When Crossbow Meets Blade

Chapter 29

"Alright, I need some information about Wanwan. Like general information." Harith mentioned.

Zilong scratched his chin before talking. "Well, she's a female."

"No shit, sherlock." Baxia said.

"You cant blame me! I thought Ling was a girl the first time we met!" Zilong said defensively.

As the two got arguing, Cyclops sighed and shook his head. "Chang'e? You know anything?"

"Um.. she's a marksman.. if I'm not wrong, her code name is Agile Tiger, who's weapon is the Crossbow of Tang. And... she represents the White Tiger of the West.."

Harith listened intently to every word she said. When she finished, he nodded his head and said, "I see.."

Chang'e looked at him, hoping things would work out. "This may take some time, so please bear with me" he said.

"Oh, no problem!" Chang'e beamed. She was happy he was able to help instead of backing out like most people would.

After waiting for what seemed like forever, Harith exclaimed. "Chang'e! I think this is it!"

Everyone's attention turned to the mage. Zilong ran to Harith, tripping down in the process. Chang'e, being the caring little sister she is, helped him up.

Harith held out a magic sphere, an image slowly appearing on it. As is slowly became clearer, they could see what was being potrayed on it.

Everyone got closer and squinted as they tried to see the image. They saw an empty, dark cavern, no signs of life in it. Scattered on the ground were bright, glowing purple gems, possibly an aftermath of a rampage.

"Are you sure this is the place she's at right now?" Baxia asked.

Harith nodded in response. "Yes, I'm very sure this is the place. I can feel her power here..."

Everyone stayed silent for a while, not knowing what to say. Cyclops was the first to speak up.

"Well! Without further ado, why not I set up the portal now?" he said, waving his arms in the air excitedly. Chang'e smiled happily at his behaviour.

Cyclops muttered out some words which sounded gibberish to the rest of the group. As they awkwardly watched him work his magic, Zilong noticed the townspeople running around in a panic. Well, not alot of them.

Curiousity and worry grew inside of Zilong, but before he could go investigate, Cyclops' voice stopped him. "It is done!"

They turned and looked at the portal created by the mage. A black void stared eerily at them, waiting for them to enter. It seemed... gloomy. Depressing. Dead. It was inviting them to go in.

Baxia hesitated. "Wait, you're not coming with us? Some extra help would be appreciated. " He motioned towards Harith and Cyclops.

"I really wish I could... but I have to return to the Empire now... Princess Silvanna said it was another emergency.." Harith said with an apologetic look on his face, scratching his nape.

"Saber's gonna be really mad at me if I dont assemble with the SABER team ASAP... God, I know this sounds like a ridiculous excuse. But I really want to help you guys!" Cyclops protested, his voice getting louder as he spoke.

Baxia kneeled down and patted his head. He looked at both Harith and Cyclops and smiled at them. "You two have done more than enough. I really thank you for all you've done."

As the two mages bid them good luck and left, the remaining three stood in front of the portal, staring into it.

"Are we... really doing this...?" Chang'e asked nervously, holding onto the sleeve of her big brother.

Zilong took in a deep breath. "Yes, we are. For the sake of our teammate, our friend. Our... family. I'm willing to risk it all, even my life."

"Hey, isnt that my line?!" Baxia asked half-jokingly. Zilong chuckled and punched him lightly on his arm.

Baxia and Chang'e entered the portal first. Zilong needed some more time to calm himself down. To get rid of uneccessary thoughts that might distract him.

"I can do this... I can do this..." He gave himself a little pep talk. Just as he was about to set foot in the portal, someone ran up to him and tugged at his sleeve. Surprised, he quickly turned his head to look at the person. It was Freya.

Zilong blushed a little at this. But when he saw her panting and sweating, he knew it wasnt the time to be fantasizing about his crush. 

After she caught her breath, she straightened herself up, hand still on his sleeve.

"Y-you're friends with Ling, r-right..?!" she asked him.

Zilong flinched at the mention of his name. The last thing he wanted was to personally talk to Ling. His eyebrows creased as a frown started to form.He looked away.

"I'm... not sure about that.."

Ignoring his response, Freya replied, almost shouting, "H-His squad..!!"

"Huh? What are you saying?!"

"Havent you heard?! All 5 of the Dragon Tamers.... have perished!"

The sound of his spear dropping could clearly be heard.

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