The moment Little Death's spiritual image vanished into the dim sky, the pressure he left behind still clung to the world like a fading storm. Shuiyin stood rooted to the spot. Her small body, barely seven years old in appearance, trembled uncontrollably. Her twin horns, sharp and curved—larger than any goat's—glistened under the soft moonlight. She wanted to speak, to ask questions, but no words escaped her pale lips.
Little Life slowly walked toward her. His expression was calm, though his own heart was heavy. Kneeling on one knee before her, he reached out and gently placed his hand on her shoulder. A warm, golden light radiated from his palm—pure and strong. This wasn't the same 5-rank Holy Light he once used. It pulsed with a deeper glow, a softer purity that seemed to come from the soul itself.
"Holy Light—Calm Spirit."
The light spread across her back, wrapping around her like a gentle veil. Shuiyin's shivers softened, her breathing slowed, and her wide eyes blinked slowly, returning to clarity.
"I... I saw him," she whispered. "That shadow... he wasn't normal."
"He's family," Little Life said softly, lowering his gaze. "He protected me when I was in danger."
"Family..." she murmured, then glanced at him. "He looked like you. Was he your brother?"
Little Life hesitated, then nodded. "In a way, yes. One of the few who I can never repay."
She stared at the ground, the wind brushing her long black hair across her face. "He's strong. He felt... like the sky was afraid of him."
Little Life stood up and helped her to her feet. "He was always that kind of person," he said, smiling faintly. "But don't worry. You're safe now."
They walked slowly back toward Elder Miao's temple, the quiet crackling of leaves beneath their steps. Inside, the others waited, their expressions solemn after witnessing the sky's earlier turmoil.
Later that evening, Little Life and Shuiyin sat quietly near the ancient stone table outside the temple. The stars twinkled above, the night sky finally calm.
"I've gathered all the major materials needed to bring our sister back," Little Life said at last. "Only a few minor ingredients remain. I'll find them in another continent."
Shuiyin nodded slightly, but her hands were clenched tightly in her lap.
"I want to heal your soul too," he continued. "But I can't do it alone. You'll need to go to one of my brothers—Little Water. He may have a method."
Her face turned away, clearly displeased. "Why should I leave you now? After all this?"
"It's the best chance you have," he said firmly. "Little Water can understand the structure of souls better than I can. He may be your only hope."
"I don't care!" she snapped, standing up. "Why must I always be passed to someone else? Why can't you fix me?"
Little Life looked at her with gentle eyes. "Because I care about you too much to lie. I want you to be whole again, Shuiyin."
She paused. Her voice cracked. "Then stay with me. Just for one whole day. Be with me—not as a protector or a mission—but just as someone who cares."
Elder Miao, who had been silently listening from the shadows, stepped forward and said, "She's not asking too much, boy. Spend one day. Then she'll go."
Little Life sighed. "Alright. One day."
The next morning, the sky was painted with soft pink clouds as the team prepared for a rare outing. They had fought beasts, survived realms, and crossed deserts—but today, they went to the beach.
Waves rolled gently onto the shore as white sands sparkled beneath the sun. Liner ran across the edge of the water, kicking up foam while laughing like a child. Others in the team spread mats and laid out food while Shuiyin and Little Life stood near a stone outcrop, watching it all.
"I haven't been to a place like this before," Shuiyin said, her voice lighter than usual.
"You deserve it," he replied. "After everything, you deserve peace."
They played games on the sand. Shuiyin challenged Little Life to a balance game where they each stood on one leg and tried to make the other fall. She giggled when he lost. Then they played hide-and-seek with the rest of the group, and somehow Little Life ended up being the seeker every time. He wasn't great at hiding anyway.
The team roasted sweet bread over a magical flame stone that gave off soft pink sparks. Liner told jokes—some awful, some surprisingly good—and everyone laughed. Little Life, for once, let himself relax.
As the sun dipped behind the horizon, the sky turned orange and gold. Everyone sat down and ate grilled fish and fruits. Shuiyin had a hearty appetite, and her childlike form gleamed with joy as she ate beside him. It was the most peaceful evening they'd ever had together.
One by one, everyone started to fall asleep near the fire, their stomachs full and hearts at ease. Soft snores filled the air.
Only Shuiyin remained awake.
The night was quiet. Curtains of their makeshift tent flapped gently in the ocean breeze. The moonlight streamed in through the gaps in the tent, painting silver lines on the floor.
In a half-asleep state, Shuiyin stood up, her eyes unfocused. Her small feet padded softly over the warm sand until she reached Little Life's side. Her hands trembled slightly as she hugged him from behind.
"Don't leave me again..." she murmured in her sleep.
Little Life opened his eyes. He didn't move for a moment, then slowly turned his head toward her. The weight of her tiny arms around him felt heavier than any burden he had carried.
"I'm not leaving you," he whispered, voice barely audible. "Even when I'm far away, I can share sense with Little Water. You'll still feel me near."
The wind blew softly outside, rustling the palm leaves above the tent. A faint scent of salt and flowers mixed in the air, as if the world itself had paused to let them share this quiet, sacred moment.
He gently wrapped one arm around her and let her rest against his shoulder.
"You're not alone, Shuiyin. You never were."
And so the night passed, wrapped in stillness, beneath a peaceful sky that had once trembled.
--[To Be Continued]---