Chapter 12: Fiery Passion pt. II

"C'mon, Kimi!" You gotta give us something! Anything!" Hay Lin begged, clasping her hands, pursing her lips, and widening her eyes like an adorable puppy.

Irma and Cornelia stifled their giggles like idiots. Kimi, however, smirked but remained unmoved. She had to give this girl credit for trying.

"What is there to tell?" she asked with a shrug. "Koji took me to meet his family and friends before our lunch date at a restaurant. After that, we went around the city to enjoy all the lovely sights and sounds."

Hay Lin sighed and sank back into her seat.

DING!

Immediately, Cornelia went to the oven and brought out several trays of freshly baked cookies. Thanks to her telekinesis, she levitated all six trays at once, carefully placing them on the kitchen counter.

Irma leaned in to sniff with appreciation. "Finally! And not a moment too soon! I can't wait to get started!" she said, reaching out for her piping bag.

"Careful, they're still hot!" Cornelia chided her. "If you put the icing on now, they'll melt. We'll need to cool them." Glancing at Hay Lin, she said, "Hay Lin, would you be so kind?"

"Not a problem!" Hay Lin chirped happily. She held out a palm and blew to create a dozen little tornadoes. At her command, they danced across the countertop, cooling each cookie before finally dissipating into thin air.

"Here," Cornelia began as she took up a pair of scissors and a piping bag full of icings. "Cut the tip like this and decorate them in whatever patterns you want." Kimi nodded as she watched the demonstration with fascination. "If you want extra effects, just add on a dash of these—" Cornelia gestured at the bowls of sprinkles, glitters, and edible gold, "—and top them off like this!" She finished decorating three of her Christmas angel cookies with a flick and flair, giving them glittery wings and dresses.

Kimi couldn't help but stare in amazement. "It's as if you have created sweet jewels of splendid colors!"

Cornelia laughed and gave her an amused look. "Sweet jewels of splendid colors, huh? So you're a poet as well as a martial arts champion!"

"There is more to me than fighting and being a Guardian," Kimi shrugged. She picked up her piping bag, cut the tip like Cornelia showed her, and began icing her sugar cookies.

With school already out for the holidays, the city was already ablaze with Christmas lights, music, and holiday spirits. There was a magical wintry atmosphere for the locals and visitors who came for the annual Winter Festival. The Guardians busied themselves helping their families get ready for Christmas—shopping, cooking, decorating, and calling distant relatives to wish them a happy holiday.

At the same time, they scrambled to get things ready for their own private Christmas party at their headquarters. Orube didn't object to the idea, despite how tired she looked from her recon missions. She even agreed with the other Guardians and encouraged Kimi to invite Koji to the party. After all, Irma, Cornelia, and Hay Lin had already invited their boyfriends! As if these weren't enough, the Guardians scrambled to help Hay Lin and the other art students sell their pieces at the festival, all the while supporting Taranee in her upcoming winter pageant. With opening day looming closer, she's been having back-to-back rehearsals.

On December twenty-second, two days before Christmas Eve, everyone was giddy with excitement. Taranee's show was the next day while their private Christmas Eve party was the day after. With Taranee preoccupied, the others scrambled to get some last-minute Christmas shopping done. An idea popped into Cornelia's head as they were exiting a boutique.

"Why don't we have a baking session tomorrow?" she suggested. Turning to Kimi, she said, "It's fun, and we'll gossip and talk while baking some snacks for our Christmas party!"

"Sounds like a good idea to me!" Irma chirped. "I'll bring my mom's baking recipe cards!"

"And we've got all the ingredients!" Hay Lin added. "More than enough to make several baker's dozen!" Turning to Will, she smiled, "Ooh! Let's make French macarons!"

Irma shot her an incredulous look. "Do you know how hard it is to make those, Hay-hey?! Even mine turned out messy!"

"But the fun is in the experience!" Hay Lin laughed. "Gotta break a few eggs if you want to make an omelet! Right, Kimi?"

Kimi blinked and tilted her head in confusion. "But I thought you said you wanted to make sweets."

"It's just a saying! So, what do you say?"

"We're supposed to be at the amphitheater early tomorrow to support Taranee and the other thespians," Kimi noted.

"Don't worry, we can come to your house early for the baking session and leave at noon for the show," Hay Lin said.

Kimi shrugged and made no further complaint. She didn't mind as she had nothing planned that day.

By the time her friends arrived, Orube was already gone and they had the entire headquarters to themselves. Taranee, as expected, couldn't meet them as she had to get to Jensen's Dance Academy early for hair and makeup. And Will? Well, she seemed more absent-minded than Irma and Hay Lin combined. She only gave Kimi a curt hello before her eyes fell back on her smartphone as if she was expecting a call.

For hours, they talked and baked and laughed. Naturally, the French macarons turned out to be a mess, so they abandoned the idea and switched to regular Christmas cookies. To Kimi, the experience was mundane but also charming and fun. It was mainly about gossips and talking about each others' family reunions during the holidays. As soon as the subject turned to boys, Irma and Hay Lin immediately started to pressure Kimi for the juicy details of her first date. Now that it was official, they were dying to know.

But Kimi wasn't talking. Having learned her lesson from their previous shopping trip, she wasn't ready to share some of the details—especially the more intimate moments—with anyone yet.

There was another reason why Kimi didn't want to talk about stuff like this. She had only just found out that Koji wasn't as unpleasant as she thought. He still teased and annoyed her, but never out of malice. If anything, he respected and accepted her for herself, never expecting her to conform to an idealized version of what she ought to be. Kimi liked him enough to address him by his first name without the traditional suffix and allowed the same courtesy towards him.

Thinking about her first date with Koji, Kimi felt her heart fluttering. She couldn't forget about the natural secret spot he'd shown her—the waterfall cascading into a hidden sea cave, the field of flowers, and the setting sun behind a sparkling cityscape in winter—not to mention the promise he made to her! Kimi wasn't sure what to make of it, but his feelings were genuine and his words sincere. Whatever feeling she was developing for him, she wanted time to find out.

Is it so selfish of me to want to keep this feeling for myself a while longer? Kimi thought.

"C'mon, Kimi! We've been over this," Cornelia laughed as she sprinkled edible green glitter over her cookies. "As our friend, you have to share the juicy bits about your date."

"And I told you that there's not much to tell," Kimi repeated with s smirk. Oh, she wasn't going to budge.

"Nope! Not buying it!" Irma declared. She picked up one of her gingerbread cookies and took a bite off its head. "That is bull and you know it!" she said, waving the headless biscuit at Kimi. Her mouth was half full as she spitted crumbs over Kimi's work, much to her chagrin.

Cornelia shot Irma an exasperated look. "Irma, if you keep eating the cookies, there won't be any left for the party!"

Irma grabbed a glass of milk to wash it down. "Hey, I'm taste-testing! Gotta make sure my mom's recipe went as planned," she said defensively, taking another bite. "Speaking of which, your mixture is a bit off, Corny, 'cause some of your cookies have tiny little holes in them."

"Is there a hole in your stomach, too?" Kimi asked. She flicked her finger and a napkin flew into Irma's face. "If you have time to eat, then you have time to decorate."

Irma let out an indignant huff but whipped her mouth clean before rolling up her sleeves. "Don't you dare deflect and evade the subject, Kimi," she said as she reached out and picked up another cookie cutter. "I told you that, as your friends, we have the right to know! And being part of this group means that you have to indulge us and spill! We. Want. Juicy. Details!" Irma slammed the cookie cutter onto a dough sheet with each enunciated word. She didn't bother to see that she had created four perfectly shaped stars.

Cornelia levitated that tray of star-shaped cookies into the oven with a flick of her hand. Kimi blinked, glancing at Will, who hadn't noticed that Irma had done the work for her.

"Irma's right, Kimi," Hay Lin said, leaning over to carefully draw intricate patterns on her own sets of gingerbread men. "It's normal for Earth teenagers to share gossips. Think of this as a bonding exercise like during our shopping spree."

"If you're truly committed to learning our ways, you better start telling us everything," Cornelia said, giving Kimi a mischievous wink. "Besides, I've told you all the details about my complicated relationship with Caleb when you asked me yesterday. Don't you think it's fair that you tell me about yours?"

Cornelia sat down and rested her chin on her hands, and batted her eyes innocently at Kimi. Irma and Hay Lin burst out laughing, and Kimi couldn't help but grin.

"Honestly! I have never met such a nosy bunch of girls in my life!" Kimi said as she wiped a smear of red icing off her apron. "Instead of concerning about my love life, why don't you ask Will what's going on with hers?"

"Oh, no, you don't!" Irma started, pointing a wooden spoon at her. "You're just trying to deflect again—"

Before Irma could finish, Kimi snatched the spoon from her hand and pointed at Will. "The Keeper of the Heart hasn't spoken much to us these past few days!"

Irma and her friends exchanged glances before their eyes fell on Will, who hadn't noticed that she was mentioned. Irma raised an eyebrow. Perhaps Kimi had a point.

"Hey, Will?" said Hay Lin, but Will didn't glance up from her phone.

"Will, are you even on Earth?" Cornelia asked. Again, Will said nothing. "Guess not."

Irma huffed with irritation. Her eyes darted around on the kitchen counter and finally settled on a bowl of peanuts. With a wicked grin, she snatched a piece and flicked it at Will.

Will gasped and rose to her feet, knocking over her chair. "What the—? Irma!" she cried. "What are you doing?"

"Grabbing your attention, apparently," Kimi said.

"Will, you're so distracted lately!" Hay Lin said.

Irma snatched her wooden spoon back from Kimi. "You haven't been helping us with the baking. We practically had to do your share of the work while you sat there staring at your mobile." Irma said accusingly.

Will glanced around and noticed all the mess on the marble kitchen countertop. True to Irma's words, most of the baking was done. She turned and gave everyone an apologetic look.

"Sorry, girls," Will said, looking sheepish. "I didn't mean to mean to, it's just that…" she trailed off, her right hand instinctively went to her mobile.

Cornelia shrugged. "It's not a big deal, Will, but do you care to tell us what's been bothering you?"

"You have been staring at your phone a lot lately," Hay Lin added.

"What could be so fascinating about your communication device?" Kimi asked, her tone slightly condescending. "Don't tell me you're like all the adolescents on this world with their eyes constantly fixated on those little things."

"Kimi…" Irma rolled her eyes.

"Do you think I am wrong?" Kimi arched an eyebrow. "Magic still exists in this world, just barely, but most Earthlings can't be bothered to acknowledge and appreciate it. They created a device that allows them to see the world in their hands, and suddenly they think that's magic!"

Will's expression furrowed as she glared at Kimi. Ignoring her snide comment, she turned to the rest of the group. "I'm worried about Matt. He hasn't returned any of my messages since that day."

Will shot the Light Guardian a glare. The end of Kimi's lips twitched ever so slightly. It took a bit of effort to stop herself from rolling her eyes and shooting another insensitive comment.

"You guys haven't talked since?" Hay Lin asked with concern.

"No. Matt's been avoiding me all week!" She glanced longingly at her mobile phone. "I left him so many messages that his voice mailbox is full!"

"So now you're stalking him?" said Kimi with an air of sarcasm.

Will lifted her head, her brown eyes flashing. "This is your fault, Kimi! If you hadn't treated Matt the way you did, he would still be here!"

"And I told you that I did what needs to be done," Kimi said in a low voice. To Will's credit, she didn't back down. She'd known the Lusterian long enough to know her intention; this wasn't a threat but a stern reminder. "Matt-boy would have been more of a hindrance than a help to us! He wouldn't listen, so I was forced to show him the reality of his situation. If he's still giving you the cold shoulder, then that's more his fault than mine."

"Kimi has a point, Will," Irma said, surprising everyone.

"You're taking her side?" Will said in an accusing tone.

"I'm not taking anyone's side!" Irma folded her arms. "But think about it, Will! Matt hasn't returned any of your calls, and when you asked his bandmates, what did they tell you?"

Will studied her and the others for a moment before shaking her head in defeat. "They just tell me that he's being moody and that they haven't seen much of him either."

"What about his family? His mom and grandfather must have seen him!" Hay Lin said hopefully.

Will shook her head. "Same story from them. He constantly makes excuses to avoid helping his grandfather at his pet shop, and his mom only ever saw him coming home late. When she tried to talk to him, he said he was tired and shut himself in his room."

Irma raised an eyebrow. That seemed out of place, even for Matt. "Really? Even to his family members?" She glanced at Kimi. "I think you did more than just wound his pride."

Kimi wisely said nothing.

"What else did Mrs. Olsen say?" Hay Lin asked.

"She said that it's normal that he sulked for days and tried to assure me he'll get over it soon—by Christmas Eve!"

"Ah! There you go!" Hay Lin chirped, clapping her hands. "If his mum says he'll come around by then, you'll have nothing to worry about."

Will's lips tightened. She didn't look convinced. "But Christmas Eve is tomorrow! I was hoping to contact him and invite him to our private party here."

"Maybe you'll see Matt at Taranee's show later today," Cornelia suggested. "He did show up to our last performances. You can ask him then."

Will glanced down at her phone, but it remained cold and blank. "I don't know…maybe I should—"

"Will, just be patient and give him some space," Irma said, but not too unkindly. "You know how he gets."

"Yeah, remember how he thought you and Eric were seeing each other and gave you the cold shoulder?" Hay Lin asked.

Will gave her a look but didn't argue. "Not one of our better memories."

Cornelia shook her head and crossed her arms. "Oh, honestly, Will. Matt's not the only one who tends to act like this. If memory serves me correctly, you also acted poorly when you thought he preferred Orube over you."

Kimi blinked, surprised by this. "What?" she turned to Cornelia. "You are serious? Will thought Matt-boy and Orube-neesan were…" she glanced at Will, unsure how to react.

Will cringed in embarrassment as she buried her face in her hands. "Can we not go down that memory lane, please? Urgh, I'm so glad Orube's not here to remind me of that fiasco."

"Remind you of what? What is going on?"

Gasping in surprise, everyone turned to see Orube standing by the doorframe. From the looks of her windswept hair and slightly battered outfit, she was worn from her journey.

"Orube! You're back!" Hay Lin cried. "How was your search?"

Orube didn't answer at first. Instead, she continued to glance at Will, expecting an answer to her question. "What were you talking about before?"

"It's nothing important!" Will blurted out, cutting off Kimi's question. She did not need Orube to rehash an ugly story and give Kimi another good reason to provide Matt with grief. "Just gossiping and talking about boys!"

Orube's eyebrow arched as she turned and gave Kimi a sly smile. "One boy, in particular, I suspect?"

Before Kimi could answer, Will jumped in again with another question. "Anyway, did you find the Jade Dragon?"

"No," Orube let out a heavy sigh. Taking off her winter cloak, she plopped down on an empty chair and rested her chin on her arms. "I've searched and asked around for days, but there's not a trace of her."

"What about Annam? Maybe her divine family knows where she is!" Hay Lin suggested.

"I tried there already," Orube explained.

"What about the other kingdoms?" Kimi asked. "Joseon? Zhong-guo? The steppes of Tian? Even my own native country is vast! Ngọc Long could be hiding in any one of Nihon's islands and forest!"

"I checked the best that I could these last few days, Kimi," Orube said. "I even talked to the mermaid Queen Umi, but I'm afraid there's nothing."

"Maybe she doesn't want to be found," Irma said sullenly. "After what happened with Zhu Que and Kimi, can we blame her?"

An uncomfortable silence fell between them, but it came and went as quickly as a flash of rain.

"She'll come back!" Hay Lin said suddenly, her voice full of conviction. Everyone turned to her. "I know she will! After what we've been through, I don't think Ngọc Long would leave us forever!"

"Hay Lin…" Orube said softly, but Hay Lin shook her head, refusing to budge.

"Don't you see? Right now, Ngọc Long is sad and hurt because of what happened to Zhu Que," Hay Lin glanced at Kimi, "and she's horrified for hurting you. That's why she left!" Turning back to Orube, Hay Lin continued, "Maybe Ngọc Long doesn't want to be found, but that doesn't mean she has abandoned us for good! I know she'll come back to us when the time comes. So, instead of worrying about her, perhaps we should just focus on ourselves."

Orube looked at her for a moment before allowing a small smile to appear on her lips. "Perhaps you're right, Hay Lin. Still, it would be nice to know if she's alright." She glanced up and took note of the kitchen. "In any case, this is a fine mess you're making."

"We're making Christmas cookies for our party tomorrow," Cornelia said. "Later, we're going to see Taranee's show."

Orube looked surprised. "That's today? By the Light of Kandrakar, I had forgotten!"

"We've been trying to get Kimi to spill the juicy details about her date with Koji when you showed up," Irma added. She grabbed another cookie and took a bite. "So far, it's like trying to pull teeth!"

Orube raised an eyebrow before glancing at Kimi, who shot Irma disparagingly. "Oh?" Orube mused as she rested her chin on her hands again. "Then I supposed she didn't tell you about the kiss?"

Everyone's jaws dropped to the floor. Even Kimi looked horrified.

"WHAT?!" Will and her friends screamed.

Irma slammed her hands on the counter. "KIMI! HOW COULD YOU NOT TELL US SOMETHING SO IMPORTANT AS—"

"We didn't kiss!" Kimi seethed through her teeth. Indeed, they hadn't, but just thinking about it caused Kimi's cheeks to flush a shade of pink brighter.

"Ooh! Your face is all pink!" Cornelia pointed out with a grin.

"Tell us! Tell us! Tell us the details!" Hay Lin said in a sing-song voice.

"Did you kiss him, or did he kiss you?" Will asked. "Where and when did it happen?"

"Was he a good kisser?" Irma asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Did his breath smell—"

Orube couldn't help but laugh at the scene she'd caused. Kimi whirled on Orube, her eyes flashing. "See what you have done? Honestly, Orube-neesan! I didn't think you would stoop so low as to play childish games!"

Orube smiled and shrugged. "Perhaps, but it's so much fun watching you getting so worked up over a boy."

"Awe! So you two didn't kiss?" Hay Lin asked and earned a disparaging look from Kimi. Disappointed, she deflated like a balloon in her chair.

Regaining her composer, Kimi replied in an even tone. "No, Orube was having her bit of fun." She crossed her arms and leaned against the fridge. "And even if we had, I still wouldn't tell you about it."

Irma threw an arm around Kimi, "Urgh! You're no fun!"

Kimi gently slapped her hand away. "We need to get going," she said.

"Trying to dodge the subject again?" Irma asked.

Kimi ignored her and pointed at the clock on the wall. "Unless you want to miss the pageant, I suggest we start cleaning and getting ready to go. Otherwise, our fiery friend will wonder where we are."

Hay Lin gasped, her hands flying to her mouth. They had been so preoccupied talking that they failed to realize the time was now past noon. "Taranee's show! Oh, no! We're going to be late!"

Will swore and started to move. "Shoot! C'mon, girls! We better get going, or else we'll miss the opening act!"

"Do you mind cleaning this mess first?" Orube asked and pointed out the mess they had made. "Ngọc Long may not be present, but Kimi and I still live here."

As swiftly as they could, and with a bit of help from magic, the girls quickly tidied up the kitchen, setting aside the cookies for tomorrow, and made their way towards the front door.

"I have our tickets!" Hay Lin chirped, zipping them into her pocket for safekeeping.

"Cornelia! What about the flowers?" Will asked.

"On it!" With a snap of her fingers, their arms were laden with bouquets with the most beautiful floral arrangements fit for a girl who's about to set the stage aflame. "There we go!" Cornelia said, beaming with pride. Satisfied with their work, they put on their winter coats and boots and gathered at the front door.

"Orube, are you certain you wish to join us?" Kimi asked. "You must be exhausted from your mission."

Orube gave a light laugh as she wore her winter trench coat and gloves. "I appreciate your concern, but I don't plan on missing Taranee's big show." Taking the bouquet from Kimi, she turned to the others. "Now, let's go support the star."

Taranee took another deep breath and slowly exhaled, but it did little to ease her anxiety. No matter how many times she has done this, she still gets nervous before going on stage.

Earlier, Taranee had peaked through the curtains to see a full house—every seat in the amphitheatre was filled! Without a doubt, the advertisement for The Snow Queen was a success! Taranee was glad she had reserved enough tickets for her friends and family near the front. She spotted her parents and brother as they came in, followed by the Guardians and their boyfriends! Spotting her through the crack of the curtain, Irma silently waved at her with enthusiasm. Cornelia was busy chatting with Peter, and her parents were fiddling with their cameras, hoping to take pictures after the show—even Kimi was talking to Kishimoto! Taranee was surprised to hear the Heatherfield Philharmonic Orchestra was playing the music of their performance! For some reason, Kishimoto seemed more sheepish and shy while talking to Kimi today.

He's probably as nervous as I am, Taranee thought ruefully.

Even Nigel came, although he had chosen to sit further back. They may be friends again, but the last thing they needed was for the Cooks to spot him and try to engage in a friendly but awkward conversation.

They were on in ten minutes, and already it was chaos backstage: The stagehands rushed about to inspect the riggings before doing some last-minute safety checks; actors checked and adjusted their costumes; Edna and Kevin were doing their best to organize everyone, and Luke and Sheila were getting the finishing touches for their hair and makeup.

Taranee sighed as she moved away from the curtains. Closing her eyes, she took several deep breaths. Soon, the sound of the chaotic backstage disappeared, and she was alone in her world.

No point in worrying, Taranee thought. She'd been practicing for weeks, had attended every rehearsal, stayed late to work on her weak points. By now, she'd memorized everyone's lines and songs and mastered all her dance moves. I am ready, Taranee reminded herself. When you go on stage, you are Gerda! Show everyone how much you love being on stage! Show them that fiery passion of yours! You were chosen to play Gerda because you can burn bright like a star!

Love. True love.

Taranee paused, wondering if she deserved to use such words when she had given up on reigniting any hopes of a relationship with Nigel yesterday. She didn't want to think about it.

"Tara!"

Taranee saw Sheila strolling up to her from her periphery vision, light on her feet like a snowy bird in winter.

"Finally! That makeup artist sure took her sweet time doing my hair and face! It's nearly showtime!" Sheila twirled expertly like a prima ballerina, allowing the hems of her sleeves and dress to ripple in the air. "Well? What do you think?" she asked.

Taranee spun to give Sheila her undivided attention. Her breath came to a standstill as she beheld her friend: Sheila Jensen was gorgeous, illuminated by the backlighting. It was as if a divine force had decided to outline her best features in light. Her hair was gelled and coifed in intricate patterns to allow her head to be donned by a diamond-encrusted diadem. Glitter dotted parts of her hair and dressed like trails of diamond dust. Her ice-blue dress sparkled with sewn-on crystals. Its shape accentuated her figure in ways that Taranee had never noticed before.

Taranee continued to gape in astonishment, feeling her pulse racing. Seeing her stunned expression, Sheila giggled in delight, satisfied with the reaction it had created. Her laughter was light and musical. Had it always sounded like that before? It felt as if she was looking at this friendship through rose-tinted glasses. Wiped clean, she was viewing Sheila in a new light.

This sudden feeling was sudden, strange, and unexpected. Taranee swallowed, unsure what to make of it. Get a hold of yourself! You have a show to do!

"Well, seeing your reaction, I guess it was worth the extra effort and time to make me look this good," Sheila said as she patted her hair. "Can you imagine how the audience is going to react? Oh, I can't wait to see the look on Luke's face when he sees me in this!" With that, she ran off to show off her looks. Sure enough, Luke's reaction was just as starstruck as Taranee's.

Quickly, Taranee clamped the strange feeling down. Of course. Sheila has Luke, not that they're officially a couple, but what was Taranee thinking? No time for distraction! They had a show to do!

Edna clapped her hands, and soon, the only sound everyone could hear were the murmurs of the guests and the orchestra tuning their instruments from beyond the curtains. Soon, they began to play an overture, signaling the show's beginning.

"Gather round!" Kevin said, gesturing for everyone to come closer. "Edna and I would like to share a few words of encouragement." Taranee and Sheila pushed themselves towards the front, stepping on their toes for a better view. Thankfully, Kevin and Edna were taller than everyone. She had never seen them in formal attire before. Sheila snickered, thinking that her dad looked so silly in a suit, but with his hair gel and combed back in a slick way and his suit-and-tie sparkling white, Taranee hardly recognized him. And Edna, with her glittering red and gold gown, matched her eye-shadows. Taranee blinked, wondering if the woman had her Afro fluffed up for today's show. She admired her dancing instructor, but right now, Edna looked like a goddess of the performing arts, ready to usher them to the stage for the world to see.

"Ah, my young thespians!" Edna began. "Today is the opening day of our interpretation of the beloved fairytale, The Snow Queen. In a few moments, you will walk on that stage and give the performances of your lives. I understand that we say it every time, but when you're in show business, the theater IS your life!" Everyone gave a quiet cheer, and some clapped. "There is a reason why Kevin and I chose this particular fairytale; The Snow Queen is a love story! It shows the audience that true love burns so bright that it can preserver through the toughest times, weather the coldest storms, and thaw a frozen heart." She turned to Taranee and gave her a wink. "A queen, whose heart is as cold as ice, has no power against a warm, loving heart because a fiery passion burns within it."

Taranee lowered her head, her mind picturing those she loves, namely her friends and family. Even Nigel's face popped up, despite their separation. She clenched her hand, holding it close to her heart. Yes, she will find new love again someday.

The Heatherfield Philharmonic played the overture from beyond the curtains, its melody picking up the pace. It was almost time. Edna knew they were on in less than three minutes. And without pause, she concluded, "Our audiences are here to be entranced—so go! Bring them to tears! Suspense their disbeliefs with your voice and your dance! That is the power of theater is!"

Everyone broke into collected cheers, albeit soft. Motivated and inspired by Edna's words, Taranee found herself raising her fist in solidarity. And with that, everyone rushed off into their position.

The lights dimmed, and the music softened for an opening. The curtain slowly rose, and the narrator's voice reverberated across the field.

Here we go, Taranee thought. Let's set the world alight!

She took in a slow and steady breath and stepped on stage.

The rain pounded mercilessly, but Chancellor Komei ignored it as he ducked into a large, private war tent. He was greeted by someone he had not seen in weeks, to his surprise.

"Welcome, dear husband." The voice didn't sound too happy.

He took a moment to take in the view of his wife. She was donned in a set of silver and green armor; her hair was tied up in a long ponytail. Despite the clear annoyance on her face, Komei couldn't help but smile.

Kinomoto Getsuei wasn't a beauty by any means; her face was too plain, her hair dull, and some would consider her eyes haunting and unnatural. Komei didn't marry her for her looks. As the only daughter of a prominent professor, Getsuei surpassed her peers in the academic fields. Komei chuckled to himself, remembering when she outshined and humiliated him in front of everyone by presenting a better battle strategy before the emperor and his war council. Put in his place by a girl, Komei did what no one expected: he asked her to marry him.

"Getsuei! What are you doing here?" he asked. "Shouldn't you be supervising the warriors?"

The look she gave him was pure vexation. "I hardly think they need someone to watch them push my canons to the front of the battle line," she said, in a calm, but cold tone. "Besides, someone has to pay your father a visit since his son is too busy trying to keep this kingdom from shattering into a civil war."

Komei suppressed the urge to cringe at her sarcastic accusation. "I need an audience with my father. It's imperative," he said in a severe tone.

Getsuei arched an eyebrow, noticing the seriousness in his voice. "Husband, what has happened?"

Komei studied her, wondering if he should involve her in the matter. In the end, he opted for part of the truth. His expression grim, he said, "Emperor Raiko is dead. He died no less than half an hour ago. It won't be long until the officials announce it."

There was a deepening silence between them like manifesting storm clouds. Getseui's face turned white. "By the gods…" Her voice was barely more than a whisper. "I fear for us all. Soon, everyone will know, including our enemies! Morals throughout the united forces will drop as soon as they hear of this!"

"That will not be our only major problem, Getsuei." Komei gripped his wife's shoulders gently and pulled her closer. "I must speak with my father. Is he here?"

Getsuei nodded and turned to pick up her stride. Silently and swiftly, Komei followed suit. They passed through a veil and entered a spacious area of the tent. She gestured for him to take a seat at a low table.

"He'll be here shortly," was all she said.

Gazing around the spacious area, Komei noticed a large mound of silver in the corner and raised an eyebrow, knowing that his father was too modest to display wealth in such a flagrant manner. He was about to ask about it when it moved. He blinked and stared at it intently. A pair of glowing blue eyes opened and stared back at him. This was no mound of silver but a slumbering dragon made entirely of metal!

"Silverlore?" Komei gasped.

The dragon lifted his head and uncoiled itself for a stretch. Getsuei smiled as she produced a handful of crystals in her hand. Seeing this, the dragon eyed her intently as she came closer with his treats. The couple could hear gears grinding, pistons pumping, and wires whirling as the beast shifted. Komei smiled as he watched his wife feed the dragon with the crystals in her hand. It never ceased to amaze him how magnificent this creature is.

Two years ago, the Gemini Council sent Kyochi on a mission to a world where the inhabitants are sentient machines—beings made entirely of metals, wires, and circuits—robots, Kyochi had called them. When the Guardian of Darkness returned, he rode on the back of a giant, metal dragon named Silverlore—a legend forged in a metal that shines like the pale moonlight.

Dragons were considered wise and sacred on Lusteria. They weren't beasts but practically gods. Like so many spirits and yokai, dragons can shapeshift between forms and can live for millennia. Ngọc Long, the Jade Dragon of Annam, is one such celestial being. But this creature that Kyochi brought home displayed none of those features. It appeared more beast than god. Yet, when Komei gazed into those glowing blue eyes, he felt depthless intelligence.

Finishing his treats, Silverlore stretched out his neck towards Komei, allowing his master's uncle to stroke him, to which Komei obliged.

"When did you get here, boy?" Komei asked. He looked at Getseui as if expecting an answer.

"Not long after Kyochi-kun disappeared months ago."

They turned to see the Dragon of Hoshi leaning on his cane slightly with the daimyo of the Watsuki clan by his side. Watsuki Sora smiled and gave a curt nod before eyeing the dragon in fascination. Kyosuke coughed and headed towards Silverlore, stroking the beast's head.

"When he arrived at my doorsteps, I knew something had happened to my grandson. He and Silverlore share a connection. And with Kimi on Earth, the beast had nowhere else to go but here." Turning to Getsuei, he asked in a kind voice, "My dear, could you take Silverlore outside? He hasn't had a chance to stretch his wings all day."

Getseui nodded. Of course, my lord," she said. With a kind and firm hand, she guided the metal beast outside. Silverlore rose to his full height and followed her. Komei smiled when he heard a few warriors yelped in fright. No doubt Silverlore tried to nip someone for getting too close.

The remaining three sat at the table. Kyosuke rested his dragon-headed cane on his lap, watching in silence as Sora reached out to pour them each a cup of tea. Komei eyed her hesitantly, wondering how best to ask her to leave him be with his father.

"She may stay," Kyosuke said as if reading his mind. "Sora is not against us. Whatever you wish to say, you may speak with confidence in her presence."

Komei glanced at Sora, who gave him a smirk. She had worked with him during the war summit earlier to deflect the Kinomoto elders' attempt to wrestle control of the situation at hand. Realizing he had no choice, he nodded.

Kyosuke pulled out a long and elegant smoking pipe carved from wood and silver and began to light the tobacco. "To what do we owe the pleasure of your company, Chancellor?" he asked casually.

Komei mentally sighed and shook his head. "Oto-sama, for Kimi's sake, I came to implore for your help as it has to do with Lord Isamu's plan for her," he said and told him everything; how the Kinomoto elders felt threatened by Kimi's growing dissent and their veiled plans to rid themselves of her. He told them about their false reward for her should she succeed in her mission. Either way, Kimi would suffer, and the elders had no qualms over it.

When Komei finished, Sora's face contorted into disgust. "Isamu and his cohorts have ice running through their veins!" she spat. "Guardians are to be revered and respected for their duty and sacrifices! If this is how they treat their flesh and blood, then they don't deserve the right of exclusivity!"

"I have often wondered why Kandrakar continued to allow the Guardianship to continue within the Kinomoto's bloodline," Kyosuke muttered as he stroked his beard in contemplation. Turning to Komei, he said, "The old race of beings has run empty of vigor. They have lived too long. In doing so, they became too used to the world. Too focused on their internal affairs."

Komei nodded, knowing that he was referring to his duplicitous cousins rather than the illustrious Elders of the Gemini Council. Then again, the wise Elders of Kandrakar had allowed the Kinomoto clan elders to continue like this for centuries. Were they just as guilty?

Kyosuke's face turned thoughtful as he let out a deep breath, and with his smoking pipe, he weaved the smokes into silhouettes of his relatives—the young and the old. They dance and hover above their heads like intangible spirits.

"I cannot force my cousins to recant their intention—nor can I change their duplicitous ways. Their lust for power has made them unreasonable, and unreasonable people will continue to try and adapt the world to themselves, resorting to even…murders," he paused as the smokes turned into an outline of a village full of people. Komei felt his heart sink as he realized he was watching his young protégé transforming into the dark creature Kimi had described. A figure, whose silhouette reminded him of Seiji, began to contort and writhe in pain as it morphed into a monstrous being. The creature turned its ire onto Shirinkage, slaughtering and destroying nearly all its people until two smoky silhouettes of Kimi and Kyochi came to a stop it. As his niece had described, Kyochi shot the creature with an arrow, forcing it to transform back into Seiji, who, in turn, forced Kimi's hand by impaling him through the heart.

Komei watched as the smoke dissolved into the air, feeling his heart-wrenching. The images his father painted in smoke and vapor may not have been detailed, but it was enough to pierce his heart. He glanced at Sora to see her eyes were as distraught.

Kyosuke sighed as he placed his smoking pipe down on the table. He turned to his son and said, "Do not blame yourself for Seiji's death, Komei. You were not the one who orchestrated his death along with those of Shinrinkage."

It took Komei a second to register his father's meaning. His mind flashed back to the summit, where he recalled Lord Isamu and his elders trying to hide their nervousness before Kyosuke. Could his suspicion be correct? Did the Kinomoto elders know more than they should about what happened in Shinrikage? Or perhaps…Something clicked as he turned to his father, his face painted with disbelief.

No…it can't be… Komei thought.

"Father, are you saying that Isamu and his wife and brother conspired to have Seiji and an entire village slaughtered?"

The old warrior's silent grief was enough to confirm his suspicion.

Sora blinked as she glanced between the two men, her eyes widening in horror. "By the gods…" she whispered in a low breath. "This is genocide! If Emperor Raiko had known…if everyone had known…"

Her sentence trailed off, but she didn't need to finish it. The three of them knew what would happen if this had come to light.

"H-how did you know?" Komei asked as he fought to compose himself. "We knew Seiji was the creature! Even the Elders of Kandrakar, the wisest in the universe, knew this! How did you know that our clan leaders have a hand in it—let alone orchestrated it?!"

"I am nearly a century old, Komei," Kyosuke replied flatly. He gripped and fiddled with the silver dragon on his cane once more. "When you have lived for as long as I have, you learn to pick up things—such as Kazue's penchant for dark magic."

Sora scoffed and rolled her eyes. "She's a shadow-wielder! Of course she—"

"Blood magic," Kyosuke replied coldly. "One of the most forbidden forms of dark magic. It requires one to take another's life force to do whatever harm you wished. In Seiji's case, she discreetly hexed him, using blood magic to corrupt and twist his heart and soul. All the hatred, cruelty, malice, fear, and despair that she had collected were poured into the boy until it twisted him into a creature so vile and terrifying that nothing of him would be left to save. Without realizing it, Minamoto Seiji became a curse sent to ravage and kill upon those shadow-wielders of Shirinkage."

Sora gasped as she realized what he meant. "An ikiryo? A living curse? But they're just disembodied spirits that inflict misfortunes onto others, usually from a jilted lover or a vindictive person."

"To Lady Kazue, it is an art to take something and twist it into a more horrifying and terrible form than the original," Kyosuke replied.

Komei clenched his hands and slammed them on the table. "Oto-sama, if you had known this, why haven't you revealed it? My protégé is dead, and Kazumi-chan had lost everything because of your silence!"

Kyosuke pinned him with a stern look. "I had no solid proof that it was her dark magic just as I had no proof that Isamu and Osamu plotted genocide. Any shreds of evidence that we have are merely circumstantial, and my cousins would vehemently deny it as they had done during the war summit."

"But now they're doing the same to your granddaughter!" Komei snapped, unable to keep the fury from his voice. "To Isamu and those lots, she is no longer an asset because of her dissent! And with Kyochi captured, she's just the piece of a set to be discarded, like tossing meat before a pack of wolves!"

"And killing five new Guardians and the Basiliadian can be considered an added benefit for them," Sora added with derision.

"Father, will you not put a stop to this?" Komei said, softening his voice to a plea. "Our clan, our family have suffered because of their duplicities—my cousins, nieces and nephews—even Kotone—your daughter! And gods know how long this cycle of abuse will continue just as it had started thousands of years ago!"

Kyosuke studied his son for a bit before he finally said, "You've put too much faith in an old warrior like me. As I've said before, I cannot change them—"

"Oto-sama!"

His father cut with a stern but gentle glance. "—But Kimi and her generation can. Believe me, son, she's my granddaughter, and I understand the multiple situations at hand. But if anyone can change this insane world for the better, she and her friends. They are young, their hearts and spirits are strong, and they can still dream. Many of us disregarded those Earthlings as worthless filth, but they fail to see that from the mud the lotus flowers sprung—life on Earth has changed her, and change is a step forward for a better world."

Komei fell silent. He knew his father was right, but a part of him wanted to protect Kimi and save Kyochi. And if there's a chance, save Kenji as well. They were all his children, if not by blood then by love. "You can't expect me to sit by and do nothing."

"Naturally, I don't," Kyosuke stroked his beard in contemplation. A small smile curled on his lips. He gripped his cane as he slowly got to his feet. "We can still assist them in our way, but it will be up to Kimi and her generation to take a stand. Send words to Kandrakar, Chancellor, and have them recall my granddaughter and her fellow Guardians to Nihon. But before her audience with my duplicitous cousins, I wish to have a word with her."

Reluctantly, Komei sighed in defeat as he slowly rose to his feet. He hoped that for Kimi's sake, his father was right. "Very well. I will send word to the Gemini Council."

A loud rumbling of thunder cracked in the distance like a herald announcing the coming of something great. Kyosuke looked up and said, "And with the gathering storm, the final battle draws closer. We must make our plans for the Light to persevere."

Sora nodded as she got to her feet, dusting off her light armor. "I must return to the front line. Getseui and I will rally with the other generals and the warriors. We'll try to keep Seiryuu's forces busy while the Guardians do what they must—"

The hair on the back of Komei's neck rose as he sensed a sudden shift in the air. He turned in time to see a figure shimmering into existence, wearing an all-white kimono with his face covered by a white mask in the shape of a fox spirit. Out of reflex, Komei took a step back and aimed his feathered fan at the stranger, ready to blast him with a gust of wind.

"Wait, Chancellor! He's with me!" Sora said, pulling him back.

Komei blinked and studied the newcomer, realizing that he was the boy had sat next to Lady Sora during the war summit. He was still very young, perhaps in his mid-twenties? He had kept his head down and had been so quiet that no one, not even Komei, bothered to consider his presence.

The young man remained unimpressed by Komei's threatening stance. He was by Sora's side and bent to whisper in her ears. The Watsuki daimyo leaned in to listen intently to his report. It wasn't a surprise to see someone of Sora's station having spies, but to think she would employ her son? Having finished, the young man stepped back and stood straight with his hands behind his back. Komei knew it wasn't good based on Sora's whatever he was saying expression.

She turned to Komei and said, "Lord Isamu and his cohorts are not the only ones who will seize this opportunity for a power grab—It would seem that your adopted son, Kenji, is just as cunning as you and just as duplicitous as your clan elders."

The old warrior huffed indignantly. "Explain yourself, Lady Sora," Kyosuke said, slamming his cane down.

Sora's eyes narrowed. "Kenji is conspiring with the shogun to seize the throne from Princess Kazu," Sora said coldly. "But he's double-crossing the prince by working with Seiryuu. Why and how—I am still uncertain, for the depth of his machination is too complex. It's as if I'm trying to weave through an intricate web without being trapped by the spider!"

Komei's throat tightened. He felt as though he couldn't breathe. He suspected Kenji had had a hand in the forces of Darkness, but to think he would go so far? Was this the boy he saved all those years ago? Was he the same boy who jumped into his carriage while on the run from the law because he had killed someone in self-defense? Komei gripped at his chest as if trying to steady his dying heart.

Sora's expression softened when she noticed the anguish in his eyes. "I'm sorry. I understand you've tried to give him a second chance when you adopted him. But it is all for naught. The boy has too much darkness within his heart. He loathes you and the Kinomoto clan enough to plot your downfall." Turning to Kyosuke, she continued, "And there's more, I'm afraid; General Katsumi's daughters tried to tail Kenji during his private audience with the shogun, but they were quickly detained and are now imprisoned for discovering their regicidal plan."

Komei and Kyosuke blinked in surprise.

"Kiyomi and Kazumi? How did those two get involved in all of this?" Kyosuke wondered. He lowered his head and began to mumble. "I must speak with Katsumi. He must know of his daughters' plight."

"How can you be certain of this, Sora?" Komei asked.

"Because I was there watching and listening," said Sora's son, stepping forward.

"Watsuki Hikaru!" Sora said, sounding like a reprimanding mother. "Steady your tongue before the Chancellor!"

Komei blinked at her.

Hikaru? he thought. That name…it couldn't be…

The young man shook his head. "Mother, it has been twenty-three years. I believe the time for secrecy between us has long passed: I must step into the light."

Sora's eyes darted between him and her companions. Komei knew she wanted to protest further, but it looked as if she thought better of it and nodded in agreement.

The young man took another step forward and reached for his mask without hesitation. Kyosuke and Komei stared in unified astonishment, for this young man possessed a face they hadn't seen in sixteen years.

Komei's lips quivered as he fought to bring forth the name.

"Kohaku?"

Matt grunted in pain as the boy's weight caused his foot to get caught underneath him. Quickly, he reached out for the railing on the wall and caught himself before they both crashed.

Swearing under his breath, Matt checked to ensure they were both okay. Straining with effort, he straightened himself and adjusted the boy's legs around him. He paused and glanced around to make sure they were still alone. Seeing no one, he slowly made his way towards the west wing as quietly and discreetly as possible.

"You know, you're really heavy, kid!" he hissed.

Watsuki Kyochi said nothing, only the soft breathing against the back of Matt's neck was any indication that he was alive. From what Matt had heard, Kyochi was captured by the Celestial Warriors while on a solo mission to meet up with the mysterious and elusive Prince of Darkness deep within the Dark Forest. Outnumbered by one to five, the Guardian of Darkness had been induced by a magical sleep and had been in this catatonic state for months—until Matt found him while trying to escape Seiryuu's castle! Not sure this was good or bad luck, Matt knew he couldn't leave Kyochi here and decided to talk the boy with him.

For the past half-hour, Matt has been searching for the portal that would lead to their escape. But he knew he had to be careful, for any one of Seiryuu's minions could find him.

A prey—that's what he is right now—to be hunted for amusement if not Seiryuu's plaything. He didn't know which was more humiliating, but he had to focus on getting them both out right now.

Glancing over the corner again, Matt saw no one. To be sure, he paused to listen for the slightest sound. Matt quickly dashed down the hall when nothing came, passing many doors before ducking into an empty one. Desperate for a breather, Matt lowered Kyochi and propped him against the wall before sitting next to him. Depleted of his magical resources, he had to take things slowly and carefully, or else he'd risk his wounds reopening.

"I didn't intend to find you. I didn't know you were here all this time!" Matt whispered. Kyochi said nothing. "I only meant to come here for a recon mission, to prove to Kimi that I'm not as worthless as she makes me out to be. Your twin is a real pain; you know that? I hope you're nothing like her."

No.

Matt blinked, wondering if he had just heard that or hallucinated again. He leaned in closer to Kyochi, but the boy remained asleep.

"I think Seiryuu tossed me around too hard earlier," Matt said, shaking his head. "I keep thinking that you're talking to me somehow, but that's impossible, right?"

No answer.

Matt scoffed. "Of course not. Otherwise, why else would I be carrying you on my back while trying to escape?" For a while, the two of them sat in silence. "I don't blame you for all the crap that's been happening. It wasn't your fault that Darkness is overpowering the Light. I'm sure you didn't intend for a bunch of demigods to induce the Seven Deadly Sins into the universe, take over Lusteria and Kandrakar, and shape the entire universe to their likings."

Matt paused and leaned his head against the wall and glanced at Kyochi. He really does look like Kimi, but he looked so angelic and kind in his sleep. Matt smirked to himself, wondering if Kimi actually looked like that when she slept. She can't be consciously scowling all the time, right?

"I can't even blame your sister for my current predicament! She tried to warn me that I'm too eager to please, in her twisted way, if you know what I mean. Who I'm trying to please? Maybe it's my girlfriend or me, or maybe I'm just trying to prove to Kimi? I don't mean to be, but I hate sitting on the sideline while Will and the other Guardians are millions of light-years away and saving the universe, you know? I just wanted to be useful, and Lord knows how much I messed up when I tried to help. I guess that's why I jumped at the chance to become magical when the Oracle chose me," Matt said.

A scuttling noise echoed down the hall, causing Matt to bristle. He stared at the door, expecting someone to barge in and detain them. With bated breath, he waited for what felt like minutes until he heard nothing. Slowly and cautiously, Matt opened the door and glanced around. There was no one. He knew the portal was just a few hundred yards away. If he could get himself and Kyochi through it without being seen, they'll be at least out of this hellhole.

"We've gotta get back to Earth," Matt whispered as he lifted Kyochi onto his back. "C'mon, your sister really misses you. And maybe she'll get off my back and stop calling me Matt-boy or any other demeaning nicknames once she sees you."

Matt didn't need magic to weave his way through this endless maze, just his senses and swiftness. But it wasn't easy while carrying an unconscious teenager on his back. He nearly ran into two spirits earlier and didn't intend to get caught again. Matt shivered at the thought and hoped that whatever gods are listening in, they'll help him and Kyochi escape.

Turning a corner, Matt could hear the soft hum of a portal ahead. As he got closer, he could make out the faint glow—there it was! The portal and it was only a few more yards away! Even from this distance, Matt could make out the vague outlines of Edo—the final location of this portal! Seiryuu must be using it to get to the capital from the Dark Forest.

Matt smiled to himself. If he could just make it through, he'll be able to find help and perhaps find a way to bring Kyochi and himself back to Heatherfield! Matt took a deep breath, tightened his hold of Kyochi and dashed for the portal with one last glance around.

Almost there! Just a little further and we're home-free! Matt thought.

Watch out!

Matt skidded to a sudden halt and glanced around. There was that familiar voice again, but no one was behind him.

Matt was barely ten feet from freedom when a snaking torrent of wind blew towards him and lifted him and Kyochi up into the air. Slammed against the wall by the ferocious gale, he watched the limp body of his unconscious friend fall to the ground, only to be caught and cradled by a puff of wind.

"Well, well, well…" a soft, husky voice crooned. "Leaving so soon?"

Matt's spine chilled, knowing full well that he was done for.

Gracefully, Seiryuu glided towards them. And with a flick of her wrist, Kyochi floated towards her on a cloud of mist and vapor. "And Kyochi! You shouldn't be up and running about in your condition!"

Threads of spider silk appeared from above, and the beautiful Jurogumo came down. She flashed Matt a seductive and playful smile before sweeping the unconscious Guardian in her arm and rising towards the dark ceiling.

"No!" Matt cried, but it was useless.

Seiryuu turned to Matt and gave him a slow, sadistic smile. "Did you think I would allow you to leave my palace with the Guardian of Darkness? No," she shook her head and pulled out her war fans. "I haven't yet begun having my fun."

Behind her, the portal closed and Matt screamed.

To be continued...

Finally! Another chapter is complete and right on my birthday! I'm sorry, this chapter was originally done last month, but my file got corrupted and deleted! I had to spend a month trying to rewrite this chapter from memory! It also took me a while because I am currently working two jobs for the holidays. I'd hoped to get one more chapter up before the end of the year, but I think it will be sometime in January because I need a quick holiday.

Finally, Komei found out the truth-not just the elders' hand in the Shirinkage genocide, but also about Watsuki Hikaru! I hinted him several chapters and long before that! And also, Kyochi's dragon has made its appearance!

Cultural note: Ikiryō is a living curse, a disembodied spirit in Japanese stories that leaves the body of a living person and subsequently haunts other people or places, sometimes across great distances.