...The Way Back...

The dragon appeared right above the fountain the moment that Laila took the emerald. Its big head approached them, then it opened its mouth and started talking in Chinese.

- Mei, what is it saying?

- NOW, THAT YOU PROVED YOUR WORTH, YOU ARE ALLOWED TO CONTINUE YOUR PATH. "

After saying those words, the dragon ignited so suddenly. Aaron and the rest panicked:

- W...What is going on?

The dragon kept talking:

" WHEN YOU EAT FIRE, AND THE FIRE EATS YOU. THE HEART WILL BURN AND THE BODY WILL GLOW."

Dylan realized that the dragon was giving them the next clue.

- WE DID IT!

The dragon stopped talking, then it opened its mouth and breathed fire toward them

All of them closed their eyes, thinking that was their end, but when they opened their eyes, they were laying on the ground. Aaron and Dylan stood up immediately while looking around.

- We...We are back to The Great Wall!

- Yeah, and we are still in the middle of the night. Was it a dream?

- I'm not sure...it was too realistic to be a dream.

Mei, Laila, and Sarra woke up as well, their heads hurt so much.

- I feel like I took a hit on my head.

- Yeah, me too.

At that moment the mirror fell from its place to the ground and the gate opened back on its own.

Mei picked up the mirror while looking relieved but then she started looking for her sword.

- Where Is it? Where is my sword?

Aaron, Dylan, and Sarra were whispering, then Dylan was pushed forward to explain to her.

- Why should I do that? I wasn't the one who destroyed it!

- You are our spokesperson and you must take responsibility.

- When the hell did that happen? Each one must take responsibility for his acts.

- Come on, don't be mean.

Laila sighed:

- I will do it.

Then she stepped forward and talked to Mei:

- Your sword was destroyed.

Mei's face turned pale when she heard such news:

- WHAT? ARE YOU SERIOUS?

- I'm sorry, but it was the only way to save all of us. The sword was blocking Sarra's magic. We wouldn't be able to get Aaron's help if we didn't destroy it.

Mei seemed sad, but unexpectedly, she didn't throw a tantrum:

- That sword is the last of its kind. It is priceless.

Dylan tried to console her.

- It must be very precious to you, but I think your life is more precious.

- I will forgive you on one condition.

- What is it?

- You must spend the rest of the night at my house.

Dylan looked at Sarra and Aaron, he was a little bit suspicious of her, but as long as Aaron was by their side everything will be okay.

- Alright, we must pick up Annie anyway.

On their way back, Laila noticed that Dylan was avoiding her. He kept talking to Sarra and Aaron but he didn't address a word to her. She waited for the right moment to talk to him, yet he seemed like he didn't care about her, which made her depressed.

" Jerk, what the hell is wrong with him? "

Finally, they reached the house. As soon as they entered, the lady welcomed them with a wide smile as usual, but this time she was happier when she saw Aaron.

- Grandmother is grateful to bring me back safe.

- We are grateful as well that she took care of Annie.

At that moment Annie stormed out of a room and run toward her father.

- DADDY! DADDY, YOU ARE BACK.

Aaron hugged his daughter:

- Of course, I'm back. I will never leave you alone.

They entered the house, it was the first time for Aaron.

- Wow, this place is amazing!

The grandmother prepared delicious food for them as usual, then they went to the guest room to have some sleep before continuing their journey.

- The old lady and her granddaughter are very good people.

Dylan looked at him while smirking:

- Hey Aaron, can you guess what is Mei doing for a job?

- What? Is she a Swordmaster?

- She is a witch hunter!

Aaron froze in his place out of shock:

- Dylan, what the hell did happen during my absence?

Dylan told him about everything that happened to them, from they got separated to the moment they met.

- What a mess, I'm glad that no one was hurt.

- Yeah, me too.

Aaron looked at Dylan with sympathy

- What about you? Are you okay?

- To be honest, it was so hard to keep everyone safe while I'm this weak.

- I'm not talking about that. I know that you will do your best you protect everyone.

- Then what are you talking about?

- That girl's grandfather killed Katrina.

- Well, I was furious at first, but then I decided to let it go. It's not like I can do anything about it. That man brainwashed his granddaughter, she turned into a mad person the moment she knew that Sarra is a witch. I can't blame her.

- What if she tries to do something tonight?

- She can't do anything without that sword. I was more than relieved when you destroy it. I hope we could change her mind, even for a bit.

While Dylan and Aaron were chatting Laila knocked on the door:

- Dylan! Can I talk to you for a moment?

Dylan's face became suddenly nervous, he was about to go out to meet her, but then he changed his mind:

- Can we do it tomorrow? I'm extremely exhausted. I want to sleep...