The Ancient Illness and The Heroes of Sakura World Part 7
Kita staggered back, revulsion twisting her features as the truth crashed over her.
Kita: No, we can’t. The reason I caused the spell is not only so I can run away, but so you can start over and forget about us and the past. So we can both start over.
Kiro:sigh... but I don’t want to start over. I want.. interrupted by Lana met Kiro’s eyes, steady and unflinching, as emotions churned in the air. Kita’s disgust was sharp, but beneath it, Lana caught the ache of sadness and a fragile hope for her brother’s peace.
Lana understood that longing all too well. Memories of her own brother haunted her, and the thought of facing him again filled her with dread.
Kiro: Who are you? What do you want?
Kita: Kiro, wait, she is a friend.
Kiro: I didn’t ask you.
Lana: My name is Lana, and I am here to get Kita back.
Kiro burst out laughing. You? A little thing like you? Do not make me laugh. You are nothing. Maybe you should eat more and come back stronger.
Lana: Fine, let us make a deal. If I win, you leave Kita and marry someone I choose. If you win, I will walk away and leave you both alone.
Kiro: Now that sounds interesting. You have a deal.
Before Kiro can speak, Lana made the first punch, Kita in shock but not surprised of the events occurring. He fell to the ground and got up to face Lana.
He moved with the heavy, rhythmic power of a landslide—all broad shoulders and crushing force. Each of his strikes carried the weight of a sledgehammer, sending plumes of powder exploding into the air whenever he missed. He banked on his reach and his strength to end the fight quickly, confident that the environment would do the rest of the work for him.
She, however, was a ghost in the white. She didn't fight the wind; she rode it. While he fought to maintain his footing, she stayed light on the balls of her feet, her movements fluid and economical. She knew that in this thin air, exertion was the real enemy.
The Trap: She feigned a stumble, her boot skidding on a patch of slick ice.
The Commitment: Seeing his opening, he lunged with a heavy overhand strike, putting his entire momentum behind the blow.
The Counter: With a sharp exhale, she pivoted. It wasn't a show of strength, but of perfect timing. She used his own forward velocity against him, catching his forearm and guiding his momentum past her.
The man's boots slipped helplessly on the slick ice. He pitched forward, slamming face-first into a jagged outcrop buried under the snow. The sickening thud of his fall seemed to reverberate above the wind's wild roar.
Stunned but alive, he struggled to gather his senses. Kita rushed to Lana, awe flickering in her eyes at Lana's strength. She gently clasped Lana's trembling hand.
Kita: Are you okay?
Lana, breathless, managed a shaky laugh. I never imagined it would take this much out of me.
Kita smiled, relief flooding her features. I am just glad you are okay.
Lana's heart raced as Kita approached. Unable to meet her gaze, Lana felt the words she had buried for ages rising, desperate to finally be spoken.
Lana: Kita, before I can look at you, I have to say something. It is hard to find the words, but I have loved you for as long as I can remember. I am sorry it took me so long to admit it. I love you deeply, and I want to be with you.
Kita drew Lana close. Lana, you have always been worth waiting for. I have loved you since the day you saved me, for your kindness, your strength, and your care for others. Most of all, I love you because I know you will always find your way back to me. I love you more than life itself.
.....
They stood close—so close that the space between them felt charged with the electricity of years left unsaid. For years, they had existed in the margins of stolen glances and accidental touches, a slow-burn tension that had become a physical weight. Now, there was nowhere left to retreat.
The longing was a palpable thing, an ache that pulled at them like the tide. It was written in the way one's breath hitched and the way the other reached out, her fingers trembling slightly as they brushed a stray lock of hair behind a cold-nipped ear.
The Kiss
When the distance finally vanished, it wasn't a tentative start; it was a homecoming.
Their lips met with a soft, desperate pressure, a collision of two souls who had been starving for this exact moment. It tasted of salt, winter air, and the faint sweetness of wine. It was a release—a frantic shedding of the masks they wore for the rest of the world.
One pulled the other closer by the waist, hands tangling in hair, seeking to erase every millimeter of air between them. It was a kiss that sought to make up for every day spent apart and every word left unspoken.
The Aftermath
As they eventually pulled back, just far enough to breathe, they didn't let go. They leaned their foreheads together, eyes closed, listening to the synchronized thrum of their hearts. The silence wasn't empty; it was full—brimming with the realization that the longing hadn't just been met, it had been understood.
In the sanctuary of the flickering firelight, the world outside—the cold, the mountains, and the wars—simply ceased to exist. There was only the warmth of the other and the knowledge that they were finally, undeniably, home.
............
Kita: How did you know to find me here?
I remembered you once mentioned your brother found you here. I guessed your old home must be nearby.
As she spoke, they wandered past Kiro and the palace guards returning to their posts. When the guards moved to seize Mulyn, Kita’s curiosity flared. "Who is that?" she asked.
Lana: That is Mulyn. Let's just say there is much we need to discuss.
...............................................................................
Mara lingered in the study, steeling herself for her brother’s verdict. But when the door creaked open, it was Lana who entered, catching her utterly by surprise.
Mara: What are you doing here?!
Lana: I am here to tell you that your plan has failed.
Mara: Why do you have to always be in the way?
Lana: Why do you always have to hate me?
Mara: Why do I have to hate you? she said angrily. You always got all the attention from our family. You are not even their real daughter, and yet they loved you more.
Lana: How did they treat me differently?
Mara: What’s the point? You never see things from my side! You always brush it off, just like you always do.
You say they gave me everything, but I always turned it down. They pitied me for being adopted and tried to make up for it. It’s not my fault that our parents treated me differently.
Mara stood in silence, shame washing over her as an unwelcome memory surfaced.
Did something happen? Lana asked, sensing Mara’s shifting emotions.
Whatever. Just leave me alone.
In the end, you were wrong to try to harm a child.
Surprised, Mara blurted, "What are you talking about? I would never harm a child."
Lana sighed. "Then what do you call this? You held a child hostage just to gain power."
"I..." Mara faltered, pausing as Lana’s words sank in.
Lana: Sigh... I never wanted things to end like this between us. Mother has already sent Mulyn, Duke Pence, and Monroe to Ravenwood for punishment. She chose Dracu Hollow for you. I do not know what awaits you there, but I hope you find your way.
Lana left the room, her heart weighed down by sorrow for what had come between her and Mara. She had kept her promise to their mother. Moments later, the guards arrived to take Mara away.
......
Lana stepped onto the balcony and found Ray waiting. She could sense his nerves as she approached.
Lana, I... Ray hesitated. I wanted to apologize for what happened long ago. I do not know what else to say, but I had to try.
Lana stopped him. "Honestly, I already forgave you. I was more worried you might ask me to be your wife. You have grown, Ray."
"Yeah, I have," Ray laughed. "I know now what I did was wrong, and I see the consequences it brought to our family and the kingdom."
Thank you, Ray. I hope our friendship can continue. Besides, I know the perfect wife for you.
Yeou entered the room, and Lana slipped out, leaving the couple alone. As Yeou and Ray talked, a distant joy warmed Lana’s heart. At the exit, Kita waited. "You ready to go?"
Yes! It is time to start our life over in Enkanto Karri and discover my truth.
Kita: Let's say goodbye to your mother first.
You are so sweet, Lana said, kissing Kita’s cheek.
Lana set off on her journey with Kita, while a few months later, Ray made Yeou his empress, bringing joy to Mulan. Justice was served for all, but Mara faced the greatest punishment—or did she? There is more to come in her story.
It is good note Ray was cured from his illness due to the cure the gang obtain from Amie.
..........
In this scene, Revi sits down with her mother to share everything that has happened.
Revi: At last, Elise and her sister Elyisum are reunited. Their caretaker entrusted us with the task of finding a gentle home and a loving family for Elise and her child. (Revi deicded to keep silent about the fact that their brother still lives to avoid any conflicts.)
Meanwhile, Vivo remains at home with his wife, still stunned by the revelation that they just had twin boys.
Revi went on to describe how Princess Lana of Komomajo became our guiding light, leading us to the truth about Ghesaba and Ember's role in the spreading illness. We learned the Emperor himself had fallen to the sickness, and Ember had twisted the letters to keep us in the dark. Even with these shadows closing in, we managed to seize the cure.
Viva: What about Vervana?
Revi: Vervana and Cleo were both sent to Dracu Hollow, where the royal vampire family will see to their punishment. The vampires have their own methods of keeping them in check. You should receive updates about their fate soon.
Culla: Should we really trust the vampires?
Revi: Lord Beckham will be able to hold them in control. We can trust him.
Viva: I will stay in touch with him. I will also entrust Vivo with maintaining our communication and training the next heir to the throne.
Revi: How are you feeling?
Viva, amused by the question, replied, “You already knew I was ill.”
Revi: Yes, and I am not upset. I am just glad to have found the cure early enough before it took over.
Viva: I am doing okay. Just feel tired.
Culla: Revi, there is something we been meaning to talk to you about.
Revi: What is it?
Viva: You have a special gift that not many people have.
Revi: What gift?
Viva: The power of promotion?
Revi: Is that really that rare?
Culla: It is somewhat rare. Some can see only the past or the present, or just the future, but only by using objects or by touching the person. But you have the power to see all.
Revi's eyes widened in astonishment.
Revi: So what should I do with this?
Culla: You will find the answer in Enkanto Karri.
Revi: So I have to set out on another journey. I was really hoping for a moment of peace.
Viva: I understand this is tiring, but you could bring Verie along and perhaps turn it into a bit of a getaway. I will show you a shortcut later.
Revi: Alright, I will see you soon. For now, I need to rest.
Revi slipped quietly from the room, leaving Culla to step closer to Viva.
Culla: Are you sure about this?
Revi: Yes, we have no choice. I just hope she finds her answer in the new world.
.....................................
Nearly a year ago, Emperor Ray sent out a letter confirming Duke Monroe plans and her niece was married to a proper suitor.
Renee ponder out the window to the many plans she has for her daughter Alexia.
Let us not forget, Renee was never destined for the throne, yet fate’s unpredictable hand crowned her the final royal daughter.
K. C. Geno: Are you okay?
Queen Renee: Sigh... for now, yes. I received a letter from Emp. Ray that he will arrange a marriage for my niece, Kierra, with a suitor of her choosing.
Geno: Well, judging by how he treated you and your niece, he clearly has issues with fairies. by the way he treated you and your niece.
Renee rolled her eyes, knowing he meant no harm. Still, he had found her a worthy match and freed Kierra from a shadowy grip. With their marriage now sealed, perhaps Duke Monroe’s ambitions would finally be kept in check.
Geno: Renee, do you think, since our two children are married, we can go on vacation?
Renee: No, we cannot. We now have to think of our Heir, Alexia, prepare for her rule, and find her a proper partner. Isn’t your niece supposed to come to help us with that?
Geno: Yes, but I am not sure of the delay. Renee, maybe it's time we take a vacation. I think ..
Renee: I can’t. We have so much to do.
Geno: Renee, since we married, we had our children, and you been on speed in doing anything for this kingdom, and for helping our family become stronger, but I am concern over your mind.
Renee: If it makes you better, I will talk to the prior queen, and after we find a spouse for Alexia, we can take our vacation.
Geno: Alright, can you talk to her now?
Renee: Alright, my love, she said, giving him a gentle kiss.
As Renee wandered near the throne room, memories from the past eighteen years weighed on her. She recalled her last carefree days, realizing this was the price of her crown. Perhaps it was time to set new plans in motion.
Renee bumped into Cana. She bowed, “I am sorry, my queen, but someone is waiting for you in the ballroom.”
Renee: Thank you, Cana.
Cana left her son behind, their bond still frayed, longing for a fresh start in her new human life. She yearned for redemption, perhaps even love and family. Renee offered her a place as a lady-in-waiting, but romance continued to elude her.