Zuma took a deep breath, relieved to finally return home.
A secluded mansion that was nestled within the depths of the mountains, one that was currently covered in the pure white of snow, was the place that always welcomed her back. Regardless of where she went or what she did, it would be there when she returned.
A relaxed smile settled on her pointed features as she opened the door, and the familiar scent of firewood and spices filled her nose.
"You're back," a calm, smooth voice called from the balcony. "We missed you, Zuma. I hope it went well?"
Zuma shut the large door behind her to keep the warm air inside, then looked up to return the greeting. "Song Yuze, don't lie to me – I was only gone for a weekend, you couldn't miss me that badly. I do come bearing news, though."
"Oh, mèimei," Song Yuze smiled, then let out a soft laugh that was pleasant to the ears; somewhat reminiscent of bells ringing. "Akar and I aren't exactly the most lively pair. Without you, we aren't very talkative. It starts to feel lonely when you are away."
Song Yuze, the Azure Dragon. The divine beast whose spirit had yet to reincarnate even once, the guardian that had witnessed and participated in countless atrocities throughout the latter parts of humanity's time on the earth. Despite his presumed crimes and the inherent unfairness of the world, he maintained his composure throughout it all – as if he had never done anything wrong at all.
He was a dignified, graceful, and well-spoken man. Although his appearance was that of a young man, full of vitality, it was obvious in the way that he carried himself that he had seen the world many times over. A long black braid was swept over his right shoulder, reaching down to his waist. His eyes were a minty cerulean, and within them one could get lost in the countless memories and hardships that were tucked behind his somber gaze.
In his semi-beast form, the color of his hair changed to a unique shade of green-blue – but, for a reason unbeknownst even to Zuma, Song Yuze preferred to use his human appearance. Zuma had been beside him nearly her entire life, having been taken in by him when she was a lost and struggling teen. She owed him much, and would follow him through the nine hells and back if it was what he wanted, and cared not to pry into his past more than necessary.
Song Yuze descended the stairs with perfect and infallible cadence, his long earthen green and brown robes skimming the steps behind him. Once he reached the ground floor, he approached Zuma and held out his hands to her, with his palms facing up.
Zuma instinctively placed her hands in his, as it was the standard greeting ritual between one another in the Azure Dragon's circle. Song Yuze allowed his fingers to press gently against the bottom of her wrists, after which he channeled his natural energy into her veins. His divine powers were directly connected to the earth, and wood, which meant that his magic felt as refreshing as a spring day in the forest when it coursed through one's body.
All of the light fatigue and stress from her weekend's journey melted away, and she found herself completely at peace. Zuma, in reciprocation, warmed his cold hands with her own power.
"Welcome home," Song Yuze added with a slight bow as he pulled away. "Before you share the information with me, we should wait for Akar to arrive. I know he was anxiously awaiting your return, as well."
As if on cue, the Akar in question entered the large living area. He stepped past the burning fireplace and finally seemed to notice his two companions engaged in a pleasant greeting. Akar was a tall and large, muscular man, with short black hair and dark eyes. His right eye was marked with the eye of Ra, which represented masculine and protective energy.
He was the divine Black Tortoise.
Akar approached the two and stopped once close enough. He was a man of very few words and expressions, but he reached out and put his hand on Zuma's shoulder and gave it a firm, but gentle, squeeze. That was his… own way of welcoming her return.
"You're home." Akar gave a satisfied nod and took his hand back. "Good."
Zuma nodded. "Yes, I'm well. Missed you, too, Akar."
Song Yuze motioned to the lounge sofas that sat before the fireplace. "We should have a seat; I'll have someone come to bring us tea while you recount to us your trip in detail."
Both Zuma and Akar were pleased by the suggestion, moving to sit down without a moment's hesitation. The two sat on the same couch, a respectful distance apart, but still close enough to enjoy one another's proximity. Over their extended decades living together, the Vermillion Bird and Black Tortoise had come to feel some semblance of affection for one another – but it was very ambiguous in nature. Neither of them desired to explore the relationship further.
Song Yuze smiled affectionately as he sat in the large padded chair opposite them. "So, Zuma, relay what you've discovered."
"Of course," Zuma hummed, trying to decide the most important bits to tell them first. "Evidently, the Crimson Dragon has found the next phoenix."
"Oh," Song Yuze replied, his expression saddening slightly. "How did you know? We don't have the White Qilin anymore – so there's no way to tell."
"Do we know if White Qilin is alright?" Zuma couldn't help but wonder aloud. "He left to meditate nearly twenty years ago and hasn't returned. Surely, nothing would have happened to him, right? I doubt that the Crimson Dragon would kill him for no reason."
Song Yuze shook his head. "I don't know, but I hope that he is okay."
"He's strong," Akar stated simply.
"Yes," Song Yuze agreed. "I'm sure he is fine. Regardless – he isn't with us… which brings us back to the question of how you found out that there is a new phoenix?"
"Quynh Lê, Shizuka and the supposed phoenix were actually leaving Mako's boulangerie right as I arrived," Zuma explained begrudgingly. "It was unlucky. I very narrowly escaped suffering at the dragon's hand."
Akar gave her a supportive pat on the back, "Did Mako tell you?"
"Yes," Zuma nodded. "I talked to Mako once they left, and he said that the girl, Vanna, is the new Golden Phoenix. Mako and I agreed that she must not be fully transformed yet, because he couldn't sense any supernatural aura on her – and nor could I."
"Mako is a very good friend," Song Yuze said, with an indiscernible and bitter smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I see. In this case, Miss Vanna hasn't found her artifact yet. That's unfortunate. I hope, for her sake, that she finds it soon."