pearl of wisdom

[Season 2] Chapter 22 - Under the Clear Sky

Yihwa remembers every moment she burned you during training— from when she tried to light up a match to when she tried to cook. During those times you were always smiling as though there was no trace of fire in your skin and not once had you lashed out on her. Not once did it cause you to grow distant. Yet Yihwa felt as though you were slowly fading away with each passing second, your smile but a remnant of what it once was: something Yihwa had never seen.

You smile was as beautiful as the deep waters, guided by the waning moon, dyed in the colors of everlasting longing and nostalgia that filled the night. But today the smile that has appeared on your face was not one of solemnity or regret. Through pink-eyes, Yihwa too, could see soothing glow of sunlight that came from you.

Perhaps the sun had risen for you too.

"You're back!! Turtle!!" Rak tackled you to the ground, clinging onto your cloak as jubilant laughter left him, "Damn it!! You're finally back!! All of us are finally together again!!"

You nodded, tears growing by the corner of your eyes hidden behind your mask, "That's right. I miss you too, Mr. Rak."

He sniffled, "You're my prey! Don't ever disappear again, turtles!!"

You patted the crocodile. Baam outstretched a hand, the gentlest smile you ever seen him make on his face as he stared down at you. You took his hand and he helped you up, ". . . We're back, [Name]."

You nodded, "We are and it's thanks to them, Baam."

That was the first time you said his name in public since seven years ago— he bit back a large smile. Hatsu and Shibisu approached you, content expressions with them. You outstretched your arms, awaiting them to come closer. Shibisu teared up, giving you a hug and a forceful pat to your back, "[Name]!!"

After a few moments you walked over to Akraptor who stood with Yihwa, Wangnan and Quatero, "Yihwa, Wangnan, Mr. Akraptor."

"Hey [Last name], it's been a while. Congratulations on your return. You've been through some hard times." Akraptor commented.

You shook your head, "No, it's thanks to everyone here."

"We didn't do anything. But where's Horyang. . .?"

"Hwa Ryun, my friend is coming over with Mr. Horyang right now. If everything's in order then. . . I'm sorry. . ." You explained, your voice wavering as you thought of the uncertain path.

"Don't worry too much, I'm sure he'll manage to get out somehow."

"Yeah!" Wangnan screamed as Quatero tried to fry him, "He's strong so he'll be fine."

You blinked, a smile peeking through your composure a second later, "Ok. . . I have something I need to do first. I'll see you all again."

You walked over to the well, kneeling down as shaking hands reached up to your mask. And with a simple motion— you could see your eyes within your reflection. You could hear the heartbeats of everyone around you that came with the long forgotten hymns that have long since drowned within the ocean's depths. You could see each color within the ever-changing sky where clouds dance with the tides. It was as though in the oceans of Watatsumi surrounded by countless lifeforms all over again.

Most importantly, you could feel the light within every fiber of your being— no longer built on impurities hidden beneath the waves.

A fish came from your garments, tugging on your gloves. You giggled.

After packing your cloak away and changing your name to [Last name] [Name] in your pocket, you approached Khun and Shibisu who were talking to Lero-Ro who had snuck into the arena just as Hatsu did.