Kumo Yuri (Spider Lily)
by de Grano, Mary Jane C.

On that lovely afternoon, the princess, Kumoyuri-sama, sought solace outside the castle walls with her trusted companion, Zilong. The air was crisp, and the atmosphere seemed serene, but little did they know that their peaceful afternoon would soon be shattered by the return of Aamon Satsujin, a warrior just back from a mission ordered by the king.

As Kumoyuri-sama and Aamon Satsujin exchanged pleasantries, a tension lingered in the air. Aamon couldn't help but notice Zilong, and an unspoken rivalry began to brew between the two. Sensing the growing unease, Aamon instinctively pulled Kumoyuri-sama closer, creating a palpable distance between her and Zilong.

Under the enchanting glow of the full moon, Kumoyuri-sama and Aamon Satsujin found themselves entangled in a heated argument about her relationship with Zilong. The shadows concealed spirits watching them, their anger growing with each passing moment. Unbeknownst to them, a Fiend shadow laughed teasingly, turning the spirits into vengeful entities.

The climax unfolded when the vengeful spirits seized the opportunity to possess Aamon Satsujin's weakened spirit, manipulating him into believing false accusations about Kumoyuri-sama and Zilong. Aamon, now a puppet of vengeance, unleashed havoc in the castle, claiming innocent lives, including the king.

In a desperate attempt to save her father, Kumoyuri-sama sacrificed herself, shielding the king from Aamon's deadly sword. She pleaded for mercy, but Aamon, consumed by rage, accused her of betrayal and was ready to strike her down. Zilong's timely arrival thwarted Aamon's deadly blow, and he urged Kumoyuri-sama to flee, revealing the king's demise.

Heartbroken and battered, Zilong witnessed Aamon mercilessly kill Kumoyuri-sama despite her tearful pleas. In a tragic turn of events, the vengeful spirits, having accomplished their goal, turned on Aamon and claimed his life.

Zilong, devastated by the loss of Kumoyuri-sama, could barely stand as he reached her lifeless body. He wept for her, the once pristine white of her kimono now stained with blood. In a heartbreaking moment, Kumoyuri-sama's body dissipated into light, leaving behind a single red flower—a poignant symbol of farewell.

The story ends with Kumoyuri-sama transformed into a red flower, forever symbolizing the tragic love and sacrifice that unfolded under the moonlit shadows of the castle.

The End