Chapter 3: Sanctuary in the Snow

Rye Kai and Ai Ran, having resolved to protect the baby, found themselves in the human realm, far from the dangerous reach of the child's evil uncle. The biting cold and relentless snow painted a bleak landscape, but it was the perfect cover for their secretive task.

They arrived at a small, abandoned hut, nestled within a remote forest. The structure, though worn and weather-beaten, provided the seclusion they needed. The thick wooden walls and thatched roof would shield them from prying eyes and the harsh elements.

As they settled inside the hut, Rye Kai carefully placed the baby, now named Lie Yàn Shén, in a makeshift crib. The baby's eyes fluttered open, observing the new surroundings with innocent curiosity. Despite the cold, the warmth of the fire they had kindled provided a semblance of comfort.

Ai Ran, inspecting the interior of the hut, adjusted the sparse furnishings and secured the doors. His focus was on ensuring their hiding place was secure. "This will have to do," he said, looking around. "It's not ideal, but it's hidden well enough."

Rye Kai, still observing the baby, turned her attention to Ai Ran. "We need to be cautious. His uncle is a formidable foe. The fact that he's out here, far from his own realm, is a significant advantage for us."

Ai Ran nodded, his gaze shifting to the baby. "Yes, we must ensure he grows strong enough to protect himself. What's your plan for the next two and a half years?"

Rye Kai, with a confident smile, replied, "The baby's uncle is of no threat to us. I could eliminate him instantly if needed. After all, I am the strongest being in this universe." She laughed a hint of arrogance in her tone. "We'll give him a chance to grow and prepare, but I'll make sure no harm comes to him."

Ai Ran raised an eyebrow, a mix of curiosity and skepticism in his eyes. "You're confident. But what if his uncle manages to find out about this place before then?"

Rye Kai's laughter faded into a determined smile. "If he dares to come here, I'll deal with him swiftly. For now, our priority is to keep Liè Yàn Shén safe and allow him to grow strong enough to face his own destiny."

Ai Ran, reflecting on her words, nodded in agreement. "Your confidence is reassuring. Let's focus on our task and make sure this sanctuary serves its purpose."

As they settled inside the hut, Rye Kai decided to transform it into a more suitable refuge for the baby. Her eyes glowed with a soft, magical light as she began to cast her spell. The air around her shimmered with energy, and the hut slowly began to change.

First, the cold air was replaced with comfortable warmth, thanks to the enchantment that made the hearth more efficient and distributed heat evenly throughout the room. The rickety table and chairs were transformed into sturdy, well-crafted furniture. The musty bed was replaced with a plush, clean mattress, and soft, warm blankets were magically conjured to cover it.

The walls, once marked by age and grime, became smooth and clean. The windows were magically polished, allowing clear, warm light to fill the space. The floorboards, now free of creaks and dust, were covered with a soft, woven rug. Shelves appeared on the walls, stocked with supplies and essentials for the baby.

The small hearth, now a comfortable fireplace, crackled with a gentle flame that provided both warmth and a pleasant ambiance. The entire space was transformed into a cozy, inviting haven, fit for the care of a young child.

With a satisfied nod, Rye Kai turned to Ai Ran, who was watching in awe. "This should make the hut much more comfortable for Liè Yàn Shén. It's not just about protection; it's about providing him with a nurturing environment where he can grow and develop."

Ai Ran, impressed by the transformation, responded, "You've done a remarkable job. This will surely make our task easier and provide a safe haven for the child."

Rye Kai's lips curled into a smirk as she observed the results of her magic. "Did you forget that I am lazy and an artist?" she said with a playful glint in her eye.

Ai Ran rolled his eyes instead, a knowing smirk playing on his lips. "Only the gods know why they gave me you as a lifelong friend," he quipped.

Rye Kai laughed lightly, her confidence unshaken. "Well, I guess that's just part of my charm. Besides, it's not every day you get to save the universe and redecorate an old hut in one go."

With the hut now a cozy, welcoming space, they focused on their new responsibilities. The baby, Liè Yàn Shén, now had a safe and warm environment to grow up in, away from the dangers that had once threatened him. Rye Kai and Ai Ran settled into their roles, preparing for the challenges that lay ahead.

As Rye Kai gently cradled the baby, a flood of memories from her past life surged through her, unbidden and relentless. She remembered the sound of screeching tires, the blinding headlights, and the split-second decision that had cost her everything. The truck had come out of nowhere, barreling down the street with terrifying speed. Her friend, unaware and distracted, had been in its direct path. Without thinking, Rye Kai had thrown herself forward, shoving her friend to safety at the last possible moment. The impact had been brutal, the pain instant and overwhelming. In those final moments, as the world around her faded to black, she had felt a strange sense of peace, knowing she had saved someone she cared about.

As Rye Kai finished adjusting the hut, she paused, her gaze drifting to Ai Ran. The weight of memories from her past life came rushing back, and she spoke softly, almost to herself. "You know… the very friend I saved that day also reincarnated with me in this world."

Ai Ran, sensing the shift in her mood, turned to her with a knowing look. "And that friend would be me," he replied, a mixture of gratitude and exasperation in his voice.

Rye Kai met his gaze, her expression serious yet tinged with a hint of teasing. "Why did you have to be so reckless back then? You know, if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have ended up here."

Ai Ran crossed his arms, a frown forming on his face. "Reckless? You were the one who jumped in front of the truck without thinking! If you hadn't done that, I would have found another way."

"Another way?" Rye Kai's eyes narrowed a playful smirk on her lips. "You were too busy daydreaming to notice that truck. I had no choice but to save you."

"And look where that got you," Ai Ran shot back, a hint of frustration in his voice. "You died because of me. I can't just forget that."

Rye Kai's smirk softened into a gentle smile. "And you think I don't know that? But I couldn't just stand by and let you get hurt. You were my friend, Ai Ran, my best friend. I had to do something."

Ai Ran's frown deepened, his voice laced with guilt. "And now we're both stuck in this world because of it. You should have let me handle it."

"Handle it? You?" Rye Kai chuckled, shaking her head. "You were always too stubborn for your own good. Even now, you can't let go of the past."

Ai Ran sighed, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. "I suppose we're both too stubborn."

"Maybe," Rye Kai agreed, her tone softening. "But we're here now, together. And despite everything, I wouldn't change that."

Ai Ran looked at her, his expression conflicted but gradually softening. "I guess I wouldn't either."

They stood in silence for a moment, the weight of their shared history lingering between them. Finally, Rye Kai broke the tension with a lighthearted laugh. "Well, at least now we have a new mission. We'll make sure this little villain grows up strong—and doesn't come to kills us"

Ai Ran couldn't help but smile, shaking his head at her usual confidence. "Just try not to get us both killed in the process, alright?"

"No promises," Rye Kai replied with a grin, turning her attention back to the baby as they both began to settle into their new roles as unlikely guardians.

With each small gesture—adjusting the baby's blanket, smoothing down his hair—Rye Kai felt the echoes of her past intertwining with her present. The memories of who she had been and what she had done shaped her resolve, strengthening her commitment to this new life, this new purpose. She had once given her life to save another; now, she would do everything in her power to protect this child, even if it meant bending the rules of fate itself.

The life she had left behind, the dreams and aspirations that had been cut short, all seemed so distant, yet so painfully close. The baby's soft breathing, the warmth of his tiny body, grounded her in the present, reminding her that she had been given a second chance. A chance to protect, to nurture, and perhaps, to atone.

The next day, the small abandoned hut was filled with the sound of a persistent baby's cries. Rye Kai threw her hands up in exasperation. "Why is taking care of babies so difficult? It keeps crying all day!"

Ai Ran, holding a warm bottle of milk, glanced at the baby with a concerned expression. "Maybe it needs milk," he suggested, offering the bottle to the child.

"He doesn't like it," Rye Kai replied, her frustration evident as she paced the room.

"Does he want food?" Ai Ran asked, pointing to the array of baby food they had prepared earlier.

"No," Rye Kai groaned, rubbing her temples.

"That's it," Ai Ran said, throwing his hands up and tossing the bottle onto the ground with a clatter. "We need to take him to Nana, right now."

"Hell no," Rye Kai shot back, getting up from the chair. "We can't take him to the castle. He'll be the talk of the empire. Better bring Nana here instead."

Hours later, a sturdy figure appeared at their doorstep, knocking gently. Rye Kai hurried to the door, swinging it open with a relieved smile. "Nana!" she called out, her face lighting up with genuine pleasure. "You came!"

"Good morning, your majesty," Nana greeted, bowing deeply with great respect. "How may I assist you today?"

Rye Kai stepped aside, allowing Nana to enter. "I'm glad you're here. We've been having some trouble with the baby. He's been crying non-stop, and nothing seems to calm him down. We thought you might be able to help."

Nana nodded with a reassuring smile, her experience evident in her calm demeanor. "Let me take a look at him. I'm sure we'll figure out what's troubling him."

As Nana approached the baby, she observed the child with a practiced eye. "Whose baby is this?" she asked, her gaze shifting between Rye Kai and Ai Ran. "Is he yours, Ai Ran, or yours, your majesty?"

Rye Kai and Ai Ran exchanged a glance, both taken aback by the question. Ai Ran cleared his throat and shook his head. "He's not mine," he said, "though I suppose we both share the responsibility now."

Rye Kai nodded, adding, "He's a… special case. We found him abandoned and took him in. He's been quite the challenge."

Nana's eyes softened with understanding as she gently took the baby from Rye Kai's arms. "Well, no matter whose child he is, he needs care and attention. I'll do my best to help him adjust."

With Nana's skilled hands and soothing presence, the baby's cries began to subside, and a sense of peace returned to the hut. Rye Kai and Ai Ran watched anxiously, exchanging a relieved glance as Nana worked her magic.

As the day went on, the baby gradually adjusted to his new environment, and Rye Kai and Ai Ran felt a renewed sense of hope. With Nana's guidance, they were beginning to find their footing in their unexpected role as guardians.