The Time Stone Crystal

Chapter 22 - Meet Heira

WENG suddenly flowed her tears when she remembered her family again. The young man approached her and then wiped her tiny grain of tears from her cheeks.

“What’s wrong?” Kairo asked even though he knew.

“Nothing. I missed my family. They do not know that I am still alive but in another person. I did not even tell them how much I love them.”

“They know that you love them dearly. Even if they do not know if you are still alive or not, still, they have your memories in their hearts. Don't worry; we will do everything together to uphold this destiny of ours. I promise you, you will see them. Don’t cry. It will weaken your strength, but rather think that they are your inspiration to go through.”

She nodded.

Kairo wiped away her tears then kissed her on the cheek. This is her only hope so that she can return to her world and be with it. But they still have to take risks in the next few moments to get it all done.

Meanwhile, Jigger and Kristoff watched the training of the two Kairo and Weng not far from them.

“How is that, bro? The one you love has already found her destiny with Master Kairo. You have no chance right now, ”Jigger teased Kristoff.

“I already know that thing and don't do it again and again. Also, I feel I only admired Miss Weng because she is different from everyone else. I also know that she was destined for Master Kairo and not for me, ”Kristoff replied.

"I told you, choose one of the locals, so you don't feel sad like that.”

"I am not sad. I am happy as long as they are happy together.”

"That's not what I see in your eyes.”

“Why do you know more about my feelings rather than myself? You have not even introduced us to the woman you like.”

“I am not like others who pick up someone who is like a fairy, but in the end, she’s a b***h. No woman has ever captured my heart.”

“Ow? That's why you can't keep quiet every time Margareth is around.”

"Who's Margareth?”

“You are being connived. Of course, Master Kairo's caretaker! Who else I was talking to?"

"Stop it."

Kristoff notices that Jigger doesn't seem to want to talk about the woman. "I heard that someone is flirting with Margareth, who is of Italian descent."

"What?" his forehead wrinkled.

Kristoff laughed. “See? You do not even want to admit that you are interested in Margareth. I said someone was flirting with her, and that was what Master Kairo told me before. Margareth may have already her husband right now.”

"It's up to her." Jigger looked in the other direction. "If she doesn't wait for me, she could marry there. I don’t bother her anymore.”

Kristoff burst out laughing. “I can’t believe this! It seems you admit that you like that woman.”

"Yes! I admit it, ”his tone was different.

"I also caught you in your mouth."

"Why are we talking about women?"

"You are the initiator of that."

It changed the subject. "Where’s Hander?"

"Okay, he's still in the room with Thiara."

"It simply came to our notice then. Hander often went out early to look around. Miraculously, he did not patrol today, ”Kristoff wondered.

“I smell something fishy in those two. Maybe Hander has already won Thiara's heart.”

"You are mistaken. Thiara has already won Hander's heart.”

They both laughed.

"Is that really what you are talking about?"

Kristoff and Jigger stopped laughing when Hander was behind them. The two were immediately silent at its sudden appearance.

"Why don't you just talk about your life instead of the lives of those around you," Hander added.

“We are just kidding aside. Jigger and I wondered why you did not leave the room and not join us on our breakfast. We are thought that somethings happened between you and Thiara.”

"Nothing happened. I just had a headache, and I didn't go out first. Thiara just took care of me. That’s it.”

"What kind of care?" Jigger's smiles to Hander seemed to be mixed with mischief.

"Be quiet if you do not want me to shed blood on my hands from you. Unfortunately, Master Kairo wants to see Heira tonight in her hiding place not far from this place. Get ready.”

“I just wonder why Master Kairo wants to see Heira even though Hyperion himself can also found us in an instant. I just thought there was something wrong with this journey of ours. Hyperion was able to follow us at any time and in any way, but Master Kairo could not find him. I guess there’s a traitor in our group, and that is why that monster Hyperion can follow us.”

“How did you say that, Jigger? I feel that Master Kairo knows what he is doing and if there’s a traitor, who is he?” Kristoff asked Jigger.

"I do not know. I only thought of that because Hyperion can modify to follow us and go through at different times like Master Kairo. ”

"Could it be because he has half of Master's power?"

“Whatever the reason, still, we need to be careful. There is no traitor in this group because I will face him first,” Hander said emphatically and clenched his fist.

“We will wait for what Master Kairo has to say next. So you Jigger, stop thinking about who the traitor is. And who will betray us when we are all loyal to Master? As long as I am loyal, ”Kristoff said.

“Loyalty is what we are talking about here. It's up to you.” Jigger stood up then shook his head.

"Let's go, and maybe where else can we talk," Kristoff said while shouldered Jigger is going inside.

The three young men turned around while Kairo was listening from his hiding place. After a while, it also left and suddenly disappeared.

WHILE ON RIDING THEIR HORSES, Weng's group headed to Heira's place. According to Kairo, even though they no longer need to talk to the woman, Kairo still wants to meet her. They were accompanied by five of Master Ali's men to guide them to Bethlehem. The place where Jesus was born.

Bethlehem is a city in the central West Bank, Palestine, about 10 km south of Jerusalem. Its population is approximately 25,000, and it is the capital of the Governor of Bethlehem. The economy is mainly driven by tourists, which rises during the Christmas season when Christians travel to the church of birth. But during the time that Weng traveled with the others was far from Bethlehem in the future.

"Is this Bethlehem?" she asked when they got to the place.

“Yes. This is it. A small town that is not yet civilized as you know Bethlehem in the future and has become a sacred place where the considered child of God is born,” Kairo replied.

“But how did Heira get through this time? Is she a Jew? ”

“No. Heira is a half-immortal and could do the healing. A better woman likes the beast Hyperion, but she doesn't like her bad deeds. ”

"She is an immortal." She thinks of the woman who likes the monster Hyperion.

They continued until they came to a hut type on the top of a hill. They even pass by people who are busy with their activities while others watch their passing. It was then that Weng thought that the people's lives in that era were real, primarily what was written in the covenant or bible. The sun was still shining brightly when they arrived because they are in the middle east part. When they arrived also, they immediately got off their horses.

"You stay here for a while," Kairo told everyone.

"We will not go with you inside?" she asked the young man.

“I will talk to her alone and follow me after twenty minutes.”

She looked at the wristwatch she had been wearing since she was there. "All right."

Kairo turned to Hander. "Hander, you will take care of her."

Hander just nodded in response then Kairo turned to go inside. On the other hand, Weng approached a part of the shady palm trees, and she could see the shepherds. Kristoff approached her too.

"Hi!"

"Kristoff, it's you."

"How are you?"

“I am fine. I am also got in training to fight.”

“I saw that. You learn quickly, especially in fighting styles. You immediately analyze your opponent's every move and still need extensive knowledge. One of these days, I will teach you how to slash.”

"Maybe you want to make Miss Weng do something else," Jigger replied. He is listening to their conversation.

"Shut up. Why do you want to share about impart knowledge of being a fighter? ” Kristoff asked Jigger.

“Yes. I will teach you, Miss Weng, how to deceive the opponent. You have to learn that because Hyperion is cunning. ”

"I do not agree with what you teach."

"That's a straightforward way to beat your opponent right away if you are cunning sometimes."

She laughed at what the two young men said. In a short time, she learned to get along with them. They are kind, but sometimes they also know a lot of nonsense things.

"Miss Weng, when do you want to learn?" Jigger asked her.

"Uhm, as long as I don't get hurt, anytime."

"I should have been in that training, and maybe what Jigger will do to you. He is a dangerous fighter.”

She laughed again.

"Hey! If you could speak like that, you would think you were a saint too!”

"Oh, c’mon! What do you want, huh?”

The two pretended to be fighting, but it was just mischief from them. Weng laughed again at the two men's actions as if they had no problems thinking. As she noticed, Hander and Thiara were always together. Are these two getting kind-closer? She remembers being told that Thiara liked Hander. I am happy for both of them if that is what I have in my mind.

“Hey! Could you please stop this? You two are acting like children fighting in their toys.” Thiara restraint the two. The woman also was already there in their direction.

"Jigger was the do it first, and he is arrogant.”

“What? I am arrogant. You’re the one who’s acting like that.”

Thiara shook her head. "How can she learn from you if that is your behavior’s both?" It turned to her. “I will let Master Kairo know, and I will also teach you my skills in fighting. Is that okay with you?”

She was surprised by Thiara's treatment of her. Her smile was so broad that it didn't seem forced. "Huh?" She was wondering.

She approached her. “From now on, I will be behind you, Miss Weng. I will also defend you as these fools did to you and as well as Master Kairo.”

She could not believe that Thiara had changed. "T-thank you then."

"Friends?" She held out her palm to her.

She still couldn't believe it, then she smiled and accepted her hand. "Friends."

The two young men who knew Thiara's treatment of him applauded. But she was also happy to know that it had been good for her but still puzzled her why. Does Hander have anything to do with this? What could have happened to the two of them when they were together in the room? Hmm..it looks like they are getting understand of being together. I remember when Kairo and I were together. We are like dogs and cats disputed!

“Let’s celebrate for that. We need for the wine toast,” Jigger said.

“There is no problem with drinking wine. I will take care of that,” Thiara replied.

"With Hander?" Kristoff asked.

"Of course," Thiara replied while smiling at Hander.

Hander just smiled slightly at the woman.

“It is already twenty-minutes. I will go inside,” Weng said.

"I'll take you inside," Hander said.

She just nodded then they went inside the small house where Kairo entered. She has also prepared herself for would be there inside.