Insanity

Curling her fingers around her knees she took a deep breath.
"Well, firstly I want you to know that you cannot and will not stop me from avenging my people, I owe them that much. But as for my own reasons..." She ignored the glare Damian gave her to shut up. But carried on. "You would find this out sooner or later. I am also a lot older than I look. Maybe that's why i regard you as younger, even if I am physically younger than you, mentally I am well past my death date. I was sold into slavery after I left the Dalish. Picked up by a Kitsune family who needed help with their young ones. Having raised my brother I was more than capable. However, the Lords son showed an...interest in me if you will and forced me to..." She tilted her head, hoping Kana would get the gist. "He was supposed to be betrothed to a sister clan's daughter and would continue their peace. The girl found out and a family feud started. This eventually escalated into a war." She tensed her fingers, nails digging into her pale skin. "It's my fault that your families had to go through all that. I just want to end it all and take out the leader. It wasn't even him....it was his Great great grandfathers father. I think...But I must ensure that I have my revenge and the war is just." She whispered.

Kana's eyes widened. She expected the revenge for her race of people. The Kitsune had been using Neko's as slaves for generations, everyone had, but the personal reason...could she really be that old? That her mind was old enough to remember Akio's many times great grandfather? How could her mind be so old, yet her body so young? Koda was the reason their clans first went to war...wait, that's wrong. It wasn't Koda's fault, anymore then her ending up with Akio was her fault. The Nakamura clan was just evil, always had been. Kana would of used any excuse to not marry the heir to the clan as well, so she couldn't fault her ancestor, though she did feel it was her fault as well.
Kana took a deep breath, composing herself. "H-how do you have a mind that old?" She paused, blushing slightly, so much for composure. "You don't have to answer that, I'm sorry. You've already answered so many questions." Kana looked down at her sister, seeing the confusion on the girls face. Good, the child didn't catch all of it. Her skills in this language still weren't on par with her own. "O'neesama, nani ga kanojo ga itta no?" (What did she say?) Dai asked, sensing the destress on her sister's face. Kana smiled gently down at the child, "Sore nitsuite akachan o shinpai shinaide kudasai. Sore wa nani mo anata to wa kankei arimasen. Kodachan wa kirai Nakamura-shi mo, anata ga onaji yō ni, onaji yō ni watashi wa arimasen." (Don't worry about it baby. It has nothing to do with you. Koda just hates the Nakamura clan too, just like you do, just like I do.) Kana explained. Dai look up at Koda, face to full of intelegance. "Hai, I hate them. They the reason we like this. Always want everything, even when they have no right to it. They... kodaimoosoo-kyoo no." She looked up at her sister for the translation. Kana smiled, "She said their megalomaniacs." She laughted, petting the childs head.
"Your reasons's for wanting to go are just as just as mine. We both were abused by the Nakamura clan, forced into situations that we had no control over. What you were involved in caused the war between our two clans, but it was not you fault. Our pasts are more similar then I ever realised. We just lived the same life from different stations. It was the letchorus man of the Nakamura clan and my spoiled ancestor who started the war. I knew Akio had other women before me, hell while he was with me, and I said nothing to protect the peace. I would never blame it on one of the slaves. My best friend who was a Neko, the one Akio killed using a bullwhip, she had been forced to be with him. That's why Akio was so angry, he found out she became engaged to the captain of my guard. As punishment, they both had to die." She frowned, then got angry. "That whole bloodline has to be destroyed. They're evil. Only what they think matters. Luckly there aren't many left in any of the Great Clans." She looked at Koda, "I don't know if his ancestor had this gift as well, but Akio's greatest skill in a battle of magic is being able to absorb and deflect the attack back..if he see's it coming. Thats the trick, you can't let him prepare. That's why my first attack on him didn't work, he just called me cute for trying to kill him. I suppose it's similiar to what the head of this camp can do." She said, thinking on it. "I wonder if those two are closer related then just by the far bonds all Kitsune have..." She mumbled. "It doesn't matter at this moment in time, forget my speculations." She leaned in to Koda, taking her hand. "I don't blame you for anything that happened with my people. You did what you had to do to save yourself...just like I did. You have wanted this revenge for longer then I have, so you're more then welcome to join me." She looked at Damian, "And why, Damian-sempi, do you keep frantically shaking your head no?" She asked, slightly amused. This news made Kana like Koda more, not less. She could relate to the girl now.

(Just for fun...Koda is 倖田 (lucky rice paddy) in japanese, Kana is 仮名 (Beautiful or excelent), Dai is 大 (Great/large/big), Damian is ダミアン, Mellissa is メリサ, and Akio is アキオ (bright boy/intelegent). Paris is パリ, and vanessa is ヴァネサ)

Koda sighed, rubbing her forehead lightly. Snowy ears flickering lightly as she tried to place what had happened into words.
"When my brother died...I didn't take it too well. As is my understanding, my body and mind froze in time. Eternally damned to be sixteen. But you can only live so long before your mind grows older. It's the natural process. My body may look this way, but my mind is far older. We may be wrong but that's our closest guess..."
She lent back on the log, relieved that Kana did not entirely blame her, even if she did blame herself.
"I may have waited longer, but you deserve it more. Anger dulls with time. It's still there though, sometimes just spiking in my veins. But I won't take that last shot away from you. You have every right to slice his head open. Besides, I don't think he'll expect a neko with over 200 years fighting experience to be on your side." She smirked.
Damian flushed a light red.
"It's nothing. Though it is not my place to say, I do wish neither of you would go. I guess I'm stuck in the mind set that violence cures nothing. But I'll try to keep those thoughts to myself and replace them with hoping you both come back in one piece I guess."

"Wow Koda, you're really immatue for being over 200 years old." Kana teased with a grin, bumping into the girl. "But in all honesty, I'm happy you're coming with me. I really expected this to be a suicide mission. I was fine with that, as long as he died too. But with you there...I just might survive this." She laughed. Kana looked down at Dai, who was leaning against her, eyes fluttering shut. She really didn't want to lose her sister now that she got her. It was okay though, she would make sure Sora made it, even if she didn't, so Dai would have someone. Someone who would raise her right, without all the violence.
"I wonder if my 'baachan would know you? Our clan has the gift of unnaturally long life. I really am a baby compared to many of them. Kitsune live longer then most races to begin with, usually dying from injuries, not natural causes. 'baachan is probably about your age..." She pondered, then a horrible thought dawned on her. Could her grandmother been the woman who was supposed to marry Akio's ancestor? It would make sense. Her grandmother hated the Nakamura's more then anyone she knew. She had been against Kana marrying Akio in the begining...it had been her mother who talked the woman into agreeing. "Chiharu Michiko. Chiharu meaning "One thousand springs". Before me, and if you ask me, still now, she was the most powerful Kitsune born into the Great Clans. Though others will disagree with me, still thinking I'm the child of prophacy. She controls storms, and electricity. She can form lightning from nothing, conjure a typhoon indoors. Aparently, she looked a lot like me when she was younger, except without the blood red hair. But the same eye color, skin color, aparently the clone of me, but like I said, without the hair color. Now she looks about fifty." Kana said, almost to herself more then Koda. Though she was intrested if Koda knew her 'baachan.
"The child with hair like blood and skin like snow, eye's as dark as the night shall unite the Clans once more, saving our race from death and strife." Dai mumbled, eyes closed. Kana stared down at her sister in awe. She had never heard the phophacy put into words before. "Daichan, where did you hear that?" She asked softly. "O'baasama said it to Sora'niisan when Sora'niisan cried the day we all got dressed up and everyone came to see you...and Akio." Dai explained, saying Akio's name harshly, dropping his title. "My wedding, akachan?" Kana asked. Dai nodded, eyes closed. "Didn't know that word in this language." She said in a barely audible voice.
Kana looked at Damian, eyes narrowed. "I don't believe that it's nothing, but I'll let it drop. Though I do believe you're a pacifist, and would like it if we didn't go."

Damian nodded gratefully as the issue was discarded.
"In some senses yes, but in some cases I don't mind violence...I just don't want...anyone...to get hurt." He finally settled on. "You can take Orion back to the estate. As long as Dai doesn't mind walking to the cottage. I could carry her is she preferred. After all she's tiny." He smiled.
Koda paused, tapping her finger to her lip.
"I might know you gramgram. I only ever knew five women besides the children. I think her name was Akina as she was born in spring. I may be wrong and it could be someone completely different. But she was exceptionally beautiful but very cruel. She's the reason I have scars down my back. Even with Damians help they won't go." She sighed, the words draining her slightly. Leaning forwards to rest her head in her hands, she looked up to Kana. "Immature maybe. You've just never gotten on my bad side." She smirked. "When you're ready to go just say. I need to find Ruby." She stood up stretching, finally aware of the blank stares around her. "My bow." She explained. "I had it crafted so it wouldn't snap and charges with a different element each time. Unfortunately I can only control fire, water, electricity and thunder. Those are the only elements I can charge it with. Still Aiko doesn't know that does he. I left it somewhere...more daggers, sharpen my sword and grab some other bits and bobs and I'll be ready, okay?"

"Daichan should be okay walking, though you might have to carry her part of the way. Her clothes and geta's arn't exactly made for walking in the woods." Kana laughed. Dai reached up for her sister, "'Neechan?" She asked, wanting to be held. "Wakatta akachan." She mumbled, listening to Koda talk, lifting the girl into her lap. Dai wrapped her arms around Kana's neck, laying her head down on her shoulder. "I honestly don't know many of the elders names, I only know O'baachan's because she's my grandmother. O'baachan was very beautiful, and could be cruel. She even tried to attack me as a child, my O'niisan stopped her. But most of the women in my clan are violent, it could of been anyone. And I'm just assuming it was my clan, from what you've told me. She could of even been my So sobo, (great grandmother) I don't know her name. It really doesn't matter, it's more curiosity then anything else." She mused, petting her now sleeping sister's head.
"Damn, if I never got on your bad side, I don't know what it would take to get on it. But come to think of it, you never got on my bad side either. You annoyed the hell outta me a few times, but nothing serious." She laughed softly. She listened to Koda explain her bow's abilities, sutibly impressed. "My main elements are fire, specifically the demon fire, earth, and wind. But the only one I have no mastrey over what so ever is water. I can make it rain, like 'baachan, but I can't do anything with it, it's just annoying. This little one has the power over water. She made the whole estate flood during a tantrum when she was about 18 months old." Kana laughed, hugging the sleeping child in her arms. "Weapons, do you have an extra Katana, er, sword, lying around? Maybe a couple daggers, a bow and arrows? I know how to use all of them, but my main weapons were those three. I had to leave my katana behind. It was a family heirloom. I took my daggers, but they have been lost in one way or another over the years. I didn't even attempt to take the bow, or my bo staff. Akio locked most of my weapons away. He might be able to counter magical attacks, but he can still me stabbed." She smirked.

Damian nodded, shifting around on the log for a moment.
"We do have spare Katanas and other weaponry. I was sure to get some from the Wairudo clan. They specialise in weaponry." Standing, he walked off in search of the weapons she wanted, making a mental note to make sure the arrows were steal tipped.
Koda watched him leave, fingertips pressed to her lips.
"Only betrayal or downright cruelty gets you on my bad side. Though I think you can control the element yours most like. You're dangerous, hard but also gentle when you want to be. Maybe I'm reading to much into this or maybe not enough." She sighed, digging her foot into the dirt. "I'll be back in a few moments. I need to...yeah..." She trailed off, turning on her heel and walking further into camp.

"Arigato Damian." Kana said with a nod.
"I think you're right. I've thought that before. Like Daichan is better at letting things go, flow by her like water does a rock in a stream. She doesn't hold a grudge like I do, or get angry as quickly. But she's still a baby, so I can't base my findings off of her." She said, looking down at her sister. "I'll be here." Kana smirked.
Kana rocked back and forth, kissing the top of the childs head. "I promise things will change soon. Things will be better for you then they were for me. Then they were for all of us. You will have a real life. I'll see to it."

After a few minutes Damian returned, arms clasping a blanket. Sitting down on the log, he tossed the blanket aside passing Kana a couple of dagger.
"Here. Just sharpened so they should be fine." Pulling out a katana from the mess of weapons in front of him, he passed her the gilded handle, followed by a leather sheath. After sorting through everything in the pile in front of him, most of it managed to get strapped onto to some part of Kana's body. Folding the blanket back over, he cast a glance at the sleeping girl.
"I can take her now if you like. Get there before she wakes up sorta thing. Though if you want me to wait then that's fine too. Sometimes not saying goodbye face to face is the best course of action. It makes you want to stay more..."

"Thank you." She said, accepting the weapons. With some help and manuvering around the child in her arms, they get the weapons strapped on. "This is a nice Katana." She comments, touching the hilt.
Kana looked down at Dai, kissing the top of her head, "No, you should take her now. I don't think I could leave her if she started crying, and I have to go. If for nothing else, I have to go for her. She deserves a real life, not a life of pain at the hands of her family, and not a life on the run." She said, carefully handing the girl over to the other Kitsune. Dai stirred slightly, then wrapped her arms around Damian's neck, resuming her position of head on his shoulder. "Please take care of her, she's very precious to me. If I don't make it back...please watch over her. I'm sorry that you'll have to be the one who will have to explaine to her why I'm gone when she wakes up." She gently brushed hair out of the childs face, "If she seems upset when she wakes, please tell her I said "Watashi wa anata o aishite"."

He petted the child head lightly, getting used to the extra weight in his arms.
"Please come back in one piece. I don't think I could bear telling a child as young as this that the only true family she's ever known has died. She needs you Kana, even though you know I'll treat her like a sibling I'm hardly a match. But I will tell her. Come back safely. When you see Koda, tell her...never mind. May the Gods watch over you."
Bowing lightly to her, he walked to the edge of camp before disappearing into the thicket.

"I will try my best to come back...and to bring Koda back unharmed as well." Kana said, knowing there was something between the two, but wether it was friendship or something more, she didn't know. "Please be carefull yourself. If Daichan get's to heavy to carry, wake her up and make her walk. And if she starts speaking the ancient tongue again...well you know." Kana paused, "I'm sorry, you better go, or I'll keep talking." She said, turning away, not wanting to watch him walk away with the only sibling she had left.
"Where's Koda?" Kana whispered, getting ancy suddenly. It wasn't that she was looking forward to the fight, it's just that she wanted all of this done with. She wanted to get Sora. She wanted to kill her husband, be free of him once and for all. She wanted to make sure Sora and Koda returned safely, even if it cost her her own life. She didn't want to die. As a matter of fact, she wanted to live, now more then ever. She wanted to live with Sora and Dai. She didn't know what she felt for Sora, but she knew she cared about him, and that he cared about her, and Dai. She wanted to rule the clans, not through fear or violence, but the way they should be, through listening and diplomacy. She wanted to inharet her birthright. She wanted to give these people a choice, if they wanted to live in the lush, fertal, northern lands, but only if they wanted to. She wanted to let the neko's have a choice, a place to live freely. She understood why her kin, along with so many other races, made them slaves so long ago. They were powerful, something to be feared...but she didn't want to fear and control them...she wanted to be allys with them. The northern lands were vast, pleanty large enough for all the current slaves to have homes and land of their own...but she would have to win this fight first. She was getting ahead of herself, if she lost, there would be no change in the kitsune lands.
Kana sighed and slid down a nearby tree, sitting with her knees against her chest, arms wrapped around her yukata covered legs.

Koda sighed in relief as she found her bow, running her finger down the intricate carvings on it, it placed it around her neck along with the arrows. Slotting various swords, daggers and some minor healing vials around her body she smiled in content, stepping out of the tent.a
"Kana?" She asked, not able to see the girl. Glancing around she spotted her curled up at the bottom of a tree. "Hey Kana." She smiled walking over to her. Squeezing her shoulder in a reassuring way, she helped her to her feet. "We should get out of here.If we leave now we can hit midday."

She shuffled towards the tethered horse, ignoring the snorting and stamping of his hooves.
"Shush you. You know damn well what's going on, stop playing dumb." She grumbled, mounting the beast. "Has Damian already left? I wanted to say goodbye, just in case..." She shook her head, not allowing the thought to sink deeper. Helping Kana onto Orion's back, she nudged the horse on lightly, a world of worry flying through her head.

Kana mounted the horse with Koda's help. "He wanted to say something to you, but then seemed sad...I told him I was going to try to get you back to him alive. I don't know if you're just good friends or what..." She said quietly. "You know, it's not to late to back out. You can take Orion and go after him. I'll walk. I'll even tell Akio I'm killing him for you too." She paused, "I'm not trying to talk you out of your revenge, I just don't know what you have to live for. You've been around for so long...All I have is Dai and Sora, and they would both be fine without me...they had been for years. It's my responsablity to put my life on the line, I'm just saying, if you want to change your mind, I understand. I really apreciate you coming with me, and completely understand why you want to do it...I'll shut up now." Kana said, blushing.

"That's where you're wrong. It's far to late for me to back out. I've already promised..." She sighed. "I won't let my people die in vain. I'm not sure if that's something you're accustomed to, maybe you understand but I can't say..." She rubbed her forehead lightly, realising that what she was trying to say she couldn't quite put into words, but despite that that she managed to add on something. "Damian and I are friends. Just friends. That's it. Nothing more nothing less. He's worried is all."

Tightening the reins, she nudged the horses ribs with her feet building the pace from a light jog to a heavy hitting run.

"Don't worry, I understand. You don't have to explaine it. I might not be trying to avenge a whole race of people, but I'm not going after Akio just because of what he did to me. It's for all the people who needlessly died because of him. For all the people who have or will suffer because of the actions of the Nakamura clan...if you know what I'm saying..." Kana tried to put her thoughts in words, not sure if she was doing a good job.
She smiled as Koda explained her relationship to Damian, "Got it. He seems like he would be a good person to be friends with. I hope I get the chance to get to know him better." She finished quietly, secretly fearing that she wouldn't return. Since she ran from Akio, she had planned on facing him alone. She knew that if she did that, she wouldn't survive. She had been prepared for that. So now that she had help, someone strong to fight along side her, it was hard to revert her thinking to the fact that she just might live.
Kana grabbed onto Koda's waist with a small gasp as she urged the horse to go faster. Kana had not ridden a horse with another person since she was a very small, and that had been when she and Sora had stolen one of the mares from that stables. "We need to go to the Michiko estates first to collect Sora. Maybe we can teach that bitch who gave birth to me a lesson or two while we're at it." She said harshly. "I just hope we don't run into 'baachan, that would be bad..." She whispered.

"If we run into your 'baachan, I'll deal with her. You get Akio. I think I can distract her for long enough. Besides, what do I have to live for anymore right? If I die, it won't be an issue...just make sure he dies." She growled. "Make sure Sora gets out okay. I've never met the guy but he's obviously important to you."
She slowed the pace, the sun beating down a harsh midday heat. "Almost there...."
The horse slowed to a stop, picking it's feet up with nerves. Sliding off his back, she checked that each weapon was still trapped to her. Passing a nervous smile to Kana, she gripped the hilt of her sword. "Ready?"

"Don't talk like that Koda. I can think of pleanty of people who would miss you." Kana chided. Though she was thankful that Koda offered to take on her 'baachan.
"Not really, but lets do this anyways. Sora's house is at the back of the estate with the other servents. The Nakamura estate is about twenty minutes east by horse back. If any of my family catches wind that we're here, we'll have a fight on our hands. My mother will be easy enough to take down, but 'baachan..." She trailed off, moving to scale the tree that was against the wall at the back of the property.
Once the two girls were in Kana ran to Sora's house, dagger unshethed in her hand. The house was small, only four rooms total, a bedroom, living room, kitchen, and bathroom, so it didn't take Kana long to search it. "He's not here! Shit! He's probably at the main house doing guard duty." Kana whispered harshly.
Kana led Koda towards where the main house of the estate was. The main house was a spralling mansion, complete with rock gardens and water features. The back porch of the house was under construction. Heh, so he did blow it up... Kana thought amused. It wasn't hard to spot Sora, he was where he always was, sitting on the big boulder in the center of the rock garden. "Sorakun!" Kana called quietly, trying to get his attention. The black haired boy looked up, startled. "Kanachan! What are you doing here?! Are you suicidal? And who's this?" He asked quickly, jumping off the boulder and running over to Kana and Koda. Sora paused when he approached the two, feeling the weight of centuries coming from Koda. "This is Koda, she's a friend." Kana said in a rushed tone. Sora bowed to Koda, "I'm Sora Senshi, it is an honor to meet you. If Kanasama sees you as a friend, you must be special indeed." He said politely.
Sora straightened from his bow, grabbing Kana's arm and dragging her behind a maple tree with deep purplish red leaves, blocking them from the view of the house. "Kanachan, I know you're insane, but have you completely lost it? Why in the name of the gods would you come back to this place? You have Daisama, what other reason would you return?" He asked in a panicked voice. "I came back for you Sorakun." She said quietly. "Me? Why would you do that? I'm not worth anything! I'm not even strong! I have one tail..." Kana silenced the boy by putting her finger to his lips, "Shut up Sorakun. You're worth the world to me, you were the only person who saw me, and not some pawn in a game, when we were growing up. You stood up to 'baachan for me, to kakasama for me, and were punished greatly for it. You took care of Daichan when I couldn't...You are possibly the most important person in the world to me. I'm here to take you away from this hell we were both born into. The number of tails you have is of no concern to me, it's the strength of your charecter. Sora Senshi, you have the power to feel others out, to see what's behind the mask, to feel the true power and emotions hidden inside...that makes you more powerful then all the heads of the Great Clans combined." Kana explained, smiling slightly. Sora stared at the small woman with wide eyes, grasping her hand and taking it away from his face, "You always did have a way with words Kanachan." He smirked. He looked at Koda, then at the main house again, not wanting to tell Kana what was going on.
"Okay, I'll leave with you two, but we have to go now. It's to dangerous here for you Kanachan." He said quickly, pulling Kana in the direction of the back of the estate. "Wait Sorakun! I'm not going back yet. I have to deal with Akio. I have to go to his estate and end this once and for all." Kana protested, digging her heals into the ground. Sora stopped, bowing his head. "Can we just leave Kanachan? Please? I will do anything you ask of me if we can just take you somewhere safe." He whispered. "No. I have to do this. I will never be free as long as that man is still alive, and I promised Koda her revenge. This is my land, my people, I'm not giving it up." She said with conviction. Sora sighed, "I thought you might say that. You don't have to go to the Nakamura estate. Akio is here, discussing a take over of the Michiko clan with your O'baasama as we speak." Sora confessed sadly. Kana's eyes went wide, then she smacked Sora's arm. "You bastard! Why didn't you tell me sooner?!" She exclaimed. "Because I don't want you to fight him Kanachan! I don't want you to be in danger!" Sora responded, rubbing his arm.
Sora's eyes went wide just before he went flying, back hitting a tree. Kana tried to turn around to see where the source of the attack came from, but strong tanned arms wrapped around her waist, pinning her to the spot. "I thought I sensed my bride. It's been a long time hasn't it, Kana?" Akio said, breathing the words into her ear. Kana looked up in time to see the sky begin the spin, her mother and grandmother appearing between Kana and Koda. "Kanasan, you have been a bad child. We nearly lost our clan because of you. But now that you're back, I'm sure that Akiosama would be willing to make a deal..." Her mother said cruely, smirking at the girl. The elder Michiko glanced between the three young ones, being more wary then Kana's mother. Her gazed settled on Koda, "You, I know you." The older woman said, pushing black locks away from her face.

"Chiharu, it has been too long. I remember when you were just a girl. Your grandmother would be disappointed if she knew what you were doing now." She replied, snowy ears pressing against her skull, lip curling over her teeth in a fight to remain calm. "But that's not the point is it?" She carried on, slowly side stepping so both the woman would have to face her in order to look at her. "You used to be such a sweet child. Yet you want to forget that Chiharu? Tut tut." She smiled lightly. "Still it's nice to know I've made an impact on your life."
Extending two fingers, she forced her own arm down, dagger falling into her palm. In one swift moment, she threw it across the court letting it bury itself in Akio's hand, forcing him to let go of Kana.
"I'm not the girl who couldn't fight back anymore Chi. Remember that." She hissed. "Besides, I would hate to tear that pretty face up, along with your daughters."

"Who do you think you are?! Who do you think you're speaking too?! We are royalty of the most powerful of the Kitsune clans! My Okaasan is the greatest leader the Michiko clan has ever seen! I gave birth to the child of the prophacy, a rare Kyuubi, the most poweful Kitsune to walk this earth! You are nothing more then a lowly Neko, a child from a race so weak they have been enslaved by everyone, including the Humans, for as long as anyone can remember! You should of dropped to your knees, begging us to spare your pathetic life the moment you entered this compound! Leave it to my Chojo (Eldest Daughter) to befriend a wretched creature such as yourself...She always did have a weakness for inferior beings. Look at that piteous child Sora over there, laying in a crumpled heap from just one of my weakest attacks! Completely useless, possessing only one tail, yet my Chojo risks her life for him, dare I say even loves him, recieving punishment after punishment for associating with someone of such low class. You think you can fight back little girl? Let's see you try! I will take you out with one attack, just like that boy over there, only I wont hold back with you...that child still lives. You on the other hand, will perish where you stand!" The younger of the two women declared, grinning sadistically. Raven hair began to whip around her moon pale face as she built up power, but before she had a chance to attack the elder Michiko moved in front of her, blocking her. "Okaasan? What do you think you're doing?! It will only take a moment to destroy this pathetic wretch of a child! Why are you protecting her?!" The woman yelled, narrowing her eyes at her mothers panicked expression. "Mizuki-san you fool! I'm not protecting her, I'm protecting you! Koda is no ordinary Neko! This "child" is older then I! She is the reason the Michiko clan and the Nakamura clan originally went to war! She weilds powers similar to those of the Kitsune! Kana-chan could not of found a better ally...My Magomusume (Grand daughter) truely is something special." She paused, smiling fondly at Kana. Chiharu looked over her shoulder at the Neko, "Koda, you were right. My O'baasama would weep if she could see what I've done to this clan...Sacrificing my precious Magomusume on the whim of my yuiitsu no ko. (Only child) Giving her to that monster, knowing perfectly well what he would do to her, the same that his ancestor did to you, all because Mizuki-san was jealous of her Chojo. Mizuki-san had been jealous of Kana-chan since birth, when she saw the child was a Kyuubi and had scarlet hair instead of black. When Orochi-san, Kana-chan's O'niisan was killed by Akio-san, Mizuki-san blamed it on Kana-chan...But I am at fault here. I didn't stop Mizuki-san's violent outbusts towards her daughters, and I didn't stop Mizuki-san when she agreed to Akio-san's terms. I will not fight you Koda, and I will not stop you. I will not stop Kana-chan from acheiving her revenge, but I will not fight either. I no longer possess the strength required to fight against the likes of any of you. I may be proud, but I am not a fool." Chiharu said, stepping away from her daughter.
"Okaasan! How could you submit to a person like that? What we did was right! Giving that demonic child to the Nakamura's is the only way to save this clan! She's worthless! The prophacy can't be true! It can't be! The fact that that evil creature came out of my body sickens me! She deserves everything that falls on her! And you...you are pathetic! You don't deserve to lead this clan! It's my birthright! The clan should be mine! Just because my Chojo was born with hair like blood....I will kill this Neko you hold in such high regard, then I will help Akio-sama do what he wishes with that brat...weather that be reclaim her as his property or kill her, then I will take my rightfull place as clan head from you!" Mizuki yelled. "Oh Mizuki-san, you really are a fool." Chiharu whispered, shaking her head as she walked away.
"Koda, feel free to kill that woman. The entire Kitsune race would be in your debt. She may have birthed me, but she is not my mother." Kana called. She then turned her attention to her husband, who was clutching his wounded hand, muttering curses at Koda. He obviously still did not fear his bride. "Akio! You might want to start paying attention to your opponent. I don't have to worry about keeping the peace between clans anymore, which means I'm free to kill you now...in the manner of my choosing. My last try was with an all but undetectable poison, in an attempt to destroy you without starting a war. The time before was an attack out of anger...this time is different. No sneaking around, no letting my rage get the better of me, this time I will have my revenge for everyone you have ever wronged." Kana smirked, stalking around the older man. "Oh my little Kana, still amusing as ever, still as full of fire as ever...I will enjoy breaking you immensly." Akio chuckled. "Full of fire, funny you would say that..."

Koda shook her head lightly smirking Mizuki's words.
"Weak? You have deluded yourself into thinking my species is weak? Do you not know the truth reason behind our enslavement? You were worried. We were growing stronger by the day and had a bond that resembles a family. It scared you, every race feared us despite the fact that we harmed no one. Instead they separated us and slowly forced us into slavery. Face it Mizuki, my race could take down yours in a single night if we so wished." With a smirk she clenched her fists, trembling lightly with rage. Small sparks flying around her tensed hands. "Perish where I stand? That's good. I'm not afraid of the abyss, I have nothing to fear on that side of the world. But I'm sure you do. What will be able to say when it is your time to be judged? At least if I die Mizuki, you will be coming with me."
Untensing her hand, she smiled as a bolt of lightening stopped short of the kitsune woman. "Do you really want to risk that? You get drained using magic don't you? You have to summon. I can just wish it there and it comes, that's the advantage of being able to practise for hundreds of years. I won't faint part way through battle."

"You insolant wretch! You honestly think you're my equal in battle? Don't make me laugh child!" Mizuki said harshly. "Kakasama! Did you not listen to 'baachan? Koda will kill you. Besides Otoosan, you are the weakest member of this family. Face it, you are even weaker then sukoshi Daichan. I say this because you are the person who gave me life, so I am giving you one last chance to save your own. If you do not heed my warning, I will bare no responcibility for your demise when Koda destroys you. In fact, I will enjoy it immensly." Kana smirked cruely at her mother, Akio forgotten momentarily. Luckly her husband was to engrosed in the spectical infront of him to attack his young bride.

Watching Koda and Mizuki about to fight certainly would be a sight. What Kana had said was the truth, Mizuki was the weakest female of the ruling family of the Northern Kitsune, but that wasn't saying much. Not in the Michiko clan. Mizuki was still terrifyingly powerful...and this Neko, Koda...Akio had heard of this woman from his Ojiisan (grandfather) when he was a child. A beautiful and powerful Neko with ivory hair and ivory skin, eyes like liquid gold, who his Sousofu (great grandfather) had fallen for and forced himself on. The man had been betrothed to Chiharu's Obaasan, and when she discovered what he had done, she refused to marry him, begining the war between the two Great Clans. Watching them fight would be intresting indeed, his bride could wait for her coming pain...

Sora moaned, curling in on himself, coughing harshly. "Sorakun!" Kana breathed out, running for the boy. Kana dropped to her knees next to the black haired man, pulling him into her lap. "Sorakun are you alright? Is anything broken?" She asked in a hushed voice. "I-I'm okay. I think I have a cracked rib, or a few, but I'm alright." He panted. Kana leaned over him, hugging him to her, being careful of his chest. "I'm sorry Sorakun, I didn't mean to involve you in this. This isn't your fight, it's mine and Koda's, and yet you've been the only one harmed thus far." She whispered, eyes begining to tear up. Sora reached up cupping Kana's face, smiling sadly, "You've always cried for me Kanachan. I'm not worthy of your tears. Besides you still have to worry about Akiosama. You shouldn't be waisting your time on me." He said, breathing ragged. "Shush Sorakun. Akio is preoccupied watching Kakasama and Koda fight. It gives me more time to plan. I didn't expect him to be here. To think I just let him sneak up and grab me like that....I'm so stupid! Maybe I'm not ready to fight him...but it's to late now. If I don't fight him, I'll die, and we will all perish.."

The sky above their heads began to blacken, swirling with angry storm clouds. Bolts of lightning began to rapidly strike the earth between Koda and Mizuki, thunder rumbling so loud that the very ground shook benieth their feet, needle sharp shards of ice raining from the heavens, wind whiping up around them. This was Mizuki's greatest power, the ability to create and control storms, like her mother. Not only was it Mizuki's greatest power, it was almost her only power. Mizuki pointed at Koda, directing the wind to carry blades of ice at Koda. "My ice is as sharp as any blade, it shall slash you to bloody ribbons!" She shouted. "Lightning, heed me, strike down this wretched creature which stands before me, strike her until nothing remains but a pile of smoldering ash!" She laughed, face tilted towards the sky. Mizuki glanced back at Koda, "Your long life ends tonight, and I shall be the one to end it."

"Equal in battle?" Koda blinked for a moment then burst out laughing. Wiping away a tear that ran down her face, she stood up straight, trying to quiten the giggles that overcame her. "No my child. I am your supirior." With a glance at the thunderous clouds, she watched as the blades of ice flew at her. "You obviously have no control over yourself do you?" Lowering her voice, she murmured a few words in her native tongue. The sky began to clear, warm light beating down onto the ice forcing it to melt away. "Thunder and lightning are nothing. You have a chance to run. I suggest you take it. Face it Mizuki, I could destroy you without even using my own talents."

Hearing Sora groan, she looked over her shoulder.
"Kana, get him out of here. Use the horse, he'll come back, I promise." She yelled, quietly closing her eyes to concentrate. Raising her hand to her lips, she blew on her palm lightly, a stream of flame following her breath. Torching the ground around Mizuki, she simply raised her eyebrows. "I did not come here to kill you, but this should keep you here all the same. The minute your skin touches the fire, the fire becomes acid, eating away at you until nothing remains. Don't take that risk child." She spat.

Kana nodded at Koda's words, "Come on Sorakun, we have to get you out of here." She said helping the man sit up. "No. I'm not leaving you here to fight on your own!" Sora protested in a strained voice. Kana grabbed Sora's face, staring into his stormy grey eyes, "Listen to me Senshi-san! You're a good fighter, the best, but you don't stand a chance against Akio or even Kakasama! Your meele skills are imererable, but you can't fight powers like this! You will only get in my way!" She said sternly. Her eyes softened at the look on Sora's face. "Besides, I promissed Daichan I would save you and send you to her. If something happens to me, she'll be all alone. She needs you more then I do right now, do you understand?" She said quietly. "Hai, Kanachan." He said, bowing his head. The two stood up, heading to the wall. "Kanachan! Kana put these flames around your mother out! Do as you're told child! You owe me for your very existance!" Mizuki yelled from inside the circle of fire. "Kakasama, you have never been a mother to me." Kana laughed bitterly, still walking away. "I owe you nothing. Get out yourself."
Mizuki let out a cry of rage, storm clouds filling the sky again. "Kana! Akio wont get a chance to destroy you! I'll do it first!" She shouted, panting from the exertion of calling yet another storm. Lightning struck where Kana stood, doing no damage. The young woman actually caught the bolt, redirecting it towards the wall. "That wont work on me Kakasama, you already know that." She chided. "I've got it Kanachan." Sora said from the hole in the wall. The wind started up, whipping debries around. Kana sheilded her eyes from the flying dust. Sora's wind began to blow the storm clouds Mizuki created away, clearing the sky. Mizuki fell to her knees, eyes closed. "How? Sora has no powers!" Kana grinned, tucking her hair behind her ear, "Sorakun has powers kakasama. Not a lot of powers, and not as flashy as ours, but the Senshi's are more powerful then you all think. Go Sorakun, now." She said turning towards the boy.
"No, he dies here, just like the rest of you." Akio called, turning towards the wall. "That's right! Kill them all!" Mizuki shouted. Akio turned towards the woman, "You think you're going to escape this too? I think not Mizuki-san." Akio grinned wickedly, the flames around Mizuki strengthing. Mizuki's following screams were nearly defaning.

Koda winced as the screaming intensified. She had no intention of killing the woman and yet no intention of letting her run free. She only wished to restrain her until Kana made up her mind, yet there seemed like little point now. Flames slowly ate away at her flesh, letting it drop to the ground in chunks.
"I gave you a chance to run and you refused." She whispered, mentally trying to block the ear ringing shrieks. Pulling her bow from around her neck she aimed carefully for Aiko's leg. Letting it fly free from it's restraint she heard the cheerful thud and the scream of pain which meant the arrow had met it's mark.
"You're just an arrogant son of a bitch aren't you?" She yelled, anger clouding any better judgement she had. "Morally corrupt bastard with a God complex. You disgust me." She hissed.