PhoenixDragon
by Delineations . Alyona

. Copyrighted © by Iva Liu . 2009 .

Be Inspired

But Don't Steal

!Thankyou!

Like any other family, there was a secret.

The secret had resided in the blood-line long before Mao Zedong proclaimed the founding of the People's Republic of China; and definitely long before Li Bai made his first appearance in chinese history. In fact, it had been so long, the family had eventually branched off during or around the Western Xia dynasty into four different clans: the Dragon, the Phoenix, the Qilin and the Tortoise, where they were shielded by other provences of Ningxia, Gansu, eastern Qinghai etc.

There existed four eggs.

Those four eggs were sent from the Heavens and were given to the family during the Qin dynasty, where they were sworn to protect and guard the eggs until they hatch one day. For 1600 years, the eggs still had not hatched, let alone moved. Despite this, the family never gave up hope that one day it truly will hatch. They moved to a more secluded space deep within China and there, they called the land their home. It was the place where, for the past 1000 years in every generation, they chose the next...

... The Guardian of the Nest.

Xining, China.

Deep within the mountains in Xining, the trees rustled. Whiffs of wind was blowing gently from different directions, causing a low whistling from between the rocks to resound. It was a mellow day, the sun above head was not shining it's brightest. The clouds covered what remained of the blue sky, and seemed to be preparing for a rain.

Despite the gloomy weather, the competition was not prosponed; the competition to decide between the heir from the Dragon clan and the heir from the Phoenix clan who will be runner up for the title 'The Guardian of the Nest'.

The conditions? Competitors fight to their deaths.

There was a temple central to the surrounding mountains, its' pointed roof decorated with carved stone-figures of dancing animals and mystical beasts. Few men and women sat in a large rounded table quietly underneath, not uttering a sound. Amongst them sat two Immortal Women, their white dresses and ethereal features stood out from the rest of the group around them. It would seem they were observing something, or someone, in the distance.

Two girls shot past, whizzing their way through the thick groves. It would have been considered very exhilerating if this was not a life-or-death situation. The feeling was non-existant in the two opponents' eyes, their determination seeping out of their bones as they ran, dodging the leaves and branches that were in the way.

They were both wearing very similar clothing, except the girl from the Dragon clan was wearing a yellow silk blouse and the other in red. The patterns that embedded marks on the fabric looked exactly identical, both were wearing black shirts slit on the right side to ensure their movements will not be hindered. In fact, the only difference between them was their top. Even their hair styles were the same, a bun tied tightly at the back of their head.

The first trial held officially was usually a race, determining the competitors' level in agility and speed. Whoever wins will ascend to the next trial of which was usually a hunt; whilst whoever loses will be sentenced to death.

At the side standing next to the two Immortal Women beneath the temple, an executioner stared sternly in front of him self. He stood so still that at first glance, one would've had thought he was a statue what with his unmoving eyes and shallow breathing. In his hands held an executionary sword, the long blade towering dangerously above his head.

It was nearing the end of the trial, the two girls sped and came closer to the finish point: the golden flag of which one or the other had to bring back. It was a hefty competition. When one of the two held the flag, the other attacked in attempt to grab the flag; when one had the lead, the other chased to gain pace. Back and forth they went, gliding through the bamboos and trees in the mountain until they reached the clearing in front of the temple.

As they emerged from the branches and leaves, the female heir of the Dragon clan clenched her teeth and snatched the flag from her opponent before the girl realized. She knelt in front of the two Immortal Women almost immediately, pronouncing her victory.

In turn, the girl of the Phoenix clan gaped wide eyed at her loss. Yu Hua was so sure she would win. Instead, once she had slipped her guard, she had lost. Not knowing what else to do, she, too, knelt in front of the Immortal Women. In her heart, she begged that they would spare her life, but she was well aware that it was a dream that she could only fantasize. Instead of loss, she felt only regret and sadness dwelling in her heart.

She had, once again, failed her family; her clan.

And there was nothing she could do about it.

She had lost.

Yu Hua strained to keep the tears in from falling, her lower lip quivering slightly. She registered the stare her opponent from the Dragon clan was giving her, and she shuddered a little.

She dared not look up, for fear that she would meet the eyes of disappointment.

The executiooner's sword held high up into the air, the blade clean reflecting the light from the sun barely slipping from the clouds. With a snap, the weapon came down upon Yu Hua's head. Blood poured onto the floor, the pool spreading onto the stone; grey tainted with red...