Chapter 9: A New Bond

The fog thickened, wrapping the world in a heavy silence. Amidst the haze, Nagini stood firm, though her body bore an unusual weariness. Her eyes gazed far ahead, trying to make sense of the strange unease that lingered in the air.

"The sound of that bell…" she murmured, breaking the stillness. Her attention was drawn to a faint light in the distance. Gradually, the light took shape—a majestic carriage pulled by two massive serpents with shimmering scales.

Nagini stood still, her body tense. She knew who was inside that carriage.

Meanwhile, Arya slowly opened his eyes. His vision was blurry, but he gradually recognized the figure beside him—Rika. She was still holding him, her small hands gripping his arm tightly, as if afraid he would fall again.

"I guess… this makes us even," Arya said weakly, attempting a faint smile to lighten the mood.

Rika turned to him, her slightly tired face softening with a faint smile. A tinge of red colored her cheeks. "That's not how you make a girl feel comfortable, you know," she said, averting her gaze to hide her embarrassment.

Arya chuckled softly, though his breaths were labored. "Sorry... just kidding."

For a moment, silence settled between them. Without warning, Rika suddenly let go of her hold. Arya fell to the ground with a thud.

"Hey! What was that for?!" Arya yelled, groaning in pain.

Rika turned to him with a blank expression, though the corner of her lips curled slightly. "Looks like you're healthy enough to joke around like that."

Arya sighed but knew she wasn't genuinely upset. Slowly, he tried to get up, his eyes filled with newfound determination.

"I'm Arya," he said firmly. "My name is Arya. Will you be my friend?"

His words hung in the air. Rika froze, her eyes widening. She stared at Arya, uncertain if she had heard him correctly.

"Friend...?" she whispered, barely audible.

Arya nodded, though a hint of nervousness showed. "If that's too sudden, I'm sorry. I just… I just—"

Unknowingly, tears welled up in Rika's eyes. She couldn't remember the last time someone had offered her friendship. The feeling of warmth and gratitude overwhelmed her, but she quickly masked her emotions in her usual manner.

SLAP!

Rika smacked Arya on the head, making him wince.

"Ow! What was that for?" Arya complained.

"Because you talk too much," Rika replied, trying to keep her tone indifferent. But finally, a warm smile spread across her face. "Fine. We're friends."

Elsewhere, the grand carriage came to a stop before Nagini. The intricately carved wooden door, adorned with serpent and lotus motifs, opened, and a regal woman descended gracefully. Her long hair was adorned with jasmine flowers, and her bluish attire with sea-green patterns radiated an air of majesty.

"My child, Nagini…" the woman said softly, her voice gentle yet carrying an undeniable authority.

"M-Mother Queen…" Nagini stammered, her body trembling slightly. The figure before her was the ruler of the Southern Sea spirits, someone she never expected to encounter here.

"You seem more mature," said the Queen with a faint smile. "Though your heart remains as stubborn as ever."

Nagini could only bow her head, not daring to meet her gaze directly. "What brings you here, Mother?" she asked softly, her voice barely steady.

The Queen regarded her with a meaningful look. "There is a matter to be resolved. And you, Nagini… you have crossed the boundaries we agreed upon. You know what must be done, don't you?"

Rika and Arya finally arrived at the place Nagini had mentioned. A massive tree stood tall amidst the fog, its roots sprawling like hands clutching the earth. The air around it grew colder, making Arya shiver slightly.

"This is my home," Rika said cheerfully, running toward the tree. "My mother will surely want to meet you, Arya!"

But her smile quickly faded as she saw the scene before her. Her steps faltered, her body freezing in place.

Under the tree's shadow, a man sat cross-legged, appearing calm. In his hands, he held tightly onto the hair of a woman—Rika's mother—who hung helplessly before him. Her hair was disheveled, her face bruised, and her clothes tattered.

"Why so late?" the man said, his tone casual but full of menace.

"Mother…?" Rika whispered, her voice trembling. Her eyes widened, her breath hitched. Tears began to flow uncontrollably.

The man slowly turned his gaze toward them, his grin widening. "Ah, finally, you're here. Now, go fetch the jasmine."