Volume 12 - Yomi-no-kuni: Chapter 214 - Lunar Sakura Force

‘Alright, Lily. It’s all up to you now,’ Rinne said, her voice resonating warmly within Lily’s mind, filled with trust and expectation.

‘Huh?’ Lily’s heart raced in confusion. ‘Why would you give me control now? What am I supposed to do, Senior Sister?’

‘I already used the technique through your body,’ Rinne replied. ‘You should remember how it was performed, don’t you?’

‘Of course. I remember everything clearly.’ With her natural talent and keen memory, Lily couldn’t forget even if she tried.

‘Lily, don’t mistake this for something indecent. The Maiden’s Command Technique allows you to transfer your lunar power to your sisters. As long as you understand its essence, the specific method doesn’t matter,’ Rinne explained.

‘Wait, what I just did… was that a method of transferring lunar power?’ The realization struck Lily with awe. She had assumed it was another provocative technique, but instead, her senior sister had subtly taught her something incredible without even telling her outright.

Reading her thoughts, Rinne added, ‘Your version of the technique might not be as effective as mine. Our strength and understanding are still vastly different. But there are things only you can accomplish. I can demonstrate and help you guide your sisters, but I cannot truly transfer lunar power to them. That connection belongs to you. Only you can complete the true Maiden’s Command Technique through your own will and comprehension.’

Lily now understood. Her senior sister could teach the method, but the results had to come from her alone. Only she could truly empower her sisters.

‘And Lily, let me remind you one more time,’ Rinne said. ‘The technique may require specific actions, but what matters most is your sincerity. Your genuine feelings for your sisters are the foundation. Don’t lose sight of that by focusing too much on execution.’

‘I understand,’ Lily replied, her heart clear. She might not have her senior sister’s confidence or skill in handling others, but she knew her feelings were honest and unshakable.

‘Then it’s your turn now,’ came Rinne’s final whisper.

“Wait… what?” Lily replied instinctively, but it was already too late. Although their exchange had felt long, the entire conversation had taken less than a breath thanks to Lily’s strength. In that same instant, Rinne withdrew Mizu no Kanata.

Ayaka was still on the floor, her body trembling slightly from the lingering effects of the technique. She leaned forward, both hands planted firmly on the ground for support.

However, what Rinne had done caught Lily completely off guard. With her usual mastery over her body, she should have recovered instantly. But Mizu no Kanata was so profound that it momentarily disrupted her coordination even after regaining control.

Dizzy and disoriented, Lily tried to steady herself. But she stumbled over her own foot, and her body collapsed forward before she could catch herself.

“Ah… ngh.” Lily let out a soft groan as nausea washed over her. Her face landed against something soft and warm, blocking her vision. A gentle scent, feminine and faintly sweet through a layer of fabric, left her even more dazed.

“Uhm… Lily? What exactly are you doing?” Ayaka asked, her voice wavering between confusion and surprise.

Ayaka slowly began to recover, though her limbs remained heavy and unresponsive. She had no idea what Lily was thinking. Instead of continuing what she expected, Lily had collapsed onto her back, her face pressed into her hips. Even through her stockings, the sensation was overwhelming. This wasn’t like the Lily she knew.

This behavior was completely out of character. Still, Ayaka was sure this wasn’t a trick or an illusion. It was Lily, but something about her felt different. Ayaka assumed it was likely a side effect of some technique, which she still didn’t fully understand.

‘Could this be a side effect of the breakthrough?’ she wondered. Ayaka didn’t exactly enjoy being handled like this, but her love for Lily was genuine and deep.

That love made her pause and reflect. Ayaka realized she had always approached Lily on her own terms. If she truly wanted Lily to see her as a woman, and not merely as someone who enjoyed teasing her, then she needed to let Lily take the lead. Even if it meant surrendering some control, she was willing to do so.

Otherwise, wouldn’t it be selfish?

Ayaka had regained some movement, but instead of pulling away, she lifted her hips just slightly. “If this is what you want…” she whispered. Her head bowed, tears gathering in her eyes, a trace of humiliation lingering beneath her acceptance.

“Huh?” Lily snapped out of her dazed state and finally regained full control. As she lifted her head, the sight before her caught her completely off guard. The position, the perspective, it gave her a strange sense of power she had never experienced.

But this wasn’t what she intended at all. It had all been a complete accident.

“Sister Ayaka, I…” Lily blushed, recalling the things Ayaka had muttered in her confused state just moments ago. “No, no! Sister, you’ve misunderstood. I only fell by accident.” Lily stood and quickly helped Ayaka to her feet, her tone flustered and defensive.

“Lily?” Ayaka, ever perceptive, noticed that Lily had returned to her usual self. “What exactly happened just now?”

“Well…” Lily couldn’t betray her senior sister, someone she respected and trusted above all. She gave a small, bitter smile. “You know how it is. Sometimes, even we women don’t fully understand our own actions.”

Ayaka raised a skeptical brow.

“I’m sorry, Sister Ayaka. I should’ve told you beforehand. But the moment you walked in, everything just…” She trailed off, unable to explain.

Ayaka’s expression darkened. “Then why call me here at all?”

“This is all part of a training method,” Lily replied cautiously.

“Training?” Ayaka echoed, blinking in disbelief.

Lily then explained the purpose of the Maiden’s Command Technique, omitting her senior sister’s involvement. She also shared her intentions of involving Ayaka in future Tsukuyomi Swordstyle training.

“I see. Then why didn’t you say so earlier? When did you start enjoying teasing me?” Ayaka huffed. “You mentioned punishing me? Honestly, you’re the one who should be punished!”

“We can deal with that later, Sister Ayaka,” Lily responded quickly. “Let’s focus on training for now. I haven’t had a chance to practice the technique again, and I don’t want to forget it.”

“You’re right. Training comes first,” Ayaka agreed, her tone serious despite the blush on her cheeks and her faintly ragged breath. “Let’s continue.”

This wasn’t like any technique Lily had practiced before with her sisters. She hesitated, momentarily unsure.

‘If I hesitate, I’ll only delay my progress. That could hurt my sisters too. This is just training. Nothing more.’ Taking a steady breath, Lily calmed her mind. As her focus returned, so did her confidence.

“Something wrong, Lily?” Ayaka’s voice had softened. This was the Lily she loved, and her expression grew gentle. She reached out and took Lily’s hand. “You don’t need to hold back around me. I’m not someone who can’t see the bigger picture. I’ll cooperate fully. If I need to be passive, then I’ll follow your lead.”

She guided Lily’s hand to her navel. “Didn’t you say earlier that you need to check the energies in my body like this?”

“Yes… that’s correct.” Lily nodded and closed her eyes, focusing on the warmth and subtle energy flowing beneath Ayaka’s skin.

‘If I’m going to grant Sister Ayaka a lunar force, which type suits her best?’ There was no guide, no standard. Lily had to trust her instincts. Surrounded by warmth and the faint scent that clung to Ayaka, she deepened her focus. Slowly, she sensed a presence that was both gentle and commanding approaching her.

Ayaka leaned in and kissed her. Lily didn’t open her eyes. She let the kiss linger, continuing to trace Ayaka’s energies with one hand while holding her other hand tightly.

Ayaka’s lips were soft and warm, sweet like blooming cherry blossoms. As they pressed gently against her own, Lily suddenly sensed it, Ayaka’s aura resonated perfectly with the Lunar Sakura Force.

Lily had always excelled in using Domains such as Sakura Blizzard and Setsugekka, both tied to the Lunar Sakura Force. Yet, she had never deeply refined that power. Now, through this kiss, amidst the warmth and faint scent of cherry blossoms, a sudden realization washed over her. In that moment, she began to understand the true nature of the Lunar Sakura Force.

‘So this is it. This must be the essence of the Lunar Sakura Force.’ Lily kept her eyes closed, immersed in the serene atmosphere. Then, using the hand technique taught by her senior sister, she channeled the newly refined Lunar Sakura Force into Ayaka’s body.

Ayaka’s lips trembled under the growing intensity. She tried to speak, but Lily’s kiss silenced her, and only broken murmurs escaped. Lily’s hand drifted lower as she considered whether it would be more efficient to channel the force directly into Ayaka’s Spirit Palace.

Ayaka let out a faint gasp and gripped Lily’s shoulder. “I… I can’t… please… wait… it’s too much…”

“Please… just stop for a moment…” Ayaka’s voice wavered between pleading and restraint. She still tried to maintain her composure as a noblewoman, but her grip on Lily’s shoulder tightened, strong enough to cause pain.

Lily hesitated. She wasn’t sure if she should continue or push through, but her instincts told her to pause. She withdrew her energy flow.

“Sister Ayaka, are you alright? Can you feel the Lunar Sakura Force?” Lily asked softly, concern in her voice.

Ayaka took a deep breath, doing her best to gather herself. Her hair was disheveled, and her aura felt unstable, but she held firm.

“Yes… I feel a lot of it here,” Ayaka said, gently pressing her hand to her navel. “The energy is settling into my Spirit Palace. With a few more attempts, I believe I can nurture it enough to manifest my own Lunar Sakura Force.”

Indeed, the energy Lily transferred served only as a catalyst. To wield the Lunar Sakura Force in battle, Ayaka would need to internalize it through her own understanding and awaken it from within.

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