After Tai-chi was completely out of Stella's sight, he flew at lights speed and reached the end of the world. It was not a void of some sort but an enormous tree surrounded by large crystals that stretched as far as the eye can see. It was also the entrance to his world, Avalon.
He placed his hands on a crystal embedded in the tree trunk and thus opened a portal that led directly to Avalon. He flew through the portal of white and was directly transported into his mansion. As he landed, his appearance changed into a handsome tall elf with light brown hair and purple eyes.
He stood in the middle of the courtyard as all eyes were astonished at the sight of their long lost master. They all shuffled around him and he was happily welcomed by his prestige servants.
"Welcome back master, it's great to have you back after such a long journey."
*Thud! *thud! *thud! *thud! *thud!
The loud sounds of footsteps filled the courtyard followed by a loud voice.
"TAI-CHIIIIIIII !!!!!!"
The voice from behind exclaimed. It was none other than—Ray, his best friend since childhood. Their past was a very impoverished one with simply only having each other to rely on throughout the years. As a result of that, they shared a very strong brotherly bond.
"Tai-chi you're back!!!"
He gave him a big tight hug. So much so that Tai-chi was begging for him to let go.
"R...Ray, I...I can't breathe. Let go already...I'll suffocate if you...keep this up."
"Oh! sorry!" He said as he quickly let him go.
"I'm just glad you're alive!" He sobbed.
"You weren't back for a long time and the last time I saw you, it was 'that day.' I thought you weren't going to come back."
He said while he attempted to hold back his tears and tugged onto Tai-chi's jacket.
Tai-chi looked at him and patted his back.
"Everything's okay now. I'm only standing here before you because of Stella."
Ray paused and looked up at Tai-chi.
"Stella?"
"Yes!" Tai-chi happily said.
"Stella's my one true love. She's the one who saved me when I was sent to the human world."
"True love? out of all people, you?
"Are you doubting my love for her Ray?"
Tai-chi asked emitting an aura that showed how irritated he was. Ray quickly let go of him and apologized.
"Sorry, I'm sorry ok?"
"So, where is she?"
Tai-chi looked at him with suspecting eyes and held him by his shirt's collar.
"Why do you want to know the location of my Stella ?"
"Eek Scary!"
Ray thought while trying to avoid Tai-chi's eyes.
"I just wanted to thank her for saving you that's all. I didn't have any other intentions I swear!"
"Is that so?
Tai-chi asked doubting him."
"Yes! It's true you know I won't lie to you!"
"You're right, "
Tai-chi sighed.
" I got too worked up, sorry."
"It's fine," Ray said.
" He must like that Stella girl."
He thought.
Tai-chi sharply turned around and asked Ray,
Were you just thinking about my Stella?
"Umm..."
"You were weren't you!?"
"I don't even know how she looks!"
"Plus, you have a ton of work to do since you left and the Emperor told me that he wanted to see you as soon as possible when you came back. I'd recommend doing that first."
He said as he tried to dodge the question.
"Mm, Whatever, "
Tai-chi said as he turned around as an orderly path was cleared for him. The servants all kneeled as he passed through.
"I'm heading out ready the carriage."
"At once your grace."
All servants said timely. Tai-chi was headed to the imperial capital where the emperor was located. He was going to, as Ray stated, inform — Emperor Augustine, Francis, Anthony, Ernest de Avalon of his return. As his carriage rode through the cathedral, everyone was surprised and whispered about the Verniel crest embedded in it.
*(NB: Verniel is Tai-chi's surname.)
People thought that he would never come back after being overthrown by duke Advik. As his carriage approached the entrance to the palace, he was ambushed and greeted with flame arrows, magical barriers, swords, and spears all pointed his way.
"Stop in the name of his Eminence Emperor Augustine de Avalon! You may not go any further!"
The guards all shouted at him.
"Slowly get out of the carriage and put your hands where we can see them!"
They shouted. As Tai-chi got out and raised his hands in the air, behind him appeared Duke Advik.
"I see you withstood my attack."
He emotionlessly said as he adjusted his glasses with his finger."
"Advik, I'm not here to start a fight so tell your men to stand down."
"I know, I'm just taking the necessary precautions. You are in the domain of his Imperial Highness after all. "
"And we still don't know when you'll go psycho again so it's to be expected."