W.I.T.C.H. Dreams of Lusteria: Part I: Epilogue - Aftermath
The spectators watched in awe as Irma wrapped Zhu Que inside her magic water sphere. Infusing it with both her new power and Virtue, Irma showed Zhu Que a vision of a possible future. Whatever he saw, Irma didn't know but she knew it was enough to make him reject the Darkness. When he did, the dark, red aura of Wrath was repelled from his body, only to find itself trapped inside Irma's bubble where it met its end: Patience against Wrath. As the last of the red wisp dissolved, the sphere lowered to the ground. Ngọc Long gasped when it opened to reveal Zhu Que before he collapsed.
"Zhu Que!" Ngọc Long ran towards him.
"No, Lady Ngọc Long! He might still be dangerous!" someone cried, but the Jade Dragon did not care. Her only concern was her husband.
She bent down towards Zhu Que and repositioned him into her arms. Gently, she shook him and whispered his name anxiously. "Zhu Que. Husband…please, wake up…come back to me…"
As if coaxed by a long and forgotten memory, Zhu Que moaned and his eyelids fluttered open. Everyone held their breaths. Kimi and Orube held Trần Anh Tông and his remaining guard back as a precaution.
"It's okay," said Irma as she landed before them. She glanced over her shoulders at the couple. "He's not going to hurt any of us."
For a moment, Zhu Que and Ngọc Long looked into each others' eyes. He smiled gently as he caressed her face.
"Ngọc Long…my love…" he whispered. But then his smile disappeared. Thoughts of the pain and anguish he had caused her plagued his mind. For all the deaths he caused, they were nothing compare to the turmoil inflicted on the love of his life. How could she ever forgive him? How could she still love him?
"Ngọc Long, forgive me. I'd never meant—"
Ngọc Long shook her head, refusing to let her husband finish as she rose to her feet, pulling him up with her. Tears spilled from Ngọc Long's eyes as she leaned in and kissed him passionately. The gesture surprised Zhu Que at first, but then he relaxed, letting her continued. He had forgotten the sweetness of her kiss. He leaned in closer, one hand against her back and the other caressing her face, pressing her closer to him. As he tasted her lips, Zhu Que felt a spark of wildfire from her melting into him.
Ngọc Long parted lips and said, "Zhu Que, you chose to be with me than a conqueror. The decision you've made is a reflection of who you truly are deep in your heart," Ngọc Long placed her hand over his chest, "and that is worthy of my love and forgiveness. You are home. You've returned to me."
Zhu Que smiled and said no more as he leaned in to kiss Ngọc Long passionately again. Out of respect for the Jade Dragon, everyone averted their eyes from the private and intimate gesture of love. Instead, they turned their attention back on Irma, their savior.
"Irma! You did it! I can't believe you saved Zhu Que without killing him!" cried Will as she flung her arms around Irma.
The others jumped in, threatening to suffocate her with their love.
"You're alive! I thought you were really dead!" cried Hay Lin. She didn't care that she was making a scene. Her friend was alive and all Hay Lin wanted to do was pounce on her and never let her go. "The current swept you away underground! I couldn't find you and it's like you were really gone!"
"Calm down, Hay Lin," Cornelia said, pulling Hay Lin back a little. "Irma, you were magnificent earlier! And your new transformation really suits you."
"Really, Cornelia, is fashion all you ever think about?" Taranee teased. "What I'm more interested in is hearing about your ordeal, Irma. Where did the water swept you away to? Did you see your own dragon? Was it anything like how Will and Cornelia described theirs? And what other new powers did you get besides regeneration and bubbles?"
"I promise I'll tell you girls all about my ordeal later," Irma answered. She then noticed Kimi standing a little away from them, her expression unreadable. Irma sighed and knew that she had to confront her. To her relief, she doesn't feel anxious about it. Irma made her way towards Kimi and they exchange silence.
"So…" Kimi said at last. "You've conquered your inner demon?"
"No, I didn't," Irma replied. This caught Kimi off guard. "I don't think I can ever truly get rid of my dark side. I may not always be perfect, but I can strive to be better by being patient."
Kimi said nothing as she took in Irma's words. Then, she smiled, clearly impressed. Irma realized that even though Kimi doesn't show as much emotions as the others do, she still cares for her friends. The coldness that once illuminated her eyes is gone. Looking into them, Irma could tell that Kimi was relieved to see Irma alive and well.
Irma opened her mouth again, wanting to apologize for the terrible things she said and did to Kimi. Before she could, a loud rumbling sound interrupted her. They all turned to see the palace doors opened. With the battle over at last, Princess Huyền Trân and her father emerged from their sanctuary with their guards, searching frantically for the Emperor.
"Sister! Father!" Trần Anh Tông sighed with relief.
"Son!" the retired emperor cried as soon as he saw him.
Huyền Trân embraced her brother. "Brother! Thank the gods!" she looked around. "Where…where's Chung? He's not—?"
"Huyền Trân!" said the voice behind her. She turned to see General Chung, Quang Long and the rest of Ngọc Long's family rushed into the palace's ground.
It felt as if the world stood still for the princess, her heartbeat quickens. Tears swelled up in her eyes, washing away all the fears and anxiety her wedding to King Jaya had brought fourth. They no longer matter. The love of her life is alive!
Chung ran forward, all formalities abandoned as he wrapped his arms around her.
"Chung! I thought I'd never see you again! I thought—"Huyền Trân couldn't bare it anymore as she leaned in to kiss him, a kiss he quickly returned with his own. "My love, you saved me from becoming a sati wife. And you saved my kingdom! You may not be of royal blood, but you are the only one ever worthy of my heart."
"Princess, I would have moved heaven and earth to see you safe and well," Chung replied.
They leaned in to kiss again, but later realized the Celestial Warrior of Fire was standing several feet away. Quickly, Chung moved Huyền Trân behind him and drew his sword at the demigod.
"Not another step, Lord of Wrath!" Chung growled defiantly. Huyền Trân and a few others looked at Zhu Que nervously, expecting him to incinerate them all. The Jade Dragon stepped forward.
"Lady Ngọc Long?" Chung blinked, confused before turning to fury. "Why are you with this monster? Have you no shame?! He nearly killed us! Why would you choose to side with—"
"Choose your next word carefully, mortal," Zhu Que replied, grabbing Chung's sword with his fingertips. "Else I shall incinerate your tongue off for speaking to my wife in such an uncouth manner." The sword bursts into a shower of sparks and gold, causing the general to recoil and everyone to gasp in fear.
The retired Emperor Nhân Tông's face flushed red, either out of fear or embarrassment, the Guardians wondered. He glanced at Lady Ngọc Long and words stuttered from his mouth. "Jade D-dragon…y-you're married to this…this…godling?! H-how could you wed the man who tried to kill your own people?"
"Father, please," Huyền Trân whispered. "As a child, I've heard of old legends of the Jade Dragon being married to a demigod of fire. I'd never imagined it was Lord Zhu Que himself." She glanced at Zhu Que nervously.
General Chung didn't look convinced. The Guardians couldn't blame him or any of the Annamites. In truth, they had suffered Zhu Que's Wrath for months. They watched in fear and terror as his followers slowly conquered their neighboring kingdoms, edging ever closer to their capital. His encroachment was the reason why Emperor Trần Anh Tông pressured his own sister to marry the Champa King as a last form of alliance to begin with. Several Annamites already knew that Zhu Que once protected their southern realms millennia ago in his youth, but the recent memories of his cruelty plagued their thoughts. If there were to be forgiveness, it wouldn't be easy.
To the Guardians' horror, General Trần Khắc Chung ordered his men to draw their weapons as he tried to hide the princess from Zhu Que's gaze. Will clenched her hands and sent her thoughts to the others. They had to intervene before things got out of hand again. Irma conjured a wall of ice between them and the angry Annamites, but it didn't stop some of the soldiers from trying to hack their way through. Without hesitation, Emperor Trần Anh Tông stepped forward, raising a hand to stop Chung and his soldiers. Sensing the rising tension, the Guardians moved closer towards Zhu Que, Ngọc Long, and the Emperor.
"Lay down your swords! This battle is over! We've won!" proclaimed Trần Anh Tông.
"Majesty?!" General Chung stammered.
"Son, have you lost your senses?!" the Retired Emperor roared. "Zhu Que—"
"Isn't evil anymore!" Will protested. "If he were, do you believe any of us would still be alive?"
"It is true," Trần Anh Tông nodded. Turning to face Irma, he asked, "Water Guardian, please lower your wall. I will speak to my people."
Irma studied him and nodded. The old Irma would have protested, but Irma knew that the Emperor was right. With a wave of her hand, the ice wall melted into a pool of water.
"My people, I understand your anger towards Lord Zhu Que. I've seen the immensity of his power during this siege. Such was his ferocity that he overwhelmed and nearly annihilated the Jade Dragon and the Guardians. Yet, the Jade Dragon was able to bring Zhu Que down on his knees, not with might, but with her words.
"In my arrogance, I mistook her for one of our warriors and ordered my guards to risk her life in hopes of killing Zhu Que, but alas, it was folly! Zhu Que assumed his most powerful and terrifying form to punish us. Woe onto me for my poor judgment that Annam was nearly destroyed. His rage was so great that I am for certain no warriors or Guardians could stop him." The Emperor paused and glanced at Irma. "In our darkest hour, only fire and rage were to be our end. Yet, the Guardian of Water you see before you saved us!"
Irma's face flushed red as everyone's eyes turned her way. The Annamite Emperor ignored this as he continued his praise.
"This foreign Guardian appeared between us and Zhu Que's inferno and single handedly stopped him. It was she who saved us in a way we thought impossible. Rather than vanquishing Lord Zhu Que, she purified his soul!" He turned his attention back at his family and his general. "Speak out not in haste for it is harsher than the judgment we obtained after a period of understanding. I ask of you now: Can you see and feel any true malice coming from the Lord of Wrath? Nay! For Zhu Que no longer hold such a title! It is because of this young woman here that Lord Zhu Que has returned to us not as a conqueror but our protector!"
There was a moment of intensive silence. Would the Annamite listen to their emperor? For a moment, it looked as if Trần Anh Tông's riveting speech would fail until they heard the sound of someone clapping. All heads turned to see Quang Long, the Crimson Dragon, looking bloodied and slightly battered after his fight with the demon Agni. Despite this, he carried a regal posture, smiling and clapping. Irma's heart sighed with relief in seeing the dragon prince who saved her life. She hadn't forgotten the alternate vision of his death at the hands of Agni during her ordeal.
Quang Long was joined by several divine-looking people near him, including a man wearing an elaborated armor covered in iridescent dragon scales and a beautiful woman in an elegant dress made of pearls and kelps. Ngọc Long smiled at her father, Lạc Long Quân, the mermaid Queen Umi, and several of her dragon siblings. The Annamite soldiers and noblemen gazed in wonder, awed by the spirits and dragons' compassion and their willingness to forgive Zhu Que. In that moment, they remembered that they are in the presence of their ancestors.
Before they realized it, Orube and the Guardians joined the dragons on the applause. Chung looked about them with an unreadable expression. He felt a tug on his arm and gazed into Princess Huyền Trân's eyes. She spoke no word, but Chung could feel how she felt about this. Trần Anh Tông stepped forward and he and his long time friend exchange looks. Chung sighed and shook his head, smiling as he sheathed his sword with his soldiers following suit.
Irma felt a great sigh of relief. At least for now, they've avoided another battle. Lord Zhu Que and Lady Ngọc Long held hands tighter and strode towards Irma which caught her off guard. The applauding stopped as everyone held their breath. Irma could feel the intensity of Zhu Que's eyes, but gave no sign of nervousness, especially not with everyone's attention focused on her. Irma tried her best to match the demigod's gaze. She realized how very handsome he was. Granted, she had known him to be a very good-looking demigod before, but Zhu Que had been so corrupted that the cruelty in his eyes and his cold-hearted gaze had more often masked his beauty.
"Water Guardian, I owe you my life," Zhu Que spoke at last. "Your power is beyond anything I could have ever imagined. Today, you've liberated me from the Darkness that has plagued me for centuries."
Ngọc Long smiled at Irma and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Irma, not only have you brought my husband back to me, but you've saved all that is left of my people and their land. That is more than any Lusterians could have done. My child, you are truly a wonder to behold. We are all in your debt."
The Annamite gasped as Zhu Que and Ngọc Long bowed to Irma and the Guardians. Emperor Trần Anh Tông, General Chung, and Princess Huyền Trân followed suit and lowered themselves to kowtow before the Guardians.
It was so surreal to see the Annamites, both humans, dragons, nymphs, and spirits on their knees, treating them as if they were gods. Irma held her breath, feeling a great mixture of embarrassment and over excitement of the attention. No words could express this moment.
They stayed in Annam another two hours or so before Ngọc Long decided it was time for them to return to Earth. After showering Irma and the rest of the Guardians with thanks and praises, the Annamites turned their attentions to other matters.
Ngọc Long reunited briefly with her family. Although Zhu Que has been cleansed and forgiven for his duplicities, Ngọc Long's father gave the Celestial Warrior a stern and warning glare. Ngọc Long's other siblings, however, were a little less hostile as Quang Long said something to Zhu Que that sounded liked a mature Lusterian joke before punching him in the arm. Ngọc Long's sisters were giggling behind their father and brothers, clearly smitten by their handsome brother-in-law and no doubt wondering if they'll be able to find someone as interesting as him. To his credit, Zhu Que appeared stoic and unfazed by the attentions as his wife introduced the Guardians to Queen Umi, the mermaid ruler of the sea of Nihon.
Queen Umi informed the Kimi of her uncle's concern relating to her cousins. Wearily, Kimi and Orube gave the mermaid queen the abridged version of their battle against Kenji and the two sisters. Queen Umi said nothing as she listened, her expression somber.
"Chancellor Komei will be informed of his son's treachery," said Queen Umi. "It will be difficult for him to acknowledge it, but in truth, I believe Komei already suspected Kenji's growing darkness, no matter how much he denies it. Whatever his endgame is, I am certain you will have to face him in Nihon, Guardian of Light." Umi sighed. She was tired herself, knowing this wasn't the end. "I fear his growing power will affect my people as my realm lies closer to Nihon's shores. I will offer you Guardians some support, but do your best to win all the same. I've had enough issues on my fins with Seiryuu's minions churning my ocean."
The reunion of the divines was brief as grim talks of the aftermath took over. Despite the intensity of the battle, there were surprisingly very few casualties on the winner's side. Naturally, hundreds of soldiers had died, but the death count of citizens was surprisingly lower. It would seemed most of them had been evacuated to a nearby fishing village by two young men bearing the seal of the Jade Dragon.
"How fortunate that our caretaker had the foresight to warn Đạo and Đức of the impending battle, else more lives would have been lost," said Kimi to Orube.
Several dragons, nymphs, and elemental wielders spread out to begin rebuilding the city. The Guardians watched with astonishment as if time was reversing. Bricks, wooden beams, and metal flew back into their places, restoring most of the buildings that were still salvageable. Seeing this, the six Guardians quickly stepped in, using their magic to restore the palace ground they had destroyed during their battle against Zhu Que. Those that were damaged beyond repair will be built by manual labor in the following days.
Once the last brick was laid, Trần Anh Tông announced that they'll begin the task of preparing for war against the Champa. He ordered his men to begin conscripting new soldiers and recruiting new Royal Drummers. Lạc Long Quân assured him that he'll spare a few small legions of his army to assist in the upcoming war, led personally by the Crimson Dragon. As terrible as it was for Annam to face another war so quickly, there was hope. After battling against Zhu Que and his massive army, a war against Champa seemed pale in comparison.
Trần Anh Tông ended the somber moment with a wonderful announcement: he declared General Trần Khắc Chung a valiant hero and elevated him to the position of Unit Commander, the highest military rank in the land. He also declared him a duke as soon as he is married to Princess Huyền Trân.
The new Unit Commander Chung gasped in disbelief of the news. Laughing, his best friend took his hand and his sister's and placed them together. "My friend, in our darkest time, it was not King Jaya or the Champa who saved us, but you. My closest and best friend saved my beloved sister and my kingdom. I would be honored to have you as my brother-in-law as well."
Chung regained his wit and composure. Smiling, he replied, "The honor is mine, Majesty."
"Chung…" Huyền Trân smiled, tears of joy spilling from her eyes. Chung turned to her and stroke them from her face gently before leaning in to kiss her passionately, to which she returned with her own.
Feelings of relief and joy tugged the Guardians' heart as they broke into applause to congratulate the young couple. Ever since meeting Chung, they felt fate was cruel and unfair to him, forcing him to watch the love of his life being married off for political reason. They had witness his bravery and fought alongside him during the siege. The Guardians knew this man was willing to sacrifice his life and happiness to keep his princess safe. Trần Khắc Chung is a man who deserves his own happiness. It moved their hearts to see him rewarded for his selflessness and bravery.
Ngọc Long and Zhu Que exchanged smiles as they approached the newly betrothed.
"Trần Khắc Chung…Princess Huyền Trân," Ngọc Long said, "You, too, shall have our blessings."
"May your union be a ray of hope, inspiration, and prosperity for your house and your people," Zhu Que added. He felt his wife's hand in his and glanced at her lovingly. "Blessed your marriage shall be and never forsaken the love that you share for one another."
"And may your love bear fruits and may it endure time," Ngọc Long finished. "Never forget that love is more powerful than hatred."
Trần Khắc Chung and his bride nodded and smiled. "My Lord and Lady Dragon, we thank you for your blessings and will promise to love one another forevermore."
Ngọc Long smiled and glanced at her husband. "Zhu Que, let us go home. Come to Earth with me."
"My love, you are my home."
As soon as they left the capital, Orube decided it was best to say goodbye to the kỳ lân.
"Thank you, my friend," Orube said, letting the beautiful beast nuzzle against her face. "Thank you for saving my life. You were a fine mount, but a majestic creature such as yourself deserves to be free. Go home, my friend, the jungle beckons you."
The kỳ lân neighed softly and gave her a protesting nudge, clearly not wanting to leave Orube's side just yet. Orube tsked and shook her head as she stroked its muzzle and fiery mane. As expected, it didn't burn her. "No, you can't come with me, my friend. This is the way it has to be." She gazed into its eyes and felt it weighing her words sadly. She smiled and suggested, "But hopefully I might see you again in the future?"
The kỳ lân pondered on whether or not she spoke the truth. Eventually, it nuzzled her affectionately one last time. It neighed and rose on its hind legs, the gesture as if to say, You'd better stay out of trouble, youngling! Like fire and mist, the kỳ lân turned and galloped at great speed, disappearing into the jungle.
"I don't know, Orube, maybe you should have let it stay with you," Irma said. When Orube gave her a look, Irma shrugged, reverting back to her snarky and teasing attitude. "Hey, c'mon, if I had rescued and ridden on a magical unicorn, I would definitely let it stay with me."
"It's not a unicorn, Irma. It's a kỳ lân."
"Which is kinda like an Asian unicorn, right?" Irma grinned.
"I see that your recent experience hasn't dampened your rambunctious personality," Kimi noted.
Will and Taranee snickered. "Kimi, patient or not, an Irma without her jokes would make this group really boring."
Before Kimi could retort, Irma decided to turn the conversation around. She feigns exhaustions, stretching her arms out, "Anyway, I am really beat! I guess saving a demigod and a kingdom can totally drag you down! I wouldn't be surprised if I could sleep for three days straight!"
Hay Lin laughed. "I get ya. It feels as though we've been here a little longer than all of our previous missions."
"We have, but I wouldn't worry too much about it," Taranee said. Before the others could protest about the time, Taranee added, "Whenever we go back to Heatherfield, Lady Ngọc Long always fixed the time so it's as if we've only been gone several minutes.
They turned to glance at Ngọc Long and Zhu Que conversing several meters away, no doubt telling each other how much they missed one another.
"I'm so glad it all worked out," Cornelia smiled, seeing how very much in love those two were. Cornelia always had a soft spot for true love. "This turned out to be a happy ending for our friends…including Chung and Huyền Trân. They'll finally be able to be together just like our mentor and her love."
"Well, I don't know about you girls, but I'm kinda glad that Zhu Que no longer speak like a Shakespearean character," Irma pointed out.
Her friends exchanged surprised looks. Now that Irma pointed out, they realized she was right. Despite being so used to it these past several months, they failed to see Zhu Que no longer spoke with an old dialect. To Kimi and Orube, however, there wasn't much change as Lusterians and Basiliadians' speech mannerism is more formal than those from Earth.
"I wonder if my purification magic had anything to do with it," Irma said.
"It's possible that your magic not only freed his heart and soul, but it also his ability to adapt and change," Kimi replied. "Had Byakko and Xuan Wu been saved the same way, it's likely we would have seen them changing in some ways."
At the mention of his late siblings' names, Zhu Que quickly turned back to face them, his expression serious again.
"My siblings…Seiryuu and Hwang-Ryong…they will not forgive my treachery," he said. Everyone turned to face him. Ngọc Long said nothing, but wrapped an arm around his to reassure him.
"But you're on our side now! You can help us in our battle against them and their armies," said Will as-a-matter-of-factly. She felt a new surge of willpower flowing through her. What reason do they have to worry now? Zhu Que didn't seem to share her enthusiasm, however, but Will brushed it aside as a part of his stoicism. "Look, we're sorry that we were unable to save Byakko and Xuan Wu, but maybe we can still can with Seiryuu and Hwang-Ryong! If we can purify you of your own Deadly Sin, why can't we with them?"
"Will's word does offer some merit," said Ngọc Long. "Zhu Que, would it not be worth the effort to invest in this matter?"
Zhu Que seemed unsure as he glanced down at his talisman. There was a crack on the blade from the explosion, but despite its look it remained whole. He turned to see the Guardians and Orube glancing at him, expecting the right answers to come out. He sighed wearily and sat down on a boulder, one hand still holding onto his sword.
"It is no easy task. The Darkness has corrupted my siblings more thoroughly than it did with me because I had lived a life with love. Hwang-Ryong is blinded by his greed for gold, dominance, and power. He guards his domains jealously. Why did you think I was sent to sabotage Xuan Wu's campaign in the Joseon? With Byakko gone, Xuan Wu wanted to claim Zhong-guo as it borders Joseon in the north. She justified her claim as a part of her birth right, being the oldest amongst us. She was most foolish to confide in me, believing I would keep her secret. I was loyal to Hwang-Ryong and when he grew suspicious of her thirst for power, he asked me of her motive. I revealed the truth to him without hesitation and Hwang-Ryong grew weary of her and ordered me to kill her."
"So you would have left me imprisoned in her ice coffin had Hwang-Ryong not given you the order?" Kimi glowered.
"No, I would have aided in your escape regardless for Seiryuu desired to have you kidnapped for her final campaign in Nihon."
His words weighed heavily on Kimi, forcing her to remember the several attempts to kidnap or spare her. Zhu Que could have killed her any time, but instead he aided in her escape from Xuan Wu's ice prison. And during the battle today, he tried to grab her. After the explosion that knocked everyone unconscious, he threw her in his fiery sphere to contain her. But why? What was special about her?
"Why?" Kimi demanded. "Why try so hard to obtain me? Was it to use me to blackmail my uncle? That's illogical! Seiryuu and Hwang-Ryong already have Kyochi! Why do you need me as well?"
Zhu Que shook his head. "You are more valuable than you give yourself credit, little one. It is not of your blood relation to the Chancellor and the Crown Princess of Nihon that makes you such a valuable target. No, you possess one of the keys to break the ancient seal on the sovereignty of Nihon. With it, my sister will not only be able to rule your homeland, but it will enable her and Hwang-Ryong to control future Twin Guardians as well as the Gemini Council."
Kimi held her breath and unconsciously clutch her heart. "You…you don't mean…"
Will saw the colors disappeared from Kimi's face, her grim expression gave cause for concerns. "Kimi, what is he talking about?" Will asked, but Kimi ignored her.
Zhu Que nodded. "I do, child."
"But my brother…he possess one part of the three talismans!" Kimi's eyes widen. Without realizing it, Kimi ran up to the demigod and grabbed him by his collar, a look of fury and fear painted on her face. "By the gods, what have you done to him?!"
"Kimi!" Ngọc Long exclaimed.
Unfazed, Zhu Que grabbed Kimi's hand to gently extract them from his collar. "Your twin is well enough these past several months since his abduction. A dark spell was performed on him, leaving him in a comatose-liked state. The child of shadow sleeps, but we've been unable to extract the talisman from him thus far, but eventually Seiryuu and Hwang-Ryong will find a way to rip it out of him."
Kimi's venomous glare did not subside. How dare this godling speak of her brother's condition so casually? How dare he and his siblings stole her twin away from her? Before anyone realized it, Kimi swung a fist at the Celestial Warrior's face, much to everyone's astonishment. Barely recoiling from the attack, Zhu Que remained mostly unfazed, his face showing no bruise from the punch. Despite being purified, Zhu Que was still a demigod and such tactic is merely a breeze on his face. This infuriated Kimi even more.
Zhu Que brushed the side of his face and returned Kimi's glare with his own. "Consider yourself fortunate that I am no longer the Lord of Wrath, Guardian of Light. Else your anger would have replenished my fire and I would kill you where you now stand."
"Zhu Que! Enough of this foolishness, the lot of you!" Ngọc Long reprimanded, but her scolding was more towards Kimi than the rest of them.
"No you wouldn't," Kimi replied coolly. "You said so yourself you needed me as a part of your twisted dream of conquest. If Irma hadn't saved your pitiful ass, you wouldn't risk killing me or else you would endure Hwang-Ryong's punishment. Spare me the farce of your fury! You were too loyal to Hwang-Ryong and wouldn't risk falling out of his favor."
Everyone stared at Kimi in awe and terror for her audacious words against a demigod who could behead her with a flick of his sword.
Irma sighed. Kimi, just because I purified Zhu Que doesn't mean that I took away his magic! You do realize that he can still incinerate you on the spot, right?!
If Kimi had heard Irma's message, she ignored it. Zhu Que's grip on his sword tightened and his eyes darkened with fury, but Kimi still held his gaze with her own. Before the Guardians realized it, Zhu Que smiled and burst into laughter. Ngọc Long sighed and shook her head. Secretly she smiled, knowing that it was rare her husband laughed.
Before Kimi could demand what was so funny, Zhu Que raised the tip of his sword against her throat to prevent her from lashing out again. "Clever child you truly are to remember such a small and significant detail…and to match that sharp tongue of yours! I've been so used to mortals cowering in fear of me that a taste of your stubbornness is quite…refreshing."
"She truly is," Ngọc Long smiled. "It was she who discovered your third chakra as your weakness."
Kimi blinked at her host mother as the former winked at her. Annoyed, Kimi gingerly pushed Zhu Que's sword away from her throat. Were the Jade Dragon and Celestial Warrior of Flame making fun of her?
Zhu Que lowered his sword and smiled, clearly impressed. "So you were the one who told your friends to target my solar plexus? Although I've caught on to your little plot, your discovery of this loophole is impressive nonetheless. I was certain no ancient scrolls or tomes would reveal such secrets. My siblings and I were created to be invincible by the old gods after all."
"I had to cross referenced several non-related subjects to find it," Kimi replied wearily.
"Clever. Had we known you were the most troublesome of the pair, my siblings and I would have taken you hostage instead of your brother!"
"I don't find your humor amusing!"
"I am not a godling who is easily amused or impressed. Without jest, your wit is remarkable, unlike that foolish Kenji boy who flaunts his own magic like a spoiled child. I've seen how you've tricked Byakko by taking the Zhong-guo Emperor's place and how you positioned yourself to prevent Xuan Wu from taking the Joseon Queen's crown. Have you considered politics, little girl?"
At the mention of Kenji's name, the Guardians remembered the main reason for their saving Zhu Que and began to bombard him with questions of their own.
"So it's true? You were the one who sent Kimi's cousin to sabotage the wedding! But why would you choose him of all people?"
"Was he really in Joseon plotting against us?"
"What are your siblings' next plans of attack? When and where exactly?!"
"Are Seiryuu and Hwang-Ryong planning to retake Zhong-guo and Joseon now that Byakko and Xuan Wu are dead?"
"You'll fight with us, right? With you on our side, we can have an even footing against Seiryuu and her forces!"
"ENOUGH!" Kimi held up one arm to prevent her friends from talking further. "Those inquiries can wait. I've been separated from Kyochi for too long. If you truly are on our side, Zhu Que, then help me save him! Tell me where my brother is!"
Zhu Que scrutinized Kimi a moment further before finally replying, "Your brother is hidden in Hwang-Ryong's palace deep within the Dark Forest, the place where we first fought. And no, I will not take you there."
Silence. "Why?" Kimi seethed venomously.
"Be warned, it is a dangerous place. Since our first battle, Hwang-Ryong placed a powerful spell to prevent you from ever locating it. Ever should you try, you will be trapped in a forest that goes on for eternity in all direction. You will find yourself wandering, searching for your love until you die or until Hwang-Ryong chose to release you. I can think of no worse way to torment you."
Kimi seemed undaunted by the thought of being lost in an illusionary forest that goes on forever. She manifested a light construct into a blade and pointed it between Zhu Que's eyes.
"You will lead me there regardless."
"Kimi, I would appreciate it if you would stop harassing my husband," Ngọc Long said. "Despite what he says, Zhu Que will help you, but now I believe it's best if we do not act in haste. Come, let us all return to Earth."
"Now that I have betrayed them, my siblings will know of your intention and will do what they can to prevent you from rescuing your twin and use your emotion to their advantage…as Xuan Wu had done to all of you in Joseon. By all means, follow your emotion and repeat your mistake, child," Zhu Que scoffed. "If you are captured by Seiryuu, do not expect me to save you again."
"He's right, Kimi," Irma said, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Believe me, I know you want to save Kyochi. We all do. But right now, let's wait for the right opportunity to do it."
Kimi opened her mouth to object, but Irma stopped her. "Hey, let me remind you that I'm the one who just finished my own ordeal. If the Guardian of Water and Patience is telling you to cool down and wait, you—" she jabbed a finger at Kimi, "cool down and wait! Got it?"
Kimi looked as if she wanted to refuse, but even she could not deny how tired she was. Reluctantly, she lowered her weapon and it dissolved.
Zhu Que chuckled amusingly as he got to his feet. To Kimi's surprise, he patted her on the head to sooth her worry as if he was a concern father.
"Take comfort, child. I will help you rescue your brother, but be warned, there is something else regarding your twin I must tell you."
"What?" Kimi gently brushed Zhu Que's hand away.
Before he could reply, Zhu Que heard something and with one hand, grabbed Kimi and his wife out of the way. Where they once stood, a scorched earth appeared with grasses still flickering in flames.
"I knew you would betray us, My Lord," said gleeful voice that sounded all too familiar to Orube's ear.
The Guardians turned to see who attacked them, but before they could, volleys of blue fire came at them. Irma waved her hand, creating a wall of water that immediately dissolved the attack.
"Oh, so the little insect flaunts its powers now that it has prettier wings, huh?"
"You don't scare me! You wanna know what I can really do? Then I suggest you come out so that I can show you!" Irma retorted as she and her friends readied themselves.
"Brave words for a mortal," a figure stepped out of the smoke. Irma and her friends saw it was a beautiful woman with long, white hair in dark robes. The White Fox Spirit grinned savagely as she twirled her chakrams.
"Kitsune!" Orube screamed, unsheathing her sword. She could feel her blood boiling. "Come out and face me! I have some unfinished business with you!"
"Ah, Orube, it would be pleasurable to torture you some more, but alas, you are not my priority!" She glanced at Zhu Que and Ngọc Long and smirked. "So it's true that the mighty Celestial Warrior of Fire is married to none other than the Jade Dragon? Seiryuu was most displeased when I told her your little secret, Lord Zhu Que. She refused to believe that you, the Lord of Wrath, would succumb to such a disgusting weakness called love!"
Zhu Que's eyebrows furrowed. How did this vixen found out his secret? He had been careful. How did Seriyuu's spy uncover it?
"I must say, I'm quite disappointed in you myself," Kitsune continued, twirling her chakram with one finger playfully. "I used to revered and fear you. You were supposed to be the most loyal and trusted of Hwang-Ryong's siblings. You were dignified, cold, stoic, and calculating. But it seems you're just like Lady Xuan Wu: Treacherous!" She glanced venomously at Ngọc Long. The feeling of contempt was mutual. "You had to let that water snake coiled herself around your—"
A fiery tornado came at Kitsune before she could finish. Kitsune jumped high into the air to avoid it. Before she had time to recollect, Zhu Que appeared behind her and swung his sword, aiming to bisect her in halves. Kitsune managed to dodge the blade in time, transforming into a white fox with nine, fire-tipped tails and sprinting towards the ground. Swirling fireballs came at her, singeing her beautiful fur. Despite being a fire elemental, Kitsune's flames were nothing compared to Zhu Que's.
"I will not let a filthy vixen such as yourself befoul my wife's name!"
Kitsune smirked as she reverted back to her human form, brandishing her weapons. "It seems I've triggered a soft spot in you, my Lord," she mocked. She has Zhu Que's full attention. "Well, now that I am certain of your weakness, I think Lady Seiryuu would agree that I carry out your punishment for betraying her."
"You're one to talk!" Orube cried, jumping in to attack.
Barely glancing her way, Kitsune's hair coiled itself around Orube's wait.
"Orube!"
"Didn't I tell you that you are not my priority?" Kistune hissed, flinging Orube into the air. Luckily, Kimi caught her with a construct in the shape of a net.
Kistune laughed, but then noticed a movement in front of her. She disappeared in a swirl of fire, again nearly dodging Zhu Que as he made a grab for her.
He's fast! Kistune thought, reappearing in a nearby tree, only having to teleport again when Zhu Que's fire blade came at her, slicing the entire tree. He's really fast!
Zhu Que kept coming at her with rapid fires. The attacks were so intensive that the Guardians winced from the disorienting explosions of smoke and fire. Orube tried to get back up and go after Kitsune, but Kimi stopped her. "Don't! You'll get hit!"
Orube gritted her teeth in frustrations but knew Kimi was right. If she had jumped in, the risk of getting caught by Zhu Que's fire was higher and he'll most likely kill her by accident.
"Hey! Watch where you're firing, you hot-headed bird-brain!" Irma screamed, when one of Zhu Que's attacks landed too close to them.
"Husband, cease this battle at once!" Lady Ngọc Long cried. If Zhu Que had heard her, he paid her no attention. Her only reply was a bird's screech as it flew after a fox spirit. "Zhu Que, you're setting this place on fire!"
Hay Lin and Cornelia coughed furiously, their eyes stinging from the smoke. Taranee pushed the fires back, hoping to spare her friends some relief.
"He's not listening!" Will said, shield herself from the intensity of the flames. She watched as Irma rushed in to put it out. "Was he always this stubborn?"
"You should know that Zhu Que doesn't take kindly to those who insults or threatens me," Ngọc Long replied. "Irma, you and I will put out the fires. Stay close to me or else you'll get in my husband's path of rampage. Will and Kimi, you have the access spell for a return portal back to Heatherfield. Be ready to open it when I give you the signal. I'll try to get my husband to see reason again and come home."
"But what about Kitsune?!" Orube demanded. "She knows your secret and so does Seiryuu now!"
"Seiryuu and Hwang-Ryong would have learned of Zhu Que's betrayal eventually!" Ngọc Long retorted. "Our best course of action is to return to Earth, rest, and be ready for the next battle. Do not let Kistune distract you. I am certain you will face her again in Nihon."
Orube wanted to protest further, but then she saw the warning glare in Ngọc Long's eyes. Reluctantly, she nodded. "Girls, you heard her. Let's move!"
Kitsune weaved through Zhu Que's relentless attacks as best as she could but he was getting closer to her by the seconds. She tried throwing her chakrams, but he swatted them away as if they were flies. Barely a second to gasp, Kitsune found herself being choked by Zhu Que once he caught up to her. Instinctively, she clawed his hands, but it was no use. It was hopeless for a spirit like her to overcome a powerful godling. He could disintegrate her with flick of his wrist. As she stared into his eyes, Kistune saw true passion burning within them.
To Zhu Que's surprise, Kitsune laughed maniacally. This didn't amuse Zhu Que as he brought her closer to him.
The blade of his sword pressed closer against her neck. "Pray tell why you find your current predicament so amusing? If you are so desperate for death, I'll be certain to prolong your suffering!"
Kitsune could tell he wasn't bluffing. The fire in his eyes indicates that he would go to any length, no matter how duplicitous, to protect his wife.
"My Lady Seiryuu was right! You truly have been contaminated by love! It has consumed you like a disease! Was she worth it? Tell me, was she truly worth it to betray your sibling?"
Zhu Que's only answer was to tightened his grip. He heard a distant voice calling for him to stop. It was coming from behind. He glanced to see Ngọc Long, her eyes pleading him to stop. Without knowing it, Zhu Que loosened his grip around Kitsune's neck. Seeing her chance, she slipped out of his grasped, and pulled out a black arrow.
Ngọc Long gasped, but Zhu Que turned around in time to grab Kitsune's wrist. Glancing at the black arrow, Zhu Que realized that it belonged to Seiryuu, designed to kill an immortal. If Kitsune were to stab him in the heart, it wouldn't kill him, but if she were to aim at his third chakra, then she would succeed. It would seem Seiryuu had decided to condemn him to death.
Kitsune struggled against him, all the while spewing death threats.
"So my sister sends her bitch-fox to kill me? What a fool she is to think someone like you could succeed. I will enjoy skinning you alive and sending your hide back to Seiryuu!"
Much to his astonishment, Kitsune laughed. "Kill you? You thought Lady Seiryuu sent me here to kill you? Oh, no, my Lord. Seriyuu doesn't desire your death."
Her tone hinted a malicious hidden agenda, one that flares Zhu Que's suspicion. "What do you mean? SPEAK!"
Kistune leaned in, her voice a cold whisper. "Lady Seiryuu desires your liberation, my Lord. You see, you've been tainted by a wretched disease. The only way to save you is for me to kill your heart."
Before Zhu Que could ask her what she'd meant, Kitsune disappeared in a flash of fire and smoke. Zhe Que had been fighting against a decoy this entire time. His heart? What did she mean by—Zhu Que's eyes widen in shock, turning around at his wife.
As swift as wildfire, the real Kitsune weaved her way through Orube and Guardians while they were in the midst of their objectives. Before they had time to comprehend what was happening, Kitsune's hair shot out like limbs and grabbed them by their waists and necks.
"What the—?!" Irma gasped. In a split second, she felt herself being pulled into the air and her body slammed painfully into the others.
"Girls!" Ngọc Long cried.
They fell like a pile of crumbling rocks. The attack had come so fast, it was difficult to tell what had happened. Moaning in pain, Orube and the Guardians struggled to get back up, but their focuses became disoriented. Ngọc Long knelt by Kimi's side. Kimi winced in pain when Ngọc Long touched her head.
"You're bleeding, child," Ngọc Long said. She glanced at the other. Kimi wasn't the only one as her friends were suffering from bruises and small concussions. "Hold still."
"You should worry about yourself, you viper!"
Ngọc Long turned around to see Kitsune before her. With the glistening light of the setting sun from behind Kitsune, Ngọc Long felt as if standing before her was the god of death, coming to beckon her into his underworld realm. There was an evil glint of satisfaction in Kitsune's eyes as she plunged the black arrow, aiming straight for the Jade Dragon's heart.
"Ngọc Long!"
It felt so surreal. Ngọc Long heard her husband's voice cryinn for her name, in a sudden flash of fire and sparks, he stood between her and Kitsune. A deadly silence follows.
The Jade Dragon wanted to gasp, to cry out Zhu Que's name, but no words escaped her lips. Shock and astonishment washed over everyone as they came to. Even Kitsune was horrified at the turn of the event. She looked down to see that she had thrust the black arrow into Zhu Que.
"No!" Kitsune cried. "This wasn't supposed to happen!"
She tried to pull away and escape, but Zhu Que grabbed and pulled her closer so that she may see the dark fury painted on his face. The fire in his eyes burned fiercely before enveloping his entire body, setting it aflame. The burning demigod stood before her in all of his fiery glory. He was both beautiful and frightening.
"You will not touch her!" Zhu Que's voice spoke, laced with a demonic echo that chilled Kitsune's spine. With one hand, he struck her across the face, sending her flying. A searing pain flashed across Kitsune's skin. She shrieked, realizing that half of her face was on fire. Desperately, she disappeared without looking back, praying that Zhu Que wouldn't follow her to finish the job.
Zhu Que stood where he stands, slowly reverting back to his human form.
"Zhu Que?" Ngọc Long whispered, watching the last flame on his shoulder died.
"My love, are you…hurt?"
Ngọc Long glanced at her charges and was relieved to see that they were well, despite Kitsune's surprised attack on them.
She glanced back up at her husband. "Yes, husband. I'm well and so are they."
Zhu Que smiled, but there was something odd about it. "I'm glad."
"Zhu Que? What's wrong?"
"You're alive…that's…more than I could hope for…"
His voice trailed off before he collapsed. Ngọc Long gasped and quickly caught him.
"Zhu Que!"
Alerted by the distress in her voice, the Guardians came closer.
"Zhu Que! Zhu Que, please tell me what's wrong?!" Ngọc Long cried.
Zhu Que moved painfully in her arms, light reflected in his warm, shining eyes. He smiled at her softly and sadly. She looked down and gasped. Zhu Que followed her gaze and together, they saw the feathers of a black arrow protruding from the demigod's solar plexus.
"Zhu Que…no…no, please…" tears slowly emerged from Ngọc Long's eyes.
Feeling the Azure Dragon's aura on the arrow, Kimi whispered, "Seiryuu."
But Ngọc Long did not hear her or any of the others, nor did she care. She struggled to hold her husband up, placing a hand gently on his bleeding abdomen. For once, Zhu Que winced as if he was mortal. Ngọc Long desperately tried to heal him, but it did no good.
"Irma! Use your new power to heal him!" Will cried.
Irma nodded and rushed to kneel by Zhu Que. Her hands glow a soft blue as the moisture in the air condensed into droplets. Irma quickly wielded them together and pressed it against Zhu Que's wound. To her shock, it didn't work. Instead, the blood hardened into a blacken substance. Irma tried again, infusing her Virtue and her new magic into it. But it was hopeless. There was no Deadly Sin for her to purge.
"I…I don't understand! Why isn't it regenerating?"
Zhu Que looked down at his wound and winced painfully, causing Ngọc Long to hold onto him tighter. "I am not a being made entirely of flesh and blood…but of fire and magma. Your water magic would not heal me."
Zhu Que clasped his wife's hand and smiled at her.
"My love…I fear this is the end for me…"
"No! No, husband, don't say that…we can save you! We can—" She turned towards Kimi. "Your Jewel! Use your Jewel of Life!"
Kimi nodded and was about to manifest her magical amulet when Zhu Que reached out and clasped her hand shut. He shook her head. "Waste not your magic on me, Guardian of Light. Seiryuu's arrow has found my third chakra…I only have a few precious minutes before I am gone forever."
Kimi wanted to protest, but the look in his eyes silenced her. "It would seem the gods have decreed my duplicities too great to pardon. Despite your effort to purify me, I am condemned to die."
"Zhu Que, please, save your strength," Ngọc Long cried. She leaned in closer. "I won't lose you again! There must be a way—"
"No, my love…I can feel my essence slipping away. Please…grant me this moment to pass on my wisdom before it's too late…"
"Zhu Que…" Ngọc Long's trembling voice was barely a whisper.
Silent tears spilled from the Guardians' eyes. Hay Lin buried her face in Orube's arms while Taranee and Cornelia leaned against each other, silently mourning. Irma clenched her fists furiously. "This…this isn't how it was supposed to end! We were supposed to succeed! We were supposed to reunite you with Ngọc Long! To give you a happy ending!"
"Irma…" Will said softly, placing a hand on Irma's shoulder to comfort her.
Irma cried, turning around to embrace Will. "Why, Will?! We couldn't save Kohaku! For once, can't we succeed in bringing someone home? It's not fair! It's not fair!"
Will's only reply to hug her tighter and share in her tears. Irma's frustration would do nothing to help. Now was the time to be sincere, silent, and allow the dying demigod to say his last words.
Zhu Que glanced at Kimi and said, "Poor girl, so young yet so burdened by the many haunting tragedies in your life. In truth, I am partially blamed for your suffering. I took part in abducting your brother and I allowed Xuan Wu to kill your father before your eyes. You were the one who bore the brunt of our savagery," Zhu Que chuckled painfully. "Perhaps my death will be the justice you deserve."
Kimi said nothing as she quietly wiped her tears and regained her composure. "That is utter rubbish! I've used justice as an excuse to try and kill Xuan Wu, but I nearly lost myself! Justice isn't when you have the desire to kill someone to satisfy your thirst for revenge, but the strength to enact fair punishment out of wisdom and mercy! Despite what you did and what you say now, it doesn't change the fact that you, out of all the Celestial Warriors, have shown me mercy! No, I do not desire your death, Zhu Que! I'd rather you atone for your crimes by continuing to live and help us save this world. I do not view your death as justice for me but a tragedy for someone I care about." Kimi glanced sadly at Ngọc Long.
Zhu Que said nothing as he lifted one hand to stroke Kimi's face. "It seemed you have matured greatly, Guardian of Light. It is unfortunate that I cannot help you against my siblings' conquest."
Zhu Que winced painfully again. The women watched Zhu Que's body glowing and fading into glistening fire sparks.
"Zhu Que," Ngọc Long whispered, clasping his free hand tighter as if her touch could prevent his leaving.
"I'm…I'm fading…" Zhu Que replied. "I've not much time left, so listen to me well, Guardian of Light. I've no doubt you would believe to have witness cruelty at its highest, but heed my words for Seiryuu is more sadistic than Xuan Wu, as well as more formidable. She takes pleasure in toying with her victims and will no doubt take advantage of your desperation to save your twin. It amuses her to taunt you with your own heart's desire. Be wary to not fall under her spells for no one escapes from her entrapment and live to speak of it. If you wish to survive, then I suggest you learn to recognize what is it that you truly desire, Guardian, and let not Seiryuu twists it to satisfy her needs!"
Zhu Que sighed, no longer feeling any pain. Soon, he'll return to his purest form, the ancient fire that he was molded from. "There is something else regarding your twin I must inform you." He pulled Kimi closer and whispered into her ears. "Your brother is closer to the Prince of Darkness than you would believe. Do not trust the one who hides in the shadows."
Confused, Kimi wanted to ask him what he'd meant by that, but Zhu Que released her. He was now too weak to move.
"Zhu Que, no! Please…" Ngọc Long whispered, cradling him closer. "Don't leave me…not after all these years."
Zhu Que gave her a sad but loving gaze. How he wished he could wipe away her tears. "Ngọc Long, my love…I never wished to bring you more pain than I already had. If only I hadn't left your side all those years ago for the Gate of Oblivion. We…we could have…"
The vision he saw of himself and Ngọc Long with their two children came into mind. It was not meant to be. What cruel fate it was to show him a life he would never have now that he is free from the influence of Wrath. His children would never be born. He would never hold them in his arms, never to train them in their magic, never to hear their cries and laughter, never to see his son become a proud warrior, never to proudly give his daughter away to her future husband…Zhu Que held in his own tears. He didn't have the heart to tell Ngọc Long of his vision. It would cause her more pain and that was the last he wished to inflict upon her. No, all he wanted to do now was to melt in her arms and listen to her voice.
"Ngọc Long…do you remember that poem I wrote for you? Would you…would you sing it for me…one last time?"
Ngọc Long nodded, shifting herself slightly so she could make him more comfortable. She leaned in closer, one hand stroking through his hair as she began to sing a sad tune.
"I dreamt of you in my arms
As I slept under the stars
Promise me, you'll return to me
As you return from lands afar.
I dreamt of you still
When you are far and gone
I'll never forget you, my love
My memory of you lives on…"
Orube and the Guardians continue to respect in silence, the song bringing fresh tears to their eyes. Zhu Que smiled. With the last of his strength, he leaned in to kiss his wife and whispered, "I love you, Ngọc Long…always and forever…"
Zhu Que's body glowed even brighter like the sun. Ngọc Long gasped as he lifted into the air, sparks of firelight danced and swirled around him. He shed the last of his human form as his body transitioned into an ethereal fire bird. Everyone gazed in awe at how beautiful he was, but Ngọc Long watched sadly as the fiery bird faded away into a shower of fire sparks. The last light of the setting sun disappeared, causing a small glimmer of light to shine at her feet. Ngọc Long glanced down and saw Zhu Que's talisman. She picked up the sword and held it close to her.
"Farewell…my love…"
"Where the heck have you been?!" cried Takuya exasperatedly. "You've missed the semi-finals! Michael had to cover for you! Dammit, you're just lucky that he made it through for us!"
"The final round is about to start! We've been looking everywhere for you for like half an hour!"
"Kimi, we were worried!"
"Wait, are you bleeding?!" Zoë gasped, reaching out to touch Kimi's cut.
Kimi sighed, letting Zoë place a bandage on her forehead. She didn't want to deal with this right now.
"I'm alright, Zoë. I'm sorry for worrying you all. I had to step out for a bit…family emergency," Kimi replied.
Takuya raised an eyebrow, concerned. He hadn't forgotten the last time Kimi had a family emergency. "Kimi, is everything alright? You know you can tell us. We're your friends. If it was important…"
Kimi glanced at the audience where Orube and the others resumed their seats to watch her final match. They were forced to leave without Ngọc Long after Zhu Que died. They knew their mentor needed time to mourn now that her husband was truly gone. Despite saving Annam and purifying Zhu Que, the feeling of defeat weighed heavily on them all. Yet, Orube insisted that they try to get back to the Winter Tournament to maintain the illusion of normality for their friends and family.
"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE FINAL MATCH FOR THE GOLD BETWEEN HEATHERFIELD INSTITUTE OF ART AND SCIENCE AGAINST SHEFFIELD INSTITUTE!"
A wave of applause and cheers exploded throughout the stadium. The air was saturated with so many positive auras that Kimi felt overwhelmed. She watched Koji's team mates patting him on the back before he got into the ring. Several girls were screaming and cheering his names. They must be those fanatics Koji had told her about last time. Koji ignored them, his eyes focusing on Kimi and he smiled. His confident smirk was both amusing and annoying.
Kimi glanced back at Takuya and the others and spoke with conviction. "I am fighting." They seemed unconvinced and were about to protest, but Kimi shook her head. "Thank you for caring, I really appreciate it, but I'm going up there to fight because that is what I do."
She didn't have to say more than that. Her friends knew their team captain is a fighter. No matter how cruel life has been treating her lately, she'll learn to endure it and move on.
Takuya placed a hand on Kimi's shoulder and smirked. "Kimi, kick Koji's ass for me. He still owes us."
Kimi nodded and turned to step towards the ring.
"Shake hands, you two," said the referee.
Koji extended his hand. Kimi took it graciously and shook it. "Glad to see you, princess," Koji smirked. Oh, how she would love to wipe it off his face. He noticed the cut on her forehead, but said nothing. "I was worried that you'd back out on our wager."
Kimi tightened her grip on his hand. He didn't seem to notice her Lusterian strength. Instead, he returned it with his own. Much to her surprise, his grip was quite powerful for an Earthling.
"It would be dishonorable of me to go back on my words," Kimi answered.
"True. I do look forward to fighting against my rival at last."
His aura radiated a glow that made Kimi felt odd.
"You know the rules. I want a clean match! No illegal techniques and no illegal target areas, got it?" said the referee. "READY! SET! FIGHT!"
Will and her friends watched the match in silence as the crowd around them cheered with great jubilance.
Girls, is it really right for us to be sitting here and cheering? Cornelia asked, using their telepathic channel. It was partly for privacy and partly due to the loud cheering all around them. Our mentor lost her husband for good. We probably shouldn't have left her all by herself on Lusteria.
Cornelia, she asked us to leave her be. She needs time to mourn over Zhu Que's death, Will said sadly. She glanced down at her twiddling fingers. We had to respect that.
Orube crossed her arm as she watched Kimi blocked Koji's kick and tried to knock him down. She failed to get him out of the ring as he quickly got back on his feet and came at her. Orube smiled. Kimi is still here with us and right now, she needs us, don't you agree? Believe me, I had my share of loss. I still think of Cedric often, Orube said. The Guardians glanced at her, unsure of what to say. Orube chuckled and smiled gently at them. Sometimes I wonder if I'll ever find someone else like him and learned to love and care for him as much. Right now, I'm still not certain of the answer, but I do know this: Cedric is still with me always. If it wasn't for that, I probably wouldn't have survived my battle against the kỳ lân when it was still under a spell. She paused. All I'm saying is that nothing last forever. In a split second, the things that we cherish and the ones we love can disappear and the memories we try to hold on to them will become our greatest treasure. Today, we achieved greatness but also suffered a great loss. But despite all of that, I know that right now, I am glad I didn't lose any of you…even you, Irma. Orube smiled at Irma. I'm really proud of you.
Touched by Orube's word, Irma couldn't help but smile. She turned to face the others before standing up, both hands on her hips. C'mon, girls. Orube's right. Life is filled with both sorrow and joy. The seven of us are still here and that's something to be thankful for. I don't know what I would do if I lose any of you, girls. We're Guardians and whatever happens, we'll endure it together and be there for one another. And right now, I've got something to get off my chest. She turned to see Kimi and Koji still sparring in the ring. Koji was holding his ground against her very well.
Irma breathed in deeply and screamed at the top of her lungs. "C'MON, KIMI! KICK HIS ASS!" She screamed so loud that no doubt it could be heard on the other side of the stadium. "C'MON! YOU CAN DO IT, GIRL! SHOW THAT PRETTY BOY HOW A REAL WOMAN FIGHTS!"
Will and her friends gave each other a look before they stood up and joined her, cheering for Kimi as loud as they could. Ultimately, Irma was still the loudest.
Hearing their cheers, Kimi gave her friends a quick glance before she had to dodge Koji's kick again. They were cheering for her victory? How odd these Earthlings are to show so much enthusiasm and optimism. Then again, it felt nice. Was this what it's like to be encouraged by people who love and support you?
Right, she has to focus on this fight. Her friends, Guardians or not, were showing their encouragement and it felt intoxicating. But as much as Kimi wanted to, she realized she was slightly out of breath. Why was it so hard for her to knock Koji down? Was she really that tired from the battle in Annam?
She'll have to make this quick. She spun for another kick, quickly caught Koji by surprised but he narrowly dodged in time. He shot her another smile.
Is he toying with me or is he enjoying this too much?! Kimi thought. Currently, she and Koji were tied in points. There was only a few seconds left on the clock and Kimi would rather not have a tie. If she could throw a kick to his middle, she'll win. I've had enough. Time to end this little game!
Kimi saw her opportunity when Koji threw a punch. Kimi dodged and kicked her leg out at his side.
"GO KIMI!"
In a blink of an eye, Koji saw this and spun away from the attack, coming closer at her. With his momentum, he spun and brought his leg around and landed a kick to the side of her head.
The next thing Kimi knew, she landed out of the ring.
"OUT! KISIMOTO WINS! GOLD GOES TO HEATHERFIELD INSTITUTE OF ART AND SCIENCE AND SILVER TO SHEFFIELD INSTITUTE! WHAT A MATCH!"
The stadium burst into roars and cheers. Kimi lay there, flabbergasted. She'd…lost? She'd lost to an Earthling? She turned her head towards the crowd. Orube and the others were just as shocked as she was.
"Did Kimi just…?" Cornelia spoke, not believing what she was seeing.
"…lost?" Taranee finished. She was just as surprised.
The others gaped, but it was Irma who quickly recovered herself and started clapping. "THAT'S MY GIRL! KIMI YOU WERE AMAZING!"
Will and the others were surprised to see Irma gracious enough to applaud their friend for coming in second. It was a bit strange, but then again, it was much nicer to see Irma back to her cheery self. They shrugged before joining in on the applause.
Kimi felt a tap on her shoulder. Kimi turned her head to see Koji offering his hand. Without meaning to, Kimi took it and he pulled her up close to him.
"Good match, princess," Koji said. "I must say, you were on fire! I can't remember the last time I fought such an interesting opponent."
Kimi said nothing, still too surprised to realize that she had lost to this boy.
"So? This Saturday, then?"
Kimi blinked. "Excuse me?"
Koji rolled his eyes and shook his head. "Don't go and play that ignorance card now, Kimi. Time to honor your deal by letting me show you around town, remember? So, this Saturday, then?"
She'd lost…she'd lost to this boy and now she has to…oh, dear gods! Why couldn't that Kitsune just kill her instead?!
Glaring at Koji, Kimi huffed. "Fine! You may be my escort, but do not expect to impress me just yet!"
Koji laughed. "I just beat you, princess. I think I just did."
Kimi's face flushed even redder, either out of embarrassment or fury.
As soon as the judges finished passing out the trophies, Kimi's teammate hugged her hard. The other Guardians joined them not long afterwards.
"Why are you happy? I've failed you. We've lost," Kimi pointed out.
"Okay, so we didn't win first place, but c'mon we've won silver!" Takuya beamed, glancing at his reflection in the silver trophy Kimi was holding.
"Sheffield hasn't won a spot on the podium in years!" Zoë pointed out. "Thanks to you, we came in second and that's a great achievement!"
"But I—" Kimi protested, surprised by their enthusiasm.
"No buts! Cheers for Kimi, our team captain!" Jean Phillip cried. Soon, Michael and Tommy joined in while Troy tried to show Kimi his thanks by attempting to kiss her (sensing his intention, Kimi blocked his lips by holding up the trophy).
After another half hour of congratulations and posing for photos, Zoë suggested that they go and celebrate their winnings by eating out. The boys, as always, were up to the idea, but Kimi declined, saying that she was too tired and would rather go home and rest. She gave Zoë the silver trophy and promised to celebrate with them another day before heading towards the locker room to change.
As Kimi made her way towards the exit, Orube and the other Guardians joined her and together, all seven of them walked home. Kimi exhale, her breath turning into puffs of mist in the cold, wintry air.
"Well, it's been one heck of a day, huh, girls?" Taranee spoke.
A moment of silence fell upon them as they stopped to admire the setting sun.
"Yes, much has happened," Orube said.
"It feels as if things are going to be very different now," Will added. Unconsciously, she moved a hand over her heart. She could feel the warmth of the Heart of Kandrakar beating within her. "We've been through a lot…the seven of us…"
"We've fought against enemies, but we also made friends," Hay Lin nodded. She leaned against the rail as she stared off into the setting sun. The cold, winter breeze didn't bother her. It was a welcoming touch after the humidity of Annam.
"And we've lost a few, like Kohaku and Zhu Que…" said Cornelia sadly.
There was another quiet moment. A wet and cold sensation kissed their cheeks. Everyone looked up towards the darken sky.
"Hey, it's snowing," Hay Lin gasped, smiling.
Orube and the Guardians watched in wonder as more and more snow began to cover their heads and shoulders.
"It hardly ever snow here in Heatherfield during the winter," Cornelia said. "When it does, it feels like a Christmas miracle."
Kimi blinked. "Christmas? What is a Christmas?"
Her friends gave her a look. "Right, I forgot you don't celebrate Christmas on Lusteria, do you?"
"Actually, I'm curious about it myself," Orube said. "I've heard of this holiday of yours the last time I was here but I didn't stay long enough to celebrate it with you girls."
"Oh, my!" Hay Lin gasped, clasping her hands excitedly together. "I just realized that it's going to be our first Christmas with Orube and Kimi this year!"
Hearing this, the others beamed. "That's right! Orube! Kimi! You're going to love it!" Irma said.
Kimi glanced at Irma, a hand clenched over her heart. "I'm certain I will, Irma. Perhaps I'll enjoy it as much as your loud encouragement earlier."
"Glad that you like the cheering," Irma grinned.
"Do you…do it for everyone?"
Irma blinked but then shrugged. "Nah…my cheers are only for my friends and family."
"Am I?" Kimi asked, a hint of hesitation in her voice. Why was she feeling nervous? "Am I really…worthy—?"
Irma embraced her before Kimi could finish. She didn't sense Irma coming in so fast.
"I don't need to be an auraseer like you to know that you're wondering if you're worthy enough to be my friend," Irma whispered. "I'm so sorry, Kimi. I'm sorry for treating you so badly. Of course you're worthy…more so than you think. You don't need to win a gold medal to prove that to me or any of us. You're like another sister to me and I love you, too. We all love you and we'll help you find your brother."
Kimi was speechless. She was even more surprised to feel fresh tears spilling from her eyes. Hay Lin gave a soft peep before she and the others joined in on the hug.
It's warm, Kimi thought. I can't ever remember feeling this warm.
Kimi stepped back and held out her hands. Sparkling light danced around her, creating a whirlwind of colors like diamonds. Her friends gasped in wonder as Kimi conjured up bouquets of pastel-colored sakura flowers, summoned through her own light magic. They emitted a soft, rainbow hue. Each petal radiating a beautiful light.
"These ethereal sakura flowers are rare, even on Lusteria. I've made through my light magic, and thus, you will each have a part of me with you always. These will become a symbol of our friendship, our bond, and our love. Unlike regular sakura blossoms, these will remain in bloom forever until the day I am no longer here with you."
Part I Ended
To be continued in Part II…
Author's note: At last it's done! The first half of this story, that is! Yes, I'm sorry it took me so long to write this. I had a lot of projects at my workplace to finish. By the time I come home, I'm too tired. Finding the time and motivation to write these days is very difficult for me, but I really want to finish this story. I'm so surprised it took me this long to finish just half of the story! Let's hope that it won't take me nearly as long for the second half.
Ah, yes…sorry for killing Zhu Que in the end…I had planned his death a while back. And if you're wondering why he's still alive in A Slice of Life…let's just say that it's him, but at the same time not exactly him…if that makes any sense. Don't worry, I've planned it all out and if you stick around for Part II, you'll see Zhu Que again…and perhaps the other Celestial Warriors, too. Hee hee…
Yes, Kimi actually lost to Koji. Give the girl a break! She just came back from a long day of fighting demons and a fire godling! Of course she's exhausted! The other reason she lost is because…yeah, stick around for Part II to find out why…well, at least she has a date!