[center][h2][i][color=ed1c24]Kimiko Maita[/color][color=be0b0f] & Yatsufusa[/color][/i][/h2][hr][@Crimmy] | [@Suku][/center]
[color=ed1c24]"Now's our chance!"[/color] Kimiko cried out. With the combined efforts of the group, the flaming monsters were driven back slowly, their forms seemingly less vibrant than before. The attacks took their toll on the conflagrations, while Kimiko seemed completely unphased by their flames. Not even attempting to maintain any sort of defensive posture, Kimiko danced among the flames, her blade darting out to crash against the foe at every opening. 

This fight was her tempering, the trial that would reform her into a steel stronger than ever before. This pain was but temporary, a flickering candle before a summer zephyr. The dance was all that mattered in the present moment; all other thoughts cast aside. She cared naught for thoughts of Alex, or her father, or the empty sake bottle. To hold on to these thoughts was to lose focus on the now. The harmonies of the universe balanced delicately for Kimiko on the tip of her blade, swinging in wide arcs as it sang a song the miko had never sung before. 

She could leave this battle, chasing after her schoolmate who had been dragged away. She could stand still, a shielding bulwark betaeen Suzune and danger. She could cast her magic, ensuring the safety and longevity of those in the fight. But her choice was the dance, her footsteps matching the rhythm beating in her heart. Yatsu's joy mingled with her own as they closed in on the foe, a fiery whirling dervish besetting on this unknown assailant. For in this moment, Kimiko was free. No command pressed upon her; no chiding from her father. No expectations of excellence to live up to. It was all gone, discarded with the other world's cares.

And thus, she danced.