Akairo Taiyō

The sanctuary burned calmly, bathed in the golden light of midday. (nom), priestess of the Hi no Shiden Temple, maintained her rigid posture, her hands clasped over her chest, while people fled in terror. Before her, the forest was consumed by flames that were not ordinary fire, but pure, blinding light. And at the center of that conflagration, he.

Tall, imposing, with two black horns that gleamed at the edges like molten gold, skin that radiated heat capable of withering flowers from meters away, and eyes the color of the sun, so intense they hurt to look at. Its presence hung heavy in the air, like a storm about to break.

"I order you, being of fire, to withdraw," she said, her voice firm even though her heart was pounding in her chest. "This is a sacred place. You have no right to bring your chaos here."

He let out a dry, joyless laugh. He took a step toward her, and the heat intensified, becoming stifling.

"Right?" His voice was deep, like thunder following lightning. "I am the sun, priestess. The light you worship each morning emanates from my essence. And you dare tell me where I can be?"

"You're an oni," she retorted, not backing down. "A creature of destruction. You're not welcome here."

Her eyes narrowed, and her temperature rose sharply. "Watch what you say, child. I could reduce this temple to ashes before you utter your next prayer."

"Then do it," she replied, looking up. "But as long as I breathe, I will resist you."
Taiyō lunged. A golden flame shot from his hand, aimed at her. (nom) didn't flee. She dodged with a swift movement, honed over years, and took advantage of his loss of balance to leap at him.

"No!" he roared, trying to push her away, but she was faster than he expected.

With both hands, (nom) pressed the sealed scroll against the oni's bare chest. The red ink glowed upon contact with his skin; the seal ignited, sealing Taiyō's power.