Selina and Matilda found their journey suddenly becoming very quiet. Neither spoke to the other while their horse trotted along without a care. They had crossed the boundary between the plains and the forest, trees starting to surround them on all sides. The path below became less worn and thick with vegetation. The buzzing of insects blended with the cries of animals deeper in the forest. However, none dared get too close to two riding atop their silent equine.

Not because either of them were trying to keep them away.

But because of the uninvited third member of their group.

Valkyia floated directly to Selina's left. The pure white wings on her kept her aloft with their rhythmic flapping. Her emerald hair was hung down to her collar in twin braids held together by golden pins. She was covered head to two in dull gray armor, with her thighs covered in a form of scale mail. In one hand she held a long spear, while the other carried a rapier thinner than Selina's pinky finger. Her eyes were closed but she seemed to know where she was going. She easily avoided bumping into the Huntress' steed or touching any of the low hanging branches.

Selina stared at the valkyrie out the corner of her eye. She was, in a word, flawless. Her skin had no blemishes that could be seen, the aura around her was serene and calming, and even her weapons looked more noble than intimidating. Though she supposed that was to be expected. After all, she was created by the Chief God of this world. That thought made Selina frown as her eyes fell to one of her coat pockets. She reached into it and pulled the item hidden within out. Holding it up to the sunlight shining down from above, she gazed upon the shining marble bracelet in her hand. The trinket's craftsmanship was exquisite. Loops and braids were inlaid across the central bands while the end of it was wide enough to accommodate any woman's wrist. The smoothness of the item could be felt through her glove and even looking upon it gave her a sense of peace.

She pulled the bracelet down and spoke, "Excuse me, Valkyia correct?"

The valkyrie's eyes opened revealing amethyst irises that complemented her blue lipstick. Yet despite her gentle features, her gaze was fierce and steely, "You have questions, Hunter?"

"Yes," Selina frowned at the valkyrie. She usually didn't care how others addressed her or what title they used. But the way Valkyia said "Hunter" made her feel...insulted. Like the word itself was tainted or undesirable. She ignored the feeling and continued, "You said that I am the only one who can give this bracelet to Sasha Fullmoon. Why is that? Why only me?"

"Because you are the only one who can enter a Demon Realm and remain pure," Valkyia stated, her voice carrying a small echo with it. She pointed the blunt end of her spear at Selina's chest, "Your nature as an anomaly protects you from even the most vile of corruption."

"But surely a valkyrie created by the Head of the Order's Pantheon would be able to do the same?" Selina ventured, confused at why the Chief God wouldn't send one of her own to complete this task.

Valkyia didn't answer the Huntress straight away. Her attention turned to the path in front of them while her hand tightened around the haft of her spear. Her tone was neutral as she spoke "The Chief God has her reasons."

"To be more exact," Matilda pulled herself up the Huntress' back. She managed to maneuver until she was sitting on Selina's shoulder. Her light body didn't even make Selina flinch as she got comfortable. The Living Doll continued, "you remember how I stated that there is very little that Mamono Mana cannot corrupt?"

Selina frowned in thought as the implication dawned on her, "So...even the direct servants of the Chief God are not immune to being corrupted?"

"Not at all. I knew of many valkyries and Angels who fell right alongside Lescatie," Matilda didn't hide how her eyes were focused on Valkyia as she spoke. The valkyrie refused to look at the Living Doll or respond to her. But Matilda continued, "In fact, I spoke with many of them. Most said that they don't regret their change in allegiance or transformations. When I asked them why that was, I said something along the lines of how they couldn't be with the person they loved with the Chief God."

"And that is their only reason?" Selina asked Matilda.

The Living Doll shrugged, "Not the only one. Some said it was because they heard the Chief God's voice telling them to give in to their desires. That they shouldn't hold back and show their charges how much they loved them."

"My Lady did no such thing," Valkyia attempted to hide the anger in her voice. The way her brows furrowed and wings flared made it futile. Especially with the way she glared at Matilda, "And you would do well to watch your tongue, lest you wish to see what will happen to those traitors should one ever face me in combat."

Valkyia raises her rapier while glaring daggers at Matilda. Selina prepared to say something, but Matilda beat her to it, "Oh, I am aware. As are many of the valkyries who defected. They are aware that the one who led them to becoming Dark Valkyries is the Fallen God. They simply see their current state as better than they were before."

Selina's frown deepened when Matilda mentioned the Fallen God. She could still remember that dark figure sitting in her living room. The black wings that extended from her hips. The way she seemed to blend in with the darkness of the room. The fervor with which she defended Druella and the Demon Lord. If that initial impression were anything to go by, then she could easily picture that Dark Divinity encouraging valkyries to defect to the Mamono. But that still left her with an important question...

"Why does the Chief God not tell them the truth?" Selina asked both Matilda and the valkyrie, "She is meant to be the God of the world, correct? Surely it would be possible for her to inform any of these defectors that they have been led astray?"

Valkyia's expression became neutral once more. She turned her gaze away from Matilda and the Huntress while speaking in a monotone, "My Lady is extremely busy conducting other theaters in the war against the Mamono. Even with her great sight, she cannot find the time to help all those who need her at once."

"Ah, ah, ah," Matilda raised a finger to get Selina and Valkyia's attention, "don't forget that she is still weakened from her last battle with the Demon Lord."

"Weakened?" Selina's asked, surprised at Matilda's response.

Matilda nodded, purposefully ignoring the glare that Valkyia sent her way, "Indeed. The Chief God attempted to face the Demon Lord in direct combat once before. The result was her being severely wounded and forced to retreat. It's a tale that all Mamono know, as it's the ultimate example of true love overcoming all obstacles."

"Of course Mamono would call that foolish boy's betrayal an example of 'true love'," Valkyia didn't even bother hiding the disgust in her voice.

Selina looked between Living Doll and the valkyrie, "I feel as if I am purposely being left out of this conversation. What are you two talking about?"

Matilda tilted her head, "My apologies, Good Hunter. I forgot that you were not made aware of the full history of the war. That shall be rectified. Would you like to begin, Valkyrie?"

Valkyia was silent for a few moments. Then her spear and rapier disappeared in a flash of light. Her hands came together in front of her, fingers laced together as she spoke, "Long before the Lilim were born, the Demon Lord ruled her army of Mamono alone. This Succubus, named Lilith, came to power almost as soon as her predecessor lay dead. The empty throne allowed her to take up the mantle of Demon Lord."

"Without a Demon Lord to guide them, monsters are little more than mindless beasts," Matilda joined in, "While they are still dangerous, they aren't intelligent enough to form organizations or gather into armies. But with a Demon Lord, they become capable of so much more. However, all monsters in the world are connected to the Demon Lord. This means that they all gain the same traits, features, and general world view as their new leader. And since Lilith is a Succubus..."

"All monsters became part Succubus," Selina finished for Matilda. The Living Doll nodded in confirmation and Selina put a hand to her chin, "That explains why all Mamono are so sexual. And why their powers focus on seducing their foes rather than outright killing them. Hmm, would I be correct that this wasn't a good thing for the human kingdoms of the time?"

"You would be," Valkyia answered, "Humanity had just finished fighting a war with the previous Demon Lord. They were not prepared for another to come to power so early. To combat this sudden surge in monster attacks, my Lady created more and more Heroes to help stem the tide. But the vile Mamono's methods of fighting...it hinder us some what."

"More like, completely stopped them in their tracks. It's a lot harder for a male Hero to kill something with a human's face, human emotions, and is offering to have sex with them," Matilda's response made Valkyia's face turned slightly red with indignation. But the Living Doll kept going, "And you already know why females would be at a disadvantage."

"Then...what did the Chief God do?"

"She fell back on the tried and true method; Make a more powerful Hero," Matilda got to her feet and stood on Selina's shoulder. Once she had her balance, she pretended to wield a sword in both hands while facing forward, "A legendary Hero, stronger than any other. His sword glowed with an awesome power. He could strike down an entire army of Mamono with a single swing of his mighty blade. His armor was so shiny that the sun itself was made to feel inadequate. Nothing could stand against him! No Mamono could stop him...save for one."

Maildta looked at Valkyia with a grin on her face. With a scoff the Valkyrie explained, "The Hero was blessed by the Chief God and fought his way to the Demon Lord. But when he arrived...the did not strike her down. He spoke to her. Listened to her. And with her poisonous words, she managed to turn him to her side. The two consummated their union, and the greatest Hero in the world became the husband of the Demon Lord."

Selina hummed in thought, "I see. Thus, distraught over losing such a powerful Hero, the Chief God descended from the Heavens and faced the two in combat. But the combined might of the Demon Lord and the strongest Hero proved too much for her. The two wounded her, which made her weaker than she should be."

"Exactly," Matilda sat back down on Selina's shoulder. She idly kicked her feet up without a care in the world, "Hear the Order tell it, it's a horrible tale and rallying cry. To show why you should never listen to a Mamono and always strike them down. Hear the Mamono tell it, it's a wonderful love story. Two star crossed lovers find each other in a world that wants them to fight. But they stand against it and prove that love is stronger than anything else."

"A foolish idea. How could one see betraying your own people as love?"

"Well when the people who you're supposed to protect treat others like you like dirt, it's only natural that it would happen."

"Watch your tongue, Doll. The Order does no such thing."

"Have you spoken to any of the Heroes currently in the Order recently? I'm pretty sure they could prove what I'm saying is correct."

"As if you have spoken to any of them."

"I haven't. But I did speak with those traitors you're talking about. And most blame the Order's draconian rules for pushing them toward the Mamono. Maybe the Chief God should look into fixing her own organization?"

"I said to watch-"

"Enough. Both of you," Selina's tone would broker no more arguing. But Matilda and Valkyia continued to glare at each other regardless. Not wanting another argument to start up, Selina turned to Valkyia and held up the bracelet again, "My next question then: What does all this have to do with Sasha Fullmoon? Who is she?"

Valkyia shot one last glare at Matilda, before her gaze softened. Then she focused on the bracelet, "She was once a Hero. The greatest Hero Lescatie had ever seen. Saying that she slew hundreds of Mamono over her career would be an understatement. But, for some reason, she chose to retire and give her position over another. And when Lescatie fell, she joined those who are now called 'The Fallen Maidens.'"

"Fallen Maidens?" Selina repeated, seeking clarification.

"One of key pillars of Lescatie. Both before and after its fall," Matilda started to count off on her fingers, "Merse Dascaros, Mimil Miltie, Primera Concerto, Fransica Mistel Lescatie, Wilmarina Noscrim, and Sasha Fullmoon. Together the six of them are considered the Fallen Maidens of Lescatie. Called such as they were once the most powerful and influential Heroes in the entire nation. And now they are, arguably, the most powerful group of Mamono in the nation. Possibly even more so than Druella. And they all share a single husband. A red haired Incubus named Elt."

Selina's eyes widened, "They are strong enough to be seen as a Lilim's equal?"

"When they work together? Yes. When all six Maidens fight alongside their beloved husband, their power increases by leaps and bounds. Alone they are formidable. Together, possibly unstoppable," Matilda turned her attention to Valkyia, "And I assume that is what the Chief God wants with you, Good Hunter. To weaken their bond through removing Sasha Fullmoon. Am I correct?"

"Not in the slightest," Valkyia was quick to say, her tone clipped and sounding insulted. She paused for a moment to regain her composure while Matilda grinned smugly at her. Then she continued, "While my Lady no doubt understands the great strategic value that removing even one of the Maidens represents, it is not her primary reason for giving you this task."

"Then what is that reason?" Selina waved a hand through the air.

"Sasha Fullmoon was turned through trickery," Valkyia lowered her head, "The Chief God stopped receiving her prayers sometime after she retired. We suspect that the Fallen God intercepted them, leading her astray with her foul words. My lady wishes to speak directly to her and show her that she has gone down the wrong path. That bracelet you have will establish a direct link with my Lady. The protections on it should prevent any from intercepting their conversation. But you must get the item onto Fullmoon in the first place. Only you can do this. For only you can get close to her without your mind being affected by the machinations of the Mamono."

Selina blinked and stared down at the bracelet in her hand. She took in the valkyire's words with while her gloved fingers felt the sides of the object. Taking into account everything she knew about Mamono, any other who was given this task would soon find themselves captured and transformed. And if the Chief God's wound was crippling then it wouldn't be too far fetched for her to offer Selina this accord. However, she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this than meets the eye. Valkyia had explained much, but still...

Valkyia suddenly opened her eyes. Then her wings unfurled and she took to the sky. She looked over to Selina and Matilda, "We are close to Mamono lands. It is time I take my leave. Remember the task given to you, Hunter. And be careful with that...creature on your shoulder. Its loose tongue may get you into advantageous situations."

"Wait I-" but before Selina could continue, the valkyrie flew off through the treeline. She held a hand out to the retreating white speck that got further and further away. Then it disappeared into the darkening sky above. She lowered her hand, grumbling while placing the bracelet into a pocket, "I still had questions."

Matilda shrugged, "I cannot fault her. We are approaching lands with more demonic mana." Matilda waved her hand at the area around them. Selina followed the movement as confusion overcame her. The forest around them didn't look too different from normal. The trees were the same brown color, the leaves were still a deep spring green, and the grass was as light green as always. But as the Huntress observed their surroundings she slowly became aware that things were different than before.

Curious, she gently urged her horse closer to a nearby tree. She pulled it to a stop once she was close enough. Then she held out a hand and gently placed her fingers against the trunk. It felt rough and sturdy beneath her fingers but that didn't tell her much. With a frown, she pulled her hand back and reached for another coat pocket. From within she withdrew a single throwing knife and placed it against the bark of the trunk. She cut downward, grabbing the bark that came off with her other hand. She put up the knife while holding the back of the tree bark up to her face.

"It's green. A deep green," she mused as she stared at the green part of the bark. She stared at the tree she cut, seeing that the insides were the deep green color. Her eyes narrowed, "This tree is healthy. Very healthy. More so than I would expect it to be."

One of Matilda's eyebrows rose, "You can tell, Good Hunter?"

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

Selina put the knife while letting the bark drop to the ground, "It's an old trick someone taught me. When the two of us were all we had."

"Was this person important to you?" Matilda leaned a bit closer to the Huntress' face.

Selina nodded, a wistful look on her face, "Yes. Yes he was. I...I owe a lot to him."

"Would you mind telling me about him?" Selina looked over at Matilda, her face like stone. The Doll smiled innocently while keeping her gaze on the Huntress. Then Selina lifted her hand and poked the Doll on the nose.

While Matilda placed a hand over her nose, Selina nudged the horse to get it moving again, "Perhaps another time. When we have more time to rest."

"Hrmm, alright. It's a promise," Matilda rubbed at her nose while looking down at the grass, "But, yes. The tree being healthy is expected. I can feel the Mamono Mana on the air. Thankfully, it's extremely thin. No one would be in danger of being corrupted unless they spent a week here."

"And what of you? If you can feel it then..."

Matilda waved Selina off, "There is no need to concern yourself with me, Good Hunter. I can feel the mana, yes. But it not affecting me in the slightest. The new soul I received from my Progenitor assures me of that."

She placed a hand over the left side of her chest. She sighed happily, staring ahead of them for a moment. Then her expression turned worried, "But, we aren't even a full day away from Pran. Yet the Mamono corruption has reached this far already. Even if it's only a little, it means that the corruption of the lands around Pran is happening faster than expected."

"Is there anything we can do? Perhaps send a message to the Guard Captain?"

Matilda shook her head, "Not unless we want to stop our journey before it begins. Or unless you have a way to drain mana from an entire area at once." Selina shook her head. Matilda shrugged, "Then all we can do is move forward and hope for the best."

Selina hummed in frustration, but silently agreed with Matilda's assessment. Even if she didn't like to do so. Her ability to drain mana could only be focused on the things she could directly touch, or that attempted to enter her body or soul. While she could likely drain the trees until they became husks it wouldn't stop the spread of corrupting mana. If only she had a way to change that...

She shook her head, putting the thought aside for the moment. Instead, she turned to Matilda, "That reminds me, you didn't seem particularly fond of that Valkyia. In fact, you seemed some what hostile toward her."

Matilda's expression fell. She placed both her hands on her thighs while kicking her legs out, "I...yes. I apologize, Good Hunter. But I have my reasons."

"And those are?"

Matilda was silent for a second. Then she looked into Selina's eyes with a determined glare, "I don't trust her. Nor do I trust the Chief God at all."

"Ah. I see. Why?"

"Good Hunter, you spoke with the Goddesses about how the world used to be, correct?"

"Yes. In fact, how do you know so much of this world's past? Were you not just a regular Living Doll in Lescatie?"

"I was, but Druella and the Sabbath wish to ensure that all Mamono are aware of the world's history. Though they present it as an example of a horrible, broken system that was made better by the rise of Lilith. So, I will admit that my view was skewed toward the Mamono's side of things."

"And now?"

Matilda gaze turned downward, "Now? Now that I know of the love that you and my Progenitor share? I do not believe that Lilith is correct. I don't think that lust and love are the same. But...but I don't think she's necessarily wrong about the old system. The entire thing was quite literally based on controlling the human population. Even if it was a system made something as powerful as the Original Chief God, I can't ever accept it as the way forward."

"And you believe that the current Chief God is trying to return the world to that state yet again?" Selina ventured.

Matilda nodded, "Without a doubt in my mind. If she got her way, things would return to the original status quo. Lilith would fall, another Demon Lord would take her place, the Demon Lord would go back to trying to kill humans, a Hero would arise and kill the Demon Lord, humans would build themselves up again, and on and on and on it would go. Something like that...is far too cruel a fate for this world."

Selina nodded while watching Matilda's expression. The Living Doll was clutching her chest while her eyes were hooded by a silent worry for the future. She said nothing, but placed a hand on Matilda's shoulder for support. Seconds ticked by as the two remained silent. Then Matilda lifted her head and focused on the Huntress, "And you, Good Hunter? Do you trust the Chief God?"

Selina didn't answer at first. She simply stared ahead at the increasingly green landscape in front of her. An errant wind blew by, nearly pushing her hat off her head. She reached up and held the accessory down while waiting for the wind to blow by. Matilda held down her skirt while watching waiting for the Huntress' response. Only when the wind calmed did Selina finally answer, "Not completely. I do not hold any malice toward the Chief God herself. Even after all I have heard of her, I won't truly know if she as capricious as other say unless we meet face to face. But I am also not willing to blindly trust everything she or her servants say. I have met the divine before coming to this world. And they were not kind."

"Then, what will you do about Sasha Fullmoon?"

Selina's tone was even as she responded, "First, tell me; What did Sasha do when the nation of Lescatie fell? Where was she? Was she involved in it at all?"

Matilda's expression darkened further, "She wasn't just involved...she was a catalyst. After she retired, she set up an Orphanage in the capital city. She wanted to live in peace and help those children who had been left behind by the nation. But the Order refused to give up on her. They kept pressuring her to come back. To join the Noble Quarter so that they could either keep an eye on her, or force her to be another of their pawns. And while she resisted, she became more and more conscious of how bad the city's conditions were becoming. So...she gave vital information on Lescatie's internal defenses to Druella's forces. Thinking that they would come and save the city without bloodshed. Then, when the invasion happened, she gave into her desires and raped Elt along with the rest of the Maidens. Now she is a Dark Priestess of the Fallen God, who she still believes is the Chief God."

Selina was silent but her grip on the reins tightened. She had to force her anger and frustration down before she gave her answer, "Then, I will find her in Lescatie. Speak with her. Tell her the truth. Then I shall leave the bracelet with her. If she still has the capacity to consider atonement, then I will not stop her from doing so."

"And if she doesn't?"

"Then, for her sake, I hope we never become enemies."

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

For the first time since he came back to life, Koga felt cornered.

His instincts screamed and he looked over his shoulder. He cursed as he saw three Magic Cuts flying at him from behind. He let go of Nobu's reins to hold his sword with both hands. Blue flames trailed his sword as it flashed through the air. Each of the Cuts were slashed through by his blade, the remnants hitting the earth and kicking up dust in their wake. Nobu whinnied, galloping at his full speed straight through the forest in front of them. Koga grabbed the reins with his left hand and leaned forward, "Don't stop, Nobu! We need to get some space. Then we-"

"Why do you run?" Koga nearly bit his tongue at the sudden voice. His head whipped to the left, hackles rising as he spotted his pursuer barely a only five feet away from him. Neither her nor her steed looked winded in the slightest. Nelly easily kept pace with Nobu without going even a fraction of the speed. Koga could only grit his teeth in frustration at how the Demonic Horse matched his own steed with minimal effort. His gaze jerked to the Knight as she prepared her blade once again, "I do not plan to hurt you. My only goal is to see you loved."

A swift upward swing of her blade followed her sentence. Koga leaned away from the attack, but felt his steed get rocked by a sudden force. Nobu whinnied in pain while Koga fought to keep his balance. His own sword's weight pulled him toward the right, but he kept a firm enough grip on the reins and his foot in the stirrup to get leverage. With a grunt of effort he pulled himself back into the saddle. He looked to the right and noticed that there was a cut in his horse's right side. However, there was no blood nor broken skin where the sword had attacked. The only indication that Nobu had been attacked at all was the long purple line that ran from his side to his flank.

Koga cursed before moving his weapon to his right hand. He stabbed his sword toward the Knight, but she leaned back and away from the strike. He flipped his blade horizontally and slashed toward her head. She retaliated by leaning so far back that her head was inches away from her horse's flank. Yet she somehow managed to thrust her sword toward Koga's face. His blade came up and barely deflected the attack. Blue sparks flew as the swords clashed for but a moment. However, the Knight's blade left a purple Cut in the air that flew at Nobu's leg. He tried to parry the ethereal blade, but was forced to block another swift slash from the Knight. The Magic Cut went straight through Nobu's leg, but it didn't hurt the horse at all.

Koga grunted and pulled at the reins. Nobu whinnied as it sped up and moved away from the Knight. The Knight regained her balance and merely watched as Koga got in front of her. His teeth were grit as he watched his opponent fall behind him. He didn't know how long this song and dance had been going on. All he knew was that his adversary hadn't given up the chance even once. Let alone given him an opening to turn the tide. She had been constantly on his tail, catching up in a flash before attacking without mercy. Any counterattacks he tried were either dodged or parried with disdainful ease.

Koga turned his gaze forward. The forest around him seemed to have gotten thicker. The trees were taller, the grass greener, and he swore the bushes they passed by were covered in berries. He even heard the sound of birds chirping in the distance. Yet he couldn't help but feel like something was wrong. A glance down revealed the path Nobu was galloping on was covered in tall grass. So thick was it that the stalks Nobu flattened would quickly pop back into place. Koga turned his eyes skyward but could only catch flashes of the afternoon sun through the thick canopy above him.

He heard two more Magic Cuts fly his way and turned around to deflect them again. But the twin purple cuts veered to his left and right at the last second. A moment later, he heard the sound of wood being sliced in twain. His eyes widened as he turned back around to see two large trees beginning to fall into his path. One on his left and the other on his right. The two were far enough away, that if he didn't he and Nobu would be in danger. But if he did stop then the Knight would catch up to them. And he'd be truly cornered.

Steeling his gaze, Koga raised his weapon and held it in both hands. He steadied his nerves with a deep breath. He kept his gaze on the two falling trees, counting backward in his head as Nobu got closer.

And closer...

And closer...

Now.

With a sharp exhalation of breath, Koga's sword sliced forward. Once, twice, three times it moved through the air, each blow cutting through the trees like a knife through butter. In the wake of his strikes the blue fire caught on the brown trunks of the trees. Its magical properties burned away the moisture within until the trees were dry enough to catch alight. As Koga and Nobu got passed the trees, the trunks split into multiple pieces of rapidly burning wood. They hit the grass below that soon lit up with azure flames.

Koga smiled before looking back to see how his pursuer would react to his newly made obstacle. At first, it looked like the Knight had been stopped in her tracks.

Then he saw as a storm of Magic Cuts blast the obstacle apart. The Knight bursts through the shattered tree trunks, scattering his flames enough that the chance of them spreading were slim to none. And her horse continued to thunder forward without a care in the world. Growling his frustration to the heavens, Koga turned his gaze forward and continued to push Nobu on.

"You must know that this isn't helpful," his adversary said aloud, her voice sounding close despite still being behind him, "Your hatred is eating you up inside. It's why you have yet to lose me. Why your attacks cannot harm me."

"Silence, monster!" Koga shouted while trying to spot anything he could use to his advantage, "I refuse to listen to the words of something that wishes to force me to love someone I don't even know!"

"You can get to know them after the two of you are together. All you need to know is that she will love you unconditionally."

"Such a thing is not love! It is enslavement!"

"Only to those who don't know its beauty."

"You are as delusional as that Pretender," Koga shook his head before turning to stare daggers at the Knight, "You both believe that all it takes to make someone happy is to give in to something that only lusts after them. You both think that choosing to chase something that those who would not be with Mamono are simply misguided. Never considering that, perhaps, there are those who simply don't want to be with Mamono!"

The Knight shook her head, "Yet again your hatred blinds you to the truth. But that is alright. This chase will end one way or another."

"What are you talking abo-" Koga paused as his eyes fell onto the cut on Nobu's left side.

More specifically, how it had gotten bigger.

Koga gasped while leaning over his horse's neck, "NOBU! Are you alright?!" Nobu snorted while shaking his mane. Which was when Koga noticed that his horse's gait wasn't natural. At first he thought it was simply because of the tall grass they were running through. But as he paid more attention, he noticed that his horse was moving slower. That Nobu's front left leg was moving strangely. It still hit the ground and bent like the others, but its mid-section seemed to glow with a purple light. One that was growing bigger by the second. Koga turned his baleful gaze onto the Knight, "What did you do?!"

The Knight raised her blade, its edge glowing a deep purple color, "The edge of my blade is no longer made to end lives, but to save them. Every cut I make is filled with the same Mana that flows through my body. The Mana that turned Lescatie into the paradise it is now. And while it is less effective than simply removing their heads, direct slashes can still induce the same saving grace upon my targets. It is slow, but it is effective. Though, nothing says I can't speed up the process."

Her blade flashed and created more Magic Cuts that flew at Koga. He instinctively raised his blade to block, but the projectiles purposely dodged his sword. They made for Nobu's flank, legs, and body instead. Koga moved to deflect them, forcing three of the attacks to the ground with the sound of metal cutting through air. But when he moved to block a fourth, he felt something hit him the back. A feeling of numbness started to spread through his body, but he forced it away with an exertion of will. Then he looked back and saw that the Knight hadn't stopped sending Magic Cuts his way. But while some still aimed for Nobu, others were aimed directly for Koga.

Koga, feeling his frustration and rage reaching a peak, roared to the heavens as the storm of Cuts raced toward him. His blade flashed as he deflected, blocked, and parried as many of the projectile blades as he could. Azure Flames met the purple edges of the Knight's Mana, burning it away or sending it to the ground. Koga's arms moved faster than the eye could see, becoming a veritable wall of steel.

But his wall didn't cover every angle.

And soon, with one final whinny, Nobu tripped over his front left hoof. Koga felt his steed lose its balance and begin to fall. With seconds to act he leapt from his saddle and into the air...aiming for the Knight. He held his scabbard in his left hand and sheathed his blade in one swift motion. He only had eyes for the Monster that had taken his steed away. He took a deep breath in, centered himself, and focused his all on striking at the target in front of him.

Then, when he was but a sword's width away from his foe, he struck.

Roar: Dragon Of The Palemoon!

His blade flashed in a downward arc, aiming directly for his target's head. She had long since pulled on the reins of her own horse, but even she couldn't stop it in time. Halting would still keep her in range of his weapon, and if she continued on he'd land behind her where she'd be open. He saw her eyes widen as she realized her predicament.

But that lasted for but a moment.

Then her gaze calmed and she raised her left arm up, gauntleted hand poised to catch his weapon as it came down. A purple aura surged up her arm until it covered the whole appendage from her shoulder to her finger. While Koga didn't know what the aura was, he knew that it would likely dampen his strike. So, with the last bit of moment he had, he forced himself closer and his blade just a little bit further to the left.

It barely made a difference...but it was still enough.

His attack completely missed the Knight's arm and head...and instead struck deep into her collarbone.

Koga's felt his blade cut through the armor, flesh, and then it struck bone-

Suddenly his vision was filled with white.

He felt weightless for a moment, his body no longer listening to him. Then he felt something hit in his back as he landed on something hard. The pain shocked him back to consciousness, allowing him to get his bearings. He shook his head to get rid of the ringing in his ears while trying to get to his feet. His sword and scabbard were still in their proper places but he felt an immense numbness in his chest. Looking down he saw a large, purple hole in his chest just next to where his heart would be. It pulsed and writhed against his body with small cracks reaching out from the center. But his clothing was still intact. Though how much that mattered he wasn't sure.

"Impressive," his head shot up as his adversary came into view once again. His eyes immediately went to where his blade had struck. And the sight made his lips split into a grin.

On the left side of her body, the Knight now had an open wound. It didn't go any farther than her collarbone. Nor did it seem to slow her down in the slightest. He couldn't even tell if the wound was bleeding due to the armor being in the way.

But that didn't matter.

What mattered was that he managed to hurt his foe.

And if she could be hurt...

"...You can be killed," he said, rising to his feet while taking his still burning sword. He placed the blade over his chest, wincing as the flames helped lessen the numbness in his body.

The Knight followed Koga's gaze to the wound on her collar. Her gaze was impassive as she stared at the first injury she had taken this entire battle. Then she turned back to him and shrugged, "I suppose."

"Heh, why so glib, Monster?" Koga chuckled as he got to his shaking feet, "Does your own death not scare you?"

However, the Knight merely shook her head, "You misunderstand. This body is not mine."

"...What?"

The Knight raised her weapon, the afternoon sun reflecting off its surface like a mirror, "You have not been fighting this Dullahan. You have been fighting me. The Blade Of Salvation. My transformation gave me sentience and a will of my own. And while I cannot fight on my own, I can appear to those who need me and any who have Championed me in the past. This woman was chosen as she was closest to you and is yet to find a husband. Her own skills with a blade are exquisite, but a special touch is required for ones with as much hatred as you."

The "Blade Of Salvation" lowered itself while continuing its explanation, "While the death of this woman would be tragic, it would only delay your eventual salvation until another day. Thus, any damage you deal to her is futile."

Koga blinked. He was speechless. His gaze went from the Knight on her horse, to the weapon she wielded. All this time...he hadn't been fighting a person? He had been fighting the weapon itself? That...explained so much. The preternatural swordsmanship, the ability to launch so many Magic Cuts at once, its single minded pursuit of him, the power within the woman's limbs. She was a capable fighter, but that weapon put her on a whole other level.

Which meant that...if he simply killed the woman...it wouldn't matter.

He wouldn't win.

He'd just stalemate it.

His head fell and his shoulder drooped as the realization hit him. Seeing this, the Blade Of Salvation spoke once more, "Now you see the truth. In which case, please, stop fighting. Let me bring you peace, and cut that hatred in your heart to ribbons. You'll be much happier that way. Please, let me save you."

Koga felt his ears twitch. He looked up at the approaching Dullahan. He blinked for a moment as his eyes went from her then to her steed...before locking onto the sword in her grip.

...He knew what he had to do.

"You ask me to surrender?" Koga felt the strength in his arms return as he renewed his grip on his sword, "To stand here and let you 'save' me?"

The Dullahan stopped in her tracks. Then she shook her head and sighed, "Your tone of voice suggests you will not be doing that, will you?"

"Of course not!" Koga shouted, pointing his blade at the weapon in the Dullahan's hand. His lips were curled into a frown while his eyes blazed with purpose, "I would never surrender to the one who felled my noble steed! If the sword is what I'm fighting, then my course is clear. I shall shatter your edge and rip you from the puppet you call a Champion! I do not know how many you have 'saved' before now. Nor do I care. For when I am done, none will even remember your name!"

Koga took his sword in both hands, spread his feet apart, and prepared for combat, "Now, come! This will be the last battle you ever have!"

Koga's battle cry split the air as he charged at the mounted Dullahan with his sword ready to strike.

The Blade Of Salvation merely sighed, "How...disappointing."

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

Matilda's ears perked up. She pushed herself to her feet and turned her eyes to the west, "Good Hunter...did you hear that? That sudden scream?"

"Yes, I did," Selina pulled the reins toward the west and kicked the horse into a trot.

Matilda grabbed onto the Huntress' head for balance, looking down in confusion, "Why are we going this way?"

"Because the one who made that scream was Koga," Selina said plainly.

"You could tell?"

"I could recognize his voice anywhere. And he may need assistance. Let us go."