Chapter 2

"Welcome come back to the Inner Courts, Divine Lord Foeni." she quickly approaches him as she bows her head in respect to his authority. Hearing her lovely sweet voice made him cast a gentle smile as he nods in acknowledgment.

They couldn't meet in a while because of his hectic schedule, and it's making him restless. The Divine Lord wanted to see her, so he took a break from his duties. This girl's presence always put his heart at ease for a reason he cannot explain.

"I want you to accompany me today. It has been a while since I was here, right? Tell me how everything is going and what have you doing while I was gone. We can also visit your elders together if you wish." he spoke with his melodious calm voice.

Her purple eyes sparkle like shimmering amethyst gems as she nods in agreement. She is excited to accompany him anytime. She can't explain it, but this person is significant to her, and being with him always makes her happy.

There have been strange occurrences as of late around the Mystic Spirit Realm. The Divine Lord is busy handling all of them since the four Holy Guardians disappeared two hundred years ago. He has to take care of matters around his territory all by himself, and it's been stressful.

He had the urge to leave his duties and meet the little girl from the Oracle clan. He steals a glance at her and sighs on the thought. He knew someday that her Oracle powers would manifest. He can only hope he will be there for her when it occurs.

Everyone knew it would be a difficult transition. Many Oracles didn't even pass and give up, ending their lives in the process. Far from everyone's knowledge, her awakening has long occurred...

**********

Two years ago, Limes Temple was in disarray because of her wails. Nobody knew that she is experiencing her awakening. It was truly traumatic and terrifying for this little girl as she foresees the tragedy in Mystic Spirit Realm.

Her hands can't stop shaking as cold sweat runs from her body — blood, woes, death, and heat of the blazing inferno engulfing everything around her.

She foresaw a dark figure standing on top of the fallen bodies from her clan. The mysterious, hooded figure has a sinister smile plastered across his blood-stained face. His eyes glow in scarlet from the blazing flames. Simply, his mere presence in the vision is terrifying.

That night, nobody understood what is currently happening. Even the Divine Lord rushed to her side to console her. She can't help grip on his sleeves as she cries on his arms. She almost tears out his tear-stained sleeves that night.

She is experiencing a nightmare, just directly in front of her eyes. Her small hands are stained with warm, bright red liquid, everything is engulfed in flames, and dead bodies scattered around her.

She can't believe she came to witness her people being slaughtered. Her countenance is in discord. Her eyes almost pop as she stares blankly ahead. Her face is ashen in disbelief. The whole village is filled by specks of prism lights ascending the starless sky.

If she doesn't know this is how her people die and spirited away, it can pass as a breathtaking scene. Her chest continues to tighten while she chases her breath.

"Big brother, will you run away with me? In a very, very far away place. A different realm…" her voice is raspy as she murmurs. Her face is ashen in fear.

"I would love to travel with you, little one, but I must always return to this place. It is my responsibility to protect everyone here…" he calmly responded, and he strokes her back to calm her down. He then continued, "Don't worry, it just a dream. Whatever you see is just a dream, and it will never come…"

It seems to slip his mind, this child is an Oracle, and their dreams are considered as good as reality. Their dreams should never be taken lightly because they are an omen of what is about to come.

One can only accept or fight it, but who would wait for such fortune to befall himself? She tightens her grip once more.

'This can't be possibly the future… I won't allow it!'

Meanwhile, the girl accepted his reply. It's a reasonable response. She never implores again as she remained silent, and wryly smiled. She continues to disillusion herself from the events that have yet to come.

She should stop because he would never understand the horrors she is experiencing at that moment. Her prophetic powers are on haywire and showing her tragedy over tragedy. She can only endure by herself.

As a Lord of his domain, he can't selfishly leave everyone who is under his protection. How can she ask something so selfish like abandon his post for her? It is simply unacceptable!

She has decided to resign herself to this fate and ignore everything else. She can't possibly leave knowing what will occur in the Mystic Spirit Realm and the Oracle Clan. She can't be selfish as she calms her heart and strengthens her resolve to save everyone.

As long as she stays by his side, she can prevent the tragedy from ever occurring. She silently bears the burden of foreseeing the dangers and tragedies. She simply chose to be stronger so she could protect those important to her. Especially for this Divine Lord…

***********

She is enthusiastically leading the way as they walk the familiar forest paths. It's been a while since they were alone, and they've walked peacefully like this as she started, "Brother Ravi, I know it is somewhat sudden, but can you help me forge a weapon?"

"What kind of weapon do you have in mind, little one?" he curiously asked as he indulges her inquiry. She is the only person he allowed to call him by his real name, 'Ravikanth.'

"A shape-shifting weapon. It can transform into any weapon. I read that it's already a forgotten art, but wielding an ancient weapon will surely be magnificent, right? It will be special." she responded as she imagines the endless possibility of her weapon.

The Divine Lord decided to consider it, and he watches her walk in front of him. This girl looks so carefree as her dress flutters as she walks ahead — a gentle smile forms on his lips as he continues to watch over her.

A magic weapon like a shape-shifting sword is a lost art only a handful of beings knew even in ancient times. Wielding such weaponry requires a wide range of mastery and impeccable skill.

'Can this little girl manage to use such a powerful weapon? Oracles are masters on Defensive and Sealing magic. Why does she need one?' He never truly ponder too much on it, though.

"Hmmm~ that is indeed an interesting choice. I am quite surprised that you're knowledgeable about ancient arts, Little Eu..." he commented and paused as he continued, "Worry not, I know how to forge it. We could use materials from shape-shifting beasts from the hunting grounds. Then we can have it forge in the Origin Furnace. I can teach you if you want. What do you say?"

She is astonished that he seemed more enthusiastic about the whole matter than she is. She can't help raising her brows in disbelief after rendering her speechless.

He looks up at the clear blue sky as he chuckled, "The weather is perfect today. Do you want to hunt for the materials now?"

"Really? I thought we are on patrol. Can we really do it now?" She turned to him in utter shock. She doesn't expect him to suggest it and reconfirms, "I don't want to impose while you are doing your duties, Brother Ravi. Are you sure it's okay?"

"My little sister seldom ask for anything, so how can I refuse such a simple task?" he casually responded. Seeing her happy face brings waves of satisfaction to him.

Eu can't help herself to be overwhelmed with excitement after hearing his response. Her heart bubbles in happiness as she confides and gets his support. Then again, there are really few people she could share her thoughts.

Little Eu is always relieved to know that she can rely on the Divine Lord Foeni. She grabs his sleeve as she urged him to hasten his pace and lead the way.

He just shook his head on her impatience and wrapped his arm on her waist. He then taps his toes as they start ascending to the blue, clear sky and left the lush evergreen forest path. They proceeded to the hunting grounds, where the vicious beasts linger and reside.

His sudden gesture surprised her, but she didn't reject him. She bows her head bashfully as she remained silent, and his familiar sweet minty scent assaulted her senses. She responded by hugging back the Divine Lord as she does miss him a lot.

"Hold on tight. I don't want you to fall." he whispered.

"Fall? Please don't tease me. I don't know how to fly. Please, don't let me go!"

"I won't let you go, even if you do…" he lowers her head as his lips touch her forehead. He could smell the unique sweet scent of winter roses and mint from her as his lips curve up.

She was taken aback by his sudden gesture and response. Did he kiss her? Was he still referring to flying and falling or something entirely different?

Her heart can't help skipping a beat or two. Only this person could make her heart flutter like this, so she wanted to excel in everything for him. There is a part of her wishing she'll to grow up as soon as possible so that he will stop treating her as a child.

She rests her head on his chest as she snuggles closer to him in response. Her feelings have a tinge of sorrow and happiness as she savors his familiar sweet minty scent from his purple robes fluttering in the wind. Her burdened heart has eased a little from feeling his warmth. She wished...

'If only this moment could last longer…'