Chasing Sya

Wishes, Maybes and Regret

Everyone in the arena quieted down from the words that the Young Miss Janu said.  To challenge the Princess on the first day that she is back and to be the first fight to the death between family,  it made everyone excited yet weary.  

It has only been seven years since Sya was kidnapped.  Most of them remembered how ruthless and efficient she killed in the Arena of Blood.  Those that were pitted against her, dreaded it and knew they would not walk out of the Arena.  Sya was their worst nightmare in the Arena of Blood.  She wore a cold, unchangeable mask that no one could break.  Her cold, dead eyes never showed any fear nor had they ever seen any happiness shining from it.  She had always kept to herself along with her assigned maid and Shade Hunters.  Never speaking to others.  Never asking for help.  Never acknowledging others.  

But the memories of her killings made them shiver in fear and excitement.  They were afraid because they would have to witness again her brutality.  But they were excited because they get to see her fight again.  There feelings were contradicting one another, but this was how they lived.  This is what they considered normal.  This is their life and they were made to live in it.  

“Hahaha!”  Zion laughed as he placed his wine down.  “Janu, you are fearless! To challenge Princess Sya so directly, do you not fear your own death?”  

“Demon Father,  Janu knows the consequences of challenging someone into the Arena of Blood.  Janu understands the dangers.  But Janu wants to strike blades with Princess Sya and give each other lessons in the martial way.  Janu believes that Janu will learn from Princess Sya and Janu will win.”  Janu said confidently.  

Zion smiled and sat back before smiling at her and telling her his opinion.  

“Janu, for the last seven years you have filled this Demon Father’s heart with warmth due to your filial piety.  This Demon Father will tell you this once.  Take back your challenge.  You will not win against Princess Sya.”  

Janu pouted and stomped her right leg, causing her breast to jiggle.  She bowed her head in respect to Zion before pleading with him.

“Demon Father!  Please believe in Janu!  Janu will not let Princess Sya win so easily!  Janu has been practicing everyday and Janu has completed every mission Demon Father has given to Janu.  Please let Janu prove to Demon Father that Janu is worthy of being Demon Father’s daughter!”  

Zion looked at his beautiful and lethal daughter.  In his tiny black heart, there was a corner of it that belonged to Janu.  But the daughter who sat beside him occupied a larger portion.  It was his Sya.  His first daughter.  

When she was born, 100 larks sang joyfully as they flew across the island.  100 cranes along with 100 herons landed in the pond inside River Awaking Courtyard and bowed towards the house as the first cries of a baby girl was heard.  100 doves landed on the roof of the house and coo loudly in happiness.  100 magpies chirped loudly on branches surrounding the house in excitement.  It was said that the moment Sya was born a streak of lightning of a phoenix flashed quickly in the sky in celebration of the daughter that was a miracle.  Only his first daughter could call on such great honor of the birds.   That was the reason why, he knew Sya was destined for greatness.  Why he loved and cherished his first daughter so much.  Why she will be his heir.  

“If that is what Janu wants.”  Zion sighed loudly.  He would hate to see the beautiful girl and her talents go to waste, but if it was between Sya or Janu.  He would choose Sya every time.  

“It is what Janu wishes.  Janu will not regret.”  Janu said as she raised her head.  “Princess Sya, please accept Janu’s request.”  

Sya yawned loudly and unladylike causing those around her to either snicker in disgust or surprised them into expectation of the fight.  There soon were bets that were being placed and those that remembers Sya’s ruthlessness, made bets on her.  But because Janu has been there for the past seven years, most of them also knew that Janu was not an easy target.  She too, has her own strength.  She would not be sitting in the third seat, if she was someone who could be easily taken care of.  Soon the bets were 7 to 3 in Janu’s favor.  

Sya stared at the enticing woman and wished they could have met each other in different circumstances.  Maybe they would have gotten along.  Maybe she would have loved Sya’s cooking.  Maybe they could have been great sisters.  Maybe was just maybes.  Maybes could kill her.  Maybes did not exist on Blackmire Island.  Sya harden her heart and stared boredly at Janu.  

“If it is Janu’s wish to die today,  then this Princess will grant Janu’s wish and deliver this wish to Janu with haste.”  Sya said as she stood up.  “You will have no regrets?”  

Janu stared at Sya with clear and innocent eyes as if Sya had just swore at her which cause her to be wronged.  The group of men who were Janu’s fans, hated their new Princess with a passion.  How could their new Princess be so cold and unfeeling against their innocent and fairy-like Janu?  How could Princess Sya treat her this way?  They must cheer Janu on so she would know that there are many people in the Arena who loves and supports her!  

“Janu does not regret.”  Janu said as she breathed in deeply as if she was mustering up her courage to fight a bully.  

“Then this Princess will grant your wish.”  Sya said.  She would have no mercy on those that challenged her.  She will not hold their shared blood as a reason for her to be lenient.  She will fight for her life, sibling or not.  She will fight her way out of the Arena of Blood, kill her Demon Father while sinking the cursed island and live on for Ju Long.  She would do anything to get back to him.  “For this Princess will not regret as well.”