As Zephyr and Reika continued deeper into the forest, they followed the faint outline of the giant mystical tree that seemed to loom ever larger in the distance. The surrounding silence felt unnervingly intense, interrupted only by the occasional chirping of spirit birds, enough to keep them grounded in reality but not enough to ease the growing tension.
"This place… it's way too quiet for my comfort," Reika muttered, glancing around, her voice barely above a whisper. "Are we walking into another trap? Like, is some mega-beast just going to jump out any minute?"
"Who knows? We might be lucky and meet a talking spirit turtle," Zephyr teased, flashing her a mischievous smile, "the kind that'll even give you tips on sword flying."
Reika snorted. "Honestly, a turtle might be more professional than your so-called training. 'Crash course'? More like 'Crash Landing 101.'"
"Hey, now," Zephyr's grin only grew, "falling is an art form. Not everyone can pull off a spirit-beast-scaring faceplant quite like you."
"Wait a second… scaring spirit beasts with my faceplants? Are you saying I'm that terrifying?" Reika narrowed her eyes but couldn't help grinning, a bit of pride sneaking into her expression.
"Absolutely. Your technique's at least master level," Zephyr replied, entirely straight-faced. "Most folks can't get a beast to run with a single fall."
With a playful roll of her eyes, Reika chuckled. "So what, I'm the new Spirit Beast Exorcist?"
"Pretty much," Zephyr said, his voice tinged with laughter. "Next time we have a beast showcase, you should take the stage. Just skip the fancy moves; a solid faceplant will do the trick."
They laughed as they walked, their voices bouncing off the ancient trees towering over them. Then, suddenly, the forest began to thin, and the air grew heavier with an unusual concentration of spiritual energy. Before them stood the giant mystical tree—larger and grander than either of them had expected. The trunk was as wide as a mountain, and its leaves formed a green canopy that stretched endlessly, shrouding the area in a surreal twilight.
"This tree… it's even bigger than I imagined," Reika murmured in awe, looking up with wide eyes. "This must be that legendary 'Millennial Spirit Tree.' It's like a living artifact."
Zephyr nodded, a flicker of intrigue lighting his gaze as he studied the tree. "It certainly fits the legend."
As they approached the base of the tree, they noticed a large hollow concealed by thick vines. Spiritual energy seemed to seep from the gap, practically inviting them to enter.
"Think it's hiding some ancient treasure?" Reika wondered, already envisioning a stash of priceless artifacts piled within. Her hand instinctively reached out to brush the vines aside.
"Or maybe it's a spirit beast's lair." Zephyr's tone dropped to a whisper, eyes narrowing with exaggerated mystery. "The kind that guards mythical treasures."
"Oh, you mean like fire-breathing dragons or star-swallowing monsters?" Reika's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Or maybe it's just that old phoenix chicken coming back for round two," he replied with a smirk.
"Please don't say that!" Reika's enthusiasm immediately faded, a look of horror replacing it. She took a hesitant step back. "Not that chicken!"
Dropping the jokes, they pulled aside the vines and cautiously stepped into the hollow. The interior was bathed in a soft, otherworldly glow, and the air carried a subtle fragrance of ancient wood. The space wasn't vast, but the sheer density of spiritual energy hinted at the presence of something powerful.
Just then, a familiar silvery glow caught their attention. The light slowly coalesced, and soon, they were face-to-face with a very familiar spirit beast, one that was lazily stretching its wings.
"No way… It's actually here." Reika's face turned pale as she stared at the very same phoenix chicken that had once left a not-so-friendly bite on her leg. The phantom pain flared up, as if the bite had been recent.
There it was, resting in the center of the hollow. Its wings glistened with that same silvery, gilt edge she remembered too well, and its eyes lit up with something disturbingly close to excitement as it recognized her.
"Please tell me it's not going to bite me again!" Reika instinctively took a step back, bracing herself for a potential "attack of affection."
"Nah, I don't think it's planning to bite you this time." Zephyr chuckled, his eyes twinkling. "Look at it! It looks… happy to see you? Like you're old friends or something."
"Friends? Are you kidding me?" Reika hissed, not taking her eyes off the chicken. "At best, we're mortal enemies!"
The phoenix chicken's expression softened, and it slowly made its way toward her, wings shimmering with a soft glow. As it approached, its feathers began shifting colors, the silver gradually morphing into a deep gold. Its energy also grew stronger, exuding an almost divine presence.
"Zephyr… is it just me, or are its feathers… changing?" Reika whispered, eyes wide with disbelief.
Zephyr's gaze sharpened. "From silver to gold… This phoenix chicken is far from ordinary."
As its feathers shifted, the spiritual energy pulsed, reverberating through the hollow and causing Reika's old wound to throb painfully, as if the beast's power was resonating with her own spiritual energy.
"Zephyr… my leg… it hurts again!" Reika bit her lip as a wave of energy coursed through her, making it hard to breathe.
＊＊＊
Reika felt the flow of spiritual energy in her body growing chaotic, like the abrupt withdrawal from a much-needed remedy. Her body suddenly lost its strength. Her breathing quickened, and the wound on her chest throbbed incessantly, as if a blaze had ignited inside her that wouldn't subside.
"Zephyr…" Reika struggled to stay composed, but the tremor in her voice gave away her weakness. "Something's… wrong."
Zephyr noticed her condition immediately. His previously relaxed expression turned intensely serious. "You won't last like this." His voice was laced with worry, though his gaze remained steadfast.
Reika's steps became unsteady. She tried to stand but felt an invisible weight dragging her down. She fought to stay upright, but her face had gone as pale as paper, beads of sweat running down her temples. It was as though she were holding onto the last shreds of her strength.
"No need… to trouble yourself…" Reika tried to resist, feeling as though she'd already burdened Zephyr enough. She feared she'd become a constant weight he had to carry.
"Trouble?" Zephyr moved closer, his expression tinged with long-suppressed emotion. His voice was low and resolute. "Can't you tell by now? I've never thought of you as trouble."
The honesty in his words struck Reika hard, making her heart skip a beat. She wasn't one to notice things like this, but the rawness in his tone stirred something within her.
"I…" Reika tried to respond, but a fresh wave of pain washed over her, making her vision spin. Whatever medicine she'd taken earlier had fully worn off, like a painkiller that had given up right when the pain roared back.
"Enough—no more of this tough act!" Zephyr's voice was urgent as he pulled Reika into his arms, leaving her no room to object. "Right now, you don't need to hold on. That's an order."
Reika had no choice but to lean into his chest, enveloped by his cool, steady scent. His warmth offered a sense of comfort amidst the pain. She'd often taken his attentiveness for granted, but in that moment, his confidence and strength surprised her.
"Zephyr… I…" Her voice was barely a whisper, her entire body going limp, unable to hold herself up any longer.
"There's nothing more you need to say," Zephyr said softly, his tone carrying a gentle firmness. "The only thing that matters now is that you're safe."
Without hesitation, Zephyr stuffed the phoenix into his infinite pocket and scooped Reika up in a graceful bridal carry before summoning his sword for flight. This time, he couldn't bother to hide his power. Spiritual energy surged around him as he propelled them towards Blossom Valley with an intense focus.
As they sped through the air, Zephyr's eyes remained locked ahead, entirely focused on reaching their destination. Reika's breathing grew fainter, her eyelids slowly closing as if she were on the verge of drifting away.
"Reika, stay with me—don't fall asleep!" he murmured with a clenched jaw, worry and tenderness mixing in his voice. It was in moments like this that his emotions seemed to surge with a surprising strength.
But Reika's responses slowed, her breathing uneven, her face alarmingly pale, and her form featherlight, as if she could fade away in his arms at any moment.
"Damn it!" Zephyr cursed under his breath, pushing his energy to the limits. He'd never flown this fast before. The sight of Blossom Valley was now on the horizon, urging him to move even faster.
Upon reaching Blossom Valley, Zephyr landed without a second's hesitation, rushing towards Alden Ravenshadow's—otherwise known as the Valley's resident healer—quarters. He kicked the door open, still holding Reika tightly, his presence exuding a rare intensity that left bystanders staring.
"Alden! Help her, now!" Zephyr's voice was commanding, his usual lightheartedness replaced with a determined edge that radiated urgency.
Alden, known for his playful personality, didn't waste a second. He walked over, quickly examining Reika, his face shifting into serious focus.
"Another fainting spell, huh?" Alden looked at Reika, his usual smirk softened by his professional gaze. "This girl seems to have energy disorder mixed with some fading medicinal effect. It's like she took some kind of 'super aspirin'—numbs the pain until it wears off and then, bam."
Zephyr wasn't in the mood for jokes, his eyes fixed intently on Alden, his worry unmistakable.
"Relax, I am the Valley's top healer; she'll be fine," Alden assured him with a confident pat on the shoulder. Gently, he laid Reika on the bed and began channeling his spiritual energy into her, bringing her breath back to a steady rhythm. Her face regained color as he placed a finely ground herb mixture on her wound, then sealed it with a layer of spiritual energy to prevent further disruption.
"She just overdid it. A little rest, and she'll be back to her usual self," Alden remarked, his face calm but serious.
Zephyr finally exhaled, though he remained beside the bed, not taking his eyes off Reika. Alden chuckled knowingly, casting him a sideways glance. "Who would've guessed you'd be so worked up? I never thought I'd see the day."
Zephyr didn't deny it. He replied simply, "I just want her to recover."
Slowly, Reika opened her eyes, her vision gradually clearing. The pain was fading, and the world came into focus again.
"Zephyr…" she murmured, her voice frail but with a warmth of relief. Every time she awoke from danger, he was always there.
"You had me worried again," Zephyr replied softly, his tone a mix of exasperation and affection, but mostly a deeper emotion that seemed long hidden.
"I… am I okay?" Reika managed a faint smile, wanting to lighten the mood, though she barely had the energy.
"You say that every time. And every time, it's anything but 'okay.'" Zephyr shook his head, a note of resigned fondness in his voice as he looked at her, his concern and warmth clear in his gaze. Yet, Reika still hadn't fully noticed the feelings concealed beneath his words.