“Well being the gentleman I am, it only seems fair that the Lady goes first.”

Chloe grinned as she drew Mokushi from its sheathe at her side. It had been too long since they had done this. Much too long.

She was currently standing in the doorway that led into the gardens. Directly in front of her lay a deck that wrapped around most of the house, and beyond that was the gardens. Sakura trees stood proudly, fully aware of their unparalleled beauty. Solstafir stood next to one of the blossoming trees. Just beyond him, a small stream lined by meticulously polished rocks trickled along merrily without any notice to the unexpected intruders.

Chloe stepped out on to the deck, drawing in a great breath as she did so. The air was incredibly fragrant. She wanted to pause for a moment, and close her eyes to fully appreciate this garden, but she didn't dare to actually attempt such a thing. She slowly descended the stairs that lay at the edge of the deck, and stepped onto the garden's dirt pathway.

How to begin. There was the option of using one of her techniques to procure some of Solstafir's blood, but he would be ready for it. She could try to make use of her surroundings, but Chloe didn't see anything that she could do that wouldn't be easily dodged. Perhaps a simple assault with her katana would suffice. It was only the beginning of the fight, Chloe had no reason to go all out just yet.

She moved in toward him, cautiously. His eyes searched her every movement, ready for anything and everything she would try to throw at him. She moved around him, and his body easily tracked her movements. After a few moments, Chloe stopped. She saw Solstafir tense up a little, but before he could contemplate what she was going to do, she made her move.

With speed that could only be possessed only by an immortal, Chloe rushed in towards Solstafir, katana raised. She doubted that she would be able to land a hit on him, but at least the battle would finally begin.