“No, that was fine.” Scarlet said calmly. “You were angry, you felt anger and so you acted upon it. You didn’t hold back.” Still playing with the letter opener Scarlet padded across the room, her footsteps quieted by the various rugs that littered the floor. “Just like last night, you were desiring flesh...so you acted upon it.” Scarlet grinned, his facade was dropping. His control over his emotions was slipping, and that was exactly what she wanted.

He sipped more of his drink, “I shouldn't be though, my job isn't to feel, it's to protect you. If I can't think clearly because my thoughts are clouded how can I even think to be a proper body guard?”

Scarlet sat back down into the chair, easing back into its floral patterned cushions. In a sense, he was right, but she had to break him down first, she’d worry about clarity after. “You’re thinking too much like a bushido. Let that go. That is not you anymore.” Her eyes turned to the letter opener as she twirled it around and round between her fingers. “Rage…. Hate… Adrenaline, emotion is powerful when utilised correctly.”

Taka sipped more of the drink, “But if they consume you…” He let the words hang before he shook his head, “Every time I give in to those emotions, I feel the Oni’s claws sink just a bit deeper.”

Scarlet assessed his words, the oni was a wildcard. It was safe to assume it was playing a hand in Takas fall from grace, but it had its own agenda, and as far as she was concerned. It held a great dislike for her. It was one thing to break down a persons psyche, it was another to make deals with a demon. Course, she had dealt with Aurelius in her past and he was a far bigger threat than what resided inside Taka.

“because you keep denying yourself these things. If you just accept them it wouldn't be an issue.”

“I have only heard one way to prevent the Oni from overtaking me, and that is the Path I have tread,” his voice regained some of that conviction, but he seemed on the verge of saying more and thought better of it.

“Why not work with it?” Scarlet asked, tilting her head to the side as she purposefully pricked the edge of the trinket into her finger, a pool of crimson blood formed, then trickled down her finger. “

“I could fill a year with the tales of those who made deals with Oni. Suffice to say, they end badly,” Was his response.

Scarlet was a little disappointed in his continued resolve. “I see.” She grew bored with it, but she had yet to finish with him, it was still early morning. Her eyes darted to the door as a soft knock disrupted the silence. “Enter.” Caellus came in again, this time bearing two silver trays, he placed one upon Amaris lap and the other upon Taka’s. “You know I’m not a butler, Red.” He muttered.

Scarlet grinned, “Oh I know, but I did promise you a little something, didn’t I?” Caellus’s eyes flashed and he inhaled deeply, exhaled and bit his tongue before walking out the cabin. “Right!” Scarlet said as she clapped her hands together. “This conversation is growing dull. Time to eat.”


Their meals were identical. Medium rare eye fillets sitting atop a bed of rosemary and garlic infused mashed potato, a red wine reduction had been trickled around the outer edge. It was a heavy meal for so early in the morning, but that was Scarlets intention. “And yes,” She commented, picking up her own steak knife and fork. “I did make it. So don’t insult your host.”

Taka nodded, “I have never found reason to doubt your skills.” He began to carefully used the offered utensils, eating the meal.

Scarlet watched, for someone who had never drunk before, he had an unusual tolerance for it. If she had a way to tell Caellus not to come with the food, she would have. It would only slow his inebriation. Not that it entirely mattered, her original goal was to get him drunk, and have him admit how much he enjoyed the night prior, but he had already done so. All she had to do is keep pushing him further and further away from his code.

Taka moved to drink his hand stiff, he didn't seem to notice as the entire glass slid down his throat. He coughed slightly and shook his head before he went back to his meal, seeming to not notice until he reached for the empty glass and frowned.

Scarlet quirked a brow. “Did you want more?” She asked quizzically. The Ronin nodded his assent, looking at the empty glass. Scarlet sighed as she shifted, lifting her silver platter with her to the cabinet. She set it down and picked out a different liqour for him. “You have a taste for whiskey, but did you want to try something else? Rum? Absinthe? Vodka?”

The Ronin looked up to her, “Stiffer, he's putting up a fight but losing…” the voice held none of his accent, and was dark and oily. The Ronin seemed oblivious to what had come out of his mouth.

I was wondering when you would make your appearance. Scarlet thought to herself as she picked up a clear bottle from the shelf. “I personally hate this, it tastes like fuel, I sometimes use it to burn off the crud from pots and pans. It’ll burn a hole in your throat.” She mused as she walked back over to Taka, and poured him a glass. Wrinkling her nose at the immediate, strong, alcoholic scent. She only half filled the glass. “You should thank me, for being such a gracious host.”

“Arigato Scarlet-Sama,” he replied. Once more he moved to sip his drink before the entirety was poured down his throat. The utensils now scraped inelegantly against the plate as he lost the finer control. His head lilting.

“The rug is expensive, try not to spill the food.” Scarlet quipped, arms folded as she stood by the ronin as he fought for control over his body.

His head listed forward, the Ronin continuing to eat before finally, he righted, and seemed perfectly normal, “I almost forgot what real food tastes like little angel.”

“You’re welcome.” Scarlet responded. The oni had finally made an appearance, although she was surprised it had not been sooner. Not during the bloodshed, nor the sex. Two things she thought it would have revelled in. “And what reason brings you out now, Oni?” Scarlet asked a she sat back down in her chair. “Am I to thank you for giving him those small pushes, or am I giving you too much credit?”