FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Disclaimer: I do not own in any shape or form of any "Warriors of Virtue" franchise. I will not be profiting from this story in any way. However, every character not mentioned in either the movies or the books (yes there are books) is mine.

I do not have any rights to the music that is used.

I do not have the rights to the movie I borrowed from.

Chapter 10.1

The Sea Serpent

A/N** :** I did not realize this was a long ass chapter until I had to reread it. And then I tried to break it up. Nope still long. So, enjoy!

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Sarah did not realize she was alone when she was slowly waking up. It was brighter than before. She didn't know how long she was out too, but she was hoping she could find Yun.

Just as she was beginning to sit up Sarah placed her hand on the area where she had been stabbed just a couple days ago. There was a slight pain of remembrance of the time but it was healed. She remembered what Master Chung has said, and hoped she could help in finding out these Rat issue. They seem to be killing at random places, and still having no clue where they were coming from. She looked around her to examine the hut they crashed at. It reminded her of a Hawaii themed hotel. It was well kept, and yet it was care free of any electronics. It definitely looked like a vacational home with a few cabinets and weaved baskets to storage items. She guessed, because they lived right on the sea, everything was themed ocean like. Shells hung from other doorway spaces, few herbs and sea plants were drying near the walls and some storage places for clothes or food. Sarah slowly began to get up from the floor mat, which was still not easy. It was the feeling of a newborn baby or just getting back your legs after not walking on them for a month. Her wings were still a pain to handle, but she needed to find ways to just deal with them for now as long as she has them or solve the issue why she got them quicker. Just when she was about to leave the hut she bumps right into Hana.

"Oh I..I'm so sorry. I was just about to check up on you."

"Oh?"

She was dressed in this outfit that looked like dried seaweed, but soft enough to be silk. The colors were of the sea filled with beautiful shades of greens and blues.

"My Uncle and Master Yun are already down near the ports. I can take you there."

"Thank you. My name is Sarah by the way."

"Hana."

They both exchanged handshakes. She noticed that Hana had a very strong grip for a young girl. But, she guessed if you mostly been working all day you hardly notice the strength growth.

"Come on, they are waiting downstairs."

Hana was very fast moving down the stairs while Sarah was already running out of breath, and was a little worried she would lose her. As they were getting slower she saw Yun and Witfar standing near the edges peers that seem to go off onto a little beach. Yun had this grin on his face and just seemed to be different from when he was at Chung's LifeSpring. His attitude was just beaming being back home and talking with the villagers around him.

"How long will you be staying this time?"

"Unfortunately, this maybe a short visit. We are only here to find out some information. And I will be saddened to leave one's more." Yun nodded to his surroundings. "This place has grown even more beautiful than the last time I was here."

"Yes, our LifeSpring has grown even bigger and much healthier. But there is something else I would like to discuss with you. It is about the core of the LifeSpring."

Yun looked at Witfar with caution. But, before he spoke any further Witfar saw the girls getting closer and shouted out to them instead and waved to come over.

"Welcome Yun's companion," he announced with wide arms.

"I am sorry about earlier. Both of you seemed like you needed some rest before a proper greeting took place. We were not expecting anyone so soon. Let me introduce my niece again, Hana. She can dive great distances to harvest pearls, sponges, and seaweeds."

"You are a little late. We already introduced ourselves, thanks, Uncle."

"Well, sorry for trying." He struggled.

Sarah tried not to laugh. Their playful atmosphere was welcoming.

"Later tonight we will have a feast. Mayor Walroo will meet us later there to be introduced. He had some other business to attend to today, unfortunately," he said with his eyes rolling knowing what he actually is doing.

"Witfar, I am sure Sarah would love to see this place before we have to leave..." Yun intruded.

Yun wanted for Witfar to continue his question about the LifeSpring and noticed he seemed to not want to talk to anyone about it.

"Oh. Oh yes. We can't have someone visit and not experience the Lagoon LifeSpring. Hana, would you mind showing Ms. Sarah around then?"

"No, not at all. Come on. I can show you the best places."

She took Sarah's hand and pulled her in the direction on the beach.

As Hana showed Sarah around, who seemed to be in a really good mood, asking so many questions as they walked.

"You seem human, but you have wings. What kind of Warmblood are you?"

"Well, I am actually human that got enchanted by a cave." Looking a little embarrassed.

"Oh wow!" She said with wide eyes. "You are the second person I know this had happened to. There must be a lot of caves on land for this to happen."

"I wouldn't know. But, you are you referring to Ryan?"

"Yeah. He was very handsome for a Warmblood too, but then he changed back ones the Sea Serpent was defeated."

"Sea Serpent? I think Yun was saying a little about it."

"Last time Ryan and Yun were here they helped us get rid of a Sea Serpent terrorizing our village."

"What happened?"

"It was a big event. Ryan risked his life for me and Yun closed up his mouth for good!" She said with confidence.

"Because he can not harm us any longer you can sometimes see his shadow from the Crow's Nest swimming by, but still doesn't do anything."

"We can go there next if you are ok with that. I wouldn't mind seeing this Sea Serpent."

"Alright. Fair warning it is up very high."

"Then I guess I have to keep myself from falling or at least catching the wind," she laughed.

Hana laughed too. So, the girls started making their way to a corner of the LifeSpring. In order to even get to where they needed to go, several flights had to be conquered. Going so high, fine mist touched their skins from the fountain falls. First making their way up a rope ladder, which was a little shaky. Then once they got to the top of the spindled branch Hana was heading towards a blue pod of hardened coral. It looked ancient, and cracked in half, like a broken Easter egg.

"And this is the Crow's Nest."

Hana jumped over to the sparkling walls.

"I just love to come up here and look at how far the seas and lands can go."

Sarah walked over to Hana's side and looked out. The wind was just enough to feel and smell the cool oceans. Her wings seemed to have lowered enough not to be too much of a bother in the wind.

"I can see why."

"You see down there is our school," she pointed out to Sarah far below. Where some rows of low buildings, all the way on the other side of the lagoon, she finally spotted to the building Hana meant.

"Komodo's reign was brutal to our village, but we rebuilt. And now we have more classes to teach others than ever before. Like agriculture, marine biology, herpetology, and botany." She seemed to be getting excited thinking about it all. "I mean there is so much to know and on top off discovering more."

Sarah looks at Hana for a moment with a smiling face. She could see the twinkles in her eyes, but that could also be the Zubrium affecting it. She also wondered what it would be like teaching here. They all seemed very interested in learning from all ages of young or old, animal or human. But, yet again it seems too good to be true.

They just stood there looking out for a while quietly.

"Can you swim?" Hana all of a sudden said.

"I am a fantastic swimmer, but I haven't tried with these wings yet."

"Well let's try. I can show you all the best places to swim at. I also have a change of clothes for you when we are done."

They started making their way down, but instead of heading back into the village Hana started taking Sarah more towards the village cliffs edges at the bottom. There was a well-made path on the way until she got to a halt. The path then looked like it broke into two other directions, one to the top of the cliff's edge and the other looked like it headed down and around to the bottom of the cliffs beach. Hana started walking to the cliff top.

Is she going to do what I think she is about to do?

Sarah slowly walks next to Hana thinking she was crazy, but kids her age risked anything.

"We are not too high, but there is still plenty of space in the water not to hit anything. The water is so deep at this end of the cliffs."

She lends over a little looks down and looks at Hana

"Comforting!" She said sarcastically said.

"To get your wings a little wet why not start a competition?"

"Of what?"

"Well, we can see who can dive the farthest?"

That would really be testing her skills with wings. Diving in and then trying to swim. How could she just ask that so quickly? But, Sarah guessed she had to start somewhere and push herself just to try. She knew she may not win the competition and that didn't matter, but to at least try was getting somewhere. Before Sarah could say anything Hana just jumps right down into the waters letting out a "wahoo" on the way down. Her hair was rushing up from the fall, and the moment she hits the waters it was a gentle splash. Sarah would give that a 7 for landing with grace, but her form was so free it was funny. Sarah was just about to go when she rethinks the competition. Her heart starts beating rapidly.

Just try. No harm done. Right?

She backed up a little, took off her boots, grabbed her wings as best as she could around, and just before she jumped off she closed her eyes and down she went. The moment she hit the water, just as she predicted, her wings got in the way. Her hands could not hold the strength against the impacted. Her jump may not have gone far under, but far enough to struggle under the surfaces. Letting go of her wings they spread wide open, and just as she let the vertigo slowly pass she tries to frog kick her way up. However, the wings were keeping her in place and she was losing air fast trying to use her muscles.

Hana wondered what was going on until she popped her head underneath. Seeing Sarah struggle she dived down, grabbed onto Sarah's closet arm, and helped pull her way up. Just in the nick of time. Sarah was taking back in all her air and trying to stay afloat, which was slightly easier for some reason.

"Maybe we can rethink the challeng," Hana said with a half smile and second guessing herself look.

"I think that's a good idea."

"This way to the shore."

Both girls paddled to some rocky steps to getting out. Sarah was a little slower with wings dragging things slower for her. She felt so useless. The edges of the icky steps acted like climber rails with just enough grip to pull yourself out.

"Sorry about that."

"It's all right. I just think I need more practice on my own before doing another challenge."

They both laughed as they were catching their breaths.

"We have an area for kids to practice swimming if you would like to see if that works?"

"Hmm, is there just a place that's deep enough for me to try diving privately?"

"Well, we do have a small fishing area that is hardly used. The dock should still be safe to use and hold on it if you wanted. There is a few building surrounding it too, but nobody is in them."

"Actually, that sounds perfect."

* * *

Hana walked Sarah over to the area that she was talking about earlier near the village. She was right. Because people didn't walk much in the area natural overgrowth habitat was crawling everywhere of wooden huts. It really didn't look bad just abandon. Coral didn't reach out in that direction so they seemed to make small huts out of wood that had fallen away instead of them cutting them down. It looked like Sarah was going to get the privacy she wanted so she didn't feel like she was being laughed at.

"This use to be a fun place to hang out, but even after the Sea Serpent was defeated the fear still lingers here, you know."

"If this was cleaned up again maybe people would come back."

"Maybe."

"If you want I am just going to practice here then, at least I am close by and not in any danger."

"Very true, and are you sure you want to be alone? I can help you practice...."

"No, I know how to swim, it's trying to swim with wings I have never had before. So getting new limbs needs to be practiced before I can do anything with them."

"Well if you need anything I will be near the pool where we most dive for items."

"Where is that again?"

"It's right by the center coral you can't miss it."

After that, Hana waved to Sarah and walked off.

* * *

Sarah walked over to one of the docks, looking down into the waters. She observed the clear waters for a while, but then jumped right in. She wasn't diving deep quite yet. Just getting the wings wet again and seeing how they can move within the waters which would be a good start for her. The water was just so perfect here. She guessed it was the right season there or because of the LifeSpring. Not too cold or warm. There was an occasional cold spot that went by, but nothing too much for her body to handle. She tried so hard. The wings just keep stopping her from moving so fast. It was like swimming with heavy clothes on. She grabbed one of the beams that reached deep into the waters to hold up the buildings, and pushed herself under water, and then tried opening up the wings to push herself back up to the surface. She tried closing her wings to swim like a frog to the surface, but she always ended up wasting so much energy and needing the beams help in order to pull herself up again. What was she doing wrong? What other ways can she find out how to swim with these god damn wings? She thought she watched enough Discovery Channel shows to figure out how to possibly getting something functioning right. They seemed to beat at wrong moments or moved awkwardly, but there was no force behind it.

Deep below the waters, the colors began to change into dark shadows and slowly growing. Unaware to Sarah it began to get closer and closer. The object's shape was massive covering around Sarah's area and a few other spots. Its shape was becoming more defined. Its sleek body was like a giant snake making figure eight patterns under the waters. The waves around Sarah seemed to have gotten quiet. It was like all creatures close by the area, including the waters, knew what was coming and waited with patience. Sarah tried to float on the surface quietly. She looked around her with caution. Just as her eyes came back to her front looking around there it was. Staring straight back at her with these red eyes. Like an alligator as partial of its head appeared above the surface. It was looking right at her as Sarah stared right back. All she could think was she was in big trouble and it would be too late to try and get help from here. Slowly it's head began to rise out of the waters.

It's scales shimmered down its spine giving off colors like seaweed.

It had fins on the side like eels. Droplets of water ran down its catfish whiskers, and the small streams fell down its crocodile-like jaws.

All along down its body, it seemed to still be moving even though his head remained in place just watching her.

It's body popped up from the surface in a few places near platforms, but its tail seemed to be resting on top of the platform as if using it to keep a base grip to his position. Was this the Sea Serpent that the villagers are afraid of? At first, her heart was racing, but she noticed he wasn't doing anything, but looking down at her. It might have a scary face, but it wasn't doing anything else. Then she noticed it. She looked carefully at his mouth.

"Are you hurt?"

A black liquid was dripping in some places where this string like net was through its lips keeping it slightly closed. It then lowers it's head again into the waters only keeping parts of its head above the surface. Circling around her it did not seem to want to hurt her, but acted like it was curious, and she was curious to know why it has not attacked yet. It then stops right in front of Sarah's face. It's hot breath snorted out through its nostrils creating a little steam twirl passed Sarah. What was it waiting for? Then its eyes seem to look at her wings for just a sec and then back at her. She watched it careful. He seemed to have moved its eyes the same way several times back and forth at her.

"Are you looking at my wings?"

It then did something that was interesting that Sarah noticed. It nodded. It was communicating to her the best it could quietly. She then tried to turn around to show the Serpent a better look at the wings.

"Are you curious of them?"

It did not move it's head this time, but continued to look at the wet drooping things.

"Do you know how I can swim with them?"

It still did not say anything again, but it did look back at Sarah as if it was trying to figure out what she said.

"Why am I asking you? I don't think you have even seen wings before let alone know how to swim with them." She seemed to have given up.

But, then it came closer to Sarah nodding its head at her wings with its nose. It seemed to be trying to move the wings in a certain position. It opened one wing, and pushed the other to match sides. Once it looked like it was satisfied it backed up a little and then did a little dig with its nose and brought it right back up pointing to the sky. It looked back at Sarah waiting for something. When Sarah did not move it tried to the same motions again. Finally, it clicked to Sarah that it was trying to tell her something to try.

"You want me to try and dive under with the wings like this?"

It did the motion again.

"Alright. Alright, I will try it your way."

She tries a few times, but she still has trouble. She isn't diving, but only making splashes. The frustrations begin to show again on her face.

"This isn't working," she spat quietly.

Without her realizing it the Serpent was right behind her nudging at her wings again. She turned her head and saw he wanted her to open the wings up more, but at her shoulders. She had an epiphany. She tried to concentrate and make her wings press against her shoulders, and open the wings slightly about arm's length. Once she was ready she gave the diving a go again. This time she dived down like she used to, but slower and with heavy wings. But, as she got under she noticed this position also gave her the room to also be able to push herself in any direction. It was like the plane's flaps. In order to use them right, they needed to be at the right angle to catch the right flow. Science. She knew she needed practice controlling the wings directions and power thrust, but this was progress. She pushed herself back up to the surface to have the Serpent still looking down at her. She felt a little awkward like she needed to repay it after she was struggling so much.

"Thank you," she said shyly.

It didn't move. She was really feeling awkward now.

"Is there anything I can do to repay you for helping"

Just then it looked like its eyes got wide for a second. It then lends in close to Sarah and turned to the side. It slightly opened its lips the best it could and showed his tongue could barely get through. She got closer to see it was a thick thread that was double knotted alone his mouth lining. She slowly touched this face with care. His eyes slightly closed from the gentle touches to it. Some of the areas that were sewn small black liquid that she saw earlier was slowly stopping. It might have been stressing it's mouth out earlier for some reason. Maybe to catch some seafood. She then wondered if should she free him from the pain to at least give some thanks from her to it in this way. It's the least she could do. She made up her mind. She just hoped she didn't make the wrong choice, but she was willing to deal with it. The Serpent the villagers were talking about did not seem the same creature that was helping her. She looked around her on the top deck to see if there was a knife of some sort nearby. Right on a small hut's wall, there was a net hanging and right next to it was this sharp long glittering rock blade. She swam to some dock steps and pulled herself up. With a heavy wet body, she walked over to the blade, pulled it off the wall hanging by a string and jumped right back into the waters. It didn't move, but just watched her. She swam back over to its face, reached up with one hand to one of the strings and slowly began to cut away. The moment the first string was cut the Sea Serpent howled a little like a banshee, but mostly complained like a child getting a shot. It didn't move away from Sarah just complained of the cutting tugs.

"Oh stop that baby. I haven't pulled anything." She needed to distract it so it's focus was not on her cutting. "When I was little I had gotten stitches before," she pointed right in the middle of her forehead. "Right here. It was in such a sensitive area they had to numb my face."

The next few cuts that were made little whimpers were heard, and then half way done it didn't make a sound, but seemed to be watching her carefully. She was down to the last cut.

"Alright. This next part I will help remove the strings so they don't get infected. I'm sure the seawater will hell with the healing as well." She gently rubbed its neck, "I don't know if you can understand me, but please bare with me."

She really hoped it understood her because she knew this next step might be painful. She held its jaw gently with her left hand and grabbed the first string with her right. She looked into its eyes one more time to see if it was ready. She guessed it was ready as it would ever be, that she knew of. She took a deep breath and pulled the first one out as gently as possible. It closed its eyes tight, but it didn't move away from her, nor made a sound.

I guess you do understand.

One by one she pulled them all out. Ones every string was gone she cupped some water and gently poured it over its wounds and cleaned off the dry black liquid, which she presumed to be its blood. After it was all over it just looked at her for a moment just looking like it thought, but instead of doing anything it just dived underneath the waters and never saw it again that day or the following days. It just swam away deep below with no hostility. Sarah just watched the spot it disappeared from as she just floated there on the waters for awhile.

"Your Welcome," she thought with sarcasm.

A few moments later Hana showed up.

"Hey! How goes the practicing?"

Sarah followed the direction she heard her from and looked up. She swam over to the closest ladder and began to climb up it.

"Actually, I think I am making great progress," as she said dripping wet.

Hana looked at Sarah and wanted to laugh.

"I think we need to get you some extra clothes to wear as yours are dry."

She looked down to see her clothes pretty much sticking to her like a second skin.

"And somehow figure out how to dry your wings."

* * *

"They may be a little tight on you, but it's the best I can do for the moment because of your wings," Hana said behind the changing panels.

"I know and thank you. They are just causing all kinds of problems. Alright, I'm about to come out now." As she said behind the panel doors to change.

It was a simple skylight blue color robe with ocean blue trims on the cuffs, lower shirt, collar, and sash. It seemed to have the same idea as the Ancient Chinese Han Dynasty styles for women.

"Wow. You were in luck. The back had a nasty tear in the back, and I was planning to fix it sometime. But, this fits you perfectly. First dress I have ever had that's not made from seaweed too."

For some reason when Sarah is around Hana she makes her feel young again. She may only be about 10 years older than her, but it's like all the adult worries are gone and she could just be herself. Hana was also dressed differently than the one she had on before. It was still a greenish color, but this style was almost looking like Sarah's as well. Maybe it was a special occasion. Hana thought so.

"Isn't this too much?" Feeling a little embarrassed.

"Not at all because tonight, for our guests, we are having a fest."

Hana took in a deep breath, "Alright, here we go."

She grabbed Sarah and started to pull her down to the hall where everyone brought the food. Hana was just shining with excitement. They don't usually get many guests, and to have events like these are rare too. They finally got to the hall doors and Hana was just in all smiles and giggles. Sarah didn't know why her heart was beating so fast. So many people and she knew they were going to be watching her, but it was nothing new to her classes or Open Houses from school. Yun and herself were the honored guests to the village. Her wings bent down a little almost folding in more to hide. They stepped inside.

Just as Sarah and Hana were walking in Yun looked up after sharing some laughter with a few Warmbloods, and his Professor around him. The moment his eyes saw Sarah his laughter faded. His eyes could not stop looking at her in her blue dress. Her dress seemed to bring out her eyes greatly with passion, and her hair seemed to glitter from the LifeSpring waters. Hana spotted Yun's table and pushed Sarah over there. Yun stood up and bowed with grace towards the women.

"Everyone I present Sarah," Hana gestured to Sarah for the villagers at the table.

Yun was still in awe by Sarah.

"Oh, Wonderful. We can now start the festivities." A Walrus like Warmblood said.

With his Chubby belly, he tries to stand up between tables. He tries to clear his throat to get everyone's attention. It was Mayor Walroo of this village. His droopy face held whisker-like mustache that covered over his big tusks. As he spoke it was a deep like rumble that could be heard anywhere in the room. He introduced Yun, who got up and bowed again and sat right back down, the Great Warrior of Virtue that saved the village from the evil Sea Serpent, and Sarah his current traveling companion. She didn't feel like standing again and just waved her hand to everyone just one time of her position. Once his little speech was done Mayor Walroo began walking back to his seat and began the feast. Long tables were set up in the big hall for everyone to be seated at and share the food down the lines. Almost everything on the table came from the sea or helped combined the grounded foods together for salads. Sarah noticed just like Chung's LifeSpring village nothing was killed there, either grown or made and cooked together. Seeing all these different foods she could write the most uniquely healthy cookbook. Every recipe would be very healthy as well.

A Mountain Lion Warmblood a little down the table from Yun and Sarah politely interrupted the conversations.

"Sarah is it? I heard you were given a tour of our town. What do you think of it so far? Seen anything you shouldn't have?" He chuckled.

"Manners Taloon. Forgive him Sarah, being a council member sometimes goes to his head," Witfar said.

"It's alright. The views are fantastic here, and it almost gives off as a vacational spot."

"Well, we actually did use to get quite a bit of tourist to our parts before. But, we are slowly bouncing back."

"I noticed. Still, a beautiful place to be."

More of Walroo's councilors seemed to be interested in what Sarah thought of their place. Would more people want to come there? Was the food good enough? Were the clothes interesting enough to trade again? One by one around the tables they could not stop asking so many questions. They were all in good spirits, but Yun thought it was enough of them to stop cornering Sarah and just eat and enjoy everyone else's company.

"Alright everyone, your food is going to go bad if you keep asking so many questions."

Sarah looked at Yun and mouthed out "Thank You" to him silently, and he bowed his head back to her in response. Half way through the meal Hana wanted to know how Sarah's practice went.

"Actually very well. I even got help from an unexpected guest from the waters."

That seemed to get some ears attentions as they continued to eat, but didn't say anything yet.

"Oh?" Hana sounded intrigued.

"Yeah, this...I guess serpent-like creature helped me understand or better yet, remind me about the flow of wings in water and the use of kinetics."

That stopped a few people eating and looking shocked at Sarah.

"The Sea Serpent?" Hana asked.

"The Serpent that terrorized our village?" A council member spoke up too.

"Well...I don't know if it was that one because this one was very kind. It took the time and patience of working with me. It did not speak, but still communicated." She was getting a little worried now.

Hana, Witfar, Yun, Taloon, and a few others around were surprised that the serpent came up to her and was so gentle. But she did not tell them she also released his mouth based on their reaction so far. She just hoped she didn't make a mess of things for the doing so.

"Maybe this isn't the same Sea Serpent."

"Could there really be others?"

"Should we hunt this one down too?"

"It didn't eat me that's for sure, so I wouldn't say it was bad. Its eyes seemed very content with its surrounding and no malice behaviors."

"Please, if Sarah says there is nothing to worry about, I believe her. We will be here for a few more days just to be safe."

Hearing Yun speak seemed to quiet a few of the talkers, but some like Taloon did not seem convinced. But, the feast still went on. Everyone continued to laugh, eat, and when everything was all finished everyone went to their huts to sleep. Mayor Walroo showed them to a different hut, well made, for guests then staying with instead of being with Witfar and Hana for several nights making it an even smaller space for everyone to rest. Hana gave Sarah back her clothes once they were dry after the dinner feast, but they were still just a little damp, so she decided to wear them just yet. Beds were made as well for them. They might have been low to the ground, but were still very nice and soft cots to rest on. Sarah didn't want to go to sleep in the beautiful dress robes, but she didn't have much privacy to change back into her other clothes, and they still needed some time to dry too. She would have preferred just underwear, but she needed to be modest sharing a room. Yun was already lying in his cot across the room, and Sarah was just getting into hers.

"You look very beautiful tonight."

She looked up and over to Yun. He didn't seem to be looking her way, but looking up at the roof.

"Thank...you..." she questioned.

There was a small pause between them.

"I do want to apologize about what happened in the hall."

"Yun, no it's ok..."

"No, we should not have questioned you like that..."

"Yun...," she tries to get his attention "It's. Ok. Everyone has been frightened."

She sits down on the cot and looks at him.

"I haven't met this other Sea Serpent, but all I know of the small details that you and the villagers have said and that this one was different. I don't know what it was, but this beast seemed gentle and patient. It may not be a sea serpent at all. Does that sound like the one from before?"

"Quite the opposite."

Now she knew she really couldn't tell them. It was most likely The Sea Serpent because of their fear, but it did seem to have changed based on the action descriptions, but most people would jump to conclusions before finding the truth. She would tell Yun later, but for now, she needed everyone to believe the lie. She had to be sure herself she didn't make the wrong choice.

"I don't know how long we can stay, but we can always make sure it's safe. Maybe my wings attracted a different kind, or it's been here the whole time, but it doesn't really bother anyone."

"It is very possible. The quake I told you about could have released more that we may not know of."

After a while, they both went to sleep. The night was quiet and yet still full of life. Small waves sounded in the distance. A cool breeze passed through the open windows. When Sarah was completely asleep Yun sat up and looked over to her.

"You may not know this, little bird, but as you grow you are changing the world around you." He got up from his cot and walked over to her and gently brushed her hair. "And I seem to be caught deeper and deeper into your waters."

* * *

It was the second full day there, and still no signs of the Sea Serpent. It was a nice clear day. So Sarah sat by the edge of the docks dangling her feet over the waters holding the Manuscript. Yun seemed to be asking anyone in his village who might have traveled anywhere to have heard of the Rat infestation in other places. She was not getting anywhere close on her part with find out who might be the next person to help Tao from this village. It could be anyone anywhere, but what way was there to find them or even if she was on the right track? She had tried holding it open as she walked by people to see if anything appeared setting off like an alarm. Nothing. She also tried casually touching people with its covers. Zero reactions. She couldn't figure out what else to do. So far she was still the only one to see its pages, besides Ryan. Yun said it could not be Ryan because he was the one to bring it back to Tao, and finished his Manuscript journey. Tao may only need him for other adventures, but for now, it was not calling him back. It called Sarah this time to help.

For a moment she just had the Manuscript open in front of her not really looking at the pages. She was too deep in thought to notice anything around her. As she was not paying much attention a little girl in a light-colored sea dress poked her head over Sarah's shoulder to see what she was doing. Her wings were low and hugging the grounds again, so they were not in the way. Sarah didn't notice her at first, but something snapped her out of it and then she looked over.

"Wha' cha' readin'?" A light cheerful voice she had.

Sarah looked at the child. She saw these big blues eyes staring back down at her with so much curiosity. Sarah smiled at her, and then looked at the book in her lap. She loved to have fun with children and expand their imagination.

"Oh, just a story about a dragon, and a princess..."

"A dragon? Where?"

The little one brightened up and got excited wanting to hear more, but still seemed a little scared.

"Where? Can I see?"

Sarah's wings seemed to hug the girl to her body and she pointed on the pages.

"There, you can't see them?"

"I don't see anything."

"Oh? They are right there. Sitting by the warm fires." She pointed to on the page.

The little girl tried to look very hard, but still, could not see anything.

"I still don't see. What are they doing?" The child continued. She knew she could not see anything and started being creative and making up stories as she went along.

"They're exchanging adventures."

"The Princess has adventures?"

"Of course, over here she is telling about her faraway travels and distance lands." She pretended there was a map on the next page as she glides her fingers across.

"What about the dragon?"

"Such a fierce beast, but he enjoys her company for talks too."

She told the little girl of brave stories and sad short stories. After a while more children around started popping up listening on the stories that were going on, and moved in closer to the dock.

The children start laughing and enjoying the stories being told by Sarah. They were so engaged they started sitting down and making a circle around her.

In a distance, Yun walks with Witfar and Mayor Walroo about the village. He had been taking on this task ever since he arrived. Witfar was helpful and was more than happy to help. They talked to many villagers about any strange issues, or if they had heard anything from anywhere. They kept an open ear for the Sea Serpent as well. As they were getting closer he looks to the side from their conversation to see these group of kids all piled together just laughing and having a good time. But, they seemed to be stacked on each other. Then all of a sudden these giant white wings widely spread out pushing some of the children back, but others stayed on tight by holding onto the back legs or arms. He knew only one person with those wings. They were all still merrily laughing. Out of reaction, Yun grinned at the scene without knowing. Sarah seemed to have attracted all the children's attention with her electric ambiance of laughter as she worked well with them. That was a good trait to have he thought. Innocense.

"Excuse me for a moment Mayor it would seem my friend is being attacked and may need some assistance." He told without taking his eyes off her.

Witfar looked over to where Yun was referring to.

"If you think you can handle them," he chuckled.

In the distances, they could hear Sarah trying to rawr her best impression of a dragon or big beast. Yun silently sneaks up on the group as they were all distracted by Sarah. With his fur almost the color of the wood and his clothing matching the waters, he crept in like a ninja. When he was close enough he jumps scare the children with his impression of a "rawr". His voice was richly deep pierce that almost shocked you to the bone. Which was scary enough for most of the children to run away from Sarah, but still laughing, while others clung on to Sarah still for safety. It scared her a little because it was unexpected but laughter it off when seeing who it was.

"Now look what you have done." She laughed about as she slowly stood up.

"I was trying to get them off, and now you made them cling right back on," she said as she was pointing to the little ones at her sides, feet, and behind her wings.

He looked and smiled, "my apologies," he said bowing.

He looked on at the situation again and knelt to one knee at the children's heights.

"Do you mind if I may take Miss Sarah for awhile?"

All the children around looked up at each other almost like they didn't need to talk to understand what they all thought. Then a little girl from behind spoke. It was the little girl that befriended Sarah first. She was so quiet, but it was the cutest mouse-like voice you have ever heard.

"If you promise to protect her from dragons," she squeaked.

"On my honor, she will not be harmed of any dragons," Yun said as he held up his right hand for a promise then over his heart and bowed to the little girl.

"OK!"

Then they all ran away full of mirth. But, the little one that talked was now tugging on Sarah's dress. Noticing the pull she bent down to the little girls level as she was signaled for her to get closer for a secret. Sarah leaned in her ear as the little girl cupped her voice.

"I hope the Princess finds someone to share her adventures with," was all she said before running off with the others.

"You are such a charmer," Sarah said beaming at Yun as she began standing up again and he stood up as well.

"I do try," he replied back with a smug attitude. "Do you mind walking with me this afternoon?"

Yun held out his hand waiting patiently for Sarah's response. She walked up gently accepting his offer.

"Where did you have in mind," she said as Yun tenderly locked arms with her.

"In just a couple of hours the sun will begin to set and I would appreciate it if you could accompanying me for a walk along the shores."

"I wouldn't mind that at all."

If Sarah looked deep into Yun's eyes at that moment she would have seen his eyes glowed with hope. Others that were still looking on at the scene from afar could tell Yun became brighter by just his posture. He straightens up with glee as they began to walk away and talk about her time there so far.

"Come on Walroo. Let's leave Yun alone for the moment," Witfar uttered as he ushered the Mayor away patting his thick and rough walrus-like skin into the direction they just came from.

(Sarah's iPod: Danilo Tomic - Espirito Dos Vales 2:00)

The sky began to turn its shades of purples, pinks, and blues as the sun was setting. Yun and Sarah were slowly walking close to the waters. The calming sounds of the waves coming in and out, the silent smooth sounds the sand made as they both walked barefoot, and the cool breeze as the wind gently passing through giving Yun the confidence to talk with Sarah on a personal level. They had been there for a couple days now, but had the misfortune not showing Sarah his village himself. However, he is taking this opportunity now to show Sarah a wonderful phenomenon that happens nightly that she did not get to see when they arrived. To fill the time he conversed with Sarah on her time here at his village. She told him how wonderful it was there, and that this place was in great awe. His village was a small Utopia. Everyone worked together, pulled their own weight helping each other, and most of the village kept in communication about all events. Yun was pleased to hear she was enjoying herself there, but he also announced to Sarah that they will be leaving tomorrow. There wasn't any information nearby about the Rat issues and they needed to continue the search and get back to Master Chung's village. She understood, but was glad to have experienced the village a little. They had stopped shortly, and sat on a nearby log that seemed to have washed up on the shore many moons ago, and it was just laying there drying off wishing for some company on the beach.

As the sun was finally setting below the ocean, Yun pointed out silently to Sarah.

"Now watch carefully right over there," he pleasantly spoke.

Just as the sky began to darken she looked out to see the stunning scene unfold. As small gentle waves rolled up onto the beach shores moving neon blue luminescences appeared. Soon every wave that moved closer to the beaches glowed so beautifully. It reminded Sarah of an article she read about bioluminescent tides in San Diego that occurred. But, Yun was explaining that the Zubrium sometimes floats to the surface from the LifeSpring and that as some get carried out to sea some of it comes back. When there is just enough friction the Zubrium glows for a short time and then fades until the next occurring waves. Yun watching Sarah in amazement at the scenery. Everything was so beautiful, and he would not have any other way. Just as he looked down at a receded wave a plumeria like-flower washed onto the sands. He plugged it from the ground with his tail and brought it up to his hands. He looked over at Sarah and gently reached over to place the flower delicately behind her left ear. It was white petaled, but had the Zubrium on its edges gave it a shimmering blue. She was looking more and more angelic. He also noticed more baby blue color was filling into your eyes than before. She looked up at Yun who was focused all upon her.

"A Tail is a very useful appendage. You never waste movement if you have one," he said with a benevolent smile. "Your wings can be the same way."

Her hand slowly raised to the flower, but end up gently touching over Yun's hand. Her heart began to pound fast. Moments passed as they had moved closer together he slowly puts his other arm around her waist.

"Thank you," she quietly said.

She didn't even know she said anything with her heart beating so loudly in her ears. As her other hand softly touching his chest he glides his hand down from her ear to her neck. Fur mixed with gentle paws sending shivers down her spine. Even her wings reacted by pulling in closer. Their bodies moved ever so leisurely closer.

"Hey, you are about to miss the event," a strong voiced-shouted out down towards Sarah and Yun.

That seemed to have broken the spell between the two that was growing more with every tensive moment. Her wings even fluffed out from the abrupt interruption. They both pulled away almost feeling a little embarrassed about the scene. Sarah's heart was beating so fast she laughed nervously. It was Hana that called out to them waving her arms to signal their attention to her position.

"Come on!" She screamed.

"Oh, that is right. The village wanted to put on a special event before we left." He said sheepishly forgetting what Major Walroo told him just not too long ago.

"Oh?" She said still with little-shaken nerves.

"I hope you like it. Sometimes we hold events and tell stories with a dance." He held out his arm once more for her to grab. "Shall we?"

She looked up at Yun once more before grabbing a hold of his arm, and they walked back up to the village.

(Sarah's iPod: Silk and Bamboo Ensemble - Dance of the Yao People)

When they got to the spot, with Hana leading the way, it looked to be set up for a small stage performance with fire posts for lighting all around, and a colorful cloth for a background set. A few of the villagers, on their knees, sat on the upper center part of the stage holding handmade instruments. They were dressed very similar to each other. While two other villagers stood in the center stage dressed very elaborate in their masks, and you knew they were two different characters. Hana pulled Sarah and Yun to their reserved spots. They were not very close to the stage, but close enough for details in the characters. They were also given seats for comfort, and a few other elderlies got a seat and Mayor's council members. The rest was either standing on the outside lines, or sitting with the children on the grounds ready to enjoy the show. As everyone settled the music began and the dancers told it's story. As they watched it reminded Sarah of the N?h dances from the Japanese culture. However, this was a story from their own village that showed of Yun and Ryan's bravery defeating the Sea Serpent. It showed how furious the Sea Serpent seemed it was to the villagers, and that Yun and Ryan were like Super Martial Arts Heroes. Once in awhile Sarah tried to peek over at Yun to only find him looking at her as well. He knew the story, but it seemed as though he was watching her and waiting for reactions to scenes. When it did get to the part where it showed "Yun" sewing the Sea Serpent's mouth she could almost feel the pain it felt as she was discovering it could barely open its mouth. She remembered back at the docks with it. It seemed the Sea Serpent wanted attention from the villagers, but took it's action out in a non-virtuous way by scary everyone and demanding the prettiest woman for sacrifice. Everyone enjoyed the show, and as the dance ended everyone clapped and started to slowly make their way to the eating hall again. The whole hall talked about the show. It was a spectacular event that is rarely shown, and they were all happy to have been able to see it. The band and the performers were almost like rock stars of the night as they walked by shaking hands and getting pats on the backs. As the night slowed to a finish everyone went back to their homes to sleep off another successful day.

Sarah and Yun walked back to their hut together, but did not say anything else. Just as they entered Yun turned to Sarah and was about to say something, but then stop and instead said...

"Good night, Sarah."

And then walked over to his cot and went to bed without any farther sayings. Sarah looked a little disappointed and said her good night as well to him and went to bed. But, she did not fall asleep so quickly that night. So many things were running through her head. Like, could she be falling for Yun? Could the Sea Serpent have changed and has it? What was she going to do with all these emotions running through her? She highly doubted the book was going to help, so she tried her best to rest. She tried just telling her to calm down, don't worry about it, don't think about it, and go to sleep. She closed her eyes and laid on her side.

* * *

(Two Hours Later)

(Sarah's iPod: Empusae - Into The Abyss of the Forest)

She ended up not getting much sleep period. Sometimes her mind would be playing the beach scene over and over making her heart beat so much. Her blood pumping so quickly it was hard to fall asleep. She couldn't go out for a run to try to wear herself out because she didn't know her way around and everything looks different in the dark. She would get lost quickly. Possibly staying up all night trying to find her way back after trying to fall asleep to only end up not at all. It wasn't worth it, but she wasn't getting anyway either.

Yun also was not sleeping. He noticed she was still awake also. He'd hoped he wasn't the cause of it and she was regretting things. But, he got up anyway, reached in his bag and made some more of his herbal tea. Walked over to Sarah's cot and kneeled down.

"Here. Drink." Holding the cup out to her.

She turned over and saw the sad concern in his eyes, and took the cup. Was he feeling regret on what happened now? This was totally confusing the crap out of her. She thanked Yun for the cup and didn't ask any questions, but as soon as she took the first sip she got drowsy quickly and went to sleep. He gently took the cup from her hands before any spilled.

"I apologize for your restless mind," he whispered to her.

He got up after pulling the sheets over her and walked out to the huts rails. It was a beautiful starry night. The clouds slowly moved along, and he could slightly hear the creatures of the night catching their nightly supper. The waves barely moved so the ocean stayed quiet and calm. He stretched out and grabbed the rails with both his paw like hands and bent over as if about to pray still holding on to rails. He took a few more minutes taking in deep breaths before pulling back up and then just leaning on the rails and looked out again as he exhaled. For awhile he just looked out into the dark oceans and breathed in the salty air.

Moments go by.

He needed to tell her.

* * *

By morning, the bell was chiming in the highest towers of coral again as the rainbow mist fell, and a lot of the villagers gathered around to wish safe travels to Yun and Sarah that they had gotten to know.

"It is a shame you can not stay once again." Taloon seemed to half-jokingly say with a cracked smile, but still looked disappointedly they were leaving.

No one really wanted Yun to leave. He was a part of their village, and to have him leave once more was very melancholy to most expressions on the villagers. He was not dying or going away forever, but it was just that he was loved by all, truly, and yet he could not stay once again. They knew that.

"We thank you for your hospitality being welcomed back into the village once more, however, the Warriors of Virtue are always on guard, and Tao's hurdles are never finished I'm afraid. We can only prepare for what may come next."

"I understand. You truly have grown Yun."

"Thank you, Master Witfar. It is an honor to hear you say those words"

"Hey Sarah, if you ever come back we should go swimming again," Hana stood in front of Sarah and then gave her a comforting hug like from a sister.

"I would like that very much," she told her in the embrace.

"Here, I packed your dress for you," Hana handed over wrapped up nicely for the journey.

"Oh, Hana, are you sure? This is too beautiful!" Sarah was excited and a little embarrassed to accept such a beautiful gift.

"I am sure. It's yours."

Hana squeezed Sarah tightly, and she did so back to her to show her gratitude. But, as soon as they let go, lots of little children began running up to the front looking miserable, which they could barely get anything out, or even to speak Sarah's name. Sarah bent down to her knees to give them all gentle hugs.

"We will miss you Sarah!"

"Will you come back?"

"I want to hear more stories!"

"Stay Miss Sarah."

"Yes, please stay."

"Stay, stay!"

They all seemed to cry at once to her.

"Oh, guys! Don't worry, I will be back sometime, and with more stories. But, I can't stay. But,.." she paused for a moment, "while I am away I want you all to start your own adventures and tell me all about them when I get back." She looks at all the children's faces. "Is that a promise?"

There were sounds of half cried agreements, but still promised all the same and then gave her more embraces. Some did not want to let go.

"Alright, get going. I will miss you all."

They all ran back into the crowd to cling back onto their parents. Yun and Sarah's little raft was all ready to go again fully packed. Some parts were fixed and made small improvements for an easier journey. The villagers even gave them extra food and water for the trip back to Master Chung's LifeSpring. Just as the raft was kept steady by Yun's tail for Sarah, something in the distances caught her attention as she was getting in. It was conspicuously sitting out in the wide doing nothing in the far distance. But, from that far she could tell it was big. It was almost the outline shape of.....

But it couldn't be. Could it?

Then a few people got quiet too. Some of the villagers were looking into the calm ocean waters in the direction they saw Sarah staring in the open oceans so curiously. Then more curious eyes followed the silence around them wanting to know the sudden stillness until they too looked in the same direction and went quiet. Soon everyone was motionless and looking out at the dark mass that was looking straight back at them with red eyes. Yun then noticed too and his ears perked up trying to listen carefully. The waters were not telling of any dangers, but it was just an odd moment. So, he decided to wave his arms out to the creature to get its attention or any kind of reaction. It still did not move.

"Maybe you shouldn't leave just yet then," Witfar said calmly putting his hand on Yun's shoulder.

"No, what we will do is try to direct the creature somewhere else and away from the village," Yun informed Witfar.

Yun gently asked Sarah to get in her spot and he will follow. Once she was settled in, then he jumped on. He pushed off from the docks with his tail, and his eyes never leaving from the creature. As they slowly drifted to the open Jade Sea, Yun grabbed his top tunic layer pulling it off and began waving it at the creature. His attention needed to follow something other than the villagers. He thanked that everyone was still and quiet.

As they were slowly moving in their direction Yun watched to see if it moved with them. Just when he thought it was only following them with its eyes, it soon began to swim steadily with them. It was working. When Yun and Sarah got to a safer distance, away from the village, the villagers noticed the process and cheered. Yun and Sarah heard the little celebration but continued in their direction with caution.

For many miles, it still followed them, and it still didn't do anything to them either but followed. Since they had some time to waste on the calm waters Sarah wanted to talk a little bit.

"Yun?"

He didn't say anything.

"I ah...want to talk about the time on the beach..."

He still didn't say anything.

"...Do you...are you..."

She needed to turn around to face him. But, as soon as she did she noticed his eyes were still fixed on the creature that still followed. He was worried it was only following them until they were at a far enough distance from the village for it to turn around and then Yun would not be able to react in time to reach the villagers.

"Yun?" She yelled a little louder.

He then snapped back his attention to his companion.

"Everything ok?

She looked at Yun and saw his mind was to preoccupied with other matters at hand.

She sighed, "never mind," and turned back around.

For a long time, they stayed that way.

* * *

Time seemed to go by quickly for not doing much on the waters because soon they were getting back into the lands and a few places looked familiar. They seemed to be moving faster than before. But, they still had a long way to go.

"Is he still following us?"

She didn't need to hide it in her voice how annoyed she was with such a monotones.

"Yes."

Yun answered calmly and didn't even need to check behind him to find out either. The water told him everything. The sea serpent wasn't trying to hide himself anymore. He just trailed along the waterways behind them not saying a word or much of any sound, and also never taking his eyes off of Sarah, Yun seemed to have noticed. She noticed, too, the few times she looked back, and wanted to roll her eyes, but instead she looks up trying to keep herself calm turning back around. She wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt because most people in Yun's village couldn't or didn't want to. Yun was different, though, was also trying to give this monster a chance to prove himself. But, why was it following them?

So far from the village....

Neither Yun or Sarah had not done anything to keep his attention on them for awhile as they were floating along.

So, maybe, it was looking like a good day. Maybe

They needed to make another stop for a rest and a little stretch. They were almost near the end of the open oceans, soon they will be going through narrow streams, then on foot for the rest of the travels. That leaves the question of what will the Sea Serpent do when they start leaving to ground?

Will it swim back to the village?

Would it make it's new place where they leave it?

Yun still did not know about the uncut lines from its mouth still, or even if this was the Sea Serpent the village was afraid of.

Slowly drifting along the river passages looking for a good spot to rest at, Sarah's stomach begins to rumble. She remembered they ate the night before, but she forgot to grab something for breakfast. Well, when confused emotions are all over the place and still trying to think about the missions as to why they were there in the first place, it kind of made if difficult to remember to eat. Sarah's wings tightened up being embarrassed. Yun's long ears catch the sound, and then noticed that twitch of her wings. He smiled a little at her. Her stomach couldn't seem to wait, and she was trying to be polite by not asking to rush a spot to rest at. So, Yun was about to bring out some of the rice cakes and a few other items his village gave for the journey as a snack, but was interrupted by a giant splash behind them. But, when they both turned around there wasn't a Sea Serpent there anymore, only but the remains of broken waters rippling. They watched the spot for awhile waiting for something to happen. Yun was already on his guard. But, when Sarah turned back around after noticing nothing was happening in that area she was faced with the Serpent's red eyes once more right in front of her, looking at her like it did when it was helping with the wings swim training. He just stares at her for awhile, but then opens his mouth to show something in it, and then places it on her lap like a cat giving offerings. It was a big dead fish. She looks down at the fish and looks back up seeing the Sea Serpent was watching her reactions. It eyes were unyielding. It's top spikes seemed to have lowered and part of its snout was under water. Waiting.

"Ah.....? Is that for me?"

It slightly nods within the waters.

"Thank you?" she tried to sound sweetly and with gratitude.

It wanted to still help her, so it seemed to be satisfied with her answer, and went back under. She looked back at Yun who was already focused on drifting the raft over to a shore. The moment it hit shore she jumped out carefully fish in hand. She was getting used to holding her wings by hand, but this time she did so with a fish in one, and then other holding the wings. It was a well-sized fish too, it caught.

"Do you mind if I start a fire?"

"What for?" Yun looked over at Sarah with such a neutral look.

"Well, he already killed it," She lifted up it to signify what she was talking about.

"If you wish," he said not looking displeased nor concerned.

Sarah didn't know how he felt, and was hesitant about it. She watched his posture a little to see of anything that was offending.

"Are you sure? I don't want to offend anyone's culture here."

"Sarah, it is alright. As you have said he had already killed the creature knowing very well what it's purpose was. It will not be wasted. I am sure if you do not finish it will eat the rest."

As Yun prepared for camp Sarah went to go and collect when she needed to cook the fish. Just like her uncle taught her during camping trips she got items for the fire not too far off from the shore, and a few other things to support the giant fish over the fire. Dry wood, stones, and wet sticks for support. It wasn't pretty, but it did the trick just as the sun was going down. Sarah cooked and ate the fish. She wished she at least had some spices, but she really couldn't be picky at this moment, food was food. Yun politely declined and the serpent...well, he already ate part of it fresh that she cooked, and then continued a few more others fresh.

"It is a good thing we stopped when we should," Yun remarked.

He seemed to be kneeling down by the stream moving his fingers through its waters.

"How so?"

"The water begins to turn away from Master Chung's LifeSpring down this river, so we must continue by foot from here," Yun informed Sarah as he began standing back up. "If you wish, you can get some rest before making our travels."

"Is is safe this time?" She said sarcastically.

He laughed he knew what Sarah meant by it, "I am sure. We are not in any caves," he pointed out.

"Good, because I don't want to turn into something else," saying as she got up from her spot.

"Well, I am sure it doesn't work that way, as I have said."

"But, what do you mean by that?"

"Remember what I said when we started this journey? It is possible the reason why you have changed is because you must learn something of yourself. So, you will not just keep changing every time you go into a cave, but only change back once your lesson has been learned."

"Well, if I must, then I will. I'm just still not sure where to begin in order to change back."

"Self-discovery, but I see with yourself determination you will be able to find your answers, in due time."

She then blew a raspberry at him.

"Hey, that is how it must be. Now get some rest."

She rolled her eyes with a smile. However, instead of laying down first she walked over to Yun near the shores and looked out.

"What about him?"

They both looked out at the Sea Serpent as it was dark. It still was nearby the camps shores and not seeming to move away at all. It almost seemed to have already fallen asleep near the shores underwater. Still very visible, but asleep.

"I will watch him for awhile. He still concerns me."

"Would you like to take shifts?"

"It is possible. Why don't you get your rest first, and I will wake you in a couple of hours."

"Alright," As she said yawning.

She walked herself to a spot near the slow burning embers and lead down where she was sitting previously on the sands and slowly drifted off to sleep.

* * *

Sarah screamed the moment she opened her eyes. These giant red serpent eyes were staring right back at her so closely to her face. Her body tensed up, and she just couldn't move away. The creature did not seem surprised or startled by her reaction either, but he did move back slightly back to give her some space between them. He did not seem to be advancing on her with any intention of threatening her in any way, she noticed, so she calmed down a little bit watching him.

"Who. Who or What are you?" She tried to say calmly.

He backs up some more and stands straight. He seemed full of youth, but has lived longer than he appears. His color complexion could pass off of a very pale human, but small pieces of simmering scales were around his eyes. His long light blue hair was pulled back from his face. It seemed to almost be spiked like horns or spines, but could see that is was softer than you thought. His ears looked like fins from a fish, but still remained the same color of his skin. His face was slightly thin, but had a strong figure.

"Please. Call me Longwei."

He bowed his head gracefully like a butler in his shimmering aqua scaled kimono with black lining. Some parts, like his shoulders and chest, seemed to hold gold shaded armor that still flattered the kimono. As his head rose his eyes gently trying to touch Sarah's. They seemed to be filled with such passion and wanting to be approved.

"Does this appearance not please you?"

"What?" She said breathlessly.

"If you like I can change back into my dragon form."

"Dragon?" Then it clicked, and it was readable on her face. "Wait. Are you the...."

"The Sea Serpent, yes of course." He said tenderly and smiled. "I would not let any harm come to you as you slept."

Yun finally came rushing through the trees to find a strange new creature kneeling before Sarah as if seeking an audience with his Queen. But, he was not going to take any chances. He took one leap to stand right next to Sarah while she was still on the ground ready to protect her.

"We are not looking for any trouble here. State your business."

"Yun," Sarah tried to get his attention.

"It's alright Sarah, I will not let any harm come to you."

"Neither will he..." she tried to say.

"What?" He looks down at her.

She looks at Yun, "From what I gather neither will he." She takes a deep breath, "I think that's the Sea Serpent that helped me."

"What?" he said with an even greater shock.

The creature ones before a Sea Serpent, stood up slowly only to bow again towards Yun very gentleman like.

"My lady is correct. I have taken on this form to accompany her by land."

Sarah was just as stunned as Yun was at the moment and speechless. They didn't know how to reply. But, Sarah finally spoke first.

"Yun, I think this is the very Sea Serpent that has been following us as well."

"And yet, his previous form was very similar to the Sea Serpent that also terrorized my village as I watched him, but his mannerisms are so different. However, it has been many years since then."

"That is also correct." The newly formed Serpent interrupted. "After you have 'closed' my mouth shut, I have had some time to meditate about the ways of my behavior. At first, I was enraged, but then understood your virtue, and what it truly means of the other Warriors to be truly following the virtuous way. And soon thereafter, I began my own journey."

After a while, Sarah had gotten up to get ready with Yun to continue. He had gathered his equipment, and they began heading back out again into the forest this time.

"We still have a long way to go," Yun told Sarah. "Would you care to try to ride on my back again?"

"I don't know, Yun. These wings have been catching the wind like crazy."

"Then maybe it is time to give your wings a chance to fly."

Sarah was not liking this idea already. She had trouble swimming with them, now they want her to try to fly?

"Give yourself a chance, Sarah. Spread your wings." He tried to say with encouragement her.

* * *

The moment they got back they all agreed for Sarah to rest for a couple of days before traveling again with the Manuscript and checking for more information on the Rats. Two jobs needed to be done at the same time which can be tiresome quickly, but everyone needed to be at their best. However, Chi, Lai, and Yun all tried to keep the Serpent busy in Master Chung's LifeSpring....and away from Sarah. It was either they were all jealous, protective, or just still unsure if he should be trusted yet. But, either way, they worked him hard to earn his stay. They made sure that the Sea Serpent had no way of talking to Sarah alone. The Roo's saw how much he looked at her even across the bridges, and they tried, in their best interest, to not let them be alone.

Somehow he did end up slipping away from their eye sights to find Sarah.

She was outside of the village again sitting by a stream where she practiced and listened to music. But, this time she was just on some rocks deeply thinking over the things she had already seen being here in Tao. The Manuscript, Meeting the Roo's, knowing more about Yun, getting wings....the list kept going on and on. So much to think things over. However, one little snap of a branch, and she snapped out of her deep thinking trance and looked around. She saw Longwei slowly walking towards her.

"What brings you over here?" She asked.

"You." He boldly said without a blink.

"You know you can't be following me everywhere."

"Why not?"

"Because that's being a little creepy."

"What if I like being around you. You are beautiful and interesting, and I would like to get to know you more."

"That's nice, but that doesn't mean to follow me everywhere."

"Why are you all the way out here?"

She noticed that suddenly change.

"I was just thinking." She turned back around. "I do that a lot." She paused for a moment. "Sometimes you just need to collect your thoughts and think things over." Her eyes seem to look at so much and yet nothing at all.

"Very wise." Paused for a moment looking at her through his red glazing eyes. "Would you like to see something?"

"Like what?" She turned back towards him a little curious.

"To show you that I am not the only mythical creature around."

She looked excited, but confused. "You mean....like what?"

But, she did not want to have too much hope. Her heart fluttered like a little child ready for a gift. But....

Things here were not as they seemed.

Don't get your hopes up, Sarah!

He saw she was very interested and took her hand in his gently.

"Come I will show you."

He excitedly pulled Sarah from the rock, surprising her of his strength. A little more into the green they went. They did not say anything for a short bit, but they didn't need to travel far which was good.

How did Longwei know this place? A creature like him doesn't seem to have known this area before! He is a sea creature. Right?

(Sarah's iPod: Yeats and Lorenna McKennitt - The Stolen Child)

They were getting closer to a clump of trees that have seemed to be there for many generations. The area seemed to be darker as well because of the growths thickness covering a lot of the area surrounding a clearing patch. There was a small field of ferns, moss, and old broken wood, but in that clearing, the atmosphere seemed to be holding this magical feeling.

He then turned to Sarah and placed a finger over his lips to say keep quiet.

She didn't realize his sharp claws before until they were in front of her face.

He turned back and pointed out to the clearing spot, and then it happened. Slowly in groups fearies with wings of all different colors and shapes began to dance into sight. They glowed so beautifully she couldn't take her eyes off of them. Because of her excitement, watching her own wings opened a little getting some of the fearies attention without meaning to. But, instead of being afraid of her they came right over to her and started pulling her into the circle. Her clothes, hair, and even behind her were gently being pulled and pushed. They didn't seem to mind seeing the Sea Serpent either, but they wanted Sarah more into the circle. He just smiled and followed behind. Sarah just giggled and amused of the creatures around her. They seemed to want her to open the wings as she got into their small circle. So she took a deep breath, closed her eyes and tried to envision them opening....

They opened with great force and pride. She looked at both her wings and noticed that they seemed to be larger than she thought and glowing as well with the fearies as if they were trying to match their lights. They all seemed to be overjoyed as well and all sang, and danced around Sarah. She didn't know what was happening, but for some reason, it didn't matter to her much.

Longwei watched Sarah, and the beauty of her. He folded his arms and lend against a tree. He wondered if she knew what an amazing creature she was herself or even if she knew of the strong ties she has with Tao itself.

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Reference Notes:

• Greece Folk Lore
• Sea Serpent (Loong (for short) = Longwei: Dragon Greatness, huge, heroic, remarkable)
• Utopia
• Bioluminescent: San Diego
• Plumeria: Relationship Status - depending on left or right, taken or single.
• N?h Dances: Japanese culture

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A/N: I am so sorry this chapter was long. There is a reason behind it. And I could not stop it.

But, the Warrior of Virtue books is really helping with painting the landscapes for me. I can only imagine so far, but to also use the same world I needed references. But, I hope these colors form this world gave you an idea how beautiful this place looks and obsess over it just as much as I am.

What do you think? Too much? Slow it down? I was going to add more to this chapter but the wait is getting too long to fix and decided to release another part to it. So it's now broken up more into more chapters. Yay?