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Ren shake his head as he continue to meet the Head Chieftain with the others, he saw the chieftain is a tall black-haired woman tied in traditional bun wearing a Japanese noblewoman behind the veil--she was seen facing her back on them. "I see you bring some guests, Yukina. Are they trustworthy enough?" Kazuha-hime assumed as Yukina bows, Hakuren crossed her arms. "It's better to talk with her before we can show her something, because I believe she is the right person to talk to," she hummed.

So Yukina had a meeting with the chieftain Kazuha, Ren noticed that there was a priestess-like girl who was kneeling on the floor; she was part of Kazuha-hime's guards and advisors. The same attire like their Head Chieftain but doesn't have the robes, there were male guards as well and some of them were eyeing on the six of them. 'Shit... if Kaizo is here, he would scream: 'Kill me now, please,' right now, most likely...' Ren thought, before Yukina finished the meeting. "All of you can stay in this village, but don't venture out here by yourselves. The land is filled with the cult's traps and the untamed forests."

Easier said than done though, but everything is alright--except for the traitors. There were five chieftains like Yukina who served the Head Chieftain, but they were males and their names are; Kikuno, Shinya, Takana, Shakushain and Yayomane--they look like young adults but lived longer than ordinary humans. Yukina was their captain, so she has the rank and title higher than them. "Riyanda... are you alright?" Farlan asked. Ah shit, now he has his worried face--he knew this expression from the 'choleric' when the latter show worried. "I'm fine, it's just... I need to take some fresh air, shit... I swear I'm seeing things right now. Is it hell-sent visions?"

Ren groaned, rubbing his head before he quickly walked outside and headed to the riverside of the village, he sat down and watch the environment. His headache disappeared when he reached here, fortunately... Ren looks at his mirror to make sure he doesn't have any strange symptoms on his face--so he closed the mirror on his hand. "Tsk... those visions," he grumbled, before he yelped to see Yukina standing there with folding her arms; her stern expression scared him a little, damn.

It seems like she wanted to spend more time with him, but she don't know where to start. "My visions haven't returning like this and when I saw the entire environment had something that triggering them... this can't be a dream," he muttered, glancing at the Oni girl. "Huh, what was that?" she asked, due to her enhanced hearings--she can hear his mumbling from afar. Ren muttered in disbelief, wondering if she can sense other people through her sharpened senses.

He's starting to get confused that Yukina doesn't seem like an outsider and it was... strange. "Have you see the ghosts? Can you sense them too?" he asked, Yukina nodded lightly and answered. "Yes, I sensed the ones outside of the village earlier. The more chaotic the spirits are, the stronger they're going to kill, these include the former servants who ran amok..." she replied to him, letting the answer send shivers down to his spine.

Fuck, he really feels the pressure around him and how is this getting weirder? Ren is sure that she's aware of this. "So, your name is... just Yukina? Is that your real name or a nickname?" he asked, Yukina turn to look at him and replied. "The name is Yukina Chihayafuru, and--it's my real name. However, we Oni people can't reveal our surname to anyone, especially the human wanderers or they're gonna die," Yukina spoke, closing her eyes.

She was a beautiful girl from outside and her attitude gives out too, Yukina's hair is dark brown and long, going beyond her hips, thicker on the top and reaches her thighs. Although her personality doesn't reflect a 'feminine' stance, Yukina's height can be described as very tall and slim as well as she has an attractive female figure, despite her 'small' chest--she was tomboyish, stubborn and quiet. But from what it seemed, Ren realized the reason why she is not interested to reveal her last name to any outsiders since there would be a deadly fate--worst-case scenario, she'll get killed or murdered in the hands of an outsiders.

Ren quietly sat down on the flat rock with the awkward air between them, he need to make an ice breaking to clear this up a little. "No one can enter our land nor leave the place without finding a vessel for them, you'll just suffer the consequences," Yukina answered calmly. Ren has been searching through the history of Yamatai that tells the story that all those who came here are destined to a life of suffering, because the strange natural environment will trap them--that was the consequence the shamans created. "We kept the artifacts away from them, so they won't get their dirty hands on it," she continued, Ren was perplexed and nodded.

He chuckled lightly, before he grinned. "So the artifact is here, but why in the village? That's a tad weird," Ren said, Yukina nods slowly and looked at him with her stern, and focused eyes. "Loosen up a bit, would you? I'm not here to do something real crazy like an idiot with power that can fuck people up with a snap, man," he joked, trying to ease the tension and mood. However, Yukina didn't seem to be impressed but lighten up a bit... this human here--why is he so friendly with a stranger? Yukina watched him as he walked away from the river and proceed to enter the village once more, how strange.

Ren yelped when she grabbed the sleeve of his black and gold-bordered changshan and made him fell on his butt, he grunted before she spoke with a frown. "Human, watch out. These parts aren't safe like the island, besides--you never have met another Oni like me, so it might be a good idea to stay until you know what to do."

"You don't need to stop me like that, you know!"

Yukina paused when he reprimanded her, watching him standing up and rubbed his back and turn around to face her. "Sheesh, don't call me human... just call me by my real name or nickname--whatever the fuck you want to call me, don't treat me like a trash or... just, please, chill out..." Ren rambled as she watched his expression, yet again this 'human' had a certain attitude and seems to be the calm person; though he does not the type to rage at someone during situation. "Humans like you... I've never met the one with positive intentions," she answered, without a single bit of tone on her voice.

The young fellow in front of her was just staring at her, now he felt like talking with Kaizo is a better idea--having an talkativeness must have got him this time. He closed his eyes, before he bent down his head and smacked her forehead with his; Yukina yelped and hold her forehead painfully and his ears reddening due to irritation and the sudden embarrassed feeling when she could have avoided his wacky skull. Yukina was in a bewilderment, wondering why does this random human has such a strong wacky skull?

"I don't care if you're a girl or not, stop calling me human! I am not part of your..." he hissed in anger. Yukina was flustered and her usual grim expression had a flushed cheeks, she never felt this feeling ever. However, Ren was confused at her bewilderment because she doesn't have to make any shocked expression--just... a blush on her cheeks. 'Wait, is she... blushing? Why?' he thought as he was also blushing in bright crimson due to frustration, Yukina shake her head in attempt to shrug off the feeling.

Fuck, Ren wanted to escape from Yukina's presence immediately--but she will make sure the 'rude' bastard shouldn't be such an asshole anymore. Ren almost leaving the area, until Yukina caught him by grabbing his sleeve and started to reprimand and lecture him.

Oh shit, this will be one hell of a day...

Ren grumbled a little, before he stopped her reprimands by holding her arms--making her froze by the sudden contact, his bright olive-blue eyes stares at her ruby red ones. Yukina held her breath, though she's unintentionally being loud as Ren watches her sharp pupils widened a bit, gulping... he muttered. "Listen, just because you're saving us and stuffs... doesn't mean you should feel cautious of my actions. Also, stop putting that 'menace' or a look for whatever, okay? It's not necessary," he paused for a moment to look at her.

Yukina was blushing brightly when she slowly free herself, she was suddenly becoming in a daze... it felt like she was standing still until her mind going astray as he noticed the new emotion was building up. Shit, that's not it--Izumo wanted to ask her if there was no traitors among them, hoping she can explain it better. "Hey!" Izumo yelped when he saw Kaizo is here, what the fuck? He thought he didn't want to join them and shit, but he's here?

"R-Ren..."

Ren paused when Yukina addressed him by his nickname, it made him shiver a bit when she slowly leaned against his shoulder; wrapping her arms around him into a hug. He stood there like a fucking idiot, what the fuck is she doing? What's wrong with her--the shit is this? He swears to the 'floating sage' he's wondering what has he done, damnit. "...what... are you doing?" he asked, hoping that she wouldn't do a suplex shit--she didn't reply, just tightening her grip as if she's afraid of something.

Oh shit, his own reaction is stiff as a board of wood. "Can I... uh, hug you back?"

The silence made his head dizzy enough to think straight, his senses were fading rapidly but his breathing managed to bring him back to reality. All of these sudden action, the only feeling left inside him was embarrassment. The shivers were intense and it went so fast and sharp, his heartbeats become intense and his face turning cherry red.

What an awkward situation they've been in, Ren's eyes locked on Izumo for help--thinking his close friend is watching them at the moment. But, Izumo being a complete asshole, he quickly fled to tease and make fun of this. "Damn it..." he muttered, sighing in slight anger as he looks at her. It looked like it calmed her down, she let him go after a minute and quickly left without muttering another word, what is happening to her?

"So, what was that?"

Kaizo asked, making Ren yelled to see his best friend is here. "Oh yeah, you finally decided to come? Did everything turn better?" Ren asked in annoyance, Kaizo nodded and looked at his changed color of cheeks. "Yeah, sorry about that. What's going on between you and...?" he asked, before Ren spat. "Later, but we're going to talk since you're here," he stated with a smirk, but Kaizo rolled his eyes.

"Fine, whatever... now what the hell's happening here?"

Few hours later...

"Damn, you returned already? That's quick."

Kaizo heard a sarcastic yet, playful question from Farlan and he wanted to curse at them for being little devils. "I came here after they allowed me to come here, these Oni people I meant," he explained, but Shenlan teased. "Aww, we can tell you're here because you're worried about us right~?" she asked with a grin, he was holding back from fucking swearing and making profanity but Izumo snickered at their friend. "Come on, there's no way you would do this by yourself y'know," he stated, trying to piss him off and Kaizo was holding back from lashing out at these bastards. Ren can see his pissed off expression in comical way, he looked so absolutely angry because they were making fun of him as friends.

Yes, he's DEFINITELY here because he's feeling something--but not admitting the truth about his feelings. Kaizo just couldn't help it, he ended up coming here and checking on them. "I came here NOT to meet you, but to stop your nonsense. So, what do you need?" he growled. Kaizo folded his arms, watching them were explaining the story and the event around the village, only to find out someone has been trying to ambush them--turns out the Sun Guards are patrolling the area under the order of 'shadow queen'. "That bastard, Himiko... they are here too?"

"Yes, that bitch even resurrected the former servants that used to serve her... some of those are wandering at night," Hakuren sighed, watching Farlan nodded in agreement. "Turns out the artifacts were guarded by this Oni clan, we just gained our trust with them so they're not dead yet," she added. "Really? What artifacts they're having?" he asked, even though he knew they kept all the important artifacts in this place because it's located in the village. "Ask her, she knows it."

Yukina was observing the view of the village from above the banyan tree, she could sense the aura of evil spirits lurking among her land. There's a higher probability that they would make her land and the people turned into pieces of shit, and... something in her head was urging her not to think about the consequences. Ren was busy talking with his friends, before he yelped when Yukina jumped down and landed on his back with making him fall on the ground, groaning in slight pain. "Why are you spying on us when we're walking towards this place?!" Ren hissed, rubbing his back and sighed. Yukina shrugged lightly, refusing to admit her mistake.

Well, at least she didn't mean that.

Even Kaizo glared at the Oni chieftain as if she's planning something fucked up, Hakuren sighed at the sight of them (more to Yukina). "What the--did you decided to turn Ren into your pack mule, Yukina?" she asked, Yukina frowned, unsure what is she referring to, she shrugged. "Ren called me 'pack mule'?" she asked, but Dinda facepalmed when Farlan clarified. "No--we SAID you treated him into your pack mule (seriously you don't even understand jokes)..." he muttered at the end.

Somehow, this Oni girl look pissed despite not fully understanding shit to them. "Enough to make her get angry?" Shenlan muttered, almost laughed as Ren began to lift up Yukina until his left hand were around her waist and another hand pulled her up to his shoulder; dragging her with him as if she's a heavy bag he didn't want to carry around the area--how could she be heavy and his wacky skull will make her trip. Yukina doesn't know what is going on with her, since she's blushing hard when she was being carried like a sack of potatoes and grumbled... wait, what is a potatoes? The heat was unbearable, she turned her head down to see her stomach--so the dizziness she sensed before were slowly disappearing. "I think we need to 'educate' her a little, especially how the world outside Yamatai has changed..."

The sudden 'movement' has made him realize that this chieftain has become thinner since the last time he recalled meeting her, was she malnourished or starving? He placed her on the ground, before he take out something to eat for her. "Are you hungry? We have some foods, so..." he asked, Yukina saw him unwrapping the small brown-stained package to reveal the grilled smoked pork. Yukina saw the food that was smelt of delicious after weeks being scavenging in the wilderness for food, it made her stomach roared with hunger--she began to eat the food without hesitation, thankfully Ren brought his grilled pork belly that are safe to consume.

Hakuren paused, looking at her eating the pork, the question marks are floating in her head when she observed this Oni girl--she was isolated from outside world so she doesn't seem to entirely 'accept' this change in the new world. "Her people might not be accustomed to this change, though... however... it would be good enough to educate these Oni, believe me," she muttered. Kaizo watched her for a moment, before he glanced at them and explained. "The Oni people are known for their warrior and vile acts, the same as this girl's people."

Kaizo would be correct, not only him--the others were watching Yukina eating as if she hasn't been eating for weeks... it felt strange because it feels as though she does not eat for weeks or how longer until it concerns for her mental health. This Oni clan seems to be on the verge to enter the world, they are curious yet cautious about humans and there is NO way that the leaders of the Oni clan going to accept Yukina's wishes on sending her in the outside world from the island. "Perhaps, we could persuade the clan... they might work along with us since we're not... threatening to them," Dinda replied, Farlan nodded.

Ren watched her finishing her food, he frowned--not gonna lie he feel bad to see a girl eating like a savage... he cleared his throat as she slowly glanced at him while munching. Kaizo couldn't take it anymore, he covered her mouth and made her chewing and swallowed her food. "Also, for your information--Oni race has long lifespan, except the half-Oni hybrid known as Konketsu-Oni... it was really rare to have half-human and the other is Oni. In regards of the Onis, you must not do a fatal damage on--"

Yukina finished swallowing her food, she gulped in nervousness as he watched him explain something about the clans and its appearance, she had lost her attention to focus. Even her interest and curiosity has peaked, he never seen someone so... well, pretty, to put it in such a way. She's kinda 'fun' to hang around, still... Ren can notice that, he thinks. "Do you want to visit our Floating Sanctuary? We have some foods and resources we've stored on it, plus we need to inform our location because soon, they will send ambassadors to handle this," Hakuren informed her, even Kaizo agreed a little.

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Ren watched her expression began to fade, only to show an indifferent and confused facial expression, Ren gritted his teeth when his visions begin to change into something--the battle of the war, somehow he sensed the new darkness looming in, what has happened? He decided to keep that in mind, before he folded his arms. "You already gave us hospitality, so it's our turn to make sure you're safe from the cult's grasp," he said.

Yukina was deep into thought before she took a deep breath, watching the trees swayed against the wind. She walked away from the group, thinking for a moment. Ren began to wonder what she would do now, before Yukina turned around to face them. "Anything?" she asked in calm tone. The group only stared at her while trying to 'ask' through 'expressions', but Ren being dumbfounded because he can't tell if she is pretending or not.

In fact, she wanted something in return for the information--she would reveal and join the explorers in exchange for something. All of a sudden, Yukina have a serious expression to let him in a little 'cage' (in a metaphoric and humorous meaning), making him dumbfounded and blushed. Dinda peeked at what she doing and almost gasped when she does an unexpected thing... what the fuck is she doing? Farlan was trying to hide his laughter while Hakuren and Shenlan were baffled--looking at Ren's beet red face that he can't even said a word. "What's so funny?! SHUT UP!" Kaizo lashed out when he also noticed what was wrong, covering his face with his hands and grumbled. "These bastards... are bunch of bitches."

Good riddance, Kaizo is defending Ren because he's his best friend.

Now that the group separated individually to take a look around the area--Ren gulped when Yukina's face grew closer, he can feel something inside him being hotter than a furnace. "Tell me one of your important reasons," she muttered, hoping Ren can come up with something, even Ren let out a huff. "Can you step back so I can talk?" he asked, however she disagrees and instead... leaned forward. "No."

This girl is showing no compassion towards strangers she didn't fully trusts with and treat them with disrespect, what's going on with her? He can feel that if he doesn't say anything right now, Ren's dead meat. Ren couldn't hold it back anymore, he yelled as he bumped his forehead against hers--gender equality is his opinion, after all. Yukina fell down on her butt after he did that, he had enough of being pushed against the edge--he didn't want to look violent but he had enough of this shit. "Can you behave like a normal human being?! Stop treating us like a germ or a target, damnit! I just want to be a normal person who has a life, but you turn me into someone with many feelings--I do not wish to repeat that!"

Yukina touched her forehead that hurts, rubbing them gently as she heard someone asked; it was Dinda who was compassionate enough to care about her. "What kind of behavior is that?! You have appearance of human, but your actions are not--what's wrong with you?!" Ren grumbled, folding his arms as if he refused to talk more until she calms the fuck down and be nice. "Ren, wait--" Izumo tried to stop him who walked away from there in anger, Kaizo sighed. "Our task is getting even more difficult... we have to teach her about outside world and gadgets that we are using in real life. So the clan doesn't get this bullshit," he muttered.

Yukina gritted her teeth as her grip was clenching on the ground, she stood up and was the first one to calm her anger by sitting down on a rock and watch the tides move. "Ren's friend... what is he?" she asked, Kaizo was the first to sigh and respond. "Kaizo Shindō, also please address us with names--not the one you addressed us earlier, it's rude... especially when talking directly to us," he explained, trying to reassure her.

"Whatever."

Oops, some days later...

Ren was having a terrible mood, it wasn't good because he refuse to interact with Yukina who behaved like a fucking savage during the night and sometimes during the day. Usually his expressions were hidden behind his spectacles, mostly it felt like his face always remained immobile. While he refused to talk to her, Kaizo had to approach his best friend inside the temple-like home that the villagers allowed them to stay. He can see how pissed he is, so he used his foot to kick his bed hard; causing the whole structure to move and Ren growled at him.

"What the fuck?!"

He stopped when he realized that Kaizo was glaring at him, his dark brown eyes were icy sharp than most of the soldiers who glared at him with menace. "Get up from the bed, we need your brain in a straight mind," he muttered, walking out from the room. The Oni temple isn't less safe than the village, it was slightly better since the security is intense. However, they felt a bit more secure here. Ren was looking around the garden area near the pond, before he looked at Yukina. "Shit, Kaizo... don't kick the bed like that! Even I was on a fucking bad mood, I wouldn't kick your shit just because--"

Oh shit, Ren screamed when he saw him lifting him up in a German suplex-like state, though he was not phased. "Wait wait, don't you dare German suplex me--whatever this is supposed to be called, oh shit!" Ren exclaimed and hold his arm for his dear life, Kaizo was determined to kill him like an idiot. "Y'know you can push me, even a simple push on me will not crush your bones," he taunted, before he gulped... Kaizo can do some German suplex shit--fuck. He yelped when Yukina passed their view, making Kaizo slipped and fell with Ren's back on top of his chest.

Yukina might be faster than the wind for one-on-one, as it didn't take long for them to fall. Ren coughed and groaned, not amused that Kaizo was being an idiot again; both of them ARE idiots even their friends. "Don't drop me like that, Ren! Where the hell were you looking?!" Kaizo argued, before Ren frowned at him and growled. "It's your fault for moving so fast, you asshole!" he snapped, they were behaving like crackheads when they arguing because of smallest things or pranking. There's no way either they would admit they're being loyal friends when needed, and as partners when 'troubles' occur--he cannot be mean without reason, too.

"You two again."

Yukina greeted them, with her emotionless expression that neither showed any annoyed expression because of the commotion that the both idiots have been through. She has learned how to read their emotions, just by the look on their face. Yeah, they're really dumb. "Sorry about what happened earlier... Ren, Kaizo," she admitted. Ren felt guilty for the sudden reprimanding and Kaizo sighed, understanding that she's a stubborn yet silent Oni. "Don't apologize, it's not your fault. Ren doesn't want to interact with anyone when someone pisses him off, especially his 'high' patience," Kaizo stated, but he got whacked on the shoulder by Ren's elbow for his pun.

"Why are you bringing your work as a comedian along with us here?" he asked sarcastically, with an angry expression. Yukina almost snort at their interaction, before she folded her arms. "It's a surprise to see you here, Kazuha-hime once told me that she used to have a human lover before--until they had to part because they won't be born with kids, not once," she replied, watching Kaizo and Ren turned at her in confused expression. "Your leader... used to have a human lover before?" Kaizo asked, watching Yukina's expression didn't change a bit... she nodded at them.

Both Ren and Kaizo felt puzzled when she answered, something inside him had a 'curious' yet disturbed feeling because of the words: 'used to have a human lover.' "That man... looks like your father and you, Kaizo Shindō," she continued, trying to state the truth. His mind begin to wonder if the two were related or it could be a mere coincidence, and besides his mind didn't even gave him any answers. "My father never met you guys in here, he used to come to this island to stop the reawakening of Queen Himiko in the past--I was in there too," Kaizo explained, this made Ren shocked that he just spilled the truth. So, the reason why Kaizo doesn't join the group for expedition at first... is because of the connection. Ren swore he could've think of something earlier, no wonder he doesn't feel comfortable in coming here.

"Wait--Kaizo, is this because of your father and something about this ritual did occur?!" Ren asked, watching him turned to him and his eye twitched in response. "We stopped the ritual, turns out the cult loathed us for what we did to the Sun Queen but it's for good. The ritual that will be started to the rise of the eclipse is complete, as long as those artifacts remain secured," Kaizo stated, then Yukina added. "The artifacts were safely hidden in the village for being guarded and our tribe was never given up to do anything foolish. That's a promise."

Ren frowned, is this the reason why Kaizo didn't want to talk about his family secret to the others--even himself is unsure about his own family history, why didn't he tell the group sooner? "Queen Himiko wanted a new vessel, regardless if it's human or another race with humanoid vessels... if you see all of the statues who seems to be her descendants--you were wrong. All of her statues are her and hers alone, just in different style of robe and accessories," she told him.

Ren had a vision of seeing Queen Himiko was going to reappear with something more frightening, more sinister, more inhumane than ever in the past... no, beyond that--they will see her greatest deeds ever. Oh shit, he also saw someone who seems to be Yukina--being 'offered' to become her new vessel. "Tell us, Yukina... what kind of vessel does Himiko wants?" Ren asked, he became determined to ensure it does not happen; though it remained a rumour when the historians did their researching. "Do you mean for your next question that her strongest desire is something about having a new vessel to replenish her soul in form of humans or a creature or so?" she asked.

"Yes."

"... she wanted a Japanese girl, with ancient lineage of ancient warrior-class nobles and of royal blood; capable to carry life in her womb," she paused for a moment before she continued. "... if she refuses to find someone to take the role, the wrath and her violent army of will bring both chaos and destruction. As much I hate to admit it, Kazuha-hime and I... are the 'candidates' of her vessels--now here's the problem..." she finished.

Woah, that's a lot of information to digest and Ren had to pause the fuck out since it was complicated. First, the legend of Himiko never died but instead became more lively than ever. Second, the cult of Shingi Waō was an old, the last remain of the lost warriors who adored her; now they are becoming servants for the revival of her power after remaining unknown for decades and almost disappear from history books. Third, they needed a vessel and the 'shadow queen' needed a new vessel that nobody doesn't know where they could find. "I have more concerns than this place, I just..." Kaizo muttered, not sure what to think of this. "This is just a guess," Ren replied.

Suddenly, they heard a roar of the undead warriors of the Sun Palace coming from behind... someone's gonna die right now. The group got back to the area, they watched the undead soldiers almost killing the people with their cold-blooded actions and the Oni soldiers tried to stop them. "Riyanda, they came to kidnap Kazuha-hime!" Dinda yelled at her Indonesian compatriot, before she fought against them with Farlan and Shenlan. Izumo and Hakuren tried their best to stop them, but turns out they were outnumbered. Ren immediately catch up with the two, with Yukina growing anxious that her leader was under the grasp of the undead samurai. She gritted her teeth, preparing her katana as she looked at Ren. "Kazuha-hime!"

"Fuck, she got kidnapped!"

Yukina paused when one of the soldiers informed, there is no way she can help Ren who was desperate to take her away from the bastard. The reanimated samurai soldiers caught the female Oni and throw her on the ground, making her growled in annoyance and blood boiling with anger. "Hoshino... I thought you're dead!" Kazuha growled at the shogun who lead the army, before the undead tied her up and slump her over the undead horse. "Take her to the Sun Palace now!" Hoshino commanded at his soldiers, making the tides changed drastically... it made them cornered until there is none on their side.

But then, Ren was enraged after seeing these men took Kazuha away from the place; his eyes marked on the undead general named Hoshino who laughed at the defenseless male's face. "Damn it! Back away!" he yelled and fought back, the enemies had underestimated his fighting skill as he managed to killed one of the soldiers with one strike. The undead weren't the ones to give up and forced themselves to fight back to his fury, but Ren had no choice but to use his Cosmic Wrath polearm and create a massive quake around him--killing the remnants of the undead soldiers who ran away from there.

After the sudden invasion, they had to rest and Kazuha-hime ended up being brought to the Sun Palace. It didn't goes well, because they were too late in trying to retrieve her back. Ren could see the wrath in Yukina's eyes, he frowned as he also find out that half of the artifacts got taken by them--that's a red flag for the future.

The next morning...

Ren approached Yukina who was seen sitting in front of the riverside, she was upset and remained in silence after the Head Chieftain was captured by the Sun guards yesterday. He knew it was his fault for being too late, even his friends tried to stop them but they were outnumbered--yet it didn't help when Yukina was already stressed with that last situation yesterday. "What the fuck? Do you think if I haven't done anything, the zombies will spare you and the others?" Ren reprimanded in an irritated tone, but Yukina still didn't meet his eyes even when he tried to make her talk. "Yes, it's my fault and I'm sorry for not being right on time Yukina. But, we can't just do nothing when the guards suddenly shows up here!" he yelled at her.

Yukina glared at him for talking back to her, but seeing him for being worried is almost unheard of, and yet she began to realize something. "I might not realize about my feelings, but this won't help me nor others," he finished, his voice became raspier when the Oni stood up and told him. "That's your choice, human," she spoke, turning her head sideways when she was about to walk away from him. Ren had enough of this shit and grabbed her wrist, it made her turn around at him with those angry red eyes belonged hers--but instead Ren release her when he realized what he did. "Don't you get it? Kazuha-hime is not just my leader, she's my sister-figure when she took me from my village!" Yukina confessed angrily.

Her rage and sorrow overfilled that made Ren's mind boggled in confusion and bafflement, as he couldn't even said something to say for her even when Yukina facing her back to him. "But... this made me questioning my existence, like... I don't share similarities to her. I couldn't see... what's going to be next now that she's been taken by these pathetic undead mongrels," she continued, hugging her arms. "You and your friends are here... made me think that my time should've been quick. But, I should be the one who saved her--for leading the tribe and the entire Oni people under her leadership, she has a lot of things to settle with my absence," Yukina said with a choked voice, clearly hinting him that she's not supposed to exist here and she was the 'leader' in the past.

However, when she stated that his eyes widened in shock that she let out a choked sob when a tears were forming as her cheekbones colored with a bright red color. Ren slowly reach out his fingers to wipe them and she quickly gripped his hand without realizing, she did not wanted to let him go because his presence felt comforting. There's a moment of silence between them as Yukina began to break down again, never showing vulnerability towards anyone in a while but this time, he got a chance. "Yukina... it's going to be fine, you will always have us. We have something in store, right?" Ren comforted her as his grip on hers tighten, seeing her tears stained her face as he gritted his teeth. Yukina looked at him, she was puzzled by his question.

Ren stood in front of her, both of his hands cupping both of her cheeks gently. She saw his smiling face and was dumbfounded for a second, before she broke into a sobbing mess while holding his hand close to her warm face and tried her best not to lose her self-control.

It has been quite a long time to not see the leader's bodyguard of their tribe acting like that, especially in the eyes of her rival. "Ren, please... you're my... you're our only hope," she whispered, rubbing her face against the palm of his hands like a sad, lonely animal trying to get attention from their owner. "We're in this together, Yukina..." Ren whispered, reassuring her as he wiped her tears from her face. "But, I can't do this by myself. You also need to tell me everything you know about this island, I trust you... please?" he said, tilting her chin up before Yukina regained her composure, before he replied. "I will tell you."

It doesn't help for her, because... Ren's gentle attitude got her good. Yukina nodded as she wiped her tears off her face, knowing that the humans will help her--especially Ren, he truly cared for her and his friends.

At the other place...

"This isn't too bad."

The 'shadow queen' named Michiko commented, circling around Kazuha-hime who's being held in captive in the throne room. The female Oni hasn't changed a bit... no, not even an inch. "Here's my offer, Kazuha. Why won't you become my subject?" she questioned, the princess remained silent. "As long as you serve me, I'll ensure that you won't get killed along with your tribe. Think carefully," Michiko whispered into her ear, Kazuha narrowed her eyes when she listens to her.

This little cultist bitch sure is a handful, Kazuha is an Oni--she has a pride of having demonic lineage. Let's just admit that most of Oni shares a 'demonic' nature, even their behavior reflects themselves as well. "Why do you care about what the Sun Queen wants? Are you really that desperate to accept her 'rebirth' to this world, Hoshino?" she questioned the male general, who was busy drinking his tea. Before the male undead spoke with a gruffy tone that sent chills down her spine.

"Think about it, a world where you can survive for hundreds of years is better, right?"

They are persistent, Kazuha can tell how ambitious their cult can be when they're looking forward for something grand for the most hideous evil that the world might end in near future. Their power could corrupt everything that people had made, they won't let anyone get in their way for destroying the Sun Queen's hatred towards the people who sealed her away from the world... Kazuha clicked her tongue, before she snarled at them. "You made a mistake in capturing an Oni of my family's most 'prominent' warrior clan, let alone you have killed my parents and siblings," Kazuha sneered.

Kazuha was wide-eyed to see the decaying corpse of Queen Himiko, she looked... awfully different than the older image of the Sun Queen that once ruled the entirety of this island. For thousands of years, the Sun Queen won't end up like an old hag like those undead... she looked more or less in her 20-30s. 'This hag... looks hideous than before,' she thought, but a chill goes down to her spine, making the undead shogun laughed maniacally. "Ah, you finally remembered! Wonderful to see the surprise in your face, you truly can't fool us!" he sneered, before Kazuha hummed at him. "It is a surprise for me, that your queen still look like a young, decent human."

Hoshino immediately felt irritated when she talked back at the Sun Queen, his hands were clutched into a fist as his undead mind beginning to simmer down with wrath because of the female Oni who still mocked their queen. "Oh yeah? Let's see how long your 'loyalty' would last when my soldiers killed the others one by one. The clan will bow and grovel beneath Queen Himiko's feet!" Hoshino mocked and walked off the throne room with Michiko, leaving the female Oni and their queen who stared at each other in 'person'. "It's been a while, Queen of Yamatai," Kazuha started in her neutral tone, but Himiko's decaying form raised her finger.

"Yamatai... I used to ruled that empire, but no more. That's what I can remember. I've thought about... an enormous empire, as large as... Ryukyu, or even bigger than that," she wheezed, watching the female Oni had a disgusted expression. So, this is how low the queen has been due to the years have passed, it makes her realize the sun setting for someone like her. Kazuha could never admit that her words was disgusting enough, but still... she's willing to oppose the queen. "You still move like usual, yet look at you... your eternal youth is wasted due to all of your corrupted and depraved acts. Who knew that you will give me this much of disgust, Your Majesty?" Kazuha hissed at her, but Himiko is far from being intimidated by a fierce-looking Oni, despite have fangs.

"Your resistance won't be enough to stop me," she whispered, a smile curved her ugly, thin yet decaying lips as Kazuha looked at her in neutral and disgusted expression.

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