With a whoosh of rainbow-colored wind and a delicate rustling of leaves, Thienika and Lu Jade landed gracefully on the platform where Raphael stood. They were surrounded by others who'd earned the right to participate in the Grand Divine Tribulation. Some congratulated, others glared with envy, but the trio paid them no mind.
"Grandma! Look! I got it!" Raphael grinned, handing over a golden invitation. "Just as I promised, your pass! We can finally…"
Thienika smiled and shook her head. "Keep it, Raphael. We need to leave this place at once."
Her urgency confused him. "Leave? But why?" He glanced at Lu Jade, searching for an explanation.
"Greed, Big Brother. Greed always carries a cost."
His words were barely spoken before a terrifying roar erupted from the edge of the platform!
"YOU! Give me that pass! I DESERVE IT!"
"PISS OFF! You lost to me during the race!"
"YOU CHEATED! Give it to me!"
A monstrous boar with its tusks dripping blood, charged toward a smaller bird creature, whose wings were trembling as those golden invitation flickered, inches from being stolen.
It was the beginning of chaos!
WHOOSH! CRACK! BOOM!
Those who hadn't emerged victorious in the Race of Ten Thousand Souls weren't simply going to accept their loss. They'd risked their lives, they'd endured humiliation, and their ambitions wouldn't simply vanish. No, they were there to claim those invitations one way or another!
And the easiest way?
Steal those who possessed the passes!
"GIVE it to ME!"
"It's MINE!"
"Kill them all! Take their treasures!"
Within seconds, the peaceful celebration descended into anarchy.
A flurry of claws, fangs, and potent Solar Essences exploded across the venue. The delicate Sky Dancers' prior graceful movements were now replaced with panicked flaps as they took to the skies.
Even the holographic scoreboards shattered like brittle glass. Fairness was only possible until those with the power, or those who craved it took what they wanted.
This was Yama Yaguai's truth, a lesson for those whose heart still held a shred of hope for peace or order in this ancient land of brutality.
"Grandma let's go."
Thienika wasted no time. She hoisted herself onto Raphael's back.
Lu Jade was already perched upon one of Raphael's horns. "Such a mess those fools are making, but for ussss? I think we've gotten away at the perfect time, hahahaha!"
His words were lost in the wind as Raphael spread his humungous black wings and shot into the azure skies. They were gone.
"Greed can turn even the most noble heart into a wretched, bloodthirsty thing."
…
Rainbow-hued winds danced gracefully through the grand halls of Qi Hawk's palace within the ethereal realm of Nestoria. It was a place where serenity reigned. Or at least, it did until a certain mischievous lemur arrived.
Within the heart of this palace, within the Emperor's throne room, sat Qi Hawk. He was flanked by Elder Feng Huo and Elder Lei Lang.
His daughter, Qi Fenwei, was present as well, a look of annoyance was flashing across her delicate face every few seconds. She'd hoped this meeting would be a swift, concise affair. Now, however, with the presence of a certain lemur lounging carelessly beside her father's magnificent golden throne…
This would be a truly dreadful day.
"Ringtail…" Qi Hawk's milky-white eye narrowed as he glared at Julian Ringtail, who was busy emptying yet another wine gourd with a vulgar slurping sound that echoed through the chamber.
"Why have you followed me back here? Your presence is unwelcome."
Julian was unfazed. He laughed. "Don't be like that, Brother Hawk. What's a little visit between friends? Surely you aren't so cold-hearted as to deny a thirsty lemur a few sips of your divine wine collection. It's those ones brewed from dragon tears right? Hmm, I haven't tasted those in millennia. Come now… Be generous. Share!"
He wiped his mouth with the back of his furry paw as a few droplets of wine splashed onto the pristine jade floor.
"Tsk! You dare wet my floor with those filthy paws, Ringtail? Clean it up!"
"Hmph! You're a tyrant, Hawk." Julian scoffed, but he summoned a small cloud. It floated down and began diligently sopping up the spilled wine, "So stingy! You used to be so generous, remember? But those days are long gone…"
He sighed dramatically, hoping to guilt Qi Hawk, but his efforts failed to sway the Emperor, for the very sight of that lemur resting his feet on that throne had his feathers ruffled.
The elders glanced at each other. Their disapproval of Julian's presence was evident.
'This lemur… He's disrespecting our Emperor. We should act!'
But that thought died in their hearts, for none dared to even twitch. They were aware of what Julian was capable of, and frankly, they preferred peace, not annihilation.
As for Qi Fenwei…
Her patience was at its limit! She'd endured enough of his wandering eyes and those vulgar slurping noises.
'The faster he leaves the better', she thought to herself. But her duties demanded she stay.
After the cloud absorbed the last drops of wine, Julian squeezed its damp form above his open mouth.
"Ahhh, delightful!"
"Nasty lemur." Qi Hawk shook his head and turned his attention towards Qi Fenwei. "Where are they? Did you deliver my message?"
"Yes Father, I did! Don't blame me for THEIR tardiness." Qi Fenwei retorted. "Should I forcibly drag them here, on your command?"
Her suggestions, though tempting, were dismissed. Qi Hawk had his own agenda. "No need for that, daughter. Patience. We will wait."
"But, Father I…"
"Enough!"
"Hmm… waiting? Who could possibly be so special as to keep Brother Hawk waiting? Surely they are not one of those maidens from your 'Harem of a Thousand Desires?', hmmm?" Julian smirked. He looked mischievously at Qi Hawk.
Just as QI Hawk was about to unleash his fury, the grand black doors to the throne room creaked open.
"Hmm, is that them?" Julian's as well as everyone's attention shifted.
A familiar figure stepped into the chamber.
"It's… THEM."
Raphael stood tall, radiating an aura of power. Upon his magnificent golden horn, Lu Jade was coiled, while on his shoulder, the lanky figure of Thienika rested.
"Oh… They're here for tea?" Julian peered at the group. This meeting seemed rather informal for an Emperor's gathering.
'Hmm… Brother Hawk hasn't kicked me out yet. This can't be that important.'
Raphael surveyed the room and offered a nod of acknowledgement, "Princess Fenwei. Elders. It's been a while." He then noticed Julian, and asked, "And this lemur? Who is he?"
"That's Emperor Julian Ringtail, Big Brother! He's an Emperor Calamity."
Lu Jade's whispers, filled with a hint of dread, had Raphael's hooves tapping nervously. An Emperor?
"Oh, an Emperor. Well then…" Raphael cleared his throat and was about to offer a greeting.
"Ignore him. This lemur is NO ONE important."
"What!" Julian felt a prickle of shame, but he brushed it off with a casual shrug. "Ah… Brother Hawk always knows how to make a guest feel welcome, truly delightful." He took another gulp of wine, savoring the moment.
"Now then…" Qi Hawk ignored the lemur and stood up. His single white eye was fixated upon the elderly woman perched upon the bull's shoulder.
'Is it truly… her?'
And as if sensing his thoughts, Thienika hopped off Raphael's shoulder. After landing, she walked with a graceful gait, occasionally, her staff clicked softly against the jade floor. Her calm and unreadable stare had him cowering. Without bowing are offering any pleasantries, she said:
"Hatchling. You've grown into quite a… significant figure. BUT, I see, that attitude of yours? It still needs a bit of work."
"YOU DARE to FART in the EMPEROR'S face?!" The elders were outraged. Their Solar Essences flared as they released potent auras meant to crush this disrespectful tree-woman.
But before their fury could fully manifest…
BOOM!
Qi Hawk released his own aura. It was a powerful burst that instantly silenced the elders. He strode towards Thienika and those that had the fortune of being witnesses gasped.
He knelt!
His single milky white eye was filled not with arrogance but respect! He lowered his head and spoke with a soft, gentle tone.
"Forgive… my earlier dismissal, Venerable Thienika. Blessings upon your ancient roots, and may your starlight leaves grace these skies once more. It is with a heart full of reverence, that I, Qi Hawk, Emperor of the Black Wind, welcome you to my humble abode."
The sight of their mighty emperor, kneeling before an elderly woman had the entire court speechless. Qi Fenwei couldn't comprehend.
"Father…?"
She'd never seen him bow to anyone. Not even to the Void Emperor Sindoll did he offer such humility!
The Elders also stared, dumbfounded.
'This… This is UNREAL!' They shook their heads in disbelief.
Even Julian Ringtail straightened up. He was baffled. "Why… is Brother Hawk showing HER… so much respect? He'd never shown ME that! WHO IS SHE?!"