The Yin to my Yang
Staring into each other's eyes they bask in the silence and connection of the gesture. 'I bow to the goodness in you' is the phrase they remember when first taught how to do this. In the instance they stand back to their full height the intimacy of the moment changes to ferocity. Hands and feet fly so fast onlookers can barely keep up. One slip gives an opportunity. A swipe brings the young woman to the floor with a thud. Looking up at her sister she sees the confident smirk. She takes the hand of her opponent allowing herself to be helped up.
"Well done my daughters.", says their father, Qing Lo, as he stands from his throne."It is a comfort to us all that one of you will be chosen."
It has been many years since the prophesy was first told to their people. One in all the world chosen to protect it from evil. Lo's spiritual adviser told him that in his ruling he would witness the power of this protector of good. The warrior can only be of royal blood so he knew it would be one of his children. But when his wife delivered a girl 17 years ago he asked what he had done wrong to be given a daughter instead of the warrior son first. His adviser laughed telling him that the warriors were women as to be less suspecting to her enemies. But then the next year his second daughter was born. Not even Xian, the royal adviser and great prophet, could determine which of the two would be chosen to protect their lands.
"We all know I will be chosen since I am the oldest.", Mai states.
"Age does not always bring wisdom.", Xian replies. Touching the hair of Ling, the younger of the two daughters, he continues "The power is not given to the strong but to the balanced."
Is his mind he was sure Ling was to be chosen because of her gentleness.
"Let us move into the other room to feast with our guests.", says their mother Aria."You girls go wash up."
*~~*~~*~~*~~*
She finds peace here, away from the responsibilities of royal life and destiny. Being a possible chosen one has given her more freedom than the princesses before her but she longs for more.
"Everyone is waiting, and you are here staring at the stars.", Mai's voice causes Ling to jump."How can you be chosen if you can't even sense when someone is near? I have heard stories about those before us...", Ling continues staring into the night."The writings say many of them only last two maybe three years before perishing. That's the only way the next can be chosen..."
"So our power isn't even ours.", Ling sighs."It's just passed on when the one before dies...what kind of gift is this?", she finally turns to her sister."You may be a warrior of good but until you also fall short you will be nothing but a dealer of death."
"You have no respect for the calling. Which is why you won't be chosen."
"I guess that will be up to the powers..."
The gong is sounded, announcing that dinner is served. Mai storms off causing Ling to run to catch up with her. Standing before the doors they smooth out their gowns.
"Announcing Qing Mai and her younger sister Qing Ling.", the doors open and the guests look to them. Many years they have been on display, their father wanting the country to see how well they fight so that the people of their kingdom will feel safe and stay within its walls. Ling sits down next to her childhood friend Kai. As she rests her hand on her knee she feels his fingers slip a piece of paper into her palm.
*~~*~~*~~*~~*
When dinner is over the guests begin to dwindle away. Kai and his parents are the last the leave. With a polite smile they stand from the table, offer one last bow, and disappear out the doors. Ling waits a few moments and when the servants are done clearing the table she asks permission to go into the garden. She is allowed and also stands, bows, and leaves. Trying to contain her excitement she forces her steps to be slow as she makes her way to her destination. When she finally reaches it the moonlight is her only company. The sounds of the water from the fountain fills her ears and she inhales the scent of the plants. Such small things she gains comfort from. Strong arms wrap around her waist and she relaxes her body resting her weight on him.
"You are so beautiful in the moonlight.", he comments.
"Are you saying I am not in the daylight?"
"This is where your soul flourishes. This time calls to your essence."
"You speak as if you have known a chosen one before."
"Just the stories. They say she can't help but fall in love with the night. That it gives her power just as it gave the demon who fathered this race."
"There is no way of knowing who will be chosen Kai.", she turns to look at him."I just want to be a simple woman with a loving husband instead of a man who just wants to rule my kingdom."
With a gentle smile he leans down to kiss her. He knows he could be killed for touching an unmarried woman but he can't help but love her. Since they were children playing in the fields he has loved her. Even when she went through a strange growth spurt and towered over him he couldn't help but stare up at her like the goddess he thought she was.
"What's so funny.", she asks bringing him out of his thoughts.
"I remember when you were taller than me...", her wide smile melts his heart and at that moment he vows to do whatever it takes to make her his wife.
*~~*~~*~~*~~*
"No...", he whispers holding her body in his arms."She was too young..."
The others run up seeing the watcher holding his pupil. A girl of only 14 years had been chosen only a few months before. Despite her power her lack of training gave the demon the upper hand. Wiping the tears from his eyes the watcher stands to his full height over the young men. Touching the shoulder of one he sighs."Deliver my books to the land of the new slayer."
*~~*~~*~~*~~*
Xian was studying the alignment of the planets when his doors slammed open announcing that someone had urgent news. He turns around to see his younger brother holding a book.
"I have never seen you so excited...", he says.
"That's because I was never called before...", Lupe replies.
"It is time?"
"She has been chosen, brother."
*~~*~~*~~*~~*
She is standing in the water with her eyes closed. It is up to her shoulders and she concentrates on hearing it, noticing each trickle and change in current. With bended knees she moves her arms in circular motion, wielding it to her liking. Opening her eyes she sees the funnel she has created. Turning her attention to the sky she notices something glittering. But as she tries to make out what it is she is hit with a burst of energy. She gasps for air feeling the wave of power go through her. Seconds after she feels the tingling in her toes and fingers. When she inhales she can smell the food being prepared in her palace over two miles away. Looking into a tree her eyes seem to zoom in, giving her a perfect picture of a bird's chicks. She closes her eyes once again and hears the voices of the people in the village nearby. With a smile she looks to the sky realizing what has happened. Soaking wet she jumps out the river to the one person who would know what to do.
*~~*~~*~~*~~*
She bursts into his chamber accidentally knocking one of the doors off the hinges.
"That is very normal for someone newly chosen.", says a man she has never seen.
"This is my brother, Lupe.", Xian explains."He is your mentor. Since a small child he has been training just as you have to guide you on your mission."
Walking to him she bows, keeping her eyes to the floor.
"I am willing to learn from you Master Lupe.", she states.
"No need for titles Ling.", he replies touching her chin to raise her."Like you I am merely a servant of the powers..."
Looking into his dark eyes she sees the sincerity of his intentions. He looks about 24 years old, with his barely there facial hair. His jet black hair is pulled back into a pony tail and he wears the garb of a monk. Lupe notices her expression at his clothing."I reside among the monks to better understand myself and your kind."
Ling is taken aback by the phrase 'your kind' as if she's no longer human. "The chosen are given extraordinary powers in order to be able to combat the forces of evil. But power without training is nothing. Just as you have been training so have I. You are no longer a princess...you are a warrior. Forget your old life..."
"What about-"
"You have an older sister who can marry and rule your father's kingdom."
Biting her lip the 16 year old stares at the ground fighting back tears. She realizes that either way she would have had no choice. If it was Mai who was chosen then it would be Ling's responsibility to marry a suitable match and give birth to male heirs. But for some reason she has been chosen to follow this specific path, even if it leads to her death.
*~~*~~*~~*~~*
She sits in the chair nervously as the servant braids her hair. She is wearing the best gown money could buy; royal blue with gold edging and her family's crest on the arm. She is no longer a girl but a slayer. As she stands she wonders if she has gotten taller. With a shake of the head she continues to her destination. Xian told everyone that an announcement had to be made so those of royal blood near and far came to this announcement. Standing in front of the large entrance doors Ling can hear Xian's voice.
"It has been many years since the slayer has been on this earth. Into every generation a slayer is born. One girl to protect the world from the demons, the vampires, and the forces of evil. Qing Ling is the one who is now chosen."
Ling can hear the whispers and questions and can feel the confusion and anger coming from her sister when the doors open. All eyes land on her and for the first time in a long time she is scared. She is terrified of all the expectations being put on her shoulders. Glancing at Mai she sees the burning anger in her eyes. Her mother is smiling and her father forces a nod. Everyone was just so sure Mai would be chosen. When she reaches where Xian is standing he steps to the side to reveal his brother Lupe.
"My younger brother Lupe has been given the duty of guiding our new slayer on her journey."
"LUPE?!", Lo yells silencing all the hushed voices."He is still a child himself. Why can't you be her mentor?"
"Our family line has two ways; that of a royal adviser and that of a watcher."
"My child is young...how can he train her in the ways of this calling?"
"I assure you Lupe is a fine teacher. I would trust my own child in his ways."
"If one thing goes wrong-"
"I don't know if you have noticed but there is a war going on out there.", Lupe says."Your majesty, there is only one her and a whole force of them. If needed I would sacrifice my life for hers, without knowing her but knowing her cause. This is a calling for me as well."
Mai runs from the room and Ling tries to follow but Lupe stops her.
"Give her some time..."
Ling nods and stares at the floor.
"Keep your head up.", Lupe says."You are a warrior now."
Taking a deep breath she turns to the people in the room.
"I am the protector of this land, of this earth, and I vow to give my life to that responsibility."
The crowd begins to clap finally accepting her as the chosen one.
"Let us feast to this blessing the powers have given us."
*~~*~~*~~*
"My boy thinks he has found the new slayer", says a woman with black hair.
"Didn't I tell you to just give it up?", a man with black hair says to the shorter man with dark blond hair.
"You are just scared she'll take you out before I get her."
"My love isn't scared of anything.", adds a woman with blond hair.
"The little one is all the way in China though..."
"I refuse to waist time looking for some little girl that we would never come in contact with us.", says the black haired man.
"Maybe not just yet but I will find and kill me a slayer.", huffs the man with dark blond hair.
*~~*~~*~~*
After the celebration Ling quietly sneaks to Mai's room. She softly knocks on the door to her sister's chambers.
"Go away.", she yells through her tears. Ling does the opposite and pushes the door open."Didn't I tell you to-", picking up her head Mai's eyes lands on her sister."Don't you have some training to do?", she growls.
"Why are you acting like I choose this? Like I asked for this?", she crosses her arms."You of all people know how I feel...do you think I wanted to hurt you?"
"But you did.", Mai states angrily wiping away her tears."Xian must have known, he probably told you and together you both deceived me."
"That isn't true!", Ling yells."All I wanted to do was marry Kai, do you know how that feels? To have your dreams ripped out of your hands?"
Mei stands to her feet and Ling follows suit. The younger one of the two swallows as her sister slowly walks to her.
"I do.", she whispers staring angrily into Ling's eyes."I never want to speak to you again and as the only heir to the throne I want you to know that once this kingdom belongs to my husband and I you will never be allowed to set foot in this country again."
Straightening her back and composing herself Ling narrows her eyes.
"From this moment on we are no longer sisters..."
"I wouldn't have it any other way.."
*~~*~~*~~*~~*
"We have to leave in the morning.", Lupe tells Lo."She has much training to do."
Caressing his chin Lo nods."Has her training not been enough?"
"Your people have trained her well, as a girl, but you see now she has to learn to control her powers."
"The place he is taking her is only a few miles away so if she is needed she can respond.", Xian adds.
"She is no longer a princess of this country...", Lupe replies.
"We understand her calling better than you think.", Aria states.
Lupe smiles at Ling's mother.
"Two daughters means there is one who can still provide a royal heir for the next generation.", Lo says."Now that Ling has been chosen we have decided on a husband for Mai."
*~~*~~*~~*~~*
She can feel his sorrow as he sits in her window. Many times he has appeared to her this way. Since declaring his love for her she has allowed him to visit her without the watchful eyes of the other royals living in the palace.
"Where are you going?", Kai asks.
"I leave with Lupe at dawn."
"How long will you be gone?"
She shrugs."I technically am no longer a princess so I'm not sure."
"They can't just take that from you...it's your birthright."
"So is this...", she trails off trying to hold in her tears. Her knees go weak but Kai is there to catch her before she hits the floor. Taking in his scent and the warmth of his embrace she sobs into his shoulder. He kisses her hair before smoothing it down.
"I will always love you."
"But there is no way we can marry now."
"Leave some kind of clue as to where I can find you."
"I can't.", she says sniffling."Lupe won't tell me."
She can hear his heart skip a beat.
"Is this the last time we will see each other?"
Ling nods and fails at making her tears go away. Taking her face into his hands Kai leans forward planting a kiss on her lips. As he pulls away Ling gasps for air. Opening her eyes to stare into his she knows this will be the last time she will have him like this. She stands and pulls him to his feet. With a nervous breath her shaking hands begin to untie the clips on his gown. Once they are all unclasped she plants her hands on his shoulders and pushing them down his arms she pushes off his garment. His light brown skin glistens in the candlelight. Stroking his abdomen she bites her lip at the sculpted muscles there. She hears a loud thumping noise in her ears but doesn't know if it's his heart of hers. Kai reaches up and takes the clip out of her hair allowing the raven waves to fall all around her shoulders. No one but her servants have seen her hair down and he thanks her for the opportunity with a tender kiss. As she steps closer to him she feels his desire press against her stomach. She blushes and he pauses not sure if she wants to stop.
"We don't have-", her lips on his silences him. Deepening the kiss she presses her body even closer to his causing him to let out a low growl.
"I want you to be my first...", she whispers as their eyes connect. Her statement is all he needs to continue undressing her.
*~~*~~*~~*~~*
Lupe notices the far away look in his slayer's eyes.
"Ling are you okay?", with a jump she snaps back to the present. She couldn't help but think about Kai's peaceful face when she awoke next to him. At first it hurt but after a while it began to feel good and she couldn't tear herself away from her lover's body. Kai joked about her slayer stamina being the reason for her passion. She just couldn't get enough of him; the strength of his muscles, the feel of his skin, the desire and love in his eyes. She had to wake him and get him out before the servants came to prepare her for the journey. The two lovers were almost caught but luckily he left right before the servants came in. Ling had decided that she at least wanted to share a special moment like that with him before going away since she knew she would not be marrying. The pain on the side of her head made her wince.
"You are going to need better reflexes than that.", he chuckled.
"I do..", she replied rubbing her head."That hurt."
"You don't know what hurt is yet.", the seriousness of his voice made a chill run up her spine.
*~~*~~*~~*~~*
TWO YEARS LATER...
She finishes off her enemy by decapitation. As soon as his head leaves his body the remains turn to dust. For a moment she stays in her a defensive stance reaching out her senses for any more of his kind. When she is satisfied no other threat is there she relaxes and places the sword into its sheath. Her watcher opens the door and walks in.
"Well done Ling.", the eighteen year old slayer looks nothing like the girl she was before she was called. Her naive left her eyes and was replaced by the rage of the slayer. She and Lupe have traveled all throughout her kingdom demolishing the forces of evil. On their quest to protect their lands from the things they do not know of they have to stay out of the affairs of human conflict. Since the time of her calling many things have changed; mostly the peace of their land. Foreign powers entered the empire and many of the people didn't like the religion and politics they brought with them. Lupe said war was inevitable.
"You have improved..."
"I had no choice.", Ling replies wiping the blood from her mouth away. Once the small group of vampires realized they couldn't win one on one they decided to jump on her at once. She had never left a fight without bleeding. Ling admired the responsibility of the young slayer. In two years she had progressed in all his training; physical and spiritual. The Watcher's Council took pride in her accomplishments. It was them who suggested that she be separated from her family in order to focus solely on slaying. Lupe agreed to an extent because he felt having ties to this world is what kept a slayer fighting.
"It's over two years since you have been back to your province right?"
The mention of her home gave her eyes a hint of her old self.
"I could ask permission.", Lupe states.
The light in her eyes fades."It would be better not to. Old memories and all.", she trails off.
"It would be a breath of fresh air to get away from this lifestyle for a few days."
Taking a deep breath the slayer allows herself to be the eighteen year old she is.
"A few days would be fine."
*~~*~~*~~*~~*
"A watcher is the bloke who watches after her.", says the light haired man.
"You are giving me a headache with all this slayer talk.", the older man roars."All this research, why don't you just go in for the kill?"
"Look at who's talking, Mr. Finesse himself, bloody ponce.", he huffs."Because if she's as powerful as they all say it won't be easy taking her down."
"Are you actually formulating some kind of plan?"
"For once...yes. This beauty is worth my time because when I kill her she'll be dead a little longer."
*~~*~~*~~*~~*
Ling follows Lupe into her father's official chamber. Lo, the ruler of the Shanxi province, was staring at the papers on his desk.
"I present Zhing Lupe, and his pupil Ling The Vampire Slayer. Looking up Lo can't believe the slayer before him is his own child. A smile crosses his tired face as he stands.
"Come here my child.", Ling hurries to her father and bows.
"Thank you for welcoming me."
A hand lands on her chin raising it so he can look into her eyes.
"There is nothing to thank me for. I should be thanking you."
"I do what I can. What is all this talk of war father?"
"There have been many uprisings in Beijing, where your sister and her husband are. I was reading a letter from her just now about how bad things are there."
An older woman comes running in enveloping Ling in a hug. Pulling away she sees the woman's face and smiles at her mother.
"With no word I was worried..."
"Still alive.", Ling replies flippantly.
"I am so terrified that all this will erupt into rebellion. So many peasants have taken up arms and are battling with the foreign. They call themselves the 'Righteous Harmony Society'."
"The foreigners are calling them Boxers."
"Perhaps you could stay as protection.", Lo says.
"My abilities are needed for slaying vampires father.", Ling replies."I have no place in these affairs."
"I understand.", her mother says.
"We have to go to Beijing.", Lupe states."Lands raged by war are playgrounds for vampires."
"Promise me you will return here once things settle down..."
"I promise.", hugging her mother she kisses her cheek. With a small grin she allows herself to be pulled into her father's strong embrace.
"You have brought great honor to this house.", Lo states."You have filled my heart with pride.", he kisses her head."Make sure to find your sister while you are there."
"I will.", Ling turns to leave but her mother's voice stops her.
"Don't forget you gave me your word.", the woman smiles.
"I won't mother.", with those words she follows her watcher out to the street.
*~~*~~*~~*~~*
As soon as she crosses province limits she can feel the incredible evil amongst the fear of the people. Buildings are burning, people are running through the streets, and screams echo through the land. Getting off her horse the young girl unsheathes her sword.
"Be careful Ling..."
"I will.", she replies as she hurries up the stares to her sister's palace. Certain parts of it are in flames but she is not bothered by the smoke. Arriving at the royal chambers she kicks the doors open. She sees her sister crouched in fear in a corner, grasping something to her chest. She sheaths her sword as she approaches her sister. As Ling nears Mei she hears the wails of a child. She rips a piece of her clothing and wraps it around her hands before moving a burning beam. She ignores the sizzle as she helps her sister to her feet.
"I never thought you would come...", Mai coughs.
"Let's get out of here.", she helps her older sister to safety from the fire."Is there anyone else?"
"Kai ordered everyone to leave but I went back for Jade's blanket."
"Kai is here?", she can't help the look of confusion.
"H-he is my husband..."
Two years of slaying demons, vampires, and evil warlocks never phased her but knowing her sister ended up marrying her only love steals her breath and strength.
"W-we had no choice...father didn't know of your love and Kai is the only man worthy.."
Ling puts up her hand."Is this your child?". Mai nods."Where is Kai?"
Lupe approaches them and an explosion causes the two to jump.
"I just got word they saw Kai fighting a foreigner in the temple.", he states. Despite her pain Ling knows she still loves Kai. Wiping away at her tears she stands up unsheathing her sword.
"We should leave.", Lupe says."There is nothing here but human war."
"No.", Ling says looking to the temple on the hill."I feel four very strong vampires in this place. Old ones with experience."
Killing newly risen vampires has left the slayer empty. She was built and chosen to deliver death to evil. She feels her body being pulled to the temple.
"You are strong yes but you can't handle four. Ling we-"
The glare she gives quiets him.
"Take my sister back to Shanxi. If I do not return in two days you will know what has happened to me."
Taking a deep breath the young slayer tightens her grip on her sword as she races to the location of her first love and the strong vampire. She passes many people fighting but she has nothing on her mind but getting to Kai. She knows that there is no way he could stand against a vampire. Kicking the doors off the hinges she settles her breathing. Before her is the sight of her ex-lover on his knees before a vampire. He stops what he is doing to look at her. His eyes narrow as he realizes who she is. He hisses something before shoving Kai away from him. The man hurries to his feet.
"Ling!", he yells running to her side."We can take him together, don't let his size fool you-"
"Get out.", she states.
"But I could-"
"My sister and watcher are waiting for you."
He has seen her look of determination and its now set of the vampire before her. With a sigh of defeat the man hurries out of the temple leaving Ling with the light brown haired man. She can't understand his words which tells her he has come from far away. Looking at his casual stance she knows he is not a martial artist but his strength in experience is enough for her to worry about.
*~~*~~*~~*
How long they have been fighting to the death she has no idea but he seems to be having fun. Despite the words he utters that she can't explain he seems to be playing. He dodges her swing with the sword and in anger she charges him swinging her sword furiously. In the second she takes to re-balance herself he backhands her breaking her grip on her sword. She has no problem going hand to hand because of their equality of strength. Landing every kick and punch Ling knows that this vampire relies only on his strength. Hands and feet flying through the air she slams his against a column. With her foot to his throat she pulls out her stake. His eyes widen as his eyes connect with the weapon. She smirks inwardly at his imminent demise. But as she raises it to strike an explosion goes off throwing the pair to the ground. Ling hurries to regain her weapon because that is what she needs to kills him. But he takes advantage of her childish move of not knowing where her opponent is all all times. She feels him grab her arm, pinning in behind her back. His cold breath touches her neck and she knows that she has arrived at her end. Finally her end has come. She gasps loudly as his fangs sink into her neck draining her life away. Ling sees the images of her loved ones flash before her eyes. The last of her mother when she saw her days before.
"Tell my mother I'm sorry.", she whispers knowing that she won't be able to keep her promise. The vampire says something to her before dropping her to the ground. As her life slowly fades out all she can think about is the peace that she will finally have...
END
"Well done my daughters.", says their father, Qing Lo, as he stands from his throne."It is a comfort to us all that one of you will be chosen."
It has been many years since the prophesy was first told to their people. One in all the world chosen to protect it from evil. Lo's spiritual adviser told him that in his ruling he would witness the power of this protector of good. The warrior can only be of royal blood so he knew it would be one of his children. But when his wife delivered a girl 17 years ago he asked what he had done wrong to be given a daughter instead of the warrior son first. His adviser laughed telling him that the warriors were women as to be less suspecting to her enemies. But then the next year his second daughter was born. Not even Xian, the royal adviser and great prophet, could determine which of the two would be chosen to protect their lands.
"We all know I will be chosen since I am the oldest.", Mai states.
"Age does not always bring wisdom.", Xian replies. Touching the hair of Ling, the younger of the two daughters, he continues "The power is not given to the strong but to the balanced."
Is his mind he was sure Ling was to be chosen because of her gentleness.
"Let us move into the other room to feast with our guests.", says their mother Aria."You girls go wash up."
*~~*~~*~~*~~*
She finds peace here, away from the responsibilities of royal life and destiny. Being a possible chosen one has given her more freedom than the princesses before her but she longs for more.
"Everyone is waiting, and you are here staring at the stars.", Mai's voice causes Ling to jump."How can you be chosen if you can't even sense when someone is near? I have heard stories about those before us...", Ling continues staring into the night."The writings say many of them only last two maybe three years before perishing. That's the only way the next can be chosen..."
"So our power isn't even ours.", Ling sighs."It's just passed on when the one before dies...what kind of gift is this?", she finally turns to her sister."You may be a warrior of good but until you also fall short you will be nothing but a dealer of death."
"You have no respect for the calling. Which is why you won't be chosen."
"I guess that will be up to the powers..."
The gong is sounded, announcing that dinner is served. Mai storms off causing Ling to run to catch up with her. Standing before the doors they smooth out their gowns.
"Announcing Qing Mai and her younger sister Qing Ling.", the doors open and the guests look to them. Many years they have been on display, their father wanting the country to see how well they fight so that the people of their kingdom will feel safe and stay within its walls. Ling sits down next to her childhood friend Kai. As she rests her hand on her knee she feels his fingers slip a piece of paper into her palm.
*~~*~~*~~*~~*
When dinner is over the guests begin to dwindle away. Kai and his parents are the last the leave. With a polite smile they stand from the table, offer one last bow, and disappear out the doors. Ling waits a few moments and when the servants are done clearing the table she asks permission to go into the garden. She is allowed and also stands, bows, and leaves. Trying to contain her excitement she forces her steps to be slow as she makes her way to her destination. When she finally reaches it the moonlight is her only company. The sounds of the water from the fountain fills her ears and she inhales the scent of the plants. Such small things she gains comfort from. Strong arms wrap around her waist and she relaxes her body resting her weight on him.
"You are so beautiful in the moonlight.", he comments.
"Are you saying I am not in the daylight?"
"This is where your soul flourishes. This time calls to your essence."
"You speak as if you have known a chosen one before."
"Just the stories. They say she can't help but fall in love with the night. That it gives her power just as it gave the demon who fathered this race."
"There is no way of knowing who will be chosen Kai.", she turns to look at him."I just want to be a simple woman with a loving husband instead of a man who just wants to rule my kingdom."
With a gentle smile he leans down to kiss her. He knows he could be killed for touching an unmarried woman but he can't help but love her. Since they were children playing in the fields he has loved her. Even when she went through a strange growth spurt and towered over him he couldn't help but stare up at her like the goddess he thought she was.
"What's so funny.", she asks bringing him out of his thoughts.
"I remember when you were taller than me...", her wide smile melts his heart and at that moment he vows to do whatever it takes to make her his wife.
*~~*~~*~~*~~*
"No...", he whispers holding her body in his arms."She was too young..."
The others run up seeing the watcher holding his pupil. A girl of only 14 years had been chosen only a few months before. Despite her power her lack of training gave the demon the upper hand. Wiping the tears from his eyes the watcher stands to his full height over the young men. Touching the shoulder of one he sighs."Deliver my books to the land of the new slayer."
*~~*~~*~~*~~*
Xian was studying the alignment of the planets when his doors slammed open announcing that someone had urgent news. He turns around to see his younger brother holding a book.
"I have never seen you so excited...", he says.
"That's because I was never called before...", Lupe replies.
"It is time?"
"She has been chosen, brother."
*~~*~~*~~*~~*
She is standing in the water with her eyes closed. It is up to her shoulders and she concentrates on hearing it, noticing each trickle and change in current. With bended knees she moves her arms in circular motion, wielding it to her liking. Opening her eyes she sees the funnel she has created. Turning her attention to the sky she notices something glittering. But as she tries to make out what it is she is hit with a burst of energy. She gasps for air feeling the wave of power go through her. Seconds after she feels the tingling in her toes and fingers. When she inhales she can smell the food being prepared in her palace over two miles away. Looking into a tree her eyes seem to zoom in, giving her a perfect picture of a bird's chicks. She closes her eyes once again and hears the voices of the people in the village nearby. With a smile she looks to the sky realizing what has happened. Soaking wet she jumps out the river to the one person who would know what to do.
*~~*~~*~~*~~*
She bursts into his chamber accidentally knocking one of the doors off the hinges.
"That is very normal for someone newly chosen.", says a man she has never seen.
"This is my brother, Lupe.", Xian explains."He is your mentor. Since a small child he has been training just as you have to guide you on your mission."
Walking to him she bows, keeping her eyes to the floor.
"I am willing to learn from you Master Lupe.", she states.
"No need for titles Ling.", he replies touching her chin to raise her."Like you I am merely a servant of the powers..."
Looking into his dark eyes she sees the sincerity of his intentions. He looks about 24 years old, with his barely there facial hair. His jet black hair is pulled back into a pony tail and he wears the garb of a monk. Lupe notices her expression at his clothing."I reside among the monks to better understand myself and your kind."
Ling is taken aback by the phrase 'your kind' as if she's no longer human. "The chosen are given extraordinary powers in order to be able to combat the forces of evil. But power without training is nothing. Just as you have been training so have I. You are no longer a princess...you are a warrior. Forget your old life..."
"What about-"
"You have an older sister who can marry and rule your father's kingdom."
Biting her lip the 16 year old stares at the ground fighting back tears. She realizes that either way she would have had no choice. If it was Mai who was chosen then it would be Ling's responsibility to marry a suitable match and give birth to male heirs. But for some reason she has been chosen to follow this specific path, even if it leads to her death.
*~~*~~*~~*~~*
She sits in the chair nervously as the servant braids her hair. She is wearing the best gown money could buy; royal blue with gold edging and her family's crest on the arm. She is no longer a girl but a slayer. As she stands she wonders if she has gotten taller. With a shake of the head she continues to her destination. Xian told everyone that an announcement had to be made so those of royal blood near and far came to this announcement. Standing in front of the large entrance doors Ling can hear Xian's voice.
"It has been many years since the slayer has been on this earth. Into every generation a slayer is born. One girl to protect the world from the demons, the vampires, and the forces of evil. Qing Ling is the one who is now chosen."
Ling can hear the whispers and questions and can feel the confusion and anger coming from her sister when the doors open. All eyes land on her and for the first time in a long time she is scared. She is terrified of all the expectations being put on her shoulders. Glancing at Mai she sees the burning anger in her eyes. Her mother is smiling and her father forces a nod. Everyone was just so sure Mai would be chosen. When she reaches where Xian is standing he steps to the side to reveal his brother Lupe.
"My younger brother Lupe has been given the duty of guiding our new slayer on her journey."
"LUPE?!", Lo yells silencing all the hushed voices."He is still a child himself. Why can't you be her mentor?"
"Our family line has two ways; that of a royal adviser and that of a watcher."
"My child is young...how can he train her in the ways of this calling?"
"I assure you Lupe is a fine teacher. I would trust my own child in his ways."
"If one thing goes wrong-"
"I don't know if you have noticed but there is a war going on out there.", Lupe says."Your majesty, there is only one her and a whole force of them. If needed I would sacrifice my life for hers, without knowing her but knowing her cause. This is a calling for me as well."
Mai runs from the room and Ling tries to follow but Lupe stops her.
"Give her some time..."
Ling nods and stares at the floor.
"Keep your head up.", Lupe says."You are a warrior now."
Taking a deep breath she turns to the people in the room.
"I am the protector of this land, of this earth, and I vow to give my life to that responsibility."
The crowd begins to clap finally accepting her as the chosen one.
"Let us feast to this blessing the powers have given us."
*~~*~~*~~*
"My boy thinks he has found the new slayer", says a woman with black hair.
"Didn't I tell you to just give it up?", a man with black hair says to the shorter man with dark blond hair.
"You are just scared she'll take you out before I get her."
"My love isn't scared of anything.", adds a woman with blond hair.
"The little one is all the way in China though..."
"I refuse to waist time looking for some little girl that we would never come in contact with us.", says the black haired man.
"Maybe not just yet but I will find and kill me a slayer.", huffs the man with dark blond hair.
*~~*~~*~~*
After the celebration Ling quietly sneaks to Mai's room. She softly knocks on the door to her sister's chambers.
"Go away.", she yells through her tears. Ling does the opposite and pushes the door open."Didn't I tell you to-", picking up her head Mai's eyes lands on her sister."Don't you have some training to do?", she growls.
"Why are you acting like I choose this? Like I asked for this?", she crosses her arms."You of all people know how I feel...do you think I wanted to hurt you?"
"But you did.", Mai states angrily wiping away her tears."Xian must have known, he probably told you and together you both deceived me."
"That isn't true!", Ling yells."All I wanted to do was marry Kai, do you know how that feels? To have your dreams ripped out of your hands?"
Mei stands to her feet and Ling follows suit. The younger one of the two swallows as her sister slowly walks to her.
"I do.", she whispers staring angrily into Ling's eyes."I never want to speak to you again and as the only heir to the throne I want you to know that once this kingdom belongs to my husband and I you will never be allowed to set foot in this country again."
Straightening her back and composing herself Ling narrows her eyes.
"From this moment on we are no longer sisters..."
"I wouldn't have it any other way.."
*~~*~~*~~*~~*
"We have to leave in the morning.", Lupe tells Lo."She has much training to do."
Caressing his chin Lo nods."Has her training not been enough?"
"Your people have trained her well, as a girl, but you see now she has to learn to control her powers."
"The place he is taking her is only a few miles away so if she is needed she can respond.", Xian adds.
"She is no longer a princess of this country...", Lupe replies.
"We understand her calling better than you think.", Aria states.
Lupe smiles at Ling's mother.
"Two daughters means there is one who can still provide a royal heir for the next generation.", Lo says."Now that Ling has been chosen we have decided on a husband for Mai."
*~~*~~*~~*~~*
She can feel his sorrow as he sits in her window. Many times he has appeared to her this way. Since declaring his love for her she has allowed him to visit her without the watchful eyes of the other royals living in the palace.
"Where are you going?", Kai asks.
"I leave with Lupe at dawn."
"How long will you be gone?"
She shrugs."I technically am no longer a princess so I'm not sure."
"They can't just take that from you...it's your birthright."
"So is this...", she trails off trying to hold in her tears. Her knees go weak but Kai is there to catch her before she hits the floor. Taking in his scent and the warmth of his embrace she sobs into his shoulder. He kisses her hair before smoothing it down.
"I will always love you."
"But there is no way we can marry now."
"Leave some kind of clue as to where I can find you."
"I can't.", she says sniffling."Lupe won't tell me."
She can hear his heart skip a beat.
"Is this the last time we will see each other?"
Ling nods and fails at making her tears go away. Taking her face into his hands Kai leans forward planting a kiss on her lips. As he pulls away Ling gasps for air. Opening her eyes to stare into his she knows this will be the last time she will have him like this. She stands and pulls him to his feet. With a nervous breath her shaking hands begin to untie the clips on his gown. Once they are all unclasped she plants her hands on his shoulders and pushing them down his arms she pushes off his garment. His light brown skin glistens in the candlelight. Stroking his abdomen she bites her lip at the sculpted muscles there. She hears a loud thumping noise in her ears but doesn't know if it's his heart of hers. Kai reaches up and takes the clip out of her hair allowing the raven waves to fall all around her shoulders. No one but her servants have seen her hair down and he thanks her for the opportunity with a tender kiss. As she steps closer to him she feels his desire press against her stomach. She blushes and he pauses not sure if she wants to stop.
"We don't have-", her lips on his silences him. Deepening the kiss she presses her body even closer to his causing him to let out a low growl.
"I want you to be my first...", she whispers as their eyes connect. Her statement is all he needs to continue undressing her.
*~~*~~*~~*~~*
Lupe notices the far away look in his slayer's eyes.
"Ling are you okay?", with a jump she snaps back to the present. She couldn't help but think about Kai's peaceful face when she awoke next to him. At first it hurt but after a while it began to feel good and she couldn't tear herself away from her lover's body. Kai joked about her slayer stamina being the reason for her passion. She just couldn't get enough of him; the strength of his muscles, the feel of his skin, the desire and love in his eyes. She had to wake him and get him out before the servants came to prepare her for the journey. The two lovers were almost caught but luckily he left right before the servants came in. Ling had decided that she at least wanted to share a special moment like that with him before going away since she knew she would not be marrying. The pain on the side of her head made her wince.
"You are going to need better reflexes than that.", he chuckled.
"I do..", she replied rubbing her head."That hurt."
"You don't know what hurt is yet.", the seriousness of his voice made a chill run up her spine.
*~~*~~*~~*~~*
TWO YEARS LATER...
She finishes off her enemy by decapitation. As soon as his head leaves his body the remains turn to dust. For a moment she stays in her a defensive stance reaching out her senses for any more of his kind. When she is satisfied no other threat is there she relaxes and places the sword into its sheath. Her watcher opens the door and walks in.
"Well done Ling.", the eighteen year old slayer looks nothing like the girl she was before she was called. Her naive left her eyes and was replaced by the rage of the slayer. She and Lupe have traveled all throughout her kingdom demolishing the forces of evil. On their quest to protect their lands from the things they do not know of they have to stay out of the affairs of human conflict. Since the time of her calling many things have changed; mostly the peace of their land. Foreign powers entered the empire and many of the people didn't like the religion and politics they brought with them. Lupe said war was inevitable.
"You have improved..."
"I had no choice.", Ling replies wiping the blood from her mouth away. Once the small group of vampires realized they couldn't win one on one they decided to jump on her at once. She had never left a fight without bleeding. Ling admired the responsibility of the young slayer. In two years she had progressed in all his training; physical and spiritual. The Watcher's Council took pride in her accomplishments. It was them who suggested that she be separated from her family in order to focus solely on slaying. Lupe agreed to an extent because he felt having ties to this world is what kept a slayer fighting.
"It's over two years since you have been back to your province right?"
The mention of her home gave her eyes a hint of her old self.
"I could ask permission.", Lupe states.
The light in her eyes fades."It would be better not to. Old memories and all.", she trails off.
"It would be a breath of fresh air to get away from this lifestyle for a few days."
Taking a deep breath the slayer allows herself to be the eighteen year old she is.
"A few days would be fine."
*~~*~~*~~*~~*
"A watcher is the bloke who watches after her.", says the light haired man.
"You are giving me a headache with all this slayer talk.", the older man roars."All this research, why don't you just go in for the kill?"
"Look at who's talking, Mr. Finesse himself, bloody ponce.", he huffs."Because if she's as powerful as they all say it won't be easy taking her down."
"Are you actually formulating some kind of plan?"
"For once...yes. This beauty is worth my time because when I kill her she'll be dead a little longer."
*~~*~~*~~*~~*
Ling follows Lupe into her father's official chamber. Lo, the ruler of the Shanxi province, was staring at the papers on his desk.
"I present Zhing Lupe, and his pupil Ling The Vampire Slayer. Looking up Lo can't believe the slayer before him is his own child. A smile crosses his tired face as he stands.
"Come here my child.", Ling hurries to her father and bows.
"Thank you for welcoming me."
A hand lands on her chin raising it so he can look into her eyes.
"There is nothing to thank me for. I should be thanking you."
"I do what I can. What is all this talk of war father?"
"There have been many uprisings in Beijing, where your sister and her husband are. I was reading a letter from her just now about how bad things are there."
An older woman comes running in enveloping Ling in a hug. Pulling away she sees the woman's face and smiles at her mother.
"With no word I was worried..."
"Still alive.", Ling replies flippantly.
"I am so terrified that all this will erupt into rebellion. So many peasants have taken up arms and are battling with the foreign. They call themselves the 'Righteous Harmony Society'."
"The foreigners are calling them Boxers."
"Perhaps you could stay as protection.", Lo says.
"My abilities are needed for slaying vampires father.", Ling replies."I have no place in these affairs."
"I understand.", her mother says.
"We have to go to Beijing.", Lupe states."Lands raged by war are playgrounds for vampires."
"Promise me you will return here once things settle down..."
"I promise.", hugging her mother she kisses her cheek. With a small grin she allows herself to be pulled into her father's strong embrace.
"You have brought great honor to this house.", Lo states."You have filled my heart with pride.", he kisses her head."Make sure to find your sister while you are there."
"I will.", Ling turns to leave but her mother's voice stops her.
"Don't forget you gave me your word.", the woman smiles.
"I won't mother.", with those words she follows her watcher out to the street.
*~~*~~*~~*~~*
As soon as she crosses province limits she can feel the incredible evil amongst the fear of the people. Buildings are burning, people are running through the streets, and screams echo through the land. Getting off her horse the young girl unsheathes her sword.
"Be careful Ling..."
"I will.", she replies as she hurries up the stares to her sister's palace. Certain parts of it are in flames but she is not bothered by the smoke. Arriving at the royal chambers she kicks the doors open. She sees her sister crouched in fear in a corner, grasping something to her chest. She sheaths her sword as she approaches her sister. As Ling nears Mei she hears the wails of a child. She rips a piece of her clothing and wraps it around her hands before moving a burning beam. She ignores the sizzle as she helps her sister to her feet.
"I never thought you would come...", Mai coughs.
"Let's get out of here.", she helps her older sister to safety from the fire."Is there anyone else?"
"Kai ordered everyone to leave but I went back for Jade's blanket."
"Kai is here?", she can't help the look of confusion.
"H-he is my husband..."
Two years of slaying demons, vampires, and evil warlocks never phased her but knowing her sister ended up marrying her only love steals her breath and strength.
"W-we had no choice...father didn't know of your love and Kai is the only man worthy.."
Ling puts up her hand."Is this your child?". Mai nods."Where is Kai?"
Lupe approaches them and an explosion causes the two to jump.
"I just got word they saw Kai fighting a foreigner in the temple.", he states. Despite her pain Ling knows she still loves Kai. Wiping away at her tears she stands up unsheathing her sword.
"We should leave.", Lupe says."There is nothing here but human war."
"No.", Ling says looking to the temple on the hill."I feel four very strong vampires in this place. Old ones with experience."
Killing newly risen vampires has left the slayer empty. She was built and chosen to deliver death to evil. She feels her body being pulled to the temple.
"You are strong yes but you can't handle four. Ling we-"
The glare she gives quiets him.
"Take my sister back to Shanxi. If I do not return in two days you will know what has happened to me."
Taking a deep breath the young slayer tightens her grip on her sword as she races to the location of her first love and the strong vampire. She passes many people fighting but she has nothing on her mind but getting to Kai. She knows that there is no way he could stand against a vampire. Kicking the doors off the hinges she settles her breathing. Before her is the sight of her ex-lover on his knees before a vampire. He stops what he is doing to look at her. His eyes narrow as he realizes who she is. He hisses something before shoving Kai away from him. The man hurries to his feet.
"Ling!", he yells running to her side."We can take him together, don't let his size fool you-"
"Get out.", she states.
"But I could-"
"My sister and watcher are waiting for you."
He has seen her look of determination and its now set of the vampire before her. With a sigh of defeat the man hurries out of the temple leaving Ling with the light brown haired man. She can't understand his words which tells her he has come from far away. Looking at his casual stance she knows he is not a martial artist but his strength in experience is enough for her to worry about.
*~~*~~*~~*
How long they have been fighting to the death she has no idea but he seems to be having fun. Despite the words he utters that she can't explain he seems to be playing. He dodges her swing with the sword and in anger she charges him swinging her sword furiously. In the second she takes to re-balance herself he backhands her breaking her grip on her sword. She has no problem going hand to hand because of their equality of strength. Landing every kick and punch Ling knows that this vampire relies only on his strength. Hands and feet flying through the air she slams his against a column. With her foot to his throat she pulls out her stake. His eyes widen as his eyes connect with the weapon. She smirks inwardly at his imminent demise. But as she raises it to strike an explosion goes off throwing the pair to the ground. Ling hurries to regain her weapon because that is what she needs to kills him. But he takes advantage of her childish move of not knowing where her opponent is all all times. She feels him grab her arm, pinning in behind her back. His cold breath touches her neck and she knows that she has arrived at her end. Finally her end has come. She gasps loudly as his fangs sink into her neck draining her life away. Ling sees the images of her loved ones flash before her eyes. The last of her mother when she saw her days before.
"Tell my mother I'm sorry.", she whispers knowing that she won't be able to keep her promise. The vampire says something to her before dropping her to the ground. As her life slowly fades out all she can think about is the peace that she will finally have...
END