The Cursed Iris

Sprout 34: The Dashavatara

Aimi and Yukiko both returned to the capital which was more lively than they expected. It was as if they were having a festival, "Right Yukiko you want to know something interesting?" Aimi asked her with a sincere grin. They had entered the palace, which was just as lively as the outside.

"Yes?"

Aimi had a sparkle in her eyes like a little child. "Well, I decided to invite the rest of the Dashavatara here. I thought that it's been a while since I've seen them, so I did."

Yukiko didn't like it, because once they all got together they continuously tried to fight each other. Especially when they saw her. They always wanted to challenge her to take her rank, well besides Chiyoko and Miya. They were the only ones to challenge her just for the sake of getting stronger.

"Milady I don't think it was a good idea inviting the rest of them," Yukiko replied. "Besides Chiyoko nor Miya is here."

"I know that!" Aimi yelled, causing Yukiko to flinch. "My apologies. I only invited them to handle an issue that has been on my mind a lot lately. Another reason I wanted to invite them is because I want to spar."

Her response shocked Yukiko. Aimi isn't the type to want to spar all of a sudden so why would she want to now? Yukiko could only question if she were dreaming or not, "You, Chiyoko, and Miya also are the only ones not in charge of guilds either. I am curious to know how they're doing now. That was another reason," Aimi replied.

Yukiko stared at her with a baffled expression, "What's this, Yukiko questioning the Empress? That almost never happens," a familiar voice said.

The person appeared from a shadow. It was Kodama sporting new white shinobi wear, "Chiyoko must be getting to you good now?" she asked with a smile.

"To be influenced by that half breed disgusts me," Yukiko replied embarrassed.

"Oh really?"

Yukiko remained silent. Kodama then turned her attention to Aimi, "Ma'am I have that information you and the princess requested as well," she stated tossing a scroll to her.

"Nicely done." Aimi smiled. Aimi felt a strange presence approaching. "Good it seems like the rest of you have found my summons," she said side stepping an arrow of wind.

"This time you're mine!" a voice yelled. A woman with bright pink hair came down with an odachi of wind. The impact created a sizable crater, but the woman wondered was she able to strike Aimi.

She wasn't, "Good attack," Aimi noted, "but you leave yourself wide open after you strike Natsu," she said, kneeing the woman in the stomach.

Natsu fell to her knees with a chuckle. "Still as strong as ever."

Aimi nodded, "I'm not getting any weaker. I will commend you on your try though," she said.

Natsu was a woman of slim build, shoulder length braided hot pink hair, brown eyes, she had on armor similar to Natsume's, and her spirit energy had a calm feeling to it, "Yuki," she faced Yukiko, "how have you been?" she inquired with a sparkle in her eyes.

Yukiko stared at her silently. Natsu began chuckling nervously. "Still as cold as ever I see."

Kodama laughed. "You know I'm super excited about seeing everyone else. Plus my guild members have been wondering about how the others are doing."

"If I remember correctly your guild is Shadow Lance correct?" Natsu questioned her. "Sneaky but efficient of course."

Kodama gave an ecstatic nod in agreement. "That's true, but we're looking for new members. The exam next year will help me out."