22. Times of Goodbye

22. Times of Goodbye
Azure – 24 years old

Ten years.

Ten long years that it took me to finally set foot on my land.

I left when I was fourteen years old, nineteen when I was forced to face the Lycans. Five years since the death of two of my dearest friends.

After the long tiring battle, we all traveled together to the homeland of Pierre and Jacques. I volunteered to make sure they arrived to their families and were buried a Hero’s burial. I had sent a carrier ahead to deliver the sad news and to expect our arrival within a weeks’ time. When we got there by boat into the land of Paris, France, it was like the entire town was waiting for us.

I have never seen so many people standing on the channel waiting silently, faces in masks of sadness and pain. Both Lumiere and Julien stepped off the boat first to speak with a few of them before the rest of us disembarked on the land.

To say we were welcome was a false hope. Since Rudina, Lucian, Achak and Shenzu followed, the locals became a little hostile and guarded by our appearances. Especially when they saw the state of my eyes. We were foreigners and I understand their cautious behavior. So, none of us were able to go any further and say our final goodbyes to the two men as I quietly stood by and watched as men came aboard, lifting the wooden caskets they were in.

I helplessly watched them take them through the crowd as they all opened a path, praying to their god, some crying, some sympathetic to those more affected by their deaths. Both Lumiere and Julien came up to me with sad smiles. This was our final farewell. They were home and I knew I was never going to see them again.

With that knowledge I gently slip off my beads that constantly hung around my neck for protection and good luck. I lift the priceless beads, handing it to Lumiere. His eyes watered knowing how much these meant to me.

“Promise me that you’ll lay this to rest with Pierre.” I whisper in his language, surprising some of the nearby locals.

Lumiere’s tears fell as he carefully took the necklace. “They will be buried with him; I promise you this.”

Julien steps up to me, placing a hand on my shoulder giving it a gentle squeeze. “And you promise us that you will take care of yourself. Don’t let them beat you down, Azure. You’re a strong one, a special being that saved the world. Even if they don’t know it.”

“But we do. And we’ll be sure to let our people know what you have done, along side with Pierre and Jacques. They believed in you. We all do.” Lumiere puts in.

I nod my head giving them that promise. Lucian and his men stayed behind as they too were returning to their home of England that wasn’t too far from France. We said our final goodbyes as well. And while the French were wary of them, the King allowed them safe passage to return home. It relieved my heart to know they will be safe on their journey.

But my heart was heavy with sadness as the boat drifted away from their homeland and I didn’t take my eyes away from it once as it finally faded into the distance. But my journey was filled with caution and snubbing. My men couldn’t bring themselves to trust me. When they saw my transformation, it was like I was thrown back to day one with them all.

To them, I was a monstrous beast that they had momentarily forgotten about in the time of battle. I still couldn’t bring myself to accept that I had changed into another form. A four-legged creature, but nothing like a Lycan. According to Rudina, I had changed into a giant wolf it seems.

“Honestly, you were beautiful, Azure. I’ve never seen anything like it. The fur you carried was different colors as if you took all the colors of the wolves into one.” She had told me in a voice of awe.

I couldn’t agree or disagree. I didn’t know what I looked like. But I haven’t since transformed. I didn’t know how. Especially when I wasn’t even aware that I even could. When we made a stop onto another land to trade boats both Rudina and Achak said their goodbyes as they both must travel in the opposite directions from where I was heading. Both of their homeland being one and the same. Who knew.

And when we finally arrived back in Korea, hundreds of monks were waiting for us on shore. I frown when I disembarked looking at Shenzu who calmly bowed to a High Priest. There was a large carriage linked to a large wooden cage that held thick chains all across it.

Shenzu turned to me with those ever calm and trusting eyes. “This is where I must leave you, my dear friend.” He softly says as six of the monks quickly pass me to get on the boat.

“Although Lycaon is dead, we must quickly take him back to the temple where his body will forever be imprisoned. Our spiritual seals with keep him from ever returning as long as the temple is guarded and protected.”

He then reaches into his satchel and takes out an object that was tightly wrapped with leather and tied with raw hide. “Keep this. It’s a symbol of the temple of what you have done for the world. With this object you will have all access to our resources. You’ve have earned the trust of the temple.”

Once that was said all the monks, including the High Priest, bowed gracefully at me. I just stood there in complete shock, watching as the six come off the boat, holding the wrapped body of Lycaon and watch as they place him in the cage locking him up real tight.

They all start to head off in the carriage, many of them walking with grace and purpose. Shenzu steps up to me and gives me a hug that felt warm and safe. Pulling away he wears a soft smile on his boyish features of just thirteen.

“Until we meet again, your highness. For we will one day see each other.” With that he turns away and follows his fellow people.