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Yinghua stared at the beauty of the scenery, seeing the cheerful atmosphere and the citizens wearing colorful and amazing outfit they wore. The musicians started playing the beats and music as the spectators gathered for watching the performances. When they went to see a little play, a singer began to sing for the crowd. Then a comedian stepped up and made a fool of himself, along with the cheerful laughter of the girls and the boys. The capital city itself never sleeps, the lights glitter and radiate underneath their quiet solitude atmosphere.
Yang was humming happily, chomping his favorite dish when Yinghua approached him. "Yang, did you see Sui-Feng at the office or somewhere else?" Yinghua greeted him, getting a soft nod from him. "Huh, let me take a guess. She's going around the area, searching for Jingshen maybe?" Yang responded and she nodded, before seeing Fang walking towards both of them. "I'll check on it, before coming back... because she's still the responsibility!" Yinghua exclaimed, feeling a bit nervous and clenched her chest. "As a leader, we have a lot of things to do because there are many people under our command," Fang reminded, making Yinghua pondered with a mix relief and fright; she walked toward the streets while the two sighed, there goes again...
"Can't relate, I was just promoted as a Captain earlier..."
Yang muttered as Fang snorted a little at the comment, before asking him about his activities. "Bullshit, I was so lovestruck over these food and that's all," Yang bluntly stated. Who hasn't he fallen into someone or was he hitting on others, there's a possibility he just wanted attention from the other genders. "Fine, whatever. Let's just do our job or I'm not paying for your favorite food," Fang threatened as he made a stern face, which gave the surprised reaction from him and stared at him. 'Where's Sui-Feng anyway?' he thought. Soon, they approached Sui-Feng and Jingshen near the fountain as Yinghua watched on the distance.
She was looking at the citizens and the military soldiers being joyful, even the civilian children joined the group during the sports, games and confectionaries they baked from the local martial school kitchen with help from the teachers. One female student taught one boy how to make sweet bun, there was a cute redheaded girl feeding her little sister and the other girl with short blond locks and pale-violet eyes helping a male soldier. Two other children were selling snacks for the money donated by the imperial army. "Yinghua," Fang called her, snapping her back to reality. "What?" she asked, before she turned around and made a sigh.
There is no point leaving it all alone, and she believed that peace doesn't always last forever unless someone has to make a choice. 'Let's go,' she thought, clenching her fists. '... and I won't fall back just yet. People needed us, our safety is the top priority.'
Only a single hope can keep the bond ties strong.
"Hey, both of you!"
Meiying yelled at her two Chief-Generals who were in the festival, it's been a while the princess has been accompanied by them and it's getting annoying that they became busier than before. 'Here we go again...' Fang and Yinghua thought, when she pinched both of their cheeks. Of course, because this is Princess Meiying and no one wouldn't care. "Owowow, Princess... this isn't funny. I have a name, you know!" Yinghua said with a comical, angry look. "Didn't my father ask you two to escort me?" Meiying inquired, letting go both of their cheeks. "Huh? We haven't heard about this," Fang answered, patting his cheek that was pinched hard until a bit red or pink--giving him an annoyance with a frown, which gave the stink eye by both of his comrades.
Yinghua tried to brush off what happened in the cemetery, for the fact they didn't told the Emperor and the council about her missing father and Fang's missing father. "Of course, that's why father was supposed to call both of you when he receive a letter from--" Meiying groaned her words, turning to them with a deadly stare--the intensity made the duo flinched. "Can you listen to the details?!"
That shout of hers surely make the world go quiet; also making the both Chief-Generals finally snap out of their comical state, resulting Yinghua of having enough with the attitude. "Princess Meiying," she began, her tone is serious. Even the Princess herself became quiet as she folded her arms. "How long will you keep our patience, hm? First, let's please see your father and discuss what's the problem is going to be. If you keep doing that, don't ask me if I'm frustrated again and we had to risk ourselves for your ass, am I clear?" Yinghua hissed with a stern, piercing glare. That really made her anger arose, because in fact... this is only a precautional safety and confidential. "So if I have to defend the land... I want to protect everyone, you too... That's my order. I hope you understand our intentions, we never blame you," she finished as she sighed.
Meiying was shocked, this is the first time a brave, no-nonsense and sassy warrior making her speechless. Only a few times she would become furious. "Oh, cut that sassy nature of yours. Why would you have to be so... rude?!" she growled her response with a bit dark tone, gritting her teeth. Both Fang and Yinghua were shocked as they heard her words, before Fang took a deep breath. "Princess, I'm afraid we can't stay here for long. With your father's demand, and we also have a duty to perform," he reminded, his right fist covered his mouth. Fang never raised his voice on a woman, instead he was polite and reserved; didn't have a lot to say. But, this time... this is unusual because Meiying NEVER seen them so impatient. They are always having such a close bonds, but one day... everything changed. The two started working and training even harder, showing a stoic, heartless attitude towards the enemy for several weeks.
This is also the first time, she was lectured like that. No one ever gave her a lecture except their father; the emperor himself, her brother too--because everyone afraid of her demonic temper that'll harm them. Since Jingshen and Sui-Feng noticed their behavior change, they know something happened when both Fang and Yinghua were accepted as a Chief-General and their leadership skills greatly improved their status, maybe their power is outstanding from the other previous soldiers had became the admirable warriors. 'What...? How come they never liked my attitude?' Meiying thought as a vein throbbed upon her head, that made the latter have a sweat drop. "So, they're like... huh?" Sui-Feng spoke, guessing what Meiying actually meant but confusing as her personality to her usual cold one, before letting her sharp cat eyes see Zilian walking behind Meiying. "What is it about?"
Zilian asked, since the half-human Dragon prince had no idea about the current situation or Meiying's problem. "You know, that wasn't part of your job. So, please don't take the wrongs like this," Meiying spoke, folding her arms as she tried to calm herself but got lost on her words. instead "Fang, Yinghua! Pardon me if I'm not the person who'd do something unacceptable, I merely trying to tell you the truth! SO STOP BEING IRRESPONSIBLE BECAUSE YOUR ACTIONS ARE--"
Meiying froze to see their expression slightly changes, before Yinghua turn around and silently walk away. Sui-Feng eyes twitched as she heard the 'Irresponsible' coming from Meiying, seeing her pupil left abruptly. 'Being irresponsible in what?' Sui-Feng thought irritatingly. Her teal-blue eyes saw Fang didn't say anything when Zilian hold her back, he was only staring. "Just... the two of you, you always like to tease me a lot. Can you keep your mouth shu-?"
"That's enough."
In an instant, Sui-Feng quickly pulled her by the arm and stared at her sharply. Meiying's mind short-circuited for a moment, realizing her mistake. "I'll take my leave," Fang muttered, turning around and saw Yinghua left on the distance. Sui-Feng never scolded someone, not unless someone needed to. Meiying realized about their behavior, when they trained themselves rather than play like before. Forgetting the shame, and there's nothing else that can replace the joyful days with the people she missed. She started to act out more recklessly and selfishly, not considering about others even there are consequences, especially disregarding the others' well-being. The princess lowered her head with guilty look. "Your mother would've been disappointed at you." Sui-Feng only said, following Yang and Jingshen who immediately catch up with the two Chief-Generals.
As Yinghua sat over the high platform of the palace wall, placing her chin on her knee that she pulled up. Her mental state has been so conflicted at one point that she almost couldn't focus well, the moon was gleaming in clear hue above her. On her side, Fang placed his palm over her shoulder without looking. 'That fool, was she really a little girl in my eyes or... was she a whiny, spoiled brat?' she thought, her mind tried to recover or thinking back on their journey together. When her small lips spoke up, Fang would expect her to smile if he remembered her childish side on the past. "Fang... how many years has it been, after our comrades' death?" she asked. Fang was unsure, how long did it really take? Did the world getting any faster? Has it slowed down because life will caught up?
How long did the darkness make them being afraid?
How can he feel happy that time hadn't passed, yet it been too agonizing when years go on... they couldn't manage to fix their emotions or things. No matter what happens, time will tell even it wasn't finished until everything ends. But, why can't those memories being vanished into thin air? And why do the princess really that bratty, because of the special treatment and neglect the others' feelings whenever Meiying have something on her mind? Does she have experience similar with what Yinghua have? "When we're seventeen, it should be seven years..." Fang began with a slight tone, his voice was quiet and unreadable. "Everyone will tell us, to move forward when we think to lose everything..." he trailed off, closing his eyes with a sigh. "Why do I have to pretend that I wasn't frustrated?"
Yinghua listened as Fang murmured, wondering how long will he hold these painful emotions once more, it always bothering her thoughts--even he became hardened and distant; while Yinghua became serious and professional. The only hope can keep the bond ties strong. Can the world give them a sign? To take one more step before they failed their chance and breaking themselves into pieces. "We're still... humans, after all," Fang softly said as he replied the black-haired Chief-General with a closed-eyed smile, despite his calm and stoic persona. "We have limits after all."
"But, every minute... can't save us," Yinghua's gaze glued on the dark clouds, gazing at the beauty of the stars as Fang softly smiled at his view. 'Beautiful...' both of them thought in unison, their senses seems to become complete yet filled with melancholy. A sad, but beautiful place indeed. "I wonder, will the Princess ever understand our situation?"
Fang sighed and shrugged at his friend's question, of course not. So as the fact Meiying didn't understand why on earth they must save their world, and not letting their precious home consumed into ashes. "From what I know, the Emperor and the Empress kind of spoiled her. And, as if luck was on her side," Fang said, as his bitter tone spoke. He then turned to her, with a concern expression. "My father, and your father are still alive... I know, please don't even take it the wrong way," he told, reminding her to bear with the people who she haven't met her entire life. Yinghua gave him a solemn look, her dark brown eyes are a bit saddened. "And... our mothers?"
"I assume that our families won't let us give up..."
"They will be fine, after all..."
Their world is beyond any end, and everything has to change for a better future to wait. However, there is no going back and no moving forward. Is it over for them or is the peace everlasting. "Hey, you two," Sui-Feng greeted them with a smile, snapping them out of their trance as Fang slowly pushed himself back, placing his hands upon the platform's surface. They didn't realize a woman approaching them before their talk had cut into shards, as Yinghua looked away with a flushed face. Sui-Feng raised her brow a bit, for that she found the interaction between those two being really interesting--that she must report to Meiying who'll surprised by the action or reaction. "Look, I know Princess Meiying can be a bit bossy sometimes--"
"That's too underrated, Master Sui-Feng," Fang countered as he approached the two women with a cross arms, his deep green eyes is annoyed. "She's spoiled, and so bratty when she has her own way," he coldly said, hoping not sounding bitter or angry while avoiding facing Sui-Feng to sound any harsh, it's a bit disrespectful. "Actually, she cares about you two--let alone knowing both of your pasts. It's just... the way she acts, was really frustrating," Sui-Feng ranting on, narrowing her eyes a little. "Anyway, can you make amends? She'll listen," she suggested when their faces went stiff. Sure, did they already forgave her? Fang had a feeling that the princess was indeed upset. Yinghua was only looking for the right words and wanted to forgive her, but doing that to a spoiled and entitled little brat is a different story.
She saw her father going far from her, and the next she looked at him; there were ashes left. An emotional scar hidden inside Yinghua's heart, some painful memories unable to be explained. With a heavy sigh, they decided to accept the offer and fix their friendship--but hoping the other would remember the old ways and that it's not worth it by being selfish and get betrayed. Meiying was pouting as she stood beside Zilian, watching the crowd walked throughout the city and started singing alongside the musicians--playing and exchanging the party. Meiying's mind kept thinking how she blamed her Chief-Generals, and why she started acting more selfishly. "They're what?" she asked.
"I heard that they got a bad nightmare, after they done reporting their secret mission," her friend reported. As she placed her hand over her chest, her heart suddenly become broken--tried not to cry. It was totally a shock to learn what Sui-Feng discovered about their suffering to the past. Jingshen sighed as he sat at the marble bench, gently sipping his wine. "Princess, I understand that you really worried about these two. But, sometimes... you have to earn their forgiveness by your words. Trust me, these two would listen, unless you done something utterly rude," he reminded her, he hadn't forget about them being stressed. "When they're still being themselves like ever."
Everyone hoped that time was a little bit longer.
Meiying saw Fang and Yinghua are talking to Sui-Feng, before she made a courage to approach her longtime friends. A time her duty will speak; it's the duty to be honest. "Yinghua? Fang?" the princess whispered, the two Chief-Generals noticed a lonely sound--turning their gazes to see Meiying who seems felt down and guilty. Seeing her close bodyguards wearing an annoyed face to a serious-guard face, and back again until the same patterns... she look away from them. "I'm... sorry, for my rudeness," she apologized in defeat, and waited to their reactions. Yinghua realized she wasn't going to behave herself anymore, as well as Fang who's been always understanding and sympathetic towards Meiying; yet only the latter weren't aware about the kindness.
Seeing the troubled look on her face, a moment of silence fell. Both of their mood changed, perhaps this is better to let it slide; by keeping the connection on themselves. "Look, I didn't you two were shocked that your parents' grave have been inhabited by the Black Beasts. And the news will make you two furious, so please don't take the hate personally," she informed.
The author's narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
Yinghua closed her eyes as she listens, before she sighed and folded her arms. "Alright, I'm glad there won't be any more problems," Fang responded when his demeanor becomes lighter, before putting a right arm around Yinghua and slightly holding her close, as if being protect from her and Yinghua playfully held his chin. "We'll forgive you, we also apologize for acting harsh," Fang said calmly with a closed-eyed smile, which made the princess perked up. 'Our mothers will not letting us become part of the darkness, I know this,' Yinghua thought as she made a soft smile, Meiying was never used to seeing the change of personality and behaviors between the three, even when Zilian could understand them both as well as Sui-Feng was a quiet listener but very vigilant.
***
Fang was looking at the framed photos of his deceased comrades inside his own office, observing how many of them has died. There were Xiao-tong, Liqian, Wan'er and warrior princess Shenhua. He clenched his fists at the memory when he found out their deceased bodies, only corpses remain and the strong smell of burnt and bloods floating through his mind. "Those guys... were killed and sacrificed themselves, even though I never felt broken like I am now... I feel shame when I left those five behind," he admitted when seeing their dead frames, not even a tears will escape his dull gaze anymore. When the first night his comrades died during their special mission, only Yinghua witnessed and comforted him a few minutes with Sui-Feng afterwards. "Because..." he muttered, before his eyes burned a red fiery amber with a blank emotion.
"... I thought my leadership... was enough for everyone," he gritted his teeth and grabbed his scruffy hair with shook, never realizing how the hatred and emptiness he suffered.
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The sound of rain tapped against the lampposts, falling from the trees can be heard in every parts of the bamboo forest. And the wind, were calm as this soothing weather can make one to want to stay inside. The seventeen-years old Fang just got back from killing the Black Beasts in his mission, panting as he killed the Miasma Dragon of the Black Beasts--after he watched his comrades got killed--even a claw that stabbed Shenhua who just protected him earlier and landing near him. He fell on his knees, his black messy long hair with streaks from long bangs on his left shuddered stained by rain and blood--even his black robes.
"Fang!"
Yinghua yelled as she saw him on her view, rushing towards the young man while she came to pick him up--her eyes widened... seeing the horrifying sight, his face slowly turned from normal to a frightening expression, a few seconds his eyes flickered as he was screaming in agonizing pain. His nails dug into his rain drenched hair, trying to make himself compose yet can't gain the stability of self. "... SHENHUA!!"
When he noticed the corpse of her fellow comrade lying on the ground, Fang shrieked even louder as if his lung collapsed, he was gasping for the oxygen before Yinghua kneeled beside him. Her throat knotted, hands clenched together and trying to find the words she want to say. 'It's too late, he already lost it... how can a single event makes him... traumatized and beyond broken?' she thought, touching Fang's shoulders as he was trembling. "Y-Yinghua?"
Fang muttered, almost feeling like he snapped out of his coldness and regained his breath, not noticing the dead body as Yinghua pulled him up. Tears rolling down from his eyes, panting heavily. "U-Urgh... she is... killed, my... fault... i-it is..." he shivered as his shoulder and hands trembled violently, Yinghua helped her friend stood, catching her wobbling figure and gripped her uniform. "Fang... I'm... sorry for not coming on time... if I did--"
"IS... SHE STILL DEAD?! I WATCHED HER... GOT CLAWED BY THAT THING!" he snapped, leaving a brief stunned look upon Yinghua's face.
Never did she see him crying like this. Fang seemed off in his usual depressed mode or angry. However, he couldn't stop himself crying, for the rage and the depression which his comrades used to lighten him. But now, it went straight from his head into his heart, now that he had let all his feelings down the drain. This time... his tears aren't gone, he couldn't even move away from her face. This is before Yinghua lost hers, which made it even worse.
--------------------------------------END OF FLASHBACK-------------------------------------
Fang wondered, was he being mean to Yinghua for not coming on time? Is that because her true desire is her sworn-in duty until the end of her life? 'What a life we've lived, Yinghua. From the fallen past, into our future. I have learn that you were a special person since we are twelve. When someone cried, you go immediately to them even the tears won't stop. Why you feel sad and then, why did you hate fate after your comrades has passed? Fate is hard to accept, no matter how much you were hoping for everything to be real... someone must break their oath and dreams,' he thought, while thinking about the times where Yinghua ran into the battlefield--protecting her comrades, just to spare them from being taken by the evil.
Yinghua was about to walk past his office, until she noticed the door is still creaked open--so she took a peek and saw Fang... also mourning their deceased comrades in his front office desk. Putting his head down, not listening to the sounds that echo in the room. He kept a framed picture on his desk, it was a picture of his whole group when they are working and celebrating their birthdays. "Fang..." she muttered, entering his officee and making him almost flinched, startled a bit when he realized the woman had entered. "How long you have waited out there? How are you doing, is anything's bothering you?" Fang asked her, gesturing her to sit and talk.
Yinghua knew that when it came to this, she was... ashamed of not being able to save him and his comrades on time. Perhaps, losing her comrades also a karma for her...? Fang closed his eyes, and after a second he opened his eyelids. Even when staring at her, there was no trace of what she had done was wrong. She need to know, that his words were not fake and the truths that he could grasp, nothing is evermore without meaning. Perhaps, he really needs a straight advice... or when she herself realized that he is the one to do it with. 'To think that today is an important day, well... who am I to say,' Fang mumbled.
His words are real, he really isn't that strict guy or just a stone-cold soldier when he showed her a smile. "Yinghua," said his calm voice, grabbing her attention. "Thank you for accompanying me, I couldn't do anything else other than having an apology for years... and letting those pain consumed my soul, leaving me into an oblivion," his cold voice spoken, gazing away with a blank look. In the end, Yinghua nodded in acknowledgement. "I know you also lost yours, you also had a betrayal that took a toll on yourself as the same reason as me. At first, I hated it... until the fear buried inside."
Yinghua looked down, and had a grievous frown upon her face. Fang still kept his head on his desk, burying his face within the table. He will not turn back, facing the responsibility is better than going for help--that's what Jingshen had instructed him as his mentor, turning the other cheek or denying the changes will be the last resort. "Fang... am I... not good enough for protecting you and my other friends? I failed, right?" Yinghua questioned, no reply. Her fingers tightened and released on the metal handle, her gaze trembled again.
"Yinghua, Jingshen told me something when he took me into his division," Fang said, which caught her attention; Yinghua averted her brown orbs at her partner. "A commander can't lead his soldiers, as soon one failed... the path to the bitter end will begin," he said as his dark brown orbs flashed, leaning to her side. "For the people, the Empire will no longer continue the prosperity. I've learned to grow more powerful, gathering myself a new reason and seeking to the truth. We will find a way," he affirmed with an assured smile as he grabbed her hand which startled her a bit, staring at her very dark brown orbs. "It is not about you failing us... but how you'll recover, the most important is your attitude and spirit... the strong pride that belongs to you," Fang commented, as the latter didn't respond after that--even realizing the sincerity behind his comforting speech.
When he stopped his grip on her hand, the female Chief-General was contemplating what she should do. After giving her a serious look and comforting smile, he leaned against his chair with relaxed expression. "Yinghua, seeing you sad... not gonna lie. It made me wanna hug you right now," he admitted--until he realized what he said and slapping his forehead like an idiot, how could he blurted those things out. 'UH-OH, NEVERMIND THAT... HOW'D THIS CRAP RHYMES?!' he mentally yelled before internally panicking. Giving him an astonished look, her cheeks were red like pomegranate.
"What?"
Yinghua snapped, completely clueless to his sentence; Fang went rather concerned and wondering whether or not his childhood friend is being funny or clumsy at the same time, too nervous to think straight. Until she gave him a playful smirk, leaned closer--almost meeting each other's noses. "So, are you trying to seduce me?" she teased, poking his chest as she leaned back. He grinned a little, his poker face still remained but was startled. "Didn't think you like my offer," he replied. That's when a tense began, Fang didn't know why she enjoyed their time together, while he still has doubts on her romantic intentions towards him.
Jingshen opened the door and gave them a wide smile, startling the duo as they coughed nervously and Jingshen simply entered the room and sat down. "Chief-Commander Zihao is calling all of us, there'll be Heavenly Imperial Quintet coming soon so... you have to say your happy greetings," he giggled like a little kid when the two give him a death glare, as he waved both hands in confused.
Fang and Yinghua leaned against the wall with hands folded, seeing the arena of the Twelve Heavenly Pillars. They both saw the others having a small chit-chat, drinking or sparing at the sparring arena.
The next day...
There was a masquerade ball going on in the Jade Ballroom, Meiying keep rejecting the suitors' offers for a dance--until she saw Zilian came and she huffed. "What took you so long?" she asked, crossing her arms at him. Even though she had numerous royal clothes and fancy dresses, Meiying doesn't quite like the makeup on her face but just enough. She will gladly wear a long, elegant white hanfu with gold-like and pink flower patterns since everyone expected her to wearing something extravagant, otherwise Chengxun's opinion about the green color that he found most awesome. "I just fled from the forest, after a hell of a chase and a good fight against the Black Beasts and my own Dragon kins."
Zilian answered calmly, folding his arms with the calm expression and explained how the Black Beasts were planning on infiltrating the Empire again--hence, the Emperor requested his help to settle this situation. Even though her father didn't like the idea of working with a Dragon kin, Zilian is an exception due to his half-human breed and also defected from his own kind. Fuyin have told his daughter that a real warrior would at least knowing who is trustworthy, rather than who he looks like or what he say. Zilian and Meiying were silent, sensing some tension between them when Ruqian spoke. "I'm not surprised, seeing a new army wanted to challenge us every damn years," the man said as he fixed his monocle, everyone nodded and had their little laugh. Yiyang yawned when she lean back against his back, before smirking. "Not when you eat Taiyang's cuisine, he might kill us with it."
"Meiying, come on and dance with me," he asked, reaching her hand which she shrugged off. He smirked, pulling her closer; making her jumped comically, stuttered and blushed. He grinned, bowing respectfully and making Meiying stuttered even more when the suitors have their jaw dropped at the sight. "Z-Zilian!" she whispered to him, as Zilian was chuckling. His hand was already placed upon her left hip, holding her hands and their other clasped together. They started dancing, and this made her heart race faster. Zilian was having a lot of fun, he wanted to make a move to Meiying and waited patiently for the answer from her. She stumbled from her heels, but caught her by the arm. "Hey, hey, don't get too much pressured," he warned, shaking his finger.
Meiying looked aside as she was all nervous, a blush creeped across her cheeks; he ruffled her neatly-groomed hair. "Come on, you have to relax yourself," Zilian reminded with a whisper, spinning her while supporting her back without letting her fall or slipping on her own dress or shoe. "H-How do you know about this?" she stammered, but smiling as his calm-blue eyes pierced into her hazel brown eyes. "Heard it from an old human friend."
"Eep!" she yelped in surprise as he spun her, stopping when she bumped against his chest.
She had decided to take the chance. Her left hand gripped him by the shoulder firmly, moving their other clasped hands, her body leaned. A step, then... suddenly, Meiying was caught by the suitor behind her which made her face grew irritated. "Why, you would betray her once she'll refuse, so poor old Meiying who couldn't--" Zilian shot a glare with an icy aura surrounded him, which startled him.
Meiying was grinning coldly before kicking the man's head, shattering his mask and made his nose bleed as well as pushing him away comically. He was stunned and fell down backward, earning the shock gasps from the audience. "Sorry, I got no time for a guy like you," she scolded, walking back to Zilian with a soft smile upon her reddened cheeks. Soon as the crowd applauded their dance performance, his eyes softened and sighed a bit.
Yinghua was disinterested in dancing; nor being flirted by men and preferred watching people cheering the musician and sometimes eating or chatting with her friends and enjoying the sights with them. 'The last time... my dance partner is a servant boy with a special eyes... and I stomped his foot by accident that he gave up,' she recalled that was one of her crazy moments during her stay at the Luohan Kingdom, the nation known for cultivating arts or training the martial warriors or one of the 'Seven Great Kingdoms' that used the Baizhang to train their pupils. Also, it's not amusing when the servant told about Yinghua accidentally stepping on his foot during one of the festivals celebration; thus, the lass was relieved when he excused his hurtful feet while rubbing the back of his neck.
"You're not dancing?"
Fang asked, his black and cyan robes swung as he stood beside her. Yinghua gazed at him, observing his battle ready stance and his sword weapons were already disappeared into the cloud of puffs. "Yeah," she replied, tilting her head slightly. He pointed at her hand, as she realized he offered his own hand in front. Fang was standing there in silence, with an emotionless stare. "May I?"
Yinghua gaped as her jaw almost dropped, the blushing was practically visible upon her paled face. "Fancy a dance with a humble warrior for her servant?" he added, her mind can't think of any good reason as he kept pushing her until she gave up. "At least, this is a payback when you tried to humiliate me with that weird cake! Hmph, this time, you will apologize to me and never leave me alone!" she grinned while grabbing his hand, her childish side is always the best thing he should see through her mature appearances. Fang chuckled, before he smiled a bit and led her gently to the middle of the room, where a slow and gentle music played. When they were getting ready for a twirl, Fang let out a wide grin while staring into her brown eyes which filled with kindness; his hand never let hers go away, not even for a second.
But to her surprise, Fang grabbed her waist firmly and moving her upward and let her landed down gracefully. "Your hanfu is perfect fit, my beautiful princess," he whispered while seeing her happy blush. The two of them moved together like the way of a music song played, spinning in the rhythm and the moves made him reminded the time they always practices the swords during the day and night. Or whenever he picked the poor lass like a princess from the hard, solid floor with his gentle and careful hands. Yinghua felt being lifted and twirled by him at the same time, making her laughed as he shared the smile that she never seen him showing since that fateful day happened...
How long has it been, after their childhood friends' separated by the fact that there's the class differences and some of them went to service the organization. Since all were in service under the highest orders of their military, also they shouldn't mingle around anymore without any problems and quarrels. "Oh fuck, don't be too stiff, Yinghua."
"I was about to say the same thing, this isn't fucking wedding ceremony, dumbass," she frowned, looking up at him. "Besides, I have to say that we're already past the adulthood ages, now..."
Fang had to laugh heartedly, he knew that whenever her face frowning, it means she was holding a smirk. Then, his dark brown eyes captured the sweet moment when she forgot about the surrounding people. He didn't remember how his vision became so blurry and his heartbeat raced rapidly, he felt his breath quickly running. Why the fuck he felt this odd feeling at him, and why is there... a burning sensation inside his stomach...? Is he perhaps, ill or sick or... uhm, in love.
Love, did he just think that this is... is he's... well, he and Yinghua's friendship will not going to change anytime soon, right? Even if his mind was swamped by this strange warm feelings, when he moved his hand into her red cheeks and trailed a thumb upon her chin.
At first, the dance was slow and precise.
At last, the dance became serious and passionate.
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