The titan chased Sayuki and Magnus at a quicker step than they'd have expected from something so big. However, they were still faster, and it did not seem like the machine had any ranged weapons on it. Or perhaps, there was a reason it was not using them?

Nevertheless, the sounds of war became closer as they approached the entrance, and they soon found a platoon of Eastern Foxfolk warriors facing about a dozen of silver-armored men. These wore thicker, heavier gear, and moved slower. However, they brandished colossal firearms, that would put the swordsmen down for minutes even if their armor plates saved them from death.

Sayuki recognized her father's horned helmet, and called out to him. He was side by side with her brother, who was taking shots at the armored men from horseback. "Sayuki!" Tsukinaga gave a sign to his son and ran to Magnus and Sayuki. He jumped off his horse, which stopped right away.

"Father! Where is Mother?" Sayuki immediately asked. It was a hurried dialogue, as the machine couldn't be too far.

"She has escaped with an escort of the best of my men. You too must as well!" Tsukinaga answered, dodging a bullet by slightly tilting his head.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

"What about you and Hyoru?" Sayuki was mortified.

"This old man would rather die fighting than run while some bucket-headed bastards wreck his homeland. And the boy was stubborn to stick by my side. We stay and fight!"

It was about then that the giant machine turned the corner, and Tsukinaga's brow furrowed.

"Gunmen! Fire at the giant!" He called an order, rising his spear, and soon changed the direction of the sounds of gunfire.

Tsukinaga took one last look at Magnus before climbing on his horse to charge. "I trust you to look after my daughter, Envoy of Heaven. Follow through with your legend and show some 'hope' to these scoundrels, for the pride of the Eastern Foxfolk clan!"

Magnus breathed in, and then nodded. "Yes!" He cried out.

Sayuki watched her father march into battle, and shook her fear off. "We must go." She said, out of breath.

"Which way?" Magnus asked, looking at the entrance, which was filled by the chaos of battle.

"There's a hidden passage. As long as we make it through there, if the Goddess of the Snow is with us, we'll be safe."

"Lead the way, darling," He responded, taking her hand.

Sayuki gave him a sad smirk and a look, both ashamed that he brought up that moment, and comforted by what he meant with it.

It was a playful "I'm with you," of course.