The Legend of the Kilin (cont)

[C Monster]

Sorry, my parts in this story are coming in drips and drabs. Here's a little bit more <IMG SRC="smilies/typin.gif" border="0">

The following morning as Zhi Lan was piling some food reserves by the sick man's bedside, she felt a soft tug on her sleeve. In a dry whispered, Tian Bo asked with his eyes half-opened, "Gulerng, you're leaving?"

She stared back, face hidden in her half-mask. "For a while. There's enough food and water here to last you until I return. Your legs are mending nicely. Although I don't recommend you moving around too much, I got some crutches here to help."

He nodded slowly and dejectedly without answering.

Zhi Lan warned. "And don't get any strange ideas in your head. If you're going to try and kill yourself again, you better do a thorough job this time and far away from here. For if I come back and find your decaying body loitering, I swear I will hack you to a million pieces and feed them to the wolves so that 'gney say mo chuen si' (you die without a complete body)."

Trying to contain his amusement, Tian Bo almost coughed up some blood. He replied smartly, "My my. What a dark heart you have? So am I ever going to know your name or see your face? That way when I turn into ghost, I'll know who it is that I'm to come after."

"Humph! Chou siu zhi! (Smelly youngster!) Every living thing in this world from insects to animals persist in this fight for survival with only us - humans - would have thoughts of wanting to end our lives. Even your battered body subconsiously knows to heal itself... while you..." Shaking her head, she got up suddenly and grabbed for her sword. "I saved you, so your life belongs to me. If you are to die, better yet to be in my hands." With that, Zhi Lan unsheathed her blade and aimed its point straight for his throat.

"Ha ha ha!" Tian Bo roared into laughter. "You are right, gulerng. Juan Fung's life is yours alone to take. I gave up that right when I jumped off the mountain top. Ha ha ha! Gulerng, if you don't want it now, Juan Fung will remain here patiently awaiting for your return. But before you go, please identify yourself so I know who it is exactly my life belongs to now."

Realizing his indirect promise, Zhi Lan took back her sword. She grumpily replied, "No need, Lung Juan Fung. I know who you are and that's all that matters. See you in two days." With a lighter foot and easier spirit, she left the hollow cavern as echoes of "gulerng! gulerng!" chased after her.

[ August 06, 2002: Message edited by: C Monster ]

[ August 14, 2002: Message edited by: C Monster ]

[andrea7974]

Guys, you all make a good collaboration to make this story more and more interesting <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

:thumbsup <IMG SRC="smilies/clap.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/clap.gif" border="0">

[MYF]

lol, the story seems to be jumping around with every post <IMG SRC="smilies/blob.gif" border="0">. By the way, how do we decide when it's a complete chapter?

Anyways...
******************

Cheung Chi Xue stroked his beard thoughtfully and stared at the small hut with a strange expression on his face. The small hut was old and wooden, with a straw roof. It seemed like the hut had not been lived in for a very long time.

Right at the foot of E’Mei mountain, the hut was constantly in shadow, nested on one of the faces of the cliff wall. It seemed lonely and withdrawn, with its closed door and windows which greeted anyone who passed by.

Cheung Chi Xue walked up slowly to the small hut, and reaching out with one hand, gently pushed open the door.

The inside of the hut was dark, and had an old musty smell of water. Once Cheung Chi Xue’s eyes had adjusted to the darkness of the room, he could make out a few chairs in the corner, whilst a wooden table sat in the middle. Opposite the window was a wooden bed, with a sword scabbard hanging on one of the posts.

Looking at the bed, the realization suddenly dawned on Cheung Chi Xue – someone was still living in this hut!

‘Could it be that she is actually still here?’ he thought.

Although Cheung Chi Xue had received the two swords, he had not really expected her to be alive. Thus, seeing the scabbard placed at the end of the bed with the sword missing, he was greatly surprised, and started backing out of the hut.

As soon as Cheung Chi Xue turned around, he suddenly felt something thrust against his chest, making him stop instantly.

It turned out that the object pointed at his chest was the tip of a sword, and as he followed the length of the sword with his eyes, he saw that it was held by an extremely dirty and scruffy looking young man.

The young man wore an old bluish-grey robe, which looked like it had not been washed for a long time; long loose hair almost covered the man’s sharp, cool eyes which were staring at Cheung Chi Xue intensely.

A wave of uncertainty swept through Cheung Chi Xue as he met the other man’s gaze. The young man’s eyes seemed familiar to Cheung, but at this moment, he could not be absolutely sure of who they resembled. ‘Who is this man? And why is it that even I, Master of Sword Lake Sect, Cheung Chi Xue did not hear him approaching?’ he thought in surprise.

“What are you doing here?” the young man finally said in a sharp voice.

As the man said this, Cheung Chi Xue noticed that the sword being pointed at his chest, belong with the scabbard by the bed; and as the man moved the sword slightly, he could see that on there was a magnificently carved kilin on the handguard of the sword.

[ August 09, 2002: Message edited by: MYF ]

[Goofy]

If you take a look at the fanfic archive of spcnet, you will see how the format goes.

there is no chapters, each sections go by the poster's name. <IMG SRC="smilies/read.gif" border="0">

[MYF]

<IMG SRC="smilies/read.gif" border="0"> hmm.... I see. I was meant to ask - how would it be edited for easier reading when it's archived. But then again, you've answered that as well <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0"> ( d'oh! <IMG SRC="smilies/bang.gif" border="0"> )

[fridaythe13th]

Ask you some questions?
Is Zhi Lan the same woman that was at the inn?
Also, who does Lung Juan Feng really like, her or Li Yu Mei?
Anyway, I think the story could be published after you finished it. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

[Goofy]

zhi lan is really the woman at the inn in the beginning of the story.

as to who tian bo would like, depends on the writers, I guess. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

I think this is a great fanfic btw, keep on the writers - old and new. <IMG SRC="smilies/clap.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/clap.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/clap.gif" border="0">

[C Monster]

Tian Bo's story is having a very slow start... think of it as a turtle who hasn't found the right pace yet to plod along... <IMG SRC="smilies/typin.gif" border="0">

---

The next two days and nights alone, Leung Tian Bo made up his mind and gave his hardest effort to get himself better. Whether it was for his own sake or that of the masked maiden, he was not sure nor care to fathom too deeply. What he did know was that he was a man who did not like to owe anyone anything and always kept his promises. His life was hers to take, and he was not going to let anyone or any forces -- natural or otherwise -- take that right away from her. Therefore, he began meditating using the techniques his Sifu had passed on to him during the first time he was critically injured from a bad fall.

Tian Bo snickered to himself remembering that incident. His "beloved" Li Yu Mei had also been involved. She was the one who pushed him down after stealing his family heirloom painting. And to think he almost lost his life once more due to her and this time by his own hands! He couldn't help but wince and laugh cynically at his foolishness! "Tian Bo! Ah Tian Bo!" he scolded himself, "when are you ever going to learn not let your emotions run amok? To let your heart be stabbed -- not once, but twice -- by the same faithless woman?! How stupid can you be?!"

His anger and frustration toward himself soon quieted as he wondered about the identity of his savior, his faceless maiden with the husky voice and glittering eyes. For some strange reason, he felt a familiarity towards her even though he has never set eyes on her before. Intangible, sometimes fleeting, there was a sense that he knew her from somewhere, sometime.

One thing he was able to conclude was that she was the same lady that had swept into that inn and challenged Sky Slicing Sword Mok Ying early on at the beginning of this harrowing adventure. Her height, carriage, and deportment decided that. More importantly, she wore the same porcelain mask. What he couldn't shake off was this alluring feeling of something more. That she was more than a chance encounter. That they had spent time together under close proximity. That he had inhaled that light flowery scent emanating from her before on numerous occasions and most recently.

What flower did it remind him of? Sweet and delicate. An exotic flower. The orchid! Ah Lan?! Could it be SHE?! That poisoned handmaid whom he had mistaken for Li Yu Mei and captured, who took off so suddenly with the masked fighter after defeating the Drs. Ma!? The more he thought about it, the more sense it made. "But why hide under the mask now!? It's not as if he hasn't seen her face before." He recalled while she wasn't much of a beauty to look at, she did have a very sharp tongue and quick temper. "Well, whatever the reason," Tian Bo promised to himself, "I will get to the bottom of this and uncover her true identity!"

[Goofy]

good add, C Monster. <IMG SRC="smilies/clap.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/clap.gif" border="0">

I could foresee a lot of action ahead after Lau hong learned all those great kung fu. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

probably should find something for his martial brother too, but cannot think of anything at this moment.

MYF, how about go on from the xiao long er angle with the snake clan? You would be great with it. Have fun! Go berserk. <IMG SRC="smilies/tongue.gif" border="0">

I don't think that Kara would be update it for a while, so it is all up to the available writers here. <IMG SRC="smilies/wiggle.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/rockband.gif" border="0">

[C Monster]

A little bit more action on my favorite couple... enjoy!


Cherk Zhi Lan entered the dark cavern, starry-eyed and in consternation. Her trip to the Cheung Manor had been fruitless. A charred skeleton of crumbling bricks and mortar now stood in place of the once glorious and reknowned villa of Sword Lake. Not a single building nor soul was spared. Reflecting on the horror she saw sifting through the remains, she prayed that both her sifu and Ah Yee were able to escape in time. From what she could tell, it was the work of the White Snake Clan. She had no idea what made this ultra secretive and mysterious group of mostly women warriors who generally keep to themselves attack the famed Cheung family in such a venomous fashion, but deep down, she sensed it probably has to do with the many dark secrets that the notable Cheungs seemed to be hiding during her brief service there.

So deep in thought, it took her a few moments before she noticed the light clinkling of metal upon solid rock. She looked around and saw that Lung Juan Fung was no where to be found. "Where is that insufferable man anyway?" she thought to herself. She walked further into the cave towards where the sound was emanating. Passing through a tight winding passageway, she found herself inside a sparkling, glittering room of translucent light and shadow. It was three times bigger than the one she was in before. Torches were erected against the walls to give it more light and soften look. In the center of the room was a slow burning campfire made out of heated rocks and burning twigs. Next to it was a big slab of stone, even and flat, serving as a makeshift table with remnants of food and a water pouch. A little bit off to a farther wall on her left, she spotted what must be the sleeping quarters for she recognized the black sabre propped against the wall and a few changes of clothing. The owner of these essentials was standing with his back facing her to the right of the room. He was too busy chiseling that wall to notice her arrival. Not wanting to startle the man, Zhi Lan coughed loudly. Through her mask, she asked gruffly, "Looks like you made yourself a fine home here, eh? Mind inviting me in?"

Tian Bo turned around abruptly dropping what he was doing. He grinned sheepishly. "You're back! I was getting worried." He limped slowly closer to where she was standing.

"Worried? Why? Aren't you afraid that my return could mean the ending of your life?" she jeered. But her opponent just smiled back, not rising to her bait. All she could do then was shrug and plopped down the heavy bag she had been carrying over her shoulder on the stone table. Tian Bo came over to check the inventory. In it was an ample stock of food, other necessities, and a package of what smelled like dried herbs wrapped in paper.

Holding the package up, Tian Bo asked lightly, "Is this for me?" Scruntinizing the fine pair of charcoal eyes that peeped through the porcelain shield, he remarked teasingly, "Gulerng, your tongue may be sharp and lethal, but your actions speak otherwise."

"Who says that's for you! Give it back!" demanded Zhi Lan.

Waving it playfully in the air, he replied, "Only if you tell me who you really are. Or should I hazard a guess?" Walking up in front of her, he took a whiff of the natural fragrance she carried. "My nose was right all along while my mind's been a blur. You do exude the essence of the orchid. And so familiar too?!" With a few quick taps, he immediately sealed her pressure points to make her stand frozen.

Zhi Lan was taken completely off guard. She had let her down defenses because she had no clue that Juan Fung had recovered so soon! "How? With your injuries, your nor-kung (inner chi) needs at least a month to...."

"As you can see, my 'nor-kung' is fine. Thank you for worrying about me." He said proudly. "As for you..." He peered into her eyes intensely as if he could see right through her mask, her soul.

Realizing his intentions, she managed to fire back beneath all her worries and fright. "You wouldn't dare!" Except for her, no one, not even her Master, has caught sight of her horrible visage. The disfiguration had occured only after Sifu had left with Ah Yee.

"And if I did?"

"I will have to KILL you then!"

Tian Bo raised a brow. He replied smilingly, "You've already said that, gulerng. Used my life to threaten against me, and I told you that you're free to take it whenever you wish. You're going to have to come up with something better than that."

Zhi Lan channelled her inner energy trying to break free. She began to shake slightly as small trickles of blood slid down her nostrils and the left corner of her mouth.

Tian Bo exclaimed in horror. "Ah Lan gulerng! What are you doing?! You're going to hurt yourself!" He only wanted to unmasked her, not harm her. Shaking his head, he swiftly gave her a few measured taps to release her from the brief imprisonment. And as soon as she regained her bodily movement, she slashed a sharp slap across his scarred face with her bare hand. It almost knocked him off his uneven footing. "Why did you do that for!" he yelped out while he massaged his stinging cheek.

"For your insolence!" She quickly sat down cross-legged to regain her composure. If he had not let her go in time, she might have forced her way out, but her inner streams of chi would have run amok causing all her years of hard training to be lost. "Was it worth it? To lose her kung-fu over her vanity?" she began to wonder as she breath harder and started meditating.

Seeing what she was doing, Tian Bo did the same. "Here, let me help you." Sitting beside her, he began to channel his own energy and transfer it over so that to steady hers. The two streams of energy combined and flowed through like a continous cyclone. Within a few minutes, Zhi Lan's heavy breathing eased to a steadier and lighter one. As the meditation cycle ended, Tian Bo commented, "Ah Lan gulerng, why did you do that? I meant you no harm. I only want who lies underneath the mask. To confirm my suspicions. Why must you be so difficult and not reveal yourself to me?"

Her back facing his face, she traced the bumpy grooves on her once-smooth face underneath the cool hard mask. Dejectedly, she answered, "Since you've already correctly identified me, what is your need to know how I look like? You've seen me before and have told me many times that my plainness is no match for your prized beauty, Li Yu Mei. Consider my donning my mask as saving you the trouble of having to bare the sight of my ugly face!"

"I never accused you of being plain nor ugly either. Just different. Exotic. Just like the flower you're named after. You can't compare yourself to Yu Mei, because the two of you are like night and day. Completely different in temper, character, conduct..." Tian Bo began to argue.

"See! What did I say! You're still pining over her even after all she's done to you?"

Tian Bo ignored the sharp question. Shrugging his shoulders, he went on to say, "You're twisting my words, and you know it. I'm not one to force anyone to do something unwillingly. If you want to keep on wearing that mask, that's fine by me, ah Lan gulerng."

Zhi Lan knew instinctively that once he gave his word, Juan Fung would stand by it. She nodded her head and said, "'Ah Lan Gulerng' sounds so strange and formal to my ears. My full name is 'Cherk Zhi Lan (Indigo Orchid)'. You can call me either 'Zhi Lan' or 'Ah Lan'. But please drop the 'gulerng' to my name." She bit her lip trying to stop the smile that was slowly creeping up her face.

[Kara]

It's been a while since i read this story. Very nicely done. Too bad no one has written about Xiao Long Er and Yuen Jin yet. Come on... i wanna read about my favourite couple.

BTW, whatever happened to Weird Doctor Ma nad his wife?
Also, Long An and the Yip Water Division Leader and Li Yu Mei?
Remember, Li Yu Mei is about to be exposed, isn't someone gonna take pleasure in punishing her for her evil deeds?

[Goofy]

Kara, we need you here to fulfill your questions then. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

[Suet Seung]

How come no one has continued or finished Xiao Long Er's parent's story?

Now I feel like I shouldn't have started that part about her parents. <IMG SRC="smilies/frown.gif" border="0">

[ccsakura]

This is such a cool story, I enjoy reading about Ah Zhi, Tian Bo, Ah Yee and Lau Hong.

I look forward to reading more of this fic, you people are such good writers!!!!

[Kara]

Writing in progress
BTW: White Krane, don't worry about the parts about the parents. So far, i can't think of a good twist to continue it. However, if someone doesn't do it before me, i'll probably think of something. The reason it's taking long is because i want my favourite character to have parents whom have a great love story....

[Kara]

It was almost time. Finally, after weeks of being stuck in a white room with no one else, Yuen Jin had perfected his plan for a great escape. Thanks to his jade whistle and thoughts of Xiao Long Er -which kept his sanity- and to his patient and quiet nature, he had been shrewd enough to store every single bit of information that he had heard about this place and the traps both inside and outside it. They started off as bits of information that he had needed such as the location of the bathroom and the garden where he was allowed to go for an hour each day. There, he would bask in the sun and breathe the fresh air. However, he did not dare to practice his martial arts for two guards were assigned to follow him everywhere he went. Three times a day a person brought in his meal and waited until he had finished it before taking it away. If he wanted to go to the toilet, he had to ask the two guards to take him. The toilet was a shed at the bottom of the garden, right against one of the four high marble walls that surrounded the place. The walls were incredibly thick and high and impossible to jump over, unless the person’s internal energy was god-like. On each side of the toilet were thick bushes. Every two days a tub of hot water was brought in for him to use. The person whom brought his meals and bath water did not speak much, however he was polite and answered almost all of Yuen Jin’s questions. From him, Yuen Jin began to piece together a complicated jigsaw puzzle. It appeared that Xiao Long Er was somehow related to the leader of this clan thus indirectly affecting him. As her friend, he was in a unique position. Should Xiao Long Er accept this fate, he would become much more powerful within the clan. However, should she not, he would be nothing more than a prisoner. This was the reason as to why the guards and servant were so polite to Yuen Jin, they did not want to offend him in case he really did rise to power in the clan and therefore did not treat him like an ordinary prisoner.

Yuen Jin did not find out much about Xiao Long Er, only that her room was in the private wing of the clan, to the east of the wing in which he was kept. He found out more about the clan and it’s structure through the person whom brought the meals. After four weeks, Yuen Jin had discovered that the person was known as A Lok. A Lok was a key figure in Yuen Jin’s plan. Through the weeks he spent with A Lok, Yuen Jin found him to be a simple-minded and selfish person. He always thought of his own future and so was always polite to Yuen Jin. Yuen Jin’s plan was simple. When he had first decided that he had to escape, he realized that the white marble walls were impossible to scale. However, it was not impossible to go under the wall. The back of the toilet was against the wall. Every single time Yuen Jin visited the toilet, he would pull the back of the wall off and begin to dig. He was careful to put the dirt into the toilet before doing his business there. Therefore, every time the toilet was emptied, the dirt was taken away. However, this meant that Yuen Jin could not remove much dirt at one time and so the task took weeks. His patience was finally rewarded. Now, behind the back wall of the toilet was an escape route big enough for him to crawl through. Unfortunately, it was not quite time to leave yet. He still needed to see Xiao Long Er and find some way for her to escape. However, without the means to contact her, he was unable to discuss with her any plan for escape.

A Lok began to notice a change in Yuen Jin suddenly. Yuen Jin began to stop eating and drinking and in the space of a few days fell dreadfully ill. A Lok immediately reported this to the Leader of the Clan, whom became worried. Her niece appeared to be attached to this young man- perhaps even in love with him. It would not do if she ever found out that he had become ill especially since she asked about him quite often. Only the past few days had she become quiet. She went to visit him. Bai Yue Ying saw that he was weak from the lack of food and surprised to find his sudden strike with eating. She transferred a small amount of energy to him and caused him to open his eyes.

“Why have you suddenly stopped eating?” She asked, in a cold voice. Yuen Jin looked at her.

“I have heard that Xiao Long Er is dead. Without her I am nothing and there is no point in eating.” At these words a blush crept across his face. Although they were lies, Yuen Jin still felt embarrassed in uttering them especially since he realized that they were not as far from the truth as he would have thought. The blush did not show on his face, as it had become too pale. Bai Yue Ying did not notice his face anyway, she was astounded with his words.

“What? Xiao….ah…. Xiang Er is not dead. She is perfectly well and happy. Where did you hear this news from?” She questioned, glaring at A Lok close by. He immediately fell to his knees.

“No no no ….it wasn’t me…” He uttered.

“Who….who is Xiao Xiang Er?” Yuen Jin asked, still pretending to be weak. Bai Yue Ying snorted.

“Naturally Xiao Xiang Er is the real name of your Xiao…Xiao…Long Er.” She replied.

“Is she not dead?” He asked. She nodded.

“Of course not. If she was dead, do you really think I would keep you alive?” She asked with an air of skeptical laughter. Yuen Jin closed his eyes and laid down.

“Leave me alone, I wish to die in peace.” He stated. “Even if Xiao Long Er is not dead, she is probably dying.”

“Why would you say such a thing?” asked Bai Yue Ying, outraged. Yuen Jin’s eyes remained closed.

“Then why haven’t I seen her all these weeks? Also, why did you try to kill me?” He asked. “Last week I found a piece of glass within my rice. When I looked more carefully I saw many more tiny tiny pieces of glass. If I had eaten the rice I would have died.” He added and closed his mouth tightly. A Lok fell to the floor again.

“Please please believe your humble servant would never try to kill Gentleman Cheng. Even if I had the guts the size of this manor.” He cried, kowtowing furiously. Bai Yue Ying sent him an icy glare and then swept her hand. The poor man fell back in fear of being attacked, but it was merely a gesture for him to leave. Bai Yue Ying looked at Yuen Jin’s face and then turned to leave. A few days later, reports showed that Yuen Jin still had not eaten anything and was on the verge of dying if no water was given to him soon. Bai Yue Ying had no other choice. She immediately made her way to Xiao Long Er’s room.

Xiao Long Er was in the middle of reading her parent’s story again, imagining the situation in her mind. However, her concentration was lost as she heard swift approaching footsteps. There was no time to hide the book under the secret compartment in the corner. Luckily the painting had been put back there and so the small book by itself was much easier to shove under the quilts of her blanket. She quickly moved to on end of the bed and leaned against on of the walls, which enclosed it, staring into space. The door opened a second sooner and Bai Yue Ying stepped in. Xiao Long Er stared at her but did not say anything. She then looked away uncomfortable. Bai Yue Ying took a breath and looked at her niece. She was sure that the girl was related to her, but why was she so stubborn? And why the Leung Family? Why did the girl’s name have to be Leung Long Er. Why not Bai Yue Xiang?

“The man with the last name Cheng has become ill.” Bai Yue Ying became. Xiao Long Er immediately focused her attention on her.

“How is he? Why has he suddenly become ill? Is this why everyone refuses to talk to me about him? Is he dying?” She asked, her face etched with lines of concern. Bai Yue Ying looked at her and sighed inwardly. It would appear that her niece was also in love with the love-sick youngster.

“He…He will be fine.” She answered.

“What do you mean?” Xiao Long Er asked suspiciously. Bai Yue Ying smiled a little.

“The reason he is ill is because he thinks that you are dead or dying. I don’t know how he came up with the conclusion but because he has, he has refused to eat or drink because he says he cannot live without you.” A pink blush spread across Xiao Long Er’s cheeks and she looked down, eyes shining and cheeks flushed- unable to say anything. Thoughts whirled inside her head and images of a smiling Yuen Jin, a surprised Yuen Jin and a consoling Yuen Jin appeared in her mind one after another. She did not realize that he had fallen in love with her. Part of her was confused, another part was touched and somewhere there elation appeared. Mixed feelings swirled in her heart and a small smile appeared on her face. Bai Yue Ying watched her and noted the smile. She realized that sooner or later Yuen Jin was going to be her niece-in-law. An unconscious Yuen Jin suddenly flashed through Xiao Long Er’s mind, disrupting her thoughts. She suddenly stared at Bai Yue Ying.

“I need to see him. I am a healer and moreover he… he is my friend.” She stated. Bai Yue Ying smirked at the tiny stumble in her words and nodded. Xiao Long Er immediately followed her, the beads in her veil making a comforting “doc doc” noise in the silent passageway. Her supposed mother’s medicine bag flapped lightly against her side. Xiao Long Er arrived at Yuen Jin’s room and rushed in. The two guards at the door bowed as she entered. Xiao Long Er sat down beside him and felt his pulse. It was very weak. She knew that he needed to drink some water before anything else could happen. His lips were dry and cracked and dried blood covered the swollen parts. Someone handed her water. Xiao Long Er shook Yuen Jin slightly, but he continue to sleep. She took out her acupuncture needles and pressed a few into the sides of his head. His eyes slowly opened.

Yuen Jin’s eyes took in a blurry figure in white. He blinked a few times and saw a clearly image of a demure and graceful-looking young woman in a dainty white dress and wearing a crystal beaded veil. Upon her forehead was a crystal, held in place by two silver chains and her hair was styled in a simple but elegant manner. Her eyes, round, dark and kind looked and him, concerned swirling inside them. The eyes were so familiar and yet…they were not. Yuen Jin suddenly felt a cup being placed near his parched lips. He turned his face away from the cup. Strong, but gentle hands propped him up against the wall and the cup was placed near his mouth again. The eyes continued to look at him imploringly. Yuen Jin stared and another pair of sweet and intelligent eyes passed through his mind. So similar…but where were they from? The maiden leaned closer and poured a little water on his lips. A slight crackle was heard. A smell of herbs and flowers suddenly appeared in his range of senses and Yuen Jin widened his eyes. With all his remaining strength he reached over and unhooked the veil. Xiao Long Er’s face appeared before him and he smiled at her. To his surprise she dropped the cup of water on him and averted her eyes. Yuen Jin’s shirt was wet and he looked at her in puzzlement. Xiao Long Er’s face was pink and she looked very flustered.

“I’m sorry…I…er…” Xiao Long Er found it hard to utter any words and took out a handkerchief and began wiping the water from his shirt. Yuen Jin grabbed her hand.

“Are you all right? Have they been mistreating you or something?” He asked out of concern for her well being. His voice was hoarse and very small.

“Of course she hasn’t been mistreated.” Bai Yue Ying’s voice injected. She handed Xiao Long Er another cup. “You better give him some water before he dies.” She added. Xiao Long Er took the cup and placed it near his lips. Yuen Jin leaned forward and began to drink it. After he finished the cup, he sighed and looked longingly at it. Xiao Long Er smiled and fetched more and continued to help him drink it until he was satisfied. She removed the two needles from his head and put them away. Then she checked his pulse again. It was still weak. Immediately she wrote out a prescription for a type of medicine that restored lost nutrients to the body. Bai Yue Ying sent someone to fetch and make it. Silence ascended in the room. Yuen Jin was not willing to talk to Xiao Long Er about an escape plan in front of Bai Yue Ying and Xiao Long Er had become too embarrassed and shy to say anything to start a conversation. Seeing the situation, Bai Yue Ying got up to leave the room. Before she shut the door she smiled at Xiao Long Er. Yuen Jin watched her go and sighed with relief. He turned to Xiao Long Er with a smile.

“Thankfully she has left. Luckily for me she actually believed my story and told you to come. Xiao Long Er Gu Niang, I have a plan to escape this place.” He told her slowly with a smile. Xiao Long Er looked at him for a moment to assess everything that he had said. Her aunt had believed his story…he didn’t really like her…he just wanted to see her to escape with her. Xiao Long Er felt mixed feelings of disappointment, gratefulness and embarrassment. She looked at him for a while but couldn’t find the words to say anything. Yuen Jin coughed a couple of times and continued.

“All you have to do is somehow be able to come here with me on the day you are ready to escape. Then, leave everything to me- I have the perfect escape route.” He replied and proceeded to tell her about his plan and the hole under the wall.
************************************************** *****
Phew! That was a long chapter huh? Well, it's not exactly entertaining but it does set the stage for more interesting things to come. Anyone wanna try to write about the great escape. Will those two succeed or maybe there will be someone else listening outside the door and spoiling the plan

[Goofy]

welcome back, Kara. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/love.gif" border="0">

[andrea7974]

you all make a great collaboration <IMG SRC="smilies/thumbsup.gif" border="0">

I wonder how do you guys do it..but really..it's amazing! <IMG SRC="smilies/clap.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/clap.gif" border="0">

[ccsakura]

All I have to say is WOW!!!!!

[CrazyT]

I wonder how many ppl actually read this story from beginning to now. <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0"> It's a very long story and I don't even think we're into the main plot yet.