Chapter 11 – The Dance of a Cherry Blossom (Part 2)

The little fox stood in awe before the majestic tree. Then, it saw true beauty—the graceful movements of a small blossom as it danced with the wind. The cub was mesmerized, almost envious of that light and harmonious dance. It howled softly, moving its nine white tails, releasing a faint silver aura around itself. A spirit, moved by the cub's grace, gifted its energy with pink reflections, so it could understand how beautiful it was too.

To Kairo, from Dad. May this small piece of my novel help you in your darkest days.

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Tokyo – 11:36 AM – Café Yuro

Kairo's heart was pounding. He had never seen anything like this before.

In front of him stood the Creature.

He had thought destroying the stone would eliminate it… but he was wrong. It had become even stronger.

Tsk! It just won't die… Kairo thought, tightening his grip on the katana. His fingers were cold and damp with sweat.

The police officers stood frozen, paralyzed by the overwhelming aura of the entity. Lyra, Aenna, even Riven seemed trapped under an invisible weight. The people were running, screams of terror tearing through the air. News helicopters circled above like vultures, ready to capture every detail.

A second later, the shadow shrieked with a piercing voice and vanished.

Kairo's eyes widened. Wher—

A black flash to his right.

"Shit!"

The hit struck him full force in the face.

The impact was devastating.

He was sent flying like a bullet, crashing through three buildings before coming to a stop in the rubble.

"KAIRO!" Aenna screamed, tears streaming down her face. Lyra covered her mouth, her eyes glistening with terror. Riven clenched his fists so hard his knuckles turned white, biting his lip until he tasted blood.

The Creature laughed.

It bounced up and down, amused. Mocking its opponent.

But among the rubble, Kairo stirred.

Pain everywhere.

His legs trembled. His arms felt as heavy as lead. Blood trickled down his temple.

How the hell am I still alive?

Then, a whisper in the air. Gentle. Soft.

A pink petal drifted in front of him.

H-how…? He froze. It was September. Cherry blossoms only bloomed in spring.

And yet, a petal danced before him, light, free.

A breeze carried it near his ear. It landed on his aching shoulder. It shimmered.

"You can do this, Kairo. I believe in you."

His heart skipped a beat.

He recognized that voice instantly.

Lethe…!

A weak smile formed on his lips. Tsk. That girl… I don't know who or what you are, but… thank you.

The rune on the back of his hand glowed. The treble clef symbol shimmered, wrapping him in a pink and silver aura. The pain disappeared. His heart pounded with renewed strength.

He stood up. His fingers gripped the katana's hilt. His eyes burned with determination.

"Alright, you bastard…" He raised his blade, the wind tousling his hair.

"This time, I'm sending you to hell."

His aura erupted. Waves of silver and pink energy spread around him, shaking the ground.

Then, with a flash of light—Kairo vanished.

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Tokyo – Café Yuro – 11:46 AM

The Creature was still laughing. Its voice echoed, distorted, bouncing between the buildings.

Riven stepped forward.

"Riven, you idiot, what do you think you're doing?!" Lyra grabbed his arm, her eyes filled with fear.

"I CAN'T LET THAT BASTARD MOCK MY BEST FRIEND! MY RIVAL! I'LL KILL IT, I SWEAR I WILL!!!"

A sharp slap.

Aenna struck him hard.

Riven froze, shocked.

"Riven, think, damn it!" Aenna's eyes were swollen with tears. "I know how you feel… I do, but—" Her voice broke.

Then, a gunshot.

A police officer had pulled the trigger.

The bullet bounced off the Creature's skin as if it were made of steel.

The shadow stopped. Turned.

And smiled.

With a roar, dozens of black tentacles burst from its back.

The tendrils lunged at the crowd.

"NOOO, RIVEEEEEEEN!!" Lyra screamed, tears streaming down her face.

Then, a glow.

Silver, tinged with pink.

The tentacles were severed in an instant.

Riven fell back. He looked up.

A familiar figure stood before him.

"K-KAIR...O…" Aenna whispered, her voice breaking.

Kairo smiled.

"Sorry for the delay. I swear I wasn't taking a nap."

Aenna fell to her knees, sobbing. Kairo approached and gently stroked her head.

"Aenna, don't worry. I won't break the pendant's promise. I'm here."

Lyra wiped her tears. "Don't ever scare us like that again."

Kairo chuckled weakly. "Can't promise that."

He stepped forward and placed a hand on Riven's shoulder.

"Thanks for protecting them, my friend. Now leave this to me."

Riven smirked and brushed Kairo's hand off his shoulder.

"Don't get cocky now. And besides—" He turned, raising his fist toward his friend.

"You still owe me a match."

Kairo laughed heartily and bumped his fist against Riven's.

"You never change."

Then, he turned.

The Creature was still. Its dark aura pulsed like a beast ready to devour everything.

The air grew thick. Electricity crackled through the cracks in the asphalt.

Kairo gripped his katana.

His aura expanded.

The silver shone brighter.

The pink became vivid, alive.

The Creature growled, The violet eyes burned like a brazier.

"Let's end this." Kairo lifted his blade, his gaze unwavering.

"Once and for all."

A cold wind blew.

The shadow let out an abyssal roar and launched a wave of dark energy at him.

Kairo didn't move.

His aura exploded.

Time seemed to stop.

In the blink of an eye—he disappeared.

The final battle had begun.

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Hey warriors, how's it going?😁

This chapter is a blast, don't you think?

I hope you like it!

See you in Part 3.

If you enjoyed it, add it to your collection!

See you tomorrow with the next part!