Chapter Six

The stars hadn't even appeared when they made their way to a remote town but was getting dark as they tried to find shelter to provided three tired souls.

Ryoko wasn't like the others and was too busy staring at everything and everyone around with curiosity, noticing many similarities like the last village only finding some had more on sale at reasonable bargains, people not throwing suspicious glances their way and felt more at ease than she did last time.

At least there wasn't any sign of that princess marching in with her soldiers but had to keep a close watch out for and warn the others if that happens. Sure she only had become recently acquaint with them but as Iroh said the best chance of surviving was working together.

Well for now before they would head off on their own, not sure how long that will be when it did come around for them to go on different paths? She tried not to think too much on it.

Zuko and Iroh went to go find a tavern while Ryoko went to check the few remaining stands open, seeing what kinds they had on stock and saw how Iroh was gazing at a set of teakettles and packets of tea with longing before following after his nephew in which Ryoko hadn't miss the look in his eyes.

He does deserve something after what he did even though we barely known each other for a short while, she heading for the stand that was selling the tea and bought a few, picking ones she thought might be good and spending about as much to maybe last a few weeks.

I'll buy some ginseng to perk his spirits that seems to be his favorite. She obtains her purchase and went to go find the others. She couldn't wait to see the look on his face when he saw what she got for him.

They finally found an inn where they could stay for the night. The smell of smoke, sweat and many human odors stung her nostril and had to resist cupping her hands over her nose and breathing through her mouth trying to bypass the retched stench.

How could human stand it, don't they care about their hygiene just to take a bath maybe oh say a few times at least for their lifetime, she felt she was going to be sick and her stomach twisted and wanted to rush back outside and breath the air that was much clearer than this. Kami, she would rather sleep on the roof than inside here.

Iroh having seen her discomfort reach out and pat her on the back, trying to reassure her that everything would work out and that he was with her. Her shoulders had tense but then relax, her muscles loosen and giving Iroh her thanks for helping then went to join Zuko who was talking to the owner for two rooms, one for him and his uncle, the other for her.

It would cost six coppers each, a total of eighteen and Zuko and Iroh had not much money to spend, counting that what they had would be lasting for maybe a couple days and needed for food and shelter but now with her seem to cause a dent in expenses.

Ryoko seeing how there seem to been a problem, went and pulled out one gold chucks, holding it between her fingers for the man to see, his eyes following the glint of the gold when she moved it.

"Tell you what, I'll give you this and promise to add another as a bonus in exchange for your word of silence and no disturbances, do we have a deal?" They were surprised as Ryoko laid the gold on the counter and the man took it, weighing the chuck then stuffed in his pocket and went to show them their rooms. One that was big enough to accommodate the two men and Ryoko's was right next-door to theirs.

Once in her room, she decided she better hide her valuables, not knowing to really trust if the innkeeper wouldn't mind sneaking in and rob her blind while she was gone. Rumors about how mortal tend to go inside most of the demon's secret hidden hordes and steal their belonging. That was why they kept their treasure with special seals and incantation that allow no one other than a demon to detect it.

She searched her pockets and found a tiny leather pouch that was the comparable size of a locket but could hold up a horde of treasures and stuff everything, her money, jewels, anything of rare value, personal belongings and worldly possession inside and hung the small contraption around her neck and tuck it underneath her kimono.

She met the others outside and they went back downstairs to have a late supper. They found an empty table in the corner of the room and a waitress came over and placed three lukewarm soups and a pitcher of ale with three glasses.

"Could we have some tea if you be so kind?" Iroh asked but she was already gone, heading back to attend her other customers not hearing what he request. The inn was loud and rowdy but they didn't seem to mind and surely wouldn't want to eat alone within the strange company that surrounded them.

"Well it's certainly a fine evening tonight isn't it?" Iroh said, trying to break the silence. Ryoko looked up from her soup, not really in the mood for eating after seeing how watery the noodles were and how stale the ale tasted. Zuko pretty much thinking along the same line, not wanting to touch this slop and push his bowl to the side and took small gradual sips of his drink, trying not to gag on the first try.

"Yeah it looks like we're in luck to find such a nice accommodation and have a warm meal, don't you agree?" His nephew grunted and Iroh tried to lighten them with a story just to lift their spirits. Zuko didn't pay much attention to what he was saying as he kept having this awed sense they were being watched. He turn slightly, his eyes roaming about the room, keeping his left half hidden so no one could see his profile too well. He and his uncle were still wanted men but he wasn't sure how fast news spread especially in these parts of the Earth kingdom territory.

Not much from the bar, just some large brawny fellows laughing drunkenly and at the tables were about the same with some whispering in conversation that he couldn't hear but saw that they weren't the ones that he was getting on the edge.

The hairs on the back of his neck were standing but he didn't dare voice out to his uncle or Ryoko that someone was observing them,
probably somewhere in the shadows. Beside it sounded half ridiculous and who would believe it anyways?

Ryoko sensed a strange aura the moment she sat down, detecting one that was not a mortal's but familiar and knew exactly what that scent was.

Yokai. There's a yokai presence, she wasn't sure where and couldn't pinpoint its location not while too much distraction was surrounding her and the smells and sound clouding her senses. It was somewhere in the perimeter, close by perhaps.

She became aware she should be on her guard, knowing that sometimes yokais never like others inside their own territory and tend to become dangerous. She heard about those going rogue and heading out to cause havoc in this realm, leaving behind unexplainable deaths and mysterious disappearances among the mortals.

It wasn't long before some became uncontrollable and the Shijin sending their most elite taijiya with precise orders to hunt down and eliminated their quarry.

It was all standard procedure as part to the Bushido she took to becoming one herself and gone on a few missions for almost a year. She knew everything she needed on pursuing her target, seeking the information about who or what she was up against, extract their weaknesses and use against them and have disposed by any means necessary.

She could hear inside her head the pounding of a heartbeat pulsing in fast rhythm, a predator closing in on a prey, heading in for the kill. Aching for blood and slaughter.

Her hand moved underneath the table to her sword and grasps its' hilt, using her eyes to glance for any signs of the demon antagonist.

The intruder stopped, becoming mindful and was measuring her strength and position the same she had been doing. She kept still, her grip on her blade tighten and waiting but surprised when it done nothing to strike out and suddenly disappear, the scent still lingering in the room.

She thought that was odd and most unusual because yokai would have stay or initiate a challenge than flee yet she calculated there was something going on and wondering what she was dealing with. No yokai would just let them be known and leave without doing anything. Something was definitely up.

She felt another approach and this time moving towards them. Her hand moving over her sword only to realize that this was a different scent she detected, two humans, both male, possible between late twenties, early thirties. Humans, not yokais.

Somehow seeing that it wasn't the yokai she perceived earlier and these mortals were as harmless as pups, she dropped her hand from the handle and saw their shadowy forms loom over their table.

"Well lookie here, new folk come to town and who's this sitting here all quiet? Hey pretty lady, now come on don't be shy? We ain't gonna harm you?" She pretended not to listen and found the scuff grain in the wood far more intriguing than whatever lines the buffoon was trying to sugarcoat her with.

Just let them realize I'm not interest and go somewhere else, I beg of you to get rid of these ton'mas now! Nothing happen and she silently cursed her ancestors for letting them toy with her far too long for their petty amusement.

"Hey sweetheart, why don't you turn so I can get a good look at you? Maybe we can get to know each other better and have a fun time instead of hanging with a fat old geezer or scar face over there, what do you say?" Ryoko felt his face brush close to hers; his breath reeked of alcohol and was unpleasantly warm upon her cheek. He moved to kiss her, but she deftly edged away from him at the last minute. The man was caught off slightly by her rebuff but try to maneuver again, approaching at a different angle.

Iroh and Zuko also seem to not like this jerk and Iroh try to settle the matter by seeing to speak reason, "Gentlemen I don't believe she wants to be disturb so if you would please be so kind to leave, I'm sure we—" But the man grabbed her arm and spun her around to have her stare into two pairs of bloodshot eyes, looking very stupidly down her chest, leering, "Well you got a nice set there don't you and I bet those two had a real good time didn't they?"

His friend laughed and Zuko, his face turning red and jumped to his feet, ready to give the bastard a good taste of his fist as he reached out to touch her left breast. Ryoko's hand cut him off, "Not so fast…." She purred, smiled coyly.

Oh no he seen that look in her eye before, Zuko watched her hand traveled up the man's thigh and his eyes grew vacant with lust and thought that she enjoyed feeling him and his grin widens, "Well now looks like we're going to know each other just fine. How about you and I ditch this place and—" That was when she grabbed his crotch and clutched them in a vise grip, threatening to crush his genitals and squishes them into pulp.

"Hey lemme go, let me AHHH!!!!!!!" She squeezed harder and twisted him around and pressed his face down into her bowl, soup sloshing out on the table and Zuko and Iroh had to back away to keep from the thrashing hands that tried to push up but she held him down still, amazed she was strong to hold down a full grown guy.

They almost pitied the drunken fool but knew it was his damn fault for what he did, touching her and couldn't feel anything for the guy any less with what Zuko thought.

They watched as she held him for a minute before pulling his head back, sputtering and gasping for air and soup dripping down his hair and into his eyes. She flipped him on his back and grabbed his neck in a strangling grasp, applying pressure to let him know she wasn't in the mood. She bend over to whisper in the shell of his ear and allowed her voice to change, to deepen, to resonate with the fullness of her demonic legacy for him to hear even in the darkest of his mind where forever she would haunt his sleep.

"Now you listen and you'll better pay close attention cause I'm only gonna say this once. Don't you dare pull another goddamn stunt like that ever again you disgusting hentai. If you do I will see to it that you will never bare children in this life or the next. Because I'll hunt you down like the filthy scum you are and personally castrate you on where you stand, taking my sweet time in torturing you if you don't leave this inn immediately, is that clear or do you want me to repeat myself?"

He shook his head and Ryoko threw him straight into his friend, watching them topple over and stood with her arms crossed over her chest, "Leave before I change my mind." She said in a near threatening tone and watch them scramble to their feet, having not to be told twice and ran the hell out of there, pushing each other to get through the door.

She noticed that her action had drawn attention and feeling that she should do something and picked up her glass and look towards the barkeep.

"Drinks on me!" The men hooted and Zuko slipped back into his seat and slapped his head on the table, trying to hide his face when he heard the wolf whistle and catcall at their table and hope that he could just ignore it long enough to slip away. The bar became louder as more drinks were being served and Ryoko sat down, pushing her contaminated soup away, not wanting to ever see or taste another egg drop soup in her life.

"Well you certainly know how to show them you're not someone to be messed with, I'm impress." Ryoko turn and saw standing behind her a young woman, probably in her early twenties with short black hair and big doe eyes taking a seat next to her. "I've never seen those two run that fast in all my life, what did you say?"

"I told them to take a hike if they didn't want me to hack off their testicles and use them for a set of Surujin." Zuko spewed his drink, choking and hitting his chest repeatedly and Iroh casually wiped off his spit-covered face with his napkin. Ryoko saw the surprised and shock written on her face, "You said that? Wow and I never thought I see the day that someone would, you have guts."

She flicked her hair to brush her ponytail back, "Thanks but I what I really said was for them to get out and drop dead." She took a long swallow, the ale still bitter but it was the only thing she could hold down.

"Those bastards gonna have it coming I'm swear, thinking they could ogle and cope a feel and not consider the dire consequences to know who they're dealing with. A woman got to stand her ground and not let some pigheaded perverts have the nerve to do such a thing. Disgusting. Hopefully he'll remember what I said."

Although I doubt they will…She thought sourly, already regretting her decision and drank more of her liquor. She set her glass down and turn to the woman, "Sometimes you gotta teach them a lesson and knock some sense into their heads." She punched her fist into her palm to prove her point across to anyone who had ideas and got the picture.

The woman nodded, wholly agreeing with what she said, "Those two can be total pricks I can tell you that much." She took a sip and set it in front of her and extends her hand out, "I'm Sai. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintances." Ryoko stared at it before taking in her own and pump it up and down, though unaccustomed after having been taught formal manners and traditions but couldn't risk blowing her cover.

"Yeah same here thanks. Name's Ryoko." Sai raised an eyebrow, "It means 'huntress'."

"Ah, how fascinating." She saw the sword strapped to her side, "So does that make you a hunter in a way, is that what you do for a living? What do you hunt exactly?" Ryoko shrugged, feeling that she was being asked too many questions for her liking and from so many strangers she met, "You could say that but I don't think some would really consider it otherwise. My line of work is, well a bit…different than you would imagine and probably be too hard to explain really. I'm retire sort of, it just became too complicated."

"Oh I see…" Sai turn to Zuko and Iroh, "And you two, are you three traveling together?"

"No, we just met and passing through and decided to take a break before tomorrow. Tomorrow we split off and head in our own direction." Zuko said nonchalant but he was thinking back on what Ryoko said and turn to look her way. What had she meant by her line of work? What kind of job did she do exactly? Something about saying she was a hunter had him unease.

Iroh clear his throat, catching everyone's attention, "So tell us, those men, the ones who bothered miss Ryoko, you know them by chances?"

Sai rolled her eyes, "Of course everyone does who wouldn't, what those immature jerks do sometimes are by far too much of a troubling bunch but the worse is what they do at times that go way too far."

Zuko turn his attention and looks at her questioning, "What do they do worse than getting drunk and hitting on girls they meet at bars? Go yowling with the bearded cats and hope someone throws an iron pot at their heads to get them to shut up?" He said and Ryoko had to find the idea humorous of the two disgusting pigs badly singing and lean back in her chair on its back legs, her arms behind her head.

Sai sighed, "You would think that but somehow you don't know the truth that well, you're far from that. They're the town's hooligans. Four tight pairs the bunch, always making mischief to some person or I really shouldn't say it, more like bully half the time, at least they did until…" Sai stopped, feeling as if she spoke too much and Ryoko raised an eyebrow, wondering why she didn't finish, "Until what?"

Before Sai had a chance, a loud thunderous roar came from outside, its cry enough to shake the tinkering glasses from their counters and made the brawl and chatter ceased and everyone becoming suddenly still, paralyzed by fear and shuddering in their corners as they huddled together until the noise stop.

Iroh and Zuko had never heard such a terrifying screech and could tell the people in the room were deaden with fright, the atmosphere heavy with laden fear and not wanting to make any sudden movement in case the beast would suddenly come in and attack.

Everyone but Ryoko who tilt her chair upright, the noise drawing attention to them again and heard a few muttering in the distance and Iroh asked, "What was that Sai?" They turn to see her eyes wide and standing up quickly, knocking the table and her glass fell to the ground, shattering to a thousand pieces.

"I- I must be leaving now, father will be wanting me home now as it's late. I'm sorry I can't stay long. Goodnight!" She said and hurried out of the inn before anyone could stop her. Ryoko stared to where Sai exit, the sound of that shriek had come from outside yet felt that had been the same yokai she had sense in here.

That roar, she recognized that anywhere and had seen few of those creatures roaming the wilderness of the western territory. She whispered one word under her breath.

"Bakeneko…"

It didn't take long for Zuko and Iroh to call it a night and headed upstairs to get some rest for an early start in the morning. Ryoko slipped into hers, locking the door behind and pacing in silence while every once in a while glancing outside her window from time to time. She saw the quartering moon peering through the sills, and hadn't bothered to light a candle or fire in the room. Everything was pitch black. But she didn't need it as she could see through the darkest room and know her way around.

"That was no ordinary howl and I know it's directing its anger towards this town but why?" She kept circling, almost to make a hole through the floor and then finally stop when she reached a decision. "There's only one way I'm going to get at the bottom of this."

She went and pulled from her pack a Blackwood chest with intricate dragons carvings chiseled along its' side.

"I know I swore never do this again but I fear I have no choice…" She opens the box, staring what lay inside and took it out, holding it to the faint light. The gleam of the ruby scales brought to life by the flames dancing across the surface to show the finely carved craftsmanship, her fingers touching every inch, running her hand smoothly over the long snout that protrude in front, customized to hold a gas mask within when placed over her face.

Every single detail flawless and the gold outlining around the eyes, the flaring nostrils and mouth, polished to shine with such beauty and striking terror at the same time. The mask had its lips pulled back in a terrorizing grin, a devil's smile, revealing the glistening razor pointed fangs and the sharp and deadly horns jutted out from its forehead.

She saw that this had been carved after her father's own image, a mirror replica of the taiyoukai Seiryu. The coloring and markings were the only alterations and thought it made the face more fearsome and terrifying in both the lighting and shadow.

Feeling every inch by touch, recalling how many times she pull this mask on, the memories of heading out along with her other comrades to take care of business, battling and dissipating the scoundrels under her lord's request or bring them to be judged by the Shijin high council and executed.

She lifts it towards her face and felt it fit perfectly and again was awe of wearing such a face not her own. It had felt strange when she first wore it in the beginning but now became use to it as she slipped this on frequently in the past. The awareness and sly manner she experience, seeing differently through eyes not her own but one she was to become.

She knew this would serve her purpose like it always done and prepare for whatever she was to face when tracking whatever prey she seek.

"No." She took it off and turns it around to stare into the empty sockets and trace her finger around them and smiled, "It will be yours…just like it always had."

The town became quiet as everyone headed home, shopkeepers closing stands and packing up, and families were tucking their little ones to bed. One by one the flames of oil lamps were extinguish, putting an end to their day and wait for the rising of the sun to start over.

Everyone but one was still up past the hour, using the night as the guardian for cover and the silence as the guide to lead wherever sound would be heard, moving steadily and stealthily with the reflexes of a cat, jumping from roof to roof, running with silent steps as it made its way.

A warrior on a single-minded mission slipped through the darkness and stared at the vicinity below.

The red dragon's mask stood out when the light was shone but stayed away from the illuminating moon and remains camouflaged in the shadows.

Dressed entirely in black with the exception of the red padded armor plated on the shoulders, elbows, across the abdomen and knees, a tiny Chinese dragon emblem stitched over the left breast. The kurokote were intact and concealed by the long sleeves and the sword hanging sheathed onto the red sash around the waist. Smiling behind the mask as the masked figure slowly watches for any signs of the target it was searching for.

Just like old times…

The Red Dragon could sense its target approaching, already in the village and kept proceeding, being careful not to be seen or heard. The scent heading towards an alley and followed after the trail and was surprised though it wasn't written on its face to see the two men from the inn down there, a dozen bottles littered around them.

Why did the scent lead me here? The Red Dragon heard the two speak, their words completely slurred.

"Cann yu be-leave that bit-ach? Like whoo does sshe think sshe iss?" It was the one that had his face stuffed in the egg-drop soup, talking to his other friend from the tavern after taking another swing and wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.

"Sstupid whore! Bet sshe wasn't getting e-nough from that sscar face and old fart, think tthey're p-poking her right now?"

The Red Dragon listen to the two laugh and had to resist turning those two into mincemeat. I have far more important business to tend rather than listen to these drunken butas. This is a complete waste of time.

The Red Dragon was getting ready to leave when there in the shadows out step a young woman, long black hair billowing in the wind and the Dragon's eyes widen.

"Hey there whatcha you doing here!" The two greeted drunkenly, waving and grinning stupid.

Indeed what is she doing here meeting those two, last time she said she was heading home, then realized the smell became much stronger and was coming from her! The Red Dragon could feel the demonic aura around Sai's body. Sai was the yokai!

"Hello I see you both are getting drunk!" She spoke in a voice dripping with sweet sticky venom that the two couldn't tell in their intoxicated state.

This is certainly strange, why would she be the yokai? The Red Dragon could feel the dark energy radiating with anger and hatred. It was then a powerful force, a paralysis shield to keep those around and already felt some of its' limbs froze. The two down there got the full blow and were panicking crying out, "Hey I can't feel my legs."

"Neither can I, my arms can't move either!" The Red Dragon focus most of the energy, trying to hold the binding off as long as possible. The Red Dragon saw Sai with a cruel smile on her lips.

"Sai, Sai what's going on, why are you still able to move?" One asked as they watched her approach the two helpless. She still had that cold smile on her face and she said, "Why, why am I still able to move, you pathetic bastards. You still haven't figured it but then again, your other friends didn't either when I took care of them." The Red Dragon saw that this wasn't good and was battling against the paralysis but it was getting stronger as the yokai's power was growing. The Red Dragon then turn its attention to the sky.

The constellation of Amefuri Boshi was out, shedding its net that grants the cat demon to use her full power.

Damn it I'm not going to be able to make it unless… The Red Dragon bend back its arm, activating the hidden spring and the retractable dagger pop out and thrust it straight at the other arm. The pain and blood spurt and cause the body to react instantly, the enchantment worn off and finally able to move again.

Sai was already changing, her body shifting into that of the bakeneko and could sense the bloodthirsty hunger coming. I got to stop her fast. The Red Dragon quickly jumps down from the ceiling hitting the ground behind her.

The bakeneko Sai spun, sensing the intruder in back of her, her face half transformed, her mouth open to reveal the sharp canines that went past her bottom lip. The feline slit eyes, almond shaped rubies staring angrily at The Red Dragon, prepared to fight. They circled each other, moving slowly to keep a far distance from the other, ready to spring into action. The Red Dragon was hoping the spell on the two men would wear off soon but seeing how the constellation was reveal, it would have to take defeating this yokai to break the spell. Sai growled, her teeth long and looking more like tusk as she roared, "Get out of my way, you have no business here." The Red Dragon didn't say a word but allowed her mind to link with the demon to speak in their tongue.

Yeah I pretty much do, seeing how you're planning to kill two humans and possibly more. The cat demon narrowed her eyes, catching every word she said, "So you're like me. No surprise there, now get out of my way! I have to take care of this!"

Why, what is it that you have so much anger against these two, against this whole village? The Red Dragon wasn't given the chance as Sai attacked and manage to dodge her slashing claw. The Red Dragon was ready to pull one of the swords out when Sai swiped again and almost lose its head that time. They fought one another, using the swords versus claws to defend and blow some of their attacks against the other. The Red Dragon peered back to see if those fools were still paralyzed by not only the bonds but the fear. Dammit run you goddamn son-of-a-

The Red Dragon should have known better as Sai used her arm to hit its chin upward and thrown to the other side and falling to the ground. The Red Dragon tried to move but the blow had stun its body. Then heard sudden screams and tried to fight to stay conscious and was able to manage to stand on two legs without staggering much. The Red Dragon was about to go after her but the cat demon was already escaping, flying off to the sky, her deed done and the bodies of the two men on the ground, torn to bits.

Dammit! The Red Dragon cursed for having been caught off guard. The spell around the area had lifted and The Red Dragon had to quickly disappeared before anyone could show up.

"Damn I almost had her." Ryoko went through the open window to make it back to her room, her feet making a dull thud coming in first and headed to the bathroom.

Her left sleeve was cut and had bloodstain on it, her forearm and an inch long gash but had healed after it was stabbed though the pain throbbed before finally able to disappear.

Ryoko removed the clothes and laid them with her mask back inside the box and hid it at the bottom of her bag.

Just as she had covered it up, there was knocking at the door. Sudden panic rushed in but she push it aside and pull on her old attire quickly and called out, "Who's there?" Praying that it wasn't someone from the village that saw her come in from outside. "Ryoko it's us, can we come in?" She looked around, hoping there wasn't anything out of place for them to discover. After a quick search she saw nothing to lead them about her night run.

"Yeah, just give me one second to open this door." She unlocked it and saw both Iroh and Zuko standing there looking half tired, "Is something the matter?"

"We heard something from your room and came to check and see if you're all right." Iroh took a close look at her face and his eyes widen, "By Agni what happened to your chin?" She reach out and touch it, knowing that what she seen in the mirror and tried to not rub it too much as it still hurt.

Apparently I got into a catfight with this cat demon and pretty much hit my chin, funny haha…

"I was having a nightmare and fell out of bed and hit my chin against the floor." Then they heard rushing footsteps and turn to see the innkeeper coming up, along with a few others behind. "What's wrong?" Zuko asked, now fully awake seeing that everyone was getting up and opening doors to see what the ruckus was about.

"There's been another murder!" Nothing else needs to be said as everyone was going downstairs to follow where everyone was heading.

They followed too, Ryoko returning to her room and grabbing her sword and went outside where a crowd had gather. She could hear the muttering of their voices and pushed her way through to see the bodies they encircled. Though she had already seen the corpses, she still could not believe that what the bakeneko did or what possess it to do such a thing.

How could she do this to them, why exactly these men, I know they were pervs but why? She heard two men, the mayor and some young man talking.

"We warned them, we told them to head straight on home. After considering their part in all this." Ryoko turn to one of the men standing behind her, "Their part in what pray tell?" The two looked startled to see that she had been listening to what they were saying and tried to not to tell but was already too late and she wanted to know what had brought one of her fellow kin to this rampage. "What part did these two did?"

"Their gang tortured and killed…a litter of newborn cubs." Ryoko turn and Sai appeared and knew it was the yokai, making her appearance in the flesh or Sai's own disguise.

"Sai!" The young man said, the mayor, "Daughter!" Sai didn't look to either of them but at her. There was no blood on her face or clothes, no long tusks sticking out from her gums or raging red eyes filled with bloodlust.

She had to keep from lunging out and saw that the demon knew who she was, recognizing her scent and the sword she had. "They didn't kill them, not for their fur…not for their meat but…" The Sai looked down and her voice became a whisper that only she could hear, "…for fun."

Ryoko's eyes widen, realizing the truth now, her grip on her hilt dropped and balled them into fist, "So the Bakeneko is avenging the murder of her children is that what you're saying?" She stared at her, waiting for her reply and she nodded.

"Yes. I swear by the god of justice." Now she understood why, the lost of her children and those who did brought the worst out of many, especially to yokai mothers. Mothers that wanted to protect their offspring but found they had failed in their duty and wanted retaliation against those who brought harm to them. A mother's loss was much worse to deal against when in the thirst for vengeance.

She then looked to the remains, disgusted at how cruel humanity could be even if she was vowed to protect it, "So these deaths are justified!" What those men did was still wrong and they had paid the price heavy with their own lives.

Everyone looked appalled to hear what she said out loud but she didn't care. "What!" The mayor cried, "H-how can you say that! Do you not realize that these men were killed by a monster?" She turn giving him a hard glare, hearing what he said and he had no idea what it was that he meant, "Tell me, if your children were tortured and killed what would you do? Wouldn't you want to avenge their deaths, your own offspring?" She looked to the rest of them, "Well what would any of you do!"

Silence was met and her attention had return to Sai. "But still…" She placed her fingers on her hilt and sliding it from its sheath, knowing that her duty held her responsible, for the Bushido had to be done, even if the demon had for a lost cause but once they get the taste of killing, there was telling how long these people would live as no demon was capable of resisting shedding more innocent blood.

"This did not give you the right what you've done…" Sai looked at her, holding no grudge or regrets either way, only waiting for her to send her to the afterworld as her main duty of the Shijin taijiya, "Sai."

Everyone was again shock at this brash young woman who was drawing her sword towards Sai, "Is she mad? What makes her think Sai did it? Is this woman the murderer! Stop her!" Suddenly two men were pushing through and carrying a bundle wrapped in cloth as they hurried over, "Sir, Sai's been attacked!" The cover fell to reveal the real Sai, her neck bitten with deep holes and completely naked, hence the blanket wrapped around her.

Everyone and the mayor stared from her to the fake Sai standing within the circle. "S-Sai it can't be then who?"

The Sai gave a smile, her eyes glowing red and burst into flames and out of the blaze a massive cat-like beast with long saber tusks and seven long bushy tails, waving in the air, fire weaving around her paws and tails. Suddenly people were screaming and pointed at the creature as it lung towards them and jumped, racing from the village.

"It's a monster, they brought the wrath of the gods on us!" Ryoko had no time to spare getting lost in the panicking crowd. She pushed through, hurrying as fast she could before the soldiers came along, rounding up ostrich-horses and readying weapons. She had to find the yokai before they did.

I cannot allow this to happen, I must find her at all cost, I can't let her get away.

Zuko and his uncle were still struck by what they had seen happened with that Sai woman, she had turned into some monstrous beast. But there was no such person capable of doing what just occurred, it was physical impossible. Suddenly his shoulder was grabbed and Zuko turn to see his uncle pointing behind to show where the creature escape. Ryoko was also heading in that direction. Damn that woman to Hell!

Wait a minute, why should I even bother, I only met her today! The next thing he knew he and his uncle were rushing towards the stables and fetching their ostrich-horse and going after her.

Agni help me I must be doing the craziest thing I ever done! The horse squawked but then went forward, following after the footprints left in the earth and Iroh holding on tight as they pursue the trail. But when I find Ryoko, I'm going to give her a good piece of my mind!

Ryoko founded herself in a thick glade, tree roots and branches trying to slow her down but she moved quicker on top as she was searching for the scent of the bakeneko.

Damn she moves fast, but I have to keep up. She was reaching a clearing and that's where she lost the trail.

"Che!" She stood there, looking around her, wondering where the yokai could have gone. She had to calm down as she tried to listen where it could have gone. Suddenly she sense it and then turn to see it lunged at her. She dodge it, tumbling on the grass and getting back up on her feet, staring at it.

The bakeneko growled and Ryoko reaching for her sword and felt nothing and glance to see the sheath empty. Her sword was lying in between the two. The bakeneko was moving closer and she had to lung to grab it. The sharp tusk pierced her left arm and blood spilled but she stood back up, not trying to let her wound bother her as the yokai was ready to attack once again.

Suddenly she heard squawking and Ryoko's eyes widen, what the hell are they doing! Just when she was about to warn them the bakeneko shot a blast of wind, hitting it in the center of her chest, forcing her to lose slight balance, lying on the ground still as the yokai was heading straight for her. She had been able to lift her head for one second to see the bakeneko with its jaw wide open, ready to crush her head with its sharp teeth.

"Ryoko!" Two blasts of fireballs hit the yokai and forced it to tumble on the ground amd lie on the other side of her and she looked up to her saviors. Zuko reining the beast while Iroh rushed over when he saw her arm cover in blood.

"Ryoko are you all right?" Zuko climb off and move towards them, Ryoko stared at the two, "You killed her!" Zuko stopped looking at the dead creature and turn, scowling, "What are you complaining about? You almost became that thing's dinner if we hadn't arrived. Do you know how worried we were?" The moment he said those word, she was surprised while Iroh bandaged her arm with a piece of his shirt he torn off. He had been worried and came to help, why?

"Zuko…" Before she had a chance to say anything, her eyes widen at seeing the stomach of the beast move. Zuko and Iroh saw it too, for a second thinking the beast was still alive, backing away getting into battle stance but Ryoko walked towards it.

"Ryoko what are you—" She held up a hand and pressed her head against its chest. At first she heard nothing then, there, there it was! She pulled back and drew her blade and used it to cut a long opening, spreading the flesh to allow both her hands to get inside then stuck them searching around until she found what she was looking for.

It was morning by the time the town had been able to relax after the terrifying incident. Zuko, Iroh, riding astride the ostrich horse and Ryoko was standing right outside its gate, taking one last look at it. Zuko kept glancing over to where she stood, almost with a sad misty-eyed gaze.

Soon they were probably going to separate before they reached the next town, Iroh and Zuko heading wherever they needed to and Ryoko, he had not the slightest idea.

But why should he care? This kept going through his head and Iroh seem to be noticing and he sighed shaking his head, trying not to shout the obvious to his very blind nephew.

Ryoko, when they saw that they were leaving, pulled out from her sack a small jade jar she purchase recently and laid it against the post, it containing the ashes of the dead bakeneko. She stared at it, then kneel, holding her hands together and said a small prayer for the departed soul.

"I know you're heart was full of rage at your loss but now your kin avenge, you may rest in peace. Please, under the guidance of Byakko protect this village and I promise to take care what you had given for me to raise and take responsibility for." She placed a hand over the small bundle buried in her kimono and out popped a tiny head, staring out from her top. A miniature bakeneko with large curious red eyes, yellow white fur with tufts of black around the collar, it's small feet, the tip of its tail, soon to be more when the time pass and a tiny black diamond marked on top its forehead. The kitten mewled and Ryoko patted its head as they walked away. She was still considering what to name the koneko.

"What shall I call you little one? What name would probably best suit you?" She mused and Zuko and Iroh watched as she rub its tiny head and listening to it purr against her chest.

When they had seen what came out of the stomach of the giant beast, Ryoko had taken it in her arms, holding the newborn cub. Zuko and Iroh, seeing her move about in before her hands withdrew a bloody kitten in her hands.

She held the mewling creature against her chest to give it warmth after being cut from the womb, "I'm sorry we killed your mother, we had no choice…" She knew the pain of losing one's parent and having taken this small innocent and looked to the dead bakeneko. She placed a hand on top of its forehead, right above its eye, "I promise I shall watch over this one like my own, go to the afterlife and be free of your sorrow and head for the gates of Byakko. Shijin blesses you…" The bright ruby eye faded and turned dark, she pulled down the eyelid as she held the kitten and heard men shouting and coming their way.

"Kuso." She turned to Iroh, pushing the still shivering mass of fur in his arms.

"Iroh, hide it quick!" And he immediately tucked it under his long robes, trying to hush it and was able to muffle the sound in time. They saw the soldiers approach and question them on the spot about what happened. They notice the dead creature, the burnt marks on the other side of its body concealed and only the blood on her hand and sword made them assumed what occurred.

Ryoko did a lot of the answering and when they discussed what to do with its body, "Let me handle the desecration. The last thing your village would want is a vengeful spirit haunting your village for all eternity! Best you leave it in my care, I know how to deal with these."

The soldiers looked suspicious but as she said, one thing they didn't needa wrathful ghost terrorizing their town and agreed to let her do as she wish and head back to report.

Ryoko didn't ask Iroh or Zuko for their help as she set to building a pyre and then Iroh set the body aflame and the three watched it kindle and spread, burning to ashes and the white smoke heading to the sky and for a second saw a silhouette of the same large creature howling out by the moon, followed by a few smaller beast, running off in a pack before fading off into the unknown.

Nobody spoke as they were all deep in thought, thinking about what had occurred just hours ago. For one day they had gone as far with her tagging just to get to a town and head elsewhere but having fought a strange creature and then they were going for another, hopefully safer village to depart.

"Well I guess this is it." Ryoko said as they were walking halfway passed the gate into the forest. Though it didn't seem right to be parting in unknown territory by one's self, she thought she might be able to handle it from here with the few directions Iroh gave her and could always journey with where to head and hope to avoid Azula as much as possible.

Suddenly Ryoko slapped her forehead, "Kuso, I almost forgot. In all the excitement of last night, damn…" She stopped and Zuko rein the beast and Ryoko put down the kitten, hopping out of her arm and pulled out a wrapped bundle from her pack.

"For you Iroh-san, I thought you might like this." Iroh took it from her and saw to his surprise an iron teapot with twenty packets of ginseng, jasmine, and all kinds sitting inside the kettle. "Ryoko you shouldn't have…"

"It's the least I could do for all your kindness you gave to me." She smile and again reach inside and turn to Zuko, "I'm sorry I didn't get along with you that much and hadn't really found anything that you might like but perhaps this might be considerate…"

She handed him a tiny box with designs of mountains and far away landscapes. He opened the box and held a strange necklace up seeing the pendant dangle and drop into his grasp.

A large amber teardrop hanging on a gold chain fit his palm and inside was a fiery phoenix, its eyes encrusted with rubies, the feathers shining brightly in the light. He saw the mystical bird suddenly swirling around its tiny hold and staring at him bleakly and resume flying, the fire from its tail circling within. He look to her shocked, never having received such a gift before in all his life. "It looks like Houou."

"Suzaku but I guess that works too and I have one that's similar except mine's the dragon." She put a hand in her pocket and pulled it out, a sea-green stone with a blue dragon swimming around it, "See." He held both and saw how they interacted with one another, "The yin and yang."

She nodded, "Both represent and symbolize an important factor, a strong bond between two opposites but when becoming one carry a single harmony together. I thought I give you something nice and hope you at least like it." He handed her back her necklace and stuff it in her pocket. She then heaved her bag on her shoulders and holding the kitten in her arms, "Perhaps we'll cross paths one day and our next meeting won't turn out that bad. Sayonara!"

She walked off, waving goodbye and Zuko staring at her to the necklace in his palm and closing it inside his grasp. Before he knew what he was doing, he rode forward and block Ryoko's path.

She stopped, seeing him in her way, the little koneko also looking curious tilting her small head at them. "Demo? Zuko what is it?"

He sighed, running his hand over his head, Can't believe what I'm about to do… "Ryoko, if you want, that is if you really do, you can come along with us, just that uncle would like the company and if that's fine, then…"

She noticed how his words were trailing, seeing the red on his face and nodded, "Hai, arigato Zuko-san!" She giggled when she saw how confused he was with what she said, "I forgot, I'm still use to my own what I meant to say, 'Yes thank you. I'll join you and Iroh-sama," She bowed her head to him, "Thank you again…Zuko-san."

Iroh chuckled once she walked further ahead of them, a light skip to her feet, "Zuko-san, what a interesting title she gave you don't you agree? I think you made you a fine choice nephew." He patted him on the back and mused a bit on his new teapot and tea.

Zuko didn't say anything as he had lowered his head, his wide-brimmed hat shading his redden face while thinking what she called him. A small smile crept to his face. He hates to say it but he kind of like her calling him 'Zuko-san'. At least it was better than Zuzu, not that she would need to know unless uncle blurted it out.

Definition Japanese/English Meanings:

Hebi-Snake

Yokai-Demon (In a dictionary it's akurei but I used the one from the InuYasha series, but if you like this too let me know)

Yuki-onna-Snow woman (I'll give description of her if anyone wants)

Shijin-Four Guardian Beast (I'll give information on those too.)

Seiryu-Blue Dragon Guardian of the East

Hai-Yes

Okasan-Mother

Otosan-Father

Ryoko-Huntress

Kami-God

Yukatas-informal summer wear

Sensei(s)-teacher/instructor

Bokusen'on- grandfather wizard nettle tree

-San-Mr.; Mrs.; Ms.

Katachi-Shifter

Hanyo-half demon/half human

Asagao-Morning Glory

-Chan-used as a pet name for kids

Futon-bedding

Yogensha-fortuneteller

Obi-belt

Byakko-White Tiger guardian of the West

Suzaku-Red Bird (Phoneix) guardian of the South

Genbu-Black Warrior (Turtle with A Snake ((weird I know but these were the guardians) guardian of the North

Dai-Lord

Yōba-yokai horse

Hime-princess

Akuma kagebara-Devil's shadow rose

Otogibanshi-fairytales

Ningen-humans

Baka-idiot

abazuren'na-bitch

Hentai-Pervert

Anata wa dara desuka-Who are you?

Anata wa dara desuka, watakushi tada ima shiru de wataskushi Seiryu chikau ishi- Who are you! I demand to know right now or I swear by Seiryu will

Kuso-Shit! OW! (A lot of meanings can go with this but you get the picture)

Yarou-bastard

Bushido-Way of the Warrior

Taijiya-slayer

ton'mas-assholes

Bakeneko-cat demon

Taiyoukai-demon lord

Butas-pig

Amefuri Boshi- Net, casting a spell forcing everyone to be paralyzed within the barrier by all five senses

Che-Damn!

Koneko-kitten

Kuso-Shit!

Sayonara-See ya!

Demo-What

Hai-yes

Arigato-Thanks