Arc IV

Chapter 4 - Heroes of the East

Miya yawned beside Zilong. Since yesterday when they arrived at the city, she had no rest. The day out with Rafaela, coaching in the Brawl, buying the ship, and finally; running around the carnival past midnight to look for her companions. Unlike the demigod and the angel who were blessed with unnatural bodies, the elf needed to sleep. At this point, she had been awake for nearly twenty-four hours.

Zilong looked at his human friend sympathetically before returning his gaze to the three warriors in front of him. Around them were the frightened officers of the dock- their batons meant for mere hooligans were no match for real fighters. Behind the three eastern men was the Turtle Ship still anchored to the city, to their control.

"I bought that ship," Zilong started as he held his gaze and stood his ground. He could feel Rafaela's magic behind him, prepared in case of a confrontation.

"Heh? Would you accept that reason if someone takes your woman away?" The dark-skinned man with tattoos asked.

"Or man…" The bigger man with gauntlets remarked, earning a puzzled look from the others. "It's possible too. You know." He shrugged.

The one wielding a bow and a sword stepped forward. "I am Admiral Yi Sun-sin of Joseon's Royal fleet. I am taking my flagship back." He was wearing an exquisite armor that Zilong never saw before. The condition of the armor told a story as well- its colors and varnish faded and damaged, but the original beauty wasn't difficult to imagine.

"Eh, what is an admiral all by himself in this land?" Zilong crossed his arms and and raised his chin. It would be possible that armor was looted. For all intents and purposes this man named Yi could be an enemy of Joseon, taking the ship to steal it. Then the two men with Yi were definitely from the south east - why would an admiral team up with the islanders?

Yi told his story with frustration in his tone- from the way he was separated from his ship, meeting the men named Lapu and Gatot, and finally arriving in the city. Zilong narrowed his eyes, his ears trying to find a hole in the story. Anything that could give him and excuse -

"Let me prove myself to you," Yi Sun-shin drew his sword. "I challenge you Zilong. Prove me if you're worthy to ride my vessel. The winner shall take the helm."

"Accepted!" The demigod answered. He summoned his spear and slammed its end on the concrete. Excitement quickened his heartbeat.

Miya and Rafaela backed away but looked at Zilong cautiously - he knew what they meant. If trouble would come, they would help Zilong. The dock officials moved away as well, setting the stage as the lights of the lamp posts flickered close by.

A bow, a common courtesy and soon, Zilong and Yi charged and crossed their blades. Zilong initiated and decided to be aggressive due to the length of his weapon. Better to use the distance as an advantage before Yi would close in. Meanwhile, Yi was more careful and deliberate, seemingly studying Zilong and defensive.

Zilong anticipated a counter attack; let Yi think that Zilong was a mindless warrior who never relied on anything but strength. Let the enemy think that he had the advantage. The spearman continued his assault until Yi parried Zilong's spear and twisted it, pushed it down to the ground, and used the momentum to move forward and strike. Zilong had no time to admire the technique as he stepped back to evade the thrust of Yi's sword. Just in time.

Yi's advantage was short-lived as Zilong had already planned his counter attack. While his spear was down, he spun, moved his body forward and used his elbow to strike Yi's body. The admiral staggered back and Zilong seized the chance to lift his spear and hit the back of Yi's knees. The admiral's knees hit the ground and Zilong striked the sword to disarm his opponent when blades came out of nowhere.

Zilong stepped back and blocked the attack - twin blades coming and returning to the man with dark skin and tattoos: the tatooed islander. The challenger put his foot forward and pointed his blade to Zilong; "I'll be your opponent now! I'm Lapu-Lapu of Mactan island, and let us cross our blades!"

"Lapu, why interfere?" Yi shouted, annoyed.

"Why do you need to go solo, Yi?" Lapu approached Zilong, swinging his twin blades around in a complicated manner. What a show-off, Zilong thought. As the swordsman approached, Rafaela and Miya moved closer to Zilong. Lapu continued, "Yi isn't really a dedicated swordsman. Let him use his preferred weapon, I'll use mine. It's only fair is it?" He cocked his face.

Despite Yi's protests, Lapu slammed two of his swords together which combined into one. Zilong braced himself as Lapu brought down his single blade in a powerful wave. The spearman was frozen in this spot as Lapu threw his sword - blocking the projectile was difficult and he had to step back. The swordsman was relentless, aggressive and thirsty for battle.

Gatot stepped closer, slamming his fists together. "I'd like to fight Sir Zilong too, but it might be unfair."

"Trio versus trio, only fair matchmaking." Miya stepped shouted from behind.

Zilong could feel Rafaela's magic aiding his movement and healing some shallow wounds on his skin. A few arrows also flew past his face to target Yi, who retaliated with some of his own volleys. There was a commotion around as the dock officials rushed to the scene with batons.

Lapu's swings became faster and more powerful; moreover, the huge grin on his face grew wider. He laughed at each strike, backing down slightly when Zilong pushed the man back. "This is so fun!" The islander laughed and spread out his arm as he twirl his twin blades.

"Ahhrghh!" The man called Gatot leapt into the air several feet above and his fist, and entire body slammed on the ground, releasing powerful magic. The dock officers were thrown away from the impact, some dropping to the sea, some running away. Rafaela crouched on the ground and curled, trying to leverage herself against the shock wave but instead of being thrown away, the forced pulled her back to Gatot.

Rafaela spread her wings and resisted force, but she was already too close to Gatot, only a few strides away from his fists. The angel evaded as the man connected his fist on the concrete, leaving a trail of lightning magic. Even if she wasn't hit directly, the lightning stung and hurt her muscles. Instead of attacking her, Gatot hunched his back and brought his fists together - a bright orb glowing close to his body. In a blink of an eye, Gatot dashed to where Zilong and Miya was, his magic slowing down the spearman and the elf, their bodies bound by magic.

"No, I won't let you!" The angel cried out. Yi and Lapu was about to launch their attacks on her paralyzed friends. Rafaela cast her magic and froze, Lapu, Gatot and Yi together, allowing Miya and Zilong to step back.

"Gatot, take care of that flying woman!" Yi shouted as he continued his exchange of arrows with Miya.

"Wow, that hurt." Lapu groaned and glanced at Rafaela. But instead of anger, Lapu smiled and winked at her - just in time Zilong thrust his weapon and Lapu had to block last minute.

"Hey, eyes on your opponent!" Zilong shouted at Lapu.

Rafaela was about to cast her healing spell when Gatot blocked her vision of Zilong and Miya. The large man, who seemed to have arms as large as her body, glared at her. Lightning flowed around his fists and arms. It seems that he could crush her bones with a squeeze of his hand. But she wasn't afraid. The woman held her staff and charged it with magic.

Gatot's eyes softened, and from flexed muscles and tightly shut fists he fidgeted. "This doesn't seem fair. I mean… me versus you."

"Don't underestimate me," Rafaela replied. She was as much as capable as Miya and Zilong in a battle.

"Don't get the wrong idea miss," Gatot resumed his fighting stance. "I wouldn't let you win. It would be rude to ruin Lapu's fun so let's just not interfere with his duel." He ran towards her and repeated the same attacks earlier - but instead of trying to hurt her, Gatot seemed to be more focused on pushing her further away from Zilong and Miya. Or rather - what if he was taking her away from them? Rafaela fought back with her magic, but a powerful shield protected Gatot, absorbing her spells.

He was what books would describe as a "tank," and his fighting style revolved on taking damage. Meanwhile, Rafaela's magic was more suited in healing and helping. How could she possibly hope to win against him? Perhaps at least try to get herself close again to her companions.

Suddenly, Rafaela felt a surge of magic within her. "Pipa...pipa…" The angel muttered and she didn't know why. She had never felt faster or stronger. A magical shield wrapped around her body, and soon she sparkling, pink waves mixed with Rafaela's own divine fire assaulted Gatotkaca who needed to move back. The man shielded himself from the barrage of attacks. "Papi, papi poom!" Rafaela shouted. What? How?

"What's this!?" Gatot used his arms to shield himself.

The surge of power was beginning to fade. A familiar girl materialized beside Rafaela - metal parts, a large pink bow, short hair and loving eyes. "Angela!"

"I had to help you…" the girl replied, not looking straight to Rafaela's eyes. It's as if the girl was unsure of just what she did. A little guilty. "Oh no, he's angry, "Angela seemed fearful as Gatot began running towards them again.

"Run Angela!" Rafaela insisted. "Thank you, but please don't get involved in this!" Moving her eyes away from her opponent was a mistake. As soon as her eyes returned to Gatot he had jumped into the air. A large ring filled with symbols filled Rafaela's surroundings.

"I can hit you in the eye a mile away," Miya taunted as she dueled against Admiral Yi Sun-shin. It wasn't life or death. It wasn't about principles or ideas. It was all about skill. Aiming for arms or legs was a hundred times more difficult than the heart. Yi seemed to do the same based on the way he aims. It was somehow enjoyable to exchange arrows with this man but Miya couldn't help but look out for her two friends.

Zilong was still clashing blades with Lapu but Rafaela wasn't close by. The spearman did some maneuvers against Lapu's twin blades but with some careful parrying, Zilong flipped Lapu to the sea and sent him falling to the water. At her peripheral vision, Rafaela was much further away, seemed to be fighting the giant named Gatot. "Rafaela!" Miya cried out. This wasn't fair at all. "Hey Zilong, we need to get to Rafaela-"

Moving her focus away from Yi cost her a split second, and a arrow grazed her thigh. Miya whimpered and used her invisibility spell to hide behind the nearest crate. Yi drew back his bow hard, charging his shots with magic. With the release of his arrow, the crate that Miya used as a shield exploded.

"Dammit," she muttered as she rolled on the ground and retaliated with a few shots. Her speed seemed superior, but it was still difficult to hit her opponent. A force pushed Miya towards the direction of the sea. Yellow lightning flashed and Miya braced herself by holding onto a pole.

In front of her, Zilong staggered from the impact, while Lapu was holding on to the edge of the port. The light from the explosion was brighter than the sunrise and Miya was sure to move her eyes away but look out for Yi's attack. None came. When the air cleared from smoke, debris and yellow magic Miya could only scream in anger at the sight before her; Rafaela was limp and unconscious over Gatotkaca's shoulder.

"Rafa!" Miya cried out but her friend didn't respond. She seethed, "you bastard what did you do to her?" The elf pulled her bow as hard as she could, her heartbeat elevating faster and Zilong stepped forward. The hairs on Miya's skin stood up and Zilong began to burn with his divine aura.

"Let her go," Zilong said in a voice that Miya could only describe as cold and hateful. She wouldn't want to think of it as murderous. However, the way Zilong spoke was something that she hadn't heard for a long time. The demigod pointed his weapon to the three men before him. "Or else…"

Gatotkaca scratched his head with his other hand supported Rafaela on his wide shoulder, and Miya could see the large lump on his throat move up and down and apprehension in his eyes. "Hey, this is a misunderstanding-"

Yi moved forward and shut Gatot who was trying to say something. "It wasn't supposed to arrive at this point." He gazed at Miya and Zilong. "It's unfortunate your companion was hurt because of this skirmish over my vessel. We could have avoided this-"

"Then just take the goddamn ship!" Zilong snapped, his aura burning bright as the rage in his voice. "Give her back. Now."

"We can take them down," Miya whispered to Zilong, her teeth clenched in anger.

Zilong shook his head, even if anger was still in his face. "This is enough," he said.

After some breaths, Miya calmed down. She almost became mindless. It was true they could win and take the ship, but the fight had already escalated in an undesirable outcome. As much as she wanted to get back at the big guy for hurting Rafael, there was a risk of excessive force. They were better than this. Miya brought down her bow.

Gatot took a deep breath, eyes wide. "You see, I didn't really hurt her-"

"Gatot you gago! Why did you hurt the poor lady!" Lapu yelled as he climbed from the sea, soaked and covered by seaweed.

"I'm disappointed in you Gatotkaca." Yi remarked.

"No no no! She was just knocked out!" Gatot replied, panicking as his own companions accused him. "I also just let that doll girl escape. The girl saw everything, and I swear I didn't punch Rafaela," he looked up, "well at least not directly." He hurriedly walked towards Zilong and brought down Rafaela from his shoulders. "Look, she's okay- just unconscious. See for yourself."

Zilong quickly dematerialized his spear and his powerful aura dissipated. No longer a demigod. No longer a killer. He was again the man that Miya knew - kind and caring. He wasted no time in taking Rafaela back in his arms, relief and worry in his face as gazed on the angel. Miya hurried to check for any bruises or wounds. There was none. Rafaela just seemed asleep.

"I apologize, I truly am." Gatot said with his hand rubbing the back of his neck.

Zilong breathed deeply and nodded. "Thank you for treating her with respect," he replied. "The last thing Rafa wanted is to be seen as weak."

Miya blinked. It was indeed true. Rafaela began to stir and open her eyes. Miya reached out to touch her face. "Hey, sleeping beauty." The angel's eyes fully opened and blinked, staring a the man carrying her and then looking to Miya.

"What happened?" Rafaela said, her eyes dazed.

"We lost." Zilong answered with no bitterness in his voice. "You okay?"

"Your ship-" Rafaela frowned and wiggled out of Zilong's arms, returning her feet to the ground. She slightly stumbled, but Zilong assisted her. "We have to get you back home. To Iga!" The woman insisted. Her lips pursed and soon her eyes began to water.

Why? Miya quickly took Rafaela's hand. "Hey, it's not your fault! It's just not worth it. We can find a better ship!"

"She's right Rafa," Zilong said, smiling slightly. "Don't blame yourself. This ship isn't just for us."

He looked back to the three men they dueled "We cannot tear away a husband," his hand extended to Yi Sun-shin and then to the turtle ship - "from his wife." Rafaela and Miya tilted their heads at Zilong's metaphor and he responded with a sigh.

Yi Sun-shin stepped forward and bowed. Yes, the Geobukseon has my love and devotion." He gazed at the ship. "It's an honor to meet all of you. I haven't had a duel as amazing like this for the past years." He smiled.

"Yeah, it was fun." Lapu added as he brushed with his fingers the seaweeds stuck on his hair.

"I'm glad you're okay…" Gatot said.

Zilong bowed as well. "Then we shall take-"

"You said you're going home?" Yi interrupted. "To the east?"

"Yes."

"Then it's not trouble if you come with me." Yi stroked his beard. "After all, how are you planning to sail? Especially with a ship such as mine?"

Miya looked at Zilong and he looked embarrassed. "I had experience with boats..."

"Boats?" Yi laughed while Lapu and Gatot chuckled behind him.

"Newbie then," Lapu remarked.

Yi crossed his arms. "I'm not sailing directly to the east, I'll need another route. Long story." He hummed then snapped his finger. "But wherever I go, you can be rest assured I'll be getting off the western continent. So Mister Zilong, and misses Rafaela and Miya, what do you say?"

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Sorry for the delay, life has been quite busy. Final chapter of this arc in 1-2 weeks. Title: Until We Meet Again.

Thanks thelittletaco,Kenny Bludvist, Guest and DS Pamungkas.

Prepare yourself. Extended author's notes there. Thank you for the reviews and for reading. Let me know if you read this chapter!