Capítulo 51: Chapter 51: I Like You
In the clear blue sky, a red streak of light streaked across like a shooting star.
"Higokumaru, can you go even faster?"
Yae Sakura urged from atop Higokumaru's back while maintaining constant private chat contact with Natsuki.
"Yes!" Higokumaru replied, her determination evident. The fox spirit surged forward with newfound speed, her five blazing tails streaming behind her like fiery banners.
In less than half an hour, they reached the foreboding silhouette of Yuhara Castle.
-
From above, Yae Sakura surveyed the fortress nestled against the mountain's side. The castle emanated a sinister aura, the stench of blood and demonic energy palpable even from this height.
The sight of warriors scurrying about the city below stirred her resolve. Placing a hand on Higokumaru's back, she said firmly, "Higokumaru, grow larger... and charge straight in."
"Understood, Big Sister!"
With a surge of power, Higokumaru transformed into a colossal beast, her size dwarfing the castle itself. She barreled toward the fortress with the force of a falling star, slamming into its outer walls. The impact sent shockwaves rippling through the mountain, causing the entire structure to tremble violently.
-
"What was that? What just happened?"
"Quickly! Notify the lord at once!"
The soldiers of Yuhara Castle erupted into chaos. Shouts filled the air as warriors scrambled to assess the situation. The castle, weakened after its recent change in leadership, was left vulnerable with half its fighting force gone. Now, even a minor disturbance carried catastrophic implications.
Panic spread like wildfire, the soldiers' fear mirrored in their hurried footsteps and frantic whispers.
-
"Higokumaru, you're making quite a spectacle!" Yae Sakura said as the dust settled.
In the center of a massive crater stood Higokumaru, her five blazing tails illuminating the ruins. Her immense form exuded raw power, painting a terrifying image of destruction incarnate.
Yae Sakura descended with elegance, landing lightly on Higokumaru's head before stepping off.
"The samurai are closing in," she said coolly. "Higokumaru, have fun with them."
"Yes, Big Sister!" Higokumaru roared, her excitement palpable.
While the fox spirit bounded toward the approaching samurai, Yae Sakura turned her focus toward Natsuki's quarters.
No plan needed. Rescuing Natsuki required only one approach: direct action. With her blade in hand, Yae Sakura smirked. Samurai? Takekawa Kuma? None of them mattered. She'd cut them all down if necessary.
-
As Higokumaru advanced, stray fox fire rained down, consuming several samurai in an instant. The flames left behind only ash, the sight horrifying the remaining warriors.
"It's a monster! A terrifying fox spirit! Run for your lives!"
"Inform the lord—a fox spirit is attacking!"
The samurai, once steadfast, abandoned their posts in sheer terror. Their cries echoed through the fortress as Higokumaru continued her rampage, a living calamity with an insatiable hunger for chaos.
-
Meanwhile, Yae Sakura leaped onto the rooftops, her movements swift and purposeful. She made her way toward Natsuki's quarters, located near the castle's main tower. The building, though modest, bore signs of care—it was clear Yuhara Tanachika had cherished his only daughter.
As she neared the door, Yae Sakura spotted seven or eight samurai standing guard. Without hesitation, she unsheathed her blade and struck with deadly precision.
The first samurai didn't even register the attack before his head rolled to the ground.
"Who's there?!"
The remaining guards drew their weapons, but it was futile. Yae's blade moved faster than their eyes could follow. In a series of blinding flashes, the guards fell one by one, clutching their wounds as they crumpled to the ground.
With the guards dispatched, Yae Sakura sheathed her blade and straightened her attire. She pushed open the door and stepped inside as though nothing had happened.
"Natsuki, I... uh..."
Her words faltered. Standing in the middle of the room, Yuhara Natsuki pointed a gun directly at her.
"Lady Yae... you really came!"
Recognition dawned in Natsuki's eyes, and her tense demeanor softened. She quickly lowered the gun and rushed toward Yae, throwing her arms around her.
"Lady Yae, I'm so relieved..." Natsuki cried as she hugged Yae tightly.
Caught off guard by the sudden embrace, Yae hesitated before patting Natsuki's back gently. "It's okay. You're safe now."
Natsuki clung to Yae as though afraid to let go. After a moment, she began to speak, her voice choked with emotion. "My father… he's dead. Takekawa Kuma killed him. That man… he turned into a monster. And then… he tried to…"
She couldn't finish her sentence, her words dissolving into sobs.
"It's going to be alright," Yae said softly. "I'll help you avenge your father."
"Thank you, Lady Yae." Natsuki's grip on Yae tightened as she whispered her gratitude.
"We're friends, aren't we? There's no need for thanks."
"Mm-hmm."
-
After ensuring Natsuki was calm, Yae noticed the untouched food on the table.
"You haven't eaten, have you? Even in times like this, you need to keep your strength up," she said, nudging Natsuki toward the table.
Obediently, Natsuki sat down and began to eat, though her movements were slow and hesitant.
As she finished her meal, she looked up at Yae with uncertainty.
"What's wrong?"
"Lady Yae..."
"Hm?"
"Can I...call you by your name?" Natsuki asked nervously, as if afraid of being rejected.
"Yes, of course!"
"Then... Yae Sakura?" Natsuki tested the words, her voice soft.
"Mm-hmm," Yae replied immediately.
"Yae Sakura, I've lost everyone I could rely on. You're the only person I can think of who might help me now. So, would you... not abandon me?" Natsuki placed her hands over her chest, looking at Yae with pleading, watery eyes.
"Huh?" Yae was taken aback.
"Is that okay?" She gazed at Yae as if any refusal would make her burst into tears instantly.
"Don't talk about 'abandoning' people like that... I wouldn't casually ditch my friends." Natsuki's words were somewhat ambiguous, leaving Yae unsure how to respond properly.
"Um, actually... I like Yae Sakura!" Natsuki hesitated for a moment before blurting out her confession with a serious expression.
"So do I," replied Yae Sakura softly.
True indeed, thought Yae Sakura to herself, for I too am fond of Yae Sakura—she is my wife.
"Huh?" Confusion clouded Natsuki's face at this response. "No, that's not what I meant; your 'like' isn't the same as mine..." She hastily shook her head, standing up abruptly. Then, without warning, she embraced Yae Sakura tightly and suddenly pressed her lips against hers in a kiss.
"What? Huh?"
Yae Sakura felt utterly bewildered, her mind going blank.
Eh??
-
Outside, Takekawa Kuma watched the destruction with fury. The monstrous fox spirit had decimated his forces, and now his castle lay in ruins.
Clutching the stump where his arm had been severed, he cursed under his breath. If not for his quick thinking and ability to feign death, he would've been among the casualties.
The fox spirit's strength was beyond anything he had anticipated. But this wasn't over. He would rebuild, recover, and return stronger than ever.
For now, he had only one goal: reclaim Natsuki.
(TL: This chapter ended up being a little odd as I basically ended up rewriting almost the entire chapter. There was not really any good descriptors of what was happening and felt rushed so I tried to pace it. Let me know what you think.)
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