Chapter 25 - 25: “Stay Away From Themis, That’s All…”

Little Eu decided to retire for the day. Her Elders bid her goodnight and let her rest after giving her more advice regarding her plans.

She took their words to heart and reassured them that everything would be fine. She is already exhausted, and they have to depart early the following day.

Little Eu's injuries are almost healed, and her bruises are barely visible. She is also relieved that everything is running smoothly on their end.

The next day, Di'Anon and Eu finally left the Oracle Clan Village. She has learned enough about the Themis Array Formation to assist the Holy Guardians in their rescue operation.

On the other hand, she is curious about what actually transpired, two hundred years ago. None of her Elders was there, and the records might not be accurate enough.

It is a cold, windy day. The sun hides behind the sea of white fluffy clouds. The tree leaves start to change its color as autumn approaches.

She gazes up in the sky as she raises her right hand. The phoenix ring is emitting a faint, yellowish gleam.

Di'Anon broke his silence as he asked, "Little Eu, aren't you afraid that the Divine Lord will get angry once he discovers everything? It will create misunderstanding between you…"

"I am just his sister who wishes him the best… " She responded with a wry smile as she continued, "There is truly nothing to misunderstand. I am doing everything for his best interest..."

She suddenly remembers him by the lake, a beautiful lady in his arms, as she watches from afar. 'Was it a vision? A memory? What is it exactly?'

She wants to understand everything. The past, the future, and the present. Though, she knows that it is still not time to delve into such matters.

They have to rescue the Divine Lord Black Turtle, or there will be no future to look forward to...

Eu pushed her conflicted thoughts at the back of her mind as she let out a sigh. She has a sudden urge to visit Limes Temple. She is sure Captain Jairu is worried.

She leisurely walks the familiar forest path as she discussed matters with Di'Anon. This is the first time she walks in these parts with someone else. She paused and thought of the Divine Lord as she wonders what he is doing at that moment.

"You have to proceed before me. I have a bad premonition if we come in together. We should keep our distance to prevent arousing suspicions." she chuckles as the thought it will upset the Divine Lord.

She wonders why would he felt betrayed once he learned she is with Di'Anon. Then again, you really can't consider she is cheating if you don't know about your current relationship, right?

He nods as he walks ahead of her. She raises her right hand as if reaching for the sky. She is feeling the cold wind on her small palms as she looks at the phoenix ring slight yellowish glow.

Di'Anon can't see the concealed ring, but he can't deny that Little Eu is relieved, for some reason. He didn't probe on to the issue as he said goodbye.

Little Eu nods her head. They have already reached the Limes Temple sacred grounds, and it is technically safe.

He transformed into his nine-tailed fox form and quickly vanished. Di'Anon heads straight to Limes Temple and reports to Captain Jairu.

Little Eu was alone again and decided to wander around the hills. It's overlooking a vast meadow just beyond the cliff.

Five years ago, she met the Divine Lord Foeni in this exact place. She just had the urge to visit that place today and reminisce a little.

The colorful spring field of flowers will wither and will be replaced by winter roses. The changes indicate a new year will soon commence.

She raises her hand as she feels the cold wind on her palm again. She closes her eyes and thought, 'Will you truly misunderstand my intentions….?'

She listens to the wind's gentle whistles. Her mind started to drift.

"I knew you'd be here…" suddenly, a voice spoke, breaking the tranquility of her thoughts.

"Brother Ravi…" Eu turned to him as she gently smiles.

She wanted to apologize and confess everything, but her voice won't come out. She doesn't know where to begin.

She doubts he will understand. A different feeling brews inside her. Either way, it is her loss.

"You don't have to force yourself from saying anything…"

"Why? What do you mean…?" Eu curiously asked.

"Nothing. It just feels that you are hiding something from me..." he responded as he smiles. He pats her head as he continued, "I'll wait when you are ready..."

She doesn't completely understand the meaning behind his words. Still, she knew that there are also matters she doesn't know herself.

"Brother Ravi...?" she wanted to say something, but she can't really put them to words.

The Divine Lord smiles as he approaches the little girl. He kneels to level down to her height and took her hand.

"Leaving your side always makes me anxious. I wish that I can always stay by your side as well..."

"You don't have to worry too much and focus on yourself. Have faith and look forward... I am always thinking of you and no one else..." she responded.

It's another vision!

Little Eu opened her eyes and recalled the conversation. The Divine Lord seems like a different person the entire time and treats her more intimately.

She wonders if the Divine Lord Foeni truly feels that way or she is having delusions that he is. Sometimes, she is experiencing considerable difficulties coping up.

She is still young, and the situation continues to change. Her infatuation with the Divine Lord might end or not.

After all, their future is still changing. Everything is changing.

She decided to shrug off the anxiety that is building in her heart. She shouldn't focus on her feelings right now and concentrate on other matters.

Little Eu pulls out the Themis map she received from the Grand Elder. She is closely monitoring the city's status these past few days while occasionally reinforcing the formation.

The array formation that is protecting the Holy Guardian Lord is on its limit. She needs to hasten her plans before it's too late.

"Please hold on a little… Please, just a little more time…" she murmurs while she reinforced the spell.

Soon after, she decided to head back to Limes Temple. The Divine Lord is there discussing important matters with Captian Jairu.

His face obviously lit up as soon as she arrived. He is worried she is currently wandering off somewhere and doing something dangerous.

"Greetings, Divine Lord. Are you staying?" Eu greeted as she inquired.

"I am just visiting and hoping to see you. We are working on a case..." he responded. He paused and changed the subject, "I heard you were staying at your village..."

"Hmm… So, you are leaving soon?" she asked as if she ignored his inquiry.

"Not immediately. Is there something you wanted to discuss with me?"

"Nothing, really…" Eu looked up to his eyes as she continued, "Stay away from Themis, that's all…"

She quickly left as soon as she said her piece. The Divine Lord creases his brows as he watches her go.

He can't deny that his next destination is Themis. Why would she know that? Little Eu rarely interferes with his affairs.

"I think you should consider Little Eu's words. We still fail to figure out a lot of matters regarding the situation. Let Lord Vermilion and Lord Tiger handle things..." Jairu advised him as he breaks his train of thoughts.

"Very well. I'll stay out of Themis..." the Divine Lord responded.

"Tell me, my Lord. You didn't take her in because you wanted a distraction, right? About that incident…" Jairu inquired hesitantly.

An awkward silence starts to build between Jairu and the Divine Lord. He doesn't understand why he suddenly raised the issue regarding the little girl.

What are his feelings? What are his reasons? It can't simply because she is a child. It is simply because it is her.

Meanwhile, Jairu can tell that the Divine Lord always treats her differently. The girl might misunderstand his treatment if he means something else.

"You are overthinking… Let's carry on…" the Divine Lord dropped the subject as he continues their discussion.

They were discussing the incidents at Inner Courts and the people they manage to subdue. He assumes that these men are connected with the strange occurrences happening in his domain. They are illegally squatting on his territory and concealing themselves.

He is finding it suspicious that Jairu and his men will scout the perimeter out of their jurisdiction. Still, he commends their efforts to annihilate the brewing threat.

"It was a coincidence. We are just lucky to come across them." Jairu shrugged as he responded.

He really cannot disclose Little Eu's involvement in the entire matter. Her insistence on starting her investigation has resulted in their discovery.

Meanwhile, Little Eu decided to go straight to her quarters and think of another plan. The Elders advise her not to enter Themis.

She had to devise another scheme and save Lord Turtle. Freya is a talented sorceress, and she can quickly figure out how to infiltrate Themis with her guidance.

Themis Array Formation should never be tampered with, yet she had no choice but to reconsider. This is an Ancient site heavily protected by magic.

She knows very well that she shouldn't trifle with Ancient magic that is protecting the City... Themis is not just an ordinary City, after all...

There are secrets never meant to be disclosed.

A mystery never meant to be solved.

Questions that never meant to be asked…