Two sister's promise

— As Hana stirred from the deep slumber, a resonant crash echoed through the once-sacred halls of the shrine, jolting her awake.Panic seized her heart as she glanced around, realizing the shrine that had been their sanctuary had crumbled to the ground. Fear gripped her, and she frantically searched for Sakura, her twin sister, who was nowhere to be found.Racing towards the source of the disturbance, she stumbled upon a haunting scene. A malevolent yokai stood there, holding Sakura's helpless form, bathed in blood. Tears welled in Hana's eyes as a chilling loneliness engulfed her. Her voice quivered as she shouted Sakura's name, a desperate plea cutting through the eerie silence. "Sakura!"As the echoes of her cry faded, Sakura slowly opened her eyes. A little relief washed over Hana as she saw her sister still alive amidst the threat. Wiping away the tears that flowed freely down her cheeks, Hana spoke with a mixture of anguish and determination. "That day, didn't you promise? You'll be by your sister's side forever." In that poignant moment, amidst the shattered remnants of their world, the bond between the twin sisters shone resilient. Sakura's gaze met Hana's, and a silent understanding passed between them. In the face of adversity, the vow they made to each other echoed through the desolation.
Amidst the wreckage and the looming presence of the yokai, my eyes slowly opened, catching a glimpse of my sister's anguished cry."—big sis," I whispered, my voice fragile against the chaotic backdrop. As Hana rushed to my side, our gazes met, and in that moment, I found solace in our shared promise. Hana's unwavering determination to stay by my side forever echoed through the debris-filled air. It was a vow forged in the innocence of sisterly love, now being tested amidst the ruins surrounding us. In the aftermath, I found myself contemplating the depth of our connection. Closing my eyes to the harsh reality, I reflected on the cost of avoiding what truly mattered—my reason for living, my sister. Each time I shut out the world, I risked missing the reason for my existence. In the quiet recesses of my thoughts, a profound realization surfaced—my sister, the anchor of my life, was slipping away. Every instance I closed my eyes to shield myself from the pain, I felt the vital thread connecting me to Hana thinning. As the weight of this truth settled upon me, I came to another revelation. If I continued to evade the harshness of reality, I might as well be surrendering to a lifeless existence. The core of my being, my very purpose, was inseparable from Hana. Determined to preserve that crucial connection, I made a silent pact within myself. I would sacrifice whatever necessary, even if it meant relinquishing my human side. Confronting the imminent danger, I understood that embracing the otherside within me was the key to keeping my sister close. In the gaze exchanged with Hana, my eyes reflected newfound determination, a willingness to forsake the familiar for the extraordinary bond that held our fragile world together.
"In the secret places where shadows tell tales, the spirit shared a story about a deal between a spirit and a girl. They made a connection, like a bridge, linking the world of people to where yokais live underwater. Two kids came from this link, part yokai and part human, meant to live in both worlds. But trouble started when the human child didn't want to go between realms as planned, upsetting the balance of both places." The spirit revealed that this interwoven dance of realms owed itself to the fervent wish of the human girl. "Her desire to keep both children close, born from her very womb, was the catalyst of both these feeble existences." As it extended a molded flesh arm towards the approaching sister, a sinister smile played upon its lips. "If both children were to be eliminated, I wonder what would transpire," it pondered, only to be abruptly interrupted by a piercing shriek as its arm severed midway. Shocked and writhing in pain, it beheld the transformed sister, Sakura, now with crimson red eyes and frightening strength exuding from her body. In retaliation, the enraged yokai unleashed its other petrified arms, hurtling them towards the defiant sister. "—big sis, the prayer." A desperate plea echoed from her lips as she beckoned her sister behind her, instructing her to recite the sacred prayer. "—Yes." Responding to the call, Sakura emerged, carrying the suzu, ready to wield the ancient verses against the encroaching darkness. In the sacred stillness, Hana raised her voice, invoking the spirits of purity and light. The resonant chime of the suzu reverberated through the space as both sisters chanted, their voices intertwining like a protective barrier against the encroaching shadows. Amidst the fierce clash of steel against flesh, they uttered the ancient verses: "By kami's grace, by moonlit might, let the forces of darkness take flight. Evil spirits, begone from sight, banished by this sacred rite..." Underneath the yokai's feet, five lights crackled, forming a radiant star that ascended, encasing the yokai in towering light. "Arrggghh." "... In Shinto's name, we stand strong, chanting verses ancient and long. Shadows fade, and darkness flees, as the miko's words bring sweet release. Spirits pure, protect this space, banish all that seeks to deface. With each uttered word, with each bell's ring, let the cleansing power of Shinto spring. In harmony and balance, may the spirits dwell, and may this sacred chant the darkness quell." The creature struggled against its brilliance, attempting to break free, yet the resilient sisters continued their chant. In a final invocation, Hana whispered the word "Senki," and the yokai's form began to disintegrate, its voice drowned in a haunting cry as it ascended into the skies.
As the remnants of the yokai scattered into the light, Sakura, drained from the intense struggle, descended from the battlefield, victorious yet exhausted, her sister by her side. The echoes of the sacred chant lingered in the air, marking a momentous triumph against the encroaching darkness.In the aftermath, amidst the ruins of their once-holy shrine, the sisters shared a profound gaze. The gravity of their shared destiny and the sacrifices made hung in the air like a lingering hymn. Hana, still catching her breath, spoke with a mixture of relief and concern, "Sakura, are you alright?"Sakura, her strength visibly drained, managed a weak smile, "I'm okay, big sis. Just a bit tired." The air crackled with the residual energy of their battle, and Sakura glanced at the remnants of the yokai, now reduced to scattered particles of light.Hana couldn't shake off the worry in her eyes, "You pushed yourself too hard. We faced a elder yokai born from otherside. I never imagined it would come to this."Sakura nodded, understanding the weight of her words, "I never thought I'll have to suppress the human side. But am happy that I could protect you and the shrine."The sisters embraced amidst the ruins, their shared victory bittersweet. The shrine, once a symbol of tranquility, now stood falling in ruins. Sakura whispered, "Big sis, no matter what happens, we'll face it together. We promised, didn't we?"Hana nodded, "Forever. We'll rebuild the shrine again."As they stood amidst the debris, the sun began to rise, casting its warm light on the sisters.