Chapter 46: Meian’s Fearsome Akuma Form

"HAHAHAHA! HOW DO YOU LIKE OUR AKUMA FORM?!" Hikari bellowed, her voice significantly louder.

"Eh. I've seen better," Mari scoffed.

"Mari! Don't provoke them anymore!" I scolded, afraid of making Meian mad.

"What? Are you seriously afraid of that thing? They're still the same goofy duo that couldn't even tell we were acting!"

"I know, but they look a lot stronger than before."

"ARE YOU ALL TREMBLING IN FEAR OF OUR GREAT AKUMA FORM?!" Hikari laughed, clearly enjoying our "fear".

"In your dreams, you ****** ******* (female dog-like illegitimate child)!"

"HOW DARE YOU?! DO YOU TRULY FEEL NO FEAR WHEN WE'RE IN THIS FORM?!"

"Of course not! You look like some sort of circus act!"

"MAYBE THIS WILL CHANGE YOUR MIND!" Hikari screamed as she threw a punch with her giant fist at Mari.

It was so fast that Mari had no time to dodge. She flew back and slammed into the wall.

"Mari!" we shouted, unsure whether to run to her or attack Meian.

Unfortunately, Mari didn't respond. She was probably unconscious from the power of the blow. Yuri charged at Meian with a ferocity I had never seen before.

"Die!" she shouted as she shot drops of water at the beast that was Meian.

Meian the attack went right through them so the general hit Yuri with their big arm. The other girls charged and attacked the mighty general, but to no avail. They were all easily defeated.

"HAHAHAHA! IS THAT ALL YOU GOT?! WHAT ABOUT YOU, PINKIE?! ARE YOU GOING TO ATTACK ME?!"

I trembled as I readied my sword. We had never faced such a powerful opponent before. The thought of facing this beast alone frightened me, but I couldn't run away. I couldn't leave the others behind. As I charged at Meian, I was hit by a rush of memories. I immediately stopped my assault.

"WHAT'S WRONG?! ARE YOU TOO SCARED?!"

"No. Actually, I feel sorry for you. I now understand why you abducted us."

"WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?! HOW COULD YOU POSSIBLY KNOW OUR REASONS?!"

"I saw a little boy and girl playing together in a field. Before I knew it, the kids were all grown and getting married. Unfortunately, they were soon hit with terrible news. They were unable to bear children. Heartbroken, they died in each others' arms. That couple was you two."

"I-IMPOSSIBLE! YOU WIELD KOJOMARU, DON'T YOU?!" Hikari and Yami said together in awe.

"I do. I didn't understand it at first, but this sword is meant to help others, not hurt them."

"WHAT ARE YOU GONNA DO THEN?! YOU CAN'T DEFEAT US WITH THAT SWORD OF YOURS!"

"I'm afraid I can and I will. I was honestly hoping you would stop resisting so I could spare you, but it seems like you're stuck in your ways."

"GRAAH! DIE LIKE YOUR MISERABLE FRIENDS, YOU PEST!" Hikari growled as she charged at me.

Yami seemed like he wanted me dead too. His face was contorted in rage and his breathing was ragged. I guess he didn't like to be reminded of the past. Sadly, I raised my sword, readying myself for the final strike. It never came. Meian froze in place right before disappearing. Once they disappeared, I saw Shitai and Kosai standing across from me with their arms out.

"What did you do? How did you defeat them?" I asked, completely shocked.

"I-I've r-read about g-ghostbusting b-before," Shitai mumbled. "G-ghost always h-have a w-weak point s-somewhere."

"That's amazing! I take it Kosai helped you hit the weak point?"

After she nodded, I realized there was something I still needed to do. I ran over to Mari and checked her pulse. Thankfully, she was still alive. I repeated the task with all of the other fallen girls. Each and every one was alright, just unconscious. After a while, they came to and acted like nothing happened. I guess their dresses really do work like armor. Soon after that, we noticed that it had stopped raining so we continued our journey.