Zhuque brought a tray of food which held chicken soup with noodles after an hour or so. Hana as starving, thanked for the food and stared eating as the Servant stoke the fireplace to keep the room warm. Zhuque also told Hana that she explained about her period and that she needed to stay on her quarters for five days. Hana nodded and finished her meal. Then, took a bath with Zhuque's help on both washing her and to make the pain to fade a bit. After that, Hana put on a clean white gown and went back to bed. Zhuque was about to leave the room, when Hana grabbed her hand. Zhuque turned and found Hana looking at her.
"What's wrong?" She asked smiling.
"Can you bring me sometimes to keep my mind occupied? I don't want to get bored." She said.
"Sure. What do you have in mind?"
Hana thought fro something to read or do. Then, an idea came to her. "Can you bring me something to read about my power? I want to know more about it. Learn about it, how to control it."
Zhuque placed a hand on her chin. "Maybe Sanzang can help you with that. I will ask him if there is a book related to your power." She said. Hana smiled and nodded, finally letting go of the Servant's hand. With that, Zhuque exited the room and flew where Sanzang was, the Sanctuary.
She arrived in a few minutes and found him inside the Sanctuary. There she also found some of the former Talon forces. It pained her that Talon was using innocent people for their evil deeds.
Most of the survivors of the battle last night weren't very happy that Sanzang asked them to let them stay, claiming that they were controlled and didn't have any knowledge about their evil actions.
Yuna helped too, doing her best to convince the rest of the villagers that the former Talon forces aren't evil. That they should predicate Sanzang's teachings. Some listened, but most didn't, saying facts that could not be destroyed: they killed loved ones and took control of Nepal by force, making them to suffer in Talon's jurisdiction.
Zhuque shook her head. She hasn't told Hana what was fully happening. Only bits of it. The necessary for her to stay on her room during her period.
"Ah! Zhuque. It is good to have your presence with us." Sanzang's voice pulled her out from her thoughts.
"Greetings, Sanzang. I see that you are teaching them about self forgiveness." She said gesturing with her hands to the ex Talon forces surrounding Sanzang.
"Indeed I am." He said.
"We... we are to blame of all the things we did." A tall man spoke.
"Now, now." Sanzang said looking to the man. "You are not to blame. You were not in control of your actions. They were controlling you. A dark force greater than you could fight."
"But we attacked this place and almost kill you, Sanzang!" He said standing. "All of us are to blame because of what we did! We... we..." the man couldn't continue with his phrase.
Mentally broke, their spirit defeated, and with no longer the will to live, the purified Talon forces are having a hard time coping with their past actions. The amnesia lasted a few hours, but then all of their actions returned to their minds full force. Some managed to commit suicide after recalling what they did. Some didn't because Jesse and the others prevented them from doing do.
The man fell in silence as his breathing calmed down. While the man spoke, Zhuque took the chance to sat beside Sanzang while he listened calmly to the man's words.
"I.. I apologize..." the man said.
"There is no need for that. You said what everyone once controlled by Talon's dark influence is feeling. The feeling is strong and awful. Yes you did terrible things. But, as I said before, it was beyond your control. I know, deep down of each of you," Sanzang looked to each person in the room. "that you want to be forgiven and to live on. To return with your families. Others wish to hall repair the damage you have done while controlled. But to move forward, you need to forgive yourself first. Remember that. That's the first step to continue this journey."
"Why don't you let us die?" A woman spoke, who was once and assassin. She looked to he hands and closed them into tight fists. "Controlled or not, I killed so many with these hands coldly. I didn't care if they had a family or loved ones. I just followed orders. 'Kill them', 'kill those', 'kill him or her'. Just like that and I followed. How can the people of Nepal forgive me or the others when we just did so much damage that can take long to repair... or cannot be repaired at all? How can they find allow us to be with them knowing fo what we did? How?" She said breaking in tears and sobs.
Zhuque's eyes also were filled with some tears, but she took them away with her fingers.
Sanzang floated to her and placed his left hand on her shoulders. The woman looked at it and then to Sanzang's face.
"I understand your feeling. As well as I understand your pain." He said floating to the edge. "Yes, the villagers are hurt. Of course they are. Who wouldn't? But, if there is some that I teach the most to do, is to forgive. They are allowing you to stay because I asked them to. But eventually, they will move on, they will understand. They will forgive. It's just a matter of time. Now, few know about this, but I think that it is good to share it. I'd be an hypocrite if I hold something into my heart and didn't share it." He then turned to look at his audience. "Long ago, I had a brother. And I loved him so much. He taught me everything I know. He was very wise, patient... and gentle with his teachings. I thought that he'd become the Chosen by the Dragon Overwatch." He then walked to the middle of the room. "But to my greatest surprise, the Dragon chose me. I was shocked and claimed that it was my brother who should be the one chosen. But he made disappear those thoughts. He knew he wasn't going to be chosen. He didn't mind it either. But when he knew that I was the one chosen, he couldn't be more proud for me, and claimed that I will surpass him eventually."
"What does that to have with our feeling?" The woman asked.
"Talon killed my brother. Using one of my best pupils at that time. He corrupted her and controlled her. She tried everything she could do to resist. To fight the dark influence. But it was futile. One night, I found my brother dead, and my pupil's frame was shaking, covered in blood and crying. At first I thought she defended my brother, but couldn't save him. But to mu surprise, and greatest pain, she revealed that it was her who killed my brother. My first thought and instinct was to take revenge on her. But my brother's teachings were faster, and I hugged her. She cried all the night, explaining what happened. That she didn't want to, but couldn't stop herself. It took time, but I forgave her eventually. When I told her about it, she claimed that she didn't deserve it. It was then that I explained her what I am explaining to you. She was controlled. You were controlled. There was nothing to do about it. I am doing my best to teach not only you, but the rest of Nepal's villagers. I forgave my pupil's action. And eventually, with time, she forgave herself. Once you had forgiven herself, she allowed herself to feel again and to find physical contact with others. It was then a few years later that she married and had many children, educated in the best way she could. And now it is tour turn." He said.
His crowd's reaction changed throughout his story. Most of them were crying. Others had a fight between their previous feelings and the new ones they found after his story.
"What was your pupil's name?" Asked another woman.
"Her name was Amélie Guillard. And I believe that her reincarnation happened a few years back. But I couldn't find her. I fear that she fell into Talon's hands." He said.
"I... I see..." the woman said.
"Well, enough talk for today. You may go and rest. And remember, do not hold your hidden emotions. It will only make your coping process harder. If you feel the need to cry, just do it. Do not feel ashamed in doing so." He said. His crowd nodded and left. Some before leaving hugged him and thanked him for his teachings. Once the two of them were alone, Zhuque stood.
"I have the impression that the Princess requires something, am I right?" He asked.
"Indeed, she does." Zhuque said. "It's something about learning mire about her power. She wishes to read how to control it."
"Ah! I see." Sanzang said walking to his room. Zhuque followed. "I could swear that most of that kind of knowledge was at Busan. I must ask, what happened to it? Why the Princess didn't receive lessons of it?"
"Wujing and I share the same question. We wonder why she didn't receive the lessons like her predecessors. We believe that something happened within Busan before she had the age to learn about it."
"Hmm... normally, the Princesses learn how to use the Power by the age of 8." Sanzang said.
"That's why we believe that something happened before she turned 8. The thing is what."
"May be some of her companions know something. We should ask them. But let's see if I have a book for the Princess to keep her mind on. I believe that I got one book about it. But that's it. Not much."
"Maybe they know something. And great thing that you have something for the Princess." Zhuque said entering Sanzang's room.
"Let's see... where did I put the book." He said searching across his furniture. Zhuque waited patiently until Sanzang found what he was looking for.
"Here. This book has the basics about the Princess' power. Not all, but enough for her to start learning and to keep her mind busy through these five days." He said handing the book to Zhuque. The front was really old and cracked. Whatever title it once had, now it was impossible to decipher. But that didn't bother nor concern Zhuque. Sanzang kept the book, and by the looks of it, it's really old.
"Thank you, Sanzang. I will return it when she's learned about it."
Sanzang only dismissed that by moving his hand. "No need ro return it. She may keep it. It no longer has any purpose to me. I was keeping it until the right time came. And indeed arrived."
"Understood. And thanks again."
"You keep saying that, when I should be the one thanking you for helping the Princess and protecting her till she freed me. Now, go and check on her. She should be bored by now." He said.
Zhuque chuckled and nodded, leaving the room afterwards and leaving Sanzang alone again.
"Now, now. Where is my brightest pupil over Nepal?" He said before he started to meditate.
Zhuque rushed to arrive soon at Hana's room. She knocked the door and heard Han sayin 'Come in!'. Zhuque found Hana stretched all across her bed. Boredom obvious on her face. At the sight of Zhuque, Hana sat on the bed and her face was lit by a smile.
"Zhuque. You've returned." She said as she sat on the wall and put the blankets to her waist.
"Indeed I have, Princess. And I have broken something for you." Zhuque said as she then too sat on the bed and gave Hana the book Sanzang gave her. "It's an old book. But Sanzang said that it should have the knowledge you seek. Though is only the basic." She said handing the book to Hana.
Hana took the book with both hands, being careful with it. Hana slowly opened it and a line was written over the first page.
"'My life as the first Heir of Overwatch, by Princess Lilly Lel Song.'" Hana read aloud. "But it doesn't say the year of it." She said looking to Zhuque.
"May be it got erased through time? Remember that is an old book. One that Sanzang kept with him all this time."
Hana looked down to the book, reading again the name. "Lilly Lel Song. Somehow, the name feels familiar. Like I've known her my entire life." Hana said. Then looked to Zhuque. "What does that mean?" She asked.
"All the previous Princesses are connected to each other. Like you've known each other for years. It is your power that makes you feel like that. Princess Lilly Lel Song was the first to inherit the Power of the Dragon. And while many wrote about it to teach the Princesses how to use it, Lilly decided to keep a diary. I didn't recognize the book until you read Lilly's full name."
"So... now I have in my hands the diary of the first Princess?" Hana asked.
"Indeed. I don't know what it is written there. While we were close, I always respected Lilly's privacy."
"Why don't you call her 'Princess' like you do with me?" Hana asked.
"She asked me not to. When in public or with other people, I had to call her Princess. But when we were alone, she wanted me to not call her Princess. She saw me as an elder sister."
"And did you see her as your little sister?" Hana asked, curiosity on her face and voice.
"Yes. I did."
"And how do you see me as?" Hana asked suddenly.
Zhuque smiled. "How do you see me, Princess?" Zhuque answered.
"Hey! Not fair! I asked first!" Hana pouted, puffing her cheeks. Zhuque only giggle and patted Hana's head.
"I see you as my Princess. The one who I have to teach and protect in this time." She said.
"Really?" Hana asked. Zhuque nodded.
"I have answered your question. Now you have to answer mine." Zhuque said. At that, Hana blushed and looked away before mumbling.
"... other." She said.
Zhuque tilted her head to the side before asking. "Other? What other?" She said curious.
Hana's blush intensified and she closed her eyes tightly before speaking. "I see you as my mother!" She admitted with her eyes still closed.
'Now she will think that I'm childish! Stupid! Hana, you are a-' Hana's thought was interrupted when she felt arms wrapping around her. Looking up, she found Zhuque hugging her and a motherly expression on her face.
"I feel honored that you see me like that." She said. Hana let herself being wrapped on Zhuque's arms, feeling safe. Hana cuddle with her, wrapping her arms around the Servant's waist.
"I am curious. You did have other women while growing up, yes?" Zhuque said.
"Yes. Miss Zarya and Miss Mei. I too see them as my mothers, but in a way of respect." Hana said.
"Oh? So with me is different?" Zhuque asked, caressing Hana's hair.
"I don't know why... I can't explain it. I too feel loved and protected with Miss Zarya and with Miss Mei. They have been with me since i have memory. But with you, Zhuque... it's different... I also feel loved and protected... but I also feel safe with you... like we've been together since forever." Hana explained.
"You don't need to say more, Princess. I understand how you feel." Zhuque said.
"Really?" Hana asked looking up.
Zhuque nodded. "Mhm! All your relationships with others back on Busan were of respect. You never had the chance to set those attributes of being from royalty and actually have a relation only about how your persona is. Not mattering who you are."
Hana moved her head to Zhuque's chest. "Do... do you see me as someone who you should respect just because of my inheritance or because you accept me, not caring about my origin?" Hana asked, fearing the answer.
"Both." Zhuque answered.
Widening her eyes, Hana pulled from the hug and looked at Zhuque with shocked eyes.
"Both?!" Hana said.
Zhuque nodded. "You are direct heir of Overwatch, the one who protected my home long ago. And by that alone, I respect you, but I also accept how you are." Zhuque closed her eyes, her smile widened and tilted her head a bit to the side. "In another circumstances I would have been friends with you, even if you weren't from royalty." She said.
That brought a smile to Hana's face ad she hugged again the Servant. "Zhuque!" She said, closing her eyes as happiness filled her being. Zhuque again returned the embrace, and caressed Hana's back.
"You don't need to worry about how I see you, Princess. You are, and always will be, someone special to me and all Servants."
"Thank you."
They stayed like that for about ten minutes before time called Zhuque. "I need to go, Princess. I have to do some things around Nepal." She said pulling from the hug.
"Ok. I will stay here and read Lilly's diary." Hana said. Smiling, Zhuque kissed Hana's forehead before standing and leaving the room.
Hana turned from the door to the diary and started reading it...
April 13th of (date has faded)...
Today was a rough one. Since I received Overwatch's power to keep the Seal secure and checked, I'v been training nonstop ever since. It's been a year now, and in my 19 years, I've made progress, but I still think that is not enough. Zhuque says that I am doing well, that the progress I have done is enough for at least avoid destroying a house... again...
I wonder, even to myself, why I'm doing this diary. Honestly, I don't know that myself. I just feel the need to write it. Like it will be of help in the future. I sure hope that it does.
Anyway, walking to the nearest waterfall, I was met by Zhuque. She brought some food and clean clothes for me to eat and to get changed. While I appreciate what she does for me, I would like her to treat me as her little sister, like we agree on.
We talked, ate and she gave me some things to consider about the Power:
The Power reacts to my emotions, and if not controlled properly, it can cause chaos around me. (Already knew that after destroying that house in accident when I lost my necklace) I need to keep myself calm. If I'm having trouble with it, I should think on things that can calm me down. I usually think on my friends and the happy moments I had with them so can calm down.
The pink marks on my cheeks allow me to use the Power in different levels depending on my knowledge. The next Heirs will have to unlock each mark, which are 4, to fully control the Power. They will be born with the Power with them, but they will need to learn how to use it, and, in its due time, each mark will appear.
With the 4 marks, I can read the language of the Seal, like the Magical Machines Bastions, they were the ones that created the place to keep Talon sealed. With that, and using the Power, the Seal can be repaired or strengthen.
The abilities you have are because of each mark. I cannot say for the next Heirs, since I got them all at once, but every time you get a mark, you will get knowledge... or that is how Zhuque said it was.
Those are some things that Zhuque told me. After that, we gathered our material belongings and left back to the house, where everyone was waiting for us. My mother and Zyo greeted me with a hug. The rest only bowed in respect. It was late, and I'm tired. So I went to my room and collapsed in my bed, falling asleep.
April 14th of...
I spent it all day in my house. Nothing happened. Zhuque came to keep me company throughout the day. We even played with the pillows! Because of that we ended tired and laying next to each other laughing. Then we talked and played chess. I thought that she didn't know how to play, but she gave me a tough time. She really is good in chess. We ended beating each other 4 times. After that, night came and she left.
April 15th of...
Today I went to visit Sanzang. I wish to know more about the Power that was given to me. He said that all the answers are within me, and that I have to find them. I didn't know how to do it at firs, so he recommended that I practice Meditation. I did as he instructed, and while it took time, I managed to find some answers.
The first mark unlocks the use of a Defensive technique. It's and analogy to Wujing's Shield. I can project like a tube to absorb damage, but with a limited time. And it's tiring to do it frequently.
The second mark unlocks more knowledge about everything. Like Sanzang's wisdom, but in a certain level. Obviously, all the knowledge will come in time, not everything at once. But if I compare myself before inheriting the Power and after, I can say that I am wiser than before.
The third mark unlocks an Offensive technique. You can fire like Bajie fires his Ultimate Magic, but in a reduced and more secure level.
And finally, the fourth mark. I cannot find any analogy to any of the Servants, for I found that it changes for each future Heir. In my case, I can feel people's presences and emotions. I can't explain how, but it is something that I can feel. It's an abstract way to understand it.
April 20 of...
Five days has passed since I last wrote in my diary. But I needed to do something really important. I had a travel to do to a near town from here. I wanted Zhuque to come with me, but my mother refused the request. She said that I needed to start doing these kind of things alone. And, as much as I hate to admit it, she was right. So myself and an escort went to the town of Kyer to make a deal. Kyer is a gorgeous town, with glass looking buildings, and people very ind and well educated. The deal in question was to bring material to build the new town near the Seal. Though the name needed to be chosen when I parted. They said that the town's name is important , like a blood deal, or the fulfillment of an oath. I spent three days thinking on the name on the house they provided. I didn't know when the name came, or how. But I got the name of the new town and my new home: Busan.
With the new name of my home, the deal was made. Kyer will provide the Busan the resources that needed to be built, as well as the persona and the coin. When it was finished, Busan will be left 10 years to start its own economy and grow as a town. After the 10th year, Busan will provide with goods and services the town of Kyer for 5 years to pay for the resources and the coin provided. Not a bad deal. The readings on diplomacy, the scrolls on how to trade and the wisdom gained by the Power helped served me to make the deal. Happy with the deal, we returned to Busan. While some weren't happy that I chose the name by myself, others defended the idea that it was my duty to choose the name for the town that will keep watching over the Seal. After that, I went to my room to rest and to meditate.
"Kyer... I heard that name before... in stories for children. They said that it was a town which did many advances on everything, but it disappeared after Busan's foundation. The stories also say that their medical research and technology are above everything thought that it was a real town." Hana said closing the book. "And about the marks..." Hana touched her cheeks. "It happened like Lilly said. After I got the first mark, I can now use Defense Matrix. And now, with the second, I feel wiser." Hana then looked to the window, and was surprised to see the night sky. "It's gotten late. And I'm starving. I will see if I can call Zhuque to bring me something to eat. Then I will sleep."
