"Sorry sis, we have to - we have classes tomorrow."
A wry smile appeared on Jun's face. "My grandson, back in school - I still can't believe it!"
Spirits were high. The tournament was over, and the celebratory feast was well underway. Mei sat next to Musa and Tegryn, her gold championship trophy sitting proudly in front of her. Jun sat next to Mirta, listening with fascination to Mirta's stories about Alfea and Majix. Further down the table, Sien Ko was perched happily on Riven's lap, munching on a slice of water melon that was easily twice the width of her head.
Yes, the entire village was attending the feast, along with everyone who came from far and wide to compete... but Tegryn had noticed that was one person who hadn't turned up, and he knew all too well why that was - Pui Yin was obviously too upset to celebrate Mei regaining her crown, and it saddened Tegryn to know that he was the reason why this normally-sociable girl was hurt so bad. But what could he do? He loved Musa now, and he had tried his best to make Pui Yin see that as gently as he could.
"Teggy? Teggy, are you okay? You seem rather down."
"Hmm? Oh, yeah Musie, I'm fine. It's just a shame we couldn't stay any longer."
"Don't worry Brother," Mei said, putting a comforting arm around him. "Now you know how to get here, you can see us any time... or maybe we can come and visit you!"
"Visit us? Now that'd be great! We'll have to see what we can arrange."
"Cool! So, um, can you remember which way you'll be going home? You came in on the southern path, right?"
"The southern path? No, I think it'll be best if we go via the house."
"Eh? But that's nowhere near the path. I don't understand."
"You'll see when we get there!"
And so they got up from their seats, said their goodbyes to all their new friends (although Sien Ko was less than happy to let her new friend go), and made their way back to Jun's cottage to collect their belongings. Mei was still confused by what Tegryn said before.
"So, if you're not taking the southern path, which way will you be taking home?"
"This way! Tecna?"
Tecna took her cue and opened a portal home. Mei stared at it, her eyes seeming to get wider by the second. Jun chuckled, amused by what she saw.
"A magic door, eh? Yes, that seems about right!"
One by one, everyone stepped through the portal back home, with Musa and Tegryn last. As he hugged his sister, he asked her "Mei? Can you do something for me?"
"Sure Brother, what is it?"
"Talk to Pui Yin for me. Just try and get her to accept that I love Musa now, not her, and tell her I'm sorry for hurting her feelings."
Musa was shocked to hear this. "Teggy, why do you want her to do that?"
"Simple - I'd rather have her as a friend than an enemy."
"What! Even after what she did earlier?"
"Believe it or not, she's actually a very nice girl... it's just a shame she doesn't understand the meaning of the word 'ex'. As soon as she does, you'll see for yourself, and maybe you'll even be friends with her - just trust me on this one, okay?"
Musa hesitated. "Okay... but I'm not happy about it."
She wasn't the only one who was unhappy. Elsewhere in the village, Pui Yin had finished pouting. Of course she wasn't at all pleased - she had waited for so long, she had kept herself just for him despite the many declarations of love from other admirers, and then the love of her life turns up out of the blue hand-in-hand with another girl! How could he do this to her? She felt sickened just thinking about it - the only thing she could do now was to try and plead with him to take her back. She had to talk with him, and so she made her way to the feast - but when she got there, he was nowhere to be seen.
"Where is he? Where's my Tegryn?" she demanded.
"Tegryn? He went to Mei's house. I think they're all preparing to go home."
"Go home? But... his home is with me." she said, stifling a tear. There was no time to lose, and so she sprinted over to the house as fast as she could... but when she got there, she noticed a odd glow coming from behind the front door. Odd glows coming from behind doors aren't usually a good sign, so she decided that rather then knocking, it would be best to see what on earth was happening.
Carefully, she opened the door, just enough so she could see inside, just enough to see... Tegryn and Musa, hand in hand, waving to Mei and Jun, whilst stepping into a swirly purple thing. She couldn't believe her eyes - was she really seeing this? Frightened, she ran and hid around a corner. She leant up against a wall, her hands over her mouth, panting, trembling, trying desperately to collect ther thoughts.
'What was that?' she thought to herself. 'What kind of witchcraft...'
She gasped. That's it! That's the only logical explanation - witchcraft! Oh, it's all so clear now - this Musa is a witch, a nasty evil witch, and she's somehow trapped her poor Tegryn with her vile magic. That explains everything. That's why he, the guy who had spent countless nights holding her, kissing her, whispering sweet nothings to her right up until the day he disappeared, was acting so cold and cruel towards her now.
She knew what she must do. Somehow she must rescue Tegryn from Musa's wicked clutches... but how? She didn't even know where he was living... but perhaps Mei would. That's it, she had to keep an eye on Mei and her grandmother - maybe they'll provide some clues.
"Don't worry Tegryn, I'LL save you." she said to herself, clenching her fist with determination, her eyes streaming with tears. "One way or another, I'll have you back where you belong... in MY arms!"