User blog:Redknight910/WWYD Jiangshi Anon

Being as I am, I draw my blades and kindly ask them to step away from the girl. They turn to me, and several start walking towards me, blades at the ready.

"This doesn't concern you, move along." I answer that it does concern me, since these lands are the property of my master, and that makes this woman a resident.

"She's a monster. A dead one at that. She doesn't live anywhere. She doesn't live at all!" One shouts at me. "Now move along, or we'll be forced to deal with you as well." For these men to have come this far, they must be competent with their weapons. Luckily I'm armed with more than blades.

Muttering a quick chant I rush them, moving with a speed that shouldn't be possible for a human. I strike one down, then two, then three when the burst wears off. As they collapse the rest of the troupe turns on me. I remain still and calm, and ask them, one last time, to leave.

The reaction is as I expected, and several of them try to rush me. I duck under one, slipping one blade under his cuirass. Another falls as my blade swings through his neck. I duck one blade and parry another, taking both owners out in a single sweeping motion. Now there are three, standing in shock as I stand, not having any problems maintaining a calm breath.

I turn to them, and they lower their weapons, sheathing them and raising their hands. I sheathe one of my blades, and tell them to take their leave. They do so without hesitation. The jiangshi looks at me, and her face slowly twists into a smile. I bow to her, and turn to take my own leave, returning to the monastery.

That's when I hear the twang of a bow string. I turn just in time to witness an arrow pierce her chest. I turn to look through the tree's, and see the soldiers I let go kneeling, one holds a bow, while the other two stand at the ready.

I roar in rage, shouting another chant and racing towards them, cleaving them all before they even realise what's happened. When they're done with, I pick up the fallen undead and carry her to the monastery. I enter to see my master preparing several restorative salves and spells. I still don't know how he knows what's happening around the monastery, but he's always prepared for whoever arrives.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">I lay her down in the centre of the ritual circle, gently taking the arrow from her chest. One of her hands reaches for mine, holding it. My master looks at me, his face calm as ever, yet as always still giving direction. I shrug the robe from my chest, placing her hand against my heart. I hear master chanting, rubbing the salve over her wound. My own body begins to feel weak, and her fingers slowly gain warmth. I faint after a few minutes of the treatment.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">When I awake the jiangshi is beside me, her chest healed and her body curled up against mine. I rise, wrapping my robe back around me and searching out my master. I find him in the garden, pouring two cups of tea. I sit across from him, taking one cup.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">"How have you been?" He asks, and I tell him I've been well. "Do you recall when I taught you of undead, and their many abilities?" I nod, then when he doesn't speak again I start to try and recall the undead's particular skills. That's when I realise how foolish I was to think the jiangshi was truly hurt. Master chuckles as the realisation dawns on me.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">"Always recall your teachings, young one. They all have a place in our works, and must not be forgotten in times of duress." I nod, taking another sip of my tea. I notice him pouring another cup, and I ask who it is for.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">"You're companion. She has developed quite a fondness for you." I turn to see the door open once more, and the jiangshi walk out, far more graceful than I expected her to be. She sits at another side of the table, taking a sip of tea and humming.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">"Thank you for the tea, old one." She says, and I'm stunned by her improvement. This gets another chuckle from my master.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">"Why do you think you fainted during the ritual, my student?" I then remember what spirit energy does to the undead. She giggles slightly at my look, her eyes filled with adoration. I ask what her name is, since it's likely we'll be spending more time together.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">"Yun." She says, taking another sip. I may have been a fool, twice over in fact, but at least I can say I got more than a simple lesson for my efforts.