Flame Of Wu

Read the story of the Guardian of Fire here!!! (Moved from Wattpad due to Moderation issues; Oc belongs to Sablesoulfoolery whilst any other mentioned characters belongs to their respective Copyrights)

[flameofwu]

~New Friends??~ (7)

Lu Mei felt shocked beyond belief. "You're the...Emperor?...If you are the Emperor, then that means-"

"Sun Ce had passed, sadly." Sun Quan said regretfully before taking in a soft breath. "I am glad to see you again. If I may ask, what are you doing in the land of Wu?" Lu Mei was silent before she spoke up, her voice barely audible form where he stood, "Xia Pi castle was attacked...and my family was separated..." She looked up at Gan Ning, who gazed at her with clouded thoughts and an expressionless face. She brought her attention back to Sun Quan as she reported the events that were still fresh in her mind, "Lu Bu was killed, Diao Chan was captured, and Lu Ling Qi had fled." She looked down at her feet. "Before she was captured, Diao Chan told me to find you and join your army."

She remained looking down as hot tears fell from her eyes, hearing Sun Quan's voice speak up tenderly. "Mei..." She looked back up at him, despite the tears rolling down her cheeks; "You can stay, but you don't have to join the army if you want." She shook her head defiantly in reply; "No. I choose to join your army." Sun Quan remained silent, nodding to himself before he stepped forward to Lu Mei. "Come with me, I have something I need to show you."

"Wait! Why are you so nice to her?" Gan Ning asked as Sun Quan gazed at him with a calm, preserved look. "Because she is a friend, not an enemy. And like you needed before, she can use some guidance; So I'm assigning you to help her adjust to living in Wu."

Gan Ning fell silent and Lu Mei felt a stab of pity for him. She walked away, next to Sun Quan. They came shortly to a dimly lit room. Sun Quan opened the door and Lu Mei squinted her eyes to adjust to the dark as she stepped in. In the room, there was only one well-decorated box across from them. Sun Quan beckoned to her as he walked to the box. "Open it," He pressed gently; "Your father gave this to my father as a gift when we were younger." She hesitated for a moment before opening the box and gasped. It was her father's old spear; lined with beautiful red velvet fabric to keep it looking as new as before. She lifted it out from the box and held it gingerly in her hands, gazing at the various scratches in the handle. She remembered that day...

~~~~~~~~~~~~MEMORY~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lu Ling Qi played with her friends in one of the training areas while Lu Mei sat alone near a patch of flowers. Lu Mei traced the flower's shape with her finger idly while enjoying the ambience of laughter and the sound of the grass as it was stepped on by the playing children. The children then stopped and began screaming and yelling, running away from Lu Mei's direction as she stared to them in confusion. Lu Mei then cried out in fear as she was sharply grabbed by a soldier, noticing his familiar attire but also noting the violet hues and the unknown insignia he bore on his sleeve. This was not one of the soldiers she knew; the fear in her rising more.

She screamed but her mouth was quickly covered by his hand as he quickly moved. He dragged her beyond the borders of Xia Pi, throwing her onto the ground, and brought out a dagger as she stared at him with wide eyes. Before he could kill her, he was struck a heavy blow from an arrow and fell back, lying still against the ground. She ran as soon as the soldier fell and did not look back, tiny yet heavy pants escaping her as she ran as fast as her little legs could carry her. She felt so scared she couldn't stop, not even for air until she finally collapsed, falling onto her stomach. Heaving herself back up, she was ready to keep running for she wasn't going to risk facing anymore unknown soldiers.

"Hey! What are you doing in the forest?!" A tall man with tiger-like clothing and a helmet ran over to her. She cried out and shielded her little body with an arm, scrambling back before falling onto her rear, shivering with fear in her eyes. He calmly approached her, for she was terrified of him, and gently lifted her into his arms. She continued to shiver, scared of all the possible deaths that could await her, but her fear fell into confusion as the man rubbed her back gently and carried her away. Later on within the kingdom of Wu, she met Sun Ce and his younger brother, Sun Quan, the man's children. She heard the camp doors open to reveal her parents! She ran over to them, hysterically crying and apologizing before Diao Chan leaned down and scooped up her little girl, her own eyes hazed in relief that her daughter was alive and well. In thanks, Lu Bu gave the kind man his spear and set back home with his wife and youngest child.

~~~~~~~~~~~~END OF MEMORY~~~~~~~~~~~~

She traced over the golden dragon wrapped around the length of the spear and let her tears fall as she looked up, wondering what her father thinks of her now. Sun Quan gave a gentle smile and led her out of the room and was soon met by Xue, who had crept in through the entrance. "I see you have a companion. Though I am unsure it could blend in the landscape in battle." He spoke softly, gazing at Xue in thought before Lu Mei spoke up.

"Thank you. For everything. But is there anywhere I can sleep?" She looked at him hopefully. Sun Quan thought to himself before coming to a decision. He asked her to wait before he walked off briskly and returned with a very beautiful woman. She stared at the woman dressed in armor but somehow it still showed her skin....in many places. "Lady Bu, this is the young girl I spoke with you about. Lu Mei, this is my wife." Lady Bu walked up to her then circled around her, noting her looks and her figure. "She is very adorable; I don't think anyone can really see her as an enemy!" She laughed while Lu Mei bowed her head in embarrassment. "Everyone calls me Lady Bu, but you can call me Lian Shi! I'm sorry if what I said offended you." "Its fine, but I am happy to know Sun Quan had found his match." Lian Shi smiled while Sun Quan laughed, "Not completely my match; she has yet to beat me in battle." Lian Shi giggled softly, shaking her head in amusement before speaking again, "Lu Mei, I will be very happy to show you where you can live at. Come, we need to get you out of those blood-stained clothes." 

Almost an hour later Lu Mei walked out with a beautiful red outfit with her hair tucked into a bun. "Hm, isn't this too much? I want to take out the bun at least." Lian Shi frowned a little before she reluctantly took out the bun. Lu Mei sighed with some relief, clutching her father's old spear and followed Lian Shi, who beckoned for her to come with her. They walked together and came across a huge sandy area with two younger women fighting and a third girl watching. The two girls that were fighting looked almost like twins with the way they moved and struck each other, both smiling slightly as if this was some game to them while the third girl looked more like Sun Quan; just a lot younger. Lian Shi waved to them before gently placing a hand on Lu Mei's shoulder, "Hey Qiaos! Come say hi to Lu Mei!" The two girls stopped fighting and ran over to her, cooing at her outfit.

"Awww! She's so cute, I hope we can be your neighbors!" The youngest, Xiao Qiao, squealed as the older sibling, Da Qiao, gazed at her with disbelief. "Lady Bu, are you sure she is fit for battle?" Lu Mei felt her chance to show them and pounced on it, looking at them with a determined look in her eyes. "I know how to fight! Trust me! I can fight against anyone."

"Oh really? Well then, you can fight against me!" The red-haired girl stood up from where she was sitting and walked over, stopping before the group with a cocky smirk. "I am Sun Shang Xiang, and I take your claim at a challenge!" Lu Mei stared at her, mildly surprised at her name. 'So this is Sun Quan's sister! She must have been very young when I met her brothers!'

"Ok! I won't back down!" Lu Mei declared, smiling back at the other girl.

They faced each other on the training ground with Lian Shi in between them. "These are the rules: Nobody shall interfere from the outside of the fight, No weapons under any circumstances, and the fight will end if someone is getting hurt. Badly." She looked at the two while explaining. Lu Mei felt the atmosphere droop but kept her mind steady. 'Remember, don't ever, ever lose your guard' Lu Bu had told her when she had first fought against her sister, each moment of training leading to this fight, regardless of the lack of danger it held. She stared right at Sun Shang Xiang as they got into positions.

"Ready... FIGHT!" Lian Shi hollered as the two charged at each other. Shang Xiang stepped with her right foot forward and threw her left fist as Lu Mei dodged it. Lu Mei then dashed forward to elbow Shang Xiang's chest and caught her off guard, grabbing one of her arms and flinging her over her shoulder, just as her father taught her to do. But Shang Xiang was not done. She kicked out and hit Lu Mei square on her torso and caused her to skid back, clutching her stomach before recovering enough stamina to go brawl some more. The two kept fighting as many other soldiers and generals gathered around the arena. Gan Ning noticed the commotion and ran to witness the fight. As he saw the two continue fighting he noticed Lu Mei's expression being mildly pained and felt the urge to jump in, knowing Lu Mei was already injured but was held back by Lian Shi's arm. 

The two finally stopped and fell back, both breathing heavily. Lu Mei felt the stabbing pain again and looked at her side to see her wound opened up again, evident by the blood staining her new clothes. "Are you.... okay? We can.... take you.... to the...Medic." Shang Xiang spoke through heavy breaths, noticing Lu Mei's side bleeding. Lu Mei shook her head, "This fight... has to conclude." "No." Shang Xiang refused as she wobbled over and helped Lu Mei to her feet, "There will be no fight if you bleed out." Lu Mei reluctantly agreed and let Shang Xiang guide her to the medic- the crowd separated for the two as they walked over to the medic. 

The medic bandaged her side while mumbling curses at the two for fighting when one is already injured. After a bit the medic finally left, but not before giving Lu Mei strict orders about fighting. Once he was gone Sun Shang Xiang leaned towards her with an inquisitive expression, her eyes glancing at the bandaged wound. "So... care to explain how you got hurt?" Lu Mei felt she could trust her; she was Sun Quan's sister after all.

She finally told Shang Xiang all about what had happened, starting from when Xia Pi was attacked. Sun Shang Xiang's eyes widened throughout the story but in the end she was glad to know Lu Mei had great intentions for the kingdom of Wu. The two were interrupted by two people arguing, one was Gan Ning but the other....Lu Mei had no idea who he was. The two stopped arguing as the new man stepped in and smiled at the recovering woman.

"You were amazing out there! Even for someone your size, I think you could do great in battle!" He spoke, glaring at Gan Ning as the pirate pushed past him to lean against the edge of Lu Mei's bed, narrowing his eyes at her. "You should know better than to start fighting when you are injured!" Gan Ning growled but was cut off by Xue barging in and jumping on the bed by its owner's feet, surprising the newer man. "Is that your dog?" The man questioned. Lu Mei nodded; "He is, but I have to ask, who are you??"

The man straightened his composure, "My name is Ling Tong, a general of Wu. I have been around for quite a while and I must say, fighting while bleeding like that was pretty bold. Either way, how in the world did you manage to tame the brute?" He gestured to Gan Ning with his thumb, causing the pirate to frown, quite offended by the given nickname. "HEY! You should know better than to mess with-"

"Enough!", Shang Xiang interrupted him while rubbing her temple, "Don't you two have better things to do than to mess with her?" She glared at the two men, who looked embarrassed before walking out while muttering curses at each other. Sun Shang Xiang laughed as they left and looked back at Lu Mei, "I think Gan Ning's got some competition." She jeered. Lu Mei gave her such a flustered look it sent Shang Xiang into hysterics. "You know, I could do with another friend." She smiled at Lu Mei while wiping a tear from her eye. "I think I would too." Lu Mei spoke softly as she laid down and thought about the people she met with today, her mind trailing off as she was beginning to sink into sleep. 'I think I could do with many, many more friends...'

[flameofwu]

~The Land of Wu~ (6)

Lu Mei walked alongside Gan Ning as they trekked through the forest away from the village; He had said it was a faster route to the camp. "So, how did you get chased onto our territory, aside from Wei?" Gan Ning quired. 'I can't tell him that my father was a huge enemy of the whole country!' "Uhm, You tell me something about you first." She spoke, hoping he would not try to prod her for answers. "Well," He said as he puffed his chest slightly as a sign of pride, "I used to be a pirate, in case you haven't heard me from earlier, who was asked by several leaders to lead fights and in return, I get money! It all changed after the battle of Kia Kou because some of the generals in Wu wanted me as a part of their army."

Lu Mei felt a little intrigued at the way this man proudly spoke about his past, looking at him with mild interest. "Sounds like you had a good life." She spoke. "Yeah, it was. But there are times where seeing this makes it a whole lot better." He pointed to his left. She gazed at where he was pointing and saw a huge snow covered field with small mountains in the background. The sight gave her an overwhelming feeling of nostalgia and brought her walk to a halt. "Hey, why'd you stop?" Gan Ning leaned in from behind her, looking confused at her change of action. Xue looked up at her, tilting its head in confusion as Gan Ning spoke again. "We still have a long way there." Lu Mei blinked softly before shaking her head and started walking again, replying in a somber tone. "It was nothing." He followed behind her as she continued on.

The sun had barely set as they came closer to the gates of Wu's main camp. The walls of the gate were tall as she came closer and noticed some men standing on top of the wall. 'Patrolling officers.' She thought as they noticed her and Gan Ning. "We need to see the Emperor!" Gan Ning called up to them through cupped hands, although his voice was loud enough on its own. The officers gave off a signal and the gates made a heavy groaning sound as they were opened. As she walked through the camp, she noticed various officers and generals gathered around herself and her wolf. She felt herself tense and continued to walk, staying calm from feeling her loyal wolf pad along with her. They stopped at the doors as Gan Ning looked back at the gathering people. "'Tch, BACK OFF WILL 'YA??" She jumped in surprise as he glared at the scattering crowd.

"People these days." He muttered in mild irritation as he opened the doors to the main building. "Hey. You might have to leave the wolf outside." He gestured to Xue while Lu Mei looked down at her companion. "Sit." She spoke calmly as Xue obeyed, letting out a soft whine in protest. She patted its head as she walked inside, the feeling of anxiety eating away at her composure.

The hall was large with maidens walking throughout the smaller connected halls. The maidens stared at her as she stared back, feeling a little bolder after a little before a soft masculine voice called out. "Gan Ning? Who did you bring with you?"

A man with calm, brown eyes and very long hair stepped out from a hall. "General Zhou Yu, this is Lu Mei." Gan Ning gave a respectful nod before gesturing to her. "I've heard that she was coming today. Is she a friend of yours?" Lu Mei flushed as Gan Ning wrapped one arm around her shoulders. "Why, you're right! She's a dear friend of mine! We're practically best buds!" 'I swear, once Zhou Yu looks away, I'm gonna punch him!' Lu Mei thought to herself while glaring at Gan Ning as another man walked in, wearing tiger-like robes over his silk covered attire. The man gave Lu Mei a warm smile as his eyes gave a soft gleam of recognition. "It's nice to see you again, Lu Mei." He smiled at her as she stared at him until she realized who he was, her eyes widening afterward. "Sun...Quan??"

[flameofwu]

~Meeting Gan Ning~ (5)

        Blood ran down her side as she changed her form, her hands becoming wings and head grew feathers as she began to fly. Her feathers ranged from a bright red to blood orange. Fire circled around her as she completed forming into a phoenix. Soaring above the trees, the wound on her side healed and began to close as she flew higher. She finally landed past a mesh of branches as she changed back into human form. 'I should see who that general was but I can't risk my life. Why did Xiahou Dun attack me, and why did my father have to go...' She slowed her momentum on the ground and gazed around at her surroundings.

It was a small clearing with a clear blue pool surrounded by beautiful willow trees that encased her like a mother's warm embrace. The memories of her family, lost or dead, pained her as she sat down and silently cried. The sound of jingling bells startled her as she ran and hid in a bush. Frightened, she looked out through the bush to see the same general who saved her-or was just getting Xiahou Dun off the territory. He looked around and sat down on a rock, his sword placed by his feet. He was taller than her, with a red ribbon tied with two feathers on his head. He had two dragons on his chest and back and was wearing a necklace and a belt with 4 bells attached to it. She stared, taking in his features when he suddenly got up and ran a different way, the sound of bells jingling fading away. Getting up, she scanned the area and dashed away. The blur of trees suddenly ends as she ran into a quite busy village. Turning sharply, she ran through various alleyways through the village before collapsing from exhaustion. She trembled heavily, her hunger hitting her alongside the pain from the wound on her side that couldn't fully close. She closed her eyes, hoping this was all a dream...

Her eyes opened as she stirred, the pain stabbing her side before slowly drifting away. Looking around, she took in the features of the room; a sort of homey feeling coming to her as she took in the soft gentle smells of the outside. Looking to her side, she felt a wave of relief as she saw Xue sleeping on the floor. Letting out a tired sigh, she got out of bed and looked to the entrance to see women gathering around her door. Most of them hurriedly walked off, but not before one finally spoke to her.

"Hello Miss. Sorry for our intrusion, but we-no, I was curious. Who are you?" Lu Mei gazed at her, not sure what to say. "Well um, my name is-"

"HEY! QUIT FLOCKING AROUND HER AND HELP THE  OTHERS!"

The women scattered as he broke through the crowd. 'Oh great, now what do I do???' She pondered as the man came closer to her, but she did not flinch. He stared at her before he finally sighed and ran his hand through his spiked up hair. "Are you uh....feeling well? I found you behind the buildings...and well.. Well...SAY SOMETHING!" Lu Mei shook her head to clear her mind, just enough to give him a clear reply. "Yes! Um...I'm fine and I'm sorry for wasting your time so I'll-"

"Wait!" The man blocked her way as she tried to leave. A huge snarl escaped from Xue as Lu Mei glared at him. "You are not leaving until you are identified." Lu Mei looked at him with confusion. "It means that I will have to take you to the emperor of Wu." He answered, noticing her confused look.

"How can I believe you? I don't even know you!" She spoke in pure disbelief, anxious that the man would be purely hostile. Instead the man grinned and swung his sword over his shoulder, looking to her in a prideful gaze. "The name's Gan Ning! A former Pirate, now general of the kingdom of Wu!" He put his chin up proudly like he just fought a whole army. She stared at him like he was joking around, finding his mannerisms odd.

Feeling he was telling the truth, she called Xue to her side and spoke; "Well then, I have to go now..." "Were you listening to a thing I said??" Gan Ning stood in her way again. "You have to come with me to be questioned or whatever." Lu Mei glared at him for a few moments before huffing deeply and looking at him with a judgmental stare. 'There's no point in trying to leave, so I guess I will have to do what he says'. She thought as she straightened herself up, regaining some dignity as she spoke. "Fine, when do we go?" "Now, if you are strong enough." He cheekily grinned as he glanced down at her side, the blood on her clothes dried over it. Lu Mei felt herself clench her fists and calmed herself down before she did something she might regret. "Let's go!" She felt herself brush his shoulder as she stormed by. Gan Ning looked back to see the women gathered and felt himself flush as their curious stares. "GO DO YOUR JOBS!" He thundered, causing the women to scramble away before shaking his head and following after Lu Mei. 

[flameofwu]

~Facing Death~ (4)

Lu Mei's throat started to ache as she ran, her mind full of memories she shared with her father. The pain of losing him suddenly released a burning sensation in her body, as if fueled by her anger. 'What is this...feeling?' She thought as she finally slowed in a clearing among the forest. Her legs unable to move anymore, she fell to the tree's roots and sobbed her pain out. A sudden rustle quieted her. Moving slowly, she headed towards the bushes until a large, dark figure emerged from the bushes. Holding a large sword, the figure attacked; swinging it at her. Lu Mei jumped back as the figure swung his sword again, this time hitting her in the side-causing her to fall to her knees, clutching her side as she glared up at him. "Who....who are you?" She asked the man as he stalked towards her. The figure lifted his sword "Xiahou Dun, Remember that name." She winced as she prepared for her early death.

SHING! She glanced up to see another male had blocked Xiahou dun's sword. "I thought you were stupid, but to come this far into Wu territory, what a story to tell the emperor of Wu!" The male spoke. Xiahou Dun gritted his teeth as he glared at the man, "Back off, I'm only here to get this...peasant. She stole something that belongs to our lord Cao Cao so I have to fulfill my duty." "HA! What lies, she has nothing on her!"

"General, I will say this one more time, let me get the girl, or face Cao Cao and his army." The male chuckled as he grabbed his sword, "Well, I am bored...So bring it!" Xiahou Dun swung his sword at the general, Who blocked it and swung back. The two clashed until the clearing was surrounded by troops. Xiahou looked around at the surrounding troops with a angered scowl- he was defeated. With one more glance at Xiahou Dun's figure retreating back towards Wei territory the man laughed as the surrounding troops lowered their weapons. "Well, that was quite a show, right....." He turned around to see her gone. "Well, seems I have some prey to catch!" He chuckled before he ran off, the sound of bells jingling filled the air.

[flameofwu]

~Leaving Home~ (3)

Lu Mei walked in the hall of the family's main home as she awaited the news. It was not long before a huge bang was heard. Looking over her shoulder she saw Diao Chan full of smiles as she ran to hug Lu Mei. "You Passed!!! I'm so happy!!!" "That's great, but you're kind of taking the breath out of me" Diao Chan looked as her daughter was struggling to breathe. "Oh, sorry!" She sheepishly said as Lu Mei finally was able to breathe. "So, Mother...does that means that I can join the Battle tomorrow?" Tomorrow was going to be the battle where Shu and Wei had allied to take down Xia Pi. Her mother's face stopped smiling as she shook her head. "I'm sorry Mei, but your father has demanded that you are not to join in the battle tomorrow." "Oh, okay then." Lu Mei said, feeling a pang of sadness but knew better than to complain. She walked through the halls to her room, closed the door, and flopped on the bed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~Next Morning~~~~~~~~~~~~

"LU MEI!!! WAKE UP!!!" Lu Mei drowsily opened her eyes to see the house around her on fire. Her mother was frantically screaming to her as she dragged her daughter up from the bed. "Listen to me Mei, Very. Carefully." She grabbed Lu Mei's cheeks and made Lu Mei face her. "Go to the kingdom of Wu, find your friend Sun Quan, and join his army. I love you, my child." Diao Chan had tears streaming down her face as she spoke the last words. "Go now and don't fight. You'll have that chance one day." "But-" "GO!" Diao Chan led her daughter to a secret tunnel and pushed her in. Lu Mei barely saw her mother being grabbed and pulled away before the entrance closed. The tunnel was dark as Lu Mei crawled through the tight space. It was only a moment's time before a soft but bright light shone through. Shielding her eyes, she looked to her horror to see a huge battle between her father's forces and Shu and Wei's forces combined. She rushed into the bushes and was almost through when a familiar voice yelled, "HANDS OFF ME, YOU SCUM!" She whipped her head around to see her father being pushed down to his knees, with his hands all tied up. Opening her mouth to speak, she was quickly distracted by a brush of soft fur on her leg. She looked down to see the white wolf, which she named Xue, leaning on her.  

Cao Cao's POV~ I finally had that traitor Lu Bu down to his knees. Next to his ally, Zhang Liao. I will try to see if they are worthy enough to serve me. "You now stand face to face with death. only one thing can save you: Me. I have something to ask; What is Strength?" I feel myself smile to this clever question but maintained a straight face. The two are silent before one speaks, "Strength" Lu Bu starts, "is easily usable for power and fear." "Strength is an inside power that gives a man courage in life." Zhang Liao answers. I beckon a soldier over to my side with a few waves of my hand. "......Send Lu Bu over to the execution arena." "WHAT?! NO!!" Lu Bu starts moving the soldiers aside and breaks the rope that had previously bound his hands. He moves his hand to grab me but was caught in a chain cast by Xu Zhu. An arrow flies and misses my face, but was close enough to draw blood. A young girl with white hair was holding a bow while placing in another arrow. Two of the soldiers starts to rush at her before Lu Bu starts struggling again. "GO! THIS ISN'T YOUR FIGHT!" he yells to the girl. It was too easy to tell she was his daughter, but she listened and ran. Lu Bu manages to break free again, only this time I was prepared. A loud SHING! followed as I ran the spear across his chest, dealing a fatal blow. "FATHER!!!!!" Another voice was heard as Lu Bu's body had collapsed. Looking around, I finally spotted where the scream came from: a young girl with black hair. Her eyes stared straight at me as if to say 'How could you do this?'  she ran off just I told my cousin, Xiahou Dun, to bring her head back. I started turning around to start back with a new capable officer. "You have no idea what you just did." Zhang Liao said softly. "What did you say?" He looked at me as he spoke again, this time louder; "You just have made an enemy of The Phoenix."

[flameofwu]

~The Test~ (2)

Lu Mei walked proudly as she entered the edge of the forest. Where Zhang Liao was waiting calmly. "You've made it, Lu Mei." He commented as she walked over.

"Yes but-" "No buts, Lu Mei. You already know how well you can do once the test has been completed. Don't worry about what your father or sister says, you'll make it." Lu Mei smiled at the words of encouragement and nods. Their conversation is interrupted as her father rides in on top of his horse, Red Hare. Ling Qi follows from behind as she is riding on a brown colored horse. "As you know, you will be tested on your strength, agility, and swiftness. I expect you to do the best." Lu Mei nods as Zhang Liao turns away, scoffing. Lu Mei grabs her spear as her father starts her off. "Ready...GO!" At the release, she speeds into the forest, the place where she can easily fight. After running for a while, she slows as she starts to catch her breath. Not before long a stick breaks near her. She turns quickly as a soldier rushes her from behind. Using her spear, she quickly flips him over as five others rush in. In and out her spear jabs but does not inflict damage but distracts the soldiers, giving enough time for her to defeat them.

Just as she presumes she is done, a sudden weight drifts down on her back, pushing her down. Without hesitation, she turns over to pull away jabbing the spear at the enemies stomach. She quickly stands as she points her spear at the enemy, sharp end near the face. As the dust clears, Zhang Liao coughed and padded his shoulders to remove the dust. "Well done" He breathed. "Shows that I had taught you well." Lu Bu says as he pulls into the clearing, his blue eyes showing a hint of pride. "Mei, head back home with Ling Qi. We will see if you're fit to fight or not." Lu Mei nods as a hand comes down. "Did you really think you were walking back?" Ling Qi asks gruffly. "...Maybe." Lu Mei smiles as she took her sister's hand and rode back to the fort.

[flameofwu]

~Beginning~ (1)

The sun was high as Lu Bu stood over a steep hill. He was watching over his two daughters: The oldest, Lu Ling Qi has white hair and icy blue eyes while the youngest, Lu Mei has black hair with ocean blue eyes. He watched with pride as the two ran in the field, competing with each other as a woman came from behind. "Ah, Diao Chan why are you not at the fort?" "I have something to ask of you... It is about. Lu Mei." Lu Bu stiffened knowing what she was going to say. "You want to have Lu Mei trained to be a warrior right?" He sighed. "Yes, once Ling Qi starts her training, I want you to be Lu Mei's teacher. " Lu Bu looks away for a while, then he spoke again "Well then... I will teach her as you ask, but if she doesn't show any good progress in her training, you can give her training to be a housewife." Diao Chan nodded, "okay then. Zhang Liao wanted your permission to appoint the troops for the ambush." Lu Bu started to walk off the hill " Remember the deal, Diao Chan." Diao Chan looked to her youngest child 'I know you will be a great warrior, my child.' ~~~~13 years later~~~~

The sun was barely rising as Lu Mei sat up in her bed. She was too excited for sleep for today would be the day she would be tested depending if she was trained enough to be a general in her father's army. Ling Qi had already passed months ago and became one of the strongest fighters, 'Soon it will be me walking alongside my family!' She smiled and pulled together her clothes for the test.

A soft knock was heard at the door as Diao Chan came in, sliding the door shut as she hugged her daughter. " You have done so much to come to this point. I know you will make it no matter what anyone says." She pulled away smiling as she suddenly remembered something "Oh! I want to give you something. Something I saved for this day." She slid her hand to a small leather pouch and handed it to Lu Mei. Lu Mei peeked in and smiled, putting her hand inside and taking out a small pendant of a bird. "Thank you, mother" She said happily, sticking the pendant to her shoulder. "Good luck." Her mother smiled as Lu Mei left for the test. 'I know I'll make it...so then Father won't have to worry for me.'