After Ashura had accepted his feelings and shown his true form to Shizuka, Ryūō is truly in disbelief as to how Shizuka is even considering the thought of being with Ashura. This truly was one of the only cases where a mortal could handle the sight of divine beings right in front of them, let alone three of them. The strength of will demonstrated by both Ashura and Shizuka has convinced Ryūō that the ritual may indeed be worthy of being held.

Months have passed since Ashura attacked the village, and the two individuals involved had come to their own conclusions. Ashura, Kendatsuba, Yasha, Shizuka and Ryūō himself have gathered inside his underwater palace.

"Please step forward and take your place on this sacred altar. As we gather here today, let us ask you both: are you willing to lay aside your own personal hardships and come together in love and commitment?" Ryūō declares, turning to Ashura. "Ashura, please proceed first."

"I, Ashura, The Great Yokai, am willing to sacrifice my divine powers, in order to show my love and commitment to Shizuka. I dare to face the consequences of being a mortal, but as a warrior, I will not fear vulnerabilities and mortality alike." Ashura's declaration resounds with sincerity and emotion.

"Very well, Ashura," Ryūō nods, turning to his opposite side, "Shizuka, what is your declaration?"

Fifteen seconds had passed without a peep. Shizuka is seen standing on the altar with her eyes focused on the ground, sweat covers her head. Ashura bit his lips until it broke skin.

"I..." Shizuka's hesitance catches the attention of the entire room, "I... I'm willing to forgive Ashura, despite his actions. I understand what had caused him to act so irrationally, and I would like to have him as my guardian, as long as he is to be trusted."

"Well, Shizuka, do you trust Ashura to not hurt your soul any longer?" The room pauses for a brief moment, as Shizuka processes Ryūō's words.

"...yes, I do. I trust Ashura wholeheartedly, and I love him with every fiber of my being."

The three Great Demons clapped for Ashura and Shizuka, as the two of them shared a loving embrace.

"Very well, Ashura and Shizuka, then allow me to hold the ritual." With two claps of his hands, Ryūō's dragon comes into the scene, carrying two golden goblets.

With his own two hands, Ryūō cups ethereal water from his sacred pond, pouring it into the individual goblets.

"As the Grand Yokai and Demon, Ryūō, Ruler of Dragons, I hereby decree that the mortal Shizuka and the Demon Ashura may engage in a relationship of their own accord, bearing all associated costs."

As the ethereal liquid flowed into Ashura's mouth, his divine demonic form radiated with a brilliant golden glow. Everyone marveled as Ashura's form shifted into that of a human. The golden aura surrounding his body gradually faded, revealing Rasha in his mortal form.

"Great Demon Ashura, you have officially surrendered all of your divine powers and have become a mortal. You shall be known as Rasha, and you will reside within a village where you will live happily with Shizuka," Ryūō proudly announces, "Rasha, The bond between you and Shizuka will endure for as long as Shizuka lives. Upon her passing, her soul will be at your side, providing the option for you to reunite once again."

Ashura stood before a mirror, torn between his HUMILITY and his EGO. He was unsure of which path to take. To surrender his pride as the Great Yokai and embrace his love for Shizuka, or to cling to his fearsome reputation as a demon. But as he gazed into the mirror, he saw a reflection of who he truly was - a being capable of love. And with that realization, Ashura made his choice, embracing his love without hesitation.

Rasha and Shizuka exchange vows and begin their life together in the village assigned to them by Ryūō. Kendatsuba and Yasha attend the joyful wedding celebration, taking their human forms for this special occasion. As Rasha gazes up at the sky, he reflects on the transience of all things in this world, but finds comfort in the unwavering bond he shares with Shizuka. This connection, he knows, is the only thing that will endure through time.

Rasha and Shizuka walk into their new home as newly-weds, embracing each other's hands. Slowly dancing within their home under the cover of moonlight, knowing very happily that they're now by each other's side.

THE END