~~~~(Katie's POV)~~~~
"What do we do your highness?" Ginta says over my shoulder. I look around observing the situation but as I look at the giant heading towards the crowd, I knew I need to do something and fast.

You know what you need to do, but are you ready? Nevith's voice echos in my head.
My heart starts to beat faster, my stomach is doing flips as I debate my choices. A huge explosion brings me out of my trance as I see a huge crater in the middle of the field, smoke rising to the sky.

Bodies of many men, demons, and Ayakashis fly from the impact.

"Inferno incineration!" A sudden ball of fire is thrown at the forest! My eyes widen in horror at how fast the flames are traveling. At this rate, the fire will reach the villages near here by sundown!

"If you want to help, go warn and save the villages near this meadow!" I say and go to run to my friends afraid that either of them could be hurt, but am stopped by Rax.

"But the humans don't take too kindly to us demons. They fear us!"

"Then today they should appreciate the help for their lives being spared! There's no time to waste, there are other demons who are hiding in this forest who will be killed unless we do something. Now go!" I shout.

Another explosion goes off by me and I am thrown towards Heisuke.

"Katie!" Heisuke runs to me and helps me up. "What are you doing here?" He cuts down an Ayakashis that was behind me.

"I came to help, I freed his prisoners and they are helping the villages near from the fire." I say clinging to his black and purple ninja garment. Heisuke puts his left arm around me as he turns around to strike two other Ayakashis.

"Katie, you need to get out of here, it's too dangerous!" Heisuke says, as I stay close to him.

"Princess, you need to leave immediately!" Saizo rushes over with some back up.

"No I'm not leaving you guys here and that's final!" I yell back.

"We are expendable, you aren't now go!" Saizo grabs my shoulder to pull me away from Heisuke and pushes me away. "Get to safety!"

"Rraahhh!" White crescent shaped shards come flying towards us, more directly at Saizo and the others.

"No!" I cough and try to go to them, but when the smoke and dirt clears, they are on the ground. I can see some spots on their clothes are darker, showing that they are wounded. I rush to help but Goemon lifts his head and yells,

"Run!" I stop in my tracks appalled. Why won't they let me help them? They are in a worse situation and wounded for Pete sakes!

"But.." I look to Heisuke and my eyes begin to blur.

"Katie...run.." He says softly as blood drips from the corner of his mouth. His beautiful blue orbs are pleading for me to leave. How can I abandon the one who I finally confessed my feelings to? How can I leave him and my...friends?

"Please..." I whisper, my lip trembling trying so hard not to cry. I can just see the emotion in Heisuke's eyes, but I can't bare to leave him. Not to cause more trouble or witness something I will regret I cover my eyes and run. Run to where ever the dirt road leads me.

I run to the point my feet just stop and I fall to my knees and cry. I cry for the people we lost in just a matter of minutes from when the battle began. I cry for fate of my friends and how they protected me since that night in New York. To the memories we made, good and bad.

More importantly, I'm crying for failing my parents, Akira, my friends, the whole world!

"Katie!" I hear a feminine voice calling out in the distance.

"Katie!" Wait a second I know that voice...it's Kimberly!

"Kim?" I look up and there's my sister running to me with her arms wide open. As she reaches me, her body collides with mine and her arms wrap around my neck as I hold her tight.

"What are you doing here Kim?" She pulls away from me and looks me directly in the eye.

"I had this feeling you were in trouble and I..." I just wrapped my arms around thankful that she is here with me.

"Wait how did you get away from Shinpachi and Sauske?" She smiles and says,

"Kortaro's owl came with a note saying they needed back up. When I caught no glimpse of you I went looking for you." I look down with fresh tears in my eyes thinking of the field where Kimberly couldn't see me, but saw all the bodies.

"I'm so sorry," I whisper as I choke on holding a sob back.

"Katie?" I cover my face and continue to cry.

"I just left them there...how could I have done that after everything they've done for me?"

"Katie, look at me." I glance up to see Kimberly staring at me. "They told you to run because you are their only hope. The hope that can beat Jinoskue." She stands up with her hands out to me. I take her hands and her helps me up, but as our hands are together, they start to glow.

We look at each other at the same time in amazement.

"Girls?" We both look to the right to see our mom along with dad.

"Mom? Dad?" I haven't talked to them since I first talked to Akira. I run and embrace them in a hug. Mom looks up to see Kim and walks toward her but Kim looks down ashamed.

"Kimberly,"

"I'm sorry mom for all that I've caused." Tears were present in her eyes as her voice cracked.

"I don't blame you, neither of us do. You were tricked as that is what Jinoskue does best. I should be the one who is sorry as I couldn't protect you that night." Mom says as she hugs Kim. Mom stands straight and looks at us both with a frown. "I have two important visitors that need to speak with the two of you."

Two figures walk from behind our parents, one on each side. I recognized one, but the other was like a mirror reflection.

"Akira?" Akira bows her head and the other looks at Kim.

"Akiela," the other wolf bows its head. Akiela looks just like Akira, but instead of blue markings, they're purple same with the eyes.

'We've been waiting for this day to come.' Akira says.

'When the two princesses of the demon realm reunite.' Akiela adds. Kim and I just stare at them blankly.

'With the two of you together, there is an unbelievable amount of power that lies inside. Waiting for the right time to unleash it. Kimberly as I've said before, you have to believe in yourself in order to accomplish any task.' Akiela says staring directly at Kim.

Akira walks to me her eyes boring into mine as if she is looking for something.

'You have gotten far dear child. My sister and I wanted to speak with you for probably the last time. Good luck to the both of you, may the spirits guide you.' Akira says as they fade and the scenery is back to the forest.

I look at my hands thinking of the two great wolf demon's words. The power within us is stronger when we are together, so that means we are the key to beating Jinoskue. I look to Kim as she looks at me, I bet we are thinking of the same thing.

"Let's go kick some demon butt!" She says with a smile with a glint in her eyes.
**********
Kim and I run back to fight, staying on the narrow path that is now present. The fire has limbs falling from the trees onto the ground, blocking some of our way. I feel as though I'm in an oven to where I'm being cooked.

I can see an opening just up ahead, but as Kim and I grow closer, the sounds of swords clashing together, battle cries from the warriors could be heard. Kim and I make it out of the burning forest just to see nothing but destruction.

Wait! This all seems too familiar! The clashing of swords filled the air as did the battle cries of warriors. Except these warriors I knew all to well.

The Shinsengumi and my friends were fighting Jinoskue and Nobunaga. Except Nobunaga's appearance has changed. His skin is no longer human, gray and looks to be made of bark. His eyes are yellow and his voice has changed too.

The Shinsengumi are slouching, panting, legs wobbling ready to crash to the ground. Saizo, Goemon, Sasuke, Kortaro, and Heisuke stand in front of the Shinsengumi, in their demon forms.

"Why do you fight against us, knowing you'll lose?" Jinoskue chuckles darkly. "The princess has failed you, yet you still fight for what?"

"We will always fight for what's right." Saizo said.

"We will fight for what she believes in!" Heisuke shouts.

"We never go down without a fight." Shinpachi wheezed out holding his side. Some of them are now kneeling as they are inured or very tired. I covered my ears at this point trying to block everything out. I back away, wanting all of this to stop.

"This....this can't be happening..." At this point I have tears falling.

"With a final strike, you'll be out of my way for good. Any last words?" Jinoskue asks, eyes glittering with amusement.

"Burn in hell!" Toshizo yells gripping his sword tightly. Jinoskue and Nobunaga's face's light up with dark satisfying smiles, waiting for the moment to come.

"Bane ripping barrage!" Jinoskue yells, bringing his glowing hand down from above his head, down towards the guys. They brace for impact, not moving an inch. I don't know what came over me but I ran towards them.

"No!" I drawled out the 'o jumping in front of the blast, just as it reached us. But before I could feel the impact of Jinoskue's attack, I feel my body tingling just like before. It starts in my chest and branches out engulfing me as I'm swallowed up in a bright light. I can feel myself changing, the power within me is growing stronger.

"What?!" Jinoskue yells in fury as I deflect his attack, surrounding us in smoke. Once my smoke lightens up, I open my eyes to see my opponent.

"No way,"

"Katie?" I hear many astonishing comments, but I heard Heisuke call my name.

"How can this be?" Jinoskue questions as he takes in my appearance. I look down at myself to see what is so different and I understand why. I'm no longer in my dress like kimono, but a true ninja outfit.

I'm wearing a black top that ties around my neck that has a purple line across the top of the small shirt, and a pink like tie that's under my bust that goes around me. I have sleeves that are long, and are pink but gradually turn to purple. Next I'm in shorts that have cross hatches on the sides, with a pink flower that goes around my waist as a belt. A sword is attached to my left hip, and long black socks that go up to mid thigh almost. Red butterfly ribbon go to just about mid calf that make my shoes. My hair is held up by a beautiful butterfly piece.

I look at my hands truly amazed at my transformation.

"Woah," is all I can say at this moment. Did I just find my true self?

"Doesn't matter, no change of clothes will be able to stop me!" Jinoskue grabs Nobunaga and begins to absorb him into his body, making Nobunaga apart of him.

"What are you doing you fool? I don't deserve this! You hear me! I don-" and just like that, Nobunaga was gone. He is now inside of Jinoskue who is gaining strength.

"Ah that's better." Jinoskue sighs and clenches his fist. "Now to finish off these pathetic excuse of mortals, much less ninjas." Jinoskue goes to throw a punch. "I will crush you!"

"Stop!" I raise my arms, crossing them like Wonder Woman creating a shield protecting us from the hit. I narrow my eyes at Jinoskue, giving him a glare as my anger boils. I push towards him breaking the shield.

"Katie!" I turn to see Kim running to me, but I saw a shadowy figure behind her. Ayakashis! I lunge to her, but she is tackled by a person I don't recognize. My nails elongate and I swipe at the Ayakashis turning them to dust. I turn around quickly to check on Kim.

"Kim?" The new comer stands up with Kim wrapped in his arms. "Kim!" I rush to her and hug her and thank the new guy, but when I look up, my eyes widen in surprise. "Souji?"

Kim turns around and is too surprised. He has red eyes, but the rest of him is albino. This isn't how I remember him before the fight.

"Are you alright Kimberly?" Souji asks with his hand on her back. She nods slowly and I turn around when I hear thundering noises. The next thing I know is I'm blown away from everyone as if a bomb went off next to me. I fall or I should say slam right into a thick tree. I fall to my stomach as I land on the ground.

My head is throbbing as well as my back! I grasp the pine needles and dirt in my palm as I lean on my arms for support. My brain finally interprets the destruction and it's nothing but pure horror!

The meadow which has now turned into a battle field is littered with wounded fighters, blood, bodies, and carnage. The earth is no longer green or brown, but is stained with crimson. The air that normally carries the sound of wildlife or rivers, is now carrying thick charcoal smoke littered with small embers.

The forest ablaze with the cackling of wood burning fills my ears as the echos from the screams of wildlife, villagers, and other demons hiding could be heard. That dream...is now becoming a reality! I see my friends on the ground...hurt fighting for their lives. I said earlier this means war and now I'm going to finish it.

"Jinoskue!" I yell at the top of my lungs. He turns around and I see that malicious smile.

"You're still alive? Oh well, I'll make this quick." He treads over to me, not caring that he is stepping or kicking bodies out of his way. I pull myself up and stand tall. "Still going to fight are you?"

"I won't give up fighting you until this world is ridden from the likes of you!"

"How dare you!" He comes at me with his right arm covered in a orange swirling vortex. I jump in the air to dodge it an I am successful in doing so.

"Stand still you little-"

"No! I won't listen to the demon who murdered the queen. My mother, Queen Cornilia, fell in love with someone else. She left in hopes of escaping you, yet you couldn't stand the rejection and caused this war. A war that wasn't necessary and costs many lives!"

"Lies!" Jinoskue yells.

"No, she is telling the truth! You are the one who lied! You killed our mother and took me!" Kim yells.

"I will kill you all!" Jinoskue screams in outrage and I confess.

"As the daughter of Queen Cornilia, Princess of demons and humans, I will stop you from destroying this world at all cost!" Suddenly my necklace began to glow brighter than it ever did before. What's happening?

The tingling was back but it was different this time. It was more of my power intensifying, but when I looked at the necklace I can see something in it. Whatever is in the necklace is coming out of it and the light bursts away, the sparkles trickling to the ground. I can't believe it! The demon blade!

I can hear the gasps of surprise now that the blade has been found. The blade is floating in front of me and I reach out to grab the blade and once I do, I feel a power surge. I close my eyes, focusing on defeating Jinoskue. My eyes snap open as I lunge for Jinoskue screaming,

"Infernal fang crusher!" The demon blade lit up with fire spiraling around it as I slashed it at Jinoskue.

"Aaahhhh!" Jinoskue roars as he stumbles back from the attack. I don't know what came over me but I just keep going after Jinoskue, attacking him after I dodge his punches. When I land on my feet I go to jump again but Jinoskue's fist makes contact with my side.

I crash into a tree with enough force that it broke! I lay there on my back in pain trying to catch my breath.

"Katie!" I hear many voices yell. I push a piece of bark off me as I try to sit up but it doesn't work. I groan waiting for the pain to subside but not quick enough allowing Jinoskue a clear shot.

"Knife Grapple Assault!" Jinoskue aims his hands at me, but what shocked me was that it was his elongated nails coming towards me!

"Katie!" Kim yells running to me helping me to my feet, but struggling. We brace for impact, closing our eyes and holding our arms up for defense to feel nothing. The air swishes by us but no pain? I open my eyes to see something scary.

"S-Souji?" I stutter. There stands Souji, impaled by one of Jinoskue's claws. He slowly falls to his knees before landing on his side to roll onto his back. My eyes are wide with shock as my jaw drops.

"No!" Kim screams with tears.

"Omni Hammer Wall!" I look up to see a wall of orange heading my way. With the strength I had, I push Kim away just as I'm caught in the blast.

"Aaaahhhh!" I scream flying backwards into the burning forest. I come to a stop just before a huge tree. The embers floating remind me of fireflies as I lay there gazing.

I failed.

I let my friends, the people, the demons, Kim, Akira, and especially my parents down. I close my eyes as this thought is processed in my mind.

'Child,'

"Akira?" I say as I turn to see her staring at me. I notice we are in a white void, am I dreaming again?

'I'm here child.'

"I'm sorry for letting you down." Tears begin to surface.

'I'm not disappointed in you, I'm proud of you Katie.' I'm completely shocked by her response.

"What?"

'You faced challenges throughout your life. You faced your fears and conquered them. You found and made peace with your sister. What's better is that you found the Demon Blade!' She says as if a mother would praise her child. I smile at her and go go to hug her, wrapping my arms around her neck.

'Now it is time for you to face the biggest challenge that has been thrown at you. Are you ready?' I think her statement over. I want the suffering to end. I want the demons and humans to feel freedom after all these years from Jinoskue's wrath. With my fist clenched I stare into her eyes and say,

"I'm ready." Akira closes her eyes as she nods.

'Good, now that you've believed in yourself and became the princess you needed to be. You are a descendant of me, the great wolf demon. As you have seen your friends in their demon form out on that field fighting, you have a demon form as well.'

"Really?"

'Yes, you will grow wolf ears, tail, and your nails will grow. You will look like your Heisuke and his friends. But you can also become a full demon, where you can become a complete wolf. You will be stronger but it takes a lot of energy.' I nod when she finished.

My necklace began to glow again but this time, I feel the tingling on top of my head, the tips of my fingers, and at the base of my back. When the tingling subsides, I raise my hands up to feel fur? I run my fingers over what seem to be ears. Then something brushes against my leg, so I look down to see a white tail!

"Whoa!" So I'm showing my demon side?

'Now it's time for you to go back. You are needed.' Akira backs away then lunges at me, going straight into my necklace as it glows until she is completely inside. What just happened? I shake the thought away and sprint in long strides back to the others. The nice thing is that I'm not getting tired by doing this.

Just as I come to the edge of the burning forest I hear more explosions going off. I see Heisuke, Sauske, Saizo, and the others all on the ground; barely kneeling. I notice Kim is standing in front of the using her katana to deflect attacks. I can see that she is panting and growing tired by the second.

"Time to end your miserable existence." Jinoskue sends a ball of black fire towards them and the other warriors. I jump in front of them so quick, I doubt they even saw me. I feel that tingle again as I say these words that come to mind. The phrase echoes as Akira and I say it at the same time.

"Harmonious Aura Prayer." I place my arms open wide as a wall of really light purples, blues, and pinks appears. The wall is invisible at first until the dark fire crashes into it, creating nothing but a cloud of black smoke.

Once the smoke clears, the wall shimmers in those three colors; surprising everyone around me, but only making Jinoskue even more pissed. I feel my eyes burn as I drop to the ground and grab the Demon Blade, making it glow and grow in size.

I spin in a circle, slicing the Ayakashis around me in one blow.

"Attack her!" Jinoskue yells as all Ayakashis come barreling at me.

"Crushing Fang Fever." I don't even yell the chant, but calmly say it as I strike the blade into the ground. Spikes sprout from the ground penetrating the Ayakashis and burning them upon contact.

Jinoskue growls as I slay his army to pieces that become charred. When no other Ayakashis come forward, I stand tall and turn to face Jinoskue.

"What are you going to do now Jinoskue, since your army has fallen." I test him, seeing what his next move will be. As I stare into his irises, I can see that he is growing tired. Could it be from absorbing too much power at once?

"Are you tired Jinoskue?"

"Shut up! I can still beat you without my army. Raahhhh!" Jinoskue roars charging towards me but I will just fight fire with fire.

"Aaaahhhhh!" I yell as my necklace glows once again, but this time, something happens that no one saw coming. Akira's spirit comes from the pendant and engulfs me as a bright light appears. The wind starts to pick up as if a storm is brewing.

I can feel my body changing, changing into something, morphing into another shape. After my bones rearrange, my claws become thicker, and my tail multiplies; I knew I changed into something important. The light disappears as it goes from a ball to nothing in a split second!

I can feel my feet hit the ground, but something's off. I open my eyes to see that I'm level with Jinoskue the giant. My instinct is to growl and that is what I did, I growled at the hands of the devil himself.

I meet Jinoskue and tackle him as he lands against the mountain. I scratch him and bite him again, and again, and again. No matter what I do, it doesn't seem to affect him but tire him out. I need to end this, and soon if not longer.

I ram him once again making him topple over as a cloud of dirt mixed with pebbles and leaves, come up from underneath him. For a quick second I see a circle of green light Shining in Jinoskue's chest.

Could it be? Is that the weakness I've been waiting for or is it something else?

'Child, that is the mountain God. He is trying to get free, but is weak from the power Jinoskue is absorbing. Right now that is Jinoskue's weak spot, but...'

"What is it Akira?"

'There is a way to end this fight, and this next spell is so powerful that you may...perish.' My heart stops at the mention of the last word. I can possibly die?

"Akira, is this what you meant when you said, 'there would come a time when I would have to make a decision'?"

'That is what I meant dearie, but like I said, you have to make a choice. Continue fighting like this all will be lost, the whole world will be nothing but a barren wasteland of fire and death. Or perform the spell and save many lives.'

I take a step back knocking a tree over, startling me as I focus back to the problem at hand.

"Katie!" My ears twitch and I turn my body sideways to see Kim standing in front of everyone, who are standing, kneeling, or sitting. All with complete shock on their faces, fear evident in their eyes.

Kim. I wish I could tell her how happy I am to have finally met her rather than lived my life not knowing I even had a sister. I hope my eyes can tell them how I feel right at this moment.

"Akira, what is the enchantment?" I hear her sigh as she said,

'You will have to repeat it when I say it.' I mentally nod my head and plead with my eyes to Kim and the others. Forgive me.

I turn around and head straight towards Jinoskue, to hear Kim screaming for me. But the one thing that really broke my heart was to hear Heisuke call for me as well. I keep walking, one paw in front of the other until Akira told me to stop.

"Infinite Harmonious Heavenly Enlightened Soul Oblivion." With each word, my eyes started to glow along with the markings on my body. The light swirls around me like a barrier, but I can feel the power within me grow stronger by the second.

As soon as I say the last word, all the light forms around Jinoskue and I; but as it fades for a split second, it explodes. Air rushing by everyone, knocking them over and blinding them from the harshly bright light.

"No!" I look forward to see Jinoskue's body dissolving or tearing away like pieces from an eraser when something's being erased. "What have you done!"

"I told you Jinoskue, that absorbing a god to make you a powerful Oni will be your downfall." I close my eyes to think of all that has happened to me.

Ever since that night in New York, my life has changed. I went on an adventure that seemed like a roller coaster, that had its ups and downs. I left the place I called home to travel to a whole new place that I couldn't believe would exist.

I made friends, but by making those friends I also made enemies. Amongst those friends, I found someone special. We kept our feelings in the dark, too scared to express to one another. But I am so happy the day we confessed, my feelings grew stronger for him.

Midst my journey did I meet my twin sister, who I've been separated since our infant days. I faced many challenges to find an artifact that turned out to be attached to me since the day my mother was murdered.

But I really enjoyed the time with Heisuke, Saizo, Goemon, Sauske, Kortaro, the Shinsengumi, and Kim. The times we laughed or the times we fought off the enemy, are all memories that I will cherish. I would sacrifice my life so you all can live and have a future.

A future that doesn't include war from a demon who wants nothing but greed and power. I hope you all can see why I chose this as a final act of ending this bloodshed that has gone on for more than a decade.

I'm sorry everyone, but...please forgive me.
_______________________________
The picture at the top is Katie and Kim's ancestor, the great wolf demon, Akira and Akiela. That is also what Katie looks like when she becomes full demon.
There will be one more chapter for sure, then the story is coming to an end, sadly. Thank you Rin_Arazon , for all the support!
Please comment and vote!
Thanks!💙💜💚