Morning dawned over the grand BlueMoon Palace, casting soft rays of golden light through the crystalline windows of the chamber where Irin slept. Slowly, her eyes fluttered open, only to widen in wonder.
The entire room was adorned with flowers—lavender lilies, golden moon-daisies, and silver roses arranged in intricate patterns along the walls, the ceiling, and the massive window ledge. A large flower pot stood elegantly beside her bed, and she stepped closer, inhaling their sweet scent with a soft smile.
> "How... did they know I love flowers?" she wondered silently, her fingers brushing across the petals in disbelief.
Just then, Xizi, the fairy assistant, entered with a silver tray of breakfast. Irin sat down without resistance and began eating quietly, surprised to see a plate full of vegetarian dishes.
"Wait… all this is vegetarian?" she asked curiously.
Xizi nodded. "Everyone here eats meat, but this was specially prepared for you. As per our king's orders."
Irin nearly choked on her tea. "T-The king…? What about these flowers then?"
Xizi's lips curved into a playful smile. "Also by his command. He decorated this room just for you. Do you… like it?"
Irin didn't reply—her heart fluttered, confused, and wary. Her mind was full of questions.
---
Meanwhile, in the Heaven Realm
In the serene Fairy Village, Fiona packed her belongings in haste, leaving behind a note for her parents:
> "I'm going to search for Irin. Don't wait for me."
Just as she stepped outside, Ren appeared, arms crossed, blocking her path.
"Where are you going?" he asked, voice low and serious.
Fiona trembled, biting her lip. "I'm going to find Irin."
Ren clenched his fists. "Fiona… she's gone. There's no way she survived that mirror blast."
"No!" she cried out. "I won't believe it!"
She handed him a magic bubble, glowing with soft blue light. "This contains the echo of the moment she vanished. Listen to it."
Ren activated it—and a faint, distorted voice echoed out:
> "...BlueMoon... Whisher Magic..."
Ren's eyes widened in recognition. "That's... Dylan's power," he whispered.
Fiona's eyes met his with determination. "Now you know. I'm going to find her. Are you coming?"
Ren nodded. "I'll go with you. No matter what."
---
In the BlueMoon Magical Forest
Dylan led Irin through the enchanted woods, accompanied by Ruther and Xizi. Light shimmered through floating crystals, and the path sparkled beneath their feet.
Irin stumbled, clutching her legs. "Why are you bringing me here? I can barely walk…"
Ruther stepped forward, smiling kindly. "Just five more seconds. Want a piggyback ride?"
"NO!" both Xizi and Irin replied in unison.
Xizi narrowed her eyes. "Don't you dare."
Ruther scratched his neck awkwardly. "I was just being nice…"
Suddenly—a streak of lightning split the air. Dylan spun, blade unsheathed in a flash of energy. Ruther joined him, instantly on guard.
The attacker appeared from the shadows: Ren, standing tall, sword crackling with holy energy. At his side stood Fiona, pale but fierce.
Dylan's eyes gleamed. "I knew you'd come, Ren."
Irin gasped when she saw Fiona. "Fiona!"
She ran to her, but Dylan swiftly grabbed her wrist, yanking her back. "Don't."
Ren mirrored his movement, catching Fiona as she stumbled forward. "Stay behind me."
Fiona tried to cast a spell—but it backfired, and she coughed up blood, collapsing.
"Fiona!" Irin cried, but Dylan held her firm.
"She did that to herself," Dylan said coldly. "I didn't even touch her."
Ren knelt beside Fiona. "Don't push yourself—I'll end this."
He rose, his eyes blazing. "Let her go, Dylan. Or face me."
The two warriors clashed—swords meeting in a thunderous collision, shaking the magical forest to its roots. Power exploded in waves as they fought, swift and merciless.
Meanwhile, Irin crawled to Fiona, tears in her eyes. "You'll be okay… we finally met again."
Fiona smiled faintly. "I'm glad... you're alive."
At that moment, Dylan knocked Ren down and pressed his glowing blade to Ren's throat.
"You lose," he sneered.
But then—it happened.
Irin's left hand began to glow. The flower tattoo lit up in brilliant gold, sending a pulse of light into the forest.
Dylan's eyes widened in realization. "The time has come…"
Ruther and Xizi gasped. "It's... activating!"
Ren saw the light and, in desperation, grabbed Irin's wrist to pull her back.
But Dylan slashed forward—his blade grazing Ren's hand, forcing him to let go.
In one swift motion, Dylan wrapped one arm around Irin's waist, holding his blade in the other, and pulled her close.
Before anyone could react, Dylan pressed his lips to hers.
> Irin froze.
Her eyes widened.
Her body trembled as her consciousness flickered.
The kiss—unexpected, intense, and bold—held a deeper purpose. Dylan's red eyes glared directly at Ren, full of warning and power.
Ren stood in stunned silence. Fiona gasped weakly.
When Dylan finally broke the kiss, Irin stumbled back, eyes filled with shock and confusion. Her fingers brushed her lips, and the glowing tattoo on her hand pulsed once more before fading to silver.
---
To Be Continued...