C22

Scarlet Dragon King – Chapter 24: The Flame of the Fox Queen

Yasaka stood in the center of the Trial Plane's newest formation—a vast field of golden lotus blossoms glowing under an eternal twilight. Her regal form was motionless, but her aura pulsed with elegance and overwhelming power.

Nine tails swayed behind her, glowing gold. Her amber eyes didn't flinch as a great mirror—shaped like a torii gate wrapped in foxfire—rose before her.

Eric watched her from a distance, but his eyes were locked onto the faint sadness behind her smile.

The trial had already begun.

"You wear your crown like armor," the mirror spoke in a voice that was her own, "but your heart remains behind the palace walls."

Yasaka inhaled softly, but didn't deny it.

"For the sake of my people, I buried myself in duty," she said. "Even when Kyoto's skies darkened. Even when I was left alone… I smiled, because that's what a Queen must do."

The mirror showed her reflection—standing proud, leading, protecting.

But behind that image, a child wept in an empty garden, reaching for hands that were never there.

Eric stepped forward.

"You've carried others for centuries," he said, "but no one's carried you."

Yasaka turned to him, eyes shimmering now. "I didn't want to be a burden. I couldn't afford to be weak."

"You're not," Eric said gently. "But you're allowed to be human, even as a goddess."

The mirror shimmered—and a flame burst forth from its center.

A fox of pure light—massive, majestic, burning gold. It circled Yasaka once… and then lunged.

But Eric was already moving.

He stepped between them, his hand extended.

"No more tests," he growled. "She's not alone anymore."

The fox halted mid-air, its eyes softening. Then, it bowed its head—to both of them.

And vanished.

The torii mirror shattered into gold petals.

A radiant flame in the shape of a fox tail floated before Yasaka—and settled into her chest.

She gasped, her power deepening, rising, and then harmonizing with Eric's.

Her tails glowed even brighter, her form radiant with divine serenity.

She looked at Eric, expression no longer guarded—but open. Soft. Grateful.

"I have walked centuries with grace," she whispered, "but now… I want to walk with you."

Eric smiled and offered his hand.

"Then let's walk together. Not as king and queen… but as equals."

She took it.

And the Trial Plane sang with golden fire.

Yasaka, the Radiant Fox Queen, had joined the Scarlet Dragon King.