Akuri froze upon seeing Corelia step out from the bushes. Her intact hand slowly moved away from her weapon and went to her side. The waterskins fell to the ground around her as her expression became one of shock. A multitude of emotions raced through her heart and mind as she tried to make sense of what was happening.

The Dark Mage took careful steps forward, eyes roaming Akuri's body. She looked as if she could scarcely believe that the Kunoichi was standing in front of her was Akuri. The moment she got close enough, she threw her arms around Akuri's body. She pulled the Kunoichi into a hug, a happy sigh leaving her as she did so, "It's so good to see you in person again. I'm so sorry I didn't come back to Pran sooner. But Lady Druella has been busy with settling Lescatie. She's had a lot on her plate."

"She...wha...Corelia, what are you doing here?" Akuri asked, more out of confusion and shock than anything else. When she had followed Koga on this journey, she had figured they wouldn't be seeing anyone else anytime soon. Let alone Corelia, who seemed to have appeared from nowhere. However, she did return Corelia's hug with her single arm.

Corelia frowned, pulling away while putting her hands on Akuri's shoulders. She looked at Akuri's stump with a worried expression on her face, "I came to see you. Well...mostly. But first, your arm! How did you lose it? Did...did that creature do this to you?"

Corelia's body shook as she said the word "creature". Akuri tilted her head in confusion, "Creature? What are you...do you mean the Hunter?"

"Shh, shh!" Corelia put a finger to her lips, eyes darting around as she did so, "Don't give it a name! It might summon it! I still don't get how that...monster works. I've been trying to figure it out but nothing about it makes sense. No matter how many sleepless nights I spend trying to recall what I saw."

Akui's expression changed to one of shock at the Corelia's words. She took a moment to look closely at the Dark Mage. The woman's hair was a mess with split ends sticking out in every direction. Her eyelids had deep black bags underneath them while the eyes themselves were red from lack of sleep. She jumped at the slightest of noises, even when it was just the leaves rustling in the trees. Had...had the meeting with that Hunter really effected her this much? She was barely there for a few seconds. What...what...

"Corelia...what happened? What made you run away?" Akuri asked, thinking back to that night. The night so many things changed. The night she lost her arm. The night she found Lady Teresa but never returned to Lady Silvia. The night Kogero tried to give herself up to save her.

Corelia looked Akuri in the eyes. Then she shivered and shook her head, "I...I saw something. Something...something inside that monster."

"What? What was it?"

"Believe me, Akuri. You don't want to know."

"But...tell me something! Please...give me some reason!" even Akuri was surprised at her words. She had thought she had put the night behind her. But seeing Corelia now made all those feelings suddenly resurface. She couldn't get the sight of Corelia leaving then trying to help her and Kogero out of her head. Nor the fear that was clearly on her face as the mists enveloped her.

Corelia's shaking got worse as she struggled to answer, "Just...just...that thing. It's not resistant to Mana. It's not even that it has no Mana. It's something else. I don't know what. But it...it terrifies me."

Akuri felt her blood run cold. She thought back to the Hunter. That strange pressure she and Teresa felt when they mentioned the Sabbath. How she withstood the combined assault she performed with Kogero. How Lady Teresa was totally unwilling to stand against her ever again. That woman...what was she really?

Corelia shook her head to dispel her worries. She took a step away from Akuri, breathing deep to calm herself down. Only then did she look up at Akuri with a smile, "All that aside, it really is good to see you. Though...what's been taking you so long to get to Lescatie? I figured you'd join us there before a week passed."

"I have been...busy," Akuri turned away from Corelia. It was by chance that she had turned in the direction that led back to camp.

Corelia, though, thought it was on purpose. The Dark Mage smiled, some of her original demeanor returning as she spoke, "Ooohhh! That explains it. Well, I guess I can't blame you for that. I probably would do the same if I were in your shoes."

"What are you talking about?" Akuri turned back to Corelia, honestly confused at her words.

Corelia giggled, "Oh, don't be coy. You've been trying to seduce Koge...well...I guess it's not Kogero anymore. What's his name now anyway?"

"You-you think-me and Koga?!" Akuri took a step back, feeling her cheeks heat up at the Dark Mage's assertion.

"Koga," Corelia said, testing the name on her tongue. She danced on the balls of her feet as pure elation over took her face, "Oh, what a wonderful name! So strong. So sure of purpose. I love it. Hey, you wouldn't mind sharing would you?"

"Sharing?!" Akuri shouted.

The Dark Mage nodded, "Uh huh! Sorry, it's just...oh when I saw him through Lady Druella's scrying mirror, it made my heart leap out of my chest. And I didn't see your 'mark' on him, so I don't think you've gotten together yet. You haven't...have you?"

Akuri shook her head, "No...I...wait...what's going on? Why did your mood suddenly change?"

"Hmm? What do you mean?"

"You were shivering in fear not even a few moments ago! Why did you suddenly start giggling and blushing like a girl in love?"

"Because I am in love! And when I think about Koga, it helps me forget all the bad stuff. Certainly you've felt the same way?"

Akuri opens her mouth...then closes it. She...she couldn't bring herself to deny Corelia, because it was true. Whenever she thought of Koga every single one of her worries melted away. Something within her kept telling her to just forget all the worries in life. Ignore everything that gets in the way of her own happiness and joy. To only focus on making Koga her husband, and spending the rest of her life with him. She would be lying if she said such times didn't give her some semblance of peace. When she didn't have to think about her missing arm. Or how she's, in some ways, working for the person who took it in the first place. Or how she hasn't seen her mistress for over a week now.

She shook her head to clear it, "That...that doesn't matter. But it does remind me: How is our mistress doing? I haven't seen her in quite some time."

Corelia waved her hand in the direction of the camp, "Oh she came with me when I teleported to you."

"What?!" Akuri returned to a state of shock.

"Yep. Wasn't easy either. Had to get help from a Dark Strategist named Mystiv to pull it off. Took her a bit to get all the information she needed, but the Lady Lilim's mirror helped a lot. Silvia should be at your camp and talking with Koga right now," Corelia answered with a smile.

"Then...then we should go meet them! I have so much to tell her!" Akuri turned to walk off, but Corelia blocked her path with an arm.

"Hold on, hold on! I haven't told you why I'm here yet."

"Haven't you? You came to visit me. I would think that Lady Silvia did the same," Akuri said while gently pushing Corelia's arm down.

Corelia smiled while shaking her head, "That was certainly part of it. But not the only reason. I came here on orders of the Lady Lilim herself. And it just so happens to concern Koga as well."

"...What do you mean?" Akuri narrowed her eyes at Corelia. She slowly ran her eyes up and down the Dark Mage's form...then turned her attention to the vial in her left hand. She waved a hand towards the object, "What is that?"

Corelia's smile only grew wider. She lifted the vial up so they could both see it. Inside was a bunch of rolling, dark purple liquid that seemed to bubble even within the container. Similarly colored mist fell around the stopper and over the Dark Mage's hand. Akuri felt her skin get hotter just by looking at the strange concoction. She turned her eyes away from the vial, while Corelia shook it with glee, "Oh this? Just a little potion cooked up by, oh, no one special. Just The Kuroferuru."

Akuri's jaw dropped, "The Black Goat herself? She made a potion for you? How...what...what is it for?"

"For Koga. What else?"

"Then...the Lady Lilim knows of Koga? How much does she know?" Akuri asked, taking careful note of Corelia mentioning a "mirror" earlier. Her eyes darted to the trees above, squinting as she looked for anything that was amiss.

Corelia, noticing her friend looking at the sky, waved her wand dismissively, "Don't be so shocked. Did you really think Druella wouldn't be watching such a momentous discovery with a keen eye? She's known of Koga ever since he first appeared. It's just that every other time he was too close to that...that...thing to do anything about it."

"Why? Does even the White Lilim fear that strange woman?" Akuri asked, half out of curiosity and half out of astonishment. Druella was a Lilim. One of the most powerful Mamono in the world. Possibly second only to her mother, if one didn't take into account the Red Queen of Wonderland. If even she was being cautious around the Hunter then...

Corelia shivered again, "I...I'm not sure if it's fear. It's probably just caution. But that's only natural when you're dealing with an unknown variable. But this isn't about that monster. This is about Koga. More specifically, me, you, and Koga."

"What do I have to do with this?"

"Oh, don't be coy, Akuri," Corelia stepped forward until her breasts were almost touching Akuri's, "I can see it in your eyes. You love Koga. You want him to be yours. But you're having trouble making a move. Because either he's too stubborn or you don't have the confidence. Not that I blame you. It can be hard to approach someone with Koga's rough exterior. But that's what this is for."

She lifts the vial up so that they could both see it, "This is filled with a special potion that, when drunk, will immediately make Koga lust after the first female he sees. Considering who made it, I have no doubt that he'll prioritize going after a cute little girl to have as his little sister."

Corelia giggled while beginning to circle around Akuri. The Kunoichi followed the Dark Mage, eyes locked on the vial held up to her face. Corelia shook the vial as she continued, "Bbbbuuutttt, I have a theory of my own. That theory? Well, this potion was made by the leader of a branch of the Sabbath. Ergo, it's a potion that focuses on little girls. Which means that if a female human drunk it, she would be turned into a little girl. Likely a Witch. So, what do you think would happen if you or I drank it?"

Corelia stopped as she saw realization dawn on Akuri's face. Then her smile grew wider, "Exactly. And there's no need to worry about how it's meant for Koga. Lady Silvia's got her own vial and she's likely given it to him already. We just need to drink our half of this each. You in?"

She tilted the vial towards Akuri.

Akuri was silent for what felt like hours. Her eyes kept moving from Corelia, to the vial, to the waterskins at her feet, then back to the vial. Her hand trembled while sweat began to gather on her brow. Her mouth felt extremely dry as any sentence she tried to form died on her lips.

Her mind was telling her to say no. She made a promise to Koga. Not just a promise, an oath on her full name. She had done so with the express purpose of proving to him that she was more than her instincts. That she could overcome them just as he did the Goddess of Death. And Koga accepted her resolve. Gave her the chance to prove that she was being sincere. That her feelings for him were more than mere lust. And this was her chance to cement her resolve.

All she had to do was tell Corelia no. To tell her that she wouldn't participate in this. That she intended to keep to her oath. That her objective was not to seduce Koga, but to earn his trust naturally. All she had to do was say it out loud. The Dark Mage would be confused and likely upset. But it was the truth.

But as she reached over to destroy the vial, her body suddenly seized up. Immediately, an acute pain shot through her heart. She cried out and fell down to a knee. Corelia called her name as Akuri begin to shake. She felt something dark and sinister worming its way into her soul. It felt like something was beneath her skin and crawling its way into every fiber of her being. As it traveled she heard whispers get clearer and clearer.

She doesn't actually believe that, does she?

Does she truly think she and Koga can just be that? Just friends?

Impossible. He's a man and she's a woman. The greatest joy in life for them is to fall for each other, and prove their passions through love making. That is the truest expression of a relationship between the two. Everything else can come after they're happy together. All other things are simply complications that should be forgotten.

Akuri's will fought against the intrusion with all her might. She thrashed her head around, gripped the grass below until her knuckles turned white, and grit her teeth until she could hear them creaking. Sweat fell from her brow in rivers while her whole body began to shake. She fought as hard as she could...but it was a losing battle.

The feeling...it was too strong. It overcame her defenses one by one. But, even then, she managed to retain enough of herself to remain aware of her actions.

Putting on a false smile, she looked up at Corelia, "I'm alright, Corelia. Could you hand me the vial? I want to drink it in front of Koga."

----------------------------------------

"I'm not drinking that!"

Koga tilted his head at Silvia in confusion. The vampire had her hands up and was shaking her head while pulling away from the sake bottle Koga held out to her. Koga raised an eyebrow in confusion, "Any particular reason why?"

"Because you put your lips on it!" she shouted.

Koga rolled his eyes, "Silvia Scarlet, we are both undead. There is very little to worry about in terms of spreading disease through sharing a bottle."

"I know that! That's not what I'm talking about!"

"It is not?" Koga's eyebrow raised further. Then he began to frown, "Are you suggesting that you find my personal hygiene to be lacking? For I can assure you that, despite how I may look, I put many hours into ensuring that-"

"That's not it either!"

"Then what is it?"

"You...you had your lips on it!"

"You said that."

"That's the point!"

"What is?"

"It...if...you know!" Silvia waved her hands in the air, cheeks turning red and feet stomping the ground. When it was clear Koga didn't understand what she was talking about, she groaned in frustration. She looked away from the undead warrior as she continued, "If...if I drunk from that...my lips would...they would touch where yours did."

"Yes...and?"

"Oh come on! Don't make me say it!"

"Say what? I am asking honestly here. I don't know what you're-"

"It would be an indirect kiss you dense zombie!" Silvia suddenly shouted, her whole face turning the same crimson as her dress. She turned away from Koga as her lips curled into a pout, "There! I said it! Can't believe you made me do something so embarrassing."

Koga was unamused. He shot a flat stare at the vampire while pulling the bottle back towards him. He prepared a response but stopped when he remembered who he was talking to. Then his half gone lips curled into a smile. He shrugged, making the sake in the bottle swirl as he moved, "Ah, I see now. I understand why you are so upset."

"Good. At least you're not totally hopeless. Like a certain human I know," Silvia nodded her head in agreement.

"Yes, yes. It's clear to me that my mistress thinks so little of me, that she's unwilling to risk an indirect kiss with me."

"That's preci-" Silvia froze as Koga's words sunk in. Then she turned around to look at Koga with panicking eyes, "Waitwaitwaitwait! I didn't say that! I didn't mean anything like that!"

"So you say," Koga turned his back on the vampire, feigning being hurt, "But your actions prove otherwise. Though, I suppose it's to be expected. I am no longer your servant. Why should I expect you to risk yourself in such a way?"

"Nonononono!" Siliva rushed over until she stood in front of Koga. She started to wring her hands together while shaking her head, "That's not what I mean at all! You've got fine lips. They look amazing. It's just...I didn't want to give you the wrong idea about us. My heart already belongs to...no one! That's right! It belongs to no one! Certainly not a certain human back in Lescatie that I'm currently sharing a room with!"

Silvia placed her hands on her hips while standing up straight, "I am completely single. To the point where it wouldn't be a problem for me to drink that sake bottle after you already did so!"

"Truly? Then perhaps you would-"

Before Koga could finish, Silvia took the sake bottle from his hand. She pressed it to her lips and began to chug the alcohol immediately. She sighed as she finished her drink. She wiped her mouth with the back of her dress sleeve, "See? I can do it no-"

Silvia froze up.

She looked at the bottle.

Then at Koga.

Then back to the bottle.

Then back to Koga.

Koga had a smug grin on his face.

Silvia blinked.

Then she narrowed her eyes at the Ochimusha. With a huff she handed the sake bottle back to Koga, "Well played. Though I do wonder where you learned to put on an act like that. Kogero never would've been able to put up such a convincing act."

Koga took it gratefully, "You can thank my sudden change for that."

He started to drink from the bottle, while Silvia sat down on the ground. She pulled her knees up then rested her chin on them, "Really? Am I to assume that becoming male made you more of an uncouth barbarian?"

"Not at all," Koga grunted as he sat down next to Silvia. He handed the bottle to Silvia who took it gratefully. As she started drinking, Koga pulled his blade from its scabbard and placed it horizontally on his lap. He spoke while he examined the edge of his weapon, "I am still capable of such formalities. But I find myself not caring as much about them. Though I chalk that up to remembering who I was before I was resurrected."

Silvia's interest was piqued. She pulled the bottle from her lips and held it out to Koga, "Hmm, would you mind telling me some of what you remember? I don't believe I ever learned who you were before you met me."

Koga took the sake bottle, shaking it to check how much was left. It was still about half-full, which was good for their conversation. The sake itself wasn't the best but the burn in his throat felt good as it went down. Tasted like a mixture of strange spices and other things he couldn't place. He nodded before continuing, "I was human. I lived in Zipangu. I was a regular farmer then became a monster slayer. Had some companions but...it didn't end well."

Koga frowned as the memories came back to him. He took another swig of the sake, the burn helping him ignore the pain for a bit. Silvia gave him a pitying look, "I'm so sorry."

"Don't be. You have nothing to apologize for. But, if you're feeling generous, could you tell me more about my life as Kogero?" he handed the sake back to her.

She took it with a shrug, "Don't know what to say. You were rather...reclusive as Kogero. You were friendly and spent time with Akuri, Corelia, and I. But much of your time you spent training or guarding the entrance to my manor."

She chuckled while shaking her head, "Truth be told, I somewhat pitied you. You always seemed so lost. Like you didn't truly know what you wanted in the world. You just attached yourself to me because you had nowhere else to go."

"What made you believe that?"

"Koga, your favorite pass-time as Kogero was to stand outside my Manor and wait for someone to try to kill me."

"Ah."

Silvia nodded then drunk from the bottle. She sighed then went silent, holding the bottle in her hand. Koga did the same, bringing his blade up to his face to stare at the steel. It was still stained with Hel's blood, the tip still carrying twin burning orbs of azure flames. He reached up to touch the tip with his other hand only to see that it was still missing. His grumble got Silvia's attention. She raised an eyebrow at his missing hand, "What happened to your hand?"

"I lost it in my attempt to spite a false idol," his tone grew cold as he spoke, "Along with the rest of my limbs. The others have returned, but this one remains lost for now. Has this ever happened before?"

He raised the stump where his hand would be up. Silvia shook her head, "Not that I can remember."

"I see."

Silence fell over the two again.

"Druella is aware of you," Silvia said while holding the sake bottle out to him.

Koga grabbed it as he spoke, "I am aware. She has been spying on me then?"

This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

"Yes."

"Is she spying on us now?"

"Likely."

"Has she been spying on the Good Hunter?"

"Is that the name of your new Master?"

"Her title and what she bid me call her, yes."

"Ah. Then it is highly likely she has done so."

Koga grunted, "Typical."

"You expected as much?" Silvia asked, while turning to look at Koga.

"I am male and a monster. I have long since understood that Mamono would all wish to have me as their husband," he admitted while taking another swig of sake.

"Hmm, you do? But do you understand why?"

"I have ideas, but nothing concrete."

"It's because of what you represent," Silvia said as she adjusted herself on the grass. She leaned back on her hands while staring up at the sky, "Due to Lilith's actions, all monsters in the world have become Mamono. And any newly created monsters become Mamono by extension. However, all Mamono are female. Even those born from a union between a human and a Monster. Lilith has been trying for years to get Mamono to change this. To get Mamono to birth male monsters and Incubi. So that we don't have to corrupt humans anymore.

Silvia shook her head, "But, as far as I know, it isn't working. Maybe she'll get it in the next few decades. I mean...she did all this after all. But it's an uncertain future to say the least. Or, it was...before you came along."

She turned to stare at Koga with a blank expression, "Koga. All single Mamono want a husband. While they maybe attracted to humans, they couldn't resist a male monster standing right in front of their eyes. Save for those who are already married. All Mamono in the world will want you to be theirs. And if Lilith could get her hands on you? She may just be able to find a way to get Mamono to birth male monsters. That's why they're after you. Because you represent hope for the Mamono. A hope to finally be able to create males of our own. To birth husbands, brothers, and uncles rather than rely on corrupting humans."

Koga was silent as he took in Silvia words. Then he handed her the sake bottle. His tone never changed as he spoke, "Then they are fools. If the Mamono truly view me as their hope, then I feel I must disappoint them."

"I expected you to deny such a label, but I didn't expect you do say it so quickly. You will not even give it serious thought?"

"Silvia Scarlet. There are numerous reasons why I would deny being the 'hope' of the Mamono. And I shall tell you but one of them," he put the sake bottle down next to his thigh, then took his blade in hand. He lifted it up until its tip was pointed towards the sky, "I have experienced what it is like to be corrupted before. To have your body taken away from you. To have another soul live within your body and control your every action. To be a prisoner within your own flesh. And, from my time as a human, I have seen what it is like for men who have taken Mamono wives."

"If I were to accept such a thing, accept becoming the husband of a Mamono, then it would just be another prison," he shook his head while placing his weapon back on his lap. He took up the sake bottle and shook it. The lack of a sloshing noise made him grimace, "It seems we are out of sake."

"Truly? What a shame," Silvia shook her head as she got to her feet. She dusted her dress off while Koga stood up beside her. She turned to him and bowed, "This was surprisingly enjoyable, Koga. Perhaps, if we both survive the coming events, we may see about having another get together like this."

"If circumstances allow. However, next time, you choose the drink. It is only fair," Koga chuckles while holding the sake bottle in his hand, "Would you mind if I kept this sake bottle? For later use."

Silvia waved her hand dismissively, "It was originally yours either way. Thank you, Koga. Now then, where did Corelia get to?"

The vampire looked around the campsite, before her gaze was drawn to the east. She waved her hand at the treeline, "Ah, hello there, Akuri! It is good to see you as well. How have you been?"

Koga moved to stand next Silvia Scarlet, keeping his eyes on the same treeline she was observing. He opened his mouth to greet Akuri...but then felt his hackles rise. With a quiet grunt he put down the sake bottle then retrieved his weapon.

----------------------------------------

Akuri was screaming at herself to stop.

Every step took tremendous effort as she tried to drag her feet for as long as she could. She bit her lip until it bled in a vain hope that pain would get her to stop heading towards Koga. The vial felt like ice in her hand as she tried to open her fingers and let it drop to the ground. But she kept moving forward. Kept walking towards Koga.

And all the time that voice kept speaking to her.

This is good. This is the right way. Koga will be yours. Forget everything else. Make him yours.

"Akuri? Is something wrong?" Silvia asked, taking a step forward. Koga moved to stand before her, sword pointed towards Akuri. Silvia was shocked, "What...Koga? What is the meaning of this?"

"Something is wrong, Silvia Scarlet. Stop there, shadow!" Akuri did as Koga asked. Just hearing his voice made her heart and loins ache for him. But knowing that simply made her disgusted with herself. She had managed to get halfway to where he stood with Lady Silvia Scarlet. But Akuri couldn't bring herself to focus on the vampire. She only had eyes for Koga.

For the piercing blue fires that blazed within his eyes. For the way he stood tall and proud against the world around him. For his chiseled undead face that looked handsome despite its decay.

She wanted all of him.

Yet she hated herself for it.

She heard Corelia approach from behind her. Heard the Dark Mage gasp in shock as she approached. But she kept looking at Koga.

"Lady Scarlet!" Corelia shouted at the vampire. Her eyes were wide with confusion and shock, "What...what's going on? Weren't you supposed to give Koga the potion?"

Silvia stepped out from behind Koga. She crossed her arms while looking down at Corelia, "I was. And I did not, Corelia. I have not sworn fealty to that Lilim. And, last I checked, neither have you."

"But why?! This was...this was supposed to help Koga! It was supposed to get him out of that vile creature's clutches! This was supposed to be Akuri's chance to be with him! Body and soul! And you've...you've ruined that!" for the first time in her life, Akuri saw genuine anger on the Dark Mage's face. Corelia turned to Akuri then held her hand out, "There's still time, Akuri! Give me the vial! Even half of it should be enough to affect Koga. You can drink the other half and then you'll be together!"

"Don't do it, Akuri," Silvia said while taking a step towards the two, "that's an order from your mistress."

"Who are you gonna listen to, Akuri? A Mistress who ruins your chances at happiness and love? Or your own heart and soul?" Corelia placed her own hand over her heart as she spoke.

Yet, in spite of it all, she still couldn't take her eyes off Koga.

He stood there, his face a mask of indifference as he stared her down. Their eyes remained locked on each other. Both silent as they took in the words of Corelia and Silvia.

"Shadow," Koga spoke, the grip on his blade firm and voice cold, "I am not entirely aware of the circumstances behind your current state. But, I am no fool. In your hand you hold another vial filled with a foul concoction made to control my very being. You are the one who holds it. Thus, only you may make this choice. But remember: You swore an oath to me not even a day ago. I suggest you remember what happens should you break it."

Akuri felt her heart beat faster. The world around her began to fall away as her mind warred with her heart.

I swore an oath to Koga.

That oath was merely getting in the way.

I promised myself that I wouldn't do this.

It's the only way to get him to understand.

Koga doesn't even want to be with me!

That's only because he can't see the truth!

I can't do it!

You must!

I won't!

Do it!

Akuri lifted her arm up...then she saw it.

The sun's rays reflecting off a polished steel surface.

The surface of Koga's sword.

Her lips curled into a cocky smile.

"Koga," she said, her voice trembling with anticipation and confidence.

All eyes turned to Akuri.

"Is your blade steady?" she asked, her grin not wavering in the slightest.

Confusion came over Koga's face. For a second, she thought he hadn't understood. That she hadn't worded it correctly, and her plan would be for naught.

Then his eyes widened in realization.

"Yes. Ready when you are," Koga said as he lifted his blade up. He held it in a single handed grip, the tip of the bladed aimed at Akuri.

Her smile grew wider.

"Then here!" Akuri threw the vial with all her might.

It soared through the air, its glass casing becoming a blur as cleared the distance between her and Koga in seconds. Its form was faster than the human eye could see. It sliced through the air as it drew closer and closer to Koga.

Yet, Koga was faster.

With a short cry his blade fell in a vertical slice.

There was the sound of glass being sliced through.

Koga fell with his blade into a crouch.

The liquid soared over his body completely missing him.

Akuri fell to the earth, a sense of both pain and satisfaction filling her entire body. She struggled to see through a fog beginning to cloud her eyes. Yet she still found the strength to smile at what she had done.

"Akuri? Why?" Corelia asked, clear confusion in her tone as she knelt next to the fallen Kunoichi. The Dark Mage shook her head in disbelief, "Why would you do that? You and I...we were supposed to do this together. Be with Koga together. Why would you throw all that away?"

Akuri managed to push herself to her knees while using her single arm to hold herself up. Her breathing was haggard and her heart was pounding in her ears. She managed to open one of her eyes despite the pain shooting through her very being. She moved it to stare into Corelia's questioning eyes. She opened her mouth to speak, but her first few tries at forming sentences only succeeded at making her cough. Eventually, she got her breathing under control and speak to Corelia, "Because...I...I swore an oath to him. An oath...that...I would not...attempt to seduce him. Or force him...to love me in anyway...shape...or form. An oath sworn...on my full name...to earn his trust...not his affection."

Corelia's confusion only grew at her friend's confession. Her staff shook as her grip on it tightened, "But...but...that makes no sense!"

She pounded a fist on the ground in frustration, "Why?! Why would you ever swear such an oath!? Finding love, spreading love, getting a husband, having children are the highest calling for all Mamono. It is the reason we are on this planet! And you...you swore to deny it outright!? What is wrong with you? What...what happened to you?!"

"She has become stronger," both Corelia and Akuri looked up at Koga's familiar, growling tone. He approached Akuri, blade sheathed and eyes focused on the downed ninja. He shot a glare Corelia's way that made the Dark Mage immediately back up. She got to her feet and took a few steps back from the undead warrior. Koga grunted but his expression softened somewhat when he turned to Akuri.

He knelt down to be level with her, offering his hand to Akuri. All her pain suddenly left her as she saw the pride in Koga's eyes. She lifted her shaky hand and let it fall into his. Then he pulled her to her feet. He patted her shoulder with a small smile on his face, "You did well, Akuri. While I am unsure of the exact details of your plight, I can understand that you have defeated something that brought you immense distress. At least, for the moment. And through such adversity, you shall become even stronger than you are now. You should be proud of yourself."

He patted her shoulder, smile never leaving him. Akuri felt pride well in her chest. Both at how she managed to resist that attempt to force her to corrupt Koga, and at Koga's praise for her actions. In fact, she believed this was the first time he was openly praising her for her actions. With a smile hidden by her mask she nodded to him, "Y-Yes! I appreciate your kind words, Koga."

Koga returned her nod then stepped away from her. It took Akuri a moment to stand on her own two feet, but she managed...while using her arm to hold the area below her stomach. She could still feel an ache below her waist, but it had lessened while Koga was by her side. She still had a long way to go...but she did feel more confident in her ability to see it through.

"I...I don't get it," Corelia looked at the two of them with an expression filled with shock. She slowly shook her head as her wide eyes looked between the two of them, "It...it doesn't make sense. What Mamono wouldn't want to obtain the love of a husband?"

Koga scoffed, "Of course that's how you see it, Corelia. Have you ever considered the fact that I don't want to be with Akuri? Or anyone for that matter?"

"Impossible!" Corelia threw her hands into the air, "There's not a single sentient creature in this world that doesn't have their own ideal for a partner. Everyone wants someone to be there with them. To stand by their side until the end of time, to be there through thick and thin, to love them despite all their faults and mistakes. And that someone is out there, waiting for them. The only reason they wouldn't want such a thing is because something or someone is getting in their way."

"Or...perhaps...it's because they want their relationship to be natural," Akuri surprised both Koga and Corelia with her words. Though sweat dripped from her brow her voice never lost its confident tone, "They want their love...to be something that comes naturally."

"And if it doesn't? If the two discover there is no love between them? That they don't hold any affection for each other whatsoever?"

"What is wrong with that?" Koga said with a flat expression, "Why can a man and woman not simply be friends?"

"You can't be serious. Men and women can't simply be 'friends'. No matter how hard they try, there will always be that longing. That want to be together that will simply fester and eat each other up inside. Ask any human Hero and they'll tell you the same. It's why Lady Druella does what she does! Because if she doesn't then-"

"That's enough, Corelia," Silvia Scarlet walked to be at Corelia's side. She stared at the Dark Mage with a disappointed look in her eyes, "We have failed in our task. It is time we took our leave."

"Wha-No!" Corelia shook her head while waving a hand through the space between her and the vampire, "We can't leave! We need to do as Lady-"

"And since when did you swear fealty to her, while renoucning your own oath to me?" Scarlet's eyes flashed red as she stared the Dark Mage down. Corelia clammed up, her hands going to her staff as she turned away from Silvia. The vampire shook her head with disappointment. Then she turned to look at Akuri.

She locked eyes with the Kunoichi. Then she asked, "Are you certain that this is the path you will walk, Akuri?"

Akuri took a moment to answer. She looked at the ground, lips pursed beneath her mask. Doubts began to fill her mind. Would she really be able to do this? She had almost fallen to her instincts not once, but twice today alone. What if a Mamono far subtler than Corelia came and tempted her like today? Would the same thing happen? These doubts and more made her grit her teeth in uncertainty.

Then she felt Koga pat her shoulder.

Suddenly, all her doubts vanished from her mind.

Yes. She could do this. If Koga could stand up to Hel, then she could stand up to her own nature.

Akuri took in a deep breath then let it out in a confident sigh. She closed her hand into a fist as she nodded to Silvia.

The vampire nodded back, "Very well. I wish you luck on in your endevaours. And hope that you and Koga have a beautiful friendship. Know that it was good to see both of you well, even if our reunion was short lived. We shall take our leave. Come along, Corelia. We must return to Lescatie to retrieve my property."

"Ye-Yes, Mistress," Corelia bowed her head to Silvia. She shot one last glance at Akuri, hoping beyond hope that her friend would come to her senses. That she would let go of Koga and come with them back to Lescatie.

Akuri did not.

Corelia felt her spirits fall even further. But she kept silent, turning her back on Akuri while trying to stifle tears in her eyes. Silvia waved goodbye to Koga and Akuri. The Ochimusha and Kunoichi returned the gesture in kind.

As the two walked away, Corelia began to openly sob. She wiped at her eyes with one arm, "I...I just lost...both of my friends."

"I know," Silvia placed a comforting hand on Corelia shoulder. The Dark Mage didn't bother to push it away. Silvia squeezed the Dark Mage's shoulder, "And I'm sorry."

Corelia's only response was a choked sob.

----------------------------------------

"...Something is wrong," Anache, Chieftess of her Clan of Amazons, said to her Shaman. She wore little save a grass skirt and headdress made from the skull of a large boar. Her dusty gray hair was tied in multiple loops that ran all the way down to her stomach. Across her back were twin obsidian longswords with runic carvings on them. Her arms were crossed under her bountiful chest as she stared over where the location the humans had chosen as their last stand.

Well...human.

Because it was but one man stunting their entire advance.

The Shaman, Ohyia, stood to her right. She was a whole head shorter than the six foot Chieftess. Her own brown hair had been cut short into a small bush atop her head. She carried a staff with a goat's head atop it in her right hand. Dangling from her neck were various stone charms and talismans with the images of Ares carved into their surfaces. Her frame was thinner than Anache but her muscled arms showed she was just as powerful as any of her sisters in her Clan. Her necklace of talisman's shook as she turned to regard Anache, "I have noticed that as well."

"This shouldn't be happening," Anache replied, fingers drumming along her biceps as she thought, "This Manhunt was meant to be simple, quick, and end with many sisters gaining new husbands and sisters."

Ohyia nodded in agreement, "Yes. It was. But it seems that the Goddess of War had other plans for us."

Anache turned her gaze to Ohyia, "You can tell then? That the Goddess seems to have abandoned us?"

"It is rather obvious."

"How? Have you prayed or performed any rituals to contact her?"

"I do not need to. All I must do is look at what's happening to our sisters down there," Ohyia waved a hand towards the battlefield in front of her.

Though either Mamono would hesitate to call it a battlefield. After all, battlefields were meant to be wonderful places. Places where Mamono could find husbands through battle. Where they can practice their seductive techniques on fellow warriors, hopefully taking a man home with them by the time the battle was over.

No...what was in front of them was carnage.

Five other Amazons stood paralyzed with fear, weapons trembling as they pointed them towards their lone adversary. He was a large man, easily eclipsing Anache in height. The wrinkles across his face and callouses on his hands showed off his age. He was in his twilight years, and under normal circumstances would probably be the last person you sent into a battlefield. While he would do well at first, he wouldn't have been able to truly make a difference.

At least that would be the case.

If not for the fact that his body was covered in red tattoos and runic symbols. All of which the Amazon's recognized as evidence of Ares' blessing.

The old man's hair had turned from a dull white to blazing red. His beard seemed like fire attached to his chin, while his body glowed with a bright crimson light. He had lost his shirt at some point, showing off his now chiseled chest and abs. The sun glinted off the glossy sheen given to him by the sweat dripping down his skin. His eyes were sharp and keen, while his right hand gripped the blood soaked pickaxe in a tight grip.

Behind him were the remaining human residents of this mining village. They sat huddled together in fear, eyes watching the old man's back as he stood in front of them. They were seated within the entrance of a mineshaft, it's entrance too thin to get to without going through their defender.

Around the blessed human were the the bodies of three other Amazons...all writhing on the ground in pain from wounds in their stomachs.

Yes. Wounds.

Wounds that bled actual blood.

Anache grimaced before shouting to her sisters, "You five! Don't just stand there! Get those three to the healers, quickly!"

The still standing Amazons wasted no time obeying their leader's orders. They all moved forward and grabbed their sisters by the shoulders, carrying them away from the battlefield. The human, stood by while glaring daggers at the retreating Mamono. He grunted in annoyance while hefting his pickaxe over his shoulder. Blood dripped from its tip onto the ground behind him as he spoke, "Not to used to being bled are ya? Ya fucking monsters! If you don't want to experience anymore, then let our people go and get the fuck outta of our home! Unless ya fancy another fight with Hagar!"

He pointed a finger towards Anache. When he was sure he had her attention, he turned his hand into a fist. Then he pointed his thumb down.

Anache sucked in air through her teeth at the clear provocation. She wasn't sure if she wanted to go down there and beat the human into submission, or fight until they both got hot and bothered enough to get to the good stuff. She turned to her Shaman, wordlessly asking the woman what her thoughts were.

Ohyia shrugged and turned around to behold the rest of their forces. The initial assault had been extremely successful. This mining village only contained a population of about three hundred humans. Of those three hundred, one hundred fifty were men, seventy were women, and the rest were children of both genders. In their assault, they had managed to capture fifty men, twenty women, three boys and two girls. The men were already being shared amongst the single Amazons, while the women were being corrupted into new sisters. The children were put to the side but allowed to watch the proceedings. They'd be taught to do the same when they grew older either way. Unless the Sabbath got to the girls.

"My advice?" Ohyia turned back to Anache, "We should cut our losses. Even if we do give back the people we captured, fact of the matter is that most of them will be coming with us of their own accord. The men will be too enamored with their wives to leave them and the women will be new Amazons. The only thing we'd lose are the children. And that's not a big loss."

Anache growled, "Are you suggest we run away like cowards?"

"No. I'm suggesting we don't fight a battle when it's clear that Goddess of Battle favors the enemy and not us," Ohyia clarified. One hand went to a talisman around her neck, "Besides, we need to find out why Ares has abandoned us. And I'd need all the things we left in Lescatie to do it."

Anache growled but bit her tongue. It pained her to admit it, but her Shaman spoke sense. They had already gained a bit here. Even her own blood-relative had managed to grab a husband for herself today. Perhaps it was time that they left well enough alone.

"Hold on now. Don't tell me you're gonna forget about me?"

The two Amazons stiffened at the familiar tone of voice. Hearing footsteps approaching them, they both turned around to see the one Mamono in their Manhunt that wasn't an Amazon.

Standing at seven feet tall, wearing the pitch black armor that the newly created Dark Ice Flower was known for, and carrying a hammer larger than she was, Totha the Dark Warrior was easy to pick out of the crowd of Amazons. Her coal black skin and fur perfectly complimented the occasional red tufts of fur on her wrists, ankles, and tail. Her crimson irises sat in pools of blackness, yet the were as lively as the full toothed grin on her face. She carried the hammer casually across her back while her ears twitched atop her head. Her long hair was the same color as her fur. She moved with a sway in her step, as if she were purposely making her assets bounce with each step.

Anache felt some of the tension in her body leave her as the Dark Warrior approached. While the former Knightly Order was still undergoing reorganization under the newly transformed Wilmarina, they had managed to train of few of these new fighters already. Totha was one of them, and had heard of how Druella gave Anache permission to go on their Manhunt. She asked to tag along, offering her services in exchange for having her pick of men.

The Hellhound walked between the Chieftess and Shaman, stopping when she could clearly see where Hagar was standing. She idly put a pinky finger in her ear, sniffing while casually observing the blessed human. She snorted, "Really? I hear you two getting your panties in a bunch over some random human, thinking that it might be worth my while. But this? This is what's giving you girls so much trouble?"

She pulled her finger out of her ear and flicked the resulting debris off to the side, "Are you all sure you're warriors? Cause you sound more like a bunch of chickenshits to me."

"Oh, I see. I'm sorry that we're not managing to win in battle against a newly created Hero that's being guided by the Goddess Of Battle herself. While at the same time it seems that she's no longer protecting us from taking lethal damage," Ohyia didn't do anything to disguise her frustration and anger with the Hellhound.

Totha merely waved her off, "Saying that you can't win if you don't have a God on your side, doesn't do much to make you look any less weak sister."

"Then why don't you go down there and try to fight him? See how that works out for you," Anache said while waving a hand towards Hagar.

The Hellhound's grin turned predatory, "Thought'd you'd never ask. I'll let you have him though. He's not my type."

With a powerful leap that kicked up dust behind her, the Dark Warrior flew across the field and onto the battleground. She landed on all fours, head whipping up as she locked her gaze on Hagar. With a predatory chuckle she spoke, "So, you're the one giving the Amazons so much trouble? Shouldn't you be at home in your bed old timer? Last thing a weak human like you wants is to break your hip while you fight."

Hagar grunted, moving his free hand to the handle of his pickaxe. He felt the power that had been given to him begin to flow through his body. He locked eyes with the Mamono as he spoke, "I wouldn't underestimate me if I were you. Those previous Amazons did. And look what happened to them. Would you call someone able to do that weak?"

"If they're a human, then of course," Totha got to her feet, moving the hammer into a two handed grip, "All humans are weak. You're flesh can be pierced or broken easily, your body dies on you as you grow older, and you constantly let yourself be held back by complicated stuff social stuff. Really, you should be thanking us Mamono for what we do to you. Life under us is a thousand times better than anything you've got."

"I think I'll decide that for myself," Hagar's pickaxe began to glow as he fed his mana into it. A red light traveled from the handle all the way to the pick at the top, the weapon glowing brighter as Hagar began to approach the Mamono.

The Hellhound laughed as she moved to meet the human head on, "Oh, you'll be deciding that far earlier than you may think."

Then she took in a deep breath and held it for but a second. Then she belted out a loud, echoing cry that shook the very earth beneath her feet. Even Hagar felt his heart be seized by a sudden fear that made him take a step back. The Dark Warrior felt her lust become inflamed at the same time as her body. Fire shot from her brow and hands as her grip on her weapon tightened. She let out a needy yowl before kicking off and flying at Hagar from across the way.

Surprised but not deterred, Hagar moved his pick in to the path of the hammer's head. He willed the weapon to become bigger and it grew to be the same size as the Mamono's own weapon. He angled the tip of the pick to ensure that it punched into the material that made up the hammer's head. But as Totha swung and their weapons met, Hagar came to a horrifying realization.

She was stronger than him.

With a loud crack of metal on metal, he was sent skidding to the left of the entrance. He tried to get his feet back under him, but found himself beset by the Hellhound in an instant. She swung again, this time manage to catch him in the right side of his torso. He grunted but didn't feel any pain. Instead a shock of pleasure traveled straight up his spine. He felt a sudden urge to fall to his knees, but with a great exertion of will he pushed it back.

He cried out while swinging his pickaxe up, planning to catch the Mamono on the chin. However, he only succeeded in slicing through the cuff barely holding her bra armor in place. Ignoring the sight of the Hellhound's now released teats he rushed forward, bending low to slam his shoulder into his enemy's stomach. Surprisingly, his blow connected sending him and the opponent skidding forward. He raised his pickaxe up to strike, only to feel a clawed hand grab his wrist. Panic set in followed by shock as another hand grabbed his groin and began to squeeze.

"Ha, ha! You are getting hard! What? Does the old man like seeing pretty girls get battered and bloodied?" Totha chuckled into his ear before licking the skin.

Hagar pulled himself away, needing more strength than he expected to get his weapon hand out of the Mamono's grasp. The Hellhound pursued him, striking out with her hammer at his feet. He jumped back to avoid the blow but the dust kicked up by the weapon got into his eyes. He rubbed at them to clear them, but not fast enough to avoid the hammer's upward swing into his chest. Another jolt of pleasure shot through him, this time stronger than the last one. He was airborne momentarily, before feeling a hand grab his ankle. With a manic laugh the Hellhound swung him down towards the rocky earth below. He bounced up before the hammer came down on his chest yet again.

His mouth opened in a silent scream that soon turned into a moan of pleasure. Hagar tried to get up but his body wouldn't listen to him. A haze of lust had come over his body, the corrupting nature of the Mamono's Demon Realm weapon putting enough lust into his body to paralyze it. Even if he wanted to lift his weapon, the only thing his body cared about was the raging tent that was visible against his pants.

The Hellhound moved to stand over the man, one hand holding the hammer while the other started groping herself. Her fangs were barred as she stared down at the defeated old man, "What'd I tell ya? Weak. Don't worry, though. I'm not gonna fuck ya. Promised I'd let the Chieftess over there have ya. But...well...I could at least get you ready for her."

"N-n-no," Hagar had to struggle to get that word out. Every fiber of his being wanted him to say yes. To satisfy the lust that had filled his body. To let go of his pride and let the Mamono give him release. But he refused. Even now, he refused to break.

The Hellhound chuckled, her free hand quickly tearing through both his shirt and pants with one swipe. He hissed as the cold wind hit his exposed flesh, but soon found himself silenced as the Hellhound put her foot into his mouth. She bent over, her red eyes drinking in the panicked expression on Hagar's face.

"Don't worry. It'll feel really good. Just focus on that. That you'll feel such great pleasure that-"

Totha cut herself off. She grabbed her hammer and jumped away from Hagar...just in time to dodge the steel blade that almost took her head off.

She landed on the ground a fair distance away from the downed human male. She looked up, her fangs barred at the new assailant.

And when she saw him, she felt her heart skip a beat.

"If you truly see him as weak," Koga stepped in front of the downed human, his bloody blade held out towards Totha, "then why don't you reckon with me?"