After finishing dinner, we packed our things. Himeko folded her picnic mat and put it back in her bag, while I grabbed the flashlight from mine, it's dark after all. It seemed we were about to track down the local deity that Kitsune mentioned.
"Himeko, take out your spirit and make her wear the Frost Ring," Kitsune instructed, her voice sharp but focused.
Himeko nodded hesitantly and pulled Yuki from her pocket, along with the manifestation I had given her. As Yuki slipped on the Frost Ring, the little bird began to glow faintly. In a matter of seconds, it transformed into its larger form—a majestic, white, human-sized bird. Its feathers shimmered under the moonlight, and its azure colored eyes are glowing.
I still felt a feeling of amusement even though I saw it before.
"Now, tell her to give us resistance to the cold," Kitsune added, glancing at Himeko.
"Ehh? But how am I supposed to do that?" Himeko asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
"Just command her. She's your spirit, so she'll follow your wishes."
Himeko hesitated for a moment before patting Yuki gently on the head. "Uh… Yuki, can you grant us resistance to the cold?"
A sudden rush of icy air swirled around us. To my surprise, the biting cold that had gripped us moments earlier began to fade, replaced by a soothing warmth. It felt as if the winter air couldn't touch us anymore.
"It worked," I said, impressed. "Good job, Himeko. And Yuki, too."
"Th... thanks," Himeko replied, her cheeks slightly flushed with embarrassment.
"Alright, Misaki," Kitsune interrupted, her tone is sounding like she's pissed. "Enough chit-chat. Let's go now..."
I don't know if she's jealous on Himeko or what....
"By the way, Kitsune, do you even know where this 'big fish' you keep mentioning is?" I asked skeptically.
"It's probably near the mountain's peak," she said casually.
"What? Are you saying we have to climb all the way up there?" I protested, already imagining the exhausting hike ahead.
"No, don't worry. I have a plan," she said with a mischievous smile.
Without warning, Kitsune grabbed me and carried me into her arms, carrying me like a princess. My face turned red, burned with embarrassment.
"Kitsune! Put me down!" I shouted, struggling against her grip.
"But it's faster this way," she replied, while keeping her innocence. "I can run up the mountain quicker if I carry you."
I felt the gaze of Himeko on us... I don't even want to know what she's thinking now
"What about Himeko?" I shot back, hoping to divert her attention.
"Oh, that's easy," Kitsune said, turning to Himeko. "Himeko, command your spirit to carry you on its back and follow me."
"O... okay," Himeko said nervously. She turned to Yuki and hesitated before asking, "Yuki, can you carry me on your back?"
This woman... and she's even claiming that Himeko is the reincarnation of our queen....
Yuki lowered itself, its broad wings outstretched. It seemed to understand Himeko's request, inviting her to climb on. Once Himeko was securely seated, she gave her spirit an instruction. "Yuki, follow Ms. Ishi."
With that, Kitsune and her daughters sprinted off, moving at an inhuman speed. I had to grip her tightly to avoid being flung off.
"KITSUNE! SLOW DOWN! YOU'RE TOO FAST!" I shouted, feeling like my stomach was about to flip inside out.
As we raced through the mountain, I glanced up at Yuki, struggling to keep up with Kitsune's pace. Himeko clung tightly to her spirit, her face filled with both excitement and fear.
Suddenly, Kitsune came to an abrupt stop, her sharp senses alerting her to something. Her daughters also froze, their eyes scanning the area intently.
"Kitsune, what's wrong?" I asked, though I could already feel the tension in the air.
"Nishi, now!" Kitsune commanded.
"Spirit Arts: Wind Blades"
Nishi swung her knife through the air, creating several invisible blades of compressed wind. The attack struck a lump of snow several meters ahead, and an unearthly scream echoed on the area where Nishi's attack landed.
The snow began to shift and morph, rising up to reveal a massive figure. Standing nearly 15 meters tall, the creature resembled a giant ape made entirely of ice. Its crystalline body glistened in the moonlight, exuding an aura of immense power.
"It's the local deity," Kitsune said, her grin widening with excitement.
Without hesitation, Kitsune dropped me onto the ground and charged forward, eager to engage in battle. I glanced at Himeko, whose face had turned pale with fear as she and Yuki landed nearby.
"Nishi," I called out, "protect Himeko with your siblings. Kitsune and I will handle this."
"Yes, as you wish," Nishi replied calmly.
"Spirit Arts: Wind Shield"
Nishi swung her blade again, this time creating a protective barrier of swirling air around Himeko and her spirit. As soon as I confirmed that she was safe, I turned my attention back to the battle.
There, I saw Kitsune and the local deity exchanging some blows. The sound of the impacts of her punches resonated throughout the mountain. As long as combat is concerned, I know I can count on Kitsune.
I called her, then she regain her distance. Before fighting, I plan to discuss something to Kitsune... because she is stupid.
"Kitsune, don't use your manifestation,". "Just use brute strength. I'll tell Himeko it's part of your manifestation's skill."
"Fine," she replied with. "What about you? Are you going to use Fate Alter?"
"No. Just my manifestation. We can't afford to reveal our identities here to Himeko."
"Alright," she said, cracking her knuckles. "Let's continue this show, Misaki."
"Yes, I didn't expected that this time will happened again... the time when we will fight together..."
Under the bright glow of the full moon, the stage was set for a fateful showdown.