Sorry for the late submission. I have been procrastinating. But my school year's done, and I shoudl have more time to write.


I was awe struck for some time. He seemed completely different from the boys that went to my school. They were rude, obnoxious and had some of the dirtiest minds in the world. But he wasn't like that. He was polite, well spoken and very kind. I watched him climb down the cliff and even when he was out of sight, I found myself staring into the distance. Then, I realised that I was supposed to meet him on the path. Shaking my head, I turned and made my way back down the mountain.

The descent was much easier than the ascent. Isn't that what everyone says? Well, I found myself proving that point. I was careful not to slip this time. A fall when expecting a fall is worse than being taken by surprise. Lizih was silently waiting for me at the base of the cliff. I was grateful. Having to chase a horse around is never any fun.

I mounted him and took off, keeping an eye out for the path. The trees became thicker in this area, and finding a path was beginning to look very unlikely. Then, at the base of an ancient tree, I saw the boy I had met atop the mountain. He was looking around, but when he saw me, he smiled and motioned for me to come closer. "I am sorry," he said when I rode over to him. "I had completely forgotten a proper introduction. I am Shu." He bowed in the same manner as before.

"My name is Oma." I had almost forgotten my cover story for a second.

"Your name is Oma? Well, you truly are a gem. Well, come along. We have a long journey ahead of us." He took Lizih's reins and pulled him along. "I am not sure how well you'll be able to handle the path. It is very rough."

"I think I'll be fine," I reassured him. He smiled.

"Alright. I am sure you are a very capable rider. Just allow me to guide you." I let him take the reins and pull Lizih forward.

All around me, I was able to see how well the trees and plants grow here. Back in Toronto, there are few lush trees and bushes. And to find the next tropical flower, you would probably have to go to the garden centre. Sparrows flew ahead, and somehow I wasn't sick of their song. It was as if meeting Shu had revitalised my energy. But clinging on to Lizih started to drain it all away.

After around a hundred metres, I became tired. Shu was doing a fine job holding up, but I was trying not to fall. We came up to a steep rock and I almost fell. I say almost because Shu had held me up.

"Be careful," he warned. "We are not far, just over these ridges. I hope you do not mind the ride." I shook my head. I thought I had enough energy to carry on.

The next rocks weren't as bad. The boulders were steady enough to keep me upright without falling. Lizih struggled a few times to keep up, but we seemed to have managed. In the horizon I was able to see the village. Looking at it, I realised it looked just like a mirror image of my village. The well in the centre of the square, the houses and even the stable were almost identical.

"Welcome to Dragon Wood village," Shu said, leading me into the village.

"It looks so..." I stammered.

"Lovely?" He suggested.

"Well, that's not what I had in mind, but yes, it is." I smiled, trying not to sound too embarrassed.

"Come, my mother should have some clothes for you." I dismounted Lizih and held her by the reins. "I'll take your horse," he offered. I let him go. It seemed to be my time to relax. Letting my hand slip to my side, I looked around. The sun was still beating down and being in the open made me feel it even more.

The village gave off the same feelings; mothers trying to stop their kids from trouble, fathers herding animals, elders playing Mah-jong. It was a nice thought, to know that you were safe. But I knew that Hong Mu was in the village somewhere and that I had to go get that scroll back.

We walked into a small house. The smell of incense and food filled my senses immediately. It reminded me of home. Then I realised that the entire village reminded me of home. It was an eerie comparison between the villages. I felt as if I was walking into my house. But I knew that I wasn't.

"Mother," said Shu as he peered around the corner. The next room looked as if it were a kitchen, and seeing Shu's mother sit over an open fire with a kettle over top told me that it was. "There is a beautiful young lady here who needs some new clothes. May she borrow some of yours?"

Shu's mother looked up. Her long black hair told me that she hadn't cut it in quite some time. Still, the family resemblance was clear. She smiled. "Of course, dear." She turned to me next. "Come along...." She trailed off, searching for my name.

"Oma," I replied.

"Oma," she agreed, nodding her head. She stood, and then motioned to the wooden doorway. "This way, Oma. My sleeping quarters are over here." She led me through a hallway that was little more than a cluttered walkway full of wooden doors and cupboards with a weak roof over top.

The room we stopped in was small, about the same size as the kitchen. There was a bed, and from the looks of it, full of heather or hay. She reached into a trunk that was sitting at the base of the bed.

The robe she pulled out was long and red. It looked very traditional. "I... I couldn't possibly...." The robe was too stunning. I didn't want to take it.

"No, no. It's alright. Go ahead; it is too small for me now. And I have no daughters to pass it to."

"Thank you," I took the robe and let it fall. The intricate pattern of flowers covered the silk.

"Come along, Shu. Give her some privacy." She looked over her should as she left the room. "If you're hungry, I can cook something for you. Just ask." And she walked out.

I was left alone in the room. I quickly changed out of my tattered clothes and into the new robe. There was a mirror in the room, along the other side of the bed. Looking in it, I fixed my hair, and dusted off some dirt on my face and arms. Then followed out.