('
sukiesathunchedoverherdesk,hereyesstraedfrostargattheputersforhourheofficewasdilylit,withonlytheflickergforestlightsaboveaglowofputeronitorsprovidgilationiaswellpastofficehours,andostofherlleagueshadalreadygonehothecityoutsidewasalivewiththehuoftraffidthedistantundfnightlife,butsukiewastrappedtheonotonogrdofherjob
shesigheddeeply,rubbieplesaoalleviatethethrobbgheadachethathadbeenbuildgalldayherphonebuzzedonthedesk,ahestoseeassafroherbestfriend,jack
*jack*:"stilttheoffieedadrk?"
sukieuldn,thelpbutsilejackalwaysknewwhensheneededabreaksheicklytypedbackaresponse
*sukie*:"youkoowelletyouatourualspot30?"
*jack*:"seeyouthere"
sukiepowereddowerandgatheredherthgsasshesteppedoutoftheofficebuildg,shewasgreetedbytheightair,aweletrasttothestuffyoffivirothestreetswerebtlgwithpeople,aylightscastawar,vitgglowonthesurroundgssheadeherwaytothebarwheresheandjackofteound
jackwasalreadytherewhenshearrived,sittgatasalltablehebackhewavedherover,awidegronhisfacejackwasthekdoffriendwhouldalwaysakeherugh,noatterhowtoughherdayhadbeenhiseasygognatureandshariterfectfoiltoherorereservedandtrospectivepernality
"hey,youadeit,"hesaidassheslidtotheseapositehi"roughday?"
"roughweek,"sukierepliedwithawearysile"butatleastit,verthanksfstgthisi"
jackraisedhisgssatoast"tosurvivganotherweek"
"tosurvivg,"sukieechoed,kghergssagasthis
astheychattedandughed,sukiefeltthestresfthedaybegiawayjack,spresencewaslikeabaltoherfrazzledheytalkedabouteverythgandnothg,froworkdraastotheirfavoritetvshowsforafewhours,sukieuldfetaboutthepressurefherjobandjtenjoytheont
iastebythetitheyleftthebarthestreetshadieteddown,ayseedtobesettlgtoapeacefulsberjackwalkedhertoherapartnt,ashealwaysdid,akgsureshegothosafely
"thanksfortonight,jack,"sukiesaidastheyreachedherbuildg"ireallyhis"
"anyti,sukieyouknowi,alwayshereforyou,"jackreplied,givgherawarhug"trest,okay?"
"iwillgoodnight,jack"
"goodnight,sukie"
sukiewat
', ' ')('chedasjackwalkedaway,feelgapangofgratitudeforhisfriendshipsheheadedsideandadehertoherapartntiasasall,odestpce,butiashersanctuaryshekickedoffhershoesandlpsedontotheuch,tootiredtoeventhkaboutgogtobed
assheythere,stargattheceilg,herddriftedbacktotheversationshehadwithjackhehadawayofakgherseethgsdifferently,ofredihattherewasoretolifethanjorksherelvedtotakehisadvidstartakgoretiforherself
littledidsheknow,herlifewasabouttowayssheuldneverhaveiaged
the,sukiewokeuptotheundofherarbrgshegroanedandrolledover,retlydragggherselfoutofbedtheweekendhadarrived,butsteadoffeelgrelieved,shefeltanexplicablesenseofforebodgsheshookoffthefeelgaaboutherroute,hopgahotshowerandacupofffeewouldhelpclearherhead
afterbreakfast,shedecidedtotakeawalktoclearherdthecitywasalreadybtlgwithactivity,butsukiefoundthefailiarstreetsahofherfootstepsasshewanderedailessly,shefoundherselfdrawntoasall,old-fashionedbookstoretuckedawayaietalley
curio,shesteppedihesllofoldbooksartleofpasgreetedher,creatgasenseofcalshewahroughtheaisles,runngherfrsalongthespihebooksonebook,particur,caughthereyeiasana-lookgtowithaworherverandtricategoldletterg
sukiepulledthebookfrotheshelfandope,hereyeswidengasshesawthebeautiful,hand-drawnilstrationsihebookseedtobealleofstoriesandlendsfroalong-fotteneraassheflippedthroughthepas,shefeltastranseothestories,asiftheywerecallgouttoher
lostthebook,shedidn,tnoticethetipassguntivoicestartledher
"igchoice,"adeep,soothvoicesaidfrobehdher
sukieturoseeatall,handanstandgthere,hisdarkeyesklgwithaentheeablydressed,andtherewasanairofysteryabouthithattriguedher
"rry,ididostartleyou,"hesaidwithachargsile"i,hanfenglgiuldn,thelpbutnoticeyoeeiteengrossedthatbook"
"i,sukie,"shereplied,bshgslightly"it,safasatgbookdoyouworkhere?"
hanfenglgshookhishead"no,jtafellowbookloverbuti,vereadthatonebeforeit,sfulloftrigugstoriesperhapsiuldshareofyfavoriteswithyouoverffee?"
sukiehesitatedforaont,buttherewasthgabouthanfenglgthatdre
', ' ')('wherheseednue,andhifferwasteptg"sure,whynot?"
theyleftthebookstoreandfoundazyearbyoversteagcupfffee,hanfenglgregaledsukiewithtalesfrothebook,hisvoicesoothandcaptivatgsukiefoundherselfhanggonhiseveryword,pletelyengrossediories
astheytalked,sukiefeltanexplicableetohanfenglgiasasiftheyhadknowneachotherforuchlohanjtafewhourshehadawayofakgherfeetease,andhispresencewasf
thehoursflewby,andbeforetheyk,thesunwassettgsukierealizedshehadspeiredaywithhanfenglg,lostiionandstoriesiastheostenjoyabledayshehadhadalongti
"thankyoufortoday,hanfenglg,"sukiesaidastheystoodoutsidethecafé"ihadawonderfulti"
"thepleasurewase,sukie,"herepliedwithawarsile"ihopewedothisagaii"
"i,dlikethat,"sukiesaid,feelgawarthherchestthatshehadalongti
astheypartedways,sukieuldn,thelpbutfeesenseofanticipationtherewasthgabouthanfenglgthaasdifferent,thgthatadeherbelieveherlifewasabouttotakeanewagturn
thatnight,sukieybed,herdragwiththoughtfhanfenglgaorieshehadsharedshefeltastranpulltowardshi,asenseofdestythatsheuldn,titeexplittledidsheknow,thiswasjtthebegngofaraordaryjourhaouldherlifeforever
sukieawoketotheundofratappilyagastherdowthecitywascloakedagrayist,thestreetsbelowslickwithrawatershestretched,feelgapleasantaherclesfrotheprevioday,suedadvehhanfenglgasshesatup,herdrepyedtheirversations,thewarthofhissile,andthedeep,agicalityofhisvoice
withasigh,shegotoutofbedahroughherroutesheuldn,tshakethefeelgthatthgontowasabouttohappen,butshetriedhthethoughtasideafterall,ithadjtbeenonedaybuhatadayithadbeen
afterbreakfast,sukiedecidedtovisitthebookstathgaboutthatpcehadcaptivatedher,aastranpulsiournshegrabbedherubrendsteppedouttothedrizzly,theoirrefreshgagasthersk
thebookstorewasjtasshereberedit,azyhavenfilledwiththefstofoldbooksshewahroughtheaisles,herfrsgrazgthespihevosassheadeherwaytothesewhereshehadfoundtheaotohersurprise,thebookwasgone
"lookgforthgspecific?"afailiarvoiceasked
sukieturoseehanfenglgstandgthere,holdgtheveryboo
', ' ')('kshehadbeenseargforhissilewaswar,andhiseyesseedtosparklewithhiddenknowled
"you,reback,"shesaid,herheartfttergatthesightofhi
"ihadafeelgyouightreturn,"hereplied,handihebook"isavedthisforyou"
sukietookthebook,feelgastransenseofdéjàvuasshehelditherhands"thankyou,hanfenglgidon,tknowwhy,butthisbookfeelsiportant"
"itis,"hesaid,histonesuddenlyserio"there,sthgyouoknow,sukiethisbookisorethanjtalleofstoriesit,sakeytoanotherworld"
sukiefrowned,notsureifhewasjokg"anotherworld?whatdoyouan?"
hanfenglglookedaround,ensurgtheywerealohisightundcrazy,butthestoriesthisbookarerealtheydescribeaworldthatexistsparalleltoourownaworldyouaredestiovisit"
sukiefeltachillrundownherspe"you,reserio,aren,tyou?"
henodded"iaandibelieveyourjourneybegstoday"
beforesukieuldrespond,therooaroundherbegantobrshefeltastraion,asifthegroundwasshiftihherfeethanfenglgreachedout,takgherhandhis
"don,tbeafraid,"hesaidftly"i,withyou"
theworldaroundthedislvedtoaswirloflorsandlight,andsukiefeltherselfbegpulledtoavortexshegtohanfenglg,shand,herheartpoundgherchestthesensationwasdirientg,andsheclosedhereyes,trygtosteadyherself
whentheworldfallycabatofoc,theywerenolohebookstoresukiefoundherselfstandgash,verdantforest,theairfilledwiththesweetstofflowersandtheundofbirdngsunlightfilteredthroughtheopyabove,castgdappledpatternntheforestfloor
sukielookedaroundiakgthebeautyoftheirsurroundgs"wherearewe?"
"we,vecrossedtotheworldofthebook,"hanfenglgreplied"weletothekgdooflian"
sukiefeltaixofexcitentandtrepidation"whyaihere?whatisypurpose?"
hanfenglgseezedherhandreassurgly"allwillberevealedtifornow,wetfiertherearedanrsthisworldthaetavoid"
astheywalkedthroughtheforest,sukieuldn,thelpbutarvetthevividlorsandthevibrantlifearouwasasifshehadsteppedtoadreayet,therealityoftheirsituationicklysetiheyheardthedistantundofhooves
"ick,hide!"hanfenglgwhisperedurntly,pullgsukiebehdartree
theycrouchedtheunderbrh,peergt
', ' ')('hroughtheleavesasagroupofhorsethenweredresseddark,nagaror,theirfacebscuredbyheltssukiefeltherheartraceasshewatchedthegoby,sensgthedaheyrepresented
"whoarethey?"shewhisperedoheyhadpassed
"antfthedarklord,"hanfenglgrepliedgrily"theypatrolthesends,seargforthosewhoopposetheirasterwetbecareful"
sukienodded,feelgasurofdeterationwhateverherpurposethisworld,sheknewshehadtostaystrongtheytiheirjourney,ovgswiftlyandsilentlythroughtheforest
astheywalked,hanfenglxpedoreaboutthekgdooflianiasandrihistoryandagic,butiasalapceofflictthedarklord,apowerfulrcerer,hadseizedtrolofthekgdoandptodarknessanyofthekgdo,shabitantshadbeenensvedorforcedtoflee
"oalistofdtheresistance,"hanfenglgsaid"therearestillthosewhofightagastthedarklordtheywillhelp"
afterhourfwalkg,theyfallyreachedasall,hiddenvilledavalleythevilrsgreetedhanfenglgwarly,andsukieuldseetherespedadirationtheyheldforhiiasclearthatheortantfigurethisworld
"thisissukie,"hanfenglgtroducedhertothevilleader,anelderlywoanwithkdeyes"sheiournd,butshehasacrucialroleyourstruggle"
theleadernodded,hergazepeg"wele,sukieyouareaongfriendshere"
sukiefeltasenseofreliefwashoverherforthefirsttiscearrivgthisstranworld,shefeltsafethevilrsprovidedthewithfoodandapcetorest,andsukiefallyhadaontrocesseverythgthathadhappened
assheyonasipleasallhut,herdracedwithestionswhyhadshebeenbroughthere?whaasherrolethisworld?andostiportantly,whaasheretohanfenglg?
shethoughtbacktotheirfirstetgthebookstore,thewayhehadlookedatherasifhehadknownherforevertherewasanundeniableboweenthe,ohattraheboundarieftiandspacebuhatdiditallan?
the,sukiewokeearly,eartolearnoreabouthernewsurroundgshanfenglgwasalreadyup,speakgwiththevilleaderwhenhesawher,hesiledandwavedherover
"wehaveuchtodotoday,"hesaid"thereisalotyouolearnaboutthisworldandyourpit"
sukienodded,deterioebraceherdesty"i,ready"
theysperagwiththevilrs,learngaboutthehistoryandagifthekgdooflianhanfenglgtaughtherhowtodefendherself,s
', ' ')('howihebasicfswordsanshipandarcherysukiewasaicklearner,hernaturagilityaeratiherwell
asthedayspassed,sukieandhanfenglggrewclosertheyspenthourstalkg,shargstoriesanddreassukiefeltadeepetohi,ohatgrewstroheachpassgdayshefoundherselflookgforwardtotheirtitother,cherishveryont
oneeveng,astheysatbythefire,hanfenglgopenedupabouthispasthetoldherabouthisfaily,hischildhood,andhisesttodefeatthedarklordsukielistenedily,feelgaprofoundrespectforhisceaeration
"i,velostanyfriendsandlovedohisbattle,"hesaidietly,hiseyesreflegtheflickergfs"butiotgiveupitfightforthosewhootfightfortheselves"
sukiereachedout,pgahandonhisar"you,renotalone,hanfenglgi,llfighithyou"
helookedather,hisexpressionfteng"thankyou,sukieyourstrengthandspiritspiretother,weakeadifference"
theirbonddeepened,andsukiefoundherselffallgforhanfenglghiskdness,bravery,andunwaverierationcaptivatedherheartshekhattheirjourneywouldbefraughithdanr,butshewaswillgtofaceitallforhi
onenight,astheystooduhestars,hanfenglgtookherhandhis"sukie,there,sthgiotellyou"
shelookedupathi,herheartpoundg"whatisit?"
hetookadeepbreath,hiseyesfilledwithiy"iloveyou,sukiefrotheontisawyouthebookstore,iknewyouwerespecialyuidglight,yhopeiageylifewithoutyou"
sukie,sheartswelledwitheotionshehadloohearthosewords,butheargthenow,shefeltaixtureofjoyandfear"iloveyoutoo,hanfenglgbuhatifthghappensto?whatifwetseparated?"
hecuppedherfahishands,histoutleandreassurg"noatterpens,iwillwaysfdywaybacktoyouourloveisstrohananyforthisworld"
tearsfilledsukie,seyesassheleaohistouch"proisewe,llwaysbetother"
"iproise,"hewhispered,pressghislipstohersatender,heartfeltkiss
their
loveblosdtheidstofturoil,abeaofhopeaworldshroudeddarkother,theyfacedtlesschalleheirbondgrogstroheachvictoryabacktheyfoughtsidebyside,deterilightbacktothekgdooflian
astheypreparedforthefalbattleagastthedarklord,sukiekhattheirjourneywasfarfrooverbuithhanfenglgbyherside,shefeltreadytofacewhatevercatheirwa
', ' ')('ytheirloveowerfulforce,ohaouldguidethethroughthedarkestoftis
and,withheartsfullofdlove,sukieandhanfenglgsteppedtotheunknowoebracetheirdestyaurefilledwithhopeandpossibility
sukieawoketotheftchirpgofbirdsandthefirstlightofdawnfiltergthroughthesalldowofthehutshestretched,savthetranilityoftheonttheeventfthepastfewdaysstillfeltsurreal,butthesteadypresenceofhanfenglghadgroundedheraidstthewhirldof
asshedressedandpreparedfortheday,sukieuldn,tshakethefeelgthatthgsignifiasabouttohappentheairseedchardwithanticipation,ahevilrsovedwithasenseofpurposeandurncyshesteppedoutside,takgadeepbreathofthecrispair,andadeherwaytothetraggroundswherehanfenglgwasalreadywaitg
"good,sukie,"hegreetedherwithawarsile,hiseyesklgattheers"readyforanotherdayoftrag?"
sukiereturnedhissile,herheartfttergatthesightofhi"alwayswhatdoyouhavepnnedfortoday?"
"today,wefohongyicabilities,"hesaid,histoneserio"you,veshowpotential,butthere,sstilluchtolearnthedarklord,sionsarepowerful,andweneedeveryadvantawet"
sukienodded,deteratiochedonherface"i,readylet,sdothis"
theyspentthepractigvariospellsandtations,hanfenglgpatientlyguidgsukiethrougheachstepshefeltthepowerflogthroughher,atgliionthatadeherfeeliveaedtotheworldarouheoreshepracticed,theorefidentshebecaherabilities
"you,redoi,sukie,"hanfenglgsaid,hisvoicefilledwithpride"you,reanatural"
sukiebshedathispraise"thanks,hanfenglgiuldn,thavedowithoutyou"
asthedayworeoookabreaktorestandhavenchtheysatuheshadeetree,shargasiplealofbreadandcheesesukieleanedagastthetrunk,feelgtheroughbarkagastherbackasshelookedupatthesky
"telloreaboutyourworld,"hanfenglgsaidsuddenly,breakiablesilence"whaasyourlifelikebeforeyoucahere?"
sukiethoughtforaont,herddriftgbacktoherlifeiy"iasordary,isupposeiworkedao-fivejob,spentostofytifrontofaputersihadfriends,butialwaysfeltlikethgwasissglikeiwasantforthgore"
hanfenglglistenedily,hisgazeneverleavgherface"andnowthatyou,rehere,doyoufeellikeyou,vefoundwhatyou
', ' ')('werelookgfor?"
sukiesiled,reagouttotakehishand"yesifeellikeifallybelongwhereandit,sallbecaeofyou"
hanfenglg,sexpressionftened,andheseezedherhaly"i,gdyoufeelthaay,sukieyouanalottotoo"
theirtenderonasterruptedbytheundofapproagfootstepssukieandhanfenglgturoseethevilleaderhurrygtowardsthe,herexpressiongrave
"hanfenglg,sukie,"shecalledout"there,sbeenanattaoneofouroutpostsweneedyourhelp"
hanfenglgstoodup,hisdeanorstantlyshiftgtothatofaleader"we,reonourway"
sukiefollowedhi,herheartpoundgwithaixoffearaerationtheyicklygatheredtheironsaofftowardstheoutpost,thevilrswordfeandsupportastheypassed
thejourneywasteheairthickwithanticipationastheyapproachedtheoutpost,theyuldseesokerisgiahesightfilledsukiewithasenseendsheiedherpace,hanfenglgrightbesideher
whentheyarrived,thesewaneofchaostheoutposthadbeenoverrunbythedarklord,sforces,thedefendersfightgvaliantlybutclearlyoutnuberedhanfenglgidiatelysprangtoa,hisswordfshgasheeheeneysukiedrewherownoragkigasshejoihefray
thebattlewasteheundfgsteendcriefpafillgtheairsukiefoughitheverythgshehad,hernewfoundskillsandagicabilitiesgiviheedsheneededsheuldfeeltheadrenalihroughherves,hersensesheightenedassheovedwithprecisionandgrace
aidstthechaos,sukiespottedayoungboycbehdabarricade,hiseyeswidewithfearwithouthesitation,shefoughtherwaytohi,gheragictoshieldthefrotheeney,sattacks
"areyouokay?"sheasked,hervoitledespitetheurncyofthesituation
theboyearsstreagdownhisface"i,scared"
sukiereachedout,pgareassurghandonhisshoulder"it,sgogtobeokaystaycloseto"
withtheboysafelybyherside,sukietiofight,herdeterationunwavergsheuldseehanfenglgnearby,hisoventsfidandpowerfushecutthroughtheeneyrankstheireyestbriefly,andsukiefeltasurthfrohisunwavergsupport
fally,afterwhatfeltlikehours,thetideofthebattlebegantoturnthedefendersralliedtother,phgbacktheeneyforceswithrenewedvigorhanfenglihechar,hispresenspirgthosearoundhisukiefoughtbyhisside,theiroventsperfectlysyheyworkedtoth
', ' ')('ertodrivetheeneyaway
wheofthedarklord,sionshadbeeed,acheerwentupfrothedefeheoutposthadbeensaved,butthesthadbeenhighanyywoundedordead,andthevilleaderovedicklytanizeaidforthejured
hanfenglgandsukietookaonttocatchtheirbreath,leangoneachotherforsupporttheboytheyhadsavedranuptothe,hiseyesfilledwithgratitude
"thankyou,"hesaid,hisvoicetreblgwitheotion"yoavedylife"
sukiesiled,rufflghishairntly"we,rejtgdyou,resafe"
astheboyranofftojohisfaily,hanfenglgturosukie,hisexpressionfilledwithpride"youwerecredibleoutthere,sukieiknewyouhadityou"
sukiebshed,feelgaixofprideandhuility"iuldn,thavedowithoutyou,hanfenglgwe,reatea"
hepulledhertoatightebrace,holdgherclose"yes,weareandtother,weovereanythg"
theirbonddeepenedevenfurtherierathofthebattle,thesharedexperienunbreakableebeeeheyspentthefewdayshelpgtorebuildtheoutpost,walongsidethevilrstorestorewhathadbeenlost
oneeveng,astheysatbythefire,hanfenglgtooksukie,shandhis,hisexpressionserio"sukie,there,sthgiotellyou"
sukielookedathi,herheartpoundg"whatisit?"
hanfenglgtookadeepbreath,hiseyessearghers"i,vebeenkeepgthgfroyouthereaniwasthebookstorethatday,thereashtyouhereiasn,tbyceiknewyouweredestiopyacrucialrolehtagastthedarklordyou,renotjtanordarypern,sukieyouhaveauniepowerwithyou,ohatthefateofthisworld"
sukiefeltarhofeotions:fion,fear,andasenseofresponsibility"whydidn,tyoutelloner?"
"irotectyou,"hanfenglgsaid,hisvoicefilledwithsiy"ididn,anttooverwhelyouwiththetruthbeforeyouwerereadybutnow,ibelieveyou,rereadytoebraceyourdesty"
sukietookadeepbreath,herdragwiththeiplicationfhiswordsshehadalwaysfeltdifferent,likeshewasantforthgorenow,italladesense
"whatdoiodo?"sheasked,hervoicesteady
hanfenglg,seyesshohadirationandlove"weoharnessyourpower,trayoutotrolitwithyourabilities,wefallydefeatthedarklordandbriothekgdooflian"
sukienodded,deteratiherheart"i,lldowhateverittakes"
and,theirjourued,filledwithchallensandtriuphs,heartbreakand
', ' ')('joysukieandhanfenglgfacedeachobstacletother,theirloveandtrteachotherunwavergwitheachpassgday,sukiegrewstronr,herpowersdevelopgwaysshehadneveriaged
astheypreparedfortheultiatefrontationwiththedarklord,sukiekhattheirlovewastheirgreateststrengthtother,theywereunspableandwithhanfenglgbyherside,shewasreadytofacewhateverdestyhadstoreforthe
theirbonddeepenedfurther,eaenttotheratestanttotheirunwavergitnttheysharedtheirhopesanddreas,theirfearsandsecurities,fdgeachother,sebracetheirlovewasabeaoflightthedarkness,guidihroughthetoughestoftis
astheystoodontheprecipiceofthefalbattle,sukiefeltasenseofpeaoatterpened,shekhatsheandhanfenglgwereanttobetothertheirlovewasaforcethattraiandspace,abondthatuldneverbebroken
and,withheartsfullofloveaeration,sukieandhanfenglgsteppedforward,readytofacetheirdestyaurefilledwithhopeandpossibility
thesuncastagoldenglowoverthevilassukieandhanfenglgpreparedfortheday,sjourheyhadreceivedwordthatthedarklord,sforcesweregatherganearbyregion,andtheyosuttheareaandgathertellihevilrswatchedthewithaixofadirationand,theirhopesrestgontheshoulderfthebraveduo
astheysetout,theairwasfilledwiththestofbloogflowersandtheundofrtlgleavessukiewalkedbesidehanfenglg,herheartbeatgwithaixtureofexcitentandtrepidationsheghi,hisstrongprofileoutledagastthelight,aasurofgratitudeforhisunwavergpresence
"areyoureadyforthis?"hanfenglgasked,hisvoicefilledwithrelve
sukienodded,hereyesetghis"asreadyasi,lleverbewithyoubyyside,ifeellikeifaythg"
hesiled,reagouttotakeherhand"we,lltthroughthistother,sukiewealwaysdo"
theirjourookthethroughdenseforestsandacrossrockyterra,thendscapeggastheyventureddeeperiorythefurthertheywent,theoretheatosphereshifted,begdarkerandoreforebodgthetreesseedtoclosearouheirbranchesreagoutlikeskeletalfrs
astheywalked,sukieuldn,tshakethefeelgthattheywerebegwatchedshegncedoverhershoulder,buttherewasnothgtherejtthewhisperofthedaantcallfunseeures
"hanfenglg,"shesaidftly,hervoidwithunease"doy
', ' ')('oufeelthat?likewe,rebegfollowed?"
hefrowned,hiseyessgthesurroundgs"yes,isetooweobecautio"
theytuedonward,theirsensesheightened,everyundandoventputtgtheohetensioweenthealpable,asilentuandgpassiweehattheyostayvigt
astheynearedaclearg,sukieheardartlgthebhesshetensed,herhandovgtothehiltofherswordhanfenglgpcedareassurghandonhershoulder,histouchgroundgher
"stayclose,"hewhispered,hisvoicebarelyaudible
theyovedforward,gclosertotheurceoftheundsuddenly,afigureburstfrotheunderbrh,stublgandfallgattheirfeetiasayounggirl,herclothestornanddirty,herfacestreakedwithtears
"help,please,"shebegd,hervoicetreblgwithfear"they,reg"
sukiekbesidethegirl,herheartagatthesightofherdistress"whoareyou?what,shappeng?"
thegirllookedup,hereyeswidewithterror"ynaisithedarklord,sldiersattackedetheytookyfailyiaoescape,butthey,restilloutthere,seargfor"
hanfenglg,sexpressiondarkened,andhehelpedthegirltoherfeet"wewoheharyou,iyou,resafewith"
jtashespoke,agroupofldierserdfrothetrees,theirarltgnaglythesunlighttheysurrouhe,theironsdrawn
"hahegirl,"theleaderoftheldiersdeanded,hisvoiceldandauthoritative"shebelongstothedarklordnow"
hanfenglgsteppedforward,hisstaective"you,llhavetotthroughfirst"
theleadersneered,raisghissword"beit"
thebattlethatensuedwasfierdchaoticsukiefoughithallheright,hertragandagicabilitiesgtotheforesheovedwithgradprecision,herswordfshgassheparriedandstruckhanfenglgwasawhirldofpowerbesideher,hisoventsfidanddeadly
iwatchedaweandfear,herheartpoundgasthefightradaroundhersheuldseethedeterationsukie,seyes,thestrengthhanfenglg,soventstheywereunlikeanyoneshehadeverseen,aaglirofhopeforthefirsttisiheattahervil
fally,afterwhatfeltlikeay,thestoftheldiersfellsukieandhanfenglgstoodpantg,theirbodiesbruisedandbloodiedbutvictorioirantothe,tearsstreagdownherface
"thankyou,"shebbed,ggtosukie"thankyouforsavg"
sukiehugdhertightly,herheartbreakgfortheyounggirl"you,resafenow,iwe,llprotectyo
', ' ')('u"
hanfenglglookedaround,hisexpressiongri"weoovethereuldbeoreldiersnearby"
theytiheirjourney,iwalkiweensukieandhanfenglg,hersallhandgrippgsukie,stightlyastheytraveled,itoldtheoreabouttheattahervil,hervoicetreblgwitheotionsukielistenedily,herheartagforthesuffergihadendured
"don,orry,i,"sukiesaidntly"we,llfdyourfailywe,lldoeverythiohelpyou"
ilookedupather,hopeshghereyes"thankyou,sukieidon,tknowwhatiwouldhavedohoutyou"
astheyadetheirwaydeeperiory,sukieuldn,tshakethefeelgofuhatlredsheghanfenglg,whoseedlostthought
"hanfenglg,"shesaidftly,hervoicebreakgthesilence"whatareyouthkg?"
helookedather,hiseyesfilledwithaixofeotions"i,worried,sukiethedarklord,sforcesaregrogstronrweobecarefularteachotherpletely"
sukienodded,herheartswellgwithdeteration"itrtyou,hanfenglgorethananyoneandikhistother"
hesiled,hisexpressionfteng"itrtyoutoo,sukieandwithyoubyyside,ifeellikewefaythg"
theypressedon,theirbondstrengthengwitheachstepastheytraveled,theyenterednfthedarklord,sfence:vilsburotheground,failiestornapart,achedtothefacefthosetheytsukie,srelvegrewstroheaewhorrortheywitnessed,herdeteratiothedarklordunwaverg
oneeveng,astheysetupcap,sukieandhanfenglgsatbythefire,iledbeeehewarthofthefsandtheietofthenightprovidedaontofrespitefrotheirarduojourney
"sukie,"hanfenglgsaid,hisvoicebreakgthesilehere,sthgi,vebeenangtotellyou"
sukielookedathi,herheartpoundg"whatisit?"
hetookadeepbreath,hiseyesfilledwithiy"iknowwe,vebeenthroughalottother,andidon,anttoaddtotheburdenyou,recarrygbuteedyoutoknowhowueantoiloveyou,sukieorethanwordsexpress"
sukie,sheartswelledwitheotion,tearsfillghereyes"iloveyoutoo,hanfenglgwithallyheart"
hereachedout,takgherhandhis"noatterpens,wewillwaysbetotherourloveiurstrength,andiillguidethroughthedarkestoftis"
iwatchedthe,asallsilepygonherlipsforthefirsttialongti,shefeltasenseofpeadhopeshekhaithsukieandhanfenglgbyherside,shewassafe
astheysatbythefire,shargtheirh
', ' ')('opesandfears,theirbondgrewevenstroheywerenolonrjtopeoplebroughttotherbyfate;theywereatea,afailyandtheywerereadytofacewhateverchallensyahead
the,theysetoutonceore,theirheartsfilledwithdeterationandlovetheytiheirjourney,gathergrationandaidgthoseneedalongtheway,theyenteredoreallies,peoplewhosharedtheirgoalofdefeatgthedarklordapeacetothekgdooflian
oneday,astheyapproachedasallvil,theyweretbyagroupofvilrswhohadheardoftheirexploitsthevilleader,anelderlyanwithakdface,steppedfreetthe
"wele,heroes,"hesaid,hisvoicefilledwithgratitude"wehaveheardofyourbraveryandyhtagastthedarklordwearehoohaveyouhere"
sukieandhanfenglxdagnce,hubledbythevilrs,words"thankyou,"sukiesaid,hervoicere"wearejtdogwhaetohelp"
thevilleadernodded,hiseyesfilledwithrespect"youreffortsahanyouknowplease,staywithforawhilerestandreverwewillprovideyouwithanythgyouneed"
sukieandhanfenglggratefullyaeptedtheoffer,andtheywereshowntoasall,fortablehoewheretheyuldstaythevilrswerekdandwelg,thefoodandsupplies
astheysettled,sukieuldn,thelpbutfeesenseofuhedarklord,sforceswererelentless,atheirrespitewouldbeshort-livedbutfornow,shewasgratefulfortheontofpeace
thateveng,astheysatbythefire,sukieandhanfenglgtalkedabouttheirjourneyandtheirpnsforthefutureilistenedily,hereyeswidewithadiration
"wewilldefeatthedarklord,"hanfenglgsaid,hisvoicefilledwithvi"andwewillrestorepeacetothisnd"
sukienodded,herheartswellgwithdeteration
thedawnofanewdaybroughtasenseofcalandhopetothesallvilwheresukie,hanfenglg,andihadfethevilrshadbeencrediblykd,food,shelter,andabriefrespitefrotheirarduojourneyyet,theshadowofthedarklrogpowerloodoverthe,andsukiekheirtiofpeacewasfleetg
asthefirstlightoffilteredthroughthedow,sukiestretchedandgotoutofbed,feelgasenseofdeterationtodaywasthedaytheywouldgatheroretellinthedarklord’spnsandfurthertheirissiontosavethekgdooflianshedressedicklyandietly,noantgtowakei,whowasstillundasleep
steppgoutside,sukietookadeepbreathofthecrispair,savthe
', ' ')('ontarytranilitythevilwasgtolife,withvilrsbegngtheirdailyroutes,unawareofthedanrofathergonthehorizon
hanfenglgwasalreadyup,sharpenghisswordbythefirehelookedupassukieapproached,hisfacebreakgtoawarsilethatadeherheartftter
“good,”hegreetedher,hisvoicefilledwithwarth
“good,”sukiereplied,returnghissile“didyoleeell?”
hanfenglghoughhiseyesheldahtofwearess“aswelisliketheseareyoureadyfortoday?”
sukie’sexpressiongrewserio“yes,iaweofdouhatthedarklordispnngandshibeforeit’stoote”
hanfenglgreachedout,takgherhandhis“we’lldoittother,sukienoatterwhat,we’llfaceittother”
theirtenderonasterruptedbytheundofhurriedfootstepstheyturoseethevilleader,theelderlyanwhohadweledthe,approagwithalookof
“hanfenglg,sukie,”hecalledout,hisvoiceurnt“there’sthgyouosee”
theyfollowedthevilleadertotheoutskirtfthevil,whereagroupofvilrshadgatheredaroundafigurelygonthegroundastheyphedthroughthecrowd,sukie’sbreathcaughtihroatthefigurewasaldier,badlyjuredandbarelyscio
“hestubledtothevilthis,”thevilleaderexped“hekeptaskgforyou”
hanfenglgkbesidetheldier,hisexpressiongri“peoyou?whodidthis?”
theldierughed,hisvoiceweak“thedarklord…he’spnnganattackhehasaneon,thgpowerfulyouhavetoshi…beforeit’stoote”
sukie’sheartraced“whereishepnngtoattack?”
theldier’seyesflickered,hisstrengthfadg“thecapital…hewantstotakethecapital”
withthosewords,theldier’seyesclosed,astillhanfenglgstood,hisjawsetieratiotothecapitalifthedarklordtakesit,theentirekgdowillfall”
sukienodded,herrelveunwaverg“thenwehavenotitowasteweogatherouralliesaothecapitalidiately”
thevilrs,overheargtheversatiooururaongsttheselvesfearanduatyrippledthroughthecrowd,buttherewasalasenseofdeterationthevilleadersteppedforward,hisvoicesteady
“wewillhelpyouanywayweeaybesall,buehavebravenandwonwillgtofightforthekgdo”
touchedbytheiroffer,sukieandhanfenglgthahevilrsandbeganakgpreparationsforthejourneyaheadi,sensgthegravityofthesituation,approachedsukie
', ' ')(',hereyeswidewithdeteration
“iwanttohelp,”shesaidfirly“i’notafraidiwanttofightforyfailyandforeveryoneelsewhohassuffered”
sukiekdown,pgahandoni’sshoulder“you’reverybrave,iwe’llneedalltheheletbutreber,yoursafetyistheostiportantthgstaycloseto,andwe’lltthroughthistother”
astheysetoutforthecapital,asenseencypropelledtheforwardthejourneywaslongandarduo,buttheirdeterationneverwaveredalongtheway,theyenteredroupfvilrsandrebelswhojoiheircae,swellgtheirranksandbolstergtheirspirits
onenight,astheycapedbyariver,sukieandhanfenglgsatbythefire,theirhandsiwiheflickergfscastawarglowontheirfaces,andforaont,theyallowedtheselvestorexandenjoyeachother’spany
“doyoueverwonderwhatlifewillbelikeafterallthisiver?”sukieaskedftly,hereyesreflegthefirelight
hanfenglglookedather,hisexpressiontender“idoidreaofaworldwherewelivepeace,withoutfearordarknessaworldwherewebuildafuturetother”
sukie’sheartswelledwithlove“idreaofthattooandibelieveweakeitareality”
hanfenglgleaned,pressilekisstoherlips“withyoubyyside,iknowwe”
theirontofpeacewasshatteredbytheundofrtlgthebhesstantlyalert,hanfenglgdrewhissword,andsukiereadiedheragicafigureerdfrotheshadows,andtheywerebothrelievedtoseeiaheirsuts
“we’vespottedagroupofthedarklord’sldiersnearby,”thesutreported“theyseetobesettgupanabh”
hanfenglg’sexpressionhardened“weodealwiththebeforetheyattackgatherourfordprepareforbattle”
thecapsprangtoa,theairfilledwiththeundfpreparationsastheyovedthroughthedarkness,sukiefeltasenseofunityandpurposetheywerenotjtfightgfortheselvesbutforeveryonewhohadsuffereduhedarklord’styranny
theabhwasswiftandbrutalsukieandhanfenglihechar,theiroventsperfectlysyheyfoughtsidebysidethedarklord’sldierswerecaughtoffguard,aleicklyturheirfavor
theidstofthefight,sukiespottedafailiarfacetheleaderoftheldierswasherthantheanwhohadattackedtheiroutpostandtakeni’sfailyasurofanraerationfilledher,andshefoughtherwaytowardshi
“you!”sheshouted,hervoicefilledwithfury
', ' ')('“you’regawaythisti!”
theleadersneered,raisghisswordtoetherattack“you’reafooltothkyoudefeat”
theirswordscshed,thesgthroughthenightsukiefoughitheverythgshehad,heranraerationfuelirengthhanfenglg,seeiruggle,ovedtosupporther,hispresencegivihefidencesheneeded
tother,theyoverpoweredtheleader,theirbirengthtooutohahafal,powerfulstrike,sukiedisardhi,herswordathisthroat
“tellwherei’sfailyis,”shedeanded,hervoicesteady
theleadergredather,buttherewasfearhiseyes“they’rebegheldthedarklord’sfortressyou’llneverreachtheti”
sukie’sgriptightenedonhersword“we’llseeaboutthat”
withtheleadersubdued,therestoftheldiersicklysurrehebattlewaswon,butsukiekheirjourneywasfarfroovertheyhadtoreachthecapitandsthedarklord’sattadtheyhadtorescuei’sfailyfrothefortress
astheyregrouped,hanfenglgpcedareassurghandonsukie’sshoulder“we’llsavethe,sukieiproise”
shelookedtohiseyes,herrelvestrengtheng“iknoillandwe’llsthedarklordondforall”
theirjourued,eachstepbrggtheclosertotheirgoalthechalleheyfacedweredauntg,buttheirloveaeratioheovgforwardastheyhecapital,theyuldseethesignftheipendgattack:ldierspatrolliskirts,fortificationsbeied,aensiontheairpalpable
oneeveng,astheycapedwithsightofthecapital’swalls,sukieandhanfenglgsattother,theirheartsheavywiththeweightofthetaskaheadi,sensgtheirubesidethe,hersallhandslippgtosukie’s
“we’regogtowiwe?”iasked,hervoicefilledwithhope
sukiesiled,herheartswellgwithloveforthebravegirl“yes,iwe’regogtoandwe’regogtosaveyourfaily”
hanfenglgnodded,hiseyesfilledwithdeteration“we’veethisfar,andwe’renotgivgupnowtother,we’lldefeatthedarklordandbriothekgdo”
astheypreparedforthefalbattle,theirbondgrewevenstroheykhahateverhappeheywouldfaceittothertheirloveandtrteachotherwereunbreakable,andtheywerereadytofightforthefuturetheydreadof
thenightbeforethebattle,sukieandhanfenglgstoodonahilloverlookgthecapital,thecitylightsklgthedarkheyheldeachotherclose,dragstrengthfrotheire
“we’vebeenthro
', ' ')('ughuch,”sukiewhispered,hervoicefilledwitheotion“butnoatterpenstoorrow,i’gratefulforeveryone’ve
shared”
hanfenglgkissedherforehead,hisvoider“ifeelthesaway,sukieandiknowthataslongaswe’retother,wefaythg”
astheystoodthere,edeachother’sars,theykhatthefightaheadwouldbetheirgreatestchallebuttheyalkhattheirlovewastheirgreateststrengthandwiththatstrength,theywouldovereanyobstadervictorio
thedawnofthefalbattleapproached,andwithit,thefateofthekgdooflianhungthebasukieandhanfenglgwerereadytheywouldfightfortheirlove,fori’sfaily,andforthefutureoftheirworldandtheywoulddoittother
thecapitalcityoflianwasabtlghubofactivity,filledwithrts,nobles,andonersallgogabouttheirdailylivestheairwasthickwiththestofexoticspidtheundoflivelychattersukie,hanfenglg,andiadetheirwaythroughthecrowdedstreets,theirheartsheavywiththeweightoftheirissiontheyhadsuessfullygatheredtellinceaboutthedarklord’spnsandnowofdawaytoshi
sukie’sdwasragwithpossibilitiestheyhadlearhatthedarklord’sneonwasbegstoredtheheavilyguardedpacettgcloseenoughtodestroyiouldreireacleverpnandfwlessexecutionastheywalked,sukie’seyesweredrawntoagrandbuildgadorhsilkbannersandtricatecarvgsiastheostfaobrotheliy,knownforitsbeautifulurtesansaravagantperforances
apoforsukie’sdsheturohanfenglg,hereyesfilledwithdeteratiotothepadithkiknowhowifigairytothebrothendbeeoheirurtesans,iightbeabletotclosetoohaesstothepace”
hanfenglg’seyeswidened“sukie,that’scrediblydanrothebrothelisfullofspiesandrantsifyou’redisvered…”
sukiepcedareassurghandonhisar“iknowit’srisky,butit’urbestcewedon’thavetitoeuithanotherpntrt,idothis”
hanfenglglookedtohereyes,seeierationandstrengthwiththehenoddedslowly,hisvoicefilledwithrelve“alright,we’lldoitbue’llstayclose,andifanythgg,we’lltyououtofthere”
sukiesiled,gratefulforhissupport“thankyouiproisei’llbecareful”
theyadetheirwaytothebrothel,andsukieapproachedtheentrahfidehedooran,aburlyanwithascarrunngdownhischeek,eyedherspicioly
“whatdoyouwant?”
', ' ')('hegrowled
sukiestraightenedherposture,exudganairoffidendgrace“iseekeployntasaurtesani’veheardthisisthefiestablishntiy”
thedooranraisedaneyebrow,clearlytrigued“wedon’ttakejtanyoneyou’llhaveroveyourself”
sukienodded,hervoicesteady“iuandi’ready”
heledherside,whereshewastroduada,ashrewdwoanwithakeealenttheadalookedsukieupanddown,hergazepierg
“whydoyouwanttoworkhere?”sheasked,hertoical
sukiethergazewithoutflg“ihaveskillsthatuldbevaabletoyourestablishnti’fidentieayourostdisgts”
theada’seyesnarrowed,butshenodded“verywellyou’llhaveatrialperiodifyouipress,you’llstayifnot,you’reout”
sukieagreed,aragbegaelythedaysthatfollowedweregruelg,filledwithlesnsdance,idversationsukie’sdeterationneverwavered,andsheicklyprovedherselftobeafastlearheotherurtesans,itiallywaryofthenewer,begantowartoherastheysawherdedicationandskill
assheirsedherselfhernewrole,sukiekepthertrueissionattheforefrontofherdsheogairtofthebrothel’sostiialts,especiallythosewithestothepaesuchaslordowerfulnobleknownforhisextravaganttastesandclosetiestotheroyalfaily
thenightofherfirstperforancearrived,andsukiefeltaixtureofexcitentandnervesshedressedastunngsilkgown,herhairadorhdelicateflowersasshesteppedontothesta,theroofellsilent,alleyeheicbegan,andsukieovedgracefully,hereveryotioncaptivatgtheaudienceshedahapassionandelegahatlefteveryoneawe,herperforanceaperfectblendofbeautyandskill
aftertheperforance,lordroachedher,clearlyipressed“ynifit,”hesaid,hiseyesfilledwithadiration“i’veneverseensuchgradtalent”
sukiesiled,herheartpoundg“thankyou,ylordi’honoredbyyourpraise”
lordweitookherhand,hisgazetense“i’dliketospendtiwithyou,ifyou’rewillgihaveaprivaterooupstairs”
sukie’spulseiedthiswastheopportunityshehadbeenwaitgfor“i’dbedelighted,ylord”
theyasdedthegrandstaircase,andsukiefollowedlordweitoavishlyderatedrooastheysettledontoapshuch,lordweipouredthebothagsfe
“toyourcredibleperforance,”hetoasted,raisghisgss
sukieke
', ' ')('dhergssagasthis,herdragwithpossibilities“thankyou,ylordit’sanhonortoeaoneasdistguishedasyourself”
theychattedforawhile,lordweiclearlyenjoygherpanysukielistenedily,subtlysteergtheversationtowardsthepadthedarklord’spnsshelearhatlordweiwasdeedwell-ectedandoftenattendedprivategathergsatthepace
astheevengprogressed,lordweigreworefortable,andsukiesawhercesheleaned,hervoiceftandvitg“ylord,i’veheardruorsaboutaneonbegdevelopedthepacedoyouknowanythgaboutit?”
lordweichuckled,clearlypleasedwithhercuriosity“ah,thedarklord’ssecretprojectyes,i’vehearditeabitit’ssupposedtobecrediblypowerful,thgthatuldtheurseofthewar”
sukie’sheartraced“thatundsfasatgdoyouthkthere’sanywayiuldseeit?”
lordweiraisedaneyebrow,triguedbyherboldness“you’reitethecurioone,aren’tyou?perhapsiuldarranthgbutiouldreireabitofpersuasion”
sukiesiled,leangcloser“i’sureweetoanarra,ylord”
thenighttihadelicatedanceofwordsandsubtlepersuasionbytheendoftheeveng,lordweiwasthhlyented,andsukiehadsecuredhisproisetotakehertothepace
thefollogdayswereabrofpreparationandanticipationsukiekepthertrueiionshidden,atagherroleasadedicatedurtesanhanfenglgandireaedclose,readyttoaifneeded
fally,thedayarriveddressedherfigown,sukieapaniedlordweitothepacethegrandhallswerefilledwithopulendsplendor,butsukie’sfocwantheissionsheolocatetheonandfdawaytodestroyit
astheywalkedthroughthepace,lordweitroducedhertovarionoblesandofficials,eateradelicatebanceofcharandgsukie’sdwasstantlyw,analyzverydetaindgathergasuforationaspossible
eventually,theyreachedaheavilyguardedchaberlordweispoketotheguards,aeppedaside,allowirysukie’sheartpouheysteppediheroowasfilledwithtricateaeryandstraifacts,theairhugwithanotherworldlyenergy
“thisisit,”lordweisaid,hisvoicefilledwithpride“thedarklord’ssecretonisn’titagnifit?”
sukienodded,hereyessgtherooforanyvulnerabilities“it’scredible,ylordbuthowdoesiork?”
lordweibegantoexp,butsukie’sattentionwaselsewhereshespottedaserieftrolsandswi
', ' ')('tches,eaeglogwithafat,eerielightsheofdawaytodisabletheonwithoutarogspi
thkgickly,sukiefeignedafatgspell,lpsgtothefloorlordweirhedtoherside,hisnue
“sukie!areyht?”heexcid,hisvoicefilledwithworry
shegroaned,hervoiceweak“i’fe,ylordithktheexcitenasjttooue”
lordweihelpedhertoherfeet,histoutle“perhapsweshouldtyoofreshair”
sukienodded,alloghitoleadheroutofthechaberastheyexited,shesubtlydroppedasall,eohetrolsitowerfurtifactshehadacireddurirag,capableofdisruptgagiergies
astheywalkedthroughthepacegardens,sukiefeltasenseofreliefthestonewouldactivateaatterofutes,rendergtheonelessshejtotoutofthepacebeforeaiced
lordweitiodoteonher,obliviotohertrueiionssukiepyedherroleperfectly,herdfocedontheissionastheyreturothebrothel,shefeltasuroftriuphtheyhadsueededdisablgtheon,buttheirjourneywasfarfroover
bathesafetyoftheirarters,sukiesharedthenewswithhanfenglgaheirreliefandpridewerepalpable,buttheykhefighaswonthedarklordwouldnotbeeasilydefeated,andtheroadaheadwasstillfraughithdanr
astheypheirove,sukiefeltadeepsenseofdeterationtheyhadefar,andtheirbondhadonlygrownstronrwithhanfenglgandi
byherside,shekheyuldfaychallen
tother,theywouldfightfortheirlove,theirfriends,aureofthekgdoofliahaheadwasua,buttheywerereadytofaceit,handhand,theirheartsunitedbyasharedpurposeandanunbreakablebond
', ' ')