Blazing Fire

Disclaimer: I do not own anything that you recognize as Tamora Pierce's so please don't sue me.

Prologue

Taking a deep breath Adrian stepped through the fire. It surged up around her and a voice boomed above the crackling of the flame. "Adrian, you have many trials to face. Do not fear them and take it all without complaint. In doing this, you will shape your destiny. Now, I will give you the title of Shang Phoenix, bear this title with pride." Suddenly a huge pain surged up the right side of Adrian. Adrian longed to cry out, but kept her mouth shut and stumbled to the other side of the fire.

Her master, the Shang Dragon caught her as she fell out of the fire. He glanced down at his student, and stared. What he saw took his breath away. A flame had embedded itself into Adrian and formed a tattoo that twisted from her hand, up her right arm, around her back, down her side, and around her neck. Adrian opened her eyes, revealing red and orange irises, and smiled faintly at her teacher. "I guess the Gods have much in store for me," she whispered before fainting in the Shang Dragon's arms. "I believe so, little phoenix," he whispered back.

The next day Adrian packed for Corus. Upon arriving she would receive her Phoenix pendant and be announced to the Court as Shang Phoenix. Adrian smiled to herself. The youngest Shang yet, she thought and smiled widely. Her young face showed much determination and a fire lighted in her already glowing eyes.

Adrian was an average height for her age of twelve, with white blonde hair, and full lips. Her skin was dark brown contrasting greatly with her hair. On her forehead, a strange, miniscule blue gem was embedded. She didn't question why it was there, and anyone who asked got an icy look. Her eyes, much could be said about her eyes, but what most people notice is that they change color. At one point in time they could be a brilliant blue, then the next, a fiery red and orange. Her Shang training hardened her whole body, and many people would say she was a blur when fighting. Even her teacher had trouble keeping up with her, and she beat him almost every time they fought.

Adrian finished packing, but before she went to the stables to find her horse, Blackfire, she pulled on a glove to cover her flamed hand. She always wore a glove and a high collared tunic to hide her tattoo. Once she reached the stables Blackfire greeted her. Blackfire was a huge black mare with a white blaze shaped like fire going up her face. She had four white socks and flowing black mane and tail. Adrian walked up to her and said, "Hey girl. You ready to go?" Blackfire, more commonly known as Blacky, nudged her affectionately. Adrian swiftly tacked her up, mounted, and walked out the stable door.