Hello dear people! How're you all? Fine, I guess? Thanks so much to Sherin Beulah, Cutetyhil and kaihil fanfiction for reviewing :D

Sherin Beulah: Hello dear, nice to meet you again. In this chapter, maybe you'll get what you want. Actually, Hilary likes to love but c'mon...Salima was from the kingdom with which she has a sheer enmity. Why will she want Ray to fix any relation with her? Anyways, thank you so much for reviewing the last chapter as well as my story "Touches" too. Keep reading and reviewing my stories, this chapter contains both your (Sorry, our) beloved KaiHil and TalaJul *

So...

Dew-chan: I'm not fine! T_T T_T I haven't known yet whether Tyson will make it or not! T_T

Misty: Be patient, my dear sister. This chapter will disclose everything.

Roop: After it, we'll co-write another story!

Misty: Oh...I forgot this is the last chapter...

Red: Listen everyone, the adventures done here by Kai and Hilary were plotted by me. Don't forget to love me when you complete them.

Blue: And you'll be doomed in love, again.

Misty: Shut up, you all! Let's start this!

Cousins: Yess!

Max and Mariam went to Hiromi and Kai, conveying the message of building peace between two kingdoms by throwing challenges to each other. At first, neither of them fully wanted to agree with the messengers. However, after much convincing and begging, the brunette and the slate-haired guy gave their consents. They sent letters to the opposite kingdoms, placing the challenge before each other, saying that they would not only attack the other empire ever if the ruler succeeded in the trial, but also, there would be always peace and harmony between Kaen and Hiawatha. When Hiromi and Kai received the returning tests from each other, they were pretty surprised but they didn't let it overthrow their courage and determination, ready to test and to be tested fully.

"If empress Hiromi doesn't become successful in passing the challenge," Kai gritted his teeth as his tightened face flashed in the burning torches of his room, "She will be doomed with her whole family, turning into ashes in the burning pyres. But before anyone else, I'll swelter Ray Kon, the sly commander who has snatched the chastity of my innocent, pure sister!"

"If emperor Kai fails to complete this test," Hiromi vowed, facing the rows of waterfalls drenching in the soft moonlight, "Not a single member of his clan is going to be alive. I myself will throw them in the jaws of hungry sharks one by one. I'll start it with princess Salima Hiwatari, the sorceress who has seduced the righteous commander-in-chief of Hiawatha as well as my brother!"

Staying in the castle of Kane Yamashita, princess Dew Tachibana heard everything from a maid when she was tending to Takao. Holding the hand of the unconscious blunette in hers, she closed her eyes. Her chin and lips wobbled; a droplet of tears rolled down on one of her tanned cheeks. She prayed, "Oh God! Please, let them both succeed in this. Otherwise, in…in this life, our love will remain incomplete…."

"Don't worry, princess Dew," Salima kept a hand on her shoulder, "Everything will be okay. Both my brother and your sister will pass this. The enmity between them will be their strength this time, turning into love and spreading love among all of us."

The temple of Goddess Wolvia was a bit silent now. Since the morning, a lot of subjects had visited it for the welfare of their kingdom. Now, it was the time to close it. Blowing off all the blue-flamed signature lamps of the shrine, the priest closed the main doors and looked at the ink-smeared sky. Mysterious the night was; even the bright full moon couldn't investigate and unearth the reason clearly. A few owls were ogling him from the branches of the nearby trees, forgetting to hunt rats. The breeze was eerily calm, not remembering how to blow. Sighing, the redhead left the temple building for going to his house but before it, he heard a feminine voice behind him:

"Wait."

His feet didn't go forward, his nostrils sensed the burning fragrance unfamiliar in Hiawatha and skin sweated at the sudden amount of heat around him. Recognizing the tone due to his sharp memory, he smirked and turned back, "Welcome to Hiawatha again, princess Fernandez."

"You…" The dual-haired girl was overwhelmed, "You've remembered me?"

"Thank this," The redhead pointed at his head, "Anyways, the reason for which your glorious feet stepped on the worthless surface of Hiawatha?"

"Of course, my feet are glorious," Julia proudly nodded, "But the ground of Hiawatha isn't worthless. Otherwise, the people from Kaen would never be mesmerized to conquer her again and again, be it through a war or love."

"You're standing on the territory of your enemy kingdom," Yuriy asked, "Aren't you afraid? You can lose your life anytime."

"No," She shook her head as reddish glow was emitted by her cheeks, "I am not."

"Hidden fear is intense," Yuriy smirked, "Go back to Kaen."

"Nope, Sir." The elder princess of Kaen strode towards the redhead. Her heart was beating fast, the color of love was spreading across her face faster than the powdered color sprinkled in a glass of water. Yet, her feet didn't stop; they didn't follow the order of her brain. Her heart was pounding but the signs of shivering weren't visible in her ankles and toes. The smirk was evident in the corner of her orange-painted lips, dry emerald orbs were seeming thirsty which were staring at the vast sapphire pools, only to dive in those. She didn't know whose spirit possessed all her body, mind and soul but she was loving it, however.

Yuriy was confused, anyways. His deep-red eyebrows were creased, ocean-blue orbs were blinked in perplexity. Along with her, her warmth was also approaching him. He didn't know what to do. Why was she walking towards him in this way? Did she want to kill him? But she couldn't do it, she shouldn't do it-at least before the completion of the challenges. Alert, he clutched the case of the knife attached to his kimono-belt. He should have stepped back or run or screamed at her, demanding an explanation behind her action but he couldn't do any of them, he didn't know why. Which kind of magic was binding his heart and soul this time, along with his body?

Before he could know what was being cooked in her brain, her orange lips clashed with his icy ones. He was thunderstruck; her fair arms were wrapped around his well-built back and waist. His lips were burning, her mouth was freezing. New sensations they were to the dual-haired princess and the scarlet-haired priest; they accepted them wholeheartedly. She shoved her tongue which landed on his dry taste buds, engaging into a fierce fight. He closed his eyes, one of his toned biceps fastened his slender midriff while another was seizing her nape. Their body gap ceased to zero since they respired from each other's breaths. She shivered, he sweated. A pair of owls flew away over their heads; little did they realize.

Once they moved apart for breaths, they both were shaky, confused-what happened just then? Specially Yuriy Ivanov couldn't raise his gazes to look at the jade pupils of the elder princess of Kaen. Being a priest, no matter how young he was, it was even beyond his imaginations to stare at a woman with desires, let alone kissing. How did he do it? The chills of Goddess Wolvia swam across his spine. Would he ever be forgiven for what he had done just then? Strangely, he didn't know why he couldn't blame the dual-haired girl in front of him. Was he affected by love just like commander Ray Kon and princess Dew Tachibana too?

"I have just done a task, I don't know whether it will be a boon or a bane to me later on," Julia huffed, "It depends only on the outcome of the challenges which have been given to emperor Kai Hiwatari and empress Hiromi Tachibana. If even one of them fails, I'll be doomed. If both of them pass, I'll not. But priest, know one thing. I've always wanted the welfare of two kingdoms. That's why, that day, I came here only to warn you so that you could avoid another blood saga."

Before Yuriy's horrified eyes, she turned back to hide her tear-sparkling eyes, "If possible, pardon this slave of yours. I don't know…whether I'll be able to meet you informally after it or not."

Sighing, she ran away, raising resonations of love and estrangement on the pebbles of Hiawatha. The priest expanded an arm and yelled by her name but couldn't stop her. Maybe, stepping in the water kingdom, she also became restless and unstoppable like the torrents. A bottomless breath, sprang from his lungs. Shaking his head, he wheeled in the direction of his home. Without it, he didn't have to do anything else, nor could he do.

The sun rose in the east on the next day, not making any exception of the rules of the nature. Along with it, both the emperor of Kaen and the empress of the Hiawatha rose from their slumber. Completing veneration, they took bath in bubbling hot water in a porcelain bathtub and standing under the fresh, cold cataracts. They adorned themselves in their best, gorgeous attires and most expensive jewelries, just like Vulcan and Amphitrite. Checking their reflections on the mirrors of their dressing tables, they smirked in pride. However, the same smirks faded away, replaced with stupefaction, when they stood in front of each other, at one of the intersections of Kaen and Hiawatha. A breeze span around them, playing with their hair but they couldn't remove their eyes from each other. Really, could enemies be ever be that admired also?

'Cannot believe…she's the same Hiromi before nine years,' Kai pondered, in a daze, 'She's still beautiful, confident and proud-despite all the problems and havocs we created in her kingdom. Really, water can stay in any condition, in whichever way it is kept.'

'Is…is he really Kai Hiwatari?' She couldn't blink for a few minutes, 'Before nine years when I defeated him, he was looking helpless under my clutches. But now…he's seeming so courageous, determined and fierce. Obvious it is, who in this world could contaminate fire ever?'

"Good morning, empress Tachibana."

Her bewilderment broke as his tone entered her ears. Really, his voice also became husky and mature with the passage of time though it still used to bear the same charms. Bending her back forward, she humbly spoke, "Greetings, emperor Hiwatari."

"So…" Kai snickered, "Empress Tachibana is bowing in front of me?"

"Bowing doesn't mean showing weakness, emperor Hiwatari," She confidently retorted, "Trees which bow because of the gusts of wind are dearer to people than the arrogant mountains."

"Empress Tachibana is intelligent as always, I must admit," The emperor raised a brow along with expanding an arm, "But is she ready for her challenge?"

"Of course," Hiromi firmly nodded and shared the handshake with him. Unexpectedly, the grips of his fingers around her palm were tight. After the handshake, she couldn't free her hand. Frowning, she stared at the amethyst pools of the fire-king which were fixed only on her. Ever since she'd become the empress, no other man except her family members could touch her in this way. Ray should have raised his sword and place it against the throat of emperor Hiwatari for his audacity but when his gazes fell on the scarlet-haired princess standing beside the king, he forgot what to do. Max and Mariam gave happy and satisfied stares to each other, which meant that they praised each other for being successful in their jobs, along with congratulations and best wishes.

"Anyways," The brunette somehow pulled her hand back, "Who would go through the challenge first will be decided by a coin toss. One of the sides of the coin will be bearing the picture of a fireplace and the other will have the sign of a waterfall. If the fire comes, you'll win. Unless, it will be me. The winner will get to decide whether he'll perform his challenge first or let his opponent do it before."

"Fine," Kai agreed, "I'm ready."

The coin was tossed and luckily, Hiromi came out as the winner. Watching the image of waterfall engraved on the metal surface of the round coin, she smirked, "Looks like I've won it."

'The toss, not the challenge.' Kai murmured.

"I always agree on 'Ladies first' statement, you know, emperor Hiwatari," She overheard his words, "But since you're our guest, I think it should be you who should complete the challenge first."

"Better." He nodded.

"So, welcome to the sacred territory of Hiawatha, emperor Hiwatari," She finally gave him a normal smile, "I hope you'll enjoy our hospitality here. Ray?"

"Yes, your Majesty?" The commander of Hiawatha spoke.

"Take good care of the others," She sneered, "Specially of princess Salima Hiwatari."

"As your wish, your Majesty." Ray's cheeks turned redder than the hair of his lover as the latter sheepishly grinned.

Kai Hiwatari found himself before the shore of the tributary where the ruby was hidden at its depth. The wharf was made of marble stones, decorated with rows of floret tubs and colorful pebbles. The water is blue, just bearing the image of the sky at its heart. The tiny waves appearing on the water surface where the sunlight was flowing like the threads of a net were sending butterflies to the ever-calm heart of the phoenix-lord; he himself didn't know why. The liquid mirror was so translucent that even the fishes swimming under it were visible to everyone. Despite trying hard, his eyes couldn't divulge the sight of the precious ruby. Hiromi had a proud and confident smile all over her face as she turned to the emperor.

"See, finding the ruby is not so easy," She cocked a brow, "Yet, I don't want to ruin your mood. Good luck."

"Thanks, though I don't need it." He spoke. He was prepared, wearing his golden breastplate, arm girdles, shoulder protectors, wrist cuffs and leg-guards. Golden sunrays seeped on his naked biceps which shone brighter than they. Amethyst eyes were excited, yet, calm and cool. Slate bangs were trying to cover one of them but the wind of Hiawatha wasn't letting them do that so easily. Indigo mane was resting on his sturdy neck. Faded lines of beards were visible all around his chin, ending on his Adam's apple. Unknowingly, Hiromi's face produced fifty shades of red as her heart was on fire at the godlike sight of the fire-king. Could he feel it somehow?

"Anyways," Hiromi announced, "Are you ready, emperor Hiwatari?"

"Hn." Nodding and taking a sharp breath, he raised his arms above straightly. His eyes were laid on the water surface. Before anyone could know anything-

"Splash!"

His body became invisible at the depth of the tributary, the waves became restless as if any flame had touched them all of a sudden. Vapors started coming out from the liquid mirror. Pulsations were visible there too. Hiromi caught her breaths, witnessing the sudden reactions of the river.

"I want to meditate for a while," Hiromi spoke to Ray, "Call me when emperor Hiwatari comes up."

"Sure." He nodded. Exhaling, she left the place and made her way to her own personal cave, near the tributary. Once the empress left, the red-haired princess worriedly said to her lover, "Ray, what do you think? Will brother be successful to do this?"

"As far as I know emperor Kai Hiwatari," The neko-jin replied, "He won't give up so easily. Didn't you see the change in the river when he dove? It means…even the nature of Hiawatha has been also overwhelmed with his energy and courage. Don't worry, princess, everything will be alright."

"I hope so, Ray," She clutched his arm as waterworks cascaded on both her cheeks, "I-I don't want to lose you…"

"No, princess Salima," The commander of Hiawatha wiped her tears gently, "It's not the time to cry. Rather, it's the time to prove the power of love. Let's see whether our siblings are able to realize it or not."

Kai was under the water, tossing his arms and legs which were cutting the liquid. The underwater part of the river was pretty dark but being the emperor of Kaen, his body itself was radiating like the sun even beneath the tributary. In the same glow, he could see everything. Yet, breathing was being quite difficult for him. He knew to hold his breaths for a long time; he'd learnt it when he'd been a child. Nonetheless, the atmosphere over the water and under the water wasn't the same specially when he had no particular relation with the aquatic kingdom. His lungs were crying for a molecule of oxygen but he didn't know from where to collect it.

Inside her half-dark cave which was lit only with two pairs of eroded candles, sitting in a lotus pose and closing her eyes, straightening her backbone and placing her hands on her knees, the chocolate-haired queen could see everything because she had the power of controlling the tributary. The miserable condition of the emperor was of course heartbreaking for her but she couldn't do anything for him. That's why, she was feeling more helpless than he. Gritting her teeth, she tried to concentrate on her meditation, "Emperor Hiwatari, only love has the power to overcome this. Remove all the hatred from your heart."

'I don't know whether I'll be able to do it or not…' He closed his eyes, 'I even don't want to know. I only know that I have to do this. For it, I discharge all the hatred and vibes of enmity against Hiawatha and her people. For them, from now on, I have no loathing towards any of them. Not against empress Tachibana, not against commander Ray Kon, not against princess Dew Tachibana. From the core my heart, I forgive them all, I forget whatever this kingdom has done to me and my empire.'

Surprisingly, he felt it much comfortable to breathe now under water. He was having no problem. Sighing in relief, he opened his eyes and swam, groping in the deep tributary. Fishes, aquatic animals, planktons-every single being was amazed at this sight. Forgetting playing, they were staring at him with surprised eyes, revering him with all their respect that they had for their own empress. Hiromi's lips wore a victorious smirk as if it'd been her own victory. However, not knowing that he was being watched, he reached his location. There was a large, oval-shaped gypsum plate kept on the wet sands. On it, the broken ruby was placed, in the shape of the half of a heart.

Smiling, when he was about to approach it, he got to face another golden-colored reptilian creature which wasn't so pleased with presence, unlike the rest of the dwellers of the tributary. Everyone knew it as an alligator, a ferocious one. The round eyes goggled the emperor carefully. His body fragrance activated its taste buds and salivary glands since it hadn't tasted human meat for a long time. The alligator expanded its fangs before the slate-haired guy who was motionlessly floating there. Neither he could proceed, nor could he step back because it wasn't only out of his character but also it would fuel the risk more.

'Trygator…' From her cave, Hiromi whispered, 'Move away from him. He's not your food.'

Nodding as if it'd understood the order of its empress, the alligator submissively moved away, making space for the emperor. Huffing, the dual-haired guy reeled, his palm successfully caught the ruby. Sighing in relief too, no sooner had the brunette empress stood up to leave the cavern than her eyes caught the scarlet-haired princess, confusedly standing there with her dropped jaw. Intelligent she was; easily guessing that Hiromi had been only assisting her brother. She was about to say something but the ruler of Hiawatha stopped her with a stretched palm, "Whatever you have witnessed here should never be shared with any third person. Not even with Ray."

"O-okay, your Majesty." She nodded like an obedient girl. Smirking, the empress came out and stood at the wharf. The emperor was ascending the stairs. Wet hair clinging to his forehead and neck, amethysts under his eyebrows were bloodshot. The droplets clinging to his slate bangs reminded the brunette of the dew drops sticking to the blades of grasses like pearls. He was wet but she was burning from her core. Pulsations rose in all her body cells, lips shivered, eyes forgot to take rest. Damn, who in this world could remain so hot even after travelling through a whole tributary? Of course, Kai Hiwatari! She flushed at her own thoughts.

Approaching the empress with quivering footsteps, Kai opened his palm before her, revealing the sight of the dazzling ruby. Bewildered, she took it and looked at his cerise orbs. He was badly shuddering; breaths were quite unsteady too. The brunette became worried, 'Emperor Hiwatari, are you-'

"Thud!"

Before she could complete her sentence, his unconscious form landed on her, face leaning against her shoulders. Quickly, she wrapped her arms around his torso and knelt down on the ground, unable to maintain her balance by holding his beefy body in her arms. Ray rushed towards them to assist his sister along with his lover. Once again, the empress lidded her eyes, letting her nostrils drink his warm fragrance, quenching its thirst and fulfilling the content of her heart.

When Kai opened his eyes, he discovered himself on a soft, squishy bed in a large chamber. The room wasn't familiar to him; the cool colors of the wall and floor were giving peace to his eyes after a long time. The open window near the bed was sending comfortable, refreshing gushes of wind to him as the silver windchimes kept dancing crazily along with the swaying curtains. There was no pain in his body but he was feeling tired a bit. Refilling his lungs with another fresh intake of oxygen, when he was about to get up, a pair of arms gently pushed him on the bed again, rushing there out of nowhere.

'Not now, emperor,' She ordered her with her flashing garnets, 'You're still unwell. You need rest.'

"So…it's you who saved my life?" The fire-king was curious.

"You weren't losing your life," Hiromi, however, denied her favor, "Besides, you're our guest. Taking care of you is our responsibility. Anyways, how are you feeling now?"

"Fine, I guess…" Kai faced the open window.

"Glad to know," The brunette's face adopted a huge smile, "Though I was quite tensed during the past few hours because you have woken up after a single day. Well, let these things go, you must be very exhausted now. Rest here, I'm sending meal for you. See you soon."

Hardly had the empress wheeled back to leave the room when she heard his voice from behind, "Thank you for your hospitality, empress though you shouldn't think that I'll spare you from performing your challenge."

"I'm not expecting it from the mighty Kai Hiwatari, emperor," She sniggered, "Rather, I'm ready for the challenge. Now, empress Hiromi will show you what she can do."

"Good for you," Kai simpered, "Let's see what you can do."

"Good night, emperor," She faintly smiled, "If you need anything, do call me."

"Good night." Small but honest his reply was. Smirking once again, the brunette departed from the room, raising thousands of waves of a restless, stormy ocean in his burning, arid heart. No, she wasn't as evil as he used to think her to be once. She's cordial, affectionate and well-mannered. She was the life of the people of her kingdom just like water. Well…did he start falling for her by any chance?

After the sunrise, Hiromi Tachibana, the empress of Hiawatha completed her prayers and bath. Getting ready in the blue and white outfits of a kunoichi, she wore silver armors around her chest, waist, knees, arms, wrists and ankles along with a headgear after she had dried her silky chocolate locks and tied them into a tight high bun. On her own mare, she started her journey towards Kaen as the stallion of Kai Hiwatari was walking behind her. The slate-haired emperor couldn't take his eyes off from her. He realized why she was adored and worshipped like a Goddess in Hiawatha. On the way, they didn't talk much but stole glances from each other every now and then. The more he was seeing her, the more he was falling in love with her.

However, their mounts halted before one of the hills of mount Fuji which was a dormant volcano. It was believed that there were streams of lava in the cave of the knoll which used to produce enough heat to barbeque a lamb. Only, the residents of Kaen were resistant to the high temperature and pressure. The mound had two openings at both of its sides. Craggy walls it had with sharp pebbly spikes here and there, scattered on the ground too but be it in the mornings or at nights, it used to be enlightened always. The amethyst was hidden in the same cavern. Kane gulped when he discovered the condition of the place. In the name of instituting love and peace, was he pushing the empress in the open jaw of her death?

"In this cave, the amethyst lies," Kai stated emotionlessly, "You cannot use the same opening both for the entrance and for the exit, empress. For attaining the gemstone, you yourself have to remove all the obstacles that will possibly come on your way."

"Agreed," Hiromi nodded, not protesting, "I won't take any help from anyone to get the amethyst."

"So…" Hiwatarian released all the carbon-di-oxide from his chest, "Are you ready?"

"Yes." Firmly waggling her head, she closed her eyes. Taking a sharp breath, the empress of Hiawatha launched herself like a bullet and broke into the cave. The hill almost shuddered, some pebbles fell on the ground. Kai was amazed to see the speed of the brunette. From her footprints engraved on the stony surface, vapors were rising up-indicating how much energy she had put to gain the velocity.

Her eyes had the same amount of visual power too. They easily scanned the surroundings and the warm sandstone walls. Her feet and ruby orbs synced with one another very skillfully. When she discovered a stream of lava flowing a bit lower than her level was; her ankles automatically ceased sprinting. The red, sweltering liquid was emitting so much vapor that breathing became tougher for her all of a sudden. The brook was quite wide and long, neither she could search for its end, nor could she have a long-jump to cross it. Besides, waiting there for a long time wasn't also possible for her because the environment wasn't suitable of a resident of Hiawatha at all. Besides, her feet were bleeding too for the craggy, uneven pitch. What would she do now?

"I…" She closed her eyes, sweating like hell, "I…give up…all my hatred and sheer antagonistic feelings towards Kaen and her subjects from now on and forever. For me, fire is also an element like water. Why should I bother? Why should I feel that it will always try to kill me?"

That worked. Out of nowhere, an earthquake occurred, the ground beneath her feet shook violently along with the motionless and emotionless walls of the cave. At the same time, a few rocks got broken from the roof and landed on the lava in a sequence. Within a few seconds, a nice bridge was made for the brunette so that she could have no problem to cross the stream. A smile rose all over her tired face, she got the waves of new zeal and energy in her body, mind and soul. Clenching her fists and thanking Almighty, she ran once again. Whenever the sarsens were tapped by her feet, they were automatically sinking. But too fast the water-queen was to care.

Crossing the brook, she came near the golden platter placed on a three-legged round table. It possessed the half-heart-shaped amethyst. Huffing, she took it, it gave cold sensations to her palm. Keeping her eyes open, she searched for the other opening. Well, finding it soon wasn't a big deal for her though the external sunlight and the internal flames were mixing with each other; hard to be differentiated. Again, her feet accelerated in the same direction from where the dazzling rays of sunshine were stepping in the cave. Yes, through the gap, she could see the face of the emperor of Kaen along with a few familiar persons. Yeah, she was coming closer to them…a bit more…a little more…

"THUD!"

She had to retreat, feeling the earthquake around her once again. This time, it was not for helping her. Rather, it ended with a large rock covering the exit of the cave out of nowhere. Her eyes went widened in shock; never could she believe that she had to face this obstruction only at the edge of her job. Standing outside, everyone, even the emperor of Kaen was also startled, not expecting it to happen. Ray's golden ogles shivered, Salima embraced one of his arms for condolence, hoping that nothing would happen to the brunette. Like her thoughts, Hiromi wasn't the woman to give up so soon. With sheer speed, again and again, she was pushing the rock with all the strength she had in her body. But too adamant the sarsen was to remove an inch away from its position.

Even Kai could feel that she was struggling hard to remove the rock from her way though he wasn't seeing her. But, after a few minutes, when the shaking of the rock stopped as it didn't show any pulsation for some time, everyone became worried, particularly the slate-haired guy, feeling guilty at the same time. He bit his lips to hide his expressions from everyone present there. She could have escaped through the entrance but she didn't. She cared for Kai's respect, his feelings, the rules of the challenge more than his own life. In reverence for her, his head wanted to bow. Salima almost started crying, feeling nervous and hopeless abruptly.

Not able to tolerate, Ray fumed, "I'm going in! It's my duty as a commander to protect the queen and the responsibility of a brother to save his sister!"

Really, the neko-jin was about to enter but stop, discovering the expanded arm of the phoenix-prince before him. Blinking at him to assure him, the slate-haired guy himself approached the rock. When he put a palm on it and closed his eyes, within a few moments, the stalwart melted and kissed the bare toes of the king. He opened his eyes, calmly breathing. Everyone gathered behind him to discover what actually happened.

Before them, Hiromi Tachibana, the empress of Hiawatha, was lying down. Her chocolate hair was unbound, splaying across the ground. Her feet were bleeding, left cheek and the right side of her forehead had stains of burns. Closer to her heart, she was firmly clutching the amethyst. Her eyebrows were screwed, cloths were drenched in sweat. Though her expressions were saying that she was in immense pain, the slight smile clinging to her lips was conveying something different, informing the world about her victory, her sacrifice, her boldness.

Ray's jaw dropped, Salima gulped, others tried to hurry towards the fallen lady. But stopping everyone, the phoenix-prince himself entered the cave. Gently lifting the brunette in a bridal style, he came out. Kneeling down on the ground, he placed her head on his lap and stroked her forehead with much affection. The neko-jin couldn't bear this vulnerable sight of his cousin. He hid his face on Salima's shoulder. The princess was also in tears. In the end, was only this bound to happen? Wouldn't…wouldn't their love ever…be successful? Would Takao never regain his sense? Would the enmity between two kingdoms remain the same as always?

Elevating the head of the unconscious brunette a bit, Kai leaned his face forward. His aventurine pools got covered under his eyelids. Through breaths, his sweltering lips embraced her soft coral ones. The ruby held in his hand joined the amethyst, forming a full heart. His lips passionately fondled hers as they became fresh again. For the first time in his life, the emperor shed a droplet of tears which was clinging to his right cheek. Cool sensations spread across his soul; bliss was everywhere around them. Her taste buds also received unwanted warmth which were transferred to her heart, awakening her soul. She heavily opened her eyes and found him kissing her. She didn't mind; she wasn't shocked like previous. Rather, she enjoyed his love, his touches, his closeness. The heart-shaped gemstone radiated much light, glowing on both their faces.

From the volcano, steams came out and formed a heart on the blue background of the sky. Flowers bloomed in the bushes of Kaen and Hiawatha, rainbows were showered on the couple without any rain. Birds chirped in seven heavenly tunes. A squirrel family covered the eyes of their young but enjoyed the divine love happening before them. Wiping his tears, the neko-jin wrapped the redhead into a tight hug who couldn't stop the waterfall of her tears. Max held Mariam's hand; Kane kissed on Amisia's forehead. Yuriy and Julia exchanged happy stares. In his cabin, Takao slowly opened his eyes as his hand was possessed by the purple-haired princess. All the couples surrounded the kissing duo. At the top of their lungs, they enthusiastically jubilated:

"Hail emperor Kai Hiwatari and empress Hiromi Tachibana!"

"Hail Kaen and Hiawatha!"

"Hail fire and water!"

"Hail love!"

"Hail love!"

"Hail love!"

Epilogue:

After it, everything became alright between both the kingdoms. Kai and Hiromi apologized to Ray, Salima, Takao and Dew. Kai also managed to welcome Raul and Mathilda back to his kingdom with much fervor and gorgeousness. In this elegant, colorful and blissful reunion, he himself announced that Salima would be married to Ray and Hiromi declared that Dew would be betrothed to Takao. But before it, she married Kai before the excited, happy subjects of their kingdoms, exchanging rings, vows and kisses. Never did anyone see so much color, heard so many tunes, smelt so many fragrances and savored so many tastes ever in any other festival of their lives.

Yuriy confessed to Julia too which she accepted, deciding to dedicate her life along with him in the service of Goddess Wolvia and leaving all the royal pleasures. For Max and Mariam, it was a bit late. Mariam was the first in this case.

Problems happened sometimes. At first, Dunga was arrested brutally by Kai when he got to know who had been behind Takao's murder attempt. But thanks to Hiromi, Kai had to forgive him. Dunga realized his faults and apologized to everyone, including Takao and was pardoned eventually. Often, Hiromi would turn into ice, freezing in her anger whenever she found out that Kai had done something unpleasant. Then again, Kai had to pat her head to melt her annoyance. Cute it was. They both gave birth to Gou Hiwatari who had flawless skills of both the fire and the water. He befriended with Raima Kon, Ray and Salima's black-haired, black-eyed, lotus-smelling daughter, Makoto Kinomiya, the mischievous yet kindhearted son of Takao and Dew, Zohana Ivanov, the daughter of Yuriy and Julia and Markus and Marissa, the twin siblings whose parents were Max Tate and Mariam Tate.

…And they started living happily ever after, through one common story of love, peace, unity and harmony between two different kingdoms…

And thus...it's a happy ending! Yay!

Dew-chan: *Squeals* Yayy! Thank you thank you so much, Misty Didi, you're my favorite! *Jumps on me out of nowhere and crushes me into a tight hug*

Misty: *Hugging Dew-chan back* You're welcome, honey. Dear readers, as I was saying, in my previous plan, Tyson and Dew were supposed to commit suicide, Tyson by jumping from the cliff and drowning in the river and Dew by getting burnt in the lava emitted from a volcano. But see...*Scratches my head* How can I destroy my cutest, sweetest, most innocent, fluffiest OTP in this way? For the first time, this cold-hearted serial-killer had some mercy and that's why, she spared Tysew here. As for RaySal, I had a tiny plan to destroy them too but already they've been severed much in my hand (Who in this site can torture her OTP like me? ;D) So...justice for all my OTP! Thanks so much to everyone who have read, reviewed, favorited and followed it. You guys are the best!

Red: Yes! *Punches in the air* Let's dance!

Blue: *Brings out the speaker*

Roop: *Puts lipstick*

Misty: *Sighs* Let them enjoy and let me tell a good news: In this week, I'm going to publish another RaySal multichaptered crime-thriller. Salima-centered it will be, named "Firegirl". Get ready to grab it, stay tuned ;)

Red: Misty Di, you know, Kai is my idol.

Misty: *Sweatdrops* So?

Roop: He's my beloved ex...err, my beloved brother-in-law too!

Misty: Then?

Dew-chan: And my favorite male character after Tyson! *Hugs*

Misty: Uh oh...

Blue: I'll never badmouth him again in my life, Di.

Misty: What the hell do you want?

Cousins *In the same tone: Eidi! We want Eidi from you! *Runs after me*

Misty: Damn, still six days are left...*Runs from them* So dear readers, do read and review. Pardon the grammatical and spelling errors. Take care and stay safe...OMG...save me from this monkeys...*Runs out*

-Misty, Red, Roop, Blue and Dew-chan _ _ _