The crimson princess

Pov Dia,

The further I went into the garden to reach the sacred place where Inari and Kurama were buried, the louder the sound of crying became.

My heart broke as I saw the adorable kitsune, who was always so happy, now devastated.

I arrived behind Yasaka and gently placed a hand on her head, caressing it in the hope of calming her down.

Once her sobs had subsided into sniffles, I knelt in seiza in front of the graves and prayed for their souls.

Dia: 'I know how much you both wanted to have a child, the ultimate proof of your love for each other. And yet, when you finally got what you wished for, you could only enjoy it for such a short time. I promise to protect and raise her. I will never abandon the most precious thing you left behind.'

As I opened my eyes, I could feel Yasaka looking at me.

Yasaka: "Why didn't you come to save them?"

Dia: "I didn't know the danger they were in. If I had known, I swear on everything I hold dear that I wouldn't have hesitated to save them. They were wonderful people who taught me this beautiful Japanese culture. Hearing of their deaths devastated me, and if I could, I would turn back time to save them."

Yasaka: "But you possess the ultimate power of destruction. I'm sure you could break through the time barrier to save them."

Dia: "Yes, I probably have the power to do something like that, but the consequences of meddling with such a powerful concept would cause colossal disasters. Events unfold due to countless factors, and the further back in time these factors lie, the greater the consequences of altering them would be, creating a completely different present.

Perhaps the future ahead of us will be filled with happiness, even with the weight of their deaths. But if I were to change things, maybe you would find happiness for a few years, only for your life to turn into endless suffering afterward. That's why I can't do it."

She's only ten years old, so she probably doesn't fully understand the limitations of my power. Even a god of time couldn't tamper with it without triggering a disaster. Instead of being rulers of time, they are its guardians.

Dia: "I know what I'm about to ask you is difficult, but you have to take on Inari's role and save the kingdom she built. Now that she's suddenly gone, the foundations of the Youkai kingdom are weak, and without a leader, everything she lived for—apart from her family and friends—will collapse."

Fortunately, Ama has managed to stabilize Kyoto for now because Inari's death has caused disruptions in the Ley Lines. Yasaka doesn't yet have the power or age to connect her energy to these Ley Lines, so it will take some time."

Yasaka looked down, and I could see her struggling with a lack of confidence.

Yasaka: "But how can I be sure I'll be a good leader? What if I destroy with my own hands what Mother and Father built?"

I crouched down to meet her gaze before speaking.

Dia: "You aren't born a king; you become one. You can prepare as much as you want, but experience is what will make you a great leader. You don't have to worry because I, along with others—Ama included—will be here to support you. You're not alone, so don't stand there crying. Save your mother's legacy before it's too late."