The moment she touched Moonflower, Akane realized that she, and everyone else involved in this, had made a huge mistake.
ā Wait, no!
āYou are unworthyā
A voice resounded in Akaneās head, as all the heat from her body vanished.
The fierce and burning Oni descendant filled with animosity was now crawling on her knees while shaking.
ā You decided to use an illusion. It was the right decision. Youāre weak, so you tried to make up for your shortcomings. Itās been like that for a long time.
ā A longā¦ time?
As far as they knew, Akaneās parents were the first ones to ever attempt this.
Even Fujiās parents had been strictly reluctant to confront Moonflower.
āWhat a bunch of cowardsā, Akane and her parents thought.
ā Itās not my time yet. I have things to do. I need strength and wisdom to fulfill my objectives. Youāre not what Iām looking for.
It was then that Akane realized.
Fuji, a moon maiden, used to be the most powerful person on the island. Just like her maiden predecessor. And they werenāt able to deal with Moonflower.
But the newer generations couldnāt understand that, which is what led to this.
ā M-Moonflower, pleaseā¦ Iām t-truly sorry. Please forgive us. W-We made a mistake. Pleaseā¦
Akane, who merely touched the blade, was trembling in both cold and fear apologizing to Moonflower.
ā I wonāt. You must pay the price of attempting to deceive me.
She couldnāt see what was happening, as her knees and forehead were glued to the ground, but she heard a metallic sound.
āWeāre so sorryā were the last words she heard before falling unconscious.
ĆĆĆ
(Takayaās Perspective)
ā And thatās our story. We lost our legs and arms, and Rokurou lost his voice, but Akane was saved. Although sheās not as strong as she used to be.
All this time that Iāve known her, Akane has been blaming herself for this incident.
Sheās probably thinking āIf only I had been stronger. If only I hadnāt been such a failureā.
Her heart has been broken this entire time.
ā Do you get it now? Iām not like you. I can use some fire and get by with a katana, but thatās it. I am nowhere near your level. Just forget-
ā NO! STOP IT!
ā ā¦! ā¦!? ā¦!
Moonlight has been talking in my mind for a bit, but Iām not paying attention.
ā So what if youāre weak!? What if you failed!? Who cares! I didnāt come to this island looking for someone strong, I came here looking for you!
I took out Moonlight from a scarlet sheath I made.