The sun is still about to rise but a group of people are already up and ready to leave.
Raising her hand, she waved happily. Looking pretty and looking fresh as she bathes in the morning light. "Wooh!" Yu Gaia exclaimed upon spotting everyone at their meeting place – where the array is. "My! My! Are you guys excited?" she asked joyfully while approaching them. Behind her is Yu Rui.
Sen Saiorse crossed her arms and sighed, "As always, Young Miss Yu, you're late." She glared but not in a 'hate' look, but rather in a 'tired of this bullcrap' look.
"Why, you missed me that much?" she cupped Sen Saiorse hands while continuously blinking. Acting cute to get her attention.
Sen Saiorse looked at her in disgust, "Let go of me you piece of crap." she threatened.
"Aww..." Yu Gaia's eyes sparkled. She did let go of her hand but she jumped on her to get a big hug, "Young Miss Sen is really cute! Cuteness overload! Kyaa!" she shrieked like a maiden madly in love.
"Get off me you flirty--!" Sen Saiorse exclaimed pissed.
"--gorgeous goddess?" Yu Gaia continued proudly.
Sen Saiorse looked at her with even more disgust. "Insolent pest." she corrected with a threatening glare.
"Kyaa! Young Miss Sen, every inch of you just turns me on so much!" Yu Gaia squeezed her once more while the other lady tries to push her away with all her might. Suddenly, an arm held her wrist and pulled Yu Gaia away from the troubled teen.
"Ah!" she exclaimed. Pouting in irritation, she turned only to see Yu Rui's annoyed expression.
Yu Gaia gulped in horror.
Goodness! He looks like he wants to murder somebody!
"I-I'll behave..." she stuttered in fear while sweating with a forced laugh.
Yu Rui crossed his arms with a sigh. She pouted in irritation once again, "I'm just trying to lighten up the mood okay? Don't be angry with me!" she said while poking his cheeks.
"You're not helping." Yu Rui irritatingly answered.
She giggled cutely, "Rui-dou~" she called sweetly while caressing his silver white hair.
Yu Rui blushed in surprise, "F-Fine! Stop it!"
"Wha-?!" Han Dae exclaimed. 'Tch! I should've gotten a young miss instead!' he thought as he snapped his finger in disappointment, 'Dang you Yu-ni!'
Asher blushed, "I cannot say I don't agree to that mindset..." I mean, what kind of guy wouldn't want to serve a young miss such as her?
"Never mind that now." said the other one with the brother clinging onto her.
"Alright, we're complete already." Sei Cressida said while patting Sei Chryseis' head, "Should we go now?"
Han Zeno nodded, "We have to reach the place before Lord Sen arrives." he smiled, "I'm counting on you."
"So!" Yu Gaia happily said, "Who would draw the array?" while turning her head left and right. Everyone faced her in exasperation except for Han Zeno who's quite surprised.
'This woman!' they all exclaimed in their minds.
"Hmm? What?" she asked cluelessly as she tilts her head in confusion.
"We won't be drawing any array, Young Miss Yu." Han Zeno smiled.
"Huh?" she asked looking a bit surprised. "We won't? Why?"
Sei Cressida answered, "One would have to exhaust his spiritual energy to do so."
"We'll be travelling on foot." Sei Chryseis answered.
"Eh?!" she freaked. She massaged her head looking very displeased and troubled, "I can't! I can't travel on foot! Wait for me, I'll call my—"
She halted when Sen Saiorse whistled using two of her fingers.
Four winged horses came running to their direction. Han Dae's eyes twinkled in awe as he gasps with a smile. He only read them in books back in the Crimson Han Tribe. Their numbers aren't many and they hate conflict. Winged horses usually hide themselves from people and they reside near the waters of Ai Forest in Saphirus Sen Tribe.
They are truly majestic with white and blue in shade like water drops reaching the clouds.
"Amazing..." Han Dae uttered in awe.
"Is this enough to make you shut your mouth Young Miss Yu?" Sen Saiorse answered, trying to hold back herself from punching a young miss.
Boy, she had enough!
"Yay!" Yu Gaia exclaimed, "Let's go!" as she hopped on one of the horses. She patted the front seat in front of her and faced Yu Rui, "Hop on!" she smiled. Yu Rui faced her and sighed. He smiled and obeyed.
While everyone is busy hopping on the winged horses, Han Dae was lost in deep, very deep thought.
Yes, he was once again jealous of Yu Rui!
Biting his nail in irritation, he glared at him thinking, 'Ugh! He must be living a pretty blissful life! Having a young miss that's oh-so sweet and a shi that's oh-so pretty!'
Yu Rui gulped. Without knowing the reason, he feels the chill, as if someone has the intent to kill him.
"Hmm? Are you fine?" Yu Gaia wondered.
"Y-Yeah... It just became somewhat chilly all of a sudden." he forced a laugh.
"Han Dae." He heard his young lord's voice from behind. He faced him and saw him sitting on the winged horse's back. His eyes widened. He looks too elegant and magnificent that he couldn't even bat an eye.
His ears turned red the moment Han Zeno smiled and reached out his hand, "Ride with me." He ordered with his eyes looking directly at Han Dae's.
Han Dae felt different. He somehow felt comforted and relieved. Also...
... very happy.
Slowly, he reached out his hand and held the hand of his Hashi-ni without avoiding eye contact with him. All of that happened without him realizing. Right now, he only wants to continue staring at him.
The world seems to be moving on a slow motion for him. He noticed every detail of Han Zeno. Handsome face, the beauty mark on his left eye, his long black hair moving with the wind, his crimson colored hanfu fluttering, the ribbon on his forehead, his deep red eyes, and his captivating smile.
Down to the last detail, he noticed everything.
Han Zeno pulled him up as he hopped on the horse. He is now sitting behind him.
'Ah!' Han Dae wondered. 'I took his hand...' his ears got redder.
'I didn't even... realize...' he thought.
"Is everyone ready to go now?" Sei Cressida asked.
She is sitting on the winged horse with her brother behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. Sen Saiorse rides her own horse, Yu Gaia is hugging Yu Rui from behind, and Han Dae is holding his Hashi-ni's shoulders from behind.
Han Zeno nodded, "Let's go!" he said happily and the horses took a sprint before flying high up in the sky.
Han Dae's eyes once again sparkled while looking down. He can see everything so clear down below that it excites him so much like a child going to a field trip.
Han Zeno faced him with a smile, "This is the first time I have flown this high." he said, trying to make a conversation.
Han Dae blinked and faced him in a wonder, "Can't Hashi-ni reach the clouds?"
Han Zeno shook his head, "Only Majins can." He faced forward once again and said, "Han Dae, do you... want me to become the next Majin?"
"Huh?" Han Dae asked. He felt like the question is too sudden for him.
Asher thought about it as well, "Well if you ask me, que sera sera!" I mean, being the son of the head of the tribe is already difficult enough, soon he will become the head and will be busier, what more if he becomes a Majin?
Han Zeno faced him with a smile and answered, "I'm just curious." he continued.
Han Dae, with his lips curving upward, replied, "Mnn! That'd be so cool Hashi-ni!" He nodded happily.
Asher, "On second thought, why not? Han Zeno is excellent in everything! Fighting ghouls, purging demons, leading an army, studying, and he is loved by almost everybody! He has the looks that take away women's breaths and is kind to everyone."
Then he thought once more, "The only thing he lacks is his ability to cook, but that can be done by someone else he'd spend his life with. He is indeed a husband mater-- I mean, a Majin material!"
Han Zeno's smile halted after hearing his answer. He seems to be in deep thoughts and his eyes seem to lost its life. But not long after, he smiled once again.
Han Dae brushed Han Zeno's hair to the front, 'Ah, smooth...' he thought and smiled.
Han Dae, "But if Hashi-ni doesn't like it, I won't like it also!"
Han Zeno's smile once again halted, flinching a bit. The spark of his eyes came back suddenly as he turned his head to face his favorite servant. He let out a 'pfft' and answered, "I actually want to be one if I can." He smiled.
He faced forward again, 'If...' Han Zeno thought.
"Of course Hashi-ni can! No sweat!" Han Dae answered confidently when the horses land abruptly without a warning.
"Waahhh!" Han Dae shouted with teary eyes that are tightly shut as he wrapped his arms around Han Zeno's neck, unable to let go. The rest shouted as well when the horses flew downward. Sei Chryseis shouted in tears, Sei Cressida shouted in surprise, Yu Rui exclaimed in panic, Yu Gaia exclaimed in excitement.
Sen Saiorse covered her ears shouting, "Keep quiet!"
Han Zeno, smiling, didn't utter a single thing as he holds Han Dae's head and buried it on his shoulder using his right hand.
The moment they reached the ground, those who shouted earlier are still trembling. Han Zeno pats Han Dae's shaking head, "There, there! We landed safely!"
Han Dae peeked and saw that they are indeed on the ground. He sighed in relief and removed his hand from his young lord. Han Zeno hopped off first and assisted him because his feet are still shaking.
Poor Han Dae, he plans to do what he did but he cannot because of his state!
Sen Saiorse pats her winged horse and said, "Thank you for your help..." with a smile.
She turned to face everyone and asked, "Are you guys—" she was about to ask whether they are fine, but she saw Yu Rui and Sei Cressida having trouble breathing as if they are having a panic attack, Sei Chryseis looks like he wants to throw up and Yu Gaia is still hung up and wants to do it again.
"I guess free falling isn't your thing." Sen Saiorse uttered.
The winged horses flapped their wings and went back to the place where they came from as everyone stood, looking alright already.
"Huh?" they heard a man's voice from behind that is familiar to everyone of them. Turning, they all saw Sen Fajra who's even more surprised to see them there.
"A pleasant morning Lord Sen!" Yu Gaia stated sweetly and waved her hands happily.
Sen Saiorse lowered her head and everyone else did.
Sen Fajra did the same before proceeding to ask, "Why?" he questioned, looking confused, "Young Miss Sen, what are you doing here? With everyone?" he asked formally. However, confusion is clearly shown in his expression.
"Forgive me Sen-ni." Sen Saiorse answered, "I just cannot let you do this alone."
Sen Fajra sighed, "I thought we already discussed this matter?" he then faced Han Zeno, "I did not think Young Lord Han would also break his word."
Han Zeno lowered his head and answered, "I believe that this matter is not to be solved alone." He faced him once again, "We can help, Lord Sen. Forgive me for not keeping my word."
Sei Cressida lowered her head as well and answered, "We are deeply aware of Saphirus Sen Tribe's condition right now." She faced him and continued, "I think Young Miss Sen's opinion shouldn't be discarded."
Yu Gaia smiled, "Come on, Lord Sen! Young Miss Sen is too adorable to resist!"
Sen Saiorse glared at her, "Shut it!" she said and faced her brother once again with puppy eyes, "Lord Sen, please let us accompany you for today. After that, I am willing to take whatever punishment you bestow upon me."
Sen Fajra can no longer object. He can only sigh and said, "I never would have thought that this would happen." He stopped for a while as he massages his temple before continuing, "There is no use in forcing you guys to go back now, is there?"
Everyone gave him a smile that shows how eager they are to help him.
He sighed once again, "Alright, but...let me negotiate first. If push comes to shove, we will do the mock battle."
San Saiorse smiled in relief and lowered her head once again, "Many thanks, Sen-ni!"
Location: Murky Lair; Saphirus Sen Tribe's outside border.
"Waahh..." Han Dae's eyes widened. "All of a sudden it's dark already..."
The place is empty without any trees, grass, and creatures. Only darkness and pointy, sharp edged rocks.
Sen Fajra answered, "This place is where they dwell, please be careful."
Before they can even answer, the ground shakes as the army of demons and monsters appeared right in front of them.
There are hundreds of them.
The one that is leading them is a female high ranking demon - a saintess.
Her skin is ash gray in shade, her lips are pitch black, the strands of her white curly hair are like fire, pointing up smoothly, with black eyes and silver pupils. Wearing a monster's skin that is barely even covering her hourglass body.
Indeed, she looks like a high ranking demon. Behind her are some demons with a rank lower than her, and behind them are humongous monsters carrying their weapons.
"Hmm?" she smirked and crossed her arms, "I told you to bring a whole army of your people, what is the meaning of this? Don't tell me you're underestimating the power of my clan?"
"Are you the head of this army?" Sen Fajra asked.
"What about it?" she answered calmly while playing with her sharp nails.
"I want to negotiate. I desire no war." He replied politely, "We can give up a portion of the forest if that is what you wish for."
She faced him emotionlessly. Just then, she chuckled, "Ha!" she exclaimed and laughed. She faced her army, "Did 'ya hear him aye?!" she shouted and they all laughed. She faced him once again, with menacing eyes full of bloodlust.
The woman answered, "As I recall, I only gave you two options. It's either participate in our mock battle or full on war."
She sighed, "We don't want a portion, we want everything! The forest, the livestock, the buildings and the people. Can't you understand that? This whole place belongs to the demon race, of course, we're only taking back what's ours." She confidently stated.
"The human race have conquered this place already." Sen Fajra stated, "After defeating the Demon Lord in this place, the territory is now ours. What you are saying is already in the past and is invalid."
"Oh shut up!" she snapped, "How dare you tell me that I'm bringing up the the past when the humans conquering the demons is already in the past as well?!" she shouted angrily and the whole demon army made some noise.
Sen Fajra sighed. He looked behind him and saw how everyone is waiting for him to make his decision.
An unwavering, firm decision.
They are keeping quiet and is standing still. As Sen Fajra turns his head to them, he can already feel the huge trust and responsibility they are giving him.
It honestly is too scary to bear. Too much of a burden. He felt his chest crumpling as he swallows.
Something is flashing before him. A memory when they were younger. A him who is tightly embracing his twin as the blood splatters through his face and his blue hanbok. In front of them is a crying injured woman, uttering something he can no longer hear. All he is was a petrified child as the other covers her ears with her two hands shutting her eyes tightly.
Then it was dawn. A Sen elder took them back home and raised them. Just then, the burden in him got heavier. The moment he reached fourteen, he became the head.
It triggers him to the core. His mind is only repeating the same thing, 'I cannot let them die. I don't want to feel that same thing anymore.'
Each day, he trembles before going out of his room, wearing a mask of confidence to everyone in the place. He cannot afford to make a mistake.
Not anymore.
Once is enough.
He doesn't want to lose his family anymore.
He gulped upon recalling those memories that makes him uneasy. But his eyes shifted to Han Zeno who is staring deeply to his eyes. Smiling warmly. He flinched and calmed down.
Inhale, exhale.
He turned to face her once again, this time, with a goal in mind as she glares at him with eyes wide open and pupils shrunk.
The demon army silenced as she spoke, "Don't test my patience you human pest. Hurry up and decide."
He eyed everyone once again and lowered his head, "Forgive me, I failed." He faced them and asked, "May you help me win this mock battle?"
Everyone smiled.
"Mnn." Han Zeno nodded.
"Sure!" Young Miss Sen agreed politely.
"That's what we're here for." Sei Cressida said while Sei Chryseis nods.
"Yay! Lord Sen you're the best!" Yu Gaia jumped and embraced him. It surprised Sen Fajra and made him stumble.
Sen Saiorse pulled her away from her brother with all of her strength, "Get off my brother!" she exclaimed angrily.
"Aww..." she moaned and faced her, "Are you jealous?" she laughed.
'This time, at least this time...' he thought to himself, 'I won't have to carry the burden alone.'
Sen Fajra fixed himself, he took a deep breath and turned to the demon once again, "I accept the mock battle."
She grinned with eyes filled with excitement. She snapped her finger with a grin on her mischievous face. The moment it happened, the ground crumbled and made four different arenas separating them.
"I told you to bring more people to make this more exciting." She smirked.
Han Zeno blinked and saw Sen Fajra with him on the same arena.
"Huh?" he wondered.
Two demons stepped in their arena.
"You will fight to death. The team with more winning streak will be considered as the winning team. Good. Fucking. Luck." She instructed.
Sen Saiorse saw that she is paired up with Yu Gaia, "You again?" she groaned.
Yu Gaia laughed, "I guess we're destined to be together! This must be fate!" she turned to face Yu Rui on a different arena and shouted, "Rui-dou! Don't go dying on me, okay?!" she shouted while waving.
Yu Rui covered his face in embarrassment, "I get it alright?!" he whispered shyly.
Sei Cressida saw Yu Rui on her arena. Her eyes widened as she moved her head to find her brother. Han Zeno looked around as well, trying to find where Han Dae is.
Both of them gasped in shock getting triggered by the second.
Han Dae turned to see his pair. Sei Chryseis turned as well with face filled with confusion.
By the time their eyes met, they were in shock.
"Y-Young Lord Sei?" Han Dae uttered with eyes wide.
"Han-chou?" Sei Chryseis asked as he blinks.
Sei Cressida panicked and Han Zeno clenched his sword.
Asher panicked as well, "Isn't this... bad?" he thought as he felt Han Dae's nervousness taking over him.
Han Dae clenched his sword and questioned himself, 'H-How am I... going to defend Young Lord Sei?!'