Tomoe Enters Vastra's Palace

The instant Tomoe stepped into the tunnel leading to Vastra's lair, and he knew this wouldn't be easy. Being in such a place brings back harsh memories of the days after he got exiled by Raiyen. Days of loneliness and sorrow as he thought he'd never see the Valkyrie again.

"Hmph... This place could do some spring cleaning from time to time. Maybe Vastra needs a maid," mumbled Tomoe.

But back to real-time, the hallway was littered with sand, even down to the building blocks. It was as if Tomoe was walking in a desert. There were minor traps strewn about, most of the straightforward kind as Tomoe didn't use his Original Spell.

That's when the Kitsune found himself facing a massive slab of sandstone with odd symbols engraved into it. Tomoe gently placed his hand onto the sandy wall, causing the engraving on the stone to shine brightly with brown light. The sound of gears turning could be heard as the wall fully brightened the dark hall and began to rise.

Tomoe coughed a bit as dust kicked up during the movement.

"Who dares to challenge me, the Queen Of Sands?" rumbled a heavy female voice.

"Cut the act, Vastra. I'm here to finish the job properly. So do me a favor and lay down and die for me so I can get this done quickly," replied Tomoe, wanting to get rid of the sand around him.

Vastra's laughs echoed in the giant room. When Tomoe finally cleared the dust, he was impressed to see how big and lavish Vastra's living conditions were. The area was big but not the largest amongst the Five Ducklings.

However, it was the most beautiful in terms of decorations, with statues of Egyptian heading adorned everywhere. A giant, golden throne sat at the heart of the room while the outline of the lair was embellished with gems and gold.

As the throne turned, Vastra was fuming to see Tomoe standing in her palace. Vastra was wearing a purple veil with a matching color two-piece outfit. Jewels adorned her body, especially her large headdress, which had an Amethyst on the front.

The Queen of Sand's eyes were pure black, signifying that she might be one of the undead. Tomoe's hand danced around his katana, preparing to block an attack.

"You! How dare you show your face to me again after what you did to my limbs?!" yelled the Queen Of Sand, standing up.

"I should be angered that you've survived that attack of mine. And don't think I will be pushed back this time because this place is in your favor. Your defense is mighty, but you can only protect yourself for so long before that Temple crumbles. Again and I swear..."

Tomoe unsheathed his katana and directed it at Vastra, holding the sword above his right shoulder.

"I will take your spine as a trophy for killing you."

"Haha! Let's see if you can defend yourself against my attacks before talking boldly, Fire Fox!" laughed Vastra.

"Are you kidding? Your attacks barely make a scratch on me... I don't need a shield to defend a bug bite!" spat Tomoe, leaping from his position.

As he was about to get into close combat range with Vastra, Tomoe was flung to the side by a giant sand paw. The Kitsune cursed as he landed on the pile of gold and gems.

"Oh? Have I not introduced my new pet to you, little fox? Well, well... Here is my little kitten, the Sphinx. She loves playing with newcomers, but she tends to bite. This fight should turn fair with my little pet fighting you."

"Familiars against each other..." smiled Vastra as the giant sand animal walked over to Tomoe.

"And don't forget, Tomoe. That I am also a Poison Mage."

With that final warning echoing throughout the lair, the Sphinx roared at Tomoe, unleashing a large wave of Poison toward the poor male. The Kitsune leaped away from the danger, knowing he'd never survive that attack.

After unleashing that wave, the pet decided to leap from her spot and pounced on Tomoe, nearly cursing him if he hadn't put up his blade. Now, with a hundred-tonne pet on his sword, Tomoe was severely disadvantaged.

Vastra snapped her fingers, and the pet increased her strength on Tomoe, nearly breaking the katana. The Kitsune cursed as he felt the weight but smiled while baring his fangs as his blade was engulfed in flames.

"Seventh Sun: Brilliant Prism," spoke Tomoe as the Sphinx backed away and yelped in pain.

Tomoe managed to get the pet off, giving no space for recovery as he performed the next attack, one of the most potent moves from the Hinokami Kagura. Tomoe jumped from his position and spiraled downwards to deliver a powerful fire attack surrounding the pet.