Sai looked toward the stars. A streak of light cut through the sky — a shooting star.
"I wish for them to live a long and happy life," he whispered. Then he let himself fall back, eyes closing, finally at peace.
Amal looked at him while still healing the others. "A noble wish… my noble beast," she murmured. She thought of Exile and smiled faintly. "I won. He'd forgive me."
When the sun rose, Tai stretched and yawned. "Good morning, late birds!" he shouted—only to freeze when he saw everyone already awake.
Amal smirked. "The snoring king honors us with his presence."
Tai grinned. "Shut up."
Shi adjusted his robes. "We should continue our journey. The next beast won't wait."
Sai suddenly stood, his voice loud and firm. "No!"
Everyone turned, stunned.
Xei frowned. "Brother, if we don't move fast, you'll end up in hell."
Sai sighed, glancing toward the horizon. "I know. But before we go… let's have peace. Just once."
He smiled at them — tired, but full of warmth.
"We'll laugh. We'll rest. Maybe even make fun of Tai."
Tai blinked. "Wait—what?"
Amal laughed softly. "And what do you suggest we do, oh great flame?"
Sai grinned. "We explore the mountain. Not up, not forward—just around. No fighting."
Xei crossed his arms. "That could still count as training."
Sai cut him off. "No training. Just rest."
The group walked along the quiet side of the mountain, enjoying for once the peace that followed chaos. The wind was gentle, the sun glowed warm, and laughter finally replaced the sound of battle.
Tai, already in his snake form, slithered through the rocks and shouted, "Snakes are the true kings of mountains!"
Amal raised a brow. "You're just using it as an excuse not to walk, lazy snake."
Sai grinned. "Let's see who reaches back here first!"
Amal smirked. "Obviously me."
She spread her ash wings and took off, soaring above them. Sai burst forward, flames flickering at his feet. Xei leapt from tree to tree while Shi followed behind at his calm, steady pace.
They raced until Amal suddenly shouted, "Wait! Look there!"
Everyone froze. Ahead of them, between two cliffs, shimmered a valley — hidden by the mountain's shadow. A soft blue mist hovered over it, and silver-leaved trees reflected the light like mirrors. At its heart was a glowing lake, bright enough to light the whole valley.
Sai stepped forward. "Whoa…"
Amal landed beside him. "It's… beautiful."
Shi's eyes widened slightly. "The Mountain of Souls' Garden. A sacred place that reveals itself only to those who have survived true trials."
Tai jumped into the water, splashing everyone. "This is paradise!"
"Try not to poison it, snake boy!" Amal laughed.
Sai dipped his hands in the water. "It's warm… alive, even."
Xei dropped against a tree trunk. "Finally, a place I don't have to punch something."
Shi smiled faintly. "Then rest, all of you. You've earned it."
As night fell, Sai lit a small fire — gentle flames that glowed orange under the silver moonlight. They sat around it quietly for a while, watching the stars.
Amal smiled softly. "Let's sing something."
Tai chuckled. "You again? Last time you sang, I almost cried."
Amal shrugged. "Then cry again."
She took a deep breath, her voice calm but full of warmth.
---
(Verse 1)
Oh my, oh my, my friends so true,
You make me laugh when skies are blue.
Even when my heart feels sore,
Your light reminds me what love is for.
---
The others looked at her — surprised. Her voice carried gently across the lake, echoing against the cliffs.
Even Shi smiled, eyes closed, listening to every word.
Then, unexpectedly, Xei joined in — his deep voice steady and soft.
---
(Chorus)
Tonight the stars shine over me and you,
You are my friend, my heart shines too.
By this fire's glow, I find my peace,
With you beside me, my worries cease.
---
They all fell silent again, eyes reflecting the firelight.
Amal looked at them — Sai, Tai, Xei, and Shi — and smiled sadly, as if her heart ached with happiness.
She continued, her tone softer this time, almost like a whisper to the night.
---
(Verse 2)
We talk, we joke, the night drifts slow,
Our shadows dance in the fire's glow.
I may be selfish wanting you near,
But with you, my soul feels clear.
---
Then, for the final verse, everyone joined her — Sai tapping the rhythm with his fingers, Tai humming offbeat, and Xei smiling faintly.
---
(Final Chorus)
Tonight the stars shine over me and you,
You are my friend, my lover too.
If this night could never end,
I'd keep my fire, my heart, my friend.
---
The song faded. The fire crackled softly.
For a long moment, none of them spoke. They simply sat there, side by side — warriors, friends, and dreamers under a single moon.
The night felt endless. Peaceful. Human.
And though tomorrow would bring another beast, another battle, tonight they belonged only to the stars.