The moment Little Fire and Spirit Fairy stepped through the Door of Mystery, the world changed.
There was no stone floor beneath them, no fiery walls or echoing caverns. Only clouds. Endless, pure white clouds stretched in every direction like an ocean of mist. The air was still, neither warm nor cold. The sound of their breath echoed softly as if even time itself held its breath here.
They looked at each other, but before a word could be spoken, the space twisted, and they vanished from each other's view.
---
Spirit Fairy's Test
She stood alone amidst the cloud-sea, turning quickly, searching. "Little Fire?" she called, but no voice returned.
Then, before her, the clouds shifted. A figure stepped forth—soft features, flowing hair of cloud-white silver, eyes like the calm surface of a lake.
"Mother?" Spirit Fairy whispered, her voice cracking.
The woman nodded with a gentle smile.
Spirit Fairy fell to her knees, her tears falling freely. "Mother… is it really you?"
The older woman knelt and wrapped her arms around her daughter. Spirit Fairy clung to her, sobbing. All the years of loneliness, of regret, of guilt, melted away in that embrace. For a moment, she wasn't the warrior or the cultivator. She was just a little girl who missed her mother.
The cloud realm shimmered, and soft light warmed the space. Her mother gently brushed her cheek. "You've grown so strong, my little ember. Tell me everything."
Through soft laughter and bittersweet tears, Spirit Fairy spoke of her father's sacrifice, of her life among enemies, of pain, of strength. She spoke of Little Fire—of his arrogance, his warmth, his ridiculous grin.
Her mother's gaze became teasing. "What about him, hmm? You speak of him often."
Spirit Fairy's face lit up with a deep crimson. "Mother!"
They both laughed.
Then Spirit Fairy shared stories of their journey—the beasts they fought, the lotus they found, and the way Little Fire made her feel... lighter.
Her mother nodded, listening closely. Then her eyes grew distant. "It's time, my child. I cannot stay much longer."
"No—please..." Spirit Fairy clutched at her robe.
Her mother took her hand. "There are others waiting for you in life. Here… a final gift."
A swirl of light touched Spirit Fairy's forehead. Her body trembled as images flooded her mind: Little Fire, burning himself alive, screaming her name, saving her without hesitation… even though they weren't truly close.
Her mother leaned close. "Be happy… and live carefree."
And then she was gone.
Spirit Fairy fell to her knees again as the clouds dissolved. A soft wind carried her out of the realm.
---
Little Fire's Test
He stood tall, fists clenched. "Where am I? Spirit Fairy!"
Before him, clouds shifted and formed a scene—Spirit Fairy, collapsed, her body pierced by blackened spikes, her breathing shallow, life slipping from her eyes.
"Save her," a voice echoed. "But only by giving your own life."
Without hesitation, flames erupted from Little Fire's body.
He surged forward, his heart screaming, soul burning.
He held her in his arms as the fire consumed him. He smiled.
"It's okay... as long as you live."
His body turned to embers.
Then darkness.
And then light.
He opened his eyes, breathless.
The clouds around him shimmered as a golden voice rang out:
"You are loyal and good to others. Your reward is the Art of Nirvana.
It allows one soul to be reborn once—either in a new body or renewed life. Remember: it can only be used once. After that, the technique shall vanish from your mind."
The world twisted—and Little Fire was thrown from the Door of Mystery.
---
The realm returned to silence as both trials concluded. The majestic doors cracked. A light exploded from within and the three great doors shattered into dust.
Little Fire stood outside, dazed. He looked around. "Spirit Fairy?"
Then he saw her. She stood alone, her back facing him, her shoulders trembling.
He approached slowly. "Hey, are you okay? Why are you crying?"
She turned suddenly—and punched his chest with fists.
"You idiot!" she cried.
He blinked. "Wha—what did I do?!"
She didn't answer. She just pressed her head against his shoulder, hiding her face. Her fists remained clenched against his chest.
"I saw everything..." she whispered. "Why would you do that for me?"
He smiled faintly. "Because I could."
She hit him again—softer this time. "Idiot."
The clouds above began to clear. Stars shone down on them. The trials of mystery had passed, but a new flame had quietly begun to burn—not of fire or ice, but something far more dangerous.
Something called love.
---[To Be Continued]---