Above the clouds
Ao Ji, even in his dragon form, could still hide in the clouds. His form was long and majestic, his entire body was covered in brilliant white scales, even his horns were stark white. He simply was too brilliant, especially with his piercing emerald eyes that seemed as if they could see through the heavens themselves.
As he neared a mountain pass he spotted a large pillar of fire.
'Magic?'
'Hmm, maybe someone is in trouble?' He thought.
He opted to observe at a closer distance, so he lowered himself from the clouded skyline and drew in towards the possible fight taking place below.
When he got there he viewed two striking figgures weaving signs. One was a young girl, the likes of which he had never seen before, mesmerized, he watched as she practically floated across the ground weaving, dodging, and signing her magic spells to be thrown against the hideous creature.
"Enchanting…" He murmured to himself.
Meanwhile on the ground, the fight raged on, the Bashe was clearly beginning to weaken. He glared ferociously at the pair who seemed to be enjoying the little match up. He roared as he gathered the last of his strength to launch a final blow. If he was going down he was taking them with him!
Bai Ze saw that the position they were in could not deflect the incoming attack, but he was too far…
'Watch out!!!' He screamed inside Kirin's mind.
A loud roar emanated from behind the pair and within a flash, before they could register what just happened, a white streak slammed forward as blood sprayed into the sky. As the Bashe fell in a loud heap onto the floor, Ji shook off the blood that fell onto his scales. The cold glint in his eyes slowly faded as he turned to face the trio.
His eyes locked onto those crystal blue orbs that shook him to his core, bowing low to the girl, he submitted his soul to that being in front of him. He didn't know why he did this, he's from the proud and ancient dragon clan, their crowned prince! Others should bow to him instead, but he couldn't help it, her entire being commanded him without further thought.
'This must be her'
Delving out of their initial shock at the new arrival, Jun was instantly on alert to the figure in front of him. He was warned of the dragon clan, but never had he met one. He was told they never enter the lower realm. Blocking the view by using his body as a shield, he slowly approached this bowing dragon in front of him.
"Who are you? What is it you want? Have we offended the dragon clan?"
Jun cautiously uttered while inching forward. He also knelt down in fear of offending this clan. He thought if anything he could be her shield long enough for her to escape with Bai Ze.
Speaking of the tiny figure, where the heck did he run off too now!? Jun could not see him anywhere, did he not leave him by Kilin just now? As he turned his head back towards the stunning dragon, he spotted a tiny figure, touching the dragon!? Oh gods, this child is going to get us killed today!
As the wide eyed Jun shockingly stared at Ze, Ao Ji turned toward the tiny figure beside him.
'My name is Bai Ze, your highness crown prince, please may I be of service and introduce you to my companions?' He mentally told Ao Ji.
Nodding to the tiny figure he straightened his body and transformed back to his human form. Clothed in a long white and gold trimmed robe, long straight black hair tied in an elegant single ponytail, wearing an emerald dragon pin to secure it in place, his body was tall, and well muscled, his features were as of fine cut jade, truly his appearance exuded a royal charm that could command the universe with those striking emerald eyes.
Bai Ze walked to Jun and touched his arm.
'This is the crowned prince Ao Ji of the dragon clan, he means no harm, he is here for the mistress Kirin. Please don't be alarmed.' He told Jun quickly.
Dropping his guard he lowered his gaze to the floor and motioned for Kirin to join him.
Stepping forward quickly, he put up his hands to Kirin and quickly uttered, "please, my lady, do not kneel to me." He quickly knelt to the floor in front of her and reached for her delicate palm, placing a kiss on the back of her hand.
"Umm… your highn…" she began to say when she was cut off abruptly.
"Ao Ji… please.. call me Ji." He sternly said to her.
"Em.. J..Ji. I am no one, I am just an orphan, please do not fawn or demean yourself to someone as low…" she barely got that word out when Ao Ji's overwhelmingly seductive voice entered her ears again.
Leaning closer to her… "How can this be? My lady, you are no mere orphan, do you not know who you are!? This prince could never compare! Please allow my strength to be as your own. I will not fail you." He gently placed his hand on the side of her blushing cheek, lightly caressing it with his thumb as his gaze softened after hearing her words.
'This wondrous creature doesn't even realize how precious she is.'
"I won't falter by your side my lady, allow this lowly prince to remain at your side… I beg you." He pleaded to her blushing countenance.
"How can I refuse?" She shyly stated in a soft whisper.
"May I inquire as to everyone's names?" He looked back to the two stunned figures, effectively snapping them from their stupor.
"I am Lin Kirin, that is Qilin Jun, and the little one is Bai Ze." Kirin told Ji.
His brows instantly knit together, staring at the little boy he tried to fathom how could he be so young..
"You.. Ji, em, is something wrong?" She questioned.
Snapping back to her questioning gaze he said, "Bai Ze? Are you sure that little boy is the legendary Bai Ze? The holder of knowledge of all the beasts known in creation, Bai Ze?"
Unable to answer his question she just stared at him not knowing what to do or say. At this point, Bai Ze gestured for all three to touch his body.
'Yes your highness, I am "that" Bai Ze. But, please call me Ze. I have foretold this coming for eons now. In time to come more shall be revealed. For now let us quickly pack up this meat and move away before our enemies spot us. We are being hunted at this time, although our exact location is currently a mystery to them, still, we must keep moving.'