Wrath of the Rock

"I trust that you have led our two 'guests' into their room?"

In the open garden, the mighty dragon hovered in the sky, as majestic as the moon above, shining down his regalness upon the four Divine Beasts gathered in his presence.

The Qilin cupped her hands, "Indeed, Sovereign Qinglong."

A respectable gesture but even Jiawei's blindfold could not hide the disappointment in her face.

"Is something the matter, Jiawei? Speak."

"That human woman, I fail to see the need in welcoming her. Give me the order and my blade will claim her head."

The man with cat-like features spoke up, "I am with Jiawei on this one, Sovereign, let us sever that woman's head on a pike. It will be the perfect gift to the Heavenly Court."

The brutality of Baihu's statement undermined by his eloquence. This court fancy themselves as the strongest out of all realms, he could only imagine the blow it would be on their ego once they send the detached head of one of their beast.

"You fool!" Xuanwu chided. "Trust in the Sovereign's draconic wisdom. I am sure he has his reasons for inviting this human."

The levitating Phoenix that sat in air simply glanced at her fingernails, Zhuque joined in on the conversation.

"That woman's qi is ice, is it not? Then she is no match against my flames. I will try not to scorch her face so her comrades can recognize her."

The Dragon laughed, amused by three's eagerness put Zhen's head in a box and send it back to the Heavenly Court.

"Listen to Xuanwu. That woman is a true Dragon, not in body, but in spirit. Do not underestimate her. We can use this human's might to hasten the King's arrival. Never forget, our plan hinges on the 'True' Sovereign. For the meantime, I ask that you stand at the ready. When the appointed hour arrives, all four of you shall face this human. Grace us with enough chaos to shatter the rock."

"As you wish, Sovereign." The Divine Beasts all cupped their hands, united in the respect they harbored for the almighty Dragon.

"Jiawei..." The Dragon called.

"Yes, Sovereign?"

"See to it, that the human is well

-guarded. She must never catch a glimpse or even know of the rock. Now go, 'entertain' this guest of ours."

"As you wish, Sovereign."

Resolved to see her duty through, she vowed to never let this human stray from her presence. This appointed time their Sovereign promised cannot come soon enough, for there is only one room for a Sword Saint in Wodan.

+++

In a gaudy room, the wooden carvings of animals abound, elegant decorations for the guestroom that Daji and Zhen are staying inside.

The open window near their tea table let in the refreshing evening breeze, an ambience perfect some drinking and relaxation.

Daji poured wine into hers and Zhen's cup.

"Hah, impossible! I do not think you will get past Jiawei's defenses!"

In a teasing tone, it was as if Daji challenged Zhen to conquer this Qilin or perhaps she truly didn't believe Zhen capable of this monumental task.

Picking up the cup, the sweet but strong taste of the wine etched upon Zhen's tongue. Zhen smiled, "Why not? I got past yours, remember?"

Daji giggled before drinking from her own cup, "Ever the cheeky one. Remember, I liked you the moment I saw you. Jiawei, she hates your guts."

"So it is settled, we shall add Jiawei to our harem."

Did Zhen hear what Daji just said? Her lover's confidence is something else!

"Fine, you have my permission. Do you have a plan on how to woo this hateful Qilin?"

Her smile, confident, as if she had thought of the perfect scenario in which Zhen could overturn Jiawei's hate. Self-assured, Zhen stood, looking eager to share her masterplan on how to win Jiawei over. And what of Zhen's plan?

"I have none." Zhen boldly declared.

"What!? Then why are you smiling all confident as if you do!?"

"Because we are going to have a new addition to our harem, why shouldn't I be smiling?"

As Zhen questioned, she went closer to the window. A single wave of her hand, the crystalized dust of ice turned into a sword.

"You are confusing the fuck out me, Zhen. Where the hell are you even planning to go somewhere this late?"

"Let's say I sneak out, we both know whose responsibility it would fall on to chase after me. You coming with?"

Impressed, Daji drank again in her cup, a bit of time alone as she reflect on her past life in Wodan is not bad.

"Not bad for a first move. I think I'll stay here and drink by the moonlight."

"Then I shall see you later, my love."

Thus, Zhen departed with a burst of ice qi. An announcement of some sort to let everyone know that she had left the palace. And most of all, to let their assigned Guardian know the mischief Zhen is up to.

Suddenly, the door into Daji and Zhen's room burst open.

"That woman, where is she off to!?" Jiawei's expression laced with panic.

Unbothered and relaxed, Daji flashed the Qilin a smile.

"Who knows? Why don't you go ahead and follow her so you can ask her directly?"

"You...!" Jiawei stormed towards Daji, not even bothering to hide her fury. "...you brought that human here, it is your responsibility to have that human stay put! Leash her if you must!"

"Leash her!? My, my, I never knew you had it in you to be this debauched!"

"Tsk. You never changed, Daji. For the sake of our past friendship, I advise that you abandon this human. You have been warned before, but the King will arrive soon. The age of Humans will come to an end, us Beasts are the ones that will roam both heaven and earth."

"Hmmm... that's a surefire way to induce boredom. I'll pass, I am quite enamored with this human, you see."

"I would never understand your fascination with a member of a species that hunts us for our core. Once you give her a glimpse of your Soul core, I am sure the ugly nature of this human will surface."

With those as her parting words, Jiawei jumped into the window, standing on top of her wodao to chase after a certain human.

"Oh, how wrong you are, Jiawei." Gazing at the lightning trail the Qilin left behind, Daji spoke to the moon.

For Daji not only offered Zhen a glimpse, but already offered her soul core of Zhen to take. Passing the chance to acquire Daji's power in exchange for her love and affection.