Today was to be the day. Exactly one month had passed since the Notice Posters were posted throughout all of Japan. It was springtime, cherry blossoms decorating the city of Kyoto. Crowds of curious people stood at the gates that shielded the Emperor's palace from them. Guards and even Samurai standing guard to the open gates that would lead to the courtyard of the palace. The courtyard had soldiers and Samurai, speaking to those contending to this special mission.

To protect and guide the princess of Emperor Akihiro. The only daughter out his many children. The request wasn't given many details other then she is to be guided safely to Mount Fuji, but by only women.

Emperor Akihiro stood just inside the palace, standing at the closed doors that would lead to the Courtyard. He was a strong looking man, despite his growing age. His golden silk robes cloaked his body while his black hair was tied back in a neat knot. His mustache hid his upper lip in a thin line while his beard was just full enough to cover his chin.

He worried for this journey and the ill intentions of the Demon. As well as finding the correct guardians. After all, there was not actually too many female fighters, and if there was they might as well be desperate bandits. Still, he did not have a choice in the matter.

[b]"Father, may I go out now? And must I wear this? It is quite uncomfortable for travel."[/b] A soft voice spoke to the Emperor, their footsteps quiet as they walked up beside the noble man. A woman dressed in beautiful lavender silken robes with golden dragon designs. Wearing a large sugegasa upon her head, a veil draped all around the edges to conceal the woman's head.

A sigh escaped the Emperor's lips as his dark eyes gazed at the young woman. [b]"My apologies, Mizuki, but it is for your own protection.... It's.."[/b] he started before his only daughter interrupted him.

[b]"That it's dangerous, I know. I don't see why though... I mean, I think these ears and tail are cute. They don't really look scary. Do all demons look like this?"[/b] The concealed girl questioned, her straw hat slightly moving as her large ears twitched curiously.

Her father gazed at her briefly before turning away to stare thoughtfully at the door. [b]"People fear what is different... Others are corrupted by greed and will use those different for their own gain. There are many dangers you are not aware of Mizuki, which is why you must hide your appearance. Even from your guardians. They may not understand." [/b] the Emperor explained briefly before smiling as a Samurai, average height with a lean but muscular figure walked to them.

The Samurai had brilliant crimson armor, a white headband covering his forehead and his dark brown messy hair spiking up to the sides a little. A brilliant golden spear attached to his strong back as his chocolate brown eyes sparked with amusement. 

Mizuki turned to the Samurai and smiled softly. [b]"Oh don't worry father. With big brother Yukimura's help, we will pick fine people to travel with me. Can we start now? Please?"[/b] she pleaded! her amber eyes widening cutely as she tried her best to convince her father! despite how her eyes were barely visible.

Her older brother chuckled and waved his left hand casually. [b]"Yeah, no worries Father. I got it handled. You just go ahead and give the speech and me and Mizuki will pick out the companions."[/b] he said confidently, grinning widely as his father gave a sigh before nodding to the guards who slowly opened the gate. Revealing the several amount of people.

The Emperor stood walked out, his children following behind as he stood at the top of the stairs. Guards neatly lineing up beside him. With a deep breath, his strong eyes gazed over the female warriors that had decided to attend. There was quite more than he expected, but it was possible many family's forced their daughters to go in a attempt to gain fortune and honor.

[b]"Welcome to the Palace, warrior women of Japan. Many have traveled far and wide over all of Japan to accept this request. I appreciate your determination and valor, for this will not be a easy task. This will not only test your fighting strength, but the strength of the people as well. I pray to the gods there will be as little bloodshed as possible. This task will require the chosen warriors to safely guide the Princess to Mount Fuji on the night of the full red moon. If you succeed, you every companion will be rewarded. I will grant you one wish, be it fortune, a place as a true Samurai amongst the great Samurai who live here, like my son Yukimura whom fought and protected Kyoto from hordes of demons alone while others fell. If you shall fail however, if my daughter is killed before reaching Mount Fuji, or you betray my trust.... You will be hunted down and executed."[/b] he spoke with a serious firm voice before finally finishing. [b]"Now, all warriors, stand in a line. The Princess and Samurai Yukimura will be the judges to pick out the guardians."[/b]

Mizuki smiled happily as her father finally finished talking before just about bounding down the steps. Though her brother quickly walked beside her with ease, keeping a careful watch over her, despite his smiling seemingly carefree expression. The two of them started walking along beside one another along the line of women. Yukimura mostly doing all the greeting and formal introductions while Mizuki attempted to keep her extra assets in check as she excitedly looked at all her possible companions.