- Heaven's Last Breath -

The Spirit of Vengeance

- Jade -

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I had been walking for quite some time, following the two Shinigami Amenet had called for before. As I walked through the darkness, I could only hope I wasn't being led astray but something told me I was on the right path.

With nothing but my thoughts to entertain me, my mind flashed back to the Valley of Death where Aaron and Ariel were undoubtedly embroiled in a fight for their lives. The immense aura I sensed from Chaac was no joke but I had confidence that the two of them would pull through.

Then there was Death who had come face to face with someone from his past. Although I didn't know how they knew each other, I could feel the hostility in the air the moment the silver haired man entered the scened.

After quite some time, we had reached our destination. Shining like a beacon in the darkness, I stood before an ancient temple. The architecture reminded me of the temples in Hinode no Tochi but there was something distinctly different about this.

The two Shinigami who had guided me here flew off, leaving me alone as I looked to the mysterious shrine in front of me. The panels along the ground and first floor were elegantly decorated, featuring traditional patterns. On the corners of the rooftops, black stone gargoyles were perched, each looking toward me with interest.

At the top of the temple, there was a huge golden bell. It was glowing in the darkness, giving off a light that illuminated the surrounding area.

There didn't seem to be anyone outside, meaning whoever was around must have been inside. Slowly, I stepped forward, cautious of anything that might be lurking in the darkness.

I made my way up the stairs, seeing that the interior of the temple was lit by oil lanterns. The light shone through the panels, highlighting the intricate designs. I let out a short sigh, opening the shutter door as I stepped inside the pagoda.

As expected, the interior matched the outside, the architecture similar to the house we had stayed at during our time in Ironforge. At the centre of the room, there was a delicate marble statue depicting a nine tailed fox.

Sat facing the sculpture was a woman. Her long dark black hair fell to the small of her back, covering half of her black kimono. Across her back, I could see three eastern golden dragons embroided onto the dress.

"So you've finally arrived, War Goddess."

I raised an eyebrow, placing a hand on the grip of my blade, wary of the woman before me. She stood to her feet slowly, my eyes meeting her brilliant golden irises. Her skin was light, her face delicate and beautiful

Attached to her hip, there were two sheathed blades.

I felt their power overflowing from their scabbards and from the young woman before me. One blade had a black leather grip, the sheath coloured white with black sakura flowers decorating it. The other appeared to be a mirror of the first, the handle coloured white and the sheath black with white sakura flowers.

"You are the reason the Shinigami attacked Hinode no Tochi and yet, you wield Izanami's Fortune and Izanagi's Favour, two of the Kami's Twelve Blades. Why would you attack our homeland?"

The young woman's smile faded, being replaced by a serious expression. Her eyes darkened at the mention of my old home, "Our homeland? Ha, don't make me laugh. I could never be born into that land of lowlives. My true home is Takamagahara."