HI3: I Don't Want to Be a Valkyrie

"Sakura, Rin is your sister. You shall preside over this ceremony. Let us set it for noon tomorrow. Make your preparations well."

This pronouncement fell upon Yae Sakura like another layer of frost, turning her complexion even more ashen. She could do nothing but clutch her chest, bite down on her lip, and respond with forced resolve:

"Yes, Father... I shall do as you command."

After the meeting concluded, the tiny Yae Sakura returned to the shrine and opened her door... She looked up to see only her younger sister, the not yet ten-year-old Yae Rin, smiling at her.

"Welcome back, Sis."

Yae Rin, due to her prolonged illness confined to bed, had skin noticeably pallid.

Her hair, like Yae Sakura's, draped loosely over her shoulders. Her frail appearance evoked sympathy, making one want to embrace her tenderly.

"Hmm..." Yae Sakura responded hoarsely, forcing a thin smile as she gazed at her sister. "I'm home."

"What's wrong?" Observing Yae Sakura's slightly furrowed brow, Yae Rin tilted her head and asked with concern, "Are you very tired?"

"It's just a minor issue, nothing serious." Yae Sakura shook her head with a bitter smile, then looked at Yae Rin before her and inquired, "How about you? Has your cold improved?"

"Still the same," Yae Rin said with a hint of bitterness, her mood clearly dejected.

"Sis... do you think I'll ever get better from this sickness?"

Hearing this, Yae Sakura turned her gaze to Rin's frail expression, feeling deeply distressed inside. She sat down beside Rin, gently comforting her with a soft voice, "It's going to be all right, Rin. Don't let your thoughts run wild. You're such a good child; the great gods will surely bless you."

"But Father told me earlier..."

"Didn't we make an agreement?" Yae Sakura's voice quivered slightly as she locked eyes with Rin's clear gaze. "In the future, I'll find the very best doctors to cure your illness. Then we can go cherry blossom-viewing together, explore the outside world side by side, and..."

"...keep living..."

Yae Sakura lowered her head, her teeth clenched, seemingly hating her own powerlessness.

Upon hearing this, Yae Rin looked at her elder sister, a silent smile spreading across her face, though a hint of bitterness lingered in her grin. She had already guessed the content of this meeting. Perhaps to prepare her sooner, their father had spoken to her privately beforehand.

Initially, she was terrified by the prospect of becoming a sacrificial offering, but after much thought, she had grown accustomed to the idea. The only thing she couldn't bear was parting from her sister before her...

The reluctance to separate from those dear to her, the longing for precious memories, and the boundless yearning for the future...

She was sure her sister felt the same way.

But... Yae Sakura refused to accept this.

Every time she thought of parting from Rin, her heart was torn apart by agonizing pain.

She didn't want to lose him.

She couldn't afford to lose him.

If she couldn't even protect the person before her, if she couldn't cherish her own family, then what right did she have to call herself a miko? What right did she have to be called "sister"?

Even if it meant defying everything...

"Let's run away," Yae Sakura said, her voice surprisingly calm as she took hold of Rin's small hand. "I don't want to be separated from you, I don't want to be alone, I just want to live with you."

Yae Rin looked astonished at this suggestion. Seeing her reaction, Yae Sakura hastily added, "I don't care about any ceremonies or serving any sacred gods anymore. To me, nothing is more important than you. You're my favorite little sister. We can escape to someplace no one knows about, and whatever happens in the future, your older sister will find a way..."

Yae Sakura clutched her hand as if she feared her sister might disappear at any moment. She gazed at Yae Rin, her eyes brimming with tears, and whispered softly, "So... please don't leave me..."

Yae Sakura's words washed away all of Yae Rin's carefully prepared speeches, practiced expressions, and constructed emotional barriers—all of it crumbled in an instant.

Only then did Yae Rin reveal her true feelings, shedding her carefully maintained facade. "How can I refuse when you say that?"

She wiped away the tears gathering at the corners of her eyes and smiled gently. "But tell me, once we're outside, will there be cherry blossom trees?"

Upon hearing this, Yae Sakura overcame her tears with a smile. "We'll find them together, you and I. I'm sure we will."

At these words, both girls' faces lit up with a contented, hopeful smile.

That night, the sky was like a dark sea, with pale blue stars shimmering and flickering. The frosty moon, named Tsuki, poured down clear moonlight.

Sakura stood in the corridor, bathed in the liquid moonlight. Her figure, gazing into the night, looked graceful and charming.

She looked at Rin, who was already asleep in the room, and smiled gently. Only at times like this could she throw all her worries to the back of her mind and enjoy a moment of peace. She didn't regret her decision in the slightest.

Although she had considered escaping in the middle of the night, the quiet forest also had huge beasts hiding within its shadows. In such poor visibility, attempting to take the injured Rin along would have been as foolish as chasing after a pipe dream.

Even though she had practiced some swordsmanship, it was useless if she couldn't see her target.

So, she decided that the best time to act was in the morning, when the sky was just beginning to lighten.

At that hour, most people would still be sleeping, and the others would be at the altar making preparations.

Her plan had to succeed.

-

However, plans are often overshadowed by sudden changes.

Early the next morning, as the eastern sky began to blush with dawn's first light, Yae Sakura, baggage in tow, hurried to her sister's room.

"Rin, we—"

Yae Sakura's smile froze mid-gesture as she gazed in shock at the sight before her.

Rin was gone; standing there was their cold-faced father.

"What are you still doing here? The rite of sacrifice has begun early. Rin has already been brought to the altar. You should be on your way too."

After a prolonged, wordless silence, Yae Sakura gritted her teeth and replied, "...Yes, Father."

-

With heavy footsteps, Yae Sakura approached the altar.

Around her... the air was thick and oppressive...

Uncomfortable gazes...

And there, locked to the altar, Yae Rin stared back with a complex mixture of emotions.

Yae Sakura's icy gaze swept over the surrounding crowd. Her face dark, she remained silent, her hand moving to her side to grasp her sword.

Then, with a swift motion, she swung the blade, sending a cold arc of light through the air.

Crack.

The ropes binding Yae Rin snapped instantly. Yae Sakura braced herself, taking hold of Rin's hand.

"Rin, let's go..."

But Yae Rin, like a puppet with cut strings, crumpled to the ground in a lifeless heap.

Yae Sakura's eyes widened, her face a canvas of utter bewilderment.

"It's useless," a voice cut through the haze. It was Yae Sakura's father, standing nearby. He spoke coldly, "Her tendons have been severed. She'll never walk again."

As if her soul had been ripped from her body, Yae Sakura stood frozen, her face a mask of utter despair.

"What... is happening here?"