Chapter 448

The One and Only Way to Prove Oneself

“Whoosh~~”

The waves pushed and splashed water onto the rocks that were already polished smooth by the tide, soaking the hem of Dark Pretty Cure’s skirt and thigh-high leather boots.

The wind carrying a chill from the sea made Dark Pretty Cure feel cold, causing her to hug her exposed arms.

This was a small place near the city waters, created by Dark Pretty Cure after she blasted the coast of the nearby sea and carried stones over to form a temporary island. It was a place no one would notice, perfect for someone to die alone in silence.

The sun overhead gradually sank in the west, and the darkness of the night was about to reclaim control of the sky. At this time when day meets night, the twilight with its subtle shade of dark purple spread from the horizon to the resplendent sunset.

In such a lonely yet peaceful weather, the figure of Purple emerged from the distant, slightly brighter area of the island. She slowly approached.

“It’s here.”

The gaze of Dark Pretty Cure was directed toward that person, a mix of excitement and disappointment.

Ash…didn’t come?

“I came.”

It was none other than Moonlight Cure, whom she had challenged. The girl removed her glasses, revealing her bright, dark purple eyes. She wore the coat lent to her by Ash, and her bangs were swept aside by the overly cool sea breeze around her.

“I’ve been waiting for you, Moonlight Cure… No.” This time, Dark Pretty Cure didn’t call Moonlight Cure by her battle name at their first meeting; instead, she emphasized the name and then called out the title.

“CureMoonlight.”

“DarkPrecure…”

Only at this moment could Moonlight Cure carefully observe her opponent, noticing that the expressions and actions of this Dark Pretty Cure bore similarities to her own. If the two sisters had the same hairstyle, people would instantly recognize them as siblings.

And today, these two who look so similar must fight a life-or-death battle.

Intense killing intent filled the air.

“Ahh—”

Facing the unforgiving finger pointed directly at her and the fierce expression of her opponent, Moonlight Cure didn’t act as she normally did. She felt a softness in her heart that surprised her.

“Do we have to go this far? The Doctor Shabak, your father, has only now fully awakened, and he is truly being himself now.”

“And even though he has awakened, he doesn’t regret anything and still says you’re important to him.”

“You don’t have to obey Doon. Come to your senses. You also have a human heart.”

“Shut up!” The enraged Dark Pretty Cure fiercely crushed the stone beside her foot with her heel, leaving deep holes in the ground. “I hate you! I hate you, Moonlight Cure!”

Previously, I proudly claimed that I had defeated you and didn’t need you to prove myself anymore… Now, your mere existence is a mockery! If you live, I have no reason to exist!

Malice erupted, unspoken but undeniable.

“This is the final round. I will send you to hell! To become the only absolute existence!”

“The only one who can leave here is me!”

Facing Dark Pretty Cure’s declaration of doom, Moonlight Cure took a deep breath. The remaining half of her Heart Seed warmed slightly as she felt the other half coming closer, and she took it out. After reuniting her wish with Kuron’s plea, the seed was complete once more.

“So I will defeat the you created by me and mark the end of everything!”

This fight is solely mine!

“PrecureOpenMyHeart.”

She wasn’t transformed with the usual lavish process. In a flash of silver and purple light, Moonlight Cure had appeared, with her hairlike a crescent moon reflecting the sunlight.

“Tap… Tap—”

Each step drew closer to the other until they could reach out and touch each other, both overwhelmed by complex emotions.

They silently clenched their fists. Moonlight Cure lifted her left fist, while Little Dark raised her right. Their fists met from the wrists, signaling the start of combat.

“Ahhh!”

No words were exchanged, for the battle had begun.

Her golden eyes snapped open, unleashing immense psychokinetic power.

Dark Pretty Cure unleashed a terrifying attack. If it landed, without the high defensive strength like SunShine, Dark Pretty Cure might deal a fatal blow to Moonlight Cure!

However, Dark Pretty Cure wasn’t idle either. Alert to her opponent and like a gunslinger in a wild duel, she tilted her head just in time to dodge the attack. A powerful impact whistled past her, sending pieces of hair flying.

Striking off the opposing arm that clung to her, Moonlight Cure swung her other arm towards her throat. Dark Pretty Cure ducked swiftly, her body shifting positions as she blocked the punch and counterattacked, but Moonlight Cure stopped her with a palm on her face.

Both reacted lightning-fast, trapping each other’s wrists. Despite the intense struggle, it remained balanced. They leaped back, creating space between them.

But not even a second passed before they charged at each other ruthlessly again!

The girls who had chosen to stay and pray worried faces, each with concern written clearly. Erika clasped her hands together, praying for Lily.

“O Great Eight Million Gods… If there are no gods, then let the Heart Tree protect Lily-san, Moonlight Cure! Protect her and ensure she returns safely!”

“It begins.”

Somewhere unseen, Ash sat at the edge of a cliff above the girls. Maintaining an impassive gaze, he looked down at the epic battle of light and shadow beneath his feet.