A dark silhouette lurked in the shadows as a group of monks practiced their basic kata. Their moves synchronized together, making their punches and kicks look like a choreographed dance.

She studied their movements and committed what she could to memory. They never notice me unless I want them to.

She grinned when they progressed to paired sparring matches. Alright! Time for the best part!

"Sayomi!"

She grimaced when she heard the familiar call. Damn. It was just about to get good.

"Sayomi!"

She slipped out from her hiding place and raised the hood of her tattered cloak to block the sunlight and sand. When she found the head monk, she quietly followed behind him.

"Sayomi!"

"Yeah?"

The monk tensed before he turned to glare down at her. "You know I don't like it when you sneak up on me."

Sayomi slid her hands into her pockets and shrugged. "I can't help it if you don't realize I'm there."

The monk's glare didn't waver as he led the way. "The King is asking for you."

Her brow arched curiously as she followed behind him. "Oh? That's a first. He usually waits for me to visit if he needs to tell me anything."

"I suggest you don't keep him waiting today," the monk advised.

As they walked around the tall stone pillars and scattered vendors, Sayomi caught the whispers and stares of the other monks.

"There she goes."

"She's like the Shadow of Death itself."

"Quiet or you'll be her next victim!"

She scowled and ignored the worst of their rumors. They're just scared…

When they reached the tallest pillar, the monk opened one of the doors to let her in. "I'll be waiting here when you finish."

Sayomi went inside and followed the winding stairs to the top. This should be interesting.

When she made it to the king's chamber, she knocked once and let herself in. The room was simple and round, made up entirely of stone. Large, creepy infants were carved from the walls with umbilical-like tubes connecting to the king's seat.

She approached the simple throne and kneeled down before him respectfully. "You summoned me, my lord?"

"Since when have you been so formal?" His deep voice echoed around them like low thunder.

"Since when have you felt it was necessary to summon me?" She raised her head to smirk at him.

He had waist-length white hair and his body was lined with muscles and scars instead of wrinkles. She hadn't seen him leave his throne in the years she'd known him and he always sat hunched forward with his hands resting between his knees. She noticed he got thinner with every visit.

He smirked back and said, "As you know, my time's almost up. I have maybe a couple years left, if I'm lucky. I think now would be the best time to return the favor."

Sayomi tilted her head curiously. "Oh?"

"The night you were found at our borders…" he reminded her. "You were knocking on Death's door."

"I remember," she said evenly. "I'm just wondering what took so long."

He chuckled. "Is the suspense killing you?"

"Not as much as it's killing you, I'm sure. You could drop dead before you even get to tell me," She teased.

"How strong have you become since your arrival?" He asked her.

Sayomi raised her eyebrow at his question. "Well, I'm sure you can tell just by looking at me, but I wouldn't put me and strong in the same category."

"No. I suppose not." He grinned.

Her eyes narrowed, but she took in slow and steady breaths to stay calm. "Every time I try to train, I get lectured about how dangerous it is."

She thought about the monks who gave her dirty looks and her shadow twitched around her. "They always look at me like I'm some kinda monster."

"I suppose you can't blame them," he said with a low chuckle.

Sayomi scowled. "So are you gonna tell me why you called or do I have to guess?"

"I need you to look for someone in the Human World," he answered.

"The Human World?" Her brow arched curiously. "You want me to go find a human?"

Amusement shone in the king's eyes. "Is that so strange?"

"Well… yeah," Sayomi drawled. "Why do you want to find a human? Are you finally giving into the hunger?"

"Not particularly," he denied. "I don't want just any human. I need you to find someone specific."

"How specific?"

His smirk grew. "My descendant."

"A human descendant?" Her eyes widened. "Are you sure you don't mean a demon or a half-breed?"

He shook his head. "It's been too many generations. He won't exude any demonic aura until he can handle it."

"How will I know I found the right one?" She hung her head as she realized the difficulty of the job. "And how will I know he's ready?"

"You'll know," he said with certainty. "He will bear the markings of his ancestors and his power will be unmistakable. By then, he should be ready to inherit his birthright."

Sayomi considered that claim for a moment. So he needs me to find his human descendant and bring him back here when his demon blood kicks in. That's easier said than done.

She looked back up at the king and asked, "So who else is coming with me?"

"You'll be going alone," the king answered easily. His eyes narrowed mischievously. "If I send anyone else, they'll draw too much attention."

So I don't have to worry about any monk supervision. Sayomi smirked to herself. That's good to know.

"Any other questions before you leave?"

"Is there anything I should keep an eye open for? Something to give me a clue?"

The king shrugged and said, "I suppose a good place to start would be someone who's a skilled fighter. If he's of my blood, he might even enjoy it."

Sayomi shook her head. "I wouldn't be surprised if he was as stubborn as his old man, too."

The king chuckled and said, "If that's the case, you'll need to at least be strong enough to keep him out of trouble."

Her eyes widened and she asked, "Does this mean you're giving me permission to fight?"

"That depends on you." The king leaned forward and lowered his voice. "If it will help ensure you complete this task, then do whatever you think is necessary."

Sayomi grinned as she jumped to her feet. "When do I leave?"

"Immediately," the king answered with a toothy smile. "Hokushin will take you to the portal as soon as you're ready."

"I'll be off then!" She turned with a wave over her shoulder and made her way to the door. "Try not to starve before I get back!"

When she stepped outside, she found the head monk, Hokushin, waiting for her as promised. He handed her a piece of fruit and said, "I take it things went well."

"About as well as you could expect a request from the old man to go." She took the fruit and inspected it before taking a bite.

"So, a trip to the Human World. I suppose he feels it's about that time." As the monk guided her out of the village, Sayomi caught more whispers from the other monks.

"It sounds like she's finally getting kicked out."

"The Human World can have her."

"I can finally sleep at night knowing she's gone."

Sayomi felt her shadow shift beneath her cloak, but she focused her attention on Hokushin instead. "That's where his descendant is supposed to be. After I find him, I have to watch over him till he can handle his demonic aura."

The monk nodded. "That's good news. Was there anything else?"

She shook her head. "Not really. Since he hasn't been to the Human World in a while, he didn't have much to go on besides a good fighter."

Hokushin frowned at her. "I know you want to fight, but you need to understand the consequences."

She took another bite from her fruit and argued, "Once the old man dies, no one is gonna tolerate having me around anymore. How else am I supposed to survive out there?"

"You know how to heal," Hokushin stressed. "So long as you can do that much, you shouldn't have any issues."

"I doubt healing would help if someone else decides to pick a fight or try anything," she seethed.

"And the alternative use of your aura could be worse," the monk countered.

Sayomi glared down at the dirt floor as she finished her fruit. When they reached the edge of the forest, she tossed the core into a bush and said, "I understand."

"Not as well as you should, but at least you know the potential danger. Which is why…" He reached into his robe, pulled out a parcel of folded cloth, and handed it to her. "You should take this. Think of it as a parting gift."

No one's ever given me a gift before… She unfolded the cloth and her mouth hung open as words failed her.

It was a black sickle with black leather wrapped tightly around the handle. When she found a groove near the base, she popped it open and a long black chain spilled out. She looked up at Hokushin with questions in her eyes.

Without meeting her gaze, he said, "There shouldn't be too many strong demons in the Human World, but this is the least we can do to ensure your safety until you return. I know it isn't much, but it's all we can afford to risk."

"Thank you. I really appreciate it." Sayomi smiled as she returned the chain and tucked the weapon behind her back.

"You should find someone who can teach you to use it first," Hokushin advised. "Since you lack experience, it'll do little good otherwise."

"If I can find anyone willing to teach a demon like me," she muttered.

They stopped in a small clearing and Hokushin pointed through a line of trees. "If you keep going down this path, you will walk through a temporary portal to Human World. You're on your own from here."

Sayomi was about to leave when a thought crossed her mind. She turned to the monk and asked, "What if I can't find the old man's heir?"

Hokushin turned to go back to the village. "We both know if that was the case, you would be better off not coming back."

Sayomi watched him leave until she couldn't see him through the trees. Then she started walking towards the portal.

The walk was peaceful enough, but she kept her senses open and aware. With every step, she committed everything around her to memory. From the blood-red sky with deep purple thunderclouds to the small beasts that skittered across the ground. Who knows when I'll be able to come back?

She slipped her hands into her pockets as she considered what Hokushin and the old man had taught her. Their knowledge might be a bit outdated, but they said humans had better medicine and technology. They also warned me about how humans always seemed to be at war over one thing or another. I wonder how much has changed since then.

Before long, she started noticing the change in the scenery. The trees were greener and some of them sprouted needles instead of the typical leaves she was used to. As the wind blew through the trees, she caught a strong, unfamiliar scent in the air. It doesn't smell like death. It smells… fresh.

She raised her eyes to the sky and noticed it was a startling blue with wispy white clouds drifting in the gentle breeze. She found herself smiling as she walked in the forest shade.

A rustle in the nearby bushes caught her attention and she reached for her sickle. "Who's there?"

She tensely waited until a small brown critter with long ears and large hind legs hopped out from hiding.

"What is that?" Sayomi blinked as she watched it sniff the air and turn away. "Is it hostile?"

She didn't relax her stance until it scurried off into the thicket. "Guess not."

She slowly let out the breath she was holding and let go of her weapon. I need to stay calm and find out more about this place. I could start by finding out where I am.

She looked around for a tall tree and climbed as high as she could until she could see over the canopy. It wasn't the highest viewpoint, but it was good enough to give her an idea.

She was on the slope of a mountain with trees covering the land for several tens of miles. When she looked to the West, she could hear what sounded like waves and she could smell moisture in the air. So there's water over there, but I can't tell how far. It could take me all day to find it.

To the South, she could only see more mountains. At least forests aren't too unfamiliar, but it's still another world. I can't let my guard down in the wild.

Towards the East, she spotted a road at the foot of the mountain. I could follow the path, but who knows where it could lead to?

To the North, she saw a large temple about halfway up the neighboring mountain. If I go there, maybe a monk or priest could point me in the right direction.

She climbed down and sat under the tree to consider her options with a frown. If I go to the temple and the monk or priest turned out to be a demon slayer, then that would be bad. There's still the path… but even if I get to a village, it might not be the right one.

Sayomi wracked her mind for an answer until she settled into the lotus position for meditation. Hopefully it won't be too difficult today…

She opened her mind's eye and found herself sitting in pitch black darkness. Sitting before her was a three dimensional shadow, darker than the surrounding Void itself. When it spoke, its voice was a hushed whisper. "How's it goin', Host?"

"I'm actually in a pretty good mood today. I'm almost free to leave Tourin for good," Sayomi answered with a smile.

"So he wants you to find his heir before he dies." The shadow hung its head, as if already mourning the king's death. "That's a morbid final wish."

"That's what I wanted to talk about." Sayomi kept her smile in place. "I'm at a bit of a crossroads. I could use some advise to figure out where to start."

The shadow raised its eyes to glare at her. "Why don't you figure it out yourself instead of relying on others to do it for you? No wonder nobody likes you."

Sayomi kept her smile, but her hands balled into tight fists. She took in deep, slow breaths to stay calm. "You're my Shade. You're the part of me that stays hidden. By asking you, how am I relying on anyone but myself?"

The Shade crossed its arms and sighed. "Fine… What's the problem?"

Sayomi let out a quiet sigh of relief as she regained her confidence. "I need to know if I should visit the temple or follow the road to the nearest village."

"How long do you think it would take to get to either one?"

"I'm not really sure," Sayomi admitted. "The shrine could take a few hours, but I don't know about the village. It can't be too far if there's a shrine here, right?"

"But the shrine is in sight."

"It could be dangerous, though. For all we know, that priest or monk could also be a demon slayer. That's what Hokushin and the old man always mentioned."

"How old is their knowledge?"

Sayomi hesitated. "I guess it has been a few hundred years since then. So I should take the risk and visit the shrine?"

"Look at it this way…" The Shade lifted both of its hands and tilted them like a scale. "On one hand, you could test your measly skills against a human. On the other hand, you get a bed and information. You only die if you mess up the first option."

Sayomi smirked and shook her head. "I think I can handle a human, at least."

When she opened her physical eyes, she got to her feet and started walking towards the shrine. "As much as I'd like to actually fight someone, I shouldn't risk my life for it."

Though the smells and sounds were new to her, the terrain was familiar enough to navigate through. "At least, not until after I find a decent teacher."

She reached back for her weapon and smiled down at her reflection in the blade. "I just hope I can find someone willing to teach me. Without real guidance, It'll take me longer to learn what I need to."

She used the sickle to cut through any foliage that obstructed her path. Her cloak snagged on a few twigs along the way, but she tugged it free and walked on. "If I can't find one, I'll be an easy target."

She thought of her Shade and felt a cold shiver. "I can't afford to let that happen."

When she found a set of stone steps leading up the mountain, she almost groaned. "It's gonna take forever to climb up these stairs…"

She looked up and realized the sky had changed to brilliant oranges and reds. She noticed the growing shadows and smirked. "Good thing it's getting dark."

She focused her aura and her body was shrouded in darkness. She glided through the shadows and solidified again at the top of the stairs where she stopped in her tracks. "Now that's impressive…"

She tucked her sickle away and stared up in awe at a set of massive wooden doors with a tall white wall. The architecture reminded her of old paintings that Hokushin had shown her. I think he said it was called Shinto and it was very common back then. I guess not much has changed after all.

Do I have to use these doors or is there another way in? Climbing over the wall may give a bad first impression if I'm seen. Her eyes darted around until she spotted a normal door beside the large gate. "That works."

Sayomi hesitated at the small door and focused her senses to feel the energy throughout the temple. I don't feel any anti-demon wards, but with an aura that powerful I guess there isn't a real need for them.

Hopefully whoever's here won't try to kill me before I can explain myself. Without giving herself the chance to back out, she opened the door and let herself in. "Hello?

"Whoa!" Her eyes widened and she smiled at the sight behind the walls. "This place is beautiful!"

The courtyard was open and clear of any foliage except for the occasional tree. A stone path led to the wooden patio that bordered the edge of the temple with sturdy handrails. The off-white walls were solid like stone while the sliding doors were traditional wood and rice paper. The red roofs arched in the same Shinto style as the front gate, giving the place a spiritual presence of its own.

The patio wood felt smooth and clean beneath her bare feet and she could hear water trickling nearby with an occasional clack. The sounds of the nocturnal creatures stirring with the moonrise gave her a sense of peace she hadn't felt in a long time. I could get used to a place like this.

When Sayomi tracked down the powerful aura, she found herself in front of another set of large wooden doors. She took in a deep breath before knocking and pushing the door open. "Excuse me. Sorry for the intrusion."

The first thing she noticed was the strong smell of incense. The room was pitch black except for the tiny warm glow from various sticks and cones. She relaxed her eyes and shifted her vision to the infrared spectrum.

The room became swathed in deep blues and purples, with the occasional oranges from the tiny embers. In the center of the room, Sayomi spotted what she assumed was a small human based on the shape.

What caught her attention was the above average body heat. The human's center was white hot and intense enough to make her switch back to her normal vision. This human is definitely the source of the aura I felt. How is it so powerful, yet so compact?

"If you're looking for a fight, you should leave now. I won't hesitate to kill in self-defense." The voice was scratchy, but it was definitely an older woman.

"I'm not looking for a fight, but I am looking for someone." Sayomi relaxed and discarded any plans for attack. At least she's open to diplomacy...

"I'm the only one around for miles." The old woman sounded annoyed. She took a drink of something and asked, "What do you want?"

"I don't really know for sure," Sayomi admitted. She closed the door and sat down with her legs tucked beneath her. She looked down at her hands and said, "All I know is that he could possibly be a very gifted martial artist."

When Sayomi heard the small clink of dishes, she looked up and focused on her hearing. She heard light footsteps and figured the woman was walking towards her. She bowed her head respectfully, but she could feel the woman's stern gaze burning through her.

Sayomi heard the rustle of fabric as the woman reached into a pocket. There was a soft click and a small flame illuminated the immediate area. She lifted her head and saw the old woman light up a cigarette.

The old woman's face sagged into a natural scowl. Her brown eyes drooped in disinterest and her faded pink hair fell just past her shoulders in loose waves. Her red clothing resembled traditional martial arts Gi with off-white martial arts pants. A matching red hat rested on top of her head with the kanji for "Master" stitched on the front.

Sayomi coughed when the old woman blew smoke into her face. This smells worse than the incense!

"So, you came here looking for someone and you don't even know who you're looking for. You're either stupid, someone was trying to get rid of you, or have you killed. Possibly all three." The old woman spoke her thoughts bluntly, despite who or what she was talking to.

Sayomi swallowed a growl that threatened to rise from her chest. She closed her eyes and slowly took a deep breath. She held her breath for four steady counts before exhaling just as slow. Once calm, she opened her eyes and kept her gaze on the floor. "My king is dying and he sent me to find this person for him. I don't have a lot of time."

The woman took another drag from her cigarette. "Why would he send a weakling like you?"

"I was sent because I'm a weakling. They thought I would draw less attention." Sayomi smirked bitterly.

The old woman chuckled and tapped the cigarette ash into the base of one of the incense burners nearby. "Oh please, even with your weak aura you would stick out like a sore thumb. Humans haven't worn cloaks like that in over 400 years. It's also uncommon for anyone to walk around without shoes."

"What about you?" Sayomi asked through clenched teeth. "Your clothing may be different, but it's not foreign to me. Do all humans dress like you?"

The old woman smirked. "I live out in the mountains for a reason. I'm not exactly normal either."

"I see…" Sayomi's eyes momentarily shifted to the infrared spectrum to peek at the tiny sun of aura. Her vision shifted back when the old woman took another drag.

She blew out the smoke, away from the demoness, and said, "In a month, I will be hosting some trials to find a proper disciple to pass my power to. The best spiritualists and martial artists will be there to compete. If you're not malicious, you're welcome to stick around and see if he shows up."

Sayomi was stunned for a moment. Was it really that easy? I was hoping for positive results, but this is more than I was expecting.

She placed her hands in front of her on the floor and bowed her head low. "Thank you very much."

"Don't go thanking me yet." The old woman started to walk by her towards the door. "For all you know, he might not be there at all."

"It'll be good start." Sayomi raised her head and turned to ask, "Do you mind if I ask your name?"

The old woman smirked and answered, "It's common courtesy around here to give your own name first."

"I'm Sayomi."

"I'm Genkai. Try not to forget it."

"Genkai?" Sayomi's eyes widened and her mouth hung open. "The Genkai?"

"I guess the demons are still sharing boogeyman stories," Genkai said in a bored tone. "I'm the Master of this temple and most of the surrounding land is mine. I'm not responsible if you die out there because of other demons."

Sayomi tried to speak, but she couldn't find the words. If Master Genkai is willing to help me with this, I wonder if she could help with…

She took in a deep breath to steel her nerves for the potential rejection. Then she bowed her head to the floor again and asked, "Could you please train me?"

Genkai stopped before the door and asked, "Train you how?"

Sayomi hesitated as her time with the monks flooded to her thoughts. Power can corrupt you. If handled irresponsibly, it could lead you to the destruction of not just those around you, but of yourself.

After a moment of consideration, she answered, "Growing up, I was only permitted to heal and meditate because of what I am. Now, I'd like to learn how to fight." She reached behind her back and presented her sickle. "If not with my aura, then maybe with a weapon?"

Genkai looked bored as she watched the girl's pitiful posture. "I'm not fond of using weapons other than my own fists. The most I can do is teach you the basics to control your aura."

"Even that would be better than nothing," Sayomi admitted as she put away her weapon. "I'll learn whatever you're willing to teach me."

"And why do you want to fight?" Genkai asked. "Is it for revenge or to protect something?"

Sayomi closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "I want to overcome the fear of my own power and be in control."

"My training isn't for wimps." Genkai turned to face Sayomi and took a final drag before putting out the rest of her cigarette. "If I train you, you will be pushed beyond the limits of what you think you can handle. You're sure you can do that?"

Sayomi raised her head to meet the old woman's gaze. "I'll die either way if I can't."

Genkai smirked and opened the door to leave. "The moment you complain, I'm throwing you out to the forest."

Sayomi smiled as she rose to her feet and followed her new teacher out. If I can't do this, I could end up worse than dead…