Chapter 5: Unconditional Love: The Power of Eros
Feeling someone watching them, Juri's cold emerald eyes looked towards the shadows. Defensively, she pulled Tia's sobbing, broken form closer to her.
"Who's there?" Juri firmly called.
Footsteps were heard as the figure approached them, moving out of the shadows. The light finally reached his form. Long, beautiful red hair flowed with the wind while his teal robe-like uniform shone in the moonlight like a nobleman. His eyes remained closed, as he was blind.
"Please do not worry. I am no threat, but allow me to dispose of this evil," he said softly, pulling out two swords, one in each hand. At once, he lunged at one shadow, killing it instantly. The one with two swords attempted to best the young man, but in vain, as it was also destroyed. He then returned to them and knelt by Tia.
"I…am Adonis, Guardian Eros of the Red Rose. Purity, I have been searching for you."
Tia's tear-stained looked up in even more shock, but she said nothing.
"He is safe now, Tia," Adonis softly whispered, stroking the golden strands of Tia's hair. She just nodded. Adonis then turned to Juri.
"Please, take her somewhere safe to rest. She is physically, emotionally, and spiritually worn."
"Don't you think I know that?! This is too much for her to handle and you walk in here with your calm-attitude!" Juri yelled.
Adonis gently placed a hand on Juri's shoulder as she lifted Tia's small form in her arms. Somehow, this calmed Juri slightly.
"Right now, she will only respond to you, Miss Arisugawa. Take care of her. You are all she has now…" Adonis said, leaving them.
Juri nodded, and walked out of the arena towards the garden. By now, Tia's body had given in to sleep as she was safely curled in Juri's arms.
"Only to me?" Juri thought as they approached her dorm. She shook her head, thinking, "This is not a way to prove that miracles exist." Reaching the bed in her room, she gently placed Tia under the covers. Juri ran her fingers through her auburn tresses. Turning to leave, she heard Tia's soft voice, saddened, which made her stop.
"Juri…"
Juri turned around to see Tia sitting straight up, with the look of sadness in her beautiful blue eyes. Where was that light that normally killed the darkness?
"Tia…I…"
Tia just looked down, and then out towards the wind. "I…I'm all alone now…"
That was enough to break even Juri's so-called heart of ice, for within the next moment, she sat next to Tia, and pulled her into a warm embrace. She then understood what Adonis meant.
"No, Tia. You are not alone…"
Those blue eyes looked up at Juri, questioning. Juri smiled softly, and gently wiped the tears from Tia's eyes. It was also then that Tia understood; there was an unspoken bond between them.
"You have to continue to fight, Tia," Juri whispered. "But you must rest first."
"But Janus…"
"He would have wanted you to continue. But, get your strength back and rest. Your friend, Adonis will handle a few battles, I am sure."
"Will you stay with me, Juri, at least until I fall asleep?"
"Yes, Tia. I'll stay all night here if you wish." Juri could feel a slight change in herself. She was being protective of someone else now besides Shiori.
Adonis stood at the entrance to the outer plane. The winds brushed against his long red hair.
"Darkness beyond twilight…" He recited the same incantation as red rose petals enveloped him. At the outer plane, he faced another shadow guardian—one that spoke this time.
"Is the girl dead from shock yet? I can show you how her beloved brother felt when he was destroyed," it said.
"You will not get further than my swords, vile demon," Adonis replied, rushing towards it.
"We will destroy everything 'she' loves…"
"And I will destroy you!" Adonis yelled, running both swords through the shadow, causing it to fade.