The ride in the stars was as enchanting and magical as it sounds. One would get to choose from the few exotic soul animals that would help them complete this voyage with ease and comfort. Then a path would be laid out to connect the land with the heavens. This was no ordinary road. It was made of the finest pearls, with gems and precious stones scattered all over. It was luminous. It shone with a brilliant gleam made up of several colors at once. To prepare for the ride one had to take the purifying shower under the souther spring in the northeastern mountain. Though the journey was a nocturnal one, it diverged beyond time after the first space bent. As a result, the voyage lasted for almost around three days and nights instead of just one night. It was an experience of a life time. This bent in space took place only once a year, hence everything had to be prepared before even the start of the completions. Both the winners was super excited about it. But little did they know that this bent in space was about to bend the course of their lives forever as well.
The prince from the east was called Jin. He was the most famous pupil of his time. He excelled in every possible aspect. He had the most handsome face,the most well sculpted body, the strongest arms, the sharpest mind and the most courteous manners. His popularity was not only amongst the students but the teachers alike. Girls literally drooled after him.On the other hand, the Western princess was an introvert, smart but not very popular, mostly feared or envied for her position, pampered and spoilt, though very beautiful never did she actually dressed up unless the occasion demanded her to.There was one aspect where she was on par with Jin, that is her expertise and skills. She was trained by her father since she was a baby, hence it was no wonder. Everytime her father called out her name, "Nanako, you can do it" she felt there was nothing impossible in the universe for her to achieve.None of these two children, so full of life, had ever imagined that they would both end up in the transitional space, repenting, reflecting and rectifying grudges from the past. Jin, now a disappearing soul, stuck in the lonely tower in the last of the mist, scuffling and crumbling, trying to decipher the distortions inside his own head. Nana, on the other hand, though still alive , cursed with the sight of the future, now temporarily giving company to Mia, in the world where no living can go.Their story began at a slow pace. After the finale, where they exchanged their first words, they both kept thinking about each other all night. They seemed different from the prejudices their families had of each other. The next day was the auspicious day for the ride. They both had to get themselves cleansed at the spring before attending the departure ceremony. As they rushed to the mountains, Jin had some followers tug behind as usual. Nanako felt very awkward taking the dip with audiences present around. Jin could sense that and offered the spot all to her as he took the group a few spots away. Soon after he came to take his turn and found Nanako long gone. They saw each other at the departure ceremony. Nanako intentionally ignored him, as she had a strange feeling everytime he was around. Jin however could not take his eyes off Nana as she was all decked up in traditional royal attire, dazzling and beautiful."This must be the first woman to ignore you" Jin's friends teased him. He took no notice. They kept on pushing and pushing until pride got the better of him and he burst out "fine, you will see after the ride is over"." You bet? " His friends pushed harder."Sure thing" He replied and then marched towards the departure platform along with Nana.Jin had a panther as his ride and Nanako had an eagle. With a brilliant explosion of water and lights, they darted off towards the stars, twinkling far away.Across the galaxies, away from the world, sweeping past meteors, floating beyond space, they smiled and laughed together, as time slowly faded away. They talked about this and that. It seemed like they had known eachother forever. They gazed at each other's stary eyes , floating around in nothingness. Three days, seemed like moments and it was finally time to return.Soon after they returned, they got busy with their respective training in their respective camps. They hardly had much interaction though they both craved it. Jin's friends kept pestering about his challenge, but he dismissed it. However they had not given up on it entirely.They were looking constantly for a loophole to create mischief. And soon enough they found their chance when they had to gohunting in the wastelands, in groups. The wastelands were full of filthy and hideous creatures from the netherworld. Though it was part if their training, many had failed to complete this rigourous task. Fate had it and hence both Jin's and Nanako's camps were paired up for the job. In the fields they had a hard time. Fearlessly chopping and killing the creatures, but two of their members got seriously injured, forcing them to camp there for the night. Jin's friends grabbed the opportunity and fed both of them with the nether-berries. Those were known to intoxicate it's eater and arose their erotic desires. Both Jin and Nanako, unaware of the drug, gobbled down their food. Soon they were left alone by the others. One thing led to another and they ended up sleeping with each other. Though they both had feelings for each other, none was ready to take that a leap. Moreover neither of them were aware of what they were doing. It was bound to lead misfortune instead of bliss. Their story was doomed even before it could bloom. The next morning came in, but it ushered many a evil along with it.Nanako opened her eyes to utter horror , finding herself without clothes, tucked comfortably beside the naked Jin. She freaked out. But before Jin could open his eyes, she collected her scattered garments, got dressed and left the place in a hurry. No sooner than she took a few steps she could hear voices cing her way. She hid behind s structure to let them pass. Instead they stopped too and their voices grew loud and clear."You think it worked" Asked one voice."It's full proof. Brother Jin is going to be thankful to us for the rest of his life" Said another."What if jhe gets angry? " Was another curious voice."No he wouldn't. Wasn't he the one who placed the bet on the first place. " Assured another."Come on. Come on. Let's not waste time and go catch them in action. " Said another."Go.go.lets go. " The chorus faded as the crowd got going.The words pierced Nana's heart like a sharp blade. She didn't know how to react. What a disgrace she has been. She swore in her mind to stay
Nana's carriage swept past through the rugged mountains at full speed. Jin was close in pursuit. It was his first time seeing the breathing taking western sceneries. They were never told how beautiful a land layed in the Western countries. It was too beautiful for eyes. The clouds were of a pink and blue hue. The land stretched into beautiful gardens with flowers never known to his eyes. They danced magnificently in the subtle breeze. The valley gave way to hillocks at many places. Streams sprouting from here and there. The aura filled the entire stretch, calming the mind and cooling the view. The hillocks gave way to gigantic mountains. Those were decorated with flying lanterns to make transportation easy for travellers at night. The peaks were covered in snow and at places there could be seen wild fountains and waterfalls. The animals were the gem on top of the crown. There were so many species, grazing, hunting, playing, that one could spend their entire life gazing and marveling.
The next morning Nanako opened her eyes with her father's kiss on her forehead."Come on sleepy head. Time to rise and shine. Did you rest well? " Her father inquired.She nodded her head smiling happily."Good.Get dressed and eat something. We will be leaving soon? " He said as he got up from her bed and started to go.Nana grabbed his robe and tugged and said " Go? Where? Right now? "" Yes darling. We will go to the northern borders. It is still not too late for us to catch some snow. It seems like it's been ages since we went out together. " He patted her head and went away.Nana stood up and hurriedly called for her maids. As they ran inside, she shouted instructions about her food, dress, hair and so on. The room got busy decking her up for the day. The kitchen too was alive with clutter as the chefs hurried to get Nana 's favorite dish ready in the quickest possible time.Jin on the other hand was dreaming happily on his humble bed when suddenly the rooster started crowing at h
"What happened after that? Did she survive? " Mia was listening mesmerised. But when the lady stopped for a moment she could not hold back her excitement. "Tell me what happened next. " She urged with eager eyes, wide with excitement. The lady smiled at her enthusiasm and patted her messy hair softly."Looks like you are quite enjoying yourself. " She teased her."Did she forgive him? What happened to the wolf?Dont tell me she died. I want to know their full story. " Mia looked like a child eagerly waiting for her candy. The lady smiled again."Well Mia I can tell you that she did survive. How else would there had been a story for you to hear right now darling. " The lady stroked Mia's hair and adjusted it lovingly. " Let's continue then... "When Nana opened her eyes, she found herself comfortably lying on a pile of hay. She looked around and found herself in a cave. There was a fire at the side of her feet that kept it lit. Jin was sitting there, feeding the fire. She looked at him,
" You really don't know? Or is this another of your dirty games? " Nanako asked." Believe me, I am not lying. Tell me what happened that day? " Jin looked Nana in the eyes . A stern and determined look.Nanako told him about their night together, how they were drugged and the conversation she had overheard. She told him everything. As he listened to Nana's words, his eyes popped open. It got redder as her narration progressed. He could not hold back his tears as Nanako teared up, narrating the pain and embarrassment she had been through." Nana. Believe me. I swear on my ancestors, I did place the stupid bet, but I had clearly told them and walked out of it the moment we returned from our starry trip. My feelings towards you are genuine Nana. I had no part or knowledge about the mischief of my mates. I am sorry Nana for violating you. I have no recollection. But I apologize to you with my whole heart and am willing to take any punishment you want for me. I am madly in love with you N
"Mia, now listen to me very carefully. As it seems we are in the Dream Dimension of Floating Thoughts. And those who have encountered near death episodes can only come over. I think that the fact we are being able to have this conversation is that your life was already jeopardized. " The lady said." Jeopardised as in, am I dead? " She was as confused as before." No, like I said. It was a close encounter with death, but you are still breathing. But we need to leave this space soon, or else our souls will be trapped here forever" Her eyes we're full of fear as she stroked Mia's hair. " I understand your pain and trouble child, so you need to hear to what I am saying. Whatever seems surprising or strange, just figure it out later. Let me tell you what I want to without interruption. Alright? " She asked Mia's permission and she nodded."I have not introduced myself to you yet, I am Nanako. " Mia's eyes gave away her shock but she still held on to her silence, allowing Nana to continue.
Holding onto each other, the four of them, Lin, Boshu, Roe and Xie, finally appeared on the other side of the portal. The Direction star successfully paved their advancement onto the next phase of their quest. A few brisk walk and some careful steps, brought them out of the mists and upto the Land of the Lakes. It was all azure. Every shades of it. The sky, the different waters. Even the landscape reflected the blue hue of the two. There was never ending water. But it wasn't a single body. There were infinite shades and hues that marketed the borders. There was a pleasant breeze that blew over them. It swept freshness across their faces."Couldn't believe that eyes could behold such serenity in this life if somebody that said so earlier" Said Roe, marvelling at the out of the world beauty of the landscape " No wonder people went missing after coming here. Who would want to leave such serenity such splendor. I am having a poetic out burst right now. Don't mind if I break into a song or
Unaware of the happenings in the parallel worlds, Mia was steadily advancing towards Lin's direction along with her new found companion.They were flying at a very high speed. Mia was thoroughly enjoying the ride as she leaned over to was the tiny movements of people and animals down below. The mansions appeared toy like. The landscape kept changing from trees to mountains to plains. Finally they were almost near the Forbidden Woods."Ahh! This is what a good flight feels like. Ahh! " Mia exclaimed stretching her back "even Lin did not take me for such a long ride ever. Yeah! Actually I should get back to him about this. Why didn't he? " She was talking to herself. Her companion was busy exploring the place with the curiosity of a little child. He looked around and kept touching here and there. Mia too had little knowledge about the place they were in."Ooooooo! This place is really floating, isn't it? Hey Mr... Umm... What should I call you? Do you have a name? " She asked him. He sho