CHAPTER 25
GENBU
"The day of the wedding has come and the Priestess of Byakko assembled her seven celestial warriors, in a skirmish against the Hokkan troops."
The prince Kirin and the princess Saiine, dressed in traditional Sairou wedding vestments marched along the great shrine. The nobles were all assembled, as well as the priestess of Byakko and the seven celestial warriors. Saiine was unaware of the plan that they concocted. Hidden deep inside Saiine's white gown was a sharp dagger, intended to assassinate the priestess. She smiled inwardly, feeling a bit excited about killing the priestess. Then, not for long, the priests have arrived, and Freyja, being the priestess of Byakko, will be the one to lead the ceremony.
"Just imagine if this is real… and really, I will be asked to wed them!" Freyja thought with a pout while marching in the middle.
"In the name of the heavens, may you give your blessings to Kirin, Prince of Sairou, and Saiine, Princess of Hokkan…" She started, with her arms stretched out wide. "No, heavens please don't…" She whispered to herself after the opening of the ceremony.
The guards were specially prepared. By Freyja's orders, The cue will be given by Kirin and the plan shall commence. They were all aware that a solar eclipse would soon occur, and this made the situation more tense. Even before Kirin could make the cue, Saiine, unexpectedly pulled her dagger out and rushed to pierce the priestess side. Freyja, too, was shocked of her attempt, however, Kirin, the assassin renowned for his godly speed, was able to pull Saiine back even before she could reach Freyja.
"What DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?" He broke both of her arms and placed a sword right on her neck.
"This is great!" Freyja thought, "Now, since unexpectedly, Saiine made the first move, we could say that it is her who started to breach the contract!" Freyja found this as a blessing from the heavens.
Saiine glared at Freyja, but, she was unable to speak. The guards came rushing to them and Kirin roughly threw the princess to the guards. "Lock her up! And the messenger as well!" He ordered while removing the Chinese-style clip fastening his hair.
"The events were as fast as they could be, just as when the princess Saiine and the messenger is locked in the depths of the palace, dungeon the skies started to darken…"
Freyja looked at Karasuki and nodded. Karasuki got her cue and immediately rushed outside to his assigned post. Amefuuri, Toroki and Zam rushed to their posts as well. Tatara and Subaru were assigned to protect the palace, and the prince is given a very special task.
As they have planned, Karasuki lead the front line unit. Now, the prince and the priestess are left in the palace. Freyja immediately took her dress off, revealing a thick leather armor she was wearing underneath. Just as when she was about to go to the battlefield herself, Kirin suddenly feinted towards her.
"I'm sorry, Freyja." With one quick and strong strike, he hit the back of her neck. "WH-what…" Freyja felt very dizzy, desperately keeping herself from fainting.
"This battle will be fierce. Stay here, and wait." Those were the last words that she heard before totally losing consciousness. Kirin gently took her in his arms and laid her to her bed. "Be a good girl, and wait." After entrusting the priestess to the royal guards, he immediately went on his way to the battlefield.
Little by little, the moon started to cover the sun, and, just as they suspected, an enormous Hokkan army was spotted, marching towards the capital.
"The Lady Priestess fell unconscious, while the Sairou army is heading out for battle. The prince Kirin couldn't bear to see the priestess in danger, and with this, he locked her in the safety of her chambers."
"Karasuki and I, shall lead the bait unit. The main objective is to lead them down here…"
Karasuki recalled the priestess' instructions as he and his unit headed out to their positions.
"General, wasn't the priestess supposed to be with us?" A soldier asked, noticing that the priestess wasn't around.
"You understand don't you?"
"Yes, of course. That would be much better."
The soldier's question made him recall Kirin's plan to lock Freyja up while the fierce battle is going on.
"She won't be coming. We locked her up inside the room forcefully." He calmly replied. The soldiers were astonished to hear his words. "We wouldn't want her reckless self to be hurt, would we?" Karasuki gently smiled as he replied. They knew that this battle was fiercer than the battles they previously went through.
Karasuki's unit was strong, and Freyja believed in that deeply. Karasuki waited until he could see the humongous army approaching them. Freyja's mere trust is enough to make him risk his life for the mission she entrusted him. Karasuki had been a general for five years already, and ever since he was twelve, he had already been fighting in wars. He fought for his country, but he never fought a battle as bravely as when the priestess commanded her. This battle seemed to be the most frightening of all. Karasuki's hands trembled, both in excitement and fear.
"ATTACK!" He commanded with a mighty voice.
"AHHHHHHHHHH!" His men drew their swords as they rushed towards ten thousand enemies bravely.
On the other hand, before the occurrence of the solar eclipse, Hokkan has been preparing for Mikhail's plan.
"Mi lord," Da She Wang interrupted, "The preparations have been completed. I, your humble servant Dashewang, is praying for your triumph."
Mikhail turned to her. "Alright, it will soon be over." He assured, "For now, you have to go to your post. I'm counting on you."
Dashewang nodded, and, in the blink of an eye, she disappeared.
Mikhail glared at the great statue of Genbu in front of him as the Hokkan priests started to deliver the machines that Mikhail asked them to construct. Finally, his plan is about to commence. The priests could only watch as Mikhail assembled his machines. They believed that Mikhail was like a demigod, for possessing such machines that could produce little lightings.
Slowly, Mikhail placed the slate of Genbu, from his world, to the small hole in the machine that he constructed.
"Now, source of this power, appear before me!" He exclaimed as the 'small lightings' started to appear once again. Mikhail used the Genbu slate as a power source. The force field started to grew larger and larger until it started to engulf the entire shrine. The people trembled in fear, but, believing that Mikhail wouldn't let them die, they stood in their positions with all trust.
Slowly, the moon started to cover the sun and Mikhail knew that this was the right time.
"Now!"
The power became stronger and stronger. The skies has turned black and lighting started to magically strike. Slowly, he could sense the power of a mighty being approaching. With a smirk, Mikhail whispered. "Yes Genbu, come here."
The light shone once again, and, Mikhail was confident that in a few minutes, the god would appear right before him to grant his wishes.
"Freyja! Hurry! Urgh…"
"L…Lord Byakko!" She saw him in a dream another time. "What's the matter?" She couldn't see him, but she could hear that his voice is unusually weaker.
"Go… and save Genbu as well. Hurry!"
Freyja remembered her brother's plans. "Mikhail! He is summoning Genbu!" She hysterically cried. "But I can't leave Sairou either. He planned for an attack so as to make sure that the summoning won't be interrupted."
"I'll leave…the rest… to your share of power…."
Then, the air was filled with silence. "Lord Byakko! Lord Byakko!" She called out to him, but he wasn't answering anymore.
"LORD BYAKKO!" She suddenly woke up from her slumber.
"Stay here…"
She remembered what just happened. Kirin was the one who made her unconscious. Immediately, she ran outside, only to find the doors tightly shut. "Hey! Open these!" She violently knocked at the giant doors.
"Forgive us lady priestess, but the prince' orders were not to let you out." A soldier replied.
"What! Open this! I have to go to them! They are in danger!" She explained frantically.
"I'm sorry lady priestess…"
Freyja fell onto her knees, unable to think of what to do. She can't stop the summoning of Genbu, because the top priority is Sairou's safety. And now, she is locked inside her room. She looked at her windows and found guards there as well. Freyja had no choice but to use force. After having a quick change of clothes, Freyja pulled her bag with her and as well as her sword.
"Lady priestess!" The soldiers saw her climbing out from the window and immediately rushed to stop her.
"STAND BACK!" She swung her sword around. "I'll have to force my way out of you try to stop me!"
She was standing on a fighting stance. And the guards knew that the priestess shouldn't be taken lightly either. However, they have to stop her for her sake as well. The guards attacked all together and Freyja did a good job warding them off, however,
"Argh! Let me go!" Five royal guards jumped from behind her and held her down.
"Please lady priestess, you have to stay here!" They explained.
"I can't…" She finally stopped resisting. "Lord Byakko asked for my help just now. There's no way that I'll refuse him." The guards became frightened of her words about Byakko. If it really is Byakko who sent her, then it must be that important. However, they still couldn't disobey an imperial command.
Just as when they were about to let her go, a sweet music entered their ears. "Wh… What's this!" The royal guards holding Freyja started to feel very weak. Freyja took this chance and immediately broke away from them.
"Freyja!" The music stopped and the boy Tatara jumped out of the bushes.
"Tatara!" Freyja was happy to see him. "Um, are you not going to stop me?" She was surprised that Tatara is helping her escape.
Tatara shook his head. "I don't want Freyja to go and die. But, Freyja is strong and I believe that she will come back alive. So, I will help you with whatever you want me to." He smiled at her. Freyja smiled as well and warmly held the boy's hand. "I'm grateful, Tatara…." She thanked him after dashing away from the palace.
"APPEAR BEFORE ME… GENBU!"
"Who dared… summon me amidst my deep slumber!"
"It is… It is Genbu indeed!" The priests around Mikhail started to panic. Genbu spoke in an angry tone and this frightened them all… except for Mikhail.
"It is I, Mikhail, who summoned you… and you are obliged to grant my three wishes…" He was confident that Genbu could do nothing to him. He held the Genbu slate up high and little by little, a giant tortoise started to descend from the heavens. "KNEEL DOWN ON ME!" Mikhail repeated, and, the slate in his hand was shattered to pieces.
"The Lord Genbu of the north has descended from the heavens…"
The winds blew harder and harder, and the place is engulfed by a powerful aura. Genbu himself, appeared before Mikhail.
"Very well," He said, having no choice. "What is it that you wish for?" He asked, with his mighty voice.
Mikhail could have wished to take Freyja, Zam and Him back to their world, but, to him, that would spoil the fun. He wanted Freyja to see her beloved kingdom crumble to dust first. He is also very much aware that the god would devour him after he makes his third wish, that's why he didn't intend to use the third one.
"My very first wish is…"
"is?"
"To seal Byakko's powers away." He declared, with a blatant smirk painted on his face. Genbu knew very well of the Present Byakko's condition, and he didn't want to grant such a wish. However, Genbu knew that this is the law of the land… that only the strong shall prevail.
"Very well then, young man. I shall seal Byakko's powers off this land…" With his mighty declaration, Genbu roared.
"GREAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!""
The priests covered their ears. The roar was horrifying.
Genbu's roar traveled across Hokkan…
To Kutou…
To Konan… Which the mighty Taitskun sensed as well,
And
To Sairou.
"Argh!" Freyja stopped her horse upon suddenly feeling this piercing pain in her chest. This pain was quite different, it sensed danger.
"Pr—ies—t…-"
She looked back, knowing that she just heard the present Byakko's voice. Freyja's chest tightened even more. "Byakko… He's… He's…" Tears started to form on her eyes, knowing that most probably, Byakko has perished. Freyja was immobilized, she couldn't even think of what to do next. For Byakko, the only one protecting their falling country, is now gone.
"Lord Byakko… please answer me… call my name… say that you're alright!" She started crying, knowing that there is no deity to protect the weak country at the moment. Freyja felt very much useless. She couldn't even save the country that she loved, she couldn't even help her friends, she couldn't even stop the summoning of Genbu by her very own brother. She couldn't save anyone, and this thought made her cry even more.
"WH…What should I do… Kirin!" She clenched her trembling fists, tears continuously falling from her eyes. "What do I do now!" She was confused.
"If you give up… that will surely be the end."
Freyja was losing hope, but, those words echoed inside her mind. Kirin's words. Then, the faces of the Byakko seven started to appear in her mind one by one. Those few who believed in her… who fought with their lives… finally, the Byakko that abdicated the throne to be with her.
Freyja roughly wiped her tears with her right hand. "This is… not the end yet!" She took a deep breath before continuing. Her horse ran fast, as if it was sensing her burning desire to save her warriors.
"Even with no powers from Byakko… I shall help them… if not as the priestess, then simply as Freyja!" She kept on repeating to herself as she dashed through the rocky roads.
"Karasuki is leading them down!" Zam exclaimed while looking at Karasuki's unit through an improvised telescope that Freyja made.
"Mikhail is smart. If Karasuki is able to lead them down t, then, Subaru and Tatara's bomb unit shall take care of them. But I doubt that it will happen. If they stopped trailing Karasuki, instead, attack them in both sides with the crossbow unit first, then strike with your blades after!"
"We have to get ready then! Zam and I will take care of the leftmost part and Tokaki and Toroki will take care of the right side." Amefuuri reiterated Freyja's plan.
"The Byakko seven was about to commence with their plan… however… A sudden tragedy has befallen upon them."
"Karasuki!" Zam exclaimed, noticing that Karasuki started to weaken all of a sudden.
"What's happening Zam!" Amefuuri felt bad about it as well.
"I'll go and fly to Karasuki! He needs help!" Toroki whistled and his falcon Seidan immediately flew to his side. "Seidan, grow big! Hurry!" He commanded.
"Kyeahhh!" Seidan made a sound, as if answering to his command.
They waited for Seidan to grow… but it's taking an unusually long time. "Seidan, what's the mat—" Toroki suddenly fell onto his knees.
"Toroki! What happened!"
Toroki looked down on his left leg. "The symbol… The symbol is not appearing!" He frantically exclaimed.
"What!" Tokaki couldn't believe what Toroki said. "Come out! Boomerang!" He summoned his gigantic boomerang … but just like what happened to Toroki, no boomerang came out.
"Boomerang!" He repeated, "No… symbol as well…" He felt so powerless.
"Mikhail is trying to summon Genbu…"
Zam recalled Mikhail's plan. "Could it be that… he has already summoned Genbu! And… he wished for our powers to be sealed!" Bingo! Zam was right.
Amefuuri dropped his blade. "This can't be… without the powers of Byakko, we would only become ordinary soldiers and… against that number…" Even the calm Amefuuri is starting to panic as well.
From not so far away, Karasuki noticed it as well. The symbol of Orion on his forehead is not appearing any longer. It weakened him a lot, but not enough to make him give up. Even without the symbol, just like Kirin, his swordsmanship is formidable.
"I shall not falter!" He said to himself while charging towards the enemy with all bravery.
The Byakko seven could see Karasuki in grave danger. But, having no powers, they couldn't do much.
"I'll go!" Amefuuri is also confident with his swordsmanship. He jumped down and with his best speed, he rushed to Karasuki's aid.
"Amefuuri!" Toroki saw what he did and followed him.
"Wait guys!" Tokaki followed them as well.
"Don't leave me here!" Zam didn't want to be left out, so she jumped down as well.
"Karasuki! Are you alright!" Amefuuri quickly arrived.
"Yes, somewhat…" He replied while blocking the enemies' attacks at the same time.
After a short while, Tokaki, Toroki and Zam arrived as well.
Together, they fought against the soldiers, even without their powers.
Tatara and Subaru came out of nowhere as well. "We're here to help!" Subaru exclaimed.
Just as when a sword is about to stab Subaru, Zam, being the nearest one, rushed to his side and warded the attack off with a spear. Tatara was about to face the same problem as well, but Tokaki blocked the attack for him.
"Without your powers, you two are practically USELESS!" Tokaki and Zam chorused.
"USELESS!" It echoed in Subaru and Tatara's minds.
"Go and find Shelter…" Amefuuri added. "Hurry and escape." Karasuki too.
The battle was fierce and they were obviously losing.
"The Byakko seven, even without their powers, fought the Hokkan soldiers with their lives."
On Karasuki's back, there was a soldier, about to pierce him. Amefuuri, Tokaki, Tatara, Toroki, Subaru and Zam could only watch. They ran to him, but for sure, they won't be able to make it.
"Karasuki!"
Karasuki didn't have enough strength left to run.
"KARASUKI!"
Zam winced, knowing what will happen to the young knight. She shut her eyes tight while Tokaki cover Tatara's. Just as when they thought Karasuki would be dead, like a lightning bolt from the heavens, a spear flew through the enemy's heart.
The enemy fell down, dead and Karasuki was able to make his escape.
"Just as when they thought Karasuki is going to meet his demise, a spear from heaven saved them."
"I guess I made it in… time." Freyja, riding her horse, stood there, all alone, with her heavy breathing.
"FREYJA!" Tatara exclaimed happily, knowing that she is alive and even managed to save the young warrior. Freyja grinned and jumped down her horse before pulling her blade out.
"Kirin…" She thought, using him as an inspiration. Kirin underwent rigorous training, and even without Byakko's powers, he became so strong that his name is feared all over the land. Being his student, Freyja was confident in her fighting skills even without Byakko's powers aiding her.
"Idiot! What are you doing here!" Amefuuri panicked, knowing that they barely had enough powers to protect Freyja. He rushed towards her and held her shoulders with his trembling hands.
"I know… Genbu has sealed Byakko's powers." She stated, as if it wasn't a big deal.
"Freyja! Are you out of your mind!" Zam rushed to her side and shook her. "We-we'll be dead! Byakko is gone!" She panicked.
An outward confident smirk escaped From Freyja's lips, which bothered them as well.
"Hurry! The enemy is weak! Kill them all!" The enemy started to boost their confidence as they marched closer and closer.
"Lord Byakko up there is gone… but…" They could all feel the burning light of hope from her.
"There is still another one…" She stated with blazing eyes. "In here." She pointed to her chest.
Karasuki, being the only one aware, understood her, but it would be a danger for Freyja. "You don't mean…" Karasuki's eyes widened while Freyja smiled. "Yes, a part of Byakko's powers is inside me…"
Before anyone could react, knowing that she is again, imposing danger to herself by unleashing those powers, she held her hands together and closed her eyes.
"I am Afraid… I don't know if this will work. But…. I have to endure. To save them… to save everyone!" She was trembling in fear herself, but she couldn't let them see that.
"Freyja, I'll be back."
The face and the words of the past Byakko had entered her mind. "The power you bestowed upon me… That will be our hope… our only hope." She thought.
"Freyja…"
"Everyone, entrust your lives to me this time…"
"The priestess of Byakko could feel a sudden rush of energy within her. The roots started to grow once more… And, the radiant white light, that they thought has disappeared, made its appearance once again."
The light engulfed her, much to their surprise. And, little by little, the rush of energy started to enter the Byakko seven as well. Slowly, the characters on their bodies appeared!
"Boomerang!" Tokaki cried out and in an instant, his giant Boomerang came out. "I feel more powerful!" Tokaki was back to his hyperactive self.
"Seidan!" Toroki exclaimed and immediately jumped onto the giant falcon. With his spear, he rushed was able to take a lot of soldiers down.
Amefuuri's symbol on his chest, Karasuki's symbol on his forehead and Zam's symbol on her arm are back as well. They pulled their swords out and started beating the crap out of the Hokkan soldiers.
"I'll show you useless!" Subaru had an evil laugh. "My vines, come outttt!" He conjured his deadly vines, which brutally beat the Hokkan warriors out unconscious. Finally, his powers are back… and they were as devastating as they were.
"Hey! Don't be so reckless or you'll kill everybody!" Tokaki cried, noticing that Subaru is starting to feel ecstatic of his regained powers.
Tatara didn't let them get all the glory. After a deep breath, a striking sound came out from his ocarina. It suddenly made the enemies weak and sleepy.
"At this rate, we can finish the ten thousand soldiers by ourselves! YIHAHH!" Tokaki became so excited after regaining his powers.
"Don't get so cocky, these aren't even a fourth of their armies!" Amefuuri was being careful… as usual.
"He's right." Finally, Freyja opened her eyes. "We still have a tough battle ahead of us!" She exclaimed with proud eyes.
"WHAT IS THIS!" Mikhail grew angrier and punched Genbu's crystal ball upon discovering that Freyja has returned their powers back. "I TOLD YOU TO SEAL BYAKKO AWAY DIDN'T I!" Mikhail was furious.
"Haha," Genbu laughed, "I did. I sealed Byakko's powers." It was obvious that he is annoyed at Mikhail for forcefully summoning him.
"Then why—"
"You don't understand, do you?" He continued ridiculing Mikhail, "Even though she is not up there on the throne, The larger share of Byakko's power is within her."
"Larger power…." Mikhail trembled in disgust.
Genbu now magically shape-shifted into his human form, wanting to make Mikhail understand the current situation.
"The symbol of being one of the four guardian gods, the stone," Genbu explained pointing to a green stone on his forehead, "Is deeply buried within her. That guy (referring to the previous Byakko) sure did an awesome thing, haha."
"…" Mikhail fell silent. "Crush them, crush them to death!" He commanded while walking away.
"Aren't you going to use your second wish to seal that Girl's powers?" Genbu asked, trailing him.
Mikhail wanted to, but he couldn't. That wish is reserved for their travel back to their world. "I'll make the wish later…" He safely commented before leaving the smirking Genbu. "Fine, if you say so." He then disappeared.
"Share of Byakko's power!" Mikhail's plans were ruined. "How could she…."
Just then, he remembered the green stone on Genbu's forehead. "Could it be…" His eyes widened, having an idea on how Freyja was able to possess such power.
"A Silver haired Boy!"
"I picked it up along the streets…"
"This is my favorite necklace Brother…"
"That necklace…" He remembered Freyja's favorite necklace, which had a similar stone in the middle. "It must be Byakko who gave it to her…"
"Another wave will be here any minute, and it would surely be a lot stronger." Freyja explained while panting. They have been up against so many that she's starting to get extremely exhausted. Without Byakko's power, she couldn't imagine what might have happened to her frail body.
"Don't worry, we have our powers back now! Wahaha!" Tokaki was so carefree.
"Idiot! Listen to Freyja!" Amefuuri was annoyed by his interference.
"We wouldn't want to exhaust Freyja, do we? We have to remember that this power is coming from her." Karasuki explained as well.
"Oops!" Tokaki felt so guilty, discovering that Freyja was the one giving them powers. "I have to be careful then…"
"Anyway," Freyja continued, "We have to go back to our posts. The plan is going on well, we have to continue. Karasuki will lead them as low as he could and from there, let's split the army into two.
"As planned, Zam and I shall take the left side." Amefuuri stated.
"And Tokaki and I will take on the right side!" Toroki joined in.
"Tatara and I will be guarding the way to the palace." Subaru looked at Tatara and they both nodded.
"By the way, Where is his highness?" Zam looked around, just noticing that Kirin is missing in action.
"He must have finished his task by now…" She smirked.
On the other hand, Kirin was in disguise as an enemy soldier. He was now standing on guard in the Hokkan Sairou border in the north.
"We have to shut the town gates."
"That crazy plan, is truly amazing." He smirked upon remembering Freyja's task to him. Being the best one to go undercover, Kirin journeyed to the border and closed the Giant gates upon the arrival of the 2nd wave of attack. However,
"That is…" Kirin recognized the girl commanding the troops. It was the girl who was with Mikhail and who saved Runo in their first encounter. Kirin suspiciously narrowed his eyes as he watched her and her troops advance towards Freyja's direction.
Kirin's assassin instincts allowed him to foresee a disaster. He knew that they Byakko seven would take care of Freyja, but deep inside of him is the doubt if Freyja could safely overcome the strain on her body if she'd continue fighting and at the same time, releasing Byakko's powers. With this in mind, Kirin returned to her side immediately after laying the trap for the Hokkan faction.
"And…." Before everyone could leave, Freyja made a very important command. "I have an order… a very important one… that you must follow at all costs."
Back at the main battlefield, it couldn't be disregarded that the Sairou forces are still weakening and extremely outnumbered. Freyja had confidence in their plan, choice of terrain, and bravery… but the feeling of fear continued to envelop her heart as the seemingly endless battles continued.
"An order?" They stopped and looked at her. "Yes, we will, anything…"
"P-Please…" Freyja was stuttering. "Please come back… alive. You must, at all costs." She almost cried, but managed to suppress it. Looking at their backs… looking at them leaving for war, made her feel that she could never see them again. This frightened her so much that she made such a childish command.
"AT ALL COSTS! YOU HAVE TO COME BACK! ALIVE!" She shouted, this time, a few tears escaping her round brown eyes.
Freyja was very much worried, knowing that this battle is far more dangerous than the previous encounters that they had. Freyja was afraid, that they will never be back again. She was very much afraid that she wished them to stop.
"Of course… we will." There were confident smiles on their faces, telling her not to worry. And even though Freyja wanted them to stop, she didn't stop them. Because, the least she can do, is to trust them. To give her precious trust to her celestial warriors… to her friends.
"Unn!" Freyja nodded, with a smile on her face as well.
"Well then, let's go!" Amefuuri took the lead and little by little, they started to disappear from Freyja's sight.
"We should be going as well." Karasuki mounted on his horse and Freyja did the same.
"The priestess of Byakko, together with the general Karasuki stood on guard in the middle of the roads leading towards the capital."
Toroki and Tokaki finally reached the left group. The second wave of Hokkan soldiers were advancing, but they pose no great threat.
"Seidan!" "Boomerang!" Tokaki summoned his boomerang while Toroki summoned his falcon, Seidan. Together with the Sairou unit that they command, they were able to easily wipe the soldiers even before they could approach the center.
"This is great!" Tokaki became more energetic while looking at the enemy fall one by one.
"Don't be too careless Tokaki, there are still more of them left!" Toroki scolded him. "Yeah, Yeah."
On the other hand, Amefuuri and Zam just arrived to the right group encampment.
"The second wave has not yet reached our posts lord Amefuuri." The commander immediately reported.
"But according to Toroki's report everything's going well on their side." Zam explained while reading a small paper delivered by a small falcon. "Couldn't it be that they have retreated?"
"No, I doubt." Amefuuri thought while crossing his arms. A strange stream of chill ran to his spine. "Just as Freyja said, her brother is cunning. He would surely order something to counter us."
"Hey Amefuuri." Zam's voice made him snap out of his thoughts. "What do you think?"
Amefuuri shook his head. "Maybe I am thinking too much." He murmured. "Anyway, let's stand guard for now. We wouldn't know when they would attack." Just as when Amefuuri is about to shove his doubts away, a shower of arrows suddenly rained to their encampment.
"They found our location!" Some were hit, soldiers ran as fast as they could. Zam pulled out her twin fans and positioned in a fighting pose. Amefuuri unsheathed his sword and immediately rushed towards the enemy.
"Zam! I'll take care of this! Hurry and evacuate the soldiers! We would surely loose if we all get killed! Go get Reinforcements!" Amefuuri commanded while pushing the girl away.
"But.. Amefuuri." Zam was unsure of leaving him behind.
"GO!"
Zam winced, and immediately ran with the soldiers.
Amefuuri had a small drop of regret inside of him. He could only look at the soldiers approach. They were three times the number of soldiers that Tokaki and Toroki faced. And… most of all, the notorious woman assassin Dashewang is leading them. Amefuuri knew that if he ran, they could run after them in no time. He knew that he is the most capable of holding them until reinforcements arrive.
With a remarkable agility, easily evaded each and every arrow that was aimed towards him. Finally, Amefuuri stood alone, against an entire army… and Dashewang.
"Oh… so it's you… celestial warrior." Dashewang didn't even come down of her horse. She looked at him closely, as if she could remember someone from him.
Amefuuri's eyes were fierce. The doubt and fear vanished, upon remembering how the priestess sacrificed for Sairou. This thought made him smirk. "That idiot… surely knows how to lighten up the mood." He mumbled under his breath. "Kill him." With one point of a finger, the Hokkan army, all attacked towards the lone celestial warrior.
"I will go to Amefuuri! It would be faster!" Toroki immediately summoned Seidan and jumped onto him.
"I will go too." Tokaki wanted to help, but Toroki stopped him. "Tokaki, you have to command the left side. Zam sent a message to Subaru and we'll be going with our men to Amefuuri."
Tokaki wanted to go, but he understood the duty given to him. "Alright. Quick, Ame will be angry if you're late." He grinned and made a thumbs up.
"Freyja doesn't need to know. We don't want her to break the formation do we?" Subaru explained.
"Listen Zam, Toroki and I would go. If Freyja hears about this, she would surely come running to him, and we know that."
Zam nodded. "Alright, I won't send a messenger to the central group. But please, make it quick, Amefuuri is in grave danger."
"Subaru!" Toroki flew from the skies. "Hurry! I instructed my men to go, let's head there as fast as we could."
On the other hand, the prince Kirin headed to Freyja's post just after finishing his task. He was not much surprised that she followed them, but nevertheless, stood by her side to protect her.
"Subaru and Toroki, ran to their comrade's rescue as soon as possible… while the clueless priestess felt a piercing pain in her heart… a vision that engulfed her entire body and soul with fear."
"A…Amefuuri." She murmured.
CHAPTER 26
REVELATION
Amefuuri's exceptional swordsmanship spared his life from the numerous hokkan enemies. However, the attacks of the fierce Dashewang and his men were much stronger for him to handle by himself. Even though Freyja has given them the power of Byakko back, it didn't suffice.
Slowly, the symbol on his chest started to fade little by little, along with his powers.
"Pretty impressive celestial warrior… but it's not enough…" When Dashewang was about to deliver her final blow, Amefuuri quickly rolled to one side, leaving only a cut on his arm, but left him breathing. He glared at Dashewang with his narrow and dark eyes. And those eyes reminded Dashewang of someone…
"Hmph, I could remember a brave warrior who glared at me like that in the northern Sairou years ago…" She murmured, which Amefuuri was able to hear somehow. "You have exactly the same eyes… "
"Amefuuri, stay here… I will go and fight…"
"Brother!"
"Amefuuri, your brother is dead. He's been assassinated."
"BY WHO!"
"We don't exactly know… but a kid with silver hair and emerald eyes were spotted on the crime scene…"
"Silver hair and emerald eyes…. THAT BASTARD!"
Amefuuri recalled the day that his brother met his demise. But then, Dashewang's words rang a bell in his mind.
"Let me ask you… what does that man look like?" Amefuuri asked with trembling fists.
"Hm…" Dashewang recalled, "He is about the same age as you that time… man, it was such a waste… he was quite handsome too. But, he was the hero type… defending this country…" She started, "But that silver haired assassin passed by… his hunger for blood was truly admirable that he finished my men without even a reason… What a waste, he could have been with us." She then recalled Kirin's face that time. "He was really scary back then," She smirked.
"It wasn't Kirin! Kirin isn't like that! And even if he's the one who did it, I wouldn't still let you hurt him!"
Amefuuri recalled Freyja's words when she protected him. Then, everything became clear to him. It wasn't Kirin who killed his brother… it was Da she wang.
"Let me tell you one thing Dashewang…" Amefuuri glared at her once more. "The one you killed, was my brother!" The symbol shone radiantly, responding to the aura of vengeance inside of him. "DIE!"
Dashewang was surprised of his sudden outburst. Her men were immediately finished in a few swings by the raging Amefuuri. "Tsk, come to think of it, they look so much alike…" She thought while pulling a blade from her back. "Then join him!" With her equally exceptional swordsmanship, their swords clashed like thunder. However, Amefuuri was at a disadvantageous state. He was extremely tired, and with his injuries, he couldn't even draw his sword the way he normally used to.
"DIE!" His heart was filled with revenge and anger. Nothing is left, his rationality, his heart… nothing. He was like a wild beast on a rage. Dashewang was injured by his strong blows, but still, she was at a better state than him. Just as when she was about to run, Amefuuri rushed to her and continued his assaults.
On the other hand, Kirin noticed Freyja getting uneasy.
"Argh…" Freyja suddenly felt the piercing pain in her heart.
"What's wrong?" He noticed her trembling hands on her chest. "Someone's calling me." She murmured, feeling a dark deep pain inside her. "Someone needs my help…" She could feel Amefuuri's sorrow.
"Freyja…"
'AMEFUURI!" Finally, a vision reached her. Amefuuri's dead body lying on the ground. Freyja was startled by the mere thought of it. "I'm going to Amefuuri!" Without further hesitations, she rushed to her horse and dashed right towards Amefuuri's encampment
"I don't know what to do…" Amefuuri was blinded by anger, that he couldn't anymore think properly.
"Brother…" He repeated over and over, remembering how they shared their days when he was still alive. And now, the one who took him away was the woman in front of him. This was the moment he was waiting for his entire life.
"This is bad… I have to finish him…." Dashewang found his strength really scary, but then, she noticed his lack of rationality and used it against him. "DIE!"
CHAPTER 27
THE NETHERWORLD
Freyja had atmost confidence in her visions. Without a single doubt, she headed to Amefuuri's group all by herself. However, on the way, she met the prince Kirin, who immediately joined her.
"Amefuuri!"
"Kirin isn't evil!"
"I won't give up,"
"You think so?"
"Bleah!"
The different expressions of the priestess suddenly came rushing inside Amefuuri's mind. "That kid, has always been saving me…" Amefuuri's wrath subsided upon hearing her call. His hatred towards the silver haired assassin, his hatred towards the Sairou Empire… and even up to now, her mere voice melted his anger away. Amefuuri smiled sweetly, watching Freyja from afar. "Freyja…"
"Amefuuri!" She ran as fast as she could, only to reach the wounded celestial warrior. "Amefuuri!" Freyja's heart thumped, feeling a strange feeling of fear as she gets closer and closer.
"And now, I'll finish you off…" Amefuuri's face shifted to the usual serious one. The character on his chest started to glow brightly as he held his sword.
"The fierce battle between Amefuuri and the Hokkan general Da She Wang came to an end. The priestess of Byakko ran as fast as she could, to rescue the wounded celestial warrior, however…"
"Y-you…" Dashewang fell onto her knees, with blood spurting out of the deep wound on her side. Amefuuri smirked, knowing that his blade deeply wounded the enemy.
"Amefuuri!" Freyja's eyes widened, her heart skipped a beat. "AMEFUUURI!"
"The priestess almost fainted, upon seeing Dashewang's blade pierced right through Amefuuri's chest. Right before her very eyes, the celestial warrior 's blood came flowing to the grounds. The green grass turned crimson as Amefuuri slowly fell onto the cold cold ground."
Freyja's legs couldn't move.
"Freyja!" It was Kirin, who caught up with her. But, the same scene welcomed him. Dashewang slowly stood up, still trying to run after being deeply wounded by Amefuuri. However, it was all in vain. There, in front of her was the infamous silver haired assassin and in the blink of an eye, Kirin was standing right behind her. "Game over." With his blade, he ruthlessly sliced her neck, instantly delivering Dashewang to her demise. It was such a ruthless act, yet, Freyja didn't even notice what Kirin just did. "Amefuuri!" She rushed to his side, holding his cold face. "A-Amefuuri, I-ill do something…" She was stuttering, tears gushing out from her eyes. Freyja desperately searched her backpack for medicine, although she was very much aware that any medications would be futile. "No!" She held her head in desperation, still refusing to give up. Then, Kirin slowly walked towards her, his hands placed on her shoulder. "Freyja…" He, himself couldn't even look.
"KIRIN! DO SOMETHING! SAVE AMEFURRI! KIRIN!" She stood up, violently shaking Kirin, who just shook his head. "No… you're lying!" She let go of him and rushed to the celestial warrior's side.
"Amefuuri, Amefuuri…" She held his face with her trembling hands. "Hey…" She combed his long silky jet black hair with her other hand.
Amefuuri opened his eyes. "Freyja… you are crying again…" he said, obviously short in breath. He couldn't even say a proper sentence, nor open his eyes fully. The symbol on his chest is starting to lose its light little by little.
"Amefuurii…" Freyja gently stated, with the dying Amefuuri on her arms. "Don't speak anymore… we'll talk once we return to the palace…" She tried to lift him up, but more blood would just gush out. Freyja stopped, suffering desperation.
"Y-you… w..worry too much…" Amefuuri started to cough more blood. "Freyja… is always smiling…"
"Of course!" She tried to sound strong, even while sobbing. "WE, WE are all strong… Yes we are…."
Amefuuri smiled gently and with his shivering hands, he wiped her tears off. "Freyja, g-go on… f-fight. I'll always… be… by your side….Freyja… isn't a weak girl… Freyja… Freyja…" Slowly, tears fell from Amefuuri's eyes. "I would like… to stay with you… a bit longer… Fre…." Amefuuri couldn't even finish his sentence. With one last cough of blood, he slowly closed his eyes, and little by little, everything went blank. His trembling hands fell down the blood covered ground.
"AMEFUURIIII!" Freyja bursted out in tears, tightly holding the dead body of Amefuuri in her arms.
"Hey… Amefuuri…" Tears kept on flowing from Freyja's brown eyes. "Hey…" She tapped his blood covered face gently, as she called his name over and over again. "Amefuuri! Hey! Open your eyes! You- you said you'll stay by my side… Amefuuri…." Her entire body was covered with Amefuuri's blood. Freyja refused to believe that Amefuuri is dead. She kept on calling him, desperately wishing that he would still open his eyes. "AMEFUURI!"
"We evacuated the citizens! Retreat!" Another general cried out loud. But then, as he approached the priestess' unit, no words could even escape from his mouth. Toroki and Subaru's unit appeared as well, only to find the grieving priestess.
"F-Freyja!" Toroki and Subaru literally jumped off their horses and hurried to the girl's side. "Ame…." Toroki couldn't help but to cry as well. "Amefuuri!"
Subaru looked down, clenching his fists. "This cannot be…."
"OF COURSE IT ISN'T!" Freyja lost her mind. "Amefuuri… Amefuuri is not dead." She tapped his face once more. "Open your eyes Amefuuri…"
"Amefuuri… wake up you bastard…."Toroki's tears kept on flowing. "WAKE UP!"
"You are injured, Freyja." Subaru held Freyja's hands, slowly taking them away from Amefuuri's corpse, but she violently refused. "I WON'T! Amefuuri isn't dead yet!" She screamed, holding his corpse much tighter. "K…Kirin…. Su Subaru… Toroki… do something…. Anything…." She said in between breaths.
"Freyja, Subaru is right, we have to treat your injury as well…." Kirin tried to do the same, but again, her reaction was violent. So violent, that they couldn't even remove her hand from Amefuuri's body.
Kirin clenched his trembling fists. He couldn't bear looking at her despair. He used his strength, roughly pulled Freyja way from Amefuuri. "LET GO OF MEE!" She struggled violently, but Kirin's strength overpowered her. "Ame- Ame- Amefuuri!" She kept on struggling and Kirin had no choice but to hold her tighter. "FREYJA!" He embraced her tight, so tight that she could hardly breathe. Freyja kept on struggling, desperately calling Amefuuri's name. "No… let go of me!"
Freyja's mind was now filled with thoughts of Amefuuri. How she first met him when they were in disguise, how he swore his loyalty to her… Amefuuri's words, his scolding, his face, his voice.
"I fight to protect Sairou, and to protect the smile on my priestess' face."
"NOOOOOOO! AMEFUURIII!"
Kirin's teeth clenched as well, in spite of being the calmest of the four. Toroki was crying, Subaru was also clenching his fists and punching the ground and on Kirin's arms, the grieving priestess. Kirin felt very helpless, in spite of his godlike skills, he couldn't do anything to save a comrade, let alone, console Freyja. "There is only one person who can help her…" He thought, deep inside.
"Freyja…" His strong clasp turned to a gentle embrace, which made the priestess stop struggling. "Kirin?"
"I will do something okay?" He gently assured her. Kirin closed his eyes, gathering all his power. "You are the only one who can help her, so please, I beg you… I beg you… I beg you…" Kirin whispered to himself. "I beg you, come out, and ease her pain." Kirin kept on calling the one sleeping deep inside him. "My other self, Byakko."
In no time, Kirin started to feel week, but, smiled, knowing that it was his other self starting to take over his body. "Take care of her, alright?" He whispered to himself before totally fainting. Now, his body started to transform. The previous Byakko inside of him has once again, awakened. Freyja stopped struggling, surprised of his sudden appearance. "B-Byakko…" She stared at him with surprised eyes. Just like Kirin, Byakko embraced her tight, knowing the pain in her heart. "Freyja…"
"Byakko, you could do something? Can't you? Please, I beg you… do something….. wake Amefuuri up!" She begged while desperately shaking his shoulders. "I beg you Byakko."
Byakko looked at her with pitiful eyes. Then, slowly, he approached Amefuuri. Byakko knew that he is dead. His heart is no longer beating….
"Please! Do something! Help Amefuuri!" Toroki begged as well.
"Please." Subaru joined in.
Byakko looked at how they were grieving for his loss. Especially Freyja, who treasured Amefuuri so much. Knowing her very well, he is very much aware of how much it hurts for her to lose a friend. And, he is also aware that Freyja didn't have much friends, especially back at her previous world.
"I can't do anything…" He sadly said, and Freyja fell into her knees upon hearing his words.
"But…" At first, Byakko was hesitant but looking at Freyja's grief, he decided to continue with his suggestion. "YOU, Freyja, can do something."
Freyja's eyes were suddenly filled with hope. She stood up, with burning determination, ready to do anything to save her friend. "Tell me!"
Byakko looked at her with doubting eyes. "But… it's…." Byakko was hesitant after all.
"Please! I beg you! Byakko… please, you're the only one who can help me!" She insisted.
With a sigh, Byakko pointed to her chest. "That stone… can bring him back."
Freyja immediately rushed to Amefuuri's body.
"Subaru, summon your vines and hold his body upright… Toroki, Freyja will be vulnerable, protect her." Byakko ordered and the two immediately did what they are told. Subaru summoned his vines and little by little, they held Amefuuri's body upright.
"It won't work if it's your will alone. You can save his body… But, the most essential part is… that Amefuuri would fight to live as well. Freyja… call him. Call him hard, call him with everything that you've got."
Freyja nodded. With a deep sigh, she held placed her hands together and closed her eyes.
"Amefuuri…"
Tears fell once again from her eyes. She winced, clasping both of her hands tighter. "AMEFUURI!" Freyja gathered all of her energy to her chest. Slowly, she could feel the stone on her chest starting to get warmer and warmer. "Amefuuri…" She shut her eyes tighter, ignoring the painful feeling inside her. Just then, Freyja found herself in the middle of oblivion… she ran… and ran…. And ran…. Freyja was desperately running around, searching for a trace of Amefuuri. It was very very tiring, that her body started to feel weaker and weaker…. But she ran still.
"AMEFUURI!"
"Huh?" Amefuuri looked back, as if hearing a strange sound. "Who was that?" He asked himself. Not for long, he continued walking… there, he saw his brother, smiling at him.
"Brother!" He smiled and rushed towards him. "Brother!"
The apparition of his brother walked towards him. "Amefuuri. What are you doing here?"
"Huh?" He was confused, unable to understand what his brother is trying to say. "Why are you even asking Brother? We're going hunting, right?"
"AMEFUURI!"
There it is again, the strange voice, calling his name. Amefuuri looked back. "What's the matter?" His brother asked.
"I heard someone call my name." He plainly replied.
"Ame… do you really want to stay here?" His brother asked, with a lonesome look on his face. Amefuuri, in spite of not being able to understand his words, somehow felt lonely. "Why, am I not feeling alright?" He asked.
"AMEFUURI!"
Amefuuri's eyes widened all of a sudden. "It's…." Finally, he recognized the voice.
"Amefuuri! Let's go back! Hurry!"
"F-FREYJA!" He almost leaped towards the direction of the voice. But, he stopped and took a last look at his brother. "Brother..."
His brother smiled. "You've really grown strong Amefuuri." He said with a deep voice. "I don't have to worry about you any longer." His brother smiled a smile of relief. "She is the priestess of Byakko… Am I right?"
Amefuuri nodded. "Yeah, she's calling me. That girl… she's so loud… I could hear her even from here." A smile escaped from his lips.
"You want to go back?" His brother asked. "You want to, don't you?"
Amefuuri looked down. "Brother… at first, I couldn't understand you… the world… everything. I was shrouded in sorrow… only with vengeance inside my mind. I never even wanted to be a celestial warrior… I hated this symbol so much… but then… it's all different right now. She was always… so stupid to do reckless things." He spoke his feelings out.
"It's been so long since I've seen you smile… even before, you'd always be serious with everything… but this is the first time I've seen you smile like that…" His brother smiled and gently patted his back.
"I… want to… walk with her. I want to see the future, with Freyja and as well as the Byakko seven. And oh, I almost forgot about that brat prince." He smirked, realizing how important they were to him after all. "Brother, Freyja will create a new Sairou. I know she will. She will rebuild this nation into a far stronger and better one."
"I CAN'T DO SUCH THINGS WITHOUT YOU! All of you helped me with the best you can, and if it wasn't for you guys, I couldn't have gotten the courage to dream. " Freyja heard his voice even from afar.
"Well, Amefuuri, you better hurry… they're waiting for you."
Amefuuri nodded. "Thank you, Brother." Amefuuri and his brother's fists met. "Till we meet again…"
"AMEFUURI!"
Amefuuri had a wide smile painted on his face, as he dashed towards the one calling him. "FREYJA!"
Finally, Freyja saw something getting closer and closer. It was Amefuuri. Freyja was about to go to him, but she stopped, upon noticing a wide trench separating them. Amefuuri is standing on the other side, and Freyja, gathered all of her courage to overcome the frightening depth of the trench between them. She took steps back, and, with a cocksure face, she dashed through the wide trench. "AMEFUURI!" She extended her hand to him. Freyja's jump wasn't enough to get her across, but, Amefuuri, did the same. And in the middle of the wide trench, he grasped her hand desperately. Freyja felt at ease, knowing that she got him. Not for long, the two of them fell down the deep trench… it was so deep, that it seemed that they would just keep falling forever. Neither of them let go. "Now, let's go home." On Freyja's back , suddenly, white majestic wings emerged. "Hold on tight Amefuuri!" She was back to her usual energetic self. She held Amefuuri tight and, with her flapping white wings, they flew up, and up and up.
"FREYJA! AMEFUURI!" Toroki and Subaru panicked. Freyja fainted all of a sudden. "Byakko, will she be alright!" Toroki asked, deeply worried. Byakko nodded. Not for long, Amefuuri's dead body started to heal. Subaru couldn't believe what he was seeing. "What on earth!"
"Byakko's power is restoring him."
"Then… Freyja…." Subaru couldn't even finish his sentence when Amefuuri miraculously opened his eyes. Toroki leapt in joy. "AME!"
"I am… back…" Amefuuri looked at his hands before losing his consciousness once again.
"He'll be fine now. And, Freyja as well." Byakko knew that she was successful. Toroki and Subaru both carried Amefuuri's body while Byakko held Freyja in his arms. His eyes were different, and, Subaru noticed it very well.
CHAPTER 28
BYAKKO's HEART
"After saving the celestial warrior Amefuuri using Byakko's powers, The lady Freyja felt the piercing pain inside her chest. It grew stronger and stronger as the stone sank deeper and deeper within her. The priestess could only endure the pain, very much aware that the stone has already became a part of her."
"Why does Byakko have such an expression on his face? What happened between them in the past?" Subaru thought, noticing the god's unusually lonely expression.
"It surely damaged you badly…" Byakko, being the original owner of the power she used, knew, more than anybody else, how painful it is to use such tremendous amount of energy, especially in her stage. Byakko, all of a sudden, embraced her tight, and, surprisingly, tears fell from his emerald eyes. "It's my fault Freyja… it's my fault… It's because of my selfishness. And you are paying of my sins."
"Byakko!"
Byakko blamed himself while holding the unconscious girl in his arms. Freyja is suffering so much, because he abdicated the throne. It was all because of him, that she was carrying such a heavy burden. "Forgive me, Freyja… If I hadn't left the throne, you wouldn't be suffering like this…"
"Don't… don't blame yourself." Freyja opened her eyes. Her cold hand wiped the god's tears away.
"Y-you're awake!"
Freyja grinned. "Thank you, Byakko. You were always saving me… and, if it wasn't for you, then, I couldn't have reached this wonderful place. YOU… YOU made my dreams come true… so, why apologize? Hehe." She grinned. Freyja could feel the extreme pain… she could feel the roots growing rapidly inside her. But, this pain is nothing compared to the pain that she felt, when she thought that she would never be able to see Kirin again, or, when she thought that Amefuuri would never come back.
Softly, Byakko kissed her forehead. "Really…"
Freyja closed her eyes, feeling the pain inside her being overpowered by Byakko's warmth. "Just like the old times, Byakko- is always so warm…"
"Freyja?" Byakko's voice opened her eyes. "Yes?"
"Can you tell me… what kind of person Kirin is?"He softly whispered. Freyja smiled, her eyes sparkled as she spoke.
"Kirin looks a lot like you. But you know, you are a loooot kinder! He is aloof, quiet, not to mention stingy and he loves to do things his own way!" She energetically replied while making hand gestures.
"And," She continued, "He is very much an anti-social and is obsessed with silence. That's why he always complains about me being noisy. Another thing," Byakko smiled as he noticed the joy in radiating from Freyja's eyes.
"And you know Byakko, Kirin is really strong! I say, really strong! Whenever we spar, I would always lose! Hmph!" This is the first time that Byakko saw her like that. He saw a part of her that he had never seen before. She was more energetic than usual, and of course, bright.
"Byakko?" Freyja noticed that he fell silent all of a sudden.
"I'm glad… and sad." Was all he said before lifting Freyja up. "Let's go, we have to go back, there are still enemy units left." He reminded, with a different expression in his face. Freyja noticed it and fell silent.
Tokaki and Subaru Escorted Amefuuri back to the palace, as ordered by Freyja while she and the Byakko form of Kirin went to Karasuki's encampment.
"Byakko, are you alright?" She rushed to his side. "What's the matter?"
Byakko smiled. "I'll be fine… My other side is taking over…" He said.
"Kirin is?"
"Yes, well then, see you again Freyja…" A sweet smile escaped from his lips.
Freyja nodded. "Um! See you!" A cheerful grin was on her face.
"See you again!"
Byakko smirked, noticing that she hasn't changed a bit.
"Just then, the prince Kirin took over his body once again. The priestess welcomed him with a warm hand."
"Kirin!"
"What happened?" Kirin held his head. "How are you?"
"KIRIN!" She cheerfully hugged him tight. "Thank you!"
Kirin smiled and sighed, noticing that Freyja must have succeeded.
"Amefuuri is heading back to the palace, along with Subaru and Tokaki. We have warded off half of the Hokkan forces back, but Karasuki and his men are still overpowered." Freyja wasted no time, and immediately reported to Kirin.
`COUGH`
Freyja coughed blood.
And Kirin saw it.
"…" Freyja fell silent, knowing that this is the consequence of pushing herself too much. Freyja clenched her fists, knowing that the only thing keeping her alive is the power of Byakko within her. Her body has collapsed, that it only serves as a vessel for the God of the west. Freyja smiled, knowing that sooner or later, when Byakko's power is taken from her, she'd immediately fall dead.
"Freyja." Kirin quickly took her sword away from her. "You-re…" Kirin stuttered, knowing that her condition started to worsen.
`cough`
"I understand," Freyja thought, "My body is dead. I am dead. Only the power of Byakko is keeping me alive." She smiled in spite of her continuous coughing of blood, as if she had already accepted everything. Not for long, Freyja fell unconscious on the cold ground.
"With all haste, the prince paid no mind to the plan and returned to the palace to seek aid at once. With the dying priestess on his back…."