"Sis...sis...Father...he..." Sa Minu shouted in between breaths. He was currently flying and if it were any ordinary day, he would have been quite excited and delighted.
"Sis...go...back..father..." His voice came out haltingly as the wind whipped his face. His sister may be used to flying but Sa Muni was not. He was having trouble breathing and the cutting wind made his eyes swim with tears. But more than the wind, intense worry rocked his heart.
"Sis....where...we going?" Sa Muni shouted at the top of his lungs. But Sa Meri remained silent. Sa Minu couldn't see but Sa Meri's eyes had a kind of fire in them, filled with determination and anger. Yet she also felt immense grief. She couldn't trust her voice right now and forced back her tears.
"Now is not the time..I must be strong." She muttered in a very low voice, the wind carrying it away from Sa Minu's ears.
Sa Minu struggled in Sa Meri's grasp but she only held tighter. Her hands had become thick and strong ending in thick talons which bound Sa Minu tightly, yet carefully without harming him. How could he compare with a level 3 spirit warrior's strength! All his struggles were useless.
The town quickly disappeared and they flew into the mountains. Sa Minu looked down and recognized many places he had visited before, including the clearing where he had been just this afternoon. Looking from up above was certainly a unique experience. If he were in the mood to enjoy it.
Sa Minu was sullen. Just a moment ago, they had decided to live and die together and now he was being carried away like some baby bird without even a chance to resist. Feeling helpless was also a very unique feeling. One, he found that he did not like at all!
Soon the familiar surroundings passed and they flew even deeper.
"I haven't come so deep before..." Sa Minu muttered.
"Minu, I am going to land now. It will be a bit rough so get ready!" Suddenly Sa Meri's voice came loud and clear.
Their flight angled down as Sa Meri glided to the ground. And as she landed, her wings disappeared. She ran on the ground unbalanced almost dropping Minu.
"Uff...sis.. you need to work on your landing." Sa Minu complained as he found his feet. And then he looked around.
"Where are we?"
"Huff...huff..somewhere deep in the mountains. I have never been so deep before, so I don't know. Be careful!" Sa Meri said while panting. She sat on the ground hugging herself.
"Sis..are you alright?" Minu panicked as he noticed her.
"Yes, I am ok. Just a little exhausted." She sighed. And then her eyes filled with tears. "Oh Father! Please be ok!"
Hearing that, Sa Minu also felt tears in his eyes. He hugged Sa Meri and they both cried on each other's shoulders.
Back at the family home, Sa Ban was having the fight of his life. If he had been in his prime, it would still have been a tough fight. But now he was old and much more involved in the farming business. So he didn't get a chance to practice much. Even then, if it were simply normal soldiers he could have managed somehow.
But right now he was facing the Brown Bear.
Magical creatures often change colors as they rise up in cultivation levels but there are variations depending on talent and type. The Brown Bear represented the lowest tier in the magical Bear family and was a level 2 magical beast. The Brown Wolf on the other hand, is a level 1 magical beast and also the lowest tier in the magical Wolf family. As they would rise in cultivation level, their colors would also change. Their spirits had the same ability.
Being the lowest tier of magical beasts spirits meant that their strength and power was limited to the extreme and the difference between a level 1 and 2 spirit warrior would not be much. A person with good martial techniques could overcome the gap in strength.
Add to that was the type of the magical beast. The Bear relied more on strength while the Wolf relied more on agility and cunning.
"Brown Bear, you overestimate yourself." Sa Ban said as he dodged the powerful strike. It made a hole on the ground as the powerful attack hit. Sa Ban looked at it and shivered. He swiftly closed in and swung his claws.
"Hmph..." The Brown Bear simply took the attack head on. His skin absorbed most of the damage and he swung once again at Sa Ban.
Sa Ban ducked for his life, the hand narrowly missing his head. He struck out with his legs aiming at the neck. But the Brown Bear simply raised his hands and blocked. His defense was as solid as a rock.
"Hmph...cheap tricks." Brown Bear growled.
'Damn! How tough is his skin?' Sa Ban thought to himself. 'I will have to aim at the vitals.'
Sa Ban moved as Brown Bear attacked again. Feeling the wind blow from the shockwave of that attack he quickly side stepped and moved in closer.
Brown Bear noticed him and took a few steps back to compensate but the Wolf was faster. Sa Ban came in close and poked at the eyes. As Brown Bear reacted to the feint, he instantly changed his target to the neck and attacked with the other hand.
Brown Bear was not fast enough to defend against this attack and Sa Ban knew that he had gotten the chance to kill. But suddenly red energy burst forth from Brown Bear's body instantly covering the entire body.
Sa Ban was surprised. His hands slammed into the red protective energy instead. He cried out in pain as his hands burned red.
"Aaahh! You Bastard!" He cursed.
"Haha...I am a student at the Imperial School. Now you know my strength. Prepare to be killed." Brown Bear gave a very satisfied smile.
"Damn! Why are you working for Lord Green then?" Sa Ban swore loudly.
"That is none of your concern." Brown Bear laughed.
The Imperial Spirit School was the only spirit warrior school this side of the kingdom. It is where elite spirit warriors went to train. Owing to the fact that it was the only one around here, it's requirements were high and you could only join it if you were 12 or younger. Sa Ban had often dreamt of going there but the tuition fees was too high. Even when he decided to let his children have this opportunity, he still couldn't save enough.
It was no surprise that the school's students often comprised of nobles and scions of rich families. Graduates of the school had immense possibilities and would often achieve high ranks in the military or the administration and may even become governors of large territories.
"I am Sa Ban. If it will be my death, so be it. State your name." Sa Ban looked dignified and increased his fighting spirit even more.
"I am Wa Shun. It is good that you have accepted your death. Now come and taste blood." Brown Bear said. Then he moved even faster than before. Even faster than Sa Ban.
Sa Ban desperately lashed out. He had abandoned all hope and was simply going all out till the end. Wa Shun smirked and didn't dodge at all. The red energy covered his entire body and protected against all attacks. In fact, hitting the red energy damaged Sa Ban instead. It was like being burnt by fire.
And then Wa Shun attacked. His hands formed a claw and swung towards Sa Ban's head. Sa Ban tried to dodge but Wa Shun was faster. The claw hit the side of the head and drew blood.
Sa Ban felt intense pain for a moment but then his senses failed and he fell to the ground, lifeless.
The entire affair was over in just a few moments.
Wa Shun checked to see if Sa Ban was truly dead and then released his beast transformation. He turned to head out of the door but suddenly stood still in shock.
"Who are you?" He called out.
"That's what I should be asking." Tri Manlu's cold voice came from the door.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Tri Manlu was meditating in his house when he felt the energy vibrations. He looked towards that direction.
"Sa Minu's house is in that direction.."
He quickly took off concerned.
When he arrived at the door, everything was over. Sa Ban lay dead on the floor, his head turned at an ugly angle. And there was this other person wearing a blue robe standing in front of him. Suddenly that person turned around.
"Who are you?"
Tri Manlu was a veteran spirit warrior. He had participated in many battles and lost many friends. He instantly calmed himself down in this situation.
"That's what I should be asking." He said.
"I am Wa Shun. What you see here is Lord Green's business. It would be best for you not to interfere and be on your way." The person said carefully.
"Lord Green eh? And what is Lord Green's interest in this family?" Tri Manlu had guessed the interest almost immediately. But he still acted. What he wanted now was information.
"You still do not give me your name. Hmph! You wish to interfere in the Lord's affairs?" Wa Shun shouted.
"Ah no. I would rather not have the Lord know about my meddling." Tri Manlu replied.
"Hmph! So be on your way then and forget what you saw here." Wa Shun replied.
"Ah now that I cannot do. You see I need some information first. Where do you think the children of the family went?" Tri Manlu asked lightly.
"Hahaha...so you do want to interfere. Fine as your last wish, I will tell you. It is none of your concern." Wa Shun was angry now but he still didn't dare to be careless. He could feel that the man in front of him was not weaker than him.
"Ah, then I guess I can only ask your soul." Tri Manlu said.
"You dare!" And Wa Shun immediately beast transformed. A reddish energy came out of his body and covered him.
"Hmm...Brown Bear and external energy practitioner. Though I must say that your energy is quite weak. All you can do is visualize it right now. Do you think you are my match?" Tri Manlu said.
"Hmph!" Wa Shun replied.
Wa Shun moved at great speed. He quickly closed distance and then punched at Tri Manlu's head.
Smack! A loud sound came to the satisfaction of Wa Shun. But in the next instance, he was horrified. He opened his eyes in disbelief. How could someone catch his punch without even beast transforming.
Tri Manlu had stopped that punch with his palm. As he closed his fingers and applied pressure, Wa Shun coiled in pain.
"Aaaahh..." Wa Shun yelled in pain as his wrist broke with a snap. Tri Manlu let go. Wa Shun immediately took a few steps back.
"Who are you, senior? Why do you interfere in Lord Green's affairs?" This time he saluted and respectfully asked.
"Hmph! Too late to ask. Now I will ask and you will answer." Tri Manlu's cold eyes stared at Wa Shun.
"Yes senior." Wa Shun replied terrified.
"Where are the children of this family?" Tri Manlu asked.
"They fled to the mountains." Wa Shun replied obediently. His only chance to come out alive was to earn this senior's mercy.
"Are there more of you in pursuit? Give me their details."
"Yes, senior. There are two level 2 spirit warriors along with around 20 soldiers. They are being led by the Lord's uncle, Green Mo." Wa Shun replied.
"Hmm." Tri Manlu nodded. "Last question, did you kill Sa Ban?"
Wa Shun started trembling. This senior had just referred to the one he had killed by name. It meant there was some connection between them.
"I did, senior. But I ask for forgiveness. I only did it under Green Mo's command. I am also a student of the Imperial Spirit School and if you spare me, you will earn mine and my school's gratitude." Wa Shun said in desperation.
"Oh the Imperial Spirit School. Tell me how is Teacher Long?" Tri Manlu asked lightly.
Wa Shun started trembling. Who was Teacher Long? He was the number 2 expert of the school, with influence just after the head of the school. Wa Shun was like a nameless bug in front of him. He didn't even have the qualifications to meet with him let alone call him Teacher. For him and his peers he was always Senior Elder and this senior had casually mentioned his name!
"I hope he is well. My station is not high enough to greet him. Junior greets senior and begs that he will show mercy as compatriots of the same school." Wa Shun begged.
If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
"Hmmm...not gonna happen!" Tri Manlu flatly said.
Wa Shun immediately beast transformed and visualized his external energy. But that was to no avail. With a scrunching sound, a black hand penetrated his neck like a knife and his life ended.
Tri Manlu pulled his hand back and wiped off the blood on Wa Shun's clothes.
"Sa Ban, you have been avenged. I will try to save your children but their fate may be their own as I have no way to find them. As a last favor, I will protect your soul." Tri Manlu said to the dead Sa Ban. Then he took his body and headed towards the mountains.
Deep in the forest, in a clearing, he dug a hole and buried Sa Ban's body.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Sis, where shall we go now?" Sa Minu asked his sister when the two finally calmed down.
"We cannot go back to town for now. So let's find a hiding place." Sa Meri said.
"Leave it to me."
Sa Minu quickly climbed the nearest tree and started looking for a suitable place. Under the tree Sa Meri observed.
"Quite like a monkey..." She laughed. Then she started to keep watch.
Sa Minu looked around but failed to spot any good place. He climbed down and made his way to another tree and looked again. After some time he came down.
"Sis, there might be a cave that way. Let's check it out."
About 200 metres to the west they found a gap in the rocks leading to a cave. But as they were about to enter, Sa Minu paused and looked at the ground.
"No good, sis. Some animal is currently living here." He said.
"You can tell that?" Sa Meri was surprised.
"Yeah..see these paw marks and then there is the smell of poop."
"You spend too much time in this forest..." Sa Meri sighed.
As they kept looking, Sa Minu found a lot of hiding places but rejected all of them as they were abodes of another.
"Minu, it's odd. Why don't we see any animals around?" Sa Meri asked after a while.
"Sis, most of them do not see humans. So they are scared and they hide. But if there is a predator, it might attack. Though I have not seen any signs of them so far."
"Alright then, let's keep looking."
A little while later,
"Sis, there is a huge gorge or something there. The ground dips sharply." Sa Minu said.
"A gorge?" Sa Meri thought a while and then said. "Maybe it is the Valley of the Mist."
"Valley of the Mist, sis?" Sa Minu asked.
"Yes. It is a valley with really sharp cliffs and no way to enter. It is said that it is always filled with mist all year round and you can never see the bottom from the top, ever. It is also rumored that it is inhabited with really dangerous magical beasts," Sa Meri said.
"So we should avoid that. Let me go look for another place." Sa Minu said.
"No, let's check it out first. It may not be the valley of the mist." Sa Meri said.
The two walked in that direction with Sa Minu guiding them and Sa Meri clearing the way. When they reached close their mouths fell upon.
"It's huge!" Sa Minu exclaimed. The gorge extended several miles in length with the ends not even visible. The other side was also pretty far.
"This valley must be huge." Sa Minu said. He tried to look down.
"Careful, don't fall in." Sa Meri shouted.
Sa Minu leaned in carefully. What he saw was mist. Endless mist so thick that it coiled like a dragon covering everywhere and everything in that valley. There was nothing visible underneath it. Their were sheer and steep cliffs on all sides. Forget climbing, even going down was impossible. Not unless you have a rope several miles long. And who knows how deep was the gorge with all this mist.
"This is the valley of the mist! I never thought I would get the chance to one day see this!" Sa Meri looked surprised.
Just then she sensed something.
Beast spirit warriors have really sharp senses, owing to the abilities of the beasts spirits. The Yellow Eagle in particular has particularly sharp eyesight. Moreover being a flying type beast, it was especially sensitive to wind.
Sa Meri detected something flying swiftly in the wind heading towards...
"Minu!" She shouted and moved.
Minu turned around after hearing her shout. He saw Sa Meri move and cover him.
"Ah!" Sa Meri softly groaned.
"Sis...what.." But his question didn't need to be answered. Protruding from Sa Meri's back was the long shaft of an arrow. The arrowhead had completely entered her body.
Shouts suddenly came from the forest behind.
"Get them!"
The rustle of leaves sounded as growls were heard. Sa Meri quickly stood up and beast transformed.
"Minu, when I give the signal..run!" She ordered.
The first to arrive were the two spirit warriors who had both beastformed. (Heck it is so annoying, I am going to shorten beast transforming to beastforming.)
Another arrow was fired from the archer at the back and the target was still Minu. Sa Meri waved her wing and a blast of wind washed over the arrow pushing it far away.
At the same moment, Black Wolf and Three-Eyed Toad attacked.
Sa Meri turned and kicked Three-Eyed Toad. Her feet made the wind move. Three-Eyed Toad dodged the leg but the wind blew him away several metres.
"Powerful. Watch out for that kick!" He shouted as he landed.
Black Wolf had gotten in close enough though and he punched. Sa Meri blocked with both hands but the punch was too powerful. She went flying away.
After a few metres, she flapped her wings to stabilize herself. Then she shot at the wolf at her top speed. In an instant she covered those few metres and kicked the Wolf. He smashed into the trees.
And then there was another arrow aimed at Sa Minu. Sa Meri reacted instinctively blowing the arrow out of the way with a blast of air.
"This is bad.." Sa Meri muttered. She could not fight like this. The archer always aimed at Sa Minu as soon as she went a little distance away. It was like this strategy was designed to pin her on the ground where Black Wolf and Three-Eyed Toad had an advantage.
The best way to defeat a bird was to get it on the ground. And the best way to keep it on the ground was to find a reason to not let it fly.
By aiming at Sa Minu, they prevented Sa Meri from escaping. After all, they didn't have a flying type beast warrior in their ranks. And their target was always Sa Meri from the beginning.
"You Bastards! Stop aiming at my brother! He's got nothing to do with this!" She yelled furiously.
Just then the sound of that ugly man in an orange suit, Green Mo, came forth.
"Let's make a deal then. You come with us peacefully and we will let your brother go!" He yelled.
Looking at him, he was right at the back along with all the soldiers.
"Fine! You let my brother leave and I will surrender." Sa Meri said.
"Hmph! You think we were born yesterday. As soon as your brother leaves you will take to the sky." Wing Mo said.
"Fine then, how about I let Black Wolf here hold onto me. And you let my brother go." Sa Meri said.
"No. If you let Black Wolf and Three-Eyed Toad hold on to you, we will let your brother go." Wing Mo shouted.
"Do not overreach your position." Sa Meri was angry. "If anything happens to my brother, I will make sure to kill you, even if I can't kill anyone else." She thundered.
"You have my word. Once Black Wolf and Three-Eyed Toad hold on to you, we will let your brother leave." Green Mo said.
Sa Meri allowed her arms to be held by the two spirit warriors and nodded to Sa Muni.
"Leave." She ordered. Sa Muni didn't argue and simply started walking off into the forest. As soon as he reached the tree line, he started running.
Sa Meri acted in the same instant. She grabbed the two spirit warriors and jumped into the valley.
"Damn!" Black Wolf shouted as in an instant he found himself without solid ground under his feet.
"Damn woman!" Three-Eyed Toad cursed as he saw himself in the same situation. "I won't let you do as you like." He opened his third eye and looked straight in Sa Meri's eyes. "Sleep..."
Sa Meri felt herself become dizzy when Black Wolf suddenly shouted. "Are you crazy! Why do want her to sleep in this situation?!"
Sa Meri shook her head and started diving down into the valley. The immense speed causing the Wolf and the Toad to feel dizzy. Their grips loosened and Sa Meri shook her hands free while the two fell down into the mist. But suddenly, a huge tongue warped up and swept around Sa Meri like a rope, tying her down.
hree-Eyed Toad pulled himself up and opened his third eye.
Sa Meri blinked but Three-Eyed Toad had disappeared. "Did I just see a mirage? He must surely have fallen down. Better go up and find brother." She flew up. 'Hmm...I feel restricted. Is the air thicker here?' She thought.
She made her way up and into the forest in the direction Sa Minu had retreated. Soon, she saw him standing on top of a tree looking at her. He looked horrified.
"Sis..." He shouted. "The Toad!"
Suddenly, like a curtain which was pulled back, Sa Meri woke up. She looked horrified as she found Three-Eyed Toad still hanging from her. "Hypnosis.." She belatedly realized the Three-Eyed Toad's ability. It was not a simple ability to control or to avoid.
In the same instant, the Toad let go of her and retracted his tongue. He fell to the ground but he landed like it was nothing.
"Hahahah...stupid woman! You tried to kill me! Now you must face the consequences!" He laughed.
"Hmph!" Sa Meri flew towards the Toad and trapped his neck in her talons. She closed her talons without mercy and drew blood.
As blood flowed freely from his neck, the Toad laughed. But then there was silence.
Sa Minu climbed down and quickly ran to her sister who was still standing next to the Toad.
"Sis...that was awesome!" He said.
Sa Meri turned to look at him and gave a dazzling smile. And then she fell over.
"Sis..sis, what's wrong?" Sa Minu panicked as he quickly grabbed her.
"Ah..it seems your sister can't accompany you anymore. It looks like the Toad poisoned me during his attacks. I am sorry, brother."
"No..sis. Don't say that. You can't die. You just won a great battle. You were so awesome! You cannot die!" Sa Minu had tears in his eyes. This was just too much for him. In the same day, he had lost his father and now his sister was dying. He had been enduring and enduring for the sake of his sister but like a dam which had been broken through, his tears flooded out without stopping.
"Minu...you be good. Your sister will go to Elysium and will be very happy so don't be sad. It's just that, could I ask a final favor. Take my body away. Do not let them capture it. I do not wish my soul to fall in their hands. So dear brother, throw my body into the valley of the mist. Fulfill your sister's last request..." And Sa Meri closed her eyes and fell lifeless in Sa Minu's arms.
"NO!" Sa Minu yelled at the sky.
Suddenly he heard shouts. The soldiers were coming this way. Coming for his sister. Even in death, there would be no peace.
Sa Minu was just 4 and half feet tall. His sister was taller at 5 feet 7 inches. Yet he lifted her easily and walked towards the gorge. He stealthily passed by the desperately searching soldiers and reached the edge.
"Sis...we decided just today that we will live together or die only once. Yet, I am still alive. Without father and you, I would feel like I am dying everyday. So sis, I will accompany the two of you. Hopefully we will meet in the next life." Sa Minu laughed.
Still carrying his sister's body, Sa Minu jumped into the valley of the mist.