Chasing Dreams (Discontinued)

Chapter 209: Queen of Snakes

"Have you lost your fucking mind? What the fuck are you doing?" Ren shouted.

Diwa watched with a lucid stare. Her eyes were like rubies, bright, vibrant, and unchanging. She didn't smile at Ren or even acknowledge his words. She turned her head, ignoring him and focusing on the enemies that surrounded her.

Diwa's Eye of Devi glowed. Her mind's eye took shape as a red diamond on the center of her forehead, similar to Manasa and Maija.

Everyone felt Diwa's aura swell. Diwa's reiki erupted from her body like volcanic ash; it consumed everything, numbing Ren's senses and causing his instincts to go haywire.

What the hell is up with this aura?

Ren tried to maintain his composure, but his face felt like it was on fire. He tried sensing Diwa's power, but every time he tried, his sensory nodes burned away.

Think Renji! Ren screamed at himself. There isn't enough time to sit around confused. Suzume is falling, and your friends are in trouble. You need to act before it's too late.

"Focus on Suzume!" Maija roared as if reading his mind. Her Eye of Devi was glowing in response to Diwa's power. "Sarah and I have this bitch covered!"

Sarah opened her palm, calling upon her iron sand. The sand swirled like a small whirlpool before solidifying itself in the shape of a bow.

"Go Ren." Sarah ordered. "Please save Suzu before it's too late."

Ren considered arguing back, but he knew it'd be a waste of time. Maija was his general. If he didn't have faith in her to finish her battles, could he say he truly trusts her?

"Be careful." Ren warned and quickly sped off.

Diwa's eye flickered like an ignited flame. "You aren't going anywhere Garuda Renji." A barrier blocked Ren's path before being shattered in an instant.

Sarah released a volley of arrows at Diwa's way, distracting her long enough that Ren could escape. One of the many arrows knicked Diwa's cheek spilling blood. She looked down, frowned, wiped her cheek, and sealed it shut with a tiny flicker of black reiki.

"Oh fudge." Sarah took a step back. "She has Reiki Healing."

She's just like Prisha. Maija didn't look surprised. "Cover my back." She ordered. "If she can mend her wounds that easily then I have an idea what else could be at her disposal."

"Comparing me to the likes of Prisha is an honor indeed," Diwa said politely. "I do not deserve such an honor. However, I have spent my entire life following her teachings and living strictly by her principles. Because of Prisha, I can do things most mortals could only dream. I've ventured into the realm of spirits and conversed with the gods. Suzaku chose me to become his vessel and help Garuda Renji become the God our Clan needs."

"What?" Maija looked baffled. She immediately pulled her kanabo and swung it at Diwa.

Diwa blocked with a black barrier. "Surprised? Did you think you were the only special one, Maija? Hm, yes, the gods told me many stories when I conversed with them. Suzaku told me how Byakko favors you so much that she can offer her power to you whenever you need it. Even while you were gone, Byakko offered her power to no one else; she only wants you."

"Luckily, our gods are kind. The other gods chose Ulan and me to carry out their wills. Ulan was picked by the Black Tortoise Genbu, while the Vermilion Sparrow Suzaku chose me."

Malar stripes formed underneath Diwa's eyes. The black markings reminded Maija of Ren whenever he accessed his phoenix transformation. It was as clear as day how so many people mistook Suzaku for the Garudas. After all, in their culture, he was a trickster spirit.