The mango grove hummed with lazy laughter as the sun dipped low. Bright perched on a branch, squabbling with Tong over a mango with a crimson spot—Lila cheering from the ground as Tong snatched it first, tossing it to her with a grin.
Nam sorted herbs on the grass, while Tan Kai and Yara leaned against a tree, sharing a mango. Their fingers brushed when they reached for the same slice, and the jade in Tan Kai's pocket glowed soft against his hip. "You think Nagasith'll stay locked up?" he asked, nodding toward the lotus tree.
Yara wiped mango juice from her lip. "The tree's guarding him. And we're stronger now—together."
A sudden flash of silver split the sunset.
Tan Kai froze, squinting at the sky. The pink-and-purple haze dimmed, replaced by a streak of light so bright it stung his eyes. "Hey… what's that?"
Yara looked up, her smile fading. The streak multiplied—three, then five, cutting through the sky like molten silver. The ground trembled, the air humming like a struck bell. Every shadow in the valley tilted toward the light, as if drawn to it.
Nam stood, her herb pouch slipping from her lap. "That's not natural," she said, her voice tight. Lila clutched her mango, eyes wide—her hands shaking. "Grandma said the sky only shifts like this when Heaven's watching."
The silver streaks hurtled closer, growing into blazing orbs. Tan Kai's pendant burned through his shirt; the jade in his pocket hummed loud enough to echo. "Master was right," he breathed, grabbing Yara's hand. "Heaven's coming."
Bright dropped from the branch, mango half-eaten. "Heaven? As in 'spear-wielding soldier' Heaven? Great—just when I thought we'd get a break."
Tong grabbed Lila's hand, pulling her close. "Back to the lotus tree. Nagasith's leverage—Heaven wants him too."
They ran, the air turning icy. A low, metallic horn echoed through the valley, sharp enough to make ears ring. When they reached the lotus tree, Nagasith was awake, thrashing against the roots. His eyes locked on the sky, and he laughed—a cold,疯狂 sound.
"Heaven's hounds!" he snarled. "They'll take you first—then I'll escape!"
The silver orbs crashed into the clearing, smoke billowing. When it cleared, five Heavenly Soldiers stood tall—armor glinting like polished moonstone, spears glowing with icy blue light. Their helmets hid their faces, but their presence felt like a fist closing around the valley.
The lead soldier stepped forward, spear pointed at Tan Kai. "By order of the Heavenly Court," his voice scraped like metal on stone, "surrender Nagasith the traitor, and the half-blood Yara. The rest—stand aside, and be spared."
Yara tensed, her mark blazing green. "I'm not a traitor."
The soldier laughed, hollow. "Half-Naga, half-human—abomination. You both belong in Heavenly Prison."
Bright stepped up, stick in hand. "Whoa, tin man! She's not an abomination—you're just a jerk with a spear. We're not handing anyone over."
The spear flashed. A bolt of blue light shot toward Bright—Nam shoved him aside, tossing fire herbs at the bolt. It fizzled into smoke.
"Attack!" the soldier roared.
Two soldiers lunged at Tan Kai and Yara. He pulled her behind him, yanking the jade free. Gold light surged into a shield, blocking their spears with a deafening clang.
"The lotus heart jade!" the soldier hissed. "You have no right to wield it!"
Yara stepped beside him, her hand on the jade. Green light wove with gold, strengthening the shield. "We have every right."
Tong pushed Lila behind the lotus tree. "Stay here!" He grabbed a fallen branch, running to Bright's side. He swung at a soldier's legs; the man stumbled, and Bright jabbed his stick at the gap in his armor.
The soldier grunted, falling back. "Fools!"
Nam darted between the soldiers, tossing herbs that burst into thick smoke. They coughed, blinded. "Now, Tan Kai! Yara!"
They raised the jade together. Gold-green light slammed into the lead soldier, knocking his spear flying. He stumbled to one knee—but the others recovered, surrounding them. A spear grazed Yara's arm; she winced, but held on.
Tan Kai's arm throbbed, the jade burning hot. Heavenly steel didn't flinch from their light—not like Nagasith's venom, not like the corruption. This was a fight they couldn't win by force.
"Yara—can you feel it?" he whispered. "The jade's trying to tell us something."
She nodded, brow furrowed. "Balance. Not fight—wrap their light."
He breathed in, matching her focus. The jade's light softened, flowing like water around the nearest soldier's spear. The blue glow dimmed, and the man froze.
" What are you doing?" he snapped.
"Stopping you," Yara said. The light coiled around him, prying the spear from his hand. He stumbled back, stunned.
Bright gaped, then grinned. "Magic rope! Nice!" He jabbed his stick at another distracted soldier.
The lead soldier stood, drawing a sword. "Enough!" He lunged at Yara, blade glowing.
Nagasith roared, thrashing. "Yara! Move!"
She spun, the jade's light shoving the sword aside. It clanged to the ground, sparks flying.
The soldier stared at her, then the jade. "You understand it. Like Agus did."
Tan Kai frowned. "You knew Agus?"
The helmet shifted, as if nodding. "I served with him—before he betrayed Heaven for Lina. He had this bond, this balance. But Heaven only cares about control." He sheathed his sword. "I won't fight you. Not when you're doing what he tried to do."
He tossed a silver token to Tan Kai. "Hides your scent from Heavenly hounds. Take it—more soldiers are coming. Stronger ones. Run."
"Captain!" a soldier yelled. "You can't disobey!"
"I'm doing what's just," he said. He turned to his men. "Let them go. I'll take the blame."
The soldiers hesitated, then nodded. One sheathed his spear. "Yes, Captain."
He looked at Tan Kai and Yara. "Agus would be proud."
With that, the soldiers vanished in silver streaks. The horn's echo faded, leaving only their ragged breathing and Nagasith's snarls.
Bright dropped his stick, collapsing. "Well… that was weird. One minute we're fighting, the next he's giving us a get-out-of-Heaven-free card."
Nam knelt to bandage Yara's arm. "He's right. We can't stay here."
Tong stepped out from behind the tree, Lila in tow. "I know a cave in the mountains—Lina showed it to me. Heaven won't find it."
Lila nodded. "It's safe. We hid there as kids."
Tan Kai turned the silver token in his hand. It was cool, but thrumming faintly—like it was already sensing danger. The jade in his other palm was quiet, warm but vigilant.
Yara squeezed his hand. "Let's go. Before it's too late."
He nodded, glancing at Nagasith. "Stay put. The tree's still watching—and if you escape, we'll find you."
Nagasith spat, but said nothing.
They set off toward the mountains, the valley fading behind them. The sun was gone, night wrapping around them like a cloak. Bright grumbled about mangoes, Nam checked her herbs, and Tong and Lila whispered to each other—small, steady sounds that cut through the dark.
Tan Kai held Yara's hand, the silver token pulsing in his pocket. The jade glowed soft against his palm.
He looked up at the starless sky, and knew—this was just the calm before the storm.
As the silver token pulsed hotter in his hand, he knew—the storm hadn't even begun.