The Power Of A king

Tai's gaze shifted to Amal, his tone cautious. "Who's the girl?"

Sai replied without hesitation. "She's Amal, my friend."

Amal crossed her arms, her tone sharp. "You're the Snake Prince, huh?"

Tai nodded, his voice flat. "Yes. But I never wanted to be a prince."

Shi, who had been quiet until now, fixed his eyes on Amal. "I know you," he said softly.

Amal frowned, her eyes narrowing. "You don't."

Shi stepped closer, raising his arm slowly. "I'm your godfather."

Her expression hardened. "No way."

Shi extended two fingers, a faint pink light glowing from his hand. "Does this remind you?"

Amal froze, her eyes widening in recognition. Then, with a gasp, she leapt into the air, her voice bursting with joy. "It's you! Mr. S is back!" She rushed forward, clutching Shi's hand tightly. "My master, my friend—you're back!"

Sai watched, his brow lifting in surprise. "I've never seen her this happy before."

Amal turned to Shi, her excitement overflowing. "Mr. S, why did you leave?"

Shi's smile faltered, his voice low and steady. "I can't tell you."

Before Amal could press further, a shout rang out from the distance. A group of soldiers emerged from the trees, their weapons gleaming in the light. "We've found the attackers!"

Sai's expression hardened. "Time to run." He slammed his hands together, summoning flames that surged around them, forming a protective barrier. "Amal, Tai, Master—move!"

They darted into the forest, the flames holding the soldiers at bay. Once deep within the trees, Sai paused, catching his breath. "Tai, can you call the snakes in this forest?"

Tai hesitated, his golden eyes narrowing. "To do what?"

Sai straightened, his tone firm. "We need to be ready. Your snakes can scout for soldiers and warn us of any danger."

Tai's expression darkened. "You know I don't like using the power of the King Snakes. I've never done it, and it might not work."

Sai placed a hand on Tai's shoulder, his voice steady but pleading. "I know. But this is different. It'll help us. Please."

Tai sighed, his resolve softening. "Fine." He raised his hand and closed his eyes, his form rippling as scales began to appear. Half-human, half-snake, Tai's voice deepened, resonating through the forest.

"My snakes, my soldiers, my fellow kind—I am your king," he intoned, his voice carrying a regal authority. "Come to me. Help me build a new kingdom here. Attack any who threaten us, but do not kill. Focus only on those I show you."

As his words echoed, the forest seemed to come alive, a faint rustling growing into a symphony of movement as snakes emerged from the underbrush, their eyes gleaming with recognition. Tai opened his eyes, his expression weary but resolute.

"It's done," he said.

Sai nodded, his determination unwavering. "Good. Let's prepare."