The Ronin closed his eyes, feeling her clean him or the blood and gore he had steeped himself in. He felt distant, removed from the actions of his compatriot. It was an odd feeling, but one he endured. His eyes opened, looking upon Scarlet with a keen interest.

“What is the next step?” he asked. His tone was even, detached. His voice more that of a bored man than the Ronin who had begun the day.

“I test the limits of your endurance, and regeneration abilities.” She said, lifting up his other arm and began to gently wash that too. “If all goes well, you will be rewarded afterward with a reprive.”

He nodded, looking at her. Scarlet wasn't the woman he loved, she was more like her sadistic master. A person so removed from reality that they were a danger to all they encountered. He was certain he would find out much about himself tomorrow, some he was afraid of ever knowing. Instead of avoiding that fear, he embraced it, he collected it and he absorbed it into him.

He met Scarlet’s eyes, “Very well. If you wish to play games with me and the Oni, we shall play.” A cold finality underlined his words, they were not said lightly, they were a challenge to the red-haired woman who sat in the tub with him. He leaned back in the tub, forcing Scarlet closer if she wished to continue washing him.

“If that’s how you see it.” She said, leaning forward to continue. She hadn’t skipped a beat, and Taka wondered if she were capable of feeling emotions. Scarlet continued, “If you wish, I will skip the reprieve. I would have thought you may need it. You’re breaking apart, ronin.”

Taka laughed, the tone hollow, “I held on to hope because it was all I had. In Akashiman, Ronin means Wave-Man, it means a man who has been tossed to the sea for the fates to decide the outcome. A rather fitting word, Ronin. It perfectly encapsulates the plight of masterless Samurai. We're nothing but garbage to the nation, barely tolerated because one day we might be useful.”

His hand snaked up grabbing for her throat before he spun them in the bath and pressed against her, pinning her to the back of the tub, “Do not mistake my clinging to hope as idealism, you wouldn't be the first to make that mistake. I was a Ronin for a year before Sei plucked me from the gutters. I know what it means to have nothing.” He let her throat go as he leaned back on the opposite side of the tub, “Many Ronin refer to themselves as wolves, because like wolves we can turn in an instant. I can be a part of your pack, or I can be a sore annoyance. Think carefully before you assume anything, Lady Scarlet.”

She paused in her careful ministrations. Dark eyes observing him. “Amari would have assumed. I do not.” Scarlet handed him the cloth. “If you have the energy to assault me, you have the energy to clean yourself.” She lifted herself out the bath and dried herself off before dressing herself.

He grabbed the cloth a wry grin on his face before he spoke, “You say you feel nothing, but I can tell you were annoyed by that. Upset the lapdog bit?”

”Intrigued, actually.” Scarlet said as she fastened her cloak over her form. “It is good to see you have fight in you. I will have Advencia fetch you fresh bedding before you sleep. You will need to rest well tonight, so try not to fuck her too much.”

Scarlet turned to leave, and Taka looked at her leave before he spoke, “It's a shame, the succubus worships you, I think a night with us would do you some good.”

“The only warmth I need is from Ulroke.” Was Scarlets reply as the door shut behind her, leaving Taka alone once more.

Taka sighed, hunching his shoulders as he looked upon the slashing marks of darkness across his chest. He could see it stretch across his body, the oni gaining more control. Taka muttered softly, “Enjoy your small victory, I'll fight you for this body.”

In the dark corners of his mind he heard it’s laugh, Little Falcon, that is the point.