Emperor of Soul Pets

Chapter 60: You Cannot Win

"He actually won." Aeriole Von Basten stared at the hybrid child, Rao Wu, with a myriad of complex emotions flashing through her eyes; joy, sorrow, pride, and sadness. She gripped her armrest as she stiffly rose from her seat and then descended toward the arena grounds.

"Quickly make way! The Phoenix Princess is passing through!" Students screamed, quickly shifting out of Aeriole's path as she descended the stairs.

The fiery child's eyes burned with conflicting emotions as she walked out onto the arena while the medics carried Brooks and his soul monster out. Pa! Surprisingly, as if sensing her presence, Brooks snapped awake and then grabbed Aeriole's arm.

Sss! Brooks ignored the sizzling sounds as fiery heat burned his palm and instead gazed into Aeriole's eyes with a desperate fervor. Summoning the last energy he had, Brooks croaked, "Humanity can never lose to the hybrids!" His burning gaze shook the medics' hearts as he refused to let go despite their attempts. "Swear you will not lose!"

Aeriole sighed and then grasped Brooks' hand. "I'm a human of the Von Basten family." She gently pulled off his palm and then promised in a grave tone, "Until I fulfill my destiny, I shall never bring disgrace upon the Von Basten name."

"Hehe." For the first time, Brooks cracked a small smile as he laid back on the stretcher. "That's all I needed to hear." Satisfied, his hand fell limp as he once again fell unconscious.

"What a powerful will," exclaimed a medic as she gently bandaged Brooks' burned palm.

Aeriole's conflicted gaze slowly grew resolute as she looked at Brooks' bruised and battered body. That's right. Just like Rao Wu fought for his home, she too had a responsibility to her people. She could not hesitate just because Rao Wu was a friend. Having affirmed her resolve, she looked at the medics and said, "Treat him well. He is a future pillar of this kingdom."

"Of course, Phoenix Princess!"

Upon receiving the medics' confirmations, Aeriole tapped her chest as she walked to her starting point. Flames spurted from her chest, quickly enveloping her in flames. As she approached her destination, the fire slowly receded, revealing a fiery red dress with matching plate breastplates, gauntlet, and boots.

By the time Aeriole reached her designated point, the hesitant child had been replaced by a fierce young warrior. She looked up, the slightest traces of guilt in her eyes as she observed the fatigued Rao Wu.

For his part, Rao Wu wore a wry smile when he saw the fighting intent in Aeriole's eyes. Well, this was not how he envisioned their reunion. Still, it was what it was. He would not hold it against her, as she too was fighting for her home just like him. So, he simply waved and then greeted, "Hey, there. It's been a while."

Aeriole calmly gazed at Rao Wu, her emotions hidden behind resolute eyes. "Where have you been?"

"I told you I had training," Rao Wu answered as he winced. Overload's aftereffects had begun. His body was racked by so much pain; it almost felt better to die. Rao Wu, however, gritted his teeth and endured the pain. He could not fall now. He just had to win this fight. Afterward... well, he'll deal with 'after' when it arrived. "I just got back."

Aeriole softly smiled. "Heh. Looks like you have perfect timing. Some would say fateful."

"Hehe, I was just lucky." Rao Wu chuckled as Xian Da, and Ju Tu walked over to his side. He then winked at Aeriole and teased, "I guess you can't just give up and let me win, right?"

Aeriole let out a small laugh as she shook her head. "Can you?"

"I can't." Rao Wu shook his head with a wry smile. "It's my fault you humans found out about the Eternal Spring Water. The jungle raised me. I can't turn my back on them now."