Akiko, a flicker of hope igniting in her golden eyes, watched as the remaining demons, their confidence shattered, scattered in all directions, disappearing beyond the horizon in a flurry of black wings.
The sky, once teeming with darkness, was now clear blue once more, bathed in the warm glow of the afternoon sun.
The kitsune, its immense form dwarfing even the largest buildings in the distance, shrinking back to its original, majestic size. It landed gracefully beside Akiko, its ethereal form shimmering with residual power.
A cheer erupted from the remaining samurai.
"Princess Akiko! Banzai!" one of them bellowed, his voice hoarse but filled with relief.
The sound echoed through the courtyard, quickly picked up by the others until it became a unified roar of gratitude.
