The Love that They Deserve

Chapter 2

It was night time. Yan Da and Lan Shang woke up just in time for the fireworks display. After fixing themselves, they went out again.

Lan Shang couldn't stop looking around in wonder. The quiet village a while ago had turned into a lively place. It became more vibrant and beautiful too. There were stunning and uniquely design lanterns hanging on houses. There were colorful banners too hanged between houses.

"So, pretty." She whispered.

Yan Da, meanwhile, looked around for a place for them to sit on. Spotting an empty space under a tree, she pulled the mermaid princess hand. "Let's go over there."

After they've sat down, the fireworks display started. Both princesses watched in awe as the beautiful colors spread in the dark sky.

In the Ice Palace...

"Have you found them?" Flame asked his son upon his return.

"I'm sorry father but there was no trace of them. Yan Da did a great job erasing it."

Flame clenched his fist in anger. "I see. All we can do is wait then."

His daughter is stubborn and intelligent. If she doesn't want to be found, then they'll most likely wouldn't.

Flame sighed. The mortal realm is more dangerous than here. I hope you know that Yan Da.

Meanwhile with the others...

In Prince Ka Suo's room.

"Did Prince Shuo Gang find them" the Mermaid Saint asked at the informant.

"I'm afraid not, your highness. Prince Shuo Gang said that Princess Yan Da erased their tracks well."

"I see. Thank you. You may go."

After the informant left, the Mermaid Saint faced the others.

"Did Princess Yan Da forced Lan Shang to go with her?" She stated, not accepting that her granddaughter ran away.

"If you want, your highness, we can see what happened before they left." Xing Jiu said, getting everyone's attention.

"You can do that Xing Jiu?" said Ka Suo.

"Yes, Prince Ka Suo. Stand back for a while." He said to the others, bringing his staff up. On the wall, a screen formed.

They saw the two princesses crying their hearts out. The watchers felt their hearts ache. Both princesses looked so broken.

"Do you want to leave?" they heard Yan Da say, making everybody gasps. What happened for her to decide this?

"Where to?"

"...To the mortal realms." Yan Da replied, offering her hand.

They saw that Lan Shang was a bit hesitant. But something must have changed her mind because she accepted Yan Da's hand, "Okay."

The fire princess smiled. "Let's leave this war. Let's leave this lying place."

That's the last thing that they've heard before the screen vanished.

The room was silent. No one knew what to say. Yan Da's words echoed in their minds.

Suddenly, they saw Lan Shang's image on the wall. "Your Highness."

"Lan Shang!" The Mermaid Saint exclaimed in happiness. "Are you alright? Where are you?"

Lan Shang smiled. "I'm sorry grandmother. I didn't mean to worry you. Also, I can't tell you where we are and I'm fine. More than fine actually, I've never been this happy before. Yan Da has been taking care of me. So, you need not to worry."

"Lan Shang..."

"Don't bother looking for us because you wouldn't be able to. I know that Yan Da made sure of that. This will probably my first and last message. Good bye." She said, image vanishing.

The others then realize that they won't be able to see the two anymore.

Back to the two princesses...

"You alright?"

Lan Shang nodded, wiping the tears in her eyes. Yan Da put her arms around her, sighing in sympathy. She knew that this will happen from time to time.

"You know that you could always talk to them from time to time right?"

Lan Shang smiled hugging the fire princess back. "I know but it's better if I don't. I'll miss them more that way. And I'll probably give in and go back. I have to be strong too... like you."

"Me!?" Yan Da said in surprise, looking at her.

"You are pretty brave, Yan Da. Not to mention very strong. You have the courage to fight for your beliefs and wants."

"Not really, I ran away with you aren't I?"

Lan Shang shook her head. "Yes, but it was because you were brave enough to leave the ones breaking you apart. Thank you for giving me that courage too."

Not knowing what to say exactly, Yan Da just smiled. "Sheesh, no need to thank me. Besides, we don't know if this is a good decision at all."

"We feel lighter, don't we?" Lan Shang told her. Yan Da laughed. "Good point. So, what do you want to do now?"

"Mm? Eat."

"Let's go then." Yan Da said, holding her hand.

The two continued to mingle with other people. Learning things from them.

Unaware that soon, they will be separated from each other.