Guardian of Vulnerable Flames

Chapter 36

The day of the Winter reception had arrived, and Zephyr and Rain stood at their designated meeting point, patiently waiting for the rest of their friends. The plan was to enter the formal event together, as a group of six. They would all wait next to their private portal and go through together.

As Furie and Leaf approached the duo, Zephyr was in the midst of fixing Rain's bow tie. Furie couldn't help but smile at the scene, Zephyr's meticulous efforts to straighten the bow tie and Rain's patient smile as he allowed her to adjust it. Furie greeted them with a warm smile, finding the sight of Zephyr and Rain incredibly cute. "Hey, you two. Zephyr, are you giving Rain a hard time with that bow tie?" she teased. Zephyr glanced up with a playful smirk. "I think he looks very handsome, but this bow tie needs to be straight." Rain remained silent, a content smile playing on his lips as Zephyr continued her efforts. Furie looked at Leaf with a mischievous glint in her eyes, and told him telepathically, "Maybe we should give them a minute, so they can finally realize they want to kiss each other," she suggested playfully. Leaf chuckled softly, his arm around Furie. "You can't force it, Furie. Let them go at their own pace." Furie pouted but ultimately agreed with a telepathic and playful sigh. "Whatever." With that, the two friends joined Zephyr and Rain.

Rain's attire for the Winter reception was impeccable, showcasing his refined taste and attention to detail. He donned a sleek, dark blue suit that complemented his tall and lean stature. The suit was paired with a black button-up shirt, creating a sophisticated and classic look. What made Rain's outfit stand out was the subtle touch of his water magic. His jacket seemed to have absorbed some of his elemental power, as delicate droplets of water danced across the fabric, caught in an ethereal display. The magical water droplets moved gracefully, creating a mesmerizing effect that added a touch of uniqueness to his ensemble.

As Rain stood there, looking handsome and composed, Zephyr by his side added an extra layer of elegance. She wore her stunning white satin dress that flowed gracefully, accentuating her curves with its simple yet enchanting cloudy design. The contrast between Rain's dark blue suit and Zephyr's pristine white dress created a visually striking and harmonious combination. Together, they made a striking pair – Rain exuding a quiet confidence in his magically enhanced suit, and Zephyr radiating grace and beauty in her elegant attire.

Furie couldn't help but shower Rain and Zephyr with compliments as she admired their elegant attire. "You both look absolutely stunning! Rain, that suit is so sharp, especially with the little water drops. And Zephyr, you are simply beautiful," she praised, genuine admiration in her eyes. Rain and Zephyr exchanged appreciative smiles and graciously thanked Furie. Rain then returned the compliment, "Furie, you look gorgeous tonight," while Zephyr added, "And Leaf, you're rocking that suit!" Leaf, in his dark green suit that perfectly matched his earthy essence, rolled his eyes playfully at Zephyr's comment. "I think you forgot your bowtie, Leaf," she teased. Leaf chuckled and shook his head. "It's fine. I wanted to keep it simple. I think the suit looks good this way."

Indeed, Leaf's attire was a captivating blend of nature's beauty and earthy charm. Vines seemed to climb on the bottom of his legs, blooming into beautiful blue flowers that matched Furie's dress. His usually messy locks were elegantly tied together, with a vine tie adorned by cute little blue flowers. Furie chimed in, explaining to Rain and Zephyr, "I already told Leaf that he forgot a bowtie, but he insisted it was 'too much.' He wanted to go for a more 'natural' look tonight." The group shared a laugh, their individual styles reflecting their personalities.

Their laughter was interrupted by a charming, deep voice that echoed through the air. "Look at this polished group of Guardians!" The friends turned around to see Ash and Blaze walking toward them. Ash's charismatic smile and confident demeanor immediately captured their attention. Ash looked exceptionally handsome, his suit a deep black reminiscent of charcoal. Every accessory, from his bowtie to his buttons, adhered to the same dark hue. The darkness of his outfit served as a perfect backdrop to the flames that seemed to dance in his eyes, ready to captivate hearts at the Winter reception. Furie couldn't help but gesture towards Ash's attire. "Look at you, Ash. You are so handsome!" Ash, playing along, exaggerated and fluttered his eyes theatrically. "I know, my dear. You don't look so bad yourself," he replied with a playful smirk. Furie burst into laughter, not taking any offense. After all, compliments and cheeky banter were just Ash's way of expressing himself.

Blaze beamed at Ash, her hand gracefully grabbing his elbow as she addressed the group with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Alright, everyone! I just want to remind all of you that Furie promised me that we would leave the reception whenever I said so." Blaze, clad in her fiery corset that exuded both sexiness and elegance, looked at the group with a playful determination. The friends, familiar with the arrangement, smiled in agreement. They knew they were in for an eventful night that would end whenever Blaze decided it would be over. Ash responded by tightening his arm on Blaze's hold, showcasing a silent understanding. With a confident smile, he led Blaze towards a private portal. "Let's go, friends. I am ready to find my future husband tonight."

The group followed Ash and Blaze, their footsteps echoing through the space as they approached the beautiful portal. Each Guardian radiated a sense of excitement and anticipation, ready to dive into the festivities that awaited them at the Winter reception. The camaraderie and joy among the six friends set the tone for a night filled with celebration, laughter, and the promise of unforgettable moments. As they stepped through the portal, the magical energy enveloped them, transporting them to the heart of the Queen's castle where they were prepared to embrace the night's festivities.