DXD: The Awakening Of Phenex

As they returned to Kyoto, Yasaka walked alongside her daughter, Kunou, and the entourage that accompanied them. The atmosphere was calm, and the moon shone softly in the underworld sky as they crossed the portal to return to Japan.

"Mother, I never want to go to that kind of party again. It was boring," Kunou grumbled, her expression clearly annoyed.

Yasaka paused for a moment and looked at her daughter, her gaze becoming serious but still filled with affection. She bent slightly, reaching Kunou's height, and held her hands.

"Kunou, that wasn't a party. It was an important event, a ceremony to honor leaders who gave their lives for the underworld and their families. We need to respect these moments, even if they aren't fun. It's about honoring those who sacrificed for their loved ones and for peace."

Kunou lowered her head, a touch of regret appearing in her eyes. "I'm sorry, mom... I didn't understand how important it was," she said, her voice softer.

Yasaka smiled gently and stroked her daughter's hair. "It's okay, my little one. I know it's not easy to understand certain things now, but you'll learn in time. What matters is having respect and empathy."

SWOOSH!

Suddenly, a dark portal opened beside the entourage, and a strong gust of wind made everyone turn in alarm. Yasaka quickly pulled Kunou close, protecting her daughter.

"What's happening?!" exclaimed one of the guards, drawing his weapon while the others positioned themselves around Yasaka and Kunou.

Cao Cao, the leader of the Hero Faction, emerged from the portal with an arrogant smile on his face. He carried an imposing spear that glowed with threatening energy. Behind him appeared Georg, Jeanne, Heracles, and Perseus, each displaying a confident and defiant stance.

"Yasaka, leader of the Kyoto youkai," Cao Cao said, his voice dripping with arrogance. "We've come for little Kunou. It's better if you don't resist."

Yasaka narrowed her eyes, her body tensing as she observed the intruders. She knew the Hero Faction was dangerous, especially with Cao Cao at the helm. Kunou clung to her mother, visibly frightened.

"You won't touch my daughter," Yasaka replied, her voice firm and filled with determination.

Cao Cao let out a cold laugh. "Do you really think you can stop us? Let's see how far your courage goes."

Before anyone could react, Georg raised his hand and released a dense mist that quickly enveloped Yasaka's group. Everyone's vision was blocked, and chaos ensued as the guards tried to reorganize.

"Kunou! Where are you?!" Yasaka shouted, her voice full of desperation as she tried to locate her daughter in the mist.

Georg, hidden in the mist, attempted to use a spell to teleport Kunou to him, but something failed. A golden barrier formed around Kunou, preventing the magic from reaching her.

The mist slowly began to dissipate, and the vision of those present was restored. Yasaka looked around desperately until she saw Kunou, safe within a protective barrier that she had instinctively conjured.

Kunou was trembling but seemed relieved to see her mother approaching. Yasaka rushed to her daughter, enveloping her in a protective embrace.

"Are you okay, my dear?" Yasaka asked, her voice gentle as she caressed Kunou's face.

"Yes, mom... I'm okay," Kunou replied, still with tears in her eyes.

Cao Cao watched the scene with a sneer. "Looks like I underestimated you, Yasaka. But this isn't over yet."

Yasaka stood up, keeping Kunou protected behind her. Her golden aura began to glow intensely, as her determination grew. "I won't allow you to touch my daughter. You've made a grave mistake coming here."

Jeanne and Heracles advanced toward the guards, initiating a direct confrontation. Yasaka, in turn, prepared a powerful energy sphere in her hands, ready to face anyone who dared threaten her daughter.

"You won't escape this time, Yasaka," said Cao Cao, raising his spear towards her, his eyes full of arrogance and confidence.

"The barrier prevented my mist from reaching Kunou," Georg murmured, approaching Cao Cao. "As long as you distract the leader of the youkai, I can easily kidnap Kunou."

Cao Cao nodded, keeping his gaze fixed on Yasaka. "Very well, Georg. I'll keep her occupied."

Cao Cao quickly advanced towards Yasaka, his spear slicing through the air as he charged at her.

"You won't touch my daughter!" Yasaka shouted, raising the energy sphere. She launched the sphere towards Cao Cao.

At the last second, Cao Cao noticed the attack and raised his spear in defense, concentrating his energy.

BOOM!

The explosion illuminated the surrounding field, shockwaves sweeping the area as dust and debris scattered through the air. Despite the force of the impact, Cao Cao stood firm, his spear glowing intensely as it blocked Yasaka's energy, his eyes focused.

Georg, taking advantage of the opportunity, raised his hand and spread his dense mist once more, enveloping the entire battlefield. The mist quickly spread, blocking everyone's vision and leaving the environment shrouded in oppressive darkness.

Yasaka, still on guard, looked around desperately, trying to sense her daughter's presence. 'Kunou... where are you?'

Anxiety began to grip Yasaka. She could no longer sense Kunou's presence, and her heart began to beat faster, fearing the worst.

With a determined and angry expression, Yasaka raised her fist and delivered a powerful punch to the ground.

BOOM!

The impact wave from the punch quickly spread, dispersing the mist around her. As the mist finally cleared, Yasaka frantically looked around, but her expression soon turned to fury when she realized that Kunou was no longer there. Jeanne, Heracles, Perseus, Kunou, and Yasaka's entire entourage had disappeared.

Georg stood beside Cao Cao, watching Yasaka's reaction with a satisfied smile.

"If you want your daughter back, kill all the youkai members here, and I will return her," said Cao Cao, his voice cold and full of arrogance as he firmly held his spear.

Yasaka clenched her fists, her eyes burning with rage. 'Kunou... I will save you, no matter what.'

Georg then spread his mist around Yasaka and Cao Cao once more, completely enveloping them. Yasaka growled in anger, feeling her vision taken by darkness once again.

SWOOSH!

When the mist dissipated, Cao Cao and Georg were already gone. Yasaka was left alone, her desperate gaze as she fell to her knees. Pain and fear consumed her heart, and she felt the weight of helplessness in that situation.

'Kunou... I failed to protect you...' Yasaka thought, tears welling up in her eyes as her mind battled between anger and despair. Even with the immense love she had for her daughter, she knew she couldn't kill her own people, even if it meant saving Kunou. And even if she made that choice, there was no guarantee they would keep their promise to return her.

Yasaka felt a lump in her throat, the weight of failure tightening her chest. Her mind was filled with doubts, and for a moment, insecurity engulfed her completely. 'What can I do? How can I fight this without losing myself or those I love?'

Her frustration was palpable, her fingers digging into the ground as she stared into the void, desperately trying to find a solution. Every possibility that came to her mind seemed futile, every idea falling apart before it could take shape. She felt as if she were sinking into a sea of helplessness, unable to save her own daughter.

Yasaka closed her eyes, tears streaming freely down her face. 'Kunou... I would give everything to protect you... even my own life.'

Suddenly, a thought crossed her mind, an idea that made her heart race. 'If I can't fight them directly... maybe I can seek help. Someone with enough power to face the Hero Faction.'

She remembered Serafall, the Maou of the underworld who visited her frequently and who, coincidentally, was the sister-in-law of the new king of the underworld. Serafall had always been kind to her and had enough power to face any threat that arose. Perhaps Serafall could help her save Kunou.

Yasaka stood up slowly, wiping the tears from her face. Her expression was now one of determination. 'I will ask Serafall for help. Even if it means exposing myself, even if it means losing my pride... I'll do whatever it takes to save my daughter.'

She raised her hand, activating a magic communication circle. A soft light shone around her as Serafall's figure began to form before her eyes.

"Yasaka?" Serafall's voice sounded from the other side, filled with surprise and concern. "What happened? You seem... shaken."

Yasaka took a deep breath, trying to control the emotion in her voice. "Serafall... I need your help. They took Kunou. The Hero Faction kidnapped her, and... I can't do this alone. Please, help me."

Serafall frowned, her expression softening upon hearing Yasaka's desperate plea. "Yasaka... of course, I'll help you. Don't worry, we'll bring Kunou back. I promise."

Yasaka felt immediate relief upon hearing Serafall's words, as if a small light of hope had been lit in the midst of the darkness. She knew the road ahead would be difficult, but now she wasn't alone anymore.

'Kunou... I will bring you back. No matter the cost.'

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