~ Time Travel ~
Warnings: AU, OOC-ness, one own OC, Centered around Fubuki x OC, scolding
Italic = thoughts
Chapter Six: Racoon Falls, the first artifact
Normal P.O.V.
Evening came and Fubuki and Maira were exhausted from the battle. In fact, Maira was still swaying on her legs. Fubuki looked worried at her.
''Are you okay?'' He asked.
''Y-Yeah.'' Maira replied.
Then, she half-fainted and Fubuki dashed towards her to catch her.
''Wow, hey!'' He said.
Maira barely could keep her tired eyes open.
''I-I'm sorry.'' She whispered.
Fubuki looked worried.
''You are still weakened from the battle. You can't go on like this.'' He said.
''But we have to reach Racoon Falls.'' Maira replied soft.
''We won't make it there before nighttime anyway. We need to rest. But before that, we need to find food.'' Fubuki said.
''I'll do it.'' Maira replied weak, while she tried to free herself from Fubuki's grasp.
''Oh no, that's not gonna happen!'' Fubuki said strict, while he held on tighter to the girl.
''But-''
''No. You need to rest.'' Fubuki interrupted her.
Maira closed her eyes.
''Fine.'' She muttered, when she realized she couldn't win from Fubuki.
And deep in her heart, she really wanted to rest. Fubuki smiled. He placed her on the ground, against the log of a tree. He saw Maira shiver. Even though it was summer in Aculis, a fresh wind was breezing.
''I'll make a fire too.'' Fubuki said.
''No … You're already doing way too much. Let me make it.'' Maira replied stubborn.
Fubuki sighed and kneeled down in front of her.
''Look. You're weak from your battle. Face the fact that you're done for today. You need to regain energy for the next day. Understood?'' He said.
Maira blushed by the fact how close Fubuki sat to her. She nodded.
''Good girl.'' Fubuki said, while he patted her head with a smile.
Then, he stood up again and started to walk away.
''Wait!'' Maira said.
Fubuki turned around.
''Are you going away?'' Maira asked.
''Well, yeah. I need to find food and something where I can make a fire with.'' Fubuki replied.
He saw the scared look in Maira's eyes.
''Please … Let me come with you. I-I don't like being alone.'' She said, while she looked at the ground.
Fubuki smiled.
''Fine then. But I'll carry you.'' He replied.
Maira gained another blush.
''N-No, I can walk.'' She said.
Fubuki sighed and rolled with his eyes.
''Stop being stubborn.'' He said.
''I'm fine.'' Maira replied.
She stood up and this time, Fubuki immediately saw that it went wrong. Maira's eyes closed and she collapsed on the ground.
''Maira!'' Fubuki exclaimed.
He kneeled down next to her and grabbed her hand. It felt cold.
''Maira, wake up. Come on.'' Fubuki said worried.
No reaction.
''Shit…'' Fubuki scolded.
He zipped his hood open and removed it from his body. He putted the short-sleeved hood around Maira and zipped the zipper. Then, Fubuki lifted her up and carried her on his back.
''Hold on, Maira. I'll take care of you.'' He muttered.
With Maira on his back, he collected different kinds of berries and nuts. He also found some suitable, dry twigs for the fire he was about to make. He walked back to the spot where the two of them were earlier and slowly lay Maira on the ground. Her eyes were still closed. Fubuki gritted his teeth and brushed gently a strand of Maira's hair behind her ear. Then, he brushed her forehead with his thumb and pressed a kiss on it.
''I'll protect you. It's my duty as the male Chosen One. Please Maira, don't give up here.'' Fubuki whispered.
Then, he focused his attention on the fire. He rubbed the twigs in a certain way together and after a couple minutes, he finally managed to make a big spark. The dry twigs caught fire and Fubuki surrounded the stack with stones. He kept feeding the fire with dry leaves and new twigs. When it became a big fire, Fubuki lifted Maira up and laid her in front of it, her head resting on his lap. He kept brushing her hair, while he stared at her face. It had a golden glow, due to the fire and Fubuki saw once again how pretty she actually was. Fubuki ate some berries and nuts and decided to leave the rest for Maira. Fubuki embraced the brave teen to increase her body warmth. After ten minutes, Maira slowly opened her eyes. She felt something warm against her back. But also something warm that was holding her. Then, realization hit her. The thing that was warming her back, was a fire, but the one that was holding her was…
''F-Fubuki?'' She asked shocked.
Fubuki's eyes widened when he heard her soft voice. He pulled back, so he could look in her eyes.
''Maira! You're awake again.'' He said with a smile.
''G-Gomenasai.'' Maria replied embarrassed, while she looked at the ground with a sad glare.
Then, she noticed Fubuki's hood.
''I-I'm wearing your hoodie.'' She said.
Fubuki nodded.
''You felt pretty cold, so I gave you my hoodie so you would warm up. I also made a fire.'' He replied.
He blushed when he thought he also hugged her to keep her warm.
''Thank you so much.'' Maira said, while she was busy zipping the zipper open.
''Keep it on.'' Fubuki replied with a smile.
Maira blushed.
''B-But, you'll be cold.'' She said.
''I'll be fine. I think you need it more than me.'' Fubuki replied.
Maira smiled.
''Thank you so much.'' She said.
Fubuki smiled sweetly back. Then, he handed her the remaining fruit and nuts.
''Here, eat something.'' He said.
Maira nodded and ate the food. After that, they both went to lay on their backs and stared at the night sky.
''The sky is so pretty …'' Maira said with a sigh.
Fubuki smiled and turned his head, so he could look at her. Maira's bright and sweet face caused him to blush. Fubuki shook his head and smiled with a bright blush.
''Fubuki-kun? Is everything all right?'' Maira asked.
''H-Hai.'' Fubuki replied.
Maira giggled. Then, she kept staring in Fubuki's eyes with a smile.
''You know, Fubuki…'' She started.
''Yes?'' Fubuki asked.
''I think I've never ever trusted somebody so quickly in my life.'' Maira said, while she kept looking into Fubuki's grey-blue eyes.
''Me neither…'' Fubuki replied. ''You mean a lot to me.''
Maira blushed heavily.
''Y-You mean a lot to me too.'' She said with a red face.
Fubuki smiled. Then, they turned their glares back to the night sky. Fubuki saw Maira yawning.
''Tired?'' He asked.
Maira nodded.
''Kinda…'' She replied.
Fubuki smiled.
''Let's go to sleep. Tomorrow, we have to go to Racoon Falls and search for the first artifact.'' He said.
Maira nodded. She turned on her side and closed her eyes, while she placed her hands underneath her head.
''Good night.'' She said sleepy.
''Night.'' Fubuki replied.
He watched with a smile how Maira's breathing became regular. She is even pretty when she sleeps. Fubuki smiled brighter with a blush. He knew very well that he was starting to develop feelings for her. Only, he wasn't sure if they were just protective feelings or … more than that. Fubuki shook his head and decided to leave it. He also went to lay on his side, next to Maira.
''Fubuki…'' Fubuki suddenly heard.
His eyes widened. I thought she was asleep!
''Yes?'' He whispered back with a smile.
''Can you … please keep me warm?'' Maira asked.
She was glad Fubuki couldn't see her blush, since her back was facing him. Fubuki blushed too.
''O-Of course.'' He replied.
He wrapped his arm around Maira's waist and Maira snuggled her head in Fubuki's chest.
''Good night.'' She said, once again.
''Sleep well.'' Fubuki replied.
Then, the two young adults fell asleep.
-The next morning-
Fubuki was the first one who woke up, due to the sun that shone bright. Birds were already chirping and it was pretty warm for a summer morning. He felt something heavy leaning against him. Then, he realized it was Maira. Fubuki smiled and tried to stand up, without waking her. When Fubuki stood up on his feet, he brushed the dirt off his pants. Then, he went to look for more food. Maira woke up five minutes later. She sat up straight and stretched her arms above her head.
''Good morning, Fubuki.'' She said with a sweet voice.
Then, she looked around and discovered she was alone. A panicked feeling immediately attacked her.
''Fubuki?'' She asked stressed.
No response of course.
''No way, he left me?'' She asked out loud, while her eyes started to become watery.
She stood up quickly and turned around to look for any sign of life. A nasty feeling made it's appearance in her stomach.
''Fubuki?'' She whispered, while the first tears fell onto the ground.
She sobbed softly, while she fell on her knees again. She covered her face with her hands.
''Why did you left me?'' Maira asked out loud.
At that point, Fubuki just walked back onto the spot with some fruit and nuts and saw Maira. His eyes widened.
''Maira!'' He said shocked.
Maira's glare shot up and her eyes widened.
''FUBUKI!'' She shouted out, while she dashed towards him and hugged him tightly.
''What's wrong?'' Fubuki asked worried.
''I-I thought you left me here.'' Maira replied, while she sobbed, now of relief.
Fubuki felt guilty.
''Maira, I'm sorry. I know you're scared of being left alone. I'm really sorry. Forgive me please.'' He said.
''Of course I forgive you, baka!'' Maira replied, while she buried her head in his chest.
Fubuki patted it lovable.
''But I told you earlier, didn't I? I'll always go and look for you if I lose you,'' He said with a sweet smile. ''Why would I abandon you?''
''I-I don't know. Maybe because you hate me.'' Maira replied.
Fubuki's eyes widened.
''You think that I think that way about you?'' He asked shocked.
''I-I'm just a bother.'' Maira replied, turning her gaze onto the floor.
Fubuki pulled Maira even closer.
''How dare you to say that!'' He whispered in her ear, while he held her tight.
Maira's face flustered.
''S-So, you like my company?'' She asked.
''But of course! Otherwise, I would have never agreed to go on this journey with you.'' Fubuki replied.
Maira smiled.
''Thanks.'' She said soft.
Fubuki smiled lovable. Then, he showed Maira the food he collected.
''Here, eat something.'' He said with a smile.
He and Maira both ate something and then, they picked up their weapons. Maira unzipped Fubuki's hoodie from her body and returned it to him.
''Here.'' She said.
Fubuki smiled.
''What? You don't like it anymore?'' He asked.
Maira blushed.
''I-I do. But it's yours. I'll let you know when I get cold again.'' She said.
Fubuki chuckled.
''Okay.'' He replied.
Then, they both started to head in the direction that would lead to Racoon Falls.
''So, the first artifact is Ember, right?'' Fubuki asked, while they walked on.
Maira nodded.
''It's a tricky element. It can be really powerful, but also really dangerous. You can truly hurt people with fire.'' She replied.
Fubuki nodded.
''Aren't you scared to use it then?'' He asked.
Maira shook her head.
''No, I think I can handle it well.'' She replied.
They both kept chatting and walked on. In about two hours, they reached a sandy-red colored mountain place.
''Wow…'' Fubuki said breathless, while he took in the surroundings.
It was a beautiful sight. It looked a bit like a mountain landscape you would find in a desert or something. It reminded Fubuki a bit of the Rocky Mountains in the USA he learned about, back in Japan.
''Look over there.'' Maira said, while she pointed at something that was located in the mountains.
In the distance, Fubuki could see a small village located in the mountains.
''That's Racoon Falls, named after this mountain area, which is also called the Racoon Falls.'' Maira explained.
''This place is amazing…'' Fubuki said breathless.
Maira giggled.
''Yeah, it is.'' She replied.
She took in the surroundings.
''I've only heard stories about this place. And now, here I am, seeing it with my own eyes. I can't believe it.'' She added fascinated.
Fubuki turned his gaze at her and smiled. Her eyes stood big and sparkled with fascination, while she printed the surroundings in her head.
''Let's get going.'' Maira said after a while.
She pointed at a rocky path, that slowly led downwards, along the side of the Racoon Falls. Fubuki nodded and together, they began descending.
''So Maira, where do we exactly need to look for the artifact?'' Fubuki asked.
''The ancient Ember temple.'' Maira replied.
''What's that?'' Fubuki asked.
I told you about the elements I need to master, right?'' Maira replied.
Fubuki nodded.
'' Ember, Aqua, Flora, Breeze and Blizzard, aka fire, water, earth, wind and ice.'' He said.
Maira nodded.
''Right. Well, I also told you that the artifacts, to gain those powers, are spread around in Aculis.'' She told Fubuki.
He nodded.
''Five different cities, right?'' He asked.
Maira nodded again.
''Well, each of those five cities have an ancient temple, named by the ancient powers. They're dangerous places and nobody ever thinks about going in there. The temples are like a maze, full of dangers and puzzles. When you reach the center of the maze, you'll have to battle with the caretaker of the temple, an old and wise monk who's an expert in the element you're going to gain. If you defeat him with your own power, and prove yourself worthy to him, he'll hand you the artifact.'' She explained.
Fubuki blew air through his teeth.
''Sounds hard.'' He said.
Maira nodded.
''And there's one more thing. You're allowed to help me in the maze until the centre. In the final battle with the monk, you're not allowed to help me.'' She said.
Fubuki's eyes widened.
''Really? But, will you be okay on your own?'' He asked.
Maira smiled.
''The monk needs to measure my powers. It wouldn't be fair if you would help me.'' She said.
Fubuki nodded.
''Okay, I understand.'' He replied.
Then, the two of them reached the small village.
''Here we are, Racoon Falls.'' Maira said.
They walked through the gate of the village and people everywhere stopped with their work and made a triangle with their fingers, the sign for respect and love, just like in Symperia. A man, who wore a white robe, referring to something people would wear in a desert, walked towards Fubuki and Maira.
''Hanasaki Maira and Fubuki Shirou.'' The man said.
Fubuki's eyes widened.
''How did you know?'' He asked.
''The old monk foretold it.'' The man replied.
''It's nice meeting you. And you are…?'' Maira asked.
The man shook her hank quickly.
''Oh, how rude of me. Call me Mishiri.'' He said.
Maira smiled.
''Welcome in Racoon Falls.'' Mishiri added.
''Thank you.'' Maira replied.
Fubuki looked at the small, wooden houses at the sides of the village. Somewhere far, it reminded him of the houses he used to see in cowboy movies.
''Can you show me the way to the temple?'' Maira asked Mishiri.
The eyes of Mishiri and Fubuki widened.
''Bu-But miss, don't you want to rest a bit?'' Mishiri asked.
''Yeah, shouldn't you take it easy for a moment?'' Fubuki asked Maria worriedly.
Maira smiled at him and Mishiri.
''I feel energetic! Let's get this started.'' She said.
''Well, if you say so…'' Mishiri replied.
Fubuki still looked worried. Maira smiled a reassuring smile at him.
''It's gonna be fine.'' She whispered.
''I hope so.'' Fubuki replied.
''Well then, I shall guard you two to the ancient Ember temple.'' Mishiri said.
The two eighteen-year-olds followed him and walked towards a small hill at the edge of the small village. There was a big staircase, made out of stone that led upwards. Mishiri walked up the stairs and Fubuki and Maira followed him silently. On top of the hill stood a massive temple.
''Here it is, the ancient Ember temple.'' Mishiri said, with a tone of worry in his voice.
Maira smiled.
''Thanks for showing us the way, Mishiri.'' She said.
''No problem. Be careful, okay?'' Mishiri replied.
Maira nodded and looked with a smile at Fubuki.
''Let's go.'' She said.
''U-Un.'' Fubuki replied.
Maira took a deep breath and put on a smile. She was acting strong the entire time, but in fact she was terrified. Only, she didn't want to show it to Fubuki and Mishiri. They must think I'm strong and determined. Then, her eyes widened. Something clutched her hand. She looked to the side and saw that Fubuki had grabbed her hand with a blush. Maira smiled and intertwined her fingers with his.
''Good luck.'' Mishiri said, now with a smile.
''Thanks. We'll be back soon.'' Maira replied.
Then, she looked at Fubuki, who gave her a nod. Together, they stepped through the open, metal doors of the temple. When they got through, the doors closed behind them and everything turned pitch-black.
''I-I can't see anything.'' Maira said in panic.
In her worries, she let go off Fubuki's hand. When she realized that, she started to panic even more.
''Fubuki, where are you?'' Maira asked scared.
''Right here.'' She heard Fubuki's voice coming from somewhere.
Maira turned around, still not seeing a thing.
''W-Where are you?'' She asked.
This time, no response.
''Fubuki?!'' Maira asked scared again.
Then, she felt something wrapping around her waist. Maira let out a high-pitched scream.
''Sshh! Maira, calm down! It's me.'' She recognized Fubuki's voice close by her ear.
Maira calmed down, while her eyes watered.
''Y-You scared me.'' She said.
The grip around her waist tightened.
''I won't let you go. You're not alone.'' Fubuki said.
Maira blushed.
''Fubuki…'' She said soft.
Then, the place suddenly became illuminated by torches, that hung on the walls of the temple. A path was seen right in front of them. Maira was facing the path, Fubuki still behind her.
''Look.'' Maira said with a smile.
Fubuki let go off her and stood beside her.
''A path.'' He said.
''Let's keep going. This is the beginning of the maze.'' Maria replied.
Fubuki nodded. He grabbed Maira's hand again and together, they walked on. The place looked romantic, yet creepy due to the illumination of the torches. Maira and Fubuki both placed their weapons on their backs and grabbed a torch off the wall. Silently, they walked on. Then, they reached a crossroad with three small paths.
''Which path do we need to take?'' Fubuki wondered out loud.
Maira closed her eyes and white light surrounded her.
''The most right one.'' She said with a smile, when she opened her eyes again.
Fubuki didn't doubt her for one moment and together, they walked further on the most right path. They had to make a right turn and there, they faced a metal door.
''What? A roadblock?'' Fubuki asked.
''I think it's a puzzle.'' Maira replied, when she looked at the sign next to the door.
''What can we expect?'' Fubuki asked.
''Sometimes, it's a riddle. Sometimes, you have to do something.'' Maira replied.
''And this one?'' Fubuki asked.
Maira investigated the sign and gained a major blush.
''What does it say?'' Fubuki asked curious.
''W-We have to… well…'' Maira stammered.
She looked to the ground. Fubuki smiled.
''Let me see it.'' He said.
He stepped towards the door and red the sign.
''Fire often gets associated with passion and love. To pass this door, you have to symbolize passion with a kiss.'' He red out loud.
Then, he blushed heavily too.
''W-We have to k-kiss?'' Fubuki stammered.
This only caused Maira's blush to grow wider.
''We can choose a different path.'' She said.
Fubuki shook his head.
''Your father told you this was the right way, right?'' He asked.
Maira nodded.
''Y-Yeah, but I totally understand if you don't want to do this.'' She replied.
Fubuki blushed.
''W-We have to keep moving, so we just have to do it.'' He said.
Maira blushed even harder, while she faced Fubuki.
''T-Then, let's do this.'' She replied.
Fubuki nodded and gulped. He stared into Maira's big, grey eyes with long lashes. She looked nervous. She slowly closed her eyes and leaned forward. Fubuki chuckled and bent forward too. At first, it looked like he would peck her on her mouth, but at the last moment, he moved directions and kissed her sweetly on her forehead. Maira's eyes opened and she blinked in surprise. Somewhere, she felt a bit disappointed. Wait, what? Why would I feel disappointed? She blushed heavily. The heavy metal door opened.
''We can pass on.'' Fubuki said.
''A-Ah.'' Maira replied.
Together, they continued walking. They faced many crossroads, solved riddles and fought small monsters. Sometimes, the ground started to fall away underneath their feet, or they would get attacked by small fireballs, but overall, they managed to face all the dangers and get out of them with less to no damage. After a walk of three long, intensive hours, it became quiet and Maira became nervous.
''I think we're reaching the centre of the maze.'' She told Fubuki.
Fubuki sighed deep.
''This is it.'' He said.
He grabbed Maira's shoulder and looked her into the eyes.
''I know you can do it. Believe in yourself. I'll always believe in you, no matter what. Stay strong.'' He told her.
''Fubuki…'' Maira whispered, while she felt that she was getting emotional.
Fubuki pulled her into a tight hug.
''Come here, silly.'' He said, while his voice got muffled by Maira's shoulder, where his mouth was.
Maira didn't had to cry. But she definitely didn't want to break free from the hug.
''Thank you, Fubuki. I'll fight for the two of us.'' She replied.
Fubuki smiled and pulled back again. Then, he kissed her sweetly on her forehead again.
''Now, let's go.'' He said.
The two of them started to walk towards the darkness in front of them. It got darker and darker and suddenly, it was pitch-black. Maira and Fubuki stood still, both with a serious expression on their face. Then suddenly, the massive amount of torches on the wall went on and a giant space was seen. In the middle of the space stood a monk with a bold head and a red robe. He opened his eyes and smiled friendly.
''Hanasaki Maira.'' He said.
Maira bowed deeply.
''It's an honor.'' She replied.
The monk smiled.
''I think it's more an honor for me, since I've got the two Chosen One's in front of me.'' He said.
Fubuki smiled too. The monk turned towards him.
''You do know this is a battle between me and the female Chosen One, right?'' He asked.
Fubuki nodded.
''I've been informed.'' He replied.
''Very well then.'' The monk said.
He raised his hand up and pointed it towards Fubuki. A giant cage, made out of fire surrounded Fubuki.
''I know I can trust you, but this is just to make sure you won't interfere. People can act differently when they see their loved one's get hurt.'' The monk said.
Fubuki gulped. Things just got serious. He nodded slowly. Then, the monk turned towards Maira.
''Hanasaki Maira, are you ready?'' He asked.
''Ready!'' Maira replied determined.
The monk smiled.
''Then, let's get into position.'' He said.
He started to walk back and stopped at the other side of the giant space. Fubuki frowned. Why do they keep so much distance from each other if they're going to fight each other?
''It's time for the summoning!'' The monk shouted.
He raised up his hands and let his hand palms face the sky. He closed his eyes and flames surrounded him. Then, they shot into the sky, via his hands. The roof turned into flames and a creature came out.
''Come forth, Firaga!'' The monk shouted.
The creature landed on the floor, making the ground shake and screeched loud. It was a large, black dragon with four paws and giant wings, with red edges. Fubuki's eyes widened. He finally understood now. They weren't going to fight face to face. They were going to measure their fire powers against each other. He looked hopeful towards Maira, curious what she was going to do. Maira planted her sword in the ground in front of her and closed her eyes, while she clenched the handle of it with both her hands. A strong energy released from her sword, blowing her knee-length, dark blue hair back.
''Blazebird! Show yourself!'' Maira shouted.
A giant bird, made out of flames appeared out of the sky and landed in front of Maira. The bird screeched and spread his wings.
''Impressive.'' The monk said praising to Maira.
She smiled.
''Let the battle begin!'' The monk said.
He closed his eyes and made some movements with his hands. In the end, he stretched them out in front of him. His creature followed his movements and opened his mouth at the last point. A giant fire rage escaped from the dragon's mouth and made its way towards Blazebird. Maira closed her eyes too and placed both her hands in front of her body. Blazebird reacted the same and held its wings in front of him to catch the attack. Maira got blown back a couple of meters, due to the force.
''Maira, be careful!'' Fubuki shouted from out of his cage.
Maira gave him a small smile and focused back on the battle.
''Blazebird, fly up!'' She shouted.
Blazebird screeched and spread its wings, making him fly.
''Now, dash!'' Maira shouted.
Blazebird dashed forward with an amazing speed and bumped hard into Firaga. The monk got pushed back a few meters too. He grinned.
''Not bad.'' He said.
Fubuki looked at Maira. She was panting slightly. Appearantly, bringing out a creature like this and making it fight took up a lot of her energy. She was using all her Ember-powers.
''Hang on…'' Fubuki whispered.
Firaga growled angry and bit into Blazebird's neck.
''Make sure he has nowhere to go, Firaga!'' The monk said.
Firaga had Blazebird in a tight grip. Fubuki looked at Maira. She was making a lot of movements with her hands and arms, trying to get out of the grip. She smacked her hands together and some flames brushed of Blazebird's neck, startling Firaga. Maira used this opportunity to bring back Blazebird to her side. Fubuki saw she the sweat drops on her forehead now.
''Firaga, fly!'' The monk said.
Firaga flew up in the sky and made its way towards Blazebird.
''Dodge!'' Maira shouted, while she moved her arms to the right.
Blazebird jumped up and flew to the right side, making Firaga miss his target. Maira and the monk both seemed equal in their summoning powers and the battle stayed the same for half an hour. Fubuki saw Maira getting more tired every minute that passed by. She was almost at her limits now.
''Maira, don't give up!'' Fubuki shouted.
Maira didn't even had the strength left to reply to him. She was panting heavily and dark spots danced in front of her eyes.
''Tired already?'' The monk asked. ''I still have a special attack left for you.''
Maira gritted her teeth. The monk closed his eyes and twisted his hands around each other gracefully. Firaga's tail suddenly started to caught fire. He flew towards Blazebird and smacked him towards the ground with his tail. Blazebird hit the ground hard and Maira fell down on one knee too.
''Must … stay … strong.'' She told herself tired.
She crawled up again, Blazebird doing the same. She gave a smirk towards the monk.
''I also have one special attack left.'' She said.
The monk's eyes widened. Maira closed her eyes and clasped her hands together. Blazebird stopped flying and closed his eyes too. Fubuki watched Maira with a mixed feeling in his stomach.
''Eternal Flame!'' Maira shouted.
Blazebird started to glow entirely red now and a bright light burst out into the giant space. Blazebird screeched and started to fan with his wings. A giant burst of flames made their way towards Firaga.
''Impossible!'' The monk shouted.
Firaga got a hard smack and turned into red little sparks. The monk fell onto one knee and Maira smiled. She had won. She praised Blazebird and made him disappear again. She walked toward the monk and helped him back on his feet. The cage around Fubuki disappeared and he dashed towards Maira. He lifted her up and sway her around.
''You did it!'' He said.
Maira giggled.
''Congratulations.'' The monk said.
Maira freed herself from Fubuki's grasp and bowed deeply in front of the monk.
''Thank you for the amazing match. It was a big lesson for me.'' She said.
The monk smiled.
''Now that you've won, this is yours.'' He replied.
He handed Maira a red gem. Her eyes widened.
''The first artifact.'' She said with a smile.
The monk nodded. Maira placed it on her sword and it turned red for a small while.
''Now, we must rest from the battle.'' The monk said.
He said his goodbye towards the two Chosen One's and flames surround him. When the flames faded away, he was gone.
''Huh? How did he do that?'' Fubuki asked amazed.
Maira giggled.
''I don't know.'' She replied.
Then, she swayed on her feet and almost fell.
''Wow, easy.'' Fubuki said, while he quickly wrapped his arm around her waist.
''I'm okay… Just a little bit tired.'' Maira replied weak.
''Come on, we'll bring you towards a sleeping place.'' Fubuki said.
He lifted Maira up in his arms and carried her bridal-style. Maira closed her eyes. Fubuki walked through the special exit of the temple and ended up at the back. He walked around it, towards the front and descended the stairs. There were people standing hopefully at the bottom, curious if the female Chosen One had succeeded. Fubuki smiled and told the people that Maira had succeeded, but that she needed rest now. The people quickly made way for the two and an old lady told them she owned a tavern. She showed Fubuki the way towards it. Fubuki laid Maira on a bed in a room and laid a blanket over her slim body.
''Take a good rest.'' He whispered towards the already sleeping girl.
He brushed her bangs away with his fingers and placed another kiss on her forehead. Then, he looked out of the window and smiled. The first artifact was collected.
~ End of chapter ~
Mamera: Minna-san! I'm back! My exams are finally done. They were pretty tough… I missed writing so much! But now, I have time to write again. I couldn't wait to write this new chapter! I made it extra long for you guys! I hope you all like it and hereby forgive me for my absence. The next chapter will be about Fubuki and Maira travelling further towards the second village, where the second artifact will be. And, we'll get to see Kochiro again! Until next time! Lots of love! xoxo
