Shizuki laid down on the futon after she took a bath in the nighttime, the training made her exhausted--due to the effect of her Awakening Onikami form that drained her energy drastically. Wearing her home kimono and her hair also tied in low ponytail loosely, she was relaxing while looking at the pond filled with koi fishes. Kazuya slide the door open to see his beloved , as he folded his arms in front of her. "Sleepyhead," he called her, making Shizuki yawned. "Not now, Kazuya..."
Kazuya was proud as hell, like he didn't regret for making Shizuki strong and able to control her power--a bit naive and clumsy sometimes. "So about the Iridescent Pearl... you've awakened your awakening form," he reminded her, making her eyes narrowed at him--seems like he said that in his mind when Shizuki asked that. "You look beautiful and bold when you're in that form, no wonder humans fell in love with you," he added, Shizuki playfully smacked his foot for that. "Says the one who fell in love with mortal herself."
Shizuki watched him smirked at her remark, he picked up the fan to hide his face at her. How dare he tease her. "I wonder if one day... I'll use that power to defeat Hozuki," she said, sitting up to be able to look at him properly. "Yes, but we'll do it... together," he added, kneeling in front of her--as she look away from him. "Takashi must be really mad at me for nearly killing him back there..."
Kazuya slowly wrap his arm around her waist while his other hand held her chin, turning her head to look at her directly--leaning a bit close. "Please don't remember what happened before, Shizuki," he muttered, placing his finger under her chin. "All we need is focus on the task in our hands, but for now... perhaps it's time to restore the past between Yuzuki and I."
His head buried on her shoulder as he rested his head on it for a moment, snuggling into her side--never had he apologized before because of his high pride, and his belief. Perhaps Shizuki able to show what is right and what is wrong to him, there's nothing much to do except making a mistake. Shizuki hug him back, stroking his long hair gently--she let out a content sigh from him embracing her warmly. The half-Onikami warrior princess tilted her head a little, leaning against his cheek. "So that's why Yuzuki wanted to become an immortal, didn't she? So she could spent her time forever with you."
"By making humans her sacrifices--that's not real living, it's called an eternal life," Kazuya answered, slightly pulling away from her before grabbing her hand. "Shizuki, promise me that... you won't sacrifice your mortality just for me, that would make you a monster," he explained, staring at her dead seriously. The warrior princess narrowed her eyes, she already knew that through Yuzuki's subconscious that she've seen her mind--almost as if she was possessing her.
However, her half-Onikami ancestry prevented Yuzuki from taking control of her body, instead they have a conversation with each other, Shizuki was able to convince her. They're not exactly the same, just that Yuzuki was selfish and aggressive towards her goals, believing in Kazuya and his greed of becoming more powerful, thinking of it as living forever. A lot can get better on how Kazuya cope with his past mistakes, but when Shizuki with him--Yuzuki's death isn't a burden anymore, as he have someone to protect and will willing to end his own life for her. "Why should I become an immortal? I like the feeling of mortality rather than living eternally."
"Then don't ever think about it," he hissed under his breath, raising his tone--but didn't offend her or intending to make her feel worse. "Okay, I promise. I don't ever want to become an immoral immortal for a man, once the gods and goddess was sealed by her, so many lives have been sacrificed and numerous villages were destroyed when she fled away," she replied with a determined face, smiling.
Kazuya hold her cheek and caressing it gently, it didn't take long for him to plant a soft kiss on her lips and their emotions igniting from the inside--seems like they're waiting for the moment where she would have no longer fear him. "I trust you with my heart, but never forget what I've said."
"I will never break your trust, because the water dragon belong to nobody else but myself."
Shizuki whispered, before she yelped when he suddenly pinned her on the floor with no hesitation, she blushed at him as his hair trailing her body lightly. "You shouldn't have said that, Shizuki Kasuga," he remarked with a pout, leaning a bit close as he pressed their foreheads together. Her lover, a mountain god who is a stubborn water dragon sharing his intimacy with one another. Shizuki reached her fingers and entangled it on the back of his hair, before they hear a knock from the tatami door.
"Excuse me, Kaname and I would like to invite you to the fortune god's temple!"
Yomi announced, making both of them split up from each other and giving her a space. "Alright! We'll get prepared!" Shizuki exclaimed.
***
The party of four has arrived at the torii gate of the temple, there were several humans visiting and praying to the gods--luckily no monsters were present but it seems rather peaceful. "I met a fortune god named Tsubaki, he's a nogitsune and one of the gods that Yuzuki sealed--even the Ten Gods of Guardian also been sealed..." Yomi announced.
Both of them were surprise at her answer as their eyes slightly widened, they were about to question further but there's something they have to do before both of them agreed. "I know Tsubaki," Kazuya stated, Shizuki looked at him for a moment before she looked away as his voice becomes low as a whisper. "He was one of the sly creatures in Kagutsuchi who has been rival to Tamotsu, poor kitsune god that he had to deal with nogitsune's tricks."
They visited the area where he was sealed into an enormous stone pillar, the onlookers were fascinated to look at the sealed deity.
"This seal... has the same spiritual energy that was used by Yuzuki to seal the gods," Shizuki said, sensing the energy flowing from the stone pillar. However, the energy is very fragile that Shizuki's ability to unseal the fortune god may cause a harm on the deity--it requires Yomi's chanting on her staff so she could undo the magic. "Yomi, can you unseal him?" Kaname asked, the priestess nodded as she smiled at him. "I'll try."
Yomi was chanting with her eyes closed, pinning the tip of the staff on the ground that creates a green-colored aura and ray of lights hovering around the pillar. The onlookers were awestruck at her majestic sight, some people were coming closer to see what she's doing to release the sealed god. "Uhm... we need to get them away from the area, this will release a powerful barrier--so it's not the best idea for us," Shizuki announced, Kaname nodded before he instructed them to keep the crowd out of there and Kazuya did the same to help him--the warrior princess had to keep an eye on Yomi's chanting--barely affecting her at all.
Yomi continued the chanting that the energy of Yuzuki is rather corrupted with negative power, since the deceased shrine priestess use one of the pearls to obtain the power so she could have lived for a long time. After several chants, the power of the staff had cracked the pillar completely with the strong lights and energy everywhere before the fortune god was released--sending a gentle breeze of wind surrounding them.
Tsubaki yawned after he got released from his sealing state, sitting on the stone pillar while looking down at them. He is a playful and mischievous nogitsune whose power depends of the luck and happiness of humans, his personality is very similar to his character, he made a move against her. Yomi got his right hand and made the man halted, while Kaname is throwing death glare towards Tsubaki when he looked at the man. Shizuki and Kazuya exchange their glances, waiting for Tsubaki to say a word.
"Huh, I thought Tamotsu is here," he said as he tilted his head, looking quite disappointed before standing. Tsubaki hopped down to look at the people standing below his feet. "Oh," the nogitsune held her chin, smiling before Kaname put his palm over his face--it made Tsubaki's face darkened by the land god's palm blocking his eyesight. "Kaname-san...?"
"Tsubaki," a hoarse voice spoke out to him, which is from Kaname who hold Yomi's shoulder. Kazuya wanted to snicker because he knew he was jealous and Shizuki wanted to control her laugh. The nogitsune turned to see the land god looked annoyed at him, before he laughed hysterically. "Kaname! It's been a long time!" he called the man's name, wrapping his arms around him and making a face at him that made him yelled.
"Hey! Get off me you stupid fox!"
Kazuya laughed like a prideful dragon god he is, while Shizuki rolled her eyes, doesn't care what happens next. Their eyes widened in surprise when Tsubaki got pushed away and Kaname stepped towards Yomi, who seemed to be confused as ever. There was no sign of tension anymore, as Tsubaki looked surprised as he realized that he was being pushed off. "Aw, does the land god doesn't like me at all?"
"Fortune god like you bring so many misfortunes whenever you show up, Yomi... don't let him fool you!"
Kaname ordered, causing Yomi to be surprised on her gentle expression. 'Wait, is he... jealous?!' Shizuki thought after realizing what was going on, and the warrior princess started to laugh when Kazuya noticed Yomi hiding behind her. "Kaname, I know you're just too protective for her--but come on. Tsubaki is actually nice guy--kind of," he remarked with a knowing smirk on his lips.
Tsubaki started to chuckle, holding his stomach as he laughed at the duo while brushing his chin as they didn't respond him. Kaname narrowed his eyes, he huffed as he folded his arms. "Fine, we need to find a way to stop Hozuki--do you know him? Oh right, he was Yuzuki's offspring before and she used--" he paused when Tsubaki's face darkened, upon hearing Yuzuki's name made him fell into the darkness of hatred. Kaname immediately regret his words from the silence, he didn't think of telling him what happened to her.
"Yeah, I know that woman--she really pissed me off, please don't remind me what she did to me," he growled, before his voice was quite soft--and yet holding guilt. "I never thought that mortal could actually fall in love with a dragon... until I got sealed and barely have some hopes of coming out... I was one of the witness that she was carrying a child of immortal, other than Karasu Tengu," he explained as he let out a long, heavy sigh.
Shizuki gasped as she put her hand over her mouth, looking up at Kazuya's face with a puzzled look. She heard him let out a deep exhale, closing his eyes. "I... am the father of the child, but I never consider that was an abomination from the start," he admitted, crossing his arms with his fingers holding his chin. Tsubaki went silent, looking surprised as he heard that from Kazuya. "Kazuya, I understand that you doesn't want a half-human's children," Yomi spoke, not seeming offended by his remark.
"It's fine, really..."
Yomi smiled back, almost as if she forgiven him from his harsh comment earlier. While Shizuki remain neutral, her hands were on her hips. "And, who is this girl who looks like Yuzuki?" Tsubaki asked, it made Shizuki endured the annoying tension and she finally accepted that she was Yuzuki's reincarnation. "I'm her reincarnation," she admitted as she turn her head. "We wanted to convince you for helping us."
Tsubaki was skeptical after he blinked, he stared at her intensely and stepping closer to her. Shizuki flinched nervously after his deadly glare--while he bowed respectfully at her, he let out a heavy sigh. "I'm sorry for you, perhaps being her reincarnation must be so uncomfortable for you--or are you afraid to take Yuzuki's duty, protect her child."
'This is getting complicated... how could he apologize for someone he never met before?' Shizuki thought nervously, it made her felt uneasy about the idea of her life feeling everything as if she was in her own shell. "I-It's fine... it must be not your fault for being sealed away," Shizuki replied, convincing him with her reassurance. "I only wanted to accept and live with whatever that happening, and as long this man is with me..."
She poked Kazuya's waist that made him flinched before he glared at her, she looked at him. "I wanted to protect him and living with him forever, he's my soulmate. Always wanted to stay with him until he found his way, and he promised me forever and ever... I also wanted to help him fulfill his dreams."
Kazuya stared at her, which Tsubaki seemed confused at their connection to each other--if they were together, the red on the Dragon's cheeks couldn't stopped Shizuki from hugging him closely. "Damn it, Shizuki... you're making me look weak at this moment..." the mountain god said to her, yet he wrapped his arm around her and let out a sigh. Tsubaki just stood there as he knew Shizuki was Yuzuki's reincarnation, a good kind of person. Perhaps, not all the reincarnations are born with malicious desires, like Yuzuki and her powers.
"I can't believe you're with a mortal after what Yuzuki had done, Dragon god," the fortune god remarked, before crossing his arms. "I will assist you, with one condition," he claimed as he crossed his arms, it made them looked at each other in displease, even Shizuki and Kazuya are sharing a glance with a serious look.
"What is it, Tsubaki?"
Kaname asked, they listened as the nogitsune remained silent--before he grinned. "I haven't eaten something in a long time, mind if you can take me to the festival to get me some food?" he offered, making the four of them fell down from the bushes. Of course, they agreed with it so they can achieve their goal--regardless that the other onlookers become hesitant. "It can't be helped, looks like we need to give him something to eat..." Kaname grumbled.
The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.
Few hours later...
In the festival, Tsubaki was eating his favorite food Abura-age, the whole humans were giving him some of the blessings for the better futures and happiness while staying at the festival--alongside his friends. "I need to fight Hozuki, just in case he might interrupt with your plan--" Tsubaki added while he chewed the Abura-age which is his favorite, not to mention he absolutely loved given this type of offering from the people in his temple.
Yomi sighed softly with a smile as she sipped her cup of green tea, sitting beside Kaname who was eating a taiyaki peacefully (without being pissed). "Thanks for the treat," Yomi thanked them for their effort, just this one time--Shizuki wants to forgive the overprotective land god from that embarrassing incident, much to Kaname's dismay. Kazuya stood beside his lover as he was writing some fortune paper with a mysterious lettering that nobody knew, and the nogitsune caught their interest as he observed him writing.
The god looked up at him, finished to writing something before handing the paper over the fortune god. "Tsubaki, make sure you give someone this... once they received it, they'll be protected with barriers and deflect of cursed objects," he announced, explaining the main reasons to use this in the war. Tsubaki received the paper, making him snorted because the name of his lover is obvious. "Geez, at least don't name her so obvious--" he paused when Kazuya loomed over him with a glare, causing the nogitsune to gulped nervously.
"Kazuya, want to buy some grilled fish?"
Shizuki asked and making Kazuya nodded, agreeing as he took some money with him and walking away from their sight. Tsubaki huffed before he was reading the name on the paper, he gasped in shock. "Shizuki?!" he snapped, before Kazuya tossed him a stone that knocked Tsubaki out immediately from his seat. Yomi went a little surprised from the sight, before she turned to see Tsubaki knocked out unconsciously. "Serve you right," Kaname teased, smiling down at his paper.
"Did you give someone his name on the paper?" Yomi asked the fallen god, making Kaname widened his eyes in surprise. He seemed a bit taken aback, before chuckling proudly. "Looks like I accidentally written his name, that served him right," he admitted, wiping off the crumbs on his lips. Yomi let out a small laugh at his joke--it really seemed funny.
Kazuya walked beside Shizuki as they're about to purchase grilled fish, but as they were being distracted--Kazuya kissed her temple that made Shizuki blushed. "Hopefully we'll have our wedding... after this war is over," he mumbled under his breath, hoping that her ancestors accept her desire for her other half. Their moment became more romantic before his hand gently reached for hers, giving him assurance from the warrior princess.
And so, the two of them were still hoping for the brightest day that had to overcome.
Shizuki got flustered when he did that, it was lucky enough for them to bought the grilled fish which was being grilled in front of them. "I hope so... but, I'm not sure how you will become human someday..." she replied, making him chuckled as their forehead pressed against each other while holding their hands together--as if they were in their own perfect moment. "That's for the future I planned, so we could fulfill all my desires--that includes you," Kazuya answered with a smirk, closing his eyes as he pecked her on the lips softly.
Shizuki grew flustered by his peck, there was the determination within her--making her believe she will strive to get into her dreams. "As long I got you, it won't bother me if you've to sacrifice anything to achieve it," Shizuki added, making him returned her embrace, looking into her eyes that was reflecting his feelings--and he knew... that he didn't want this dream to be gone. She closed her eyes, savoring the moment.
"Can I ask you something?"
Kazuya nodded at her as he let her asked, looking at her, not breaking their sight.
"Why do you fall in love with me when there's Yuzuki?"
"Simple, she was the past. I want to see the present and future," he told her, before adding. "I've enough of being stuck with my past, without fulfilling my dreams--so I want to focus on the present which is you."
"...you haven't answer the question."
"Oh?"
His body shook softly after she asked, she held his cheeks and stared at her. There was the answer but she wanted to know the real reasons--behind their past and the connection between him and Yuzuki. She wants to hear everything that never been told, the answers are inside him, and Shizuki realized that no one ever ask him until now. The person who found his worth and worth to keep his promises. "Do I have to repeat myself, Kasuga? Can't you see through me like when you read my mind?"
Shizuki pouted and refused to smile, holding his hands and she swore she could feel her heart pulsated in a fast pace. "I can't believe I'm a mortal, who would accept a dragon god like you," she told him, but she let out a small laugh at the end to show she accepted his reason with a joyful smile, not pity. They went to the area filled with cherry blossom trees as some of the petals flew with the direction of the wind, and flying into the sky.
"No, believe me... it never bothers me why should a mortal like you accepted a powerful, arrogant god like me," Kazuya mumbled. "I thought humans and gods wouldn't mix because we will eventually be separated by being a god and a mortal--"
He sighed deeply.
"However, you're different. You make me see other possibilities when it comes to being with a human, you think you're selfish but you're no more selfish than me--"
The flowers falling gracefully as if they were performing a beautiful dance in spring.
"Well...I am a bit jealous that people might try to steal you away from me... are you sure you won't regret being with me? I've seen it all."
She tried to listen, but her ears wouldn't obey as their laughter surrounding the area. "Me, the selfish person? Now you're kidding, Kazuya. Humans and god alike--we can be different, there's nothing wrong with that! I won't lie about the fact that I hated you before, you are much interesting in personal level even though your words sometimes will break the person you love."
Crap, that made him flustered and suddenly acting so soft as he let out a sigh. All of this happening because he was fascinated with her soul, he could let his true desires out through her presence only. She, the special treasure she is--despite the anger that she was angry at him, and he expected that as it's rather natural coming from her. Shizuki knew that's his life from the past, it's so different from the way he tried to show his emotions, after Yuzuki. The silence caused her to realize what she told him.
They observed the cherry blossom tree in front of their eyes, under the moonlight that shine on them. Both of them stared at each other, their gaze softened before Kazuya kissed her gently. Shizuki kissed him back before slightly pulled away from the kiss before Kazuya lowered his head onto her shoulder, her cheeks reddened as he embraced her slowly. She knew he was having a different answer for that, even after spending their days together...
"Shizuki..."
Shizuki heard him called her name, as his arms were embracing her. A scent of dandelion flowers slowly filled her, and she knew what he meant and respond with a hug. His face leaned towards her as their foreheads pressed, before he lean forward to kiss her on the lips passionately. The rain of petals fell gently above their head as her hands wrapped around his nape--while Kazuya remained kissing her that their love was being shown in a glimpse. A glimpse of petals reveals them in their respective 'true' forms temporarily, Shizuki in her half-Onikami form and Kazuya in his semi-true form as a water dragon.
They remained kissing under the cherry blossom petals before their forms changed back into their original selves. Kazuya tilted her head slightly as his nose burying in her neck--even her scent drove him on the edge, his life finally changed in a huge turn. Shizuki let him hug her without letting him go, closing her eyes while allowing him to embrace her completely.
They stayed in silence as the gentle breeze passes through their silhouettes, yet only one name echoing in their hearts.
'Shizuki... '
'Kazuya...'
Shizuki thought while still being trapped by his arms, then Kazuya slid his fingers along her face that makes her opened her eyes at him, as he whispered to her. "You will always be on the sea, my dearest."
His expression bewitched her senses while her arms embraced him warmly, and he savored her touch and warmth before they walked back to meet their friends. 'Don't worry, Shizuki. I'll protect you no matter what happens... after our journey is accomplished. When my sins are absolved and this darkness vanished, only I could truly know that the ending will be worth it,' he thought before grabbing her hand while keeping the promise in his heart, he always wanted to live peacefully--without any war and battle that comes off deadly in his past experiences.
After that...
Yomi reminiscing of her past life, unaware of the two hands were holding her waist and turned her around that her head colliding with someone's firm body. "What are you doing out here?" Kaname's familiar voice echoed, and Yomi found herself blushing at the physical interaction and personal space invasion.
The land god observed Yomi who was holding her head, making her giggled softly as he smiled in relief, he hugged her warmly without any hesitation. Kaname was checking on her as the priestess seemed a bit sad earlier, as Yomi needed to forget about their encounter with Tsubaki. "I'm glad that you're here, Kaname-sama," she said, holding his shoulders when he grinned happily. "I won't ever forgive him, did you know he played a prank on me before...?"
Yomi blinked before shaking her head, curious on the story--until he put his index finger on her lips, winking at her while covering her smile. "Since you're the priestess, I need to share my story with you someday, aren't you worried that our land will get destroyed?" he said jokingly, but Yomi suddenly getting tense by his statement. "Your humor still terrible, likewise."
Kaname laughed at her reaction, knowing that no one ever joke a serious matter like that before. He removed his finger from her lips, only to reveal her amused smile at him that he couldn't resist. "Listen, I know my behavior might confuse you... but we need to act together."
She nodded.
"This was our first step, and I know you wanted to do this whole mission with the gods, protecting everyone and fulfill your duties..."
His words touch her heart because of his concern about her, Yomi covered her lips with her sleeve as she seemed... flattered. "You're quite a good person, if it wasn't for your temper... which I might reconsider," she teased him, it made his gaze hardened. Kaname was quite sensitive at his nickname he used by his friends, such as 'Bakaname' (from Kazuya)--and, somehow he will get angry when he addressed him (or insulting him).
He gulped, shaking his head. "Let's not go there, does Kazuya said that?!"
She nodded sheepishly.
"Argh, that damn dragon... wait until we go to the battlefield, I'll pay him off!"
He looked away with a grumpy expression, trying to relax as he took a deep breath and exhaled. "Yomi, do you... missed me when I was gone after... being sealed away by Yuzuki?" he finally asked after silence between them, as if he was holding his breath. Yomi was about to speak, but she stopped when he realized it would be coming from his perspective, and yet... Kaname wasn't such a jerk anymore and instead become a protective figure. "I missed you, of course!"
Yomi replied happily, the land god went flushed as he tried to control himself. "Y-Yeah, I'm glad you're doing well. You've grown up so much and no longer a child I remember, not a big and annoying one," Kaname remarked, making Yomi giggled--unbothered by his comment about her age. Kaname went quiet, but he became calmer even he doesn't want to lose his demeanor, but he loved how her hands hold her sleeves as she made herself comfortable.
"...I'm sorry."
That made Yomi widened her eyes in surprise and noticed his gloomy expression, seeing his shoulders down and the light from his pupils had faded. "For what, Kaname-sama? What are you talking about?" she asked, but she knows Kaname wasn't a type of person to have a guilt in their minds. Yet, it made her become unease at his words.
He placed his hands on both of her shoulder, staring at her orbs.
"I... I failed you, I'm afraid that I might lose you again. I promised to protect you from that half-immortal," Kaname tried to smile at her, not moving at all even when she touched his cheek and her warmth seeped into him. "You came to me when you worried of me, Kaname-sama... you didn't fail me," Yomi replied, assuring him. "Please, you have nothing to fear..."
Kaname nodded once more, brushing her hair and stroking her cheek. "Just for your sake, your well-being should be your priority," the land god added, causing Yomi to be flustered--nodding at his agreement, they're keeping their focus to bring Hozuki's reign to the ashes. They're being distracted by their feelings of solace.
"Kaname-sama, don't worry. I will be fine," Yomi reassured him, smiling back as she started to bow in respect. Kaname hold her shoulder firmly as he pulled her gently, making her bumped onto him once more. "Close your eyes, Yomi..." he mumbled with his stern voice and she obliged, she felt his finger was tracing onto her lips, before feeling a pair of lips pressed into hers.
Yomi didn't think the kiss was lasting long as their lips slightly parted away and they looked at each other.
"Dinner's ready, both of you!"
Kaname wanted to punch Kazuya's face after this, he sighed as he blushed a little and released her. "Let's go back inside... we need to eat," he grumbled, Yomi chuckled before she wrapped her arms around his wrist and both of them went back to the machiya house.
***
That time was an upsetting days when Yomi visiting Kaname’s statue everyday, the day before he was unsealed. While she carried the ceremonial staff with bells and the pearl attached on it, she was able to perform it well and because Ryusei assisted her even Munakata--they were at the cave at early morning before Shizuki and Kazuya catch up to them.
Yomi must not give up--she know what she need to do, she can’t fail again. Ryusei came up to her--holding her shoulder while asking her. “Yomi, are you sure you’re going to be okay? ”he asked her, concerned that she’s going to get hurt. “Let me know if something happened, last thing I need is someone getting hurt by that.”
“I'll be okay, Ryusei-sama.”
Yomi smiled at him, they were already prepared to began the ritual, releasing the seal that has kept the fire Dragon from its slumber. As she was chanting the ritual, with her eyes closed and putting the ceremonial staff in front of her and held by both hands--the bright green lights surrounds her in circle.
Ryusei told the guards to stand-by in case there’s something going to happen next, Yomi still chanting the spell, concentrating by her spell. When the spell has reformed once again--it worked successfully, however there’s an earthquake beneath them. “Yomi!” he shouted at her, trying to reach out for her--she finished the ritual and hit the lower part of her staff to the ground hardly. It caused the statue of the stone pillar cracked and causing a release of the land god himself--or the Serpent god of the East Mountain.
“Kaname-sama… can you hear me..?”
The female spoke in calm to the broken statue that was glistening in white color, there’s a red flames surrounding the sealed statue behind the iron bars. It burns the bars, allowing Yomi to get into the access to release Kaname.
‘Yomi…?’
Yomi could hear his voice from inside, she smiled wistfully after not seeing him for a long time. When she still holding the staff, she opens her eyes and looked at the cracked statue of the fire Dragon. “It’s okay, I will release you… one more time, but this time--I will do it for real,” she said with determination, still holding her staff despite the earthquake still did not stop yet.
One last chant, she hit the lower part of the staff onto the ground, causing the statue to broke down and released the physical form of the Serpent. The individual, Kaname, roaring loudly and there’s so many white smokes around the cave. Including the flames around them, it seems like Kaname has completely awakened.
“Kaname-sama…”
Yomi muttered quietly, surprised to see him finally free from his eternal sealing state. The tengu, who was stand-by to protect her in case if he’s attacking anyone due to his rage. There was Kazuya, who has came with Shizuki and stopping him from enraging around, turns out it was how they met.