Defeating the Warrior Prince

➳𝕹𝖎𝖓𝖊

It has been about a week since the mission statements were issued. The Sixth Team is beginning to have a better, more refined idea of their mission plan. Despite the challenge of social conformity, the team members are prodded on by their high ideals and their desires to have a splendid reward.

After a long day of rehearsal and practice, the team members eat their meal in the Academy's dining hall, converse about the plan of action, and return back to their residence hall. Since independent study is occurring, the bathhouses are open at all times for usage.

When night falls upon them, the crickets buzz and darkness hovers over the Military Academy. The residence halls are relatively silent at this time of the day, as most people are asleep. Peace is undisturbed for a prolonged period of time.

As the cool night breeze enters the room, Bai Xuan Ye's eyes unfold from the depth of darkness. There is a peculiar glint in his eyes, yet no soul can foretell any emotions associated with it. The dreadful memories from the past drift away. He exhales a sigh; following that, he glances over to the other members, who are all asleep. Only Yangyue Qin Feng is gone.

Without consciousness, the Warrior Prince finds himself wandering out to the Academy's Garden again. Every step he takes, the sound of his boots clacking on the exhausted path of pebbles echoes into the distance.

The lanterns guide the path. The thin rays of light fight to reach his eyes, succeeding only in penetrating the overwhelming darkness ahead of him. Without realizing it, he arrives at the cobbled platform he would always train at in the early morning.

Someone seems to have already taken his spot.

The light air ripples without crests, causing the tree branches to sway from one side to another. A sweet scent travels throughout the air as flower petals seamlessly flow down from the pink flowering trees.

As he gazes out to the distance, he sees someone dressed in an ethereal, pure white outfit. The figure's long flowing sleeves accentuate the exquisite grace of her arm movements and precise steps. The figure throws the silk sleeves up in the air, leaving them to float down as if a blooming flower unfolds in a warm spring day.

The Warrior Prince gazes intently and steadily at the dancer with great curiosity, pleasure, and astonishment.

Bending at the waist while moving the sleeves, the thin figure twirls around as the flurry of petals expels through the air. The extensions to the cuff of garment sleeves create movements that resemble flowing, whirling water.

Then all of a sudden, the dancing figure loses footing and a state of bodily equilibrium. Just before the figure falls, the Warrior Prince prances upwards to the cobbled platform, catching the person in his arms.

"You're pushing yourself too much, Qin Feng."

When the figure notices the presence of the Warrior Prince, she comes to a halt and faces him. Her expression is dull. Her eyes appear as if they have not shut in weeks. "..Bai Xuan Ye? Why are you here..?"

His brows raise, "Can't help it. You're always appearing wherever I go."

She releases herself from his arms and exhaustedly says, "I need to practice a little more. I'm getting there."

"It is to your advantage that you don't stress your body out before the mission begins."

Qin Feng frowns, "Everyone's doing so well. I.. don't want to drag everyone down."

".."

For a second, Bai Xuan Ye is preoccupied with his thoughts. He finally utters, "Your arm movements were stiff like stones in the beginning."

"They were?" muffles Qin Feng.

The Warrior Prince wraps one arm around Qin Feng's left shoulder and another on her right arm. "To imitate the movement of a fairy and the ripples of air and water.." he lifts up her arm and twirl it in a counter clockwise direction, "..you have to dive down and lift the sleeve up this way."

With wonder, she glances down at her arms, "Is that so?" She follows the pace of the Warrior Prince.

"Oh.. I think I am getting a hang of-" Just when she turns her head up to Bai Xuan Ye, he glances down at her.

They hold a momentary gaze before Qin Feng sheepishly bounces away from his arms, "A-Ahem. Bai Xuan Ye, how do you know about water sleeves dancing?" Her eyes trace Bai Xuan Ye as he leisurely takes a seat at the cobble stairway. She repeats his action, taking a seat beside him.

"My mother was a performer."

"Seriously? She must have been very good," marvels Qin Feng, "But it's truly a surprise to hear that the Warrior Prince's mother was a performer."

"Why?" The Warrior Prince smirks, "Are you interested in my past, Erotic Qin Feng?"

She hums while watching the waxing moon, "Well, you rarely speak of your personal life to the team members. Just thought I can connect with you as the Team Leader."

Bai Xuan Ye rotates and rests his head on his left fist, "Connect with me?"

"I presume you are yet to be ready to share it." Qin Feng rises up and pats the dust off her behind, "So I'll wait. Wait until you're ready." Turning around, she reveals a confident smile.

The Warrior Prince senses a warm, fuzzy feeling within him. He gazes at her while she chats happily.

"I'm fine now, so I will continue to practice. Your tip is very helpful," announces Qin Feng, who stretches her arms and legs. "Perhaps I can coordinate my arm movements by.."

"Qin Feng," adds Bai Xuan Ye.

Just before she returns to the cobbled platform, she swirls around at the sound of her name. "Wha-"

Bai Xuan Ye pulls Qin Feng's waist towards him and whispers next to her ear, "If you act recklessly again.. I will punish you."

Yangyue Qin Feng pushes the Warrior Prince away and covers her flushed ears, "BAI XUAN YE— YOU!"

"And I always do as I say." Bai Xuan Ye grins playfully before turning back and disappearing from the garden.

Yangyue Qin Feng pats her chest to relieve herself. She looks out to the voided space and voices, "Shameless guy.."