The Other Side of the Mask

"How's his condition?" I ask, worried.

"Luckily, he isn't injured that bad…he'll definitely need to stay and rest for a while."

"Okay," I respond, I'll take over his duties in the meantime.

"What about you? Are you hurt anywhere?" the doctor asks.

"I'm fine, just a few scratches," I responded, unconcerned at all.

I immediately regretted my words once I entered ZhuWu's office to take care of work. I was way too busy to notice the pain in my wounds and now that everything's settled...yeah…

I carefully pull out a first aid kit and bandage myself. Suddenly, I hear wild cheers outside. I walk to ZhuWu's window and open it.

"Yass! The Hero is here!"

"The Masked Siren!"

"Our Savior!"

A crowd of the injured, the families too, cheering with smiles on their faces. I gasp at the sight as thousands of lights light up in front of me. I am reminded of the time when I found my mother and father in this kingdom. I laugh along and join the fray.

As time passes by, I familiarize myself with the people of this town. Then it was THAT day, THAT hectic day. February fourteenth, also known as Valentine's Day.

"Hey, hey, come to the capital with us! They always have a big celebration because of the tradition of the kings and queens in this kingdom!" ZhuWu says for the millionth time.

"Okay, okay, fine, but I'm going in disguise."

He gives me a big smile as we get ready. He calls a group of five carriages, and we all board. I sit on the carriage with ZhuWu, as I look out the window at familiar sights.

"Wow, I haven't left our town in a long time…"

"Haha, you've been quite busy with your popularity."

"Ugh, not that I asked for it."

"Haha, with your skills, you'll shine wherever you go."

I look at ZhuWu with a disgusted expression, "Really"

"Ahaha…"

We pass by Mei's village.

"Stop!" I yell.

The carriage comes to a halt.

"ZhuWu, can I bring another person with us?"

"Sure, go ahead."

I walk off the carriage and enter the village.

"Ah! It's the city girl!" a child screams.

I bend down in front of him, "Do you know where Mei is?"

"Big sister, Mei?"

"Yes."

He points down the road, and I see her.

"Oi, Mei!"

"Ah! QiLing!"

"Pack some stuff! We're going to the capital!"

Her eyes shine brightly, "The capital?!"

I smile at her. After a couple minutes, she boards the carriage.

"This is my friend, Mei," I tell ZhuWu, " and this is the mayor of the town in the south, ZhuWu," I tell Mei.

"Nice to meet you!" They greet each other.

Finally, we arrive at the capital. I put on a hood.

"Please don't call my name too loud, guys," I tell them warily.

"Ok?"