The Dragon Prince's Warrior

Against the dictates of the soul

Siu stood in astonishment as she saw her parents standing before her; it was something she had never imagined coming from them, considering that throughout her life they had always spoken of the dangers of venturing into that place. And while it was true that she herself disobeyed by exploring the forest to reach the mountaintop, something told her that their coming to find her was against the actions they would normally take.

The health of both parents was also a factor, as her mother suffered from bodily pains, and her father had a condition in his lower back. This was undoubtedly something that deeply concerned Siu.

What was most striking was that, after Yun had left, she had informed her parents that she would try to help him reach his destination. Worried, they gave her their blessing and placed the Fenghuang amulet around her neck, the same protective charm they always wore.

Siu rushed toward her parents to greet them with a bow. Even though many doubts lingered in her heart, she didn't want to question her parents too much. She would ask only the necessary questions and find a way to return home with them.

"Good morning, dear daughter. How fortunate we are to have found you, and we're relieved that you're safe," her mother Wen said, with a warm and affectionate smile.

"Tell me... How did you know exactly where we were?" Siu inquired, her curiosity piqued.

"Oh, my child, it surprises us that you doubt. We are your parents, united in mind and heart," her father Fong replied.

Siu paused to ponder for a moment, then resumed her usual cheerful demeanor.

"I appreciate your concern for me. I'm doing quite well, in fact, we were just having breakfast," Siu turned toward where Yun and Mei were, and they greeted her parents with a bow.

"Young Yun, good day," the gracious Mrs. Wen greeted. "I hope you don't mind us coming to accompany our dear daughter."

"No, not at all," Yun responded with a softness in his voice. "In fact, your daughter was about to return home, isn't that right, Siu?"

The girl turned to look at him with a touch of disappointment but nodded in response to what Yun had said, immediately moving closer to her parents and then taking her mother's arm. He truly wanted her away, and for some strange reason, that was beginning to fill her heart with an inevitable sadness.

Since she had encountered him, Siu couldn't quite grasp what was happening; she only knew that she followed her intuition and what her soul dictated. Something very strong was telling her that she needed to guide him to the Fenghuang monument. Plus, there was that dream she had...

"But what is he saying?" Mr. Fong interjected. "Has our daughter shown disrespect, or why does he reject her help?" He seemed a bit indignant.

"No, sir, not at all," Yun responded. "But I think I didn't make myself clear when I said that this mission must be undertaken alone."

"Dear, don't put the young man in a dilemma, he's right. Even if our daughter had the best intentions, help isn't always well received," Mrs. Wen replied.

"I certainly don't reject the help, but a very important life is at risk if I don't follow the rules. I ask for your understanding, please. It's a matter of life or death, and that's all I can say," Yun debated, a hint of frustration in his voice.

"Yun, I understand, and you're well within your right. I truly was intrusive, and I apologize," Siu intervened. "I promised you last night that I would leave, and I will keep that promise," she finished, gently pulling her mother as they turned to leave.

Yun's heart began to race from one moment to the next. What the heck was happening to him? It was a fact that, even if he was following the rules of the game, he didn't know why, but something was telling him that he should stay with her; that she was in... danger? But from what or whom? Everything seemed to go against what his intuition dictated.

On one hand, Siu had proven to be brave, and she knew the path by heart. And after all, he had to admit that her presence radiated a certain sense of calmness. But that old sage had been very clear; he had to make a significant effort and come across as arrogant, rejecting people's help. It would all be for his mother, An. That was the true reason for being there, and if he was not mistaken, she was praying to the Fenghuang on her own.

"Be careful," Yun urged, concerned by his unsettling premonitions that verged on paranoia.

"Don't worry, Yun," Siu responded. "We'll be fine. You both take care. The path upwards is like a labyrinth. I just hope you find what you're looking for and return safely." Then she turned her gaze to Mei. "Mei, it was a pleasure to meet you. I'm sure your children will appear safe and sound."

"Thank you very much, young lady. Hopefully, we'll see each other again soon," Mei said, smiling as she gave a short bow. "Oh... I'll miss her, I quite like her," she added, glancing at Yun from the corner of her eye, his eyes revealing more than words could convey.

"Yes... 'I think I'll miss her too,' he thought to himself." Now let's continue, we can't stay here any longer." Both of them watched as Siu disappeared into the forested path downhill with her parents.

Yun began walking, and Mei followed suit. The journey had to continue, no matter what. The prince wasn't willing to waste any more time, as it was the one thing he had in short supply to achieve his goals. So, he and his companion began extinguishing the campfire and washing their hands and faces, getting rid of breakfast's evidence; Yun didn't even want to entertain the thought of more tigers in the vicinity.

"I was truly scared by what young lady Siu said before she left with her parents," Mei confessed.

"What do you mean, Mei?" Yun inquired, still keeping his eyes on the path.

"That this place is like a labyrinth." A shiver ran down Mei's spine. "That fact, combined with the man and tiger attack, really gives me the creeps."

"There's nothing to fear," Yun tried to reassure Mei. "We will get through this, I assure you. My sense of direction isn't bad, so that's a point in our favor. Now, try not to lag behind; we need to stick together if we want to survive."

Yun's words had an effect. Mei let out a sigh of relief, smiled subtly, undid her ponytail, and tied her hair into a bun to keep it from bothering her face. Then she moved forward to stand beside the young man.

Soon, they picked up their pace, and he began to fervently wish in his mind to encounter the Fenghuang; he invoked its protection, if it was indeed present, and to be able to find the woman's children who walked beside him. After assisting her, he would continue his journey alone.