Chapter One: Wings Set On Fire
Standing on top of Hu Lao Gate I watch the roaring battle continue on. Each time my brother swings his halberd I flinch. I truly pity any man who faces him. As he cuts the throat of an enemy soldier, I shut my eyes.
I've no wish to see such horror.
Hearing footsteps from my left, I turn to see Zhang Liao approach me who says quietly, "Your brother wishes you to return to the castle. I am to escort you."
Meekly I say to him, "Lord Dong Zhou sent me here to help, though it is beyond my power."
Zhang Liao shakes his head and sighs, "Sending a girl to do a man's job... Fine, but don't leave my sight and I will bring you back later. Understand?"
I nod obediently, "Yes, General Liao."
Moving away from me he gazes at the battle. Following his line of sight, I see brother is fighting against three opponents.
The first man wears green and gold and has a magnificent beard. He calmly regards my brother, then looks at the second man who nods. This man has black held up in a bun and has a kind face. Shifting my I gaze, I examine the third man. His face is red, as if he were drunk and has a particular and odd beard.
Glaring at my brother he bellows, "You are nothing more that a peasant with three surnames!"
Oh... that fool.
With his face flushing red, he charges towards the third man, holding nothing back. The other two quickly dart to their friend and help push Bu back. With surprise, he stumbles away.
Brother spits on the ground and glares at the three men. They surround him; a wise choice.
They take turns attacking and defending, neither side has the advantage.
A fourth man soon appears, he wears silver armor, wields a spear, and has long dark brown hair pulled back in a ponytail. He moves forwards, about to stab Bu in the back. Without thinking I bend over, pull off my black satin shoe and fling it at his head.
It smacks him right on the forehead. He stops, and looks down at the shoe in confusion.
Then he looks up at me, my arm still frozen where I had let go of the slipper.
Uh oh.
Brother takes advantage of the confusion to whistle for his horse, the Red Hare, and successfully escape the enemies.
Zhang Liao suddenly grabs my hand and pulls me down the steep stair case, sprinting. I can barely keep up, tripping on my formal, long black dress.
We rush to his horse. He smoothly mounts and offers me his hand. Without hesitating I grab it, and he pulls me up behind him. Quickly we follow brother out of the pass and towards Luo Yang.
Only the capitol is engulfed in crimson flames.
Zhang Liao tenses, but says nothing as we ride past the burning city.
I close my eyes.
But I cannot stop my ears from hearing the screams.
Tears start spilling down my face; I am frightened. Where will we go from here? What will happen?
I've lost my home... again.
Zhang Liao looks back at me, concerned, 'Are you alright, Lady Lu?"
I take a deep breath and regain my composure. Wiping away my tears I smile, "I... am fine, General Liao. Just a little shaken."
He nods, "Good," then he smiles, 'Lu Bu would take my head if you were injured."
"No he wouldn't!" I object, "Brother... brother is a good man."
"You know well that he is a beast of chaos. He feeds on the pain of others. But you know this, yes?" Zhang Liao asks slyly over his shoulder.
Frowning I whisper, 'I know."
As we catch up with Dong Zhou's forces, brother and Diao Chan come towards us. Unexpectedly, Lu Bu has a large grin on his face as he comes within hearing distance, "I never knew you had the guts little sister. I might make a warrior of you yet! A pity you had to waste your shoe on that insect."
Diao Chan smiles with relief, "I am glad you are well, Lady Yin. I was worried when Dong Zhou ordered you onto the frontlines, but I see my concern was not needed."
I bow my head, "Thank you, Lady Diao Chan. Your concern is much appreciated."
She smiles back at me lightly.
Looking back at Bu, his smile has turned into a scowl, "He what? Sent my younger sister to the front lines? Damn that ignorant pig! Tell me if this ever happens again, Yin. I'll take his head next time," he growls with fury.
"Y-yes, elder brother." I stutter nervously, averting my eyes.
"Lu Bu! Diao Chan! Get over here now, we need to hurry and get away!" Dong Zhou shouts from the front of the army.
Brother sighs impatiently, "Just stay away from Dong Zhou."
I nod as he and Diao Chan head towards the tyrannous ruler.
Zhang Liao and I join the back of the army, where the wounded stumble forwards and lag behind the others.
"You are right, General Liao. Such a person should not exist... but even so I love my brother."
He stares at me over his shoulder, "You are much too careless. Don't speak of such things around others. First you do not bring so much as a knife to protect yourself,, then you say such a thing casually... be more cautious, Lady Lu."
"Oh... I apologize," I say, shamefaced, "But I cannot bring myself to hold a weapon. They breed only violence and pain."
Zhang Liao smiles and shakes his head, 'Don't apologize. You're like a sister to me. Besides, you and Diao Chan are likely the only people who can influence him. He won't hurt you."
I smile and agree, "Yes."
But a voice in the back of my mind says otherwise.
The weak die, and the strong survive. That's the way of the world, the way of a warrior.
Fight to survive. Brother and I know that better than anyone.
It's the only thing we've ever known.
-Chapter 1 END-
Hello, Shiro here! I hope you liked the first chapter of The Bloodied Butterfly. It took quite a while to create the character of Lu Yin, but I think she is a good OC. I hope that you will comment on my story and give me your feed back!
Best wishes,
Shiro
(Please note that this story is being switched to this new account. It is still the same writer)
