The Cursed Iris

Sprout 57: Resonating and Ayame's New Power

Ayame and the others followed Mizuho to another room, "Well how are you all liking Shangri-La so far?" Mizuho asked them. She had a glow in her eyes expecting them to say that they're loving it, but they know that all of this is just a façade.

"I mean it's not bad, but definitely could be better," Kikyo replied. "You know I'm still pretty pissed off that you pulled that quitting stunt on me during our fight!"

"Oh come on. I already knew that I couldn't defeat you, so why would I continue to fight a losing battle?" she stated in a shouldn't that be obvious tone.

Everyone stared at them as they continued to argue, "Anyways to get back on track; I know why you're here, and I've got to warn you... turn back now," Mizuho said, her tone dead serious.

They were all shocked by the statement, "We won't turn back," Ayame stated. The look in Ayame's eyes baffled Mizuho and Eliza. "We came here to free this country, and we are not running away from this."

"Oh this is an interesting development," Eliza stated.

"Mizuho you seem like a reasonable person, so why are you letting that tyrant continuously ruin this country. I know you've noticed the bad state of Shangri-La?" Kikyo stated.

"And what makes you think Emperor Neikan is putting the country in such a bad state? Are you just assuming that or do you actually have evidence that it's happening? Don't make such claims without having proper evidence." Mizuho replied with a stern expression.

There was an awkward silence, "Well that settles it then," Toru sighed.

"I guess it does." Shizuko agreed.

"This woman really is just another enemy we have to fight," they both stated.

Ayame and Kikyo both smiled, "Just another obstacle we'll have to overcome," they said in unison.

"Ayame Akiyama the new student of Minori the Alpha. Kikyo Narukami the student of Inari, my cohort and I will await you both in the tower. Katsumi Nakajima and Arthur Matsumoto I hope you know you will not defeat the emperor with that measly power of yours." Mizuho scoffed as she walked out.

They all stared at her, "I thought she was going to be a nice lady," Kumo mumbled.

Toru and Shizuko both looked at him with snarls, causing him to whimper and hid behind Katsumi.

"What are your standings on this Eliza?" Arthur asked her.

She stared at him silently, then she grabbed his hand and walked out with him, "The next round is about to begin. I think you all should focus on your next fight!" she yelled.

Eliza took Arthur to another room, "My stance on it is that I'm with you, but you have to get through this tournament first. One of the fighters is a woman named Astraea, and she's one of the more dangerous ones out there," she explained.

Arthur chuckled. "Don't worry Eliza, we can handle them."

She kissed him on the cheek. "I believe you Arthur, and now that I know you're from Japan I'd for my brother and I to join you all once this is over. If that's okay?"

Arthur was shocked by that. "Sure, I have no problem with it," he stammered.

She kissed him on the cheek, "Good luck out there Arthur," she smiled.

*****

They all went back into the waiting room, and everyone seemed to be prepared for the next round.

"First battle will be Lalatina and Toru vs the Mysterious Warrior Astraea," the announcer stated.

Ayame and Toru both paused dead in their tracks, "Astraea is here?" they both mumbled.