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“Nothing worth your worry,” she replied.
“Show me your surprise. I am all anticipation.”
Six turned around and beckoned toward the rear of the secluded garden.
“Come,” she commanded.
The dense, lush foliage parted with a rustle, and out stepped the most beautiful creature Seven had ever beheld.
“A white tiger!” she exclaimed.
“I have never seen his equal. And so big!”
She crouched low to welcome the Beast in her arms, and he went to her instinctively, rubbing his face against hers, purring deeply within her embrace.
“A magical tiger,” Six said.
“My gift to you. It has taken me a thousand years to weave the magic to create him. He is in possession of a Pure soul, which I had to steal from the stars in Father Jade’s cosmos. And he is Immortal. You will never have to lose him. Because even if he were to perish protecting you, for that is the purpose of his existence, his soul can be reborn. He will find you again in time.”
Seven beamed up at Six with a truly heartfelt smile.
“Thank you,” she said. “This is the best gift ever.”
Six smiled tightly back.
Six only ever smiled tightly; it was her way. But Seven knew that she was just as happy for her sister’s happiness.
“No less than the gift of Elementals that you have given me,” Six said.
Suddenly, she turned toward a distant sound.
Seven heard it too. It was Papa Jade’s summons.
“I must go,” Six said. “The giants are loose again. I have to put them back to sleep.”
“Thank you, sister,” Seven murmured, still smiling.
Six gave one solemn nod and disappeared, leaving behind tendrils of smoke.
Seven focused now entirely on her new companion, holding him by the full, luxuriously soft scruff around his uniquely patterned face.
“What shall I call you?” she murmured, staring into his brilliant glacier blue eyes.
“How does Byakko sound? It is a strong and majestic name, like its owner, no?”
Byakko rumbled his approval, nuzzling Seven’s face, rubbing his scent glands all over her, and tickling her with his fur.
A carefree laugh bubbled out of her. Rare for a god, and even rarer for one of the fearsome Twins.
From this day hence, Byakko became Seven’s constant companion and protector. Her mightiest warrior. They went everywhere together, conquered any and all odds.
From his mold, Six created more Beasts to populate an army. Rulers of Sky, Earth and Sea. Thus, the first Eagle King and Snake King were born. Together with Byakko, and under Byakko’s overall command, they guarded the realms and protected the Universal Balance. They guarded the Twins as well, aided by Six’s command of the Elements.
And then, one day, Byakko became more.
On a day she was particularly wroth, having been duped and almost killed by her latest liaison, Byakko changed.
He transformed into a man before Seven’s consternated eyes. She never knew he possessed the ability.
