Chapter Text
Musashi desperately wanted to hold Ritsuka in her arms; tell her everything was going to be okay , but she couldn’t. Not in good faith. She knew just how weak the girl was, in her state she’d likely die in less than a day. Musashi had wanted to protect that earnest girl of hers to her last breath just like back then when the flames consumed her-
“I can’t do this anymore,” Ritsuka choked, facing Musashi. She snatched the woman’s hands, her voice pleading and desperate. “I don’t want to do this-“
“You have to,” Musashi says, raising her head to the girl. “And it is my duty to protect you.”
“But...”
Musashi pulled her hand back. They were running out of time. “Go,” Musashi urged, “and whatever you do don't look back.”
Please
“I’m sorry,” Ritsuka sobs.
I’m sorry to
Musashi wanted to reach out and wipe those tears off her face but she restrained herself. Instead, she flashed the girl one last smile before turning back. It was better this way, she thought.
No regrets.
As Ritsuka fled the scene, Musashi gazed up at the crescent sky, the towering mass of the creature looming down.
“Ha...damn it.” Musashi laughs, shaking her head, embarrassed.
Even in her final moments she was still a coward.
No matter.
Musashi marched right up to the enemy, swords raised, mouth agape and roared, “Come at me!” She challenged, pointing her sword straight at the sky.
And then she disappeared.