malereader x hells paradise

Chapter 12: Bonds Forged in Battle

POV:   Y/N

Y/N's blade flashed through the air, aimed at Tao Fa's heart, but something unexpected happened. Just before the blade could make contact, a burst of Tao energy erupted from Tao Fa’s body, pushing Y/N back. Tao Fa, though clearly injured, was far from defeated. Her eyes, previously filled with cold determination, now glinted with a mixture of pain and fury.

The ground beneath Y/N trembled as Mu Dan unleashed a furious wave of energy in retaliation for Tao Fa's injury. Y/N barely had time to steady themselves before being engulfed in the onslaught. The force was overwhelming, but Y/N’s instincts kicked in, driving them to roll to the side just in time to avoid a direct hit.

"Y/N!" Yuzuriha’s voice cut through the chaos, filled with concern. Despite her own injuries, she was still fighting, her kunai gleaming as she launched herself at Mu Dan in a desperate attempt to divert his attention.

Sagiri and Nurugai weren’t far behind, each striking at Mu Dan with everything they had. Isuzu, though usually composed, fought with a ferocity Y/N hadn’t seen in her before, her blade slicing through the air with deadly precision.

Y/N's heart swelled with a mixture of pride and worry as they watched their companions fight. These women were more than just allies—they were family. Each of them had stood by Y/N's side through countless battles, and their bonds had only deepened with each challenge they faced.

But now, as they faced two of the most powerful beings on the island, Y/N knew that their bond would be tested like never before.

Y/N surged forward, joining the fray with renewed determination. They exchanged a quick glance with Sagiri, who nodded in silent understanding. The two of them moved in tandem, their attacks perfectly synchronized as they pressed Mu Dan back. Sagiri’s sword cut through the air with swift precision, while Y/N aimed for the weak points in Mu Dan’s defenses.

Yuzuriha and Nurugai worked together to keep Tao Fa at bay, their movements fluid and coordinated. Yuzuriha’s agility and Nurugai’s raw strength made for a formidable combination, and they managed to keep Tao Fa from regaining her footing.

As the battle raged on, Y/N felt a surge of warmth in their chest—an intense, overwhelming gratitude for the women fighting alongside them. Despite the danger, despite the overwhelming odds, they were still here, fighting with everything they had. And it was because of them that Y/N found the strength to keep going.

Isuzu, who had been quietly observing the battlefield, suddenly leapt forward, her blade aimed at a critical point in Mu Dan’s defenses. Her strike was perfectly timed, catching Mu Dan off guard and allowing Y/N and Sagiri to land simultaneous blows that sent the Tensen staggering back.

For a moment, it seemed like they had the upper hand. But just as quickly as they had gained it, the tide of battle shifted once more. Tao Fa, despite her injuries, unleashed a wave of energy that sent Yuzuriha and Nurugai flying. She was back on her feet, her eyes blazing with anger.

Y/N cursed under their breath as they saw Tao Fa’s renewed strength. They needed a new plan, and fast.

“Everyone, regroup!” Y/N called out, their voice cutting through the chaos. The others quickly moved to follow Y/N’s lead, forming a tight circle with their backs to one another. Y/N could feel the tension in the air, the weight of the situation pressing down on them all.

But as they stood together, Y/N felt a strange sense of calm wash over them. They weren’t alone. They had Sagiri, Yuzuriha, Nurugai, and Isuzu by their side. And together, they could face anything.

“Y/N,” Sagiri said quietly, her voice steady despite the situation. “What’s the plan?”

Y/N took a deep breath, their mind racing. They needed to break the Tensen’s momentum, to create an opening they could exploit. And they had an idea—one that would require every bit of trust and coordination they had built with their companions.