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At the night sky, Meiying observed the surroundings from her palace balcony, folding her arms and her shoulders loosen a bit. It's a dangerous time if the Mara Clan made another mess again, like what happened to Taishan and Zhongjing... including the countless innocent life that were lost during those conflicts. She watched Zilian's dragon form curled around her for warmth, she sat down on his scaled body as his serpentine body and wings barricaded her entire body with it. Meiying snuggled on it with a smile, squealing by how warm he was--even sniffing on his mane on his back. She did practice her skills on how to become stronger and being taught how how to defend herself, mostly from her father because he was once a Chief-Commander of the Twelve Heavenly Generals.

The other Great Warriors also put up their effort to become stronger, even Yunjiao was ambitious enough to be equal as them. Plus with Yang has been practicing a lot of spells and weapons his family had been creating before; his affinity of energy is getting stable and having an improvement, he never knew the outcome will be much greater than what he had first learned. The forge is a great thing because several parts or crafting has been assembled here. Yang's eyes glowed with awe, because the amount of huge furnace is very huge--looked similar to the one he has in his village of his clan and Lingshan took an interest to it. Mingyu told Yunjiao to be patient, because they have to meet Meixiu who was the one creating the silver-materials together with Sui-Feng against the Mara clan and Dragon kins.

"Take it easy, Yunjiao-jiějiě!"

Yaoren said happily as he watched her practicing her fan attacks, including her acrobatics and dance moves as she was competitive enough to defeat her opponents during the examinations. "Urgh, I know!" she snapped, after defeating her comrades who battled against her on the arena she just in. Yang spun his sword as he was ready to challenge Yunjiao, whom turned her head towards him. A smirk was placed upon her childish face, since she loves to make her own choices or decide her own situations, and a bit independent. "Yang, I'm only a superior figure than you! I'm a warrior and not a simple apprentice!" she barked, flipping her fan open before Yang lunged himself with his sword extended. "I won't let you surpass us, Chief-General Zhou Fang is known as the prodigy swordsman! I'm like a 2nd place on the leaderboard," he declared, their glares locket at each other without showing their weaknesses. "Oh wait, is it Chief-General Xue Yinghua who was the 1st place?"

Yunjiao asked, which she grinned mischievously. Yang growled, he wished his friend has not been an infamous legend. Lingshan merely hid her mouth behind her mask, covering her giggles in amusement as Yaoren just watch the spar with gleeful smile. "NEVERMIND THAT!" he screeched loudly, making Yunjiao laughed. And their spar began, although some people questioned why Yunjiao always called everyone, even Chief-Generals as her senior; is it normal since her clan is all women and also known as the leading family name that is far more powerful than most of the people.

Yinghua's clan is quite matriarchal, most of the rules within her family are dominated by female relatives and male relatives are considered lesser. Not only she could inherit their martial art style or abilities, all male-children are often separated from the home and must live either alone or found another shelter while they're studying. Therefore, Yinghua is the current head of Xue clan--successor of a legacy under her grandparents, late-parents and herself. But, the Xue lineage were mostly based of martial arts practitioners; she was an exception due to her Lunar Moon ailment. After the promotion as a Chief-General, Yinghua become the supreme master of the imperial martial arts on top of the elements she has mastered. And the most rare thing she had, she's the last chosen wielder of the Sacred Beast Weapon known as Sky-Sundering Blade of Demon Destruction--which is hidden through her current dual weapons; the sword Chūnhuā (Spring Flower) and the gunblade Méihuā (Plum Flower).

Fang's clan is the opposite which is patriarchal, the entire rules which took by themselves are dominating the male relatives while treating female relatives in very respectful manner, which is really rare. The only female member who was shown in the Zhou clan was Fang's sister, Feihung. That is, because the rules were a requirement to follow when the next Head or Leader ascends, mostly and are typically younger than the preceding leader as an heir. Since he's the current head of the Zhou Clan, the other families had to give him the respect. In addition, his late-mother is from another high ranking family... which also consider their family as the lesser noble's faction--their powers, affinities and elementals are heavily influenced by chi. He also the last chosen wielder of the Sacred Beast Weapon known as Cloud-Piercing Blade of Divine Purification, is hidden inside his newest weapons; gunlance Měidé (Virtue) and his sword Měiróng (Beauty).

Sui-Feng is a former slave of Borisian race, she doesn't have a Vulpine tail since their enemy ripped it off and gave her a cruel punishment that is inheriting the Lunar Moon ailment like Yinghua. It was a common thing they did to the slaves back then, mostly people would called them as Eremites since most people in their country won't say their real titles, but rather an insult and not consider them like a regular people. Eventually after surviving, she met Yinghua who was taken care of her when she was a little; until she's able to become a person and learned to use martial art, learned some elements and many more. With her ability to see and analyze the materials she had found or made, Sui-Feng manage to make the weapon-chart charts she wrote along with help from her subordinates, so she can map the possible locations of these other weapons.

For Yang, he's son of the Taishan's most prominent noble family--the Li Family that specialized itself in business, but he left and becoming independent after running away from home and joining the military. A few years before he settled to the capital, Yunjiao followed him without his permission or any warning to join the military, saying that they'll survive the journey and became great warriors together. However, being banished by the empire was the only punishment the military gave to them before the exile, Yunjiao is an ill-tempered girl who was easily provoked, therefore she's somewhat stubborn. Let alone Lingshan and Mingyu who had to deal with their bullshit, even Yunjiao who obsessed over Fang--but because of Yinghua, she has to behave herself.

Mingyu is a musician who specializes in conjuring music magic, he was a calm and serene man that had earned the admiration of both armies and civilians alike. Those who heard his singing are compelled to fall into a trance and listen to him--the enemies are weakened and couldn't use their move properly, what an irony. But, he is determined and loyal to the Taishan Kingdom when he is protecting people who used him as a scapegoat, his expression can fool a lot of people when he's lying--he also pledge loyalty to the Emperor; Wu Fuyin, none other than Meiying's father.

As for Lingshan, she's a mysterious yet polite young girl--despite her quiet attitude, her friends would assume it was how shy she is or because she's way too humble to speak anything. Although many people tried to guess her identity as a mysterious princess, Lingshan is just a commoner. Still, there's nothing she can do if others had a lot of interest towards her; so did Mingyu and Yaoren. With her mystical abilities, Lingshan's magical energy is far stronger than a normal human being; thus, letting her capable using magic and enhancing weapon with the Spiritual Resonance ability she had. Her element is wind that her late-grandmother once taught her.

They began their sparring like usual, with the Great Warriors roaring when one has been pushed into submission--as they kept betting on the fight which was being viewed by Yiyang and Ruqian who happened to spot them. "Ah... to be young again..." Ruqian sighed as his face seemed bored and monotone, folding his arms with his sword on his arms. Yiyang blinked her eyes, confused. Ruqian eyed her who tilted her head in confusion, and he quickly shook his head.

Days passed so fast and today was the day, Yang looked around the outside street. The main headquarters near the upper Imperial Palace was buzzing with activities as he kept his eyes opened while he trying to find Yunjiao who decided to run off somewhere. 'She is still my junior!' Yang thought in exasperation, knowing that his best friend Sui-Feng is a strong woman he cannot defeat in combat... so does Mingyu who tends to wander off to the market on his free time. At this point he is certain that Yunjiao is causing trouble whenever he is not around, and he wants to avoid unpleasant rumors for coming his way.

Fang knew that both of them was the part of Heavenly Imperial Quintet, the strongest group and are representing the second top division and the best-protected army. So, he didn't want to endanger his loved ones, his younger sister and other relatives--he knew Yinghua is very uptight, but her strong and independent nature does cause her to be slightly flustered by the topic about love and relationship easily. They swore their loyalty towards the Xanadu, even by looking at their military badges which their weapons were attached with it. "Yinghua," he called her who finished her paperworks, seeing the female Chief-General nodded as she yawned--she was beyond exhausted since her work seemed endless because as a newly-promoted Chief-General, Yinghua have to juggle all of the responsibilities as well as her old ones.

"Yeah...?" she asked, rubbing her eyes while Fang chuckled at her sleepy face. "Do you ever try to play a game? Like chess, Xiangqi or anything else with chess as its inspiration or influence?" he pondered, before she stand up and stretched her arms. "I prefer Xiangqi if we can't spar," she answered with a grin. Fang smiled sadly at her, since both he and Yinghua are busy around and also they can't leave the royal district too easily, or that is what Sui-Feng said. Now they have to finish all of their duties and begin their quest. Plus, the place doesn't need a lot of repairs. "Do you have to go?" Fang asked, and his partner groaned when he said that. "No, seriously--Yinghua, I knew you are a real perfectionist whenever you had the right to do something. Just relax," he scolds as he forced into a bear hug from behind, making her yelped from the affection as her face became pinkish and fidgety.

Yinghua didn't resist, she simply let him. A rare sight since she's capable to beat the hell out of others, also her face was trying to scowl yet to be softened a bit as he tightened his warm embrace in front of her while placing his chin upon her head. "I may be stressed because of my work..." he whispered softly, as his warm breath tickled her earlobe and she could feel his chest upon her back. "Fang... where are you getting to...?" Yinghua asked as her face's a mixed with red shades that spread upon her blushing. His lips curled slightly against her skin, making her shuddered more. "I don't know, I think I will," he replied with a lopsided grin. But, he released his hold and she felt the lukewarm temperature. He made a mess of Yinghua's hair, making him laughed. "Come here, I'll fix that messy hair!"

"Really! H-hey!"

Fang was caressing her hair and fixed the strands that goes everywhere, earning a pout as a gesture of acting angry. He finally brushed her long black hair and pulled the blue ribbon from her and completely tied her hair back into high ponytail. "There you go," he exclaimed as a bemused smile across his face, before being surprised when Yinghua hugged him tightly. A gesture he was giving back. No words can be express as their closeness. Yinghua broke off from the hug and cleared her throat, making Fang felt somewhat empty. Yet, he knows her; that is Xue Yinghua. Without realizing, he hold her hand. Yinghua felt his familiar grip and smiled in assurance, until she yelped when he brought her hand to his lips and kissing it. "We'll got to get through that door soon. And besides, we are not gonna fight until I got all the reasons on the way. Once we leave, everything will be the same. Once we face the hardships, I'll never let any obstacle separates us away," he said, as he kissed her knuckle that exposed from her sleeve.

The black-haired young woman stared at him, smiling. "You're treating me like a lady instead of a strict person, huh?" she pointed at him, then they both laughed. "Fang, just you wait... one day, I will surprise you, won't I?" Yinghua warned. He was surprised as he took her hands together and intertwined their fingers, feeling her warmth. He pressed his forehead against hers, her cheeks tinged a soft pink. "You defeated me back then, now I wonder how?" he whispered, making her ears perked at his smooth whisper. "Who knows, Fang. It was an accident," she calmly responded. Yinghua remembered the time, their own battle day back in trainee days. Both of them have been chosen by the Emperor Wu Fuyin himself for their capability and abilities, Yinghua managed to win the battle since she's a master of hand-to-hand combat, combined with a good martial arts and elements.

"By the way, there will be Mid-Autumn Festival celebration next week, correct?" she asked, seeing him nodded. "Yeah, we have to guard the city from the eyes of Dragon kins. But, someday... I want to see you in a beautiful dress or outfit during the annual Moon Blessing Festival, where the royalty and nobility showed their performances or dances in front of their subjects," Fang suggested, which she pouted at the thought of being embarrassed. Who doesn't feel anxious, excited and nervous, even she and other generals must prepare a performance. "I'm not sure, Fang. But, only the high-ranking nobles or royalties are able to show their performance on stage and in front of the royal palace," she muttered. Fang let his arms wrap around her small, and fragile body.

And, she was pressed against his firm chest. "You know, our world has a beauty that is limitless; the moon is not the only thing that is beautiful among our beloved universe," Fang repeated his words, his stare fixated at her blushing face. She, an unlikely girl who wanted to be part of the grand life. "Do you want to hear my wisdom?" she asked him with a daring smile, making him intrigued. "Yeah, let's hear it. Let's see if it matches mine," Fang immediately mocked, which made her rolled her eyes. 'Different worlds, different times. I have met countless faces over the horizon of life's path, and you are the one I search for. A face once carved into me, and not a familiar feature among endless ones.'

"In the heaven we shall be birds flying side by side, and on the earth we shall be twinned trunks flowering sprigs on the same branch. In a billion years, let none sunder us and we'd climb on clouds."

Fang eyes widened in realization, he let his own lips curving into a smile. "When our fate have been decided, when it crossed--there's no turning back," he replied with confidence. "Are you going soft on me, Zhou Fang? Can I win then? Don't make me wait longer and make it quick, we still have work to do," Yinghua challenged, before their faces inching closer together and their eyelids slowly half-closed. The feeling of the intimacy was still amazing, as their lips stopped centimeters as they separated. "Fang?" she finally called out. He hugged her tighter, closing his eyes for a moment. Fang's brows knitted upwards, relishing this small moment.

"It is a blessing when our adoration will ascend, we'll meet soon."

Yinghua raised her one brow for a moment, before a smiled shown at her face. They finally released from their hug, staring at each other while grinning. An idea popped in Fang's mind, he turned around and opening the doors from his chambers. "Let's get outside," he ordered. Yinghua just sighed in relief, making sure her dual weapons will be put on her belt properly and strolling alongside him in a calm pace, enjoying the beautiful scenery that wasn't damaged on the capital. Just the two of them standing there under the pavilion, looking across the magnificent towers on the lower city as their gazes fixated at the glorious palace; especially the three-white bridges from the pond within the central palace.

Yinghua observed Fang's appearance from his alabaster complexion, long black straight yet, messy hair with streaks along a single messy long bangs on his left side and the right slicked back--with some sideburns; revealing his forehead and and his hair reached his back, with a silver earring on his right ear. Wearing a a black armored Chinese robe with high collars and almost exposing the mid-part of his chest and his abdomen, along a black nylon sleeveless turtleneck bodysuit; with loose pants and thigh-high black boots with silver tips on the front, added with back heels on his boots. In addition, he wears a fingerless black gloves. True to his title as Beauty Prince and Blue Warrior, she is somehow captivated.

"By the way, do you love your nickname aside being the Beauty Prince?" Yinghua teased him more, holding her gunblade in her grasp. "Don't make me a playboy, and please—keep that tone down," Fang raised his brow up, pointing at her with calm expression. Yinghua just shrugged and smirked, giving him a lopsided grin. Even his style from his clothes, it really can bring out his gorgeous appearance or his personality. Compared to many other soldiers, Fang isn't a knight in shining armor--but more like the strong and handsome outlaw.

Fang quietly studied Yinghua's appearance, her long black hair with brown shades was pulled into ponytail along a blue and silver porcelain hairpin that has beads, her bangs framing her forehead and loosely tied back with long sideburns--she has porcelain complexion and dark brown eyes like him. Wearing a dark blue hanfu with high collars and black sleeveless turtleneck underneath, with an underdress of light cyan inner first robe and second white inner hanfu garb underneath. With her long-knee length layered sleeves exposed her upper arms, she retained her black shorts and black thigh-high strapped boots with golden back-heels with her hanfu decorated with white cherry blossom motifs and patterns in the middle of her garb below her dark blue and white sash, her hanfu is long and reaching below her ankles but flexible enough not to make her fall. She donned her black fingerless gloves, before pulling her black hair into ponytail with dark blue ribbon and cherry blossom ornaments. True to her title as Elegance Princess and Cherry Blossom Warrior, she was a beauty whom everyone fallen into, especially her own charm... Fang is somewhat taken aback by her stunning features.

Yinghua snapped her fingers in front of his face, which he blinked. "Earth to Fang, I'm here," Yinghua said as she clapped her hand, and he moved his gaze to her. Her partner released a light chuckle, ruffling her long bangs--which made her eyes widened a bit. "Xue Yinghua, you never change. Instead being annoyed or tough-looking, it suits you," Fang retorted, that alone made her growled and made an attempt to jab his face away as he avoided her swiftly. "Hey! Stop touching my head, jerk!" Yinghua yelled annoyingly. During these peaceful times, it was just a thing for them to learn and experience it fully.

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However, their fun moments are limited. Especially the amount of time are getting to its full--there was no choice but to choose, either them fulfilling the things which is taking all of their duties until the Empire is safe. "Can I... hug you?" Fang asked quietly, that startled her. Even she started to blush after realizing what he just said. "Well, as you wish. What are you waiting for, Fang?" Yinghua questioned nervously, rubbing her upper-arm as she faced him. He stepped forward, embracing her tightly and placed his nose upon her neck as she leaned onto his touch.

During the Mid-Autumn Festival...

Meiying couldn't believe she had to pick a fancy dress like a princess or the other ladies she observed, yet the outfit she's in appears to be appropriate as a Princess who can easily mix into the crowd. This day's festival will mark the celebration and a welcome for the newly appointed Chief-Generals--this event will truly tested if the Great Warriors she admired managed to meet their expectations or they're going for a disappointment; hoping the Princess were going to make a social circle among the crowd and possibly recruiting followers too. "I hate wearing this dress..." she grumbled in annoyance, wearing a white and pinkish with a few-blushed colored long sleeves hanfu dress, she got plenty of those on her closet and never wore them--only wearing in occasions. Her usual-styled hairstyles are replaced into two loose pigtails style, before she roared and fixing her hairstyle comically back to loose ones.

Her female attendants shrieked with shock to see their princess messing up with her hair, as they started arguing. Meiying groaned in angered, stomping her feet on the ground. "Hurry the hell up and finish this stupid 'do-up'," she pointed a pair of hair comb and hairpin from her maid servants, which is one of them begged her. "Princess... but, your hair's look--"

"FIX THIS NOW!"

Meiying roared, leaving a visible large bumps upon their heads, and getting back to work. After few hours when Meiying finally let her female attendants fixed her hair nicely and add a headpiece, one of her maids suggested to go to a tea house and relax, so the princess will won't need to endure her stress and frustration when the maids begin to work on her hair or outfits every hours before the event. Before she can finally settle, Meiying sighed loudly as the waiters served the dishes and the finest teas she could enjoy while sitting and listen to music or the gossip. No one would ever understand her personal dilemmas, and how she tried to forget her worst nightmare or regrets--especially these events.

Fuyin facepalmed at his daughter Meiying as the Emperor couldn't believe his daughter choose this hairstyle, the King of Luohan patted his shoulder. "Let her be, it was her favorite hairstyle and she did not like other formal hairstyle... like those other princesses, believe me--my daughter also like that," he reassured. Fuyin frowned, wondering if his daughter really want to go the party tonight or stay and enjoy her room alone and feeling unhappy. Empress Xiao smiled at his daughter as she fixed her hair, Chengxun laughed at his older sister which made Meiying grimaced at him--seeing him broke off his coolheaded demeanor. Even though Chengxun has a happy-go-lucky and a somewhat happy-psychotic personality (his eyes went dark when he smashes his fist to someone who made his older sister upset), the children including his close relatives know their little brother can be a protective man of their sister because he was watching her since when he's ten.

Zilian watched the culinary shops as he went past the people, before he saw Meiying roaring at the suitors who began to flirt at the balcony where the tea house is. "YOU SAID YOU JUST WANT A TEA?! What is this bullshit?!" Meiying is boiling, the white-haired male just stood there in stunned but amused. 'Well, her friends are taking too long. Must have been their duties, so they got delayed,' Zilian thought with a face of emotionless. He wasn't surprised to see her kicking out the perverted suitor who was following her a minute ago and immediately left the private dining area, the same suitors who had harassed her inside the private area were groaning in pain. "What a pair of immature jackasses," Zilian said coldly, walking towards the royal young adult who was panting as the other princesses applauding her for those men being beaten like an animal they are. After they left, he stopped in front of her. "By the way Princess, are you okay or something? There's some crumbs here," Zilian pointed the cupcake crumbs stuck on her cheek and below her jaw, using his thumb and brushing it clean. The princess was a bit shaken, before she calmed down and giving him a thankful look.

"T-Thank you, uh..."

Meiying stuttered with a small blush, gazing away with an annoyed face. Zilian, however, seemed to notice her attempt to try not blushing in front of him. "By the way, Meiying... haven't I told you that you shouldn't get yourself involved with people like them? You will ruin your reputation, understand?" Zilian reminded, after Meiying almost snapped at him. "My father can't reject them because they were from the allied kingdoms in our empire, so he gave me the authority to kick them out because these suitors wanted to gain higher power and wanted our money," she explained. Although Princess Meiying doesn't exactly in-charge, she will turn a blind eye for any wrongful reasons. Zilian was somewhat impressed by her ability to maintain her temper, except only several situations will make her lost her mind--and then lash out for a good reason.

Few hours later at the great military base barracks hall, the four chief-generals were dressing themselves into their respective garbs--some of the men couldn't even wait until they get access to the bathroom, mostly they were extremely excited and pumped up during their preparations. Sui-Feng was enjoying the festival as she walked beside Jingshen and Chief-Commander Zihao; the civilians are wearing fancy and cultural attires or outfits while the restaurant crews wearing red and gold uniforms. Taiyang and Ruqian could already see several crowds getting in groups for their traditions, so Yang saw the great fireworks show over the parade procession, leaving Yiyang behind as she helped Ruqian with his robes and uniform. Ruqian muttered 'whatever', Yiyang couldn't believe his impatience.

Yinghua was standing on top of the rooftop balcony with Fang, watching the beautiful sights with lanterns illuminated along the rooftops or bridges while the sounds of flute, guzheng, dizi, instruments and quintets floated through the streets. "So, this is what a Mid-Autumn Festival is like... in Xanadu," Yinghua said, which she smiled contently. When she was young, Yinghua always sneaked out from her parents when going to one of her annual vacations for the Mid-Autumn Festival in Luohan Kingdom. They will eat mooncake, rice cake and delicious confectionaries, playing games, listen the traditional storytellers and watch fireworks over the clear night. "Beautiful, right? This day signifies the harvest festival tradition," Fang replied, taking out her handmade mooncake on the table.

She blinked in surprise, a light blush crept across her cheeks and smiled. As they sat down and tasted the snack, Yinghua complimented how her friend made a better sweets than her own clan. "Uhh... it has an egg in it?" she asked with a frown, the taste reminded her of the flavor. However, Fang stated that he bought one box of ingredients and combining the mixture with two others (banana paste and grape paste), the second mooncake which is red-themed with strawberry pieces or black color with red berries, it wasn't simple like her's; the third one was unique, white color and has a spicy flavor with her name on it, she assumed it was an Shell Cakes--a famous dessert from the Dragonfang Empire which only can be sold in designated stores.

When they tasted the mooncake, they realized it was Taiyang who made it--making their face pale due to how awful the taste, fortunately Fang made them an herbal tea, putting pieces of dried leaves or cinnamon-like spices in order to help Yinghua and himself get rid of this taste. "Do you actually believe Taiyang was the creator of the confectionaries?" Fang asked rhetorically, she glared at his eyes and pouted with blushed cheeks. "I don't want to believe that if it's true, I almost died when I ate the dumpling he tried to poison us with. The man can be such a genius in killing a group of enemies without mercy, but damn... he cannot cook something that better than hell," she growled. As they relax, Fang reminisced his moments from his childhood after getting into an accident where his parents couldn't save him from the rampaging Black Beasts. At least, he was lucky Yinghua rescued him first before it's too late. "How's your little sister?"

Yinghua asked, referring to his little sister Feihung who was in his clan village. "She's doing okay, Feihung was helping the people to harvest the crops or the festivals and other chores around," he replied, making a relief sigh. "Better than her older brother like me, because... I knew my sister was, uh... energetic but cute," Fang chuckled, as his comrade laughed. "My little brother Jinfeng too, he was in our clan village with my gramps. He was busy building a tower for an unknown reasons," Yinghua guessed, slurping the herbal tea and grinned; making a random comment with their respective siblings.

"Do you think... our younger siblings will accept our bond, like this?"

Yinghua asked him, wondering if his sister accepted or disapproved of their affection. Or, Feihung would likely approve Yinghua as his future partner. "Of course, even their opinion about our love life are valuable. If they don't agree with us, then we should respect their words," Fang affirmed, before looking back. Throughout the street, every citizens were giving thanks and appreciations to the military soldiers or the Chief-Generals themselves. "But, we can't just follow what our family wanted us to be, so... we need to decide what kind of future that we'll embrace upon this path," he added. His eyes observed carefully upon the streets, while Yinghua is looking over the mountains ahead. "It's only just a beginning of the changes within the time."

Fang knew that if Feihung didn't accept their bond, he understood how she feels but that doesn't mean he would follow what she tells him to do. True, he respects her judgment, yet their ideals was different and not the same. Besides, he know that Yinghua is quite close to everyone, even to his little sister who always admired her heroic adventures and achievements. Every year, she won't be back from the special duties or vacations which lasted for weeks, and only send short letters while he can only think about her sometimes. "Do you remember how our respective parents meet?" she asked, recalling the time her late-parents meeting Fang's late-parents. She remembered her mother's elegance when a person looks at her, including her father's appearance which made her wonder how the 'fallen angel' becomes her father's bride.

Wait, what were her late-parents talking about again?

--------------------------------------FLASHBACK-------------------------------------

"What?"

Zhou Cheng laughed nervously as he sat down beside his wife Yuelan, wanted to calm down his military ally who was Xue Jun--Yinghua's father and the husband of Mingxia; her mother. "Listen, Jun... I know you're serious, but do you mind if my son and your daughter marry someday?" the chief military captain asked jokingly, as the duo faced-palmed before laughing. But in that moment, both of them are very powerful yet intelligent chief-captains of the Grand Warriors Armada--their combat skills and planning ability against the Mara Army were unbeatable and were able to develop a combat strategy more efficiently than most generals.

Xue Jun glanced at his daughter Yinghua who played with her friends outside, seeing Zhou Cheng's son Fang also played around with the other children in progress. It had been five years when their children had encountered the ambush in a territory's cave, where a squad of enemies managed to sneak attack from the top and wounded his son badly. At first, Yinghua was a very active person who easily gets into trouble from anyone who made him upset or someone who insulted her--often gotten wounded, getting reprimanded or beaten by her.

Mingxia was talking with the wife of her husband's friend with a gentle smile, cradling baby Jinfeng as Yuelan was also happily talking to her as she was soothing her infant daughter Feihung. Xue Jun hummed, folding his arms as he glanced at Zhou Cheng for a moment. As two men had the chance, the fathers decided to open up their topics while the wives were busy doing small talks. "Then, I could say the best option... will be teaching her how to cook!" the glasses-wearing male was taken back, giving a surprised yelp when their expressions popped out their faces. "Not only cooking, Jun, you had to give her what kind of people may help her survive. Unless if her brother cannot protect her alone."

"Speaking of that, my son used to hate eating cooked meat... because the food were somehow unbearable and disgusting, I cooked my own meats or soups and... when he tried eating my cooked pheasant or black bear meat, my son likes it," the long-haired male grinned, knowing that he can cook just like his wife but her skills are better than him. Both dads kept discussing about a good plans to train their future children, so they wouldn't need to be endangered. "You're... whatever, Yinghua! Come here for a bit!" Xue Jun yelled with a wide grin, summoning his daughter over the table. His expression changed into serious one, as the young girl widened her big-brown eyes.

"Fang! Get over here, silly!"

Zhou Cheng urged, let out a small laugh which made the awkwardness in the family air had already gone--instead it became a lighthearted, like a good old reunion before departing to each sides of their territories. Without knowing their influence on these innocent minds, the two kids will be having their own goals in their future as the young warriors, including being a Chief-Generals that could protect their nations against the villains who wanted to rule the empire. "What is it about, daddy?" Yinghua asked innocently, which was rather a hard-to-face version. "What is it, dad?"

Fang asked as his father sighed in relief, thinking that it would affect negatively his childhood but no--apparently the kids actually managed to become good friends rather than just rivals. Or, they don't really interested in those kinds of things, believing it would become a distraction in their works or tasks as a part of military. A few days later after a serious talk by the top generals between their conferences, their beloved kids were able to bond together with the other children during their childhood. "This is Zhou Fang, he's a shy boy but friendly once you get to know him better. While this is my little girl Yinghua, she can be energetic... maybe trying to get attention of her allies or surroundings. So, take care of yourself..."

Xue Jun said in confidence, Yinghua bowed with a small blush on her cheeks as she still a toddler. "Okay, since it's a promise between our dads!" Fang said, kneeling with crossed arms and smiled at her with sparkles flying around him. She smiled back with a thumb up, looking up at him. Mingxia smiled at her daughter Yinghua who smiled back, as Feihung wailed in her mother Yuelan's arms. "Aww, come now. Don't cry, sweetheart," Yuelan cooed, which Mingxia watched her sleeping infant son Jinfeng on her arms. "For some reason, he never cries. Every time he slept, my baby will making small, cute snores," Mingxia quipped.

--------------------------------------END OF FLASHBACK-------------------------------------

"I'm pretty sure, if our parents are alive right now... they were damn proud of us, Yinghua," Fang reminded, glancing at her smiling at the thought. Yinghua wondered when she was able to meet her late-parents for the last time, wishing if they could just come back and live with her again--including a happy reunion that would never forget. Despite a somewhat cold shoulder, her personality was mostly friendly and outgoing, despite her clumsiness caused her to injure herself from time to time. "Yeah... I missed them, a lot..."

Yinghua was humming a random song until a random man approached her and flirting in attempts to seduce her. At the same time, Fang sensed her irritated energy and immediately rushed over to stop the guy from harassing her. "Sorry, but... don't you mind doing something that should not bother her?" he warned as he narrowed his eyes, his tone dangerous and intimidating which made the harasser twitched an eye and shivered violently in fear. "Okay, okay!" he excused, running away when both of them smirked. He chuckled at their short interaction, raising a brow as he noticed her annoyed stare for a split second. When the guy left them alone, he saw her face flinched as a bad memory flooded into her head, immediately snapped her out of her sadistic thoughts. "Something the matter, Yinghua?" he asked her, noticing her behavior sometimes and wondered what may happened.

She hummed quietly, glancing at him from the side. Fang almost get his head spun when seeing her sudden changing attitude, the way he observed or examined the moment of how she changed so fast because the situation. His breath quickened, gulping as his comrade's mood switched so suddenly. "Sometimes... the nightmares were playing non-stop, makes me upset--however... I do appreciate the concerns you gave me, you're a reliable person after all," she said, smiling at his soft, admiring gaze. Both were hoping if the time would freeze, so they can enjoy the festival together forever--until a loud explosive startled them.

It was a signal that the fireworks show is going to start.

In Yunjiao's fantasy...

Yinghua watched the firework for a moment, before Fang lend her a hand. "Yinghua, why not we finish our work and have a celebratory sake?" he persuaded, her lips formed a sadistic smirk without a sense of humor. Her hand was connected with his hand, they pulled each other closer as their lips pressed--exchanging the sweet taste of the mooncakes when they kept tasting. At least, they didn't expect the soft, tender embrace the kiss became a deeper one, just like those magical moments they shared when they're in their private quarters. For them, it was a quick kiss but the audience awed at the sight. Suddenly, Yinghua snapped herself in realization when they broke the kiss.

Fang panted as he whispered her real name, which made her eyes opened wide; realizing that she spoke his real name in return without thinking. They were able to do a whisper-shout, like those couple who got embarrassed about being the center of the attention.

The imagination broke off that Yunjiao was flaring in anger, growling at Yang who keep teasing her even if he knew she doesn't really have good sense of humor. "Hey, I know you're obsessed over Fang!" he yelled at her as she reached for his head which he ducked, then she tripped over herself. "No, I'm not... ugh... don't make up any false stories!"

Lingshan laughed softly when she sat beside Mingyu who played with his harp guitar, watching their friends Yao and Jui-Long having a small fight until the tall swordsman caught him with her blade--throwing it on his chest area and glided towards him with her sword in right hand and the blade shined under the moon's lighting. Yinghua glanced down at the city, sitting across Fang as she watched the firework display with the other Chief-Generals

Meiying hummed, squinting her eyes as she searched for someone from the distance. Then, she saw Zilian who sat on the edge--seriously this half-human Dragon prince always likes the isolation within his zone. When she was coming into a decision whether or not, she has to sit near him. "You scared me! What a morbid character you are," Meiying commented, watching him glanced at her with curious expression that makes her heart pounding even faster, sweat covered her forehead when his cold, emotionless gaze pierced right through her.

"Why you were here?" Zilian inquired, ignoring the annoyed sigh she made. Perhaps, her attention has been focused towards the fireworks show as she keep staring at the bright explosions with admiring, glittered-eyes. "I'm just bored, while Chengxun went home after playing tricks on our palace guards," Meiying groaned, letting herself sighed in relief and relaxed. When she did not pay attention, she gasped as a new batch of fireworks display burst into a color flower shape--every color sparkle under the dark sky before fading. "Do you like fireworks?" she asked, wanting to break off the silent feeling.

Zilian scratched his head, knowing he didn't have answers. Usually, fireworks are considered symbols of joy and happiness among the different culture villages. "Yes... I think, my mother would say that these fireworks are nice," he commented. Meiying rolled her eyes playfully, pulling her hanfu tighter while wrapping herself a bit--she just remembered that the temperature went lower in the current moment. Until, she felt Zilian's arms wrapped around her for warmth and she began to hug him back--she need warmth sometimes. This is a first time, that someone accepted her flaws even though what she did is quite rebellious. "Thank you, princess."

Meiying nodded, she was still hugging him back when she smiled at him. "Of course, you're welcome... silly Dragon prince, do you want to eat mooncakes?"

"Why not?"

Turns out, he didn't know it was Taiyang's homemade mooncake...

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