Three-Threads

Ryuu stood in the serene gardens of the palace, surrounded by vibrant blossoms that contrasted sharply with the turmoil in his heart.The vibrant gardens and the ancient trees that surrounded the shaman dwelling filled him with nostalgia and warmth that he hadn't felt in a while. After his conversation with the Prince, he had headed to the eastern side of the palace where the Priestess lived. On the heart of the garden was a flower that shined more than others. Sakumi, whose ethereal white hair shimmered in the moon light just like it did in the sun, the reason why he was hesitant to face the black scorpions . Ryuu waited on the edge of the garden, watching, he felt a mixture of emotions as she chanted happily collecting herbs in the garden.

"Ryuu!" she exclaimed in excitement when she turned and spotted him standing on the edge of the garden. She left her basket, filled with the magical herbs and ran to him, embracing him in a tight hug.

"I was worried about you. Whispers has it you arrived yesterday, why didn't you pay me a visit?"

She questioned him,breaking the embrace and, dark eyes narrowing at him . Ryuu glanced at his sister and smiled.

"l was tired and l thought that you had retired to your chambers, you weren't at the festival." Sakumi being the Great shaman and also serving the royal family, she was by law binded to stay at the palace even if it was against her will.

She crossed her arms dramatically, scowling,

"l was,l started the whole caremony. But l had to prepare talismans."

Ryuu took her hand in his, noting the dark soil that were soiling them,

"were you okay?"

"As okay as l can be. You were absent for a month and you never written. Not even once.l had to rely on kio to know that you were okay."

He stepped closer, his heart aching at his sister's expression. He embraced her, feeling a wave of comfort washing over him. "Thank you for spying on me to make sure l was okay"

She broke from his embrace, watching his face.

"You're not leaving any time soon, Ryuu?"

When she saw his expression, her voice trembled,

"the Emperor may be sending you on this mission but it's a suicide run. The black scorpions are powerful,many people died trying to fight them, it's not the same like slaying an onis " Ryuu was not surprised that she knew this, she knew a lot.

"but l can't ignore his Majesty orders, Sakumi. Did he also tell you about them?"

She shook her head,

"No but l know that he is afraid of them. That why l had been busy with protection talismans.It set his mind on ease even if it is just temporarily "

Ryuu sighed when he saw the pleading look in her dark eyes,

"l have too, Sakumi, if l don't, they might spread here and you have heard how they burn everything in their way" Grey replied trying to maintain his resolve. As a general, he has always carried weight the of his position with seriousness. Sakumi shook her head, frustration mingling with sorrow,

"You're powerful Ryuu, one of the most powerful descendant of the chosen ones but you have not seen what l have . In the visions.... they are invincible and they wouldn't hesitate to rip you apart.You aren't immune from death and l fear for you"

"You don't have to worry about me. I'm not just a general but l am also your brother. I will come back to you, l promise."

His words seemed to hang between them, heavy with unspoken tears. Sakumi took a step back, her expression heavy.

"l want to protect you too brother, just as you have done for me for all of my life. If you must go, then let me help."

She turned, gazing at distant trees and focused her gaze as if she was communicating with something. After a few seconds, a creature came flying from the trees and perched itself on Sakumi's shoulder. She gently scooped the snow white owl, kio, in her hands, handing her to Ryuu.

"keep her safe,close to you, I will know when you need me."

"l will"

Ryuu felt a surge of gratitude for his sister unwavering love. He knew he had to return alive for her even if the odds seemed insurmountable.With thier farewells exchanged, he began to prepare for the mission, knowing that he had to make the right decisions for the challenges that lay ahead. The path of a general was not easy, he just hoped that his faith in his abilities would be enough.