Previously
Mera jolted up as the princess softly called her name when she stopped. She had her sweet and innocent smile, which only made Mera more flustered.
"Y-Yes, milady. My apologies."
She didn't expect she would act this way. She was more flustered than usual.
She realized the reason for that.
It was because of what happened yesterday. The time when they were together.
The princess was the same as she always was. Perfectly as she was.
But, there was a bit of change. It felt like the princess was more open than before.
Her words when she told her that she wanted to go out, with Mera by her side. It somehow stayed in her mind. Then, while going down the stairs.
It felt like the distance between them that always existed had shortened.
Mera saw a satisfied smile from the princess as she walked towards the bath and slowly lowered down.
Mera could feel a sense of peace from her as she closed her eyes with a wide smile on her face. It was like she was so relaxed, like she had been relieved of something heavy. Mera had also noticed the same thing the day before.
It was when they went to visit the garden. The princess just suddenly plucked a flower and sniffed it, as though she was curious. Not only that, the moment she saw the garden, it was like it was the first time she saw it.
The princess looked extremely happy. Happier than before.
Mera was baffled and astonished the moment she saw that moment.
But then when the princess began touching the wisterias, Mera felt some sort of melancholy emanating from her.
Mera couldn't understand it. But she wanted to.
Mera left the bath and stood at the door. She was to wait until the princess was finished.
"Princess…" She murmured.
She won't be serving the princess tomorrow. What a shame, she somewhat wanted some more time with her. Especially with all the small changes she noticed.
After the princess fell from the stairs, there had indeed been some changes. Though only slightly.
It was like the princess became more open. Was it because she nearly experienced death?
Near death experiences often change people because they realize something.
Maybe that was what happened to Princess Estelia.
Mera placed a hand on her chest then inhaled sharply.
She was happy that the princess was still with her. Maybe someday, they could become true friends.
****
WILLOW"S POV
Willow stepped cautiously into the dense woods, the tall trees casting shadows all around him. He had heard rumors of a chimera living in these parts, but he couldn't let it roam free any longer. The chimera was known for its petrifying powers and its poisonous breath that could melt steel. Willow knew that he was the only one capable of taking it down.
As he walked, he focused his chi, feeling the power coursing through his veins. He closed his eyes, taking deep breaths, and visualized his chi expanding, surrounding him like an aura. With a sudden burst of energy, he opened his eyes and saw his hands glowing with a bright light.
It was then that he heard the chimera's roar. The sound was deafening, and Willow's heart raced with anticipation. He knew that he was ready for this battle.
The chimera appeared suddenly, its wingspan spanning almost the entire width of the path Willow was walking on. Its eyes were yellow and menacing, and its breath smelled of decay. Willow could feel the petrifying energy emanating from the beast.
But he didn't hesitate. With a swift movement, he charged towards the chimera, his body surrounded by the glow of his chi. The chimera responded with a blast of poisonous breath, but Willow was too fast. He dodged the attack with ease and landed a powerful punch on the beast's side.
The chimera howled in pain and took flight, soaring above the treetops. Willow followed closely, his movements graceful and calculated. He could sense the chimera's next attack, and he was ready for it.
As the beast swooped down towards him, Willow leaped into the air, his hands glowing brighter than ever. He aimed for the chimera's neck, but the beast was too quick. It dodged the attack and countered with a blast of petrifying energy.
Willow felt his muscles stiffen, but he refused to give up. He focused his chi once more, using it to break free of the petrifying spell. The chimera was caught off guard by Willow's resilience, and he took advantage of the opportunity.
With a fierce cry, he charged towards the beast, his fists clenched tight. The chimera tried to defend itself with its razor-sharp claws, but Willow was too fast. He dodged the attacks and landed a flurry of punches on the chimera's head and neck.
The beast howled in pain, its wings flapping frantically as it tried to break free. But Willow held on, his chi-enhanced strength allowing him to overpower the chimera. With one final blow, he landed a punch on the chimera's head, knocking it unconscious.
Willow stepped back, breathing heavily. He had done it. He had defeated the chimera. As he watched the beast lying motionless on the ground, he felt a sense of satisfaction wash over him. He had faced his fears and emerged victorious.
But his victory was short-lived. As he turned to leave, he heard a low growl. He spun around, ready for another fight, but what he saw made his blood run cold.
Standing before him was not one, but three chimeras. And they looked even more ferocious than the one he had just defeated. Willow knew that this battle would be much harder than the last. But he was ready. He had his chi, and he had his determination.
With a fierce cry, he charged towards the chimeras, his body glowing with the power of his chi. The battle had just begun.
Willow's body was trembling as he stared down at the three chimeras. The creatures snarled and bared their sharp teeth, their eyes glowing with a menacing light. The chimera that had petrified his arm earlier was standing in the center, flanked by the other two. They seemed to be communicating with each other in some sort of language, their voices a mixture of roars, growls, and hisses.
Willow tried to steady his breathing, focusing his mind on his chi. He felt a surge of energy coursing through his veins, and his body began to glow with a soft light. He knew he had to be careful. If he overused his chi, he could easily exhaust himself and become vulnerable.
The chimera in the center, the one that had petrified his arm, suddenly lunged forward. Its claws were extended, and it let out a deafening roar. Willow quickly dodged to the side, but the chimera was too quick. Its tail swept around and struck Willow in the side, sending him flying through the air.
Willow landed hard on the ground, his breath knocked out of him. He groaned in pain, feeling his ribs creaking under the force of the blow. He struggled to get up, but the chimera was already on top of him, its jaws snapping shut.
Willow closed his eyes and focused on his chi. He felt a surge of power, and suddenly the chimera was blasted away from him. Its body slammed into a nearby tree, causing it to splinter and crack.
The other two chimeras were now advancing on him, their eyes filled with hunger. Willow gritted his teeth and prepared to fight. He knew he had to take them out one by one, or he would be overwhelmed.
The first chimera charged at him, its mouth open wide. Willow leapt over it, using his enhanced speed to dodge its claws. He landed behind it, and with a swift kick, sent it flying into a nearby boulder.
The second chimera was now upon him, its tail whipping around like a whip. Willow sidestepped it, then darted in and punched it in the side. The chimera roared in pain and turned to face him. Willow was ready, and he let loose a flurry of punches and kicks that sent the creature reeling.
The first chimera was back on its feet, and it charged at Willow again. This time, Willow was ready. He focused his chi into his palm, and as the chimera approached, he unleashed a blast of energy that hit it square in the chest. The chimera stumbled backward, its eyes wide with shock.