Unsettling Partnership

[Warning from Master XioaLong: This chapter features some unsavory characters, for our faint hearted readers...stop reading after the — point where Shen and Shinah return home, to avoid such depraved characters]

I walk back to Shen who's been lurking in the shadows watching my hunt. He picks up on my mood and holds my hand while we walk back to the edge of the cliff.

"Don't be upset, it's apart of life. The week will always get preyed upon by the strong." He pulls the broken twigs out of my hair and pats the dirt off my robe.

"What I did made a difference for the innocent. Yet knowing this I still hesitated, but I also felt unsatisfied with its ending. Does that make me any less cruel? If so why do I feel like I showed it undeserved mercy?" I wonder out loud.

"It may be it cruel to entertain those thoughts but it's natural to seek revenge after a loss.

Let me ask you this...

Would it make a difference to the wolf if it was Mother and you in place of the deer? Would it make a difference to you.. Do you think you'd still hesitate to kill it?"

"Absolutely not. I'd protect mother."

"Shinah remember this, to be kind to your enemy is to be cruel to yourself.

It's natural to be compassionate and value a life, but be sure it's within a boundary set by your own standards.

Remember when fighting for yourself, friend, or loved one; or even in a situation you see fit to intervene... as soon as you make the first move, your resolve needs to over power all other emotions.

A battlefield doesn't have room for hesitation or doubt. So figure out if what your fighting for is worth your life. Because after that first move, in most situations ..hold the possibility of it being your last."

"Mm I'll take that into consideration next time."

"Don't worry too much about it. With more experience your resolve will strengthen.

So this Lady Aoi is your friend? When is her birthday celebration?"

"Yes! She's my friend, her birthday is in the last month of summer, may I go?" My mood lightens.

"Reach Spirit Apprentice Level-Eight before then I'll allow it, along with four other guards and myself."

"What!! Level eight?! I'm only at Spirit Apprentice Consolidation Level Five.. that's impossible Shen no fair."

"I believe in you."

The sun rises as we work stripping the magic core, fur, and other various sellable parts off the wolves. Shen keeps everything in his spacial ring and decides it's time to head out.

Ending our training with a race back to the mountain hideout.

"Little Shin every mile I pass you is another hour you have to study before breakfast. Put in more effort."

What! Noooooo... my stomach growls on queue.

"Fine but I get a head start." I laugh as I toss my whip around his legs immobilizing him and take off.

——

In Đồi bại a underground city in the Spirit Crystal Kingdom, a white cloaked figure on horseback weaved skillfully through a busy street. [1]

Stopping at the entrance of a luxurious inn, a gold board above the entrance... etched the name in beautiful calligraphy: Abandoned Flowers Inn.

The white cloaked person was guided to a private room on the second floor.

Two other guests sat at a table waiting; a young master in a beautifully decorated black and silver robe, his face covered with an exquisitely crafted sliver mask drank his tea leisurely, without a care or concern in the world.

While the other guest in red robes enjoyed a more hands on approach, with the waitress serving his alcohol. His hands pulling her alluring figure onto his lap ignoring her protests.

"Your highness, Duke, pardon my tardiness.. I hope your travels ...where smoother than mine." A soft melodic voice draws their attention upon entering the room.

"All's well here. Your majesty had a rough journey? You ... Whore leave us, and close the door behind you." The man in red attire tosses the server roughly off his lap.

"There were many inspections passing The Jade Emerald boarders. I nearly got caught... I had to act as a student, on my way to enrollment to the Academy ..fufu." The tall figure pulled down the hood of his white cloak exposing his leaf like ears . The left ear pierced with a dangling golden earring, while three green gem like earrings were the right side, signifying his Hundred and Thirty years of age. His ears pointing beautifully out of his thick auburn braided hair.

Pulling off his cloak exposed his youthful features on his pale face. His skin thin like translucent porcelain ...failed to hide his green root like veins in his arms exposing his pure Elfin bloodline.

"I heard The Jade Emeralds Princess was poisoned, not long ago. The drug originating from an outside kingdom, hence caused panic and the extreme inspections." The young master explained ignoring the Elf's infatuated stare.

"Yes! Haha That little bitch poked her nose in something she shouldn't have and reaped the consequences." The man in red chortled happily.

"I suspect she won't have much longer to live if you had any part in it Duke Lin." The Elf's golden eyes swirled with sinister secrets.

"Ha ha indeed that poison needs the antidote every half year in order to remain dormant, and I only have enough for my beloved FeiFei. Once my dearest Fei sends for a doctor, my son will go and exaggerate the symptoms and I'll swoop in and pamper her generously.... after I make The General bend to my will of course. Haha!"

"If only you'd put that much effort into our plans we'd have the Jade Emerald Kingdom would be conquered by now ~sigh~" The young master looked at Duke Lin with pity and disgust.

"Now, now your highness matters of the heart must be settled first, without a warm bed how else can a man find the ambition for anything else. Hahaha." Duke Lin makes light of the young masters insult.

"What of your kingdom? Prince Eldur any news on your grandfathers health.. when does he plan to place the inheritance assessment?" The young master questioned.

"I love the way you call my name, like the gentle sway of peony petals falling from your lips.. you tease young master!

Pshh that foolish old man favors my youngest cousin Jhaeir and refuses to tell any of his other grandchildren the necessary precautions to make for the inheritance assessment. I plan to take Jhaeir underneath me before the assessment. If he satisfies me...oh and provides the information I need ...I'll let him live....as a plaything." The elvin prince explains casually.

"What of the sacred treasure from the Spirit Beast Kingdom? Did we receive that piece yet?" The young master looks nonchalantly at Duke Lin.

"Ahh about that, their Ambassador refused to pass it along until his demands where met, flowery words couldn't convince him I'm afraid."

"Useless bunch. I long retrieved the piece from The Silver Serpent Kingdom, next meet up both of you better retrieve your piece and inheritance, or I'll sever our partnership. Since you both wasted enough of my time, I'll make a move first." With a swish of his robe he disappears from his seat.

"Ahh what an arrogant little shit! Who does he think he is?!" Duke Lin grumbles after making sure the young master was really gone.

"How delicious ... such a lovely arrogant and petite frame. Duke don't you dare despise him. Even with his tender age he is stronger than two of you combined.

To wield such a dominating power at the soft age of seven... excites me like no other. Ohh how I salivate at the taste ..of his body drenched in fear and perspiration.

Just thinking of what kind of pleasured filled emotions his delicate-wooden face would make underneath me makes me hard. Ahh such an exciting fantasy to look forward too!" Prince Eldur blushes brightly, moaning in excitement.

Duke Lin walks away covering his face, hiding his disgust for the Elfin Prince.