"My lord, you did not have to-"
"Consider it a token of my gratitude your highness." Kenji said before Shen could even complete his sentence, he had gifted Shen and Chao Xing both a grand palace.
"When I remounted..... your palace had shattered down completely...consider this a a compensation. This palace has a special feature of geometrical pyramids and lighting system which can be extremely useful as it creates illusion of going to a chamber which is not actually a chamber and to differentiate from such illusion, this system can be stimulated only by the owner."
Chao Xing gasped covering her mouth with her hand, Shen was listening with great anticipation and excitement.
"My lord….we…." Shen was speechless.
"My lord, Thankyou so much but how can we accept this… it is-"
"Consider a gift from your friend.." Kenji said before Chao Xing can even complete her sentence.
Shen looked at Kenji with disbelief in his eyes.
"But my lord, this- this is far too generous. How can we every repay you?"
Kenji placed a reassuring hand on Shen's shoulder, "Your friendship is more than enough. I believe that a strong bind deserves to be celebrated, especially in times of loss.
This palace will serve as a reminder of our alliance and the memories we create with each other."
Chao Xing still recovering from the shock managed to stammer, "It is beautiful, truly. I cannot believe you would do this for us."
Kenji waved his hand dismissively, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It is the moments that one shares within these walls that give us the true significance of the place. We all know that it is truly uncommon, gifting palaces here in the realms and is considered a special act but I would say, I am gifting this as a place of refuge, joy and camaraderie. A refuge from the chaos and the frustration of the realm, I truly hope you find it within the walls of this palace as it has a special chamber designed which can mould itself into the individual's interest. I can only hope that this brings you as much happiness as your help has brought me."
Within those words, he stepped back allowing Shen and Chao Xing to take in the grandeur of their new home, built side by side.
"This reminded me of when our parents gifted us the palace." Chao Xing said, tears formed a pool in her eyes. Shen smiled softly looking at her sister.
"Thankyou, my lord." Shen finally said, his voice steady yet filled with emotion.
"We will cherish this place and honour your friendship."
"Never in a lifetime would I have ever imagined I would be receiving a palace as a gift from my idol." Chao Xing said as her voice cracked a bit, her face adorned with a smile. She wiped her tears away.
Kenji chuckled a bit, his eyes forming into a crescent.
The night was calm. Kenji walked through the quiet corridors of his palace, each step echoed softly.
His mind conjured up the images of Liuxing, how he leaned in, softly placed his head upon Kenji's shoulder. Kenji could once again feel the touch of Liuxing's cheek against his fingers.
Kenji leaned further towards the balcony. His veil flowing swiftly as the cold celestial breeze touched the fabric. He gazed out at the sky, at the stars.
"My lord. Is this really an emerald ?" Lee asked, his voice reflecting shock and excitement.
"Yes kid…it is and it is yours now." Kenji said, patting Lee's head.
"But....what is the need for this my lord?"
"Use it when you are in need, you can summon it's power for protection." Kenji said.
Lee's eyes widened as he cradled the emerald in his hands. It's deep green facets glistening like captured sunlight. The weight of it felt both foreign and exhilarating. Lee felt a sense of connection between himself and the stone, "But I do not know how to use it my lord." He said, his eyes rounded into cluelessness, "Will it really protect me?" Lee whispered, looking up at Kenji with hope.
"Yes." Kenji replied firmly. "But remember, it is not just the emerald that provides protection. You must also cultivate your own courage. The emerald amplifies your own intentions and energy. When you face danger, speak your wish aloud while holding this emerald tightly in your hand."
Lee nodded softly and slowly, his fingers tracing the emerald's smooth surface, feeling as if it pulsed with energy.
"Okay." Lee declared, his face lit up with a smile. "I will practise and do my best to be worthy of it."
Kenji gripped Lee's shoulder, "Remember, true courage and bravery lies not in the absence of fear but in the strength to face it."
Suddenly, a distant rumble of thunder broke the tranquility of their moment. Lee glanced toward the horizon, where dark clouds began to coil menacingly, casting shadows over the clearing. "It seems like a storm is coming." Lee noted, concern etched over his features.
"Indeed we should seek shelter but first let us test your emerald's connection with you." Kenji said.
Lee held the emerald tightly in his hand, "What do I do my lord?"
"Focus on the storm." Kenji instructed.
"Visualise the energy of the emerald merging with your own. Picture it as a barrier holding back the dark clouds, protecting you and all the good around."
Lee took a deep breath, his heart pounding. As raindrops began to patter against the leaves above, he felt the emerald growing warmer. He visualised it as instructed and then after a moment….it seemed as if the time was frozen, when he opened his eyes, he gasped. A shimmering green barrier surrounded him, pulsing in the rythm with the emerald itself. The storm raged on around him but he was untouched.
Kenji stared at Lee, "Wonderful!" Kenji exclaimed.
"Now….Lee remember, next time you feel unsafe, know that I am always near you. You have called me, prayed to me and now I am always with you. So do not beg to anyone anymore, do not ask for death, do not cry anymore. I will always be your safe place and your protector." Kenji's voice faded into an echo. Lee stared at his figure disappearing into thin air.