would take a blow as well, as prices would skyrocket in an attempt to increase the Clan's wealth.

The man who Katsue had spoken to up in the stage, before the capture of all the Heroes, was now finishing the distribution of the Shinobi's message. The people were almost done plotting, their plan of attack nearly completed. Some were looking at the sun, their hearts pumping, their nerves haywire.

"Oshietekudasai." The man told an Urutora Guard, who shook the man's shoulder and nodded. He turned to a group of his fellow guards, along with martial artists and other warriors.

"It is almost time. We must not let the ceremony take place. We will follow the Shinobi's orders. I trust in her and her allies, we all should as well." The guard spoke; he was holding a rectangular shield, the Urutora Clan symbol painted on it.

"They are our only hope. Messengers are already out telling the other groups. The Urutora Guards and martial artists will be our leading forces. Their students our tutors and captains." Another man spoke.

"I'm scared. Many will die in this attempt. What if it doesn't work? What if we lose and Daigo punishes us with something unimaginable?" A woman said aloud.

"Not to worry. We won't stop fighting until the fight is fully lost. I'm prepared to lose my life if necessary. We all know that Daigo is not fit to be the Myre's Supreme Emperor. The Hakushi's are the natural-born leaders of the Dawn Empire after the loss of our original royal family in the Cataclysm, not the Kaneko family. I won't let Daigo stain the legends of the Samurai with his foolishness and stupidity." The guard responded.

"Then neither will we."

"Indeed, we'll fight with you."

"The people of the Hakushi Province should be done preparing. We're set to meet up at the plaza at sundown. We'll gather in front of the Manor's gate and execute the plan." The guard explained.

"Very well. It is decided. My students shall be distributed among the other civilians. We must fight together in order to stand a chance. But what of the Heroes? Have they not been captured?" A Martial Artist asked.

The guard nodded. "Yes, but if the gods are in our favor, they will find a way to assist us. Not only that, but Airi Hakushi is likely on our side. She herself is a Hero. We will have her support."

The people murmured nervously.

"Our decision is final. Now, we wait."


Inside the Manor...

Airi paced back and forth within her room, her eyes filled to the brink with tears of stress. She fanned herself with her hands and restrained from crying. She kept looking back at her mirror to look at herself, every time she did so, she scowled at herself, hating the makeup and ceremonial paint she had on her face. Her white and red dress covered her from head to toe. Her hair was tied up in loops and puffs, golden ornaments decorating her head. Large obnoxious earrings hung from her ears, necklaces, and bracelets would rattle and tinker when she moved.

The Nobushi no longer felt like a fighter, like a martial artist, like a warrior, like a Hero. She felt like a pathetic damsel in distress, waiting for her savior to come and rescue her from her tower that was being defended by a fierce dragon. The tower being her marriage, and the dragon being Daigo and his henchmen. She stuck half of her body out of the window, looking and listening closely, trying to catch any sign of her friends, but she could sense nothing.

"Where could they be? A-Are they dead...?! No...No they can't be! No! I refuse to believe that!"

Hakushi grew panicked. Her heartbeat became quick and rapid. She felt her chest become tight and heavy, struggling to go up and down with her shaky breathing. She could already hear the bustling of people outside of her door, loyal followers of the Seinaru Clan, along with citizens from Daigo's home village who wanted to witness the crowning of their brand new emperor.

Airi grabbed her head and shook it, shutting her eyes tightly, wishing everything and everyone would just go away into nothingness; the action of a small child. She only wanted to go home, back to Ashfeld, back to the Azure Legion, back to Fort Diamond, in her own little home that she shared with the love of her life. The girl shuddered as she sat down on her bed and hugged herself, suddenly feeling cold. She missed the warmth of Emora's tender body resting next to her own in the same bed, underneath the covers, their faces mere inches apart. She missed hugging and cuddling with her, kissing and making passionate love with her. She longed bathing, dressing, eating, laughing, talking, and overall just being with the Warden.

More thoughts came into Airi's head as she remembered memories of her other friends. She remembered sitting at the tavern for hours on end, eating and drinking, cracking jokes and laughing until six packs emerged. These memories only made Hakushi feel even worse, as she remembered what she had done. She had no idea what the others thought of her, or if they even considered her a friend anymore. She feared that they were only here because Emora had forced them to come.

The possibility of the worst rejection of her life emerged, as the other Heroes could deny The Nobushi of their friendship, and leave her devastated in a time where she needed them desperately. But she, of course, held onto a sliver of hope. She narrowed her eyes as she exhaled sharply. Airi got up from her bed and stood in front of her mirror.

"Please...Please...I'm so sorry for what I did...I'm sorry...This was all my fault...I'm sorry. Can you all somehow find it in your hearts to forgive me? I need you all...I'm begging you...I'm begging for your forgiveness...Please!" Airi pleaded, reciting and practicing her apology to herself. Her shoulder drooped as she shook her head.

"The hell am I doing. How do I even know I'm going to get out of here? They're...They're probably already dead anyway. A heartfelt apology is better than a scripted one anyway! I'm so stupid! Why can't I do anything right?!"

Just then, the Nobushi heard the door to her room open. She gasped as she turned to look at who had entered. It was one of Daigo's guards; he was dressed in ceremonial armor, not necessarily made for combat, but more for special occasions. He nodded his head and signaled for the soon-to-be empress to exit her room.

"W-What?! Already...?" Airi cried.

The guard nodded his head firmly, he motioned towards the exit once again, but Airi refused to move. She fidgeted with the sleeves of her dress as she looked at her feet; the soft comfortable sandals she wore were likely made earlier today just for the wedding. Her finger and toenails were painted with golden paint, the metallic shine of the paint polished the refined look, leaving the Nobushi thoroughly impressed for a little while. She hadn't realized that her people had such high-tier aesthetic taste, but at the same time, it was expected of royalty to have these types of accessories and cosmetics.

A voice came from behind the guard, which after a few seconds made him step aside. There stood Daigo, wearing his own ceremonial robes. He was smiling, his hair slicked to the side, his brown eyes looking at Airi intentionally. His smile was eager and excited.

"Airi, it's time. Look outside your window and up at the sky. It's beautiful."

The Nobushi's eyes widened as she looked outside. Instead of looking down below her, at the ground, she looked up at the sky and saw that it was a warm mixture of orange and pink, the clouds little dark smudges in the sky. The sun was setting on the horizon, only half of it visible.

"No..." She murmured to herself.

Daigo cleared his throat behind Airi, causing her to turn around, her eyes full of worry and anxiety.

"Come now, we're supposed to appear in the main chambers in a few minutes. The public ceremony will be short, as...The manor is currently still on lockdown because of a particular intruder that is still rummaging around." The Orochi said firmly.

"Emora..." Airi thought.

"The priest will swear us together by oath, and we will be publicly wed. The people will love it! Then, right as the sun is about to fully set, we have to go out to the shrine behind the Manor and be paired spiritually. A priest will recite a prayer as we are cleansed of all our sins, and have our first bath together. Finally, we will each cut our palms, and join hands as we recite one final prayer to the priest, in honor of our ancestors and the legacy of the Kaneko family. The Urutora Clan and the Hakushi's will...Sadly be forgotten. But a new age will rise for the Myre under our rule, Airi. Everything will be fine, trust me." Daigo explained.

"Now come on, we have to go." He smiled.

Airi's eyes were wide with fear. Her jaw trembled as she shook her head, opening and closing her mouth repeatedly, unable to speak.

"I...I don't...Daigo...I..."

The Orochi walked forward and grabbed Airi by the hand.

"We have to go. Please, Airi...Don't make this any harder than it has to be." Daigo said politely. He gently pulled the Nobushi along, he smiled and waved as they walked down the steps into the main hall, the people standing up from their seats and clapping.

"Try to look a little happier," Daigo whispered.

Airi closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

"Emora...I'm sorry."

The Nobushi opened her eyes, and her face completely changed. Her brown eyes lit up the room, everyone she looked at turned red with excitement. Airi's beauty was unmatched, her beautiful smile, her wonderful clothes, her spotless figure, her cute laugh, her innocent giggles when someone from the crowd winked or yelled out her name, everything was perfect about her. Daigo held her hand tightly, he himself feeling a bit nervous.

Daigo's parents stood on either side of the priest, facing each other. Once Airi and Daigo stood next to each other, in front of the priest, they looked at the Emperor and Empress.

"Daigo. This was not how it was supposed to be." Daigo's father said firmly.

"But we have decided that there is no other proper day for this to happen. We leave the Seinaru Clan under your command. Once you become the Supreme Emperor of the Dawn Empire...It is your responsibility, along with Airi's." Daigo's mother followed up.

"I understand mother, father. I will not fail my people. I promise...The loss of the Atsuto and Airina will forever be mourned. But today is the day that everything changes for the Samurai." Daigo nodded, his two parents giving small smiles and nodding back.

"What?! T-They don't know he killed my parents!? How could they not know!? That's impossible!" Airi internally yelled. She shifted uncomfortably, a wave of heat surging through her body. Daigo turned to the Nobushi, noticing that her hand had suddenly become moist with sweat.

"Are you ready?" Daigo asked.

Airi didn't bother to respond. She only exhaled and looked at the priest, her heart beating out of control, nearly pumping itself out of her chest.

Daigo frowned, but quickly shifted into a small smile.

"So...She didn't fight back. I guess the public execution wasn't necessary." The Orochi thought as he eagerly turned to the priest, just as the public ceremony officially began.


In the gardens...

Emora woke up with a loud gasp. Her body bolted upright as she looked around, panting profusely. She was sweating, her eyes wet, and her cheeks moist. She rubbed them as she moaned quietly, holding her head. As she stood up, the Warden realized she had been crying while she slept.

She stood up from the now flattened bush and stumbled back into the open. She carefully stepped over roots and past large trees. As she reached the door of the Manor, she sighed. The Warden did multiple arm circles, stretching her shoulders. She reached for her toes and cracked her back when straightening back up. She twisted her body left to right repeatedly, groaning in discomfort from Yuko's spine crack maneuver. The Warden then cracked her neck and knuckles, wincing at the faint pain she felt.

"Whew..."

Emora tried the door, not surprised to see it was locked. She looked around to see no one around. She then realized that the gardens had gotten much prettier, the trees looking more vibrant, the greenery lighter, the atmosphere more calm and warm. The air was humid, the rocks glistening with moisture, the puddles of rainwater on the ground reflecting...Orange light?

"Huh?!"

The Warden looked up into the sky, her heart shattering when she saw its orange and pink colors. She never thought she would ever dread a sunset, but today, she truly did. Emora pulled back and pushed the Manor's door, unable to open it in any way at all. She began to panic; her eyes grew teary, her breathing short, her whimpers and soft noises growing restless and worrisome.

"No! No! NO! Goddamnit, I need to open this thing!"

Emora began to pound on the door; she punched it repeatedly, somehow hoping to break it open. She took a step back, and kicked it with all of her strength, only managing to wobble it. She swore underneath her breath as she took a step back and flexed the left side of her body. She dug her heel into the ground as she charged forward, ramming into the door.

"Gah!"

The Warden staggered back, her arm stinging, the recoil of the failed attempt caused her to stagger back, panting in pain.

"No...I can't open it! W-Where is everyone?!"

Emora ran back and jogged around in the area. She whipped her head around everywhere, her breathing grew more and more rapid. She let out small whimpers and cries of desperation every so often.

"Alban!? Cyrus?! Elea!? Apollo?! Cindra?! Cinder!? ANYONE?! Someone...ANYONE! Please, help me!" Emora cried out, her yells echoing through the gardens and off walls of the manor. She let out a desperate exhale as she stumbled around, her legs suddenly losing power due to an overwhelming amount of emotion.

Emora choked on a sob, she fell onto all fours, bawling her eyes out. She dug her face in her hands and slouched over, her head on the ground, her legs folded beneath the rest of her body. She curled up on the ground like a small child, trying to cry her problems away. The Warden had failed her mission, it was sundown, and as she sat outside in the Manor's large gardens, deserted, alone, and abandoned, Airi was getting married to Daigo.

She slammed her fist into the ground with frustration, her tantrum loud and boisterous. She slammed both of her fists into the ground this time, repeatedly, interchanging them with every strike. Dents developed in the dirt as she angrily continued to pound the floor.

She slowly sat up, struggling to breathe in between her sobs and cries. She sucked in air, wiping away tears and snot from her eyes and nose respectively. The Warden looked at her hands, her dirty and now worn gauntlets, beneath them, her sore, numb hands. She removed one of her gloves and looked at her naked hand, slowly tracing the lines of her palm. Emora slowly zoned out as she began to nibble on one of her nails, her eyes locked on one spot in the ground.

The Warden slowly stopped crying; she bit and picked at her index finger, her nail and teeth clacking against each other in repeated clicks. Emora felt like a baby holding its first ever toy, completely mesmerized and distracted. Once she had stopped crying, she began to zone back into reality, her body recovered, her mind calm, and her heart strengthened and rejuvenated. With a small gasp, the Warden blinked and realized that her eyes were fixed on Yuko's Kanabo.

Emora scrambled to her feet and rushed forward with excitement. She tried to ignore the Shugoki's motionless body, and instead focused on the huge, spiked wooden club that he considered his weapon. The Warden gripped its handle and pulled back on it, dragging it across the ground. The heavy weapon left a crease in the dirt in the form of a trail. The Warden stood in front of the door, her eyes burning with determination.

She bent down and heaved, moaning and struggling with the Kanabo's insane weight. As she slowly picked it up and held it in her hands, she was looking at the closed door of the manor, the Kanabo's steel front tip facing straight towards it.

"Hnh...Okay...I got this..."

Emora took a few steps back and prepared herself. She bent her legs and arched her body. She leaned forward and took a deep breath.

"RAH!"

As the Warden charged forward and rammed into the door using the Kanabo, she let out a battle cry. The huge wooden club cracked into the door, Emora using it as a battering ram. Her hands tingled with the vibrations of the strike, especially her unarmored one, which she had forgotten to cover back up with her gauntlet. The blonde-haired Knight grit her teeth with effort as she backed up again, and prepared for another charge. After a second hit, the door was beginning to break open.

"Ha...Hah...Uh...Huah..."

Emora swallowed her saliva as she stepped back once again, preparing for a third hit. She huffed and recovered her stamina, closing her mouth and narrowing her eyes. She grunted out with effort as she rushed forward once again, delivering yet another blow to the door.

The Warden exhaled and whipped her head back, whipping strands of hair out of her face. She shook her head as she looked up at the sky.

"Thanks, Yuko...I'm sorry our fight had to end the way it did...But I hope you know...You're helping me bring true justice to the people of the Myre. Airi...I'm coming. I ain't givin' up just yet."


Inside the Manor...

Daigo and Airi were facing the priest, reciting and responding to prayers and oaths. The entire chamber sat in silence, listening closely. The atmosphere was tense and energized, as the audience awaited the final oath of the pair and the official joining of the newlywed Emperor and Empress.

Just then, repeated loud bangs could be heard outside of a door not too far away from the main chamber. Guards in the room exchanged glances as they dashed out of the room and closed the large door behind them. The banging grew louder and louder until the people began to turn around in their seats, looking at the main chamber's door in confusion.

Daigo could hear the banging and quickly glanced at the door with a confused scowl. Airi's heart skipped a beat when she caught hold of the noise, her eyes widened a bit, and her lips parted with excitement.

The priest had finished his prayer and told Airi and Daigo to face each other. The two turned and stared each other in the eye. They were holding hands tightly, Daigo's grip firm, while Airi's grip was fierce. She narrowed her eyes and glared at her fiancé with an intimidating stare. She opened her mouth a bit and mouthed a few words.

"She's coming."

Daigo's eyes widened. The sound of swords clashing entered his ears. Loud grunts and shouts went off in Japanese, the people of the audience stood up from their seats in fear, turning to the door with expressions of worry.

The Orochi shook his head rapidly; he turned to the priest with a fake smile.

"Please, finish the oaths. Hurry."

The priest nodded and read from his scrolls with a slightly faster pace. Daigo closed his eyes as he prepared for the final kiss. Airi began to shiver; the hair on her arms and neck stood up, goosebumps emerged onto her soft skin as she looked at Daigo's well-chiseled face...A face she hated so dearly.

The Nobushi breathing turned shaky as she slowly closed her eyes, the priest finishing his oaths.

"Daigo, are you prepared to take Airi Hakushi as your beloved wedded wife, eternal bride, and dearest Empress?" The priest asked.

"Hai, mochiron," Daigo said firmly, taking a single step forward.

"Airi, are you prepared to take Daigo Kaneko as your beloved wedded husband, eternal groom, and Supreme Emperor?" The priest turned to Airi.

The girl opened her eyes and glanced at the door. She opened her mouth slowly, closed it, and then opened it again. She let out a shaky exhale and nodded. She hesitated as she took a step forward, her body up against Daigo's.

"Hai...M-Mochiron." She muttered.

The priest raised the sacred script of the Seinaru Clan, a scroll with golden edges. Candles were lit all around the chamber, causing the people looked around, dazzled. The sounds of swords and shouting had settled, and the people began to sit back down.

Airi's heart shattered. The only confirmation she needed was for the guards to return to the chamber, signifying that they had killed her knight in shining armor. She immediately felt like crying, she looked down at her hands that were joined with Daigo's, her legs shaking with terror.

"No...No..."

The priest nodded as the candles were all lit, and the people had all sat back down.

"In honor of our ancestors, in honor of the Seinaru Clan, and in honor of the Samurai...I now present to you all, the new Supreme Emperor and Empress of the Dawn Empire!"

The people all stood and clapped, Airi and Daigo still both standing with their eyes closed. The priest stepped back and bowed.

"Emperor Kaneko, you may kiss your Empress."

Daigo opened his eyes, they were shining with pride. He slowly leaned forward, the people clapping and cheering. Airi couldn't bear to look at him. She shut her eyes tightly, refusing to open them at all. She only parted her lips ever so slightly, so Daigo could gently seal them with his own. The Nobushi could feel the Orochi's warm breath on her lips; she could hear her own heartbeat, her own misery.

Daigo gently grabbed onto Airi's waist and paused. He opened his eyes and frowned when Airi wouldn't open her eyes.

"Hakushi."

Airi flinched. She slowly opened her eyes, as soon as she did, multiple tears spilled from them. They streamed down her face, her quiet sobs were silent among the clapping and shouting of the crowd, who were all hugging and raising their hands in the air. She looked at him with her sad eyes, her lips quivering slightly.

"It's all over now. We'll be together for the rest of the joining, just you and me. Our first bath will be a wonderful one, you'll see." The Orochi smiled.

And with that, he leaned forward. Airi shut her eyes and let out a small whimper.

"Emora...Why...? Why didn't you save me..."

The Nobushi's body slumped as she felt Daigo place his hand on her cheek.

"STOP!"

Just as Daigo was about to kiss Airi, the doors of the chamber launched open, catching everyone's attention, and causing them to look in the doorway's direction. Daigo and Airi both jumped as they turned to look at who stood in the way.

There, in the middle of the pathway between the rows of people, standing on the red rug, standing in the doorway, standing tall and proud, was Airi's knight in shining armor, the Myre's savior, the Dawn Empire's only true hope.

Airi let out a cry that she had been holding in for far too long.

"EMORA!" She cried out, letting go of Daigo's hands and backing away from him. The sound of her name rolling off her tongue filled the Nobushi with a cluster of loving emotions.

Daigo quickly grabbed onto Airi's wrists, making her release a scared gasp.

The people screamed and cried out with shock when Emora entered, now they only stared at her with petrified expressions of utter dismay. The Knight stood in the doorway, panting, her hair a mess, her armor was loose and battered, and her bloody sword in her left hand. She slowly lifted it up and pointed it towards Daigo.

"You..."

Daigo ground his teeth with fury, he only stared at the Warden with enraged looking eyes.

"Let her go..." Emora said in a low voice. The room was silent enough for Daigo to hear her loud and clear.

He did as told. Daigo took a few steps back, shaking his head. His eyes were filled with horror, his hands curled up into tight fists. His eyes and mouth were now wide open. The only thing that came out of the Orochi's mouth was air, as he was unable to talk at all.

Emora slowly began to walk forward, her sword scraping against the red rug. The audience watched in silence as she walked past them, observing the Warden's appearance.

Daigo snapped into reality.

"GUARDS! GUARDS!"

From the doors at the sides of the chamber, guards dressed in white and gold armor began to pour out in two neat lines. They were all elite Kensei guards, just like Raiko. Some members from the crowd, like generals or commanders, stepped out from their seats and unsheathed their katanas, which they had brought with them for tradition. Like ants, they all lined up in front and behind Emora, their weapons were drawn towards her.

"NO! EMORA—!"

Airi's cry was cut off by Zhao as he grabbed ahold of the Nobushi, and clasped his gloved hand over her mouth. Kiyoshi stood in front of the Aramusha, facing Emora with stern looking eyes. They both turned to Daigo, who looked back at them with a merciless look.

"Zhao, take her out to the shrine. Kiyoshi, grab all of them. Every single one of them. Lead them outside to the shrine as well...In front of the tower. I won't stand for any more of this. I'll show Airi that her friends stand no chance against me. All of them, along with that Warden, have caused me enough trouble already. I'll personally see to it that they're all killed. After she's dead...I'll bring Airi her dead body myself." The Orochi said sternly.

Zhao and Kiyoshi both nodded. The Aramusha dragged Airi out back, while Kiyoshi went out through one of the main chamber's side doors, towards the trapdoor where he and Zhao had stored the other Heroes.

Emora watched everything. She could hear Airi's muffled cries, her sobbing, and moaning. The Warden could already feel her anger bubbling up from inside. Her blood boiled as she closed her eyes and took multiple deep breaths. She slowly got into position and opened her glistening golden eyes.

The people backed away from their seats and began to crowd up at the sides of the large chamber. Children hid behind pillars, women grouped together, quietly crying, while the men stood in front, watching closely, mumbling amongst themselves.

Emora counted ten Kensei's and four Samurai Generals behind her. She looked around and breathed calmly, her eyes observing every single one of her opponents. She analyzed their battle stances, whether they were low or high, tall or short, small or big, buff or slim, left or right handed, and whether or not they were on the right or left side of her sword.

Her eyes met with Daigo's. He stood behind his Kensei guards, his hands behind his back.

"Emora-san. What a pleasure it is to see you again. You have absolutely no idea how I feel to be standing before you right now."

Emora's cheek twitched. "Yeah. But I think I have an idea."

Daigo huffed. "Hm...Maybe you do. Well...I'm just going to go ahead and tell you, Warden."

The Orochi sighed and cracked his neck.

"I despise you...With every single fiber of my being."

Emora's stern mouth slowly curled up into a small smile. Her eyebrows slanted slightly, her golden eyes looking at Daigo with intimidation.

"Oh, that's funny. Because I feel exactly the same way about you, Emperor."

The people on the sidelines gasped. The Kensei guards and Generals shifted in their stances. Daigo closed his eyes and exhaled. He flicked up an eyebrow and turned back to the Warden, holding back his anger.

"Guards..."

Emora lifted one hand off of her sword's handle and swept her bangs to the side. She closed her eyes as she passed her finger down on the curved, smooth bridge of her perfectly chiseled nose. The Warden grinned at the Orochi, which only made him angrier.

He let out a loud growl as she pointed his finger forward at Emora.

"Do me a favor and KILL HER!"

The ten Kensei' and four Generals rushed forward, all of them at the same time. Emora got into a battle position and stood in the center of all the warriors as they ran towards her. Daigo laughed maniacally, knowing that Emora was dead for sure. The people on the sidelines gasped as the rapid footsteps of the fighters erupted through the chamber.

"Four on my left...Two in front of me...Four on my right...Four behind me...These two are the closest, but the ones behind me are faster. At the same time...They're off-guard and unarmored. The ones in front of me will attack one at a time...Maybe twice. They don't want to get tangled. Okay...I got this."

The Warden put her left leg out and turned around at a breakneck speed. She whipped her sword out and sliced the throat of one of the generals, causing a woman to cry out from the sidelines. Emora immediately recognized that he was likely her husband.

She sensed an attack coming from behind her as she looked behind her shoulder. She stepped forward and kicked another one of the generals back while simultaneously dodging a strike from one of the Kensei's. Two more Kensei's lashed out at Emora, but she placed her sword in the way to block the strikes. A general ran up behind the Warden and sliced at her thigh, her thick brigandines absorbing most of the hit but still caused Emora to turn with attention.

"Huah!"

She thrust her sword forward, clinking past a katana blade, and into a general's chest. The other two generals backed up, while three Kensei's moved forward. Emora turned and swung her sword out at their heads with one hand. Her sword beheaded two of them instantly while hitting the third in the skull. Emora grabbed onto her blade and gouged her sword out from the Kensei's helmet. She punched him to the ground and snapped her head to the right.

"Shine!"

"Shine, my ass!"

Emora parried a strike from a Kensei and then turned to face the two Generals. She rushed forward and picked one of them up using her sword. She threw his body forward quickly scraping her sword across the ground. She watched as the legs of the final general flew off, and he fell to the ground, screaming and shrieking in pain, the floor growing with huge pools of blood.

The Warden turned away as quickly as possible, cringing from the horrid sight. She watched as seven Kensei's stood before her. Three of them rushed forward, their swords all at different angles. She blocked the top blade, and then rotated her sword to the right, deflecting the other. She felt as the third Odachi from the left hit her in the side.

"AH!"

Emora stumbled over her own feet, blood leaking from a small cut in her armor. She jumped back, holding her own body with one hand. Two Kensei's rushed forward and she saw a clean opening.

She slid in between both of them and kicked one in the back of the head, sending him flying forward. She turned and stabbed her sword clean through the other's body, then turned around to see two more lashing out with their blades, the Warden using the Kensei's body as a meat shield. Their swords stuck into the body of their dead ally, causing them to gasp out in alarm.

Emora grunted out with effort as she gnashed her blade through the Kensei's spine and cut the stomach of another. She ducked under two blades and plunged her fist into the stomach of a third. She brought her sword down on the Kensei's neck, cutting it clean off. She raised her arm into the air and caught the blade of a Kensei with her forearm. Metallic sparks flew everywhere as a loud clang echoed through the entire chamber.

"N-Nani?!"

Emora laughed as she stabbed the Kensei through the stomach, then quickly poked a second in the eye with her hilt, and then stuck her sword deep into his neck, cutting clean through, blood shooting out like a geyser.

Daigo watched in horror as Emora swiftly finished off all of his Kensei's. He began to yell out, his voice cracking. He called for more guards, more fighters, more Heroes. Unprepared guards scrambled into the room, their armor also loose and untied.

Emora turned to face every single one that came; she was calm and steady, her blade swift, quick, and effective. She stayed collected, not panicked or overly aggressive, but she used the necessary amount of force to end every single opponent swiftly.

"HIYAH!"

"UAH!"

"KUZO!"

"ARAI!"

Emora plunged her sword through one's stomach; she then sliced through another's throat. She slid underneath a katana to half-sword a third through the heart. She cut a fourth's head off, and then used her momentum to stride forward and dig her sword deep into a fifth's ribcage. She gnashed her sword upwards and kicked the guard back.

"KILL HER! KILL HER!" Daigo yelled.

Four guards surrounded Emora. The Warden rushed forward and charged into one of them with a shoulder charge, then punched them in the jaw, causing their head to snap back, and their neck to break from the force. She turned around and parried the katana of another guard, slashed them once, then came back around and cut them into the ground.

With a fierce battle cry, she turned her sword over and swung it like a hammer. With a loud clang, the Samurai flew back with a cracked skull. She then fell down onto one knee and whipped her sword at the final guard's leg. Her hilt smashed into his kneecap, bringing him to the ground with a painful cry. Emora huffed as kicked the guard's neck, and watched as his body rolled to a slow stop.

Emora turned around and exhaled, she faced Daigo, breathing in and out through her mouth slowly.

"Is that all you have for me? What a waste. I expected better from you." She said boldly.

Daigo's eyes widened with offense. "WHAT DID YOU SAY?!"

Emora walked forward and stood a few feet away from the Orochi, her sword over her shoulder.

"You can send your entire army after me...I'll still stand and fight. Come on, throw me everything you have."

Daigo looked around and saw that the people on the sidelines were crying and watching with terror. Their faces were full of confusion and disarray. They were murmuring amongst themselves, talking about how their new Emperor was being taunted and ridiculed by a single Knight-warrior, his forces seemed incompetent and weak.

Daigo began to hyperventilate as he looked around, his eyes getting teary with worry.

"Damn it! Someone...Anyone, kill her!"

Two Orochi's emerged from either side of the hall, their gold and white armor shining brightly. Emora turned to look at both of them and actually seemed impressed.

"Hm. Alright then..."

The turned to face the two Orochi's who were circling around her. She hesitated as they both backed up, completely synchronized. They stood crouched down with their swords at their belts, and then they suddenly bolted forward with blinding speed.

Emora leaped forward and rolled onto her shoulder. She jumped up and turned around to see the two Samurai clash swords and recoil back. She ran forward and traded blows with the two fighters, until she dodged the katana of one, and then pulled a Kensei-like move. She pointed her sword behind her and held it backward. She impaled the Orochi that stood behind her, and then jerked her sword forward. She watched as the Orochi's body fell limp next to her.

The other Orochi growled as he charged forward, Emora in guard. Everyone watched as the two clashed blades repeatedly. They both raised her blades and brought them down at the same time. The two forces became one as sparks emerged from the point of impact. The two Heroes held their swords in the air in a struggle of pure strength, their arms shaking, their hands trembling, and their fingers numb.

Emora opened her mouth and began to grunt heavily, while the Orochi began to wheeze and strain. The two arched their legs and pushed forward until Emora's hilt caught hold of the Orochi's katana. The Warden cocked her sword upwards, breaking the Samurai's guard. She went in to attack and slashed her opponent twice. She crouched to shoulder charge, causing the Orochi to stand back and slash his sword out in defense. Emora had faked the charge and dashed to the side.

"You're done for!"

She cut her sword into his stomach, and then lashed it up into the air. Blood flailed into the sky as the fighter fell to the ground. He slowly rolled onto all fours, and then shuffled to his feet, his legs shaking. The man was panting heavily, while Emora was only starting to get winded.

Daigo had seen enough.

"That's it! Can no one kill her?! NO ONE?!"

The Emperor looked around angrily, a savage look in his eyes.

"EVERYONE LEAVE! NOW! LEAVE!" He yelled.

The people quickly began to shuffle out of the chamber, images, and visions of what they had seen still flashing through their minds. As the doors closed behind the last civilian, Daigo, the Orochi, and Emora stood facing each other.

Kaneko slowly walked up behind the Orochi and put his hand on his shoulder.

"Gomen'nasai...GAH—"

In a split second, Daigo had snapped the Orochi's neck. As he fell to the ground, the Emperor picked up his katana.

Daigo and Emora stood face to face, looks of hate in their eyes. The Orochi's eyes glowed with a deep brown; the Warden's eyes twinkled with a beautiful gold.

"This is the very last time you will ever stand before me, Emora-san," Daigo said sternly.

"Yeah, it is. This should be the last time you'll ever be seeing me... Considering you won't be alive for much longer." Emora replied.

Daigo restrained from yelling out, but Emora smirked. She could easily tell that the Orochi was severely intimidated, and visibly furious.

"Don't get cocky, Knight! I am the best Orochi in the Seinaru Clan! You stand no chance against a warrior like me!" The Emperor yelled.

He threw off his robes, revealing the clothes that he had underneath. A white cloth shirt was short-sleeved, showing off his lean, muscular arms. Broad looking beige pants that were cuffed at the ankles and tucked into his thick leather boots. He reached into his pockets and slipped on brown leather bracers that covered his forearms.

Daigo was grinning as he clenched and unclenched his fists. He cracked his neck and stomped on the ground with both feet.

"Ooh...This'll be fun."

Emora loosened her shoulders and shook her legs around in circles. She broke into a smile as she stabbed her sword into the ground, and did a trunk twist, cracking her back.

"Hm, you're excited too?"

"Oh yes...Indeed I am, Emora. I'm very excited to finally feel your precious blood wet my hands. You're worth to me so much more dead than alive." The Emperor replied.

"I'm sure I am. Thing is, you're not worth anything at all to me. I could care less what happens to you in this fight." Emora grunted.

"Tsk! You think I care? You're not beating me, that's for sure." Daigo snapped.

Emora shrugged. "I'm all warmed up and battle-hardened. I doubt that you've been working out and training all this time. And if you have...Then show me what you got."

Daigo held the katana at his side. He curled his other hand into a fist and arched his arm out in front of him, his legs spread. Emora held her longsword tightly, her stance low, her feet firmly planted on the ground.

"I've already had enough of you. It's time to end this, once and for all!" Daigo yelled.

"It sure is! Now shut up and fight!" Emora roared.

The two charged forward and clashed blades. Both of their blades collided with perfect synch.

"Kch!"

"Kah!"

They both took a few steps back, shocked from the recoil. They both looked at their shaking hands with smiles on their faces.

"My hand is tingling...You're crazy." Emora murmured.

"Hm...You're not half bad either..." Daigo said sternly.

The two charged forward once again and clashed blades. Daigo grunted out with effort as he slid his blade past Emora's shoulder and raised it to attack, using only one hand. He whipped it to his right, hoping to strike the Warden in the arm.

"Not so fast."

Emora redirected her sword to block the hit. She leaned back and pushed against Daigo's katana. She broke free and forced the tip of her sword forward at the Orochi's head. Daigo huffed as he ducked below the attack, and prepared for another. He fell onto one knee, feeling the wind in his air as he grinned, Emora's shining blade passing mere inches over his head.

"HAH!"

Daigo had a clear opening to strike Emora in the lower stomach. He went for the attack but exclaimed out with confusion as the Warden lifted her leg up and blocked the strike using her steel shin guards. His katana dented the metal armor, and slid forward, dealing almost no damage.

"Fuck!"

Daigo stood up straight and watched as Emora's sword cut through the air above him and drove towards him. He dashed to the right, avoiding the strike with a chuckle. He dug his heel into the ground and arched his leg. He blasted off the ground and leaped towards Emora with his sword out in front of him.

"GRAH!"

Emora's arm burst out with pain as she blocked his sword using her forearm. Daigo gritted his teeth as he stared at his katana, watching as it slowly cut into Emora's steel gauntlet. Emora's other hand caught his attention. The Warden shot her hand forward, which was holding her sword upright. Her hilt almost connected with Daigo's face if it weren't for the Orochi quickly moving to block it.

The two Heroes pressed against one another, Emora's hilt caught on Daigo's arm.

The Orochi's other hand was free, holding his katana. He thrust it forward, grunting as he did so. Emora yelped out with panic as she used her other arm to catch Daigo's wrist, the tip of his katana mere centimeters away from her own stomach. She had control of his guard and took advantage as soon as the chance came.

Emora yelled out with effort as she threw Daigo's arms open, breaking through his guard. She lifted her leg up and delivered a clean kick to his stomach.

"KAH!"

The Orochi staggered back, coughing. He spat up a wad of saliva as he recovered.

"The first hit of our fight...And it's yours." He muttered.

Emora huffed. "All that work, just for one hit."

Daigo laughed.

"We've just started; we're both on guard and full on stamina. You'll see...One of us will start getting sloppy. We'll just have to wait and see who it is."

Emora nodded, she exhaled as she ran forward and swung her sword at Daigo's neck. The Orochi deflected the attack and turned around, attempting to stab the Warden discretely. Emora slid out of the way and threw a sturdy kick in Daigo's direction.

He laughed as he dodged the attack, and took advantage of Emora's opening. With her leg just recovering from a kick, the Warden didn't have time to pull her guard up all the way. She lashed out with pain as Daigo slashed down her back with his katana.

"GRRAAAUH!"

Emora shifted to the left, feeling immense pain in her backside. She reacted quickly and retaliated before Daigo could follow up with a second attack. She smashed her foot into the Orochi's jaw, forcing his mouth shut, and bringing out a loud grunt of pain.

"AHH!"

Daigo staggered back, nearly falling onto the floor. He held his head in pain, and rubbed his jaw, feeling around his mouth with his tongue.

"Phew!"

The Orochi spat out a tooth.

"Oh...Put that under your pillow...You might get a bit of money." Emora smiled, panting steadily.

"Shut up!"

Emora reached behind her and felt the cut that Daigo had landed on her. His katana was sharp. It had cut clean through her brigandines and chainmail and pierced her skin. Her eyes widened with a bit of fear.

"Is that all you can do? Come on!" Daigo laughed. "Use that sword of yours, not your feet!"

"Using a longsword takes a lot of skill. Your weapon is light and small, while mine is heavy and large. I need to wait for a good opening to land a good cut. Trust me though...My sword hits harder than yours ever could."

Emora charged forward, Daigo skipping back on his tippy toes, feeling more and more agile. The Warden put her sword over her shoulder and prepared to shoulder charge. Daigo predicted the move and stepped back, watching as Emora stumbled forward, trying to recover from the missed charge. He rushed forward, his sword in the air, prepared to come down on Emora.

"HAH!"

The Warden jumped back, Daigo missing his dedicated attack. He looked up, realizing he was wide open.

"NO—RGNHAHA!"

Emora's sword dug into Daigo's shoulder and ripped across his chest. Fresh blood spilled onto the floor as the Orochi cried out with pain, grunting and groaning. His short was torn; he angrily ripped half of it off, revealing his now scarred chest and ribs.

"HIYAH!"

Emora snapped her leg straight into the side of Daigo's kneecap, knocking him clean over. He stumbled over his own feet and looked up, Emora's sword cutting straight towards him. He yelled out with terror as he placed his katana in front of him, using only one arm for support. A loud clang went off as Daigo flew to the side from the impact, his arm numb from the vibrations.

He used his right arm, which was free, to lift himself off of the ground and side-flip back onto his feet. He reached to his belt and flung a Kunai forward towards Emora.

"HA!"

Emora flinched as yellow sparks emerged from her sword. She heard the Kunai fall to the ground as she accidentally and luckily deflected it.

"Nani?!" Daigo exclaimed.

"Hah...Oh god...!" Emora panted.

"RAHAHH!"

Daigo rushed forward and threw a second Kunai that struck Emora in the shoulder, causing her to instinctively reach for it using her hand. The Orochi threw a third Kunai that dug deep into the Warden's thigh. Emora released a horrid shriek of pain as she slouched over in pain.

Kaneko lifted up into the air and drop-kicked Emora right on the cheek, his boots flinging into her face full-force.

"AHH!"

Emora flew back and smashed into the ground on her side. Her sword banged onto the ground as it fell next to her motionless body, her hair spilling everywhere, a bit of blood sprinkling onto the ground.

Daigo back-flipped and recovered. He huffed, panting heavily.

"Aw...Knocked out already?"

Emora moaned quietly as she pulled herself up to all fours. Her face throbbed with pain as she got back onto her feet. She squealed out with horror as Daigo rushed forward, his sword a silver blur in Emora's watery vision.

Delivering a harsh cut to her chest, Daigo manically lacerated Emora's body with his katana. He cut her twice, up and down the torso, and then punched her in the stomach, stunning her. He ripped a deep cut from her shoulder down to her breast, and then spun around, slicing her gut with his thin blade. Blood sprayed onto his clothes as Emora staggered back, eyes shut tightly, mouth open releasing blood-curdling cries of utter agony.

The Emperor didn't let up just yet. He jumped up into the air and brought his sword down on Emora's shoulder, digging into her steel shoulder pad. He ripped it clean off and watched as it clanged onto the ground. He cut up her thigh, and dug the blade into Emora's upper right arm, threatening to cut it clean off.

Emora opened her eyes, drowning with rage.

"NOO! GAH! YRAH!"

Emora thrust her palm into Daigo's chest, knocking the wind clean out of his lungs. His eyes were wide with surprise as he watched Emora retaliate with more force than he could ever imagine.

The Warden thrust her arm forward, Daigo managing to block it with both of his forearms. Emora threw a second punch, the Orochi ducking to the side, knocking her fist aside with his elbow. Unfortunately, he wasn't so luck7 with the rest of her strikes. The more Emora punched, the faster and sharper her blows grew.

With every jab, punch, cuff, deck, clobber, and blow Emora threw; a ferocious grunt came along with it. She plunged her fist into Daigo's gut, then struck him straight in the chest. Daigo's tongue flailed out of his mouth, spit flailing from his gaping pie-hole. His body jerked and thrashed violently as it took the brunt of every single one of Emora's punches.

It was all a blur to Daigo. A fast, unblockable flurry of devastatingly powerful attacks. He felt his body get ravaged by an overwhelming amount of damage. He kept his eyes open through the entire thing, looking at Emora's raging face as he was beaten out of his combo.

"Don't think you've won this! Don't...Ever...Think...You'll...WIN!"

A palm-thrust to the chest, a kneecap to the stomach, left and right hook to the jaw, a powerful punch to the gut, a roundhouse kick to the head for set-up, and finishing with a rock-shattering spinning back-kick to the face.

Daigo flew back and hit the ground on his back, dropping his katana and sprawling out onto the ground.

"Tgh...W-What..."

The Orochi's eyes twitched as he struggled to open them. He slowly moved his arms across the ground, trying to find leverage and strength to turn himself over.

"H-How...How..."

Daigo rolled onto his stomach, feeling an aching pain all over his flustered body.

"...Could I not...See any of that...?"

The Orochi got up one knee, leaning forward, his fist dug into the ground, his other hand placed on his kneecap. He looked up, only one eye open, the other shut due to extensive damage to his temple and orbital.

Emora stood before him, her bangs and side-bangs were messy, and her ponytail was loose and spiky. She was panting in and out through her mouth, her face coated by beads of sweat that streamed down her face. Daigo watched as she unstrapped her heavy brigandines and tore off her chainmail. She unbuckled her utility belt and dropped her lower-body brigandines and battle-skirt.

She stood before him, looking almost identical. A dirty short-sleeve white cloth shirt with now torn and bloody beige pants that were cuffed and tucked into brown boots that reached halfway up the knee. Emora looked on the ground and picked up one of her gauntlets since she had forgotten the other outside of the manor. She slid it back on, one hand armored in steel, the other bare.

"I'm much faster now. I can easily keep up with you."

Daigo shook his head and rubbed his eye, flickering it open. "We'll see about that. I'm the better fighter in hand to hand combat. My martial arts are superior and faster!"

"I hit harder and consume less stamina. You'd better trace your hits accurately, and not waste your energy on useless blows that'll only leave you out of breath and with numb shoulders." Emora grinned.

"Tch—Don't challenge your luck! I know I'm the better fighter!" Daigo yelled.

"I know I'm the better Hero!" Emora yelled back.

The two rushed forward, both yelling. Emora thrust her fist forward, Daigo blocking it with his arm as he took a few steps back from the force of the hit. He flung his leg up and attempted to kneecap the Warden, only to get blocked quite easily. Emora lashed back, her elbow clashing with Daigo's palm as her attack failed to land.

"GAH!"

"TAH—TSK!"

The two pressed forward and collided with each other, their forearms painfully smashing together. They both glared at each other, their teeth grit, their faces pursed with rage.

The two went back and forth, one gaining the edge over the other any sort of small slip up. Daigo's chops and strikes were fast and quick; they flowed smoothly and followed up perfectly. Emora back-stepped as fast as she could, keeping her arms out in front of her and moving them to where she thought the next strike would land.

"There!"

"What?!"

Emora kicked Daigo right on the ear, managing to knock off his rhythm. She plunged and thrust her arms out and pulled them back quickly, not yet dedicating to full-force punches. She threw rapid jabs and followed up with hooks or uppercuts that forced the Orochi to hide behind his hands and arms.

"Hgh! Rah—Uah! Kch! Pgh! Cauh!"

"Rnh! Kgh! Uah—Klngh! Cgh! Hah!"

Daigo threw a strong punch that connected with Emora's cheek. Her head flung to the side, blood spewing from her mouth. The Warden recovered after spitting out a large amount of blood from her mouth and returning to the fight with a powerful kick to Daigo's stomach. The two bobbed and weaved through each other's punching, caught in a scary cycle of blows and counters.

They blocked one another's punches, then launched their fists forward at the same time. They both cried out in pain as their arms crunched up a bit after their knuckles collided with an insane amount of force. Daigo's hand began to bleed as he jumped back, while Emora's sore shoulder pulsed with pain as she skipped backward.

"You're not giving up already are you?!" Daigo panted desperately.

"Of course not! I...No!" Emora said between weary breaths.

Daigo rushed forward and moved his head out of the way of Emora's punch. He grabbed her wrist and flung it up into the air while blocking her other fist. He yelled out with power as he pummeled her stomach with six rapid punches. Emora gut out with spit and blood as she crouched down, trying to protect her body. Daigo twirled around and joined his hands together, interlinking his fingers tightly. Using his momentum, he smashed his elbow down upon Emora, whose forearms were crossed over her head, bluntly blocking the hit, but not the knocking pain.

"NAH!"

Emora broke her arms out and lunged out, head-butting Daigo head-on. The Orochi staggered back and growled, he threw a dedicated kick at Emora, hoping to smash through her guard. The Warden held steady, blocking his shin with her arm. She reeled her fist back and shot it upwards, uppercutting Daigo up into the air.

"GRAAH—UAAAHHH!"

Daigo attempted to use Emora's attack against her, and come down with the help of his fall. He put his hands together and pounded down on Emora in the form of a ground pound. The Orochi failed as Emora deflected the attack, and pushed both of his arms down using only one of her own, leaving Daigo's sides wide open.

"TAKE THIS!"

Emora spun around and back-kicked Daigo on the side of the head. She turned back around to face him, right as he began to stumble backward. She placed her left leg down on the ground and shot her right leg forward.

Blood gushed out of Daigo's mouth as Emora's foot destroyed his ribcage, and made contact with his spleen. The Orochi's body deactivated as he fell back, coughing and wheezing. His eyes were teary, his breathing raspy, and his movements sluggish and weak. He tried to catch himself using his leg, but only doubled over and squatted on the ground, his heels flat, his body bent over, and his arms wrapped around his own body. He was shaking with pain, coughing up blood.

"A-Ah...Auh...Kch—Auh..."

The Orochi grunted out loudly, clearly in deep pain as he forced his legs to straighten. He stood up and spat out three times, each time his spit came out with more blood.

"Emora...I never thought you were this much of a fighter...No wonder my men couldn't kill you. The Seinaru Clan's very own Heroes...Are no match for you. But...I refuse to lose! I...I refuse!"

Daigo sprinted forward and leaped off of one of his legs. He propelled his arm forward at Emora. The Warden caught his fist and held onto it tightly. The Orochi desperately raised his other fist but didn't even get to attack. Emora clocked him right in the jaw, more blood flying out from his mouth. She let go of his fist and spun around, making Daigo believe that she was going for another back-kick, forcing him to put his guard up.

"Not this time!"

"W-Wait what?!"

Emora faked her back-kick and instead threw a powered up round-house kick, using the momentum she had gathered from her spin. Daigo gasped out with surprise as he was barely able to adjust his forearms to block the Warden's leg. He ground his teeth as he looked at Emora, steadily raising his leg. Daigo rammed his foot into Emora's shoulder, unfortunately not being able to cause any real damage.

"NO!"

"Got you there!"

Emora landed a clean kick straight to Daigo's face. The Orochi gasped and cried. He staggered back, covering his bloodied face with his hands.

"No...No! D-Damn it!"

The Emperor stumbled back against a pillar in the chamber. He looked at it with anger and ended up punching it. He began to sob quietly as his hand uncurled and fell limp to his side.

"Just give up. You have to understand, Daigo...You're not the rightful Emperor of the Dawn Empire. The Urutora Clan must be present in order to have balance in the Myre. Just because you have their land and wealth doesn't mean you can help the Samurai prosper. Alone...You are not a good leader. If you hadn't killed Airi's parents...If you hadn't destroyed the Urutora Clan...None of this would've happened."

"Shut up! What do you know, Knight?!"

"I know that this could've been avoided, damn it! I only wanted to talk with Airi, Daigo...I love her, I can't help it! But I even said it myself...If she wanted to stay here...And marry you, then I would've left peacefully...And of course...Try to make up for my crimes against the Hakushi Province. But no...You just HAD to go through with your plan. Now look at us...In the end, no fusion ended up happening...But instead...A tyrannous takeover of the Myre." Emora replied.

Daigo's breathing was shaky. He wiped tears off of his face and blinked.

"It's too late to go back now."

Emora nodded and rubbed her fist. "Yes, it is."

She jumped forward, Daigo pushing himself off of the pillar and into a battle stance. Emora leaped into the air and air-kicked the Orochi right in the face. Daigo's head rocked with pain as he recoiled back, and drove his fist forth towards Emora, who returned with her own punch. Their fists clashed into each other and bounced back, their controllers pulling them back. Emora tried to elbow the Orochi in the chest but wasn't surprised to see a sturdy block. Daigo stopped her attack with a shaky hand, he held onto her arm with all of his might.

They pushed off of each other and rushed back, trading and landing light attacks on each other. They clashed and collided repeatedly, both dealing significant damage. Emora faked one of her strikes and managed to knock Daigo back with a shoulder charge. The Orochi sucked it all up and punched Emora in the cheekbone, then back-kicked her on the jaw.

The Warden took a few steps back, cracking her neck. Daigo cocked his shoulder back, his fist curled up tightly. They got up close to one another and prepared to attack. Kaneko jabbed his arm forward, his fist missing its target, letting Emora deliver a powerful kick to his stomach.

"GAUHAAGHLGHAH!"

Daigo flew back and caught himself. His boots caught onto the ground and screeched against the floor as he slid to a stop. A grin came over his face as he crouched low and jumped to the left. He came to a sudden stop, the changed direction, and leaped to the right. He leaped forward and made a sharp turn towards Emora, his fist charged up.

"HAVE A TASTE!"

The angry Orochi decked Emora right on the nose, bringing out a loud, sharp cry of pain from the Warden. He then dug his fist into her stomach, feeling as her warm blood splattered onto his chest from her mouth. Emora doubled over, completely stunned. Daigo used all of his strength to uppercut Emora with a final left strike.

She flew up into the air and crashed onto her back. She sat up and moaned in pain, wiping her nose clean of blood.

"Not broken...I'd kill you for sure if you messed up my pretty little nose."

Daigo stepped back and got into a final stance. Emora performed a backward kick-up, launching herself up to a standing position using her arms. She flew forward, her leg colliding with Daigo's arm. The two exchanged rapid blows and sharp hits.

Emora and Daigo both charged up heavy punches. They threw them at the same time, striking each other simultaneously. Their fists dug into each other's faces, blood leaking out from the corners of their mouths.

They pulled their fists back; their eyes shut tightly, both wincing from the numbing pain.

Emora ran forward half blind. She delivered her final blows, using all of her strength to ensure the ending of the fight. She released a roar of determination as she delivered an obliterating punch to Daigo's throat.

"KLUUUUAAAHHGGHH!"

Spit and blood blasted into Emora's face, causing her to yelp out with disgust. She shut her jaw and pressed her teeth together as she lifted up her leg. With a final cry of power, she catapulted her leg forward, her foot annihilating through Daigo's entire body.

"GLRAAAUUUGHHHH—AUUUUAAGHHHH!"

The Orochi's body launched backward, Emora standing up on one foot, her other leg suspended in midair. Her breathing was slow and steady.

Daigo's legs shook and trembled as he tried to continue standing. Spit oozed from his bottom lip, his eyes wide, his pupils small. He slowly crippled as he fell into a flat-heeled squat, his head down, his breathing raspy, and his arms wrapped around his own body.

He groaned weakly as he fell onto his side and began to crawl back, Emora walking towards him, her fists clutched. She grabbed him by the back of the neck and pulled him back with all of her strength.

"KLAUUUGH!"

Daigo felt as he was yanked off of his feet, his breathing narrow and tight.

Emora let out a savage roar as she threw Daigo into the air, his body horizontal in front of her, suspended in the air for a split second. She raised her arms and curled her fists up, holding them tightly. Using every ounce of strength in her arms, she brought them down in synch upon Daigo's torn body, smashing him into the ground.

The floor of the chamber cracked under the force of Daigo's body striking the ground. He lay there, wheezing, his eyes closed, blood seeping out from his mouth.

Emora fell onto her knees, her lungs begging for oxygen. She sucked in air through her mouth, her panting deep and loud.

Daigo slowly reached for his belt. He grabbed ahold of a Kunai and slowly began to get up. He lunged forward, attempting to slit Emora's throat. The Warden grabbed his wrist and punched him in the nose with a brutal amount of force.

"AH!"

The Orochi fell back, the Kunai falling to the ground.

Emora began to laugh as she picked it up and held it in her hands.

"Damn. Such a small and light little thing...Yet so deadly. What is wrong with you Samurai...?"

She bent down over Daigo, who flailed his arms out in defense. Emora held the Emperor down, holding him by the throat.

"I already said this...But...This could have been avoided, Daigo! I only want the best for the Myre! I only want to spare Airi this horrid experience! You were probably a decent man...But you were driven corrupt by the idea of absolute power. Well, let me tell you one thing. Absolute power can still be defeated by infinite resolve."

The emperor squirmed and wiggled. He grunted and growled angrily, his attempts to escape were weak and flimsy.

"NO! NO! LET ME GO! LET ME GO YOU PIECE OF SHIT! THIS IS MY DESTINY! THE SEINARU CLAN WAS MEANT FOR GREATNESS!" Daigo roared.

"IT WAS MEANT TO BE ONE PIECE OF THE PUZZLE! THE OTHER PIECE BEING THE URUTORA CLAN...THE HAKUSHI FAMILY! BUT YOU RUINED IT ALL! YOU RUINED THE DAWN EMPIRE'S ONLY HOPE! YOU DIDN'T SAVE THEM! YOU'VE DOOMED THE SAMURAI, DAIGO! IT'S OVER!" The Warden cried back.

Emora raised the Kunai and roared out with anger; Daigo opened his mouth wide and roared back, both yelling at each other.

"HRAAAAAAH!"

"NOO!"

Emora suddenly felt as a something grabbed ahold of her arm, stopping her from killing Daigo.

"What the?! Huh?!"

The Warden turned to look at the white and golden Shinobi that had stopped her.

It was Kiyoshi.

He yanked back on his kusarigama, knocking Emora off of Daigo and onto her back. Kaneko scrambled to his feet, Kiyoshi rushing to help him stand.

"Ggh...K-Kiyoshi...Is everything okay back at the shrine? Are they all there?"

The Shinobi nodded. "Yes, Emperor Kaneko. Airi Hakushi is there along with all the others, my brother is there guarding them. The priest is waiting for you, my Emperor."

Daigo nodded slowly. He turned to Emora, who slowly got back onto her feet. She panted slowly as she looked at the two Samurai.

"Shinobi...I had your Emperor on the ropes. I've...I've seen you before. I recognize those eyes. You were one Emperor Atsuto's mercenaries...Along with that Aramusha, Zhao. Why...Why did you switch sides so easily? How can you just do that?!"

The Shinobi hummed. "You said it yourself, Knight. My brother and I are mercenaries. We will serve under anyone who is willing to consistently pay an appropriate price."

"B-But...You grew up an Urutora Clan member...Didn't you?! Within the Hakushi Province...R-Right?! A-And...Zhao is your...Brother?" Emora asked, her head tilted.

"Hm. Yes, I was. We were both born and raised within one of the lower villages of the Urutora Clan. Zhao is not my direct blood brother...But his mother was killed when he was young, and his father was a worthless failure who left him to die. My family took him in as a newborn."

Emora twitched a bit, remember her own independent life. She had never thought much of it, but she knew almost nothing of her original parents. She placed her hand on her own beating heart, wondering how she possessed a golden heart, despite having such a vague past.

"Zhao is a dark man. He was always silent and independent, no matter how hard my family tried to comfort him. We grew up together...And he would protect me. He is the older one, the stronger one, the more hardened one. But at the same time, he is the quieter one. We accept each other as brothers now, for our bond is unbreakable." Kiyoshi said firmly.

Emora slowly nodded her head, her heart beating.

"Wow...I...I sure wish I knew something about my past. For as long as I can remember...I've always lived on my own. M-My parents had me in the midst of a Legion war. They were both killed in battle. I had to live with my aunt and uncle...Who usually liked to get drunk and beat the crap out of each other. M-My friends say I have a pure heart...I don't believe them of course."

Kiyoshi let out a small chuckle. "Humility. One of the many complex qualities of a golden heart."

Emora frowned, letting out a small sigh.

Daigo spat out a bit of bloody saliva and scowled.

"Kiyoshi...Seize her."

The Shinobi looked at Daigo. He was hesitating. He suddenly rushed forward towards Emora.

"Kiyoshi, wait!"

Emora put her guard up, but in the blink of an eye, Kiyoshi was gone. In a split second, Emora's hands were tied behind her back with the chains of a kusarigama.

"W-What?! H-How did you—"

Daigo laughed.

"Ah, the stunning S-Vanish technique of the Shinobi. Amazing, isn't it? Now...Kiyoshi, follow me out to the shrine. Bring her with us. She has done nothing but further agitate me. I'll make her die in a way that to her, is the worst, most painful way to perish." He smirked.

"Worst? Most painful? Tsk...Nothing is worse than dying by your hand!" Emora snapped.

As Daigo began to limp to the shrine, he paused and began to chuckle. He slowly turned around, his eyes full of evil.

"Are you sure? Think, Emora-san. What are your worst fears?"

Emora paused. She thought of her current situation, and the only things that came to her mind were Daigo, the Myre, her friends, and...Airi.

The Warden gasped out loud, her heartbeat accelerating.

"N-No! Where are they?! I haven't seen my friends! Cyrus, Apollo, Alban, Elea! Cinder and Cindra! N-NO! I forgot about Katsue! WHERE IS KATSUE!? WHERE ARE THEY?!"

Daigo laughed deeply.

"Oh, they're fine. But they won't be for much longer. And neither will you. This entire time...I've had this all under control. Even you'll be dead by the end of this."

Emora's head began to hurt, her throat tightened, and her chest began to throb with her heartbeat's pulse.

"What about Airi?! Is she still okay?!"

Daigo closed his eyes.

"Of course she is. But I'm preparing her for something amazing. Something that will bring me so much satisfaction. After everything you and your friends have done...This is what your punishment is."

Daigo opened his eyes.

"You'll all die at the hand of the final member of the Hakushi family."


This is a long chapter, so once again, if you made it to the end tell me what you think! Thanks, and bye.