The world around Ryan was an inferno, flames licking at the edges of his vision.
Yet, amidst the chaos, a figure sat serenely at the center.
A woman, her features both familiar and tantalisingly out of reach in Ryan's memory.
Her silver hair danced like living fire, her eyes pools of molten gold.
"Isn't this interesting, honey," she spoke, her voice a melody that seemed to calm the raging flames and also a hint of crazy.
"The time has finally come. Seek me at the Evergreen, where our paths shall converge once more."
Ryan reached out, trying to touch her, to remember. "Who... who are you? I know you, and yet..."
The woman's smile was both sad and hopeful. "Remember, my dear King. Remember and find me."
As the dream began to fade, her final words echoed in Ryan's mind: "The Evergreen awaits..."
Ryan's eyes snapped open, his heart racing.
He found himself in a luxurious bed, soft silks draped over his body.
Sunlight streamed through ornate windows, illuminating the opulent chamber he now recognized as part of Riei's household.
"You're awake!" Migi's voice, filled with relief, drew his attention. She sat at his bedside, her hand clutching his. "We were so worried. You've been asleep for three days."
Ryan blinked, trying to process this information. "Three days? I... what happened after the battle?"
Before Migi could answer, the door burst open.
Riei entered, followed by a procession of women, each carrying trays laden with food and drink.
"Our King awakens," Riei announced, a rare smile gracing her features. "We must celebrate!"
As the women bustled about, setting up an impromptu feast, Ryan struggled to sit up.
Migi immediately moved to assist him, her touch lingering perhaps a moment longer than necessary.
"Easy there, hero," she teased, though concern still shone in her eyes. "You may have beaten Chung, but you're not invincible."
Ryan chuckled weakly. "Don't I know it. I feel like I've been run over by a herd of spirit beasts."
Riei approached, offering Ryan a goblet filled with a sweet-smelling liquid. "This will help restore your strength, Spirit King. Drink."
As Ryan sipped the concoction, feeling warmth spread through his body, he noticed the way Migi's eyes narrowed slightly at Riei's familiarity.
The tension between the two women was evident, though both tried to hide it behind smiles.
"So," Ryan said, attempting to diffuse the situation, "what's been happening while I've been out? Last I remember, there was quite a mess to clean up."
Riei's expression turned serious.
"Indeed. The aftermath of your battle with Chung was... extensive. But we've made progress." She gestured to one of the women, who stepped forward with a scroll.
"The remaining members of the Obsidian Wraith have pledged themselves to our cause. They now work under my direction, helping to rebuild and protect our territories."
Ryan nodded, impressed. "That's quite an accomplishment. And the... the bodies?"
"Chung has been given a proper burial," Migi interjected, her voice soft. "Despite everything, he was a powerful Spirit contractor. It seemed right to honor that."
A moment of silence fell over the room as they remembered the fallen warrior.
Then, one of the other women – Ryan recognized her as Lila, one of Riei's most trusted advisors – spoke up.
"Spirit King, if I may... there have been rumors spreading about your battle. People are calling it the 'Clash of Titans.' Your legend grows with each passing day."
Ryan shifted uncomfortably under the weight of their expectant gazes. "I'm not sure how I feel about that. I'm just... me."
Migi squeezed his hand reassuringly. "You're much more than that, Darling. You're our King, our protector. The one who will bring balance to the spirit world."
As the others murmured their agreement, Ryan felt a sudden urge to share his dream. "Speaking of that... I had a strange vision while I was asleep. A woman, surrounded by flames, telling me to seek her at the Evergreen."
The room fell silent. Riei and Migi exchanged meaningful glances.
"The Evergreen," Riei mused, her voice low. "That's a sacred place, deep in the heart of the Underground city. I don't know much about that place, I don't think anyone does."
Migi leaned forward, her eyes bright with curiosity. "This woman... did you recognize her?"
Ryan frowned, trying to grasp at the fading memory. "Yes and no. She felt familiar, like someone I've known for lifetimes. But I couldn't place her."
"One of your wives maybe," Migi whispered, a mix of emotions playing across her face. "From your past life."
The atmosphere in the room shifted, a current of anticipation running through the gathered women.
Ryan could sense their curiosity, their hope... and perhaps a touch of jealousy.
"I... I think you're right," Ryan admitted. He turned to Riei, his expression determined. "I need to go there. To the Evergreen. Whatever's waiting for me, it's important."
Riei nodded solemnly. "Of course, Spirit King. We'll make preparations for your journey immediately."
As the women began to disperse, discussing travel plans and provisions, Migi remained by Ryan's side.
Her grip on his hand had tightened almost imperceptibly.
"I'm coming with you," she said, her tone brooking no argument. "Someone needs to keep you out of trouble."
Ryan smiled, grateful for her unwavering support. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
The next few hours were a whirlwind of activity.
As Ryan regained his strength, he was briefed on the state of affairs in Riei's territory.
The Obsidian Wraith, now under her command, had proven to be valuable allies in maintaining order and rebuilding what had been destroyed in the battle.
As evening fell, Riei called for a farewell feast.
The great hall was decorated with floating lanterns and shimmering spirit-flowers, their ethereal glow casting everything in a dreamlike light.
Ryan found himself at the center of attention, with women vying for his time and conversation.
He did his best to be gracious, but he couldn't help noticing the way Migi's eyes followed him, a mixture of pride and possessiveness in her gaze.
As the night wore on, Riei approached Ryan with a small, ornate box.
"A parting gift, Spirit King," she said, her voice low and intimate. "Something to remember us by on your journey."
Ryan accepted the box, acutely aware of Migi's eyes upon them.
When he opened it, he found a delicate pendant inside, a swirling design that seemed to capture the essence of Riei's household.
"It's beautiful," he murmured, genuinely touched by the gesture.
Riei's smile was warm as she reached out to fasten the pendant around his neck.
Her fingers lingered perhaps a moment too long, brushing against his skin.
"For protection," she whispered, her face close to his. "And as a reminder that you'll always have a home here."
From across the room, Migi's glass shattered in her grip, startling nearby guests.
Ryan turned to see her storming out onto a balcony, her face a mask of barely contained emotion.
Excusing himself, Ryan followed her out into the cool night air.
He found Migi leaning against the railing, her knuckles white as she gripped the stone.
"Migi," he said softly, approaching her. "What's wrong?"
She whirled to face him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "What's wrong? You're asking me that?.."
Ryan reached out to her, but she flinched away. "You're acting weirder than usual, so yes, what's wrong?"
"I know what you are, I've always knew that, and I promised to make sure you become what you've always been meant to be… but…" she said, her voice trembling.
"I never really liked anything about your past lives, especially your... your wives. But seeing it, seeing how it's all manifesting now… Darling, I don't think I can't take it".
Ryan was definitely confused, other than his contracted spirit, he remembers Migi as his dragon in his past life — a loyal pet he kept by his side.
Her vulnerability, so rarely displayed, struck Ryan to his core. He stepped closer, gently cupping her face in his hands.
"Migi, listen to me," he said, his voice low and intense. "You are not just another in a long line of women. You're special. You're the one who's been by my side through all of this, I'll be damned if I throw you away."
Migi's eyes searched his, looking for any sign of deception. Finding none, she leaned into his touch.
Ryan pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her. "You won't lose me. We're in this together, remember? Partners."
As they stood there, embracing under the starlit sky, Ryan felt a sense of peace wash over him.
The sound of throat-clearing interrupted their moment.
They turned to see Riei standing in the doorway, her expression unreadable.
"Forgive the intrusion," she said, her voice carefully neutral. "But the preparations for your journey are complete. You'll be able to leave at first light."
Ryan nodded, his arm still around Migi's waist. "Thank you, Riei. For everything."
Riei's gaze flickered between them, a flash of something – regret? resignation? – crossing her features before she schooled her expression into a polite smile.
"It has been our honor to serve the Spirit King," she said with a small bow. "May your journey be safe and fruitful."
As Riei turned to leave, Ryan felt the weight of destiny settling upon his shoulders.
The Evergreen awaited, and with it, the answers to questions he hadn't even known to ask.
But for now, with Migi warm in his arms and the stars twinkling overhead, he allowed himself to simply be present in the moment.
Tomorrow would bring new challenges, new adventures.
For tonight, he was content.