Crimson, it was splattered across the stones in the garden of the Hana estate, an open mouth and wide eyes hanging in a silent plea for mercy. The kimono the head of the house had donned for the ceremony later today was now ruined, splattered with blood that did not belong to her. There was a scratch on her face from the fight, a minuscule infliction that had already begun to heal. The Dhampir stood tall in front of the corpse, her posture unshaken, her expression grim. She turned towards the few humans who remained that had attempted to invade her home in the false name of the people's interest and stated in a bold tone "Let this be a warning," she raised the katana in her hands and sliced it in an arc across the air before sheathing it and handing it to one of the guard's. "The Hana family will not tolerate hostility towards its people; whether vampire or human." Heads nodded slowly, fear written across the faces of the men who were now kneeling in the garden.
"Hana-Sama, how should we dispose of them?"
"Banishment is the only punishment I see fit for these tyrants." More cries came from the shaken mouths of the terrified humans. They had come prepared to kill, loot, and raid, but not to die. "Get them out of my sight," two vampire residents that had taken shelter on the Hana estate ran forward, they had been acting as maidservants since they had arrived although Yuuki had explained to them that they were guests. She had minimal staff and it was only to protect the refugees from those who sought destruction. Regardless one of these vampires led Yuuki back to her room, the other went to fetch hot water in order to clean off the blood. Once the wooden doors slid shut and the Dhampir was alone, she began to shake. Her eyes widened as her knees gave out and she collapsed onto the freshly made futon on the floor. Her whole body heaved, tears beginning to blur her brown and purple eyes, swirling down her cheeks and touching the blankets below her. Yuuki hated violence, she hated having to kill for the sake of keeping those she loved safe. Why did humans have to act in such a brutal manner?
She made note to stop by the family of the man she had killed on her way out of town today as surely the wife and child had been victim's of this human's twisted opinions. A soft knock came from the door and Yuuki sat up, straightening her twisted obi and pulling the flower clip out of her black and white hair. "Come in," the Dhampir said, clearing her throat as the vampires returned, carrying a large tub of hot water. Yuuki smiled gently and stood, opening up the door the rest of the way for them so that they might set the bucket down without spilling. "I could have simply gone to the bath you know?"
"No Hana-Sama!" The one with long black hair stated sternly"You saved us from them, let us take care of you." Yuuki sighed, clearly they were not going to allow her to refuse. The Dhampir undid the obi and pulled off her socks, allowing the kimono to slip from her shoulders. They washed her down quickly, but gently and then left to allow Yuuki to dress herself. The only other kimono fancy enough for the occasion of the signing of the peace treaty was the one that had belonged to her mother. It was an intricate and none traditional blue silk cloth with a red obi and flower headband.
The time to leave had arrived; Yuuki pulled out her long bow case and quiver and slung it over her shoulder, taking a deep breath in. She held her head high, brushed her hair out of her eyes and strode from the room, slipping her feet into her sandals as she stepped onto the walkway. "I leave Hoshii in charge," Yuuki stated as she went, the residents of her estate lining up and bowing as one would when addressing their master. "Yes Hana-Sama."
The human accompanying her on the journey went by the name of Sakura Asano. Yuuki could feel the displeasure rolling off of the woman in waves and wondered what she had ever done besides exist to earn this being's distaste. The sight of the Southern Gates of the Minamoto residence brought a bit of ease to her mind; they had arrived without any disturbances. According to her adviser, the man who stood before them now was Tatsuhiro Minamoto, husband to Rika.
"I am Hana Yuuki," she bowed respectfully. Yuuki had brought along her weapon, which at the time had seemed like a necessity; it was not a safe journey from her lands to here and she hoped that the presence of such tools would not offend him. "It is an honor to have been invited for such an occasion."