Kouko saw the Tree Spirit barrel past her position. Jeez, that thing could move fast. She'd managed to stop the bleeding and bind her arm but now she had to catch up with the others. Glancing behind, she sensed that there was little time to spare. She had to hurry, lest she get caught in combat again. Before dashing away, she releases a quick Ki blast from her sword, fending away the dark energies in pursuit before she turns and runs after the Tree Spirit. The spirit crashes into the forest, and Kouko dives in after. She could sense it as her surroundings became sacred. It reminded her of the presence of Akaruime. It passed a certain point where she thought that, even if she wasn't able to feel it, she would [i]know[/i] that this place was sacred ground. If she were not following her comrades or carrying the God-given sword, she would dare not tread further, for risk of disturbing the spirits with her presence.

She reaches the edge of the clearing and stops to examine her surroundings. Was this its home? She stays a moment, catching her breath before she goes further, crossing the field to join the others. She lifts her hand in greeting, moving as light on her feet as she could. She's done her best to move silently until then, and she keeps making the effort. She stops beside the ronin, miko, and Mikoto. The ronin was weak, she could sense the ebbing life. She crouched and put her palm to the ronin's chest. It seemed as though the priestess had already treated the wounds. "..." She carefully examined her, sensing out the flow of vitality in her body. Or attempting to. She sighed after a moment, relenting. She couldn't manage it. She'd never had much reason to attempt this application of her Ki before... she would have to train. For now, she could only offer small amounts of Ki to replenish the ronin's vital energy. She would need a night's rest before she would feel confident about fighting again. "Miko-san. My arm will need tending shortly. I removed leaches, but the wounds need a proper dressing." She speaks very softly over the silence of the wood, letting herself roll back and lay down.