A Different Path

Chapter 19

"I was wondering if you were going to try something. Do you wish to test whether I can come back or not?" Rose asked.

"... You do not show a snippet of fear. I wonder... how many times have you been in the position? When the stronger one has you at their mercy... you should be sentenced to death for speaking such blasphemy..." Shamura looked at her.

"The weak must learn to survive at some point, and you shouldn't take it so seriously coming from me," Rose disappeared before their eyes. She reappeared behind them and kicked Shamura hard enough to send them flying into the wall.

It was nothing for the god, but they didn't expect that whatsoever. Shamura got up, unscathed. They looked at Rose and laughed. "You continue to amaze me. Not everyone can manage to catch me off guard."

Rose slowly smiled, her eyes half closed. "One must learn a multitude of tricks to get out of any situation imaginable. Magic helps, but it can only do so much. It also helps that my brothers in arms have gladiator matches every time they spar. I learned a thing or two from watching them. Are we going to continue or can I go now? My family is expecting me and I still have to get fitted for my dress."

"Yes, yes. I won't keep you any longer," Shamura took her to the teleportation stone after she put her cloak back on.

They had always wanted to see just how much she would react. Rose was so different than most of their soldiers and followers. From how she reacted, Shamura deduced that Rose had seen it all. Even if Noonveil had seen much peace, the land had faced years of war... Shamura had read Rose's mind when she told them that she didn't want to be feared. They saw some of her memories, of how ordinary people scorned her, running at the sight of her just for being different. She did nothing and they feared her anyway. Rose didn't want them to fear her, nor be weary. Now... they could only hope that Rose could talk some sense into Narinder. Rose had the power of resurrection, yet she did not use it. Shamura watched her step on the teleportation stone and disappeared...

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Rose told Shamura so much delicate information. She truly didn't hide anything... it was a bit foolish on her part, but... Shamura did not know that Rose didn't tell them everything. At this point in time, there was only one way to keep a Phoenix Hybrid dead... and that was by drowning. If they drowned and were still surrounded by water, then they cannot ignite to burn into ashes. They would remain in purgatory until their body is taken out and the water is removed from their lungs. Phoenixes who had gained human forms learned to swim to avoid such a fate. The water turned off their fire power, but it was a small price to pay for such a vital skill. That way, even if enemies learned of their weakness, it would become useless and obsolete. No one knew of the second method to keep a Phoenix Hybrid dead until many years later...

For the time being, Rose returned home and was quickly taken into a dressing room. Her family was working on her new wedding dress and they were going all out. Rose was impressed by the fabric they were using and wondered how they got it to glow the way it did. The family kitten played with the ribbons. Oh right! Recently, the family took in a little baby kitten that had been abandoned by its mother. They were still deciding on the name, but it was just so cute. The kitten reached up and pawed at Rose, mewing for attention. Rose couldn't help but smile and picked it up, giving it kisses and snuggles. That little kitty was going to be spoiled with love and affection, for sure. For Rose, she was reminded of when Brightstar would cuddle with her in cat form. Rose's family made sure to check with the Clans to see if anyone lost a cat, but nothing came up. As for the cat Clans... That was a bigger challenge, but Kitaro Clan asked around for them. The results were the same. Rose wondered what to name the little girl... yes, it was a girl.