Mizuki blinked a little as Kaede stepped in front of her, ordering her to stay behind her. She gasped a little as she pushed out of the way and into Asuka's arms. Kaede and Kouko tried to go for the beads, but the energy was so odd and demonic, their attacks bounced off of it. Looking up at Hanzo and the Masked Man, her amber gaze widened as Hanami's arrow flew at the strange man who raised a hand toward the holy arrow. It slowed before melting at his feet, turning into black ooze. 

Looking at Hanzo, who simply watched even as Yuki arrived and was heading towards him. Why? Hanzo was a stern man but kind. Then again, he took his duty seriously and was probably following orders. It meant death and dishonor if a ninja were to disobey their lord after all. Still, why was he hanging around such a dark man? Was this man a demon? He smelled like one or even a evil spirit. Whoever he was, he was obviously able to control spirits and use them to do his bidding. 

As Yuki spoke to Hanzo, he simply looked at her as if she was unimportant. [b]"Value is based on skill. Not words. But my business is not with you."[/b] he spoke, his voice strong and serious, though he looked relaxed, he was ready for the warrior to attack him. 

The Masked Man simply turned slightly toward the ninja. [b]"We shall retreat when I get a good examination of this beast of yours... Though the red crow would make a fine pet as well. Better then this weakling tree spirit."[/b] he said! the voice silky and indifferent muffled slightly by the mask.

Mizuki eyes narrowed before looking at the enraged tree spirit as it lashed wildly at the others. It wasn't its fault, it was just in pain and being tormented by that man. How to stop it though?

[i][b]"Give me..... Energy....Collar..."[/b][/I] A voice spoke within her mind.

Confused, she looked around but saw no one other then her new comrades. Seeing the bear make a angry charge at Asuka who had used her flaming sword to get its attention and even getting injured for it, Mizuki's ears perked as she saw a opening. Piercing her lips together, knowing what she was about to do was going to irritate her protectors but she had to do something. She couldn't let Asuka get killed and she had to calm the spirit down..

Breathing softly, her amber gaze locked on target and she sped toward it, leaving the safety of her Guardians using her demonic speed. With a great leap, she jumped onto the bear's leafy back, her hands grabbing onto the dark beads. A soft scream and growl emitted her throat as sparks flew, the demonic energy seeping into her hands and turned them black. The bear reared and roared as iIt rampaged along the open area, trying to shake the Princess off. It even tried to body slam her against a few buildings, but she still wouldn't let go.

Gasping as she felt wood pierce her back, she held on tighter. [b]"Please... Calm down... I know it hurts.. But if you just let us help..."[/b] she spoke clinging desperately to the wood as the spirit reared and rolled. However, it seemed to pause at her words, the beads slowly turning into a grey as the demonic energy was seeped out of them but roared in agony as the masked man waved his hand it.

[b]"Worthless beast..... Make yourself useful and lend me your magic.."[/b] The masked man ordered, holding a dark green orb which had black purple mist swirl within it. The spirit roared and puppets appeared from the wood of nearby houses. Shuffling toward the group.