Disappointment.
Anger.
Sadness.
Jai couldn’t believe his girlfriend broke them up just because he was poor. Yes, that means she was not worth it. She did not deserve all of those things Jai spent for her. His savings... That money he earned...
Breaking up with her sooner was one thing he regretted the most in their relationship.
“You’re poor.”
Megan’s voice booming in the darkness realm he was currently in.
The intensity of that cynical sense in her voice made him angry. He wished he wouldn’t have to see her ever again. When he came back to the city, he would make sure no Megan no Chen whatsoever can wreck his life either tomorrow, or any future events of his life. Hell, he would just fly away to Germany if he could.
Another sound joined in. It was a crackle of sorts.
“What now?” Jai was irritated.
Then suddenly, something sparked in front of him. It was like the spark of fireworks up in the night sky, but it turned into a full napalm breath in a matter of milliseconds. The color wasn’t red or orange, it was white and blue.
A crackling blue fire swooshed in from his right to the space in front of him, followed by a typhoon-like white fire from his left. Both fire circling one another and formed a giant dragon made of blue and white fire.
Jai was questioning what just happened, but silhouettes appeared. Big and small, they were first appeared in black, but soon they became dark grey and took the shape of people. The shadows were mostly sitting or kneeling on the ground. Then voices were heard all around.
Jai noticed they were mostly whimpers and cries, and those voices came from the shadows around him.
Jai couldn’t help but thought that they were people, and they were very frightened.
Then more shadows appeared, and these shadows looked like they were holding weapons. Some with swords and shields, some with spears, and some seemed to wield bows and arrows. Could they be soldiers?
Some of the archers were kneeling and some were standing, but all of them were pointing their bows at the kneeling people. The soldiers were targeting people? No, not just people. These frightened people were civilians, weren’t they?
The scene then changed. The blue-white fire calmed down, no longer taking the form of a big dragon. Instead, it outlined the place. There were bricks for floor and walls, banners hanging, and a seat of sorts—no, it was closer to a throne, located in the middle of the room. Shadow of a person appeared in front of it and seen from the silhouette, it seemed to be a man. The man was clutching at his stomach, and slowly pulled out a knife that was planted there. He was hissing and groaning in pain as he pulled it out.
One more shadow appeared a few feet in front of the grimacing man. A laugh was heard coming from the new shadow, it was loud and sounded evil.
Then, white electricity sparked from the hurting man’s hand, and he stretched his hand to the man in front of him in an attempt to retaliate. However, his movement was too slow and the other man was able to dodge with ease, his laugh echoing until the shadows disappeared.
The scene changed again. This time, the fire was raging once again. It did not form a dragon. It was abstract, and more like a big, wild fire, swirling around the place in madness.
One big surge outlining into trees in left and right, and then it was lit up like there was a big fire burning the trees.
Shadows fading in once again. The scared people who were on the ground then appeared in the middle of the burning woods. They were circling and holding onto each other. Their cries were getting more imminent as soon as the shadows of the soldiers appeared in their surroundings.
Two more shadows appeared, which Jai assumed, the two men from before. The man who was hurt was crouching in front of the people, and another man whom Jai assumed the wretched man was standing straight in front of him.
Jai didn’t know what was it that they were talking about, but he could see the unusual fire getting bigger and brighter. Soon, it filled all of Jai’s vision. The light was so bright and Jai opted to close his eyes. This light was too bright, but was not blinding enough that he needs to endure the warm feeling that was now heating up inside him.
Jai was still taken aback, though.
The light then faded slowly and formed the silhouette of a man. The silhouette was white blue, contrast to the darkness that had once more took the backdrop.
“Jai.” A voice in seriousness echoed.
Jai frowned. The voice was familiar, and he could feel a gaze coming from the man’s silhouette. A serious, but warm kind of feeling. What was happening?
“Jai Waetford.” The voice echoed again.
Surprise and caution washed over Jai at that call. Jai recognized that voice. This was the man who was stabbed. But more importantly, how did this person know his name? What was going on?
“How did you know my name?! Who are you?!” Jai asked.
“Kill him. Kill the white dragon.” The man replied, ignoring Jai’s question.
Jai frowned deeper, but he calmed himself down and tried asking again.
“Who are you? Why should I listen to you?”
The man then spoke again, “Kill him for me... And your answers shall be revealed.”
Before Jai could ask again, the man’s silhouette melded into white petals that flew away as if blown away by the wind.
Darkness filled the place once again, but the warm feeling was still there.
He was very confused at what was played in front of him, the man’s request, or why the hell it all happened. So confused that getting lost in the middle of a food delivery sounded more fun.
There was a slimy thing sliding up and down on his left cheek and made him woke up. He scrunched his face and glanced to the left, seeing a white kitten staring back at him.
The kitten mewled and jumped on his face. Jai grunted at the sudden movement. He reached his hand up and pulled the kitten by its underarms. The kitten was pretty small that Jai could circle one hand on its body with ease.
“Usha... Get off...” Jai muttered, his morning voice sounded a bit huskier than expected.
He stared at the kitten that was hanging in the air. The kitten stared back at him. They were at it for a few seconds before the kitten mewled in response. Jai chuckled.
A knock then came on the door. “Jai? Are you awake?”
It was Miria’s voice. Jai blinked his eyes a few times and trying to get more awake. He had his sleep, albeit not very nice with the weird blue-white fire decorating the usual dark abyss of his dream world. He decided to put that aside and get up.
“Yes Miria, I’m awake.”
“Then could you come with me to the market? I want to make you breakfast before you leave. Grandpa had already left to report yesterday’s event.”
“Sure.”
“Alright. I’ll wait by the front door.”
Then he heard steps fading away in the background.
Jai put the kitten on his head, stood up, and started stretching. The kitten fearfully held his head with both paws when he started stretching his neck. When he was done, he glanced up to the furball and smiled.
“Let’s not make Miria wait, yea?”
Then they left with Miria to the market.
Jai and Miria walked side by side to the market. The little Usha was between them, walking in grace like it owns the street. A few times, it brushed past Miria’s ankle as if it intended to do that. That action took Miria by surprise every time, but it did catch her attention and she took it as adorable action and was not troubled by it.Jai was grateful though; it helped save him from Miria’s attention and let him spend his time to think about his dream last night.If he remembered it right, he dreamt about blue and white fire, with the white fire dominating the blue. There were also shadows of people. One side was from what he supposed was the military, and the other side was the lower ranked people, possibly the citizen. The setting seemed like a battlefield of sorts, but it wasn’t that big to call it a war. But it did seem like one side was oppressing the other with unknown reason. He wasn’t sure what the reason wa
Jai should’ve asked Miria for background information before he stood up. And he probably should’ve asked Miria what she meant when she mentioned Elemers. That would probably explain to him what the hell was going on in front of him so that he wouldn’t look like an idiot.Both Usha and he were surprised when one of the bulky men stomped the ground and a lump of dirt as big as a coconut suddenly floated from the ground beside him. Jai would’ve visibly twitched for the ridiculous nonsense happened in front of him; however, thankfully, Usha saved him from the humiliation because the little kitten flinched much more visibly. A cute roar and a hiss followed afterwards.‘How did he do that? Is he, like, Korra’s fanatic or something?’ Jai wondered. Was that what Miria meant by Ele or whatever it was?
Jai gulped the iced tea in the cup, and then exhaled satisfyingly.“This tea is very sweet and refreshing.” Jai smiled. “You should try it, Usha, it might cure your anger, you know?”The little kitten on his lap yawned in response. Jai sighed. Who was he kidding, Usha probably wouldn’t let that go. The cat showed an unusual intelligence compared to normal cats. The fight with the earthbenders thugs at the market showed it all, though all the furball did was trying to wreck their clothes.Jai was worried the cat will pluck their eyeballs out, but thankfully Miria pulled Usha in time. Jai wasn’t worried about the thugs, he was worried about Miria watching the gruesome possibility of a kitten harvesting someone’s eye right from the skull.A frown app
GARRR!A large crackling thunder appeared in the night sky. The purple hue it gave lighted up the dark.GARRRR!Thunder thrashed once again. This time, it wasn’t from the sky. It came from a man with long hair who was standing on top of a cliff.The man lowered his hand. He took a deep breath before raising both of his hands in front of him and put his left foot forward—as if preparing a stance. Jai could see the man raising his right hand upward, while his left hand stayed in front of him. His stance was almost similar to the alphabet letter K.Small sparks started gathering on the man’s left hand, andafter a few breaths, Jai saw the man punched his right fist forward and thick thunder shot out of his outstretched fist.The thunder was bright purple, and it shone very bright that Jai had to blink his eyes a few times before finally giving up and closed h
When Jai reached downstairs, he thanked the gods that it was Barun. He wasted no time telling the old man what happened on his absence.“Miria passed out, she’s in her room.”Barun’s eyes widened and he immediately sprung to the stairs, Jai followed after him.The old man went inside the room, ignoring the kitten beside his granddaughter, and checked her conditions. He sighed.“What do I do...” he whispered.“What is it? What’s wrong with her?” Jai was standing beside Barun, by Miria’s feet.Barun pulled the blanket over Miria’s body before looking at him. “Let’s talk downstairs.”Jai nodded and followed him.They went to the kitchen and sat by the dining table, across from each other. Barun sat still with his for a few minutes. His fi
“Didn’t you say it’s a big competition where many people from the continent gather to fight?” Jai asked while walking. The sun shone on him from the right.“Yes. What about it, child?” Barun responded on his right.“It’s not that I’m complaining, but... Wouldn’t the registration be closed nearing the day its held?”“Oh this one is not.” It wasn’t Barun who answered.Jai turned to look on Barun’s right. It was the young man he met at the village gate. He was pulling a cart of vegetables and drums of milk to exchange at the kingdom.“The new minister is implementing a new recruitment system for soldiers. The king hoped it would encourage relationships between kingdoms,” Wen explained.Jai ‘ooh’-ed and kept on walking. “But they are being very
Darrion thanked the old lady for the jellyroll and returned to Jai’s side. Both of them waved at the kind lady before continuing their walking.“That lady is very kind.” Jai said while gesturing the milk bread in his hand.Darrion nodded at his new friend then munched on his jellyroll. “She abually beefed beer nga hong anvil who wuzgo.”“Sorry Darrion, I don’t speak the language of the wind.” Jai bit his own bread and chewed.Darrion swallowed before repeating, “She actually lived near my home until two years ago.”Jai swallowed and hummed in satisfaction. “This bread is sweet and good. I guess moving here doesn’t have any effect on her baking skills?”Darrion smiled smugly, “Of course not, Mama Kali’s sweets are always good. Even when her son married and they need someo
“Let me point out to you the routes first. Look at the sheets above your heads, folks!” The MC said.Three big screens suddenly appeared in three directions. One of the screens appeared just a few feet from Jai and Darrion, and it was very clear. It was probably another control of the element Jai didn’t understand, but Jai didn’t care. Jai felt as if he was watching a presentation through a projector, and he was quite impressed with it.The screen was showing a map. A little bit to the right from the left edge of the map was a rectangle and there was a big smudge or something on the right part of the map. Jai guessed that rectangle was Aeronvein Kingdom, the place where he was right now. But he had no idea for the smudge-like picture.
Jai felt something wrapped around his stomach from behind. He immediately looked down to his waist, spotting two smaller sized hands coiling on his waist.‘A kid, obviously. But who is it?’ Jai wondered. This was a baby shower event, so he wasn’t feeling weird if children attend too. The question is, who is this kid?He tried to turn around to look at the hugger, but the kid was hugging him tight. It wouldn’t be hard to push it, but he was reluctant because it’s a kid. He knew there’s nothing he could do but ask.“Oh? Hello? Is there anything you need?” Jai asked with a friendly tone.He could hear giggles, but the kid didn’t answer his question.“Oh are we playing guess?” Jai asked.More giggles.“It’s a boy.” Someone whispered from his left side. A familiar voice yet he could not name.“Hey!” The boy protested.But from that tone alone, Jai could already figure out who it is. So he said. “Hello, Ruta-kun.”The kid let him go and Jai could finally turn around. True, it was Ruta. The
On the day when the baby shower was held, Jai arrived at the place with Baji.The venue is in a mansion in the North Town. Jai hadn’t been in that certain neighbourhood, but he finally understood that the North Town is the place for the riches, and the neighbourhood they were in is probably among the richest. The mansion building is tall, and the garden is so wide. There’s a medium sized pond with two gazebos on the side, and then there’s also a small orchard on the right side of the mansion.Baji leaned in to whisper something. “The party is in the back garden. And keep your mouth shut, please. You’re a famous guy and I don’t want you looking stupid.” Then he leaned back.Jai immediately closed his unconsciously parted lips and recited the plan. He couldn’t, of course, confront an important figure of a clan in a crowded venue. So Baji and Gilbert had made a plan to help him talk alone with Fuuji Fu in the venue. He just have to make sure he could deal with the ‘fans’, though he hoped
It isn’t a doubt that Cynthia was reluctant to share that information with Harris because Jai was there. So Jai proposed to the brunette to re-visit the place later in the day to ask about it.Baji was there when they returned, and Jai immediately told him about the findings he got also to consult about the Fiery Lotus.Baji crossed his arms on his chest and nodded in acknowledgement. “It’s fortunate that a promising lead is finally here. We’re sorry for the late initiative from our part. We should’ve worked harder.”He didn’t think that he would receive an apology from Baji. But it showed that the man is a responsible person. Jai shook his head. “It’s alright. From the start, it was already a scavenger hunt. But do you know anything about either of those?”Baji fixed his seating before he explained. “Well about the Chief of Fuuji, he’s a strict person on males. He’s nice to females, and he’s really into babies. There’s only one male person he had shown his friendly side to in public,
“So uhh, this person whom you mentioned before with Tsubasa is a very important person. And you want to ask him about Alex?” Darrion asked when they were in the carriage, heading back.Jai narrowed his eyes. “Why aren’t you being straightforward?”“I’m a bit tired from today. There are so many deliveries like yesterday. But ahh… I’m more tired in trying to understand what they say.” Darrion said with nervous smile.Jai forgot that his friend is not adept in Shouha language, it must be hard to work without understanding what anyone is saying.“Sorry.” Jai apologized.Darrion nodded. “It’s fine. Let’s just stick to no name for now, if possible. I… Can’t really erect a barrier right now.”“Sure.” Jai nodded. “The… Family, you know, told me about him. Saying that he is the first person we can ask about Alex. But he has a very high standing, as you’ve listened to me and the father talked about him, so it won’t be easy to talk to him.”“I see. So that’s why you go to them. They can be consi
"Sorry if it's too much of me to ask." Jai said."Oh no, no. It's fine. But my mother is not at home though, is that alright?" Yuta asked as he turned to Jai and Darrion behind him."It's alright. It's very sudden after all." Jai said."Alright then. Would tea be alright?" Yuta asked."Yes. It's fine. Thank you." Jai answered.Fu Fuuji is the head chief of one of the notorious Ten Guardian Clans, the Fuuji clan. After leaving the Komatsu’s residence, he was thinking about how to get in touch with this person. And the Akamine clan is the first thing that came into Jai’s mind.While they don’t really owe him a favor, this family is the closest connection that he has to the Fuuji clan, because they’re also one of the Ten Guardian Clans.Also, he knew that it’s not guaranteed that he would get an audience with Fu Fuuji through the Akamine. There’s a possibility that they are enemies with each other. But he would at least try to ask. So here they were, in the Akamine clan’s residence.Yuta
Returning to the present.“Little Sparks. Fiery Lotus. What the hell are those?” Jai asked as they left the compound.“Quiet down. You’re gonna get us killed for that.” Claude remindedJai turned around and talked in slight whisper. “If it’s associated with the Queen, that means it’s very private. In the North Town, in a community place like thing. It doesn’t ring any bells from the previous search. Do you know anything about it?”He saw an empty horse mount coming in their direction and waved it.The mount stopped in front of them and they immediately climbed in the carriage. “Southeast Windlet Post Office.” He told the horse mount driver.Weaving the air barrier thicker, Claude replied. “I don’t. I’m a hunter, not a mercenary. How do you suppose I know these things?”Jai smiled shortly with a shrug. “Maybe? Ah… But this is a major progress in the case. At least we know he’s not dead, and it will take more effort to rescue him now.” Jai smiled.Claude stared at Jai suspiciously. “Why
They were led to a corridor which have several doors across from each other. Alex immediately knew they are resting rooms, because he could see a bed from one of the opened doors.One of the committees, the previous guy who shot the Cloud Viewing Rune in the ceremony, pulled his hood down, showing his blonde hair. Then he turned around while the other committees went past him, leaving him to deal with the new freshmen batch.“Good morning. My name is Liam. I am one of the guild members and I am one of the supervisors of the freshmen. Well, not really supervisor, but I’m the one they put in charge to look after you when the super seniors are out. Like right now. Oh and umm, I’m not alone. I have my friends with me to look after you. So please don’t do anything rash, because we outpower you by a lot. And we prefer not to hit you, because you’re a potential junior. Please be nice to each other, okay?”Alex didn’t really pay attention. He stopped listening when he uttered the fourth sente
That morning on the day when Jai went to the Komatsu’s house, Alex had already settled in ‘the place’.He wasn’t familiar with the kingdom, as such, he didn’t know where he was taken to.And since he was late, he was grouped with those who were also late. Many eyes stared at him when he entered the room—it was an average room with beds—reserved only for those who arrived late.Apparently, those who arrived first had attended the ceremony and the first phase—and those who were late had to attend on their own. But they would be gathered together after that, and he would be able to meet his roommate. That was what Master Fu said yesterday when he dropped him off. But the old man wasn’t lying.He went through a sleepless night—because there were many others here that he didn’t know and he wasn’t keen on getting surprise attacked in the middle of his sleep. But the night went by uneventfully, fortunately.He and the others were given a tray of scone and tea to start the day. He didn’t eat
“Don’t. Test. Me.”Jai’s eyes glowed brighter for a second as he emphasized the last words.The civilians, of course flinched at his threat. All of them knew him as a humble and righteous young man. Always smiling and looked very kind. They never knew this side of him. That’s why they were very surprised. The Kizuato group wasn’t included though, they were there exactly to prevent Jai doing what he planned to do.Akane, who had have enough of her parents’ plan, stood up.“Akane-chan!” Rio tried to stop her, but she went anyway and spoke.But instead of retaliating at the guest in their house like the rest of her family, she was looking at her mother instead. “Just tell him, mother!”Rio frowned deep at her. “What are you saying, Akane?”Akane gritted her teeth. “Just tell him!! If you tell him, no one will be hurt!”Rio shut her mouth and swallowed, but she didn’t say anything.Akane looked at her mother with bewildered expression. “If you don’t, then I will.” She turned to Jai. But