As the night slowly passed, Li Hua sat watching the fire flickering inside the cave, lost in thought. "Seely, just like you said, we can't save this whole world on our own. We need a strong team to find the five diamonds of the Great Elements."
"Yes," Seely nodded. "We'll start our journey tomorrow morning. I believe if our purpose is sincere, we'll meet the right people along the way."
The next morning, they were traveling toward the mountain range ruled by the power of 'Vayo' (Wind). Suddenly, thick red smoke rose from behind a massive rock. Li Hua instantly grabbed his sword, and Seely prepared her poison powers.
There stood a small but brilliant red dragon named "Agni." One of his wings was injured, and he was whimpering in pain. Seely stepped forward immediately and used her healing powers to mend the dragon's wing.
As soon as the wound was healed, Agni was overjoyed. Li Hua reached out toward the dragon with a bit of fear, thinking the "lightning shock" might strike again. But to his surprise, he stroked Agni's head, and not a single spark flew!
"Why is it just me?"
Li Hua hugged the dragon in excitement. "Look, Seely! I can touch the dragon. Nothing happened to me!" Li Hua started playing happily, even climbing onto the dragon's back.
Seeing this, Seely felt a mix of envy and wonder. She smiled and walked up to Li Hua, reaching out to hold his hand. But before her fingertips could even brush his armor, a loud "Zap!" echoed, and Li Hua was thrown five feet backward.
"Ouch! Again!" Li Hua shouted from the ground. "How come I can touch the dragon, but I can't touch you? This is so unfair!"
Agni the dragon clutched his belly and started laughing. "General, I think the Gods want you two to stop fighting. But hey, being able to touch me is a big deal. After all, I'm a very 'Hot' dragon!"
Seely crossed her arms and glared at them. "Fine, you two go ahead and play. I can touch the dragon, the dragon can touch you, but we can't touch each other. It's like someone put a 'No Touching' law on us!"
Li Hua stood up, laughing. "Maybe it's because our marks are the same, Seely—they just repel each other. The dragon doesn't have the mark. But don't worry, I'll hug the dragon on your behalf!"
Now they were three: Li Hua, Seely, and their new friend, Agni. They set off on their journey together. Agni perched on Li Hua's shoulder while Seely walked a little distance away.
"Agni, can you tell us where the diamonds of the Five Elements are?" Li Hua asked.
"I know, General," Agni replied seriously. "But those places are guarded by very powerful sentinels. The 'Mountain of Wind' we are heading to tomorrow is guarded by a giant made of wind. To fight him, our team needs to be very strong."
Seely smiled. "We are strong. We have poison, we have fire, and we have the sword... and even if we can't touch each other, we will do anything for one another."
Li Hua nodded. "Yes! Now, let's go. Let's find our first diamond!"
As the morning sun filtered into the cave, Li Hua and Seely woke up to a shocking sight. In front of them was not the small dragon from yesterday. Instead, a majestic young man dressed in glowing red robes stood smiling at them.
"Who... who are you?" Li Hua immediately grabbed his sword.
"Do not be afraid, My Lord," the youth said humbly. "It is I, Agni. I didn't tell you yesterday that I could take human form."
Both Li Hua and Seely were stunned. "This... this is little Agni?" Seely asked, unable to believe her eyes.
Agni slowly approached Li Hua and looked directly into his eyes. "My Lord, do you still not remember me?" There was a deep sadness in Agni's voice. Li Hua rubbed his head, trying to think. "No... I don't remember."
Agni let out a long sigh. "I am your 'Soul Pet.' Back when you were in the Divine Realm, I served as your 'Soul Beast.' No matter where you go or what form you take, I am a part of your own soul that follows you. I have always been there for your protection."
Li Hua's eyes widened. "Then tell me! Who am I? Why am I here?"
Agni lowered his head. "Forgive me, My Lord. I am not permitted to tell you that. I cannot go against the Divine Law. You must discover it for yourself."
Though Li Hua was hesitant, he saw the sincerity in Agni's eyes and said, "It's alright." At that moment, Seely stepped forward. "Agni, tell us, who is punishing you and him like this?"
A look of fear crossed Agni's face. He looked up at the sky and bowed his head again. "I am not permitted to say anything. Please, find out about yourselves. During this journey to find the five diamonds, you will uncover every secret."