Chapter 6: Chen / Through The Fire And The Flames, We Carry On

“What do you need?” Flint asked.

“Well, do you know anyone here that has a really evil aura?” Evan asked.

“Yeah. Him.” Flint pointed to a person on the other side of the garden who was heading deeper into the palace. He had a stupid looking beard, and a distinct gait. He walked as though his leg was injured.

“Is he the only one?” Evan asked.

“Yes, he’s one of the only people that was left who had an evil aura, after I checked every single official in the palace. We got rid of the rotten ones, for the most part. He’s one of the ones we couldn’t get dirt on. Guzo was working on it. We know he's done some horrible stuff, but can’t actually link it to him.” Flint said.

“Oh. Well, in that case, he completed that job. But I have to go after that guy, so ask Guzo about it.” Evan said, running off towards the bad official.

“Yeahhh. Know an information place. Lots of stuff. Very nice lady runs it. We just finished tying everything together yesterday. I was going to come over after I finished that. I guess it was kinda pointless, considering Evan just ran after him.” Guzo said.

“Ah? Why would it be pointless? Evan isn’t a bad person. He won’t just kill someone like that, would he?” Yumi asked.

“Yumi…. he’s god. Alze told me about him killing the person who attacked him in her place. I….I don’t think it’s a good idea to tell you what I saw being cleaned up, either.” Guzo said, shuddering.

“Well... He did seem a little angry.” Flint said.

“Why did he come here, anyway?” The emperor asked.

“Ohh. Two find who was controlling Golds’ siblings, and whoever put a chain on her soul.” Guzo said.

“Why would god….care about this stuff?” The emperor asked.

“I’m not sure. Ah, that’s a bit better.... Anyway, I’m not sure why he would. Alze knows the story from Gold, but I wasn’t paying attention.” Guzo said, steadying a little bit.

“Who exactly is Gold?” The emperor asked.

“Oh. Chen’s little sister.” Guzo said.

The emperor paled.

“Did you just say Chen? You mean that Chen, right?” The emperor asked.

“Yeah. That Chen.” Guzo said.

“And someone here…. was controlling that monster's little sister? Dear god.” The emperor said.

“I know. It’s the guy Evan started chasing.” Guzo said.

“If he finds out…. Flint, are you able to beat Chen?” The emperor asked.

“At most, our fight would end in a draw, both of us severely injured.” Flint said, shaking her head.

“Alze was supposed to be contacting him tonight. Ah. Shit.” Guzo said.

“What? What’s wrong?” The emperor asked.

“Well…. I didn’t tell her to not tell Chen who was controlling his sister. So….” Guzo said.

“So?” The emperor asked.

“So he’s probably on his way here.” Guzo said.

“Yeah. I'm already here, though. I heard everything. The heck are you guys talking about? And where the hell is the pink hat? Uphold your end of the bet.” A man said, dropping down next to Guzo and taking a seat.

“Ah! Oh. Chen. Whats up?” Guzo asked.

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“Well, I was getting ready to kill some people, but I heard a few things from Alze, and came here first.” Chen said.

“Oh, right. Of course Alze would warn you. No wonder there aren’t any explosions.” Guzo said, laughing.

“Hey! Even I’m not stupid enough to blow stuff up in the emperor’s palace!” Chen said.

Everybody looked at each other.

“Yeah, not a single one of us believes that. You’re pretty damn dumb.” Guzo said.

“Ouch. My pride. Jeez, you think I’d go crazy from my sister being healed? No. I’m happy right now. I’d only go crazy if she were hurt.” Chen said.

“True. But it’s hard to tell. You’re pretty stupid about this stuff.” Guzo said.

“Wait, correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t Chen someone who was scaring you guys a second ago? He doesn’t look all that frightening.” Yumi asked.

“Well, that’s because he isn’t mad right now. This is idiot Chen. Not mad idiot Chen.” Guzo said.

“Hey! Which version of me isn’t an idiot, then?!” Chen yelled.

“None. You’re a complete idiot.” Guzo said.

“Oh, yeah? Well, you’re a love struck fool!” Chen shouted.

“Idiot!” Guzo said.

“Love struck fool!” Chen said.

“Idiot!” Guzo said.

“Love struck fool!” Chen said.

“Idiot!” Guzo said.

“Knock it off, you’re both stupid.” Flint said, knocking them both upside the head.

“Ow! Flint, what was that for!?” They said in unison.

“Wow. This is Chen?” The emperor asked, rubbing his eyes.

“Yeah, Chen and Guzo are best friends, so they get kinda excited sometimes. I’m surprised you didn’t know that.” Flint said.

“Don’t forget to include yourself in there, Flint. You’re one of our friends, too.” Chen said.

“Fine, yeah. But I never said I wasn’t your friend. I feel like more of a mother than a friend, with all the stuff you guys do, though.” Flint said, sighing.

“Heh. Moron.” Guzo smirked smugly.

“Why you li-“ Chen started.

Flint bonked both of them on the head again.

“Ow.” They said in unison.

“This….is that scary Chen who I always hear about?” The emperor asked, astonished.

“No. No, this isn’t that Chen. Well, it is, but it also isn’t. He loses his reasoning when he gets angry.” Flint said, annoyed.

“Oh. So… Wait, really? Anyway, It’s nice to meet you Chen. Please don’t blow up my palace.” The emperor said.

“Heh. He still doesn’t trust you.” Guzo grinned, poking Chen.

“Shut up, Guzo. I won’t blow this place up.” Chen said, hitting Guzo.

“This is surreal. Guzo, I’ve never seen you so…. Happy. You guys must be pretty good friends!” Yumi said, smiling.

“I see why you like her.” Chen said, staring.

“Mine.” Guzo said, punching Chen.

“Technically I’m not yours. Yet.” Yumi laughed.

“Darn.” Guzo said.

“What is this a com-” the queen started.

A massive explosion rocked the entire palace.

“Ack! That wasn’t me.” Chen said.

“No shit. Even you can’t do that.” Guzo gaped, staring at a giant plume of smoke, caused by a sea of flames burning the buildings below.

“What in the world is that?” Yumi asked.

“It’s fire.” Chen said.

“Shut up, Chen. This isn’t the time for games, help me put it out, now!” Flint yelled, running towards the fire.

“Ah! Right!” Chen said, summoning a massive ball of water.

“Oh my god! What the- Is that magic?” the emperor asked.

“Chen, wait! That might not be the type of fire that's extinguished with normal water!” Guzo said.

“Don't worry! I’ve put out fires from my other sisters cooking quite often. This isn’t normal water!” Chen called, the giant ball of water crashing down upon the flames.

The water froze instantly upon contact with the fire.

“See? It’s magic water!” Chen smiled.

“You just froze everything. How is… you know what? Nevermind. You’re an idiot. Of course it wouldn’t get through that thick skull.” Guzo said.

“Guzo, as much as I’d like to punch you right now, there’s a bigger priority here. What happened? Wait… my ice...is melting? Yeah, over there! It melted!” Chen shouted.

“Was it Evan? He went after the other guy, right?” Yumi asked.

“It wasn’t me. I came back because I decided to do it another time. I just cursed him horribly, for now.” Evan said, chuckling evilly.

“Wait, then what happened?” The emperor asked.

“Not sure, it might have been some sort of flammable material you guys were storing there. Luckily it’s not too big. But there’s still a lot of people who are injured. Or, if we aren’t quick in saving them, dead. Speaking of the second one. Flint, come with me. Thanks to the idiots' ice, the flames went out, but it’s going to get really cold in there. If there’s anyone who’s trapped, they can suffocate or get frostbite. If you find someone, use heat carefully, and warm them up slowly. After that, continue searching. I’ll check out that melted section. That does seem important.” Evan said.

Flint rushed down to help melt the ice and warm the survivors, Evan headed towards the melted patch, The emperor following behind him.

Chen went with Flint as an extra pair of hands.

Guzo stayed back to watch over Yumina and her mother.