A LONG ANSWER

A few hours ago in the City of Terra…

"What did you just say?" Raigon's anxious voice bellowed through the Castle's private corridor.

He was helping Queen Rose in watering her lush garden. But Azra called him aside with a valuable piece of alarming news that made his blood run cold.

"Zoe went on a cruise to Ball's Pyramid." Azra repeated back to him in a discreet whisper.

Prince Raigon had briefed him to appoint a Yang spy for Zoe as soon as he arrived back at the City of Terra.

Azra knew some local fellows who were faithful with respect to the imperial household as he. Raigon commanded him to single out one whom he could sincerely trust to thoroughly check on her and make sure she was safe.

"This is ill-luck." He muttered fiercely as he instantly rushed to the Prince's private chamber.

In a flash of lightning, Raigon changed into his layman's wardrobe and bolted to the extensive stable.

"Secure a canoe. Meet me at the cavern." He hastily ordered before taking off with his noble horse so he could head out to the outskirt of Terra.

He pierced through the grassy fields and into the protected forest. "No one in Terra must lay his eyes on her."

He leaned forward and gave the driven horse's hindquarter a quick tap with his crop.

"What happened 15 years ago was enough of an emotional blow for her. I will not allow that to happen again."

He voiced out through gritted teeth as he used his agile legs to compel the stallion so that he could run quicker.

Raigon directed the flying horse to the secret cave. It is a shielded tunnel known merely by the royal household.

Their ancestors constructed it as a withdrawal route to pass outside of the island in case a catastrophe happens in the city.

"Ng guards?"

Before he could catch even a possible glimpse of it, his shrewd eyes quickly caught on a local group of men.

He intentionally slowed down his wild horse before they could glance at him and motioned him to turn back.

"Stay hidden, Steel."

Fortunately, he was quick-witted enough to promptly obey his beloved master's direct command. He pivoted and sprinted away as quietly as an engineered mouse.

Raigon at once hid among the mighty trees and carefully surveyed the scene. He was reasonably expecting to see the civil Ng guards who were supposed to be defending the sacred land from armed invaders.

But they were a diverse group of people. He couldn't predict what distinct tribe they represent from as they wore a black uniform which he has never seen in the past.

They were looking at a private boat that was nearing the limitations set by Terra.

"That must be where Zoe is." He contemplated as he examined the boat from where he was.

There were a mighty lot of passengers. But from his specific location, he couldn't find any visible sign of Zoe.

He scrupulously observed the exotic woods if there were other local men around aside from them. While he was still studying the place, one of the men did the unthinkable. He immediately plunged into the sea waters without even making a sound.

"What are they planning to do?" Raigon exclaimed vehemently with dilated eyes.

'There are innocent passengers on the boat, including Zoe. Unless they knew someone that could be in there. Do they recognize Zoe?'

"I have no more time to lose." He ran nimbly towards the private entrance of the hidden tunnel.

And as soon as he reached the outer part of the cavern, he instantly removed his clothes.

With his undergarments on, he dove into the saltwaters and paddled on towards her.

With his conscious mind, he doesn't know where she was. But his loyal heart bears the map. With good fortune, he swam directly to her, who was running away from death. Again.

"Not then, not now." Raigon narrowed his ablaze eyes as he penetrated the deep waters like an arrow from a quiver.

He was exactly on time. Just like before.

***********

'How could I tell you that?'

Raigon mused as he stared thoughtfully at Zoe's inquisitive eyes. 

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