A Different Path

Chapter 12

Rose did too, but their fire is completely different from each other's. Rose's phoenix flame is considered the second hottest flame. Dragon fire is the first and the sun is the third. Enhance them with magic and the mind, and the result is a powerhouse. Rose knew she couldn't underestimate Vulcana either, or anyone for that matter. Rose learned the hard away, as did her friends, not to underestimate enemies. It led them straight into a trap by one of the nobles keeping enslaved magic users. Magic was certainly helpful in that situation, but things would have went smoother if they had been a bit more careful. Having such a smooth going streak beforehand might have sparked overconfidence back then. They were freeing prisoners left and right so it was bound to happen at some point. Still, Rose and her friends acted with more caution after that. Dealing with Vulcana should be done carefully in case of an encounter...

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Two weeks went by after Rose received Narinder's letter. It was a cloudy day, threatening to rain at any second. Those outside were hurrying inside so they wouldn't get caught in the storm. Rose was in her room, looking at the dark clouds. She still remembers the last time she saw Narinder in person. They gave each other a big hug and kissed before parting ways. Rose had let go of her late husband and moved on. She was at peace and accepted his departure from the living world. Now that she was with Narinder... they haven't been apart for thing long since they became a couple. They didn't see each other as often after they first met, but they were just becoming good friends. There were times that Rose missed her friends after not seeing each other for so long, but they meet up for tea every week. Rose sort of knew why she was feeling lonely and upset, but it was for her own safety. Vulcana still wanted her, but she wasn't going to achieve her goals so easily. Rose waited for the day Narinder would send her the letter that says it's safe for her to come and visit once more.

"Oh, mi amor... I miss you so much..." Rose sighed...

One of the ways Rose knew how to express her emotions was through song. Maybe she could make it rain too... Rose knew of one song that expressed one's sadness and couldn't bring the rain. All she had to do was tap her amulet.

(A/N: I do not own this cover of Tender Rain from The World is Still Beautiful by ShiyuSings.)

♪"The sadness born today,
It soars into the sky so high
And clouds turn to gray...
The sky opens its eyes
And calls upon a wind that stirs my heart, from deep inside...

I'll keep you safe and sound, always...
Together we'll find destiny, someday
From the tears that you have shed,
To the worries in your head,
I will hold you and fill
Your heart with cheer...

It's a tender rain...

May this simple song I sing,
And the hope it brings
Reach you whenever you are
No matter how near or far
Apart that we may be,
If you'll believe, then I'll believe it too...

Singing in the rain...

Every drop is shining bright
In this golden light,
All your tears will wash away...
And on this day, I will wait
For the world to bloom once more~
Until I can find my way back to you...

Please come, the tender rain...
Come, tender rain..."

Rose watched the rain begin to fall after she started to sing. Everyone was inside and could hear her sing. They could feel her sadness too. The five Phoenix siblings knew their mother was missing her mate, but they couldn't do much to help in that regard. Rosa went to check on their mother and found her working on embroidery by the time the song was over. Rose sat in her chair and worked her needle and thread. She had taken a seat by the time she finished singing. Embroidery was something Rose loved to do. She had made many mini tapestries with her embroidery. Rosa could see her mother's eyes shining with tears... she was sad. Rosa said nothing as she walked in and hugged her mother quietly. Rose hugged her back, having put down the embroidery. She needed the hug more than she realized. Rosa remembered the last time her mother was this upset. It was before her father had passed away, back when he was sick in bed. Rose stayed by his bed side and nursed him all she could. They didn't look like husband and wife after Adlan had aged into an old man. They looked like a daughter caring for her sick father or grandfather. Rose had wished she could have helped her late husband, but those days were over. She wasn't sad about that anymore, she was sad because she missed Narinder...