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The light of the fire reflected from the sea into the Tigress' golden eyes as she felt all that had passed finally catch up to her. Byakko was so very young and innocent before it all began so many terrible days and months prior to that moment. All she had known had passed her long ago and now she had a new horizon to set her gaze upon but the memories would never fade completely. Though justice was served one, way or another, the scars remained and her life could never return from its current dwelling.

In the time when the two great races, Lions and Tigers, stood divided Byakko was in her adolescents seeing the world through eyes not yet jaded. She had a loving family, friends, a life quite normal however one not to be taken for granted. Her world would change in a short time unbeknownst to her, her fate was coming down the way. And what a fate it would to be, one none could predict nor reason with any sense made of it but indeed it would be hers.

The darkness concealed that which lurked beyond the walls of Cira, Lions armed for war and out for blood. Cira was just another Tiger city for them to attack as they passed on the warpath to greater foes further in the territory. All was quiet as the foreign horde paused gazing at the city assessing the threat unsure whether or not to attack. No defensive protocols looked to be in place and no one had prepared a militia to battle back. Despite the clear signs that Cira was a not combatant city in the war between the feuding races it was all the same to the Lions.

Byakko slept soundly in bed as the night encroached on the midnight hour a time when all who stirred in the city were guards or merely specters conjured by the mind. The gate was not locked as the Lions pushed the two massive doors opened and they poured into the city. Before the guards could even notice the intruders they had been slain and left to rot in the street. It took no time before the Lions began to shred and plunder the city in the dark of the night the streets barely illuminate by torch light.

Screams soon pierced the otherwise quiet night air as the Lions began to tear through homes without any real target. Within her home Byakko could see shadows of the soldiers cast upon the wall as she watched her parents drug from the bed. Blood splattered against the wall and glistened in the candle light as it slowly ran down to the floor. Her father's body slapped against the ground before the sound of tearing cloth and shrieks of a woman filled the air. Byakko could not escape what waited beyond the door and came closer with every second's passing. She tried in desperation to hide in the tiny room but her struggle would be in vain as she soon was joined with her mother in the main room.

The soldiers left the women alive after they had finished and were entirely through with them, one beaten the other barely clinging to life. Her mother fought trying to free herself the entire time and as a result had been all but murdered by the end. Byakko though battered and bleeding managed to stand upright, limping she went in search of help for herself and her mother. As she stepped into the streets she soon saw the true end game of it all as a mass of smoke began to consume the city and all to be heard would be the crackling of fire. She searched frantically in the medicine man's hut for him but would have no such luck finding only blood and destruction.

Terrified Byakko returned to her mother who's breaths became ever lighter and further and further apart every minute. Tears streamed down her face as she came to terms with what was happening and knowing that nothing could stop it now. Her mother tried to comfort her however could do little but gargle out a small incoherent noise. She then motioned to a board for Byakko to move and beneath find only a crawlspace. Crawling like a worm her mother came to the opening and motion her daughter to climb inside and then proceeded to climb on top of her before shutting the opening.

Her mother's hand slowly caressed her quivering body as she let out a low whimper as the two waited for their fate to come. The sound and the fury of the fire grew louder and more intense as it crept closer with every second of incredible tension. Byakko's tears became illuminated as the light of the fire broke through the crack in the house's foundation. Mother had stopped stroking her child as the heat began to consume all above and around the two. As the foundation gave way smoke poured into the crawlspace smothering those below in a brief moment.

The midday's heat warmed the stiff body of the Tigress as her eyes trembled shaking the ash from her lids before waking. Her eyes spun round in their sockets as she struggled to recollect what was true and what had been a dream. Byakko rose tossing the ashes which had been the corpse of her mother off before recalling who it was that had given their life protecting her own. She wandered away to weak to assemble even the most basic rational thoughts for her need of food or water. Finding herself at the one building spared from utter destruction, the temple, Byakko found shelter within from the oppressive heat.

The building was half destroyed in the inferno and only provided a meager bit of shade but all the same it was a place to recover. Weak and dehydrated Byakko found one of the few pots of water within the temple and proceeded to empty it into the basin in the room's center. Her eyes rolled to the back of her head as the sweet feeling of the cold water graced her flaming fur. A pleasured moan slipped from her lips once her head reemerged from beneath the water. She sat naked fighting to keep her eyes open when she heard a sudden noise coming from outside the temple.

Through a broken bit of the wall came a raggedy man looking weary with fatigue and exhaustion from dehydration. What look to be dried blood stained the chest of his robe and the patch of armor that did such a poor job of covering him. Covering herself Byakko stammered trying to make a statement as the man came closer to her. However before she could manage an audible word he had fallen face first into the pool and stopped moving all at once.

The man came to hours later lucky to have been pulled from the water instead of being left to drown without a second thought. Byakko had waited patiently for the man hoping to get a number of her question answered by the stranger. He struggled to lift himself for a few moments before ultimately falling back to the floor where he would remain. Slowly he removed his armor and opened his robe revealing a deep wound that looked to have all ready become infected. With a defeated sigh the man shut his eyes, at which point Byakko realized what his white fur distinguished him as, and Ivory Demon.

"You are one of them, the ghosts of the sand, are you not?" she asked nervously to the warrior as he lie waiting for death. He struggled to concern himself with the girl, "It matters no longer.. the king will have his way soon and... we will be only memories." "What about the Lions? Will they win?" Byakko asked frightened as she the night's terrors stirred in her. The man lay quiet as an idea buzzed through his mind picking up substance the more he tossed it around in his head.

"Not if we do something about it, we can stop them before it is too late but you will need to carry out my final mission," the soldier said. He forced himself to prop his weight up on an arm to be eye to eye with the girl. "There are many things in this world I never wished to know and more I wished to be untrue and what I have found is of both kinds. King Aion has allied himself with creatures not of any kind I have ever known and he used them to destroy a Lion city in his name. I followed the creatures to their home but one spotted me and wounded me. I need you to bring word to Nicademis in Aion City, tell him what I have witness and tell him to dethrone Aion before it is too late. This pendant is only worn by Demon warriors, take it, it will be the only proof that Nicademis needs to believe you." Byakko shook her head in agreement despite her fear of where this burden would take her. "There are those who will try to stop you, you will need a weapon. If you encounter any beast not of Lion or Tiger run, run as fast as you can. Now go before it is too late, sweet child," he collapsed again as he finished his message.

The girl was on her way quickly from the temple but before leaving remembered something of use to her that still remained inside. A relic of days past, a weapon, the sword of the high priest was left unharmed from the fire as it sat on its pedestal in the back of the temple. She lifted the massive scimitar wearily as she was unsure she could lift it entire weight. Byakko tied the weapon to her pack that consisted of three vases of water and the meager bit of food she could gather. Though so terrified to part she knew that nothing else remained for her at home and she departed post haste.

With every step she took Byakko could feel the distance between home and herself grow but knew what she was doing was right. Although it all felt so wrong, in a fire that fierce and all consuming how could she have survived it with only the protection of her mother's flesh. She came to a dead stop as she thought hard about what she had just concluded. Was it possible that it was all a dream? Could this all be a fabrication of the mind as the last bits of life faded away? She fell to her knees and buried her head in her hands so shaken that no tears would come cascading down.

The hot sands were almost soothing as she lie upon them feeling cold as the dead and just as lifeless within. "If I am dead," she spoke softly to herself, "then why am I still walking in this world? I want to be with mother and father and I can not find them. Am I being tormented for a misdeed I did not atone for or is this real? If this is still all real I have to carry out this task but does it matter if it is all just a dream? I could be alive despite everything but I will never know unless I seek out this Nicademis and prove to myself that this is real."

At a slow steady pace she made her way out of the valley of her people to a hill from which she could see all around her. She had always been told the homeland of all Tigers lies east within the canyon not far beyond. It would take the a days of walking but she could see her goal by sight and that was all she needed to boost her confidants. However danger still loomed, at least in her mind, as she ponder the thought of running into the Lions once again. She decided taking the cliffs would prove to be a safer bet as it served as a vantage point to sight any threat from further away.

Resting just below the hill's crest shaded from the sun Byakko took her mind to a happier place and time. She remembered her mother and father with all their imperfections and intolerable habits but no matter now negative the thought she missed them still. Byakko abhorred violence, knowing it only to lead to more and more of it but the acts committed by the Lions were unspeakably, depraved, and sickening. What would more violence help if it would only lead to more of what she had endured and survived to remember the pain and agony? Lost in her thoughts she had not realized the change taking place until the ground began to quake beneath her.

Byakko broke from her thoughts as the shaking became more intense, as she stood she scanned the area around her seeing just behind her the cause of the disturbance. From the sands protruded a pair of massive claws that were pulling sand into a deep chasm. Considering herself lucky, if she had not moved for another moment she too would have fallen deep into the pit. As the sand was sucked down the arms began to appear and stretch further from the void grasping out for leverage. Pulling on a massive stone a hideous creature was birthed from the scorching sands.

The beast stood easily twice the height of Byakko with a reach even longer still excluding its tremendously sharp and jagged claws. Its body had been embedded with numerous stones that were surrounded by pools of infectious flesh. Claws also came from the creature's feet which almost mirrored the hands seemingly able to grasp with these as well. But nothing could be as off putting as the creature's face; two round white dots poked out from between a thick pointed slab of metal that covered the jaw like a veil and two rows of horns that started above the brow and ran down to the tail.

Byakko stood in awe at the horror that had presented itself to her without cause or explanation at all. She let out a low murmurer as she tried to put together a coherent thought in response to the what she had seen but could find none. Immediately she ran from the creature however as fast as she could move the beast had its reach to help it. To her surprise the creature did not chase her but instead remained perfectly still as though it were a statue. Hesitant to move closer to it she watch from afar as the creature looked to the sky and locked on to the sun for moments on end. It returned its gaze down to the sands once more before shambling off towards Cira paying no mind to Byakko. Sighing in relief Byakko was now more determined than ever to reach her destination so much so that she could not rest easy even as night approached.

The night came quickly bring a cold air over the land and making everything on the horizon nearly invisible even if it were lit by fire light. Byakko was worn out from the heat of the day and had nearly exhausted most of her supplies however she could not allow herself to stop. Whatever creatures could be lying in wait for her to let down her guard was not something she was hoping to find out. Even with the monster from earlier parting ways without the slightest confrontation she was still on edge. What was more concerning now was the thought of the warrior lying in the temple. He was alone possibly still alive and that creature was headed in his direction. The choice to turn back to make sure the man was safe was not one she had her job now was too important to worry about a man near death.

Feeling hot as the inferno from the night prior Byakko awoke lying in the sands unaware of how she had found herself in that position. She had not fallen asleep on her own accord and could only recollect becoming dazed and tired in the night before everything had become blank. Stranger still she found around her a concave circle in the sand of which she was the epicenter. Just beyond the ring was a second ring this seemingly made of claw marks made by a creature circling her sleeping body. Sufficiently terrified she made her way off the dune she wandered onto and carried on towards Aion not waiting to find out what was stalking her.

Tracks led in every direction from where she had nestled down for the night her choice would be lucky as it did not bring her further away, it would take the greater part of a day but she would find her way. Byakko had reached the cliffs a point not far from where she last remembered being awake the night before. From the mouth of the canyon she could hear sounds of war as well as smell the scent of rot and decomposing flesh baking in the heat. Hurrying on her way she saw mounds of bodies lying within the ravine begin to grow rotten and ripe in the heat of the sun. The image became fixed in her head and began to clash with the images of her town ripped to shreds and burnt to the sands. She looked back wanting to return and hide in the temple but as she did she was given a reminder of the cruelty of these men.

The cliffs were littered with empty quivers, broken bow strings, and snapped arrows lying around deep indents in the sands. It was abundantly clear that these Lions were as nightmarishly strong as they were sick and disturbed. She proceeded along the cliff as she came ever closer to the sounds of war the sounds of voices began to grow. Below was the army of Lions arguing back and forth however the sounds of battle continued ahead. Fighting her basic instincts Byakko continued to an outcropping of the cliff to oversee the battle that made its presents so known throughout the canyon.

As Byakko reached the the outcropping the noise had ceased and below two warriors spoke both looking rather exhausted. She could not hear a single word spoken but noticed an Ivory Demon who, when finished, left his Lion opponent alive. The entire scene left her in disbelief, she could not comprehend why any self-respecting Tiger would leave a Lion they had battled alive and under such serious circumstances. Following the Tiger from above she hoped he would lead her to Nicademis however as she returned from the tip of the outcropping she could find no one in the canyon.

The evening sun was falling on the horizon and Byakko knew better now than to keep wandering in fear of becoming lost. She was hungry as she lie in the sand trying to rest her tired body but unable to sit still as her stomached ached so terribly. Her last bit of water had sloshed down her throat as the sun finally disappeared and now she had nothing left. The pale moonlight lit the sands making it almost glow however the sight was of no concern to her and her starving belly. Irritated and restless she unsheathed the sword to look upon it as none but those in charge of the temple had been allowed.

It was an elegant work, crafted with much care and skill however despite its wondrous design it still retain the qualities of a weapon. The edge was sharp though the blade had laid dormant since long before Byakko's birth. However it was odd the blade was sharp as though new as it had taken on a red tone as though covered in rust. The rust tone was present in the more than the blade but every facet of the design from the hand guard to the intricate markings within it.

After study the blade for a time she decided it would be wise to get a feel for the blade in case it become a necessity. She held the blade tight as she became uneasy upon picking it up feeling something ignite inside of her. Her movements were without grace or certainty Byakko moved as expected from one who had never before even held a weapon. It was morbidly comedic to think she would stand a chance against an assailant with such a lack of skill. However as she moved so clumsy across the dune what had ignited inside of her was readying to engulf her entire being.

She should have been resting yet instead felt compelled to continue practicing with the weapon hoping to perfect some semblance of a style. Slowly she learned how to control herself and the blade better turning clumsy swings into decent slices. Byakko had not before realized how poor her balance was, now she realized it was vital to her in many ways. With all her work she found herself becoming slightly more capable of wielding the weapon though she was becoming distracted by some unknown heat.

It felt as though she were lying in the sand at midday being baked by the sun's heat or being cooked like a roast. She figured resting would cool her but instead it felt to worsen it as though she had now entered an inferno. Byakko was at a loss, she sat on her knees as the heat became overwhelming suddenly her mind flickered back and forth from the night of the fire. Her struggle to escape these thoughts would be in vain as they became longer visions and closer together with greater detail.

Bits and pieces of memories repressed came pushing forward into her conscious mind and slammed against her heart. There was fire all around and her mother's trembling form barely hid the flames coming from above. Suddenly her mother stops shaking, stops moving all together, and before long the flames came pouring down as the those surrounding her convene on her location. Her fur was singed and then consumed by the fire before melting the flesh. She tried to scream but the smoke filled her lungs, vision began to go dark as her limbs were lost within the inferno. The final sight of flames licking her face imprinted into her memory as her eyes would not close and she bared witness to her end inside the fire.

A frightened shutter and she wakes with the sun taking the place of the moon and her mind in a state of ruin. Her trembling hands lock to the handle of the blade as she pulls herself to her feet while everything she thought told her to lie back down and die. In such horrible shock she wandered on, not gathering her supplies or noting that again a strange circle had been made around her sleeping body. Her objective was all that matter, her only reason for existence once it was complete she could step out of this plane. Not far ahead she would find her goal with only a short time to reach it pushing her limits passed what she thought capable would be nothing.

Byakko ran across the cliffs as she could see the Lions at the gates arguing with Aion but it was nothing to note as she leapt the divide between the cliff's edge and city wall. Fear in any normal person would have sent them to the bottom of the gap however without concern she managed to catch the wall and pull herself up. The archers began to hail fire as she made her way across the wall seeing the Ivory Demons only a short distance away. A horrible smell wafted over the walls; oil, smoke, and burning flesh it became a trigger and cause Byakko to become stalled as she stood mouth agate before the Demons.

"Young girl this is no place for you, get back home," the leader spoke. Byakko stuttered and stammered trying to remember her message but the thought of fire was overwhelming. "Someone get her into the residential district before that smell gets any worse," he ordered as a puff of black smoke passed by. Byakko broke from her trance as one of the Demons touched her, "Wait I have a message from one of your warriors. I found him he was... he was dying and he said that everything that was happening was because of Aion. He gave me this for you." Aion turn to see Nicademis removing his mask as he gazed at the pendant knowing it to be genuine.

Aion's headless corpse slammed to the floor and rolled down the stairs as Nicademis held the head high above the wall and all eyes rested upon him. Byakko was in full attention seemingly broken from her melancholy at the sight of the warrior. Nicademis carried on but every word was lost on her as she stared on with great admiration and affection. He was fearless, confident, however not brash or foolhardy Nicademis seemed to come just shy beyond the level of man. As he stepped down returning to his own she stood an awe unbroken with him coming ever closer.

"I must thank you miss what you have done took much courage and a strength most would not possess," Nicademis spoke bowing slightly to the ecstatic girl. She stumbled over her speech again however not out of fear, "I... I" "What it is child, there are many who are in your debt and I would like to repay you for them. Is there anything you need or want?" he was most hospitable and sincere. Reality set in for Byakko however and she knew any wild ambition would be a waste on her dead soul, "I.. do not need anything sir. This was all I that was left for me and now it is gone," a stream tears rolled down her face, "I will be going now." "Now that can not be true you must have family or friends left waiting for your return," Nicademis said optimistically. She turned back for a moment, "No sir, all dead every last are but ashes in sand." As he watch the young girl wander away into the desert Nicademis knew he could not allow the child to throw away her life that was yet to be. "Go on ahead boys, I will meet you at home," he ordered his men as he followed Byakko.

"Wait one moment, girl," Nicademis called as he caught up with her on the outskirts of town. Byakko was frozen in a state of carelessness, "What is it sir? I have nothing else for you." "It is not what you have for me but what I have for you and that is an opportunity," he said as their eyes locked. Still melancholy Byakko was however quizzical, "What type of opportunity?" "You said your home and family are gone, I know how that is, I have endured the very same. I wanted to offer you a chance to join our ranks, learn our ways, it is hard work but is a home for some who have no where else to go," Nicademis looked for hope deep in her dreary eyes. She was not eager but not entirely disdain, "Tell me am I still alive, is this real or is a dream? It feels like forever since I knew if I was actually alive or just fabricating madness inside"

Byakko joined Nicademis and returned to the Ivory's secluded home in a nearby oasis sheltered from sight by dunes in each direction. The men were dirty by fur and mind as they looked at the young girl in disgusting ways. Nicademis would not say a word but cast a glare in their direction that told them where they stood in the situation. He set her up in his tent for the evening knowing it wiser to do than to leave her unintended in a tent of her own; Nicademis trusted his men but knew all too well one could lose himself with loneliness on dark desert night.

"It is quite fine sir I can sleep on the ground this is your tent after all," Byakko reasoned in a shy tone. Nicademis laid out a blanket on the ground of the tent, "No you sleep in the bed tomorrow you start your training and you will need more rest than you could ever possibly get." "Thank you," she said with a nervous smile now considering how rough the training may be. Nicademis removed his tunic revealing his beautiful fur but a tremendous gash in his side that had seem to have healed over ages ago. Byakko swallowed hard remembering all her fears for the warriors when they would leave for battle without certainty of return or in what condition.

In the twilight of the morning Byakko was jostled awake by Nicademis who had dressed fully down to even his mask in utter silence, "It is time get dressed and meet me outside." The desert air is cold at this time of the morning, it blows off the dunes in hazy little storms, and the sky is lit with such peculiar tone. "Why are we up so early, I do not think I have ever woken so early intentionally," Byakko muttered as she made her way to Nicademis. Nicademis looked to her sternly, "Your body must be able to function in the early morning, much happens in this hour and you must be able to handle that. Now reach the top of that dune there," he pointed to the dune opposite the camp, "and then come down and climb the other three." "How do I climb them even?" she questioned confused and intimidated by the sheer size of the cliffs. He paused a moment looking as though he had a thought, "Trial and error, the same way we all had to."

The day was long, the heat and sun far too hot, and her task so simplistic however so terribly testing of her strength and every patients. Climbing the dunes was a task not many could bare as after climbing up the climber would then have to hang by their hands trying to traverse the overhanging tip of the dune. From the top the ground below looked as though the fall would be an eternity away, all the more reason to plot a safe route down. It had taken until close to noon before she had made her way up the second dune her body was going numb and calculating her steps back down would be a new adventure each and every time.

Basking in the cold moonlight Byakko sat atop the final dune hours past the point of quitting now only taking her time as she sat above home. Nicademis waited on her descent however she had not intended on it so soon. She looked at her paws burnt, torn, worn, and bleeding after all the days work twitching with surges of pain. But the pain began to feel good as it was another reminded that she was alive and that all she knew was true. They would all in the end become scars to remind her that her past was still real and that upon it she would build a better future.

Lights began to go out as Byakko returned to Nicademis' hut who too had turned in for the evening leaving only a small torch to guide her. She wash her paws in a small dish of water as she stood admiring Nicademis' beauty. Quietly stepping closer she stared at him for a few moments losing herself as her eyes slowly worked from head to chest and beyond. "You will not be sleeping in my bed again tonight kid, get some sleep tomorrow is going to be harder," Nicademis spoke his eyes still closed and form unbroken. Byakko stepped back in surprise and shuffled away to her spot in the tent embarrassed beyond words.

A foot nudged Byakko breaking her from a sleep she wished would never end. "That time again, come along," Nicademis said as merely a dark figure in her perception. With a yawn she exited the tent and met him, "Climb the dunes?" "No take the path out of the valley, follow it until it split in three directions, go left or right, and follow that path around the dunes," he said as he gestured around the area. Byakko was not one for running but by comparison doing laps was easy, "How long, how many times should go around?" "Come back a little earlier tonight if you want to eat and take these with you," Nicademis pointed to a stick with a buck of rocks on each end.

From sunrise to sunset she made laps around the dunes the rocks weighing on her but she would persevere through it. Byakko could not understand how today was to be harder after the first lap the path was easy to navigate though the first time around was dreadful. Rocks and small holes littered the way causing a runner to fall and more often than not to spill the buckets. Running off the path was not an option as more rocks covered one side and a fall from the cliffs sat on the other. Before nightfall she returned to the village, tired and starved.

As she arrived the few men who sat outside their homes went in leaving only one who sat on a rock looking out onto the oasis. "Where do you think you are going?" he asked as Byakko moved behind him. She stopped a bit bothered by his inquiry, "Home." "This will never be your home, you are not one of us, which as far as I am concerned makes you fair game," his tone changed as proceeded towards her. Byakko stepped back as her mind began to race and panic, "Keep away from me, Nicademis would not let you hurt me! Nicademis!" "Shut up!" he yelled as he lunged at her knocking her to the ground. She struggled and fought as hard as she could but was so tired from her running, "Let me go you bastard!" "Women are not very common around here," he spoke with a hideous tone and even more hideous intent. Her mind went blank as her memory stirred the darkest images it had in store; the lions, what they did to her and her mother, the fire, and flesh and fur burning off the bone into nothing but ash.

Byakko came to moments later noise surrounding her as men clamored past her towards the man who lie motionless next to the rock. Blood was splattered across the point of the rock and dripping down it into the sand where more blood hand landed and now began to pool and sink in. Nicademis grabbed Byakko before anyone else could get to her and threw her into his tent. She should have been startled by this but was so jaded and lost in thought it was impossible for her to react to it at all.

"What happened out there!?" he screamed as Byakko turned to look at him. She slowly assembled her thoughts for a moment, "He attacked me and then I must have... hurt him." "Hurt? He is dead, the point on that rock cracked open his skull and spilled what was inside! Why did you kill him!?" Nicademis was leaving no room for innocents in his words. Byakko's mind began to clear now, "I had no control, everything went away for just a minute, and when it came back you were bringing me back here. I did not want to kill him, please believe me." "This was all practice, just a test, I needed to see if you could fight and see if you could hold your own even after a day of training. I will choose to believe you because if you wanted to kill the Demons you had two chances to kill me in my sleep but I want an explanation," he spoke his anger subsiding now as he sat on his bed.

"I can not explain what happened but maybe I can explain why it happened," Byakko stated staying as she was on the floor facing away from him. Nicademis' expression shown he how little he wanted an excuse, "Sit up here then tell me." "When he grabbed me it reminded me of what brought be here, the war. You see before I found you I had a home and a family until the Lions came. They killed my father and burnt our village to the ground. But before the village would burn the men went through the house and found any woman they could and had their way with them. After they had finished with my mother and I they let us burn but even though I saw my own fur turn to ash I am still here. Why am I alive? I felt myself be turned into nothingness and yet here I am without purpose or answers," tears were running down her face and her eyes cast an empty stare as though these revelations were all new to her. Nicademis went to exit before leaving a parting, "You are safe here and that is all that matters. Get some rest, I have a few things to take care of so you make take my bed again."

The following day did not deviate from the norm to much however instead Nicademis would change his focus to combat. "You will not be training with me exclusively with this, first you will learn how to fight hand to hand and many of us have our own specific style. After I will teach you how to use that sword you have brought with you," Nicademis said. Byakko nodded in agreement, "Why are you not wearing your armor today?" "Showing you proper technique is easier this way, you can see the muscles as they move," he responded simply. For days the Demons trained with Byakko sharpening her combat skills as best they could however still faced the limitation that the girl was not built to be a warrior.

"Tomorrow you will begin learning how to use that sword," Nicademis informed Byakko as she returned from training. She breathed a weary sigh and settle on the floor, "I can not, the others are still working to get me to the same level as everyone else is in combat." "You do not listen them, you listen to me the same as they do," he fired back with an unfamiliar tone. Byakko would not question the man she revered so greatly, "Yes sir, but why is it so important that I learn sword combat now when I am busy learning fighting techniques?" "Never mind the why, I have my reasons and that is all there is to it," he went to sleep shortly after without another word.

"I suppose I never realized how massive that blade is until I see you holding it," Nicademis greeted Byakko. She was not amused by his comment, "I know it is very large but it is a sacred blade one my people protected for many years." "Then why bring it into battle if it so special it will only be diminished through fighting," he responded with a genuine curiosity. The wind changed direction and picked up blowing waves of sand past the two, "My village was not a warring community, some would go to Aion and join the army any others who felt the need to carry arms became guards. Simply the supply of weapons was not abundant this was the only one I knew of for certain." "Well it all becomes so clear now," Nicademis muttered quietly but not soft enough to not be heard. Byakko was not going to let it go unnoticed, "And what exactly do you mean by that, so we were not fighters, there will always be those who do not want to fight whether they have to or not." "I was wondering how your village had been decimated so easily as though none put up a struggle. Refusing to fight for gain of wealth and land is understandable however not fighting when your own life is on the line now that is a sin," his tone was of disgust as though to shame her for her actions or lack thereof.

Without a word she moved swiftly with her blade swinging at her mentor with a face of true fury and anguish. Nicademis' movements were very fluid as he dodge every swipe perfectly not even gaining a single scratch. Leaping back a few steps he put his hand to his blade leaving it there a moment to show he would not allow this to proceed any further. Byakko was too upset to worry of his skill or what he would do after it was over she just kept after him. He moved to strike but miscalculating the unplanned steps of his adversary locked blades with her. Both sides held strong not allowing the other the slightest bit of room to move without fear of seeing their blood fly a drift on the winds. With the tension came heat an overwhelming level of heat worse than the midday sun on the hottest of days.

"Stop this Byakko, your mad I understand this but this not end well for you if you think you are going to battle me," Nicademis warned but a sense of wariness was present in his voice. The words passed her ears and were not received by her mind as she remained locked. "I am commanding you to cease this at once, I will let this go without thought but end this now," a faint but persistent fear lingered in Nicademis' tone. The message was received this time but the order would not be followed, "You make light of what happened to me and my family, how those beasts slaughtered us and defiled me! Never dare speak to me like that again I do not care who you are!"

Byakko pulled away and moved a bit away from Nicademis who looked on her with an uncertain expression. He sat himself in the dirt where he had stood and continued to stare at her despite now she made eye contact with him. "What is it now? Do you have something you wanted to add about my people simply wanting to live life?" Byakko questioned. Nicademis rose and moved closer, he circled her examining her, "Have you never noticed you seem to glow in this early morning light? Your fur looks the color of embers in a dying a fire while you stripes break through like streams of black smoke." "What of it? Can we just begin training no more talking or arguing just teach me how to fight like you?" her voice was humbled nearly begging to move on at this point.

The two practiced techniques and sparing until noon when Nicademis stopped the lesson for something of a break. He guzzled some water before offering her some, "You are improving as far as I can tell that is in knowing how and when to block a blow however as far as actual combat you seem to throw the entire lesson out in the heat of the moment." "I am trying my hardest to focus but I am not all that great at offense," she admitted after a drink. They returned to the tent to continue the discussion, "Defense is good but a sloppy offense is just as bad as a poor defense so you absolutely must focus. Your untamed aggression aids you but only if you have an unsuspecting foe, a ready fighter could cut you down without a problem while you are in a frenzy." "I know I will work on it, sir, it is my number one concern as of now," she replied burying the truth far out of sight.

Training continued but was of little use to Byakko, though she could absorb the knowledge, skill, and techniques she was unable to focus. During every sparring session she would lose her nerve and begin to swing wildly and end up with a blade against her showing how she could have lost. Eventually the introduction of armor made her slightly more concentrated and seemingly less afraid to strike with proper technique. After all the training she was still quite novice with a sword though her fighting ability was average even while being trained by multiple different teacher with different styles. She was still very eager to continue her training despite how rough the others were with her and how much pain she incurred throughout most exercises this however would end.

"Sir," a Demon called for Nicademis, "We have guests they want to speak with you directly." Nicademis sheathed his blade, "I will be there momentarily. It is likely a contractor, come along you may learn how we negotiated with them," he told Byakko as he put on his mask. A group of Tigers were waiting a short distance from the first tent however in their midst were Lions looking outfitted for battle. Nicademis stopped Byakko before he left the line of Demons, "Stay back here with the others, the Lions should not be any problem to us however it is concerning."

"Nicademis, I trust life is well for you as always," a Tiger spoke greeting him. Nicademis glanced across the group with a skeptical expression, "Indeed. Styn, what is it that you need from us today, I would typically assume help with the Lions however it seems your truce holds strong even after Aion's deceit." "Yes well he was one who demanded war against the Lions so you can see how the healing begins where he ended. We require some additional support, all you can give, to be blunt. I will not play coy as Aion would, Orion II and myself we have resolved to combine our efforts to work to make this world a better place," he spoke as though trying to lure Nicademis in. His skeptical look had not been changed to one of reassurance with this statement, "Why does this require us? What good do you hope to do with militants if you wish to better the land?" "You see my friend many would think peace would better this land however to get peace we must first go to war. We must unite all others and govern them for their own safety and the good of all in this land. So you see a group of highly trained, extremely efficient, and infamous warriors in our corner makes it all the easier to take control without need for too much bloodshed," Styn finished with a wicked grin as though his plan was without its horrors.

"You will need to find another then Styn, I have always appreciated the Kingdom of Aion's hospitality towards our group however what you are asking it not of our ways. I am sorry friend but the answer is a definitive no," Nicademis replied as he stepped back from the man. Styn looked to the ground and looked back up with a grin, "Well maybe you are not so easily bought off but your friends, how long will they stand by those convictions once you are gone?" "You may not understand loyalty, dignity, or pride however those values are instilled into all of us what would you do then?" he asked in a stern tone no longer willing to listen to his scheme. He stood with his same sick smile, "Then what becomes you is what becomes any other who crosses me, a nice little hole to be stuffed and rot away within." "You dare threaten me on my own land, in front of my own men, over a foolish matter as this," Nicademis' tone was beyond livid now. Styn stepped a bit closer, "You misunderstand I do not threaten you, I am telling you what lies ahead for you. Grab him!"

The small army immediately converged on the man and pulled him deep into their ranks far from the reach of the Demons. It happened so quick none could react until they heard his voice faint over the shouting and calamitous noise, "Demons, run!" Upon his word the group was gone up the dunes leaving all but their armor and weapons behind. There was little time to waste as the legion was not far behind but as she reached the apex of the dune Byakko looked back. In the distance she could see only faint figures but no sign of Nicademis and in doing this she knew he was gone and her heart sank but inside something roared with great power.

As the soldiers reached the top of the dune the Demons were gone however Byakko had remained waiting for her foes. Tears streamed down her face however she would not show this keeping her face hung low and out of sight. "Look what we got here, what do you think a hostage or do you think they just take in strays now," one of the men asked. She wiped her tears and grasped her sword tight, "You killed him, I know it. He showed me kindness, he took me, and protected me and know he's dead!" She swung with speed and struck with tactfulness as she lobbed ones head clean off. The other clashed with her as more mounted the ridge and came to join in the battle.

Her blood was pumping hot, hotter than ever as she concentrated on every movement her enemies made. The crowd became far too large to take on alone and as she calculated this she felt the tension begin to weigh on her. Byakko felt she was ill or off in a way she had never before felt, her vision was going red and failing, and in a moment it was black out. She came to at the center of field of charred bodies and scorched earth with nothing else standing but her. Turning her attention to an equally astonishing event her blade had become engulfed in flames so much so it was hard to tell where the blade was within.

Stumbling from the center of the field she moved to the edge of the dune and look out onto the oasis to find the army leaving. She returned down the dune and made her way back to the tents but could find no sign of Nicademis. Drained from the whole experience Byakko sat on his bed quietly collecting her thoughts while feeling her eyelids become increasingly heavier. With a quick snap she shook herself awake and exited the tent knowing she could not rest not yet. Following the path out of the oasis that they army exited on she would come to find Nicademis in a terrible situation that was grimmer than her darkest thought.

At the top of the hill stood a cross that cast a shadow all the way down to where Byakko stood when she had seen it. A gasp slipped from her before she rushed to his side but it was far to late for Nicademis. His head hovered close to the ground while his feet stretched out to the sun and his arms reached out in both directions. The armor he had worn was scattered around his mask however had been pressed into his face easily realized as blood dripped from the edges. Blood stained his beautiful fur as it ran down his body from each his chest, stomach, and every limb all collecting and falling down his face.

She recoiled with a disturbed shuttered as she discovered every horrendous wound that he had incurred for resisting. "By.. Byakko.. is that you?" the frail voice asked from behind the mask. Byakko was speechless as she tried to gain the strength to respond. "Listen.. this is it for me.. tell the others Derom is still alive.. he is helping them," he struggled to speak and as he did so a stream of blood began running from his neck. Fighting as hard as she could to hold back tears Byakko simple nodded in agreement. "Good.. good.. I need one things of you... burn me.. allow nothing to remain... I will be no martyr," he asked with a dying sadness in his voice. Biting her lip as a tear ran down Byakko nodded before clinging to him one last time as she felt the burning feeling arise in her again and consume the two of them entirely.

"Miss Byakko," a foot nudges her shaking ashes from her sleeping form, "have you been harmed?" She rose tossing off the rest of the ash and uncovering Nicademis' mask, "They killed him... h..he asked me for one thing before he was gone.. he wanted his body to disappear." "Yes but all must see their end one day, what is important now is that we strike back and make certain they never return here," the warrior spoke in a furious temper. She studied the mask now marked white was all too closely resembling his face, "Derom. He said that he is helping them." "Impossible, Derom was the man who sent you to Aion looking for us. You said yourself he was dying and that he was abandoned in a desolate city," he was skeptical of the claim. An older warrior made his way up from the rear of the group, "We must put our faith in the girl, after all if what we have seen is true then she is our hope for a future."

Unbeknownst to Byakko the Demons had witnessed her battling the soldiers and seen her abilities to command fire. At a time before her birth a young Nicademis suffered from visions of a Tiger who possessed such talents. He would not allow himself to believe these to be prophetic visions however he would share these dreams with his men merely as nothing but conversation. However as time past on he began to dissect this idea trying to understand why he would have such a vision and if it could ever be a reality. To his dismay he would never see it in Byakko that she was gifted instead insisting if any would be the Tiger from his vision it would be of his own kind.

The days that followed were filled with discussion as to who would lead the Demons with Nicademis gone. Meanwhile two younger members were sent out to scout out Aion and the army's location respectively. Byakko busied herself with an exploration into her own abilities spending whole days far from the others practicing her new found abilities. She would push herself as hard as she could in effort to expose her true worth as Nicademis had while training her. Late into the evening she would return and hide away in her tent to stare upon the empty suit of armor in adoration of the man she had loved. Byakko dared not tried it on however she felt herself unworthy of it and would never tarnish the armor of the man she loved so dearly.

At sunrise less then a week after the incident the scouts had returned, one had found the army but brought bad news the other had scouted Aion with news that stood between negative and positive. The bad news was of the army, though its course was leading outward into Leopard territory it had grown substantially in size. Aion on the other hand was devoid of soldiers however the new leader was a face to familiar for the Demons, Derom. Derom had taken place of Aion presiding over the city however brought with him equal or possibly greater tyrannical urges. The scout was luck to have escaped with his life as in place of soldiers a small contingent of guards watched the streets for any opposition to Derom and the military.

"The decision is final we moved on Aion tomorrow, if the timing is right the army will be busying themselves with attacking the Leopard territory and will be too busy to return if a messenger were able to escape," Faran announced as he now sat at the head of the table. The decision was passed unanimously though was questioned by Byakko, "What do we plan to do with Aion once it is under our control? We may be facing off against an entire city and if the military were to return we would be wiped out." "This is not about taking a city, it is about Derom. We need to find out what he is doing and why but more importantly how he has miraculously returned from the dead," Faran answered in a surprisingly civil tone as he was usually cold to Byakko. Preparation began immediately after, all would have to go and fight including Byakko.

She stood staring at the rough metal exterior still layered with the ashes of its previous owner. Byakko held the mask to her face for a moment unsure if she could bring herself to donning the outfit of her idol. After hours of mental preparation she was fully outfitted with all but the mask that she still was too nervous to place upon her face. She pressed her face against the exterior and thought on the life of the man who once inhabited the armor and mask. "Nicademis lend me your strength tomorrow, I will need it to help avenge you," she uttered before kissing the mask and setting it atop the mirror.

The Ivory Demons were on the outskirts of Aion before noon of the next day all were in full dress even Byakko had finally found the strength to don Nicademis' mask. "We will go over the wall by way of those cliffs, we will be far from where we think Derom is but we will be in. Do not concern about the lives you may take, if they stand against us then they stand with the army," Faran addressed the group. They moved across the cliffs and into the city swiftly and silently being notice by neither guard nor civilian. Slipping through alley ways and seldom used paths the Demons reached the city center nearing where they theorized Derom to be and were quite right in this thought.

The city square was empty and an ominous aura hung in the air all around putting the unit into a defensive mode. Across the square lie a rotting body with bits of white fur protruding out from the holes ripped in the clothing and armor. It was Derom, dead and long since forgotten had rotted away leaving only enough to distinguish his cadaver as his own. The silence now became something all too suspicious in light of this new discovery. Faran would be the first to discover why the town had been so silent as he located their enemy waiting patiently for them just above hanging from the edge of the building.

Byakko had seen the creature before with its unmistakable metal mask and hideous claws stained with old blood. It fell to the ground forcing the group apart and disorganizing their joint structure leaving it to their independent styles. The creature lashed out at all but seemed to be focusing on Byakko attempting to attack her over anyone else. Before any could attack or be attacked the city guards arrived armed with crossbows. They sided with the Demons however were left with no choice after seeing their monstrous opposition. Few were able to fire off an arrow as the monster leapt from one to another striking and consuming the archers with its massive jaws.

The creature return to the ground in front of Byakko ready to strike seeming to be waiting for the right moment. Byakko ignited her blade, "Faran take the men out of here and take the guards bows I will need your assistance." Without argument Faran directed the men to individual vantage points while Byakko and the monster prepared to face off. "I wondered why you let me alone in the desert, you had a chance to kill me while I was at my weakest and ignored it I should have guessed there was a reason for it," she spoke as though expecting an answer from the creature. Its response was basic a spine chilling growl before it launched itself at her.

Dodging the strike would be of no use its tremendous reach would allow it to still hit her no matter how far she could leap. Byakko caught the claws just barely with her blade and was sent sliding back into the fountain at the center of the town square. The beast forced all of its weight upon her attempting force the blade from her hands and take her quickly. She was strong but the monster's weight was proving a bit much for her small body. The sound of arrows whizzing through the air came at once and the monster let up momentarily as it shook of the bolts. Opportunistic as one must be in a such a situation Byakko used the distraction to lessen the enemy's weaponry by severing its wretched claws.

With a horrible howl the creature began reeling backwards into the alcove where it had hidden upon their arrival. Byakko slammed her blade into the ground sending a wave of fire chasing after the monster as it hid in the darkness. Even more violent screams echoed off the buildings as the beast shot from the darkness and leapt upon Byakko. The flames could do nothing against her but as the creature realized this it bore its fangs and chomped into her shoulder. She struggled to pull her blade but once in hand she impaled the creature throwing it from her. Running with her momentum she followed up by stabbing the beast through its mouth that hung agate as it howled in agony.

Blood shot everywhere from the beast as it stumbled and fell into the fountain extinguishing the flames that covered it. In seconds the fountain began to run black with the blood that still oozed from the many wounds of the beast. Byakko circled the fountain watching for it to reemerge from the dark void but it would not come roaring out instead sneaking out on the opposite end. It crawled weak and near death to the body of Derom which it began to leak its blood into from mouth to mouth. Dragging her blade just barely above the ground Byakko rushed the beast and in one quick swipe beheaded it and set the body ablaze. With haste the inferno took the form and converted it into black ashes that floated away upon the breeze.

The flames went out as Byakko sheathed her blade and went to Faran who held a skeptical look as he stared on at Derom. Byakko noticed this look and as she brought her attention to the issue she seen good cause for the expression. Derom was shaking and convulsing in his place seeming to have been brought back from the dead. The Demons held patient as they watched the spectacle unsure of how to proceed and unaware of what was afoot. With slow steps Byakko approached the man who was beginning to cease the involuntary movements and was coming to his feet bit by bit.

"Derom? Derom are you alive?" Byakko asked not sure if she was able to believe what she was seeing at the moment. Derom stopped quaking as he final stood and could raise his head, "You are right I could have killed you in the desert but I had to be sure. Master hates when we get to anxious and killed the wrong one not so much for the waste of flesh but to look a fool he hates." "You are the creature, you did more than turn Derom into a puppet you possessed him and targeted us," Byakko was furious as she put it all together. The creature laughed in a hideous way, "Girl I did not target anyone, blame that upon the Lion, Orion has such big plans for this world unfortunately you are not a part of them. Soon his Legion will consume all of the peoples of this land and unite them beneath his might, a champion of champions if I do say so myself." "Orion? To think Nicademis spared the man as he saw him as an equal. Nonetheless your part is through and once you are gone he will be our next foe to fell," purpose filled Byakko's speech as she drew her blade the flames roaring from it the second it left the sheath.

Derom's hands began to shake for a moment before four blade like claws tore through flesh replacing the fingers. His eyes became tinted with a wicked empty blackness one would suspect of a condemned soul. These threats would not stop Byakko as she charged at the man who with a quick motion dodged her strike. Tackling her the two smashed through the door of a small home located in the town square luckily vacant at the time. The creature darted around the main room hiding from Byakko hoping to catch her off guard with a surprise attack. Her eyes shot back and forth as she moved through the room constantly spinning round making certain to watch her back.

She approached the door with her back to it keeping an eye on the bulk of the room waiting to trick Derom out of his hiding place. However as Byakko neared the door it slammed shut and behind it stood the beast who quickly pinned her to wall his claws skewering her arms. She struggled trying to break free as the sounds of tearing flesh and cracking bones became prevalent from behind her. Jagged teeth began to caress her neck opposite of her first bite as the monster toyed with his capture prey. The door slammed opened and the sound of arrows returned as the Demons once again saved Byakko from the monster's grips.

Hardly effected from the attack Derom would grab a table and hurl it at the door sealing off any aid the Demons could give. The creature was relentless giving Byakko not even a second to stand before throwing her against the wall opposite the door, as she hit her back shattered the few arrows that missed Derom. He lifted her again and smashed into the floor leaving her head spinning as the beast seated himself on top of her pinning her arms down below his knees. "He said you would be strong but alas in the end your out of your league against me, you are just a pathetic mortal," the creature spoke smugly. Byakko stared into the empty eyes of the monster, "Your Master sent you after me because of my gift did he?" "Of course why else would Master Paga waste his time with you," the beast snared with anger. Byakko began to feel the fire flowing inside of her, "Then tell your Master Paga he can take it!"

Within seconds the two became immolated however only the beast did suffer, Byakko walked slowly to her sword as the building became filled with flames. While Derom ran past in a panicked fury he caught her blade in his chest and was to a wall. She tore from his chest down and out of his body nearly tearing Derom's body completely in two. The beasts vision began fading as he watched her disappear as her fur became one with the fire with her stripe as black streams of smoke. Byakko returned to the Demons as the house began to collapse, it was over Derom was dead and the beast alongside him.

Aion fell to the control of the Ivory Demons with Faran taking the helm as he had as the leader of the Demons. Fortune shined upon them as they struggled to restructure the city government as the army did not return to their lands. The lands around however suffered greatly as the Legion tore through recruiting any who would join them and disposing of anyone else. Many refugees would come to Aion and seek shelter in one of the few cities that remained in the wake of the destruction. With help from all within the city it was once again to the standard it had been before and with protection in mind a new military was formed. Heading each unit was a Demon who would train their men in their own distinct style and with their weapon of choice. However Byakko was not among her peers in their military future she embarked upon a different journey.

Saying her goodbyes to the Demons Byakko left Aion to follow the path blazed by the Legion knowing they must be stopped and her gift to be possibly the only thing strong enough for the task. No town had been spared as everywhere she went was in a state of recovery from the massive amounts of destruction rained down. Byakko could not turn a blind eye to these peoples strife and in return for shelter and information agreed to help these small villages. The Leopards seemed to have taken the most loses of all however seemed to possess a wealth of information.

The Leopards had always made it a goal to remain neutral in the affairs between Tigers and Lions but with the Legion at their door they had no neutrality left. It was a violent a struggle resulting in the sovereign's death alongside his wife. Not a single soldier was left when the assault was through the rest were left to die with limited resources and shelter. They were not disparaged however as the city advisers quickly formed order and tried to lead the people in their time of strife.

After months of work Byakko was informed by the civic leaders that after the Legion's passing reports of missing villagers and strange creatures being sighted had risen. "The villagers have been claiming that those who have gone missing had encountered these creatures. They do not know what the intentions are but most believe that they have been taken to be devoured. Most who catch a glimpse of this things seem to see them heading towards the caves outside of town," the elder spoke directing Byakko in the proper direction. Byakko bowed to the man, "Thank you elder, I have two requests I must make before I take my leave. I need a messenger to bring word to Faran in Aion of this threat also I must insist that the villagers stay far from those caves." "Certainly, do you think that you can help us with these creatures?" he asked apprehensively. Byakko noted his concern before response, "I intend to drive whatever these things are into the ground or at the least far from these lands."

The caves were silent as the grave in the day as Byakko staked them out waiting for any sign of a creature but nothing would come. Day began to shift to night and from the cave's depths noises began to creep out towards her. By dusk the area around the caves were abuzz with sounds like Byakko had never heard before nor had ever wished to hear. In the faint light movement could be seen close to the openings of the cave and slowly forms became visible. Byakko drew her sword and quickly ignited it ready to battle whatever lie in wait within the dark of the cave.

"Come forth creature, meet your end as we all must," she called to the emptiness while brandishing her blade. Stumbling and shambling out of the dark came a horde of Leopards who had been seemingly brutally if not fatally attacked. Byakko was revolted by the sight unsure of how to handle these bloodied villagers that stunk of decay. She held tight to her blade, "I am here to help but you all need to back up. Get back. I said get back damn it!" As she began to shout the horde charged at her and within seconds they were in pieces scattered about the ground. "What have I done? They needed help and I... I killed them. No it is not all my fault, they came at me as though they were going to hurt me. What is going on here?" she looked back and forth at the semi-charred bodies before a wicked laugh broke the silence.

An empty pair of eyes and a monstrous set of teeth shined and in the light before the rest of the face became visible as the owner proceeded closer. "And our prey comes to us, simply give it time and it will follow so mindlessly," the beast spoke as its hideous scarred face became visible. Byakko knew now it had been trick, "So I am to assume you work for this 'Paga' that the other worked for or are you in the habit of giving rather than taking orders?" "You speak his name but know so little, it would be comical if not so idiotic. But alas words are not what I have come for, no you, you are are what I am after and I do so hope you do not wish to come so easily," its face remained in an unbroken and twisted smile that sent shivers down the spine.

Byakko lunged at the creature and slashed open its face, blood spurted from the deep gash and the monster retreated to the darkness. "Very well then, my children will help to bring you to Master Paga," the creature's voice echoed through the caves. The noises began again and soon more of the Leopards began to exit the cave and charge at Byakko. She fought as best she could but before long the horde surrounded her and began to chase her into the caves blocking the exit with their sheer numbers.

Inside she navigated with the dim light of her sword until finding lanterns that illuminated the chamber which reeked of death and decay. Sure enough once the flames grew bright enough it shown the sight of bodies everywhere within, some looking very fresh while others seemed more bone than fur. There was not time to stop and bother concerning herself with it as the horde was not far behind. She ran to the end of the cave hoping to find a secondary exit but instead found herself at a dead end. Peculiar it was however that she had not encountered the monster which had retreated inside.

Bony fingers graced her shoulder and chilled her to the bone before she could turn and face the creature that hung from the stalactites above. The creature smiled its unendingly chilling grin as Byakko pulled away before brandishing her sword, "Call them off now!" "Why not I have you know after all," the beast laughed as with a jerk of his wrist he flung her across the cave. She jumped back to her feet shaken but more confused then hurt, "What sorcery is this that you employ?" "Oh you mortal so very weak and feeble minded," he twisted his wrist again however this time Byakko pulled back. She could feel tension weighing on her shoulder as though it were being made to follow his gestures, "Release me fiend, fight me like your kin had and fail when you do so." "All the more reason to keep at it then," the beast grinned and contorted his hand the other direction sending Byakko flying back.

She rose again furious, hurt but refusing to acknowledge it, "I will send you back to your master in an urn!" "Not so fast," it spoke before raising and lowering his hand rapidly sending her smashing against the ceiling and floor. A stalactite had nearly impaled her, she was bleeding profusely, "You can not win, I am stronger than your tricks!" "No you are but a mortal and I am divine," his horde of mindless vessels joined him now watching on from behind him as he flung her from wall to wall. The cave went dark as the sword dropped to the ground and the flames went out, "No... this is not..."

Byakko moved her head about in a daze as the blood lose began to hit her hard and she became weak from it. "Yes succumb to defeat, surrender yourself, and become one with my Master," the voice pierced through the darkness. She fell to her knees and struggled against the immense weight of her own body as she fought to return to her feet. "Struggle as you will it can do little for you, it is over and you are finished," it said as it began to pull her forward. Byakko fought but knew she could not last much longer at the rate she was losing precious vitality. "Master Paga will be quite pleased, with you gone the rest of these cities will fall so easily," the creature laughed.

It finally hit Byakko that defeat could mean more than her destruction but could put whole cities at stake even Aion could fall. She summoned her final bits of strength and pulled herself to her feet though stumbling, weary, and her eyes rolling from back to front repeatedly. "Oh my you still think you can fight this but you can barely fight to stand," the beast laughed loudly at the sight, Her hands began to tingle and seconds later burn, before long the flames worked their way across her body until she was immolated. Power began to pulse through her tired body until she could barely contain it she clenched her teeth tightly and hissed as the memories of pain began to race through her mind. The creature could no longer puppeteer her and as he realized this she released a tremendous shriek before the caves filled with flames

Ashes rained down upon her as she watched the charred creature blow away in the wind generated from her descending to her knees. Byakko no longer felt the pain of her wounds and once again felt strength growing inside. She knew for certain the Legion was evil and conspiring with the likes of this Paga who seemed only to have destruction on his mind. There was no option left that she could see, she would need to wait by the sea for the Legion's return and destroy them. It would take time, she would need to hone her skills, however she may have found the best manner to do so, hunt.