~~~~(Katie's POV)~~~~
I sit here by my sister's side, still thinking of how I had a sibling slip my knowledge after all these years! What was that flashback? During our encounter, when we touched, did it spark something hidden deep within us?

"How is she?" I turn to my left to see that it was Souji. His face a mask of no emotion, eyes boring into the still figure lying before me. I turn to face my sister who has been asleep for most of the day.

"Kortaro says she's okay and that she needs rest." I respond not even glancing back at him. "Is there something you need Souji?" I was met with silence a short while before Souji spoke again.

"Toshizo and Saizo were wanting to speak with you." I nod and ask him to stay with Kimberly, before I got up and left the cave. I walk over to an area where Saizo has been since Kimberly had arrived.

"You wished to see me?" All eyes turn towards me and I saw a paper sprawled out with a variety of markings.

"Yes, we were planning our next course of action." Saizo says and looks back down at the scroll talking amongst the small group that was gathered around. My mind wanders as all their voices turn to mumbo jumbo. I begin walking to the tree line where an allie is currently staying.

"Princess?" I turn back to see that it was Sauske. "Where're you going?"

"To visit a friend, I won't be too long." I smile encouragingly and walk back to the pond where Nevith lies. My thoughts go back to Akira's words from my dream. I haven't been able to talk to her much, but... What did she mean that I will make a decision that will change everything?

I wish that she could've finished her sentence but what caused her to disappear? Will something happen in the battle against Jinoskue? My feet have a mind of their own and stop just at the edge of the pond. Small ripples come towards me signaling that I didn't have long to wait.

A quick splash and water rose up just as Nevith came out. His eyes bore into mine as if he's reading something.

"How is your sister, dear princess?" Nevith's voice once again hisses, but the tone still sounds old and wise. I was a little confused as to how he knew I have a sister when I haven't even told him. My face must have showed confusion as he quickly adds, "Koga told me when you were with her in the cave."

I nod before saying, "She was scratched by the Ayakashis's claws, but is resting." Nevith stares at me staying in his spot and not even blinking.

"You seem troubled."

"W-wait...ho-...I'm not troubled, I just have questions. Questions that I'm not getting answers to." Nevith glances at the sky as a flock of birds sail by.

"There is always an answer, even if we don't like what the answer is. Have you ever thought that you weren't asking the right questions?" Nevith hisses on the 's'.

"What do you mean am I asking the right questions? Every once in awhile I get these dreams where I'm talking to Akira-"

"Akira?" Nevith seems to be shocked but I nod to confirm him. "What has she been telling you?"

I'm a little taken back by his sudden interest but answer him honestly. "Just bits and pieces of information that doesn't make much sense. Little things about the battle that is soon to come and..." I look down just thinking about them.

"And what princess?" Nevith leans closer.

"She talked to me once with my parents...about the demon blade.." I close my eyes as I take a deep breath gathering my thoughts. "They were trying to tell me the location of the demon blade, but it was in riddles."

"Princess...Akira's words hold great meaning. She may be your ancestor, but she is a part of you."

"Just like my parents." I smile as mom and dad come to mind. This also brings tears to my eyes and I'm assuming Nevith feels bad as he leans his head against mine. I place my hands on his face accepting hug like gesture.

"I'm sorry for your loss princess," Nevith whispers. I don't know what it is about Nevith, but I get this sense of trust from him. "but revenge isn't the answer."

"I know," I sniffle, "but there's no way of beating Jinoskue." My words barely audible I didn't think he would catch them.

"You don't believe in yourself princess. We all believe in you, and I'm sure Akira has told you the same thing that I'm telling you now." We pull away and our eyes meet as he says, "You know what you must do, the question is, are you ready?"

I look down at the ground debating my options, the advice that has been given to me, making my decision crystal clear. I look Nevith in the eye and say,

"Thank you Nevith," I bow to him as he does the same. I bid farewell to Nevith before leaving to head back to our makeshift campsite. As I get closer, the voices of many warriors grow louder. As I step through the bushes I stand tall, and look at everyone before me.

All conversations stopped as all eyes land on me. The setting sun's light casting it glow on my right side, as the wind blows my hair to the left softly. Saizo, Kortaro, Goemon, Sauske, Heisuke and the Shinsengumi come forth from the crowd.

Everyone's masked faces go from fixed to serious in an instant at my words.

"We leave at dawn."
************************
~~~~(Mikki's POV)~~~~
"Nee kimi wa ima dare o omotte iru no?" I sing to Shinta as I comb my fingers through Kai's hair. My eyes begin to close as my shivers increase. I hear the sound of dirt and rocks being thrown as the demons continue to dig.

How long have we been down here? I don't even know if it's day or night. I've lost track since Jinoskue's human henchmen haven't given us much food. I gave my scraps to Shinta and Kai, whenever he woke up for few minutes.

"Mikki-san?" Shinta asks gaining the attention of a few demons. I could hardly keep my eyes open to see movement come toward us.

"Mikki?" Is that Ginta or Hakkaku? My body sways as I lose my balance trying to stay upright.

"Watashi wa kimi o omotte iru yo." I barely get out as I fall to my right. The impact of the hard ground never came as I landed in someone's arms. A warm hand is placed on my forehead and says in a worried tone,

"She's got a fever!" I feel myself being laid down, something soft and wet is placed across my forehead.

"Did she get scratched by the Ayakashis?" Another voice calls. I feel a cold hand this time checking for any sign of an injury. I groan as the hand touches the left side of my ribs. I can feel my kimono being peeled back a little as the person checks.

"Yes, and it's infected." This voice is feminine.

"We have to keep applying the water to her forehead in hopes of getting the fever down." I believe that was Ginta.

"But you know what happens when someone gets poisoned by an Ayakashis." Hakkaku says to Ginta.

"Besides she won't last long, especially since she's human." A grumpier voice says from a far distance.

"Back to work you scoundrels!" A voice yells from up top, followed by the crack of a whip.

"Will you stay with her?" Ginta asks.

"I will." The feminine voice speaks once again. I have to hold on just a little longer for grandpa's sake. Please Katie, hurry!
*******************
~~~~(Katie's POV)~~~~
"Princess, are you sure about coming with us? You should stay here with your sister where it's safe." Toshizo insists, as the soldiers prepare to leave our camp.

"I'm sure, I promised Kenji senpai that I would return Mikki to him. I'm not backing down from my promise. Not to mention I can help the wounded." I retort.

"She has a point," Kortaro starts, "but it's not safe."

"Look, I won't be in your way. I have a feeling I know where the devil is keeping the prisoners." I say, just when another soft voice enters the conversation.

"Then I'm going too." I turn to see Kimberly with Souji and Sauske.

"No, your not coming. You're still healing-"

"I know where Jinoskue is keeping his captives." Kimberly pushes.

"No. I lost mom and dad, I'm not losing my sister when I just found you. You will stay here with the back up. Along with Shinpachi, Goemon, Hajime, and half the soldiers. The rest will come with me." I state when Shinpachi has a 'are-you-kidding-me look'.

"Why do I have to sit this fight out?" He whines and Sanosuke walks over and pats his shoulder. They talk a bit longer before the sun started to rise.

"Alright, let's move out!" Saizo orders and we start our trek to mount Hiroshima, where our journey will surely end.
****************
~~~~(Souji's POV)~~~~
I glance down at my right hand that's gripping a glass vial of red liquid. The vial containing ochimizu. Once I drink this I will have the advantage, I will be equal to those demons.

"Souji?" I turn to see Heisuke beside me.

"Shouldn't you be with your girlfriend?" I look ahead to see the princess talking to Saizo and Toshizo.

"What's your problem? She hasn't done anything to you Souji." Heisuke's tone tells me he's angry. I scoff,

"My problem? Heisuke, I don't get to have what you got."

"What I got? So you're jealous because I care for her." I look to the ground and grip my sword tightly. Might as well tell him before the girl spills the beans.

"I have my eyes on a girl." Heisuke seems stunned by the news.

"That's great man." He says and pats my back.

"It's not that great." I feel his eyes bore into the side of my head. "I don't have that much time left, and I don't want to break her heart."

"Souji, what do you mean by little time left?" Oh great, this is a biggie.

"I'm...I'm dying Heisuke." My voice low so others couldn't hear.
"But ho-"

"I have tuberculosis...it's making me weak."

"Souji, I-"

"Just don't say anything to anyone. That's all I ask." I see Heisuke nod and I say, "Now go be with her. I know you want to." Heisuke chuckles and runs to the princess. I smile at them, the sight of the two together radiate joy and most importantly...love.
**************
~~~~(Katie's POV)~~~~
"Hey princess," I turn to my right to see Heisuke. I smile warmly at him as my heart beats rapidly.

"Hey," I quickly look at Saizo and Toshizo to see them converse. I return my gaze to Heisuke and say, "I'm glad my favorite person showed up. Talking to Saizo and Toshizo was pretty boring."

Heisuke chuckles, walking closer to me, our arms brushing against each other. The back of his hand is nudging mine, until my hand is engulfed by his warm one. His fingers interlock with mine as his thumb traces the space between my thumb and index.

The sleeve of my kimono is hiding our little gesture from prying eyes. I wish the moments like this would last. I have that fairytale dream, but is going to end at the sight of this bloody war.

"Katie?" Heisuke mutters quietly, the tone of his voice worries me. I turn to him with worry written on my face. "Whatever happens today, just know....know that I..."

I take my hand from his and cup his cheek, making him look at me. The silence between us is tense but is soon a comfortable one. I follow my heart and speak my feelings, my true feelings.

"I love you too." I pull him towards me and connect our lips. Sparks erupt at the touch, branching off through my body like every nerve is on fire. I didn't care that all eyes were focused on us. I wanted everyone to know that Heisuke was mine, as I was his. We break apart, our foreheads touching as we gaze into each others eyes.
*****************
We finally make it to the base of mount Hiroshima. We are currently hiding in the bushes lining the mountain. I look around to see if there are any openings to get inside, and see a cave far off to my left in the middle. There is a path that leads up to it, and as I look at the path I get a sense of familiarity.

"Everyone knows the plan?" We all nod and I get up and start moving to where I need to go, but I'm stopped by someone grabbing my wrist. I turn to Heisuke and he whispers,

"Be careful." I nod and he turns to Entei. "Go with her." Entei jumps off his shoulder and comes with Kuroro and I. When I get to the edge of the path I slowly and quietly make my way up to the cave entrance. But before I go in, I turn to see the others moving along the tree line.

"Be safe...all of you.." I whisper to the wind and go into the tunnel of darkness.
******************
~~~~(Jinoskue's POV)~~~~
I'm enjoying a good cup of rum when one of Nobunaga's men comes barreling into the room panting like one of those damn dogs that's in the pit.

"Jinoskue sir, I come with urgent news." Annoyed I move the cup from my lips and say,

"Speak."

"The enemy is approaching, they are right outside the mountain sir." I growl irritated and slam my cup down next to me, breaking it into pieces. Everyone jumped and gone stiff.

"Take care of them, I have business to attend to." They just stand there still frozen and my temper flaring by the second. "Go!" My voice booming off the cavern walls. The patter of their feet sounding like a stampede from the echoes.

I waited until the room was bare of any living thing. I waited a moment longer before getting up and going to the tapestry that is behind my throne. I move it aside and place my hand directly in the center of the rock. The rock is pushed in and a passage appears.

I walk in the tapestry covering the doorway as I trek deeper into the tunnel. Soon I arrive to a small cavern that is a burial ground for the Oni that lies here. Legend has it that all gods were laid to rest when the demon blade was hidden for peace.

I'm hear to add to my power. The small statue in the center of the room with the symbol of the mountain God. A green aurora radiates from the statue followed by a roar.

"Who disturbs my sleep?!"

"Let's be honest here. You've been awake sincere queen disappeared."

"Your rain will end Jinoskue. Leave now."

"Not until I get what I came for." I reach my hand out and touch the spirit of the mountain God. My body began to absorb him, his power making me stronger. I noticed my body was changing along with the power I'm gaining.

My skin is grey like stone, but textured as lizard skin. Black horns sprout from my forehead, and long razor claws. Long flowing ghostly white hair, yellow eyes, and an ancient orange-red kimono has grown with my large size, but just torn in some places.

"Ah, that's better. Now to deal with those pests."
***************
~~~~(Katie's POV)~~~~
I walk a good ways down the cave until the cave splits into separate tunnels.

"Great! Now which tunnel do we take?"

"Mew,"

"They're getting worse, who knows how much longer they have!" I heard a gruff voice yell from the left tunnel. Kuroro and Entei look at me and I smile at them.

"Looks like our choice is made for us." I laugh and run to the voices at the end of the cavern. A dim glow lights up the dark shadows as I grow closer.

"I told you before, we're not getting out of here! It's just a matter of time before we end up like them!" The same voice before bellows. I sense a lot of negativity from this mysterious person.

"He might be right Shay." The tone and pitch of the voice sounds about late teen/early adult, maybe?

"Rax!" This new voice sounds to be about the same age. I run into a new space with a huge hole in the middle. I quietly tip toe to the edge to see demons of every size and shape. They seem to be crowding around something off to the side of the pit.

As the demon civilians move, I see the clothes of Mikki.

"Mikki!" All heads snap in my direction as I jump down into the pit, not caring about the long fall. As a matter of fact, it didn't phase me at all. I rush to Mikki's side, noticing that she is sweating profusely. There was another hand in my field of view, patting water on her forehead.

I look up to meet soft yellow eyes that were full of fear and worry. I look behind this new person to see a young boy, about the same age as Mikki lying on the ground.

"What happened?" My voice is full of concern.

"Mikki got cut by one of the Ayakashis, as for Kai...Jinoskue." I didn't need to know more as I understand what she was telling me. I place my hand on the center of their chest where the heart lies. The very source of life.

I focus on them up and moving around, imagining that they are healthy. I feel a light tingle where my heart is as it trails down my arms to their hearts. I see the small but bright aurora of my healing power course through me.

The gasps behind me tell me that it's working. I stay slumped over slightly as my energy has decreased. I'm a little tired after that, apparently I can't do much of that in one day. I open my eyes to see that there is no scratch on their skin.

I go to stand, but slowly fall backwards before arms catch me.

"Easy, you shouldn't move so fast miss..."

"Katie!" I recognize Mikki's cheerful voice, how can I ever forget it? I smile at her and embrace her in a hug. Thank the lord she is safe.

"Katie, these are my friends. Guys, this is Katie, daughter of Queen Cornilia."

"This can't be."

"Do my eyes deceive me?"

"You look just like her your highness." A girl walks beside Mikki. She was the one that was Neto Mikki and that boy.

"Thank you, and you are?" I question feeling bad that I don't know her name.

"My name is Shay. My brother Rax and I were separated from our family. As was everyone else, separated from their village or pack." I frown as I imagine the pain they have gone through for who knows how long. Something tugging on my sleeve gains my attention. I look down to see a very young boy.

"Are you going to help us?" I kneel to his level, everyone staring at me.

"I'm getting all of you out of here right now." I stand up and call my feline friends. "Kuroro, Entei." They come to my side as I give them instructions.

"Okay I am going to have Mikki, Shinta, Kai, and-"

"Please take my sister, I want her far away from here." Rax interjects. Luckily Mikki filled me in on everyone's name.

"Okay, Shinta, Mikki, Kai, and Shay will be taken to Shinobi temple. They can stay there until this is over. I will get the rest of you out, you can either go back to our camp or help us end this bloody war. I'm giving you the choice."

Kuroro and Entei transform to their larger forms. I help Mikki onto Kuroro as Ginta puts Kai in front of Mikki. Since Kai is still unconscious, Mikki is helping so he doesn't fall. Shay and Shinta are on Entei.

"Kuroro, you need to get them back to Shinobi temple, where Kenji senpai is waiting." I touch our foreheads together before she and Entei take off. Now to get the others out of this hole. I look around for something to use to pull ourselves out.

'Child, use your power.'

"Akira?" I haven't heard from her since the other day.

'Yes child, it's me.'

"What do you mean by using my power? The only power I know of is the healing."

'There is more power deep from within. Clear your mind and focus on the words that come to mind.'

I close my eyes and clear my mind; my mind is blank like a cloudless blue sky. Two words appear in my mind and I whisper those words. "Aerial cloud," the next thing I know, my feet are no longer touching the ground. I open my eyes to all the demon captives in the air, just as I. I imagine us over on the ledge and find ourselves gliding to that ledge. Once out feet touch the ground I guide them through the tunnels that leads back outside.

Upon exiting the mountain, the clashing of swords and battle cries filled the air. The field was full of bodies, slain human and Ayakashis bodies scattered about.

"Princess, what should we do?" Ginta asks next to me. For some reason, I have this bad feeling. My eyes scan over the sea of bodies trying to locate a certain person.

"Where are you?" My question barely audible for no one to hear. Suddenly there was a faint rumble, but soon the ground shook with cracks forming in the mountain as if something is pushing against it. The next thing I know, pieces of the mountain go sailing through the air.

A large form stands tall blocking out the sun from its massive size. Only then did I recognize the eyes, I knew exactly who it was.

"Shit." I clench my fist and grind my teeth. This is not going to end well...
_________________________
Sorry for the late update everyone! Writers block doesn't help, especially with work and school. I wanted to upload this for you today as it is an important day for me.
I am graduating so I can attend a different college in the fall!
I wanna say a special thanks to MitsuPotter for giving me ideas, voting, and commenting! Your support means a lot to me.
The picture is how Katie and Nevith look when they hug.
Thanks! 💙💜💚