Jade was picking roses in their school garden when she felt someone embrace her from behind. Just by the scent of the perfume, she already knew who it was. A smile tugged at her lips.
"Don't you have class today?" she asked, turning to face Xylon, her heart fluttering at the sight of him.
"I'd rather be here with you than endure another lecture from our boring teacher," Xylon replied, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he pinched her cheek.
Jade couldn't help but laugh, feeling a warmth spread through her at his touch.
As they gazed into each other's eyes, their faces drew closer, and their lips met in a tender kiss. Ever since they became a couple, Xylon never missed an opportunity to shower her with affection, and Jade found herself addicted to his kisses.
Their moment was interrupted by a clearing of the throat, and they turned to see Kan sitting by the fountain.
"Mind if I borrow the Prince for a moment?" Kan asked.
"Of course," Jade said with a smile.
Xylon frowned; the truth was, he didn't want to leave Jade.
Kan and Xylon gradually faded into the shadows. Before Xylon completely disappeared, he blew her a flying kiss, causing a blush to rise to Jade's cheeks. Left alone in the garden, Jade continued to pick roses.
.
.
Kan gathered everyone together, their faces etched with concern, to address the escalating Chimera attacks besieging the town.
"Countless have fallen victim to the Chimera," Xenon stated, his voice laced with concern.
"But who leads them?" Blake inquired, his brow furrowed with worry.
"That's precisely why I've called upon you all," Kan revealed, his eyes reflecting determination.
"What's the plan, big brother?" Xylon queried.
"We'll venture into the town, investigate, and apprehend the Chimera terrorizing the populace," Kan announced, his voice steady and resolute.
"And deal with them accordingly," Heberlin interjected, her voice filled with steely resolve.
The group unanimously agreed, a shared sense of duty driving their resolve.
"Xylon, Xenon, Heberlin, and Blake will venture into the town to investigate, with the Prince leading the way," Kan declared.
"Whoa, I'm all in for that! Exploring the human realm sounds thrilling," Blake exclaimed, a spark of excitement dancing in his eyes.
"Why am I not included?" Rebeus protested, a hint of disappointment evident in his voice.
"We need someone here to safeguard the students at the Academy," Kan explained.
"That's not fair," Rebeus muttered, his disappointment palpable.
"We'll set out for town tomorrow," Xylon said.
"Stay safe," Kan said, his voice filled with genuine concern.
They nodded. As the meeting concluded, Xylon, with a sense of urgency, hurried off to find Jade.
.
.
Zake was playing with dragonflies when Rain arrived.
"Hi, baby Zake!" Rain greeted cheerfully.
Rain had a crush on Zake for a long time, but he never seemed to notice her. Zake just glanced at her before continuing to play.
Rain frowned. "When will you ever notice me?" she asked.
Zake turned to her once more, noticing the hint of sadness in her expression.
"W-Why are you frowning?" he asked.
"Because you never notice me," Rain replied.
Zake approached her and gently brushed aside her hair covering her face. "Z-Zake doesn't like to see... sadness," he said softly.
A smile bloomed on Rain's lips, her heart fluttering at his gesture. "Can I join your game?" she asked, her voice filled with hope.
Zake's face immediately brightened, and he nodded eagerly. Rain joined him, and they played together.
.
.
Fall found Phoenix sitting quietly in the living room, his mind clearly preoccupied.
"The coronation of Xylon draws near; he will be crowned as the new king of Aznar," Fall informed.
Phoenix averted his gaze. "I have no interest in the throne," he replied.
"But you have a rightful claim to the throne. Fight for your right, you're also a prince. You're also the son of King Vladimir," Fall urged.
"He's not my father; Lord Calix is my father," Phoenix countered.
"Think about it!" Fall's tone suddenly grew stern. "You're more deserving of the throne! Don't you want to avenge the deaths of Autumn and the others?"
Phoenix gave Fall a sharp glare. "Their deaths are also your fault," he retorted.
Fall's temper flared. "If I were you, I'd reconsider. In the world of vampires, power is more important than feelings," Fall said before storming off.
"Power? Tss. Nonsense," Phoenix muttered.
There was nothing more important to him than Jade.
.
.
Jade was in a deep sleep when she began to dream.
"Where am I?" she wondered aloud, finding herself amidst emptiness. There were no buildings, trees, or people in sight—just vast nothingness.
"Hello? Is there anyone here?" she called out, but her voice echoed back to her.
"Oh gosh, what kind of place is this?" she muttered to herself, feeling a sense of unease.
As she walked, she spotted a figure in the distance. "Hey, hey you!" she shouted, but it seemed the figure didn't hear her.
She ran towards it, and as she drew closer, she was taken aback. It was a woman with crimson hair and black wings resembling those of an angel, her back turned towards Jade.
"Excuse me," Jade said, feeling a mixture of confusion and curiosity.
The woman turned to face her, and Jade was shocked to see that she looked exactly like her.
"W-Who are you? Why do you look like me?" Jade asked, her voice trembling.
The woman smiled. "I am you. We are one," she said.
"Huh? What do you mean?" Jade questioned, her mind still reeling from the revelation.
"We are one and the same. You are the chosen one, and I am your power," the woman explained.
Jade's mind was still blank. She couldn't comprehend what was happening. Chosen one? Power?
"Someday, you will understand everything," the woman said before gradually fading away.
"Wait, hold on!" Jade cried out, but it was too late.
She completely disappeared in front of her.
Jade stirred from her sleep, sensing a gentle caress on her cheek. Startled, she sat up to find Xylon standing before her.
"What are you doing here? It's late," she said, surprised.
Xylon just smiled. "I just wanted to say goodbye. We're heading to the town tomorrow," he said.
"You're leaving? What are you going to do in the town?" Jade inquired, her brows furrowing with concern.
"The number of Chimera victims is rising. We're going to investigate and capture them," Xylon explained.
Though Jade didn't fully understand, she wrapped her arms around him tightly. "Take care of yourself," she whispered softly.
A smile played on Xylon's lips as he held her close. "I'll miss you," he said.
"Me too," Jade whispered back, her heart heavy with the impending separation.
Reluctantly, Xylon released her from his embrace, planting a tender kiss on her lips before turning to leave.