The Cursed Iris

Sprout 11: Usagi's Resolve

"Hey, hey Yukiko let's go on a job," Chiyoko continuously poked her shoulder.

Yukiko visibly getting annoyed made the temperature drop ever so slightly. "Okay, fine damn it! You're so annoying!"

Chiyoko cheered. "Usagi, I told you that she'd break."

Usagi ran up from behind a pillar in the castle with a large grin, "Does that mean I can join you guys now?" she had a sparkle in her eyes.

Chiyoko patted her on the head, "That sure does."

"Finally!"

Yukiko had a cold expression towards Chiyoko. "No, I refuse to let her join us. The empress would not approve of this."

Chiyoko held up an orb that had a picture of Aimi in it. It began moving, and she smiled. "Oh really? Because Aimi already said that she could. She wants her to gain experience, Yuki; she won't do that by just staying in the castle playing pretty princess all day."

She had a mocking expression, but Yukiko stayed silent, "How do you think Aimi got the title as the strongest human in the Three Realms?" Chiyoko asked with a conceited smirk. "It was all because of me."

Usagi stared at her in awe. "So you can get me as strong as my mother?"

"Nah, no way. That woman is an entirely different monster on her own. She's more powerful than all of the Dashavatara put together, even with our soul force, we're no match for her," Chiyoko replied with a depressed expression.

Usagi looked at Yukiko and she wore the same expression, Is mother really that powerful?

"Well," Yukiko sighed. "If the empress approves, then I guess we have no other choice."

"Don't worry, I'll protect her. Plus I'll let her have the final blows on most of the monsters."

They stared at each other. "Princess Usagi, remember the only way to increase your spirit energy is by increasing the size of your aura points. The only way to do that is to use your spirit energy in a fight continuously. Just wanted you to remember that. Even the idiot right here knows that," Yukiko stated as she turned away.

Usagi smiled, "Thank you both, so what type of job are we going on?" she wondered with eyes full of curiosity.

"Bakeneko hunting," Chiyoko replied with a smirk. When she did an ominous wind swept through the halls. They were all confused how because there were no windows nor doors open. "Why do I get the feeling Asami is going to kill me once she finds out?" Chiyoko asked with a nervous shiver.

"Well, they are distant relatives. Although, one is good natured and the other only hurts others; so I'm sure she'd understand," Yukiko reassured.

"You may be right, speaking of, I haven't seen her in forever. Her nor Minori."

Yukiko sighed. "You really don't pay attention do you? They're both in the west helping quell the rebellions emerging."

"That's kind of overkill isn't it?" she chuckled.

"I mean if they would've sent you and me, then yes. But they know how to end things without collateral damage."

"True, I guess."

Usagi began pouting because she didn't know what they were on about. "Can we please go!?" she yelled.

Chiyoko began to laugh. "Okay, okay. Fine."

*****

Chiyoko, Yukiko, and Usagi all reached an open grass field just outside the capital. The day was cold, the air was brisk, the sky was clear with very little cloud coverage, and the atmosphere made Usagi marvel at the beauty of the outside world.